Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 28 February 2024

Kids rock

Youngstersflockalong the straight at Moe Racing Club on Sunday, trying to gettheir hands on some free lollies.

The sense of community wasaliveatthe meeting, with everyrace named afteralocal town and donations going toward theCFA.

MORE -PAGE 46

STORM RELIEF

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

ALEAD contractor has been appointed forthe federal and state government’s coordinated clean-up in the aftermath of the recent devastating storm.

The chosen contractor is Hansen Yuncken, “a disaster recovery specialist with the expertise to work on complex projects and will work with local subcontractors to get communities back on their feet”, the state government said. Clean-up activities for impacted households and communities will be jointly funded throughthe CommonwealthSt ate Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The severe Victorian weather event of Tuesday, February 13 caused widespread damage rightacrossVictoria, especially for Mirboo North.

“De mol itio no fd amage dh ou ses, asbestos and other hazard removal will be included as part of the clean-up in the affected communities, whilehazardous tree removal will also be part of the work

completed,” the state government said.

“The Victorian government will also establishacentralised green waste facility for the clean-up and is continuing to work with the Commonwealth government to finalise its location.”

The st ate gove rn ment sai dt his program builds on the support being provided by the federaland state governments, which includes:

 Personal hardship payments of $640 per adult and $320 per child up to amaximum of $2240 per eligible family to help cover the costs of essentials like food, clothing, medication and accommodation;

 Emergency re-establishment grants of up to $49,300 for uninsured people if their primary place of residence has been destroyed or is uninhabitable;

 Prolonged Power Outages Payments of up to $1920 per week for households and up to $2927 per week for up to three weeks for affected small businesses;

 ACommunity Recovery Officer deployed to councils, including South Gippsland Shire, to help identify the recovery needs of individuals and families, and;

 The Emergency Recovery Hotline has been activated to process calls from anyone affected by fires or storms. To access recovery support, affected residents can call the hotline on 1800 560 760.

The Recovery Support Program has also been set up and is available for people to access via the Emergency Recovery Hotline. This includes mental health support, case management, and business support, and can connect people with additional and existing services.

Fede ral Minis ter for Emer gency Management,Murray Watt said it was important to begin the clean-up in regions mostaffected by recent disaster events.

“This clean-up is apriority which will ensure thelocal communityhave safe access to homes and debris is removed

-helping people get back on their feet,” he said.

“We will continue to work closely with the Victorian government to help communities recover, through the joint supportunder theDisaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.”

Victoria’s Minister for Emergency Services,JaclynSymes, made aconfirmation of stateassistance to the Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath, when she asked about further supports in state Parliament last week.

“We are getting on with the clean-up, working with councilsand thecommunity, so that properties are safe and essential infrastructure is restored,”Ms Symessaid.

“Councils and other agencies have already been on the ground helping communities clear debris -this additional support will ensure that we fast-track the clean-up and ensure that people can start their recovery as fast as possible.”

Continued -Page2

Seepages 24 &25 of today'spaper

Traralgon bypass “highest priority”

FEDERALMember for Gippsland DarrenChester has challenged the federal government to commit funding to finalise the planning and design for the proposed Traralgon bypass.

Mr Chester told federal Parliament the bypass was the “highest priority transport infrastructure project east of Melbourne” and money should be allocatedinthis year’s state and federal budgets to accelerate the project.

“With the duplication works between Traralgon and Sale set to conclude, the next major project on the Princes Highway should be the Traralgon bypass,” Mr Chester said.

“I was able to secure 80 per cent of the funding for the duplication works from the previous federal government and we need to keep improving our transport links for the benefit of locals and visitors.

“The bypass is strongly supported by Latrobe City and Wellington Shire because it offers road safety and productivity benefits to the transport sector.

“I have written to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Catherine Kingand urged her to commit funding for planning and design to keep the pressure on the state government which has ultimate responsibility for the highway.

“Local res idents, businesso wners and the broader Gippslandcommunity needed greater certainty aroundthe project which would create jobs in construction, reduce congestioninTraralgon, improve road safety, support the visitor economy and boost productivity.”

Mr Chester said he was working with his State Parliamentary colleaguestogather support for the Traralgon bypass and would seek feedback from interested locals.

“Member for Morwell, MartinCameronand Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien will be working with me in the coming months as we seek the funding for the planning and design work,” Mr Chester said.

“This project has been spoken about for over 30 years, some work has already been done around potentialroutes, but it’s come to astandstillbecause the state government has over-committed to infrastructure projects in Melbourne.

“Although the state government owns the road, the majority of thefunding for aproject of thisscope would come from the federal government and we need to get some numbers in front of Treasury as soon as possible to progress the bypass.”

Mr Cameron said the Latrobe Valley community

needed to be fully consulted on any plans for the bypass.

“We will be seeking feedback from localresidents and passing that on to all levels of government to ensure any concerns can be managed,” Mr Cameron said.

“Investing in better transport infrastructure is good forour community and we need to get this project moving after decades of delays.

“With Gippsland and Latrobe Valley heavily impacted by transitioninthe energy sectorand cuts to the timber industry,there is agreaterreliance on

the visitor economy and growth in the agricultural industry which are dependent on the highway.

“The local transport sector has also indicated significant productivity and safety benefits would flow from aTraralgon bypass.”

From Page 1

FROM the beginning, the Oppositionand The Nationals have made calls for alead contractor to take care of the storm debris in Mirboo North.

“Residents impacted by natural disasters need clean-upassistance in the days immediately after preceding, notapolitically coordinatedannouncement two weeks later," Ms Bath said.

“Emergency Management Victoria(EMV),which reports to the Minister, has overall responsibility for coordination before, during and after major emergencies,including managementofconsequences of an emergency -there is no excuse for lengthy delays in support.

“Storm damage is not anew concept -any event suchasthe one that rippedthrough MirbooNorth and surrounds should have immediatelytriggered aseries of automated assessments and protocols aimed at recovery.”

When Member for South Gippsland, Danny O'Brien, visited Mirboo North to examine the damage, he told media that the sheer amount of debris to clean-up was well beyond the capacities of the small rural town.

“The failure to announce the formal clean-up and support measures in atimelymanner, is now gettingembarrassing. Volunteers, South Gippsland Shire, insurance contractors and generous Gippsland businesses will have the job done before the government gets out of bed," he said.

Thoughthe clean-up process in Mirboo North has only just begun,many locals and helpful volunteers, alongside the SES and other agencies, have done quite abit of heavy lifting.

Mr O'Briensaidhewouldseekmore details of the state and federal governmentclean-up package to see what exact details the contract entails, where it willoperate, and if it willhelp private properties.

Ongoing issue: Member forMorwell, Mar tin Cameron andFederalMember forGippsland, Darren Chesterbelievea Traralgon bypass will improve safetyand reducecongestion forlocals and visitors Photograph supplied

From mine firetonew future

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

MORE than 1000 people came to commemorate 10 years since the Hazelwood Mine Fire.

The team at Life After Coal hosted aMorwell Community Day on Saturday, February 17.

Taking place at Kernot Hall, where the first Mine Fire community information sessionwas held, it was deemed afitting venue for the event.

It was 10 years ago on February 9that ablaze burned deep into the Hazelwood mine, causing widespread havocasair pollutants clogged airways and the Latrobe Valley became alandofsmoke and smog.

The event’s purpose was to allow the community to reconnect after disaster, reflect on memories and celebrate the region’s progress and resilience.

Attendeescitedthe eventasa hugesuccess that facilitated so much discussion and learning.

Doorsopenedat10am and expert talks began shortly after.

The chiefexecutiveofthe SEC, ChrisMiller, spoke on the SEC’s role in the energy transition and the future of the Valley.

Wendy Farmer from Friends of the Earth and president of Voices of the Valley spoke on community activation and advocacy.

Gippsland Trade and LabourCouncil’s Anne Murphy had the microphone to speakonworkers’ experience with the transition away from old forms of energy.

Latrobe Valley Authority Chief Executive, Chris Buckingham, along with environment groups, community organisations, industry leaders,health professionals and representatives of all walks of life discussed health outcomes, mine rehabilitation, future prospects and active communities.

Everything was on the table to be discussed.

There was something for everyone, with many partners and organisationswith stalls ready to interact, educate and listen.

Kids came and enjoyed the myriad of familyfriendly activities, including aminisafari, physical activities, games and creative arts.

The Life After Coal event prided itself on being accessible and inclusive, having AUSLAN translators with every speaker and even vegan sausages cooked up by the local Lions Club.

Passionate storytellers and filmmakers Stephanie Sabrinskas and Josie Hess fromthe Coal Face podcast organised the event.

Originallyadvertised as amovie screening for their film After The Smoke,the pair decidedthe Hazelwood Mine Fire anniversary needed aday to commemorate asignificant turning point in the Latrobe Valley’s history.

The Coal Face podcast team consulted with the community to ensure the day was both by and for the community.

“We wanted to make the event accessible to anyone in the community because the mine fire affected everyone in the community in some way, and so we didn’t want there to be any barriers to access,” Ms Sabrinskas said.

“It’s also why we decided to make everything free and provide food and pay for all the activities and vendors and things as well, just because we wanted everyone to feel included.”

Eventgoerswerepositive, listening to how far Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley has progressed since the turning point that was the Hazelwood mine fire.

“Latrobe Valley and Gippsland are undergoing atransition at the momenttowards renewable energy …there are alot of peoplewho don’t agree on whereweare moving to,” Ms Sabrinskas said.

The organisers said they only wished to bring everyone together on acommongroundwhere opinions could be shared in asafespace with resources and expert information.

“We think just bringing everyone together on aplace on common ground -the common ground being we care about the home, we care about our future,wecare about our families and our communities, was just the right messaging for the 10 years on from the mine fire -because that’s when we started to see alot of changes happening in the community,” Ms Sabrinskas said.

From Hazelwood power station’s shutdowntothe projected closures of Yallourn Wand Loy Yang A in yearstofollow, from the closure of native timber harvesting to the end of white paper production at the Maryvale mill -industry in the Valley has undergone ahuge changeinthe last decade. Representatives from powercompanies and mine operators,including EnergyAustralia, AGL and Engie, were on hand to answer questionsregarding mine rehabilitation and the Valley’s future away from coal.

“Everybody felt it was avery inclusiveevent, and it was incredible that the mind operators weretherealongsidegrassrootsand environment organisations,” Ms Sabrinskas said.

“Everyonegot along… we had alot of Q&A on the panels, and there were some little pointy questions -and everyonetook it on withgoodfaith.”

Though the day incorporated expert opinion and research, it was ultimately for the community to share their experiences.

The women at the Coal Face podcast had an oral history booth to listen to stories from locals. Though they have been researching for years, a decadeonthey continuedtobeamazed by personal accounts of the fire that ripped through the mine and suffocated acommunity. Environment Victoria was one of many partners of the community day; and local representative Hayley Sestokas said it was asuccessful event.

“The day was amazing; it was areally authentic representationand celebration of community spirit -people attended from all walks of life, many of whom were directly impacted by the mine fire,and there was space to reflect, celebrateachievements and have some honest and fruitful conversations,” she said.

From all accounts, the community remained hopeful for the future, with so many inspiringstories shared and so much community engagement.

“The mine fire was areal moment of reckoning, andfor peopleliving in theValley for many years, we’ve lived with the dust, theair pollution, the impacts of living next to thesecoalmines,” Ms Sestokas said.

“It was throughthe mine fire the community realised, ‘the price we pay for powering the state’, with the tragedy becoming asignificant point of ignition for community activism and calls for a better future for all.”

Withthe eventsucha hit withlocals, the organisers of the Hazelwood Mine Fire Community Day would like to thank their sponsors and partners for their assistanceinbuilding an event that entertained, touched and engaged so many minds.

Crowd: More than 1000 people came to attend the Hazelwood Mine Fire 10-year anniversar yCommunity Day.

Photograph: Zaida Glibanovic

Not scared: The Bug Blitz Trust wereonhand to entertain the little ones with anativemini safariofbugs Photograph supplied

Skydiver flown to hospital following hard fall

AMAN has been flown to hospital following a skydiving incident in Traralgon on Saturday, February 24.

Emergency services were called to the scene of askydiving-related fall at the LatrobeRegional Airport on Airfield Road, Traralgon.

Police and paramedics were at the sceneshortly after the incident was reported at 11.40am.

It is understood the incident involved the diver taking ahard fall and the emergency parachute was activated as the diver descended upon the ground.

“A man believed to be in his 40s was treated for back pain and has been flown by air ambulance to the RoyalMelbourne Hospital in stable condition,” said an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson.

Person trapped in car rollover

EMERGENCY responders were called out to an incident in Traralgon just past BankStreeton the westbound lanes of the Princes Freeway last Thursday (February 22).

Avehicle lost control and rolled-over into the ditch; the driver was believed to be trapped.

SES and CFA crews were on the job to successfully retrieve the driver from the upturned vehicle. Paramedics saidthey werecalled to the scene around 1pm to assess the driver, believed to be a woman in her 40s. She was transported by road to LatrobeRegional Hospital in astable condition, sustaining an upper body injury.

Police Beat with Zaida Glibanovic

Princes Freeway closure

ALOG truck rolled over in the early morning of last Wednesday(February 21), causing aPrinces Free way closu re in the westb ound lanes at Newborough.

John Field DrivetoOld Gippsland traffic was diverted through Moe.

Drivers were encouraged to use John Field Drive, Narracan Drive, Lloyd Street and Old Gippsland Drive to return to the freeway.

Victoria Police were on the scene managing the incident until roads were reopened.

The Department of Transportand Planning’s signalsteamwere monitoring conditions in the area, and adjusted traffic lights to minimise congestion along detour routes.

Following the clean-up, the freeway was reopened at around midday.

Smokeshop goes up in smoke

SUSPECTED to be another smoke shop caught up in Victoria’s tobacco wars,the Commercial Road, Morwell Gifts store was destroyed by fire on Wednesday, February 14.

Emergency services were called to the scene at

around 2.30am to see the shop engulfed in flames.

This follows anumberoftobaccoshop related incidents in the Valley, including an arson attack on acigarette store in Moe on Christmas Day last year, and abrutal assault and theft at the Morwell Kush Gift Shop in late November, last year.

Radio station 3AW reported that it is believed an offender spread an accelerant through the premises before lighting the fire and fleeing in awhite Audi

This specific tobacco store was among the many in Gippsland raided by police in December 2023.

During the operation in the region, police seized around $2.5 million worth of illicit tobacco products in their investigation into organised crime syndicates.

In the past year acrossthe state,there have been more than 30 arson attacks on tobacconists and other businesses, which police believeisin connection to criminal syndicatesattempting to monopolise the illicit tobacco trade.

Policesuspected Melbournegang bossKazem Hamad to be behind the turf wars despite living in exile in the Middle East.

Fire in the plantations

ABURNT-OUT car posed agrave risk to the MoondarraPlantationand surroundingtowns as a fire burnt through asmall section of the plantation on Monday, February 12 at 9am.

Yallourn North Urban Fire Brigade, along with FRV Pumper 79, Westbury Fire Brigade, Erica & DistrictFireBrigade, Nilma NorthFireBrigade and crews from HVP, were called to afire in the pines off Moondarra Reservoir Road.

The crewworked quicklytobringthe fire under control, but remained on scene,working until 2.30pm.

This follows reports of illegal dumping in rural bush lands in the region, with household waste, goods and stolen vehicles reportedly found in the plantations.

The Latrobe

Trapped: Awoman in her 40’s wastaken to hospital afterrolling her car on the Princes Freeway, Traralgon, last Thursday.

Smoke: The tobaccoturf wars have struck again, with another Morwell tobacconist targeted. Photographs supplied

Fright: On Februar y12, the YallournNor th Urban Fire Brigade battled afireinMoondarra.

GP1667779

ONE POINTERS

with Muzza

1. Complete the saying. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something...?

2. What does the Statue of Liberty hold in its right hand?

3. Glenn Maxwell plays cricket for which Big Bash team?

4. Which car company makes the Corolla?

TWO POINTERS

5. What part of the eye is commonly transplanted?

6. Which precious gem does Australia produce approximately 95% of in the world?

7. Who wrote and directed the movie Pulp Fiction?

8. What is afemale fox called?

THREE POINTERS

9. The 21st Century started on which date and year?

10. The island of Bali is part of which country?

11. What does the Lstand for in LCD?

12. What type of creatureisShrek?

FOUR POINTERS

13. Drivers License, Deja Vu and Good 4Uare songs from the debut album Sour by which American female singer?

14. In Japan, what is ashinkansen?

FIVE POINTER

15. I’ll give you five capital cities and you give me their countries? One point for each correct answer 1. Copenhagen 2. Port Moresby 3. Helsinki 4. Kuala Lumpur 5. Nairobi

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.

Morwell’semergency hub

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

MORWELLFireBrigade has become an emergency hub, storing and distributing generators to aid local communities still struggling with the effects of the storm that came through on February 13.

Captain Wayne Draper said the Morwell Fire Brigade locationhad been essential as aservice hub to help those suffering after thestorm.

“The briga de has offer ed DEE CA (The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action) astorage spacefor generators for anyone who needsthem thatlostpower throughthe storm,” he said.

The Morwell brigade is helping to distribute these generators and continues to support DEECA’s affected residents.

Established morethan100 years ago, the Morwell CFA has been rooted in its McDonald Street locationsince 2005,servingasa cornerstone of the community.

Much discussion from the state government has been had to move the local CFA to join Fire Rescue Victoria on Princes Drive, Morwell.

Despite significant pushback by the CFA and volunteers to stay at their location, the potential move is still on the cards.

Captain Drapersaid the Morwellbrigade can best service the community from its McDonald Street location.

“It’s so important for the brigade to say where it is because we can offer (this) sort of stuff.”

Storing around 80 generatorsfor DEECAto distribute, Mr Draper said the Morwell Fire Brigade wouldn’t be able to offer their beneficial services to the community if they were to move to the FRV building.

Though nobody has been forced to move just yet, the team at Morwell Fire Brigade have had some fruitful discussions with all the organisations to remain where they are.

“We’ve had somegooddiscussions with CFA and FRV, and we’ve put our case like this one now,”

Mr Drapersaid.

As clean-up efforts go on weeks after the storm and many households still go without power across the region, the brigade says that its role as adistributor highlights the need to ensure Morwell Fire Brigadecan continue operating from its current location.

With more room,the infrastructure,and their

volunteer power,they believethey can service the community better with the status quo.

“Because it’s the CFA, we’re community-minded. We do believe community comes first, and with the brigade, we can do things like that with our own station,” Mr Draper said.

With many generators already distributed to thosesufferingfromthe poweroutages, Mr Draper said, “If we were in ajoint station, we wouldn’t have the luxury of what we’re doing now and offering that service”.

Recovery effort continues in Mirboo North -Pages 32-33

State memorial forlocal TrafalgarbornmediaiconHarold Mitchell

ASTATE memorial to honour the life of Harold Mitchell AC has been accepted by his family.

Mitchell was born in Trafalgar, and went on to become one of the country’s leading media moguls.

Mitchell’s influence in shaping Australia as a media force began at the age of 16, but his service to the community and generosity lasted alifetime.

Mr Mitchell will be remembered not only for his fierceleadership and professional success, but for his unwaveringcare as agenerous philanthropist andbenefactorofthe arts, sports, education and health.

He was Victoria’sAustralian of the Year in 2013 Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan paidtribute to Mr Mitchell, saying his contributionswould not be forgotten.

“HaroldMitchell was an extraordinary man who achieved extraordinary things. His memory will live on in the causes he championed, the change he inspired and the modern Australia he helped to build,” she said.

The Department of Premier and Cabinet will work with Mr Mitchell’s family and state memorial details will be announced in due course.

Vale: ThelateHarold Mitchell will be honoured with astate ser vice.Mitchell wasbornin Trafalgar,beforegoing on to become oneofthe leading media figures in the countr y. Photograph supplied

Timetable precautions

REGIONAL train passengers are encouraged to checkV/Line’s websiteand familiarise themselves with extreme heat timetables, which will provide greater certainty around planning travel on very hot days.

Extra precautions are takenonextreme heat daystohelp ensure V/Linetrainservices run smoothly and passengers get to their destinations safely.

V/Line Chief Executive, Matt Carrick said heat speed restrictions were enforced on theregional network when the temperature was forecast to reach 36 degrees or above due to the steel tracks expanding in the heat.

“Onthese days,someservices will run at slower speeds or may be replaced by coaches for all or part of the journey,” Mr Carrick said.

“Extreme heat timetables are available to give V/Line passengers the opportunitytoplan their trip with confidence on really hot days, when temperatures reach 36 degrees or above.

“These timetables can be easily accessed from the V/Line website and we will be working hard to minimisedisruptions on days of extreme heatto provide asafeand reliable service for passengers.”

During summer, V/Line closely monitors weather forecasts and activates its extreme heat timetables across the network when necessary.

Heat canaffect servicesacross all parts of the V/Line network, but extreme heat timetables are more common for trains in northern parts of the state, where temperatures tend to be hotter over summer.

Passengers can download acopy of the extreme heat timetable for their line at vline.com.au

On days when extreme temperatures are forecast, passengers are encouraged to visitthe V/ Line website, app and X(Twitter) feed, and listen to announcementsonboard and at stationsfor information on whether extreme heat timetables are in place.

Heattimetable: Checkfor changes.

V/Line trains are air-conditioned, have drinking fountains available and conductors on board to assist passengers during their journeys. On days of extreme heat, passengers are encouraged to wear cool clothing or delay travel if they’re feeling unwell.

Major contract awarded to support victims of violence

QUANTUM Support Services has been appointed to play akey role in Gippsland Primary Health Network’s (Gippsland PHN) pilot project to support victims of family, domestic and sexual violence.

Gippsland PHN was one of only six Primary Health Networks nationally to receive the federal government funding of $10.6 million to pilot the ‘Supporting Recovery’ project with the Baw Baw and Latrobe regions experiencing some of the highest rates of family, domestic and sexual violence in Victoria.

Quantum Support Services willbethe local care coordination team for Latrobe City and Baw Baw Shire until June 30, 2026.

It wil ls ig ni fi cantl ye xp and ex is tin gc as e management and care coordination in the family domestic andsexual violence sector and empower victim-survivors to be involved in thedevelopment of their own Supporting Recovery care plans.

TheGippsland project will see anew model of care trialled to improvecoordination and access to trauma-informed recovery services for victimsurvivors of family domestic and sexual violence.

Gippsland PHN Chief Executive, Amanda Proposch said the funding was an endorsement of the critical need to supportalocal system under increasing pressure.

“There is currently avery high demand for family violence case management services, with limited therapeuticand recovery servicesavailable to victim-survivors,” Ms Proposch said.

“We are very pleased to have Quantum ready to start work on asignificant part of our project.

“The program is based on the recovery and healing domain of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children. It aims to reduce therisk of re-traumatisation and support victim survivors to be safe and healthy to be able to recover from trauma and the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and cultural, and economic impacts of violence.”

As part of the pilot, Gippsland PHN also released apublic Request for Tender on Monday, February 12 to deliver trauma-informed mental health therapeutic services.

These will be delivered in Latrobe and Baw Baw to victim-survivors of family domestic and sexual violence who are experiencing mental health challenges.

You can find out more or apply at gphn. org.au/procurement-and-tendering/ commissioning-opportunities/

The tender closesat5pm on Friday,1March, 2024.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, family,domestic, or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit ntv. org.au

Sexually transmitted infections on the rise

Warning: This article contains content of asexual nature

GIPPSLAND saw its highest numberofgonorrhoea cases in 2023, jumping almost 20 per cent on previous years.

“We know that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhoea are much more widespreadinthe community than many people might assume,” Gippsland RegionPublic Health Unit (GRPHU), Senior Epidemiologist, Katie Walker said.

“Data from the Department of Health and Aged Care shows that one in six Australians will develop an STI at some stage in their lifetime.

“Together with infections like chlamydia and syphilis we see more than 950 STIs each year on average in Gippsland.”

GRPHU ActingDirector, Dr Alyce Wilsonis encouraging anyone who is sexually active to get tested for STIs regularly.

“People with multiple sexual partners should be tested more often, especially as STIs can show no symptoms,” she said.

Sixtyone per cent of gonorrhoea cases in the Gippsland region in 2023 were recorded in men.

Men agedbetween 20 and 34 recorded the highest number of cases.

“The high-risk groups for gonorrhoea in Gippsland, are men who have sex with men as well as any woman who might have sex with that man. We’drecommendavisit to their GP or a Sexual Health Clinic and get tested. It’s better to know if you are infected,” Dr Wilson said.

Someone infected with gonorrhoea may not show any symptoms, but if they are symptomatic, they may see discharge form the vaginaorpenis,a burning sensation on passing urine, pelvic pain, especially during sex for womenand painfulor swollen testicles for men.

Whilegonorrhoea cases have certainly jumpedin 2023,the STI with the highest number of notifications in Gippsland is in fact chlamydia.

Like with gonor rhoea ,c hl am yd ia can be symptom-less, with people having no idea they are infected.

It is estimated as many as 70 per cent of cases maybeasymptomatic, and therefore not detected withoutregular STI screening.

“Chlamydia is called the ‘silent infection’ and if

Alarming: Gippsland sawits highest number of gonorrhoea cases in 2023,jumping almost20 per cent on previous years. Photograph supplied

not treated properly, can cause serious long-term complications including ectopic pregnancy and infertility in women,” Dr Wilson said.

“We need to speak more about chlamydia testing and treatment to avoid leaving people undiagnosed and thus untreated. We would encourageall sexually active people speak to their GP about chlamydia and other STIs either next time they haveanappointment or if they are concerned, through aseparate appointment.”

Symptoms of chlamydia may include abdominal cramps,painonpassing urine and bleeding betweenregular periods for women and discharge from the penis, pain on passing urine and swollen andsoretesticles for men.

