Gippsland Times Tuesday 15 August 2023

SALE UNITED HONOURED

SPORT

National recognition re

Maffra business owner Taylor Peatling has been named a finalist in the prestigious Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards. Her business, Arch Beauty, was chosen from a field of more than 2500 applicants.

STORY - PAGE 9 Photo: Contributed

OUT OF TOUCH

ZoeAskew

FEDERAL Member for Gippsland

Darren Chester is warning of dire consequences should the federal government uphold reformstothe Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

Under new changes to the PALM scheme guidelines, whichtakeeffect as of July 1, 2024, employers arerequired to provideaminimum of 30 hours per week, pay parity with domestic workers, portability and accommodation.

The scheme, used to provide apool of workers to fill labour gaps, largely in the agriculture and food-processingsectors when enough local workers can’t be found,isbecoming increasingly popular, with participants rising from 24,500 in May last year to 38,180 in April.

The federal government committed to reaching 35,000 PALM workers by June 2023 in the October 2022 Budget, with data revealing the milestone was reached in December 2022, six months ahead of schedule.

Whilechanges to the PALM scheme

support better working conditions for Pacific labour mobility workers, industry leaders have criticised reforms, warning of amassexodus fromthe program if the federal government enforces new guidelines.

National Farmers Federation (NFF) Horticulture Council spokesperson Rachel Chambers said it was increasingly clear that relevant ministers aren’t working together to ensure the scheme meets the long-terminterestsofthe Pacific and Australianindustries it’s meant to serve.

“Farmers are increasingly frustrated that no senior minister is effectively accountableand takingresponsibility for fixing the PALM,” Ms Chambers said.

“Instead, we have buck-passing and finger-pointing across portfolios, and farmers and Pacific nations both becoming increasingly dissatisfied with how the PALM is run.

“We’ve warned for years against putting allour eggs in the PALM basket, given how challenging it is for small businesses to engage with.

“Now, instead of making it easier

for small business,wehave asuiteof changes that would effectively lockthem out of the PALM.

“Mostalarmingly, some of these changes appear to be aproxy for wider ideological industrial relations reforms and fulfilling ashoppinglistofdemands from the union movement.

“From the outside, it appears that the ACTU (Australian Council of Trade Unions) is running the show, making decisions which will send the PALM into meltdown and damage our ties in the Pacific.

“Australia’s Pacificdiplomacy is being outsourced to the ACTU, and they’re botching it big time.”

Mr Chester has joined industry leaders in warning the federal government that changes to the PALM scheme will have unintended consequences and undermine Australia’s relationship withPacificcountries which rely on the scheme.

“PALM servesasa criticalway in which Australian farmers, including Gippslanders, can gain access to workers from the PacificIslands and

Timor-Leste when employeenumbers become scarce,” he said.

“The PALM scheme allows employers to hire workers from participating countriestofill roles in unskilled,low-skilled and semi-skilled positionsinarural and regional setting and nationally in the agriculture sector.

“The countries that participate in the scheme are very supportive of the program, especially where it is delivering remittances to communities where the average householdincomes aremuch lower than they are here in Australia.

“The scheme helps fill the gaps in the regional and rural workforceand offers our employersaccess to reliable and productive workers which contribute to not only the economic life but to the social and cultural life of the communities in which they are hosted.”

Mr Chester said that the federal government’s changes to the PALM scheme requiring employers to provide aminimum of 30 hours per week didn’t recognise the seasonality of farm work.

Continued Page 3

Wind Farm application submitted

TomParry

AN application for aplanning permit for the Gelliondale Wind Farm project, near Yarram, has been submittedtothe state government.

Synergy Wind is spearheading the wind project, with managing director Adam Gray welcoming the move.

“We are pleased to havesubmitted our application for aplanningpermit for the Gelliondale Wind Farmfollowingdetailed planning andtechnical

investigations and environmental assessments,”

Mr Gray said in astatement.

“Our engagement with neighbouring properties and the broader community has been robust and we look forward to continuing to provide updates as we move through the planning permit application process.”

Mr Gray added that the full suite of supporting studies accompanying the application are now availableonthe projectwebsite, whichcan be viewed via gelliondalewind.com/supporting-studies/ Further updates on the assessmentprocesses

will be provided via the website, with links to relevant government resources, “as soon as they areestablished”.

