Traralgon celebrated the firstday of summer, with hundreds lining the main streets for the town’s Christmas parade on Sunday. Christmas charactersjoined with local groups, schools, scouts and clubs, helping to spread the joyofthe festiveseason.
Photograph: Liam Durkin
By LIAM DURKIN
GUESS who’s back, back again.
Latrobe City Councillor Dale Harriman willsit in the big boy’s chairat council meetings for the next 12 months, afterwinning the mayoralelection from incumbent Cr Darren Howe.
Cr Harriman won five votes to four.
Crs Sharon Gibson, AdelePuglsey, David Barnes and Joanne Campbell (as well as Cr Harriman) voted for Cr Harriman.
Crs Steph Mor gan, Tracie Lund, Leanne Potter (and Cr Howe) voted for Cr Howe at the Monday, November 25 vote.
Cr Howe wasseeking asuccessive 12-month term, butthe result now meansCrHarriman will serve asecond term as mayor.
Cr Harriman has beenonLatrobe City Council since 2008, and was mayor from November 2014 to November 2015.
The new mayorwill have afellowlongserving councillor as his deputy,with Cr Gibson elected 5-4 ahead of Cr Lund. Cr Gibson hasalsobeen on council since 2008, and served twice as mayor.
LO CAL TR ADES AND SE RV ICES
If body language is any indication, Cr Gibson was rather chuffed once it became clear she had the numbers.
The colourful and sometimes esoteric councillor has endured afairly tumultuousyearthatincludedacampaign trail, major hip surgery and even avisit from police.Tonow be deputymayor could leave her feeling personally justified.
The result means the two most experienced Latrobe City councillors are now mayor and deputy mayor.
Swee ping chang es were seen on Latrobe City Council when votes were declared after last month’s election, which saw veteran councillors Graeme Middl emi ss (who served ne arly30 years), and KellieO’Callaghan both lose their positions.
In his acceptance speech, Cr Harriman acknowledged the challenges these changes would bring, but said it was an equallyexciting timeasa new era dawned.
“It’s great that we have so many new councillors on this council, it’s great to see arefresh,” he said.
“I know this is going to be adifficult
timefor council and Iappreciate the effort the councillors have already put in, thetime they have putinlearning how to operate as acouncil, we have four experienced councillors in Cr Howe, Cr Lund, Cr Gibson and myself.
“To the community, moving forward, thisisgoing to be yournew council. The communityvoted and putinfivenew councillors. The community votedfor achange, andI’m sure that’s what we are going to see.
“Thecommunity is at theforefront of everything we are going to do, and the ninepeople sitting up here have the community at their heart and their best interest, and Ican guarantee you that will continue for the next four years.”
In ashow of good faith, there did not seemtobeany hard feelingsbetween the mayor and the man who was ousted in his place, with Cr Harriman and Cr Howe shaking hands upon the result.
Given this was the first council meeting for the new council, close observers may have already picked up on afew insights from their new councillors.
Boola Boola Ward Cr Barnes appears
to be ano-nonsense operator, and was rather succinct when speaking, perhaps areflection from with his time running the Glengarry Pub.
Elsewhere, Baw Baw Shire is on the search foranew chief executive, after Mark Dupe tendered his resignation.
Mr Dupe, who commenced his role in March 2020, hasannounced his decision to resign at the end of the year.
Mr Dupe said it had been an honour to lead the organisation, and thanked the staff and the wider community for their continued support.
Mr Dupe will remain in his position until the end of the year, ensuring a smooth transition for the organisation and the incoming councillor group.
Mr Dupe’s last day leading the organisation will be Christmas Eve.
An interim chiefexecutivewill be appointed until afull time replacement is found.
Mr Dupe has advised he is not seeking another chiefexecutive role, as he commences anew phase of his working life in anew location.
See Pages 32 &33 of today’s paper forfurther details
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By LIAM DURKIN
CONSTRUCTION is underway at Traralgon
Recreation Reserve on new changeroom facilities.
The long-standing yet flood-prone previous facility has been demolished, along with the Tony Lane Stand, paving the way for amodern upgrade.
While the new facility won't be double-storey like its predecessor, it willsit some distance off the ground to ensure longevity in the event of flood.
The previous facilitywas left condemned for more than three years after floods swept through in June 2021.
Since then,user groups (Traralgon FootballNetball Club, Ex Students Cricket Club, Traralgon Boxing Club), as well as aproject reference group, have worked on bringing anew facility to fruition.
The project suffered anumberofsetbacks during consultation phase, before afinal design was finally approved last August.
There was 12 official Project Reference Group meetings alone since Julylastyear, and more than eightconcept plans drafted.The project went to tender last May, and all came in under budget.
Initialdesign plans were for adouble storey
facility, similar to the one that stood before the flood.
However, afollow up meeting in July last year revelled such afacility may have blown the $6.7 millionbudget,and so the decision was madeto explore asingle-storey design.
Sport and Recreation Victoria are contributing $2.75m, with the balance to come from state and local government funds and grants.
User groups may have felt forced to some extent, as if it did not make adecision, Sport and Recreation Victoriamight have pulledtheir funding,although equally, therewas afeeling that 'something is better than nothing'.
Traralgon footballers had been operating out of unsafe rooms, while the netballers had been getting changed in literal tin sheds.
The newdesign accommodates proper footballand netball changerooms, as well as Traralgon Boxing Club, who will keep their current space.
Latrobe City Council has put down atimeframe of October 2025 for project completion.
Traralgon still hopes to play home games next season, and will make do withportableroomsnext season
By LIAM DURKIN
MARYVALE Paper Mill held its annual picnic on Sunday. The picnic is atime-honouredtradition, welcomingemployeesfor aday of relaxation with their families.
Kids activities rang in the festive season, with an array of carnival rides and amusements on offer.
Those preferring to unwindwere able to do so,with picnic rugs adorning the side lines of the company's sporting field.
The field washome to Maryvale FootballClub, which consisted mainly of mill workers during its heyday of the 1970s, before folding in the late 1980s.
Maryvale wasproperly formed in 1960 and competed in the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League between 1966 and 1986, having joined from North Gippsland previously. An artificial cricket wicket is still laid down at the APM.
Afeature of the ground is the low-hanging powerlines running straightoverthe top of the playing arena.
Maryvale Paper Millisalsohome to the Maryvale FriendlySociety,one of the few friendly societies left in existenceacross the country. The society helps employees with arange of support services when the need arises.
By KATRINA BRANDON
LAST Wednesday, ahugeamount of rain fell throughout the LatrobeValley,followed by the storm classic; thunder and lightning.
At 8.20pm, there was reports of flooding in Moe, Morwell,Traralgon and surrounding towns.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) predicted a rainfall from 3-25 millimetres throughout the day with the possibility of astorm.
While most were welcome to the cool change of temperature, some Facebook users reported receiving 20 millimetres of rain in a15-minute timeframe. Some even reported losing power.
BoM and emergencyservicesput asevere weather warning in place throughout the day, and said to stay out of floodwaters, avoid driving in wet and rainy conditions and to stay well clear of trees.
Floodwater: Wirraway Street, Moe,was one of manyroads blockedbywater during the flash flood last Wednesday Photograph: Eliza May
By PHILIP HOPKINS
WASTE heat from anuclear power station in the Latrobe Valley could be asource of town heating and attract commercial and industrial investment to the region, accordingtoa retiredTraralgon scientist.
David Packhamsaida nuclear power station at Loy Yang was an excellent location for an operational trial of domestic town heating for the nearby village of Traralgon South.
“A successful trialcould then be extended to the Latrobe Valley, an area in need of commercialand industrial activity,” he said.
“Very lowcost heating (and cooling) would attract both humanand financialinvestment in an already attractive regional city.”
Mr Packham’s comments were made in asubmission to the House of Representatives inquiry into nuclear power. He has been an applied scientist for 64 years, havingworked at the Victorian Gas and Fuel Corporation, as achemist and a principal research scientist at the CSIRO, a chemistry lecturer at the Department of Defence and asupervising Meteorologist Rural Fires in the Bureau of Meteorology.
Mr Packham, who lives 10 kilometres from Loy Yang, said Traralgon Southwas an ideal trial town.
“It is about eight kilometres south of Loy Yang, well planned and acommunity close to Victoria’s largest power producer,” he said.
Anuclearfacility would create anational industry “developingdomesticheat pump technology to provide both low cost heat and cooling at domestic, commercial and industrial scales”.
“This is aproject well suited to the Snowy Mountains Authority, whichisalready established in the Loy Yang power complex,” he said.
Mr Packham said there was an abundance of waste heat available from nuclear generation.
“Nuclear power generation has athermo-dynamic efficiency around 40 per cent, similar to thermal electricity generation from coal, gas and biofuels (wood chips). The remaining 60 per cent is available as rejected or waste heat in the form of non-radioactive cooling water,” he said.
“Using this waste heat can raise the thermodynamic efficiency to around 80 per cent if the cooling water is in acyclicsystem with some storage to allowfor fluctuations in demand and short-term outages.”
Mr Packham said nuclear reactors and upgraded turbines to complement the Loy Yang power complexwould increase the reliability and decrease thecost of electricity in Victoria.
Loy Yang was asensible site for nuclear power, with infrastructure in place, aconnection between Victoria and Tasmania with Bass Link and ahighly skilled power workforce available.
“Nuclear power is safe, globally important and growing almost day by day. Iwould be content to live next door to anuclear powerstation,”hesaid.
Mr Packham said the facts about nuclear were easily found. In contrast, many ‘facts’ in the media and social networks were misinformation or even lies, such as the world is abandoning nuclear power when in fact it is adding more.
“There are440 operational nuclear power stationsacross 32 countries -94inthe USA, 56 in China, 56 in France, and so on,”hesaid, with three in Argentina, and two in each of Mexico, Brazil, Romania, Belarus and Taiwan, and one each in Slovenia,Netherlands, Armenia and Iran.
“In addition, there are 57 nuclear power stations underconstruction,21inChina,eight in India, four in Turkey, two in UK, and one each in Argentina, Brazil, Iran, Slovakia and United Arab Emirates.”
Mr Packham said aparticular lie was that nuclear is too expensive.
“Power costs are difficult to accurately track down
as the truth is hard to find. Deception by political spin and green extreme and ideologicalfanaticism ensures the difficulties of defining cost,” he said.
“I settled on the comparative data of levelized cost of electricity (LCOE).”
This was from the 2020 report, ‘Projected Costs of Generating Electricity’ by the International Energy Agency, which seemed in step with the ‘Lazard Report’. All could be found on the internet.
“The conclusion… shows the lowest cost LCOE is nuclear and onlyonshore wind and solar can compete with nuclear,” he said.
Mr Packham saidthe secrecy aroundtotal government expenditure on the energy transition and net zerohad prompted his speculation on the economicconsequences of current power transition policy.
“There is no compensating gain from outlawing nuclear power in Australiaand it has already caused considerable economic pain. There has been no official disclosure of the total expenditure on transitioncostfor the nation’s energy needs including supply, network transmission and distribution,” he said.
Unofficialand estimates expenditure had ranged from afew hundred million dollars to nine trillion dollars overunspecified periods from annual,or until achievement of net zero, overpossibly 50 years.
“The wasted spending with no gain may be responsible for half our damaging mortgage pain, including inflation and interest rates. Expenditure on nuclear power would give us cheap,reliable power and allow us to rebuild our productive manufacturing economy," Mr Packham said.
“Increasing nuclear capability is also essential to our national capacity to achieve security in the foreseeable future strategic threats.”
Nuclear debate -Page29
THE family of Doctor Ashley Gordon,who was tragically killed during ahome invasion earlier this year,was in stateParliament last week for the tabling of their petition which calledfor sweeping changes to the state’s bail laws.
SponsoredbyMember for Morwell, Martin Cameron, the petition requests the state government take three actions:
Afford police greater ‘stop and search’ powers, including the ability to stop and search if they have reasonable suspicion;
Reinstate section 30B of the Bail Act, and;
Cancel plans to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14.
“Nearly 10,000 people signed the petition, but more staggering than the numbers is the mountain of work the Gordons have pouredinto the petition over the last six months,” Mr Cameron said.
“As several Shadow Ministers told the family in meeting with them this (last) week, anumberof recentchanges simplywouldn’thavehappened without their tireless advocacy.
“The crimeofcommittinganoffence while on bail has been reintroduced; the criminal age will no longer be raised to 14; and police have been given some (though not enough)expanded stop and search powers.
“The work is just beginning, and there’s so much more we needtodotoreform baillaws andensure our police have the powers they need to protect our communities.
“Ash’s life mattered. Those of us elected to these positions of great privilege have aduty to
do everything in our power to make sure no family has to suffer like the Gordons.
“A sincereand heartfelt thank you to the Gordons
for their remarkable advocacy in the face of untold tragedyand hurt, and for trusting me to play a small role in sponsoring the petition.”
By TOMHAYES
THE VictorianCurriculumAssessment Authority (VCAA) has revealed alistof56subjectsthat may have been compromised during the recent VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) exams.
It was announced by the VCAAthat 56 of the 116 examinations papers were impactedbythe early publication of the material.
The VCAA confirmed thatnoexaminationswere published in full,but did state what was leaked included the partial release of prompts with no questions to the publication of some full questions. Some Vocational Education and Training (VET) exams were also affected by the error.
Once the VCAA became aware of the issue, the sample covers were removed from the website and questions were adjusted or rewritten.
It won’t be known until marking is completed if any students did get an actual advantage, however the VCAA has acknowledged that there is apossibility that some students might have gained an unfair advantage.
According to the VCAA, an expert advisory panel consisting of former VCAA Chief Executive, Professor John Firth,Methodology and Measurement withthe AustralianCouncil for Educational Research, Research Director, Nathan Zoanetti, and former chair of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, Professor Barry McGaw AO, will usearange of analyses, including the anomalousgrade check process to helpdeterminewhether the exams were compromised.
Their processwillinclude reviewing student marks in the affected subjects and identifying any anomaliesinresponses, including performanceon affectedquestions in comparison to the entire exam, and analysing if any discrepancies are identified, which maybedone by comparing students’ results, or comparing exam results to assessment results.
Former chiefexecutive, Kylie White resigned from the VCAA after news of the leak came to light.
VCAA Interim Chief Executive,Marcia Devlin last week updated the public on what steps were being taken to rectify the issue.
“At the outset, Iwish to again apologise on behalf of the VCAA for this concern that’s caused for students, teachers, and families. Ican assure you our staffisworking hard to address the errors that were made, ensure every student is assessed fairly,
•Aboriginal LanguagesofVictoria
•Accounting
•Ancient History
•Applied Computing Data
Analytics
•AppliedComputing Software
Development
•Art CreativePractice
•Art Makingand Exhibiting
•Australian Politics
•Biology
•BusinessManagement
•Chinese FirstLanguage
•Chinese Second Language
•Classical Studies
•Dance
•Drama
•Economics
•English
•English as an Additional Language
•EnvironmentalStudies
•Food Studies
•Foundation Mathematics
•Geography
•Global Politics
•Health andHumanDevelopment
•HistoryRevolutions
•Industryand Enterprise
•Legal Studies
•Mathematics Methods 1
•Mathematics Methods 2
•Media
•Music Composition
•Music Contemporary Performance
•Music Inquiry
•Music Repertoire
•Outdoorand Environmental Studies
•Physical Education
•Product Design and Technology
and have the results delivered on time,” she said.
“I can confirm that there is no risk that any other exam was affected in any way. These 56 were the only exams that were affected by the inadvertent publication of early material.
“The expert advisory panel is now working methodically through these 56 exams to assess whether what was published was actually of any material benefit to students who may have accessed it, and if it was, whether the changes made to the questions once the publishing error was discovered were substantial enough.”
Last month, the state government pledged to work alongside the VCAA to ensure that every student wasassessed fairly. Duringthatannouncement,
•Psychology
•Religion andSociety
•Specialist Mathematics 1
•Specialist Mathematics 2
•Systems Engineering
•Texts and Traditions
•TheatreStudies
•VCE VET Business
•VCE VET Community Services
•VCE VET Engineering
•VCE VET Equine Studies
•VCE VET Furnishing
•VCE VET Health
•VCE VET Hospitality
•VCE VET Hospitality Cookery
•VCE VET Information and
Communications Technology
•VCE VET Integrated Technologies
•VCE VET MusicSound
Production
•VCE VET Sports and Recreation
DeputyPremier and Minister for Education, Ben Carroll mentioned that he believes the right processes are in place.
“I am extremely disappointed by whathas occurred. Ihave instructed the VCAA to take all necessary action to ensurethatall studentsare treated fairly,and no studentisdisadvantaged in the marking of thisyear’s exams,”hesaidon November 18.
“I am satisfied that, supported by additional independent experts, the right processesare in place to ensure that every single student has the best chance to achieve their best.”
The VCAAisworking towards having all marking completed by Thursday,December 12. Aminimum of two assessors separately mark each paper, while
some papers may require athird or fourth review. If astudent believes theirscore has been affected by the leak and is unhappywith their result, a VCE Examination Score Review Application can be made on behalf of astudentbyaprincipal and supported subject teacher. They must identify that aclear error has occurred in the assessment of a question on an examination.
There will be no fee to inspect examination response materials this year.
No students will be required to re-sit any examination. With the leak not considered cheating as the published material was discovered on sample examinations, there is no breach of rules.
The state government has commissioned a‘root and branch’ review of the VCAA, to examine the structure and operations of the VCAA.
“The root and branch review of the VCAA that will commence in January 2025should ensure the cause of theseerrors is clearly identified so they arenot repeated,”Minister Carroll added
NationalsMemberfor Eastern Victoria Melina Bath,who until last week was Shadow Parliamentary Secretaryfor Education before being elevated to the Shadow Ministry, has condemned thestate government for shutting down amajor inquiry into the exam debacle.
The Victorian Nationals and Liberals called for afull enquiry by the Ombudsman.
“The comprising of student VCE exams is not a once-off occurrence, for the past three years there’s been major errors in the system,” Ms Bath said.
“It’s been more than six weeks since the VCAA knew about the issues with the exam papers, yet Labor’s kicked the tin down the road.
“As aformer mathsteacher, Iknow the hardwork VCEstudentsworktowards their finalexams, they and their familiesdeservebetter. Our teachers and schools deserve better.”
An investigationbythe Ombudsman would allow the public to view the findings and analysis of the review, while the independent review being undertaken is likely to be an internal process.
“Students,teachers and familiesdeserve to know how these comprised exams will be graded, which questions have been affected and how their final marks will be impacted,” Ms Bath said.
“The Allan government has ahistory of secrecy, unfortunately for our Year 12 students and their families, Labor has once again shown it does not value transparency.”
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ANEW Lancet Commissionreporthas highlighted the urgentneed forregulatoryreformtoaddressthe healthimpactsresulting fromthe rapid expansion of commercial gambling.
The report reveals that gambling harms are far more substantial than previously understood, exacerbated by the increased visibility of the gambling industry through digital and online platforms.
The harms associatedwith gamblingextend beyondfinancial lossesand include physical and mental health problems, relationship breakdown, heightened risk of suicide and domestic violence, increased crime, and loss of employment.
According to the report, an estimated 80 million adults worldwide experience gambling disorder or problematic gambling.
Dr. AngelaRintoul,Principal ResearchFellowat FederationUniversity and amember of the Lancet Commission, expressed concernover the federal government's failure to respond to urgentcrossparty recommendations from theMurphyInquiry.
The Murphy Inquiry’s ‘you win some, you lose more’ campaignwas released in June 2023, detailing 31 recommendations, with theaim of reducing and endinggamblingadvertisingand addressing the serious risk of suicide linked to gambling and a comprehensivenational strategy on onlinegambling harm.
"We know that gambling causes enormous harm not onlytothose who gamble,but theirfamily members, friends, and colleagues,"DrRintoul said "High levels of gambling contribute significantly to suicide, domestic violence and other health and wellbeing issues. Constant promotion of gambling is exposing young people to gambling advertising as neverbefore, with devastating consequences for many."
The Lancet Commission report emphasises that the harms of gambling are not evenly distributed, with adolescents, children, and those from disadvantaged socio-economic groups being more at risk.
Federation University Australia Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley said the report fell into line with the university's strong moral conscience.
“At FederationUniversity, our mission is to transform lives and enhance communities and the recommendations in theLancetCommissionReport clearly outline urgent recommendations that will help keep our communities safe,” he said.
Urgent: Serious healthimpactsfromgambling areworse than previouslyunderstood
Photo:iStock
“Gambling advertising has catastrophic impacts on lives far beyond financial stress and it is our responsibility to protect young people who are especially vulnerable to the risks.”
The LancetCommission report calls for effective andwell-resourced regulatory controls and internationalleadership to urgently reducethe impact of commercial gambling on public health.
For more infor matio na bo ut the Lan cet Commission reportand its recommendations, visit: thelancet.com/commissions/gambling
TAFE Gippsland has atotal of 16 students from Morwell, Traralgon, Mirboo North, Sale and Bairnsdale selected for the 2025 WorldSkills AustraliaNationals competition.
Withthe Regional WorldSkillsrecently wrapping up, WorldSkillsVictoria has now completedtheirselections for the national competition, set to take place in Brisbane during June 2025.
TAFE Gippsland is excited to share that the following TAFE Gippsland students have been officially invited to join Team Vic at the national competition:
Luca Centra (RAL Constructions) in Carpentry;
Reuben Pinkerton (Kennedy Trailers) and Thomas McDonald (Energy Australia Yallourn) -Construction Steel Work;
Tom Collins (Rohan Kaldvee Electrician) and Liam Oswin-Inglis (White Rhino Electrical) -Electrical Control;
Tom Harms (Marathon Electrical) and Patrick Boys (Burra Electrical Services)Electrical Installation;
Tobie Adams (Superior Energy) and James Binotto (WPC Group) -Fitting;
Callum Buckland (Buckland Painting) and Matthew Foster (Charrouf Painting Services) -Painting and Decorating;
Isaac Wilson (BJ’s Plumbing and Home Maintenance) and Harrison Austin (Chila Plumbing) -Plumbing and Heating;
Jack Barnes (Marcus Engineering) and Brendan Anthonisen (WPC Group) -Turning, and;
Amber Leyshan -Welding (AGL Loy Yang).
TAF EG ipps land He ad of Dep artm ent Emergin gI ndus tries and Trades, Ale x Terranova said this outcome reflected the exceptional scores and high quality of work demonstrated, particularly by several secondplace finishers.
“We expected across the ninecompetitions we would get nine invitations, howeveratotal of 16 TAFEGippsland students have been selected!” Mr Terranova said.
“Some of our silver medallists outscoredgold medallists in other competitions and in some cases, the difference between our first and second place was nothing!
“A huge thank you to our dedicatedstaff whose support and guidancehavebeeninstrumental in getting our students to this point. This is a tremendousachievement for TAFE Gippsland and Icouldn’t be prouder!”
MORE than 26,000 people in Gippsland will seetheir student debts reduced, according to the federal government if it happens to win a second term next year.
Abreakdown of the number of student debts by electorate reveals that 26,514 people in the electorates of Gippsland and Monash will have theirdebtscut by 20 percent after the election
The federal government says this isn’t just for uni debts; it also includes debts from TAFE coursesand apprenticeship loans that exist on June 1next year.
For someone with the average HECS debt
of $27,600, they will see around $5520 wiped from their loan next year.
Combined with other federal government measures, this will meanaround $20 billionis cut in student loan debt for about three million Australians.
The federal government will also introduce legislation to establish Fee-Free TAFE as an enduringfeatureofthe nationalvocational education and training system, funding 100,000 Fee-Free TAFE places ayear in critical areas from 2027.
By LIAM DURKIN
AND that little boy who started out as acadet journalist grew up to be... astate political leader.
Memberfor Gippsland South,DannyO’Brien was last week elected unopposed as leader of the Victorian Nationals.
The appointment came afterincumbentPeter Walsh advised the partyroom he was stepping down.
Sale-based MP, Mr O’Brien paid tribute to his predecessor, saying he hopedtocontinue hiswork fighting for regional Victorians.
“Itisthe greatest honour to have been elected as leader of TheNationals,” Mr O’Brien said.
“For over 100 years, The Nationals have served the interests of rural and regional Victoria. That will not change.
“I want to assure the people of Gippsland South that my responsibilitiestomyelectorate will always come first.
“I will continue to ensure Iremain available and accessible to anyone in need of assistance with state government related matters right across Gippsland South.
“I entered politicsbecause Ihave always believed rural and regional people get araw deal.
“Both as leader of our great party and as the state Member for Gippsland South, Iwill fight every day for country people like us to get afairgo.
“I look forward to workingwithour deputy Emma Kealy and the rest of the team to continue serving Gippsland South as well as the people of the rest of rural and regional Victoria.”
Mr Walsh, whoturns 71 next month, has led the partyatstate level for the last decade after first
representing the electorate of Swan Hill in 2002, which became Murray Plains thereafter.
Nationals leader David Littleproud congratulated Mr Walsh on his tremendous service, highlighting his greatest achievement in seeing the Victorian Nationals party room enjoy its best result since the 1940s at the last state election.
There, The Nationalswere able to win lower house seats in Morwell, Sheapparton and Mildura.
Victory in Morwell was of particular note, as the local seat (won by Martin Cameron)was contested by an unprecedented 12 candidates and considered one of the most marginal in the state.
“Peter Walsh has been one of the greatest leaders for The Victorian Nationals because he never
wavered in his commitment for regional, rural and remote Victorians,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Importantly, Mr Walsh took regional Victoria withhim on the journey, leading to outstanding results in the 2022 state election.
“This led to an impressive 11 seats. The Victorian Nationals team proudly now has morewomen than men, all who wereelected on their own merit.
“Thanks to his courage and conviction, The Victorian Nationals can now head to the next state election with great confidence.”
The next state election could well be aGippsland takeover if recent numbers are any indication.
WhileVictorians won’t cast their votefor another two years, latest Resolve poll numbers pointed to
Influence: Gippslandholds great political sway now, with Darren Chester as afederal member and DannyO’Brien elected as stateleader of The Nationals
Traralgon-born Liberal leader John Pesutto as preferred Premier over Jacinta Allan.
If the Coalition winsthe 2026 election, Mr O’Brien (who was also born in Traralgon) willbecome deputy premier.
With Mr O’Brien’s Nationals colleague and Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath also elevated to the shadow ministry last week, the Nationals may well have been celebrating Daryl Kerriganstyle: “Looks like everybody’s kicked a goal”.
Labor meanwhile might be tempted to bring out their own quote from The Castle at the thought of aPesutto government: “Tell him he's dreaming”.