Diagnosis and treatment for STIs like gonorrhoea and chlamydia are easily managed.

“The GP will take aurine sample or aswab and then treat with antibiotics if needed, symptoms will normally ease within days,” Dr Wilson said.

More informati on about gonorrhoea and chlamydia can be found on the Latrobe Regional Health website.

Mobile Service Centre available

LOCAL residents have the opportunity to speak

(MSC)

Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester has encouraged locals to takethe opportunity to visitthe MSC to speak with staff regarding Centrelink and Medicare payments and services.

“The MSC provides information, help and support to all membersofrural and regional communities, fromindividuals to families,job seekers to self-employed people and everything in between,” Mr Chester said.

The MSC provides disabled access and will be located at:

 Heyfield, near the community resource centre, George Street (March 6, 9am to 4pm), and;  Rosedale, adjacent to the neighbourhood house, Cansick Street (March 7, 9am to 3pm). Information about the Department of Veterans’ Affairs programs and support services for veterans and

Pet owners face cost-of-living crunch

AS Team Leaderfor RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate South-East region, my team of six Inspectorsand I share 85 years of experience investigating reports of animal cruelty.

Inspectors Maree, Kath, Michelle, Maria, Bonnie, Amanda, and Iare often on the road around Melbourne’s inner-east, down to the Mornington Peninsula, and all of Gippsland to the New South Wales border.

Out on the road, we’re seeing first-hand how the cost-of-living crisis is impacting pet owners and their ability to provide basic care for their pets, such as enough food, and access to weather-proof housing.

We’re also seeing peopleunabletoprovidecrucial veterinary care and basic preventative medicines like flea and worming treatments.

We’reextremely gratefultothe community for their ongoing vigilance reporting animal cruelty.

Over thelast six months,wereceived 1288reports and tip-offsabout animal cruelty in theSouth-East and 269 animals were seized or surrendered into our care.

It’s estimated caring for these animals costs RSPCA Victoria at least $460,000.

Last financial year, 508 animals came into our care, and sadly it seems we’re likely to repeat this total again by the end of June.

As we enter what is historically the busiest time of year, we urge everyone in the South-East to remain vigilant for animal cruelty in our area and to report it to RSPCA Victoria by calling (03) 9224-2222 or online at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report

The community support we see everyday keeps us going and makes each day justalittlebit better.

At the endofthe day,RSPCAInspectorsare here to help and thankfully, many of the animals we encounter every day have loving owners who want to do the best they can for their pets. Together, let’s end animal cruelty.

Stuart Marchesani

RSPCA Inspectorate Team Leader (SouthEast Region)

Neglected: Cost of living is affecting basic care forpets.

Saynomore

AVERY kind andheartfelt response to the over the top letter from none other than Mr John Duck (‘Infinite loop’, Latrobe Valley Express Opinion,21/02/24), who obviouslydoesn’tagree with anything other than his own negative and condescending diatribe.

To theissue of having only local content printed, Ithink the contributors to the opinion page such as Mr Greg Hansford, Patricia Correa, Dan Caffrey and Carmen Giddens,you all covered important points so well.

Bravo, and well said!

Istand to be corrected however, these were local issues weren’t they?

Once again, the Latrobe ValleyExpress gives its

Photograph supplied

thousands of readers achancetovoice their opinion.

Quite simply, if the Editor of said publication considers the opinion not worthy of publication, then that piece won’t go to print. “Simples!”

Having friends in the Latrobe Valley, it’s great to be kept up to date on all the issues, local or otherwise.

You’re spot on with your article about the ‘new hospital’ Patricia (‘New hospital an empty shell’, 21/02/24).

We should all know by now that politicians’ promisesare empty (empty vessels make the most noise) and made prior to an upcoming election.

After the ‘wedding and honeymoon’ are done and dusted, it’sonly amatteroftimebefore the real facts and truths are broadcast to the nation.

To the un-believers,yes folks it’s allthere in black, white and colour.

Anyway, that’s life, and as the late Dean Martin used to say, “Keep those cards and letters coming in”.

Oliver Bergens

Dandenong

g

THE Latrobe Valley Express welcomes letters to the editor.

Preferencewillbegiventobrief, concise letters which address local issues.

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

The Express does not publish letters from anonymous contributors.

Letters mustinclude aphone number, email address and the author’s hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity.

Readers are entitled to aright of replytoa letter directed at them.

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

The views expressed in letters to the editor are thoseofthe writers, and do notnecessarily reflect the views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff.

The letters section is designed to allow people to have their say, and not be hijacked for political agendas.

Email letters to news@lvexpress.com.au and include ‘letter to the editor’inthe subject line.

Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm.

‘The extreme complexity behind Net Zero’

COMMENT

BY JOHN CAMERON

SOME believe that arapidtransition to net zero is alow cost and simple way to save the world from catastrophic climate change.

The reality is that the transition involves immense cost and extreme complexity.

In 2021 we weretold that it would cost $78 billiontorewire the gridfor renewables and that theaverageannualhousehold electricity bill would fall by $275. Power bills did not fall, but went up by 25 per cent.

The cost of transforming the grid by 2030 is now estimated to be $1500 billion (not $78 billion) and the full cost to 2060 is up to $9000 billion (Net Zero Australia 2023).

The transition cost of $9000 billionover 37 years requires spending $243 billion per year.

That represents 36 per cent of the entire federal governmentbudgeted expenditure of $684 billion for 2023/24. It equates to the annual

federal governmentspend on social security and welfareof$250billion and more than twice the annual government expenditure of $107 billion on health.Huge subsidies will be involved and we willhave to forego opportunities to fix ourfailing health, social housing, emergency services, and education systems.

The currentreckless transition is delivering economicsofunderdevelopment-anation of ‘price taking’ commodity producers withthe terms of tradestacked against us as we increase ourimports of expensivecomplex manufactured components for thetransition to renewables.

Australia’s electricity costs are now well above world parity,such that Australia is no longer an internationally competitive manufacturer.

Up to 12 million hectares of landmay be required for new trans mission lines ,wind turbinesand utility solar panels, equivalent to 77 per cent of private land in Victoria, with loss of economiesofscale in farmingand asignificant degrading of the environment.

Governments have locked in the transition timeline without completing sufficient strategic analysis to ensurethat your hardearned tax dollars are invested optimally, and without huge ‘opportunity costs’ -suchasunderspendingon health, social housing, education, emergency services, rural roads and defence.

Australiaisundertaking agigantic socioeconomic, environmental and geopolitical experiment on ascalethat is unprecedented, with many unknowns, uncertain outcomes, and considerable risks.

Australia’sreckless transition to net zero is exportingjobs to manufacturingindustries poweredbyfossil fuels in undemocratic,orcorrupt or totalitarian countries overseas, who manufacture much of our imported renewable components using fossil fuels, including increased imports of fossil fuels from Russia.

Peerreviewed scienceshowsthatplanets move in elliptical paths around the Sun and move proportionally faster in their orbits when

they are closer to the Sun, and this is critical to understanding climate change over geological time.

Also, ice cores show that the earth’s temperature of the present interglacial period is more thantwo degreescentigrade cooler than prior interglacial periods over the last 420,000 years.

Abou tt he author: John Ca me ron (D ip Hort. Burnley, MBA Monash, and tertiary units in economics, mathematics and statistics) is a forestry and business consultant previously holding positions in general management, corporate development and research in forestry and forest products. Former roles includeChairman of Private Forestry Gippsland,ChairmanSouthern Tree BreedingAssociation, Chairman Australian Research Group on ForestGenetics,Board Member CRC for Forestry Hobart &CRC for Pulp and Paper Science Monash.

Target Time No.0198

From Moe to the world stage in Orlando

Pageants: Moe’s Junior Miss Australia, Alaska Larkman and Cur ve Australia, Sheridan Larkman will travel to Orlandofor theworld pageant Photograph supplied

By KATRINA BRANDON

IT’S not all glitz and style with international pageantry, according to Australian winners and Moe residents Sheridan and Alaska Larkman, who took out the titles Miss Curve and Junior Miss.

Pageantry is asisterhood according to the mother and daughter duo.

“Ithas acommunity aspecttoit,”Sheridan said

“The peoplewemet overthe three daysofcompetition we got to share our stories together with. We areall fromvery like-minded backgrounds, so alot of us struggle with body image issues and bullying.

“It’snot anasty community by any means. There is so much love, warmth and support there. Some of Alaska’s bestfriends have come from pageantry. It gives us the option to connect with others from all over Australia and the option to travel around the world.”

When sign ing up for pagean try ,S herida n explained that you must talk to aboard of people about why you are doing it.

Shetoldthe Latrobe Valley Express thatmost pageants go in with intentions to create aplatform for something. Alaska’s and Sheridan’s platforms raise money for the AustralianHearth Foundation.

“There was an interview portion, so Ihad to sit down with apanel of judges, and they asked me some pretty full-on questions,” Sheridan said.

“They asked me, ‘What wouldI do withthe title?’, ‘If Ihad dinner with any three people, who would

they be?’ It makes you open up with them about who you are.”

Around sevenmonthsago,Sheridan’sson, Presley, was admitted into the ICU for arespiratory illness for 10 days. Not long afterwards, they foundthat he had an abnormally shaped heart and coagulation of the aorta. On February 9, Presley underwent heart surgery and is now doing well.

In November 2023, Alaska started fundraising for the Heart Foundation, and has so far raised more than $700.

To gettowhere they are now, Alaska and Sheridan have competed in Australia’s Regency Pageantry in Sydney, where they took the crowns for Junior Miss and Miss Curve.

“It is really exciting. Alaska and Iwent in with no expectations of coming home with acrown,” Sheridan said.

“We were just there to push those personal boundaries and boost our confidence. Especially for Alaska, as she suffers from anxiety and when she is on stage, she is an entirely different child.”

Sheridan and Alaska are heading to Orlando in July to compete for the grand titles.

For now, the duo are trying to raise community support for the fundraiser and get them to Orlando to raise the Heart Foundation platform higher.

“Wewill be trying to get some sponsorshipswith businesses, go to Bunnings barbecue or some raffles, raise somemore money for the HeartFoundation,

get out in the community, and help the community where we can,” Sheridan said.

“We are hoping to get somelocal businesses on-boardthat might be able to helpusget over there and show what Moe, Gippsland has to offer.”

The world stage of Orlando awaits, and with it, even tougher competition.

“We willtravel across withTeam Australia, which consistsofquite afew other women.There’s Junior Teen, Petite, Mini, Junior Miss (which is Alaska), Curve (which is me), Classic, Mrs, Ms, and Miss,” Sheridan said.

Within the sisterhood of pageantry, Sheridan said she is grateful for the pageant community and that it has helped her open up.

“I had Presleyrecently, and Ihave struggled with body image issues,” she said.

“A lot of thetime, it’s perceived as these beautiful,thin girlsonstage.Iwent on to push the boundaries, pushmypersonal goals,and try to open myself up to that. Iwalked away with Curve Australia, which was really exciting. So, Iguess for me, it’s just trying to empower myself and others who may not see themselves as they should. That we are all beautiful.”

For more informationonthe Regency International

Pageant, go to regencyinternationalpageant.com

To support Alaska and Sheridan, go to Alaska’s Facebook page, Alaska Larkman -Junior Miss Australia Regency.

Raisingphysical literacy awareness in local communities

By KATRINABRANDON

PHYSICALliteracy is the art of competence, confidence, motivation, and the skills to be active throughout your life, according to Latrobe Health Assembly (LHA).

On Thursday, February 15, LHA set up afree pop-up eventwhere kids and adultscould skate, do Tai Chi and play many physical literacy-minded games to help build connections.

“Today, Latrobe HealthAssemblyare doing work aroundphysicalliteracy.So, with ourpartners, we are working with GippSport, Latrobe Community Health Service and Gippsland Regional Health

Unit,”LHA Programsand Innovation Leader, Catherine Hodgens said.

“We have aworking group to addressphysical literacy within the community.

“It’s around lookingbeyondjust the physical aspectofphysical activity. It’s aroundlooking at socialaspects,peopleunderstanding why, when and how to move,and building their motivation, competence and confidence to be active throughout their lives.”

LHA hasbeen meeting regularly and engaging with experts worldwide, in Australia, and locally to understand what physical literacy means and how it is addressed at community level.

“It’snot aterm (physical literacy) that people are familiar with,and it’s only just starting to be used. Australia, we have aphysical literacy framework, and so do alot of other countries such as Sweden, Scotland, Wales, andNew Zealand are alldoinga lot of work in this space and it’s kind of an emerging concept,” Ms Hodgens said.

The event was to start talking about physical literacy within the community and develop ideas with the community on how it can be implemented, as well as bringing in more people and groupswho would like to participate in bringing more physical activity into areas such as local government, disability organisations, aged care facilities, and people in sports.

The event washeld at the Moe skate park and library, where kids enjoyed the sun while connecting.

Unfortunately, due to the heat, there wasn’t as big aturnout as LHA wanted, but people passing by joined in.

Many people, like Sarah Noble from Wyndham City Council and Sam Felton from Federation University,specialise in physical literacyinmany areas.

Ms Hodgens told the Latrobe ValleyExpress thatstate government grantsare now available for schools to supportbuilding physical literacy

“It’s about giving people opportunities; not everybody wants to participate in organised sports. It’s about giving people options, and people can start having agoand building their skills,” she said.

“It might motivate them to go on and play tennis or try something different.

“You can be playing table tennis and be watching the kids on the playground, allowing everybody to do something. Parks and playgrounds are about having opportunities for every generation to participate in something and be active.

“You see parents watching their kids at the playground, kind of sitting there, but there is something that they can do. There’s also ashift towards playgrounds for older people to build their balance and things like that. It’s about bringing those things into community spaces.

Hopping

“Latrobe

Photograph: Katrina Brandon

SilversCircus 2024

Silvers Circus is back to wow and excite!

This premium modern entertainment is suitable for literally ALL ages, just read our reviews!

We have the cherished and timeless Globe of Death and Wonder Dogs, but this year we’re bringing you new and exciting acts!

After 2years without it, we have the audacious Wheel of Steel returning with the daring Dominik Gasser and Mewin Garcia. For strong constitutions only!

We arealsovery proud to announce our new Ringmaster Comic joining the team, “Mr Walison Muh” (the one and only). Bound to induce convulsive laughter and tearstained cheeks as his interactive style of comedy will takeyou somewhere unexpected.

Youmay recogniseWalison from his recent very successful appearances on “Australia’sGot Talent”. Did we mention we have 2 Dinosaurs? Well, we do! Come see Fluffy and Spike(as we affectionately call them) do their stuffon stage, live, under the mighty big top.

Whether it’sdate-night, afamily affair or grandparents wanting to spoil the kids, Silvers Circus is the entertainment destination for you. Most of you know Silvers deliver adifference, and this year is no different. We have something brand new and exciting launching –WUNDERBAR! Where adults can enjoy aresponsible alcoholic beverage throughout the event.

Wunderbar is proud to feature arange of beers produced by Mornington Peninsula Brewery and aselection of quality Australian wines, as well as premixed drinks.

We are expecting to be busy and we strongly advise prebooking to avoid disappointment.

Bookings at Ticketmaster or call 0413880044

Ringside: A$65 C$55

Elevated Front View: A$55 C$40

Elevated Side View: A$35 C$25

*Booking Fees Apply

Urgent calls for schoolcrossings

By KATRINA BRANDON

SCHOOL hours are awfully testing for most drivers, as some are bumper-to-bumper and needing to pay close attention to the road just in case kids pop out.

In most school districts, there are speed bumps and safety crossings to help prevent these incidents, but at St Gabriel’s Primary School, Traralgon, there is alack of both.

In fact, the majority of schools around the Grubb Avenue areaare lacking the bare minimum for safety requirements around schools.

Lavalla Catholic College for example only has one crossing along Grubb Ave, which isn’t azebra crossing. Kids who walk to school have to brave the intensity of the road,guessinghow fast the cars are going along the 40km/h limit.

Issues around school crossing safety in this area of Traralgon have been ongoing.

On July 18, 2023, this Latrobe Valley Express journalist visited St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School around the corner and found the exact same problem.

Schools around the area have reportedly flagged concernswithLatrobe City Council repeatedly, urging the need for better safety.

Programs like VicHealth’s WalktoSchool Campaign’seemmoreofadream than areality for most, as they fear the roads surrounding their education providers.

Fortunately,itappears upgrades are on the way.

“Over the past six months Council Officers have met with representatives from St Gabriel’s Primary School and Parents and Friends Committee to discussand investigateconcerns around road safety,” aLatrobe City spokesperson said.

“As part of this process, ajoint application to the Department of Transport and Planning’s current Community Road Safety Grants Program is expected to be developed for anumberofinitiatives to support safe passage around the school.

“Council has previo usly const ruct ed speed bumps on Rangeview Drive, Traralgon along with implemented parkingcontrols surrounding the school to improvesafetyand retain local community amenity.

“Constructionofanew footpaththrough the green belt to the north of the schoolhas recentlybeen

completed to support active travel in the area.”

St Paul’s also confirmed funding for schoolcrossing enabling works, which it understands will be happing “hopefully at Easter time”accordingtothe school’s business manager, Leah Young.

Lavalla Catholic College Principal, Ryan Greer said the safety of students was always top of the agenda.

“The safety of ourstudents as well as all children and pedestrians who utilise Grey Street, Grubb Ave and surrounding streets, is of paramount concern for the Lavalla community,” he said.

“Given the heavy volume of traffic, particularly during peak times at the beginning and end of the school day, the College supports constructive and meaningful dialogue with all stakeholder groups, including residents, council and VicRoads, to ensure that priority is given to the pro-active mitigation of risk that exists for our young people.”

Bumpy: Speedbumps along RangeviewDrive, Traralgonare in placetotry and mitigateany potential incidents around schools

Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Plan ahead to stay safe in Gippsland’sgreat outdoors

AMBULANCE Victoria (AV) paramedics are urgingpeople who plan to explore Gippsland’s great outdoors to be prepared and stay safe in the coming months.

As residents and visitors enjoy the region’sremote bushland, and participate in camping, 4WD-ing, hiking or mountain bike riding, local paramedics saythere are preventative steps people can take to ensure their adventure can be enjoyed safely and without emergency help.

AV Acting Gippsland Operations Community Engagement Liaison Coordinator, Jess Shepherd welcomed the season of outdoor adventures but said beforeheading to remote areas, planning a tripshouldbea top priority before hitting the road.

“It’s great to get out into Gippsland’s great outdoors but ask yourself if you’re prepared for if something goes wrong,” Mrs Shepherd said. “We know emergencies can happen anywhere,

anytime, so it is always best to be prepared -to survive the great outdoors, you need to plan.

“A great place to start is to learn firstaid,be preparedfor weather conditions to change, tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return, and make sure you have an AV membership just in case you need us.”

AV Gippsland Regional Director, Ross Salathiel, echoed thewarningand said it was easy to become lostordisorientatedinremote bushland and unpredictable weather conditions.

“Our adviceisifyou’reheading outside, make sure you’re equipped to do so,” he said.

“That means checking the weather and dressing appropriately, checking the Fire Danger Rating and taking water, food,matches, atorch and sunscreen with you.

“Keep in mind that when out in the elements any activity has the potential risk of hypothermia

or heatstroke, particularly if you’re bushwalking or mountaineering, so use the ‘buddy system’ and check each other for warning signs.

“Youmay notbeabletorecognise your own symptomsofhypothermia duetomental confusion.”

Mr Salathiel said an emergency could catch you off-guard in aremote or unfamiliar place that may be difficult to describe when calling Triple Zero (000), such as abeach, unfamiliarroad or bush track.

“If you’re travelling to rural and remote regionsof Victoria you may also considercarryingaPersonal Location Beacon (PLB), known as an emergency beacon,” he said.

“When activated, aPLB sends an emergency signal via satellite to emergency services.

“We alsoencourageanyone travelling to aremote locationtodownload the ‘EmergencyPlus’app, which is free to download and uses smart phones’

in-built GPS functionality to help acaller provide theTripleZero Victoria (000) with location details.

“Openthe appand you’ll be able to tell the calltaker your location coordinates, as well as three words which can be used to pinpoint your exact location.

“The ‘what3words’ functionworks offline, so it can be used in remote areas with poordata connections and can confirm an exact location quickly and accurately using just three words.”

Download theVicEmergencyapp to be notified of incidents such as fire, flood, storm, earthquake, tsunami, weather warnings,shark sightings, beach closures and more.

To become an Ambulance Victoriamember, call 1800 648 484 or visit ambulance.vic.gov.au/ membership

Seeing double at local schools

By KATRINA BRANDON

THIS year marks another where schoolsacross the LatrobeValley have multiple sets of twins enrolled in Prep.

In some cases, their parents went to the same school and even their grandparents.

St Michael’sPrimary School, Traralgon, Morwell Central Primary School and St Joseph’s Primary School, Trafalgar haveall counted their lucky pennies and received twins starting their school journey this year.

St Michael’sPrimary School, Traralgon

ATOTAL of 451 students have been welcomed back to St Michael’s Primary School, Traralgon for the 2024 school year.

Principal Jodie Ware said,“It is always wonderful to see the children come through the school gates againafterthe holidays and hear the sound of the children’s laughter and chatter in the school yard.”

While the first day often brings with it nerves formanystudents(and teachers), Mrs Ware said that the children and teachers quickly settled into the routines of the school day.

St Michael’s has three Foundation classes in 2024, with 59 Foundation students being welcomed.

Amongthe students starting at St Michael’s were Foundation twins Rafferty and Walter.

The enrolment at St Michael’s for Rafferty and Walter is extra special due to the fact that their mother, aunties and grandmother were all past students of the school. In fact, mother Kelly attended St Michael’s with her twin and younger sister.

Mrs Ware said thatdue to its longhistoryin Traralgon,staff often get the pleasureofseeing secondand occasionally third generation students enrol at the school.

“It’s such aprivilege for teacherswhenthey get to meet or even teach children of their past students,” she added.

There was in fact several students enrolled at St Michael’s for the first time who were second generation students.

When askedwhatthey were most looking forwardtoabout commencing school at St Michael’s, Walter suggested everything about St Michael’s, whileRaffertyadded that he was really looking forwardtoplaying in the school park.

Rafferty and Walter were accompanied on their first day of school by not only their mother, but grandmother and aunty, and all were able to reminisce about their days at St Michael’s and reflect on the changes and developments that had occurred since their first day at school.

Morwell Central Primary School

AT Morwell Central, two sets of twinsentered Prep this year. The pairs stuck together for home room classes.

Morwell Centraltries to keep the twins together, going with the best options for their wellbeing.

There is no process involved with enrolling twins that differs, and they are each looked at individually.

St Joseph’s Primary School, Trafalgar

THIS year at St Joseph’s, the school has received one set of twins called Ezra and Hendrix.

Theduo are one of many lots of twin throughout the years to make their start at Waterloo Road.

Quartet: Three generations of St Michael’s Primar ySchool, Traralgonstudents. Walter andRaffertywiththeir mumand grandmother Photograph supplied

Historylesson worth its weight in gold

Order: St Paul’sAnglican GrammarSchool students Khloe, Chloeand Nicholas as active par ticipants in histor yatSovereign Hill

Preps embraced at St Paul’sduring ceremony

History: Proud to be apar tofaPreptradition areMarli andMorgan.

Startofsomething: NewStPaul’sstudent Marley Photographs supplied

The ‘Almost AStPaul’sPreppie’Prepgold hats, received during last year’s orientation, had the word ‘Almost’ joyfully crossed off, symbolising the Preps’ official entry into the school community.

While the first day of school can stir emotions for parents, experienced educators offered reassuring words.

They emphasised that the Preps are in caring hands, and as they embrace new routines, adapt to school life, and embark on their educational journey, their wellbeing and happiness remain top priorities.

Official: DeputyHead of St Paul’s Traralgon Junior School, RickBattistacrosses the ‘Almost’ from aPrep’shat.

Horsepower: Luna, Estelleand Neave experience atime before modernvehicles Photographs supplied

ST Paul’s AnglicanGrammar School’sYear5 students recently embarkedonanenlightening four-day journey into Australia’s past at Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill.

As the students stepped back in time, leaving modern technology behind, they were greeted by the allure of gold fever that wasonceanobsession in this region.

Sebsaid, “I have learnt about the history of gold andthe 1850s.”

This annualcampaligns with theAustralian History curriculum, but offersmore than just academic enrichmentasitalsoprovidesaholistic experience aimed at nurturing the wellbeing of students.

Throughout their visit, students were not mere spectators but active participants in history. From witnessing traditional professions like blacksmithing and sweet making to engaging in immersive re-enactments, every moment was a lesson in compassion and understanding.

Shriya commented, “I’ve learnt alot about gold and what life was like on the Goldfields, especially about what people had to wear.”

Howe ver, the magic truly unfolded at the gold panning site, where students experienced the excitement of explorationand the resilience required to persevere among the cold water and shimmering flecks of gold.

Zeke remarked, “I enjoyed the gold panning and was lucky enough to find gold!”

Educatorsadjusted to theindividualneeds of each student, providing personalised guidance and support, ensuringthatevery child felt seen andvalued.

As the students return to their classrooms, they carry not only memories of gold panning but also a deeper appreciation for history, wellbeing and personalised learning -atreasure more valuable than any gold nugget.

With anyluck: Avatries herhand at gold panning

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THE youngest primary students at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School, Traralgon have experienced an incredible starttothe school year, marked by the school’s traditional ‘crossing of the hats’ ceremony.

Stockade: Re-enacting old time needlework is Paygan-Lily, Ava, Cassie,Evieand Elliot.

Turn back time: Getting an understanding of abygone eraare Leo,Rubyand Seb

Support for children with epilepsy

EPILEPSY Action Australia has launched anew program in the Gippsland area.