The planning permit application follows areferral to the federal government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

If approved under its current guise, the wind farmwill consistof13turbines across 1500 hectares of cleared agricultural land and ancillary infrastructure, including abattery energy storage systemand substation.

The site will be locatedaround seven kilometres south-westofYarram, three kilometres west of Alberton and eight kilometres east of Welshpool.

Developers anticipate the wind farm will have a totalcapacity of about 80 megawatts, and generate about300,000megawatt hoursofrenewable energy annually. This equates to enough electricity to power “up to 37,000 homes” with clean renewable energy each year.

Around 50 jobs will be created during the construction phase, with 10 ongoing permanent positions thereafter.

Developers are committed to sharing the benefits with the community in “a number of ways”.

As part of their commitment, developers have pledge to establish agrants program to support local landholders neighbouring the site as well as community projects.

The fund will distribute “between $160,000 and $240,000 ayear” among neighbours and community organisations.

Additionally,adraft GelliondaleWind Farm Community Benefit Program has been developed for consultationwith the community and other stakeholders.

Development of the Gelliondale Wind Farmis being supported by RWE Renewables Australia. Aspokesperson for RWE told the Gippsland Times that the company will support Synergy Wind through the final stages of the project’s development, with the intention of acquiring the project and progressing through to construction and operation.

Long term, RWE plans to operate the project, producing green electricity to support the transition away from fossil fuel energy while implementing a framework for successful partnerships with local communities.

Homicide Squaddetectives investigate Leongatha poisoning

HOMICIDE Squad detectives are investigating afterthree people diedfromsuspected mushroom poisoning in Leongatha.

Four people were taken to hospital on July 30 after they became ill following ameal at a privateresidenceinLeongathathe previous day.

Two Korumburra women, aged 66 and 70, died in hospital on Friday, August 4.

Athird person, a70-year-old Korumburra man, died in hospital the following day.

A68-year-old Korumburra man remains in hospital in acritical condition.

Investigators executed asearch warrant at aresidence in Leongatha.

Detectives also interviewed a48-year-old Leongatha woman who was released pending further enquiries.

The investigation surrounding the exact circumstances of the incident remains ongoing and police are liaising with the Department of Health in relation to the matter.

Anyone with informationisurged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800333 000 or submit aconfidential crime report at crimestoppers.com.au

An artist’simpression of whatthe proposed Gelliondale WindFarm could looklike. Image: File

PALM pain with reforms

From Page 1

"THE changes the government have introduced as part of the budget process have been criticised notjustbythose on thissideofthe Parliament, but also by the industry itself," Mr Chester said. AUSVEG chair and local horticultural industry leader Bill Bulmer warnedthat fewer workers wouldbebrought to Australiaunder PALM scheme changes.

"The future of PALM is underthreat following a rushed and inadequate consultation on proposed changes that will make the scheme less attractive for growers; it will be alose-lose-lose situation for workers, growersand consumers," Mr Bulmer said "The horticultural industry has led the charge with PALM as its major employer and advocate, but this will be undermined if it is no longer fit for purpose.

"Industryhas warned government that implementing afixed-hours requirement will decrease demand for Pacificworkers, whichnegates the intent of the programtoassist our Pacific partners.

"Averaging 30 hours aweek over eight weeks is asensible solution.The change takes into account any adverse weather events and unforeseen challenges with growing fresh produce and will give the industry confidence to hire more PALM workers while ensuring staff are well paid."

Mr Chester has urged the federal government to listen to the experts in the industry, not Canberrabased bureaucrats.

"Listen to the advice from people who are working with the scheme on the ground," Mr Chestersaid.

"Don't be so stubborn. Understand that the font of all wisdom does not existhere in Canberra. Listen to the industryand makethe changesthat will make it work on the ground in regionalAustralia."

From the editor’s desk

THE Gippsland Times bided adieu to journalist Tom Parry last week.

Tomisreturning home to Bendigototake up an opportunity working in radio.

On behalf of the company, Iwouldlike to thank Tom for his work over the last 18 months, and wishhim allthe best for his future endeavours.

Tom's departure will leave our Sale office down to just two journalists until asuitable replacement is found.

With this in mind, Iwould ask our readers to be aware that our editorial staff will be under even more pressure, and won't be able to attend to as many stories for at least the next few weeks.

Regional media is still feeling the effects of the pandemic, and there needs to be alevel of understandingthat it is not the same Gippsland Times as it was pre-2020.