DarrenChester -Federal Member forGippsland (Nationals)
DANNY O'Brien has aproven track record of fighting for regional communities, and as afather of two teenage children, he will bring afresh direction and new energy to the role of Victorian leader of The Nationals.
I've known Danny and his wife, Vicki, for more than 25 years, and they are aformidable team. Both are active members of community and sporting organisations and share apassion for thefuture of youngpeoplegrowing up in rural and regional Victoria.
Outgoing leader Peter Walsh has rebuilt The Nationals in Victoria and leaves alegacy he can be proud of. Peter's lifetime of service in agri-politics and The Nationals has been outstanding, and I have personally benefited from his insights and understanding of regional issues.
I'm looking forward to working with the State Parliamentary team as The Nationals continue to fight for asafer,strongerand better regional Australia, where everyone can get ahead.
John Pesutto -leader of the stateopposition (Liberal)
IACKNOWLEDGE and congratulate Danny O'Brien, as someone who also hails from Traralgon originally, who has become leader of the National party with Emma Kealy as his deputy. It's the first time in Victoria's political history thatyou have two leaders, one of the Liberal
Party, one of the National Party, coming from the same town and who went to the same school within afew years of each other.
Danny and Iboth attended St Paul's College in Traralgonmanyyears ago now, but we're punching above our weight as ahometown. Ialsoextend asincere and abiding thanks to Peter Walsh for his contribution not only to the National party, but for his tremendous and unyielding support for me as leader in my first two years as leader.
Melina Bath -Member for EasternVictoria Region (Nationals)
MEMBER for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien’s endorsement as our new Nationals’ Leader reflects the confidence our state team has in hisvision and ability to deliver abetter future for regional Victorians.
Having knownDanny for 20 years, Iappreciate how conscientious, sincere and capable he is, and Ilook forward to working with him and deputy leader Emma Kealy to fight for the issues that areimportant to rural and regional Victorians.
Iam(also) excited to tackle my new role as Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Aboriginal Affairs and relish the opportunity bestowed on me.
Martin Cameron -Member for Morwell (Nationals)
DANNY'S knowledge of and passion for Gippsland
is unrivalled, and as he has done throughout his 10 years in Parliament, he’ll continue to make sure our focus remains on the issues that really matter to regional Victorians.
Iwant to also acknowledge thecontributions of Peter Walsh, who is agiant of politics and led the party for an incredible 10 years with courage and poise.
Both Danny and Peter have been terrific mentors for me as afirst-term MP, and their guidance continues to be invaluable for everyone in the party room.
The Nationals remain firmly focused on ensuring the Coalition is in aposition to win the 2026 election.
Tim Bull -Memberfor Gippsland East (Nationals)
MR Bull said tongueincheek:"Having known Danny since he did journalism work experience under me, which no doubt had amajor influence on his development, Iamdelighted to see him in the leadership position."
But on amore serious note, he and Emma will make agreat leadership team and Ithank Peter Walsh for his amazing efforts over the past decade. We are aclose team and will continue to fight hard for rural and regional areas.
Wayne Farnham -Member for Narracan (Liberal)
DANNYO'Brien's electionasleader of the Victorian Nationalsisagreat recognitionof
his work as Member for Gippsland South and a Shadow Minister.
Danny has been akey member of the Liberal/ Nationals Shadow Cabinet team who have worked every day to provide Victorians with an alternative to the Allan Labor government.
Ilook forward to continuing to work closely with Danny on the issues that all Victorians and Gippslanders care about.
ScottRossetti -One Gippsland Chair
ONE Gippsland has enjoyed aproductive relationship with both Mr Walsh and Mr O’Brien as we’ve worked to secure more government investment for priority projects across Gippsland.
Mr Walsh has had along and successfulcareer in public life and has worked hardtomake a positive contribution to the lives of people across regional Victoria, including here in Gippsland. We wish him well.
Mr O’Brienisa born-and-bred Gippslander.He knows Gippsland as well as any of us and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with him as the Member for Gippsland Southand now also as the leader of the Victorian Nationals.
Harriet Shing -Memberfor EasternVictoria Region (Labor)
The office of Harriet Shing was reached for comment, but did not respond before deadline.
MAJOR repairs have been undertaken on the Hyland Highway.
The state government confirmed crews have fully reopenedthe Hyland Highway near Carrajung Lower after wrapping up amajor repair program after heavy rainfall caused two landslips on the road in November and December 2023.
Both lanes of the highway are now open, and the 100km/h speed limit has been reinstated.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne thanked road users for their patience.
“It’s beenamammothjob fromour crewsto reopen both lanes after heavy rainfall and extreme weather caused two landslips -with crews stabilising and repairing the road to make it safe again for the community,” she said
"The reopening of the Hyland Highway is a huge win for the community, freight operators, and tourists who rely on this key route each and every day,” Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh added.
Extensiveworks included the constructionof a50-metre-long retaining wall with increased load-bearing capacity to stabilise the road.
Crewsalsocarried out asphalting androad surfacerepairs,restoreddamaged structures and road shoulders, cleared roadside drains and culverts,and replaced safetybarriers, signage, and roadside assets.
The state government has also starteda$964 millionroad maintenance blitz, with works
GIPPSLAND Water is reminding customers to include an alternatewater source in theirbushfire plan, as the fire season approaches.
Ret icu lated wa te rs yst em sa re no t desi gned to man age the pressur eo f bushfire events, and couldbedamaged by fire and experience reduced or no pressure from firefighting efforts.
Alternate water sources couldinclude water tanks, dams, swimmingpools, wheelie bins or 200 litre drums. Aspecial pump is also needed to draw water from an independent supply.
While leaving early is the safest option, those planning on defending their property during abushfire should follow the advice of CFA and be prepared for arange of scenarios.
If water or wastewater services are interrupted during an emergency, Gippsland Water will aim to notify customers in several ways including SMS, website and social media.
Customers can registertheir mobile number to receive emergency water and wastewater service updates at: gippswater. com.au/update-your-details
For informationaboutpreparing for abushfire, visit: cfa.vic.gov.au, and for emergency alerts and warnings, visit: emergency.vic.gov.au
commencing on the SouthGippsland Highway, Rosedale-Longford Road, Koo-Wee-Rup-Longwarry Rd, and Korumburra-Warragul Rd.
Despite this, the opposition says majornew funding is still required for the next stage of upgrades to the Princes Highway after the completion of the duplication between Traralgon and Sale, according to Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Mr Chester said his focus had now switched to the Traralgon bypass, Sale alternate route and a program of works to improve safety on the highway in East Gippsland.
"Gippsland motorists arenow reaping most of thebenefits from 43km of duplicated road and 22 upgradedintersections, with the third and final stage of the Princes Highway upgrade between Traralgon and Sale virtually complete," Mr Chester said.
"I know it'stakenlonger than hoped, but we are building abetter, safer Princes Highway here in Gippsland.
"Thereare still some final sealing works that willoccur in thenextfew weeks,whichiswhy the 80km/hr limit is in place, but (subject to weather) they will be gone soon."
Fixed: Thenotorious slip on theHyland Highway hasbeenrepaired. File photograph
TRARALGON MP and Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath was appointed to the Shadow Cabinet last week.
Ms Bath will take responsibilities for Aboriginal Affairs, Local Government and Regional Development.
Ms Bath said she was “delighted and honoured” to join theShadowCabinet.
“I am ready to serve Victorians,” she said.
Leader of the Opposition,JohnPesuttocongratulated Ms Bath on her appointment.
“For the best part of adecade, Melina has been afierce advocate for her community and made a strong contribution in the Parliament," he said.
“I look forward to working with Melina and the rest of our team towards giving Victorians the fresh start they need in November 2026.”
Newly elected leader of TheNationals, Danny O’Brien echoed these sentiments.
“Melina Bathisa champion of her local communitywho is more than deserving of stepping into Shadow Cabinet," he said.
“This is afittingrewardfor Melina, who been amember of our team for almost 10 years.
“Melina will continue to fight for regional Victorians as Shadow Minister for Regional Development, as well as taking the helm of other key portfolios.
“I congratulate Melina and look forward continuing our close working relationship.”
Ms Bath has represented The Nationals as Member for Eastern Victoria Region since 2015.
THE Fire Danger Period (FDP) will begin at 1am next Monday (December 9), for Latrobe and the other following municipalities in CFA’s southeast region:
Baw Baw Shire Council;
Wellington Shire Council;
East Gippsland Shire Council;
South Gippsland Shire Council;
Bass Coast Shire Council;
Cardinia Shire Council;
Casey Shire Council; City of Greater Dandenong; Frankston Shire Council; Mornington Peninsula Shire Council; French Island, and;
City of Kingston.
Residents in these areas are encouraged to use this time to preparetheir properties ahead of the Fire Danger Period(FDP). This includes cleaning up dry grass, leaves, and other flammable materials, as well as completing safe private burn-offs whilethey are stillpermitted. Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling Tripe Zero Victoria on 1800 668 511. No burning off is permitted during the FDP withoutaPermit to Burn, which can be applied for throughthe Fire Permits Victoria website. Lighting fires in the open without apermit can bring apenalty of more than $21,800 and/ or 12 months imprisonment. For afull list of conditions, visit: cfa.vic.gov.au/can Farmerscan find legalguidelines and practical advice at: cfa.vic.gov.au/farms
To find out what you can and can’t do during FDP, visit: cfa.vic.gov.au/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
Prepare: The next FDP begins on December 9. File photograph
ONE POINTERS
1. What is the youngest member of the family calledin The Simpsons?
2. Which of the disciples had their elbow on the table in The Last Supper?
3. Social media platform Twitter rebranded to what after its acquisition by Elon Musk in 2022?
4. Who did Pamela Anderson play in Baywatch?
TWOPOINTERS
5. What is the general term for the involuntar ydemand to ser ve in the nation’sarmed forces?
6. What is it called when aperson can use both their left and right hands to write?
7. Is Rhubarb afruit or vegetable?
8. Who was the lead singer of 80’sband Culture Club? THREE POINTER
9. Taylor Swift’sboyfriend, Travis Kelce, is apro Ameri can Football player for which state?
10 What is the longest (above water) mountain range?
11. What two colours make up the flag of Denmark?
12. Who was Prime Minister of Australian when WWII began?
FOUR POINTER
13. Australia has the world’slargest sand island. What is its name?
14 What children’sbook character was A. A. Milne responsible for creating?
FIVE POINTER
15 I’ll give you five famous novels and you give me the countr yit’sset in. One point for each answer: 1.The Book Thief 2. The Three Musketeers 3. Catcher in the Rye 4. Outlander 5.The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Howdid youfare?
37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 22-29: Well done; 15-21: Solid effort; 9-14: Room for improvement; 0-8: Hit the books.
ST PAUL'S Anglican GrammarSchool’s TraralgonEarly Learning Centre has onc ea ga in re cei ved an 'Ex cee ding National Quality Standard' (NQS) rating under the National Quality Framework (NQF), supporting its commitment to high-quality earlychildhood education and care.
The NQS sets anational benchmark for the quality of children's education and care services in Australia. State or territorial regulatory authorities assess services against the NQS based on the NQS' seven quality areas, with arating for each andanoverall rating. The St Paul’s Traralgon service has been rated as Exceeding National Quality Standard in all seven areas.
The St Paul’s Early Learning Centre’s Director, Fiona McDonald expressed pride in the achievement.
“Our educ ators consisten tly demonstrate adeep commitment to
personalising theprogram to meetthe unique needs of each child,” she said.
“The educational program is intentionally designed with purpose and care.”
The assessmenthighlighted the centre’s
connection to the natural environment.
“It was noted by the assessor the service is aesthetically pleasing and that inviting learning environments have been created in both indoor and outdoor areas, which
feature ablend of upcycled and new, quality resources that encourage respect for the natural world,” Ms McDonald said.
“The centre has also been recognised for successfully implementingthe Nature Kinder Program which promotes the ‘learn to play’ philosophy that drives our educators’ pedagogy.
“The children were observed confidently accessing indoor and outdoor spaces which are equipped with ample open-ended materials to support their growingindependenceand meettheir individual needs throughout the day.
“Our educators have been credited for theirskilland knowledge in extending children’s learning, following their lead, and supporting them in thinkingcritically and experimenting with their ideas and interests. As most educators have been employed at the service for several years, the assessorsdeemed this to have contributed to ahigh level of collaboration
SEVERALsportsstars recently took time out of their busy schedules to visit St Paul's Anglican Grammar School and speak with High Performance Program (HPP) students during their annual HPP Seminar Day.
Organised by program coordinator,Scott Armour, student-athletes in Years 7to12across both St Paul's campuses were fortunate to hear from five presenters: Brad Crouch (ex-AFL player), Saraid Taylor (basketball and AFLW),Sophie Taylor (physiotherapist and Australian hockey player), AlexChidiac (Matildas player) and Caitlin Parker (boxer and 2024 Olympic bronze medallist).
Students were eager to hear from each guest abouttheir experiencesinsport, and howthey balanced their education with their early professional careers.
Each presenter made themselves available to students after their sessions for more questions and conversation, as well as posing for photos that the students will no doubt use for inspirationto develop into the best athletes they can be.
within the staffing team and continuity for families and children. Furthermore, the leadership team has beenidentified for providing educators with clear guidance and support, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement through acultureofongoingreflection and review.
“The centre has also been acknowledged for our commitment to child safety and wellbeing, utilising the Victorian Child SafeStandardsasanopportunity to reflect on our current practices, leading to the introduction of online safety and body safety awareness programs with all children, educators and families at the service.
"The assessors also observed that the children demonstrated astrong sense of connection with and respect for each other, and were frequently observed independentlyengaging in collaborative play experiences.”
THISyearmarksthe final year that Traralgon Campus Year 10 students continuing at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School will complete their VCE at the school's Warragul Campus.
Duringtheir finalMentor Group Assembly, Head of Years 9-10, Sandra Timmer-Arends, honoured each student with aspecial photo frame,featuring cherished memories and their school photos from Year 7and Year 10 as akeepsake.
As she presented the mementos, Ms TimmerArendsspoke personally to each student, reflecting on their journey and looking ahead to their futures.
Before embarking on new academic adventures, the students concluded their time at the Traralgon campus with afarewell dinner before transitioning to the Warragul Campusfor the earlycommencement program to finishthe final weeksofschool.
From 2025, allYear 10 students will remainat the Traralgon Campus as it grows annuallyto include Years 11 and 12, with the first students graduating in 2027.
THE federal government has set aminimum age of 16 for social media use.
Legislation passed Parliament last week.
The Online SafetyAmendment(Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 is alandmarkmeasure thatthe federal government says will deliver greater protections for young Australians during critical stages of their development.
The laws place the onus on social media platforms -not young people or their parents -to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 years of age from havingaccounts, and ensures systemic breaches will see platforms face fines of up to $49.5 million.
PM Anthony Albanese said child safety was front of mind when introducing the bill.
“We’ve passed important legislation to keep our kids safe online," he said.
“Social media is doing social harm to our kids.
We’ve called time on it.
“We want our kids to have achildhood and parents to know we have their backs.”
The minimumage will applyto‘age-restricted social media platforms’ as defined in the Bill, which includesSnapchat, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Importantly, the bill ensures that the law is responsive to the ever-evolving nature of technology, while enabling continued access to messaging, online gaming, and services and apps that are primarily for the purposes of education and health support-likeHeadspace, Kids Helpline, Google Classroomand YouTube.
It contains strong privacy provisions, with platforms required to ring-fenceand destroy any data collected once it has been used for age
assurance purposes. Failure to destroy data would be abreach of the Privacy Act.
The bill also makes clear that no Australian will be compelled to use government identification(including Digital ID) forage assurance on social media. The bill has been designed following extensive consultation with young Australians, parents,experts, industry, community organisationsand National Cabinet, and builds on broader efforts by the government to hold platforms to account for ensuring the safety of their users.
The new laws will come into effect no later than 12 months from pas sag eo f the bill, allo wi ng the nece ssar yt im ef or social media platforms to develop and implement required systems.
AUSTRALIAN charityShare theDignity is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its ‘It’s in the Bag’ Christmas appeal.
Each November, Share the Dignity calls on Australians to help women and girls facing homelessness, domestic violence, or poverty by donating abag filled with essentials.
These donationsprovide more than just essential items; they offer love, dignity, and hope at atimewhen it’s most needed.
The initiative encourages everyday Australians to fill abag with essential items such as atoothbrush,toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, and period products.
This year, Share the Dignity is aimingtocollect at least 85,000 bags,with charity partners reporting asharp rise in demand for period productsthis year. This surge is expected to continue in the leaduptoChristmas with ‘It’s in the Bag’, making the support from the community more vital than ever.
Share the Dignityfounder and managing director, RochelleCourtenay said she was hopeful at least 85,000 women and girls would receive agift of love and hope this Christmas.
“Together over the last 10 years we have helped ensure almost one million women and girls who are waking up on Christmas morningindomesticviolence refuges and homeless shelters have thedignity they deserve,” she said.
“For many, an ‘It’s in the Bag’ was the only gift they received, and it gave them hope to keep going.
“This year, Ihope thattogether we can ensure at least 85,000 more vulnerable women and girls receive agift of love and hope this Christmas to ensure they aren’t having to go without basic essentials like period products, atoothbrush and soap.
Amy knows first-hand the impact an ‘It’s in the Bag’ donation can have, having received abag for her and her daughter afterfleeing their family home.
“That bag was averybig turning point in my life,wehad not come out of agoodsituation when we received our bags,” Amy said.
“I didn’t wash my own hair for 2.5 years. If I had gotten into the shower without telling him or tried to wash my own hair, he would break through theensuitelockeddoor and rip the shower screens off. It got to the point where I was too scared to not tell him.
“WhenIleft, Ihad to rebuildour lives again. The impact thathehad on me and my daughter mentally and emotionally -you can’t reverse that.
“The bag restores your faithinhumanity that not all people are like this. Ihad alot of difficulty having showers and there was shampoo and body wash that Ihadn’t bought because Iwas so scared. Thebag restores your dignity and self-worth.”
Share the Dignity Victoria Volunteer Team Leader,Donna Levinson-Murray said the initiative makes aprofound impact.
“Our ‘It’s in the Bag’ campaign is an opportunity for the community to come together and make adifference,” she said.
“Whether by fillingabag withessential items (and afew extras if possible), sponsoring a bag online, or volunteering, everyone can help give someone experiencing homelessness or hardship abeautiful Christmas gift.
While the donations closed last Sunday (December1), those wanting to support women and girls like Amy and her daughter can register to becomeaSharethe Dignity volunteer.
To find out more, visit: sharethedignity.org. au/contact-us
By JANN WRIGHT
THE second annual Knitted Knockers Australia Traralgon Branchmajor fundraiser wasahuge success.
Elvis, Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin, Tom Jones and Austin Powers made special guestappearances, keeping more than 200 people entertained at the Italian Australian Club, Morwell.
It was great to be able to spread breast cancer treatment awareness to everyone in the room and see everyone laughing and smilingduring the entertainment provided by thefabulous Mark Andrew and his son Jesse.
Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, Latrobe City CouncilDeputy Mayor, Sharon Gibson, and Knitted Knockers Australia Chief Executive and founding member, Cheryl Webster were notable attendees.
Trent McCurdy from 3GG was emcee, Bill Kay wasonsound,and Danica Di Ciero photographed
the day. Abig thank you to them for donating their time. An event like this takes many months of planning with many people involved.
Thank you to the wonderful committee: Lisa, Shenae,Debbie, Shell, Elaine, Rosie and Sue for everything you do and everything you did on the day.
Thank you to everyone who purchased aticketto the eventand thank youtoeveryone who travelled the distance. Some came from Lakes Entrance, Mornington and Melbourne.
Thank you to everyone who donated prizes for the raffles on the day, and thank you to the Italian Australian Club for their support.
Knitted Knockers will be doing it all again next year, so make sure you lock in Sunday, October 5 2025 in your calendar.
For more information on the organisation, visit: knittedknockers.org/
JannWright is Traralgon Branch President of Knitted Knockers Australia.
AGL Loy Yang is proud to announceanew partnershipwithLatrobe Youth Space, committing to provide $30,000 in funding and support for the space’s Youth CommunityPantry, Fridge and Freezer project.
Through this collaboration, AGL Loy Yang will provide support to purchase anew fridge and freezer, as well as stock them and the pantry with fresh produce, non-perishable items, and personal care products that will be freely accessible to young people in need.
Gippsland Youth Spaces Inc Chief Executive, Sandy Hegarty was thankful for the acquisition.
“We are incredibly grateful for AGL Loy Yang’s support. This partnership will enableustocontinue our mission of supporting young people in the Latrobe Valley and ensuring they have access to the resources they need,” she said.
AGL Loy Yang General Manager, Christo van Niekerk saidthe partnership reflectedAGL’songoing commitment to supporting the community it works and operates in.
“We are proud to partnerwith Latrobe Youth Spaceonthis important project,” he said.
“We understand that having access to basic needs likefood is critical to young people’s wellbeing and
ability to thrive.Through this partnership, we hope to supportLatrobe YouthSpace to provide vital services to the youth of Latrobe Valley.”
The Youth Community Pantry, Fridge and Freezer are located at LatrobeYouth Space’s central hub in Morwell, providing easy access to essential items for those aged 12-25. Latrobe YouthSpace hasbeen atrusted safe place for localyouth, providingwrap-around support and essential services.
The partnership with AGL Loy Yang will help sustain theseservicesand expandthe reach of the community pantry, fridge and freezer.
AS we come into summer and what we know will be achallenging fire season, Iamurgingall Victorians to have afire plan and know where to get emergency information from.
Two significant fires have alreadytaken place in the Wimmera and Otways this spring,and the summer seasonal outlookshows thereisan increased fire risk for most of the west, southwest, northeast, Greater Melbourne and south-western partsofGippsland and the Mornington Peninsula
In the westand south-west of Victoria, therehas been limited rainfallfor the last 18 months that hasresulted in asubstantial amount of dead and dry plant material within forests, making it easier for fires to start and spread.
Grasslands in the areas with aheightened risk have superficial green on top that conceals underlying dryness, meaning grassland curing is likely to start earlier than normal.
In the other parts of Victoria the fire risk is expectedtobenormaland we will continue to monitorthese areas to identify anysignificant changes to fire risk.
CFA is ready to protectour communities, as we do every year, and has been working with our Victorian emergencyservicepartners to prepare for fire season.
Fire safety is ashared responsibility between fire services and the community.
We’re asking all Victorians in high-risk areas to take simple actions to prepare their family and property as the weather begins to warm.
On hot, dry, windy days, fires can start and spread quickly.
If the Fire Danger Rating is Extreme or Catastrophic, leaving early before afire has started is the safest option.
Never wait for an official warning before you leave, as you may not get one. Fires can start quickly and threaten homes and lives within minutes. Make sure you have aplan.
If you wait and decide to leave after afire has started, you riskdriving your family through thick smoke, fallen trees and power lines, and face the danger of collisions, being trapped by fire, serious injury or death.
Stay informed by downloading the VicEmergency app to stayacross incidents and fire danger ratings in your area.
Stay safe.
Jason Heffernan
CFA Chief Officer
Limited timeframe IN Parliament last Wednesday (27/11/24), Energy
Minister Chris'Blackout' Bowen stressedthe need for more renewables to be added to the grid to overcome the rationing of power in NSW in the future to avoid blackouts on hot days.
However, NSW Premier, Chris Minns directly contradicted Bowen when he pointed out that "adding more renewables to the grid will not solve the problem of blackouts on hot days because after 3pm renewables had already gone to bed".
In other words, when the sun is not shining bright enough,and especially during the 12 hours between sunset and sunrise, there is absolutely net-zero renewable/solar energy at all.
Joseph Lis Morwell
THE Latrobe City Council election is over. There was thousands of dollars spent on campaigning by self-appointed Gippsland People’s Council and their subsidiary Latrobe City Council Watch.
Gippsland People’s Council were initially rebels unhappywith the COVID vaccination program and who used the closure of logging as avehicle into mainstream politics.
If candidates are/weremembers of the Gippsland People’s Council team, they have untilDecember 5 to disclose theirshare of the expenditure including in kind support under Section 306 of the Local Government Act.
These disclosureswillinform the publicwhich councillors represent the Gippsland People’s Council.
Gippsland People’s Council (GPC) now has no place to hide about theirclaims on social media that their spokesperson won aVivian Bullwinkle Nursing Scholarship, that funded work as the organiser of GPC’s campaign.
The GPC executive tried to spin it in aletter to the Express(24/08/24)that the money was from an anonymous donor.Aren’t anonymous donations illegal?
The VictorianLocal GovernmentInspectorate and other anti corruption bodies are tasked with ensuring transparency in the funding of local council election campaigns and they have coercive powers to tracethe money to the sources.
GPC prom ulg ated thei rc ounci lc am paig n using social media and local FM radio,and now we have large amounts of material recorded for futuresocialmedia contentorprinting political leaflets. The records are available to anti corruption investigators.
Phillip Edwards Hazelwood South
STAR of theSouth has to be aclassic example of cost to the taxpayer.
The star was founded in 2012, the proposal acceptedin2017and the grant for exploration license given in 2019.
In 2021, the government granted $19.5 million for its construction.
The year 2030 is the timeframe for electricity supply to Victoria offshore by 2032 -avery longwinded process.
As for makingcoal cleaner,ithas never been put on the board to be considered, nor would any investor ever come to Victoria while we have a government that is hellbent on destroying the economy with debt.
When it comes to zero emissions, Ichallenge all those green believers to follow Brian Mawhinney's suggestion (Latrobe Valley Express Opinion,'The Green abyss',27/11/24): get rid of all your electrical products, go back to candles and cooking over an open fire. Also get rid of your cars, and collect your water from your roof. Give up your holidays because they all include emissions, that is unless you are walking.
The greens are not environmentalists, they are political activists.
Patricia Correa
Traralgon
AWAVE of fresh faces in the Latrobe City Council chamber has seen arevival of locals eager to be heard.
In response to this, the Latrobe City charter of Council Watch Victoria has organised arecurring town meeting for locals to give input into council's four-year plan.
This plan helps guide newly elected councillors where to prioritise money and where to focus their time and resources.
Now who werethe councillors willingtotake up this invite and listen to theirconstituents?
Latrobe CityCouncilWatch was transparent with the responses.
I’m appalled to say that Budgeree Councillor Leanne Potter has asked not to be contacted.
Councillor Potter’scampaign was spent touting that she would listen to her community and that it was “timefor change”. Whatadisappointing change indeed.
Councillor Tracie Lund,who has blocked several members of the public from contacting her, has seemingly mastered the art of apoliticians reply stating she’s “looking forward to engaging with the
public” but gave no further details as to whether she was actually going to attend.
Councillor Steph Morgan simply never replied.