Ted-E-Bear Connection is providing vital social and emotional support -free-of-charge to children with epilepsy and their families, thanks to generous funding. Children registered for the program will be posted asoft, cuddly teddy-bear to be acomforting friend when they are struggling with sadness, distressing seizures, hospital stays, medical tests or the loneliness of feeling different.

Ted-E-Bear packs includeeducationalactivity packs for older children up to the age of 12. They also support parents, connecting them with:

 AFacebook peer-support group (a community of 1200 followers) for parents to connect with

each other and share their lived experience, facilitated by Epilepsy Action Australia specialist epilepsy registered nurses;  An online education workshop teaching parent’s seizure safety and first-aid;

 One-on-one advice from ourteam of registered nurses by video call, phone and email, and;

 ATed-E-Bear for young siblings, as having epilepsy in the family affects them too.

“Studies show around one-third of children with epilepsy will suffer anxiety and up to 25 per cent have depression;they can also end up socially isolated and lonely,” Epilepsy Action Australia, Chief Executive, Carol Ireland said.

“Ted-E-Bear Connection gives them smiles and

eases their parents’fearswithreliable information about epilepsy and safe seizure response.”

Ted-E-Bear Program Registrations are now open for children with epilepsy and their families in the whole of the Gippsland region including Sale, Lakes Entrance,Bairnsdale,Churchill,Drouin, Leongatha, Orbost, Traralgon, Mallacoota, Moe, Morwell, Warragul and Wonthaggi.

For more information, to register, or to speak to a specialist Epilepsy Nurse, people of all ages affected by epilepsy can call Epilepsy Action Australia on 1300 37 45 37 (press 1for the National Epilepsy Line), or email epilepsy@epilepsy.org.au Key EpilepsyFacts

 Epilepsy is achronic disorder of the brain that affects people of all ages;

 Approximately three per cent to 3.5 per cent of Australians will experience epilepsy at some point in their lives;

 An estimated 170 children under 10-years-old have epilepsy in the Gippsland area, based on 2021 population data and epilepsy prevalence;

 While seizures can begin at any age, epilepsy is most frequently diagnosed in early childhood, adolescence andinpeople over 65 years-of-age;

 Children represent around 40 per cent of the population with epilepsy;

 There are around40different types of epilepsy and epilepsy syndromes, and;

 With treatment, around 65-70 per cent of people with epilepsy can successfully control their seizures.

Monash medical students welcomed in Traralgon

MONASH University’s SchoolofRural Health has welcomed 50 Monash medical students beginning their clinicalplacements in Traralgon this semester.

The students will complete aseries of rotationsat Latrobe Regional Health, including general, aged and emergencymedicine,intensivecare, anaesthetics, surgery, paediatrics, psychiatry, and obstetrics and gynaecology.

Fourth-year students will complete aplacement in partneringteaching generalpracticesinTraralgon.

Among the students is Dianne Sanders, who has lived in Gippsland for the last two decades.

Dianne came to medicine later in life -encouraged by achance encounter with the late Dr David Birks -and has completed all of her placementsin the Latrobe Valley.

“I love being alocal and serving local people. Clinically, Ithink it is ahugeadvantage to understand the demographics of the local population and have agenuine understanding of the barriers rural people face, preventing them from accessing healthcare,” she said.

For Dianne, adriving forcetostudy medicinewas her own first-hand experience of the challenges of accessing healthcare rurally.

“I want to be part of the solution. Iwill definitely be remaining rural after Igraduate,” she said.

Future Docs: Four th year Monashmedical students have been completing their placement in Traralgon. Photographs supplied

“My long-term goal is to provide healthcare to remote,disadvantaged populations both in Australia and overseas.

“I’m hoping to enter the rural generalist program as Ithink this will train and equip me with abroad

set of skills that can be utilised in arural/remote setting.”

Director of Monash RuralHealthGippsland, Associate Professor Cathy Haigh, is excited to welcome the students to the region, and encourages

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

Nearly there: Finalyear Monash medical students

locals to support the students during their time on placement.

“I hope the communitywill show ourstudents the rewards of what life in Gippsland has to offer,” she said.

“Please say hello when you see them at Latrobe Regional Health or your local GP clinic or community health service and help welcome them to the Latrobe Valley.”

HOROSCOPES

by Joanne Madeline Moore

February26-March 3, 2024

Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19)

Impulsive, feisty planets Mars and Jupiter are stirring up your horoscope, so prepare for a challenging week full of inconvenient disruptions and dramatic surprises Being a hot-headed, rambunctious (or rude) Ram will just land you in a heap of trouble especially involving friendships or financial matters Simmer down, before you say or do something that you later regret You’ll find cool cooperation will get you a lot further than fiery confrontation

Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

Librans long for peace and harmony You want everything to run smoothly this week but it may not happen! Relationships will be unpredictable and loved ones disruptive, so revise your expectations and just take things as they come With four planets activating your daily routine zone, look for exciting ways to expand your influence in the world around you You ll find the more you extend yourself and encourage others, the more successful you’ll be

Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20)

With so many planets in Pisces and Aquarius, being flexible is the key to a successful week

If you are too stubborn and unyielding in your opinions then others will just stop listening to what you have to say And if you are too slow off the mark (and hesitant to take action) then others will streak ahead of you, especially at work So your motto is from fellow Taurean, actress Shirley MacLaine: “Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb It’s where all the fruit is ”

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

Y Gou ’ re keen to connect with others as four planets activate your career zone It’s a terrific time to converse and communicate, text and tweet People are waiting to hear what you ’ ve got to say as you brainstorm your creative ideas Mercury (your ruling planet) makes positive links with the Sun, Saturn and Jupiter, so stop procrastinating and start delivering! Be inspired by birthday great writer and illustrator Dr Seuss: “Only you can control your future ”

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Cancer folk can be super cautious spending too much time at home in your cosy comfort zone But this week – with the Sun, Mercury, Saturn, Neptune and Jupiter all activating your travel-and-adventure zone – it’s time to crawl out of your Crab cave and be much more adventurous Be inspired by Hollywood movie star (and birthday great) Elizabeth Taylor: “There are so many doors to be opened, and I’m not afraid to look behind them ”

Leo (July 23 - Aug 22)

This week’s spontaneous stars increase your restless side and your independent streak Work projects are particularly favoured, as you connect with influential friends and creative colleagues Clever Cats will resist the urge to be bossy and self-indulgent You’re in the mood to take a professional risk or go on a grand adventure but avoid saying the first thing that pops into your head Sometimes silence is golden, and some things are best left unsaid

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

The stars favour decorating, redesigning or renovating your home environment, and some Scorpios will move house But are you brooding on the past and kicking yourself for romantic or career opportunities you ’ ve missed along the way?

It’s time to learn from your mistakes and move on Your motto for the moment is from birthday great Johnny Cash: “Close the door on the past You don’t forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on them ”

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Four g planets (including Saturn) are stirring up your domestic zone, and disruptive Mars squares your ruler, Jupiter Which could rattle your composure, fire up your frustrations, and amplify any family problems you ’ re facing at the moment But don’t waste your time (and everyone else’s) with endless complaining Instead be inspired by movie legend (and birthday great) Elizabeth Taylor: “Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together”

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

This week the Sun, Mercury and Saturn encourage you to listen to loved ones closely and keep the channels of communication open Is a family member going through a rough patch? Don’t lecture them! Strive to help them in compassionate and generous ways But it may be time to be more proactive about money matters and reformulate your financial plans When it comes to work and business it’s much better to under-promise and then over-deliver

Don’tgbe too set in the way you think the week should develop With Mars and Uranus shaking things up, expect last-minute delays or disruptions that will keep you on your toes! Attached Virgos – take the time to talk through problems with your sweetheart Singles – look beyond the exterior package that a potential partner presents Killer curves or bulging biceps may seem enticing but – if the two of you can t communicate well – it s just not going to last

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

Jupiqter and Uranus send disruptions in your direction (especially involving domestic and family matters), plus Mars demands that you stop being stubborn and start being more adventurous The only certainty at the moment is change! You’re feeling ridiculously restless but try to modify your reactions, otherwise it will be a long and tiring week Just because you re in the process of shaking up your life doesn t mean you have to unsettle everyone around you

Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

The Sun, Mercury, Saturn and Neptune are transiting through your sign So you ’ re emanating some serious charisma this week! Make sure you celebrate the creative and compassionate Piscean within via writing, singing, dancing, drawing, painting, playing music or helping others But resist the temptation to spill secrets and blurt out something inappropriate – especially to a relative or neighbour Friday favours short trips and fun community connections

CopyrightJoanne Madeline Moore 2024

Thisadvertisingspace couldbe urs

Simulating flight to raise needed funds

By KATRINA BRANDON

HAVE you ever wondered what it would be like to fly aplane?

Well,today (Wednesday, February 28) the Royal Flying Doctors Service is making their way to Rosedaletopartner for aday with Rosedale Lions Club Op-Shop from 10am to 4pm.

The Royal Flying Doctors Serviceisbringing down aflight simulator so that people can see what it is like inside the cockpit.

Rosedale Lions Club member, Dawn Molden told the Express there will be afew stalls, abarbecue, afew trailers and afood van at the event.

Stalls involved include awooden and brass stall formed by materials gatheredatthe op-shop, a

fibreglass and plaster mushroom maker and a spinningwheel which will put moneytowards the Royal Flying Doctors Foundation at the end of the day.

During the day, people can still donate to the cause while trying out the simulator.

“We are the only ones getting it within the local area,” Ms Molden said.

“I think it is spectacular that we managed to score it after speaking to one person at an event by myself, and he was with the Flying Doctors.

“I’m quiteexcitedbecauseitmight be the last thing that we do as big stuff. It’s been six months in the making to get it here.”

For more information,gotothe Lions Club of Rosedale’s Facebook page.

Ringing in 20 years of Life FM

LIFE FM Gippsland will mark 20 years on air with a20th birthday celebration in March.

Theevent will be held Saturday,March23from 6pm at the Traralgon Golf Club (Princes Highway, Traralgon).

The eveningwillinclude dinner, music, laughter and memories of 20 years of Life FM.

Life FM Gippsland, aChristian community radio station, first went to air in the early hours of October 29, 2003, on the 103.9 FM frequency, on which it still broadcasts.

Twodecades later,1039 Life FM Gippsland is stillgoing strong, broadcasting positive, uplifting music and messages of hope across the region, as well as locally-produced programs. Station manager David Braithwaite said there was alot to celebrate.

“While Life FM first went to air in 2003, efforts to get us on the air go back to 1999 with the work andvision of inaugural chief executive Deb Bye andagroup of dedicated volunteers, who had a desire to give the Christian community aplace in Gippsland radio,” David said.

“We want to celebrate those who made Life FM what it is today: avibrant community radio station broadcasting apositive message, and to introduce the new generation of presenters, producers and

volunteers who will take the vision of Life FM into the future.

“Anyone who has played apartinLife FM’s success, including valued listeners and sponsors, are invited to attend our 20th birthday event, which promises to be an unforgettable evening.”

The night will include music fromrecognised local artists Chico Johnson, Natalie Ambrose and David Eime, as well as presentations from former Life FM personalities Deb Bye and Randell Green, whose voices would be familiar to long-time listeners of Life FM.

“You’ll hear stories about how Life FM came to be and of our journey over the past two decades,” David said.

“You’ll also have the opportunity to mingle with the current Life FM team and other like-minded individuals who share apassion for great music.”

Tickets to Life FM’s 20th Birthday Celebration cost $25each, andare available from www.eventbrite.com.au (searchfor Life FM’s 20th Birthday Celebration).

For more information, phone 5143 0355 during business hours or email gippsland@lifefm.com.au.

For catering purposes, RSVP by March 2. Theevent is supported by Latrobe City Council.

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

To advertise your bargains, products or services in this column or forinformation, simply phone JennyMannon 5135 4412 today.

TheGuide

GARDENING AUSTRALIA

ABC TV,Friday, 7.35pm

Gone arethe days of the hardworking yuccaplant featuring in almostevery second front garden. Thankfully,plant lovers’eyeshavebeenwell andtruly openedtothe beauty and benefits of Australian natives, and tonight Clarence Slockee celebrates the bright and beautiful array of autumn flowering natives. Thetail end of summer won’t seem so sad once youlay eyes on these blooming beauties. While Millie Ross soaks up the lastrays of summer,Costa Georgiadis meetsmulticultural community gardeners, and TammyHuynh (pictured) pops in to acollector’s colourful balcony.Always vibrant and earthy,tonight’sepisode is akaleidoscope of colour

MALAYSIA GOURMET WITHJUSTINE SCHOFIELD

SBS Food, Monday, 7.30pm

Between the picturesque locations and mouth-watering fare in this luscious foodie exploration, it’sfair to declarethat Justine Schofield (pictured) is taunting us all– in hereminentlygood-natured, smiling manner,ofcourse. Tonight’sepisode kicks off with spectacularscenes guaranteed to inspirean early wake-upwiththe sun. Justine and her cameracrewsavour the sights on asunrise hikeintothe treetops of Ria Lookout in Sabah. Afterwards, the breakfastofchampions calls: noodles! Suddenly,toastand cereal seem so insipid. Chef Christopher Wanalso shares his belovedrecipe forthe iconic spicySarawak laksa, which elevatescomfort food to alip-smacking new level.

Wednesday, February 28

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Q+A. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National PressClub Address. 1.40

6.00

8.30

9.05

9.50

10.20

4.30 Catalyst. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

West. (PG,R)

Food Markets: In TheBelly Of The City (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.15 Life As AMarriage Migrant. (PG) 2.25 Mysteries Of TheSphinx. (PGa, R) 3.15 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.45

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Scottish Islands With Ben Fogle: Isle Of Mist–Skye. (PG) Part 4of4

8.40 TheMatchmakers. (PG) Part 3of3 Agreeing to goona second date, Becky andRonaldengageinToby’sdating game

9.40 Kin (MA15+lv) Viking is put in an impossible position.

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05

KING CON: LIFE AND CRIMES OF HAMISH MCLAREN

Seven, Sunday, 8pm

NITV (34)

SBS

12.40am Ip Man. (2008,M,Cantonese) 2.35 Joyland. (2022, MA15+, Punjabi) 5.00 Swallows And Amazons. (2016,PG)

PICK OF THE WEEK

Follow therise andfall of oneof Australia’s mostsuccessful conmen. Thesubject of hit podcast Whothe HellisHamish?,the Bondi resident with thegiftofthe gab showed no mercy when it came to who he scammed forbig bucks. Girlfriends, high-profile businessmen and even his bestfriends werestung on home soil and in the UK and Asia. It’s estimatedthe Ferrari-driving criminal swindled more than $60 million from his victims. It wasn’t until young NSW policeofficer TomZadravec forensically threaded together his audacious frauds that McLaren (pictured) wasfound out andforcedtoswapthe highlifefor alengthystint behindbars.

From the heart: JodeeMundy spends time with aCODA community in theUSfor Dateline

DATELINE

SBS, Tuesday, 9.30pm

“Do youwant to learn moresign language?” guestpresenter Jodee Mundy inquires of ayoung boy. “Yes, because Iwant to talk to my mum!”heanswers emphatically.This week the veteran current affairs program returns forits landmark 40th year,withastirring andgripping insight into aCODA–Children of Deaf Adults –community in the US.Film director and performer Mundy who has twodeafparents and wasraisedwith Auslan as her first language is an empathic voiceasshe joins the firstAsian American CODAcamp for families in Pennsylvania. Imbued with Mundy’swarmth, it’sa compelling tearjerker about identity, love and the kidscaught between two worlds.

Judy. (PG, R) 11.00 Dr Phil. (PGadl, R) 12.00 10 NewsFirst:Midday 1.00 Ent. Tonight. 1.30 Australian Survivor.(R) 3.00 Farm To Fork. 3.30 10 News First: Afternoon. 4.00 Neighbours. (PGa) 4.30 Bold. (PGas) 5.00 News.

6.00

6.00

the day’snews.

(R) Alook

1.30 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

Thursday, February 29

ABC

6.00

1.00 Whale With Steve Backshall. (R)

2.00 ParliamentQuestion Time. 3.00 The

4.15 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 5.15 Grand Designs.(PG,R)

6.00 Back Roads. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)

7.00 ABC News

7.30 7.30 Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Foreign Correspondent. (Return) Takesa look at fake fashion.

8.30 Grand DesignsNew Zealand. (Return) TomWebster meets a couple who are building afamily holiday home in AbelTasman.

9.20 Antiques Roadshow (R)HostedbyFionaBruce.

10.20 BetterDate Than Never. (PG,R)

10.50 ABCLate News.

11.05 TheBusiness. (R)

11.25 This Is Going To Hurt (Madls, R)

12.10 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 12.55 Parliament Question Time. 1.55 JoannaLumley’s Britain. (PG, R) 2.45 Tenable. (R) 3.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 Catalyst. (R) 5.30

7.30.(R)

(PG) 2.15 Vietnam’s All-Female Deminers. (PG) 2.25 Search ForCleopatra. (R)

3.15 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up (PG, R) 4.15 SecretsOfThe Tower Of London. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 LettersAnd Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 DNAFamily Secrets (PG) Hosted by Stacey Dooley

8.40 Psychedelics: Stepping Into The Unknown –Australia Uncovered. (Mal) Explores howpsychedelic assisted therapy couldholdthe answer to Australians’mental illness epidemic.

9.40 Culprits. (Final, Malv) Letting down herguard,Dianne’strue reasons for targeting Hawkes are revealed.

10.50 SBS WorldNewsLate.

11.20 TheSpectacular (Malv)

The IRA carries out anew attack.

12.20 My Brilliant Friend. (Mlsv, R)

4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World EnglishNewsMorning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show.(PG)

11.30 SevenMorningNews

12.00 MOVIE: Betrayed Within. (2022, Mav)

2.00 Your Money& Your Life.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home And Away (PGa)

Cash interviews for anew job.

8.30 TheFront Bar: All Sports Edition. (Mal) Sam Pang, Mick Molloyand Andy Maher take alook at the world of sport and catch up with the stars of yesteryear

9.30 TheLatest: SevenNews.

10.00 WhyShips Crash. (PGa, R) Explores the incident involving the container ship EverGiventhat blockedthe Suez Canal in 2021.

11.15 Born To Kill? TheHillside Stranglers (MA15+av,R)A look at theHollywoodStranglers.

12.15 Black-ish. (PG, R) Jack joins the roboticsclub.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 SevenEarly News.

5.30 Sunrise

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair.

7.30 9News Special: Marvellous Moomba Abehind-the-scenes look at the Moomba Festival.

8.00 RBT. (Mdl)Follows the activities of policeunits.

9.00 Australia Behind Bars. (MA15+adl, R) Takesalookbeyond the high wallsand barbed wiresofthree of Australia’s maximumsecurity prisons.

10.05 World’sMostDangerous Prisoners. (Premiere)

11.05 9News Late.

11.30 Chicago Med. (MA15+am)

12.20 A+EAfter Dark. (Mm, R) 1.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 2.00 Postcards. (PG, R) 2.30 Global Shop.(R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 ACurrentAffair.(R) 5.00

9News Early. 5.30 Today

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 TheProject. Alookatthe day’snews.

7.30 TheDog House Australia. (PGa) Kellymeets afluff ball named Jinglebells.

8.30 GoggleboxAustralia. TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

9.30 Law& Order: SVU. (Mas, R) Benson triestohelp astudent after she is assaulted on afieldtrip with her school debatingteam.

10.30 Blue Bloods. (Mv, R) Erin faces disturbing accusations.

11.30 TheProject (R)

12.30 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG)

1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

6.00

WorldNews

7.30 TheGoodShip Murder (Mv) The ship hosts apoker tournament.

8.25 Endurance: Race ThePole: TheDiscovery Expedition

1901-1904 Part 1of3

9.20 Queens That Changed TheWorld: TheQueen Of Empire –Victoria (PG) Alook at the reign of Queen Victoria.

10.15 SBSWorld News Late.

10.45 Departure. (Madl)

11.30 Miniseries:The Unusual Suspects. (Mls, R)

3.20 Going Places With Ernie Dingo.(PG, R)

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

6am

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Johanna Griggsvisits Mandurah.

8.30 MOVIE: Where TheCrawdads Sing. (2022, Masv) An abandoned girl who raised herself in the marshlands opens herself to anew world when she is drawn to twoyoung men from town. However, when one of them is found dead, she finds herself the prime suspect. DaisyEdgar-Jones, Taylor John Smith,David Strathairn.

11.10 FirstDates UK. (Mal, R) Couples meet for the first time in arestaurant.

12.10 GetOnExtra.

12.40 12 Monkeys (MA15+av,R)

Cole mustcomplete his cycle

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million DollarMinute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair.

7.30 David Attenborough’s Dynasties II: Meerkats. (PGa) Narrated by Sir David Attenborough.

8.40 MOVIE: Miss Congeniality 2: Armed AndFabulous. (2005,Mv, R) Against orders, an FBI agentgoes undercovertorescue Miss USAand the pageant MC after they are kidnapped. SandraBullock,Regina King

11.00 MOVIE: Monster-In-Law. (2005,Ms, R) Jennifer Lopez.

12.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.40 Pointless. (PG,R) 2.35 Great Australian

Detour.(R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Postcards. (PG, R) 4.30 Global Shop (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 SkippyThe Bush Kangaroo. (R)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

Hosted by GrantDenyer 6.30 TheProject. Thehosts and guest panellists takealookatthe day’snews, events and hot topics.

7.30 TheGraham Norton Show.

Graham Norton chats with Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet and DuaLipa.

9.30 DogsBehaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PG, R) Itisabusyweekfor British dog trainer Graeme Hall as he meets alabrador,abulldog and aterrier

10.30 Fire Country. (Mav, R) Vince’s judgment is compromised.

11.30 TheProject. (R) Alook at the day’snews.

12.30 TheLateShowWith Stephen Colbert (PG) HostedbyStephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

Saturday,March 2

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 WeekendBreakfast.

9.00 Rage.(PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Death

In Paradise. (PG, R) 1.30 DarbyAnd Joan (Final, Mav, R) 2.15 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.45 JuliaZemiro’sHome Delivery.(PG, R) 3.15 Joanna Lumley’sGreat Cities Of The World. (PG, R) 4.00 Universe With Brian Cox. (R) 4.55 Better Date Than Never. (R) 5.30 Landline.(R) 5.55 Australian Story.(R)

6.30 Back Roads: EugowraRecovery, NSW (PG, R) Heather Ewart returns to Eugowra, one of the first townsshe visitedwhen thepandemic hit in 2020

7.00 ABC News. Takesalookatthe top storiesofthe day,including coverage of developing stories and events from local and international correspondents.

7.30 SydneyGay AndLesbian

Mardi Gras 2024 (Malns) Coverage of Australia’s largestcelebration of diverse LGBTQIA+communities from Sydney.Presented by CourtneyAct and Mon Schafter,withG Flip,Remy Hii, Mel Buttle and JeremyFernandez.

10.50 Rage Mardi Gras Special. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music videos that keep the festivities going longafter the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade has finished. 5.00 Rage. (PG) Continuous music programming.

ABC TV PLUS (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Karma’sWorld. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Spicks And Specks. 8.00 QI 8.30 LiveAtThe Apollo 9.00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 9.45 Shaun Micallef ’s MAD AS HELL 10.15 MythBusters. 11.05

Double Parked. 11.30 Portlandia. 12.15am Black Mirror 1.15 Upstart Crow 1.50 Unprotected Sets. 2.45 MOVIE: AFantasticWoman. (2017, M) 4.25

ABC News Update. 4.30 Close. 5.00 Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.05 Love Your Garden (R) 10.00 VintageVoltage.(Premiere)

11.00 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R) 12.00

WorldWatch. 2.00 Gymnastics. Artistic Apparatus World Cup.Highlights. 3.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike Championship.Round 1. Highlights. 4.00

Secrets Of ACeltic Grave. (PGav,R) 5.30

Merrill’sMarauders: Burma WWII.

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.30 Cotswolds And Beyond With PamAyres: Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. (PGa) PamAyres heads to the Oxfordshire

8.25 Scotland’sScenic Railways: Edinburgh Waverley Station. (PG) Alook at the Edinburgh Waverley station

9.20 TheWonders Of Europe: Versailles,Louis XIVAnd His Destiny. (PG,R)Part 2of4

10.20 Those Who Stayed.

11.05 Cycling. UCI Women’s World Tour.Strade Bianche Women.

12.00 Cycling. UCIWorld Tour.Strade Bianche. From Tuscany,Italy 3.00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo.(R) 4.00 Bamay.(R)

4.50 Destination Flavour: JapanBitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am Athletics. World Indoor C’ships. Eveningsession. Continued. 9.00 WorldWatch 10.00 TheMovie Show 12.10pm Gymnastics. FIG Rhythmic World Cup Series. Replay 2.10 Every Family HasASecret. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.50 Food That Built The World. 7.20 Impossible Engineering. 8.20 The DayThe Rock Star Died. 8.50 Athletics. WorldIndoor C’ships. Morningsession. 1.20am Late Programs.

6am December Boys. (2007, PG) 8.00 Young Girls Of Rochefort. (1967,PG, French) 10.20 J.T. LeRoy (2018,M) 12.20pm The

SEVEN (7,6)

6.00 NBCToday 7.00 WeekendSunrise.

10.00 TheMorning Show:

Weekend. (PG)

12.00 Horse Racing. Verry Elleegant Stakes Day and AustralianGuineas Day

5.00 SevenNews At 5.

5.30 Border Security:Australia’s Front Line. (PG,R)Traces of drugs arefound on luggage.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Border Security:Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Border Force executes awarrant.

