Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 19 July 2023

Could you finish this?

LATROBE Regional Health(LRH) is at the forefront of aworld-first clinical trial set to improve outcomes for patients withadvanced or metastatic melanoma.

The first Australian patient to join thismelanomatrialisMarilyn De Hass, a78-year-old woman from Stratford.

Thetrial is beingconductedatLRH alongside hospitals in metropolitan Melbourne, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada and United States.

Thisalsomeans the eyesofthe international clinical trials community will be focussing squarely on Gippsland, Marylin’s progress and the LRH research unit.

“It’s so fantastic thatIwas ableto access this clinical trial locally, here at LRH,” Marilyn said.

“It’s made such adifference to my experience and reduced my stress by not having to drive to the city.”

The trial is being carried out in Gippsland as regional Victorians are 40

per centmore likely to be diagnosedwith melanoma than people in metropolitan areas.

However, only 35 per cent of these patients in regionalVictoriaare able to receive treatment locally.

This makes the opening of thistrial even more vital.

Marilyn was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma about six months ago, after tests revealed tumours throughout her body.

Doctors were unable to pinpoint howit was caused and told her the melanoma would not respond to chemotherapy or radiation.

Marilyn was asked if she was willing to take part in aclinical trial to gain access to the latest treatmentnot yet available to the general public.

Clinical trialsare run under strict protocols and participantsmust first pass eligibility criteria, after which they are closely monitored.

“The teamexplained thetrial to me

reallythoroughly, Ihad no doubts at all, and Iamsothrilled to be the first patient on this trial in Australia,” Marilyn said.

“The support I’ve had is great, the staff are fantastic.

“After my first dose of treatment, I am feeling 100 per cent with no side effects so far.”

Meanwhile, Marilyn is still able to go about her daily business, play at the Stratford BowlsCluband is even booked for atriponthe Ghan railway.

LRH MedicalOncology Head and lead trial clinician Dr Quan Tran said bringing world class clinical trials to Gippsland was an “amazing achievement” for the research unit and “extremely beneficial” for patients.

“The trial provides our melanoma patients with access to more treatment options, thatwould not otherwise be available in the region.

“When someone is battling cancer, being closertohome and loved ones during their treatment journey is

invaluable,” Dr Quan Tran said of the trial.

LRH General Manager of Research and Partnerships Dr JhodieDuncan said it was an “exciting chapter” for the unittoembark on world-first clinical trials at aregional health service.

“This trial is such amomentous milestone for our hospital and the research unit,” Dr Duncan said.

“I’m so proud of the entire team who works collaboratively across many areas so that clinical trials can be offered to patients in our community, ensuring they get the best care closer to home.”

LRH has had the support of several external partners in the pastthreeyears to be able to expand its clinical trials portfolio.

Aclinical trial is aresearch study wherevolunteers can undergo new treatments, devices or tests to help prevent, detect,treat or manage diseases or medical conditions.

Appeal for information on John Swiety

DETECTIVES from the Missing Persons Squad are continuing to appeal for public assistance to help locate missing Morwell man John Swiety.

The 57-year-old was last seen in the vicinity of Ironbark Track in Goongerah on the morning of Friday, March 17.

Investigators have established that Mr Swiety and an associate, a47-year-old Morwellman,left Morwell early that morning and travelledtogether in awhite Hiace van to the vicinity of Ironbark Track, Goongerah.

At about 8am, Mr Swiety left the van on foot to canvas the nearby surroundings, leaving his two small terrier dogs inside the van.

Despite previous searches by police, John has not been seen since.

Mr Swiety’s associate was located by local hunters around 6am the following day after he became boggedonamuddy track about 30 kilometres southeast of Ironbark Track.

The 47-year-old Morwell man has been interviewedbydetectives anumberoftimes and is assisting with the investigation.

On Saturday, March 18 at 2pm, Mr Swiety’s two small terriers were located by apasser-by

PoliceBeat with

Moe man charged

LATROBE CrimeInvestigation Unit detectives have charged aman following aseries of burglaries in Newborough this year.

The target of the burglaries was anew housing estatewith multipleburglariesalleged to have taken place between April and July.

Investigators executed asearch warrant at a Moe address on July 11, locating allegedly stolen goods including ovens,shower heads, sinks,basins and curtains.

A60-year-old Moeman wascharged with burglary and handle stolen goods.

He appeared in Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court lastThursday and has beenbailed to appear again on August 9.

Burglaryand pursuit

A35-year-old man will face 64 charges following an alleged burglaryand pursuit in Yinnaron Friday, July 7.

The Sale man has been charged with multiple counts of car theft, petrol drive-offs, reckless conduct endangering life, dangerousdrivingwhile being pursued and commiting an indictable offence while on bail.

Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit detectives also charged two people, a37-year-old Morwell man and a19-year-old Drouin woman, with theft of motor vehicle.

The charges follow an alleged burglaryata residential premises on Creamery Rd, where two peoplewerearrestedatthe sceneonJuly 7around 11.10am.

It is alleged athird man fledonfoot, before confronting acouple and stealingtheir red Toyota Corolla.

The victims were not injured.

TheCorolla was allegedly involvedina collision with apolice vehicle on Creamery Rd before driving away, with police in pursuit.

Stop stickswere successfully deployed on Creamery Rd, but the vehicle continued on its rims towards Boolarra.

The driver lost control and crashed into aditch on Fishers Rd and the occupants were arrested at the scene.

Missing: Policeare againappealing to the public forinformationonJohn Swiety’s whereabouts Photograph supplied

wanderingnear the Bonang Highway, Goongerah. Mr Swiety’s disappearance is being investigated by detectives from the Missing Persons Squad.

Investigatorsare of the beliefthat Mr Swiety may have met with foul play.

DetectiveInspector David Dunstan from the

Missing Persons Squad said there are major concerns for Mr Swiety's welfare.

“We currently hold gravefears for John’s welfare and his disappearance is considered to be very much out of character," Mr Dunstan said.

“Investigators are keen to know more about John’s movements in the days leading up to his disappearance.

“Over the last three months, both Missing PersonsSquad and local detectiveshave made asignificant number of enquiries in order to try and establish John’s whereabouts, however we haven’t been able to locate him," Mr Dunstan said.

Police arealsokeen to speak to anyonewith information about his movements in the days leading up to his disappearance.

John is described as being about 170 centimetres tall, of Caucasian appearance with short brown hair.

Anyone who sees John is asked to call triple zero (000) immediately. Anyone with any other information regarding his disappearanceisurged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit aconfidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au

of in anearby storm water grate of aTrafalgar address.

Threeyouths are currently assisting police with their enquiries following the property damage and theft from the school.

Any information can be directedtoCrime Stoppers on 1800333 000 or Sergeant Nottat Trafalgar Police Station on 56 33 1188.

Who let the dogs out

ON July 3, an unknown male has allegedly broken into an animal facility in Morwell and stolen a brindle French Bulldog and astaffy. The staffy has since been recovered. Detectives wish to speak to this male who may be able to assist them in their enquiries.

If you recognise the male picturedorhave information on the whereabouts of the French bulldog, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or Latrobe CIU on 5131 5000.

Have youseenthisman? Police wish to speak to thepersonpicturedinrelation to adog theftataMorwellanimal facility.

Photograph supplied

The 35-year-old Sale man was remanded in custody to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on July 31.

The 37-year-old Morwell man was remanded in custody to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on July 25.

The 19-year-old Drouin woman appeared at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 10.

Electric scooter theft

TWO electric mobility scooters were stolen from the carport of aMorwell address on July, 3. The offender or offenders have also taken the chargers for the scooters, and black covers.

The scooters were not insured and the victims are 75 years of age and no longer have any way to get around.

Police are appealing for any information as to the whereabouts of the scooters.

Contact First Constable Clark at Morwell Police on 51 31 5000 or CrimeStopperson1800333 000.

Flagdestroyed

IN the early hours of June 4, arainbow coloured pride flag was cut from its flagpole and disposed

AlexandersRoad vehicle roll-over

AT around 1pm on Wednesday, June 21, awhite Toyota Hilux was travelling north on Alexanders Rd when it struck aparkedcar and trailer on the side of the road; the force of the impact rolled the vehicle over onto its roof.

The red-plated probationary driver of the ute managed to escape the rolled car,appearing to have not withstood any significant injuries. Around five responding officers were on the scene, investigating and directing traffic while the road was blocked.

Towing crews arrived swiftly to clean the scene, and there were no injuries at the time of writing.

Lucky: Thedriverofthis vehicle wasableto climb out of therolled car on his own.

Zaida Glibanovic

Photograph Zaida Glibanovic

Cat found after 5years

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

AHEART-WARMING story fit for the movie theatre is the saga of Alby the cat and his five-year journey to find his way back home.

It was areal-life miracle when the ginger cat Alby was reunited with his family after being lost for five years.

One night in November 2018, Alby went missing from Tayla and Daniel Beyer’s Traralgon home.

Alby for the Beyers was like amember of their family; he was akisser and acoddler and an allround loveable pet.

“We had Alby for ayear and ahalf beforehe went missing,” Ms Beyer said.

As the pair had grown so fond of their ginger feline friend, his disappearance came as ahuge heartbreak.

“We were so devastated when he went missing, and he never came home,” Ms Beyer said.

After his initial disappearance, Ms Beyer had her doubtsand suspicions that someonemight have taken him, having had issueswith one of her other cats, but she never lost hope that Alby might return one day.

“We were absolutely devastated when he went missing, especially my husband Daniel, they had the best bond,” she said.

“We had abrush with his fur on it, and we kept his fur in azip lock bag, and we used to have a jumper he used to sleep on, and we never ever washed it.”

Attached to their little bundle of fur, the Beyers always held onto hope, but as the years wore on so did they.

Until one fateful day, they received amessage from the previous owner that Alby had been found alive and well.

“We got the news that he had been found by the previousowner via messenger because he was microchipped with her details.”

“We were just over the moon; we were just so emotional because we felt like apiece of our heart has been put back together because there was a hole left from when he went missing because we

never knew what happened to him,” said Ms Beyer.

He wasfound by some passers-by on the highway between Morwell and Moe, scared and shivering in some bushes.Alby hadsurvived alone out on the streets for almost five years.

“He could’ve been astray at someone’s home or something and they were feeding him or, he could’ve been up in the bush trying to find his way back home, Idon’t know, but I’m sure it’s a massive story to tell,” said Ms Beyer.

“I wish he could speak and tell us exactly what was going on.”

Ms Beyer can’t even begin to imagine what Alby gotuptoonhis time away. With aresemblance to the feistyDreamworkscharacterPussinBoots, Alby managed to fendfor himself

According to Ms Beyer, Alby has been slightly protective overhis food since getting home, giving the impression that he had to fight for resources out in the wild but otherwise, Alby looks to be in very good spirits.

“He is getting on really well back at home, very 'smoochy' and very loving, we’ve got him in his own room at the moment,” said Ms Beyer. After near years away,Alby has come back to his owners who havesince gotten, married, moved to Churchill and welcomed their first child Lenny into the world.

Alby has always loved little children, having played with them beforehewent missing and lucky enough, Alby loves baby Lenny.

Despite Alby’s longhiatus,heisfitting right back into the family.

“We believehedoes remember us because he used to do this thing with my husband and myself where he’d jump up on the bed and reach up and smooch our faces, and he’s doing the exact same thing again.”

Alby had athorough check-up at the vets, with all his bloodwork showing no signs of disease or injuries -simply some fleas and worms, which will be an easy fix.

“Everything else is perfect,” Ms Beyer said. Alby will turn seven years old soon but has probably already used up all his nine lives.

Reunited: TheBeyerfamilyare over themoontohaveAlbybackhome. Photograph supplied

CrosswordPuzzle No.8543

with Muzza

ONE POINTERS

1. What colour arethe G’sinthe Google logo?

2. Is Wonder Woman DC Comics or Marvel Comics?

3. Echolocation is anavigation system used by which animals?

4. Who is reported to have controversially said the words “Such is life” beforebeing hanged?

TWO POINTERS

5. What is the currency used in South Africa?

6. Annie Mae Bullock is the birth name of which singer?

7. In which month is Halloween?

8. The three “Chipmunks” wereAlvin, Theodore, and who else?

THREE POINTERS

9. Ancient Greek myth said that which man carried the world on his shoulders?

10. Finish the next line. Bye, bye Miss American Pie...?

11. In the story Jekyll and Hyde, which one was the evil manifestation of the doctors personality?

12. Which British archaeologist discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb?

FOUR POINTERS

13. Afailed bank robberyinSweden in 1973 led to the name of which psychological condition?

14. What is the name of the brightest star in the night sky?

FIVE POINTER

15. I’ll give you five English words and you tell me what language they come from?. One point for each correct answer 1. Fiasco 2. Karaoke 3. Bouquet 4. Kindergarten 5. Whisky

HOW DID YOU FARE?

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

MissenLink spicethingsup

By TOMHAYES

ONE of the most dangerous collaborations has hit Traralgon, with Missen Link Burgers and Uncle Mungo’s creating whatisbelievedtobeAustralia’s Hottest Burger.

After several tags of the hottest burgerupin Queensland,Missen Link owner Guy Missen and the Uncle Mungo’s team thought they could do better together.

CombiningUncle Mungo’s‘COVID-19 Delta Variant’ hot sauce and the burger creation skills of Missen Link, the two have produced amonster of achallenge.

“I kept on getting (tagged) in Australia’s hottest burger up in Brisbane and I’ve been using Uncle Mungo’s hot sauce since the start of Missen Link and,sent it to (UncleMungo’s) andweboththought we could do better,” Mr Missen said.

If anyone knows what aMissen Link burger tastes or looks like, they knowthey are in fora treat.

Known for loading their burgers with whatever comes to mind, the creativity really hit the roof with this one.

So, what’s in the burger?

There is two jalapenosmashed beefpatties, American cheese, streaky bacon, onion,tomato, lettuce, more jalapenos, pickles, Missen Linkspicy mayo, and of course Uncle Mungo’s Bhut Jolokia BBQ sauce and COVID-19 Delta Variant hot sauce.

Some may ask, why?

If you are familiarwithGuy or Missen Link, his creationsare out of the ordinary and he is constantlypushing the boundaries of what is possible.

“It just comes downtosomeone who’swilling, different and out of the norm,alot of other venues like to follow each other and copy each other, I’m one of the weirdos that likes doing the stuff that no one else is doing,” Mr Missen said.

Uncle Mungo’s hot sauces just continue to get hotter, but what makes them so hot?

“The ‘COVID range’ has reaper, savina habaneros, scorpion (chilli), it’s got prettymuch the top four to five chillies in the world,” Uncle Mungo’s

If youdare: Missen Link’snewestaddition is nowavailable.The burger is believedtobe Australia’s hottest. Photograph supplied

operations director, Samantha Russell said.

“It’s hotter than police-grade capsicum spray, so we can only sell it in 100mL bottles because our insurance classified it as aweapon.

“Your bodyrejects it after acertain point …it always ends up with paramedicshelping them (customers) and giving them fluids, they (customers) sign medicalwaivers and they know what they’re in for.”

The scoville scale is ameasurement of spiciness in chillies, peppersand hot foods, measured via capsaicinoid sensitivity within foods.

“Capsicums have zero scoville heating units because they have no capsaicin,jalapenoseveryone knows how hot they are -they contain around10,000 scovilleheating units, this Delta (hot sauce) -Ihad it lab tested -ithas 3.3 million scoville heating units,” Uncle Mungo’s director Thomas Russell said.

“I make this stuff for aliving and even Iwon’t have it again.”

Uncle Mungo’sstock many products from sauces, to chicken salts, beef jerky and even chocolate!

Mr Russell is asoberedalcoholic, and found his passion for hot sauce creation while on school

holidays with his kids.

Hisfirst batch went on to sell on Marketplace for a$70 profit in just seven minutes, and after that he was hooked. Back at Missen Link, they have created ac lenge to compliment the burger, whichhas alread had afair share of takers.

Theburgeriscurrently selling for $20. Be you start, you must sign awaiver, and to complet the challenge you must finish the entirebur in store, without vomiting, and you will get your money back along with some other additions.

“If they can eat it without drinking anything wait five minutes …then they get a$50 vouc and their name on the ‘Wall of Flame’,” Mr Missen said.

The challenge has only been around for al over two weeks now, and more people have finished the challenge than first anticipated.

“I’d say out of the 60 peoplethat have doneit, about 10 have completed it …itismore than I expected, but some people are just eating it as fast as they can and dealing with it after,” Mr Missen said. Not all stories are successful, as that is still around 50 people that weren’t able to handle the spice, evenone unlucky passenger had to have an ambulance called for him.

“I’ve attempted abit,and it’s too hot for me these days, maybe younger me could do it," Mr Missen said.

Anyone is able to try the burger challenge, all that you need to do is come in and order it, sign the waiver and you’re off to the races.

Mr Missen hopes to keep the challenge around for as long as he can.

“It’s aroundfor as long as Mr Mungo can supply the Delta sauce, he isn’t going to run out anytime soon,” he said.

He isn’t stopping there, as Mr Missen already has his eyes set on makingAustralia’s hottest pie. He hopes to have something put together in the near future for peopletocome and try, also at Missen Link.

Theeditorial teamcan confirm the heat,after trying the hot sauce for ourselves. It is no joke!

Local Nationals cook up astorm at RMH

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

REGIONALfamilies staying at RonaldMcDonald House (RMH) in Fitzroy had some recent unusual visitors -Nationals Members of Parliament from Gippsland who made the trip to cook dinner for them.

The North Fitzroy Ronald McDonald House gives seriously ill children and their families the chance to stay close and connected. The warm and supportive home-away-from-home provides the whole family with acomfortable place to stay and peace of mind, knowing they can stay together and be close to their child’s hospital.

The RMHhas many waysthat people can donate and help out. Group volunteering through the 'Make aMeal' dinner program is one of the many ways that people can contribute. The Make aMeal dinnerprogramgives familiesawelcome break from preparing amealand having to washup, and gives them the chance to spend some quality time together.

Memberfor Morwell,Martin Cameron, was among the group of Nationals, which included state MP DannyO'Brienand federal MP Tim Bull, who chipped in to make ameal.

"It was great to get down there and cook ameal for them," he said.

The Nationals team showcased their cooking skills

by preparing ahearty lot of spaghetti bolognese.

"We cookedpasta, just some 'spagbol', which was wellreceivedwithsome garlicbread," said Mr Cameron.

Remarkably finding alocal link, Mr Cameron came across afamily staying at RMH who originated from Traralgon.

"There wasa Traralgon family;the mum and dad many moons ago were originally from Traralgon," he said.

"It'sinspiring that they have thesefacilities.It's setupsothey can have around 30 families that can stay thereinthe Fitzroy home."

The RMH house provides ill children and their families acommunal kitchen, diningroom, laundry and lounge with achildren's play area and shuttle bus.

The North Fitzroy House has 25 bedrooms and 54 volunteers that have serviced 514 families. TheNationals team enjoyeddoing their partfor thefamilies at RMH.

"It was aterrific night that we could actually go along and provide them with alittle tinybit of respite and help because the last thing they’re thinking about is cooking ameal," Mr Cameron said Thereare many ways to help RMH. To find out more, head to rmhc.org.au

CommunityBank–Trafalgar &District CommunityInvestment Program InformationSession

• Does your communitygrouphaveanideaor project that needs funding?

• Are youbased in Trafalgar &District’s catchment?

• Is your group an incorporated body,havea DGRstatusorare notfor profitorganisation?

Youare invited to an information Sessionabout CommunityBank Trafalgar&District’supcoming CommunityInvestmentProgram that willexplain eligibilityand howtoapply

When youpartnerwithus, good thingshappen

When Wednesday 2August2023, at 7.30pm

Where TrafalgarBowlingClub

9-15 SevenMileRoad, Trafalgar RSVP By 27 July 2023 to theCommunity Engagement Advisor,Moriah Taylor viaemail marketing@tdfs.com.auor mobile:0402 106088

Key Communitygroups MUST have a Criteria representativeattend the Community Investment Information Sessiontobe eligible forfunding

Teamwork: Nationals membersTim Bull, DannyO’Brien,Jade Benham, Gaelle Broad and Kim O’Keeffe at RonaldMcDonald House.

Warningothers of gambling harm

Stefan BRADLEY

POOR lonely souls stare silently at machines in frontofus. No interaction with real people, just machines.

It's the whirring of screens and tinny music, all designed to make us even more distressed, knowing another machine had paid, when ours had sucked us dry.

No doubt Iwas not the only person gambling on credit or the last of my pay -orworse, the savings from the sale of my house.

Before YallournNorth resident Libby Mitchell developed adevastating gambling addiction, it seemed like she had it all.

The year 1993 was just another year for the normal, happy and hard-working young mum and business woman.

After selling her successful recycling business, she had both time and money to spare, and one dayshe decided to play agame of 'Keno' at a'Tabaret' venue.

She lost the first time, but had another go, winning $200. It was from there she became addicted to gambling before she even knew she was using apoker machine.

“Would my life be different if Ihadn’t won that money that day?” Libby ponders.

Libby had once worked as ahome economics teacher, only for her own home life to turn on its head. She had also worked in real estate, before goinginto business.

By 1998, when she was running social events forher singlesnetworkingbusiness, shefinally realised she was powerless to fight.

“I would finish asocial networking event at 11 or 12 o’clock at night. Iwouldgotothe pokies because they were open and Ihad cash in my pocket. Up until 2000, Iwas hittingthe pokies every night.

“At that time of night it was like the beginning of my day, so Iwould be at the pokies all night and allofthe next day. Icould go there 30 hours at a time like it was nothing. My worst was 52 hours at Crown Casino.”

Afterlosingeverything she owned, and almost taking her own life, Libby finally was able to rid herself of her gambling habit for good.

Shehas not touched apoker machine since 2015, and now gives talks to warn others about problem gambling. She worries about the effect thatpokies have on jobs, families and the community.

“Living in Yallourn North and living in the Latrobe Valley, it really concernsmefor this particular area. It’s avery fragile economic area. It’s already got lots of issues,” Libby said.

“Our mental health is not good, our economic healthisnot good. We havealot of welfare, we have alot more people who are under stress.”

Libby says much of this stress -aswell as domestic violence, suicide and lack of employment -is connected to problem gambling.

“With the(energy) transition that’s coming up in the next few years, we need to be in amuch better financial state in our locality to withstand the changes. We need to ensure young people are educated and can get jobs, because when people don’t know what to do, that’s when they go to the pokies or sports betting on their phones.

“They don’t realise they’regoingtoget so addicted, at first it just seems like something to do.”

Libby saysregional towns can’tafford the job losses caused by problem gambling.

"Latrobe Valley already loses an estimated 522 jobs per year directlybecause of pokies, alone. We’ve got to do something about it,” she said.

“And the government is not doing enough because hugegamblingindustrydonations are goingtothe political parties. Taxpayers don’t benefit.”

“Although the government earns revenue from taxes on pokies, taxpayers are actually worse off.

“The government loses billions every year from pokies. People think that the taxpayers are winning, but the tax from poker machines is only about abillion dollars ayear, and the losses are

three-to-four-times that,” she said.

Data from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission shows that Latrobe residents lost $39,035,646 to poker machines in 2021-22 These numbersmay havebeenaffected by the Covid restrictions at the time.

In 2022-23, it has increased to $46,035,265, and will go up further once June figures are in.

In the Wellington Shire, residents lost $20,999,867 in 2021-22.In2022-23, residentslost$23,723,740, with June numbers not yet available.

Libby’s own losses came exclusively from pokies, but throughout her advocacy she’sexpressedalarm about online gambling.

“Young blokes, especially with sports gambling, all the advertising …they’re all made to feel like to be popular you gamble. You have got to know who’s likely to win, you have got to talk aboutyour wins. It’s becoming aculturalthing,” she said.

“People say that Australians grew up on gambling, but we actually grew up on Two-Up, and that was very safe compared to pokies gambling. It was an absolutely random chance -50per cent either way over so many times. Or when Iused to play cards with girlfriends. I'd win one week and they'd win another.

“Now we're talking about thesemodern gambling products like pokies and the online apps. They are allhighly addictive and really dangerous. They're so fast and every hit is adopamine hit to the brain. And that's what causes the addiction.

“And that's why people can't stay away. They don't know they're addicted until they're addicted.”

Ashamed of herself for years, Libby did what most others do -hide the habit instead of seeking help. She urges others to seek treatment.

“I did it for seven years. Ididn't want anyone to know. By 2000 Ilost hundreds of thousands of dollars -mymindriddled by apokies addiction that Icould not understand, let alone stop,” she said.

In the 1980s,Libby ownedacouple of investment properties. By the 1990s she lostall of it,including her own house.

“I lost the lot. Iabsolutelylost the lot.I was evicted. Iwas no longer that personwho had beenorganised, had great jobs, and gotinvolved in community events,” she said.

"I had to go and liveathomewithmyfather, becauseIhad nothing left. My kids had gone to him to seek help.”

Libby’s father essentially puther under house arrest for six weeks in 2000toensure she wouldn’t go out and continue gambling. She has almost no memory of that time.

“My father toldmethatfor three weeks Ijust lay on the bed. And then Iwas jumping like asausage, completely detoxing. Iwas completelyoff my face. I still have poetry Iwrote from that time,” she said.

Libby’s father was prettyswitched on with technology and showed her how to use email and asearch engine. He told her to type in ‘problem gambling’.For the first time, Libby was able to truly comprehend what was happening to her.

For anew start in life, andaspart of her journey to quit gambling,Libbymoved awaytothe Western Australian town of Kunawarritji in 2005. WA has no pokies anywhere, except in casinos, and her move was aturning point.Libby reduced her gambling to once or twice ayear and saved for a house deposit.

Returning to Victoria in 2007, Libby had learned to manage her gambling addiction. Her final spin at the pokies was in 2015.

“I had along-term addiction,” she said.

“You are not an idiotfor becomingaddicted to gambling. The poker machines and other products are designed to make you addicted. People don’t understand how dangerous thoseproducts are. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. When you have an addiction, that rational choice is just not possible.

“I have afriend whose husband left $80,000 in gamblingdebtafterhedied, but nobody knew about it.

“I know someoneelsewho went through$240,000 in family money. You’re caringfor someone and they’ve spent all the money you've entrusted with them.

“I spoke to aman at the pokies whose kids thought everything was fine, but he went through $250,000 of his superannuation and took out aloan against his house.”

As part of her advocacy for problem gamblers, Libby becomesvery emotional talking about the saddest situations she’d come across, such as meeting people at the pokies who later died by suicide.

This is why Libby says it’s important to be open about gambling, because so many are scared to tell family about their problem gambling. People can too easily borrowagainsthomemortgages without anybody knowing.

“I will never forget meeting the family where a motherhad just diedbysuicide, and was found by her children and husband.She left anote to say she had spent $300,000 gambling, redrawing against the mortgage. That’s why Iwant to talk aboutmyown history,” Libby said.

“We all must be active bystanders, just like we are with domestic violence now."

Libby believes she has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars towards her gambling addiction, possibly up to $500,000.

“That’spartofthe problem -you don’t get told howmuch you’re spending. Pokies are in fact an all 'cash/no receipt' business so you lose track too easily. Every gamblershould have to registerto

gamble. Simple as that.”

After Libby almost took her own life, she realised how mentally sick she was. She went straight to ahospital emergency room and told adoctor for the first time that she had agambling problem. Looking at where she is now, Libby has made it to the other side of her addiction. After experiencing the lowest of lows, she's in avery happyplace now.

“I’ve lost the cravings for gambling. Beating the physical withdrawals of gambling addiction is one thing.However, beating the psychological and behavioural side of my addiction to poker machines was afar longer process,” she said.

“Ittook me quiteafew years to reprogram my brain...andaddiction for me wasa series of breaks then busts for years.

“Gambling addiction was adamaging part of my life for almost 20 years. It could have ended in half that time.

“I just did not access theright servicessoon enough or for long enough. Instead, Itried to cope by myself, when all Ineeded to do was open up.” Libby’sdaughters are lucky to still have her around, and she feels like the luckiest mother in the world because they stood by her.

“My gambling addiction harmed both of them, and all Ican do is try to make it up to them,” she said. Libbyissecretary of Living Well Yallourn North Inc(LWYN)which is anew health and wellbeingfocused group she is apartof.

LWYN has just been funded for 24 people to do freeMental Health First Aid training,with optional Gambling and Suicide add-ons.

“We are seeking people right now to do this free two-day training, to start these community conversations, so to register please message us via Facebook or call me on 0417 538 371,” Libby said.

Reclink, funded by the Victorian Responsible GamblingFoundation, is also helping to get gamblers out of pokies venues and into healthier, sporting and recreational activities. Community help is available.

“So reach out, choose aservice, call them, and don’t look back! Help really is just one phone call away,” Libby said.

If you need help, reach out to the services below.

Latrobe Community HealthServices –Gambling: 1800 242 696

Gamblers Help 24/7 Line: 1800 858 858

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

Headspace: 1800 650 890

Aboriginal &TorresStraitIslander Crisis Support Line, 13YARN: 13 92 76

MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978

OpenArms Veterans &Families Counselling: 1800 011 046

Troubled: Foralmost 20 years, LibbyMitchell had adestructivegambling addiction.

Mend: LivingWell Yallourn North Inc secretary Libby Mitchell. Photographs: Stefan Bradley

New reserve upgrades

By KATRINABRANDON

THE Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve is run by afew volunteers and is also a part of Traralgon’s history.

The reserve hasa long, particularly different history to most reserves in the area. It originally wasn’t areserve but just afew paddocks that were used for cattle, while the dam was used for the Victorian railway system.

Volunteers Gary Deane and Graeme Turner said that the wall to the damn was put in by hand and horses. Alarge pipe was used all the way from the dam to the station to supply water.

In 1990/1991,the parkwas officially turned into areserve where native animals can thrive amongst the visitors. Mr Deane and Mr Turner saidpeople shouldn’t feed the birds as they become too friendly and aren’t necessarily being fed the right ingredients.

Thereserveisalsoa venuefor many events and users such as weddings, bird watchers, runners, school trips and photographers. Within the reserve, they have recently put in anew bridge with help from Latrobe CityCouncil, and apathalong thetop edge of the property. Thevolunteersalsohave some other projects that may come in the near future.

Mr Turner said: “We are thinking of putting in aturn around for buses at the top of the road for the school groups -maybe even add in another car park so there are different entry points.

“Across the road we are thinking of an entry gate

Upgrade: NewbridgeatTraralagon Reservoir

Reserve Photograph: Katrina Brandon

as acommunity garden with native edible plants and other plants along with them.”

Being avolunteer run reserve, Mr Turner and Mr Deane are alwayslooking for more volunteers to help at the reserve. Currently they are seeking atreasurer;people can sign aform online at https://www.latrobe.vic.gov.

au/Community/Community_Groups/Volunteering_ in_Reserves_Gardens_and_Recreational_Areas. Or simply hand in aletter at the communityhut up at the top of the reserve, with contact details on the sheet.

Keep research in our regions

COMMENT BY

TERRYMORAN AC

WHO is best placed to deliver taxpayer-funded research that benefits our nation?

This is one of the many challengesfacing the federal government as it embarks on an ambitious journey to improvethe quality,accessibility,affordability, and sustainability of higher education.As the University Accord process unfolds, some are strongly advocating for researchfundingtobe concentrated among afew big metropolitan-based universities.

However, thismay resultinlost opportunities for innovationinsectors that are seeing significant growth in regional and outer metropolitan areas such as renewable energy, education, health care and agriculture.

The argumentcertainly appears at odds with thecore principle underpinningthe Australian Research Council’s ‘Excellence in Research for Australia’ that stipulates that excellence in research can happen anywhere.

Research at regional universities is often aligned with the uniqueneeds of the local communities and is oftenundertaken in collaboration with local industry and authorities who trust our expertise and experienceinimproving livesinour local communities.

It is no coincidencethat Federation is ranked well above World Standard in research in anumber of disciplinesthat are of particular relevance to regional Australia, including Environmental Science and Management, Nursing, Civil Engineering, and Clinical Sciences.

While finite funding for research should not be unnecessarily diluted, regional and remote areas of the country that generate the majority of the country’sexport wealth should not be excluded either.

Whileresearchfunding should be made available to alluniversities,the majority of that funding should be directedtothose groups that are best able to demonstrateevidence of impactthat aligns with national priorities such as education, energy, health and wellbeing, and the environment.

Smaller pools should be allocated for individual research, and for driving new knowledge, including ‘blue sky’ research to continue innovation in areas that are not necessarily related to national agendas.

There are tangibleresultswhenuniversities, often in collaboration with industry and with support from federal and state governments, are able to deliver researchthat aligns with key needs in our communities.

Federation University’s Future RegionsResearch Centre (FRRC), which is undertaking research focusing on workforce transitions and new industries, is one example.

The centre brings together expert research and local knowledgetotacklechallenges ranging from the transition from coal-fired power generation in the Latrobe Valley and mine rehabilitation, to helping regional communities acrossVictoria recover from bushfire and drought.

As the accord aims to achieve long term security and prosperity for highereducationand the nation, providing asystem where the best ideas can flourish no matterwhere they form, shouldbeacentral tenet of the upcoming recommendations.

Therewill be arguments to concentrateresearch funding among fewer universities to achieve economies of scale, but this approach would create an even greater divide between metropolitan and regional Australia, remove the competitive spirit of academic research, and enshrine ahomogeneity from which we are trying to move away.

Reinforcing an elite system thatisonly available in the major capital cities will not meet the stated objectives of the accord to improve access and opportunity. Astronger alignment of research funding withnational priorities and agreaterfocus on impactwillgivetaxpayers more confidencethat their money is being directed to areas that will ultimately benefit the nation.

Terry Moran AC is ChancellorofFederation University Australia.

CPSUand VicForestsgathering

Defiant: Defiant VicForest staffand guest gathered in Newman Park,Traralgon last week

By PHILIP HOPKINS

VICFORESTS staffand their guests, with the threat of unemployment hanging over their heads, gathered together with their trade union backers last week at abarbecueinTraralgon'sNewman Park.

Julian Kennelly, aspokesman for the Community and PublicSector Union, which organised theevent, said their VicForests members could not move on with life decisions while the state government obfuscates about the organisation's future.

GippslandVicForests staff, from Erica, Noojee to Sale and beyond, made up the bulk of the two dozen or so people who attended.

"The idea was to come together as aunion community affected by the announcement on native timberharvesting, to discussthe impacts this was having on their ongoing work and the local impacts in their rural communities," Mr Kennelly said.

"What do they telltheir families, partners, children? Their mental health and well-being are being impacted from this extended uncertainty.