Councillors Darren Howe and David Barnes replied giving an apology for their absence for this meeting.
Councillor Sharon Gibson has said she needs time to mull over the invite and will get back in touch next year apparently.
CouncillorAdele Pugsley is undertaking the same training and wants to formulate aplan after this training.
The only councillors saying they will turn up to the town meetings are councillors Dale Harriman and Joanne Campbell, who replied to the invitation saying they are both eager to meet regularly with their community.
Iwant to give grace to councillors Howe and Barneswho apologised andseemingly want to attend the next town meeting, time will tell if I’m achronic optimist or not.
I’m disappointed in our remaining councillors.
You’d think freshly sworn in councillors, many of them new to their role, would be jumping at the chance to go to acommunity organised grassroots meeting.
Taking on acouncillor role and assuming you know what your community wants is arrogant. We sawthe impact of this arrogance by many other councillors who were voted out.
Given the current state of our region, we can’t risk having councillors who aren’tupfor the job of getting the Valley back on track.
Taylah Ling
Churchill
YET another broken promise fromour deluded and incompetent state government.
We were promised the Commonwealth Games and got nothing but a$600 million dollar debt. We werepromised the SECand the benefits that would have flowed from that. How many brokenpromises willittakefor voters to get rid of Labor?
Like many, Idon't trust any politician especially the ones who claim to be representing the people of Morwell, but to keep rewarding alyinggovernment because you distrust the Liberals or Nationals benefits only incompetent lying politicians and it is the people who suffer thanks to high taxes, business shutdowns, roads that are unsafe and crime. Wake up people.
Patrick Ansell Morwell COMMENT
BY JOHN DE SOUZA-DAW
AUSTRALIA is anation built on the values of fairness and equity, yet our taxation system seems to offer billionaires and multimillionaires aset of rulesentirely separatefrom the rest of us. This is not justanissue of morality; it is a practical economic problem that perpetuates inequality and deprivest he na tionofthe resources it desperately needs.
WhileordinaryAustralians earning around $60,000ayear contribute around 15 per cent of their income in taxes, some of the wealthiest entities in this country pay little to nothing. Rupert Murdoch'sNews Corp, for instance, raked in $14 billion over five years and paid zero tax in Australia.
Similarly, Anthony Pratt’s Visy paid apaltry 4.9 per cent tax on $387 million of taxable income during the same period.
ExxonMobil, operating in Australia’sresource sector, earned $56 billion and paid no tax over six years. These figures demonstrate aglaring imbalance in the system.
Imagine the transformative power of closing these loopholes. Australia’s COVID-19 recovery has left abudget deficit exceeding $36billion. Properlytaxingthe ultra-wealthy could significantlyreducethis debt. Furthermore, it could fundprograms to provide free dental care under Medicare or reinstatefree tertiaryeducation, relievingeveryday Australians of financial burdens and unlocking untapped potential in the population.
Critics argue that taxing billionaires more fairlycould harm investment or innovation. Yet the reality is starkly different.
BillionaireslikeGina Rinehart and Andrew Forrest, who are among the better taxpayers in this category, remain some of the wealthiest individuals globally despite paying billions in taxes through their companies. Taxingthe ultra-rich appropriately does not strip them of their wealth; it ensures they contribute their fair share to the society that enables their success.
Meanwhile, thoserelying on welfare -who are often vilified as economic burdens -pay GSTon every essential itemthey buy, contributing a larger percentage of their meagre incomesthan many of the wealthy. Blaming those on welfare for Australia’s financial woes is not only unfair but distracts from the realissue: the system that allows the richest to avoid paying their dues. This isn't just about economics, it’s about the disproportionate influence wielded by billionaires like Murdoch. His media empire shapes public discourse, often promoting policies that protect the wealthy whilemarginalising vulnerable groups. Politicians seem unwilling or unable to confront this issue, creating aculture of impunity for the ultra-rich while demandingausterity from ordinary citizens.
Reforming the system requires political courage and public demand. The government must enforce transparency, close loopholes, and set firm limits on practices like offshore tax havens and excessive deductions. This is not radical -it’s the fairapplicationofrules to everyone, and it’s what Australia needs to ensure ajust and prosperous future for all.
John de Souza-Daw is aTraralgon resident with adegree in history and politics, Englishand sociology.
COMMENT BY TOMCROOK
BRACE yourselves Gippsland,we’reinthe national spotlight.
It feels like we’ve woken up under the bright lights of the Masterchef kitchen -there’s acamera in our face and we’ve been shown anew dish but given no recipe, ingredients, nothing -but the pressure is on nonetheless.
The dish we’ve been presented withoutarecipeis anuclear reactor in the federal seat of Gippsland’s backyard.
And this week’s episode will be on location in Traralgon, as the federal Parliament’s nuclear energy inquiry comestotown for another of its regional public hearings (held yesterday, Tuesday, December 3).
AGL’s Loy Yang Power station has been earmarked by the federal Coalition as asitewhere they want to put anuclear reactor. It could be one or multiple, who knows? The coal-fired power station currently operating there is due to close in 2035,and AGL itself says it has plans for a low-emissions industrial energy hub on the site.
Despite this reality,the community has been drawn into anational debate about nuclear energy andwhether it shouldbepartofAustralia’s energy mix.
There’sarange of viewsacross Gippsland on nuclear energy itself, but it’simportant to consider whatwedoknowabout Australia’s energy system as we progress towards anet-zero economy.
In June,the AustralianEnergy Market Operator (AEMO) published its roadmap for the electricity system for the next25years. It sets apathtowards net-zero by 2050 and highlights the huge progress we’ve made with renewable energy -40per cent of ourelectricity comes from solar, wind and hydro power, which is double what it was six years ago.
By 2030, we can expect 82 per cent -yes 82 -to come from renewable sources.
The AEMO also said the time it would taketo design and build nuclear reactors in Australia is too slow to replace our outdated, unreliable and polluting coal-fired power stations, which are closing down. We need aplan to add more renewable energy quickly, before the lightsgoout andour kids’ future goes up in smoke.
Climate scientists also tell us we need to urgently reduce emissions this decade to escape the worst of climate change.
We’re no strangerstoextreme weather in this part of the country. We bandedtogetherduring the Black Summer bushfires and the floods earlier this year.
In October 2023, we had bushfire evacuation and flood warnings at the same time.
We deal with so many risks already -I,for one, am worried about the risks that anuclear reactor wouldbring to the community, and what it might meanfor how emergency services can keep people and places safe.
This week,Ihope the committee members on the inquirywill hear that what thecommunity actually wants is to stay on track with safe, reliable renewables.
We’ve seen how it can pan out on Masterchef as the clock counts down on achallenge whether contestants are ready or not.
The clock is already ticking on decarbonising the economy.
Let’s keep following the recipe we’ve already started.
Tom Crook is an East GippslandShire Councillor. This comment reflectshis personal views and not those of East Gippsland Shire Council.
AMYSTERIOUSdisappearance, abrazen murderer and the police who hunted him down.
In March 2020 acouple disappears from the remote Wonnangatta Valley, leaving aburnt-out campsite. Russell Hill and Carol Clay are secret lovers,and at first it seemsthey might simply have started anew life elsewhere, but the police become increasing convinced that they have been the victims of foul play, even though their bodies have not been found.
So beginsapainstakinginvestigation, tracingthe driver of every car that was in the area, checking their stories and alibis. Ultimately, after more than ayear's work, there's only one driver who cannot be eliminated: Greg Lynn, aJetstar pilot. Is it possible that this highly successful professional pilot is akiller?
Couldheberesponsible for anumberofother mysterious disappearancesinthe Wonnangatta Valley?
And how can the police charge him, given that there are no bodies, no witnesses and no clues as to how Russell and Carol were murdered?
GregHaddricktells the grippinginside story of the twists and turns of the police investigation and the trialofGregLynn,with manydetails that haven't previously been made public.
In theDead of Night is thesecondknown published book on the missing campers mystery, followingRobin Bowes' true crime book Last Man Standing In theDead of Night is available from Allen & Unwin Book Publishers.
Out now: Another book on the missing campersmystery hasbeenreleased.
Imagesupplied
LEGISLATION to enshrine pill testing -also known as drug checking -into law has passed the Victorian Parliament.
The state government will now trial pill testing this summer.
The Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment(Pill Testing)Bill2024means Victoria is the firstjurisdictioninthe country to have dedicated legislation to support pill testing.
This legislation allows both fixed and mobile pill testingservices to operateinVictoria,meaning nobody is breaking the law by operating or using these services.
Pilltestingisabout saving lives and changing people’s behaviour by giving them access to the information they are askingfor, and in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable drug market, this has never been more important.
The state government has worked closely with Victoria Police on the drafting of the Bill -ensuring the right balance between holding drug dealers to account, while not deterring people from using the service.
The mobile service will begin during this summer’s festival season and will attend up to 10 music
festivals and events throughout the implementation trial period.
Beyond The Valley has been chosen as the first location for pill testing trial.
An estimated 35,000 festivalgoers are expected to descendonthe festival in Burunah Plains(west of Geelong).
The festival was previously held in Warragul at Lardner Park.
Afixed site will also open in mid-2025 -delivered in partnershipwithacommunity or tertiary health provider operating with targeted hours, and located in an inner Melbourne area close to nightlife and transport.
The drug checking technology available at these services will be able to test the make-up of most pills, capsules, powders, crystals, or liquids and identify harmful chemicals that can lead to death.
Trained peer workersand technical experts will also provide personalised and confidential health information to help people makebetter, safer and more informed decisions when visiting the service.
This is an implementation trial to seewhat model works best in Victoria.
By KIANA BROOKS-AMOR*
GIPPSLAND Offshore Wind Days held an eventinTraralgon late last month, creating an opportunity for representatives of Victorian offshore wind projects to meet with the community.
Ninestalls represented projectswith feasibility licenses, thefederal governmenthaving granted feasibility licenses to 12 projects earlier this year.
The licenses went to: Star of the South, KutWut Brataualung, Blue Mackerel North, High SeaWind, Gippsland Skies,Gippsland Dawn, Kent OffshoreWind, Great EasternOffshore Wind, Navigator North, and Aurora Green
These projects would extend from near Wilsons Promontory to the Gippsland Lakes.
Southerly Ten owns Kut-Wut Brataualung and Star of the South. Regional engagement senior manager, Paul Johnson said turbines are becoming more efficient; the Star of the South project had originally needed 200 turbines to achieve 2.2 gigawatts, but the numberhas decreased to 150.
“The next key point for the Star of the South project is to prepare our environmental approvals and submit the environment impact assessment to the federaland stategovernment in 2025,” he said.
The Victorian Department of Transport and
Planning is reviewing public feedback on Star of the South’s Environmental Effects Statement.
Star of the South is set for completion by 2030.
Mr Johnson said that Southerly Ten hopes the Latrobe Valley’s“great engineering capability” will support offshore wind.
"The turbines are operational for about 30 years. This provides an opportunity for 200 ongoing jobs based out of Gippsland,” he said.
He said that workplace safety regulations were being developed, but no safety plan was completed.
“Safety is our number one priority, and we'll be working really, really closely with the regulator to understand what those safety protocols will be in Australia, noting that it's anew industry here,” he said.
What about fishery?MrJohnson said that turbines becomeahabitat for fish, and that the Star of the South would be visible from land.
The last Gippsland Offshore Wind Days event was held at the Yarram Agricultural Show.
The stategovernment,VicGrid, and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water each had stalls at the Traralgon event.
*Kiana Brooks-Amor is auniversity student completing placement with the Express.
This year The Express will be providing aChristmas Tree for placement of gifts for children less fortunate in our local communities.
Feel the warmth as you give the gift of GIVING and place agift under the tree to do your part in putting asmile on someone's face this Christmas.
All gifts will be passed onto Anglicare, Morwell Office, for distribution at their discretion on Thursday 19 December,2024 at 3pm.
Gifts should be for babies and children up to 16 years and received no later than 2pm Thursday 19 December,2024 n December, 2024
Please do not wrap presents P
Feel the warmth and visit us at: F Latrobe Valley Express 21 George Street, Morwell L
annuallytoaGippsland
university.
GIPPSLAND Grammar’s Year 12 Valedictory and cocktail receptionwas held in the grounds of the school’s St Anne’s Chapel and Laurie Payne Sports Centrefoyer in Sale. Anumber of Latrobe Valley locals celebrated theend of their secondary schooling, sharing the moment withfamilyand friends.
HUGE crowds attended GippslandGrammar’s STAGGfaironSaturday, November 16, which finished with aspectacular fireworks display to mark the end of the school’s centenary year.
With inspiration taken from school fetes from decadesgoneby, the event was overwhelmingly supported by familiesfromacross Gippsland who connected and reconnected with each other while listening to live music and indulging in gourmet food and wine.
More than 3000 people from babies to grandparents embraced the variety of activities on offer, including face painting,ananimal petting zoo and free roving entertainment.
“It was great to see our some of our oldest
students dressedupininflatable costumes having fun with our youngest students in the early learning centre, while their parents connected on thelawns of oldest campus,” Grammar Principal, Michele Wakeham said. Gippsland Grammar’s STAGGfair hastraditionally been held every two years, however Saturday’s event marked its return aftera six-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The school’s 1100 students and 280 staff from across it’s three campuses in Sale and Bairnsdale were involved in planningand hosting the event and the school’s Board ChairIan Nethercote thanked all involved.
THE 25t hG ipp sla nd Motorcyclists Christmas Toy Run is this Saturday (December 7).
Departing from Nefertiti Court, Traralgon at 11am, the run willride toward Glengarry and conclude in Erica.
Donate atoy to the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society.
For prior toy collection, call Alf on 0434 618 689, or Stella (0412 313 168).
TRARALGON District
HistoricalSociety is mourning the loss of life member, Jim Hood.
Jim was granted life membership in 2010 in recognition of his extensive service to the society.
He was president for 13 years (1996 to 2006 and 2008-09), as well as treasurerfor three and vice president for two.
The restoration of the 1902 Oldsmobile wasJim’s greatest
contributiontothe society. It was alabour of lovewhichtook many years. Restoration of this aged vehicle presented many challenges. As far as Jim was concerned though, these were trials to be overcome. He took great pride in taking the restored car out and about. Atrip to Ensay perhaps being the highlight.
Jim never lost interest in the workings of the society. As time began to catch up with him, he never failed to attend the annual dinner and other special events when able. Jim was aloyal and conscientious member. He was always prepared to share his experiences for the benefit of the society and the community.
We send our condolencesto Jim's family. Rest in Peace Jim Hood.
The nextgeneralmeeting of the society will be held on Tuesday, December 10 at 5.30pm (note the early start) at the Kath Teychenne Centre (11Breed Street, Traralgon)
Ashort meeting will be held, then the group will have a virtual display of the changes that have occurred to Traralgon over the past 12 months.
This will be the last general meeting for 2024.
Always agreat displayof photosthat photographer Graeme Crawfordhas taken over the year.
Supper/dinner will then be served. Thoseattendingare asked to bringaplate to share.
JOINevery Sundayfor the Latrobe ValleySpiritual Centre service from 2pm at 2 Avondale Road,Morwell. Doors open at 1.30pm.
Guest speaker every week
with demonstrationsfrom an invited medium, followed by a cuppa and afternoon tea.
For enquiries, phone Amanda Webb on 0411 051 044.
NEXT meeting of the Latrobe ValleyParkinson’sPeer Support Group will be held Thursday, December 12 from 11am to 1pm at Gippsland Rotary Centenary House (39 Valley Drive, Traralgon).
For more information about Parkinson’sPeer Support contact,phone Fight Parkinson’s (formerly Parkinson’sVictoria) on 1800 644 189.
FOR the 2024 Community Christmas Carols Booklet featured in last week's Express. The followingservices will not be taking place:Lumen Christi Church, Churchill9am, Our Lady of Counsel (76 Main Street, Yinnar).
TRARALGON Bridge Club results:
Monday, November25- 1st Moira Hecker and Helen McAdam (75 per cent); 2nd Robin Hecker and DonTylee (57.5).
Tuesday, November 26 -1st Maria Mactaggart and Heather Henley (70.31); 2nd Phillip Goode and Barbara Barr (62.5).
Thursday, November 28 -N/S 1st Greg Nicholsonand Kaye Douglas (61.25); 2nd Fred Kaminski and HeatherHenley (53.75).
E/W 1st Kevin Taylor and
Marion Taylor (61.25); 2nd Don Tylee and Roshni Chand (60.42).
If you wouldliketoplay or learn more about Bridge, phone Traralgon BridgeClub President, Greg Nicholson on 0419 365 739.
THIS Saturday (December 7) commencingat9am,there'll be acommunity Christmas craft market at Churchill shopping centrealong with multiple garage salesatvarious locations around town.
Maps showing locations of garage sales will be available from the Churchill &District Community Associationtable outside Churchill Post Office.
Free sausage sizzles, entertainment, face-paintingfor children and shopping voucher giveaways after 10am at the market.
Seethe organisers for more information via Facebook. Search 'Churchill Shop Local'.
THE Moe congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints is having achange to their traditional end of year Christmas function by having an outdoor twilight Christmas carnival at their 9 Ollerton Avenue Centre, Moe at 6.30pm on Friday, December 6.
There will be acomplimentary sausage sizzle, ice cream, fairy floss, popcorn and drinks available, as well as awhole range of games for young and old to enjoy.
All welcome.
YALLOURN NorthSenior Citizens are again very proud to support Sharethe Dignity, an appeal which helps make Christmas brighter for women and teens in crisis.
The club donated women’s handbags filled with essential items of personal products and someeveryday luxuriesfor the appeal.
Thisyear, Yallourn North Senior Citizensdonated10 bags, whichweredelivered to Bunnings Morwell to then be distributedthrough the charity.
Yallourn North Senior Citizen sm ee te very Wednesday and would love any new members to join to share companionship, play cards and enjoy lunch with new friends. Those interested in joining can phoneclub president Judy Redman on 0412 095192
IF you are acommunity group and have any news items you need publicised, feel free to email us at news@lvexpress. com.au
You can address the correspondence to Editor, Liam Durkin.
Pleasewrite 'Community Corner' in the subject line and nothing else.
Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.
Newaddition: Member forMorwell, Mar tin Cameron helps with theofficialunveiling of park benches at theentrancetoAlbert Street Primar y School, Moe
STUDENTS from Moe's Albert Street Primary School Junior School Council(JSC)have been rewardedfor their tireless community advocacy after two years lobbying for benches to be installed at the school's entrance.
Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron,visitedthe JSC for the grand unveiling of two benches -one installed by Latrobe City Council, and the other donated by Mr Cameron.
“Last year the JSC wrote to me after students identified there was aneed for seating at the front of the school for parents and carers,” Mr Cameron said.
“They made avery compelling argument and requested aletter of support for their proposal to council, which Ivery happily provided.
“The JSC was successful in having one bench installed by council, but budgetaryconstraints meant there wasn’t any funding left for asecond bench.
“Not disheartened by this, the JSC wrote to me again recently and welland trulysold their case for asecond bench, so Iwas very happy to personally donate one as arewardfor all their effortonbehalf of their community.
“It’s advocacy like this at all levels of government that can really make adifference; whether it be something as small as having abench installed or bringing jobs to the region.
“Co ngratulations to the Moe Alber tStr eet Primary School JSC for all their hard work, and forhavingmebepartofavery special day.
“I also want to give ashout out to the bench manufacturers, Activity Playgrounds, who heard about the efforts of the JSC and generously delivered it to my office free of charge.”
By RICK BRADLEY
LATROBE City and Baw Baw’s annual scouting event proved once againthat adventure, teamwork, and resilience are thriving among young scouts. Over the weekend of November 9-10, the peaceful bush setting of Caringal was transformed into avibrant hub of thrill-seeking scouts andtheir families for amajor scouting event, filled with exciting activities and time-honoured traditions. With dozens of youngparticipants, dedicated leaders and enthusiastic supporters, this annual event underscored that scouting is alive, growing, and stronger than ever in the LatrobeCityand Baw Baw regions.
The weekend’s main attraction, the eagerly awaited Cubs Billy Cart Derby on Saturday, brought together eight cubscout teams, aged between eight and 11 to race down the course, tackling avariety of challenging tasks. Competing on both speed and skill, these young scouts had to navigate their homemade billy carts through a demanding course, which included abeloved mud pit and river crossing- tasks that have become annual favouritesamong participants and spectators alike. The energy was infectious, with family members cheering and leaders keeping track of each team’s progress.
Afteranintenseseries of races, the Drouin 'Thunderbirds' team emerged victorious, clocking in an impressive time of eight minutes and 19 seconds.
Hot on their wheels was the Drouin 'Speedy Fish', who claimedsecond place, while the MoeRivers 'Bobby’s' rounded out the podium in third.
The event didn’t end with the cub scouts. The adults got ataste of the action with arace of their own. With parents, leaders, and volunteerscompeting, the adult race added an extra layer of friendly rivalry to the day. Ultimately, the team from Moe Rivers claimed the adults’ trophy, securing bragging rights until next year.
Simultaneously, the older scouts were engaged in the esteemed Cohen Shield competition,astatewide event where patrolsdemonstrate their skillsin teamwork, leadership,and problem-solving across aseries of four tasks.
The Cohen Shield is ahallmark of scoutingexcellence, as patrols aim to complete each task to the higheststandardpossible. Scouts were assessed on elements like communication, teamwork, and effective taskcompletion, with top performers awarded Bronze, Silver, or Gold pennants based on theirscores
This year’s Cohen Shield saw Warragul’s'Rad Reptiles'patrol takethe spotlight,achieving the event’s only Gold pennantand clinching the overall championshiptitle. Their outstanding performance was atestament to theirdedication,leadership, and collaborative spirit, embodyingthe Scouting values that are encouraged across the Latrobe City and Baw Baw areas.
As the sun rose over Caringal on Sunday, the
Amanda Clarkand SallyYates with donations forthe annualfestivalfood frenzy
TRARALGONGirlGuideshave been raiding their friends and family's pantries and seeking donations for their annual festive food frenzy.
Thefrenzy aims to collect non-perishable food items for donation to the localStVincent de Paul food bank in Traralgon ahead of the festive season. The group fell short of theirlofty1000kg goal, but stillmanagedtocollectivelydonate more than 330kg of food for local families in need.
Serviceisalarge part of the Australian Guide Program, with youth members encouraged to engage in service-based activities to give back to their local communities.
TraralgonGirl Guides are accepting new members across all four units from ages seven to 17 and are looking for new volunteers to join the friendly team.
scouts had their own chance at the Billy Cart Derby. This time, the course was divided into three distinct stages: downhill, slalom, and cross country. Each segment tested different skills and strategies, keeping participantsontheir toesasthey vied for the fastest time in each category. The downhill portion was all about purespeed,slalom demanded precision and control, while cross country required stamina and resilience over varied terrain.
Moe Rivers’ 'Unicorns'team dominated the downhill stage with aburst of speed, while Warragul’s 'Gangster Goannas' took the lead in the slalom segment, showcasingremarkable cart handling and agility.
Trafalgar’s 'Blue Tongue Lizards' clinched the crosscountry race, showing that endurance and steady progress can be just as crucial as speed in arace like this. In the end, the Unicorns emerged as the overall champions, with their consistent performance acrossall three stages, including a first-place finish and two thirds, securing their position at the top.
To those interested in joining or supporting this vibrantcommunity,the Scouts Victoriawebsite (scoutsvictoria.com.au), offers awealth of information on how to get involved.
New members and volu nteers are always welcomed, and the organisation offers avariety of ways to participate, from becoming aleader to supporting behind the scenes.
LOY Yang BT echnician/Ope rator Anthon y Callahan recently reached an importantmilestone, and if it wasn’t for avisit to Latrobe Regional Health (LRH), the occasion would have slipped by. Anthony has been donating aportionofhis salary to LRH for the past 21 years under a‘workplace giving’ program run by his employer.
Recent contributions by Anthony and his colleagues have helpedLRH purchase adevice which can ‘see’ below the skin. It will be used by staff in the Emergency Department (ED) to quickly and accurately locate veins so aneedle or cannula can be inserted to deliver critical medicationsorfluids to apatient or to take blood.
Anthony was given arare glimpse of what lies beneath when nurse Melissa Fabris held the device over his arm and hand.
“This device is amazing and you can really see what adifference it makes,” Anthony said.
“Just like we need to have the best tools in our job at Loy Yang B, Iwant the staff at LRH to have the best tools to do the best job they can.”
Loy Yang Bemployees choosethe piece of equipment thatwillbenefit from their hard-earned dollars.
In the past they have helped LRH to purchase blood pressure monitors for the Cardiology Unit and special cots for newborns who are unwell Often, they are drawn to equipment which they know might one day help themselves, their family or friends.
“It’s really easy being part of this program and we feel this sense of achievement in our workplace to help LRH,” Anthony said.
Melissa Fabris said the ED team was “super excited” to receive the device, known as a'Accuvein'.
“Most medications are time critical, especially in the ED and it can be very painful and traumatic for patients if their veins are difficult to find,” she said.
“Thisequipment will really help to speed up procedures and reduce anxiety for patients.”
VICTORIANS are being reminded to take steps to protect themselves andthe community from COVID-19 this summer, as COVID infections increase across the state.
The latestVictorian COVID-19Surveillance Report,ending November26, showsasignificant increase in the number of people in hospital with COVID-19, with the seven-day average now at 197 -a 59 per cent increase compared to the same period last month.
The number of cases notified to the department has also increased in recent weeks, up 44 per cent in the past month.
Victorian Chief Health Officer, Dr Clare Looker urged people to take steps to protect themselves and those around them, particularly those at higher risk.
“It’s the simple things that can have abig impact: if you’re feelingsick, please stay home,” she said.
“If you need to go out, or you’re visiting a higher risk setting like an age care home or ahospital, it’s agood idea to wear amask.”
Dr Looker saiditwas stillimportant for Victorians to stay up to date with their recommended COVID-19 vaccinations.
“Immunity wanes over time, so staying up to datewithyour vaccinationswill be your best protection against severe illness,” she added.
Dr Looker said JN.1 remained the dominant COVID variant in the community.
“There is no indication of increasing severity of the currently circulating subvariants," she said.
Dr Looker encouraged people, particularly those at higher risk, to speak to their GP and have aplan in place for getting treatment if they get sick, including the use of antiviral treatments.
Victorianhealth services are well prepared and well equipped to handle theseescalations, which often occur at this time of year.