7.30 MOVIE: RED (2010,Mlv,R)After aretiredCIA agent is attacked by a hit squad, he reassembleshis old team to uncoverhis enemy’sidentity Bruce Willis, Mary-Louise Parker

9.50 MOVIE: Con Air (1997, MA15+lv,R) Anewly paroled criminal becomescaught in asiege afterthe prison transportaircraft he is on is hijacked. Nicolas Cage,JohnCusack.

12.10 TheArrangement. (Mav,R) Megan and Kyle struggle to reconnect.

1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 HomeShopping (R)

4.00 Get Clever. (R)

5.00 HouseOfWellness (PGa, R)

NINE (9, 8)

6.00 HelloSA. (PG,R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 Today

Extra: Saturday.(PG) 12.00 Great Australian Detour.(R) 12.30 My Way. (PG, R) 1.00 The Pet Rescuers. (PG, R) 1.30 MOVIE: Rocky IV.(1985,PGv,R)Sylvester Stallone,Talia Shire, Burt Young. 3.30 Renovate Or Rebuild. (Return) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (Return)

5.00 9NewsFirst At Five. 5.30 Getaway.(PG)

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 ACurrent Affair.

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa) The team tackles their biggest challenge.

8.30 MOVIE: Sky fall. (2012, Mlv,R)

In the wake of abotched operation and the apparent death of 007, Mfinds

herself under pressure to resign. Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem

11.30 My LifeAsARolling Stone: Charlie Watts. (Mad, R)

12.45 Renovate Or Rebuild. (R)

1.35 TheGarden Gurus. (R)

2.00 TheIncredibleJourney Presents. (PGa)

2.30 Getaway. (PG,R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6am

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 MorningPrograms. 9.00 ToughTested. (R) 10.00 Australia By Design: Architecture. (R) 10.30 Farm To Fork.(R) 11.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 11.30 Australian Survivor.(R) 12.30 Silvia’s Italian Masterclass. 1.00 All 4 Adventure. (PGl, R) 2.00 Wildlife Rescue. (PGm,R) 3.00 What’sUpDown Under 3.30 GCBC. (R) 4.00 My Market Kitchen. 4.30 Taste Of Aust. (R) 5.00 News.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal (R)

Hosted by GrantDenyer.

6.30 TheDog House Australia. (PGa,R) Kelly meets afluff ballnamed Jinglebells.

7.30 TheDog House. (Return) Afamilylooks forapet.

8.30 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) After awoman becomes stranded on aremote walking track, unable to makeher wayout, she must rely on the help of Emergency Services, as well as Senior Operations Supervisor Brad, to organise her extraction.

9.45 Ambulance UK (Ma, R) Acrew attends to awomanwho has contracted COVID-19 while pregnant.

11.00 So Help Me Todd. (PGlv, R) Lyle’s niece is accused of committingacrime.

12.00 FBI: International. (Mav,R)

1.00 Home Shopping (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power.

Sunday, March3

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

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 WeekendBreakfast.

9.00 Insiders 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World

This Week.(R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30

Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30

Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Dream Gardens.(R)

3.00 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.25 TheCookAnd The

Chef.(R) 3.50 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 4.40 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.30

The ABC Of (PG, R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.20 Love Your Garden (R) 10.10 VintageVoltage. (PGl) 11.00

Ireland’sSecrets From Above.(PG) 12.00

WorldWatch. 12.30 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 12.55 Powerchair Football. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Surf Life Saving.

Super SurfTeams League. Highlights. 4.50

Where Are YouReally From? (PG, R) 5.25 Her War, Her Story: WWII.(PGa)

6.30 SBSWorldNews.

7.35 TheLostScrollsOfVesuvius With Alice Roberts. (PG) Hosted by Professor Alice Roberts.

8.30 Netanyahu, America And The Road To WarInGaza (MA15+av)

Examines the relationship between Benjamin Netanyahu andvarious US presidents overMiddleEast peace.

10.05 Militar yStrongholds: Megastructures Of Genius. (PG, R)

6.00 NBCToday 7.00 WeekendSunrise.

10.00

The MorningShow: Weekend.(PG)

12.00 House Of Wellness.(PGa, R) 1.00

Movies. (PGav,R) 1.30 To Be Advised.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and ScottTweedie.

8.00 King Con: Life AndCrimes Of Hamish McLaren. (Mal) Looks at how con man Hamish McLaren swindled $60 million from friends, family and lovers.

10.00 Soham: Catching A Killer (Mav) Part 2of3

11.00 AutopsyUSA:AndyGibb (Mad) Alook at the death of AndyGibb

NINE (9,8)

6.00 Fishing Australia. (R) 6.30 ACurrent

Affair.(R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 Wide

WorldOfSports. (Return, PG) 11.00 Building Icons. 12.00 David Attenborough’s

R)

1.50 Sanditon. (PG, R)

2.40 Rage Vault (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.00 Catalyst (PG,R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

11.05 Rodman: ForBetter Or Worse. (Mal, R) 1.05 Dirty Bird. (R) 1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Paris-NiceRace. Stage 1. 3.10 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG,R) 4.10 Bamay (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al JazeeraNews.

12.00 MOVIE: Jesse Stone: Night Passage (2006,Masv, R) TomSelleck

TEN (10, 5)

6.30 TheSunday Projec t. Joins

fora look at the

7.30 Australian Sur vivor Agroup of Australian castawaysbattles it out on the beaches of Samoa as they vie to become the sole survivor and claim the grand prizeof $500,000.Presented by Jonathan LaPaglia.

9.00 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv,R)AsJane investigatesher former mentorMaggie’s kidnapping, she is shocked when she learns atroublingtruth and enlistsher team and Whistler to prove her findings.

11.00 TheSundayProjec t. (R) Joins panellists foralookatthe day’s news, eventsand hot topics.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 CBSMorning s. Morning news and talk show

10

Monday,March

6.00

1.00 Vera (Mav,R)

2.30 Back Roads. (R)

3.00 TheCook AndThe Chef (R)

3.25 Tenable. (R)

4.15 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

5.10 Grand Designs. (R)

6.00 Back Roads: Eugowra,NSW (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)

7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 7.30 Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Australian Story. Presented by Leigh Sales.

8.30 Four Corners Investigative journalism programexposingscandals, firing debate and confronting taboos.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Paul Barry takesa look at thelatest issues affecting media consumers.

9.35 Q+A. Presented by Patricia Karvelas

10.35 ABC LateNews.

10.50 TheBusiness (R)

11.10 TheWeekly With Charlie Pickering. (R)

11.40 Planet America (R)

12.15 Grand Designs. (R)

1.00 Tenable. (R) 1.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.30 Catalyst. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Finding Your Roots: Secret Lives. (PG)

8.30 The2010s: Obama –Legacy On TheLine. (Ma) Looksatkey moments in Obama’spresidency

9.20 24 Hours In A&E: An Education In Happiness. (M) A71-year-old is rushed to St George’s.

10.15 SBSWorld NewsLate.

10.45 Blanca. (MA15+a)

11.40 Silent Road. (Madsv)

12.35 WetByFire. (R) 12.50 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Paris-NiceRace.Stage 2. Thoiry to Montargis. 177.6km. From France 2.50 Exit. (MA15+ads,R) 3.45 Going PlacesWith ErnieDingo.(PG, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines

The WorldTonight.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home And Away (PGa)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGl) As the competition heats up,the top 10 strivetoimpressthe judges.

8.30 TheIrrational. (Madv) Alec and the teamtakeonakidnapping case at the request of adesperate father.But theirinvestigation is hampered by a complicated family dynamic that slowly reveals everyone’s hidden motivations.

10.30 TheLatest: SevenNews.

11.00 S.W.A.T. (Mav) Hondo and the team race to locate ahacker

12.00 Curse Of TheChippendales. (Malsv, R) Part 4of4

1.15 Bates Motel. (MA15+alv,R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 SevenEarlyNews.

5.30 Sunrise

Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 Catalyst. (PG, R)

5.30 7.30.(R)

6.00

Mastermind Australia.(R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre? (PGa, R) 8.30 Insight. (Return) Presented by Kumi Taguchi.

9.30 Dateline:Camp Coda –Children Of Deaf Adults. (Return)

10.00 SBSWorld NewsLate

10.30 Great British Railway Journeys. (R)

11.05 Blackout: Tomorrow Is TooLate. (Mlnv) 12.00 Miniseries: Bonnie AndClyde (MA15+asv, R) 12.50 Cycling.UCI World Tour.Paris-NiceRace. Stage 3. 2.50 Exit. (MA15+ads, R) 3.45 GoingPlacesWithErnie Dingo.(PG, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning 5.30 ANC Philippines The WorldTonight.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Home And Away (PGa)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee and ScottTweedie.

8.30 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA (MA15+l) Gordon Ramsay steps in to savea small cafeand acouple’sengagement

9.30 FirstDates UK. (Mal) KimKardashianlook-alike Becky meets leather-clad Lee. Emma meets Sean, but is he the man she wants?

TheLatest: SevenNews.

10.30

11.00 TheFront Bar: All Sports Edition. (Mal, R) 12.15 Your

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair.

7.30 MarriedAtFirstSight. (Mls) It’s time for the annual couples’ retreat.

9.00 Big Miracles. (Mam) Followsa new group of hopefuls on their journey to becoming parents with the help of IVF

10.00 9NewsLate.

10.30 Law&Order:Organized Crime. (MA15+av) Pearlfallsmysteriously ill.

11.20 CourtCam (Mlv,R)

Acourthouse escape goes wrong.

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.50 Pointless. (PG,R)

1.50 Hello SA (PG)

2.20 Talking Honey. (PG)

2.30 Global Shop (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 9News Early. 5.30 Today

(PGa) 5.00 News.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal

Hosted by GrantDenyer

6.30 TheProject. Thehosts and guest panellists take alook at the day’snews, events and hot topics.

7.30 Australian Survivor Agroup of Australian castawaysbattles it out on the beachesofSamoa as they vie to become the sole survivor

8.40 FBI: MostWanted. (MA15+v,R)

Misstepsalong theway lead to more death when the Fugitive Task Force investigates the murder of aprofessional basketballplayer’swife, who wasafamous supermodel-turned-lifestyle guru

11.30 TheProject. (R) Alook at the day’snews.

12.30 TheLateShowWith Stephen Colbert (PG) HostedbyStephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMornings.

9GO!

6.00

Hosted by GrantDenyer

6.30 TheProject. Alook at the day’snews.

7.30 Australian Survivor Agroup of Australian castawaysbattles it out on the beachesofSamoa as they

on a

to find aserial killer’s victim. Knight goes undercoveratalarge manufacturing companywith tiestothe murders.

10.00 NCIS: LosAngeles. (Mav,R)

reservistisstabbed.

11.00 TheProject. (R) Alook at theday’s news.

12.00 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMornings.

PlanetWind film premiere in Yarram

By BEN MCARTHUR

ABOTTOMLESS drinkselectionofwine,beer and aseemingly endlessfood platter marked Gippsland’sfirst showing of the Planet Wind documentary film at the Regent Theatre, Yarram.

About 60 people attended the premiere on Tuesday, February 20 -mostly Yarram locals and Star of the South representatives, to watch afilm about the development and growth of offshore wind around the world featuring wind energy experts from as far away as Denmark.

Less than 1000 people worldwide have seen the film, which will soon be released internationally. It follows Star of the South co-founder and host Andy Evans, learning aboutoffshore wind in 13 countries, and featuresmore than 20 offshore wind experts.

The film discussed the science behind harnessing wind, its future potential and scale, and argued that wind will do more than supply electricity. It also offers apathtoenergy independence, revitalises regions struck by industrial decline, and presents acrucial solution to reduce emissions.

The film was directed by Dominic Allen,who has won various film awardsand worked on VR projectssuch as one in the Eureka Skydeck. He callsPlanet Wind a“returntothe narrativestory”.

“It’snot all aboutsaving the planet; there’s much more to it. Iwanted to tell the human stories globally as to why offshore winds are one of the most important thingsinthe world,” he said.

“The film started when Iwas approached by Andy about ayear ago …and we had apowerful connection. Iwas interested in his passion for the subject, and he proposed that we make afilm.

“I agreed because Ithink this country needs more windenergysupply. But Ialso love to travel, and I was thrilled to uncoverthe story of offshore wind.”

Planet Wind was produced by Mr Evans, and while he isn’t part of Star of the South anymore, the film strongly promoted the ideas of their new offshore wind project. Star of the South has proposed to develop awind farm off the coastof Port Albert, WoodsideBeach and McLoughlins Beach, with the Bass Strait historically recording strong winds.

The company believes, if completed, it will be Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project. It should supply renewable energy to more than 1.2 million homes by the end of the decade, subject to government approval decisions.

Mr Evans said he is proud that the Star of the

On show: Star

South chose Gippsland as the home for an offshore wind location.

“Gippsland is now known globally as the heart of offshore wind not only in Australia but the SouthernHemisphere. Not only is the world aware of the region, but they want to visit and set up shop to be apart of the exciting future that is developing,” he said.

Gippsland local and Star of theSouth Community Advisory Group member, Tony Wolfe features in the documentary, sharing his story of working in the energy industry in Gippsland.

“It wasanhonour to share my story. Iwant Gippslanders to continue the region’s long and proud history of energy generation longinto the future, but with clean energy,” he said.

Have it servicedevery twoyears to keep it safe from fire.

Since your homesolarenergy system is out there in the sun, wind andrain,it’simportanttoshow it some love and keep it safe. Haveitserviced now and every two years by alicensed electrician

Learnmore at esv.vic.gov.au/solar-safety

Main players: The film’s director,Dominic Allen, with Star of the SouthChief Developer Officer,ErinColdham.

of the South representatives Andy Evans,ErinColdham and Tony Wolfeat the premiereofPlanet Wind.

Turnout: The audiencewas full of Yarram locals,who came to seethe film’spremiere. Photographs supplied

ValleyInsights

WOMEN’S Day, presented by Valley Insights, will be held Saturday,March 16. This is afree event to bring together Latrobe Valley women and recognise and celebrate their contributionsto the area.

The women who have so far been nominated are amazing volunteers.

Thisisa great opportunity for women to socialise, unwind and also network with other female-run businesses and community groups.

At the event, the ‘Valley Woman of the Year’ will be awarded.

Come along Saturday, March 16 from 2pm at Arcadia Traralgon (Kay Street Entertainment Precinct).

ValleyInsights has received great support from Arcadia in helping host the event.

Traralgon District Historical Society

THE general meeting of the society was held on Tuesday, March 13 at the society rooms.

Muchdiscussion was heldonthe need for an editor of the Bulletin and also the renewal of rental of the Post Office Box.

Currently, presidentBarbara and husbandBob are compiling the bulletin, which they have done for many years, but are now finding this is a very challenging task.

Also, our digitising team is in need of some help in getting documents held by the society digitised which will preserve them for years to come.

If there is someone you knowwho wouldbeinterested in volunteering theirservices to the society, we would be pleased to hear from them.

These tasks are not greatly time consuming and the society is very flexible on times of availability.

The society has decided to discontinue the Post Office Box.

The amount of mail has decreased greatly and the committeefeltthat we couldnot justifythe expense for so little mail.

It was decided thatwewoulduse themailboxwhich is located at the entrance to the Kath Teychenne Centre and it is available to all users of the centre.

Going forward, all mail should be addressed to Traralgon& District Historical Society, KathTeychenne Centre, 11 Breed Street, Traralgon VIC 3844.

Ourguest speaker for the evening was Alan Rogers, who spoke on the history of the Rogers family.

Alanhas done agreat dealof research on the Rogers family from back in the early 1800s to more recent times.

James Henry Rogers, Alan’s great grandfather, was avery enterprising man who made manypurchases of real estate and also started his own businesses

The Rogers’ store is still located in the main street of Traralgon.

Tigerland

ACALLhas gone out for any local Richmondsupporters whomight be able to help an elderly couple.

The Traralgon couplehavebeen Richmond members for more than 50 years, but now find it difficult travelling to Melbourne to see their beloved Tigers at the MCG.

The couple are hoping to findthe help of afellow supporter, who might be able to offerthem alift to the MCG on game days.

“We are willing to pay for petrol and have access to underground parking (atthe MCG),” the couple have confirmed to the Latrobe Valley Express

Anyone that might be able to assist is asked to emailnews@lvexpress.com.

au

Ostomysupport

ON March 6, therewill be acasual and supportive gatheringofthose who have an Ostomy, whether it be Colostomy, Ileostomy or Urostomy, everyone is welcome to come along.

We welcome you to joinusfor acuppa,achatand information exchange among people who are likeminded.

Affectionately named‘Coffee Bags’, the group meetsonthe first Wednesdayofeach month, at Tommy

Community Corner with

Liam Durkin

Brock Café, Moe (11-15 Kirk Street) from 1.30pm. This is acasualgathering in a relaxed and informal atmosphere and all are welcome.

For information, call Sue Graham on 0415 751 145.

Toongabbie Old Time Dance

THE next Toongabbie Old Time Dance will be Friday, March 1commencing at 8pm at the Toongabbie Mechanics Institute Hall at the Village Green. Music will be supplied by Norm Lade with MonteCarlo,lucky doorprize and raffle.

Admission is $8. Please bring aplate to share.

For further information, phone 0419 874 958.

Everyone is welcome to come along for anight of fun and dancing.

Traralgon Neighbourhood House

PERMACULTURE Week is on Saturday, March 16.

Come to the open morning at the VRI Garden from 10am to 12pm at 18/20 Queens Parade, Traralgon. Lookaround in our garden, enjoy somemorning tea, bringasmall sample of your soil and we can complete aPHtest.

Acooking workshop will also take place on the same day at 11-13 Breed Street, Traralgon.

Budget cooking with vegetables Registrations required.

CakeDecorating KidsEaster Workshop will take place Friday, March29from either 11am, 12.30pm or 2pm. This activityissuitablefor those aged four to 14-years-old.

Cost is $35 all inclusive.

CallMeaganatTraralgon

Neighbourhood Learning House on 5174 6199 to book and pay for any of the above events.

Scone drive

CWA Traralgon Branch, is again having aScone Drive to celebrate our statebirthday.

Someofthe Traralgonmembers (who can bake) are making scones, cooked fresh on orders from March 1to14.

To order, please phone either of these numbers -0351741032, 0417 567 033 or 0431 860 500 and say when you would likethe scones and they will be freshly made.

Get on your knees

WORLD Day of Prayer 2024 will be

held Friday,March 1at10am at Moe Salvation Army (79 -81Dinwoodie Drive, Moe).

Guest speaker is Colonel Wendy Walters.

Refreshments provided. All welcome.

Club concert

GIPPSLAND Acoustic Music Club will host aconcert on Sunday, March 3from 7.30pm at Tyers Hall.

This month,weare presenting a double bill which includes Russell Ashby then Kindred.

RussellisaBritish singer/songwriter and guitarist who has performed extensively in the UK, Europe and the USA. He sings awide variety of original, traditional and contemporary songs accompanying himself with a finger picking style.

Kindred are alocal folk-inspired duo comprising sisters-in-law, Jessica and Denise, who have alove of creating vocal harmonies to produce their own take on avariety of cover songs.

Entry is $25for adults, $20 for members/concession andfreefor people under 18.

Tickets can be pre-purchased at trybooking.com/COLTNorcash entry at the door.

For more informationabout this and other Gippsland Acoustic Music Club events such as jam sessions and workshops, go to musicclub.org.au or find us on Facebook and Instagram @ gippslandmusic

Viewmeeting

MOE View Club’s March meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 6 at Moe Hotel (Leggies), Lloyd Street, Moe.

Arrive 10.15am for a10.30am start.

Membership is due this month. Members havehad two social lunches in January and February, enjoying companyand raising money forThe Smith Family. Further information, call Sue on 0417 515 745 or Maureen (0458 842 256).

Bridgeresults

ANUMBER of Traralgon Bridge Club members played in the Eastern Bridge Associationcompetition in Paynesville on February 10-11.

Traralgon memberstook out first place in the teams section and sixth in the pairs. Theyare to be highly commended on their performance as most of the top players in the region were involved.

The team winners wereKaye Douglas, Greg Nicholson, Helen McAdam and Don Tylee with ascore of 87 per cent.

The pairs winnerswere Roshni

Netball veterans

SEEKING active women over the age of 50 and 60 interested in training and playing in anetball team that aims to compete in the Women’sNetball 50+ and 60+ section of the Pan Pacific Master Games to be held on the Gold Coast in early November 2024.

Anyone interested or requiring more information, phone Kerri McNamara on 0418 589555

Braves reunion

CHURCHILL Baseball Club completed its 50th year of competition at the end of the 2023 Latrobe Valley Baseball Association’s season.

The club is planning to celebrate this achievement as well as welcoming the start of the 2024 season by catching up with past and current members and playersoverthe weekendofApril 20-21.

On Saturday, April20, we will be holding an eveningfunction at the Churchill Hotel, with this being followed-up on Sunday, April 21 with a get together at the ground at Andrews Park West (Acacia Way, Churchill) wherewewillwatch ourcurrentA Grade team compete in their first home game of the season.

Both activitieswill be agreat chance to catch up withformerteammates and reminisceabout the ‘good old days’.

Chand and Ken Tierney with ascore of 73 per cent.

Countrymusic

FIRST Sunday of every month from 11am to 4pm at Monomeath Senior Citizens Hall, Victory Park corner of Princes Highwayand Whittakers Road,Traralgon

For all enquires, phone 0409 149 309.

Gippsland Tango

NEVER danced before? Perfect! Tried other dances before? Perfect! Enjoydifferent orchestras? Perfect! Youare the perfect person to come and enjoy Argentine Tango with us. All levels of experience catered for. Gippsland Tango has aregularcommunity who enjoy learning, dancing, and keeping our bodiesmoving and mentally sharp with Argentine Tango -The WalkingDance. Our friendly community is growing andwe’dlove to continue this trend for, as the saying goes, the more the merrier!

Classes are held every Wednesday from 7pm until 8.30pm at St David’s UnitingChurch Hall (behind the church) on 9Campbell Street, Yarragon. Wear comfortable loose fitting clothing allowing free movement, together withleather solesshoes or shoes that allow you to slide abit on the floor.

Ladies -noslingbacksasyou need a secure shoe that won’t slip off. It is agreat idea to start in socks or jazz ballet type practice shoe.

Come and make new friends, get your body movingatagentle pace, and improve your balance.

If you would like achatbefore coming, call Naomi on 0405 739 819.

Morwell social tennis

GET active,bothphysically and mentally, twice aweek.

Monday and Friday mornings from 9am to 12pm at MorwellTennis Club(RonaldReserve,VaryStreet, Morwell).

Modified tennis so you don’t have to run much. The purpose is to enjoy having ahit and chat. Our group is growing and we’d love to see more new faces join us.

Learntoplay in arelaxed, fun environment. Atotal swing and miss is not uncommon and adds to the fun and laughs we all enjoy.

Tea,coffee, waterand biscuits provided.

Like achatbeforecoming along?

Call Naomi on 0405 739 819.

Cost is $2.

For further details,either visit the Churchill Baseball Club Past Players Facebook page or contact Tony Dickinson via phone on 0407 343 556 or email tdi98999@bigpond.net.au

Chess results

MATT Bolding used his skills to help the other players who appreciated the favours in chess action during the week of Monday, February 12.

Steve Ahern held off the dangerous attacksfromPeter Bakker who had forced the win in two other games.

Trouble finding the correct space was aproblem for Ian Hamilton.

Many challenges posed for SamanthaJuers were part of the fun.

Cliff Thornton claimed he is looking forwardtothe opportunities of the future contests.

XaanVan Dwingelen spent time developingstrategy as wellasthe opening skills.

For more information, on Latrobe ValleyChess,phone Cliff Thornton on 0413 330 523 or Ian Hamilton (5134 1971).

Ballroom Dance lessons

LATROBE Valley Dance Promotions

Inc are holding their weekly Thursday night lessonsatthe Girl Guides Hall, 18 Margaret Street, Morwell.

Startingat7pm and finishing up about 10pm. Cost is $5 per person each Thursday.

Join us to learn anew skill, have some fun, dancing, revision,friendships, exercise, and socialising.

Follow us on our Facebook page: at Latrobe Valley Dance PromotionsInc PhoneNormon0428543 737 or Lynda (0428 489 041) for more information.

You can also email the groupat latrobevalleydancepromotioninc@ gmail.com

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

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

You can address the correspondence to Editor, Liam Durkin. Please write ‘CommunityCorner’ in the subject line and nothing else. Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.

Congrats: Traralgon BridgeClubmembersperformed well at the recent EasternBridgeAssociation, winning the teams and pairsevent. Photograph supplied

Localstorock Boolarra Folk Festival

By KATRINA BRANDON AND BEN MCARTHUR

THE Boolarra Folk Festival starts this Friday.

This freeevent, which goes untilSaturday, March 2, and will feature artists in various genres from rock to blues.

Many performing at the festival are local bands, such as Hip Pockets, Paul Buchman’sVoodoo Preachers, Strzelecki Stringbusters,AllyRow, StephenMcCulloch,Todd Cook and the Rufous Whistlers.

The festival will be held in Railway Park and Centennial Park, both within the township of Boolarra.

Thisyear is the Boolarra Folk Festival’s 21st birthday, and they are ready for more to come.

Meetsome of the local talent participatingin the festival.

AllyRow fromYarram -Headliner

‘ALLY Row’ is arelatively new folk/pop bandwhose name combines the two members, Yarram locals Allison and Rowan.

The duo said that their professional career began whenthe COVID state border closures trapped them inside Queensland.

“We didn’t succeed in the beginning because the first lockdown happened two months after we met, so in that period, we were writing music, coming up with ideas and melodies,” Rowan said.