The bulk of VicForests staff are based in regional Victoria where they are part of the fabric of their communitiesasvolunteers with sports clubs, schools, kindergartens, the CFA, the Victorian StateEmergencyService and other community groups”.

Mr Kennelly saidseveralwere members of

Forests Fire Management Victoria. "They have beenonthe frontline protecting their communities in events such as the 2019-2020 Black Summer and 2009 Black Saturday bushfires," he said. One of the Traralgon attendees had worked in the native forest industry for more than30years, having been employed with the defunct Forestry Commission.

"VicForests staff are highly trained as foresters and ecologists,havingcompleted abroad range of qualifications and decades of experience in Victorian native forests developing harvesting strategies, conducting ecological surveys, regeneration and building strong relationships with their communities."

Mr Kennelly said Victorian public service laws

Photograph supplied

did not allow individuals to speak out, so they were effective 'gagged' from talkingtothe media. The attendees at Traralgon were just the tip of the iceberg, as VicForests has more than 160 staff whose interests had to be taken into account. He had been surprised at the complete lack of planning in the government's policy towards the native forestry industry. Mr Kennelly said the union had held talks with Labor's local Upper House MP, HarrietShing andMinister for Agriculture,Gayle Tierney, but they had reiterated that internal work to close the industry was under way.

TheCPSUplanstohold similar gatheringswith VicForests staff in the Otwaysand the north-east.

Traralgon consultancy finds state forestry mismanagement

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE state government decision to close the native forest timber industryculminates eight years of mismanagement thatturned VicForests froma profitable business into aloss maker, an analysis by aTraralgon consultant has found.

As aresult, Victoria will no longer be amajor domestic producer of appearance grade and further manufacturing grade sawn timber.

"Also, Melbourne will no longer be the centre of further manufacturing of hardwood sawn timber into value-added engineered wood products that generate lots of jobs," said consultant John Cameron. Mr Cameron has aDiploma of Horticulture,anMBA from MonashUniversity and along employment background in forestry, particularly in Gippsland.

Mr Cameronsaidachief victim was Gippsland's largestoperation, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods' manufacturing plant at Heyfield, where 100 per cent of output was appearance

grade timber or further manufactured into timber productsthat expose thenatural beauty of the timber.

"ASHisthe largest vertically integrated hardwoodmanufacturerinAustralia and directly employs 192 people. Its sawmill and nine further manufacturing plants produce Masslam-laminated appearance beams, staircases, benchtops, custom mouldings, lining, solidflooring and various timber components," he said.

Mr Cameron said Australianhardwood sawn timber mill gate revenue sold for 3.5 times the price of Australian softwood sawn timber, and contributed to much greater value-adding and job creation than softwood.

"Thishas beendrivenbythe greaterstrength, hardness,dimensional stability, lowdegrade and other unique wood properties of Victorian native eucalypts.The softwood plantations proposed, but yet to be delivered under the Andrews Governments Forestry Plan, are unsuitable

for many applications where these qualities are critical," he said.

Mr Cameron saidthe stategovernment'smismanagement had resulting in araft of bad outcomes:

-Lack of legislative support and mismanagement of VicForests resulted in its net worth declining since 2014-15 by $64m million,delivering abusiness that is now worthless.AprofitableVicForestswas turned into ahugeloss maker with cumulative losses of $51m over the past three years to 2021-22

-In2021-22 preventable activist litigation cost VicForests $24.1m in legal and associated costs.

-VicForests' ‘operable area’ has been reduced from 450,000 ha to 160,000 ha due to overzealous increases in ‘various conservation reserves’ that ignored win-win outcomes that would have been available under multiple use, in accordance to the Regional Forest Agreements and the National Forestry Statement.

-The flawed forest policy and lack of arigorous

Solutions

Target Time No.0166

apomict,atop, camp, campion, campo, capo, capon, caption, catnip, clamp, clap, clip, clomp, clop, complain, COMPLAINT, COMPLIANT,copal, impact,implant, inapt,lamp, lampion, lapin, limp, lipoma, maintop, nipa, opal, optic, optical, optima, pact,pail, pain, paint,palm, panic, pant patio, piano, pica, picot,pilot,pint,pinto, pion, pita, pitman, piton, plain, plaint, plait,plan, plant,plat,platonic, pliant, plica, plot,point,poma, potamic, tamp, tampon, topi, topic, topical.

Target: Average-24, Good -32, Excellent -45+

forest strategy has resulted in adecline in hardwood sawn timber output and also adecline in sawn timber recovery (and adecline in plantations).

-Mills will have to write off large investments made in value-adding for the production of high-value appearance timbers and further manufacturing of timber components. These investments were madeonthe assumption that government log supply agreements would be honoured.

-The government has scrapped its agreements without adequate consultation and relegated sovereign risk to somethingriskier than junk bonds.

-Increased conservation reserves were put in place after the 2019-20 bushfire. The 1.5million ha burnt was preventable and aresult of negligent bushfire mitigation under the flawed ‘Safer Together’ bushfire policy that ignores recommendations of the Bush Fire Royal Commission.

Cameron Comment -Page 47

G L PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOUBYTHESEPARTICIPATING LOCALBUSINESSES

Maryvale’snew manikins

NURSING manikins donated by TAFEGippsland to Maryvale Private Hospital are providing agreat training tool to hospital staff and students across various medical disciplines.

TAFE Gippsland director educational delivery, LindaAustin said the organisation was pleased themanikins would be put to good use providing further trainingtothoseinthe nursing profession in Gippsland.

“This sharing of resources builds on our strong relationship with Maryvale Private Hospital,” she said.

“The hospital has hosted our nursing students and we consider themavaluable partner in the sector.”

MaryvalePrivate Hospital’s chiefexecutive, Lee Garwood said the hospital was appreciative of the donation.

“Thehospital valuesthe continuing relationship with TAFE Gippsland.Itisanexcitingyear for Maryvale as it commenced agraduate program for Enrolled Nurses creating further employment

opportunities within the region,” he said.

MaryvalePrivate Hospital’s quality and risk manager,Linda Hillman said the manikins would provide realistic training opportunities.

“The manikinswillsupporteducationand development of staff and future students,” she said.

“They willbeused to further consolidate our Registered Nurse and Enrolled Nurse graduates’ basic and advanced nursing skills."

The manikins were recently usedasanevent where potential medical students toured various facilities and were given ahands-on experience of workinginhealthcare.

“The manikinsare great to use for healthcare simulations,” Ms Hillman said.

“Theysimulate realistic human bodysounds and sensations.

“Our potential healthcare students were surprised to find the manikins were so realistic with their vomiting sounds and they could also feel a radial pulse.”

Newaddition: Maryvale PrivateHospital chiefexecutiveLee Garwood, Maryvale PrivateHospital Quality &Risk Manager Linda Hillman, Jo Algie from AmbulanceVictoriaand Kate Jeremiah and Asha McDonald from Baptcareput one of the donatedmanikins to good use at arecentindustry event Photograph supplied

St Paul’scalls for school crossing

By ZAIDAGLIBANVOIC

AROUND the hours of 8am and 3.30pm on weekdays,whatmight yousee in front of aschool?

Zebra crossings,with little children walking through white and red polesand the words ‘school crossing’quite literallyplastered on those bright orange flags.

Drivers automatically know to go 40 kilometres per hour through those school zones, but are the road conditions still safe when students have no crossing at all?

Thatisthe case for St Paul’s AnglicanGrammar Schoolcommunity in Traralgon, who have pleaded and begged for aschool crossing for their student’s safety -tonoavail

“We arenot happy,” theschool’s business manager, Leah Young said.

In aletter addressedtoLatrobe City Councillors, Ms Young pleaded to councillorsfor aschool crossing.

“St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School has now been establishedonCross’s Road for over 20 years. We stilldonot have aschool crossing. Iunderstand we are the only school in the Traralgon area without aschool crossing,” Ms Young said.

The school has around 500 students and is concerned for their safety; with another 100 students enrolled for 2024, the school is growing even more concerned for the well-being of its students.

“We are continually receiving complaints from students,parents, grandparents, staff and local residents who have witnessed events and ‘near misses’ associated with crossing Cross’s Road,” Ms Young said.

Acouncil engineeringofficer met with staff from St Pauls recently.

The head of both junior and senior schools attended to discuss the crossing. The group stood out on Cross’s Rd at peak pick-up time to see alarming amounts of children crossing along the street in heavy traffic.

Showcasing just how dangerous the street was during this time, the group allege they witnessed aLavalla Catholic College student narrowly evade an incidentwhenthey crossed north of Cross’s Rd.

In an even more alarming event, the group also alleged that they “witnessed agrandparent, who was not particularly agile, scurry as best she could across the road with her granddaughter.”

Although Ms Young wasappreciative of the

council officer’s visit to the school, it is not aguaranteeofstudent safety they so desperately need.

“Unfortunately, our discussions did not bring forward any particularpositive outcome. We were advised there is no specific capital funding in the council’s budget forthe 2022/23 or the 2023/24 year," Ms Young said.

"Further to this, we were advised an application cannot be made to VicRoads for the funding of a school crossing supervisor as there is no physical school crossing."

The school was told that the matter is on ‘funding lists’ as well as on a‘list for possible future grant application funding’.

“We received aletter from alocal resident who witnessed two ‘near misses’ last year.

Since this time, Ihave been continuously communicating with council officers to secure a commitment from the council for the provision of aschool crossing. There have also been at least two other occasionswhere the school has contacted the

council about aschoolcrossing,” Ms Young said.

Traralgon resident Graeme O’Rourke wrote to the Express regarding the issue.

“Cross’s Road in Traralgon is extremely narrow and dangerous and about 11 months ago Ihad two very close calls when St Paul's students were heading home,” he said.

“I madeenquiries concerning the results of their (St Paul's) application and Iamvery disappointed to hear that the city says it does not have the budget, nothing they can do, there is no money -I wonder what price the city places on injury or worse to astudent or parent.

“When Iread about some of the projects and schemes that the city funds, Ijust shake my head and wonder if there really has to be atragedy before they take action,” Mr O’Rourke added.

The StudentRepresentative CouncilatStPaul's has also pitched in their opinions and written to the council.

“St Paul’s has been requesting acrossing on

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

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

Plan your social life with your new community.

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

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

Cross’s Roadfor the pastyear, and now as students we are writing to the council becauseagreat number of students who either walk or ride to school are struggling to cross the road with the high flow of traffic and it is very dangerous,” they wrote.

“Theabsenceofaschoolcrossingforces us to cross abusy road with heavy traffic, making it a daunting task, particularly during peak hours.

“Please takethese concerns into consideration and put safety first, so parents, students and teachers have apeace of mind when students travel to and from school.”

The school will not promote the school community walking to campus given the unsafe situation.The school has promised to continue advocating for a school crossing and in the meantime, will embark on an awarenesscampaign within the community to highlightthe unsafe situation of drop-offand pick-up times.

Fedup: St PaulsAnglican Grammar Schoolhas pleaded to Latrobe CityCouncil fora schoolcrossing following many reportsofnear misses along Cross’s Road,Traralgon. Photograph supplied

Community Corner with Liam Durkin

Prostatesupport

LATROBE ValleyProstateSupport

Group is meeting at Morwell Club on July 26.

All welcome. Members, new members and interested persons can attend at 6pm for counter tea, before the meeting at 7pm.

GuestspeakerisLatrobeCommunity Health continencenurse,EbonyScott

For more information, phoneAllan Cunningham on 0458 111 688.

Moe Cancer Council

MOE and District Cancer Council volunteer group will be holding ahigh tea at the Newborough Bowling Club on Monday, September 4, commencing at 12.30pm.

Tickets are $35 per person.

Our current fundraising project is Myeloma.

Tickets are available from Linda on 0427 671 780 or Dianne (0438 517 470).

Volunteer group contact: Linda (number above) or Cynthia (5127 4893).

Cancer Council Supporters Hot Line: 1300 65 65 85.

Cancer Council Help Line: 131120.

Quit Line: 13 78 48.

Visit: cancervic.org.au

Time to tango

GIPPSLAND Tango attendclasses in Yarragon every Wednesday night. We also have aPractilonga(social dance with practice) on the first Saturday night of every month.

Professional tutor Fabio Robles and his partner Michelle Di Monte have commencedinstructing us for the coming months. Our first lesson

with this dynamic duo was alot of fun with many laughs!

Sessions commence on Wednesday evenings from 7pm at St David's Uniting Church Hall on 9Campbell St,Yarragon -there willbeasignout the front of the church.

Check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/GippslandTango

Phone Naomi for more information on 0405 739 819.

Bridgeresults

TRARALGONBridgeClubresultsfor

July 11 and 13.

Monday -Nobridge.

Tuesday -N/S 1st MoiraHecker and Helen McAdam 63 per cent; 2nd Rob Graham and HeatherHenley (55) E/W

1st Peter Lonie and Jan Williams (64);

2nd Roxie Lamond and Susie Parker.

Thursday Pairs -N/S 1st Fred Kaminski and Heather Henley(61); 2nd Marion Taylor and Kevin Taylor (60) E/W 1st Greg NIcholson and Kaye Douglas (63); 2nd Helen McAdam and Moira Hecker (55).

If you are interested in learning more about bridge, phone Traralgon Bride Club president, Greg Nicholson on 0419 365 739.

Latrobe Chorale Inc. Morwell

THE Latrobe Chorale resumes rehearsals of our new program on Tuesday, August 1. We rehearse at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, Morwell at 7.15pm for 7.30pm (entry fromJames Street at rear).

The group would very much welcome beginnerorresuming choristers to the delights of singing, together with the

wonderful selection of music we have under the baton of music director,Joel Dickason.

After the usualvoicewarm-ups, we will be rehearsing, among other things, Karl Jenkins' 15-minute piece Te Deum.Karl is aliving composer andthe musicisvery suitable for a younger generation of singers. Come along and learn the finer points of singing together, vocal techniques and exercises to improve voice production while supporting our core of enthusiasticchoristers to reach concert standard for two presentations scheduled September 16 and 17. Further details can be obtained by email to info@latrobechorale.org or by phone on 0488 762 563.

Givea damn,give acan

ROTARY Club of Traralgon Central once again asks Traralgon residents to support Give aDamn. Give aCan

This 30-year project is acommunity collection of tinned food.

The tins of food are passed onto Traralgon Vinnies Food Bank for distribution to needyfamilies in Traralgon and its surrounding areas.

In the collection week,Traralgon residents should keep an eye out for small red wheelie bins on the nature strip.

Donations will also be collected from schools, businesses, sportsclubs,

community organisations and aged care facilities.

Over the years, it is estimated more than 225,000 cans of foodhas been collected through the project.

The 2022 collection was arecord 17,090.

The project is proudly supported by the Latrobe City Trust andLatrobe Valley Express.

Stoma support

THE first Wednesday of each month, the 'Coffee Bags' support group for people with aStoma (and those who supportthem) meet to support, share stories and provide information to each other.

On Wednesday, August 2from 1.30pm at TommyBrockCafé,(11-15 Kirk Street, Moe) the convenor, Sue Graham, throws out the welcome for Ostomates to come and have acuppa, cake or lunch and achat.

Justturn up or registeryour interest with Sue on 0415 751 145.

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

IF you are acommunity group and have any news items you need publicised, feel free to email us at news@lvexpress.com.au

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

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

Great cause: Rotary Club of TraralgonCentralis calling on the community fordonations of tined food

Photograph supplied

Taking the scenic routefor charity

By TOMHAYES

THE Variety Vic Bash is back for 2023, and this year, acouple of local guys will be giving it acrack, as they scale their way fromMelbourne to the Gold Coast.

Sounds simple right? Wrong.

TheVariety Vic Bash takes cars only 30 years or older through the treacherous bush, up tracks and through creek beds.

On the way to various locations throughout the 10-day journey, the convoy will make stopsto certain communities along the way,raisingmoney for children in need.

Traralgon’sGraeme Cavanagh will join James Walshe’s team, called TheWillyBuccaneers, for the2023 Variety Vic Bash.

This will be Mr Cavanagh’s first Variety Vic Bash, joining Mr Walshe who is believed to have participated around seven times.

Mr Walshe asked Mr Cavanagh if he’d like to come alongone time, and they agreedthat next time Mr Walshe would have an open spot,MrCavanagh would vacate it.

“We’re all going to be wearing pirate uniforms,” Mr Cavanagh explained.

Teams tend to create atheme and dress up to it.

It’s not compulsory, but when the Bash visits

schools, it creates an inclusive vibe to the event.

“That’s the fun part of it,” Mr Cavanagh said.

The Willy Buccaneers have two cars entered for theBash, with each car having three people per car; someone to drive, someone to give directions and someone to rotate with, allowing all three people to swap roles within the car.

Walshehas rich connections to the Latrobe Valley too, despite currently living in Trentham -northwest of Melbourne.

Walshe’s father Leonard (Len) Walshe MBE was known as the lead instigator in the development of the Traralgon Hospital.

Len wouldbeawarded aMemberofthe Order of theBritish Empire (MBE) in the 1980 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Mr Walsheused to live in Traralgon before movingtoward the city.

The10-day journey takes them up the eastcoast of Australia,withmultipleinlandstops.

StartinginMelbourne, theyfinish dayone in Phillip Island,thenhead onto Benalla, Shepparton, Yass,Dubbo,Nelson Bay, Coffs Harbour, before finishing on the Gold Coast.

“We get our, they’re almost like rally notes, on the day, which says what way we’re going to travel,” Mr Cavanagh said.

Essentially, the route is not as straight forward as it seems, as teams are directed on dirt tracks, winding around the country.

“The plan is to takeall of the squiggly back roads, through the pine trees, and just all of these back tracks,” Mr Cavanagh added.

The Variety Vic Bash has anumberofsponsors, but participants are encouraged to attract their

own sponsors, to raise even more money.

“I’m getting ROPAN from down here to sponsor us,” Mr Cavanagh said.

“We’re going to put stickers on the car and stuff.

“ROPAN have been my and my parent’s financial advisors for years.”

With around 100 teams,plus mechanics and recovery personnel, it equates to around 300-400 people, lobbying into rural towns.

“It injects alot of money into the towns, because you fill up all the hotels, the local RSL’s, the local pubs, they have to feed us all,”MrCavanagh said.

Mr Cavanagh explained how he always opts for the scenic route, disregarding how long the journey is, when he goes on long car trips.

He explainsthat it is what he is mostlooking forward to.

“Getting out in theback country of Australia,” Mr Cavanagh said.

“When Itravel, Itry and do what the Variety Bashdoes,likeifIhave to go from here to Benalla, I’ll look for the squiggly road that goes out to the bush to have abit of alook.”

Their 10-day journey will leave them up on the Gold Coast, but Mr Cavanagh reckons he might just do abit more sightseeingonhis wayback, not rushing hisjourney home.

“We’ll meander our way back,” Mr Cavanagh said.

“There might be something on the way up there that we want to go back and see, or something that somebody else wants to go and see that was near where we were.

“We might take aweek to get back!”

The Bash gets underway on August 16.

LRH receive newwheelchair

STROKEsurvivors andpeople withlimited mobility receiving care at Latrobe Regional Health (LRH) are benefiting from anew wheelchair purchased with the support of the Italian Catholic Federation of Morwell.

Patients sitting in the ‘tilt in space’ wheelchair are able to be tilted or positioned in away that provides extra support or comfort. It helps restore balance and build strength in patients who would normally fall forward or to the side.

Collaboration: TheItalian Catholic Federation of Morwell and Latrobe Regional Hospitalhave partnered to deliver care to strokesurvivors.

Pictured with the‘tilt in space’ wheelchair is Rosa Marino,Domenico Manzo, Latrobe Regional Hospitalstrokecoordinator Janet May, studentKyril Gubsky, occupational therapist Aimee Pywell, Elisa Manzo, Filomena Della Fortuna and Maristella Bassanese.

Photograph supplied

Patients are now able to be helped from their bed into the chair and taken to physio or occupational therapy, or outside for fresh air.

LRH has previously had to hire the equipment, meaning patients have been bed-bound until a chair became available.

LRH stroke coordinator, JanetMay said the wheelchair is helping stroke patients to get out of bed and sit upright.

“It’s really helping to improve the independence of patients. They areable to go to the bathroom or be transported out of the ward with the help of afamily member or friend.Little steps like this makeadifference to aperson’s recovery,”she said.

The Italian Catholic Federation of Morwell donated $2695 to purchase the wheelchair for LRH

“We are delighted the federation has continued to support LRH. Over the years, these generous peoplehavedonated more than $21,000tobuy equipment which continue to help our patients in really practicalways,” LRH community engagement officer, Lisa Twigger said.

Delta Group …helping shape tomorrow in the LV

The Hazelwood Rehabilitation project builds abetter tomorrow -laying the groundwork for asustainable future. Delta Group has been at the forefront of this transformation.

Industry pioneers leading thecharge in Australia’s energy transition rely on Delta Group’s multi-disciplinedCivil Engineeringand Construction capabilities, complemented by the group’s financial, operational,and organisational capacity –enabling Delta to manage multiple projects nationally.

Delta supportsdevelopers and owner operators on design and constructionpackages, along with full scope delivery across decommissioning, demolition, remediation and rehabilitation of large industrial structures. This diversity equips Delta to support projects involvingthe repurposing of further thermal assets for renewable energy technologies. With avision to deliver ‘above and beyond’, Delta Group is committed to play their part in the regional LV community, with apermanent office now open at 25 Hotham Street, Traralgon.

Bartek Kogutowski, Divisional Manager and Hazelwood Project Lead, is excited about the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead for both Delta Group and the local community.

“Although Delta is aTier 1contractor with amassive array of fixed and mobile assets

it’sthe people thatwork for us that form the core focus of the business”, Bartek explained.

“We’re acompany with proud employees that have helped to create and shape what we call Delta today. We’ve established security andtrust acrossour Blue Chip client base -who rely on our capabilities to sustainably deliver commercial and industrial projects and solutions.”

The regionalbase is essential as Delta continues to deliver large projects within the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland region, maintaining a 95% workforce locally.

”Delta has the unique ability to offer both the security of aTier-1 contractor, along with opportunities and support for the engagement of local contractors, providing employment, a pathway for career opportunities, and ongoing community engagement”, Bartek said.

Delta Group is actively focused on continuing to engage the community to understand the views and priorities of Gippslanders, investing in inclusive employment and social procurement pathways to support thedevelopment of the local community and workforce, along with the next generation of leaders.

“We’re proud to call LV home and we’re proud to contribute to our community” Barteksaid. “We’re invested in being part of the future development of our community here. We’re offering employment and career opportunities to help support growth in the region. It’s exciting to be able to offer support, learnings and mentoring to tomorrow’s leaders.”

Find out moreatdeltagroup.com.au or drop in anytime and chat to the team at the Traralgon office.

Photograph supplied

Advertorial

Local author’s latest release set to entertain readers

BORN and raisedinthe LatrobeValley from Dutch migrants, author Ernie Rijs is an educator of 45 years standing.

He hasperformed in and directedawide range of theatre, has written anumberofplays including aseries of 10-minute plays called The Ripple Effect, focusingonPost TraumaticStress Disorder.

o Latrobe Valley’sBig Sing Concert

MORE than 70 primary school children from around Latrobe Valley gathered at theMoe Town Hall recentlyfor the first ever The Big Sing Concert in Moe/Newborough and Yallourn areas.

The Big Sing is an initiative being run through Gippsland Children’s Choir, where local primary schools were invited to participate.

The Big Sing has involved workshopsatthe participating schools during Term 2and students came together for the first time ever to rehearse as acollaborative choir.

Moe Town Hall was filledwiththe most supportive and encouraging audience as the GippslandChildren’sChoir (Moe) performed a

sung acknowledgement of Country, followed by the whole Big Sing choir performing Geronimo by Shepphard.

The Big Sing performance saw anumberof primary school children take to the stage in short solos,aswell as welcomingMia Tosin and Lucy Barnes from Lavalla CatholicCollegefor their solo performances. Audience members described the concert as "joyous" and a"fantastic opportunity for children in the Valley".

Opportunities like this are invaluable for local children, working on their determination to performanincredibleconcert to asupportiveaudience.

Singingisa fantastic tool to assist with speech, tone and social interactions between youngpeople. It is fantastic to seethe positivity from the singers on stage,and the recognition of community and connection that has occurred through this initiative.

The Big Singisset to occur in Term 3in Traralgon.

If your school would like further information, email gippslandchildrenschoir@gmail.com

The Gippsland Children’s Choirrunsweekly in both Moe and Traralgon, and welcomes new members at all times.

Staying social with Moe Men’sGroup

SOCIAL aspects of life are important all throughoutlife.

For those in the Moe Men's Group at the Royal Freemasons,this is an aspect they choose to highlight once aweek on Thursdays (and sometimes more).

“It is avaluable source of personal development for men -building friendships,emotional support, supporting each other with any challenges they may have,and navigatingtheir own challenges in healthy ways,” Royal Freemason's Lifestyle Coordinator Tammy Bawden, said.

"They have meetings and choose what they would like to do -itmay just be having abeer and chat, discussing hobbies or interests, playingpoker/ cards,crafts -like painting planter boxes -or bowling."

Recent trips by the group have included visiting themodel railway in Moe.

In another recent activity, they turned their lounge into a14-metre long model railwayfor the men to enjoy while chatting about hobbies and other events going on.

“It is avaluable source of personal development for men -building friendships,emotional support, supporting each other with any challenges they may have,and navigatingtheir own challenges in healthy ways,” Ms Bawden said.

“We provide support and show them that they

can still do anything they put their mind to.”

There are about 15 men who attend each week and occasionally the ladies group so they have more socialising opportunities.

Ms Bawden expressed thatmoreare welcome to attend their activities if they are able to.

Anumberofhis short stories appear in his blog (thegreatwheel.blogspot.com) where readers will find an eclectic range of ideas (philosophy, opinion, reflection and fiction).

His recent published book, The Crossing tells of Tim, who is nearing the end of his final year of secondary school and all he wants is for it to finish.

Against his better judgement, he agrees to the principal’s request for him to “buddy up” with Gabriel, arefugee from South Sudan.

Two months and it’ll be done, he tells himself. But when both Tim and Gabriel’s father each make one simple,but momentous decision, they are propelled in directions they never imagined they’d go.

Tim’s friendMurph doesn’t get it. Cat is shocked and angry, and Gabriel is in an induced coma.

Tim must re-evaluatehis relationship with his mother and estranged father as well as the spectre of his dead little sister. He must find a way to make things right. But ultimately, he must decide if he’sgot everything all wrong, and if there’s any coming back.

Words: Local authorErnie Rijs recently penned ‘The Crossing’ Photograph supplied

Loud: TheBig Sing wasagreat success

Photograph supplied

Support: Moe Men’s Groupishelping with well-being

Photograph supplied

Feeding those in need withfood drive

By TOMHAYES

THE joint forces of Daily Living Disability and the RestorePantry at Enjoy Church Gippsland have combined to complete afood drive.

TheRestore Pantry, located at 144 Maryvale Rd, Morwell, is afood bank for everyone and anyone in need, to help lift the load on financial stresses.

Notonly can the Restore Pantry open their doors forpeopletocollect groceries, but it allows people to sit down and socialise,which is important for mental health.

As described, the Restore Pantry also contains meals assistance, morning teas and conversations, for the benefit of people cominginto RestorePantry

The Daily Living Disability team decided to get involved and make adifference, putting out an expressionofinterest to families to make donations.

“We opened up (an) expression to our families for winter donations to the Enjoy Church food bank,

and the participants ran with it and were very involved and passionate about collection for the food drive,” Daily Living Disability Director Kerina White said.

“It’sgained lots of awareness and discussion about (the) lessfortunate in the community, and supporting those in need.”

Over some time, the Daily Living Disability team, participants and their families banded together to collect foods for the drive, which was all donated to theRestore Pantry.

On Thursday,July 13, the whole gang was at the food bank to see what they had collaboratively provided for the food bank.

Excitementwas in the air as participants were keen to be able to show what they had achieved, which is seen as they posed for aphoto around their work.

The Restore Pantry at Enjoy Church Gippsland feeds around 80 households per week, and with no referrals or healthcare cards needed, the food bank is available for everyone.

It provides acommunity-based feel and remains inclusive to everyone thatfeels theyneed the help.

The Restore Pantry receives funding from Latrobe City Council to keep the shelves stocked, as well as accepting monetary and food donations to go toward the bank.

Enjoy Church Gippsland Pastor, Sarah Copland was overwhelmed with the food donations and wished to thank DailyLiving Disability for their kind contribution to their Restore Pantry.

The Restore Pantry is open on Fridays from 10am to 12.30pm.

Opera Gala musical to grace GPAC stage

GET ready to embark on amind-blowingmusical adventureasthe OperaGala gracesthe stage, bringing together the grandeur of opera with familiar tunes that have stirred our souls through movies, TV shows, sportingevents, and even ads

This sensational extravaganza is set to captivate audiences across metropolitan and regional theaters in Victoria and Tasmania.

With the incomparable talents of Wagnerian tenor BradleyDaley, international soprano Alison Jones, the sensational mezzo-sopranoCaroline Vercoe,and the charismatic compere Chris McKenna, this fusion of classical and popular culture is backed by astringquartet of supertalented musicians from Orchestra Victoria.

Presented by Promac Productions Australia, the opera gala offers an experience of pure enchantment, bridging the gap between opera's elegance and catchy melodies that have found aspecial place in our hearts.

It showcases iconic arias seamlessly interwoven with beloved tunes that have become cultural touchstones. Including the iconic Nessun Dorma from Turandot (Soccer World Cup theme) to the heart-melting Flower Duet from Lakme (British Airways Ad.) and highlights from Les Miserable.

Leading the charge is the extraordinary Australiantenor, Bradley Daley,whose vocal spectacle is bound to leave audiences awestruck. He is the first Australian tenor to perform opera’s most difficult role, Siegfried in Wagner’s Ring Cycle in 70 years. Daley's commanding stage presence andvocal range have rightfully earned him the reputation as one of the finest tenors of our time.

Joining Daley on this epic adventureisthe

international soprano, Alison Jones. Jones will breathe new life into beloved opera classics, seamlessly transitioning between genres and leaving you with asense of familiarity and an electric buzz of excitement.

But the enchantment doesn't stop there. The exceptional mezzo-soprano, Caroline Vercoe, will sweep youaway withher velvety chocolate tones, taking youonabreath taking voyage through the timeless beauty of opera.

Adding to the charm is the hilarious compere, Chris McKenna.

With his quick wit and deep understanding of the impact of those tunes we all know and love, McKenna ensures that every moment of the performance resonates with the audience. His engaging commentary provides afresh perspective and fosters adeeper connection between the performers and the audience.

Of course, an opera gala wouldn't be complete without an exceptional string quartet. Accompaniedbyaccomplished musicians from Orchestra Victoria, this quartetelevatesfamiliar melodies to new heights of musical brilliance, dazzling the senses.

We invite everyone, whether they're opera newbies or seasoned fans, to join us on this thrilling musical adventure that promises afusion of classical and popular culture that will leave you spellbound.

The Opera Gala will be held Wednesday, August 16 from 7.30pm at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre.

Bookings can be made through the centre.

July jazzygrooves in Moe

MOE Latrobe Valley JazzClubhas booked the Gippsland popular Riviera Jazz Band for its next function on Sunday, July 30 at the Moe RSL.

Led by trumpeter BarryHanley from Stratford, the Riviera Jazz Bandisnow one of the most popular trad jazz bands in both Gippsland and Melbourne.

The band also includes the brilliant reeds player Ian Christensen from Warragul,who in 2015 visited New Orleans, the home of jazz in the USA.

Other members are Peter Mackay on piano, Kees

Dogger on bass, Rob Moffat on trombone and Bill Horley on drums.

Moe Latrobe Valley Jazz Club president Bruce Lawn said he was fortunate in being able to get the band, as it is always heavily booked for other venues and jazz festivals.

He said the band is noted for itstraditional style of jazz music, providing great toe tapping rhythm appreciated by dancers.

Doors open at 12.30pm for a1pm start. For further information, phone Bruce Lawn on 5174 3516.

Liftme, won’tyou liftme: RivieraJazz Bandwill performatMoe RSLnextweek.

Photograph supplied

Proud: Those from DailyLiving Disabilityand EnjoyChurch Gippsland stand together to show what theywereabletoprovide forthe RestorePantry Photographs TomHayes

Stocked: Thefoodbankisfilled to thebrim.

Electric blanket safety

Rod Lucas stepsdown as treasurer

MORWELL CFA treasurer Rod Lucas has retired.

Mr Lucas served the brigade for 35 years with distinction. He will continue as avolunteer, something he has done for 55 years.

Morwell CFA wished to thank Mr Lucas for his work as treasurer.

Loyalservice: RodLucas has served Morwell CFAfor 35 years. Photograph

Awareness: Whiletheycan provide comfort,electric blankets alsopresent afirerisk.Thisphotograph shows the results of leaving twoobjects on abed while the electric blanketwas switchedon.

By PHIL GLOVER*

THIS month’s fire safety tip: electric blankets.

Always check the label on the blanket to ensure it has an Australian or New Zealand Standard approval, and never buy one without that standard.

You get what you pay for.

Electricblankets are commonplace on beds during the colder winter months, and some people keep the electric blanket on the bed all year round, and only switch it on during winter, whereas many remove the blanket and store it until the start of the cooler months.

The blanket is often folded in order to take up less room when stored.

Over time, the fine wires that form the heating element inside the blanketbecome brittle, and can snap if the blanket is folded. When the blanket is replaced on the bed and switched of, arcing can occur betweenthe severed ends of the snapped heating element wires in the blanket.

Electrical arcing generatesheat,which will initiate afire.

So, if you must have an electric blanket on your bed, remove it during the warmermonths and storeitloosely rolled up, on ashelf away from whereanything can be placed on it that might crush the blanket.

Always have the blanket tested by asuitably qualified person before you replace it on the bed.

Never sleep on the blanket while it is switchedon, as your bodymassand weightwillcreatelocalised

Raisingfunds for charity

Photograph supplied

hot areas, which can cause the heating element to overheat and ignite.

Switch it off before you get into bed.

Avoid sharp objects on the bed that could pierce the blanket and damage the element.

Avoid placing heavy or large items, such as piles of laundry, clothing, bags etc, on the bedifthe electric blanket is switched on, as the mass and weight of those items can causelocalised hotter areasthat can cause the integrity of the blanket to be compromised.

Switch the blanket off at the wall socket before you leave the room in the morning.

If you feel your children need an electric blanket on theirbeds, supervise the manner in which it is used, and check periodically through the night to make sure it hasn’t been switched on without your knowledge.

Next month, we’ll talk about the safe disposal of ashes from your fireplace.