Generous: Powerstation worker Anthony Callahan, who has beendonating part of his salar ytoLatrobe Regional Hospital, and ED NurseMelissa Fabris,test out anew tool that can see veinsunder the skin. Photograph supplied
by Joanne Madeline Moore
December 2- December 8, 2024
Some Librans w ll fee istless and restless, but ho idays and adventures could be thin on the ground as retro Mercury opposes Jupiter (in your travel zones) which cou d frustrate hol day p ans and slow th ngs down Don’t despair! Have fun closer to home and p an to explore further afie d after Mercury turns direct on December 15-16 Be patient and keep your options open Midweek s a creative and intuitive time when Venus forms a lovely link w th Neptune
espec ally involv ng money budget ng and business matters Th ngs should improve at work, as Venus transits through your career zone from Saturday until January 3
This week Mercury (your patron planet) and the Sun highlight romance, marriage, fr endship, business partnerships and joint ventures as you m x and ming e with a w de range of peop e But with Mercury retrograde unti December 15-16, be careful how you communicate with fam ly, friends and work colleagues Otherwise, you could come across as being careless, restless and superficial Strive to be extra patient, disciplined and diplomat c
Have you been wasting time worrying and procrastinating? The Sun and retro Mercury ink up in your job zone, so you need to reboot your dai y rout ne and be flexible as you plan your future career path If you are patient and have the confidence to listen to your wise inner voice, then you’ll be one step ahead of the professional pack! Creativity can also take you p aces at work Use posit ve affirmations and active imag nation to transition to the next level
The focus is on fr ends, as the Sun and retrograde Mercury move through your friendsh p zone But don’t let your peer group influence you too much The p anets encourage being your own person and doing your own thing So, your motto for the week is from birthday great, s nger-songwriter Jim Morrison: “A friend is someone who gives you tota freedom to be yourself ” Creativity is high mid-week, but don’t et your tendency to gossip come between you and others
Mercury (your patron planet) s retrograde unt l December 15-16 so communication and travel w ll be affected, especially involving fam ly and work Expect some of the follow ng - dodgy deadl nes, delays, disruptions, m x-ups, misunderstandings, back-flips and breakdowns, reversa s and recal s However, Mercury retrograde IS a good time to do things w th an ‘re’ in front of them revise, rehearse, rev ew, remember, reboot, return, recover and reconnect
W th Venus n your communication zone until Saturday, you’re in the mood for stimulating conversations with a wide range of interest ng, compatible people with n your extended peer group However, Mercury is retrograde and Pluto (your rul ng planet) hooks up with Venus, so relationships wi l be bumpy and very intense, espec ally with re atives and housemates Smart Scorpios will s ow down and concentrate on cooperat ng and compromising dream it, you can do it!
The Sun and retrograde Mercury are visiting your sign (and opposing your ruler Jupiter) so you’re in restless, reckless, adventurous, freedom-lov ng mode Lim t ng rules, regulations and restrict ons won’t be welcome! But slow down, otherwise you could be invo ved in a misunderstand ng, argument or accident Inspir ng quote s from singer-songwriter (and b rthday great)
Jim Morrison: “The most mportant kind of freedom is to be what you really are ”
TVenus is vis t ng your s gn for most of the week, wh ch is great for charming others and attracting uck Which you’ll need in spades because Saturn (your ru ing planet) squares the Sun and retrograde Mercury, so it wi l be a stop/start, one step forwards/two steps back kind of week If you’re a clever Capricorn, you’l ca ibrate your plans, expectations, and energy leve s accord ngly, espec a ly involv ng communication, educat on and your local community
The courageous Sun and creat ve Mercury are visit ng your hopes and wishes zone So, t’s mportant to dream a dream, turn it into a goa , and then make it happen But Mercury is in retrograde mode, so you’l have to be patient Your motto is from birthday great Walt D sney (who was born on December 5 1901): “All your dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them ” Venus shifts into Aquarius on Saturday, which is good for love and luck
Mercury s reversing through your career zone (until December 15-16) so be extra pat ent and dil gent at work The more you help others, the more pos t ve and productive you’ l feel With Venus visit ng your networking zone (unti Saturday) t’s a so t me to communicate and connect with family, friends, colleagues, c ients and/or customers You have the abi ity to influence peop e n positive ways, as you employ encouragement and praise to get others on-side dance, drama, s nging, wr ting and mus c
THE Mirboo North community will come alive for Christmas this Friday (December 6).
Baromi Park will overflow with market stalls, food trucks and live entertainment on the big stage.
Attendeestothe Christmas in the Boo event can supportlocal makers and creatorsbytickingoff theirChristmas shopping at the market and then throwout thepicnic rug, grab abitetoeat and sit on the grass and listen to live music.
There will be fun for the wholefamilyand thanks to the generous support of community organisations,those coming won’t have to digdeep into their pockets, with free activities such as akids disco, face-painting, hairbraiding, lawngames and apetting zoo.
Kids disco is from 5pm, and live music from 7pm. For more information, visit: mirboonorth.com/ major-events-listings/christmas-in-the-boo
FEDERAL Memberfor Gippsland, Darren Chester is calling for expressions of interest (EOI)from local community organisations for the federal government's2024/25 VolunteerGrantsprogram.
Volunteer Grants support the work of community organisations by reducing barriers for volunteers and increasing participation in volunteering.
Mr Chester is encouragingGippsland not-forprofit community organisations that rely on volunteers to applyfor funding to support the work of volunteers.
"Throughout Gippsland, we have thousands of volunteers who dedicate their timeand support to the community," Mr Chester said.
"This funding is designed to assist successful community organisations in supporting the efforts of their volunteers and ensure they can continue to provide for and support the community safely and appropriately."
Grants between $1000and $5000 will be available to eligible not-for-profit community organisations to purchase communication or insurance items or to purchaseitems or servicestoassist volunteers or volunteer-run activities that support the well-being and development of children under 18.
Mr Chester saidthe grants serve as asmall
recognition of the dedication and effort put in by the local volunteers.
"While the work of our volunteers may be unpaid, it is not unrecognised," Mr Chester said.
"From fighting bushfires and caring for the environment to supporting people in our community and runninglocal events, the value of the work done by our volunteers is immeasurable.
"Through the Volunteer Grants program,wecan give them ahelping hand and make their roles as volunteers easier and more enjoyable.
"Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community, and by continuing to help each other and work together, we are building astronger and safer Gippsland."
The 2024/25 Volunteer Grants program is now open for expressions of interest through Mr Chester'swebsite (darrenchester.com.au), and must be submitted by 5pm, Friday, January 24, 2025.
Local community organisations must submit an EOI to be considered for a2024/25 Volunteer Grant. Successful applicants will then be invited to complete afull submission.
VICTORIAN pet owners are doing everything they can to keep their pets includingeating less themselves and limiting medical and dental costs for themselves.
The results from the Victorian Pet Vet Survey showed:
58 per cent of respondents cut other costs to pay for vet bills;
35 per cent of respondents cut food costs to pay for vet bills;
46 per cent of respondents cut entertainment costs to pay for vet bills, and;
42 per cent of respondents cut both medical and dental costs to pay for vet bills.
Executive Director of Veterinary Services at The Home, Dr JessicalWilde said the resultsof the survey will be used to help inform decision making for providing low-cost vet services into the future.
"Information such as this will just as importantly help us advocate for and develop low-cost vet services for people and their pets doing it tough,’’ Dr Wilde said.
"Clearly people are doing it tough when it comes to providing for their pets. We want to do whatever we can to ease the burden the
cost-of-livingcrisisishaving in ourcommunities.’’ Dr Wilde said rising costs of veterinary supplies are forcingvets to increase theirprices, creating achallenging situation for pet owners seeking care,but it's important to recognise that this adjustment comes from aplace of necessity rather than alackofcompassion for their patients.
The survey,which wasfilled out by more than 700 respondents also showed:
-61 per cent of the respondents are living below the Australian Poverty Line of $1149 per week for ahousehold with two adults and two children with one adult working, and;
-Only five per cent of respondents said they had considered surrendering their pet.
Locally, not-for-profit CompanionPet Care has wished to clarify it does not offer pet weddings. Astory appearing in last week's Express made mention of apet wedding by aregistered marriage celebrant.
This was conducted separately from Companion Pet Care and included in the
by the editor as ameans of
to save space.
ABC TV,Sunday, 8.40pm
Thefirstoriginal series fromlocal streamer Binge, this cinematic Melbournebased drama follows three members of the Mathieson family –60-something Glen (Hugo Weaving)and his adult children Clara (Bojana Novakovic) and Aaron (William Lodder,pictured, right with Novakovic and Weaving)–asthey navigate the loss of theirwifeand mother,finding love in unexpected places along the way. In tonight’ssecond episode, Christine’s funeralelicits very different responses from each of the Mathiesons, beforeGlen learns that his 40th wedding anniversarygift –a $15,000 holiday –isnon-refundable. Laced with darkhumour,the absurdity of everyday lifeand thethrilling sparkofnew romance,there’s alot to love about this homegrown drama.
Wednesday, December 4
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
FIVE BEDROOMS
10,Monday, 9.30pm
SOCCER:MATILDAS VCHINESE TAIPEI 10, Saturday, 7pm
Thelastinaseries of four home friendlies for the Matildas, thisfinal international match for2024 againstChinese Taipei –livefromGeelong’sGMHBA Stadium –sees out abittersweet year forthe national icons.Putting the heartbreak of the Paris Olympics behind them, interim headcoach TomSermanni will be showcasing thetalents of Hayley Raso,KyraCooney-Cross and Steph Catley (pictured), while saying farewell to legendarydefender ClarePolkinghorne andhunting forthe next generation of superstars. It’sanexciting time as abumper 33-player squad looks ahead to qualifying forthe home 2026 AFCWomen’s Asian Cup and the start of anew four-year cycle.
Life, love and work aregetting more complicated than ever forthe close-knitco-owners as this stellar Aussiedramedy inches closer to its conclusion. Doctor Harry(RoyJoseph) is usually thevoice of reason forhis housemates, but in “Seventy-TwoHours”hefinds himself in needoftheir help afteraspectacular,potentially career-ending indiscretion comes to light.LawyerLiz (Kat Stewart) jumps in with asolution, but it requires both alittle “creative” testimonyfromAnton (Matthew Backer) and keeping Harry’smum Manju (Kumud Merani, pictured) at arm’s length.
SEVEN (7,6)
NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 The Kingdom: TheWorld’s Most Powerful Prince. (Ma, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.
12.30 National PressClubAddress 1.35 Media Watch. (Final,PG, R) 2.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Take 5With ZanRowe. (PG, R) 3.00 ABite To EatWithAlice.(R) 3.30 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 4.15 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 5.05 AntiquesRoadshow.(R)
6.00 ABiteToEat With Alice. 6.30 Hard Quiz (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30
8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) 8.30 Question Everything. Presented by Wil Andersonand JanFran. 9.05 Would ILie To You? (PG, R) HostedbyRob Brydon.
9.35 TheCleaner (Mal, R)
10.35 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. (R) 11.15 ABC Late News. 11.30 The Business. (R) 11.50 Mother And Son. (PG, R) 12.50 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 1.35 Killing Eve. (Mav, R) 2.20 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 3.05 Rage (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 TheSecret Lives Of Our Urban Birds.(R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)
6am Morning Programs. 10.05 Paddington Station 24/7.(R) 10.55 The World’sMost Remote Hotels. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 2.05 ExploringNorthern Ireland. (R) 3.00 Plat Du Tour 3.10 Dishing It Up.(PGl, R) 3.40 The Cook Up.(R) 4.10 The Supervet. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 MastermindAustralia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 24HoursInALDI. (R) Explores the history of ALDI supermarkets.
8.30 TheJury: DeathOnThe Staircase: TheVerdict. (Final, M) Having heardall theevidence, therealworkbeginsfor thejury
9.35 TheOld Man. (Malv) Chase and Zoeenter the lion’s den. 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Maxima. (Mal) 11.50 PaganPeak. (Malv,R) 3.00 Employable Me (UK) (Mal, R) 4.05 Paul O’Grady’sLittle Heroes. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorningShow. (PG) 11.30 SevenMorning News. 12.00 MOVIE: CuriousCaterer: Grilling Season (2023,Mav) 2.00 Surveillance Oz (PG, R) 2.15 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 3.00 TheChase. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChaseAustralia.
6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 TheForce: BehindThe Line. (PG, R) Narrated by Simon Reeve
7.30 TheBig Trip (Final, PGl) Hosted by DaveThornton.
9.00 MOVIE: Fast &Furious Presents:Hobbs &Shaw. (2019,Mlv,R)AUSlawman and aformer spyreluctantlyteam up to takedown a genetically enhanced anarchist. Dwayne Johnson, JasonStatham,Idris Elba.
12.00 Stan Lee’sLucky Man (MA15+av)
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 1.30 Harry’sPractice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
CHRISTMAS WITH AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S WEEKLY 10, Tuesday, 7.30pm
Get set to “sleigh”this Christmas with alittle help from TheProject’s SarahHarris (pictured) andthe talented team at TheAustralianWomen’sWeekly.Anannualguide to surviving the silly season in style, there’sawealth of tips on food,fashion and creatingYuletide magic in your ownhome. Narelda Jacobs catches up with Olympic gold medallistNoemie Foxand her family ahead of theholidays, while TheWeekly’s food director Fran Abdallaoui is in fine companywith Warren Mendes, Kirsten Tibballs and MasterCheffavesPoh LingYeow,Julie Goodwinand Khanh Ong in thekitchen, with tasty tricks and hacks galore.
TEN (10, 5)
6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: AChristmas To Savour.(2021, PGa, R) BrittIrvin,Zach Roerig, Bethany Brown. 2.00 Pointless. (PG R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG,R) 4.00 9NewsAfternoon 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG,R) 5.30[VIC]WINNews. 6.00 The Talk.(PGa) 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Neighbours. (PGa, R) 8.30 Bold. (PGa, R) 9.00 Drew Barrymore. (PGas) 10.00 Judge Judy.(PG,R) 10.30 Dog House Australia: All Shapes And Sizes. (PGa, R) 11.30 Ent. Tonight 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG) 1.00
6.00 9News
7.00 ACurrentAffair
7.30 Taronga:Who’s WhoInThe Zoo: Healing Hippos. (PGm)
8.30 Budget Battlers. (Premiere, PGl) Hosted by Jess Evaand Norm Hogan.
9.40 Britain’s MostExpensive Houses. (PG)Johntakes on JelleysHollow.
10.40 Millionaire HolidayHomeSwap. (Premiere, PG) 11.40 Law& Order:Organized Crime. (Mav) 12.30 TippingPoint.(PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop.(R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today
PJ Masks Power Heroes. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kiri And Lou. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 Kangaroo Beach. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Pfffirates. 6.50 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 6.55 Hey Duggee. 7.05 AndyAnd The Band 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun TheSheep 7.35 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Operation Ouch! 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Doctor Who 10.05 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!” 10.30 Horrible Histories. 11.05 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 11.30 Bakugan. Noon Gossip Girl. 2.00 The Golden Girls. 2.30
Redemption Of ARogue.(2020,MA15+) 3.10 Friends AndStrangers. (2021, MA15+) 4.40 The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg. (1964,PG, French)
6.00 DealOrNoDeal Contestants compete in ahigh-stakes game where they must beat TheBanker to win acash prize. 6.30 TheProject The hostsand guestpanellists takealook at the day’snews, events and hot topics 7.30 Soccer Women’s international friendly.Australia vChinese Taipei. From AAMI Park, Melbourne. 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sportand weather 10.55 TheProject (R) Alook at the day’snews. 12.00 TheLate ShowWith
ABC (2)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News
Mornings. 10.00 Australian Story.(R) 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.00 Plum. (Final, Ml, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 2.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Take 5WithZan Rowe (PG,R) 3.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 3.25 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.15 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 5.00 AntiquesRoadshow.(R)
6.00 ABite To Eat With Alice.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)
Julie who wasreunited with her birth mother
9.45 Fake Or Fortune? AVenetian View (Final, R) Apainting’s provenance is investigated
10.45 ABC LateNews.
11.00 TheBusiness. (R)
11.20 Grand Designs:The Streets. (R) 12.05 KillingEve (MA15+v,R)
12.50 Long Lost Family (PG, R)
1.40 Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 The Secret Lives Of Our UrbanBirds. (R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
(3)
6am MorningPrograms. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 2.05 ExploringNorthern Ireland. (PGas, R) 3.00 Plat Du Tour 3.10 Dishing It Up.(PG, R) 3.40 The Cook Up.(R) 4.10 The Supervet. (PGa,R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) BiancaHuntheads to Seventeen Seventy
8.30 Gods Of Tennis: BillieJean King And Arthur Ashe. (Ml, R) Takes alookatthe greats of tennis, including BillieJean King andArthur Ashe. 9.30 Miniseries: Steeltown Murders (Mal)Colin narrowsdown the pool of men who share the killer’s geneticmarker to 13 names. 10.40 SBSWorld NewsLate 11.10 Miniseries: TheTypist. (Final, MA15+v, R) 12.15 Pandore. (Malv,R) 3.10 Employable Me (UK) (PGal, R) 4.15 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm Kangaroo Beach. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Pfffirates. 6.50 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 6.55 HeyDuggee. 7.05 Andy And The Band 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep 7.35 The Inbestigators 7.50 Operation Ouch! 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Secrets Of TheZoo 9.10 Teenage Boss:NextLevel. 9.40 DoctorWho 10.25 Late Programs.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The MorningShow. (PG) 11.30 SevenMorningNews. 12.00 MOVIE: Nightmare Student.(2021, Mav,R)Jessica Morris, Conlan Kisilewicz. 2.00 Surveillance Oz. (PGa, R) 2.15 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 3.00 Cricket. Women’s One Day International Series. Australia vIndia. Game 1. From Allan Border Field, Brisbane 4.00 SevenNewsAt 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. (R)
6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Cricket. Women’sOne Day International Series. Australia vIndia. Game 1. 10.30 DogsBehaving (Very) Badly (PG, R) TwoNewfoundlands, who should be at the heartofafamily, are insteadscaring them away
11.30 Pam&Tommy. (Premiere, MA15+ls) Ahandyman stealsa celebritysex tape.
12.30 Criminal Confessions: Vanished In TheNight. (MA15+alv,R)Sheriffs investigate amissingperson’scase.
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG,R)Presented by Greg Grainger.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBCToday News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra.(PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: The Christmas Ball. (2020, G, R) Deirdre Mullins, Caroline Langrishe. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.30[VIC]WINNews.
6.00 9News.
7.00 ACurrent Affair.
7.30 GreatGetaways. (Return, PG) Theteam heads to allcorners of theglobe
8.30 Emergency (Mlm) Dr Jonathan Papson struggles to cuta glove from a construction worker’s mangled hand.
9.30 A+EAfter Dark. (Malm) After a terrible accident on his bike, a31-year-old has apainful tear on his chin.
10.30 Casualty 24/7 (Mm, R) Anurse assesses a49-year-oldman.
11.25 ResidentAlien (Mav)
12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 CrossCourt (R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop (R) 3.00 TV Shop:HomeShopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoiceOfVictory. (PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 Today Early News 5.30 Today
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by GrantDenyer 6.30 TheProject. Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 TopGear Australia. (PGls) Jonathan LaPaglia and the Stig test outaFordMustangDarkHorse. Mitchell Johnson goesfor afast lap 8.40 MOVIE: Tropic Thunder. (2008,Mdlsv, R) Theeccentric cast of abig-budget warmovie becomes lost in the junglesofSoutheast Asia. Ben Stiller,JackBlack, Robert DowneyJr. 10.45 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sportand weather 11.10 TheProject. (R) Alook at theday’snews. 12.10 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMornings. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Inside Story Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Who Gets To Stay In Australia? 1.35 TheSwiping Game. 1.55 PlanetA 2.50 Earthworks 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 JoyOfPainting. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Holy Marvels With Dennis Quaid. (Premiere) 10.10 The Bambers. Midnight Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs.
1.35pm Karla Grant Presents. 2.00 Moko. 2.30 The Cook Up 3.00 Jarjums 3.25 TheWorld According To Grandpa. 3.35 Spartakus. 4.05
6am Morning Programs. 6.25 Kung Fu Yoga.(2017, PG) 8.25 Frantz. (2016,PG, French) 10.30 It All Began When IMet You. (2013, PG, Japanese) 12.30pm Baby Done.(2020,M) 2.10 Dafne. (2019,PG, Italian) 3.55 White Lion.(2010,PG) 5.35 The ManWho Invented Christmas.(2017,PG) 7.30 Misery.(1990) 9.30 Joyeux Noel. (2005,M,French) 11.40 Late Programs.
Friday, December 6
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
SEVEN (7,6)
NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Back Roads. (R) 10.25 IWas Actually There. (PG, R) 11.00 Fake Or Fortune? (Final, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Shetland. (Madl, R) 2.00 Maggie Beer’s Big Mission. (R) 3.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 3.30 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.15 Grand Designs: The Streets.(PG,R) 5.05 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6am MorningPrograms. 11.00 World’s Greatest Sporting Arenas. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 2.05 ExploringNorthern Ireland. (PGl, R) 3.00 Plat Du Tour 3.10 Dishing It Up.(PGls, R) 3.40 The Cook Up.(R) 4.10 TheSupervet. (PGa,R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
her pursuit of acontroversial new theory.
9.30 Question Everything (R) Presented by Wil Anderson and Jan Fran 10.00 Hard Quiz. (PG,R) Presented by TomGleeson. 10.35 TheCleaner (Mal, R) 11.35 ABCLateNews.
5.00 Rage.(PG)
7.30 EveryFamily Has ASecret: Danielle ChisholmAnd Heather Horne. (Ma, R) 8.30 Nicole Kidman,EyesWideOpen. (Malns, R) Takesalook at Nicole Kidman. 9.35 Kennedy:Crisis (January 1962-October 1962) Alook at the Cuban Missile Crisis.
10.25 SBSWorld News Late. 10.55 Elvira. (PGa)
12.30 TheWall: The Orchard. (Malsv,R) 2.05 Employable Me (UK) (PGal, R) 3.10 Love Your Home AndGarden With AlanTitchmarsh. (PGa, R) 4.05 Peer To Peer.(R) 4.35 Bamay (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The MorningShow. (PG) 11.30 SevenMorning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Fatal Frenemies. (2021, Mav,R)Laurie Fortier JaneDillon. 2.00 Test Cricket: Pre-Game Show 3.00 Cricket. SecondTest. Australia v India. Day 1. Afternoon session. From Adelaide Oval. 5.00 Test Cricket: The Lunch Break 5.40 Cricket. Second Test. Australia v India. Day 1. Late afternoon session.
6.00 SevenNews.
7.00 Cricket. Second Test. Australia v India. Day 1. Late afternoon session.
7.40 Test Cricket: TeaBreak Takesa look at the day of play so farinthe Second Test Match between Australia andIndia.
8.00 Cricket. Second Test. Australia vIndia. Day1.Evening session. From Adelaide Oval.
10.30 TheBoy From Macksville. (PG) Celebrates thecareer of Phillip Hughes.
12.00 GetOnExtra Alookat theweekend’sbestracing.
12.30 Taken. (Mav,R)Hartmust find away to stop aleak.
1.30 Harry’sPractice. (R) Information about petcare.
2.00 Home Shopping (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 9News.
7.00 ACurrent Affair
7.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (Return) HostedbyShelley Craft.
8.30 MOVIE: TheAccountant (2016,MA15+alv,R)A maths genius who works as an accountantfor high-rolling criminals is pursued by authorities. Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, J.K. Simmons.
11.00 MOVIE: Triple 9. (2016, MA15+lv,R)Anunsuspecting rookie foils aheist.CaseyAffleck.
1.00 Our State On APlate. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 SkippyThe Bush Kangaroo (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop:Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards Summer.(PG,R)
TEN (10, 5)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning 12.00 MOVIE: The Christmas Setup.(2020,PGl, R) Ben Lewis, BlakeLee. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.30[VIC]WINNews. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R)
6.00 Deal OrNoDeal. (R) Hosted by GrantDenyer. 6.30 TheProject. Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 MOVIE: Luca. (2021, G) On the Italian Riviera, ayoung boyexperiences an unforgettablesummer withanew best friend who harbours asecret Jacob Tremblay,JackDylan Grazer 9.30 Matlock. (PGad,R)Abig class-action case againstthe prison system hits close to home.Matty plays matchmaker with Sarah and agirlfrom IT 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sportand weather 10.55 TheProject. (R) Alook at theday’s news. 12.00 TheLate
ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7,6)
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage.(PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 All CreaturesGreat And Small. (PG,R) 1.15 Miniseries: Douglas Is Cancelled (Ml, R) 1.55 Question Everything. (R) 2.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 3.15 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.45 Solar System With Brian Cox. (R) 4.45 Headliners.(PG,R) 5.35 Landline. (Final, R)
6.00 Take 5With ZanRowe: Claudia Karvan (PGl, R) Claudia Karvan shares fivesongs
6.30 Muster Dog s: WhereAre They Now. (R) Presented by Lisa Millar
7.00 ABCNews. Alookatthe topstories of the day
7.30 All CreaturesGreatAnd Small. (PGa) James hires anew traineevet hoping to free up time to spend with Helen.
8.20 Vera (Mv,R)Veraand her team find themselves investigating amystery involving aminer’s missingdaughter 9.50 Plum. (Final, Ml, R) After much anguish, drinking and avoidance, Plumtakes theadvice long on offer and shares his truth.
10.45 Shetland (Mlv,R)Calder returns to Shetland
11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs.
10.00 MOVIE: EmuRunner.(2018,PG) 11.40 MOVIE: StormBoy.(1976,PG) 1.15pm Great Parks Of Africa. 2.05 Sing About This Country. 4.05 Pretendians. 4.50 TheFirst Inventors. 5.50 Taste Of TheTerritory 6.20 News. 6.30 The Other Side 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: The Lost Boys. (1987) 10.15 Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90 1.35am Late Programs.
6am MorningPrograms. 9.00 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 9.05 The Eco Show. (R) 10.05 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 11.00 Australia With Julia Bradbury.(R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 1.55 Figure Skating. ISUGrand Prix 6. Highlights. 4.25 TheMaestro &The European Pop Orchestra. (Premiere) 5.35 Weeks Of War. (PGav,R)
6.30 SBS WorldNews.
7.30 Secrets Of TheRoyalPalaces: Duty Secret stories of palace duty
8.25 TheJur y: Death On The Staircase: TheVerdict (M, R) Having heardall the evidence, the real workbegins forthe jury.
9.30 TheGreat House Revival: Mayfield House, Co Wexford. Presented by Hugh Wallace.
10.30 So Long, Marianne (Mals)
11.25 Paris Paris. (PGl, R)
11.55 All Those Thing sWe NeverSaid. (Ms, R)
2.20 Employable Me (UK) (PGa, R) 3.25 Fantastical Factory Of Curious Craft.(PG, R) 4.20 Peer To Peer.(R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight
6am WorldWatch.