“Then, when that lockdown ended,weleft (Victoria) and went to Queensland, but the border shut soon after, and for nine months, we were trapped in Queensland. But for us, that also meant that other acts couldn’t perform. Isaw an ad for the (2021) TablelandsFolk Festival,and we messagedthem and foundthat the border closures cancelled some of their acts, so we asked if we could perform, and they gave us this prime-time spot,” Allison continued.

“We were so nervous to be on aproper stage, but we got good responses, and looking back,itwas then where Ifirst thought thatifwekeep practising and working, we could be successful.”

Even after the borders opened again, the pair spent three years without ahome, living what Allison described as “the van life but without avan.”

“At the start, we lived in arooftop tent on the car and busked for petrol money,and then later, Ifound Facebook communityhouse sittinggroups where I’d just post saying, ‘hey, we’re musicians and here’s our dog would you be interested in having us park on your land’ we would offer services in exchange for the place, mostly gardening work,” she said.

“It was often older people who couldn’t garden

anymore thatresponded, and in away,webecame their grandchildren, celebrating Christmas and birthdays with them. It was an exciting environment to be part of because we were travelling so much.

“I often forget how much we’ve done in the last three years, and then we get amessage from someone we met at that period, ‘I don’t know if you remember me, but …’. Of course Iremember them, Inever forget because those people are the ones that kept us alive and able to have these experiences.”

Strzelecki Stringbusters fromYinnar

ABUNCH of blokes with guitars and things who havebeen playing in the Yinnararea for more than 20 years are comingtothe Boolarra Folk Festival.

“Theystartedinthe corner of the Yinnar Pub, playing guitarsand havinga beer. It became popularand has grown and grown.Wehave a stable of 16 guys,” said Strzelecki Stringbuster, Marty Van Hoorn.

Marty told the Express that some of the guys in the group did not know how to play to start with, but had apassion for music.

The group also helps with communityfundraisers and look after their own mental health.

“They are very community-focused because they know what it is like being on the receiving end and making music,” Marty said.

“It has also been described as amen’s self-help group with guitars, which is wonderful for it to be It’s abunch of brothersthat get on well,afraternity and beverages where you can play music.”

The Stringbusters have been at the Boolarra Folk Festival from the start.

“The Stringbusters have been there in some form. We do many music styles but organically started towards bluegrass and American root music,” Marty said.

“Youcan expect somemorecontemporary, modern pieces as well as some old and some new at the festival.”

Thegroup plays for fun and aims for everyone listeningtohave fun as well.

Hip PocketsfromLatrobe

Valley

MAKING an appearanceonce again at theBoolarra Folk Festival, the band Hip Pockets is ready to groove with their 10-piece band.

Originally called ‘The Steaming Manzas’, Hip Pockets looks forward to audiences grooving to some of their covers in adifferent ‘flavour’.

“Last year was so much fun. We justhad everyone

up and dancing. It was really good,” Hip Pocket’s front person, Pheobe Trinidad said.

“We always do some really fun arrangements of songs that people probably already listen to, but there is always alittle bit of extra condimentto it. Ithink it has alittle bit of flavour and spice.”

“That’sakey thing, really. We try to have asuper large appeal by doingsongs you wouldhave heard, but we also really appeal to the musicians in the crowd because they are arrangements they have never heard. Having the horn section means we can do really different things rather than just strum and sing. It’s very upbeat, and last year, the crowd was just on their feet for the whole set. Ithink it is also great fun,” Hip Pocket’s guitarist, Danny Eddy, said.

Whenthe band was The Steaming Manzas in the 90s, it was the first of its kind where alocal band had abrass section. The band then went on a10-year break and has resumed as Hip Pockets.

“Some of the originalmembers just feltthat they had done that; they had revisited, and that was it. The rest of us were like, ‘this needs to keep going.’ So, we recruited Pheobe as our new front-person,” Eddy said.

The HipPockets crew are excitedtobeatthe Boolarra Folk Festival again and invite everyone of all ages to the festival.

Stephen McCulloch

STEPHEN McCulloch is asinger/songwriter who plays multiple instruments and enjoys playing various genres such as folk, country and rock.

McCulloch said he enjoys playing songs that speak to the everyday humanand engagingin positive messaging.

His songs explore the joy and painofbeing human with an honesty that is immediate, engaging, and often uplifting.

“Oneofthe singles Ireleased last year was called Grit,and Iwrote it to thank everyone that helped the country get through COVID, such as the firefighters and healthcare workers,” he said.

“This song will also be performed at the (Boolarra) Folk Festival, and I’m excited to play.”

McCulloch got national exposure in 2015 when he performed on The Voice,and Delta Goodrem said he had a“beautiful voice.”

Since then has been performing at other music festivals across the country, including Woodford, The National and Maldon Folk festivals.

Todd Cook and the Rufous Whistlers

COMING from East Gippsland is Todd Cook and the Rufous Whistlers, abandinspired by, you guessed it, the native Gippsland bird Rufous Whistlers.

“After the (2019/2020)fires,therewas abird in the backyard of our place, and everything was looking pretty grim, but that bird was there and was proudly singing out beautiful songs over the devastation,” Todd said.

In Boolarra, the band will play folk music about Australianpeople,landscapes, and even the country’sfirst cricket team (‘called Johnny Mullagh’).

“That song was abig project back in 2018 when it was the 150th anniversary of the cricket team; it was just amassiveproject that was very big and fun,”Todd said.

“We were in West Victoria about 10 years ago now, and after, we had abig celebration with some great musicians.

“We’re looking forward to playing it at abeautiful community event.”

Paul Buchman’s Voodoo Preachers

RIGHT around Stratford, Maffra and Moe, the Paul Buchman’s Voodoo Preachers are sharing the blues with Boolarra Festival for the first time.

The band formed in 2020 after years of each of the members beingindifferent bandsand thought that now was the time.

The band is strictly blues music only,but are sharingthe idea of fastpaced blues back into action.

“Many people have amisconceptionthat blues is slow and miserable, which is not the case. Ialso write some slow blues, but my stuff mostly comes along quickly,” Paul said.

“Apart from our gigs, people like our more uptempostuff becausethey can dance to it. Like blues clubs, they appreciate the faster pace, but they also appreciatethe slower and more contemporary blues. It’s amixture.

The Boolarra Folk Festival is part of his launch for his original song, Welcome the Healing

Buchman draws his inspiration from the things that he has seen throughoutthe years, and the band has been popular on the blues charts across the world.

The Latrobe Valley

Festive: The Boolarra Folk Festival starts this Friday. Photographs supplied

Dynamic duo: Ally Row will headline the Boolarra Folk Festival

The storm like a“giant whipper snipper”

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

FIRST, the wind came, and then the storm took theabsolutelot.

Karen Haw, owner of the Mirboo North Garden Centre and Garden Supplies, has “lost everything” in the stormthat caused havoc in Mirboo North on Tuesday, February 13.

Driving home after the working day finished,Ms Haw had no idea of the damage she would return to the following day.

“It has damaged 95 per cent of our stock,” she emotionally told the Latrobe Valley Express The force of the storm that ripped through Mirboo North had pulled trees from the roots and lifted roofs, but it also laid waste to aonce vibrant nursery.

“It hassnapped plasticpots, it’srippedlabels off, it’s taken leaves, flowers, and it’s like agiant whippersnipper wentthrough the place,”MsHaw said.

Thelivelynursery stocked every plant you could

Calls for better relief compensation

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

HUNDREDS of fridge and freezer items were thrown out in the wakeofthe wild stormthat wiped outpoweracross the state.

Morwell East was quite heavily affected by power outages, withmore than 200 people reaching out to Morwell Neighbourhood House for food services.

One resident said they were forcedtothrow out hundreds of dollars worth of meat as their fridge and freezers defrosted during the power outage.

Manager at aKinder Cup café, Rebecca Lethborg, was forced to throw out about $400 worth of food from the fridge and freezer after being withoutpower for days at her Morwell property.

With daughters and agrandson at home, Ms Lethborghad no option but to rely on family and friends to provide meals and wash clothes.

“It was quite stressful really -itwas scary as well,” she said.

Still unsure of what supports she might be entitled to, Ms Lethborg said she hasn’t had the chance to look at assistance options.

The day following the power outage, Ms Lethborg was on hand at aKinder Cup making

free coffee for the community and listeningto their stories all while she was struggling.

Apeople person at heart, the café manager said many vulnerablepeoplecame into the shop seeking refuge from their powerless homes.

Latrobe City Counciloffered support by providing free green waste and spoiled food disposal at the PineGro facility and transferstation tips.

These free waste disposals lasted until last

Thursday (February 22).

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing ’s Perso nal Hard ship Assistance Program relief payments were made available to Victorians who suffered direct damage from the storms and who have unmet immediate relief needs, but are not specific for those who only had power outages.

AusNet offered some compensation to customers through the Guaranteed Service Level paymentthrough electricity distributors. These payments were based on how long customers were without electricity in ayear. For example, those who were without power for more than 18 hoursofunplanned sustained interruptions per financial year are eligible for $130.

The state and federalgovernment’s Prolonged Power Outage Plan has been criticised for only offering financial support to Victorians who were without power for seven days.

Many in the region feel as if more support should be available following hardships created by the storm.

Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has urged the state government to extend financial support to impacted residents.

“Labor’s Prolonged Power Outage payment only applies for people who have been without power for seven days, and others are slipping through the cracks,” Mr Cameron said.

“The Latrobe Valley was not as badly affected as other areas, but my office has received calls from people who have lost hundreds of dollars worth of food due to spoilage, and many simply cannot afford to replace it.

“One Morwell resident, who is on apension, estimates they lost $1000 worth of fridge and freezer food during a48-hour outage.

“They have been told by their energy retailer and AusNet that they are not eligiblefor any monetary compensation;only a$90 credit on their next power bill.

“A small bill credit does precious little for this person who has no food until their next pension payment.

“People shouldn’thave to be begging for assistance simply so they can feed themselves.

“The state government mustconsider how the power outage has impacted our most vulnerable and extendfinancialsupport where it’s needed.”

Despitenoted financial hardships, the community hasbeen very resilientfollowing the storm with many community organisations, churches and charities organising free meals for those in desperate need.

haveeverwanted and was acornerstoneinthe Mirboo North business scene.

The picturesque nursery was ashadow of itself when Ms Haw returned to see all her nursery plants turnedontheirside, sustaining immense hail damage.

“We’ve gotnothing now,” she said.

Withnoinsurance, Ms Hawisuncertain of the nursery’s future

The nursery sustained tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage, and with no stock, Ms Haw is left with no income.

“We’ve had no income since Tuesdaynight -small businesses have been suffering anyway since the financial downturn, but we have no income,” she said.

Beginning the clean-up,MsHaw remained concernedabout howshe wouldstart herinventory from scratch.

“When things go back to normal, we’ve got nothing to sell,” she said.

Even the nursery’s truck was flipped in the storm’s carnage, with debris scattered around the property.

Ms Haw is currently looking into supportoptions from the nursery industry, but is stilldetermining what kind of support she is eligible for.

Not only has this storm torn apart her livelihood, but it’s tested Ms Haw’s resolve following struggles withher home. The poor nurseryowner’s home suffered significant fire damage following ablaze at her property.

“What do we do? How do we survive without any income? -Wedon’t know what we’re going to do,” she said.

The staff at the Mirboo North Garden Centre organised aworking bee, giving up some time to help Ms Haw and co clean up the wreck. Ms Haw saidshe wasinbetter spirits after thestorm’s debris was whisked away.

Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, fronted state Parliament asking for more assistance forthose like Ms Haw, struggling on multiple fronts since the storm.

The Personal HardshipAssistance Program throughthe Department of Families,Fairness and Housingremains aviable option for thosestill dealing with the storm’s aftermath. Other businesses in the region have also struggled to lose income with days of no power.

Potential customers were discouraged from

visiting Mirboo North as state government agencies, first respondersand AusNet service crews needed to assess and repair the mess.

The Mirboo North Market was forced to cancel its February market set for February 24.

“There are anumberofvery good risk management reasons that outweigh the benefits of holding the market in adeclared emergency response, so we will play our part and move on to our next scheduled event on March 30,” organisers said.

Though almost all of Ms Haw’s garden stock was ruined in the storm, one flower survived the carnage, perhaps as asymbol of Mirboo North’s resilience -indeed adiamond in the rough.

Tough: Staffand friends werein better spirits aftercleaning much of the storm’smess and debris

Aftermath: KarenHaw,owner of theMirboo Nor th Garden Centre andGarden Supplies, described the scene thatgreeted her at the nurser yafter the stormaslikeawhipper snipper had gone through the place Photographs supplied Resilient: One of the sole flowerstosur vivethe storm.

Stress: Morwell’sRebecca Lethborg struggled without powerfor days Photograph supplied

Recordwind in recent super storm

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

RECORD winds were recorded from the storm that struck Mirboo North on Tuesday, February 13.

ABureau of Meteorology (BoM) spokesperson said Yarram Airportrecorded awind gust of 126 kilometres per hour as thunderstorms went through the area.

“(It was) arecord wind gust strength at the weather station,” the BoM’s spokesperson said.

So,how didthissevere thunderstorm occur, and areweindanger of it happeningagain?

The BoM issued asevere thunderstorm warning with damaging winds for the afternoon of Tuesday, February 13.

But even the BoM couldn’t predict just how damaging those winds would be, ripping through power infrastructure and leaving half amillion customers without power across the state.

Though the storm was felt in other parts of Victoria, it seemed to have fallen directly on top of Mirboo North and surrounding towns.

"Thunderstorms overwest, south andeast Gippsland developed in an atmospheric environment that wasconducive to producing severe thunderstorms,” the BoM spokesperson said.

“This included warm conditions, ample amounts of atmospheric moistureand enough wind shear to allow thunderstorms to become organised.”

Severe thunderstorms can happen at any time of the year. Thunderstorms need three main ingredients to form: moisture, atmospheric instability, and alifting mechanism.

So when the air is humid, there’s arapid decrease in temperature with height and with an approaching front or low-pressure trough, athunderstorm will most likely occur.

Federation University’s Dr Savin Chand, who focuses his research on severeweather events and climate extremes,said though severe thunderstormshave occurred in the past, extreme weather events are becoming more frequentand damaging.

“Severe storms have been happening in the past. It wasn’t allofa sudden that we’re seeing extreme thunderstormshappen,”hesaid.

“What we generallysee over at least the past three-four decades, the number of these events, the frequency of some of these events have increased.

“One of the reasons we see now is because of climate change, anthropogenically induced global warming -the atmosphere now is warmer than it used to be -it’s not just warm as in the context of Australia, it can hold more moisture."

Dr Chand said conditions are more conducive for extreme weather events, which is why we see events more frequently, with morerainfalland stronger winds.

“As aresult, we tend to see more rainfall with these events and more winds associated with these events -inother words, things get abit more disastrous," he said.

Dr Chand said it’s very hard to predict which specific areas will cop the worst of the thunderstorms, but extreme conditions are easy to predict.

Incoming: Arecordwindgust wasrecorded at Yarram Air por tduring the super stormof Tuesday, Februar y13. Photographs supplied

In regard to Mirboo North’s extreme case of storm damage, Dr Chand said areason for the storms selective strike path was because the thunderstorm was so severe and strong on asmall scale with a front of only 500 metres wide.

Dr Chand said more research into severe thunderstorms is needed.

“I think there needs to be more research into how those sorts of events happen, it was so severe, moved across very epically, left several regions but affected the others …that’s the huge questions that we’re asking,” he said.

“The whole dynamics about the predictions and preparations should change …thingsare abit different these days."

TheFederationUniversityresearcher says community participation is important for the future. He saysthe community can assist with assessing how predictions can be interpreted and contextualised locally.

Independent probe into Victoria’sbiggest blackout

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

CALLS have been answered: the state government will review Victoria's biggest blackout.

The state government will commission asupplementary independent review into the electricity distribution system's response to the devastating February 13 storms thatleft half amillion Victorians without power due to significant damage to power infrastructure.

The reviewwillbeled by apanel of independent experts, not politicians, the state government stated.

The independent review will aim to focus on the operational arrangements and preparedness of energy distribution companies to respond to these extreme weatherevents

The push to weather-proof Australia's electricity grid has grown stronger after the storms, with the Minister for Energy, Lily D'Ambrosio, stressing the need to make the grid more resilient in the face of climate change challenges.

The state government review into the blackout will include research into the distribution businesses management of the incident as well as the timelyand effective restoration of supply.The report will also compare the operating models of energy network companies.

It wil la ls oi nve stigat ei ft here were an y

opportunities that could have reconnected customers more quickly, such as the availability of field crews and technical expertise through the use of mutual aid agreements and resourcesharingwithin Victoria, or from interstate resources.

Also probed will be communications with customers, the effectiveness of information platforms and services, such as outage trackers, and preparedness to administer relief to impacted communities.

The Australian Energy Regulator's willadvise on the energy resilience requirementsofenergy infrastructure companies.

The state government says that the final scope of the independent reviewwillbegiven detailed consideration,and will build on the work of the Electricity Distribution Network Resilience Review thatfollowed two storm events in 2021 and focused on the resilience of physical grid infrastructure.

The recent catastrophic storm event that damaged 12,000km of powerlines and poles across the state’s electricitydistribution businesses caused widespread power outages.

The state government saysthatasthe climate changes, catastrophic eventsand destructive weather patterns will become more frequent and more extreme. It is critical that electricity distributionnetworksare abletomitigate, manageand recover quickly from these events.

This reviewwillbeundertaken in additionto investigations from Energy Safe Victoria into the tower collapse and the Australia Energy Market Operator into system response and security.

Ms D’Ambrosio said the state government was lookingfor answersregarding the state's blackout.

“For many Victorians this emergency situation is still live, we are working closely with distribution companies to connect the remaining Victorians to power as our first priority, after reconnecting 90 per cent of customers in the first 48 hours,” she said.

“We want to get to the bottomofexactly what has occurred, and an independent review will ensure that private distribution companies learn valuable lessons from what happened."

However, the state Opposition criticised the announcement, saying the review came after the Opposition first demanded aParliamentary Inquiry into the state's energy transmission network.

The Leader of the Opposition, John Pesutto, said the announcement was a"sham"with "no details about who will conduct it".

The Shadow Minister for Energy, Affordability and Security, David Davis, said Labor wanted to have asecret review.

"Victorians deserve apublicinquiry where experts can be called to give evidence and shed light on what went wrong," he said.

“Labor has received anumberofwarnings in multiple reports about the problems with our electricity infrastructure yet has chosen to ignore them all."

Arecent news articlein The Age reportedthat an assessment donebyAusNetServicesfound almost one in every seven of the state's13,000 transmission towers is damaged and has extensive rust.

Recent reportsstate much of Victoria’stransmission network consists of structures originally designed between the 1960s and 1980s, with the average transmission tower age assumed to be more than 50-years-old in 2024.

AusNet, the private company that control those transmissionlines, said their historical infrastructure could not withstand the extreme weather events of the day,

Recent reportspublishedinNovember, 2023 by the sector's watchdog, Energy Safe, uncovered issueswith maintenance on Victoria's transmission network.

The storm event of February 2024 has many discussing the possibility of underground power linestoavoid the same power outage disaster. But placing the network underground is more expensive, giventhe extreme costs associated with digging trenches for tens of thousands of kilometres worth of transmission lines in the state.

Flattened: Trees lying scattered across Mirboo Nor th.

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2March 2024

The Boolarra Folk Festival Committee advises that with the approval of Vic Roads, PTV and Latrobe City, there will be the following restrictions on vehicle access between 7am and 7pm on Saturday 2March, 2024.

Tarwin St will be closed at Mechanics St, Christian St will be closed at Church Street, Duke St will be closed. Reduced speed zones will operate along the northern end of Penanluna St and Hirsts Rd from Monash Way to Boolarra Recreation Reserve.

During the Boolarra Folk Festival, the Boolarra PO Bus Stop will be relocated to Church Street.

Situations Vacant •

Agreat opportunity has become available for areliable and dedicatedCook. Fridays and Saturdays. We offer afun, suppor tive and frie ndly team environment. Please call Kathy on 0409 487 837 to discuss further.

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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.

PLEASE NOTE:

Much

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR (Pastoral Care Worker)

St Joseph's Primary School Trafalgar

Applications are invited for the part-time position, 1 day per week of school counsellor to work at St Joseph's School, Trafalgar, starting term 2, 2024. The successful applicant will possess either: a Certificate 4inYouth Work; or aCertificate 4in Pastoral Care; or aCertificate 4inChaplaincy and Pastoral Care; or aBachelor of Counselling Degree and have experience working within schools as a School Counsellor.

Experience in providing support to children and young people and their families to address social and emotional needs is desirable.

Applications for this position should include:

● Cover letter

● Current copy of resume

● Certified copies of qualifications

● Current Police check

● Current Working With Children Check

● Names and contact details of three referees Email application to principal@trafalgar.catholic.edu.au

Applications close 5pm Friday 8March 2024

St Joseph's School promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

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We are passionate about assisting people with disability. We are building our team and require casual staff members who can step in at short notice when existing staff are unavailable as well as staff who are available to work weekly shifts on aterm by term basis.

For further information, or steps on how to apply, please go to: lifeskillsvic.com.au/careers or contact Melissa Martin on (03) 5127 7999.

Classifieds

GP1667951

CareersatLatrobe

LatrobeCityCouncilhasexcitingopportunitiesforenthusiasticand forward-thinkingindividualswithapassionforprovidingexcellent servicestoourcommunity

• Childcareand PreschoolEducators –Cert3and Childcare andPreschool Educators–Cert3 and Diploma-oma-MultipleCasual Positions

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Forfurtherinformationincludinghow toapply,positiondescriptionsand applicationclosingdates,pleasevisitour websitewww.latrobe.vic.gov.au/careers

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McDOWELL, Ross. 30/1/1960 -21/2/2024.

Taken too soon as a result of atragic car accident. Beloved husband of Mandy for 36 wonderful years.

Much loved Dad of

Cameron and Elysha.

Father-in-law of Callum.

2016 HILUX

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ROSA BUS

AQUILINA, Emmanuela (Lily). Passed away peacefully, Thursday 22 February 2024. Aged 88 years Loved and loving wife of Alfred. Mother and mother-in-law of George and Janine, Miriam, Ricky and Doris, Catherine (dec.), Elizabeth (dec.), Rita and Steve, Simon and Judy, and Sandra. Greatly loved Nanna to 12 and great Nanna to 11. In Peace With Jesus

Most precious Grandad of Claira and Lily. Love db rot he ra nd brother-in-law of Kerri and Graeme, Tracey and Peter. Uncle of Jonathon and Luba, David and Mpho, Declan and Keagan.

Dearly loved and sadly missed Forever in our hearts

Now in God's loving care

McDOWELL. AService of Thanksgiving for the life of Mr Ross

McDowell will be held at the Warragul Uniting Church, 210 Sutton St, Warragul on WEDNESDAY IN TWO WEEKS (13 March 2024) at 1.30pm.

The Service will also be livestreamed. To view Ross' Service please visit: www.nielsenfunerals.com.au APrivate Cremation will precede the Service. Adonation in memory of Ross may be made to the Leukaemia Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the Church.

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McRONALD (Woolhouse), Mavis Elizabeth. Passed away peacefully at Dalkeith Gardens Hostel, Traralgon on 25th February 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Aged 96 years Dearly loved wife of Ian (dec.). Much loved mother and mother-in-lawof Rona and Steve, Karen, and Aileen. Grandma to Jamie (dec.), Stephanie, Tanner, and Jade. Gran Gran to Rocky.

McRONALD. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mrs Mavis McRonald will be held at the Gippsland Memorial Park Rose Chapel, Cemetery Drive Traralgon on MONDAY (4 March 2024) commencing at 1.30pm.

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Caravans

ROYAL Flair 17ft, 10 mths reg., sgle axle, m/w, gas stove top and grill, 3-way fridge, front kit, sgle beds, solar, annexe, lovingly kept $16,500. 0427 916 547.

BENHAM, Isobel Mabel. 20/11/1942 -19/2/2024. Passed away peacefully at LRH surrounded by her family. Loved and loving wife of Les. Much loved Mum to Daryl and Carmel, Susan, Russell and Diana, and Karen. Proud and loving 'Ma' to Jarred and Staci, Haydn, Daisy, Lachlan, Callum, Gabi, Rory and Annie. Resting Peacefully Forever in our hearts

BROWN,

84

Loving

2013 model, 19'6'', full annexe, shower, en-suite, washing machine, 3way fridge, QS bed, Hayman Reese towing over-ride, elec. brakes, microwave, reversing camera, $38,000. 0408 472 540.

WHEN YOU

Help support local business whileweservice, build and repair in our local communities

of

Alifetime of Beautiful Memories Forever in our Hearts

MONTAGUE (née Reddy), Mary. Passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday 24 February 2024. Aged 95 years Loved and loving wife of Arthur (dec.). Loved and respected mother and mother-in-law of Eamonn and Lara, and Damian. Cherished Grandma of Niamh, Sabine and Poppy. Agentle lady now in God's care

Funerals •

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MONTAGUE. ARequiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs Mary Montague will be offered at St Michael's Catholic Church, Church Street Traralgon FRIDAY (1 March 2024) at 2pm. At the conclusion of Mass, the Funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park Cemetery Drive, Traralgon. Mary's Service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream, please visit our website.

of

Loving grandmother of Emma and Keagan. Loving great grandmother to her 5special great grandchildren. 'One ofHeaven's Angels has returned Rest easy Mum, fly high until we meet again'

COLLINS, Pauline. Asad farewell to our long-time and loved friend. Wonderful memories Liz and Geoff.

AQUILINA. Requiem Mass for the Repose of the soul of Mrs Lily Aquilina will be held at St Mary's Catho lic Church, Monash Road, Newborough, MONDAY, (4 March 2024), commencing at 11am. Following the Mass, the Funeral will leave for the Moe Cemetery. The Mass will be livestreamed, to view, please visit our website and follow the prompts.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

In Memoriam •

BOS, Theo. 11/8/1969 -25/2/2023.