*Phil Glover is a40-year fire service veteran.

Phil rose to the rank of Deputy Chief Fire Officer, withlengthy secondments as acting Chief Fire Officer within the New Zealand Fire Service, and was endorsedasaqualified and competentfire investigator in 1989, givinghim 34 years experience as afire scene investigator.

During his five-year deployment with CFA, Philwas theOfficer In Chargeofthe Morwell Fire Brigade,Regional Operations Officer and Gippsland Area Fire Investigation Coordinator.

Town meeting afterpublicconcern

TRAFALGAR ChamberofCommerce (TCOC) president Jade MacGregor, vice president Sarah Jenkins, and secretary/treasurer Jo Withers held ageneral meeting at the Trafalgar Criterion Hotel on May 29, attended by 75 local business owners and residents.

Baw Baw Shire Councillor, Darren Wallace answered questions put to him aboutthe adoption of acar parking proposal, that would see restricted carparking in the central business district.

Followingthe outcry, the TCOCarrangeda petitiontoBaw Baw Shire Council(BBSC) to have the proposal thrown out.

In five days, the petition received nearly 700 signatures.

Ms MacGregor (on behalf of the TCOC) presented the petition to BBSC on June 14, which was well received.

Cr Wallace supported the petition, and was seconded by Cr Peter Kostas and Cr Danny Goss. BBSC has six meetings to form aresponse and no new changes are to come into effect until their decision is made.

Cr Wallace commended all who attended the town meeting at Criterion Hotel, and the positive and constructive way that Trafalgar managed to make their thoughts heard.

All councillors were in agreeance that nearly 700 signatures on thepetition collected in five days was unprecedented.

THIS year, six members fromMorwell Fire Brigade will be climbing 28 floorsin25kilograms of gear at Crown Towers to raisemoney for Peter Macand the000 Foundation. They will be joined by 700 climbers from across

thestate,interstate and internationally. With less than60days to go, Morwell has raised more than $1000 To donate, go to firefighterclimb.org.au/station/ cfa/morwell/

Get involved in YN

YALLOURNNorth SeniorCitizensClubmeets weekly on Wednesdays.

If you wish to join the group, come along to the rooms at the Yallourn North Bowling Club and enjoy good company, agameofcards,carpet bowls and outings.

Lunchesprovided weekly with ahot meal,

cooked monthly by our kitchen ladies at low cost.

The club wishes to acknowledge and thank Yallourn Energy for agrantwhich has enabled us to purchase anew stove.

Our annualmeetingwill be held on September 13 at 2pm, followed by afternoon tea. All welcome.

Gearing up: BaileyCharalambous,Malcom Morton, Madeline Slater,Jai Maher and ScottWallis arepreparing to take partinthe annual stair climb Photograph supplied

by Joanne Madeline Moore

July 17 -July 23, 2023

Aries This week there are difficult Mars/ Saturn and Sun/Pluto oppositions, so your bossy Aries side could take over (especially at home and/or work) If you sweat the small stuff, then you’ll end up feeling tired and emotional by the end of the week Perhaps it’s time to de-stress, as you meditate, contemplate, ruminate and relax You might just enjoy it! Plus pay close attention to a developing domestic situation, and the symbolic messages in your nightly dreams

Taurus With two oppositions and Venus slowing down (before it turns retrograde on the weekend) the intensity levels ratchet up, and issues involving relatives, friends, neighbours travel or education could be complicated Jealous thoughts and possessive behaviour are also a danger If you ’ re not careful, you could find yourself embroiled in a fiery argument or a frustrating power struggle Smart Bulls will step back and gain some much-needed perspective

Gemini It will be difficult to balance h Gead and heart this week That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try! Loved ones or work colleagues will attempt to throw you off balance scramble your sense of certainty or press your emotional buttons But it’s up to you to deflect their efforts with plenty of Gemini grace and good humour Your motto for the moment is from birthday great Nelson Mandela: “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination ”

Cancer Sensitive Crabs are ruled by the silvery, changeable Moon So, you can t help but be affected by this week’s New Moon in Cancer, as it stirs up your emotions Plus, the Sun and Pluto agitate professional partnerships or romantic insecurities But becoming overemotional and unreasonable won’t help matters Instead, tune into the magical promise of the new moonbeams as you learn to love yourself, celebrate your strengths and follow your dreams

Leo Thursday’s Sun/Neptune trine boosts your creativity But Saturday’s tempestuous Sun/Pluto opposition highlights your inclination to jealous, possessive, bossy or overbearing behaviour So do your best to loosen your intense grip on a loved one, otherwise you’ll just drive them away with your dramatic pronouncements and demanding diva-like antics Then the fiery Sun shifts into your sign, when it s time to sparkle and shine!

Libra This week looks rather stressful as Venus (your power planet) slows down before it turns retrograde on the weekend Do your best to be patient and persistent Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it’s done ” You could also become unsettled about issues involving home, work or finances So, avoid making long-term decisions until you can view the current situation from a more objective perspective

Scorpio The stars boost your personal magnetp ism – and your manipulative side Pluto gives you an energy surge that increases your desire to be in charge But, if you want to avoid unnecessary power struggles and unpleasant dramas stop trying to control others You can be powerful and passionate – or compulsive and controlling If you ’ re a smart Scorpio, then you’ll choose the path of least resistance as you channel your energy in positive and proactive ways

Sagittarius You’re keen to expand your g knowledge base, as you pick up ideas and inspiration from all corners of the world Sagittarians are the cosmopolitan global citizens of the zodiac, so get connecting with your international buddies ASAP! But – with the New Moon and the Sun/Pluto opposition stirring up your $$$ zones – it’s not a good time to lend cash, borrow money or initiate a joint financial partnership Instead be patient and wait for a more auspicious week

Capricorn This week (courtesy of transfpormative Pluto) an obstacle could be placed in your path Or you could be drawn into a power struggle with a relative, friend or work colleague Don t stress and obsess! Sometimes hurdles help you slow down and see the path ahead more clearly Then you can adjust your compass and tweak your plans So keep going, Capricorn Your motto is from birthday great Nelson Mandela: “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up ”

Aquarius Monday night’s New Moon activ qates your work and daily routine zones so it’s a good week to start a job, launch a business, begin a new diet or embark on a rebooted exercise program With Venus in your relationship zone, it’s time to harmonise, compromise and cooperate with the main people in your life As birthday great Cat Stevens sings: “ peace train sounding louder come on the peace train ” Get in quickly before Venus turns retro on the weekend!

Live performance experience for Sacred HeartPS

THE junior grades of SacredHeart PrimarySchool, Morwell were excited to visit the West Gippsland Art Centre and attend the live performance of the book Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox. The performance touched on themes such as

friendship, social and emotional thinking. The performance washighly enjoyed by students as they were introduced to alive performance and astring quartet that played classical music. Senior students enjoyed an online 'book bash' with Treehouse author Andy Griffiths at the school.

Adventure: Sacred Heart PrimarySchool, Morwell studentRyanplaying at Civic Park Warragul playground beforeheading backto school.

Virgo

Some Virgos will reminisce about an old logve or experience a disappointment, as you discover you ’ ve over-committed energy and enthusiasm to a project (or relationship) that’s going nowhere It’s time to reformulate your goals for the future, as the New Moon activates your hopes-and-wishes zone

But steer clear of dubious dreamers and manipulative schemers Surround yourself with positive people who promote your talents and support your dreams

Pisces If you ’ re involved with a group class club or organisation, then expect power plays and personality clashes A partnership could also be placed under temporary strain When it comes to your social circle, aim to be much more discriminating Don t waste precious time on negative people who undermine your confidence Surround yourself with stimulating new friends as well as trusted old mates Thursday highlights compassion creativity and spirituality

CopyrightJoanne Madeline Moore 2023

Thisadvertisingspace couldbe s

TAFE named as afinalist

TAFE Gippsland has been named afinalist in the Victorian TrainingAwards in the category of Large Training Provider of the Year 2023.

The Victorian Training Awards are the most prestigious accolade for the VocationalEducation and Training (VET)sectorinVictoria,recognising excellence in all aspects of vocational education and training.

The Large Training Provider of the Year category recognises RegisteredTraining Organisations that offer arange of training products and servicesthat demonstrate excellence and high-level performance in all aspects of vocational education and training.

TAFEGippsland chief executive,Laura Macpherson saidbeing named afinalistwas a greatachievement for an organisation that had been through considerable transition.

“We believe that TAFE Gippsland is ashining example of whatcan be achievedwhentransformationisplanned, genuineand purposeful,”she said

“The staff at TAFE Gippsland are proud of their workofrecent years whereagenuine change program was initiated, with the aim of creating better connections, reenergising culture and generating pride among all key stakeholders about the great things the organisation was doing.

“We are being judged on how we ensure TAFE Gippsland is providing high quality and leading practice in vocationaleducation and training; how we are meeting student and industry needs; our high-quality business management; and, how we deliverinnovation and excellence in design and delivery of training.

“These awards have enabled us to showcase the exemplary work of each departmentwithin TAFE Gippsland and the fantastic outcomes we have beenabletodeliver for our students, industry and Gippsland community.”

Winners of the Victorian Training Awards will be announced Friday, August 18.

Anticipation: Lino and Brycewaiting for performances to start. Photographs supplied

Bus buddies: Blairand Siennaenjoying their busride to theWest Gippsland Arts Centre

Watching on: Liaraatthe performance

Heights: River climbing the ropesatCivic Park Warragul. Spider’s web: Kian takesamoment to relax.

GP1658079

This week my stars are telling me that I’m going to purchase a fantastic bargain YOUBEAUTY!

TheGuide

PICK OF THE WEEK

HUNTED

10, Monday, 7.30pm

Lastyear’s breakout realityTVhit hasreturned formoreedge-of-your-seat sleuthing and escapes.Ten diverseyet universally determined duos areona mission to remain hidden from acrewofexperts trying to track them down before21days is up.With $100,000 on theline,it’sanadrenaline rush notfor the faint-hearted. Among the crew of fugitives battling to stay hiddenare best mates andavid gamers Ben and Callum, andcoupleHolly and Josh,adancer and paramedic.Ontheir tails on the hunter teamislaser-focused forensic psychologistDrKarla Lopez. It’s aslightly bonkers, fast-paced adventure.

KHANHONG’S WILDFOOD

SBS Food, Friday, 8.30pm

It must be hardtocome up with anew premise foracooking show thesedays, butthankfully forus, Khanh Ong (pictured) devised a great onefor his 10-parttravelogue, which concludesthis week. The popular MasterChefAustraliaalum has ventured all over thecountryfor thisseries, crafting arange of unique recipesfromthe local produce he discovers and learns about in each region. Forthe final episode, Khanh heads to Victoria’s picturesque MorningtonPeninsula. Everything comesfull circle as he whips up adelectable three-course meal inspired by the placeshehas visited throughout the 10 episodes.

Wednesday, July19

RESTORATION AUSTRALIA

ABCTV, Sunday, 7.30pm

It’sthe grandbuildings from across the ditch that usually command attention, but this delightful homegrownseries celebrates Australia’s architectural history–along with the dedicated people who forgeahead to breathe new lifeinto neglected buildings.Lastweek,host Anthony Burke wasinCastlecrag followinganambitiousextension to anotableWalter Burley-Griffin home

Tonight,the small South Australian farming town of Pinnaroo is in the spotlight.Burkemeets optimistic first homebuyers Carolineand Campbell (both pictured), who areconverting achurch–which wasbought on creditcard– into afamily abode.

WARONWASTE

ABCTV, Tuesday, 8.30pm

Six years ago,Craig Reucassel (pictured) shocked the nation and goteveryone talking aboutour wasteproblem with this series.So, now that he’s back and as driven as ever withthis newthree-episode instalment,it’sbothregrettable and comforting.Since we lastsaw Reucassel revealing thedepths of our waste, therehavebeenpositive changes, from supermarkets selling “wonky” fruit and vegtoplastic bagsslowly being phased out.But there’sstill amountain of problems forReucassel to highlight and motivate moreprogress. Find out what we can alldo, as he meets inspiring“wastewarriors”.

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

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who TheBloodyHell Are We? (PGa) Part 1of3

8.30 RainbowWarrior:Murder In ThePacific. (M) Part 3of3.An exploration of the bombing of Greenpeace’s RainbowWarriorconcludes.

Oz. (Ml) Georgie triestodrum up business.

10.00 Adam Hills: TheLastLeg.

10.45 ABC Late News.

11.00 The Business. (R) 11.15 The School

That Tried To EndRacism. (PG, R) 12.15 Miniseries: Small Axe. (MA15+l, R) 1.25 Rage (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 AntiquesRoadshow.(R)

4.30 The Drum. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

9.25 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 17.SaintGervais Mont-Blanc to Courchevel. 166km mountainstage. From France.

1.55 Cheyenne &Lola (MA15+lv,R)

4.10 Italian Food Safari. (R)

4.40 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home And Away (PGa)

7.30 Animals Aboard With Dr Harry. (PG) Twelve camels go on aroad trip

8.30 TheFront Bar (Ml) Hosts Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and Andy Maher take alighter look at all things AFL

9.30 Ambulance:Code Red. (Ma, R) Followsthe workofanambulance service

10.30 TheLatest: SevenNews.

11.00 DeathRow: Countdown To Execution. (MA15+a, R) 12.00 MOVIE: TheOperator. (2000,Msv,R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

6.00 Nine News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Cricket The Ashes. Fourth Test England vAustralia. Day 1. Morning session. From Old Trafford, Manchester,England

10.40 Cricket. The Ashes. Fourth Test. England vAustralia. Day 1. Afternoon session. From Old Trafford, Manchester,England.

3.30 Hello SA (PG) Laura DeCesare cooks dinner

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

4.30 ACurrent Affair (R)

News Early Edition.

Today. The latest in news andcurrentaffairs.

6.30 TheProject. Alookatthe day’snews and events.

7.30 Hunted. (PGal) The net tightens on alone fugitive.

8.45 Miniseries:Riptide

(Final, Mlv) Part 4of4.Dan suggests to Alisonthat they could move away to start anew life together

9.45 So Help Me Todd (PGa) Margaret’s family helps her crack acase.

10.35 FBI. (Mv,R)A five-yearold is kidnapped.

11.30 TheProject. (R)

12.30 TheLate Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 HomeShopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

Maudie.Continued. (2016,PG) 7.50 Jean De

(1986,PG, French) 10.05 ManonDes

(1986,M,French) 12.10pm Family Photo (2018,M,French) 2.00 Traffic. (1971,French)

Of The Fakir.(2018

(1998,MA15+) 11.25 Wyrmwood. (2014

Indignation. (2016, MA15+)

The Wait. (2015,M,Italian)

The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir.(2018,PG)

Hidden agenda: Holly and Josh areonthe run in Hunted

6.00 TheDrum

7.00 ABC News

7.30 7.30 Presented by SarahFerguson.

8.00 ALife In TenPictures: Alexander McQueen. (PGa) Alook at AlexanderMcQueen’s life

8.55 Grand DesignsNew Zealand (Final, R) Chris Moller takes atour of three housesfrom the past four seasons of the show

9.40 One Plus One: TheElders. (Final) Presented by Dan Bourchier

10.10 ArtWorks. (R)

10.40 ABCLateNews.

10.55 TheBusiness. (R)

11.10 TheDark Emu Story. (PG,R)

12.35 Beyond TheTowers. (PGa, R)

1.30 Scottish Vets Down Under.(PG, R)

2.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 4.30 The Drum. (R) 5.30

7.30.(R)

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

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 InsideSydneyAirport:Baggage. (PG) Police investigateasuspicious bag.

8.30 StanleyTucci: Searching For Italy:Rome. Stanley Tucci heads to Rome where he meets up with old friend Claudia della Frattina and samplesrigatoniall’amatriciana, one of the famous four Romanpastas, at a restaurant called Armando al Pantheon.

9.20 Cycling Tour de France. Stage18. Moûtiers to Bourg-en-Bresse. 185km hilly stage.From France.

2.10 Dignity (Malv,R)

4.00 ItalianFood Safari (R)

5.00 NHK World EnglishNewsMorning 5.30 ANC Philippines The WorldTonight.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 FIFA Women’s World Cup Pre-Game. Pre-game coverage of the match.

8.00 Soccer FIFAWomen’s WorldCup Group B. Australia vRepublic of Ireland. From Stadium Australia, Sydney

10.00 FIFAWomen’s World Cup Post-Game Post-game discussion andinterviews following theAustralia and Republic of Ireland match.

10.30 TheLatest: SevenNews.

11.00 FantasyIsland. (Ma) Three women share the same fantasy

12.00 MOVIE: AHidden Life. (2019,PGav) Aman refuses to fight for the Nazis. AugustDiehl.

3.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBCToday

5.00 SevenEarlyNews.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 NineNews.

7.00 ACurrent Affair.

7.30 Cricket TheAshes. Fourth Test. England vAustralia. Day 2. Morning session. From Old Trafford, Manchester,England

10.40 Cricket. TheAshes. Fourth Test.England vAustralia. Day 2. Afternoon session.FromOld Trafford, Manchester, England

3.30 It’sAll Greek To Me (PG, R) George Diakomichalis preparesa veritable feast, with apork stewand loukoumathes.

4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.

4.30 ACurrent Affair (R)

5.00 News Early Edition.

5.30 Today. Thelatest in news, current affairs, sport, politics, entertainment fashion, healthand lifestyle

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.55 TheYoung And The Restless. 1.50 As Time GoesBy. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow 3.40 MOVIE: Please Turn Over.(1959, PG) 5.30

6.30 TheProject. Alook at the day’snews and events.

7.30 DogsBehaving (Very) Badly Australia. (Premiere, PGs) Follows dog trainer Graeme Hall.

8.30 Law& Order: SVU. (Ma, R) With the help of new DNA technology, former SVU detectiveNick Amaro and Olivia’s ex-boyfriend Burton Lowe seek to overturn awrongful conviction in one of Cragen’s old cases.

9.30 TheCheap Seats (Mal,R) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald takealookatthe week that was.

10.30 Law&Order:SVU (MA15+av,R)

6.00 TheDrum.

7.00 ABC News

7.30 FirstWeapons: Leangle

And Parrying Shield. (PG)

Hosted by Phil Breslin

8.00 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) The team investigates thedeath of acyclist

9.00 Utopia. (R) Asecurity consultant createsstress by leveling up the NBA’s cybersecurity

9.30 GoldDiggers. (Mls, R) Bushrangers arriveintown.

9.55 ABC Late News. Coverage of theday’sevents.

10.15 TheSplit (Ml, R)

11.15 Miniseries: WhyDidn’t

They Ask Evans? (Mav, R)

12.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

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

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.35 World’sMostScenic RiverJourneys: TheYukon. (PGa, R) Narrated by Bill Nighy

8.30 Legends Of ThePharaohs: Birth Of TheTutankhamun

Dynasty (Return) Takesalookat

ancient Egypt’sEighteenth Dynasty that included Tutankhamun.

9.30 Cycling Tour de France.

Stage 19.Moirans-en-Montagne to Poligny.173km flat stage. From France

1.50 Nine PerfectStrangers. (MA15+s, R)

3.40 French Food Safari. (R)

4.40 Bamay.(R)

5.00 NHK World EnglishNewsMorning 5.30

ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Takesa look at keepingdogswarm in winter

7.30 Football AFL.Round 19 Essendon vWestern Bulldogs.

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

11.00 Armchair Experts. (M) Apanel discussesall things AFL

12.00 CelebrityObsessed: Gianni Versace. (MA15+av,R)A lookat the murder of Gianni Versace.

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG,R) [VIC]HomeShopping.

1.30 Harry’s Practice (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute (R)

5.00 NBCToday.

6.00 Nine News.

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 Cricket. TheAshes.Fourth Test. England vAustralia. Day3.Morningsession. From Old Trafford, Manchester,England.

10.40 Cricket. The Ashes. Fourth Test. England vAustralia.Day 3. Afternoon session. From Old Trafford,Manchester, England.

3.30 Destination Australia: Norfolk Island (R) TrevorCochrane explores Norfolk Islandand its unique blend of history,natural beauty and hospitality.

4.00 Postcards. (PG, R) The team explores Kyneton’srichhistory

4.30 Global Shop. (R) Homeshopping.

5.00 TV Shop:Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 SkippyThe Bush Kangaroo (R) Sonnyvisits atravelling carnival.

6.30 TheProject Alook at the day’snews and events

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

8.30 Have YouBeenPaying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists include Ed Kavalee, Bron Lewis, Emma Holland, Peter Helliar and Sam Pang.

9.30 TheGraham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Graham Norton is joinedonthe red couchbyCateBlanchett, Margot Robbie, Alan Carr and Ashley Banjo

11.30 TheProject. (R)

12.30 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

ON THEHOME THEHOME STRETCH STRETCH

srt po valley

Just four weeks remain in the North Gippsland Football-Netball League regular season. With the race to finals heating up, Traralgon Tyers United Thirds players Ben

Riley Denovan, Matthew Deering and Riley Payne (No 29), will be hoping to still have reason to give season 2023 the thumbs up. MORE NORTH GIPPY -PAGE 38

FOOTBALLAND NETBALL LIFTOUT

Sale

L

M Maroons undonebyParrots

FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

FINALS-BOUND teams are just about set in the Gippsland League.

For Leongatha, Wonthaggi, Moe and Traralgon,itwillbeamatter of whofinishes where, and who misses the double-chance.

The Parrots, Power and Lions are equalfirst on the ladder, and withfive rounds to go, there is still enough time for Sale or Morwell to take the last available spot in finals. WE'VE said it before and we'll say it again -yastill gonna have to beat Leongatha to win this premiership.

The Parrots reminded everyone in league circles why they are on top of the ladder, doing anumberonTraralgon and winning with relative ease, 14.14 (98) to 4.8 (32).

Coming into theRound 13 match equal on points,the stage was set for an epic battle at Parrot Park.

The home side howevershowed no interest in making it aclose contest, and put up five goals to two in the opening term.

Traralgon broke even in the second, and went into the sheds only four goals down.

With 16 scoring shots to seven though,the visitor's may have been fortunate to still be in the game.

The Parrots really turned it on after halftime, and putthe game beyondall reasonable doubt early in the last.

Well-known for theirruthlessness, Leongatha wasexactly that -they kicked 3.2 (20) to 1.2 (8) in the third, and then 5.2 (32) to 0.2 (2) in the last.

Jackson Harry was prominent for the winners, as was defender Sean Westaway, who saw the visitor's only kick one goal after the main break.

game, and got within five points of making that year's decider.

As they say, premierships aren't won in July. MOE did what they had to.

The Lions ticked the box of qualifying for finals, afterbeating Warragul 19.12 (126) to 7.9 (51).

The game blew out after halftime, as Moe added 10 goals to four at TedSummerton Reserve.

If the Gulls' intentions were to get under the skinofthe opposition, they succeeded in that regard, as ahugenumberof50 metrepenalties werepaid for retaliation and backchat.

Most of Warragul's goals came from 50 metre penalties, and with their Gippsland Powerplayers available, the Gulls competed well up until the main break, before fading as the game wore on.

The match was far from spectacular, and unfortunate Moe forwards had to deal with negative tacticsfrom the visitor's, who dropped balk numbers back.

Key forward Billy Gowershad an especially torrid time, with as many as four Warragul players converging on him at once.

As dull as the contest was, the Lions still won by 75 points, and couldhave easilytaken the margin closer to triple figures.

The crisp air made it agood day for long sleeves, and Riley Baldi's saw him rack up touches for the victors.

He received good supportfromNickProwse who kicked four goals, and Harry Pepper who nabbed five.

Prowse completed what was surelythe tallestlot of canteen staff in local footyhistory earlier in the day, doing ashift with brother Chris andfellow ruckman Ben Morrow.

Ahigh-scoring matchensued, with more than 30 goals kicked for agame in the middle of winter.

Maffra skipper Daniel Bedggood nailed seven, whileSam Davidson kicked three. Brayden Monk did agood job, as did Kade Renooy, Nathan Pollard and Noah Christy. Having blooded morethan half-a-dozen under 18 players this season, any victory the Eagles can achieve will no doubt do wonders for their confidence and growth.

Bairnsdale was only 10 points down at the last change, but the Eagles were able to finish the better at home.

The Redlegs were well-served by Nathan Dennison, Ethan East, Will Mitchell, Lachlan Byrne-Jones, Xavier Richards and Andrew Nelson.

With finals out of the equation, both sides will now be looking to pick up as many wins as they can before the season is out.

When asked for apremiership tip, Maffra coach Anthony Robbins said Wonthaggi had been the side he was most impressed with.

Vale to Sale’s Alan Morrow

GOALS: Leongatha: JLamers 3M McGannon 2T Sorrell OKerr LHickeyJ Mackie BFortT

LWrightNFixter. Traralgon: KRuyters 5F Watts 2B Gafa JTwiteFKennedy BLocandroB Cheetham. BEST: Leongatha: THallELamers JLamers RKelly DHume JStewart.Traralgon: B Kimberley KRuyters FKennedyLMcDonaldSSchutteCPeavey

LEONGATHA

TRARALGON

THIRDS

GOALS: Leongatha: TMcRae 4J Garnham 2MDonohue 2Z Lamers TRichards. Traralgon:

OHaberl 2G Ruach BKennedy CBooth. BEST: Leongatha: MDonohue TMcRae NSkewes

JCallahan HScott WBrown.Traralgon: OHowe TAnderson RPeaveyG Ruach OHaberl A Blackford

GOALS: Warragul: VKuol 2HJinks 2MCahill CMacLean.Moe:B Wilson 2CNash. BEST:

Warragul: LGarner LFrench HBrown VKuol KBaker DPaul.Moe: BJeffsD BlackshawCNash

LWeir WJenkinson KMulley

GOALS: Bairnsdale: TClay2C Moresi JPhillips LDunkley MEast. Maffra:H Burgiel 2E Berry2

JMcQuillen. BEST: Bairnsdale: CMoresi JPhillips AWattL Dunkley SO’Kelly LCloak.Maffra:

KellyE StablesH StablesT Scott NSzabatura

Aaron Heppell and Tallin Brill also did a good job, as did team leaders Cade Maskell and Ben Willis.

The Parrots had VFL-listed playerNoah Gownplay his second match in the green and gold.

With Gown's VFL club Sandringham only having one more bye this season, it will be interesting to see if the Parrots can get him back for two more games needed to qualify for local finals.

Gown, fromWarragul,was joined by fellow Warraguland now Leongathaplayer Kim Drew in the side.There had beensome uncertainty overwhether or notDrewwouldplay following atackleonWonthaggi midfielder Ryan Sparkes, which left the playmaker concussed the week before.

Better players for Traralgon were Tye Hourigan, Tom Schneider, Max Jacobsen, Luis D'Angelo, HarveyNeocleous and SammyHallyburton.

While the Maroons are outright fourth and would need something to go drastically wrong in order to miss finals, therecould be acouple of warning bells for coach Jake Best.

Traralgon hasnow losttotop-twosides Wonthaggi and Leongatha comfortably,and been kept to just three goals and four goals in those games respectively.

However, if recent history is anything to go by, Traralgon has onething working in its favour.

When it comes to peaking at the right time, the Maroons have been like Bart Cummings preparing Melbourne Cup runners.

In 2015,Traralgon lost to Leongatha by 123 points in Round 1, and beat them in the Grand Final.

In 2018, the Maroons made finals by a

TylerPratt also played well, as did Tom Long and JacobBalfour,who kicked three goals on return to the seniorsidefollowing shoulder surgery.

Speaking of returns,reigning Moe bestand-fairest winnerTrentBaldiplayed his firstgame for the year in the main game, while returningplayer MitchellStanlake had arun around at 12.30pm.

Jasper Alger kickedthreegoals in alosing cause, while Tom Stern, Jake Hughes, Nick Stevenson, Tom Hobbs and Patrick Ireland were all handy.

Moe is now third on the ladder (equalfirst), but five games clear of fifth, making it mathematicallyimpossible for them to miss out on finals.

WONTHAGGI was just too good.

The Power led at every change against Sale, and won 13.4 (82) to 10.9 (69). Whilethe scoreboard indicateda close game, the visitors led by 39 points at three quarter time.

The Magpies saved face with five goals to one in the last, but by then the damage had been done.

Jack Blair stood out for the winners, as did Noah Anderson,Jakeb Thomas, Josh Bates, Jack Hutchinson and Isaac Chugg. Best for Sale was Hudson Holmes, Shannen Lange,Kane Martin,Rohan Diamond, Jarrod Freeman and Jack McLaren.

MAFFRA enjoyed some reward for effort.

The Eagles put adifficult month behind them,todefeatBairnsdale17.9(111)to 14.10 (94).

Having copped the rough end of the stick in terms of the fixture, playing the top five sides all in succession, Maffra was finally able to play asideattheir level.

Vale: Sale footballer Alan Morrow playedinStKilda’s onlypremiership in 1966 Photograph supplied

FOOTBALL

SALE footballer Alan Morrowdied last week.

Morrow wasatriplepremiership player with the Magpies, before going on to play 163 games for St Kilda. Playing as aruckman, he was named in the team of the century at both clubs. Morrow belongs to the exclusive club of St Kilda premiership players. His place in footballhistory is ensconced in the memory of St Kilda supporters, as it was Morrow who took the finalmark of the1966Grand Final just as the siren sounded, giving St Kilda their one and only flag. 'Mocca' Murray was the oldest member of the St Kilda team that day at 30-years-of-age, and retiredfollowing that triumph. He was 86.

Tigers meet the Goat in Drouin

Now: GaryAblettJunior playing forDrouinlastSaturday.

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

MORWELL overcame the Ablett factor.

The appearance of arguably the greatest footballer to ever live wasn’t enough to get Drouin over the line.

The Tigers claimed an important victory on the road, winning 11.10 (76) to 9.13 (67).

Perhaps unfairly for Morwell, the win was somewhat overshadowedbyGary Ablett Junior pulling on the maroon and gold.

Another chapter to the Ablett-Drouin story was added last Saturday, when The Little Master ran outtoplay for the club where his famous father cut his teeth.

The same clubwhere ahugeportraitof Gary Ablett Senioradorns the foyer in the social rooms

Gary Jr had 25 touches and kicked two goals for the Hawks -one off each foot.

The 39-year-old appeared to lose none of his trademarkpoise, snapping bothtruly through the big sticks.

Sure enough, he wore the number 29, in asight that would have no doubt had many long-serving Drouin supporters grinning from ear-to-ear.

This was surely asight they’d hoped to see oneday -anAblettbackplaying for Drouin.

Gippsland League historian Paul Carter, himself aGeelong supporter, can nowadd GaryAblett Jr to thelist of nameshehas kept stats for.

Lostinall thiswas the slight Morwell connection to Ablett, as current Gold Coast player and Morwell local Ben Ainsworth played ayear with Ablett in Queensland.

Ainsworth kickedfour goals in Ablett’s 300th AFL game in 2017.

While the Tigers led at every change last Saturday, they were challenged the whole way through -and very nearly lost it.

Afive goal opening term gave the visitor’s asolid base, and halfway through the third quarter, Morwell was 42 points up.

Then strange things started to happen.

Drouin added three goals in seven minutes against the run of play, and cut the margin back to 22 points at three quarter time.

Ablett kicked his first goal on the eve of three quarter time, and added another five minutes into the last.

An Ablett sidestep and left-foot finish was followed by Ryan Taylor finding the middle four minutes later.

Morwell held sway, but agoal to Hawk James McKellar at the 21-minute mark left the match on aknifes edge.

Three points down in front of ahugehome crowd and with a350-game AFLplayerin your team -the script appeared to be written especially for Drouin to steal afamous win late.

Zac Carlson however had other ideas. The Morwell youngster kicked the last goal of the game, and the Tigers’ only score for the quarter at the 26-minutemark, nettinga hugesighofrelief from all those wearing yellow and black.

If they hadoflost this game, it would have just about been season over.

The Tigerswalkedoff however livingto fight another day in 2023.

Morwell sits agame off Sale in fifth position. As it stands, it is looking all the more likely the Round16clash between the Tigers and Magpies in Morwell will decide who plays finals.

With Morwell needing Sale to keep losing, and with the Magpies travelling to Moe this Saturday,itwillbeone of the very rare times Morwell will be barracking for Moe.

Fancy being Morwell in thelast twoseasons -nearly every game after Round 9has been an elimination final.

While the Ablett festivities had the

Then: GaryAblettSenior playing forDrouin.

potential to derail the Tigers’preparation, they were able to get out of Drouin with the four points they desired.

Sam Walsh did well for Morwell, as did coach Boyd Bailey, Dan Musil, Aidan Quigley, Blake Couling and Brandon Mcauliffe. Looking at thingsholistically, onehas to wonder how Morwell felt by the whole episode.

Granted it would have been agreat thrill to playagainstGary Ablett, aclub generally selectsa marquee player for agamethey think they are agood chance of winning.

Would Morwell have been insulted by that?

For the Drouin players lucky enough to playalongside Ablett,those who madea good impression were Jarrod Marshall,Kye Quirk, TimHancock,CharlieBethune,JordanKingi and McKellar.

As for what Ablett brought to the club, an estimated crowd of 2500 came to Drouin, forcing parking restrictions to be placed on the reserve.

Ablett stayed on for asocial function later thatnight, and walked offthe ground to chants of “Gaza Gaza” by someenthusiastic youngsters.

Continuing aproud Drouin tradition, Ablett was presented his matchday jumper by Lionel Rose Junior.

Rose and Ablett are undoubtedly the two most famous sporting names from Drouin.

Legendary boxer Lionel Rose also grew up in Drouin, and went on to become the first Indigenous Australian to win aworld title.

The Ablett-Drouin connection extends far beyond Gary Senior.

Senior was one of three Ablett boys, along with Kevin and Geoff, to play AFL football, while sister Fay married Michael Tuck, who went on to become the AFL games record holder.

Interestingly, the Ablettsonly put their familyfarm at 10 WaltonRoad,Drouin on the market in 2021 after 40 years of ownership.

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

SENIORS

Photographs supplied

GOALS: Meeniyan Dumbalk Utd: DSheen 5BPerry2S Walsh 2JDeasT Harris.Foster:J

Rathjen MClark WDuursma TVan Dyke MCooke JSegat. BEST: Meeniyan Dumbalk Utd: K

Bohn SWalsh DSheen NAllen WStewart JCelebrine.Foster:CGarlick JSegat OCallcott B

Yinnar:J Deen FSchill CMills BCheffers KGrinstead-Jones MWilliams.Stony Creek:J

HFunnell CLoughridgeAZuidema TBernaldo

Gippsland Football League League

B Bluesbbrotthers bounce back

FOOTBALL MID GIPPSLAND

BY ROB POPPLESTONE

ROUND 13 of the Mid Gippsland FootballNetballLeague threw up anumberof eyebrow-raising results.