There was an editor, asports editor,four writersand aproduction manager on site then.Now,thereare two writers on site and an editor operating between an office in Morwell and Sale and production operating in Morwell.

As always, we encourage people to send in contributed copy by emailing news@ gippslandtimes.com.au

Aposition for acadet journalist is now open.Ifyou would liketoapply,please email me at ldurkin@lvexpress.com.au

Liam Durkin

Editor, Gippsland Times

While Mr Chester and industry representatives bark warnings about changes to the PALM scheme, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) remain steadfast in the changes to the new Deed and Guidelines, which followed extensiveconsultation with stakeholders, including employer groups, industry representatives, unions, community groups, Approved Employers, Pacific and Timor-Leste governments, and the states and territories.

"The Australian government is expanding and investing in the PacificAustraliaLabour Mobility scheme to betterprotect workers against exploitationwhile ensuring reliableand productive labour for Australian industry," aDEWR spokesperson said.

"The schememust deliver for employers, workers and their families and communities in the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

"Extensive consultations with all stakeholders, including industry peaks and PALM Approved Employers, have occurred over the last 18 months.

"Farming groups and agricultural peak bodies, such as Australian Fresh Produce Alliance, NationalFarmers Federation, Growcom, as well as growers and agricultural businesses participating in the scheme, have been involved in all stages of PALM consultations."

Through consultations, Pacific and Timor-Leste partners identified low work hours as asignificant concern and akey driver for worker disengagement.

"Workers need enough income every week to support both themselves and their families and communities at home," aDEWR spokesperson said.

"These changes address many mattersraised by Pacific Island Countries and Timor Leste. They alsodemonstrate government'scommitment to overcome drivers of migrant worker exploitation, such as through implementing the recommendations of the Migrant Worker Taskforce report."

The DEWR said there is no evidence thatalarge number of employers are leavingthe scheme, reporting79per cent of Approved Employers(333 out of 423) have returned signed PALM deeds to the department, withmore signed new deeds arriving daily, all while recruitment requests for PALM workers remains high.

"The PALM scheme is Australia's primarytemporary migrationprogram for low, semi andunskilled positions that allowseligible Australian businesses to hire workers from nine Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste when there are not enough local workers available," aDEWRspokesperson said.

"Employers have access to other workforce solutions when faced with labourshortages. These include backpackers, working holidaymakers and

international students,who all have arole to play in ensuring workforce needs are met.

"Other workforce options available to farmers have seen numbers of workers increasing while the PALM scheme continues to grow and expand into new sectors: there are more than 250 new employers with applications to jointhe PALM scheme and arecord number of nearly 40,000 workers in the country and forecast demand for workers in July 2023 is above the 12-month average."

Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, TonyBurke,saidthe new Deed and Guidelines are about improvingworkers' conditions.

"Central to this scheme's success is that workers have agood experience of living and working here," Mr Burke said.

"Exploitation is always unacceptable.

"These changes will makeahugedifference for workers, who may have otherwise been mistreated."

The DEWR said the changes introduced in the PALM scheme Deed and Guidelines will be carefully phased in to ensure the program continues to deliver wins for workers,employers, Pacific, and Timor Leste.

"A gradual introductionofsome new settings will ensure sufficient time for employers and participating countries to adjust to the changes," aDEWR spokesperson said.

"Employers have always been required to offer short-term workers at least 30 hours per week, averaged overaworker's entire placement (up to nine months), but averaging resulted in work legitimately not offeredinsome weeks and workers struggling to support themselves.

"International comparisonprograms,suchasthe Recognised SeasonalEmployer scheme, already require30hours per week, leaving Australia at risk of being less competitive for reliable and productive PALM workers.

"Low and uncertain working hours lead to workers' inability to support themselvesinAustralia and their families at home, subsequently leading to financial stress and sometimes disengagement

The changes will ensure workers receive asteady income over their entire placement. Manyemployers already meet this requirement.

"A 30-hour-per-week commitment to employment for productive workers is reasonable when workerstravel internationally, arrive indebted and contributetothe prosperityoftheir employer and Australian communities."

Origami houses show crisis

HOMELESSNESS services and community groups across Victoria have come together to fold 6000 origami houses to highlight the scale of Victoria’s homelessness crisis.