JAYCO 18ft poptop, been in storage for 4yrs, Waeco 3-way fridge (replaced 2018), 240v freezer, microwave, 4burner stove, full size oven with grill, diesel heater (installed 2019), tyres replaced 2021, 2 gas bottles set up, awning with attachable

HARRIS, Robert. Passed suddenly in Qld 10/2/2024.

Former ly of Mor well.

Loved son of Ivan and Colette (both dec.). Stepson of Gwen and Jewel. Loved brother of Debbie, Lesley and Darren. Step brother to Diane and Darrell. Special uncle to all his nieces and nephews. Loving lifetime partner to Jon.

Special memories of 'ChookThe Cook' to many Resting Peacefully

LAZARIS (nee Serepisos), Aspasia (Tasia). Born 26/1/1947 -Paleros Greece. Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Hospital on Monday, 19 February 2024. Aged 77 years Loved and loving wife of Gerasimos (Gerry). Loved mother of Gina and George and Tony and Miria. Cherished grandmother of Nicholas, Elena, Jeremy and Penelope. Sister of Chris (dec.) and Zoe. Funeral Service has been held.

BENHAM. AMemorial Service to celebrate the life of Isobel Mabel Benham will take place in The Sanctuary, Bunurong Memorial Park Cemetery, FrankstonDandenong Rd, Dandenong South on WEDNESDAY (28 February 2024) commencing at 12.30pm. Parking on far side of the lake. To be preceded by Private Burial. The Ceremony will be livestreamed, please see Harwood Funerals Facebook page for digital link.

BROWN. The Graveside Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Gwendoline Brown will take place at the Yallourn Cemetery, Haunted Hills Rd, Yallourn on FRIDAY (1 March 2024) commencing at 11am.

For any further details, please see Harwood Funerals Facebook Page.

This day of the month we'll never forget, With an aching heart and tears unseen, Iwish your absence was only adream. We'd give the world if we could say, "Hello Theo" in the same old way. Your smile was full of sunshine, Your heart was made of gold, You were the dearest son, This world could ever hold. Loved and never forgotten. Loving mother, brother and sisters and their families.

BUSH, Stan. 19/5/1950 -25/2/2023.

Life goes on without you, But nothing is the same, We think about you everyday, And always speak your name. You did so many things for us, Your heart was good and true, If we ever needed anything, We could always count on you.

The special days cannot return, When we were all together, But with the love within our hearts, You'll be with us forever.

Always Remembered Pat, Jodie, Scott, Tim, Tammy ,A da m, Zo e and grandchildren Jacob, Isabella, Ethan, Charlotte, Tyler and Lucas.

TRAILER, strong 7'x4'6'', front and back drop down trail gates, new mag wheels, tyres as new, LED lights, new jockey wheel $900.

Gwendoline (Gwen). Passed away 24/2/2024 aged

years old.

wife

Elwyn (dec.). Loving mother

Caroline, Zane and Gilbert (dec.).

1992, GQ Patrol, 4.2 EFI, dual fuel, v.g.c., new motor and tyres, many extras, dual batteries, rear airbags, and roof rack. $16,000 neg. Ph after 7pm 0428 133 576.

BUSH, Stan. 19/5/1950 -25/2/2023.

Not just our Dad but our best mate.

Until we meet again

Tim and Adam.

LISZCZAK, Brent. 22/2/1974 -27/2/2018.

It seems like yesterday, but it was six years ago. Every thing is every thing but you're missing.

Missing you Brent.

Dad.

O'SULLIVAN, Michael

Stephen. 27/2/2021.

Three

Spoken ofevery day, Loved and remembered in every way.

Love Colleen, Danny and Jak.

O'SULLIVAN, Michael

Stephen. 12/11/1943 -27/2/2021.

3years today. We miss you so much Grandad. Ifound alittle monarch butterfly afew days ago, same as the one Iseen right before Igot

Case, Rorza and Jamesy

Early wins for country footy andnetball clubs

FOOTBALL/NETBALL

WITH the start of the 2024 season just around the corner, the state government is making sure more community sporting clubs across Victoria have the sporting facilities they need to succeed this season Minister for CommunitySport Ros Spence and Member for Macedon MaryAnne Thomas this week announced an investment in 12 new projects across the state, backedbythe government’sCountry Football and Netball Program -ensuring sport remains the lifeblood of communities across the state for generations to come.

The 12 new projects will share in more than $2.5 million from the program that’s been kicking goals for country sport since 2005.

Developed in partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria, the program has investedmore than

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$21.3 million in 180 country football and netball infrastructure projects over the past decade.

Churchill is set to benefit, with Gaskin Park installing new 100 lux LED competition sports lighting.

The Victorian Budget 2023/24 is providing more than $213 million to deliver and improve community sportsinfrastructure, and support initiatives that boost participation and inclusion in local sports clubs and organisations.

The new Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund is also investing up to $60million to help local clubs update their infrastructure and facilities to welcome more people to community sport and recreation.

Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan hoped to see many clubs benefit from the investment.

“The funding support provided via the

Country Football and Netball Program continues to have amajor impactonlocal football clubs and communities across Victoria, which benefit greatly from the development of new and upgraded facilities,” he said.

“AFL Victoria recognises the ongoing partnership and support of the Victorian government, with the programtobuildon the significant investment in community sporting infrastructure it has delivered over the last two decades.”

More than $1.9 billion has been invested by the government into community sport and active recreation infrastructure over thepastdecade.

For latest information about the program and successful grant recipients, visit sport.vic.gov.au

Gaskin Park upgrades -Page 47

Missen the best of the bunch in NT

Photograph supplied

m.a u For24/7support 0405 669 532

What can youdo when wordsare not enough?

When

FOOTBALL NORTH GIPPSLAND

BY LIAM DURKIN

WOODSIDE Football-Netball Club heart and soul Daniel Missen has put in the idealpreseason, winning aleague best and fairest in the Northern Territory.

LikemanyGippslandersbefore him, Missen madethe move north this summer to playaseason in the top end during the

Northern Territory’s dry season. Playing for the Palmerston Magpies in the Northern Territory Football League, Missen took out the Premier Reserves league best and fairest.

The utility played 11 games in the reserves, and was listed in the best for his club 10 times. His consistency was rewarded with senior selection three times.

Unfortunately, Palmerstonhad atorrid

seasoninbothgrades, finishing last in the seniors and seventh of nine teams in the reserves.

The NTFLisintothe second week of itsfinals campaign, withthe season to finish March 16.

Missenhas been amainstayatthe Wildcats, and was co-captain of the senior team that made last year’s North Gippsland Football-Netball League Grand Final.

United outclassed by Glen Eira

SOCCER GIPPSLAND UNITED

BY JAKE SHARP

GIPPSLAND United Under 14s faced off against another quality opponentinGlen Eira in the fourth round of the grading period at the weekend.

After aspiritedperformance against Melbourne City, the team started this match with all guns blazing.

Some solid work out of the backline from Anderson saw the ball fall to the feet of McCann-Diston, who put in ablistering run down the left side of the pitch.

The youngforward cut into the box and drewafoul whichresulted in apenalty

spot kick thatheconverted to put Gippy United1-nil up Glen Eira would equalise two minutes later after some strong play.

Not to be outdone,United would go 2-1 up via acrackingstrikefrom McCannDiston, and their fancied opposition were shell-shocked as the two goals were the first Glen Eira had conceded in the grading period.

But if you poke the bear they will bite, and that is whatoccurred in the 17th and 18thminutes with Glen Eira putting away two quick goals. The scor er emain ed 3-2 unt il the halftime whistle.

Unitedcame out in the second halfwith

nothing to lose and everything to gain, and pushed for an equaliser.

Solid work in themiddle from Yanez, Hermans, Abbisogni and support from McNeil, Robson and Halkett-Dobson down back kept the opposition at bay for the first 15 minutes of the second half.

However, several chances created by United were not converted, which proved costly.

Glen Eira put afurther two goals past United’s keeper to run out 5-2 winners at the final whistle.

Withtwo solid and improvingperformancesagainstquality opposition, the United 14s will go into this week’s game against Oakleigh Cannons seeking their second win of the grading period.

Local racing success at Bairnsdale

SPEEDWAY

By DEAN THOMPSON

BRYCE Leek at 16-years-old has cemented himself as astar of the future in adult aged Speedway after securing back-to-back Junior 1200ccsedan state titles and back-to-back junior sedan titles, along with his recent Junior Standard Saloon title also securedatBairnsdale Speedway.

Along with the terrific state title action in the 1200ccjuniors, Beau Stuchbery won his firstopen aged standard saloonfeature event,TannahLee won his first junior standard saloon final, Bree Walker continued her dominance in ladies standard saloon racing at Bairnsdale this season, and Travis Ramsdale the Victorian champion in unlimited sedans continued setting records and racking up wins.

SIX heat races were held in the VictorianSpeedway Council Junior 1200cc Sedan Victorian title with Bryce Leek continuing his winningways after a last start Junior Standard Saloon title victory at Bairnsdale by winning the first heat and setting an eight-lap record along the way.

Anew eight-lap recordof3:04.890 will take some beating at future events whilst Leek led the race from lap two as Brad Marshall and Ella Sheedy battledfor second and third.

Andrew Mitchellfrom Hampton Park secured aclose hard-fought victory in heat two holding out Xander Baxter the number two ranked racer in the field and Riley Taylorthe number three ranked racer.

Marshall from Lysterfield then won the third heat leading Chase Doherty all the way.

The margin was just .296 seconds at the finish line with Will Fallon finishing in third.

It took until lap four for Leek of Barnawartha in Victoria’s northeast to hit the front in heat four. He beat Mitchell and Ryder Taylor of Drouin. Riley Taylor from CarrumDowns drove fromdeep in the field to take awin in the fifth heat race in front of Baxter and Brody Barton whilst rounding out all the results

Leek securedaclean sweep of heat racewins making it threefromthree when he defeated Sheedy and Marshall in the last qualifier.

Off the front row in the final, Marshall led Leek for the first four laps of 20, before Leek took over the race lead.

Mitchell held down third spot with Riley Taylor, Baxter andDoherty involved in early battles for trackposition.

Fallon was out of the race early as was Blake Beach to drivers capable of atop five result.

Eleven starters would go on to finish on the lead lap whenthe chequeredflagfell, Marshallhad late race drama’s dropping from second to fourth and Leek flew past the chequered flag almost four seconds ahead of the runner-up Andrew Mitchell completinganother perfect night of winningevery race he started in.

Leek retained his Victorian championship with Mitchell,Baxter, Marshall, and Doherty from Garfield roundingout the top five. Marshall during the final set anew one lap record for the class of 19.898.

IN the Victorian Speedway Council Sprintcar title action, Adam Greenwood from Maffra stormed to the front quickly in the first heat of their Victorian titleand went on to secure victory ahead of Dennis Jones and Alistair Bastian from Ellaswood.

Jones then led every lap of the second heat race to defeat defending champion Nigel Laity of Wiseleigh and Koby Noonan.

Bacchus Marsh racer and former state champion Steven Horton defeated popular local Dillon Siely in heat three with Greenwood finishing in thirdspot With Alistair Bastian leading all the way in the final heat to securevictory in front of Travis Millar and Noonan.

A35-laptitle race awaited competitors with Greenwood and Jones starting at the front of the field with Millar, Alistair Bastian, Horton, and Noonan rounding out the top six starters.

Greenwood shot to the frontwhen thegreen flagged drop to start the race with Jones, Millar, Bastian and Siely amongst the lead pack.

Positions started to change around when driversreached thefifteen-minute mark of the race Greenwood led Millar,Jones, Bastianand Siely almost at the halfway mark of the 35 laps.

At 25 laps Greenwood led Siely, Jones, Noonan, and Horton with ten laps to go.

Greenwood looked to be on track to secure the big win.Onlap 33 however, Jones passedSiely and on the final lap he passed race leader Greenwood the hard luck story of the night in the very last corner of the race, Jones securing his fifth Victorian title from Greenwood, Siely, Noonan and Horton.

IN the Unlimited Sedans competition in astate series round Anthony McKean was declared winner of heat one despite Travis Ramsdale crossing the line first.

Apenalty put Ramsdale back behind McKean, Troy Hutchison, and Peter Farley.

Ramsdale set an eight-lap record in the second heat on his way to victory in front of Farley and PeterCamilleri.

There was more of the same in heat three with Ramsdale winning by ahugemarginahead of McKean and Hutchison.

Ramsdale then set a15-lap track record for the class winning the final ahead of Farley, McKean, Camilleri, and Hutchison.

SUPPORT class racing includedthe Standard Saloons with all important club points on the line for member drivers and longtime Bairnsdale member Jamie Curtis defeated one of the newer members of the club Gus Argoon.

Traralgon’s Jack Braz finished third. Braz moved further up the field in the second heat race when he won the second heat from Tyson Bretherton in his best race result to date in his short career, Ashley Cormack was third.

Braz led every lap of heat three to claim awin ahead of Beau Stuchbery and Andrew Cormack.

Curtis secured asecond qualifyingvictory in the finalheatracewhen he once more defeatedGus Argoon with Ashley Cormack third.

In the final Curtis,Braz, Stuchbery, Argoon, AshleyCormack and Troy Cormack began as the lead six with Curtis leading lap one and two before Stuchbery moved to the front. Braz followed Stuchbery past Curtis before Curtis moved ahead of Braz and then out of the race the very next lap around the halfway mark.

Stuchbery went on to win his first adult aged

finalfrom Ashley Cormack, Tyson Bretherton, Braz whom had been penalised two places by stewards and Noah Greaves.

JUNIORStandardSaloonsracing started with Cooper Joynson crossing the finishing line after beinginthe lead only to be penalised two spots by Stewards giving the victory to Dyclan Sweet in front of Tyler McDermott with Joynson slotted in at third.

Kaine Smith led every lap to win the second heat race in front of Tom Braz, and McDermott.

Tannah Lee also led every lap to secure awin in the third heat race. Lee defeated McDermott and Sweet.

Rounding out their night the Juniors final seen McDermottlead from lap one with Kaine Smith andJoynson in second and third.

From lap nine Lee put his foot down and on the final lap moved from third to first taking aterrific victory over McDermott,Johnson, Sweet and Braz, Tannah setting anew 12-lap record on his way to the victory at 4:35.931.

ROUNDING out the nights action was the Ladies Standard Saloon class.

Elise Halliday got away to aterrific start for the evening takinga four second victory in the first heatrace of the night finishinginfrontofKate Stuchbery and Bree Walker.

Walker whose been quick this season in just her real first season of open aged racing claimed awin in front of Simone Taylor and Stuchbery in the second heat race.

The three drivers went at it again in the third heat race with the result exactly the same as Walker, Taylor and Stuchbery finished first to third.

Walker led every lap in the final and Halliday inserted herself back into the battle.

Walker didn’t have it all her ownway with Halliday close behind. She went on to win once more at Bairnsdale with Halliday, Taylor, Stuchbery and Breanna Lee.

Bairnsdale Speedway returns to action on March the 30thWingless Sprints Gary Bowden Cup over fifty laps and the Compact Speedcars Keith Astrella Memorial.

Bairnsdale Track Records set on

February24VSC Unlimited Sedans

• 10 Laps: Travis Ramsdale,Nyora (3:04.801)

• 15 Laps: Travis Ramsdale,Nyora (5:53.367)

VSC Ladies Standard Saloons

• 6Laps: Bree Walker,Rosedale (2:26.420)

VSC Junior 1200cc Sedans

• 1Lap: Brad Marshall, Alexandra(19.898)

• 8Laps: BryceLeek, Drouin (3:04.890)

VSC Junior Standard Saloons

• 12 Laps: Tannah Lee (4:35.931)

Counting down the days to annual fun run

HARRIERS

HARRIER members, family and friends again travelled far and wide in contrasting events the previous weekend.

The DFP Recruitment -Latrobe City Community Fun Run and Walk is on Sunday, March 24 at the Kernot Hall precinct.

Registrations are now available at traralgonharriers.org.au

The event raises funds for Gippsland Rotary CentenaryHousethat provides accommodation to patients and families attending the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre at LRH.

Carman’s FunRun

IN the five kilometre Carman’s Fun Run at Brighton, Courtney Rosato was outright second in the massive field of 860 finishers.

Rosato finished behind Brigitte Humphrey, who has aworld ranking for 5000 metres and other distances.

After her surprising finishCourtney said, “It is nice to be backonthe podium after returning from injury”.

The Mt Buller Archie Run

THE 54km Archie runisone of the Mt Buller Hut 2Hut events, held the previous weekend.

Participants startfrom Mt Buller village and run to the summit of Mt Buller and down to Pike’s Flat.

Selected Results

5km Carman’s FunRun: Brigitte Humphrey 18.02, Cour tney Rosato 19.28, Melissa Hoskings 20.07

They again run up Mt Buller, before descending to finish back at Mt Buller village.

The total climb is 2600m vertical metres across the 54k course.

Harrier Megan Scott finished high in the field, completing the gruelling double ascent and return in nine hours 43 minutes.

The Archie is the qualifyingevent for the Hut 2Hut 100 km run that crosses many mountain tops. Megan said she is planning to do it next year.

ClarkesRoad Run

DESPITEthe energy sapping heat last Thursday evening, 54 hardy -or foolhardy -Harriers ran or walked the 5km Clarkes Road course at Hazelwood North.

Because of the heat many who usually run chose to walk.

Average times were slower, due to the temperature and the two steep pinches along the bushland trail.

Fastest finishers were Peter Cutler, SavMavrofridisand international adventure racer Rob Preston.

The quickest women were an eclectic mix of triathlete Molly Irvine, ultramarathon trail runnerSally Theobald and multi-marathon veteranKaren Graham. The post-racegathering appreciated the cooling breeze that arrived, members sang Happy Birthday to talented junior SethBomers, and all held their breathinanticipation during the weekly Lucky Draw. This week’srun (February 29th) is at the Crinigan RoadBushland Reserve at Morwell. Seethe Harriers’ Facebook page for details.

5km ClarkesRoad Course: Peter Cutler 23:13, SavMavrofridis 24:11, RobPreston 27:13, Clinton Jolly 28:12, MollyIrvine 28:28, Glenn Graham 28:39, Darrel Cross 28:58, Trent Kooyman 29:25, BrettVan Der Velden 29:45, Jason Odlum 30:40, ScottSyme 31:30, Geoffrey Francis 31:44, SallyTheobald 32:19, David Barr 33:28, KarenGraham 33:29, Warren Shields 33:42, Andrew Broberg34:40, Stephen Mcleod 34:51, Giuseppe Marino 35:38, Kathryn Preston 36:20, GaryFox 36:46, Liz Kenney37:04,TobyGrzmil 37:12, David Hood 37:21, Stephen Renehan39:05,Megan Scott39:27 FionaSyme 40:01, KateMayer 40:15, Andrew Legge 41:00, Phillip Mayer41:20,Alysha Duncan 41:26, Angelo Gaudiano 41:41, KatKent 42:38, Lillian VanDer Velden 45:18, Catherine Leonard45:34, Mark Fairbairn45:58, Cass Francis 46:33, TaniaWhitehead 46:52, Seth Bomers 48:13, Danelle Wright 52:02, Belinda Heafield 56:35, Ann Bomers58:24 ReeGraham58:26,Ian Heafield 58:57,Collette Hofmann 1:01:00, PeterGrixti 1:05:00, BarryHiggins 1:07:00, Helen Whitby1:07:00, Des Dalton 1:08:00, Kylee Earl1:09:00, Kaye Livingstone NTR, Chris Van Unen NTR. 4km: Annie 1:02:00, Kylie Murray 1:02:00.

Gun: Br yceLeekhewent back-to-backinthe Victorian 1200ccJunior Sedan title,and also back-tobackwith Junior Statetitles having wonthe Junior StandardSaloon title at thelastrace meeting at Bairnsdale Photograph supplied

Feeling the strain: Buln Buln farmer PeterCutlerworks hard running theCriniganRoad Reser ve downhill track.

Photograph: JayMcGown

Speedy: Multi marathon finisher KarenGrahamwas the third quickest woman last Thursday.

Photograph supplied

Podium finish: From left, Cour tney Rosatowas secondtoBrigitte Humphrey with Melissa Hoskings third,atthe Carman’s FunRun. Photograph supplied

Traralgon hosts localsand worldclass talent

TENNIS ITF BY TOM HAYES

TENNIS returned to Traralgon for yet another series of events.

The first two of four tournaments were completed at the weekend, with an M25 (men’s) and aW35 (women’s)ITF event taking place.

Some recognisable names took to the courts of Traralgon over the past week, with many of them, if not all, expected to stay for the second tournament during this week (February 26 to March 3).

IN the men’s draw, it was an Australian affair from the semi-finals onwards. Fromthe final eight in the quarter finals, six were Australians.

Top seeded playerslike Australia’s Li Tu (No. 1seed), Omar Jasika (No. 2), Alex Bolt (No. 3), JamesMcCabe (No. 4) and LukeSaville (No.5) were all contenders.

But the week of tennisultimately boiled down to aone versustwo seedinthe final, which saw Tu play Jasika.

Tu saw acareer-high ATP ranking of 190 in October 2022, but currently sits ranked 209th, while Jasika was far from Tu’s highest heights, currently ranked 611th, with acareer-high ATP ranking of 223.

Atough first set came down to atiebreak, which was then dominated by Jasikatotakethe first set, with the second set following suit with the tiebreak.

GIPPSLAND

Record

Men’s MastersHammer Throw: Simon Van Baalen 44.73 (41.08 previous record, Simon VanBaalen 2021)

800M

Men: Open –Lachlan Coleman2:44.35; Masters–Ian Twite3:22.62

HAMMER

Men: U/20 -Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 26.63; Open –Simon VanBaalen 37.91; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 44.73

TRIPLE JUMP

Men: U/20 –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 10.36; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 8.162000M

Men: Open –Lachlan Coleman7:59.92; Masters–Ian Twite9:08.06

SHOTPUT

Men: U/20 –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 10.41; Open –Simon VanBaalen 10.60; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 11.78

100M

Men: U/20 -Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 12.53; Open –Lachlan Coleman13.62; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 15.94

BOWLS

STRZELECKI NORTH

Division

45

46

Division

Jasika cruised to the title, and his share of the $25,000 pot up for grabs with the straight-sets victory, 7-6, 6-2.

Notable Aussie names in the men’s main draw throughoutthe week included Pavle Marinkov, who competed at the Traralgon Junior International last month -hewas knocked out in the second round of qualifying; the son of Lleyton Hewitt, Cruz, who was knocked out in the first round of qualifying; and Traralgon’s Josh Charlton, who recently returned from college, was also knockedout in the second qualifying round.

Charltonhowever had amuch better run in the doubles, with partner Blake Ellis- together the third seed.

The duocharged to the finalwithout dropping aset,passing Jesse Delaney and Ajeet Rai 6-4, 6-4;then Jake Delaney and Luke Saville in the quarterfinals6-3, 7-6;progressingtothe final with a6-3, 6-2 win over first seed Blake Bayldon and Kody Pearson.

Yet, the pair was brought to agrinding halt in thefinal,going down in straight sets 6-3, 6-7, to finish runners-up.

Hewitt also competedinthe doubles with partner Blake Mott, but the pair was eliminated in the first round, going down to the first seed 6-4, 6-0.

THE women’s tournament had aflipped script.

Only two Aussies made it to thequarter finals in the singles draw -the first and second seed -with only one progressing as far as the semi finals.

Number 1seed from Australia, Priscilla Hon, fought through seven sets in three games to earn asemi final berth, but was stopped in her tracks by Japan’s Naho Sato.

Hon is currently ranked 201st in the world, almostdouble of her highestranking of 118th, earnt in 2019. Hon has 13 ITF titles to her name.

Meanwhile, Number 2seed from Australia, Destanee Aiava was knocked out in the quarters by eventual winner -fifth seed Amarni Banks.

Aiava was ranked inside the top 200 womeninthe world ahead of the tournament, coming in 198th. Aiava has seven ITF titles so far in her career.

Banks defeated Sato in straight sets to secure the title, 6-3, 6-3.

Other notable names in the women’ssingles draw included Melissa Ercan, who won the 2023 Traralgon Junior International -now representing Australia. She wasknocked out in thesecond round; and Sale’sJess Board couldn’t makeitthrough qualifying, knocked out in the second round.

This year's Traralgon Junior International winner, Australia’s Emerson Jones, was expected to hit the courts of Traralgon once again, but she withdrew. She is howeveronthe listtocompete in thesecond week.

Action continues at the Traralgon Tennis Association this week, with another event currently in progress for both men (M25) and women (W35), finishing this Sunday (March 3).

Grade AWinners: Clarke,Loretta (35) 35

Wednesday, 21 February 2024 WOMEN'S

WEDNESDAY 9HOLEStableford

Grade AWinners: Mifsud, Helen (53) 15

Place Getters: Rankin, Joyce5

Wednesday, 21 February 2024 WOMEN'S

STABLEFORD

Grade AWinners: Middlemiss,Kaye(17)

38

Grade BWinners: Lee,Judy (44) 39 C/B

Place Getters: Weaver,Lee 39, Tulau, Susan 38 C/B,Great Score: Marj Lang Birdie @10

Nearest to Pin: 4th Sandy Tate,8th Christine Elliot, 14th Gwen Young

Target Hole: Christine Elliot

Wednesday, 21 February 2024 Twilight

Stableford

Winner: D. Boad 19 pts

Thursday, 22 February 2024 OPEN Medley

Stableford

Grade

RSL(3)

Longwarry(3) 43 bt

Strzelecki North Playing Area Preliminary Finals Saturday2March

Division 1: Trafalgarv Newborough at Newborough, winner plays Traralgon

Division 2: LongwarryvMorwell Club at Newborough, winner plays Traralgon (2)

Division 3: BoolarravMorwell (2) at Newborough, winner plays Traralgon (3)

Division 4: Traralgon (4) vYallournNorth at Morwell, winner plays Moe(2)

Division 5: Drouin (3) vNeerim District (2) at Morwell, winner plays Longwarry(2)

Division 6: Moe (3) vLongwarry(3) at Morwell, winner plays Drouin (4)

SaturdayGrand Final venues will be the same as Preliminary Finals venues

Midweek Preliminary finals will be played at Morwell

Midweek Grand Finals will be playedat

Newborough North vSouth Division 1playoffswill be held on Saturday16March,

If aplayerisinboth Midweek and Saturday then Midweek will playonSunday17March.