Thorpdale moved into the top six after defeating Tarwin on the road, while Yinnar only just scrapped in over Stony Creek. There is just two games separating fourth from 10th on the ladder.

 BOOLARRAV NEWBOROUGH

slip, much to the frustration of coach Peter Mongta.

“A tightly contested game today which could have gone either way," he said.

"The midfield battle on both sides fought hard all day and it felt like our outside run was going to be enough. We could have controlled the game better in the third quarter which at times caused some easy turnover from ourmistakes.

MorwellEast: LTowns 4MCunningham 3JLont 2KFarley NNikodemskiNKyriacou

Nth: RKratzat 5M Woodall 2JPellicano 2T Stevens 2JCummaudo J

DBrock BEST: MorwellEast: PQuinn JLont RMichaelides KFarley DField TNicholson.

Thorpdale: MPowell4MChopping 2HBritten 2J Holland-Burch. Tarwin: TCrocker 2

MWilliams DLawton. BEST: Thorpdale: JMongerS Pickering RTurnbull TPatten

MPowell JHolland-Burch. Tarwin: JKennedy BEllen MWilliams RO’loughlin KPatterson H

Suckling

RESERVES

GOALS: StonyCreek:BRenden 3RMcKnight GGraySBrett JCecil THorsburgh JByrnes N

Svenson. Yinnar:JGarlick 4M McCaffertyNPenney BEST: StonyCreek:A Atkins NSvenson

RMcKnightS Cope RBaudinetteBRenden. Yinnar:D Webster XGeddes JGarlick NLinton

GOALS: MorwellEast: JMackenzie 3KChapman 2BMurdoch 2CHallD Tatterson. Mirboo

Nth: RDevineDFitzpatrick AO’Loughlin. BEST: MorwellEast: BLewis JBirchall RBaptie

STutton DTatterson JMackenzie.Mirboo Nth: TLittleSBusuttil HDobsonDFitzpatrick J

Felmingham LJowett

THORPDALE1.1

GOALS: Tarwin: OMaclean TBrosnan JBest BChalmers TGedyeR Houston TLomax

Thorpdale: RPickering 2ZDanger. BEST: Tarwin: JCarmody TCameron NTucker DLeggo

PHouston TGedye. Thorpdale: DMartin BMassaro MChapman CChopping SLawson Z

FOSTER0.1

GOALS: Meeniyan Dumbalk Utd: BMaxwell 4JDunn 3N Mathieson 2M Beacham2 R

Weaver JSinclair JBrydon. Foster:ELavis BEST: Meeniyan Dumbalk Utd: BMaxwell JBrydon

BCantwell MHoober BMoscriptR Weaver.Foster:SGibson BTillack JSmith JDavyOCox

GOALS: Newborough: BBurgess 5CNickels 5J Bland3 WTroy2 CHancock 2J Edebohls 2R Richards CBerquez WCollings DSmith. Boolarra: EStanton 2JMaggs 2. BEST: Newborough:

JWhittaker WTroyJ van den Dolder MStringer BBurgess.Boolarra: EStanton V

TCameron TBeamish JWrightMMurden

GOALS: Toora: JMabilia 3JGuganovic 2LJenkins CFerguson. Fish Creek:AEdgelowT

WITH long-term and much respected Boolarra coachTony Giardina callingita day at season's end after 25 years of coaching, it was hoped the Demons might be able to somehow manufacture aperformance worthy of his value.

The Demons did what they could, but the fact is that Newborough were just a step ahead, and that was reflected on the scoreboard, the Bulldogs winning 12.7 (79) to 6.10 (46).

Victorious coach Craig Skinner said it was atight tussle for the most part.

“It was another tough trip to Boolarra, it’s never easy and Saturday was no different," he said.

"Tony’s boyswereontop for the betterpart of the day,weovercame ourchallenges to grind awin in slippery conditionsthat could have gone either way."

Good sides find away to win, sometimes when they shouldn't, and that is what the Bulldogs did, but credit should be given, as it was by coach Skinner to the efforts of the home side.

Despite the result, Giardina said he was pleasedwith his team's effort.

“The boys turned up to play and took it right up to Newborough," he said.

"It was agood first quarter and if our kicking for goal was better we could’ve been further in front. Unfortunately our skill level let us down all day and the best side in the competition made us pay. Happy with the way we fought it out all day.”

 MORWELL EAST VMIRBOO NORTH MORWELLEAST werequitepossiblythe team that was going to climb from the bottom half of the MGFNL ladder into the top six if they could just win the games that they were expected to, one of which was against their weekend opponent in Mirboo North.

The Tigers may have 'chugged' their way through the season, with flashes of brilliance followed by performances belowexpectations, but after the weekend's result,itisinfact likelytobeMorwell East starting to believe they could be afinals contender.

The Hawks won athrillerathome, despite kicking less goals, 13.11 (89) to 14.3 (87).

Morwell East coast Paul Henry said it was apulsating encounter.

“Greathard-foughtwin against Mirboo. Ithought we controlled the game, we just weren't efficientonthe scoreboard," he said.

"Mirboo North made the most of their opportunities. We were really tested in the last when they scored acouple of quick goals and it lookedlike ourinaccurate kicking was going to cost us. It wasn't over, the boys stepped up and kicked some big, big goals late in the last and we hung on in another tight one.

"One more big game this week against Hill End before we hit the bye.”

As thrilling and satisfying as the win was for the Hawks, Mirboo North let one

"It wasgame on in thefourth quarter and six minutes in we had gone 18 points up which feltlike thegame wasaboutto open up. But to Morwell East's credit they managed to kick three quick goals and hold on as the siren sounded with the ball in our forward 50."

 STONY CREEK VYINNAR

AS much as Yinnar entered the weekend clash favourite against the home side, Stony Creek believed, as did many close to the Magpies, that an upset might well be on the cards.

The reigning premier had been alittle off theirbest, while Chris Verboon's men had been starting to show signs that more wins against better opposition was certainly on the cards.

The weekend result was as close as you can get without winning for the home side; Yinnar winning alow-scoringsloginthe mud 3.8 (26) to 3.7 (25).

Yinnar coachDaniel Taylor said he was happy to just get the four points.

“Once again we didn't start well and found ourselves down by three goals early on," he said.

"Wetweather,contested footy, pressure and both teams throwing numbers behind theballatcertain stages meant goals were very hard to come by.

"After quartertimethe boys got to work and the gamestarted to be played in our half, but it was hard getting rewarded for effort. To the boys' credit, they stuck to the task and we eventually hit the front for the first time at the 18 minute mark of the last quarter.

"Stokedtoget the win as it'simportant for our season."

The Magpies have made ahabit of finding ways to win, but the result, even in aloss, was confirmationthat theLions are building ateam that will be in finals conversations for2024.

Stony Creek coach Chris Verboon was prepared to put the game in perspective.

“Goals were hard to come by in difficult conditions," he said.

"Wet, slipperyballmadeitveryhardto score. We started on fire kicking three goals in the first quarter.Yinnar had their chances to score but couldn’t convert the goalswhich kept it tight all day.

"Obviously another disappointing end to the game for ourboyslosing by apoint. Funnily enough it was apoint the difference between us last year, but in our favour, so I guess they evened up the score.”

 TARWIN VTHORPDALE

AS good as Thorpdale had been for the middle part of the season, the Blues were under no illusions as to what was required in the back end of the year. If they were going to make aserious push for finals, one of the more desired results was awin against aquality opponent such as Tarwin.

The Sharks may have fallen short against league-leaders Newborough just aweek earlier, but that result was nothing compared

to their disappointingloss to Thorpdale, the Blueswinning 9.14 (68) to 5.7(37).

Thorpdale coach Jason Winderlich was roundly pleased with how things panned out.

“It was agood response from the group after last week's effort (loss to Foster)," he said.

"Tough conditions but the midfield rolled up their sleeves and got to work in the first half to set up agood lead."

Tarwin coach Troy Hemming said the better side won.

“Thorpy have some really good mids and they are also very smart. They were cleaner and harder for longer," he said.

"We had our chances but couldn’t keep momentumfor long enough. Credit to Jason and his team."

Tarwin,second on the ladder just afortnight ago, now sits seventh.

 FOSTER VMDU

THEold saying goes'it's tough at the top', butyou can also add that it is tight at the top in Mid Gippsland, giventhat justagame or two can cost ateam aseason.

With that in mind, the outcome of the Foster and Meeniyan Dumbalk United clash was yet anothercrucial one, especiallyfor the Demons, whose hopes of atop-six finish improvedsignificantly afteranimpressive 11.8 (74) to 6.3 (39) victory.

MDU coach, Nathan Allensaiditwas just about acomplete performance.

“Massivewin for the group on the weekend against Foster," he said.

On the flip side, the loss has put pressure on Foster, who could haveput some space between themselvesand ahandful of teams below them,however,althoughthe Tigerssit fourth, there are three teams that are now within striking distance.

Tigers coach Sam Davies labelledthe performance out of character.

“Just got completelyoutplayed in the second half. We didn’t look likethe Foster side that we know andlove," he said.

"Players and coaches need arest and reset so we look forward to the bye this week. We have definitely limped into it.”



TOORAV FISH CREEK

THE Toora faithful had stayed the journey to date and had no consideration of jumping off their Magpie team on the weekend, despite the enormity of the challenge against one of the best performing and consistent teams in the competition.

Fish Creek have their sights firmly set on atop-two finish,after beating Toora 11.18 (84) to 0.3(3)

Kangaroos coach Jarrod Walker praised the effort of his defenders.

“Another toughslogintryingconditions.

The boys fought hard all day and to keep Toora goalless was atremendous effortfrom our defence," he said.

The Kangaroos were as good as they needed to be, aclassyoutfit that certainlyearned the respect of their Tooraopponents, and coach Jack Weston.

“Sometimesyou’ve just got to give credit to the opposition. FishCreek'spolish aroundthe contest allowed them to have some quality ball inside 50 to get shots on goal," he said.

The Magpies have remained buoyant and positive throughout what has been avery testing season, and for that alone they should be respected.

HILL END had the bye.

Brendan

“Thereweresome

felt great,” Mr Jones said.

Mr Jones said that the reason why they won the awards was because the judges said both the houses wereatthe same quality no matter the price range for the homes.

For the group, the awards mean that they will have another advertising tool including recognitionfor future work.

Mr Jones’sgroup specialise in custom homes and pride themselves with having alocal team of trades, subcontractors and employees.

“Weonlyspecialise in custom homes. Just pride ourselves in local trades, can’tgopass them and local subcontractors and local employees.” Brendan Jones said.

onal l Residdential l Buillder of f thheYear

Project:Traralgon Designer: Adam DettrickArchitects Pty Ltd

Photographer: Dave Aarons -Open2view

This home was designed to suit the client’slifestyle and includes all the features for the clients to live effortlessly and comfortably now and in the future. The front access has both floating stairs and an accessible ramp to the front entry. All the living and entertaining areatthe front of the home. Large north-facing

windows look out on the alfresco area and expansive gardens, giving asense of bringing “outside” in. The hallway from the living room encompasses ample storage, including the wine collection, and leads to the sanctuaryof the bedrooms. The design of this home has been thought out with meticulous attention to detail, from the impressive street statement to the use of moderncontemporary fixtures and fittings, home automation and beautifully landscaped gardens, this is truly an impressive build.

Project: CowwarrDesigner: SBM Design &Drafting

Photographer: Dave Aarons, Open2view

Sharing the grounds of a deconsecrated church with a heritage overlay,this country

home had to pay homage to its surroundings. Acharming cottagelook was created while encompassing all the modern requirements of comfortable living. The home was designed around entertaining and functionality, with three good size bedrooms, acentrally located kitchen, meals

and living, which flows to alarge verandah/entertaining area that wraps around to the front entry. This home is finished with heritage details that blend beautifully with the adjacent Church giving afeel that it’sbeenthereforever,which wasthe initial vision of the owners.

Congratulations to Sherridon Homes

From Traralgon, Sherridon Homes won Best Volume Builders Display

H Home $350,0000-$500,000.

“It was good as we area business only relatively new to the area,” Sherridon Homes Gippsland branch owner,DeanCurriesaid.

“It sets our goals and we want to continue to improve and get better at what we do. It sets the standard for what we have to beat.”

Mr Currie expressed that it was wonderful and exciting to be recognised by the judges for design, liveability and quality for his teams’ creations. Mr Currie’shome was designed for regional Victoria with the ability to suit blocks of large, small or corner block properties.

Mr Currie commented, “I think people aretreatingusasareal regional builder now and they’re seeing what we aredoing in Gippsland, that’sshowing. We are veryconscious, we areveryprice orientated together with quality and design and our house shows that.”

Sherridon Homes prides themselves on striving to improve and to push on their ideas for their homes to make them liveable and at ahigh quality while still maintaining a unique design.

Project:Woodside 3000:

Photographer: Gerad Warrener –Digital PhotographyInhouse

The Woodside 3000 is a

contemporary, family-friendly home that appeals to the demands of amodernAustralian lifestyle. Fundamental to our goal is to create ahome that is affordable and easily replicable in high volume. The Woodside 3000 is the perfect fit for acreage lots, offering free-flowing living and entertainment spaces for all members of the family.This spacious design includes four bedrooms, with the master suite appointed with agenerous walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. The heartof the home is astunning open-plan kitchen, meals and living area, with the kitchen area, complemented with abutler’spantrywith access to laundry, allowing seamless flow throughout the home.

CongratulationstoVirtue Homes

Humbled and overwhelmed are the words that MickNicola, owner o of Virtue Homes,used when asked how he felt about winning. “It is always agreat nightfor us just to go out as ateam and celebrate what we have achieved.”

Mr Nicola’steamwon Best Display Home over $500,000 (in Traralgon), Best Custom Home $350,000-$500,000 and the Custom Home- Special Commendation (Yinnar South).

“It is always agreat nightfor us just to go out as ateam and celebrate what we have achieved.

It’sreally good for the team, they continue to amaze me. They continue to hook in and get things done, can’tthank them enough, it’s really nice to be recognised for their hardwork.” Mr Nicola said.

At Virtue Homes, Mick Nicola likes to have consistency and the ability to exceed expectations and set ahigh quality,high standard. “Wereally just trytothink out of the squareand just to create something different and unique for each person, each owner

“It definitely gives us consumer confidence in knowing they are building with abuilder that is recognised for the quality and stands out from the others. Just being able to trust us and having the experts pick us as awinner is amazing for us.

“When we build our displays, they areateameffortofeveryones’ ideas that we put all together.Weroll them all up into one product which

is really unique and it pushes the boundaries of the normal trends and pushes them to the next level. They arealways different, all have different styles, and different ideas in our display homes. That’swhat we really love,it’sreally exciting and challenging. Really proud of what comes out in the end.”

Project:The Kingston 33, Traralgon

Designer:VirtueHomes

Photographer: Dave Aarons

-Open2ViewPhotography

Gippsland

The scope of works for designing and outfitting the Kingston Display home was to demonstrate the high-quality standardinclusions that Virtue Homes offers in all their homes without the need for upgrades. The design was intended to be versatile and adaptable to accommodate arange of occupants, including families, professionals, or retirees. The layout was thoughtfully designed with practical spaces such as aquiet room or theatre, ample walk-in storage, aseparate kid’swingand living space, as well as generously sized rooms. Additionally,great attention was paid to ensuring the home’sfrontage would suit most regional residential blocks with minimal modifications.

Congratulations to Virtue Homes

Project:The Windsor,Traralgon

Designer:Virtue Homes

Photographer: Dave AaronsOpen2viewPhotographyGippsland

The Windsor Display home design began with Virtue Homes identifying aneed for alarge luxuryranch-style home to meet the demand from customers interested in rural properties post-COVID, which was an untapped market in the region.

The team created auniquecountry lodge feel using warmer tones, moodier furnishings and liveable areas. The home boasts specific rural

CUSTOMHOME –SPECIAL COMMENDATION

Project:Yinnar South

Designer:VirtueHomes

Photographer: Dave AaronsOpen2viewGippsland

The home is nestled into ahill with amazing views and offers apractical living space that maximises the potential of the rural lifestyle and surrounding environment. The owners aimed to create ahome that captured the idyllic beauty of the neighbouring properties and bushland. Large glazed areas with an open feel became an integral partofthe floor plan, allowing the views to be captured from all areas. The home is aranch-style house with raked ceiling, large glass windows with alfresco sliding doors, shaker-style doors, and high-end stone finishes, and is atestament to the craftsmanship and attention to detail put into its construction.

property design elements, including large farm-style kitchens with ample bench space, generous bedrooms, fireplaces, mudroom areas, and protected outdoor living areas from the west.

The use of different materials and finishes wereimportant to showcase innovative ideas and display craftsmanship.

Recently in the South East Master Builders Awards, G.J. Gardner Homes Warragul won the Best Custom Home -Special Commendation award$300,000 -$400,000.

G.J. Gardner Homes specialises in serving their clients with individual needs, knowledge on council regulations and multiple variations of homes to suit client needs.

Erin Nash from G.J Gardner Homes said, “Wetry to reachthe highest of qualities in our work no matter what type of home it is.

“Wediscuss the design and the site of each home as well as the value.”

gratulations to GJ Gardner Homes

COMMENDATION

Ms. Nash believes that the award will just reiterate and ensurethat their clients aregetting someone recognised for wonderful work from other master builders that have been in the industryfor a long time.

“It’sgreat to be in aroom with all these great local builders and to be recognised by them for the work we do.” Ms. Nash said.

“It pushes morale within the team up and helps reassurethe team on what they weredoing.

“Wedefinitelywon’t be changing anything as the awardhas shown us that what we aredoing is already great and of ahigh quality.”

“Wewould like to acknowledge all of the trades who helped us with each project as well as each client that trusted us to work on their dream homes as well as the opportunity to create them.”

Ms. Nash expressed that G.J. Gardner Homes wereglad to be associated with agreat group of people who work hardintheir industryand areable to keep the high quality and standards that areset within their business.

Project:Warragul

Photographer: April Pyle, Moving Pictures

Apre-existing site cut from the developer and astrictbudget

meant outside the box design was needed to create this dream home. The primaryaim for the aesthetic was one of simplicity -a simple black-and-white colour scheme was used on the exterior, which exaggerated the clean lines of the structure. With a combination of an enviable outlook and abattleaxe block that is hidden from the road,the end result is ahome that feels like a sanctuary. Like all homes built by G.J. Gardner Homes Warragul, everyaspect of this home is of the highest quality and finished with ahigh level of attention to detail.

BESTCUSTOMHOME $300,000 -$400,000 -SPECIAL

Congratulations to Allchin Builders

Allchin Homes, winner of the Best Custom Home from $1 million -$2 million, specialise in custom homes designed for particular land based on aspects of the block, client’s budget and requirements.

They also pride their business on attention to detail, commitment to high standards and personal touches to separate differences

between homes and different building groups.

Leigh Allchin, owner of Allchin Homes said “Always good to be to be recognised by your peersinthe building industry.

“It’salwaysgood to be recognised by fellow peers but it is agood marketing tool for us to be in the one

million dollar price home bracket. It’s nice to have awin on the boardto prove to us that what we aredoing is good and right.

“Wewentinand chose the one with the most features, the most out of the box, the best day to day build.”

This was the second year in arow that Allchin Homes has won in

the categoryCustom Home from $1 million -$2million. Mr Allchin expressed that he is thankful for all the trades people that helped receive both wins but when asked if he is gunning for another year he said that it would be nice but they will be putting that focus towards their works rather than going for the title again in the Master Builder Awards.

BESTCUSTOMHOME $1M -$2M

Project:Warragul

Designer: Rebecca Naughtin Architect Pty Ltd

Photographer: Exseption Warragul

Construction of acustom-designed fourbedroom plus guest house, two living rooms, split-level home on a1708sqmbattleaxe block on the outskirts of Warragul.Itisluxurious in size, being 34.84 squares of living,which consists of aspacious entrywith built-in cabinetry, beautiful engineered oak timber floors, alarge master suite and an open-plan living areawith plenty of room to entertain family and friends. Other features include high ceilings with araked ceiling to the living/dining area, custom-designed cabinetry, concealed cedar cladded door,hidden bar and designer lighting layouts including 360 movement sensors.

REGIONALBUILDING AWARDS 2023

gratulations to Roseleigh Homes

winner of Best 600,000-$800,000 600,000, pride themselves on personalised service and leading expertise, the best materials and products, and rely on quality,local trades to ensure that homes areconstructed to the highest standards and built to last a lifetime.

The awards given at the Master Builders Awards, makes 24 awards and 25 for Roseleigh Homes since 2009. “Wewin so many that it’sjust another thing that happens every year.This year for both awards that we won, they werehightly contested categoriesy with alot of good competition. Those arethe awards that mean alot to us,” Master Builder,BradChugg said.

Mr Chugg explained that the reason behind winning the awards this year and in other years is because all

BESTCUSTOMHOME $600,000 -$800,000

and the construction team certainly helps to win these awards.

“Nice for our hardwork, to be rewarded,“ Mr Chugg said.

the workers in the team take partin applying alot of detail in each home they create.

“It’sgood to have recognitionfor the hardwork that we put in and not just for me but for our entireteam. Right from sales people at the start through to in-house design, and our estimating department, and always being in contact with both the client

BESTCUSTOMHOME $500,000 -$600,000

Project:Warragul

Photographer: Jonathan Tabensky

Project Brief: This striking, contemporaryfour-bedroom home maximises its street appeal with acomplementarycombination of exterior finishes and design components. The home is a

“I’d like to thank the clients for trusting us with building their homes and that gives us free range. Thanks to the construction, building team for helping get us here.”

Project:Warragul

Photographer: Jonathan Tabensky

Project Brief: Showcasing acontemporarydesignand construction, this light-filled three-bedroom home was carefully designed to maximise the space

required for family living. The main living areas have been located on the first floor to capturetreetop views of the local Civic Park. These include an open-plan kitchen with an oversized island bench, adining zone highlighted by skylights above, and an elegant living area providing asophisticated feel. Features of the home include unique curved walls to the entry, dualcurvedwalls in the master bedroom and ensuite shower recess and acurved ceiling to the first floor.The outdoor living spaces include an upstairs balcony under the roofline, and afibreglass swimming pool with seamless concrete surround, reinforcing the streamlined, modernfinish.

moderntake on the traditional pitched roof,with adoublegable roof line, evoking asense of two pavilions, reinforcing the sleek contemporarydesign of the home and reshaping age-old design guidelines for agable roof profile. The home is cleverly zoned and features two living areas combined

with extensive storage throughout, including integrated wraparound cabinetryfromthe kitchen to the gallery. Thehome is aconsidered combination of function and style, further enhanced by the winged gable over the outdoor entertaining area, providing integrated indoor/ outdoor living.

Zoe’snetball scoreboard

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE ROUND 13

AGRADE: Leongatha30d Traralgon 26, Sale 50

dWonthaggi 49, Moe 72 dWarragul 35, Morwell 50 dDrouin 36, Maffra51dBairnsdale 42.

BGRADE: Traralgon 46 dLeongatha 38, Sale 45

dWonthaggi 39, Moe 63 dWarragul 27,Drouin 53

dMorwell 45, Bairnsdale bye,Maffrabye

CGRADE: Leongatha34d Traralgon 21, Wonthaggi 26 dSale 16,Moe 37 dWarragul 32,

Drouin 43 dMorwell 24, Bairnsdale 32 dMaffra22.

17 AND UNDER: Traralgon 29 dLeongatha 28, Sale 31 dWonthaggi24, Warragul 25 dMoe 18, Morwell 36 dDrouin 27,Maffra44dBairnsdale 18

15 AND UNDER: Traralgon 34 dLeongatha 21, Sale 55 dWonthaggi24, Moe 35 dWarragul 13, Drouin 36 dMorwell 28, Bairnsdale 40 dMaffra36.

13 AND UNDER: Traralgon 43 dLeongatha 30, Sale 61 dWonthaggi11, Moe 64 dWarragul 24, Drouin 37 dMorwell 17,Maffra41dBairnsdale 32.

NORTH

AGRADE: Churchill 34 dHeyfield 32, Rosedale 66 dYYN 39, Woodside 79 dGormandale 24, Sale City 55 dCowwarr 38, BYE-Glengarry, TTU Yarram.

BGRADE: Heyfield 40 dChurchill 27,Rosedale 37 dYYN 31, Woodside 60 dGormandale 43, Sale City 62 dCowwarr 46, BYE-Glengarry, TTU, Yarram.

CGRADE: Churchill 31 dHeyfield 20 ,YYN 45

dRosedale 23, Woodside 50 dGormandale 36, Sale City 50 dCowwarr 16,BYE -Glengarry, TTU, Yarram.

DGRADE: Churchill 45 dHeyfield 12,YYN 35

dRosedale 30, Woodside 54 dGormandale 12, Sale City50dCowwarr 13,BYE -Glengarry, TTU

Yarram.

17 AND UNDER: Heyfield 40 dChurchill

13,Rosedale 52 dYYN 14,Woodside 29 d

Gormandale 14,Sale City64dCowwarr 13,

BYE-Glengarry, TTU, Yarram

15 AND UNDER: Heyfield 38 dChurchill 12, Rosedale 73 dYYN 6, Sale City 58 dCowwarr 5, Woodside 29 dGormandale 9, BYE-Glengarry, TTU,Yarram.

MID

AGRADE: Boolarra 60 dNewborough 29, Yinnar

75 dStony Creek 21, Toora38dFishCreek 25, MDU 48 dFoster 21, Morwell East 70 dMirboo North 53, BYE-HillEnd, Tarwin.

BGRADE: Tarwin 54 dThorpdale 20, Boolarra

dNewborough 41, Yinnar 34 dStony Creek

Creek 38 dToora28, Morwell East 60 d Mirboo North 51, MDU 62 dFoster 42, BYE-Hill End.

CGRADE: Tarwin 57 dThorpdale 3, Boolarra

dNewborough 34, Yinnar 44 dStony Creek

Demons staking their claim

NETBALL

By ZAIDA

GLIBANOVIC

TRARALGON got oh-so-close to beating aquality Leongatha side.

With afairlyeven game across the first three quarters and scores at 21-22 Traralgon'sway, it was the Maroons' fourth-quarter shooting effort that let them down-Traralgon only managed four goals to the Parrot's nine.

26

Thefinal scores were Leongatha30toTraralgon

Parrot's Lauren Redpath,Laura Higgins and Hannah Flanders were huge in the win, while, Traralgon's skipper BronwynTebb led by example, so did Amy Harrison and playing-coach Kate French.

Moe slaughtered Warragul 72-35.

Moe's Georgia Moody had ablinder, and as she should havingjust been named in the Victorian Fury extended netball squad. Emma Sculley and OliviaBarnett also receivedbest-on honoursaswell.

Alexandra Cole, Sienna Green and LilySheehan battled hard for Warragul.

Despite the drive over to Drouin, Morwell made light work of the Hawks.

With all the fanfare around Gary Ablett Junior's debutfor Drouin,you hope some people were still watching this Morwell masterclass on the court.

Morwell's playing-coachTanya Budgeled the charge, while Courtney Garth and Claire Marks werealso notedasinfluentialinthe huge 50-36 win.

Ava Gaul, Lucy McKellar and Karina Proctor were among the Hawks' best.

Maffra did it.

The Eagles won their firstgameofthe season in Round 13 of the Gippsland League, and what a win it was over Bairnsdale.

The Maffra women got the jump on the Redlegs early, outscoring them 15 to seven in the first term, buildingupon thattolead 27 to 17 at themajor break.

The Redlegs fought back to get the game within seven points at three-quarter time, but those energetic Eagles could feel their first victory on the horizon, and went on to win 51-42.

Chloe Felsbourg, Tayli Dimarco and Matilda Pendergast were best for the Eagles, while the Redlegs' best players were Paris Dunkley, Alison Dwyer and Brielle Malady.

Sale flickedthe switch and narrowly defeated Wonthaggi Power.

The Magpies had anice six goal lead going into the second half, but only for ashort time.

The Magpies let their guard down in the third term, and the Power electrified themselves to close the margin down to asingle goal.

The fourth quarter was when the game tightened, with both teams neck-and-neck, before Sale closed to win by one, 50-49.

Sale's Teagan Harrison, DeeDee Lambert and Tori Dessent were instrumental for the Magpies, while Courtney Brann, Bella Anderson, and Chelsea Bowman starred for the Power.

INRound14oftheNorthGippslandFootball-Netball

League, Churchill stole third place on the ladder as they defeated Heyfield in anail-biting match.

The Cougarsled formostofthe game, but the Kangaroos wereeversorelenting as thematch becameaphysicalbattle, witheach team forced to work hard for every possession.

Heyfield waschasing tale in thelast quarter, and had every opportunity to capitalise on afew Churchill turnovers, but those Cougars held on to atwo-goal lead to win 34-32.

Rosedale had no trouble taking on Yallourn Yallourn North.

The Blues showed they are still aforce to be reckoned with, smashing the Jets 66-39.

Woodside also made their match against Gormandale aone-sided affair,asthe Wildcats dominated play all day, winning 79 to 24.

In the other match,Sale City followed suit, defeating Cowwarr 55-38.

Glengarry, TTU and Yarram had the bye. ROUND 13 of Mid Gippsland saw Boolarra continuetheir bulldozing form, defeatingNewborough 60 to 29.

The flagfavourites in Yinnar breezed through Stony Creek,winning75-21, provingtheir MidGippsland dominancy.

Morwell East also had an easy win against Mirboo North, with final scores 70-53.

In other games, Toora escaped ascare from Fish Creek, MDU made light work of Foster, while Hill End and Tarwin had the bye.

SENIORS

Superstar: Moe netballer Georgia Moodyhas been namedinthe Victorian Fury squad. File photograph

Gippsland Football &Netball League

SENIORS

YYN: KHughes DBath DMacdonald MLuck

DBentley AYoung.Rosedale: HBell MLazzaroLStuckey DMayman-French SCallahan HEYFIELD

GOALS: Heyfield: LBrown 7AEastham 3MBennett 2KGraham 2T Birss 2RMcMillan2 K

Hole TGraham. Churchill: CWangman 4T Sevenson 2JMason2JFenech2 DLeysK Holt B

Wight. BEST: Heyfield: KHole MBennett BWoodland RMcMillan AEastham TBirss.Churchill:

BFlanigan JFenech PKearnsCKyriacou RLowrie KHolt

GOALS: Sale City:RKop 4KMcCulloch 3LMooney 3BBrett 2J Whitehill SDeanBSafstrom

Cowwarr:KStamers 3BCoffey 2BHood LHegarty BRioli. BEST: Sale

CEvans KSellingsJ Whitehill RKop BQuirk.Cowwarr:KStamers BCoffey J

Woodside: DFarmer11MO’Sullivan 10 DMissen6 JWilliams5AJanssen 4B Tatnell

MDyke. Gormandale: NCoplandJCanning BEST: Woodside: BTatnell MO’Sullivan

JWilliams RFoat. Gormandale:N Millington WFlanagan ICopland J

PFarryBHeath

H Heyfielld thereal l dealon the back of monster win

FOOTBALL NORTH GIPPSLAND

BY TOM HAYES

THE racefor finalsisstill not over

It couldwell be over for some,but the teams in the mix still have some shuffling to do in the North GippslandFootball-Netball League.

Although, acouple of teams outside the top five are mathematicallya chance to make finals, it appears unlikely that an outsider can make it from here.

RESERVES

Sale City: LBird3DBirdA Tilley ZRobertson JO’Shea. Cowwarr:MMcNultyA Barrett CFarley ASmith AMasut NEsler BEST: Sale City:T Lindrea PJewell SThompsonALambieL

WSwanKHendersonMMcNultyDErdely JMoore

GOALS: Woodside: ZRichards 8MDuncan 5T Love 4BAskew 4C Witchell 3R Payne

Gormandale: JCaldwell BEST: Woodside: ZRichards BAskew TLoveM Duncan ADeanA

Walpole.Gormandale: SMorritt RJenkins JGreen JLeeson JSchaeche TFoster HEYFIELD

GOALS: Heyfield: WKnight 4I Wheeler 2KAnderson BKing. Churchill: RPeter JWhykes B

Kokshoorn NJohnson. BEST: Heyfield: DParkerRSmith BRonan ARoss WKnightZ Francis

Churchill: JWhykes HLowrie DYatesRCroft RPeter CO’Shea THIRDS

ROSEDALE 4.4 9.7 15.9 19.9 (123)

YYN0.0

GOALS: Rosedale: LSpeairs 8NHeathcote3HRowley3MCaruana 2ELoganJ Edney

WMurray. YYN: SBanks BEST: Rosedale: HBerryLBurgan LSpeairs XWatson LRouse N

Heathcote. YYN: JMason JPheeney JGarner SClark SBanks RBaird SALECITY5.5

GOALS: Sale City: LMann 5J Kelly 4NLawless 3D Carstairs 2T Lock 2MGonzales

GOALS: Woodside: DHarrison3JMattern

HARRIET SHING MP

Although it was an expected win, it sets the Jets up well for their run home, which sees them face Heyfield in ablockbuster this weekend,Glengarrythen Churchill before a bye in the final round.

WOODSIDE really did that.

The Wildcats putGormandale to the sword at the weekend, showingnomercy in the biggest win of the 2023 season.

Maybe we should have knownthat this game was over before it even started.

However, within the top five, plenty of movement is still on the cards, so much so that double-chance positions could be on offer in the final round.

HEYFIELD are the real deal.

Afterwitnessing first-hand of what such a youngsidewas capable of, Ithink it’s fair to say they could cause some problems in the coming months.

The Kangaroos walked off GaskinPark at the weekend, anditjust aboutstarted from the get-go.

Heyfield opened the account with afourgoal to two first term, taking atwo-goal lead into the first break.

Kangaroos playing coach Leigh Brown was alreadygetting hismitts to the football, clunkingmarks from 15 metres out and converting.

The goals flowed in the second term, as 13 majors werekicked as some freer-flowing football made an appearance.

However, it went from bad to worse for the home side, as the visitor's piled on nine of those 13, including astreak of five goals in 10 minutes,tohold a43-point halftime lead.

It was obvious that Churchill putdefensive measures into play in the second half, turning things around, but not all of the way.

The third term was highlighted by a freakleap from Heyfield youngster Asher Eastham, who climbed over aChurchill defender and one of his teammates to bring down ahuge specky.

Theyoung gun has played eight games for Gippsland Power this season, kicking nine goals, while for Heyfield’s senior side, he has kicked 10 goals from six games.