10.00 Bamay 10.30 It’s Suppertime! Noon Scrubs. 2.05 Beyond Oak Island. 2.55 Jungletown. 3.45 Fashionista. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.50 The Mega-Brands That BuiltThe World. (Premiere) 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 GreatAustralian Concerts: Clapton. 9.35 Great Australian Concerts: KevCarmody 10.40 Hudson &Rex 12.20am The X-Files. 3.05 Late Programs.
6am
Morning Programs. 9.00 Young Girls Of Rochefort. (1967, PG, French) 11.20 Misery.(1990) 1.20pm Vampire Seeking Consenting Person. (2023,French) 3.00 The Man Who Invented Christmas. (2017, PG) 4.55 AHard Day’sNight. (1964,PG) 6.30 Barefoot In The Park.(1967, PG) 8.30 Living. (2022, PG) 10.25 EasyLove.(2019,MA15+, German) 12.10am Late Programs.
6.00 NBCToday 7.00 WeekendSunrise. 10.00 MorningShow.(PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. CountryClassic Day,Ballarat Cup andGateway Raceday. 2.00 Test Cricket: Pre-GameShow. 3.00 Cricket. Second Test Australia vIndia. Day 2. Afternoon session. 5.00 Test Cricket: The LunchBreak. 5.40 Cricket. Second Test. Australia vIndia. Day 2. Late afternoon session.
6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Cricket. SecondTest. Australia v India. Day 2. Late afternoon session.
7.40 Test Cricket:Tea Break Takesa look at the dayofplay so farinthe Second Test Match between Australia andIndia.
8.00 Cricket. Second Test. Australia vIndia. Day 2. Evening session.From Adelaide Oval.
10.30 HeroesAnd Legends: Hall Of Fame. (M) The Sport Australia Hall of Fame specialwelcoming eight new inductees in the club
12.00 Taken. (Mav,R)Bryan must stop an act of biological terrorism.
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 It’s Academic (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve. 5.00 My GreekOdyssey (PG, R)
7TWO (72, 62)
6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Harry’sPractice 11.30 GetOn Extra Noon Escape To The Country. 1.00 IEscaped To The Country. 2.00 Horse Racing. CountryClassic Day, Ballarat Cup and Gateway Raceday 6.00 Taste Of Aust. 6.30 BondiVet 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country 9.30 IEscaped To The Country.(Return) 10.30 Australia’s Amazing Homes. 11.30 Late Programs.
7MATE (73,64)
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 The
(9, 8)
(10, 5)
6.00 Getaway.(PG,R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 7.00 Weekend Today 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday.(PG) 12.00 Cybershack.(PG) 12.30 DriveSafer 1.00 DriveTV. 1.30 Helloworld. (PG) 2.00 The 58th Annual Country Music Association Awards. (PGl) 4.00 Getaway Presents Antarctica. (PG) 5.00 9News FirstAtFive. 5.30 To Be Advised. 6am MorningPrograms. 8.30 Intrepid Adventures. (R) 9.00 Drew Barrymore. (PGas, R)
6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACurrent Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: Bohemian Rhapsody (2018,Ml, R) Chartsthe life of Freddie Mercury,the lead singer of the popular rock band Queen. Rami Malek, LucyBoynton, Gwilym Lee.
10.15 My Life As ARolling Stone: Keith Richards. (Madl, R) Takes alookatKeith Richards, whoplayed lead guitar in The Rolling Stones.
11.35 MOVIE: Truth (2015,Ml, R) Journalists get incriminating documents on George W. Bush. Cate Blanchett, Robert Redford.
2.00 TheIncredibleJourney Presents. (PGa) Religious program.
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R) Homeshopping.
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
9GEM (92, 81)
6am Morning Programs.
8.30 Tomorrow’sWorld. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop 10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 My Favorite Martian. 11.00 MOVIE: DevilGirlFrom Mars. (1954 PG) 12.35pm MOVIE: Whisky Galore! (1949) 2.20 MOVIE: TheSyndicate. (1968,PG) 4.15 MOVIE: The Alamo.(1960,PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Diamonds Are Forever. (1971,M) 10.00 MOVIE: JohnnyEnglish Reborn. (2011, PG) Midnight Late Programs.
9GO! (93, 82)
6am Children’sPrograms. 12.30pm MOVIE: Barbie Skipper And The Big Babysitting Adventure.(2023) 1.45 MOVIE: Pokémon The Movie: VolcanionAnd The Mechanical Marvel.(2016) 3.40 World EnduranceC’ship: Season Review 4.45 MotorwayCops: Catching Britain’s Speeders 5.45 MOVIE: Show Dogs. (2018,PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix. (2007,M) 10.15 Late Programs.
Sunday, December 8
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
SEVEN (7,6)
NINE (9,8) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Secret Science.(R) 10.30 World This Week.(R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Nigella’s Cook,Eat, Repeat: Christmas Special. (R) 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.45 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen. (R) 3.15 Long Lost Family:What Happened Next. (PG, R) 4.00 Restoration Australia. (Final) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Grand DesignsAustralia. (PG,R) 7.00 ABCNews.
7.30 Muster Dog s: Where Are They Now.
8.00 Miniseries:DouglasIs Cancelled. (Ml) The furore around the jokecontinues.
8.40 Love Me. (Ml) The family attends Christine’s funeral.
9.25 Take 5With Zan Rowe: Bill Bailey. (PG, R) Zan Rowe chats with Bill Bailey
9.55 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 11.35 YouCan’t Ask That. (Mals, R) 12.40 New Leash On Life. (R) 1.10 Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv)
3.05 Australia Remastered: Forces Of Nature.(R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales. (PG,R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 10.00 MOVIE: Thomas And Friends: The Mystery Of Lookout Mountain. (2022) 10.55 Children’s Programs. 6.40pm Pfffirates 6.55 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 7.00 Hey Duggee. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.15 Bluey Minisodes. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 MOVIE: Get Santa. (2014,PG) 9.10 Fresh Off The Boat 9.55 Speechless. 10.15 DoctorWho 11.00 Late Programs.
6am MorningPrograms. 8.00 DD India News Hour 9.00 The EcoShow. (R) 10.00 FIFA World Cup Classic Matches. 11.30 Australia With Julia Bradbury. (R) 12.00 APAC Weekly (R) 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 Plat Du Tour 1.00 Speedweek 3.00 Cycling. Cape to Cape MTB. 4.00 Wonders Of Scotland. (R) 4.25 TheMaestro&The European Pop Orchestra. 5.35 WeeksOfWar.(PGavw,R)
6.30 SBS World News
7.30 TheGreat Stink Of 1858 (PG) PresentedbyDrXand vanTulleken. 9.20 Jonathan Ross’Myths And Legends: Nor thern England. (PGa, R) Jonathan Ross travels across Britain uncovering local myths and legends. 10.15 Curse Of TheAncients: Dark Ages. (PG, R) Professor Alice Roberts explores the Dark Ages. 11.10 Looby. (Mln, R) 12.35 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG,R) 1.30 EmployableMe(USA) (Ma, R)
2.20 Fantastical Factory OfCurious Craft. (R) 3.15 Heritage Rescue. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature 5.30 AlJazeera News.
6.00 NBCToday 7.00 WeekendSunrise. 10.30 Cricket. Women’s One Day International Series. Australia vIndia. Game 2. 2.00 Test Cricket: Pre-Game Show 3.00 Cricket. Second Test. Australia vIndia. Day 3. Afternoon session. From Adelaide Oval. 5.00 Test Cricket:The Lunch Break 5.40 Cricket. Second Test. Australia v India. Day 3. Late afternoon session.
6.00 SevenNews.
7.00 Cricket. Second Test. Australia v India. Day 3. Late afternoon session. 7.40 Test Cricket: TeaBreak Takesa look at theday of play so farinthe Second Test Match between Australia andIndia.
8.00 Cricket Second Test. Australia vIndia.Day 3. Eveningsession 10.30 7NEWSSpotlight. (M, R) Alook at special forces soldier Heston Russell. 11.30 TheForce: Behind TheLine. (PG,R) 12.00 Miniseries: Patrick Melrose. (MA15+a, R)
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Escape To The Country Noon IEscaped To The Country 1.00
6.30 Bondi Rescue. (PGlm, R) Asurfer suffers aseriousfinchop. Will attempts to run for 48 hours with no sleep 7.00 Soccer Women’s international friendly.Australia vChinese Taipei. From GMHBA Stadium, Geelong. 10.15 MOVIE: Kate &Leopold. (2001, PGhls, R) ANew York City advertising executivemeets aman who has been mysteriouslytransported from the 19th century but is mistaken for an actor who refusestobreak character.Meg Ryan, Hugh Jackman,LievSchreiber 12.45 Ambulance Australia. (Mdlm, R) Aspecialist critical care paramedic responds to ahead-oncollision that haslefta driver trapped in their car 1.45 AmbulanceUK. (Ml, R)An81-yearold falls off his mobility scooter 4.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. Religious program.
TEN (10, 5)
6.00 Hello SA.(PG,R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 WeekendToday. 10.00 Cross Court 10.30 Fishing Australia. 11.00 Surf Boat Tsunami. (PGl) 12.00 GolfBarons. (R) 12.30 DriveTV. 1.00 Innovation Nation. 1.15 Great Getaways. (PG, R) 2.15 The Long DriveFor Drought. 2.45 MOVIE: AChristmas Stray. (2021, PGa, R) 4.30 Helloworld 5.00 9News First At Five 5.30 Postcards Summer.(PG) 6am MorningPrograms. 9.00 My Market Kitchen. (R) 9.30 KeyIngredient. 10.00 Drew Barrymore. (PGas, R) 11.00 Buy To Build. (R) 11.30 GoRV.(R) 12.00 Pooches At Play.(PGa, R) 12.30 Cook With Luke.(R) 1.00 Everyday Gourmet.(R) 1.30
6.00 9News Sunday.
7.00 Tsunami: 20 Years On. (PG) Ray Martin and fellowAustralians return to theepicentreofthe tragedy 9.00 ARemarkablePlace To Die. (Mlv) Anais investigates whena flamboyant pyrotechnician gets more bang forhis buck than he expects.
11.00 TheBrokenwood Mysteries. (Mv) Anightmarket takes atwist
1.00 DriveT V. (R) Acelebration of the open road.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer ’s Voice Of Vic tor y. (PGa) Religious program. 4.30 Nine PerthPresents: Christmas In WA
5.00 TodayEarly News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (92, 81)
6.00 TheSundayProjec t. Alook at the day’snews. 7.00 Harr yAnd Meghan: TheRise AndFall. (Premiere, PGa) Looksatthe story of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. 8.30 TheGraham Norton Show. (Ml) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by guests Kate Winslet, Dwayne Johnson, Lucy Liu,Jennifer Lopezand Jharrel Jerome. 9.40 FBI (Mav)The team tracks down aserialkiller after the bodies of multiple women.
10.40 FBI:International. (v) Abus full of American volunteers is hijacked. 11.30 TheSundayProjec t. (R) Alookatthe day’snews. 12.30 Home Shopping (R) 4.30 CBSMornings 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 Bamay. 10.30 It’s Suppertime! 11.55 Artistic WorldChallenge Cup Series. 1.55pm Jeopardy! 4.00 WorldWatch. 4.30 PBS WashingtonWeek 4.55 Shane Smith Has Questions 5.50 TheEngineering That BuiltThe World. 6.40 Mysteries From Above 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 World’sMost DangerousAirports. 9.35 WWE Legends. (Return) 11.10 Late Programs. 6am A Hard Day’sNight. (1964,PG) 7.35 The Importance Of Being Earnest. (2002) 9.20 Binti. (2019,PG, Dutch) 11.00 What’s EatingGilbert Grape. (1993 PG) 1.10pm What We DidOnOur Holiday.(2014 PG) 2.55 Living. (2022, PG) 4.50 Stolen Kisses. (1968,PG, French) 6.30 The Magic Of BelleIsle. (2012) 8.30 Aftersun. (2022, M) 10.25 La Jauria. (2022, M, Spanish) Midnight Late Programs. 6am MorningPrograms. 12.50pm Rugby League.KooriKnockout.Men’s Grand Final. Walgett Aboriginal Connections v Nanima Common Connection. Replay. 3.00 Long Story Short: Willie Nelson90. 6.20 News. 6.30 Wild West. 7.30 Great Lakes Wild. 8.30 Electric Lady Studios: AHendrix Vision. 10.10 DesertHikoi. 10.25 MOVIE: Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 12.05am Late Programs.
Thunderbirds. 10.30 My Favorite Martian. 11.00 Getaway Presents Antarctica Noon MOVIE: Hue And Cry. (1947) 1.40 MOVIE: Shalako. (1968,PG) 4.00 MOVIE: ComesAHorseman.(1978,PG) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: LiveAnd LetDie. (1973,PG) 11.00 Late Programs.
7TWO (72, 62) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.15 MOVIE: L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Fashion Show Movie. (2022) 7.30 Children’s Programs. 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL.Geelong United v AdelaideLightning. 2.30 Surfing Australia TV 3.00 MotorwayCops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. 4.00 MOVIE: UndercoverBlues. (1993,PG) 5.45 MOVIE: Home. (2015,PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Ocean’s Twelve. (2004,M) 10.00 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm StepOutside. 1.00 Hook,Line And Sinker 1.30 Al McGlashan’s Fish’n With Mates. 2.00 Cricket. Women’s OneDay
ABC TV (2)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat: Christmas Special. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Vera.(Mv,R) 2.30 Creative TypesWith Virginia Trioli. (Final, PG, R) 3.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 3.30 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.15 Grand Designs: TheStreets.(R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)
6am MorningPrograms. 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7.(PGa,R) 11.05 World’sGreatest Sporting Arenas. 12.05 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.25 Al JazeeraNewsHour 2.00 When IStutter.(PGal, R) 3.10 Plat Du Tour 3.15 The CookUp. (R) 3.45 Australian Fashion Past, Present, Future. (Premiere) 5.05 Jeopardy!(R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
SamiShah. (R)
8.30 TheKingdom: TheWorld’s MostPowerful Prince: Kingdom Come. (Final, Ma)The storyofCrown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 9.30 TheRise AndFall Of Boris Johnson. (PG, R) Boris finds himself in the political wilderness.
10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.10 ALife In TenPictures. (Mv,R) 12.00 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 12.50 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 1.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 The Secret LivesOfOur Urban Birds: Perth. (Final, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)
7.30 Pretty Woman: A Fair ytale In Holly wood. 8.30 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Hosted by JimmyCarr 9.25 NeverMind TheBuzzcocks. (M)Hosted by Greg Davies. 10.05 Madame Tussauds: TheFull Wax. (Mav, R) 11.05 SBSWorldNewsLate.
11.35 Dead Mountain: The DyatlovPass Incident. (Mahlv) 1.25 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 2.20 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 3.10 FantasticalFactory Of Curious Craft. (R) 4.05 HeritageRescue. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.
6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Cricket. Second Test. Australia v India. Day 4. Late afternoon session.
7.40 Test Cricket: TeaBreak Takesa look at the day of play so farinthe Second Test Match betweenAustralia andIndia.
8.00 Cricket. Second Test. Australia vIndia. Day 4. Eveningsession. From Adelaide Oval 10 30 MurderInASmall Town. (Mav)Cassandra’schildhoodfriend investigatesher husband’sdisappearance and crimescene at her home.
11.30 Armed And Dangerous: Stickups. (Mav,R)Authorities take on outlaw gangs.
12.45 Satisfac tion. (MA15+as, R) Neil and Grace mustconfront Anika’sfuture 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBCToday News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair.
7.30 RBT. (Mdl, R) Follows the activitiesofpolice units.
8.30 Australian Crime Stories:The Investigators: Murder Without Motive. (Mlv,R)Takes alook at the investigation into themurderof19-year-old Kim Meredith in central Albury.
9.40 AKiller MakesACall: Terr y. (Mav) Alook at the case of Mark Terry.
10.40 Chicago Med. (MA15+amv)
11.30 FirstOnScene. (Mad) 11.55 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.50 GolfBarons. (R) 1.20 Innovation Nation. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop.(R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by GrantDenyer. 6.30 TheProjec t. Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 Wheel Of Fortune Australia. Hosted by Graham Norton. 8.30 Matlock. (PGa)AsOlympia and Julian get asecondshotata case
Tuesday, December10 ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7,6)
(9,8) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 TeenageBoss: Next Level. (R) 10.30 Secret Science.(PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Headliners. (PG, R) 2.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Take 5 With ZanRowe. (PG, R) 3.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 3.30 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.15 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)
6am MorningPrograms. 11.10 The Bridges That Built London. (PGav,R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 ThePoint: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 2.05 Dishing It Up.(PG,R) 2.35 The Weekly Football Wrap (R) 3.05 TheCookUp. (R) 3.35 Australian Fashion Past, Present, Future. (PGn) 5.05 Jeopardy!(R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 GreatCoastal Railway Journeys: West RuntonToBurnham Market. HostedbyMichael Portillo 8.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre? Bear Gr ylls. Bear Grylls learns more about his family history including the missions of his grandfather during WorldWar II. 9.40 GreatestTrain Journeys From Above:Nor way’sBergenRailway (R) AlookatNorway’sBergen Railway 10.30 SBS World NewsLate. 11.00 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+asv) 12.55 Miniseries: Safe Home. (Mal, R) 2.50 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 3.40 Fantastical Factory Of Curious Craft. (PG, R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight.
6am Morning Programs. 12.00 MOVIE: CandyCane Candidate.(2021,PGa, R) 2.00 Test Cricket: Pre-Game Show 3.00 Cricket. Second Test.Austv India. Afternoon. (Alt
6.00 SevenNews.
7.00 Cricket. Second Test. Australia v India. Day 5. Late afternoon session.
7.40 Test Cricket: TeaBreak Takesa look at theday of play so farinthe Second Test Match between Australia andIndia
8.00 Cricket. Second Test. Australia vIndia.Day 5. Eveningsession. 10.30 Motor wayPatrol. (PG) Arelationshipgetswrangledonthe roadside. 11.00 HighwayCops. (PGl) Adriver meets police head-on. 11.30 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma, R) 12.30 Satisfaction. (MA15+as, R) 1.30 Your Money& Your Life. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrentAffair
7.30 Travel Guides. (PGln, R) Australiansgoonaholiday in Finland. 8.40 TheGrand Tour (Ml) The hostshead to thePortofRotterdam in Holland, where they debate the most affordable roadster 10.00 Re stoMyRideAustralia. (PG,R) Thecrewoverhauls a’39 Chrysler Royal. 11.00 Transplant. (MA15+m) ASyrian doctor goestoworkinCanada.
Prison (MA15+al, R)
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
(10, 5)
By KATRINA BRANDON
TRAVELLING from here, there and everywhere, people attended the Berryden Sheepdog Trials at Boolarra Reserve last month.
According to Sean O'Leary, the South Gippsland Working Dog Group vice president, about 90 dogs competedatthe trials, the furthest coming from New South Wales.
All the working dog competitors gave the course their bestshotsthrough hot and windyconditions Each dog had to bringa small group of sheep to its owner, go around him or her, thenupthe course, through two lots of panelled obstacles (a gap and arace), up aramp, and into apen within a15-minute timeframe. The dogsalsohad to keep the sheep (once bringing them to their handlers) at anine-metre distance from the obstacles or the handler.
People on the sidelineswere constantly on the edge of their seats, seeing who could make it and who got the sheep that just wanted to run.
“The sheep makeabig difference and theset-up. Theyhave set it up reallywell. Theyhave setit up nicely for the stock and dog. It is nice to have challenges, but Ithink it is achallenge in itself as asport rather than making it harder,” Welshpool handler Chris Davies said.
“It’s fantastictowatchthe dogsworkand for the public. Some people have no idea it goes on. I know when Istarted because Iwasn’t off afarm or anything. Ithoughtitwas just for farmers to do it.Good for people to socialise and have ahobby. It’s good for the dogs. Gives them something to do.”
Ms Davies entered four dogs in the competition, entering the Open and Improver classes on the first day of the trial. Novice and Encouragement classes were held on the Saturday, and finals the Sunday.
Ms Davies told the Express she had been go to the trials for 10 years.
“I do about seven or eight ayear," she said.
"I look after my mum now, so Ican’t attend many. She has come to afew. She is 86.
"We just get amotel now instead of just rou ing it. It’s nice,she enjoyedit. Shecame to Supreme, which was in September.That wa big one.
Over the years,MsDaviessaidshe used to tra four to five hours for atrial and that, while s wouldn’t always get the outcome she wanted she always enjoyed the day out. She also said thatduring her time, each dog taught her something different.
“They reckon by the time the dog leaves the handlerand goesdown, thesheep haveworked the dog out, whether it is soft or hard,whether they are going to be able to move it," Ms Davies explained.
“From puppies, when they are little, eight weeks and 12-weeks-old, they just have to do something, getaround. You just don’t know which one out of awhole litter In one litter you can have one as
a whole litter litter, hard as hell and not listen.”
expected how clever they could be or how much their instincts could just click into action.
Over the weekend, most people preferred border collies. Others were Australian kelpies, Koolies, and shepherds.
This is thesecond year the Berryden Working Sheepdog Trials have been held in Boolarra, with asimilar event in Korumburra.
Focused: Many
you results! i But don’t just take our word for it...
“
The Range Retirement Village are ong time clients of the Latrobe Valley Express and have always enjoyed a great relationship with Jenny and her teaminthe advertising department .
Theyalwaysgoout of their waytomakesure our company has the best advertising forour business, always lookingfor ways to improve our ads, so we achieve the best results.
We recommendthe LatrobeValleyExpress to anyone looking to promote and advertise their business.
LeighBrown
The Range Retirement Village l g
e
“
By PHILIP HOPKINS
WATER is akey part of the operation of the Loy Yang mine -and will still be a key part of the brown coal mine’s future.
The scheduled closure of the Loy Yang Apower station in 2035 is looming larger on the horizon, and the water issue needs to be sorted out.
AGL, the mine owner and operator,has applied for aBulk WaterEntitlement (BWE), which will determine how much water the companycan take from the Latrobe River system to rehabilitate the mine, with alakethe most favoured current option. Public comment on the proposal is open until Sunday, December 15.
The mine supplies brown coal to both Loy Yang Aand Bpower stations. Consisting of two separate companies, together the complex is the largest single power station in Australia.
Loy YangAGeneral Manager, Christo van Niekerk said it was obviously important for AGL to get final certainty around the final land formation and rehabilitation pathway for the mine.
“We have alwayshad the position thatthe final landformwillbea pit lake and that’s why the application is there -tobed that down and do our planning appropriately. It’s critical for us to understandthe final landform,” he told the Express in an interview. He indicated this would work in with the company’s progressive rehabilitation of the mine.
The BWE centres on the company having asecure allocation of water for the mine rehabilitation. AGL emphasises that the future amount of water use for rehabilitation will be the same amount of waterthat is currentlyusedfor power station operations.
The BWE is based on the Latrobe Vall ey Regio nal Reh ab ili ta ti on Strategy (LVRRS), formed as partof the Hazelwood mine fire inquiry. The inquiry made many recommendations on what take of water could be utilised best for mine-filling. It was not written specifically for Loy Yang,but also for the other declared mines, Hazelwood and Yallourn.
“Based on the study that the LVRRS has done, we have looked at surface water access conditions, particularly for mine rehabilitation planning. The study givescommunity stakeholders certainty about the timing of when it will happen. We will always make sure other water usersare not impacted; our application very much in line with the Latrobe Valley rehabilitation strategy,” Mr van Niekerk said.
“Any water is restricted to the wetter months; we are focussed on when water is available during those wet months.”
The specific conditions in AGL's application include taking the water would be restricted to the period from June to November. Athreshold will be in place to stop winter-springbaseflow being diverted into the Latrobe River. Alimit will be placed on annual releases from theBlueRockReservoir. Surface water would be available for rehabilitation for 30 years from theinitial supplydate (June 30 2035) or until 2065, assuming Loy Yang A's closure date of 2035. The Loy Yangmineisa stark presence in the Latrobe Valley landscape. From a vantage point, during atour of the mine by the Express,the various layers of the
mine are clearly visible. Sitting on the ground in parts of the mine is water.
This is rainwater but includes some artesian water pumped from hundreds of metres below the surface, helping to stabilise the mine. The water is pumped to reservoirswhereit’sused in thepower station.
“It’s also used for dust suppression and firesuppression, whichiscritical -particularly in summer. We manage it through the year; goes up and down due to rainy season and drier months,”
Mr van Niekerk said.
AGL estimates that thetotalwater volume required to fill the mine void is about1087gigalitres, with afilltime of 22 years. The surface water required is 630GL and ground water neededis 462GL. Evaporation over the period is
estimated at 90GL, withtop-up requirements to counter that 6GL ayear.
Work done by AGL indicates afull-pit lake is the best option; it is technically the best solution (it promotes stability as theweightofthe water stopsground movement) and would also create new habitatsfor wildlifeand areas for public use.
The mine, which is more thanfive kilometres long, has an area of 1200 hectares. Annual output is more than 30 million tonnes of coal and up to four million cubic metres of overburden.
Four dredgers, whichare 150 metres long,50metres high and weigh 5000 tonnes, operate in the mine. The coal extracted will be burnt within 24 hours in contrast to black coal in Queensland and NSW that can be stockpiled. Brown
coal, because of themoisturecontent, can't be stockpiled for long periods.
Loy Yang's 1200ha mining licence area is only afraction of the Latrobe's vast browncoal resource, which extends to Rosedale. Under AGL’s licence excavationlimit, Mr van Niekerksaidthe plan was to progress the mine towards the eastern bloc, to the south of the power station.
“Then we will mine back, pivot the mineby180 degrees and mine fromeast to west, back to the start of the mine,” he said.
AGLengineers estimate the current depth of the mineat180-190 metres below the surrounding natural surface area. Rehabilitation also includes experimentsinrehabilitating along
the western batters of the mine after excavation of the coal.
“We had some catch-up to do over the last10years. We have done significant work on the western batter, using grassesfor rehabilitation with Federation University. We see what worksbest. The intent has always been, as we mine towards the east, to do that,” Mr van Niekerk said.
By doing permutation trialswith different plantsand grasses, mixes of topsoil blends and claythicknesses,AGL aims to understand what will constitute resilient covering to close up and finish the rehabilitation.
Mr vanNiekerk saidJapan'sHESC project, which aims to use Loy Yang brown coal to produce hydrogen, would not affect the mine rehabilitation.
“Our intentions are very clear: rehab will be in line with what our bulkwater rehabilitation is. That effectivelystarts in 2025afterour targeted closure of the power station. It’s up to them to model and progress. We have always said we will support it, but we can’t speak on their behalf. It’s up to them,” he said.