The origami houses were presented at State Parliament on August 2, in preparation for Homelessness Week (August 7-13) in aHouses at Parliament campaign to demand more action to grow social housing.

The campaign folded6000houses before Homelessness Week,representing the ask that governments invest in an ongoing pipeline of at least6000 social houses ayear in Victoria.

Gippsland Homelessness Networker, Chris McNamara said community support showed Victorians are demanding the government step up to end homelessness for good.

“Victoria’s homelessness crisis is unacceptable, and Gippsland along with the rest of Victorian Specialist Homelessness Services are calling for urgent solutions,” Ms McNamara said. Homelessness in Victoria increased by 24 per cent

in the last Census. The Victorian Homelessness Network’s Houses at Parliament is calling on the stategovernment to commit to building at least 6000 new social houses each year, as well as a national plan to end homelessness.

“Homelessness is not inevitable. With enough socialand affordable homes and the right support, everyone in the community can be permanently housed,”MsMcNamara said.

“The first step to ending homelessness is ensuring people have access to housing they can afford. There is adire shortage of social housing in Victoria.”

The theme for this year’s Homelessness Week is:It’s time to end homelessness.

“We needaction now. Everybody has aright to a safe home to live in. Nobody should be homelessness. Housing ends homelessness,” Ms McNamara said.

To get involved or for more information on the Houses at Parliament campaign see vhn.org.au/ housesatparliament

Urgentcall for shopvolunteers

THE Lifeline Gippsland Op Shop in Sale is facing an imminent threat of closure due to asevere shortage of volunteers.

Lifeline’s Sale shop is urgently reaching out to the local community, seeking volunteers who can step forward and help keep this vital resource alive.

The SaleOpShophas beenaninvaluable contributor to funding Lifeline Gippsland’s contribution to the 13 11 14 crisis phone line. Sadly, with the current shortage of volunteers, the very existence of the shop hangs in thebalance. Lifeline wished to extend its gratitude to past volunteers for their longstanding service and commitment, who for reasons beyond their control, can’t continue.

Lifelineisseeking passionate individuals who can spare some time in their week to join the remaining small and friendly team of volunteers. By contributing your time to the Op Shop, you can make ahugedifference to the lives of others, while learning new skills and making new friends

Gippsland Family Practice

• Bulk billed medical services

• Friendly & professional care for the whole family

“No prior experience is required, and all training will be provided to ensure you feel confidentinyour role,” Lifeline chief executive Michelle Possingham said.

“Whetheryou can commit to afew hours a week or dedicate more time, every contribution is immensely valued and appreciated.”

By volunteering at the Lifeline Gippsland Sale Op Shop, you will be part of an organisation that actively saves lives.

Ms Possingham, who grew up in Sale, is calling on the communitytocome together and ensure that the Op Shop continues to operate and serve value and loyal customers for many years to come.

To offer your support and become avolunteer, email reception@llg.org.au or call 5136 3500.

If you would liketodrop in, the shop is currently open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 3pm.

Volunteer grantsnow open

FEDERAL Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is calling for expressions of interest (EOI)from local communitygroups for the latestroundof volunteer grants.

Mr Chester encouraged localvolunteer organisations to apply for funding to support the work of volunteers.

“Throughout Gippsland, we have thousands of volunteers who dedicate their timeand support the community,” Mr Chester said.

“This funding is designed to assist organisations to ensurethey can continue to provide for and support the communitysafelyand appropriately.”

Mr Chester said local organisationscan apply for grants of between $1000 and $5000.

“These grants can help pay for equipment, reimburse fuel costs, expenses associated with training and transport or for promoting awareness and increasing participation in volunteering,” Mr Chester said.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community, and by continuing to help each other and work together, we are building astronger and safer Gippsland.”

2 Stead Street, Sale

S S S

Ph 5144 6511 OPEN HOURS Monday–Friday9am to 5pm

Interested organisations must submit an EOI to be considered for agrant Expressionsofinterestare available via Darren Chester’s website, www.darrenchester.com.au and must be submitted by 5pm, Thursday, September 21.

Successful applicants will then be invited to complete afull submission.

Federal Member forGippsland, Darren Chester encourages volunteer groupstoapply to the volunteer grantsprogram.MrChester is pictured with members of the Sale Ambulance Auxiliary branch. Photo: Contributed

LifelineGippsland’s Sale Op Shopisin desperate need of morevolunteers.