The margin still hung out at 40 points with 30 minutes to play. Although belief was still there for the Cougars, the game was just out of reach.

After another enticingquarter of wet weather footy, which saw 5.2 (32) to either side, the final siren rang, and with that Heyfield were victorious again, 20.7 (127) to 13.9 (87).

Brown finishedwith seven goals for the visitor's, while Eastham kicked three, Chris Wangmanled the way for Churchill with four of his own.

Kail Hole, Mitch Bennett, Brayden Woodland, Robert McMillan,Eastham and TysonBirss were outstanding for the Kangaroos.

While for Churchill, Bailey Flanigan was astand-out performer, as was coach Jordan Fenech, Patrick Kearns, the returning Chris Kyriacou, Ryan Lowrie and Kurt Holt.

Heyfield now face two top five sides in Yallourn Yallourn North and Traralgon

Tyers United,beforefinishing the season against Gormandale and Cowwarr.

As for Churchill, finishing fifth is still on the cards, with Glengarry to come before a bye, and in thefinal two rounds theyface YYN and TTU -there are easier runs home out there.

THE Jets are coming.

Rememberatthe start of the season when YYNsat with arecord of 3-3?

Well Idon’tthink they’llbecomplaining about where they are now.

The Jets are now just awin behind Churchill in third, which grants adoublechance berth.

YYN have won two on the trot, this time defeating Rosedale to the tune of 115 points.

Perhaps the Jets are tuning in at the right time of the season, and as long as you make finals, anything can happen.

Aftertaking a10-point lead into quarter time, the flood gates burst open in the remaining three.

Everythingbegan with an eight-goal to two second term, which burst their lead out to 49 points, and pretty much out of the realms of acomeback, covering Rosedale’s final score.

Afurther six goals in the third term to a goalless Rosedale only took things from bad to worse for the visitor's, as YYN surpassed the triple-figure mark, and another 100-point defeat loomed for the Blues.

The Jets were sure to make that turn to fruition, piling on seven more goals in the final term to Rosedale’s 2.2 (14), capping off another dominant display at George Bates Reserve, 24.11 (115) to 5.10 (40).

Keenan Hughes bagged 10 majors, while strike partner Dean Macdonald kicked nine of hisown Macdonald is now six goals clear on top with 68 in the league goal kicking standings. Both made the best for YYN, as did Dylan Bath, Mitch Luck, Dylan Bentley and Anthony Young.

For Rosedale, Hayden Bell was the most prominent figure, whileMax Lazzaro, Luke Stuckey, Darryl Mayman-French and Sam Callahan were stand-outs.

Woodsidekicked 13.3 (81) to nothing in the first quarter, yet only added 4.7 (31) to Gormandale’s one goal in the second term, to hold awhopping106-point halftime lead.

When do you take your foot off the pedal?

Apparently never, as the Wildcats another scored 100 points in aquarter, kicking 16.3 (99)inthe thirdterm, while the Tigerskicked their second for the day.

With aquarter to play, the margin sat at 199 points, and the record for the biggest win of the season was well within reach.

And theWildcatsgot there with relative ease, slotting another 8.7 (55) to nothing to claim the four points and adecent boost in their percentage, 41.20 (266) to 2.0 (12).

With goals everywhere, the only thing that surprised me was that there weren’t more goal scorers, then Isoon understood why.

Daniel Farmer kicked 11 and Michael O’Sullivan kicked 10.

That’s 106 points between the two of them, in just goals.

BaileyTatnellwas best-on-ground, prominent figures were O’Sullivan, Farmer, Daniel Missen (six goals), Jai Williams (five goals), and captain Ryan Foat.

Woodside's percentage increased by a staggering 40.92 after the game.

Nicholas Millington, Will Flanagan, Isaac Copland,JarredCanning,Pat Farryand Ben Heath were best for the Tigers.

Although it seems unlikely that Woodside can finish on top of the ladder, getting some run into thelegs of theirboyscould help them when finals comes around.

SALE City defeated Cowwarr on the road.

The Saints showed some fight in the first term, trailing by four points at the firstbreak.

The Bulldogs began to show up afterwards, kicking 15 goals in the final three quarters to the Saints' six, blowing them away on their home deck.

Nine differentgoal kickers for the Bulldogs showed their versatility and amount of options going forward.

But their brute force was almost certainly goingtobetoo muchfor Cowwarr, who have struggled for most of the season.

The final score saw Sale City jog off the Cowwarr oval 65-point winners, 17.21 (123) to 8.10 (58).

Kaden McCulloch was best on for the visitor'swith three goals. Chad Evans,Kyan Sellings, Jaxsyn Whitehill, Riley Kop (four goals), and Billy Quirk also played well.

Cowwarr’s captainKyleStamers was best for the home side, leading the way with three majors. In assistance was Ben Coffey, Jordan Anderson, Brady Hood, Rhys Luxford and Braden Johnston.

TTU, Yarram and Glengarry had the bye.

$150 WILLS & POWERS OF ATTORNEY

Contest: Heyfield passed theirlatest test defeatingChurchill. Photograph MickTyas

LocalSuns torch the Saints

FOOTBALL

AFL EXPORTS

BY TOM HAYES

THE local exports on theGold Coast got the job done against St Kilda on Saturday afternoon, keeping their finals hope alive with a26-point win.

Gold Coast led from start to finish, in apersistent effort in frontofits home crowd at Heritage Bank Stadium. It had been atumultuous week for the Suns, who sacked coach Stuart Dew.

The Suns kept the Saints goalless in the first quarter, kicking 3.2 (20) to one behind in asteady, yet dominant display.

St Kilda struggledwith converting from forward-50 entries,which has been aburden for them all season.

An evenly-shared second term kept things quite stagnant on the margin front, Gold Coast extending theirmargin ever-so-slightly up to 22 points.

Morwell’s Ben Ainsworth kicked the Suns back into gear with their first for the second term.

Moe’s Bailey Humphrey got Gold Coast off to the best of starts in the third quarter, kicking abrilliant running snap,getting loadsofair, fallingbetween the posts for amajor, and celebrating accordingly.

The Suns broke away to a28-point lead with aquarter to play, taking the game by the throat at three quarter time, but keeping the door open for the Saints with acouple of late goals.

St Kilda won the final term, but weren’t abletowin the war,still trailing by 26 points as the final siren rang.

Moe’s Sam Flanders is having himself aseason, after returningfrominjuryand adecent spell in the reserves.

Flanders had acareer-high 33 disposals, seven marks, threetacklesand five clearances, whichsaw himasthe second-highest ranked player on the ground.

Also on his stat-sheet, it is seen that he drove the footyforward with 523 metres gained,eight inside50s and six score involvements.

Ainsworth had 21 touches, nine marks, as well as agoal and eight

score involvements from his 361 metres gained.

Humphrey, who played more of a half-forward role, had 12 disposals and kicked that emphatic snapping goal.

The Suns hold onto 13th spot on the ladder, which sounds worse than it is.

They are only awin and some percentage out of the topeight, with the race forfinalsrealistically stretching down as far as Sydney in 14th -six points out of the top eight.

Gold Coast take on the task of the GWS this week, ateam that is in hot, hot form.

TRARALGON’S Andrew McQualter led Richmond to awild win in the west, defeating bottom side West Coast by 38 points at OptusStadium.

“We cameoverheretoget the job done, and we were able to do that,” McQualter said post-match.

The Tigers dominated proceedings, but weren’t able to escape the Eagles. Richmondonlyled by 11 pointsat quarter time, then 22 at the half, thanks to two very late goals.

The floodgates burst open in the third,

for both sides, but mainly the Tigers as they kicked 5.4(34) to 4.3 (27),which saw their lead grow to 29.

In the final term, Richmond kicked away late to grow the lead out to 38 points, keeping their finals hopes well and truly alive.

Richmond are now 11th, just two points and some percentage out of the top eight.

With Hawthornnext in line for the Tigers, another win is absolutely on the cards for McQualter’s men.

Something worth mentioning is the fact that McQualter hasbeen able to produce arecord between Round 11 and 18 of five-wins, two-losses, compared to Damien Hardwick’sstart to the season from Rounds1-10 (three wins, six losses, one draw), which is one of the main reasons why Richmond are in the position they are in now.

“It’s abloodyeven comp, ladder positioniswhatitis, we just gotta keep focussing on improving our footy, and we’ll end up where we end up,” McQualter added.

Life-long Kangaroo hits 300 games

been at Heyfield,”Schellensaid.

"When you start playingat10years old, and you've got family connections -like,my dad played most of his football career at Heyfield and is alife member as well -growing up in that community environment, the club becomes part of your family.

"Your winter family is the Heyfield Football-Netball Club, and it's apretty good family to be involved with, Ithink.

"Heyfield is one of those places that is just acommunity,and you look aftereachother

defeatingHeyfield 52 to 30, with so much to celebrate, there was little room to dwell on the defeat.

As the Heyfield veteranreminisced on her career, she said she was grateful for the opportunity to face fierce opposition in the NGFNL AGrade competition over the years.

"I have played with and against quite afew fiercely competitive players," Schellen said.

"There have been quite afew players Ihave enjoyed having atussle with over the years."

NORTH GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

SENIORS

One every100 games: SarahSchellen with one of the three premiership cups she has wonwith Heyfield. Photographs supplied

NETBALL NORTH GIPPSLAND

BY ZOE ASKEW

HEYFIELD Football-Netball Club loyal servant SarahSchellen celebrated an impressive milestone recently.

Schellen becamethe firstHeyfield netballer to play 300 senior club games when she ran out for the Round 13 clash against Glengarry. Whether you believe in destiny or not, Schellen was fated for anetball career with the Kangaroos, being born into the club.

Schellen played her entire junior netball career for Heyfield, and continued representing the Kangaroos on the court as she entered her senior career.

"I moved to WA for acouple of years, and Ihad aseason overthereinatown called Busselton, but other than that, Ihave only ever played at Heyfield," Schellen said.

"I coached an AGrade team at Maffra acouple of years ago -Ididn't play, Ijust coached-but other than that,I havealways

"It'slikea family; it is your family. Ithink having my dad play there, my sister Emma, she's also alife member at Heyfield, she's played all of her netball there, so to play with your sister, my daughter Jasmin, Iwas lucky enough to play some AGrade netball with her as well, it is my family."

While the 47-year-old centre has accumulated numerous accolades throughout the years, including becoming the first Heyfield player to win the North Gippsland AGrade netball best-and-fairest award in 2015, some moments stood out more than others.

"Biggest highlight is obviously playing A Grade with my daughter Jasmine and also playing three premierships alongside my sister Emma," Schellen said.

"I'm pretty lucky; not many people can say they'vewon threepremiershipswith their sister,and not many people can say they've played AGrade netball with their daughter.

"I knowthis probably sounds alittlebit daggy, but when you're on the court, and you're playing, and you hear someone say, 'Mum pass me the ball’, it's pretty funny, it's abit of afunny highlight."

Schellen has won three AGrade premiershipsplayingalongsideher sister in 1999, 2010 and 2013.

Schellen's 300th also coincided with a 10-year reunion of the 2013 premiership. Despite Schellen sufferinga loss in her milestone game, with Glengarry's BGrade

Among the many met throughout her nearly five-decade-long career, it is Joan Foat and Maureen Kelly, who've left alasting impression on Schellen.

"Joan Foat was one of my coaches when I was still an AGrade player," Schellen said.

"She just simplified my game and has been areally big inspiration.

"I just remember herwords all thetime, 'Sarah, as acentre player, all you have to do is hover and dash'. Those words juststick in my mind.

"Maureenisanother lifemember at Heyfield; she's done alot of coaching; she's justbeen involvedina lot of things throughout my time at Heyfield.

"She's someonewho everyone looked up to; she was always there, she was always there coaching, she was always umpiring, she was always helping out, canteen, everything."

For someone who loves playing netball as much as Schellen does, and someone who loves their club as much as Schellendoes,it's no surprise the Heyfield FNC life member is the first netballer to reach the 300-game milestone.

While Schellen admits reaching 400 games is "a bit out of reach", she's now aiming for 350 games, suggesting the netball veteran hasnointentions of ending her illustrious Heyfield FNC netball career anytime soon.

The Freak from the Creek: Moe footballer SamFlandersplayed ablinder forGold Coastatthe weekend,collecting 33 touches File photograph

TRARALGON DISTRICT JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Coaches signing and jumping ship

FOOTBALL

By LIAM DURKIN

WHILE there is still more than two months to go in the 2023 football season, anumber of clubs have already turned part of their attention to 2024.

Clubsacross Gippsland have begunadvertising coaching positions, opening the door to any would-be applicants.

Boolarracoach TonyGiardinahas signalled his intentions of stepping down at the end of the year.

Giardina has led the Demons across two

stints, and brought afamous Mid Gippsland Football-Netball Leagueflag to the club in 2011 Fellow Mid Gippsland coachMike Santo is also calling it aday at season’s end with Hill End.

Santo coached the Rovers to aCinderellatype GrandFinal in 2019, but times have moved quickly, with Hill End currently winless on the bottom of the ladder.

Santo had been re-signed for afurther three seasons in 2021.

Elsewhere, Gormandale is seeking expressions of interest for aplaying-coach and two playing assistants for 2024.

CENTRAL GIPPSLAND JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

“Gormandale has agood history playing in the North Gippsland Football-Netball League,” the club said in astatement.

“Our club is looking for that unique enthusiastic personwith outstanding leadership skills to workwith ourcurrenttalented young playinggroup and help Gormandale FootballNetball Club return to the powerhouse where we belong.”

NGFNL clubCowwarr has been pleased with the work of Luke Hegarty, so much so he has been re-signed as senior coach.

Hegarty’s right-hand-man, Josh Jennings has also signed on again with the Saints.

FEMALE FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND

PaxHill: JInglis Paull BHorgan JCaldwell E

PBJFC: Atangi 3L Field ADaltonAPrinceNPaulet BCuddy XPettie MAlexJ

OCliftonLBalcombe Matters.CSKangaroos: HSmith 5ARowley. BEST: PBJFC: L

Matters AMatthewsJ Pierce JSedgwick LField Atangi.CSKangaroos: HSmith P

EPalmer CMilliner HDavis ARowley

GOALS: PaxHill: LScurlock 2CStrachan HWilkie. Churchill Cougars: BLeitch-Vanzanten.

PaxHill: Details N/A. Churchill Cougars: ZGina RFraser-MathewsR MiddletonTRennie

LButchers

GOALS: Glengarry: FWaiteRDawson. West EndBombers: Details N/A. BEST: Glengarry:

N/A. West EndBombers:BFulham MCochrane BNurse TCliftL Nicola MWatson

4.0

YINNAR MAGPIES0.0

11.2 11.2 (68)

1.2(8)

GOALS: SSJFC:S DARBY4H MACPHERSON4 TBENBOW2G DENG.YINNARMAGPIES:H

RICHER. BEST: SSJFC:B GARLAND HMACPHERSON SDARBYR WINKLER RHORNSTRA E

YINNAR MAGPIES: DETAILSN/A.

2.4 4.5 5.6 5.6 (36) CS KANGAROOS 1.12.1 3.2 5.3(33)

GOALS:

July 22

Noon. 12.25 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) 1.25

The Durrells. (PG, R) 2.15 LouisTheroux

Interviews. (Maln, R) 3.00 Grand Designs

Revisited. (PG, R) 3.55 Landline. (R) 4.25

After The Smoke. 4.35 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R) 5.05 TheDarkEmu Story.(PG,R)

6.30 New Leash On Life. (R)

Hosted by Joel Creasey

7.00 ABCNews. Alook at the top stories of theday

7.30 Sister Boniface Mysteries.

(PG) When aGerman mayor visits the town to partakeinawar memorial ceremony,tragedy strikes.

8.15 Vera (Mav,R)After ayoung man is found dead in theback of atruck, Vera and theteaminvestigate.

9.50 BayOfFires. (MA15+v,R)

Afterbeing targeted by hitmen, a corporate CEOand her two kids are sent to aremote Tasmanian town.

10.45 Miniseries: Marriage.

(Ml, R) Part 3of4

11.45 Rage (MA15+adhlnsv)

Music video clips.

6.00 MorningPrograms. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.00 Barkley Manor 11.00 Tour De France: Bonjour Le Tour.(R) 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France.Stage 19.Highlights. 1.00 WorldWatch.

2.00 Heliopolis:The CityOfThe Sun. (PGa, R) 3.00 Baiae:The AtlantisOfRome. (PG, R)

4.00 TrailTowns.(R) 4.30 Tour De France: Bonjour Le Tour 5.30 The Rise Of The Nazis. (PGav,R)

6.30 SBS World News

7.30 Going PlacesWith Ernie Dingo.

(PG) Ernie Dingo cruises Danggu Gorge.

8.30 Amazing Railway Adventures With Nick Knowles: Norway. (PG) Nick Knowles exploresNorwaybyrail, from the Viking capital of Trondheim, through tree-linedfjords and snow-capped mountain scenery, to thecoastal city of Bodo and the regional station at Hell.

9.25 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 20 Belfort to Le Markstein Fellering. 133.5km mountain stage. From France.

1.35 Witch Hunt (Mal,R)

3.25 French Food Safari. (R)

4.25 Bamay (R)

5.00 NHK World EnglishNewsMorning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6.00 NBCToday [VIC]HomeShopping.

7.00 WeekendSunrise. 10.00 TheMorning

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Football. AFL.Round 19.PortAdelaide vCollingwood.From Adelaide Oval.

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

11.00 To Be Advised.

1.00 Travel Oz (PG, R) Greg Grainger takes alookata variety of holiday destinations, including Lord Howe Island and Middleton Reef [VIC]HomeShopping.

1.30 Harry’s Practice (R) Dr Harry Cooper and Dr KatrinaWarren present informationabout animals and petcare.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 GetArty. (R) Ashowcase of artprojects.

5.00 House Of Wellness (PG, R) Alook at locations that highlight living well

6.00 Nine News Saturday.

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 Cricket. TheAshes.Fourth Test. England vAustralia. Day 4. Morningsession. From Old Trafford, Manchester,England. (Please note: alternativeschedule may be shown due to changes to cricket coverage).

10.40 Cricket. The Ashes. Fourth Test. Englandv Australia. Day 4. Afternoon session. From Old Trafford,Manchester, England.

3.30 Destination WA (R) Trevor Cochrane discovers springtime in Chittering.

Christina Morrissystops into Laverton.

4.00 TV Shop:Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R) Acelebration of people andorganisations across Australia which make the world abetterplace

6am Morning Programs.

2.30pm NRL Women’s Post-Match 3.00 Rugby League.NRL

Sunday, July 23

6.30 Compass:Music Central. Alook at the power of music.

7.00 ABC News. Alook at the top stories of theday

7.30 Restoration Australia: Pinnaroo (PG) Hosted by Anthony Burke.

8.30 BayOfFires. (Mal) Stella and her kids become more acquainted with Mystery Bay and its inhabitants.

9.25 Miniseries: TheBeast Must Die (Mal) Part 2of5.Frances tracks down the man that shebelieves is responsiblefor the death of her son.

10.10 Miniseries: WhyDidn’t They Ask Evans? (Malv, R) Part 3of3

11.10 Miniseries: Small Axe. (Ma, R)

12.15 Rage Vault (MA15+adlnsv)

2.10 Escape From TheCity (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.30 When Champollion Meets Ramses II. Takesalook at French philologist Jean-Francois Champollion’s journey to Egypt.

8.30 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 1. Clermont-Ferrand to Clermont-Ferrand.124km flat stage. From France. Commentary fromMatthew Keenan and Dr Bridie O’Donnell.

12.00 Cycling Tour de France. Final stage.

4.00 French Food Safari. (R) Maeve O’Mearaand Guillaume Brahimi visit amarket

5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 Al JazeeraNews

7.00 WeekendSunrise.

6.00 SevenNews

7.00 DancingWith TheStars. (PG) Celebritiesshow off their dance skills.

8.55 7NEWSSpotlight. An exclusive, special investigation

9.55 TheLatest: SevenNews.

10.25 Born To Kill? David Gore And Fred Waterfield (MA15+av) Alook at David Goreand Fred Waterfield.

11.30 AutopsyUSA: Michael ClarkeDuncan. (PGad) Alookat thedeath of Michael ClarkeDuncan.

12.30 All Together Now–The 100 (PG, R) Hosted by Julia Zemiro [VIC]HomeShopping.

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBCToday

5.00 SevenEarly News.

5.30 Sunrise

6.00 Nine News Sunday.

7.00 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

8.00 TheMurder Of LynDawson: ReasonableDoubt. (Mal) Part 4of4.Nearly 40 years have passedwhena podcast investigation spurs authoritiestoaction.

9.00 World Aquatics Championships. Fukuoka 2023.Day 1. Finals. From Fukuoka, Japan.

11.20 TheFirst48: UnspeakablePt1 (Mal) Alook at the murder of Carl Harris.

12.10 Law&Order:Organized Crime. (Mv,R)

6.00 To Be Advised.

7.00 TheDog House Australia. (PG, R) Follows the staff at the Animal Welfare League as it tries to find arescue for a teenager whose parents cannot decide on abreed, and anew family for atimid Maltese cross. Narrated by Dr Chris Brown.

8.00 NCIS: LosAngeles. (Mv) When the NCIS team receives an urgent cryptic message,agents Devin Roundtree and FatimaNamazimust work together to solve the case. Kilbride plans to visit his son, and Callen asks Samtobehis best man.

11.00 TheCheap Seats. (Mal,R)From major newsstories to entertainment and viral videos, presenters Melanie Bracewelland TimMcDonald take alookatthe weekthatwas.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

5.00 Hour OfPower. Religious program.

1.45pm Rugby League. NRLWomen’s Premiership Cronulla Sharks vCanberraRaiders. 3.30 Rugby League. NRL. Cronulla SharksvManly Sea Eagles.

M*A*S*H. 7.30 Cricket. TheAshes. Fourth Test.

6.30 TheSundayProject. Alook at the day’snews.

7.30 Hunted (PGal) Life on the run is provingtoo muchfor onefugitive. Awild game of catand mouse nears its end.

9.10 FBI. (Madv) OA worries Maggie is rushing back into the job too quickly as she helps investigate two homicides involving alaw studentontrack to attend the FBIAcademy andayoung man with possiblegang ties.

10.05 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv,R)After ransomware is usedtocause the controls on adam to malfunction, Ernie is tasked with finding the culprit.

11.00 TheSundayProject. (R) Alook at the day’snews.

12.00 Home Shopping (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

1.00 Queen Of Oz. (Ml, R)

1.25 Vera (Mav,R)

3.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

4.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.00 Australian Story. (R)

5.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

6.00 TheDrum.

7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 7.30 PresentedbySarah Ferguson.

8.00 Back Roads: Walhalla, Victoria. Heather Ewartvisits Walhalla.

8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program exposing scandals, triggering inquiries,firing debate and confronting taboos.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Paul Barry takes alook at thelatest issues affecting media consumers.

9.35 Q+A. (Return) Public affairs program.

10.35 ABCLateNews.

10.50 TheBusiness. (R)

11.10 Miniseries: TheBeast MustDie. (Mal, R)

11.55 TheSplit. (Ml, R)

12.55 The Upside. (PG,R) 1.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 AntiquesRoadshow (PG,R) 4.30 The Drum. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6.00 MorningPrograms. 11.00 Tour De France: Bonjour Le Tour.(R) 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Final stage.Highlights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Mastermind Aust. (R) 2.35

Jeopardy!(R)

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

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.30 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes (PG)Robson Green is joinedbyTom Brittney

8.40 TheGreat House Revival: Craughwell, Co Galway. (PG) Hugh Wallace meets acouple who are renovating atraditional cottage and barn

9.35 24 Hours In Emergency:Teenage Dreams. (M) Three femalestudents who havepotentially been the victims of spiking end up at Queen’s Medical Centre.

10.30 SBS World NewsLate

11.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 2

1.50 Gomorrah. (MA15+sv, R)

3.35 French Food Safari. (PG, R) 4.35 Bamay

(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home And Away (PG)

7.30 MOVIE: John Farnham: Finding TheVoice. (2023,Mal) Acelebration of one of Australia’s greatestsingers, John Farnham, and his journey to success. John Farnham, Jimmy Barnes.

9.30 9-1-1: Lone Star (Mav) Grace and Carlos worktogether whenthey suspect ayoung woman wasthe victim of an organ trafficking ring.

11.30 TheBlacklist (M) Congressman Hudson’s investigation escalates.

12.30 Billy Connolly: TheUltimate World Tour (PGln,R)Billy Connolly looks at 25 years of travelogues.

1.30 Harry’sPractice. (R) [VIC]HomeShopping.

4.00 NBCToday

5.00 SevenEarly News.

5.30 Sunrise

Tuesday, July 25

7.30 7.30 Presented by SarahFerguson.

8.00 New Leash On Life.

Hosted by Joel Creasey

8.30 WarOnWaste. (PG) Part 1of3.Craig Reucassel dives deep into Australia’s waste crisis to uncoverthe truth about recycling.

9.30 Louis Theroux Interviews... Bear Grylls. (Ma, R) Louis Theroux chats with Bear Grylls.

10.15 ABC LateNews

10.30 TheBusiness. (R)

10.50 Four Corners. (R)

11.35 Media Watch. (PG, R)

11.50 Miniseries: Marriage. (Ml, R)

12.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.30 AntiquesRoadshow.(R) 4.30 TheDrum

(R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 GreatCoastal Railway Journeys: Hornsea To Spurn Point. (PG) Hosted by Michael Portillo

8.30 Insight. Kumi Taguchi takes alookatwhether all thehype around AI can be justified.

9.30 Dateline. Alook inside a Ukrainian militaryfield hospital.

10.00 SBSWorld News Late.

10.30 Living Black. (R)

11.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 3.

1.50 No Man’s Land.(MA15+av,R) 3.40

FrenchFood Safari. (R)

4.10 Destination

FlavourDownUnder. (R) 4.40 Bamay.(R)

5.00 NHK World EnglishNewsMorning. 5.30

ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home And Away (PGa)

7.30 Million DollarIsland. (Final, PGa) Hosted by AntMiddleton.

9.00 TheRookie. (Mav) The search fora missing boyleads the team into the middle of adrug warbetween two rival gangs.

10.00 TheRookie: Feds. (Mav)Garza’s team is assigned as aprotectivedetail.

11.00 TheLatest: SevenNews.

11.30 TheBlacklist. (Mav)

12.30 S.W.A.T. (Mv,R) [VIC]HomeShopping.

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00

6.00 Nine News

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Rush. (PGl) The teams haveanintense cultural experience when theyare dropped into theworld of Kenya’sMaasai tribe.

9.00 World Aquatics Championships. Fukuoka 2023.Day 2. Finals. From Fukuoka, Japan.

10.50 Footy Classified. (M) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues.

11.45 Mr Mayor. (PG)

12.10 BlackWidow: TheKilling Of David Jackson: Part 2. (Mav)

1.00 HelloSA. (PG)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Believer’sVoice Of Victory. (PGa)

6.30 TheProject Alook at the day’snews andevents

7.30 Hunted. In areal-life game of cat and mouse,ordinary Aussiesgo on the run from ateam of experts.

8.40 Have YouBeen Paying Attention? (Malns) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the mostabout events of the week.

9.40 JustFor Laughs Australia. (Final, Mls) Stand-up comedy performances featuringNikki Britton, Cam Knightand TomBallard.

10.10 FBI: MostWanted. (Mv,R) Theteam is called to Vermont.

11.00 TheProject. (R) Alook at the day’snews and events.

12.00 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBS Mornings.

6.00 Nine News.

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 Rush. (Final, PGl)The last three travellersarriveinSouth Africa for amonumental final challenge that will test them to their limits.

9.00 World Aquatics Championships. Fukuoka 2023.Day 3. Finals.FromFukuoka,Japan

11.15 See No Evil: TheWhite Cellphone. (Ma) Alook at the 2014 murder of Tequila Suter

12.10 CourtCam (Mav)

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Believer’sVoice Of Victory. (PGa)

6.30 TheProject Alook at the day’snews and events

7.30 Hunted. In areal-lifegameof cat and mouse, ordinary Aussiesgo on the run froma team of experts.

8.40 TheCheapSeats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald takea look at the weekthat was.

9.40 NCIS (Mav,R)The team probes the apparent suicide of aretired US Navy officer who wasinPalmer and Knight’sgrief group

10.30 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv,R)Torres andKnight travel to Hawai’i

11.30 TheProject. (R) Alook at the day’snews and events

12.30 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

Discover the Power of Dental Crowns

Who remembersseeing areally old pirate with agold tooth? Or maybe it wasn’t apirate youcan recall having gold teeth, but your grandparents!

Did youeverwonder why those people hadgold teeth?

Back then, Metal caps or “crowns” were the strongest materials to rebuild broken or decayed teeth. With time, toothcoloured fillings replaced gold caps and became the preferred method of repairing damaged teeth. These tooth coloured fillings areamazing at repairing teethwith mild to

Fit for Life

moderate damage but tend to keep breaking when they are used to repair heavily damaged teeth. Fillings aredesigned to “fill” teeth, but cannotcope when morethan 70 %of the toothneeds to be repaired, when the toothisheavily cracked or when the repaired toothhas areally heavybite. In these situations, the alternativewould be to pull these teethout or keep repairing theseteeth with fillings over and overagain. Both these options can end up being really painful, expensiveand inconvenient.

At Latrobe Family Dental, we use some of the strongest materials in the world and our custom fabricatedcrowns are made in Victoria itself. These crowns aremadebymaster ceramists who we havealongstanding relationship with because of the qualityoftheir work. Our crowns aretooth coloured, and blend in so beautifully thatmost patients can’t differentiate them from natural teeth. They areasstrongas metal and havethe addedadvantage of being able to fused to your teeth, and notjust cemented on.

Free your legs from varicose veins

Thelatestadvancedtreatmentsfor vein removalperformed by Dr GaneshaParam

Thereisnomajor surgeryorgeneral anaesthetic,onlyoutstanding results with minimal downtime.

Medicare rebates available

Disclaimer:

Anymedical procedure can carryrisks. Please seek professional opinion before deciding if atreatment is suitable for you.

New primaryhealth service launched

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

CENTRALISED, convenient and accessible is what theGippsland Primary Health Network (Gippsland PHN) aims to be.

Last Thursday, July 13, GippslandPHN launched its new primary healthcare services designed by thepeople and for the people who usethem.

The room had acelebratory feel as years of hard work came to fruition with the public launch of the new Gippsland PHN services.

The pilot program is aGippsland-first, and is integrated as apart of thefederal government’s primary health care reform.

The new servicewill now make accessing primary health services more continentassocialand health services will operate out of the Churchill Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS) building.

This module facilitates collaboration between staff and fields, allowing for acatered needs approach, meanspeople accessingthe services will be able to save time and energy.

Gippsland PHN acting chief executive officer Angela Jacob said the service is aboutproviding people with what they want.

“What’ssouniqueabout it is that it’s been designed by the community and with lots of consultation,from also healthprofessionals and members of the community,” she said.

In aGippsland-wide and extensive consultation process that included workshops, surveys and real-life engagement,people wereaskedwhatgood health care looked like to them.

In additiontoturning to thecommunity, Gippsland PHN also tookonthe views of many other key stakeholdersincluding, general practitioners, nurses allied healthprofessionals, pharmacists, community health, health advocacy groups,health assemblies, ambulance and hospital staff to get holistic and extensive views.

Key feedback from the Gippsland PHN Health Needs Assessment 2022-2025 also found consumers wanted improved access to more coordinated approaches to healthcare, which includes health professionals working together as ateamtobetter addresstheir multiple needs.

“They’ve told us they want to access healthcare in one place where health professionals can work as ateam and where they don’t have to tell their story multiple times,” Ms Jacob said.

Respondents from the consultation said they wanted regularand affordable access to healthcare nearby, aone-stop shop where you only have to tell your story once, desired to be heard and respected, preventative measures and collaborative approaches.

In response to the feedback, the service model was designed to includeacarecoordinator at the centre, organising multiple appointments and coordinating care across health services, health professionals, community organisations and social services.

“This program is in alignment with the Australian government primary care reforms, and we’re trying to provide some innovation which better fits what the community wants. So it’s aplace-based solution,” the Gippsland PHN chiefexecutivesaid.

The pilot service will be rolled out in the Latrobe Valley and East Gippsland for two years, with evaluation and the added potential to extend the programoverother Gippsland local government areas in the future.

“The Gippsland PHN has aseparate grant that we received throughthe federal governmentto evaluatethis modelofcare, so we’ll be working with the services and collecting data and information and feedback from the clients who use the services,” Ms Jacob said.

The evaluation will with a“view to demonstrate thei act that the services have and also provide scaled and said.

The Latrobe Valley will specialise as acare hub for disadvantaged children and families.

According to the Gippsland PHN, the Valley has high rates of social and economic deprivation,where therecontinues to be acycle with the vulnerabilities of the youngest in the community continue to affect them throughout their lives.

LCHSManagerPaediatric andYouthHub, Selina Northover, said this new program would be agreat way to provide an integrated approach to health and welfare services.

Based in Churchill, this innovative clinic will be an integrated health and welfare service model for vulnerable children and families in Latrobe.

LCHS will work closely with Berry Street to deliver the service. When aperson visits the hub, the first meeting will be with acare coordinator and social service navigator, who will coordinate healthcare, social services and even transport needs.

Ms Northover explained that LCHS and Berry Street, havingalready workedcloselytogether, will put them under the same roof to provide the best sort of care to its service users through theprogram.

“People will come in, and they’ll see someone from both Berry Street and LCHS, and then their goals will be discussed with them -wewill work from there -tolinking them to services they need to meet those goals,” she said.

“We (the two service providers)experience similar yet slightly different issues in that post-COVID, we are getting in many more complex families coming in for health care, but we know they are not following through in what they need healthwise because of their social welfare issues,”Ms Northover explained.

Ms Northover added that Berry Street experienced the same issue but in viceversawhenit comes to social wellbeing.

“Hopefully, as we growand get more established, we might be able to get more servicesonboard

that would assist with families and children,” Ms Northover added.

East Gippsland’s model will specialise in providing first-rate care to remote communities by setting up service hubs in local areas.

These hubs will eliminate the four-hour round trip to Bairnsdale or eight to Melbourne by providing premium access to care coordinators, who will visitthose with chronic health conditions to support, monitor and evaluate their symptoms. The care coordinators will also be able to connect patients from their homes to specialiststhrough telehealth and through tools likeMicrosoft Hololens,a technological lensthat providesaugmented reality to helpspecialistsdiagnose and treat overthe internet connection.

Many stakeholders came to witness the launch last Thursday, including Member for Morwell Martin Cameron, East Gippsland Deputy Mayor Councillor Arthur Allenand Latrobe City Councillor Tracie Lund.