GOLF

CHURCHILL &MONASH

2Person Ambrose 17th Febuary 2024.

Winners: T. Sterrick/G. Barnes 59 .75

RunnersUp: P. Kearns/ M. Brereton 60 .50

D.T.L: 1. P. Boulding /J.Sterrick62. 50, 2. J. Soppe /A.Radivoj 63.50, 3. R. Zomer /Ad. West 64, 4. C. Cumming/ R. Vesty64. 25, N.T.P: 3rdPro-Pin: P. Kearns,5th J. Hassell, 12th P. Boulding,14th A. Auld

StrokeTuesday20th Febuary 2024.

AGrade Winner: L. Brent 72 Nett

BGrade Winner: S. Gosling 71 Nett

Scratch: M. Ryan 84

D.T.L: 1. S. Martinac 72,2.J.Clegg 72, N.T.P: 3rdM.Ryan, 5th V. Reid, 12th V. Reid, 14th S. Martinac

Birdies: 12th M. Ryan

MOE

Sunday, 18 February 2024

hole Stableford

Grade AWinners: Cunningham, Chris (24) 23

Sunday, 18 February 2024

Stableford

Place

Poole

40, Dunstan, Craig 38, Kelly, David 37 C/B,WOODALL, Shane 37 C/B,White, Lockie 37,Ford, Tim37C/B,Grant, Callum

36 C/B,Backman, Phil 36 C/B,Griggs,Daryl 36 C/B,Webb, Neil

36 C/B

Great Score: Joshua Gaul (Eagle) @12, Shane WOODALL (Birdie) @4,Kevin Ayton (Birdie) @14, Lockie White(Birdie)@14

Nearest to Pin: 4th Phil Backman, 8th BradleyBackman, 14th Kevin Ayton

Saturday, 24 February 2024 OPEN Medley 4Ball Multiplier

Overall Winners: Clarke,Gary&Spiteri, Paul 79 C/B (Member &Guest), Mickan, Trent &Gaul, Joshua 79 C/B (Best 18), Williams,Shane &Wilson, Graeme 79 (RunnersUp)

Place Getters: Blake, Nicholas &Backman, Shane 76,Richmond, Paul &Jennings,Ken 74,Stanlake, Helen &Tate, Sandy 73, White, Darren R& Matthews,Max 72 C/B,Johns, Mark&Beckett,Les 72, Daly,Rex &Geisler Graham 71

Great Score: Josh Hall (Eagle) @18, Kathy Borg (Birdie) @8,Josh Hall (Birdie) @8

RobertWilson (Birdie) @14, AnthonyColvin (Birdie) @14, Aaron Bassman (Birdie) @8, Jackson Giles (Birdie) @8

Nearest to Pin: 4th TimFord, 8th Mike

Cropley, 14th Bill Williams,4th Elizabeth Wallis (Ladies), 8th KathyBorg(Ladies), 14th LeahannStewart(Ladies)

Other: Graeme Wilson BEST9 OUT

Toby Leggo BEST9 IN, Craig Rothwell

Mens -2nd Shot 13th,Rebecca Thomas

Ladies -2nd Shot

MORWELL

Women's Par21st February 2024

Winner: KDelpiccolo +1

DTL: DVuillermin Square

NTP: 2nd DVuillermin 11th CBoers15th CBoers

TRAFALGAR

WednesdayWomen’sStablefordand

Singles knockout round 1

Winner: June Tickell (8) with 38 on c/b

Runner-Up: JennyEvison (24) with 38

points

DTL: SamCaldowand Donna Mellon with 35 points

NTP: 5th –Sam Caldow

Winnersofthe firstround of the singles

knock-out: BevKeily, Nola Fordham,

Linda Chapple,Anne Outhred and Cheryl Deppeler

Mondaywas our Open Daywith15teams playing 3BBB Stablefordbest 2scores count.

Winning Team: BevBridges,Linda Chapple and Chris Payne with 90 points

Runners-Up: SamCaldow, Donna Mellon and Aija Owen with 89 points

DTL: Heather Camerom, Jo Baker and Julie Keebel with 88 points,ShirleyTurner, Vanessa Reid and Suzie Martinac and Cheryl Deppeler,Lyn Powell and Karen Savige with 85 points and BevKeily, Leahanne Stewart, Chris Elliot with 84

points

NTP: 2nd Cheryl Deppeler,5th Donna Mellon, 11th DonnaMellon, 13th Bev Bridges, 15th BevKeily

Tuesday20/02/2024 -Irish Teams

Stableford

Players: 24

Winners: Vic Hill, Max Taylor,Gavin Patchett (47)

RunnersUp: Tony Shearer,Franc Kiss, NormMether,Steve Gould(46)

DTL: Duane Baker,TonyPitt, Hank Fiddelaers, ChrisBarfoot (45)

NTP: Duane Baker (13)

Bradmans: FrankEdmonds,GeoffFallon, Chris Griffin

Thursday22/02/2024 -Stableford

Players: 52, Women 14,Men 38

Women’s Winner: Kerren Ludlow (21)

Runner Up: Helen Keith (19)

DTL: Lorna Risol (18), Sue Klemke(17)

NTP: Lorna Risol (13)

Bradmans: Cheryl Deppeler

Men’s Winner: Glenn Doolan (22 c/b)

Runner Up: Franc Kiss (22)

DTL: Hank Fiddelaers(21), Graeme Grant (21), RichardGould (20), Harold McNair (20), Tony Shearer (20)

NTP: Tony Pitt (13)

Bradmans: Ed Hayward

Friday, February 23rd2024, Open Men’s&

Ladies Stableford

AGrade Winner: Symon Lee 39 pts

BGrade Winner: MarkJackson 41 pts C/B

DTL's: PeterTrickett 41, Glenn Doolan 38, PeterKing 38, Chad McKie 38, Heath Black

37,Noel Cornish 36, Shaun Kleeven36, KimberleyPellatt36

Birdies: 5th: SymonLee,Michael Baker

Saturday, February 24th 2024, Medley

4BBB Stableford

Men’s Winners: Jess McGrath &Cam

Hobson 48 pts C/B

Women’s Winners: Linda Chapple &Anne

Outhred 48 pts

Mixed Winners: PatO’Connell &Christine

Payne 46 pts

DTL’s: Josh Clarkson &Chad McKie 48, RichardGould &DickSheehan 47,Hoppy

Ing &Paul Massey47, Phil Town &Andrew Cochrane 46, Noel Cornish &Lockie

Cornish46, John Warren &Joe Pedemont

46, KarenMacGregor &Cheryl Deppeler

45, Akos Kerekes&Graeme Grant 44

NTP’s: 2nd: DickSheehan –Anne Outhred

5th: Chris Griffin– KarenSwingler 11th:

Tony Gray 13th:Lockie Cornish 15th:Tony

O’Reilly– KarenMacGregor

Eagles: 8th: Josh Clarkson 14th:Tim Cross

TRARALGON

Saturday Mens –StablefordSat, 24th

February 2024

Div 1: Northe,Thomas 642 pts

Div 2: Blair,Simon 12 37 pts

Div 3: Hazelman, Brian 20 42 pts

Div 4: Hasell, Jack 29 46 pts

RunDowns: 1Rowley, Rod3440pts,2 Marshall, Glen 23 40 pts,3Melbourne,Brett 839 pts,4 Langstaff, Michael 439pts,5 Disher,Chris 21 39 pts,6Robertson, Robbo 17 39 pts,7Coffey, James 738 pts,8 Tunevski, Danny1038 pts,9Holland, Greg 16 38 pts,10 Paterson, Glenn 19 38 pts

NTP: 5th ProPin Langstaff, Michael, 8th Coffey,James,15th Clark, Paul, 18th 2nd shot Slavin, Terry

YALLOURN

Tuesday20 th February Ladies 9hole

Stableford

Div 1: Sue Caldow(35) 20

Div 2: Judy Budge (44) 14

C/b: Evelyn Graske

Thursday22 nd February 18 hole

Stableford

Heather Ware (32)32

DTL: Lola Carter (18) 30, Evelyn Graske (43) 29

NTP: 8th Heather Ware,16th LynMcAlister

TENNIS

RIVERSIDE

Big step: Traralgon’s Josh Charlton(left), pictured with doubles partner BlakeEllisand doubles tournamentwinnersJames Watt and MattHulme. Photograph supplied

One shotdecides Div1semi-final

BOWLS

STRZELECKI NORTH SATURDAYPENNANT

BY MICHAEL HOLROYD

LAST Saturday was semi-final day for Strzelecki North Playing Area Bowls.

The top two teams Traralgon and Trafalgar renewed their battle from last week whenTrafalgar upset the home team to sneak into secondplace on the ladder. Spectators were treated to agreat game, that saw scores level at 70-all.

Matt Schreyer from Trafalgar and his rink of Wayne Hurst,GrahamHill and Adam Proctor rolled the jack to start the end against Matt Ferrari and hisrinkofNick Turnbull, Shane Chapman and Matt Eccles.

Traralgon gained an early shot close to the jack before Schreyer converted to be holding three shots and possibly the game.

Ferraridrew shotwithhis first bowl andSchreyer narrowly missed with his last bowl leaving Ferrari holding shot and the match.

Their rink was tied14-allinwhatwas avery low score considering 21 ends had been played. Wayne Lynch and his rink of MichaelMorgan, Ian Hilsley and Ian Kirkup drew 19-all with Nathan Cook and his rink of Tim Anderson, Ken Capper and Tim Fraser.

For Traralgon, Michael Yacoub and his rink of Pat Trewin, Phil Mustoe and Jame McCausland had a25-12 win over Wil McIlwain and his rink of Matt Coutts, Wayne Arnold and Chris Bortignon. Ian Miles and his rink of Kyen Jenkins, Paul Dawson and DavidCook had a25-13 win over James Scullin and hisrinkofMattOgilvie,Ron Sherlock and Chris Ward, leaving Traralgon the winners by one shot.

 TRARALGON 71 DEFEATED TRAFALGAR 70

AFT ER losing lastwee katTraral go nRSL , Newborough regrouped at home to defeattheir conquerors from the previous week.

Scott Jonesand hisrink of Brian Carpenter, Alan Ryan and Paul Sherman returned to form with a26-18 win over Dave Hodson and his rink of George Cargill, Kevin Durwoodand RickLukey Neale Houston and his rink of Fran Clark, Bob Goldie and Matt Leicester had a23-12 win over Ross Sizeland and his rink of Peter Barnes, Daniel Earl and Terry Hunter.

Kevin Lovett and his rink of Barry Daley, Jo-Anne Michaels and Josh Kennedy had a22-18 win over Brian Smith and his rinkofChris Mackintosh, Dave Morley and Alan Kanavan.

Beau Williamson and his rink of Titch Hore, Garry Trewin and Ross McKenzie had a25-10 win over Alan Grubb and his rink of Tony Knipping, Debbie Kennedy and Rod Lewis.

 NEWBOROUGH 81 DEFEATED TRARALGON RSL 72

DIVISION 2

LONGWARRY suffered their first loss of the season as Traralgon was too strong at home.

KevinEnguell and his rink of Tom Irvine, Bill Kirby and Kathy Smileshad a23-17 win over Trevor Kitchin.

Abe Roeder and his rink of Clint Jones, Bill Francis and Maurie Sutcliffe had a22-19 win over JasonLieshout.

For the home team, Ken Towt and his rink of Craig Cousin, Robert Proctor and Barry White had a17-16 win over Austin Gapper. John McCarthy and his rink of Ken White, PeterLieshout and Glenn Pask had a19-18 win over Cary Locke.

 TRARALGON (2) 79 DEFEATED LONGWARRY72

MORWELLClub had agood win at home against Garfield.

NeilWhitelaw and his rink of Gail Rejmer, Matthew Rodgers and Lee McKenzie had a26-14 win over Tom Cleary.

Alan Campbell and his rink of Vaughan Reimers, Lisa Arnold and Glenn Trembathhad a24-17 win over Nick Henwood.

Tara Harle and her rink of Jo Leslie, Duncan Hanlonand Roger Rejmerhad a22-21win over Stephen Whyte.

For the visitor's, Shane Oliver and his rink of Graham Burton, Bob Lamport and Richard Ross had a26-16 win over Brett Harle.

 MORWELL CLUB 88 DEFEATED GARFIELD

78

DIVISION 3

TRARALGON (3) had their best win since Christmas with asound defeat of Boolarra.

BrendanSmilesand his rink of ElaineSwan, Ron Baker and Rosie Lorenz had a25-15 win over Jorma Takanen.

Col Mayman defeated Terry Parker 16-15, and Graham Crossdefeated Joel Anderson 20-18 while Roger Davey drew 14-all with Stephen Davey.

 TRARALGON (3) 75 DEFEATED BOOLARRA

62

MORWELLhad an enormous win at home against Newborough (3), with Ken Turner and his rink of Stuart Humphrey,Ian Chamings and Bob Wilson having a41-12 win over John Wasiukiewicz.

Graham Hutchinson defeated Michael Holroyd 18-1 7a nd Col Grant defeate dA lb er tV an Stekelenburg 21-15.

Steve Cunningham completed the clean sweep with a27-15 win over Peter Policha.

 MORWELL 107DEFEATED NEWBOROUGH 60

DIVISION 4

MOE (2) 81 defeated Traralgon (4) 69 with Paul Read and his rink of Martin Dyt, Shane Hope and Rod Dixon defeating Norbert Schroeder 26-13.

Leanne Horton defeatedMax Cumming 19-16 and Jim Lawrence defeated StuartHulse 20-14. For the visitor's, Bill Bishop defeated BrianRodgers 26-16. Yallourn Northdefeated Yarragon77-73, with Darren Fry and his rink of Dale Raven, David Hibbert and Craig Speake defeating Richard Polmear 23-16.

RobMatthews defeated Jarrod Grigg 25-17, and for the home team, Sam Mazza defeated Greg Maidment 28-19. Jason Roberts defeatedRicky Hearn 22-10.

DIVISION 5

LONGWARRY (2) 67 defeated Drouin (3) 45, with John Majkut and his rink of Matthew Bails, John O’Shea and Mark Light defeating PeterHone 27-13 Gerard Mitchell defeated Lloyd Smith 26-17, and for the visitor's,Barry Price defeated Graham Woolstencroft 15-14.

Neerim District (2) 67 defeated Traralgon RSL (3) 46 with Ray Watts and his rink of Richard Kerr, Roger Till and Gregg Chapple defeating Margaret Gibbins 19-10.Jim Chroederdefeated Gordon Asbury 23-19 and John Rochford defeated Frank Metcalf 25-17.

DIVISION 6

DROUIN (4) 37 defeated Moe (3) 31 and Longwarry (3) 43 defeated Traralgon (6) 33.

Morwell Bocce Club linksupwithFrench internationals

BOCCE

By TOM HAYES

THE Italian Australian Club, Morwell/Gippsland Bocce Centre were treatedtoanintimatetraining sessionbythe Federation of French Sport-Boules recently.

Dubbed the French International Coaching Tour Down Under,itsees athree-part series of Australia versus France in Victoria, as well as Queensland and New South Wales.

The tour stopped off in Morwell last Wednesday (February 21) at the Italian Australian Sporting Club, whichhappens to be the number one regional bocce club in Victoria.

Bocce Australia has had arelationship with the FederationofInternationale de Boules (FIB)for many years now, with both nations linking up on multiple occasions when visiting each other’s homeland.

Bocce Australia and FIB Vice President and President of the Asia Ocea nia SportBoule s Confederation, Tony Biancacciwas in Morwell whenthe French visited during their tour,and explained the importance of the relationship between the two countries.

“We are one of the fortunate countries that France has offered to assist in developing the sport,” Biancacci said.

“Being acontinent on its own, the Asia-Oceania region -quite alarge region, the presenceofthe sport is not as prolific as it is in Europe or South America.”

The reason that Morwell itself was highlighted was due to the fact thatitwas the number one regional bocce club in Victoria.

“We favoured this club because of itspresence with the support work done by avarious number of people involved with the sport in alocal area,” Biancacci said.

“They have been terrific in developing the sport, they host quite afew events throughout the year, so we decided to support them.

“This club has also nurtured an umberof players that have played at the (Junior) World Championships over the years, so it is afairly established club in terms of sourcing young players.”

AnumberofMorwell bocce players have left an impression overseas, in both juniors and seniors, which only highlightsthe dedicationtodevelopment by Morwell’s club.

At one stage in time over the last 15 to 20 years, thisveryregion was consideredthe centreof expertise for juniors in bocce.

The FIB showcased some of their best talent by bringingtwo of their worldchampions and acoach to assist with some developmental training.

French coach Jean-Yves Peronnet was joined by players Pauline Gouiloud and Frederic Marsens, each of them providing private one-on-one and group training before aseries of events.

Peronnet started his bocce career in 1994 and was the National Development Director of the French BocceFederation from 2009 until 2021.Just last year, Peronnet was revealed as the director once again.

Gouiloud is agold and silvermedallistfor France, while Marsenshas avery distinguished record -three gold, three silver and one bronze at club, European and World Championships.

Morwell Bocce Club’s Maria Maselli was honoured to have such presence at the club, admitting

that even an experienced bocce player like herself learnt some new things.

“It’s abig honour to have the coaches (and players) come to the Valley. It’s the only regional placethat they’ve gone to,” she said.

“It was agreat experience. I’ve had the one-on-one with them and just the way they put things is just so different, and I’ve already learnt things that I didn’t know, and I’ve been playing for 20 years.

“They’re world champions, and we’ve never had that experiencehere before,soIthinkit’sfantastic that we were able to get them here in the Valley.”

Now it’s up to the bocce players from Morwell to put those new skills to use and put in the hard yards to ensure the game of bocce is going in the right direction in Australia.

The FIB started their Australian tour in Brisbane for aweek, then Sydney and now Melbourne.

In their visits to each state, at the end of each training session achallengewas setupon the groups-Australia versus France.The French completed the best-of-three seriesbywinning in Queensland and NSW.

Team up: Bocce Australia Vice President,TonyBiancicci withMorwell BocceClub’sMaria Maselli and Bocce Australia NationalSpor ts Development Director,Sonia Fava Photograph: TomHayes Expert: French bocce medallist Pauline Gouiloud putting theMorwell players throughtheirpaces Photograph: TomHayes

Crew: International: Bocce President Mar yPagano,Italian AustralianClubPresidentSam Carbone,French players Pauline Gouiloudand Frederic Marsens,French coach Jean-YvesPeronnetand Morwell Bocce ClubSecretar y, SallyFava.

Photograph supplied

Magic Marks’ mighty doubleton

CRICKET

CLVPREMIER A

BY LIAM DURKIN

GET afew today did ya?

Runs flowed overthe weekend in CricketLatrobe Valley Premier A, which completed Round 13 across Saturday and Sunday.

Four games and four tons meant playersreturned to their sheds local heroes, and were showered with free drinks or fines for not giving anyone else ago depending on club rules.

Heading into the final round, there is still yet to be some jostling of positions on the ladder.

While the top four looks relatively set, afew games in the last round could yet carry ramifications.

Most specially,fourth-placed Moe takes on fifthplaced CATS in thelastround.

The Lions do hold aseven point buffer, meaning CATS have no option but to try and win outright without losing on first innings.

At the other end of the table, there is just as much intrigue surrounding the relegation battle.

For this season and this season only, the bottom two teams will be relegated, to allow eight teams in both divisions.

Churchill and MirbooNorthare currently the bottom two sides, both on 19 points, however, Toongabbie and even Morwell aren’t far behind.

The Rams are only one point shy of the Cobras and MirbooNorth, while the Tigers of Morwell are three points ahead of Toongabbie.

Morwell plays Churchillthis round,with avoiding relegation rather than winning apremiership, as was the case 12 months ago, now their main focus.

Granted the chances of Morwell getting relegated are slim to none, it remains an intriguing watch nonetheless.

As it stands, Glengarry should beat Toongabbie and third-placed Raiders should do likewiseto Mirboo North, meaning if Morwell does the same to Churchill,itwillbethe Rams and Mirboo North heading down the grade for 2024/25.

But then again, this has got Mirboo North miracle written all over it.

ARE Glengarry the best team in it?

While the Magpiesare more than 10 pointsoff Ex Students from top spot, there is plenty to suggest the Magpies will take some beating come finals time.

Andafter someone makesadouble ton againsta more than handy attack, there may well be reason to believe.

Amightyinnings of 210 not out from Frank Markstook Glengarry to an imposing total of 5/377 declared against Morwell.

Opening the batting, Marks batted through the entire innings at Keegan Street, before time was up and he had no choice but to walk off.

It is said records are made to be broken, but this effort from Marks will surely take some beating in the decades to follow in Cricket Latrobe Valley.

Somewhat ironically, the highest score for some years might have been made in the very first year of the new league.

Adding to the irony, Marks’ Glengarry teammate and skipper Nat Freitag made226 forCentrals in the first season of the Latrobe Valley District Cricket League in 2018/19.

While technically the statistics from all prerunner associations (Traralgon District, Central

CRICKET LATROBE VALLEY ROUND 13 RUNS GALORE

PREMIER A

Frank Marks (Glengarry): 210not outvsMorwell (252 balls,14x 4s,2x 6s)

Jackson McMahon (Ex Students): 154not out vs CATS (224 balls,21x 4s,3x 6s)

Liam Maynard(Raiders): 147vsToongabbie (191 balls,16x4s)

BrettPedlow(Mirboo North): 100not out(91 balls,14x4s, 26s)

AGRADE

LukePayton(Willow Grove): 160vsLatrobe (139 balls,7x 4s,10x 6s)

Gippsland etc) are combined into CLV, to have two double tons made in the first season of ‘new’ leagues would be ararity.

Marks’ effort came at adecent click as well. He faced 252 balls, hitting 14 fours and four sixes.

Afew others were able to join in the fun, with ChrisDunnmaking59, Freitag 42 and Ben Marks 26 not out.

Freitag and Marks put on 92 for the second wicket, while 127 was combined for the fifth between Marks and Dunn.

Morwell tried eight bowlers to try and find a breakthrough. Brendan Brincat found two, and Tim Ford bowled well in the circumstances, taking 1/84 off 29 gruelling overs.

Marks went to bed on Saturday night on 190 not out, and was able to get the magical 10 runs the following morning.

From there, the Magpies set about their work with the ball.

Morwell was starring down the barrel at 2/13, and even at 4/57, beforeFordand Brendan Brincat were able to stabilise the innings somewhat.

Ford played astoic hand of 52 off 103 balls, working alongside Brincat who scored an uncharacteristic 42 off 78 rocks.

The Tigers’ effort to make more than 200 would usually see them win most games, however, given the onslaught of the previous day, it was nowhere near enough.

In fact, Marks outscoredthe entire Morwell team.

As if batting for 90 overs wasn’t enough, Marks bowled 23 overs and took 2/58.

Cam Graham and Max Merton did most of the damage with the ball, taking3/28 and 3/34 respectively. JACKSON McMahon enjoyed his day out for Ex Students.

The middle order bat peeled off aclassy, unbeaten century, helping the Sharks to victory over CATS.

Coming in at number five, the right hander batted for most of the innings, walking off with 154 red to his name at John Black Oval.

The visitor’s found themselves in aspotofbother earlyinthe piece, and were 2/6 thanks to the work of wilily veteran Paul McGill. McMahon came to the rescue however, and set about seeing the Sharks to asolid total.

They were able to do so, after he combined with good mate Mitch Membrey for a140-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

Membrey made 52 coming in at seven, continuing the good work of Matt Dyke, who made 41 opening the batting.

Dyke negotiated atough first session, and was

forced to play within himself until thesituation settled.

His 41 came off 118 balls, but he and McMahon were able to put on 81 for the fourth wicket.

When the Sharks’ time was eventually up, they had 6/306 on the board.

McGill gave little away in his 14 overs, picking up 3/37, while Tinashe Panyangara asked plenty of questions, taking 3/44 off 19.

CATS were beyond disappointing with the bat, and were cleaned up for apaltry 94 in just 38.1 overs. The top order collapsed to be 3/16, and they lost their last six wickets for just 19 runs.

Only Callum Stewart with 29 was able to make an impression.

As usual, the Sharks hunted with the ball, and saw wickets shared by familiar faces.

Lee Stockdale did his average no harm with 5/8, while Mitch Harris (2/3) and Jimmy Pryde (2/19) were also industrious.

Ex Students batted again, having aquick 12 over tonk and declaring with 37 and alead of 249 on the board.

With 30 or so overs to get 10 wickets, the Sharks had to contend with only taking two, as CATS shut up shop.

RAIDERS won ahigh scoring game against Toongabbie.

Thematch at Yinnar was high scoring mainly to the work of Raiders captain Liam Maynard, who played arguably the best innings of his career.

The Raidersglue took his side well outofthe dangerzone, and to acommanding total of 8/282 -of which he made 147.

After being challenged to have ahit, Raiders appeared on acrash course after sinking to 3/19.