Photo: Contributed

Commemorating 50 years since the last Australian troops left Vietnam

Keith Pritchard

VIETNAM Veterans Day is commemorated on August 18 of each year.

The day recognises the date on which the Battle of Long Tan took place in 1966, but is utilised to remember all those who served in Vietnam.

Until Australia’s commitment to the War on Terror, Vietnam was Australia’s longest conflict, lasting from 1962 until 1973.

Vietnam Veterans Day aims to rememberthe sacrificeand serviceofthe more than59,500

Australian military personnel, 1160 Australian civilians and 3890 New Zealand personnel who served in Vietnam. Overall, 521 Australians and 37 New Zealanders died in the war, and more than 3000Australians and 187 New Zealanders were wounded.

Vietnam is known as thefirst “television war” as battles and actionswhich occurredinaday would often be shown on night-time television in the United States,Australia, New Zealand and around the world. This was drastically different to previous conflicts, where information and news would take longer to reach the home front.

Additionally, it was awar where skilful marketing and propaganda were used most effectively. Many commentators would say that the Communist Viet Cong and North Vietnamese were much better at propaganda than the US and her allies, and would also say that the Communists won the television war.

Initially, the war had significant public support, but this support waned as the war dragged on.

Seven men from Gippsland payed the ultimate price for their service during the Vietnam War, including:

 Wayne Blanck -died September 20, 1966

 Adrian Rich -diedFebruary 17, 1967

 Barry Logan -diedMarch 28, 1967

 Robert Grist -died August 2, 1968

 John Garrigan -died December 27, 1968

 Joseph Manicola -died March 12, 1969

 Allan Lloyd -died December 30, 1970

This year, 2023, commemorates 50 years since the last Australian troops left Vietnam.

In April 1975, less than two years later, South Vietnam fell to the North Vietnamese Army and Vietnam became one country.

The Sale RSL &Community Sub-Branch will conductacommemoration serviceatthe replica

Long Tan Cross at the Sale RSL this Friday (August 18) to remember the service of all Australiansand NewZealanderswho served in Vietnam.The commemoration service will commence at 11am and all are welcome to attend.

For further information, please call the Sale RSL on 51442538oremailthe secretary of the Sale RSL via sec@salersl.com.au

Keith Pritchard is secretary of the Sale RSL Sub-Branch.

This year commemorates 50 years since the last Australian troops left Vietnam.

Council seeking Industry Reference Group

WELLINGTON Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest to joinanIndustry Reference Group, informing the designofthe new Sale Integrated Centre for Families and Childrento be built adjacent to the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, Gibsons Road in Sale.

The Industry Reference Groupwill play an important role in the planning of the new centre, giving industry and community representatives input into the detailed design of the proposed $7.8 millionfacility,ensuring local needsare considered prior to construction in 2025.

The function of the Industry Reference Group is to provide information, advice, and suggestions to council about the design of the centre expected to provide acombined 122 new childcare and kindergarten places, multi-purpose consulting suites, meeting,and activityspaces for early childhood services and community use.

Wellington Shire Council is looking to appoint adiversegroup of people to the panel, including industry representatives across Early Years, Allied Health, Maternal Child Health and the Department of Education. Community representatives are also encouraged to register their interest.

Expression of interest is open to individuals who have akeen interest in contributing to the longterm provision of early years services in Wellington Shire, while also being able to represent abroad range of viewsthat reflect community and industry needs.

Panel members are required to assist the project

teambyacting as aconduit between council and the community, providing local perspectives,raising concerns and discussion points,and providinginput into the planning and detailed design of the centre. Successful applicantswill be required to meet regularly with the project group, including the leadarchitect around eight times over the next six months. The first meeting will be held in September 2023.

Wellington ShireCouncilMayor,CrIan Bye said he is really excited that the design of the new centre is commencing.

“The Sale Integrated Centrefor Families and Children is such an important facility to support young local families living in Sale and surrounds, it’s really importantthatthe community are involved from the get-go,” Cr Bye said.

“I encourage passionate communitymembers and qualifiedindustry representatives to lodge their expression of interest and provide valuable feedback to council, supporting the future growth of early years in Wellington Shire."

Applicants are required to view the Terms of Reference and FAQs listed on the Wellington Shire Council website at www.wellington.vic.gov.au/ gibsonsrd.