Cr Lund spoke of howproudcouncil was in supportingground-breaking initiatives such as Gippsland PHN’s placed-based work.

“I think this is aremarkable initiative that will have ahugeimpact in our community, one of the things we know when we’re talking to people and when we’re providing care is it doesn’t always connect well, and there can be barriers around access,” Cr Lund said.

“We’re extremely proudtobeout heresupporting these great initiatives that will be agame changer formany people in our community.”

The newinitiativebegan at thestart of themonth, but is currently in an establishment period that will last afew months.

LCHS has already hired three new staff to prepare for the new program, and will get underway as soon as the groundwork is founded.

Proud: Gippsland Public HealthNetwork (Gippsland PHN) launched theirnew service model last Thursday. Pictured is Latrobe CommunityHealth Services chief executiveBen Leigh, GippslandPHN acting chiefexecutiveAngela Jacob,LCHS executive director of primaryhealth Andrina Romano and LCHS manager of Paediatric and Youth Hub Selina Northover. Photograph ZaidaGlibanovic

Snow season starts at Mt Baw Baw

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

LET it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Unfortunately for snow sports lovers, the snow season has yet to really take off.

Minimal snowfall has meant snowmachinesare in, but if you’re itching to get out and about, the snow season at Mt Baw Baw has officially begun. Around an hour’s drivefrom the heartofthe Latrobe Valley through winding forests and scenic views lays the breathtaking Mt Baw Baw Alpine resort, with its peak 1564 metres in the clouds.

Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort is the closest downhill skiresort to Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula,and attracts thousandsoftourists every year.

Mt Baw Baw is ayear-round resort that caters to snow aficionados in the winter and outdoor explorers, hikers, and bike riders in the summer. Due to the terrain and lift network, Mt Baw Baw

snowfields are good for novice to intermediate snowboarders and downhill and cross-country skiers during the winter.You'll have aterrific time with 30 hectares of groomed slopes, seven ski lifts, three snow play zones, Australia's longest toboggan park, 10 kilometresofcross-country ski routes, and infinite territory amid the snow gums to explore.

Erica Ski Hire is where most Valley locals go to deck themselves out in snow gear and prepare their snow chains as they head up to the High Country.

Afamily business for the past 33 years, Brooke Campbell and husband Matt Youd took over the business fromBrooke’s parents, Trevorand Sue Campbell.

Mr Youd said the start of the snow season has been fairly average so far.

“(Peak times) depends on the year, so last year I think, all the planets aligned, everyone sort of came out of lockdown, snow fell pretty early, we had a very solid season last year,” he said.

“It’s abit more typical this year so the snow has been abit hitormiss at Mt Baw Baw and Mount St Gwinear but generally, Julyand August have a bit more snow up there and abit more predictable snowfall.”

Despite typical snowfall, the snow season-opening weekend at Mt Baw Baw on Saturday, June 10 was met with minimal snow. However, when school holiday time came around, the mountain tops soon turned white as the snow fell and provided some fresh soft powderfor kids to ski, snowboard and toboggan down

Mt Baw Baw wishes to alert guests that there is currently low snow and limited terrain, encouraging them to check their website's live cameras and snow reports before travelling.

The resort hosts anumberofspecial events during

the snow season, including night skiing sessions, live music and themed events.

The slopesattract manypeoplefromall walks of life, especially young families.

The Bradyfamily from Mornington peninsula, also owningafarm in Yarragon, were keen to share their experience with the Express

Nerine Pearce went to the snowwith her daughter and grandchildren Mason and Mimi.

“We’ve never really been to Mt Baw Baw before,” she said, but now having had ataste of what the resort has to offer, the grandmother said it was a good experience.

“It’s good for young kids starting out and people juststarting to learn,” she added as she helped young Mason off his snowboard.

When it comes to prices, Ms Pearce said, “it’snot bad,” in comparison to other day trip activitiesshe andthe grandkidshave been on, especially down suburban areas.

Six-year-old Mimi had an absolute blast building her snowman, Olaf, named after the Disney Frozen character.

When asked what she had been doing with her time in the snow, youngMimi said with asmile from ear-to-ear that she had been “making snowmen, on the snowboard but mostly playing.”

Mimi’s favouritepartofthe snow was too hardto put afinger on, so she answered with “everything”.

Upon the Express'visit, Mt Baw Baw only had one lift in operation for the small Hut Roll slope. If you wish to see some real snowfall, it is best to wait and watch the weather, otherwise feel freeto head up to the high country and enjoy the many other treasures to be found.

Kilmany rail bridge successfullyslid into place

MOVED into place across 25-metres in 32 hours, the new Kilmany rail bridge has successfully slid into place as part of the PrincesHighway Upgrade.

The move was completed on Saturday, July 8at 10pm,withMajor Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) and Laing O’Rourke crews working around the clock to ensure the safe relocation of the bridge.

The new Kilmany rail bridge slide capped off a rare, but unique feat within Australian engineering, with the 3200-tonne network-arch bridge moved into its new home on the Gippsland train line.

The bridge was slid into place using aslide channel and hydraulic jacks on asledgeasthe 3200-tonnestructure made thejourney at a maximum speed of 2.2 metres per hour.

The bridge was built offline adjacent to the rail line to allow train services to run as normal while constructioncrews builtthe bridge structure, minimising disruptions and allowing for the bridge to be moved, installed and the line reopened all within one short rail occupation. Work will now start to dig underneaththe bridge, where the Princes Highway will run under the rail line, making for easier road and rail journeys throughoutGippsland for residents, commuters and visitors.

The rail-over-road bridge is part of the third and final stage of the Princes Highway East Upgrade and will replace the existing rail underpass that was built around 1965.

“Aftera32-hour journey, the Kilmany rail bridge hasbeen successfully slid into place on the Gippsland line,” Major Road Projects Victoria Program Director, Brendan Pauwels said.

“Wehave started works to lay tracks and prepare thebridge before reopening the train line to

regional rail passengers later this month.”

The Princes Highway East Upgrade will add 43 kilometresofnew lanes to the Princes Highway betweenTraralgon and Sale.

This is thethird andfinal stage of the project, which will add an extra 12kmofconsistent two-lane highway.

MRPV said the new lanes will bring immediate safety improvements for up to 15,000 motorists who usethis stretch of road everyday and improve journey times between Traralgon and Sale.

Arangeofsafety improvements will be delivered including, wider shoulders and centre median with flexible safety barriers to improve safety by reducing the risk of run-off road and head-on crashes. This stretch of road is also agateway to arange of Gippsland tourist destinations including the snowfields and Gippsland Lakes. The project will make travel safer for day-trippers and holidaymakers, helping the region recover from the devastating bushfire season, through increased tourism.

As part of the project MRPV will:

*Add two additionallanes to provide aconsistent dual lane highway with acentral median at Flynn, Kilmany and Kilmany East;

*Strengthen the existinghighway,install safety barriers and tactile edge lines;

*Provide regular U-turn facilities;

*Upgrade an additional six intersections, including dedicated turning lanes;

*Improve local road and private access to the highway, including aservice road in the Kilmany township, and;

*Construct anew rail-over-road solution at Kilmany, completing the finalstage of the Princes Highway East Duplication Project between Traralgon and Sale.

Shred: Mt BawBaw still hassome terrain available to ski down.

Bird’seye: The 25-metremovewas completed last week as thenew Kilmanyrail bridgewas successfullyslid intoplace Photograph supplied

Familyfun: Nerine Pearcehaving fun in the snowwithher grandchildren Mimi and Mason.

Photographs ZaidaGlibanovic

Afurther lookinto‘TheVoice’

ATRARALGON resident asked her Federal MP to access the information she has recommended and be even-handed in his commentary about 'The Voice'.

Well, Ihave done some research and found that there are some 250 different Indigenous cultures in Australia, and within each culture, thereare at least seven clans and 250 languages including 800 dialects.

I'm wondering how all these Indigenous people have their voices heard if the 'YES' campaign gets up.

The resident also refers to Kerry O'Brien and Thomas Mayo's book Voice to Parliament

In fact, Thomas Mayo is promoting"Astep towards getting non-Indigenous Australians to pay rent for living on Australian land."

He says the way to do this is through aconstitutionally enshrined representative body "that the politicians cannot ignore".

Mayo continues that 'the Pay the Rent' initiative proposes aweekly payment from non-Indigenous homeowners to a"sovereign body of First Nations people" who will decide where the money is allocated without government input.

We already pay 'rent' in the form of land tax. We do not need 'Mayo's tax'?

There is $2 billioninthis year'sbudget for the Indigenous community and $200million being spent on the ‘YES’ campaign.

How much is the federalgovernment puttinginto all the other individual cultures that call Australia home?

This 'Voice' is not 'even handed' and Ifor one will be voting 'NO' in the referendum.

Brian Mawhinney Traralgon

Enough is enough

HEAR! Hear!

Roy, Itotally agree with your letter (Enough is Enough, LV Express,July 52023). Only one thing I wouldadd is for Lunda Burney to say Peter Dutton is using Trump-tactics is rude and hurtful.

The whole argument is certainly dividing the country, and the longeritgoes on, the worse it could get.

There are so many mixed races of people in this country, including Indigenous and many disadvantaged, whoare entitled to live in harmony with equalrights, which is what we should be aiming for.

Val Crane Traralgon

Be careful

TO the driver who lost apiece of large metal on the road to Churchill, you were lucky the large piece that felloff and hit the road in frontofmebounced to the side of the road.

It missed my car by about 10 feet. This could so easily have been anasty accident.

Tie up your loads properly.

Iwas very lucky not to have been another statistic.

Irene Oldham Traralgon

Complaints policy

OVER my 40-year career, Ihave served in four state government departments and three local government councils. So Ihave considerable knowledge in matters of integrity and good governance.

Iamanexpert in public relations, customer service, conflictmanagement and Occupational Health and Safety.

Therefore, you could imagine my surprise when

on May 4, 2023,I received aletter falselyclaiming someonethought Ihad been “unreasonable”.

The ‘fit up’ letter had apparently been invented and co-authored by asenior manager and library supervisor at Latrobe City.

It can only be described as malicious victimisation, typified by dishonesty, misrepresentation, unprofessional conduct, conspiracy to deny justice andanact of overtpolitical corruption.

The only information in the letter that was true and correct was the date and mailing address.

Nowhere are any facts cited, evidence provided or identities stated.

No incident report, no CCTV, no recorded conversations or transcripts. In fact, afriend serving in Victoria Police suggested it was a‘letter of invention’. That’s where you are not accusedofanything at all, but rather you’re implied of everything by insinuation, inference and innuendo.

The questionable letter breached my Freedoms, Civil Liberties and Human Rights.

It temporarilyexcludes me from LatrobeCity Venues, without cause or justification.

The truth is: Ihad done nothing wrong!

The ‘fit up’ letter is premised on acomplaint that I have never seen by persons unknown? How do you deny or defend yourself against secretallegations?

Irequested ameeting with Latrobe City, twice, I’m stillwaiting. It is self evidentLatrobe City have not acted in accordance with complaint procedures and havenointention of resolvingissues in an impartial and equitable manner.

Latrobe City does have acomplaint process, but it was never properly applied. It requires:

(1) Frontline Resolution, that simply did not happen!

(2) Investigation. How do you conduct an investigation where the innocent party is excluded and unable to refute the invented falsehoods?

(3)AnInternal Review.That wasnothing more than a‘rubber stamp’ for aboss misusing hisposition. Any suggestions of me being a danger to stafforpatrons is ridiculous fiction.

(4) Access to an external review. State Ombudsman, Local Government Inspectorate, VCAT, IBAC.

Latrobe City is presently being referred to The Victorian State Ombudsman for investigation for questionable customer servicepractices, incompetent complaint handling, unreasonable decisions and unjustly imposed limitations and failure to comply with their own policies.

The Ombudsman has the same powersasaRoyal Commission.

The Andrews Administration amended the Local Government Act in recent years to ‘silence’ councillorsand exclude anyone thought ‘unreasonable', if they question left-wing policies, poor customer service, etc. Effectively, it’s adiscretionary policy applied prejudicially,that interferes with your freedoms and denies your right to fairness, justice and the rule of law

Thomas Quinn

Moe

Bad roadsare dangerous roads

REGIONAL drivers are forced to drive on crumbling roads, but life only gets harder under Labor as motor costs continuetorise and road maintenance continues to be neglected.

Labor’s incompetence has left Victorians broke, continuingtopunish familieswithanother rise in motor costs.

Families continue to be slugged, with the cost of car registration and licence fees rising for another year.

Regional Victorians will now have to find almost $850 in the household budget to register the family car.

Victorian road users are paying more for less, with the Andrews Labor government slashing their road maintenance funding by 45 per cent since 2020.

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) will be raided by Labor,again, whichputsvitalroad safety initiatives and accident responses at risk to balancethe government’s budget.

With car feesincreasing despite ourroads deteriorating, the cost of living only gets tougher for hardworking Victorians.

Labor is unwillingtofix our roads but continues to hammer Victorian road users with price increases.

Bad roads are dangerous roads, which sadly the Andrews Labor government refuses to address, with more than 150 tragic deaths in 2023 -30per cent more than this time last year. These are not juststatistics,they are somebody’s mother, father or sibling.

While afamily member is missing from thedinner table, Labor continues to neglect our roads.

Managing director of road surfacing company VSA Roads, Justin Bartlett, said they have witnessed amassive deterioration of Victorian roads since 2022.

“Our rural main road and highway network has quickly become one that resemblesa patchwork quilt with short-term quick fixes becoming the norm …the decisiontocut offall fundingdefies any logic," he said.

WhileLaborrefuses to properly maintain our roads,Daniel Andrews and Jacinta Allanare happy to send Victorian road users higher bills to use dodgy roads riddled with potholes.

Peter Walsh

Leader of The Nationals

Nation in reverse

REINFORCING the comments made by Gary Banks AO, former Headofthe Australian Productivity Commission, in his article titled Our nation stuck in reverse (The Australian, 7/3/2023, Page 1) in which he refers, inter alia, to "the useless sacrificingofour economyfor no gain", former Chief Scientist of Australia (1999 to 2006), Robin Batterham, recentlyreleased the findings of a two-year study on achieving net-zero, conducted by 40 topAustralian scientists (Ballerham being one of them).

They found:

1. It is possible to achieve net-zero with wind and solar energy by 2060 but not 2050.

2. This is premised on the unequivocal conditionthat coal and gas will be needed in Australia until at least 2040.

3. The total cost of net-zero will be $2000 billion ($2 trillion).

4. As adirect consequence, this will bankrupt theAustralian economy and result in eternal poverty for millions of people forced to pay ever-highergas and electricity prices to achieve all this.

Joseph Lis Morwell

Further detail

DARREN Chester is being either disingenuous or misleading when he claims that the government must supply more “detail” on The Voice before we can vote ‘YES’.

Disingenuous because, as an MP, he should know that referendums only ever make high level changes to the Constitution.

The detail is in any legislation that Parliament subsequently debates and amends from time to time. Surely, he has aresponsibility as an MP to not confuse or mislead us abouthow lawsare made He could also be pointing people to the “design principles of the Voice” for all the detail that is needed to vote.

Misleading because of his statements online implyinga lawyer’s picnic of cases smothering government.

Thisposition has been debunked by many of our leading Constitutional and judicial experts.

Inote that the body’s role is 100 per cent advisory; therewillbenocompulsion to act on anything that is put forward, just as there is no compulsion to act on the inputs of the more than 2500 registered lobbyists to the federal government.

Like him, Iwishwecould have amore honest and open debate about the Voice.

He could help by finding away to tell Peter Dutton that his constant streams of disinformation are not helping the debate and certainly don’t paint him in any positive way as apotential future leader for the nation.

We comprehensivelyvoted outthe Abbott/ Morrison model of 'government' but Dutton seems to think we want it back.

Tell him he’s dreaming!

John Gwyther Coongulla

THE Latrobe Valley Express welcomes letters to the editor.

Preference willbegiven to brief, concise letters which address local issues.

The editor Liam Durkin, reserves the right to edit lettersfor reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publish any letter without explanation.

The Express does not publish letters from anonymous contributors.

Letters mustincludeaphonenumber, email address and the author's hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity. Readersare entitled to one right of reply to aletter directed at them.

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

The letters section is designed to allow peopletohave theirsay,and not be hijacked forpolitical agendas.

Email letters to news@lvexpress.com.au and include 'letter to the editor' in the subject line.

Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm.

Factorsleading to hardwooddecline

COMMENT

BY JOHN CAMERON

THE decline in native hardwood log supply over the past eight years has been caused by several factors, chiefly: VicForests management was not supported by government, which removed potential harvestable area through too many reserves; bushfire losses due to management negligence; and allowing activist lawfare to halt log supply.

The state government allowed VicForests' ‘operable area’ to be reduced from 450,000 hectares to about 160,000 ha over the past eight years, due to increased Reserves, Special ProtectionZones and the Immediate Protection Areas. These were created without abalanced appraisal of environmental, economic and social values, nor geopolitical considerations.

Socioeconomic aspects of forest management have been neglected, including ‘win-win’ opportunities if the government supportedmorebalanced multiple-use and delivered conservation with lower opportunity costs. Increased reservation of previously multiple use forest was undertaken solely for protectionofbiodiversity values as determined

by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning in their Forest Protection Surveys.

This reservation was based on an inadequate appraisal of the impact of the increased reservation on economic and social values and ignored the opportunity cost of effectively dealingadeath blow to abillion-dollar timber industry.

The decline in native forest hardwood saw log production has not been made up by an increase in plantation saw log production. In fact, there has been adecline in plantation saw log production.

"The Andrews government transition to plantation-based hardwoodsaw log supplyhas clearly failed. This is because the Andrews government took four years in office to produce its Forestry Plan in 2019, and after afurther fouryears, the government has yet to implement its Forestry Plan with new planting.

Victoria has been adominant producer of hardwood timber and accounts for about 30 per cent of Australian hardwood sawn timber output.

This was achieved by the Regional Forest Agreements providing certaintyfor mills to invest in upgrades.

The RFAs resulted in aworld-class hardwood sawmill at Heyfield, with nine further manufacturing

plants and oneofthe most modern hardwood sawmills at Bairnsdale.

Appearance grade accounts for 42 per cent of Australian hardwood sawntimber production and 58 per cent of mill gate revenue. The proportion of appearancegrade,including furthermanufacture into exposed components, is higher in Victoria.

Australianhardwood sawn timber on average sells for three-and-a-half timesthe price of Australian softwood sawn timber because of its greater strength, hardiness and other unique wood properties (most sourcedfromnative forests). There is substantially more job-creatingvalue-adding in hardwood sawn timberasshown by the substantiallyhigher prices across allsawntimber grades.

Theintegration of the native hardwoodindustry ensuresnowaste. In Victoria, the proportion of appearance grade sawn timber (including further manufacturingof'exposed' timber components) is estimated to be about 60 per cent. 'Appearance grade' is well in excess of 2per cent claimed by an ill-informed MP.

The difference between saw log input and sawn timber output is not wasted but used by an integrated array of businesses. The outer slab wood has traditionally been chipped and used to make white paper in ahigh-value adding proceeds that supports lotsofhighpaidjobs (Reflex at Maryvale). The shavings and sawdust are sold to chook, horse and goat farmers as bedding, and after that use becomes fertiliser. Some of the shavings and sawdust are also used as renewable boiler fuel.

The Mountain Ash pulp logs have traditionally been themainstay raw material used to make white paperinahigh-value adding process that supports high-paid jobs. The mixed species pulp logs have traditionally been used to make unbleached Neutral Sulphide Semi Chemical (NSSC) pulp, which has ahigh yield pulp and is used to make high valueadded packaging papers. Logging residues from harvested coupes have become an increasing source of firewood supply.

All the outputfromAustralian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH)millatHeyfieldiseither appearance grade or goes into manufactureoftimber components that display the beauty of timber. ASH is aleading and advanced manufacturer of innovative hardwood products.

Bushfiremitigation

THE state government's negligent bushfire mitigation and protectionalsocontributed. The 1.5 million hectares burnt in the 2019-20 wildfire was aresult of the inability to contain wildfire, caused by aflawed ‘Safer Together’ bushfire policy, insufficient and ineffective fuel reduction, and tardy firedetection, and failing to implement effective bushfire suppression.

The weather and the forest fire danger index were adequate for effective suppression during the fortnight after ignition of the 2019-20 East Gippsland bushfires.

Lawfare

THE state government stood back and allowed litigation (lawfare) by extreme activists, who failed to respect the balanced outcomes of the Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) and the National Forestry Statement. Injunctions granted in legal proceedings made harvestinginmanyplanned coupesunviableor prohibitedharvesting altogether. In 2021-22 more than half of approved operations were halted by litigation during planning or after harvesting had begun.

In 2021-22 this cost VicForests $24.1 million comprising direct cost of litigation $10.4m, standdownpayments to contractors of $6.2mand $7.5m in compensation paid to customers for failing to meet supply obligations.

Major Review

THE latest 2021 review of native timber harvesting in Victorian RFAs was aMajor Event Review and took into account the 2019-20 bushfires. This review concluded that, after the bushfires, Victoria’s annual timber supply commitmentscan still be met and support ecologically sustainable forest management. The current timber supply commitments were actually less than the forecast timber supply levels. (VicForests Annual reports 2018-19).

The maximum potentialharvest levels for D+ sawlogs as at August 2021 were:

-172,000 cubic metres per financial year for Ash, and;

-144,000 cubic metres per financial year for mixed species.

East Gippsland was the most severely affected RFA region with 757,305 hectares of public forest within the bushfire extent,howeverWest Victoria and Central Highlands RFAs were hardly affected.

Figures for the RFAs were Gippsland, 277,729 hectares; North East, 270,369 hectares; Central Highlands, four hectares; and West RFA, 10,823 hectares.

The government sold the community adummy and used the bushfire as leverage to increase reservation for conservation.

RFAs

UNDER Victoria’s five RFAs, the forest management system (including legislation, polices, codes, plans and management practices) provides for continuous improvement in relation to ecologically sustainable forest management (ESFM), which is defined as:

“Ecologically Sustainable Forest Management” or “ESFM” means forest management and use in accordance with the specific objectivesand policies for ecologically sustainable development as detailed in the National Forest Policy Statement (NFPS). As signatoriestothe NFPS, theAustralian, state and territory governments committed to the sustainable management of all Australian forests, and were mindful of the important conservation values of Australia's forests, and of the contribution that forest activities make to the national economy and rural and regional communities. This is reflected in the RFAs, which were akey outcome of the NFPS.

The issue is the state government adopted a narrow view of what constitutesecologically sustainable forest management. Their view essentially excludes socio-economic imperatives, which results in considerable harm to global ecologically sustainable development, resultinginthe useof less sustainable materials, greaterimports from countries with appalling human rights and environmental records, and the increasing geopolitical threats, and tragic consequences for timber workers and rural communities.

Further, the adoption of detection-based threatened species reservation essentiallyfollowsasingle species approach to conservation of threatened species. Alandscape approach to conservation of threatened species is likely to be the most efficient and effective with substantially lower opportunity costs with respect to the foregoing of multiple use.

The Author

JOHN Cameron (Dip Hort. Burnley, MBA Monash, and tertiaryunits in economics, mathematics and statistics) is aforestry and business consultant previouslyholding positionsingeneral management, corporate development and research in forestry and forest products. Former roles includeChairmanof Private Forestry Gippsland, Chairman Southern Tree Breeding Association, Chairman Australian Research Group on Forest Genetics, board member CRC for Forestry Hobart and CRC for Pulp and Paper Science Monash.

Neat: Australian Sustainable Hardwood’sengineered wood is foundinthe Gippsland Performing Arts Centre File photograph

Guide

JOHN at JJ’sExhausts has been trading in Moe since 1990,and offers old school service with discounted prices for all muffler and exhaust systems

John stocks alarge range, and also offers afitting service while you wait with all exhaust repairsstarting from $35.

JJ”s Exhaust also stocks sports systems and custom pipe bending as partofhis service,you also receive ahassle free,two-year warrantyon standardreplacement mufflers.

Don’t get ripped off, ring John first or last foraquote.

Forafreequoteand guaranteed fast service,call JJ’sExhausts on 5127 4747,orvisit John at 53 Lloyd St Moe (opposite railway station).

Open most Saturday mornings JJ’sExhausts is your one stop muffler shop

Phone:

All classifications before 3pm Monday

In person: Latrobe Valley Express 21George St,Morwell NextraLotto Moe 1-3 MooreSt, Moe Seymour St Newsagency 83 Seymour St, Traralgon

PLEASE NOTE:| thatadpaymentis required prior to publication unless afullaccount is held with the Latrobe Valley Express.

Email: classifieds@ lvexpress.com.au

PLEASE NOTE:

Confirm your email if youhave not received a confirmation email from us, emails ARE NOTALWAYS RELIABLE and we don’t alway receive them

Mail: Latrobe Valley Express, “Attention Classifieds’’ 21 George Street, Morwell 3840

Newsagents:

Most Newsagents act as our agents and will accept your advertisements up until the same deadlines as above

Credit Card:

When placing your advertisement over the phone or via email you charge it to your Mastercard or Visa

5135 4455

With an audience of over 76,000 you’re guaranteed to reach MORE locals than advertising

Adult Services •

KOREAN KIM

100% first time in town. Busty, beautiful, absolute stunner and fun. Phone 0421 367 038.

Notice

Voicemail introductions advertisements and voice messages may only be submitted by persons 18 years and older.

When making contact with people for the first time, it is advisable to meet in apublic place and let amember of your family or atrusted friend know where you will be.

We would advise readers and advertisers to exercise caution and giving out personal details. This will be respected by genuine respondents.

GARDENING DONE

Pruning, planting, weeding, small jobs through to large jobs, shed clean ups, rubbish removal, etc. Reasonable rates, pens. disc. Under NDIS the cost of services may be covered by your Care Provider.

Gas Appliances

Install -Service -Repairs Co Testing -Gas Safety Check.Contact Paul 0428 877 432. Lic.103230.

Public Notices •

PLUMBING

General plumbing, repairs/ maintenance, drainage and sewerage, roofing and guttering. Blocked drain, sewer and storm water and 4000 PSI drain hydro cleaning. Small jobs welcome. Glenn 0437 327 879. Lic. No. 45333.

we cannot be responsible forany errors beyond the first day if you fail to bring it to our attention. No allowances canbemade for errors not materiallyaffecting the effectiveness of the ad.

Position cannot will not be guaranteed. All claims foradjustment of credit must be made within seven days afterbilling date.

We reservethe right to revise or restrictany ad we deem objectionable and to change the classification when necessaryto conform to the policyof this newspaper

In the event an adisomitted from publication, we assumeno liabilityfor suchomission.

EXPERIENCED EXCAVATOR DRIVER

Currently we have afull time permanent position available for an experienced Excavator Driver.

● Clean driving record

● Work vehicle supplied

● Wages based on experience

● Gippsland Region based work area

● Reliable, punctual and self motivated

● Heavy Combination Truck licence preferred Please send resume to: valleyearthmoving@valleygroup.com.au

WANTED TAXI DRIVERS TRARALGON AREA

Try your hand in this "Interesting Job" and earn agoodincome at the same time Day Shifts / Night Shifts /Weekends

All training is supplied Apply to: tgontaxis@wideband.net.au

Stakeholder Engagement Manager

Latrobe City Business Chamber Inc.

The LCBC is one voice representing all businesses within Latrobe City, leading a collaborative effort to develop the region through advocacy, events, business support and strengthening community connections.

● Looking for something different?

● Are you apeople person?

● Do you like achallenge and are unafraid to put yourself out there?

● How are your event planning and coordinating skills?

The newly developed Stakeholder Engagement Manager will be responsible for:

● Growing, maintaining and updating the membership database

● Planning and delivering events, including the People's Choice Awards

● Creating new business engagement opportunities

● Managing LCBC social platforms

You will be working closely with the newly formed committee who are passionate about growing the region.

The position is a12month contract with the potential for ongoing. Expected 15-20 hours weekly on aflexible work arrangement.

Email vicepresident@lcbc.org.au to register your interest and obtain aposition description or for further information of the role.

Applications close 5pm Friday, 4August 2023.

LoyYang Apprenticeships2024

We arehiring 6xApprenticesacross trades:

Boilermaking

Mechanical Fitting

Electrical

Powering Australian Life.

At AGL, we believe energy makes life better.That’s why we’re passionate aboutpowering the way Australians and move.

Like you,webelieve that the world is goingthrough extraordinarychallenges. We don’t shyaway from the we consider the answers carefully.Weworkinpartnership with our customers and communities, and takeaction to shape abetter futurefor all.

As life changes, we join thechange, constantly evolving over 185years.Today we bringall thatknow-ho produce, shareand consumeenergy.We’reinvesting in newideas,partnerships and infrastructure–renewing sources and products to help makethemmoresustainable, reliable, affordable and useful.

We’ll continue to innovate in energy and other essential services to enhance the way Australians live, and for futuregenerations.

What you’ll be doing:

Astructured on-site hands-on workplaceexperience

Anationally recognised Trade Qualification

The Gormandale Football Netball Club are seeking expressions of interest for a PLAYING COACH and TWO PLAYING ASSISTANT COACHES for season 2024

Gormandale has agood history playing in the North Gippsland Football Netball League.

Our club is looking for that unique enthusiastic person with outstanding leadership skills to work with our current talented young playing group and help Gormandale Football Netball Club return to the powerhouse where we belong.

Additionally, our club is seeking the services of two playing assistant coaches to work with the senior coach to assist in developing our playing group.

If you are interested in aconfidential discussion, please call our president Chris Robertson on 0402 180 626 or alternatively send an email to: gfncrecruiting@outlook.com

GLaWAC isgrowing

The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC)represents the Traditional Owners of Gippsland, the Gunaikurnai people

SENIOR MANAGERSTRATEGIC DELIVERY

We’relooking for aSenior Manager Strategic Deliveryto provide project management and technical expertise to support the deliveryofkey planning projects, aligned with our strategic initiatives. As akey On Countryfunction, youwill:

l Provide project management,technical expertise andadvice on landuse strategieswith responsibility for end-to-end deliveryofkey initiatives

l Ensure effectiveproject delivery, co-ordination and support across the On Countryteam, establishing relevant frameworks and planning to ensure successful project outcomes

l Support the building strategic direction on delivery of theReconciliation Settlement Agreement

Applications close: Wednesday, 26th July 2023 Formoreinformation, visit: www.gunaikurnai.org or contact Mardi Edwards on 0421 818748.

Bairnsdale Regional Health Service

As oneofthe largestemployers in the East Gippsland region, we offer arange of career opportunities and excellentstaff benefits.

Our latest vacancies include:

Executive Director –People &Culture

RN Nurses EN Nurses

Sonographer

Radiographer

Clinical Support Educator &Trainer

Finance &Accounting Roles

Forfull position descriptions and application details, please visit www.brhs.com.au or phone (03) 5150 3637

URGENT Deliverers Wanted TRARALGON, MORWELL and NEWBOROUGH

Would you liketodeliver the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper to individual homes on Tuesday and/orWednesday afternoons in Traralgon, Morwell and Newborough.

Please apply to:

The CirculationManager 0456 000 541

Please note:Children must be 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

Opportunities to gain additional qualifications and training, such as CPR, EWP,Working safely at heights, Confined space, Forklift,Dogging

An opportunity to work alongside multiple contractors in both the LoyYang APower Station and LoyYang Coal Mine with 6monthlywork group rotations

What you’ll bring to the table:

Excellent communication skills

Atrue desireand passion to work within the power generation industry

Some previous work experience (student placement/internship /part time/casual positions)

Minimum Year 11 pass andmustbea permanent resident of Australia

Cert.2related to the trade is highly desirable

Be able to commence January2024

These positions areopentofirst year Apprentices only and you must be apermanent resident of Australia.

Aseparateapplication MUSTbesubmittedfor each Apprenticeship categoryyou areapplyingfor

If you have any queries, please emailthemto lyapprenticeships@agl.com.au

Please apply for these vacancies via the AGL careers website: https://www.agl.com.au/about-agl/careers.

We’d lovetosee your application/s,submitted by 11pm on 30th July 2023

Inclusion at AGL

At AGL, all employees areencouraged to be themselves and to bring their whole selves to work everyday.Weencourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people living with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse people andpeople of the LGBTQ+ community,including transgender,gender diverse, and intersex people.

AGL has acommitment to maintain adiverse workforce, and welcomes the opportunity forapplicants to sharetheir lived experiences. We also recognise that some applicants maynot wish to disclose, and we respecttheir decision.

AGL is a Circle Back Initiativeemployer-wecommit to respond to everyapplicant

Please note -unsolicited resumes from agencies will notbeacceptedbyAGL.

CAFE 3858

DELIVERERS WTD

Guys Glass &Glazing are looking for an experienced Glazier to join our team.

This is afull time permanent position with an immediate start available.

Job tasks and responsibilities:

Reglazing windows and doors and installing mirrors, splashbacks and shower screens

Applicant should have the following skills and qualities:

● Be confident in all aspects of glass

● Ability to work unsupervised and in ateam environment

● Able to understand job sheets and cutting lists

● Attention to detail and pride of workmanship

● Good work ethic, positive attitude and reliability is amust

● Good customer service skills

● Current driver's licence

If you fit the above criteria, please email your resume to: tracee@guysglass.com.au or in person to: 543 Princes Drive, Morwell

ICU/PICU NURSES

wanted for homecare in Moe, Trafalgar, Warragul and Trida.

Minimum of 2years ICU/PICU experience. Must be Ventilation and Tracheostomy competent Competitive pay rates. Please contact Patrik on 0410 942 230 or email patrik@intensive careathome.com GP1 659429

CareersatLatrobe

LatrobeCityCouncilhasexcitingopportunitiesforenthusiasticand forward-thinkingindividualswithapassionforprovidingexcellent servicestoourcommunity

•

EngagementOffice YoungPeopleYoungP PermanentFull Time

• LatrobeCatchmentLandcare Network La andcare Facilitator- TemporaryPartTime

• Parent GroupFacilitator - Pa acilitator- TemporaryPartTime

• BuildingAdministrationOfficer - Bu dministrationOfficer -Permanent Full Time

• SeniorAdministrationOfficer –Recovery - SeniorAdminist nOfficer –RecoveryTemporaryFullTime

• Maternal and Child HealthNurse - Maternaland -Permanent Part Time &Casual

• SeniorMaintenance Employee –TreeCrew–TreeCrewPermanentFull Time

• TheatreTechnician - Theatre Technician- PermanentPartTime

• AssetStrategyOfficer - AssetStr yOfficer -Permanent Full Time

• PerinatalMentalHealth Clinician-PerinatalMentalHealthClinician -Temporary Part Time

• LearntoSwimInstructor- Casual

• Preschooland Childcare –MultiplePositions - Childca Casual

• Expressions of Interest - Exp ssions terest -Communications, Marketing, Media andDesign Professionals

• ExpressionofInterestExpressionofInterest -Planning Opportunities

Forfurtherinformationincludinghow toapply,positiondescriptionsand applicationclosingdates,pleasevisitour websitewww.latrobe.vic.gov.au/careers

Pleasenotesuccessfulapplicantswillbe requiredtoapplyforandsatisfactorilyobtain aNationalPoliceCheckandWorkingwith ChildrenCheck.