Under HECS, carbon dioxide produced by using hydrogen from brown coal would be stored in empty aquifers under Bass Strait. HESC has proven the process in apilot plant and is now moving towards commercialisation by 2028.
Another rehabilitationheadacheis the ash produced by the power station. Mr van Niekerk said finding ause for the ash produced from brown coal mining was “definitely” on AGL’s agenda. Latrobe Magnesium is using ash from the Yallourn Power Station to produce magnesium.
“We have done studies in the past and are currently looking at options. We work with colleagues in the energy hubs team for alternative uses of ash. It would be beneficial for everybody if we can use it and don’t have to put it into landform. It’s something we are looking at for the future,” he said.
The currentoutages at Loy Yang highlights the power station’s economic importance for the Valley and its vital role as an energysupplier to Victoria The $94 million maintenanceand repair project on Loy Yang Unit 4and Dredger 15 involves up to 850 contract workers, boosting local businesses. The power station,which hasa capacityof2210 megawatts, employs 600 permanent workers.
“We are supplying last year just over 30 per cent of electricity consumption in Victoria and with Loy Yang Busing the same mine, we are supplying about 50 per cent -abig chunk- of state electricity we supply,” Mr van Niekerk said. Reminders pop up that coal excavation is also playing with history. Curiosities includeclumps of fossilised tree before it was transformed into coal. Sometimes the imprint of bark is visible. The coal fields are about 30 million years old.
Generosity: AGLhas applied fora Bulk WaterEntitlementfor LoyYang A, which will determine howmuch waterthe companycan take from the Latrobe River system to help rehabilitatethe mine
Photograph supplied
By PHILIP HOPKINS
NUCLEAR power generation in the Latrobe Valley is now essential because of the need for base load power in abalanced system as over-investment in renewables is destabilising electricity supply and increasing costs, according to aretiredMorwell scientist.
Dr Ron Camier, in asubmission to the House of Representatives inquiry into nuclearpower, said these increasing costs due to renewables were a primary driver for increasing unemploymentand the cost-of-living.
“The full cost of new renewables including storage, transmission and distributionisbeing underestimated,” he said.
Dr Camier, along-time Latrobe Valley resident andretiredchemical engineer, has abackground in brown coal researchand development, and has workedatthe CSIRODivision of Mineral Engineering, SECV HermanResearchLaboratory, Brown Coal Liquefaction Victoria and HRL Ltd. “I must acknowledge that global warming mustbeaddressed, and exponential growth in population, resource consumption, fossil fuel combustion, energyprices(and dare Isay extravagant lifestyles) are unsustainable,” he said.
middle of the day, ratherthan during the morning and evening peaks when most needed,” he said.
This was promoted by cross-subsidies ranging fromhome insulation,light bulbs, solar panels and tree-planting, to carbon taxesand minerehabilitation imposts. The resulting over-investment produced wild fluctuations in electricity markets, often driving midday demand to near zero.
“The resulting instability in wholesaleelectricity prices is atoxic environment for big, steadybaseload power generators. This shrinkingbaseload means thatcoal-fired powerstationsare being displaced (leavinga gap) ratherthan replaced by renewables,” he said.
“By no longer operating at near 100 percent capacity, Latrobe Valley power stations are damaged economically, affectingmaintenance budgets as well as profits. Worse still, is the physical damage from trying to cycle them up and down, with expansion and contraction stresses on their massive steel structures causing cracking and other failures.”
Dr Camier said more investment in renewables, with additionalbattery storage, was not the answer, despite reduced carbon dioxide output.
“This is because afundamental problem with all renewables, againnot well understood, is a basic law of nature known as the ‘second law of thermodynamics’,” he said.
“Essentially it means that collecting low intensity energy from the sun or wind (albeit apparently ‘free’) requires vast areas of collectors (solar panels or wind turbines) and concentration to produce useful (transmissible) high voltage electricity.
By PHILIP HOPKINS
ENVIRONMENTALISTS in Gippsland maintain thatnuclear energy is notaviable option for the regionbecauseit’stoo expensive, its lengthy design and construction time make it too slow to replace coal, and it uses too much water.
“Australia boasts abundant renewable energy resources,being the sunniest continentinthe world and among the windiest, making renewable energy abundant and affordable,” Gippsland Climate Change Network said in its submission to the House of Representativesinquiry into nuclear power.
The Latrobe Valley Sustainability Group said nuclear did not make economic sense.
“If it did, then private enterprise would be falling over itself to get involved. The fact that the taxpayer will need to finance them indicates the low possibility of them making an economic return,” the LVSG said in its submission.
The group said thetransition to renewable, zero emissions technologies was well advanced already, with 40 per cent of the national energy market (NEM) generation coming fromrenewables in 2023 and expectedtobemore than 80 per cent by 2030 with current policy settings.
“We see no need to change horses mid-stream as this will just duplicate the power generation system and hence doublethe costs for everyone,” it said.
explosion, the 1986 West Kingfish Platform fire and the 2014 Hazelwood Mine fire.
“Safety protocols… cannot entirely eliminate risk. Situating nuclear facilities near or within urbanareas would require an extraordinary levelofcommunityassurance and engagement,” the group said.
GCCN said nuclear water needs was acrucial issue.
“While proponents suggest reallocating water entitlements from coal-fired power plants as they close, this approach is problematic: even seven years post-closure, Hazelwoodpower station still draws on its 13GL entitlement for essential rehabilitation work on the mine void,” the group said.
Rehabilitation efforts to create lakes in the three main minepitswould requiremajor water allocations well into the century. This would directly compete with the needs of Gippsland’s agricultural sector and place additional strain on ecosystems that support biodiversity and attract tourism.
GCCN went further, arguing that anuclear stationwould damageGippslandagriculture’s ‘clean, green’image
Unfortunately,these solar and wind powertechnologies provide erratic outputs, mostly in themiddleofthe day, rather than during themorning and evening peakswhenmost needed.
DR CAMIER
However, “it is possible to find abalance without ideological polarisation”, he said.
In aseries of recommendations, Dr Camier emphasised the need for nuclear power:
Filling in electricity supply gaps with premium-value natural gas (used in lowefficiency gas turbines) and hydro come from limited resources and are expensive;
Base load power generation from new nuclear and HELE (high efficiency low emissions) coal plant is necessary for base load supply. Adequate safety and waste disposal technologies are available for both;
The Latrobe Valley has suitable industrial services, workforce and infrastructure for nuclear power, and;
The midday surges of solar feed/demand drop are damaging to all other forms of power generation. They must be curtailed concurrently to permit investment in nuclear power.
Dr Camier said well-intentioned ‘renewable’ electricity generation promisedtosavethe climate.
“Unfortunately, thesesolarand wind power technologies provide erraticoutputs,mostlyinthe
“No matterhow cheaplythesecomponents might be manufactured,the laws of nature cannot be changed, so this form of energyproduction will always be inherently expensive.
“To thismustbeaddedthe costsofexpanded tra nsmi ssion network sa nd envi ronme ntal impacts of massively increased rare earth mining and refining necessary to support such expansion.”
Dr Camier said by dropping all subsidies and taxes, the basic cost of ‘deliverable’ electricity fromrenewables wasabout five times that of baseload electricity (despite some claims that it is now cheaper).
The default solution was now gas turbine generation, which is quick to turn on and off, “being like jet engines”.
“However,they are thermally inefficient (about 80 per cent of their energy is lost in flue gases), still produce some carbon dioxide, and consume arelatively scarce and increasingly expensive premium fuel,” he said.
“Conventional wisdom and government policy previously used brown coal for electricity while conserving oil and gas for premium purposes like transport and home heating.The 1990s privatisation destroyed that.
“There is aplace for renewables (with batteries) especially in more remote locations, but there is now too much ‘before the meter’ rooftop solar to achieve system stability,” he said.
“Pumpedhydro (Snowy 2.0), enlarged BassLink and moretransmissioninterconnections across time zones are probablyanexpensive way of ‘softening’ the problem.
“Perhaps over the next 10-15 years many cheap, rooftop systems will be reaching the end of their lives and without ongoing subsidies will not be replaced (but their disposal withtoxic heavy metals may become another ‘headache’),” Dr Camier said.
“None of this is an adequate solution, because the real problem is lack of baseload generation.”
LVSG said nuclear electricity did not integrate well with renewable energy.
“Nuclearpower is baseload, meaning that it needs to run as close to full generation capacity for nearly 100 per cent of the time,” the group said.Thus,nuclear couldnot dealwith the fluctuations in supply from variable generation sources.
LVSG’s other arguments included:
Nuclear will not provide cheaper electricity, meaning industry, farms and businesses would not be competitive with Australia’s trading partners. Exporters will be particularly hit;
The prospect of agovernment-owned and operated nuclear station will scare off investors in large-scale wind and solar farms;
Overseas case studies show nuclear plants take 19 years to produce power from proposal to construction and operation;
Nuclear power stations require 20-25 per cent more cooling water than coal-fired stations, acritical issue given the stressed Latrobe River catchment;
None of the present operators intend to have anything to do with nuclear at their privately-owned sites. Compulsory acquisition will add to costs;
Decentralised electricity grids, such as a renewable energy grid have more advantages than acentralised grid due to system security, wealth distribution and national security, and;
Short and long-term disposal of nuclear waste.
Gippsland Climate Change Network (GCCN) said the Gippsland community needed to know that nuclear was safe. While nuclear operates successfully with advanced design, nuclear accidents canhave catastrophic consequences -Three Mile Island (USA 1979), Chernobyl (Ukraine 1986) and Fukushima (Japan 2011).
In Gippsland, there was inherent risks in energy production -the 1998 Esso Longford
“According to aJuly 2024 statement from Australia’s Agriculture Ministers, international standards classify farms within an 80-kilometre radius of anuclear site as an ‘ingestion exposure pathway’,” the group said.
In the US, the group says agricultural operations in these zones must take specific preventive measures in the event of anuclear incident
“These measuresinclude providing livestock with uncontaminated feed and water, halting shipments, and decontaminating produce to prevent radiation from entering the food chain,” it said.
“The risk of contamination threatens not only the safety and quality of our agricultural products but also Gippsland’s ‘clean, green’ reputation. Farmers need clear assurances abouthow nuclear facilities would affect soil and water quality and what safeguards will be implemented to protect their livelihoods.”
GCCNsaidhigh-level nuclear radioactive wasteremained hazardous for thousands of years.
“Countries with established nuclear industries often rely on interim storage solutions while they worktodevelop long-term disposal methods, such as deep geological repositories. However, these solutions come with ongoing concerns about security, potential environmental impact, and the risks of accidental leaks,” the group said.
“In Australia, we currentlylack theinfrastructure and technical workforce for both short and long-term high-level nuclear waste storage, meaning waste generated in Gippsland would probably need to be transported out of the region to aspecialised facility that has yet to be constructed.
“This transportation posesadditionalrisks, requiring lead-lined trucks and specialised containment methods to ensure radiation is contained. The impact of these heavy transports on local roads and infrastructure, along with the need for careful route planning to minimise the riskofaccidents, demandscareful consideration.”
THE stategovernment is makingrentalproperties safer by requiring smoke alarm, gas and electrical safety checks for all residential rental properties.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, GabrielleWilliams joinedthe Scarff family in Ballarattoannounce new reforms requiring rental providers to conduct smoke alarm checksevery12months, andgas and electrical safety checks every two years, for all rentals -nomatter when the lease started.
In 2022, 52-year-old Simon Scarff tragically lost his life when trying to escapefire in his rented apartment.
The Coroner’s report was unable to confirm the presence of asmoke alarm in the property.
Simon’s familyhavebravely advocated for smoke alarmchecks for all Victorian rentals to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy.
In the report into Mr Scarff’s death, the Coroner recommended the 2021 reforms for smoke alarm safety checks should be extended to all rental
properties regardless of when the residentsfirst signed theirlease.
Thereforms will also ensure that the residential rental provider or the provider's agentmust immediatelyarrange for urgent repairs to be carriedout on faulty smoke alarms.
The reforms also extend the requirements for rental providers to ensure gas and electrical safety checks are conducted every two years -byqualified tradespersons -toall residential rental properties regardless of the rental agreement start date.
This reform builds on the stategovernment's 2021 rental reforms, which introduced new requirements for residential rental providers to check that a rental propertyhas aworking and tested smoke alarm every 12 months.
This reform applied to rental agreements commencing on or after March 29, 2021. To le arn more abou
standards and safety checks, visit: consumer.vic.gov.au/renting
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Notice to ADVERTISERS and RESPONDENTS Voicemailintroductions advertisements and voice messages may only be submitted by persons 18 years and older. When making contact with people for the first time, it is advisable to meet in apublic place and let amember of your family or atrusted friend know where you will be.
We would advise readers and advertisers to exercise caution in giving out personal details. This will be respected by genuine respondents.
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at the below mentioned address with the addition of new 5G equipment: Off Denison Road, Rosedale VIC 3847 (1\TP606948) (RFNSA: 3847001)
The proposed 5G upgrade will consists of:
● Replacement of three (3) existing panel antennas with three (3) new panel
(each not more than 2.8m in length)● Replacement of twelve (12) existing Remote Radio Units (RRUs) with five (5) new RRUs; ● Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment, including aGPS antenna,mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and ● Internal works within existing equipment shelter.
Optus regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 ("The Determination"), the based on the description above. The proposed infrastructure will comply with ACMA EME/regulatory arrangements. The proposed infrastructure will comply with ACMA EME regulatory arrangements.
In accordance with Section 7of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code 2020, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Furtherinformation and/or comments should be directed to: Vanessa Wan at Service Stream Limited, 0447 240 015, Optus.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Zenith Tower B, Level 3, 821 Pacific Hwy, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm,Thursday 19th December 2024.
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Situations Vacant •
PLEASE NOTE:
2. Clause3(b) –mustnot exceed 5knots within 50 metres of afixed or floating structure Marine SafetyRegulations 2023
3. Regulation66(3) –personsonvessels must wear alifejacketoftypespecified at all times when underway on inlandwaters
4. Regulation 69 –apersonbeingtowed must wear alifejacket
5. Regulation 70 –master of vessel must ensureoccupants wear alifejacket and must not allow the vessel to be operated unless persons onboard when underway or beingtowedwearalifejacket
Subject to theconditions detailed below:
Mastersofrescuevesselsare onlyexempt from items 1&2whenundertaking arescue operation to retrieve persons in distress, provide for their initial medical or other needs anddeliver them to aplaceofsafety on shore, and must adhere to speed and distance rules at allother times. ‘Trick’ skiers being towed areonly exempt from items 3&4provided they wear abright coloured top. Masters of towing vessels areonly exempt from items 1&2for the duration of the events and item 5whentowing waterskiers who areparticipating in trick events, and whenretrieving waterskiers whoare participatingintrick eventsand exempt from wearinga lifejacket. All persons on vessels and skiers associated with theevent must weara lifejacket (unlessexempt from item 3or4inaccordance with these conditions), and vessels musthave all prescribed safety equipment,including rescue vessels.
Should vessels or persons not involved in the event enter the exclusion zone, the event must be stopped until the unauthorisedvessel or personhas moved outside of the zone.
The exemptionsapply for the dates,times and events specifiedinTable 1below to persons and vessels involved in the Latrobe Valley Water Ski Club Events withinthe exclusionzone waters –Lake Narracan,HallsBay Area C. The exemptions applyprovided the stated safety controls and undertakings detailedinthe application form and associated documentation areadhered to Table 1: Latrobe Valley Water SkiClubEvents
Latrobe CityCouncil Dated:
Much hardship and difficulty is caused to job seekers by misleading advertising placed in the employment columns.
Our Situations Vacant columns are reserved for advertisements which carry aspecific and genuine offer of employment. Ads for `Business Opportunities' and `Training Courses' and `Employment Services' should be submitted under those headings.
Placing misleading ads is an offence against the Trades Practices Act and state/territory fair trading acts and all advertisements are subject to the publisher's approval. For further advice, contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 or your state consumer affairs agency.
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FRENCH (McClusky), May Mary. Passed away peacefully at O'Mara House Traralgon, Tuesday 26 November 2024.
Aged 87 years
Loved and loving wife of Vic (dec.).
Loving mother of Helen and David, Ian and Vicki, Stuart (dec.) and Fiona and Ray.
Cherished Nana of Kylie, Katrina and Luke. Nana May to Jackson, Claire and William and Arlie. Reunited with Dad and Stuart. At Peace Aprivate burial has been held.
GEURTS, Antony (Tom). Aged 92 years. Late of Holland Park, formerly of Cairns and Ormeau Hills, QLD and Westbury, VIC. Passed away peacefully at home on 24/11/2024.
HOOD, Jim. The NGFNL Board of Directors and its member clubs, wish to express their sincere condolences on the passing of past President of the NGFNL, Jim Hood. Jim was NGFNL President from 1973-1975 and hailed from the Gormandale Football Netball Club. Our thoughts are with his family and close friends.
MANNUZZA (Pizzo), Vita. Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Hospital Traral gon, 27/1 1/2 024 surrounded by her loving family. Aged 86 years
Dearly loved wife of Vince.
Much loved mother and mother-in-law of John and Michelle, Paul (dec.) and Debbie, Angelo, Frank, Enzo and Kate. Adored Nonna to Renee, Nick, Vincent, Naomi, Tayla, Layla and Bisnonna to Rowe.
McGREGOR (Bruce), Sandra. 11/11/1946 -25/11/2024
Loving wife of Charlie (dec.), loved mother and mother-in-law of Cameron and Kim, Ross and Rachel, Alex and Lily. Adored granny of Abby, Courtney, Stephanie, Benjamin and Cooper. Now resting peacefully
RALLS, Allan Edward. It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Allan Edward Ralls. Born 17th February 1941. Passed away peacefully on Tuesday 26th November with his loving wife and sons by his side. Aged 83 years Loving husband of 62 years to Annette. Beloved father of Michael, Brendan, Peter and Annette Leanne (dec.). Cherished father-in-law to Lyn, Debra and Jody. Adored pop to Jake, Macey, Taylor, Dylan, Jordyn and Zach. Treasured Big Pop to Ayla, Jensen, Campbell, Bobby, Chloe and Cohen. He's gone bowling in Heaven where the greens will always be up to his standard
SEEBER, George Edward. Born April 21937. Passed away peacefully 26 November 2024.
Aged 87 years
Loved and loving husband of Bev.
Dearly loved and admired father of Brad and Mark. Respected father-in-law of Amalie and Kate.
Adored pop to Lachie, Grace, Zach and Henry. "We will miss all your funny stories and songs pop xxx"
You were someone very special, good and true. You will never be forgotten, we thought the world of you. "Go Bombers"
GEURTS. AFuneral Service for Tom will be held in the West Chapel of Mt Thompson Memorial Gardens, 329 Nursery Road, Holland Park, FRIDAY (6 December 2024) at 12pm. Tony Hollands Funerals 100% Qld Family Owned (07) 3392 9919
HOOD. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mr James (Jim) Francis Hood will be held at St James Anglican Church, 100 Grey Street Traralgon on FRIDAY (6 December 2024) commencing at 11am. All Masonic Brethren are respectfully invited to attend.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
SALVATORE Nicola. SALVATORE Ida. Mum and Dad,
Through love, you are remembered, and in our hearts, you will live on. God bless you both From your children, Silvio, Rosanna, Tony and our families.
HAAGSMA, Christopher. Chri sp ass ed away suddenly on 22 November 2024. Loved father and fatherin-law of Trevor and Taylor. Beloved grandfather of our beautiful Matilda. Forever missed, united with his mother, father and brother. The memories will never be forgotten RIP Dad, I'll always love you.
HAAGSMA, Christopher. 2/11/63 -22/11/24 My love, My life, My forever, My happy place.
in peace my amazing man Til we get to kiss and hug forever Your loving partner and best friend, Nola (NG).
Loved also by Nola (adopted mum). Friends to Matthew, Corrine, Harlow and Zeeke, Mark and Xiuxian and extended families.
MEERS (Paterson), Christina Agnes (Tina). Passed away peacefully at Nellie Melba Retirement Village Wheelers Hill 28 November 2024. Aged 88 years Dearly loved wife of Kevin (dec.). Loved sister of George and much-loved Aunty to Ian, Graeme and Debra and Nan to Jordan and Luke. Private family Burial.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
PAULET, Alan Richard. 31/12/1951 -29/11/2024.
Alan's hat and boots are now at the back door and he has knocked off for the last time. He went peacefully at home, 'Millring' with his family by his side.
Loving husband to Judy.
Beloved son of Norm and Gwen Paulet (both dec.).
Admired brother to Neil, Linda, Marion and Heather, and brother-in-law to Janice, Peter (dec.) and Mark.
Acherished dad and father-in-law to Tim and Belinda, Rowan and Renee, Jane and Luke.
Adored Poppy to Abby and Ruby, Jed, Ella and Zoe, Georgie, Indi and Patrick.
Sincere thanks for the loving care he received at Dalkeith Gardens. Private Cremation.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON
TRARALGON 5174 2258
Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
SEEBER, George. Loved brother-in-law and uncle of Julie, Ross and family. Treasured memories of aspecial gentleman Rest in Peace, George
When youare lost for words
MANNUZZA. The Funeral Service for Mrs Vita Mannuzza will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy Traralgon, FRIDAY (6 December 2024) commencing at 1.30pm. The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of the Service for the Gippsland Memorial Park Cemetery Traralgon. Vita's Service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream, please visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
McGREGOR (Bruce), Sandra. Service is on 4/12/24 at 11am, 1774-1794 Mount Cotton Rd., Carbrook, QLD 4130. Livestream White Lady Funerals Brisbane.
RALLS. AService to celebrate Allan's life will take place at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437A Princes Drive, Morwell on THURSDAY (5 November 2024) commencing at 11am.
Request for Tenders
Stockdale Road Primary School
Submissions are invited in accordance with the tender documents for the: School Cleaning Contractor For information/contact: Catherine Browning (Business Manager) on (03) 5174 1607
email: catherine.browning@education.vic.gov.au
CLOSING 5:00PM THURSDAY 19th DECEMBER 2024
Interested parties can contact the school for a complete package of documents.
HOOD, James Francis (Jim). Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family 26 November 2024. Aged 83 Years Loved and loving husband of Robena (dec.). Much loved father and father-in-law of Roslyn (dec.) and Frank, Tim and Nicole. Reunited with his beloved Robena. Forever in our Hearts
HOOD, James Francis. The members of the Traralgon Lodge No. 925 and Freemasonary in general, sadly report the passing of their esteemed brother Wor. Bro. James (Jim) Hood P.G.J.D. to the Grand Lodge Above. Adedicated Freemason for over 62 years So Mote it Be
As the sun sets on his time with us, we find comfort in knowing his legacy lives on in the land he cherished and the lives he touched
PAULET, Alan Richard. Very much loved and respected brother-in-law and uncle of Anne and Angelo De Bono and family. Sandra and Jim Lindsay and family. Always in our hearts
Apersonal message in the Latrobe Valley Express can say so much Forfriendly adviceonhow to place your message contact The Classified Department 5135 4455
HAAGSMA. The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Christopher Haagsma will take place in the Rose Chapela tGippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Dve, Traralgon on Monday (9 Dec ember 20 24) commencing at 2pm. At the conclusion of the service the cortège will proceed to the Hazelwood Cemetery.
We invite family, friends and fellow bowlers to attend and share in celebrating his memory. Family have asked bowlers to wear club colours and proudly form aguard of honour for Allan at the end of the Service. This Service will be livestreamed. Please visit our web site for details: www.latrobevalley funerals.com.au
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
PAULET. AService to celebrate the Life of Mr Alan Richard Paulet will be held at the Sale Baptist Church, 283 Princes Highway Sale on FRIDAY (6 December 2024) commencing at 11am. Alan's Service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream please visit our website. In lieu of flowers, please plant atreeinAlan's honour or donate
HARRIERS
BY MOLLYIRVINE
ON the last Thursday night run of November 2024(November28),62participants completed the mildlyhumid six-kilometre'ChookHill' run around Morwell.
Traralgon Harriers welcomed new runner Kevin Ng, who completed the course in atimeof29:36. With the run both starting and finishing just off the top of the Morwell-Maryvale Road hill, the course took runners up and down the rolling hills of the plantation area.
The first threerunners across the line wereagain the ever-so-speedy Pete Cutler (21:51), who was followed closely by Sav Mavrofridis in 22:26, and then Daniel Furmston less than 30 seconds behind. For the females, the fastestthree times were Courtney Ellis (24:39), followed by Molly Irvine in 28:51. Third-placed female went to newly-joined member Rickie Glover in 31:15. Tomorrow's run (Thursday, December 5) is the Cochrane’sRoad5.5kmcourse whichstartsjust off Cochranes Road, Traralgon. Check-in time is from 5.30pm.
With summerofficially off to astart,now is agreat time to become aTraralgon Harriers member in a safe, supportive and inclusive club. Additionally, your first two runs are free.
For more information, visit:traralgonharriers. org.au
6km runresults:
PeterCutler21:51, SavMavrofridis 22:26, Daniel Furmston 22:53,Ian Cornthwaite23:44, Miles Verschuur24:05, Dempsey Podmore 24:24, Courtney Ellis 24:39, Greg Semmler 24:46,Andrew Greenhill 24:58, MelveyPodmore25:04, MatthewDeppeler 25:57,Clinton Jolly26:35,SethBomers28:05, Molly Irvine28:51, PeterSanders28:56,OwenNotting 29:01, JasonOdlum29:03, Dave Mann 29:04, Geoffrey Francis 29:07,Adrian Sutcliffe 29:22, ChrisVan Unen 29:33,Kevin Ng 29:36,Ron Verschuur 29:56, GaryFox 30:06, David Barr30:57,AndrewBroberg31:14, Rickie Glover31:15,RebeccaAnderson 31:24,Chelsea Fox 31:32, Belkey Podmore32:43, Giuseppe Marino 32:56, Toby Grzmil33:12,Jim Cutler33:35, ReeGraham 34:01, Liz Kenney 34:49, KatKent 35:06,Megan Scott 36:08,PhillipMayer 37:40, Collette Hofmann 37:44, BjornLuxmann38:53, TaniaWhitehead 40:47, Catherine Leonard40:56,Danelle Wright 44:53,
Great guns: Traralgon Harriersmembers Cour tneyEllisand Stephen Renehanare going from strength to strength as they continue to dominateboth local, stateand international races
Timothy Graham 46:10, Callie Cook 46:39,Michelle Colwell48:14,LukeWitham 50:12,Lynda Jones 50:59, Ann Bomers51:19, Barry Higgins 53:01,Kristina Creighton 54:55, Ruth Duljas55:30, PeterGrixti 57:00, Robert Embleton 58:56, BobDuljas58:58, DesDalton 59:16, NickySemmler 1:03:50, NickHodson1:05:58, KyleeEarl1:05:58, LillySanders 1:10:14, Amelie Dalton 1:10:14, David Hood NTR
TABLE TENNIS
By KATRINA BRANDON
THROUGH heat, thunder, lightning, and power outages, Traralgon Table Tennis Association players travelled to Bairnsdale on Saturday, November 16 to Sunday, November 17 forthe Annual Open Yeates Table Tennis Tournament.