Maynard joined youngster Ben Burrows in the middle, and the pair got to work resurrecting the innings.

With Burrows playing diligently, holding up one end, Maynardwas able to play himself in.

Seventeen-year-oldBurrows showed great maturity, and saw off 154 balls, most of which came from express quick Keenan Hughes,toeventually make 60.

His 166-run partnership with Maynard allowed Raiders to get past 200, from which time Maynard kept batting until falling as the score went past 250.

Hughes bent his back for 26 overs,which yielded figuresof3/88,whileToongabbie veteran Jason Veneman took 3/39.

In an almost carbon copy of what had happened the previous day, the Rams lost three quick wickets to start their innings, before Veneman and Sean Pickles were able to get things back on track.

The pair however didn’t have the same output as Burrows and Maynard, with Veneman falling just as the partnership was about to reach 100.

Venemanhad played well for his 37, and Pickles very nearly became the man for Toongabbie, falling just 19 runs shortofhis century,withhis 81 coming at ahealthy rate of 117 balls.

Some further runs down the order from Hughes (28)pushedthe total toward 250, before the Rams lost their last pole with 230 on the board.

Wickets were shared in the Raiders camp.

George Chesire led the way with three, and was backed-up by Barney Webber (2/14), Maynard (2/34) and Harri McColl (2/40).

IN apossible battle for relegation, Churchill won their challenge against Mirboo North.

The Cobras got the win they craved, but atotal performance reversal innings to innings saw the Tigers become adifferent team.

Before that, Mirboo North was bowled out for 81 chasing 265.

The Tigers elected to bowlfirst at Andrews Park, and stayed in the game until Kurt Holt arrived.

The Churchill enigma came in at number nine and proceededtowhack an unbeaten 81 off just 91 balls,takingChurchill from7/124to9/265declared

He and Ross Parker demoralised Mirboo North with a105-run partnership for the eighth wicket, with Parkermaking 77 himself before being the second-last man dismissed.

Mirboo North threw the ball to nine bowlers trying to put an end to the innings, but could only find multiples from Will Lawrey, and an unlikely source in Brett Pedlow, who took 2/43 off 12 overs. Pedlow then went out to open the batting, and battled injury to limp to 26 off 85 balls.

Unfortunately for MirbooNorth,most of the rest of the card failed to reachdouble figures, as Holt ran riot, bowling three and trapping another in front.

In what has been atrying couple of weeks for MirbooNorth,the Tigerswere clearly up against it.

Favouriteson andclubgreat Shane ‘Choco’Peters came out of retirement to help the team, while fellow veteran Matt Snell played on Day 1. Churchill left-arm quickRyan Harvey did a similar job to Holt, taking three of the first five wickets to fall on his way to figures of 3/17, while John Keighran nabbed 2/14.

With alead of 184, the Cobras went for the kill. Whatever happened between the innings break clearly worked for the Tigers, who ended up blasting the ball around in a31-over slog. Will Cheatleypeeled off an unbeaten 43 off40 balls, sending two of them overthe fence, the same amount as Pedlow.

Pedlow provided the highlight of the game, opening the batting and making an beaten century off just 91 balls.

Along with his two sixes, he hit 14 fours, as he and Cheatley put on 91 before the game came to an end with Mirboo North on 3/184 -the exact deficit The principal at Trafalgar High School, anyone marking Pedlow’sinnings would have surely given it ahigh distinction.

With many of his students playing for the local Trafalgar Cricket Club also making runs in recent weeks, there could be some serious one-upmanship going on in the school yard.

Aprincipalversus students matchonthe new Traf High cricket oval might be one way to settle it. MOE had the bye.

JKeighran 4not out 11

Sundries (0w 1nb 1lb 5b) 7

TOTAL10wickets for81(40 5Overs)

CHURCHILL 1STINNINGS BOWLING

RHarvey9-3-17-3, KHolt 10-2-24-4, JKeighran 8-3-14-2, Chris WWilliams8.5-3-12-1, SWarr 5-1-8-0

MORWELL PREMIERVGLENGARRY at Keegan Street Reserve

GLENGARRYP 1STINNINGS

Three into one simply doesn’t work

CRICKET CLVAGRADE

BY LIAM DURKIN

LOW scores from the previous week allowed teams to set up potential outrights as Round 13 was completed in CricketLatrobe Valley AGrade Acouple of results have left the season alive for afew teams trying to get the last remaining place in finals.

While Rovers, Centrals and Gormandale are safe, Imperials, Willow Grove and Traralgon West will head into the final round this weekend with some anxiety.

Rovers are scheduled to play Centrals, amatch of little consequenceasneither can moveout of the top two and forego ahome semi-final, while Gormandale has the bye.

The Tigers have come good since Christmas, and might just be hitting their straps at the right time of year.

For Imperials, Willow Grove and Traralgon West however, three can’t go into one, and the fight to gain the last spot in finals will come down to the next two weekends.

Imperials are probably the most dangerous team of the three, and there could be some sighs of relief from thosealready in finals if Imps happen to miss out.

Traralgon West, who had the bye last round, needs alot to go right in order to make finals. The Eagles must defeatLatrobe outright, and in doing so, take10points to leapfrog Impsand Willow Grove.

In the case of Willow Grove, thereisahuge success story in the works, for ateam that is only in its second season of AGrade,tonow be on the verge of potentially playing finals.

This comingafter most(probablyeven the Wolves themselves) had putaline through any suchchance of playing finals in season 2023/24.

Among thesuccesses of thenew Cricket Latrobe Valley league, perhaps the greatest indication bringing the two leagues together was agood idea from the start will be seen in the next fortnight. After all,it’swhat people wanted to see all along

CRICKET LATROBE VALLEY AGRADE LADDER ONE ROUND TO PLAY

Rovers50points

Centrals 44 points

Gormandale 42 points

Imperials 26 points

WillowGrove26points

Traralgon West 24 points

Latrobe 10 points

ROUND 14 FIXTURE

WillowGrovevsImperials (at Moe Racecourse Turf)

Centrals vs Rovers (ApexPark)

Latrobe vs Traralgon West (Peter Siddle Oval)

Gormandale -Bye

STAKES

Whoeverwins out of Imperials and Willow Groveonfirst innings plays finals,assuming Traralgon West don’t win outright vs Latrobe

-teams fighting it out for finals places all the way to the last round.

IT just had to come down to this didn’t it.

Willow Grove can make finals, but needs to beat Imperials at Moe Racecourse in the final round.

The Wolves will reachasurely undreamt of finalscampaignifthey can manage to rollImps on Racecourse Turf.

While the fixture mightsay Willow Groves versus Imperials, in the eyes of some people, it will say something else.

In something thathonestlycouldn’t have been scripted, fastbowlerTodd Mannwillroll outfor Imperials-the same Mann thatdepartedthe Wolves just before Christmas as playing-coach.

When the two parted ways afew months ago, no one in their right mind would have thought they would be playing each other for aspotinfinals, but alas, here we are.

Willow Grove finds itself in this position after a commanding victory against Latrobe.

The Wolves secured first innings points on Day 1, and went in to knock up 328.

Luke Payton continued from the 149 he’d made the previous week, and was eventually dismissed for an imperious 160 off just 139 rocks.

The bighitter smashed more sixes than fours, sending 10 over the cones at Peter Siddle Oval.

Liam Cumiskey did his best to impersonate the import, but could only ‘chop’ one maximumover therope in his 36 off 43 balls.

The Sharks wereput out of their miseryand given the chance to bat again.

YoungstersRileyand LiamDuncaneach took three wickets for Latrobe, continuing astrong family legacy for the club.

TheSharksbatted for 50 overs in their second

innings, and managed adecent total of 170.

As usual,itwas left to Anthony Bloomfield to do most of the scoring, and the veteran showed he still has it despitehis mid-50s age bracket, making 88 off 120 balls.

Ronnie Chokununga provided somefireworks at the top, torching 27 off 23 balls with two sixes.

Wickets came from asomewhat unlikely source in Nathan Weatherhead.

The man with asurname commentators would love took 6/52 off 18.4 overs, making it 10 for the match.

The medium pacer has been cleaning up in lower grades in recent years, with his teasing pace and accuracy leading to bulk wickets.

He was supported by young gun Dylan van der Stoep, who took 2/36.

GORMANDALE fired off abig warning shot.

The Tigers defeated top side Rovers outright in their last game before finals.

Having already won on first innings, the visiting Tigers returned to Duncan Cameron with intentions of taking maximum points.

In alow scoring game for an outright, Gormandale recovered fromadisastrous positionintheir second dig, going from 2/2 to scratch out 107.

Dylan Keyhoe played one of his better innings, makinganinnings, and probablymatch-saving, 67 off 91 balls.

The left hander came in at four, and looked the only batsmen able to hit off the square, smacking eight fours and two sixes, more than everyone else combined.

Despite some good bowling from Simon Duff, who took 4/24, Stefan Sbaglia (3/30) and Lachlan Patterson (2/41), the home side was unable to get the 146 it needed for areverse.

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

Roversonly lasted 34 oversintheir second innings, and were routed for 102.

Patterson played atypically brash knock of 32 off 39 balls, pumping threesixes in theprocess, before becoming one of Yohan Soyza’s six wickets. Soyza saw the Tigers to an outright, taking 6/30 off 13 overs, while fellow spinner Nat Campbell grabbed 2/38.

The reintroduction of leg spinner Campbell into the team has been identified as akey reason Gormandale has not lost agamesince Christmas.

Campbell Peavey also took two wickets, in what was agood bowling performance from the Tigers, who will now surely have acouple of sides worried as finalsapproach.

WHO wouldhave thoughtyou’d win outright after making 75 in your first dig.

That is exactlywhatCentrals did however, taking maximum points against Imperials.

Having beencleaned up cheaply on Day 1at ApexPark, the home sidereturnedserve, bowling ahaplessImpsout for 51 in reply.

ComeDay 2, theLions found it to be adifferent game, and managed to score 177 in their second innings.

Skipper TyeHourigan top-scored with 50, while afew otherschippedinwith handy20s -Reghard Hefer the main playerwith 29

Todd Mannaddedtohis collection of wickets, taking 4/51 off 26.5 back-breaking overs, while Joel Randall took 3/42and Dilshan Thilakarathne 2/26

Leading by more than 200,Centrals were able to get the 10 points they craved, bowling Imps out for 162 secondtime around. The visitor’s tried their best to take the game by reverse, but were bowled out in less than 40 overs as aresult.

Only Ryan Morley and James Skingle with scores of 59 and 47 were able to getgoing, as Lion’s veteran Marc Fenech made life difficult, taking yet another five wicket haul.

Tyron Gamage and Hefer also took two wickets each.

TRARALGON WEST had the bye.

No game for the Goannas

CRICKET VETERANS BY GORDON COWLING

UNFORTUNATELY, once againaMelbourne team could not travel to Traralgon to take on the Gippsland Goannas Over 60s cricket team at the weekend. The Goannas were drawn to host the Glen Waverley Over60team on Sunday, but were notified earlier in the week that they would not be able to come to the Duncan Cameron Reserve for the fixtured game.

This leaves the Gippsland Over 60 team with an away game to Maribyrnong this Sunday (March 3), while the last fixture for theOver70team is an away gameagainst theYarra Valley on Tuesday, March 5. The annual Echucatournamentwill take placeinthe third week of March, and the Goannas will play in the second division after their disappointing performance last year.

Down to the wire: Imperials, WillowGrove andTraralgon West will fightfor the last remaining spot in CricketLatrobe ValleyA Gradefinals this coming round. Photograph: Liam Durkin

Local exportsget theirfirst hit out

FOOTBALL

AFL EXPORTS

BY TOM HAYES

FOOTY season is back.

Well, not entirely, but those who have waited since the end of September last year finally have something to watch.

Two weeks of AFL preseason have gotten underway, with practice matches giving fans a small glimpse of what they may expect from their clubs in 2024.

In the first week of practice matches, anumber of local stars took to the stage for the first time in the year, while therewas some notable absentees. THE firstlocal in actionwas themost recent to join the major ranks, when Morwell’s Tew Jiath gothis first taste of AFL football for Collingwood against North Melbourne.

Coming on in the second half, there was much to like about Jiath, as he resembled asimilar game to that of his brother, Hawthorn’s Changkuoth. He used his blitzing pace to counter the Kangaroos’ run, being equally attacking with some spearing inside-50 entries.

The Magpies were without much of their senior players, as North Melbourne looked to experiment with an almost full squad.

The two clubs played four quarters, with North Melbourne coming out on topbysomemargin, but after all, it is only preseason.

For afixture that would usually see alocal player on bothsides, North Melbourne optedto rest Foster’s Zane Duursma, yet he is expected to feature this week.

THE Gold Coast trio were on display for the Suns

as they took on state rival, Brisbane, in their first hit-out of the season.

Onlypositives haveemerged from the Gold Coast camp about Latrobe Valley trio Ben Ainsworth, Bailey Humphrey and Sam Flanders.

Fish Creek and Moe’s Flanderswas operative as ever in midfield,busy alongside the likes of Touk Miller and Matt Rowell.Humphrey, from Moe, has been tipped to take abig leapin2024, andwas among the most impressive for the Suns.

Morwell’s Ben Ainsworth is slowly becoming one of the most-liked players in the game according to pundits, and kickedthe first goalofthe Damien Hardwick era on Thursday.

TRARALGON’S TimMembrey had an impressive showing for St Kilda in his competitive return to the game, after missing lastyear’sElimination Final due to personal reasons.

Membrey combined with young Saint Max King for seven goals, kicking three himself in the practice match against Essendon.

The Saints bombed away from Essendon, who unveiled their four new off-season signings.

One of those was Foster’s Xavier Duursma, who returned to his home state from Port Adelaide. AFTER going to Qatar to learn about his injury and work on rehabilitation,Hawthorn’s Chankuoth Jiath reinjuredhis hamstring, going down in what was ahorror intra-clubmatch forthe Hawks recently.

In the same session, Hawthorn lost defender James Blanck to an ACL injury, moments before Jiath limped from the field. That morning, vicecaptain Dylan Moorewas also diagnosed with glandular fever.

The finalweek of preseason matches will be played this week.

The AFL season begins on Thursday, March 7.

Countryracing day fit for everyone at Moe meeting

HORSERACING

By LIAM DURKIN

THERE’Salot more to aday at the races than meets the eye.

This notion was on full display at Sunday’s Moe Racing Club meeting, which was held to celebrate local communities and kids.

The ‘Community Cups and Kids Day’ was exactly whatitaimed to be, welcomingcommunity groups across the region to come and enjoy aday of country racing.

Idyllic conditions greeted patrons, who had not only aseven-race card for entertainment, but also an array of family-friendly entertainment.

Picnic tables were quickly swept up by primary school-age children and their families, who tookthe opportunity to relax on Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, kidsexpanded their energy on the lawn, with activitiessuchasa jumpingcastle, merry-go-round, miniture train rides, petting zoo, and face painting all popular.

Local groups joined Moe Racing Club for the day, including CFA, whom the racing club donated all money raisedfrom gold coin donations from the kids activities.

Moe Football-Netball Club was also present, with Lionssenior football coach Declan Keilty and fellow senior leaders holding ahandball clinic.

Under theirtutelage, the kids willsurely have Shane Edwards-like hands by the time the footy season starts.

The Lions enjoyed marquee hospitalityfrom the racing club, which waswell and truly in full swing as the daywore on.

The HillsidePavilion was also buzzing with chatter,asmembers of the GippslandLive call team were present.

The commentary team is looking forward to calling another season of the Gippsland League.

Uponmentioningthe upcoming season was the 70th year of the Gippsland League to league statistician Paul Carter, this writer was correctly informeditwas actuallythe 71st, as the league would have played aseason in 1954.

The races themselves all carried names of local town cups.

MoeRacing Club Chairman, Mike Vanderfeen said this was done to give racing connections the chance to experience the excitement of winning their own ‘cup’.

“It’s amazing, alot of people in racing have never won acup before in their life, so they really enjoy the day,” he said.

“We’re very fortunate, it’s our sponsors day and localcupsday,each of the winningowners get presented with acup.”

Fittingly, the races carried the following name sakes: Moe Refrigeration Churchill Cup (Race 1), Merchant ButchersNewborough Cup (Race2), LV DraftingYallourn North Cup (Race 3), Natures Cargo Yarragon Cup (Race 4), John Kerr Real Estate Trafalgar Cup (Race 5), Morwell BowlsClub Morwell Cup (Race 6) and Ladbrokes Warragul Cup (Race 7).

There was only one local winner at the meeting, with Sale trainer Bill Wood saluting in Race4over 1000 metres with seven-year-oldgelding Moonlight Rustler.

Trafalgarjockey Jason Maskiell did however complete ariding double. Maskiell rode Moonlight Rustler to victory, as well as Felix Fiorente in Race 6(2400m) for Cranbourne trainer Ray Besanko.

Cranbourne trainers dominated the meeting. Poppin’ Champagne won Race 1for Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr over 1600m, while Virtucon, won Race 2for Cranbourne’s Clayton Douglas. A HiddenTreasure kept the wins coming for ‘Cranny’, winning Race 3(1000m) for Doug Harrison.

Bush Christmas won Race 5(1200m) for Brian McGrath, also at Cranbourne, while Reparter got the job done in the Race 7(1600m) for Jason Evans, another Cranbourne trainer.

As wellaswinning trainers, Cranbourne has astrongaffinity with Moe Racing Club, with Cranbourne South fashionista Karlie Owen winningFashions on the Fieldatjustabout every Moe Cup.

The nextmeeting at Moe Racing Club will be the Anzac Day meeting on Thursday, April 25.

Ball magnet: Former Moe footballer SamFlanderswillhopetoreplicatehis backhalf of 2023, whereheaveraged28.9 disposals forGold Coast.

Photograph: AFL Photos

Good times: Erica’sKerr yn Cheue andone-year-old MiaCheue, with Newborough one-year-old Beau Whittakerand Zac Whittakerenjoying thekidsday at Moe Racing Club

Photographs: Liam Durkin

Community leaders: MoeFireBrigade Lieutenants Tara Paulsen and Montana EarleatMoe Racing Club. The local brigade always welcomesnew recruits.Any prospectivemembersare encouraged to email moefirebrigade@bigpond.com

Family: Newborough’s Brayden, three-year-old Alaynah and seven-year-old Lakyn O’Conner unwind on the lawn at Moe Racing Club’sKidsDay

Football Victoria takes control

SOCCER LVSL

FOOTBALL Victoria (FV) has agreed to amultiyear agreement with the Latrobe Valley Soccer League (LVSL) for the delivery of senior competitions, Grievance, Disciplinary,and Tribunal (GDT) processes for junior and senior competitions.

FV has engaged with the LVSL committee over several months and, in consultation with member clubs, determined astructure to enhance the competitions throughout the Latrobe Valley region, through the streamlining of administration processes, matchdays, fixturing, and results entry.

“The two groups working collaboratively will benefit from FV’sshared servicesupportwhich

willinclude administrativesupport, improved technology, and better access to club development and referee and coaching programs,”FV’s Executive Manager Football Operations, Dan Birrell said.

The agreement will also ensure the LVSL retains avoice in the region to accommodate the uniqueness of regional soccer.

LVSL President, Allan Robertssaidhehas a "firm belief" that the agreement will provide professionalism and integrity to theirseniorcompetitions.

"We wouldliketothank our member clubs for their support and input as we have worked towards thismajormilestone in managing theLVSL senior competition structures," he said.

"It was clearly identified that our senior competitions needed morethanasmall but committed group of volunteers could offer.

"This will result in abetter product for our players, supporters, and clubs, another positive outcome we anticipate is that we will see volunteers who were engaged at the board level beingabletoinvest their time back into theirclubs, ensuring that they continue to grow and prosper.

"The LVSL would also like to thank FV for their support, openness, and transparency as we have worked towards an agreement that is for the betterment of our senior competitions in 2024 and beyond.

"To our member clubs, we ask for your patience and respect throughout this season as we transition to new processes and systems.

"It will take time to iron out any identified areas of deficiency, but if we continue to work collaboratively and respectfully we will see the benefits this season and beyond. "

Followingthe releaseofFV's Regional Review Discussion Paper following extensive consultation with regional associations, clubs, and stakeholders, FV’sHead of Growth &Development, Lachlan Cole outlined the partnership would "streamline processes for ahigh-quality experiencefor both clubs and officials, and further highlights FV’s renewed commitment to regional participants as we continue to exploremodern, unified waysto deliver football across Victoria”.

FV competitions have commenced preparations for season 2024, including team entry processes, Rules of Competitions, fixturing, and season calendars.

LVSL fixtures are expected to be released in the next fortnight.

Falcons ready to fly high in new season

SOCCER

LVSL

FALCONS 2000 Soccer Club is gearing up for the 2024 Latrobe Valley Soccer League season.

The Birds are aiming to continue on recent success,which has included the LVSL senior men's and women's title in 2022, as well as arunner-up finish for the menwhichcame downthe final round of the season last year.

The club has reappointed 2023 coaches Adrian Salvatore (men's) and Sheeny Whatcoat (women's), whoare both very passionate about winningsilverware in season 2024.

Salvatore is awell-known figure around the club, having been at Falcons since 1997.

From being ajunior at the club to now the senior head coach, Salvatore understands what it means to be aFalcon, will be looking to instil that in every player in the hunt for success this season.

Salvatore will work closely with another familiar Falcons name in Joe Auciello.

Auciello,the Falcon's games record holder, is going around again as assistant coach, arole he took on for the first time last year.

Conor Clarke will coach the reserves, and aim to continue on the work of last year that saw the team finish runner-up in the Shopwell Trophy.

Whadcoat brings no shortage of playing expertise to her role as senior women's coach, being afive-time club best-and-fairest winner, and league winner.

Under Whadcoat's guidance in season 2023, the

Gaskin Park upgrades get the green light

FOOTBALL

By TOM HAYES

THE home of the Churchill Junior Football Club will soon be revitalised with the addition of new lights.

Gaskin Park’s secondary oval,Gaskin2,isgenerally used by the juniors, but the inconvenience of no lighting has forced them to runadisrupted schedule, stretching the connection between the juniors and seniors.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas announced an investment in 12 projects across the state backed by the stategovernment’s Country Football and Netball Program.

The program aims to ensure that sport remains the lifeblood of communities acrossthe statefor generations to come. The 12 new projects willshare

in more than$2.5million from the programthat’s been kicking goals for country sport since 2005.

Gaskin 2, which is used by ChurchillJunior Football Club,Churchill Football-NetballClub and Gippsland Power Football Club, is now able to be upgraded with the installation of new 100 lux LED competition sports lighting.

When the upgrade was announced, the Churchill Junior FootballClubPresident, Shaun Hecker was over the moon.

“It’s massive positivefor the club, for the juniors anyway,” he said.

“Five years ago, they stopped working, so we just told them we have to train until about quarter past five. As the days get shorter, the training sessions get shorter.”

Despite playing on aSunday, comparedtothe Saturday that thesenior sides play on, this time of the year still becomes aheadache.

With Gippsland Power and the Churchill FNC running preseason training, the juniors have resorted to using ahockey pitch on aFridaynight, just so the Under 15s can train.

Not only will it mean the juniors can train and playathome again, but the clubwill be closer together, making the transition from juniors to seniors much easier.

“The kids are really looking forward to it. We’ve beensharing the ovalwiththe seniorsand it’s not ideal -it’s alot of traffic forthat one oval,” Hecker said.

“We can’t train on the same nights as the seniors, so then it means you can’t really get senior players over to help out.

“If we can go back to training Tuesday, Thursday nights -sameasthe seniors -that means the (Under 15s) can go up and have ameal with the thirds boys, so it makes that transition alot easier.”

The current venue is undergoing an entire facelift, especially after the announcement that revealed the ChurchillCricket Club and Churchill Baseball Club will be joining the football and netball clubs at Gaskin Park.

The turf on Gaskin 2isgetting resurfaced now with the additionofa turf wicket,while thecricket and baseball clubs are hoping to secure grants for anew pavilion -which wasput on hold recently.

The resurfacing and installationofthe turf wicket on Gaskin 2isexpected to be completed in 2025.

Churchill Junior Football Clublaunchedtheir 2024 season last weekend on Sunday, February 18, with afamily fun day.

“That was amassivesuccess, it’shelped us fill all four sidesplus five juniornetball sides. I’m really looking forward to it, it should be an exciting season,” Hecker said.

Churchill Junior Football Club competes in the Traralgon and DistrictJuniorFootball League, beginning on April 21.

Churchill Football-Netball Club are also in the process of adding asecond netball court, with the development underway.

Senior Women's team had aseason filled with unforgettable moments, despite the challenges of player availability.

Assisting Whadcoat will be Nick Lapenta, who is makinga welcomereturntothe coaching arena.

Preseason has started with astructured program under the club's trainer Jack Beechey-Danvers.

Beecey-Danvers has taken charge of all fitnessrelatedmatters forFalcons'senior men'sand women's teams. The head trainer is out to to ensure players are injury-free when they get onto the park.

With ahistorylikenoother club in Australia (Falcons is the only regional club to ever compete in the national league), Falconshas again played its focus on junior development, being aclub of choice in Gippsland, and maintaining familycultural values on and off the field.

“This is the one thing that is not negotiable, winning is important at senior level, however development at junior level is as important," the club's president said.

Facelift: GaskinPark’sGaskin2oval(left) is set to be revitalised, with resurfacing underway and newlights in thepipeline File photograph

Birdisthe word: Falcons 2000coaches forseason 2024 areConor Clarke(reser ves), Adrian Salvatore(senior men’s), ShennyWhadcoat (seniorwomen’s), Jack Beechey-Danvers(trainer/ fitness advisor),NickLapenta(senior men’s assistant) and JoeAuciello(senior men’s assistant)