Are youa CafeManager/Cook looking to take your career to the next level?

The Gippstown Reserve Committee of Management is looking for a person/s or organisation with demonstrated experience and ability to take over this thriving well established business due to the previous tenant retiring after six years

Popular with locals and visitors to Old Gippstown the Cafe has the added bonus of catering opportunities for weddings special events and seminars Just walk in, stock up and start trading knowing the Cafe is fully equipped and is already a busy, successful business with an excellent reputation Expressions of Interest including references and an outline of your cafe and catering experience can be sent or emailed by Monday, 31 July 2023 to: The Secretary, PO Box 290 Beaconsfield 3807 or emailed to: secretaryoldgippstown@iinet net au

TRADE /UNQUALIFIED WELDERS &SPRAY PAINTER PROCUREMENT /STOCK CONTROL OFFICER

We are aleading industrial bin manufacturer who produce purpose-built waste handling equipment. Our business is growing, and we need to expand our team.

If you consider yourself quite handy with awelder or have aknack for spray painting (vehicles/ industrial), and would like fulltime employment, please apply by forwarding your resume.

We are also seeking aProcurement officer with relevant qualifications and /or5+years' relevant experience in an industrial environment to carry out purchasing and stock monitoring duties. Contact: people@easyquip.com.au

JOIN OUR TEAM AS AN INSULATION INSTALLER

Con-struct Ramsay Insulation, based in Morwell and serving the surrounding areas, is seeking motivated and skilled sub-contractors to join our team. As an insulation installer, you will be responsible for installing insulation products in new residential homes. With aflexibleschedule and the opportunity to earn significant income, this is the ideal opportunity for individuals looking for a new career and be rewarded for their hard work.

To be suitable for this opportunity, you must meet the following requirements:

● Own an ABN number

● Possess avalid driver's licence and have your own transport, trailer, and mobile phone

● Hold aBuilding Industry 'Construction Card'

● Experience is desirable, but not essential as training can be provided Email your interest andcontact details to us at rickyf@con-struct.com.au orfor any questions call Ricky on 0458 020 238

Is seeking a Kitchenhand staff member, Wed.-Sun. 9-3. Must be motivated, friendly, enthusiastic and keen in work in afast paced environment. Baking experience is required. If this is you, please send your resume to: cafe.3858@hotmail.com

Sandwich Chefs Midvalley

Are seeking enthusiastic team members to join their team.

Positions include, full time, part time and casual opportunities. Rotating 7-day roster, some weekend work required. Please text 0422 884 660 or email resume to

ADVERTISERS

PLEASE NOTE:

Much hardship and difficulty is caused to job seekers by misleading advertising placed in the employment columns. Our Situations Vacant columns are reserved for advertisements which carry aspecific and genuine offer of employment. Ads for `Business Opportunities' and `Training Courses' and `Employment Services' should be submitted under those headings.

Placing misleading ads is an offence against the Trades Practices Act and state/territory fair trading acts and all advertisements are subject to the publisher's approval. Forfurther advice, contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 or your state consumer affairs agency.

Would you like to deliver the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper to individual homes on Tuesday and/or Wednesday afternoons in Morwell, Traralgon, Moe, Newborou gh and Churchill? Please apply to the Circulation Manager 0456 000 541. Please note: Children must be 11 years or over as we will need to apply for agovernment Child Employment Permit Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome.

Motor Mart EXPRESS

Responsibility PLEASE CHECK YOUR AD

Please check yourad on the first day andbring any errors to the attentionofthe Classifieds Department immediately

The Latrobe Valley Express makes everyefforttoavoid errors

We regret that we cannot be responsible forany errors beyond the first day if you fail to bring it to our attention

No allowances can be made for errors notmaterially affecting the effectiveness of the ad.

Positioncannot will notbe guaranteed.

All claims foradjustment of credit must be made within seven days afterbillingdate

We reservethe right to revise or restrict any ad we deem objectionableand to change the classification when necessary to conform to the policy of this newspaper.

In the event an ad is omitted from publication, we assume no liability forsuch omission.

Situations Vacant •

MOTORING SPECIAL

Minimum 6lines$56 without aphoto or $70withacolour photo

Total of 4consecutive editions in the Latrobe Valley Express and 8editions of the GippslandTimes paper THEY DO SELL!

DRIVE YOUR DOLLAR FURTHER Cars and Caravans areindemand

5135 4455

SUBARU Forester,2013, auto, reg. till Feb '24, nice car, 107,000km, ZOB-034, service records, $21,500. Phone 0428 746 634.

Caravans •

17' GAZAL Champion poptop e.c., light/bright, centre isl. bed, 3-way fridge, RC a/c, recently serv'd, new hydraulic struts, easy tow, $13,990. 0419 304 591.

AVAN camper, 13ft, as new, little use, sleep 3, solar panel, 3-way fridge, 2bottles, microwave, H.W.S., annexe, $17,000, Churchill. Ph 0456 422 666.

PARAMOUNT Thunder 19'6'' pop-top, 2020, dual axle, full ens., L-shaped lounge, x2 95L water tanks, x1 95L grey water tank, bike rack, diesel heater, QS bed, elec. brakes, Dexter anti-sway, gas/240v HWS, 3-way fridge, microwave, anti-flap kit, Dometic awn., solar panel, AGM batt., rev. camera, w/mach., CD player, TV, exc. cond., great van, gen. reason for selling $72,000. 0431 159 984.

Selling avan?

Don't waste time waiting for buyers, or on endless consignment plans, sell it today we'll pay cash now. Affordable Caravans 0418 336 238, 5623 4782.

Machinery &Plant •

4ft 6", with adjustable skids, in very good cond., suit any tractor $750. Phone 0427 681 320.

FUSO Canter 3tonne tipper 2015, auto, 68, 000km, tool boxes, drop sides, r.w.c., reg. incl. $39,500 o.b.o. Phone 0412 325 723 leave msg.

FOSTER, Norman John. 9/10/1937 -11/7/2023. Aged 85 years Of Rosedale formerly Glengarry. Dearly loved husband of Lorna. Loved brother of Ray. Loved father and father-in-law of Ken and Lynette, Debby and Neil, Jeff and Sharon, Vikki and Gary and Michael (Mic). Aloved grandfather and great grandfather of many.

FOSTER, Norman John. 9/10/1937 -11/7/2023.

From Rosedale, formerly Glengarry. Dearly loved husband of Lorna (nee Crawford). Loved and respected Poppy Norm to Bev and Patrick Mason and family, Guy and Shannara Field and family.

Respected family member of the Stuckey family. Sadly missed, always remembered

GRAHAM,

5135 4455

KILPATRICK, Stanley John (Stan). Passed away peacefully on 15 July 2023. Aged 91 years young Loved and loving husband of Pauline (dec.). Much loved father and fatherin-law of Mark and Liz, Steven and Karen, and Stewart. Adored Pop to his 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and their families. Sadly missed, Reunited with his beloved Pauline

KOPPEN, Cornelis Paulus "Corrie".

Passed away peacefully with family by his side on Saturday 15 July 2023.

Aged 80 years

Loving and cherished husband of Jackie. Loved and respected father of Paul, Tony and Jason.

Loving father-in-law to Vicki, Sandy and Meagan. Cherished Pop of Emily, Sophie, Rori, Kaitlyn, Jett and Milla.

Awonderful person, so loving and kind, What beautiful memories you have left behind, Sharing and caring, always content, Loved and respected wherever you went.

EXPRESS

Personals

Deaths •

DOHERTY, Thomas

Joseph "Joe".

2/4/1959 -13/7/2023.

Loved and loving son of Tom and Gwen Doherty and stepson to Keith Lucas (all dec.).

Loved and loving brother to Marg, Kerry, Liz and brother-in-law to Wayne, Paul, Duane and stepbrother to Trevor and Ross.

Loved and loving father to Kimberley, Bowen, Noah and Mackenzie.

Great mate to many

DOHERTY, Thomas.

Thank you for being the sunshine and laughter in my life. The world was a much brighter place with you in it.

May your spirit soar,

Until we meet again

All my love, Ange XO. Deepest condolences to Margaret, Lizzy, Jason and family.

ETTERY (Wynd), Carol-Ann.

Passed away suddenly at home on 10 July 2023.

Aged 57 years

Much loved daughter of Peter (dec.) and Shirley Wynd.

Loved sister of Roslyn (dec.) and Peter (dec.).

Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Alicia and Robin, Shane and Nicole.

Adored Nan of William, Lilly, Connor, Sophie, Tyler and Ellie.

Much loved God-mother of Melissa.

Time passed but memories remain

FAHEY, Peter.

Passed away peacefully at LRH on 14 July 2023.

Aged 79 years

Loved and loving husband of Jenny (dec.). Much loved father and fatherin-law of James and Anna, Sarah and Mark, and Scott. Adored Pa to Jason, Matthew, Daniel, Bianca, Zoe, Campbell, Lachie, Connor, and Alfie.

'Gone Fishing'

Reunited with his beloved Jenny

He will always beloved and remembered forever

HARLAND, Carol Joy. 26/11/1953 -9/7/2023.

Passed away peacefully. Loving wife of Robert Harland. Mother of Alisha, Jessica and Nathaniel. Grandmother to Blake and Oscar.

HIGGINS, William Evan.

Passed away peacefully on 16/7/2023. At Naracan Gardens, Newborough. Eldest son of Laurie 'Rusty' and Eileen. Brother of Barry, Laurie and Peter (dec.) and families. Loving and devoted partner of Lorraine and family. Rest In Peace

ROFE (nee Forder), Helena (Lena) Gwendoline. 15/10/1924 -14/7/2023.

Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Hospital, surrounded by family, on Friday, 14 July 2023. Aged 98 years

Much loved wife of Jack (dec.).

Loving mother and mother- in-law to Alan and Noelene (both dec.), Carol (dec.) and Peter and Cheryl (dec.).

Adored nan to Darlene and Mitch, Belinda and Kyal, Karen, Natalie and Brett, Narelle and Mark, Warren, Dwayne and Kate.

Cherished great-gran to Shannon and Jess, Sarah and Nick, Billie, Kobi, Ashton, Georjia, Paige, Addy, Elijah (dec.), Cooper, Noah and Ollie.

Loved great great gran to Max. Aloving lady, so good and kind, What wonderful memories you've left behind. Silent thoughts may bring a tear, For alady we miss and loved so dear.

'Reunited with her loved ones'

KOPPEN, Corrie. Abeloved brother-in-law and uncle. We'll miss you deeply and remember you always. Yvonne, Iles (dec.), Kylie, Kayne, Charlie, Adam and Nick. ROSENHAIN, Geoffrey Peter 5/10/1954 -13/7/2023.

MATHESON, John (Shep Jack).

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Latrobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon on Saturday, 15 July 2023.

Aged 96 years

Loved and loving husband of Teresa for over 60 years.

Much loved father to Tracy and Charlie, John and Rebecca. Adored to all his 6grandchildren and 3great grandchildren, You will be forever missed

For funeral details please visit our website: www.latrobevalley funerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

JASSAL, Amar Singh.

Date of birth 30 July 1928. Amar Jassal passed away peacefully at Maryvale Private Hospital surrounded by family on Saturday morning, 15 July 2023.

Aged 95 years

Much loved dad to Biri, Surinderand Daljit. Father-in-Law to Sue, Costa and Shashi. Proud grandfather to Gurdeep, Sara, Lachlan, Aman and Jaspal. Your love, kindness and special memories will stay with us forever.

Our sincere thanks to Dr Trung Quach, Dr Derk Pol, Dr Sonal Deshmukh and the beautiful staff at Maryvale Private for the caring and professional support.

JASSAL, Amar.

Passed away peacefully at Maryvale Private Hospital surrounded by family on Saturday morning 15 July 2023.

Aged 94 years

Much loved dad of Biri, Sue, Surinder and Daljit. Father-in-Law to Costa and Shashi. Proud grandfather to Gurdeep, Sara, Lochlan, Aman, Jaspal and Andrea.

Your love and kindness will stay with us forever

Thank you to the staff at LRH and Maryvale Private for your professional support.

Funeral will take place on Wednesday 19 July 2023 at Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium Rose Chapel Traralgon at 2pm.

MOSS, Nola.

The President, Committee and the Members of the Trafalgar /Thorpdale RSL sub branch are deeply saddened by the passing of their valued affiliate member Nola. Deepest heartfelt sympathy to all of the family and friends.

LEST WE FORGET

Died peacefully on 13th July surrounded by family.

Son of Joan (Dordy) and Alan (Pop), brother to Rick, Jenny, John and twin brother Ken. Husband to Kathy. Father of Oscar and Hugh. Gruggie to Marcie and Willa. Uncle to nieces and nephews. Geoff was alifelong member of Beyond Blue and recently involved with My Leukaemia Team. Lifelong Richmond Tigers member. Geoff advocated strongly for mental health support and was always willing to support others.

For Service details please visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au

ROSENHAIN, Geoffrey Peter. 5/10/1954 -13/7/2023. Dear Dad, You wouldn't ever let us fall; you always lifted us up even when you needed lifting. You cared, even when you needed care. You'd make us smile when you needed asmile. You've given us courage and strength when we've needed it most. You've been abest friend, an inspiration, our rock. Most of all you have been the greatest dad. We love you so much and we will miss you. You will always be our star.

Love Oscar, Hugh, Marcie and Willa.

ROSENHAIN, Geoffrey Peter. 5/10/1954 -13/7/23 Loved and loving husband of Kathy. My friend and counsel. We have shared so much, and never lost sight of each other, nor what it means to be a family. The boys and I know you will be looking over us still.

"Love is something eternal the aspect may change but not the essence" Vincent Van Goh. Forever, Kathy.

SAMSON, Ian James (Grassy). 28/10/1953 -13/7/2023.

Loving husband of 45 years to Judy. Devoted dad to Leah and Kaleb, Shane and Karen and Kym and Steve. Adored Pop to Milla, Jack, Art and Astrid, Jacob, Astrid, Matilda and Jarrod, Isaac and Aerys Jude.

Always loved

SAMSON, Ian. Sam, You did your best and fought bloody hard. It wasn't easy and it wasn't fair. You left determined, strong and on your own terms. You can breathe easy now my love and sleep soundly. Thanks for all the years we shared. XX Judy XX.

SWEET, Evadne. Passed away peacefully on Monday, 10 July 2023. Loved and loving wife of Bill (dec.). Mother of Heulwen, Robert and Callan. Mother-in-law of Jennifer and Barbara. Will be greatly missed by all her grandchildren.

Reunited With Bill

TAYLOR (Power), Joyce Evelyn. 8/6/1930 -11/7/2023.

Dearly loved wife of Eldin (Ben) (dec.). Her siblings Son (dec.), Jule (dec.), Millie (dec.), John (dec.) and Meron, Mary (dec.) and Wally (dec.).

TAYLOR (Power), Joyce. 8/6/1930 -11/7/2023. Loved Aunt of George and Bev Gregory. Ben will be waiting for you

WRIGHT, Bruce RAAF

A314253

The President, Committee and Members of the Traralgon RSL deeply regret the passing of their esteemed Service Member Bruce and extend sincere condolences to his family. LEST WE FORGET

Funerals

DOHERTY. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mr Thomas Joseph "Joe" Doherty will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway, Traralgon on FRIDAY (21 July 2023) commencing at 2pm. Joe's Service will be livestreamed. To view the livestream visit our website.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

ETTERY (Wynd).

The Graveside Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Carol-Ann Ettery will be held at the Trafalgar Cemetery, Cemetery Rd, Trafalgar East WEDNESDAY (19 July 2023) at 2pm.

HARLAND. The Funeral Service for Carol Harland will be held at the Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium Traralgon, on TUESDAY (18 July 2023) commencing at 1pm. This service will be livestreamed, to view the livestream please go to John Galbraith Meaning Memorials Facebook page and click on the link or Craig Evan's Funerals Website, click on the Facebook Icon, look for Carol Harland and click on the link. 0413 332 647

HIGGINS, William Evan. The Funeral Service to Celebrate the Life of William 'Evan' Higgins will be held at The Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Drive Traralgon on MONDAY (24 July 2023) at 10am.

Private Cremation to follow

ROFE. The Funeral Service for Mrs Helena Gwendoline Rofe will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy, Traralgon on FRIDAY (28 July 2023) commencing at 11am.

At the conclusion of the Service the Funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

SAMSON.

The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mr Ian James Samson will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437A Princes Drive, Morwell on FRIDAY (28 July 2023) commencing at 2pm. Ian's Service will be livestreamed. To view the livestream visit our website.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

MORWELL 5134 4937

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

SWEET.

NEILL, Valma (Val). 10 July 2017. Precious memories of you will always be in our hearts. There is not aday, that we do not think of you. So dearly loved and deeply missed. Mark, Anthony and families.

NEILL, Wallace (Wal). 20 July 2003.

Beautiful memories silently kept Of one that we loved and will never forget. Loving memories of our treasured Dad forever in our hearts. Mark, Anthony and families.

JASSAL. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mr Amar Singh Jassal will be held at Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium Rose Chapel, Cemetery Drive Traralgon, on WEDNESDAY (19 July 2023) commencing at 2pm.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

KILPATRICK. The Funeral of Mr Stanley (Stan) Kilpatrick will be held at the Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium Rose Chapel, Cemetery Drive Traralgon, TUESDAY (25 July 2023) commencing at 2pm. The Service for Stan will also be livestreamed, please visit the website below for details.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

KOPPEN. The Funeral Service for Mr Cornelis Paulus "Corrie" Koppen will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue, Moe, MONDAY (24 July 2023) commencing at 11am. At the conclusion of the Service the Funeral will leave for the Moe Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to the Heart Foundation are appreciated. Corrie's Service will be livestreamed. To view the livestream visit our website.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111

FAHEY.

AMemorial Service to Celebrate the life of Mr Peter Fahey will be held at St Marks Anglican Church, Robinson Street, Thorpdale on FRIDAY (21 July 2023) commencing at 11.30 am. Private Burial Held.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

FOSTER. APrivate Funeral Service for Mr Norman John Foster WAS HELD. BARRY &ANNETTE LETT 67 MACARTHUR STREET SALE 5143 1232 MEMBER AFDA www.lettsfunerals.com.au

The Funeral Service of Mrs Evadne Sweet will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437A Princes Drive, Morwell on MONDAY, (24 July 2023), commencing at 1.30pm. Following the Service, the Funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MORWELL 5134 4937 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

TAYLOR. The Funeral Service for Joyce Taylor will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Moe Chapel, 6 Ollerton Ave, Moe on THURSDAY (20 July 2023) at 11am.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

In Memoriam

BALDACCHINO, Thommasa. 14/12/1930 -21/7/2017.

BALDACCHINO, Paul. 3/1/1927 -9/6/2002. Six years have passed since Mum quietly slipped away. Lovingly remembering Mum and Dad on their anniversaries. Josie, Joe and family Vitale.

For those wholive by faith, the Cross is a treasure more valuable than gold and precious stones" Bl. Basil Moreau.

KESBY, Marc. 17 July 2011.

We were truly blessed to have had sucha special person in our lives

Your loving family.

MASSARO, Serafina (Finetta).

18 July 2008.

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

PADULA.

Requiem Mass for the Repose of The Soul of Mr Peter Padula will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, FRIDAY, (21 July 2023) commencing at 11am.

Following the Mass, the Funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery Gippsland Memorial Park.

To view the livestream, please visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and follow the prompts.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MORWELL 5134 4937

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

PETRUCCI, Giovannina. 4/3/1940 -21/7/2022.

Ayear has passed since time stopped and our world became fractured by the enormous void we are now confronted with each second, moment, hour and day.

You went away on the early hours of aWinter's Thursday without afarewell, no chance of a goodbye, embrace or beaming smile. Your light, love and laugher may have gone with you but shines and remains so vivid and alive in us all. The absence that aches our heart, torments our minds and weakens our physical being every waking hour is then enlightened with the hope and admiration you always inspired us with.

You were more than a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt or friend, you were the greatest gift God gave our family, always by our side not matter the outcome.

May your memory be forever held in the pages of each old and new chapter of our lives. There will be aday when Heaven's gates will open and we will reunite. We will hold your hand, wrap our arms around you, joining you in abetter place than this world and tell you once again "we love you". Rest in eternal peace with the Lord, Padre Pio, all the Saints and Angels. Forever in our hearts Your loving, devoted husband Armando and your cherished children, Angela, Flavia, Amanda and Matteo.

Memories of you are our dearest treasure, To love and keep in our hearts forever.

So dearly loved and deeply missed.

Vin, Maria, Jan and families

McCULLOCH, Lynette.

20 July 2018.

Each passing day reminds us of how much you meant to all of us. We miss you Grammy. Love from James, Edward, Max, Azriel, Amy, Marcus, Zekinthia, Tyson, Stuart and Rachel, Gail and Mike, Karen and Mel, David and Terry and Peter. In Our Hearts

Please note the Memorial Mass for Giovannina Petrucci held at Sacred Heart Parish, Morwell at 6pm Friday 21st July is not organised or given with consent by Armando Petrucci and family. Afamily Memorial Mass and private gathering will be held at St Bridget's Catholic Church, Nth Fitzroy Melbourne, FRIDAY (21 July) and also held in San Marco In Lamis, Foggia, Italy at S.S. Annunziata Cathedral where Armando Petrucci and family members will be present to celebrate and give thanks for Giovannina Petrucci's life.

Glyn (Plugger). Passed away 11/7/2023. Much loved husband of Shirlee. Father of Debbie, Garry and Ginna. Poppo of Kylie, Paul (dec.), Stephen and Cassie. Adored great-grandfather of Tayla, Lachie, Chloe, Ethan, Emily, Jorja and Lawson.

PETRUCCI, Giovannina. 4/3/1940 -21/7/2022. There's aplace in my heart Giovannina, which is yours alone, Apart of my life only you can own, For deep in my heart a memory is kept, To love and cherish and never forget.

Yourlovingdaughter Raffaela.

MEMORIAL MASS

AMemorial Mass will be held on FRIDAY 21 July, 6pm at Sacred Heart Church, Morwell to celebrate the life of Giovannina. All welcome.

ROBINSON, Dawn 29/5/1949 -18/7/2022. Mum, ayear without you has passed in an instant, yet it feels like forever since Iheldyour hand.

So thankful to have had you as my Mum. Dearly loved and deeply missed, resting peacefully with Dad XXX Melissa, Mike, Matthew and Jasmyn.

Cricket leagues combine

CRICKET

ROLIH, Franc Rafael. 15/7/2006. 17 years has passed. Resting in peace with Jesus. Your loving wife, Victoria.

ROWLEY, Douglas.

There is arainbow of golden memories from earth to Heaven above, it always keeps you close to us, it's called the rainbow of love.

SYKES, Donald Minshall. 5/6/1930 -24/7/2020.

Latrobe Valley Funeral Services has been helping the local community for more than 70 years

Our Chapels are fittedwith the latest visual technology including the option to livestream a Funeral fromany location. Alargefunction room is available adjacent to each chapel to provide catering and refreshment facilities.

By LIAM DURKIN

IT’Sgonna be adecent GCL andCountry Week team.

The Latrobe Valley DistrictCricket League and TraralgonDistrict Cricket Association will combine in time for the next season.

Both incorporations held special general meetings on Monday, July 10, and voted yes to amerger of the two associations.

The new leagueshall be known as ‘Cricket Latrobe Valley’.

From here, Cricket Latrobe Valley will need to hold its own annual meeting to elect office bearers for season 2023/24.

Contact

MOE 5126 1111 MORWELL 5134 4937

TRARALGON 5174 2258 www

Do you want aprofessionally done Funeral, without paying exorbitant corporate fees?

John Galbraith can and does all sort of funeral services- whether aCremation Service at the Rose Chapel GMP, in aChurch or aBurial.

Average savings $4000 -$6000

Call John Galbraith 0413 332 647 Craig Galbraith-Evans 0407 043 182

It has now been three years without you but memories still keep you close. Your loving wife and family. Family owned and locally based Funeral Directors

Bereavement

Thanks •

BORRMAN, Heather.

Fiona, Natalie, Kylie and families wish to express our gratitude for all the heartfelt tributes, cards, flowers, love and support given to us with the passing of our beautiful mum.

Thank you to all who attended mum's Funeral and special thank you to Dr Paul Remyn and the staff at Tanjil Place Medical for your care and support given to mum over the years. Please accept this as our personal thanks.

CURWEN, Peter.

Peter's family would like to thank everyone who sent condolences, prayers and attended the funeral of our much loved father. Special thanks to the staff at Royal Freemason's Moe, Dr Robert Birks, Rev. Moira Dodsworth, and Kim and staff at Nielsen's Funeral.

Please accept this as our personal thanks for all your support.

We bring35years experience to families in Traralgon, Morwell, Churchill, Moe, Trafalgar, Korumburraand surroundingareas

THECHOICE IS YOURS

Practical, sensible andaffordable. We offer both at-need and pre-paid funerals. All female funerals areavailable

The new league will take in more than 20 clubs.

Wheels are alreadyinmotion,with Cricket Latrobe Valley created on PlayHQ.

PlayHQ is taking over MyCricket after some 20 years of online results keeping. Finer details of the new league are set to be formalised in coming months.

It is understoodthe new entity has every intention of properly preserving the history and naming honours of various awards from both former associations.

Whileamergerbetween the TDCA and Central Gippsland Cricket Association (a pre-runner to the LVDCL) had been spoken about in decades past, this officially

marks the first time both associations have decided on ajoint venture. Amerger opportunity existed whenthe LVDCLwas established in 2018, but a number of TDCA clubs opted to stay. In the last six seasons, the TDCA has operated as asix/seven team competition, after Churchill, CATS, Centrals, Traralgon West and MorwellTigers Yinnar Raiders left to join the LVDCL. Aftersix years of negotiations,those at the coalface will surely be proud to see their vision of acombined league finally coming to fruition.

Monday, August 7has beenset down as atentative date for the inaugural annual meeting of Cricket Latrobe Valley.

StalemateinVicLeague hockey

HOCKEY By JENNY SUTTON

THE Latrobe Valley Men’s Vic League team travelled to Bundoora to take on RMIT at the weekend.

It was atough-fought match with an undermanned LV side, with RMIT scoring the opening goal in the first half. Chris Mile for Latrobe Valley levelled the score in the second half.

The LV team dominatedthe play in the last quarter with plenty of scoring opportunities, but the RMIT defence was too good, and thegame concluded in a 1-all draw.

Robert Douglas-Green, Daniel Godfrey, and Daniel Lineen playedwell for the LV side.

The Women’s Vic League team travelled to Reservoir to play top-of-the-table Latrobe University.

Latrobe Uni scored quickly in the first quarter; however, the LV side equalised quickly with agoal from ClaireCake through apenalty corner.

The attacking Latrobe Uni side piled on the pressure and went into quarter time 3-1 up.

Latrobe Uni continued to put the pressure on the LV defence and was 6-1 up at three-quarter time.

The LV side dugdeep and thwarted further goals in the final quarter.

Alicia Wood-Davies,Ella Trevorrow and Kim Tanti contributed well for the LV side CHURCHILL took on top of the table

Good game: Churchill wastoo strong forRoversinlocal hockey action.

Traralgon Rovers in the local competition

Churchill came out in full force, with a few players stepping downtogive others an opportunity to take the field. It was a tight-fought game all the way through, withtwo fantasticgoals by Jenna McLauchlan,finishedbyabeautiful spin goal from Elly Smith.

The final score was3-2, with Maddi Hall as Rovers’ sole goal scorer. For the first half, the final match betweenTraralgonand Moe was a

Photograph supplied

fast-paced and even affair. Returning for the second half, Traralgon capitalised on the opportunitytoscore more freely, winning the match 7-4. Skye McDonald scored three goals for Traralgon, Bec McDonald scoredtwo, while Jo Buckler and Bec Smith each scored one.

Aiden Mair, Brady Cake, Ash Vuillermin, and Hayley Cake scored for Moe.

Honourfor track manager

HORSERACING

By LIAM DURKIN

MOE Racing Club accepted atransfer off Cranbourne recently.

Unfortunately, there was no local winners at the Thursday, July 6meeting.

OnlyMoe trainer Tim Hughes, whohad asecond-placing with Gimme ABuzz in the Race 5Solomons Moe 0-64 Handicap over 1614 metres, rated amention.

That second was however three lengths off eventualwinner Girello, who went from one extreme to the next after running last at Sale Turf Club over asimilar distance in the same Heavy 9conditions just afortnight earlier.

Despitethe margin, the return justified athree week freshen, as Gimme ABuzz also ran second at Moe on June 15.

TheMoe track itself continues to win high praise, so muchsoMoe Racing Club’s Racecourse Curator and Facilities manager Paul Graham was recently announced CountryRacing Victoria Racecourse Manager of the Year.

The accolade formed part of the Victorian Track Managers awards, and were presented at the Track Managers Regional Meeting.

Chosen by an advisory panel, recipients were selected from arange of criteria, including industry knowledge and feedback from jockey’s, stewardsand trainers.

Graham accepted the award for aclub hostingmore than seven meeting ayear, while Horsham Racing Club’s James Hibbert was acknowledged for his work at aclub hosting between one and seven meeting per year.

In keepingwiththe team element of racecoursecuration, both paid credit to all

involved on the track at their respective clubs.

“We would not have won these great awards if it was not for our teams behind us from day-to-dayinpresentinggreat surfaces for race days and training,” they said.

Moe RacingClub chief executive, Shane Berryspoke glowinglyabout Graham’s contribution to the club.

“Paul’svery humble and is atrue team man.It’s afantasticachievement for him,” he told Racing.com

“Paul shows lots of initiativeand is always looking for ways to improve the track. He is ahugeasset to the Moe Racing Club and this awardisvery much deserved.”

Moe Racing Club is next meeting on Sunday, August 13.

Accolade: Paul Graham (second from left)and stafffromthe MoeRacing Club with Racing Victoria Trackand Facilities Manager James Cataldo. Graham wasrecentlynamed CountryRacing Victoria RacecourseManager of the Year

Photograph supplied

Clean sweep as teamspreparefor finals

BASKETBALL

GIPPSLAND UNITED

BY TOM HAYES

IT was awhitewash for Gippsland United in the Big Vcompetition at the weekend, with the men’s and women’s teams winning all three games they featured in.

Only two more rounds remain untilthe finals begin, so wins matterjust alittle bit more now, as it could be do-or-die for some teams.

YES, youguessed it,the women are still undefeated.

United easily took care of Blackburn Vikings, in amostly one-sided affair at the GippslandRegional Indoor Sports Centre (GRISS) in Traralgon.

Most of the damagewas doneinthe first quarter when the women stormed to a24-11 lead before theend of the first quarter.

The Vikings climbed back, but only by alittlebit, outscoring United by four points, which saw the deficit cut to nine points.

The third term was the most even, the Vikings winning it again, but remained behind by eight points with aquarter to play.

Butjustlike the first quarter, Gippsland United took advantage of their opportunities, taking the lead out to 15 points when the time expired, 75-60.

Lauren Tuplin led the way on the scoreboard with 16 points, also handywas Emily Scholtes (15

points)and MaKenzie Miller (14 points).

Tuplin alsoled theway off of the backboard,with 11 rebounds, completing adouble-double.

Miller and Scholtes also had nine boards each, while Krystal Arnason claimed seven rebounds.

Tuplin provided seven assists, leading United once again in that stat-point, in adominating performance.

Now17from 17,the real challenge on handhere is if the women can go all the way without dropping agame, and if they have gotten this far, anything is possible.

THE menrecorded back-to-back wins at the weekend, disposing of Pakneham and Bulleen.

On Saturday night, Gippsland United hosted Pakenham at the GRISS, and justlikethe women, got the win.

In aseesawing battle, Pakenham got the upper hand early, but it wasn’t out of reach for United.

The Warriorstook asix-point leadatthe end of the first, andhad it turned intoafour-point deficit when United flipped the script in the second quarter.

Pakenham won the third quarter, but only managed to drag it back to apoint, before United ran away in the last to win by 10 points, 76-66.

Stephen O’Brien led the scoring with 20 points, close behind was Ben Barlow with 17, Oliver Amajoyi (12), and Kody Tibballs (10).

Amajoyi claimed 12 boards, sixoffensive andsix

defensive, while O’Brien claimed seven rebounds for himself.

The followingday, Gippsland Unitedtravelled to Doncaster to face Bulleen, easily accounting for the home side.

United wonthe first threequarters, making it look ugly for the home side, who’s deficit grew from six at quarter time, to 14 at the half and finally 25 with aquarter to play.

The final quarter wasall Bulleen, despiteUnited having their equal-highest scoring quarter of the game, the home side dragged the margin back to 18, but that was all they could muster, Gippsland winning 94-76.

Amajoyi had 15 points, and was one of five players to claim double-digit points, alongside Barlow, JordonCanovan and Elliot Hunt and Jordan Cooiker -who started on the bench.

Barlow claimed seven morerebounds, while Canovan led the boards with 10, claiming a double-double.

Gippsland United climb to third on the Division 1ladder, and with one game to play againstninthplaced Chelsea, the local side has every chance of locking in third position.

Thursday nightTennisCourt Harriersrun

ATHLETICS

TRARALGON HARRIERS

BY MOLLYIRVINE

LAST week’s Thursday night run was the 'Tennis Court' five kilometre course.

The run startednear the tennis courts on Franklin Street, Traralgon, before heading along Frankilin St, right onto Kassandra Drive and back through Paul St for atwo-lap course and onto the rail trail and then back again.

Atotal of 70 runners/walkers completed the course in cool and calm conditions.For the males, it was Miles Verschuur who took line honours in aspeedytimeof18:06, followed closelybyDale Murphy (18:20), and third for the males belonged to Andrew Greenhill in atime of (19:26).

In the female race, it was Molly Irvine who took line honours in 22:25, secondtoher was Liz Kenney in atimeof23:36, and third for the femalesthis week was Amanda Reidwho continues to show consistent improvements in atime of 23:55.