The open is an individual tournament where players get to play as themselves, rather than with their club. Around 20 Traralgon players attended the tournament across the two days.
Despite aleaking roof, rough floors, and tough players, many Traralgon players pulled through, fighting for the fifth set and the win.
Traralgon's Quyen Cottrell fought hard in the openwomen's butcame runner-up 1-3 against Bairnsdale's Hayley Blythman. Cottrell swiftly moved through the women’s stakes, keen to take home the trophy. Unfortunately, Blythman’s determination trumped Cottrell and headed for awin to Bairnsdale.
The men’s took suit, with Bairnsdale’s taking out runners-up and the top spot.
Doubles saw mixed results for Traralgon, with
Maya and Peter Gomez coming runners-up in the
mixed doubles, Maya and Quyen Cottrell winning in women’s doubles, and Mick and Steve Warr coming runners-up in the men’s.
The doubles gamesdrewintenseattention from viewers on thesidelines as most of the doubles followed a'five-setter' or ran intothe fifth set due to strength of both sides.
There was light and then darkness.
Unfortunately for Sharon Collins and Katrina Brandon,the women’s doubles faced the strugglesofthe storm,takingtwo setsand losingto Bairnsdale in five sets. This was one of many
games wherethe power outage occurredon Sunday afternoon.
Once again, with Traralgon on top,Maya Gomez took out the juniors/novice open against Traralgon’s junior Patrick Wu, who also played in Cand Dsingles.Wutook out the Dsingles, which are open to all E, Dand CGrade players.
The tournament started at 10am and thrived until late Sunday at around 7.30pm.
Table tenn is clu bs, including Bair nsdal e, Traralgon, Wonthaggi, and some Leongatha players, were involved over the weekend.
By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
FORMER Moe player and Western Bulldogs forward Billy Gowers is staking his claim to be the next AFL player to start acareer as aUS college punter.
Last season's VFL leading goal kicker has recently quit his post at Port Melbourne and is currently training with ProKick Australia three times aweek.
Founded by former Brisbane andHawthorn player Nathan Chapman, ProKick has sent many Australian Rules players over to the States and into fulltimecollege scholarships, such as former St Kilda player and eventual Philadelphia Eagles punter Arryn Siposs (who also signed for Wonthaggi in 2018 but never played agame as his punting career took over).
Gowers played for the Bulldogs from 2018 to 2020 before heading to VFL club Southport and then aseason with Moe in the GippslandLeague. The son of Hawthorn President, Andrew Gowers had an initial try out at Prokick as soonashis VFL season with Port Melbourneconcluded on the volitionofhis father.
"I'd always wondered if I'd be any good at it," Gowers told the Herald Sun
"But the first time Itouched an NFL ball was the week leading into thelast game of the (VFL) season. "My old man actually called me and posed the question whether I'd consider it, and to startwith Ithought 'noway, Ilove playing footy, life's pretty good in Melbourne'.
Ambition: Former Moe playerBillyGowersis
ProKickAustralia
"But it's something different... and Ithought it was worth trying."
ProKickcoach Mackenzie Morgan spoke about the progression Gowers was making to turn himself into agood punter.
"He's been more than impressive," she said.
"He can kick it andhe's got power and a good headonhis shoulders when it comesto performing.
"Now the hard part begins, where you've got to refine the techniqueand put your best foot forward to try to go (to) college." Gowers played14gamesfor Moe in season 2023, kicking 41 goals.
Current Yallourn Yallourn North footballerTom Hutton was the last local connection to go from Australian Rules to ProKick to the states, playing for Oklahoma State University from 2019 to 2022
By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
DISCUSSION around local footy never stops. As the season are now behindus, attention now turns to next year. The Express will be providing weekly updates on such movements.
Keep up to date with all the movements from the Gippsland League, Mid Gippsland FNL and North Gippsland FNL.
LEAGUE
DROUIN RECOMMITTED: Ben Brasier, Caleb Quirk. COWWARR IN: Jai Foulkes (Gormandale). OUT: River O'Brien (Mackay).
FNL
WOODSIDE
RECOMMITTED: Ben Johnson (coach). YARRAM
RECOMMITTED:
BOWLS
STRZELECKI NORTH
BY MICHAEL HOLROYD
BOWLERS awokeonSaturday morning to a weather map showing almost constant rain throughoutthe area with littleprospect of improvement.
The majority of Strzelecki North matches were called off as the site managers agreed not to play, apart from two matches in Division 4. At Neerim District (2), Churchill made the long trip in constant rain to find the green ready to play and achieved a14shot victory with three rinks up and one drawn.
Craig Flanigan andhis rink of Merv Gill, Sandy Milne and Kristian Hunterwon 22 to 14 over Neville Cousins.David Patience defeated Roger Till 23-19, Graeme Drury defeated Trevor Kuhnell22-20 and Herb Kennedy drew with Ray Watts 19-all.
Longwarry (2) had agood win at home against Yallourn North, winning by only six shots. John McCarthy and his rink of Lloyd Maisey, Pauline Dixon and Simon Counsel defeated Darren Fry 24-14. Gerard Mitchell defeated Ricky Hearn 18-15 and for Yallourn North, Craig Speake defeated Dale
Hendrik 22-17 and RodDixon defeatedGraham Woolstencroft 21-19.
On Sunday, theStrzelecki North playingarea had anarrowwin in the North versus South match at Mirboo North.
The third round was won by the North to give them aone-shot victory after each side won one of the earlier games.
MIDWEEK pennant continued on Tuesday, November 26, with some greens affected by recent rain.
In Division 1, Morwell Club upset Newborough with a10-shot victory. Neil Whitelaw and his rink of Gail Rejmer, Sue Karleusa and Roger Rejmer won 25-18.
Trafalgar hada 12-shot win at home against Warragul, with Matt Schreyer and his rink of Col Carmichael, Heather Taylor and TedKuklinsky winning 30-14.
Moe had a14-shot win over Traralgon RSL with Jim Lawrence and his rink of Fred Martin, Val Griffiths and Lorraine Horton winning 24-13.
Traralgon had an eight-shot win over Drouin, with JamesScullin andhis rink of Clint Jones,Rosie Lorenz and Kathy Smiles winning 26-13.
In Division 2, Newborough (2)had a12-shot win over Neerim District, with Julie Jackson and
assists andtwo steals as United jumped three gamesclear of second after 10 rounds.
her rink of Glenys Perkins, Carmel Goss and Jeff Wetzel winning 23-17.
Yinnar, with only the rink of Jenny Jones along with Francis Cassar, Peter Rennie and Julie Klein winning 24-11, defeated Trafalgar (2) by six shots.
Drouin (2) had asix shot win over Traralgon (2), with Rudy Kerkvliet and his rink of Lyn Jeffrey, Andrew Blaby and Irene Dawson winning 29-14.
Morwell Club (2) had abig 23 shot win at home against Morwell,with Betty Burridge and her rink of Annie Maruzza, Joyce Hughes and Geoff Unwin winning 26-7.
In Division 3, Traralgon(3) defeated Churchill by 11 shots, Drouin (3) defeated Newborough (3) by six shots and Yarragon defeated Morwell (2) by two shots.
In Division 4, Longwarry defeated Warragul (2) by 31 shots, Traralgon RSL (2) defeated Garfield by 49 shots and Morwell (3) defeated Moe (2) by nine shots.
In Division 5, Yallourn North defeated Newborough (4), Drouin (4) defeated Trafalgar (3) and Yinnar (2) defeated Traralgon (4).
In Division 6, Traralgon (5) defeated Neerim District (2), Warragul (3)defeated Morwell (4) and Traralgon RSL (3) defeated Churchill (2).
TWO players wereundefeatedinlastweek's Latrobe Valley Chess action, thus acontest between Peter Bakker and Ian Hamilton is required this week to finalise the leader of the round.
Jack Holme also has the opportunity to win this round following his hard fought draw plus two wins.
In awinning position, Steve Ahern accepted the draw against Cliff Thornton because there was aneed for an early finish. By using the correct defence, Samantha Juers defeated Ray Mabilia and the tables were turned in their rematch.
Reece Seneth studied opening strategy and received the associated rewards.
The club credits Matt Boldingfor the club development work during the year.
Further information on local chessis available from Ciff Thornton on 0413 330 458, or Ian Hamilton (0400 221 649).
FOLLOWING the hypefrom the 2024 Paralympic Games, the state government is giving Victorians with adisability more opportunities in sport.
TRARALGON'S Jack White and Melbourne United continued on their reign over the rest of the NBL, defeating the Sydney Kings on Sunday 101 to 98.
White returned from acalf injury that kept him out of United's matchup againstBrisbane Bullets in the previous round, but NBL play halted otherwise for two weeks, meaning White was back at full health.
White was again instrumental in crunch time withabig three-pointer that separated the two sides withjustoveraminute to play at John Cain Arena.
He finished with13points, 12 rebounds, two
ATHLETICS
GIPPSLAND
Round 8ofGippsland Athletics Club trackand field season washeld Tuesday 26th of November 2024.
RESULTS:
200M
Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 31.03, Melian Archer 31.34; U/16–Zaria Dalton 27.14; U/18- Janella Archer 30.00
Men: Open –JackDoderico 23.53, Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 24.92, Cameron Hughes 27.32; Masters–StuartDalton 35.15, Ian Twite42.40
HAMMER
Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 21.02; U/16 –Zaria Dalton 19.58; Open –Brandy Forget 19.85; Masters–Fiona Saltmarsh 16.85
Men: Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 25.48, Cameron Hughes 18.09; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 41.23, Wayne Seear 22.89, StuartDalton 21.62
1500M
Women: U/14–Xanthe Dalton 7:01.53 Men: Open –JackDoderico 4:45.91; Masters–Ian Twite6:51.85 HIGH JUMP
Women: U/18–Michaella 1.50, Janella Archer 1.35
Men: U/14– TajMakepeace 1.30; Open –Cameron Hughes 1.50; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 1.25
DISCUS
Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 24.43, Xanthe Dalton 16.02, Melian Archer 14.95; U/16–Zaria Dalton 16.69; U/18-Janella Archer 24.21; Open –Brandy Forget 25.40
Men: Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 28.00, Jack Doderico 24.37,Cameron Hughes 21.21; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 34.42, Wayne Seear 25.56, StuartDalton 25.16, Ian Twite19.90
100M
Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 14.65, Melian Archer 14.75, Xanthe Dalton 14.98; U/16–Zaria Dalton 12.87; U/18-Janella Archer 14.28; Open –Brandy Forget 20.82; Masters–Fiona Saltmarsh24.68
Men: U/14– TajMakepeace 14.47; Open
MelbourneUnited next play tomorrow (December 5) in New Zealandagainst the Breakers, then again on Sunday(December 8) against Brisbane Bullets at home.
BOTH Latrobe Valley WNBL exports suffered brutal losses last week.
Geelong United and Moe's Jaz Shelley went down 90 to 55 at Quaycentre (Sydney Olympic Park).
Shelley finished withsix points,arebound and an assist.
Traralgon's Jade Melbourne didn't fair much better, with her UC Capitals losing 98-78 at RedEnergy Arena.
Melbourne only scored five points but grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out eight assists.
–JackDoderico 11.63, AaronSaltmarshMilne 12.28, Cameron Hughes 15.12; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 15.55, Stuart Dalton 15.75, Wayne Seear 17.91
Gippsland Athletics Round9 will be held on Tuesday3rd December,6pm at the Joe Carmody Track, Newborough
Events: 800m, Hammer,Triple Jump, 2000mRun/Walk, Shotput, 100m GOLF
CHURCHILL &MONASH
StrokeRound 1ClubChampionship Saturday16th November 2024.
AGrade: A. Jenkins 68 Nett
BGrade: C. Gilfillan66Nett
CGrade: C. SterrickNett68
Scratch Winner:R.Madigan 79
D.T.L: 1. R. Madigan 68 c/b,2.B.Kilday
68, 3. A. Sharrock69, 4. K. Barnes 72 c/b, 5. S. Turner 72, 6. C. Thompson 73 c/b,7 G. Sanders73, 8. M. Brereton 74 c/b,9.P Jordon 74
N.T.P: 3rd(ProPin)M.Ryan, 5th M. Ryan, 12th D. Byers, 14th P. Flanigan
Target Hole: D. Burridge
Birdie: 12th D. Byers
StrokeRound 2ClubChampionship and Star Medal Tuesday19th November 2024.
DayWinner: J. Sands 65 Nett
BGrade: C. Sterrick73Nett
ScratchWinner: J. Sands 84
Star Medal Winner: C. Stevens 75 Nett
D.T.L: 1. C. Stevens 75 Nettc/b,2.C.Carder
76 Nett c/b
N.T.P: 3rdM.Dear,5th M. Ryan, 12th L. Van
Rooy,14th M. Dear Birdie: 12th M. Ryan
StrokeRound 2ClubChampionship Saturday23rdNovember 2024.
AGrade: D. Byers66Nett
BGrade: S. Caldwell 73 Nett
CGrade: M. Hutchison 70 Nettc/b
ScratchWinner: D. byers 82
D.T.L: 1. C. Waring 70 c/b,2.T.Collins 70
c/b, 3. C. Sterrick70, 4. Ash West 71 c/b 5. B. Cluderay 71, 6. Adam West 72, 7. J.
Banfield 73 c/b,8.D.Burridge 73 c/b
N.T.P: 3rdD.Burridge,5th G. Tatterson, 12th
(Pro Pin) Ash West, 14th M. Hutchison
Target Hole: M. Soppe
—The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 4December, 2024
Minister for Community Sport,Ros Spence announced that applications are now open for the new Regional All Abilities Participation Grants.
The grants will increase opportunitiesfor people withdisabilityliving in regional Victoria to get involved in the sports they love.
“The Paralympics gave us some very inspiring moments,and we’re keen to keep that momentum going by creating more pathways for people of all abilities to get involved in the sports they love,”
Minister Spence said.
Grants of up to $25,000 are available in three categories:
Equipment and travel;
Inclusion workforce; and,
Programs and disability-led initiatives.
The grants can be used to purchase specialised or modified equipment and uniforms, such as lowered
Birdies: 3rdT.Collins,14th MattSoppe
StrokeRound 3ClubChampionship
Tuesday26th November 2024.
Women’s ScratchChampion: M. Dear 283
Women’s Handicap Champion: S. Turner
224 AGrade Handicap Champion: S. Turner
224
BGrade Handicap Champion: C. Sterrick
228
DayWinnerHcp: V. Reid 74 Nett
DayScratchWinner: M. Dear 98
D.T.L: 1. S. Turner 78 Nett, 2. M. Dear 79
Nett
D.T.L: 1. C. Stevens 75 Nettc/b,2.C.Carder 76 Nettc/b
N.T.P: 3rdLBrent, 5th S. Turner,12th M. Ryan 14th M. Ryan
MIRBOO NORTH
Tuesday26th November,Stableford,
AGrade: SWoodall (9) 37pts
BGrade: CBourne (16) 39pts
DTL: TBradshaw, GShandley, PWoodall
35. NTP: 4th GRenwick, 6th JKus,13th C Bourne,16th GRenwick, Birdies: 6th WReynolds ,J Kus.
Saturday30th November,Par
AGrade: PWoodall (8) 1downc/b
BGrade: WReynolds (18) 3up
DTL: GShandley+2, SMills +1, NBaker -1
NTP: 4th SHill-Smith, 6th NBickerton, 13th
GShandley. 16th PWoodall, Birdies: 6th TimTraill, 16th WReynolds
MOE
Wednesday, 27 November 2024 WOMEN'S
4B MULTIPLICATION
Overall Winners: Andrea Griggs &Kathy
Borg63
Place Getters: Linda Bates &Lee Weaver
54 Nearest to Pin: 4th Linda Bates
Thursday, 28 November 2024
Competition :OPEN Medley Stableford
Grade AWinners: Veenman, Laurie (8)
39 C/B
Grade BWinners: Donaldson, Murray (13)
41
Grade CWinners: Morrow,Brett (26) 40
PlaceGetters: Dyt, Ricky 40 Nyko, Steve
basketball hoops,adapted balls, weighted vests, compression wear and eye shades. Grants can be used for speech generating devices, markers, raised line paint, auditory goal indicators, adjustable goals, throwing frames, starting lights and other technology that will get more people in the game. Grant money can be used to subsidise wages or salaries towards askilled workforce to help people with disability participate -such as disability sports coaches, supportworkers or volunteerswho are keen to broaden their skillset. The money can also be used for travel costs to competitions and festivals, and for clubs to create their own all-abilities sports programs.
“We’re keentoback initiatives thatincrease opportunities for allVictorians,whether that is on field playing or off field as instructors, coaches, volunteers or administrators," Spence said. The program is part of the state government’s new $40 million All Abilities Sport Fun For more information and to apply, visit: sport. vic.gov.au/funding
39 C/B Hamilton, Ian 39 C/B Bassman, Jeffrey 39 C/B Hodgson, Robert39C/B Devent, Anton 39 White, Darren 38 C/B Cutler,Matthew38C/B Gauci, Anthony38 C/B Pace,William 38 C/B WOODALL, Paul
38 Jenkins,Andrew 37 C/B Savige,Bruce
37 C/B Bourne,Craig 37 C/B
Great Score: AnthonyGauci (Birdie) @8
Shane Bruce (Birdie) @8 Murray Donaldson (Birdie) @14GaryClarke (Birdie) @14Peter Coad (Birdie) @4
WilliamPace (Birdie) @8 Anton Devent (Birdie) @8 Anton Devent (Birdie) @14
Nearest to Pin:4th PeterCoad 8th Anthony Gauci 14th Anton Devent
MORWELL
Stableford27th November 2024
Winner: JGriffiths 44 pts
DTL: IYoshimura32pts NTP: 2nd Lvan Rooy 11th JGriffiths 15th L vanRooy
TRAFALGAR
Congratulations to our 2025 Champions
Women’s Champion Scratch: June Tickell –7989, 72, -240
AGrade Handicap: June Tickell (11) –68, 78, 72. –207
BGrade Scratch: Cheryl Toyne –101,105, 98 –304
BGrade Handicap: Chris Payne(41) -68, 73, 80 –221
Veterans: BevKeily(22) –79, 68 –147
Anamazing round of golf fromJune
Tickell on 23 November –June has brokenthe course record forwomen with afine 72 Gross,62Net.
WednesdayWomen’sresults: 27/11/24
Stableford 18 Holes -12 players.9-Hole
Stableford–5players
Winner: JanGriffin (30) 36 pts
Runner-Up: Nola Fordham (30) 34 pts
DTL: Cheryl Deppeler (22) 34pts,Anne
Outhred (24) 33pts NTP: 5th JanGriffin, 15th Miss AGreen
9HoleStableford
Winner: Di Bayley(34) 19 pts
Runner Up: Sue DeVries (31) 18 pts
DTL: LynPowell
Gobblers: 13th Sonia Roberts
Friday,November 29th 2024, Open Men’s &Ladies Stableford
AGrade Winner: BarryDwyer 40 pts
BGrade Winner: Greg Boorer 36 pts C/B
DTL's: RayWiseman 38, Ryan Mortimer 38, Wayne Robbins 37,Dwayne Jenkins 37, HayleyBorg36, TimFord36, MatthewSilk 36, Ricky Dyt35, Ric Minichello 35 C/B Birdies: 13th:Wayne Robbins,BarryDwyer Saturday, November 30th 2024, 4BBB Stableford
Winner’s: Reno Borg&Chris Moody 44 pts
DTL’s: Rob Saunders&Greg Donohue 43, Zavier O’Reilly&ScottMcKinnon 43 NTP’s: 2nd: PeterMoss 5th: Brian McKenzie 11th:StevClark13th: ScottMcKinnon 15th: SteveClark
TRARALGON Mon18/11/24 air pistol
BGrade: MTrent 529-54-583.
CGrade: DChandler 479-100-579. DGrade: DO'Ryan397-159-556. Ladies Air
CGrade: KPeters504-83-587 Wed20/11/24 Rapid fire
CGrade: BKelly359-143-502.
DGrade: CBenelli 438-180-618. CLewis 374. Sat 23/11/24 Centrefire
DGrade: NMallory352-191-543. CLewis 280-146-426. 25 mt pistol
CGrade: CBenelli 510-69-579.
DGrade: AUrban 492. RPakard386. M Peterson 254. JWyngard252-185-437
Classic pistol: DGrade BColbert238.
YALLOURN
Tuesday26 th November9Hole
Stableford
Winner:Judy Budge 18pts
Thursday28th November18Hole
Stableford, NorthernTrophy
CBL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
FINALS are officially set in the Country Basketball League's Gippsland conference.
Continuing on their run, Traralgon jumped atop theleaderboard at the end of the regular season, as they etch closer to athird title in four years.
Likewise, both Moe and Morwell women’s sides have earnt spots in the top four and will see their campaigns move on at least one extra week.
Theaforementionedmen’s counterparts weren’t as lucky, as the Meteors and Magic finished out of the finals race -and by afair margin in the end.
JUMPING ahead of Pakenham in the final round of home-and-away action, Traralgon pounced on Lakes Entrance 93 to 55 despite travelling to the bay.
Not wanting to show any blip heading into finals, the T-Birds got off to arocker start with a21-5 break in the first seven minutes that almost sewed up the result right then and there.
The Pelicans did respond however, and got it back to afive-point game minutes into the second quarter off the back of a15-4run.
ReturningT-BirdsstarBen Barlow had other ideas and added 11 points in the term through to halftime that cushioned their lead to eight by the time the main break arrived.
It was then a12-nothingstart to the second half that jumped Traralgonout to a20-point lead which gave them the space to hold onto the win after the margin was pushed to near 40 before it wrapped up.
Barlow, Zac Bezzina and Jarrod King-Church combined for 65 points in their final regular season match, while Kody Tibballs added 15.
Having been near perfect in the season so far and seemingtohave fixed themselvesinto shapejustat the right time, the T-Birds willbea menace to play, especially in afinals setting with their damaging attack and hardnosed defensive output.
Tra ral gon wil lp lay Wa rr agu la tG RISS (Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium) on Saturday night for aspot in the Grand Final.
IN an inter-Latrobe Valley showdown to end their seasons, Morwell were the ones to get the better of Moe, 101-70.
Both sides looked to end on ahigh-note despite deviating below their expectations, the Magic got out to afine start on the Meteor's home floor.
Morwellkept Moe scoreless through the first five minutes of action while adding 18 points themselves, led by forward Jordan Canovan with an early seven.
It took some hustling and exerted more effort early on then they would have liked, but the Meteors got the ballgame under 10 points ahead of the second quarter.
Moecrept closer with scores from Jack Edebohls andRohan Demczuk that brought the margin to five points before Morwell flicked the switch and jumped their lead back out to double digits which flattened the curve through to halftime.
The Magic’s eyes glistened as they returned, pushing outtoa20-point lead minutes into the second half as they were set to capture their fourth win of the year.
The Meteors tried their best to slowly chip at their deficit with the clock ticking away, but Morwell was acting on ahigh and weren’t to be overcame as the lead went above 30 points and stayed like that the rest of the way.
Nick Sedley led the way for the Magic with 22 points and three long range bombs, followed by Canovan (19) and William Tankard (18).
Demczuk top-scored for Moe with 16 points in their final game of the year.
The Magic followed that win with amatchup against aflyingPakenham side at home on Sunday and were ultimately downed 103-71 in their final match of 2024.
Morwell was outscored by 20 points in the opening half and didn’t manage muchbetter in the second, facing ateam that had their sights set past them and aheadtoa potentialchampionship by season’s end with the Warriors having lost just one match to date.
Sedley (23points) and Canovan (16) were best forthe Magic in their final game.
MORWELL will still be represented ahead of finals however, after the women’s team won their final two matches at the weekend to secure apostseason berth.
The Magic upset agunning Moe squad by three points on their home deck,69-66 to open their successful two-day span.
The away side got off to an impressive start that had them ahead22-13 ahead after the first quarter, only for the Meteors to answer and cut the deficit down to five points midway through the preceding term.
Morwell recouped upon calling timeout and scored 10 of the next 14 points from acombination of Emily Scholtes and Ella White-Seathtokeep them ahead by double digits upon halftime.
Moewould notbeaneasybeatthough,swinging themomentumtheir way in the third quarter to bring it to aone-point game with 10 minutes to go after outscoring the Magic 21-12 during the term.
Morwell opened thefinal quarter on a9-2 run
thanks to Abbey Noblett and Shantelle Thorburn creating sizeable spaceasthe gameneared its end with the Magic up by 12 points with less than five minutes to go.
TheMeteorsweren’t goingtogodown without afight, and chipped away with team defence and getting to the free throwline, but timeran out with the Magic in possession of the ball when the clock hit zero.
Morwell had four players score double digitpoints, headlined by Scholtes (18) and Noblett (16), while Moe was led by Danielle Davies with 18 points.
Sitting comfortable near the top for most of the season, the Meteors have lost their last two games ahead of finals, but will still host their semi-final after finishing second on the ladder with six wins.
Moe will playKorumburra on Saturday with the chance to playoff in the Grand Final for the first time since 2022.
The Magic concluded the regular season with aconvincingresult against Pakenham, 69-51 at Latrobe Leisure Morwell.
Morwell kept the Warriors to just 23 points throughthe first two quarters while adding 40 themselves, and a17-8third quarter only stamped their win further.
Noblett finished withagame-high 19 points with Scholtes (13) and Thorburn (12) supporting.
The Magic will travel to Warragul for the semifinal on Saturday night with the opportunity to make it an all-Latrobe Valley Grand Final with Moe in aweek’s time.
On the cards: ALatrobe ValleyGrand Final is brewing.Morwell got the betterofMoe on the Meteor’s home floorina three-point thriller that could come about once again in twoweeks time.Pictured is Morwell’sShantelle Thorburn, jostling withMoe’s Danielle Davies
Photograph: NothingBut Spor ts Photography
By TOM HAYES
MOREthan 150 high school studentsfrom around Australia converged on the Traralgon Tennis Association for the Gallipoli Youth Cup.
Also known as Australia’s National High School Championships, the Gallipoli Youth Cup provides an opportunity for students to play tennis at a national level.