Tomorrows run (20/7) is the Rangeview 5km coursewhich startsnearStGabriel’s Primary School on Rangeview Drive, Traralgon.

Early starters head off by 5.45pm, followed by five various starting waves in 5-10 minute intervals thereafter.

5km RunResults:

Miles Verschuur 18.06; Dale Murphy 18.20; Andrew Greenhill 19.26; Glenn Graham 19.31; Clinton

Jolly19.33; RobPreston 19.40; SteveRenehan

19.53; Owen Notting 20.13; Darrel Cross 20.29; Trent Kooyman 20.54; Shane Gavin 21.21; Geoff Francis 22.05; Chris VanUnen22.11; Jason Odlum

22.22; MollyIrvine 22.25; Pete Sanders22.34;Nick

Talerico 22.40; DavidBarr 22.41; Andrew Broberg

22.45; Liz Kenney 23.36; DempseyPodmore23.52; Amanda Reid 23.55; RonVerschuur 24.11; Adrian Sutcliffe 24.12; GaryFox 24.13; David Hood 24.21; Paul Johnson 24.58; Stephen McLeod 25.00; Michelle Sawyer 25.45; Tobiasz Grzmil 26.22; Kylie Warner 26.30; Maree Graham 26.36; Desley Tulloch 26.55; MariekaReilly26.55; Kathleen Kent

27.06; MarkFairbairn27.16;ClaireMacumber

27.24; BjornLuxmann 27.26; Alfie Warner 27.30; Rose Croft27.35; LucyMagaldi 27.41; Anthony Magaldi 27.42; SteveJobling 27.43; Andrew Legge

28.56; Kate Mayer30.01;Phill Mayer30.02;Alysha Duncan 30.34; CatherineLeonard 30.39; Gabby Brown31.47; Adam VanBaalen31.51; Ella Warner

32.11; WallyLappin32.26;Maltilda Lappin 32.26; KyleeEarl33.02; Danelle Wright 35.58; Barry Higgins 36.25; Ian Heafield 37.30; LyndaJones

38.18; TimGraham 42.20; LukeWitham 42.37; Christina Creighton 43.00; Paul Smith 43.50; Zoe Zhang 44.16; Siyao Ma 44.18; Belinda Heafield

45.31; KathyQuinn 50.58; Michelle Colwell 50.58; Kaye Livingstone 51.38; Kate Rowe 52.00; Bob Bicket56.04

Wednesday, 12 July 2023 WOMEN’S

GOLF

CHURCHILL &MONASH

Saturday8th July -Foursome

Championships 27 Holes

Winners: D. Byers/A. West 108

R/Up: T. Sterrick/B.Barnes 109

DTL: A. Auld/B.Kilday116.5, Fortune/A. West 116.5, D. Cluderay/G. Sanders120

NTP: 12th I. Fortune

Tuesday11th July Stableford

WINNER: S. Caldwell (22) 27

MIRBOONORTH

Thursday13th July,Stableford.

AGrade: MPayne (12) 36pts

BGrade: SMcKenzie (27) 38pts

DTL: TomTraill, JSmeriglio 37,SBeitz 35,

Rthompson 34,

NTP: 4th JSmeriglio,6th JSmeriglio,13th

SMcKenzie,16th TomTraill.

Birdies: TomTraill16th.

Saturday15th July,Stableford,

AGrade: NRutledge (13) 34pts

BGrade: JSmeriglio (18) 37pts

DTL: RPentland, PCummaudo,Tom Traill

36, PDraper 33 c/b

NTP: 4th, BDewar.6th,RJenkins.13th, P

Draper.16th, TBaker

Birdies: 4th NBickerton

President TrophyPlayoff: PCummaudo def PDraper 2/1.R Matthews def G Renwickonforfiet.

Next week: PCummaudo vRMatthews

MOE

Sunday, 09 July 2023 OPEN Sunday

Medley

Grade AWinners: Ould, Brenton (14) 22 c/b

Dodgers take down Sale

BASEBALL LVBA

MOE/NEWBOROUGH travelledtoSale and took the win 16-6 in the AGrade competition of Latrobe Valley Baseball Association. The game was afour-all tie at the top of the sixth.

Sale had 11 hits in the game, unable to turn those all into runs on the board.

Moe managed 17 hits, withTrentJob managing six strikeouts through the game over seven innings allowing 11 hits and walking just one batter.

Joel Hector scored ahome run for Sale in the fourth innings.

Redsox managed to keep Churchill Braves scoreless with Luke Hornstra on the mound allowing only two hits.

Brad Adams had 4RBIS for the games for Redsox,alsogoing three for three at the plate. Redsox hadnoerrorsinthe field for the game, and the Braves racked up four.

In BGrade,Traralgon kept Morwell Cougars from gettingany runs on the board, taking thevictory 19 to nothing.

Will Brooker on the mound gotseven strikeouts and walkedone.Brian Spiteri went three for four at the plate to lead Redsox in hits.BrandonWasshad the most chancesin the field with seven.

The Dodgers beat the Rangers 10-7. Both teams strove hard for the win, with the Dodgers running away with it despite Sale outhitting Moe 11 to 7.

Tim Wilson started on the hill for Dodgers with seven runs over 11 hits with eight strikeouts.

In CGrade,the Rangers fell behind early in their 17-2 loss to the Dodgers.

Chris Forrester was on the hill for Moe for four innings allowing three hits and one run with four strikeouts.

Adam Fyfe pitched for Sale, allowing 16 runs on 11 hitswithone run andfour strikeouts over four innings.

WEDNESDAY 9HOLEStableford

Grade AWinners: Mifsud, Helen (54) 19

Wednesday, 12 July 2023 WOMEN’S STABLEFORD

Grade AWinners: Boulton, Joan (25) 33

Grade BWinners: Blandford, Jane (30) 34

Place Getters: Bates,Linda 30 c/b

Nearest to Pin: 4th Jane Blandford, 8th

Sue Vincent

Target Hole Prize: Jane Blandford

Thursday, 13 July 2023 OPEN Medley

Stableford

Grade AWinners: Thomson, Corey (9) 37 C/B

Grade BWinners: Dyt, Ricky (16) 41

Grade CWinners: Webb,Neil (20) C/B

Place Getters: Cropley, Mike 38

Bortignon, Christopher 37 C/B

Matthews,Max 37 C/B

Wilson, Graeme 37 C/B

Tabone,Frank 37

Davidson, Craig 36

Lubawski, Raymond36C/B

Beveridge,Eric36C/B

Borg, Manny36

Papettas, Maurice35C/B

Baulch, Haydn35C/B

White, Lockie 35 C/B

Langstaff, Jay35C/B

Buckman, Peter35C/B

King,Rob 35

Taylor,Amy 34 C/B

Great Score: AmyTaylor(Birdie) @4

Neil Webb (Birdie) @14

TylerScott(Birdie) @8

Russell Dent (Birdie) @14

TerryDonnison (Birdie) @10

IanDuncan (Birdie) @8

Lockie White(Birdie)@4

Phil Backman (Birdie) @14

Noel Cornish(Birdie) @14

Excellent: Amanda Reid finishedthirdfemale overall on Thursdaynight’sHarriersrun, and continues to showgreat improvements Additionally, DempseyPodmore(pictured right) finished fifthoverall at the statecross country during the day. Photograph supplied

SCOREBOARD

PeterBuckman (Birdie) @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th Lockie White

8th Joseph Pedemont 14th Russell Dent

Saturday, 15 July 2023 MENS Stableford

-Egg Ball Mens

Grade AWinners: Veenman, Laurie (11)

36 c/b

Grade BWinners: Panozzo, Gavan(17)

36 c/b

Grade CWinners: Pisa, John (21) 38

Place Getters: Yeomans,Wayne 36 c/b

Colvin,Anthony36 Stanlake, Peter35c/b

Buckman, Peter35 Allen, Ray34c/b Helmuth, Glenn 34 Rodaughan, Peter34c/b

Houston, Neale 34 c/b

Shippen, Tom34c/b

Fife,Mark34c/b

Great Score: TerryDonnison (Birdie) @14

Shane Backman (Birdie) @8

Joshua Gaul (Birdie) @14

Graham Geisler (Birdie) @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th Graham Geisler

8th Steven Hibbs

14th PeterBrown

MORWELL

Women 12th July 2023 -stableford

Winner: DVuillermin 35pts

DTL: ELau 31

NTP: 2nd DVuillermin 8th DVuillermin 11th

NTePaa

TRAFALGAR

Today’sCompetition: 12/7/23: Stableford

Winner: Jo Baker (33) with 29 points

Runner Up: Donna Mellon (20) with 28 points c/b

Down The Line: June Tickell with 28 points

and BevKeilywith 27 points

NTP: 5th: SamCaldow. 15th June Tickell

The Redsoxjust held off Morwell in their 11-9 win.

Judd Nielson went two for two at the plate to lead the Redsox in hits.

Rob Amott and Floyd Haines had multiple hits for the Cougars.

Gobblers: Same Caldow12th, Sue Balfour

12th, Aileen McNair on the 12th

Nine-Hole Winner: Cheryl Deppeler (24) with 20 points

Nine-Hole Runner-Up: LynPowell (32) with 19 points

Tuesday11/07/2023 Stableford

Players: 4, Women 18,Men 22 total

Winner: Nola Fordham (24)

Runner Up: Max Pugliese (20)

DTL: GeoffFallon (19), Graeme Grant (18) , RegBarsdell (18), Duane Baker (18)

NTP: Sue DeVries

Bradmans: RonKeith

Thursday: 13/07/2023 StablefordPlayers :

11,Women 30, Men Total 41

Women’s Winner: Aija Owen (21)

Runner Up: AnneOuthred (18)

DTL: BevKeil (18), Heather Savige (17)

NTP: June Tickell

Bradmans: Christine Payne

Men’s Winner: Glenn Doolan (22c/b)

Runner Up: Graeme Harris (22)

DTL: Hank Fiddelaers(20) PeterCooke (20) RobDeVries,John Doderico (19) Ron

Pyke(19)

NTP: Duane Baker

Bradmans: GeoffCoulter

Friday, July 14th 2023, Open Men’s&

Ladies Stableford

AGrade Winner: Russell Dent 38 pts

BGrade Winner: Ricky Dyt42pts

DTL’s: Symon Lee 37,Roger Matheson 36, Angela Bayley36, GarryJansen 35, Dale Reynolds35, Bronwyn Wallace 35, Mark

Hiriart35

Birdies: 5th: Symon Lee,GarryJansen, Tony Gray,JackMarshall 11th:Dale Reynolds, BarryAtkins 13th:Dale Reynolds

15th: Dane Ellwood

Saturday, July 15th 2023, Stableford

AGrade Winner: Tony Gray 42 pts

BGrade Winner: Glenn Doolan 41 pts

DTL’s: PeterMoss 40, Phil James 38, Josh Clarkson 38, Ross Anderson 37,Steve Clark36, LukeBrain 36, Chris Brydon 35, Noel Cornish 35, Reno Borg35, Hoppy Ing 35 NTP’s: 2nd: Harold McNair 5th: Rob Saunders11th: Nathan Dart 13th:Peter Burghardt 15th:Bruce Aplin

PISTOLS

Mon 10/7/23Air pistol

BGrade: WMcGraph 509-65-594.

CGrade: BGoodwin 500-94-594. J Durham 494-85-579. BKelly469-123-582.

DGrade: NCaruso 473-159-632. PLeys 436-120-556.

Ladies Air pistol

CGrade: GAdkins 394-135-529. Wed12/7/23 Centrefire

CGrade: GHarvey327-59-386.

DGrade: BKelly401-211-612. BGoodwin 361-168-529. DVan Roy319-245-564.

HShields 284-191-475. MHoward 233-212-445.

25 Mt pistol

CGrade: CBenelli 520-68-588. JSmith 181-192-373.

Sat 15/7/23morning standardpistol

CGrade: DFarnham 444-93-537

DGrade: CBenelli 472-103-575. D Chester 385. BGoodwin 351-149-500. J Smith 246-291-537

Afternoonshoot 25 mt pistol

DGrade: VPardini 443-155-598

HORSERACING

GARRYHOWE

By

IN aracing magazine interview in 2001, jockey

Peter Mertens said he hoped one of his six children would follow him into the saddle.

The distressed state of the rocking horse on the front porch of his Cranbourne South home that day suggestedatleast someofthem had shown an interest.

Beau, onlythree at the time, wouldbethe one to stepup. He rode Golden Path to victory in theSilver Bowl SeriesFinal at Flemington on Saturday, July 1-but sadly his dad wasn’t there to see it.

PeterMertens hadsuccumbed to abattle with pancreatic cancer the previousSaturday, aged 58, sparking an outpouring of emotion from the close-knit racing community.

Beginning his ridingcareer in 1979, Mertens rode more than 2100 winners, including seven Group 1s in both Victoria and South Australia.

His first Group 1win came in 1999 aboard Rustic Dreaminthe Futurity StakesatCaulfield. He also enjoyed great success with Bart Cummings’ stayer Sirmione, whom he rode to win aMackinnon Stakes in 2007 andanAustralian Cup in 2008.

His final Group 1was the 2012 Australasian Oaks with Invest.

Mertens also won five Group 2and 16 Group 3 races. After retiring from riding in 2014 following aserious fall in late 2013, Mertens joined the training ranks and saddled up his first runner when Monteegar ran at Geelong in September 2017. He was also proudofthe fact that he was one of only two jockeys -along with Harry White -to win the Wangoom Handicap and Warrnambool Cup double at the famous May carnival, one of his favourite racing places, outside his ‘home turf’ of Gippsland.

Mertens achieved that feat in 2005 aboard Mccarthy’s Bar and True Coarser. He is survived by wife Gulcin,his six children and three stepchildren.

“The Victorian racingindustry is deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Peter Mertens after abrave battle with illness,” Racing Victoria chief executive, Andrew Jones said.

“Peter was an outstanding jockey across 35 years in the saddle and was awell-respectedmember of an industry to which he contributed so much.

“We extend our sincere condolences to Peter’s family and friends in the knowledge that the Mertens name will live on in Victorian racing through his son Beau.”

Victorian Jockeys Association chiefexecutive, Matt Hyland,alsoexpressed his sympathies to the Mertens family.

“We are incredibly sorry to hear of Peter’s passing and extend our condolences to his family -in particular his son Beau. We are thinking of them all at this particularly sad time.

“Peter was as gallant in fighting his illness as he was on the racecourse, and he will be sorely missed by many people in Victorian racing and beyond.”

That 2001 magazine articlebegan with an anecdote about the 1995 Sale Cup -ormore accurately the venom-charged aftermath in the jockeys’ room. Glamour jockey Damien Oliver hadmadethe trip

to partner the Jim Houlahan-trained Unsolved, which was sent out awarm favourite, due largely to Oliver’s presence.

But Mertens, the former local apprentice, wasn’t impressed an on the way to the barriers, made it crystal clear that Oliver was trespassing.

“The give way signs at Flemington might say D. Oliver, but here they say P. Mertens,” he told the visiting hoop.

As it transpired, Mertens won the race on the John Maloney-trained Top Walk in ablanket finish, withUnsolvedrattling home for an unlucky third.

Oliver quickly fired in aprotest, which was thrown out by the stewards after along deliberation and the champion jockey was heard to voice his displeasure at the decision upon leaving the stewards room. The outburst made headlines the following day.

Not thatitmatters;the local boy had won the day

“The record booksshow P. Mertenswon the Sale Cup,” Mertens said, recalling the event. “Not that D. Oliver was abit stiff.”

That story says alot of P. Mertens, who had to endure many ups and downs in his career, including areadjustment of attitude after atwo year sabbatical and recovering from alife-threatening fall at Pakenham.

At thetimeofthe Sale Cup run-in, Mertenssays he still carried the ‘country jockey’ tag, but by the early-2000s was establishing himself amongthe elitejockeys.

Yet he insisted he was still acountry boy at heart and would not have madeitatall if not for his upbringingasanapprentice to the legendary Sale trainerGeorge O’Mealy.

“He was atough old bastard, no doubt about that,” Mertens recalled in the 2001 article. “But I don’t think I’d be here today without that tough, hard start he gave me. My outlook comes from those first three years with George.”

Mertens considered himself lucky to have beentaughtinthe old school, wherehehad to get himselfout of bed at 4.30am every day and havethe horses watered andfed and the boxes mucked out by breakfast. It wasn’t only racehorses at the O’Mealy stable;therewerethe stallions and broodmares as well.

After breakfast the horses had to be worked, either on agrass track on the propertyoratthe racetrack for fast work. The apprentice was also expected to dress the horse before trackworkbrushing the mane and tail and tending to the hooves.

“The day didn’t really finish until 7.30 at night. There was one year when Ionly had two days off.”

George was 73 when Mertens joined the stable and didn’t drive beyond Traralgon or Bairnsdale, which meant the young jockey had to rely upon lifts or public transport to get to the races.

Mertens remembered using trains and taxis to get to Melbourne for one of his early city rides -a daunting experience for acountry boy.

“It was hard work, but Islept in abungalow and got threefeeds aday -and George had contacts with so many people in the industry, whether to do with the training or the stallions.”

He said he was nowshiningbecause of that O’Mealy polish.

“I would much rather have had it that way,” he insisted. “All the jockeys today say how hard they’ve got it. They wouldn’t know what hard is. There wouldbeapublic outcry if you treated apprentices like that today.

“I had to do what Idid and the Pat Hylands and the Harry Whites probably did it harder. They’d probably call me soft and say that Ihad it easy.”

In those early years, Mertens conceded he had no real drivetosucceed. He admitted taking the job, at 14, purely to get out of school. He attended

The countrykidswho conquered Traralgon export looks toward senior college year

TENNIS

By TOM HAYES

TRARALGON’S Ben Grumley has made waves in the US while playing college tennis for the William Woods University Owls.

Headinginto his senior year, Grumleyreflects on his college journey so far, and delves into what he might get up to in his senior year and beyond.

“My tennis experience (so far) has been great, I couldn’t have askedfor abetter coach and teammates to play with and for every week,” Grumley said.

“The family that we, as ateam, have created has been something that you don’t see at many other colleges.”

Grumley justcompletedhis junioryearand is now preparing to enter his senior year.

Lastseason he finishedwith an 18-6 recordin singles play, and a15-9 record in doubles play,giving him amention in thefirst teamsingles and doubles through the Unaffiliated Conference Grouping.

Grumley is in the process of completing a Bachelor’s Degree, whichwould suit him to atee given his sporting history.

“The degree that I’m completing is aBachelor’s in Exercise Science, with aconcentration in Human Performance, as well as aminor in Sports Management,” he said.

“As for my studies, they have also been great.

“We have the luxury of having small classes which means that you really get to know your professors and they are able to help you one-on-one.

“I’m really enjoying the studies, but Iwould be lying if IsaidI wasn’t excited to finish my degree and get into the field.”

Following the completion of the 2022/23 season, Grumley was awarded with aCollege Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America honour -which recognises college athletes for their sporting contribution, as well as their academic studies.

He becameone of the first WilliamWoods University men’s tennis players to earn aCSC honour, coming after his third-straight Honourable Mention to the NAIA All-America list.

“It feltreally cool, to be honest Ididn’treallyknow what it was, but Iwas glad to be recognised for my tennis and my studies as awhole,” Grumley said.

“I’m hoping it will motivate some of the boys next year to also work hard so that we can have more nominations.”

Grumley’s focus has not waivered, always ready to be the best he can, and preparations have already begun for the 2023/24 season.

“The thing that I’m most looking forwardto aboutmysenior year is just getting on the court and competing to win with my teammates beside me,” he said.

“We have alot of expectations for next season, so I’m just eager to get that started.”

He is spending extratimeinhis offseason to prepare, all while keeping his foot on the academic accelerator by taking part in an internship.

“So, this offseason Ichose to stay in the US, I’m completinganinternship at aHuman Performance centre that houses and trains several NFL and MLB athletes,” Grumley said.

“I’m also training and playing as much as Ican to get ready for next semester.

“I played atournament acouple weeks back with

some teammates and my coach which was abit of fun, but also achancetoget somestrongmatch play against other college players.

“I’ll be back on campus in aboutfour weeks, so right now Iamjust fine-tuning some conditioning before we get back to preseason.”

Grumley has had his shareofmemorable moments throughouthis college experience, but nailed it down to one that stands out above the rest.

“I would say that my most memorable moment so far wouldbefinishing the National Rankings as the Number 4program in the country,” he said.

“Thiswas equal to the highest-ever for our program,but we also beat several top 10 to 15 schools throughout the season.

“That final ranking was something we aimed for all year, so finishing with that was memorable for everyone involved.”

Now that Grumley is only 12-or-so months away from completing his senior year, he begins to cast his eyes out to what could be on the horizon in the coming years.

“I don’t have anything set in stone at the moment, Ithink Iwould like to complete amaster’sdegree justtoopen somemore doors for myself into the future,” he said.

“College tennis has also becomesuch abig part of my life over the last three years, so Iwouldn’t be opposed to continuing to be involved after Iam done playing."

“I can’t say that Ireallyknow where my tennis can take me, Ilove being involved in tennis and being involved in aprogram that drives me to be the best player Ican,” Grumley said.

Morwell and Sale technical schools and hated all but woodwork.

Until then his only brush with racing was winning 50 cents on 1973 Melbourne Cup winner Gala Supreme in aschool sweep (and would later smile at the irony that he had now ridden alot for Gala Supreme’s trainer Ray Hutchins and that they are good friends).

He said hisambition didn’t extend much beyond “going to aparty and getting agirlfriend”.

“I didn’t really have any idea what Icould get out of ariding career; there was no Sky Channel back then and you couldn’t pick up the races on the radio at Sale.

“I was focussed on other things and didn’t really geta kick out of racing. The dreamsand goals just weren’t there.”

With the added distraction of his mother’s ill-health, Mertens threwinthe towel in the early-1980s and took on “factory jobs” at the likes of the Loy Yang and Yallourn power stations in the Latrobe Valley.

He insisted he grew up alot during that sabbatical.

He gotmarried, theyhad achild and,with his mother’shealth improving, he decidedona comeback.

The first person he rang was former Traralgon trainer Lloyd Timms, with whom he had finished his apprenticeship after three years with O’Mealy.

Timms only had asmall team at Mornington at the timeand advised him to link up with Allan Douch at Traralgon, who was flying with ateam of about 20 horsesatthe time, and also ride the coattails of talented Sale trainer Ron Crawford. It was good advice.Herode on the wave of Douch’s success and quickly established himself as aleading rider in Gippsland.

By 1988 he was ready to branch out into Perth, but fate dealt him acruel blow when he broke his back and collarbone in afallatPakenham. Mertens was told several times that he would not ride again, but each time just changed doctors.

Those 14 months out of the saddle were tough. He spent the first half of the time trying to come to grips with being told how lucky he was that he was not confined to awheelchair.

“One minute I’m going to Perth to be the leading rider over there and the nextminuteI’m told Ican’t ride -and people were telling me Iwas lucky. I couldn’t understand that.”

Whenduring rehabilitationthey began trying to teach him to do something else, Mertens became determined to prove the medics wrong.

Leaving behind astringofdoctors, he finally got theanswer he wanted in Hamilton, where a specialist said he could resume track riding within amonth.

He was straightonthe phonetoBruce Hill at Mornington and was soon helping with his 30-strong team.

Fittingly, his comeback ride was at Sale on New Year’s Day1990, where he managed to ride awinnerfor Ray Douglas.

That was the real turning point in his career and Mertens saidthat, from there,heneverlooked back. Sale Turf Club will hold aspecial meeting this Sunday in honour of Mertens.

“I know there’s alot of opportunities all around the world,either trying to getATP points or playing professional club tennis in Europe.

“Tennis is an ever-expanding sport, so it will be interesting to see what opportunities are available this time next year.”

Aside fromcollege sports and his future, Grumley also noted that he wants to spend more time with his family after the long hiatus over the last few years.

“I’d like to spend some time at home after I’m done, to spendsome time withmyfamily,”headded. At the moment, time with family and close friends is limited,yet he remains lucky to have agood group with him abroad.

“I’m able to get home once or twice ayear, which is great,” Grumley said.

“I’m also lucky to have atight-knitgroup of friends and girlfriend over here that make it easier.

“However, Imisshome every day, my whole family is back home as well as some of my closest mates.

“I’m super close with my family as they’ve all supported me for so long, so it is hard to see them only through ascreen, however Iknowthattheysupport what I’m doing 100 per cent and I’ll continue to do what Ican as I’m just trying to make them proud.”

Grumley gives aspecial thanks to his mum, Susie-who is the managerand secretary of the Traralgon Tennis Association, who helped him get to the position he is in today.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this withoutmymum and her continued support,” Grumley added.

Big stage: Latelocal jockey PeterMertens salutes afterwinning the Group 1Mackinnon Stakes on Sirmione formaster trainer BartCummings on DerbyDay 2007 Photograph StewartChambers

Hopes high for Micah as World Cupgets underway Red Devils success

SOCCER

By ZOE ASKEW

AUSTRALIA'S nationalwomen's football team defeated world Number 5France 1-0 in front of arecord-breaking crowd at Marvel Stadium on Friday night, less than one week before the Matildas'2023Women's World Cup opening match against Ireland.

Deafening cheers erupted within Marvel Stadium as the Matildas entered the field for their send-off match against France.

TheMatildas, led by their captain, Chelsea striker and FA Women's Super League Player of the Year for asecond consecutive year, Sam Kerr OAM, readiedfor achallenge as they took on France, ranked five places above them, in front of the largest home crowd they've ever played in front of -50,629.

TheMatildas boastedastar-studded line-up, withReal Madridwinger Hayley Raso, Arsenal defenderSteph Catley, Arsenal forward Caitlin Foord,and Olympique Lyonnais defenderEllie Carpenter joining the likes of Kerr.

WhileMackenzie Arnold stood between the posts for AustraliaonFriday night, Moe United Soccer Club was represented through substitute goalkeeper Teagan Micah.

The 25-year-old, who now plays for FC Rosengård, aprofessional footballclub based in Malmö, Scania, Sweden, forged asuccessful college careerwith the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA Bruins)after stints with Brisbane and Western Sydney as ateenager. She set an Americancollege record of 86 appearances over four years, keeping 36 clean sheets and earning the second-all-time record for saves made and third-all-time record for clean sheets.

Micahisthe most recentgoalkeeping inclusion to Tony Gustavsson's national team squad, fast climbing up the pecking order following

impressive performances against some of the world's most formidable opponents, staking her claim for selection at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Australia looked the more threatening side for most of the first half, but despite their threat on thecounter-attack,shots were hard to come by,withthe Matildas managing just two shots on goal before the break.

Mary Fowler replaced Cortnee Vine in the forward line in ahalftime substitution, while SamKerr and Caitlin Foordwere subbed off in the 62nd minute, making way for Tameka Yallop and Emily van Egmond.

While France appeared more dangerous after the break,Australia continued to generate opportunities of their own.

Aftercreatingbut failingtoconvert anumber of first-half opportunities through Foord and Kerr, Fowler made her chance count in the 66th minute.

Dragging her opponent wide, World Cup debutant Kyra Cooney-Cross opened space for right winger Hayley Raso to slip in behind the French defence.

Cooney-Cross played aperfectly weighted through ball to Raso, who made her way to the corner of the box in blistering fashion.

Keeping her composureand holding off her player, Raso crossed the ball to Fowler, who was unmarked on the penalty spot.

Fowler took atouch and cleverly placed it beyond FrancegoalkeeperPaulinePeyraudMagnin, scoring the match-winner to give the Matildas a1-0 victory.

TheMatildas have now won nine of their last 10 games. TheMatildaskick-offtheir 2023 World Cup campaign tomorrow(Thursday), taking on Ireland at Sydney's Olympic Park.

Sale winnersinhuge upset

SOCCER LVSL

BY LAURIE WILLIAMS

IN aweekend where five matcheswere played, Sale caused an upset by defeating Newborough/ Yallourn while Tyers put up afight against Monash but went down 3-0.

Further wins to Moe, Fortuna and Pegasus in Round 16 action of the Latrobe ValleySoccer League.

 MONASH VTYERS

MONASH madethe winners circle againwith a hard earned victory over Tyers. Their previous game against the Lightning was abig blow-out withan11-goal victory,but this time around Tyers made amuchbetter account for themselves that brought about amorecompetitive fixture.

Monash took control early with some clever play, but Tyers were equal to the task not allowing the Wolves to stamp their authority on the game. The syntheticpitchatMorwell caused afew headaches withthe bounce of the ball which left

players unbalanced at times throughout the match. Monashran out 3-0 winners with Adam Semple, Ethan Lawrence andMarkKrznaric all scoring for the Wolves.

The win sees them jump to fifth position on the ladder.

 PEGASUS VOLYMPIANS

PEGASUSbounced back after their previous week’s loss to record another win, with a3-0 victory over Olympians.

The Horsemen were under constantpressure as Olympians threw everything at their opposition.Pegasus startedscoring at two minutes in and further goals at 15 and 28 minutes gave the Horsemen agood lead to halftime.

Although down on the scoreboard, the Traralgon side didn’t stop putting pressure on the Horsemen, and were successful in keeping them from scoring in the second half.

 FORTUNA VCHURCHILL

FORTUNA, on Saturday night, were too good for the Rams who again buckled under pressure from their long-time rivals.

The Lions amassed their biggest-ever score over

SOCCER LVSL BY

JOHN CARDONA

MOE UNITED secured arguablytheir best win of the season at the weekend, defeating top-side Falcons.

Under lightsatOlympic Park, the Red Devils dominated most of the first half, creating plenty of openings in the Falcons defence, but couldnot find the clinical touch to convert scoring opportunities.

Moe eventually got the vitalleadoverFalcons when fullback Chad Shelleymadeanattacking run through the central midfield position to open the scoring from 25 metresout with acrackingleft foot drive on the run.

Moe went 2-0 up late in the first half when Connor O'Hanlon made arun fromthe right then cut back inside the Falcons defence and unleashed alow powerful drive from 20 metres out.

After the break, Riley Winkleman came close to scoring when he made arun to thebackpost, but was denied by Charles Simonwith agreat save from close range.

Falcons made it 2-1just afterhalftime when Jim Mills finished off agreat build up.

Moe had numerous chances to put the issue beyond doubt but failed to convert their many chances mainly due to poor decisionmaking in front of goals.

Falcons did plenty of attacking in the second half, but were continually thwarted by the impressive return to formofLachie 'Swags' McKenzie at centre back.

McKenzie was best on ground for the winners, and received good support from Tanner Pyle, Shelleyand Brenden Ruddell.

Latrobe ValleySoccer League Round 17

Venueisfirst listed team unless specified

Saturday night

Falcons vOlympians (5pm) Sale vMoe (8pm)

the Rams, coming after amassive 12-0 victory. Startingattwo minutes in, the Lions wererelentless and kept attacking for most of the match.

Jake Budija stepped up to the plate with four handy goals and leading goal-scorer Jordan Campbell addedahat-trick to his collectiontotake the lead in the golden boot award.

Although missingsomeoftheirbetter players, the Lions had adequate replacements to do the job on Churchill.

 NEWBOROUGH/YALLOURN VSALE

SALE pulled the biggest surprise of the roundwith a3-1 winover Newborough/Yallourn, which has all but sealed the Combine’s fate in achieving league title success in season 2023.

Mark Fairbrother put the away side in front at nine minutes after apenalty, but thatwouldbe their only moment of positivity as Sale responded at 43 minuteswhen IsaakJondahlbeatthe keeper for an equaliser.

He got into the actionagaininthe second half with abrace at 52 minutes and the sealer on the hour to give the Swans an unbelievable3-1 victory, their firstagainst Newborough/Yallourn since 2014.

Past players day at Morwell Falcons

SOCCER

LVSL

MORWELL Falcons Soccer Club will hold aspecial past players day this Saturday (July 22).

The club is calling on past players and officials, particularly those that helped get the club into the National Soccer League, to come down to Falcons Park to join in the festivities.

The night will commemorate 30 years since Falcons entered the NSL, as well as 60 years since the club won its first trophy.

Falcons 2000 of today are playing Traralgon Olympians on Saturday night, with kick-off at 7pm.

Falcons was established in 1961, and went onto have one of the most storied histories of any country sporting club in Australia.

Thecountry club made it all the way to the national league.

To make acomparison, that would be the equivalentofTraralgon,

Morwell or Moe playing in the AFL.

Through the efforts of many, especially the late Don Di Fabrizio, his vision for Falcons competing in the NSL eventually came true. The grandstand at Falcons Park is named in his honour, and it was quitepoignant Falcons took out the Latrobe Valley Soccer League championship last year, justmonths after Di Fabrizio's death.

Since reforming in 2000, Falcons has won LVSL men's titles in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022, with the women joining the men as league champions last season. Falconshas also enjoyed extensive success in the Battle of Britain Cup, winning titles in 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019, as well as the Top 6Cup Final in 2018.

In the Reserves, MoeUnited hadaconvincing 4-1win over Falcons.

Moe United tooka1-0 lead at the halftime break, withFalcons quickly levelling theagenda after the second half restart.

But from then on it was aMoe United domination, with the Red Devilsrecappingtheir early midseason form.

Scorers for Moe United were Tully Anderson (two), Nick Dastey and Harley Robinsin.

Best for Moe was 16-year-old Anderson, Jaxon Flores and Seth Grixti (also 16-years-old).

In the woman's game, Moe United kept Falcons at bay until late in the match, when Falcons broke away, scoring two late goals to run out 2-0 victors.

Best for Moe United was Jade Armistead, Abbey Willett and Paris Troughton.

In an entertaining game in the past players match, Moe United, coached by Morwell Falcons legend Billy Wright, defeated the LVSL Select Side 4-2.

Scorers for Moe United were Butchy Savage (two goals) Manny Gelagotis and Sam Lietzau.

Scorers for the LVSL were George Fkarias and Andre Nilo.

Savage was best on for Moe, followedbyBen Jackson, Lietzau and Chris Stoiljkovic.

Best LVSL was Fkarias Steven Reiss and Allan Noppert.

To all players who turned up from both sides to play in this inaugural Moe versus LVSL game, I would personally love to thank all of you. Also, I do hope players from both sides are not suffering too much from playing and Ifeel for all those who suffered ego hurting injuries especially Paul and Steven Reiss who both went downwithin aminute of each other.

Game days

Sunday 2.30pm

Newborough/YallournvFortuna

Churchill vTyers (at Morwell FNC synthetic) BYE-Pegasus, Monash

The resort-style clubhouse is available for residents to shareincluding, indoor heatedpool, billardroom, cinema, library,diningarea, entertaining areaand more.

Downsize and embrace life in retirement at The Range