Competing in teams from their respective schools, studentsare granted qualificationtoapplyto compete if schools win their state championship. Coming to Traralgon was 14 schools across five states, comprising 20 teams for the tournament (10 boys teams, 10 girls teams).
Withthe tournament beginning on Sunday, November 24, playing in the team format, students hit the courts.
Theteams were both split into two pools, with thetop teams progressing to the finals.
Foll owin gt he eve nt, Galli poli You th Cup Tournament Director and Tennis Australia Competitive Play Co-ordinator, Sean Spralja said the players enjoyed their time playing in Traralgon.
"TheGallipoli Youth Cup, it obviously used to be ajunior ITF event, and it's now encompassing our national high school championships," he said.
"It's really upholding the values of Gallipoli education and mateship, and making sure we pass on those values and lessons down to the next generation.
"Historicallythe eventhas alwaysbeenatthe Albury Tennis Association, but given it's anational event, we've tried to spread the load over the last couple of years.
"Traralgon'so bviously hosted junior ITFs, AO (Australian Open)qualifying, and pro ITF tournaments as well, so it's an ideal setting for a tournament like this."
FOR the boys, Pool Afinished with The McDonald College (NSW) on top and Marryatville High School (SA) in second, while for Pool B, Brisbane Boys College (QLD) finished first, ahead of Palm Beach Currumbin State High (QLD).
Meeting in the final was The McDonald College and Brisbane Boys College -the reigningchampions.
Heavy rain in the early part of the week threatenedtopush the schedule back,which could be afforded. The boys finals were pushed into the later hours of Tuesday, November 26.
Brisbane Boys College was crowned champions midway through the fifth matchafter reaching an unassailable lead.
Rohan Hazratwala won the first game in straight sets 6-2, 6-4, before Anirudh Nallaparaju put Brisbane Boys Collegeupfive sets to one, winning 6-4, 1-6, 10-7, allowing The McDonald College its first set.
It wouldbeits only set too, after Heaton Pann won 6-2, 6-3, and William Genberg won 6-1, 6-4, stretching the lead out to eight sets to one, needing just one more for victory.
It was confirmed by the first set of the fifth match,
when the doubles duo for Hazratwala and Pann took out the first set 6-0, as Brisbane Boys College completed back-to-back championship wins.
FOR the girls, Pool Awas led by the undefeated Maribyrnong College (Vic), followed by Marryatville High School, while in Pool B, Meriden School (NSW) was also undefeated, leading second-placed St Catherine’s School Sydney (NSW).
The two schools that eventually met in the final was MaribyrnongCollegeand Meriden School
The girls finals concluded on the final day of the events, with games still going ahead as the boys’ presentation was underway.
Meriden School won amuch-closer battle between schools, starting off with atight encounter.
Jizelle Sibai took out the first match in athreeset thriller, winning 6-3, 6-7, 12-10. Her win was followed by Giselle Guillen, who won again for Meriden, claiming a6-3, 5-4 win due to the forfeit of her opponent.
Things swung back in the favour of Maribyrnong College, after Charlotte Vanstone-McGrath defeated Meriden’s Mirandu Xu in three sets, 6-1, 6-7, 10-8, bringing the margin back, as Meriden led five sets to three.
Match 4provided athird and final three-set final in the girls, with Maribyrnong’s Arabelle Mancici takingonMeriden’s Gabriela Garipova. Mancici won the first set easily 6-2,before Garipova won the second 7-6 to send it to athird set. Coming down to another tiebreak, Garipova prevailed 10-7, to
extend Meriden’s lead out to three sets.
The Meriden duo of Sibai andGuillen put thefinal to bed, just about, winning their doubles encounter 6-2, 6-2, giving them nine sets.
The final doubles game was incomplete, with Meriden doing enough to claim the win nine sets to five.
EACH of the boys and girls top three finishing teams received their respective bronze, silver, or gold medal, with the winners collecting trophies too.
Marryatville High School claimed third for the girls, while Maribyrnong College secured second, behind champions, Meriden School.
PalmBeach CurrumbinState High finished third for the boys, with The McDonald College coming second,behind back-to-back champions,Brisbane Boys College.
Receivingsportsmanship awardswere Endeavour Sports High (girls), and Applecross Senior High School (boys).
"They(Traralgon Tennis Association) have done afantastic job. Thestaff and the volunteers here have done an amazing job in terms of putting on the event, from the canteen stafftoGraham(Woofa) Charlton -who has been our'stringer'for the week, and the manager SusieGrumley, they've been terrific," Spralja said.
"They'll certainly be in consideration again to once again host this event in 2025."
CRICKET
CLV
BY LIAM DURKIN
CRICKETERS over acertain age would have been glad not to wake up sore for achange.
Persistent rain led to awashout in CricketLatrobe Valley at the weekend.
Senior matches on the Saturdaydid notgoahead, nor did junior games the following day.
Fortunatelythe round canstill be salvagedfor teamsinPremier A, AGrade andPremier B, as they will now revert to one day conditions.
IN Premier A, Round 7action sees Moe host Centrals, Ex Students travel to Morwell, CATS welcome Toongabbie and Glengarry take on Raiders.
Morwell can give itself an early Christmas present, as victory over the Sharks couldsee the Tigers inside the top-two by Saturday night.
Fourth-placed Centrals can also get some breathing space among finals contenders. The Lions are currently two points clear of CATS, and will be
favouritedagainst fellowLion moniker Moe (sixth), who by nature of afew external factors, have had a chop-and-change line-up so far this season.
AGRADE sees Mirboo North host Rovers, Latrobe welcome Churchill, Imperials play Willow Grove, and Traralgon West literally walk over to Stoddart Oval to play Gormandale.
Bonus points could very much come into play during Round 7, as some mismatches look to be on the cards.
Imperials leadthe AGradladder by acommanding 10 points, and may well sendWillow Grove in at Catterick Crescent with plans of chasing no more than 150 inside 30 overs.
As ridiculousasitsoundsfor agamebetween second and third, Churchill could also be out for a bonus point against Latrobe.
Theone dayformatlooks moresuited to many in the Cobrasteam (such as Brendan Mason and John Keighran) compared to the Sharks, who admittedly have anumberofyoungsters in the side still at a stage where they are more occupiers of the crease rather than stroke players.
Home trail: CATS will welcome Toongabbie to John Black Oval thisSaturday, as Round7ofCricket Latrobe ValleyPremier Areverts to oneday conditions following an abandonment lastweek. File photograph
CRICKET
ALOCAL cricket game was abandoned last week amid scarcely believable circumstances.
Aphysical altercation on the sidelines during a twenty20 match on Tuesday, November 26 between Yarragon and Trafalgar saw the match brought to ahalt at Dowton Park.
Play was stopped during the 16th over of the first innings for around 15 minutes while the commotion between two groups, believed to be known to each other, took place.
The TrafalgarSecond XI team, whowerenot
involved whatsoever, huddled on one side of the pitch before deciding to resume bowling as it was felt leaving the ground then might have incited one of the groups further.
Trafalgar completed its bowling innings but then informed the opposition they wouldnot be returning to the field.
At time of print, the result of the match was down as a‘no result’.
Express editor Liam Durkin, who played for Trafalgar in the game, has labelled it the ugliest incident he has ever seen at acricket ground.
LIAM DURKIN
TRAFALGAR cricketer Leo Connolly still had time to perform one of his trademark freakish acts, nailing ahat-trick in atwenty20 match.
Back home following aseason playing cricket in the UK during the Aussie winter, Connolly suited up for the Ships in the opening round of the Warragul District Cricket Association T20 season last week.
Openingthe bowling against Warragul,the quickcame back for asecond spell late in the innings, andpickedupthree wickets in as many balls -disturbing the timber on all three occasions.
As if takingone hat-trick wasn’t enough,it was his second such feat playing for Trafalgar, having also claimed ahat-trick against Moe in juniors more than 10 years ago (during season 2011/12).
Given thegeneralrarityofhat-tricks, to have multiplestohis name means Connolly is now one of only three people to have achieved the feat for the Ships.
The othersare Jack Errington, who did so way back in 1914and 1920, and Jarrod Bell, whoastonishingly, took two junior hat-tricks in three weeks in 2000.
Connolly, who played seven AFL games for St Kilda in 2021, will play football in Queensland this season for Aspley in the QAFL.
His younger brother and former Trafalgar Cricket Club First XI captain Aydan is also based in Queensland, having moved there for work earlier this year.
For the record,there has been 20 recorded senior hat-tricks across 136 years of the Trafalgar Cricket Club.
This averages out to one every seven years and around three every 20.
Those in the TCC hat-trick club are: J? Smith (1893), Frank Munro(1894), ?Heywood (1912), Jack Errington (1914, 1920), Jim Stewart (1931), Noel King (1947), Joe Marino (1949),Nicky Carter (1955), Clarrie Swenson(1957),Wally Nelson (1959), Roy Fechner (1959), Vic Jean (1966), CraigNicholas (circa 1995), Aaron McGown (2001), Hugh Cheatley (2007), Jasin Hopkins (2013), Trevor Cox (2014), Owen McLeod-Agland (2023) and Leo Connolly (2024).
CRICKET
By LIAM DURKIN
AN old cricket ground hidden in the hills has been rediscovered.
Cricket hasnot been played in Westbury for decades,yet remnantsofapitchhavecometo the surface.
By chance, former Willow Grove cricketer and Westbury resident Norm Cottrell made the remarkable find on arecent visit back home.
The retiredteacher grew up on the farm off Moe-Walhalla Road opposite Prudens Track.
Ashort drive up an elevated dirt track eventually leads to the top of ahill (‘Hennessy’s Hill’) where the Westbury cricket ground is perched upon.
There, an oldconcretecricket pitch lays, torn up and cracked from decades of neglect.
The elements have pounded the pitch,although pieces of malthoid are still visible. Malthoid was an oft-used surface that laidontop of the concrete on cricket pitches before synthetic grass came along.
You can still buy malthoid in hardware stores.
Cottrell had no recollection of the cricket pitch during his childhood, believing it remainedburied underneath overgrown grass.
He recently went out with ametal detector, and found bits and pieces from the site of the old Westbury Pub.
The pub looks to have been situated on the boundary edge of the cricket ground, and would have undoubtedly served as aclubhouse or meeting place before burning down in the 1910s.
Horses now roam freely in the paddock, much the same as in 1894 when the Trafalgar Cricket Club made the trip to play Hill End.
It was at Westbury where the Ships bowled their unfortunateopponents out for just seven runs The total remains the equal-lowest opposition score in Trafalgar Cricket Club history. That game is recorded as takingplace on December 8, 1894, meaning the 130th anniversary is this Sunday.
Uncovered: Theold cricketpitchin Westburyhas resurfaced Photograph: Liam Durkin
VETERANS
BY GORDON COWLING
THE weather has not been kind to veterans cricket lately.
GippslandGoannas games from Sunday, November 24, Sunday, December 1and Tuesday, December 3have all been postponed or cancelled due to rain.
Over 70 players have returned from the national championships in Dubbo.
Next Goannas games are scheduled for this Sunday (December 8), with the Over 50 team playing ahome game against South East Veterans, and the Over 60s playing away at East Doncaster.
The Goannaswillhave asocial eventat Blue Gables vineyard on Friday, December 13 from 4pm, while practice will continue at Duncan CameronReserve Traralgon tonight (Wednesday, December 4) from 4.30pm, followed by ameal at the TraralgonBowls Club.
CRICKET
VCCL
GLENGARRY captain NatFreitag has been selectedasvice captain for the Victorian Country Cricket League senior men’s team.
The team will playinthe Australian Country Cricket Championships early next year.
Freitag has had aprolific start to the local season,averaging morethan100 with the bat and 12.2 with the ball.
The lefthander is also captainofthe Cricket Latrobe Valley senior men’s GCL team, taking the team to the premiership last season.
The seniorwomen’sVic Country side featuresanumberofCricket Latrobe Valley locals, namely:EricaKershaw(Imperials), Stacy Rockliff(Latrobe)and Kristen Webber (as team manager).
OtherGippslandersmakingthe triptothe Barossa Valleyare: Kirrily Bruce (RosedaleKilmany) and Daniel Mock (Phillip Island).
GIPPSLAND Cricket League representative cricket resumes this Sunday (December 8).
Latrobe Valley travels to Sale-Maffra in senior men’s, under 15s and under 13s. Under 18s next playSunday, December 15, whilesenior women don’t haveagame until next year.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Premier B(Round 8, Day1), BGrade (Round 9), Premier C(Round 7), CGrade (Round 7): DNP
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Women’s Championship (Round 7): Willow Grove5/62 (J Christie 30*) tied Mirboo Nor th 2/62; Ex Students 2/33 def Raiders6/32(DKing 17,A Hood 2/0, RAdams 2/1); Morwell 1/101 def Rovers 3/47 (K Stockdale 2/9).
Women’s Premier (Round 7): Raiders2/37def Latrobe 6/35 (T Anderson 17,JSanders2/3,E Webb 2/7); Imperials 1/70 (K Morley28*, RReid 24*) def Centrals 4/54 (L Pettie 22, CGoodwin 2/7); Willow Grove0/81 (M Donoghue 30*, K Wheildon 23*) def Churchill 7/75 (E Lugton 47,K Wheildon 2/6).
Under 16 (Sunday, December 1, Round 7): DNP Under 14 (Wednesday, November 27,Round 5, Day2): Jeeralang-Boolarra1/119 (C Stranton 28*, OO’Brien 26*, GSanders20*, OStranton 16*) def WillowGrove 8/47 (D Richards 3/1); Moe 1/114 (N Keltie 26*, LWalsh 25*, H Boothman 25) def Latrobe 5/85 (B Duncan 51*, LWalsh 3/5); Gormandale/Rovers5/204 (J Bull 51*, JTowers37*, JArmstrong 31*, B Fulham 24) def Morwell 8/152 (W Frankland 38*, JSterrick23, CGray23); Centrals 9/153 (A Hurley35*, EDissanayake 29*, NGamage 25*, EConlan 4/6, LMcCar thy3/3)def Mirboo Nor th 141(LChila 49*, JCalafiore21, LMcCar thy20, XPettie 4/18, JDoble 2/11); Ex Students -BYE.
CRICKET
WBBL EXPORTS BY TOM HAYES
SHEmay not haveshone in spotlight on the biggest stage of them all, but after the Women’s Big Bash League Final, Nicole Faltum is aWBBL champion.
The Latrobe Valley cricketing export lined up for the Melbourne Renegades as they hosted Brisbane Heat at the MCG on Sunday (December 1).
Finishing the season on top of the ladder, the Renegades automatically qualified for the final, forcing them to wait and see what the other three sides in the top four could do.
Third-placed Sydney Thunder defeatedthe fourth-placed Hobart Hurricanes in the Knockout, advancing to play the second-placed Heat in the Challenger. TheThunder’s run stopped there, with the Heat prevailing, producing atop two showdown for the Final.
Astunningperformance from Renegadesopener Hayley Matthews guided the home side to the championship in arain-affected final.
The Heat won the toss and elected to field, bringing Matthews to the crease for what would be the beginning of her match-winning innings.
Despitewickets falling around her often, she was able to puther headdown and truck along with her own innings without hogging the strike.
Within five overs though, the Renegades were already 3/31, but the ship would cover steady waters soon enough.
The third wicketitselfwas something of ararity, when the Renegades’Deandra Dottin was run out withoutfacing aballfor adiamond duck. Following ahalf-hearted single, Dottin’sbat was trapped before the line in an attempt to slide through comfortably.
The partnerships of Matthews andGeorgia Wareham, and Matthews and Naomi Stalenberg was just what the doctor ordered.
For the fourth wicket, the Renegades surpassed 50, before the wicket of Wareham at 4/64. The fifth wicket was marginally more effective, needing to pick up the pace, the Renegades were 5/109 when Stalenberg was dismissed in the 16th over.
Up walked Faltum to the crease.
She only lasted four deliveries, trying to stay at the rate, but managed to find the boundary once before she was caught at mid-off for five.
From there on out, most of the runs came from the opener Matthews, who remainedatthe crease, facing 13 of the final 22 balls of the innings.
Matthews ticked past her half century duringthe overbefore Faltum’s dismissal, addinga further 18 runs before theend of the inningstosee the Renegadestoatotal of 9/141 from their20-over allotment.
Led by Matthews, who made 69, the respectable total was defendable by any means.
In return, Brisbane started cold too. The visitors lost two wickets in the openingtwo overs as the scoreboard read 2/11.
Duringthe fourthover, with the score at 2/19,
heavy rain saw players take to the sheds as the ground staff covered the wicket.
As rain softened, the coverswereoff, but only momentarily before they returned minutes later, delaying the restart even further.
After 30 minutes or so waiting, playresumed with an altered finish ahead.
With the use of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, the Heat were permittedtomake98runs to win,with just 12 overs to do so. The equation was79runs from52balls -just overninerunsper over. With the current runrate alittleoverfive an over, the Heat had some work to do.
Things weren’t changing quick enough for the Heat, who soon lost their third wicket at 3/27 after 4.2 overs.
Heat captain Jess Jonassen came to the crease with hopes of resurrecting the innings. She chipped away at the required total alone, frequentlylosing battingpartners along the way.
TheHeat were five down after seven overs, after Matthews putherself on ahat-trick, and with the total still in the 30s, the Renegades had one hand on the trophy.
Jonassen did well to navigate the strike, keeping tail-ender Lauren Winfield-Hill at the non-strikers end for afew overs while she knocked the ball around.
While doing so, Jonassen amassed28runsin three overs to have the Heat an outside chance to steal the championship.
At 6/68, Brisbane needed 30 runs from the last 13 deliveries of the game, and boy, did they give themselves aright chance
In thosefinal13balls,the Heat found the boundary multiple times, but they fell just short, managing to bring their total within eight runs of the adjusted required total of 98, Jonassenfinishing with 44 from 28, hitting asix on the final ball.
But the Renegades had done it. After finishing on the bottom of the ladder last season, and after losing the first two games of this season, the red side of Melbourne were WBBL champions for the first time.
And with that, Faltum was also aWBBL champion for the first time.
“It’s amazing, an incredible crowd here. I’m incredibly proudofthis group.When you are energetic and taking the game on, you hope the fun comes. It’s massive for this team,” Faltum said post-match.
Faltum will return to her Victoria duties in the Women’s National Cricket League as early as Friday, December 20 when she hopes to be available to play South Australia in aone-day match.
Victoria is set to play South Australia again two days later, for its final match of 2024. But for now, Faltum can soak up the feelings of becoming aWBBL champion for the time being.
Faltum grew up in Moe and played junior and senior cricket for Trafalgar, as well as women’s cricket for Morwell.
The Gippsland connections werestrong in the WBBL final, with Renegades captain Sophie Molineux from Bairnsdale, and coach Simon Helmot frequenting the Latrobe Valley in the last 12 months throughvarious coaching appointments.
SOCCER BY KATRINA BRANDON
FROM sports to other activities, VicHealthand local councils around Victoria encouraged women andgirls to tryall,see all and do all with This Girl
CanWeekfromNovember 10 to November 17.
Within the local Latroberegion, women were encouraged to try out at local sporting clubs, and take part in activities such as soft tennis, table tennis, chair yoga, junior soccer,walkinggroups androller derby.
Traralgon Olympians Soccer Club wasone of
many groups that held an event during the week.
Belinda Hu, coach of the Traralgon Olympians Soccer Club’s under 11s team, told the Express she enjoyed the week’s idea.
“I love it. Ithink abig part is the visibility and promoting it because there might be people who wanttohave agoattrying new things or going back to things that they used to play, but just not knowing that it is around,” she said.
“Having these come-and-try events where some of the seniorwomen came to help out with the day shows the kids that this is asupportive club from the grassroots to the competitive part of the club.”
For soccer, Hu expressedthatthe Women’s
World Cup sparked aprominent increase in soccer participation.
“We have seen an increase in people that want to have ago, and for us as aclub, it’s trying to accommodate the need for it, and partofitisgetting coaches,” she said.
“I think the Women’s World Cup is the major boost in soccer. Ithink many women want to play becausethey have seen how successfulthe Matildas were,and we are only now trying to focusmore on the girls.”
During the year, Olympiansrun manygirls’ programs, like Go Girls and Soccer Mums, to promote women in sports.
HORSE RACING
By LIAM DURKIN
AMARQUEE arrangement that would have put Flemington’sBirdcage to shamehighlighted TraralgonCup day 2024.
Patrons happily madefull use of all facilities on offer in the Latrobe Valley Racing Club’s main marquee, providing an unforgettable race day experience.
Meticulously planned and put together by new Latrobe Valley Racing Club committee member Danielle Daniels,the marquee combined elements
of old and new, with adashofpink occupying the colour scheme, with pieces of antique furniture included as well.
The marquee was certainly alabour of love for Daniels, whohandmadecloseto100 festival ribbon hoops to hang, and even brought real life teak leaf branches from her garden to add to the aesthetic.
An equally dedicated crew was on site as early as 6am on cup day to help with some finishing touches.
The marqueealsoincluded amake-up studio, live music and bar, complete with cocktail options.
Why not have afruit tingle on asunny Sunday afternoon?
HORSE RACING
By LIAM DURKIN
JUST try keepingfashionistasawayfrom the races. With no horses going around on the track for TraralgonCup day, all competitive attentionwas directed to those dressed on stage.
Latrobe Valley Racing Club kept its fashions on the field events in full swing,with asizeable crowd mingling to see who was crowned best dressed. Truthfully, if you hadn’t of known there was no racing,you wouldhavebeennone-the-wiser such was the size of the crowd that gathered in the grandstand to catchthe fashions
Judges cast acritical eyeover competitors before making their decisions.
Arecordnumberofentrantstook part in ladies best dressed and best millenary, won by Mandy Manning of Patterson Lakes and Baxter’s Hayleigh Hoking.
Richmond’s Michael McAlpine added to his ever-growing collection of sashes, again winning the best dressed men’s category.
Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 4December, 2024
RACING
By LIAM DURKIN
ORDINARILY, patrons running on the track at a Country Racing Victoria meeting face upwards of a$10,000 fine and yearly suspensions.
There was no need to impose such sanctions at Latrobe Valley Racing Club last Sunday.
After all the club went through in the lead up to its marquee Traralgon Cup meeting, the sight of the track actually being used was enough to elicit some wry laughter.
The luckless Latrobe Valley Racing Club added to its list of seemingly unfortunate fates in recent years, after persistent rainonSaturdayled an abandonment of the main event.
Stewards made the call around 7am on Sunday morning, citing wet spots around the 500-metre mark as the main concern.
In acruel twist, Sunday’s fine weather meant the track was virtually bone dry by mid-afternoon.
According to Latrobe Valley Racing Club officials, they missed racing by only four hours.
Not to be totally defeated, the club pushed ahead with usual cup festivities.
The club opened up the members area to the general public, and welcomed ahealthy crowd
which made full use of marquee facilities on offer.
Country Racing Victoria showed its full support for the club, with state directors Anthony Quigley and Damian Drum attending in person, along with local Paralympian Emily Beecroft as guest speaker Beecroft even flew down from Queensland the night before.
In the dining room, presentations were made to recently inducted Latrobe Valley Racing Club life members Peter Wightand Peter Walkley,along with aspecial club badgepresentation to club legend Sam Gibson.
While there might not have been racing, there was certainly still ameeting.
Addressingthe dining room assembly, club committee memberBarry Whitehead said “naturally we are devastated”, before introducing club chair Frank Bezzina.
Bezzina, who has shouldered the brunt of most club affairs in recent years, put on abrave face during his address.
“I’ve had afew teary moments, but we’ll move on,” he said.
“Well who would have thought… last month we spent 20 grand to water the track because it was so dry, and this week we couldn’t keep the water off.
“We’ve worked tirelessly this year to prepare the track and the venue itself, it looks absolutely
Special guest: Latrobe ValleyRacing Club Chairperson, Frank Bezzina withTraralgon Paralympian EmilyBeecroft.The swimmer broughtalong hermedals from the Parisgames
mint, justashamethat we couldn’t present on the race day.”
Bezzina paid tribute to his committee, who like him, operate in an entirely voluntary capacity to hold the club’s two race meetings per year.
In true country fashion, Latrobe Valley received assistance from Moe Racing Club, Sale Turf Club and Traralgon Golf Club to help prepare its track.
Moe oversaw the trackmanagement side of things, while Latrobe Valley was able to acquire equipment at short notice from Sale Turf Club and the Traralgon Golf Club.
“It was ateam effort, but we just didn’t get over the line,” Bezzina said.
If ever there was asignofhow emotional leading asporting organisation can be, it was surely encapsulated whenBezzina was embraced in along hug by Sale Turf Club Chief Executive, BradEvans.
As for the main race itself, patrons were denied the chance to witness what was looming as a competitive dash across 1900 metres.
Six-year-old gelding Station One was listed to defend his crown from last year’s Traralgon cup, while 2022 winner Starspangled Baby for Sale trainer Andrew Perdon was also in the field.
Moe trainer Mick Templeton entered eight-yearold mare Stay AWhile, and would have been up against two runners from the Ben, Will and JD
Hayes stable -reigning Country Racing Victoria trainers of the year.
Some very famous namesinracing were also connected to theTraralgonCup, with GaiWaterhouse and Michelle PayneenteringSoul Choice and Alhambra Lad respectively.
Those trainers might still get to lift the 2024 Traralgon Cup, as the Express understands plans are in place to try and set arace aside for aTraralgon Cup at aGippsland meeting before the year is out.
Bezzina meanwhile was already looking ahead to next year.
“Our club holds areally bright future, Ipromise you next year we will have aTraralgon Cup,” he said defiantly.
Such defiance has seen the Latrobe Valley Racing Club bounce back from alaundry list of previous setbacks.
In the last four years alone, the tale of the tape reads: no crowds for Derby Day (2021), Derby Day transferred (2023), Traralgon Cup rescheduled (2023), and now Traralgon Cup cancelled (2024). When interviewed at last year’s Traralgon Cup, a relieved Bezzina simply said “we got there”. As the club moves forward, all will be hoping it will be acase of ‘we’ll get there’.
Racing continues in Gippsland this Friday (December 6).
MOE Racing Club will host itsChristmas Party meeting with an eight-card meeting. Courtesy buses are avail able from Traralgon (leaving ASICHQonGreyStreet at 11.30am) and Morwell (leaving Australia Post on Princes Drive at 11.45am).
Bussesare also available comingthe other way, from Warragul (11.30am at the train station), Yarragon (11.45am at the train station) and Trafalgar (11.55am at BP).
Moe has another meeting before the year is out, on Tuesday, December 17.
Sale Turf Club also has ameeting just before Christmas on Sunday, December 22.
Those wanting their racing fix closer to new years can visit Stony Creek Racing Club on December 30.