To applytobecome amember of theindustry referencegroup,lodge yourapplication at www. wellington.vic.gov.au/gibsonsrd before 5pmon Friday, August 25 2023.

Applications will be reviewed and appointed in September 2023.

Photo: Australian WarMemorial

Supporting biodiversity

PARKS Victoria and Pennicott Wilderness Journeys are protecting native wildlife on the islands surrounding Wilsons Promontory National Park, using helicopters and highly-skilled professionals.

The islandsare home to significant seabird species, such as the Short-TailedShearwater, Fairy Prion and Little Penguin, and Australian Seal colonies.

The natural environmentisthreatened by exotic, sive weeds crowding out native vegetation and nesting habitat for seabirds.

This year, two visits in April and May saw staff from ParksVictoria andenvironmental tourism operator, Pennicott WildernessJourneys, treat invasiveweed speciesand survey native and invasive plant species.

Getting weed removal crews to the islands is a challenge, as their remote location and ruggedtermean they can only be visited by achartered or helicopter. The weather needs to be perfect, with no rainand onlylight winds-whichisusually

arare condition for Wilsons Promontory.

Once on the island, crews trek to find invasive weeds among the thick undergrowth and animal burrows.

While Parks Victoria conducts annual weed removal works on these islands, this year's partnership with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys has allowedrangers and contractors to dedicate twice as muchtime as usual to the project.

The environmental tourism operator's provision of staff, equipment and financial support has meantmore resourcesfor weed removal on the Corner Inlet Islands and Kanowna Island, where Parks Victoria rangers also surveyed the island's endangered native plants.

Wilsons Promontory National Park&Marine National Park, Parks Victoria, area chief ranger Brett Mitchell said the successful collaboration between Parks Victoria and Pennicott Wilderness Journeys demonstrates the power of partnerships in conservation.

"Together, we are working towards acommon

goal of safeguarding the unique biodiversity and natural heritageofWilsons Promontory National Park," Mr Mitchell said.

"By eradicating these weeds, which are degrading key ecological attributes, we aim to restore the natural balanceand ultimately ensure the long-term conservation of these precious offshore islands."

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Managing DirectorRobert Pennicott said island restoration is along-term commitment for Pennicott Wilderness Journeys.

"We have aproud tradition of protecting island habitats and restoring ecosystems through pest eradication and invasive weed control," Mr Pennicott said.

"Seabirds depend on islands as safe places to breed, which at the same time contributes to the health of other plants and animals.

"We are proud to partner with Parks Victoria on protecting the islands of Wilsons Promontory.We areprivileged to operate in this very special part of the world, and we are committed to ensuring we contribute to the long-term conservation of this unique environment."

The Wilsons Promontory National Park encompasses arange of different environments. It forms part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape that contains physicaland intangible heritage and places significant to Boonwurrung, Bunurongand Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner groups. Gunaikurnai has strong connections to Yiruk, the Gunaikurnaiwordfor Wilsons Promontory, and aproud historyofcaring for Country. The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation value its partnership with Parks Victoria, as the two corporations continue to work together to protect cultural heritage, share knowledge, and realisetheir jointvision for the health of Wilsons Prom.

"For Gunaikurnai, Country is the land, the rivers, the sea and the sky, the people and the stories, the past and the future," GLaWAC General Manager On Country Katherine Mullett said.

"We have aculturalresponsibility to look after all of it."

all about how using asimple cabbage can create sauerkraut, preserves and delicious dishes to make at home.

On the menu to take home: Carrot and ginger sauerkraut, pickled cabbage, sauerkraut, Okonomiyaki (savoury Japanese pancakes), mum’s marinated coleslaw and cabbage rolls.

Let’s Take aCabbage will take place on Friday, August 25 at 10am until1.30pm at Maffra Neighbourhood House. Cost is $40; limited spots available.

 Maffra Primary School proudly presents the whole school production of Shrek The Musical Jr in the Maffra Memorial Hall, Foster St, on Thursday, August 31. There will be two shows, one at 5pm and the other at 7pm. Tickets are available through TryBooking: trybooking.com/CJVVT

 Maffra Indoor Bowls are holding their final soup and sandwich luncheon for this season on Wednesday, August 23 at 11.30am; indoor bowls to follow commencing at 1pm. Names on list; contactClubhouseon51471974 or Joy on 0438456875.

 Knowledge sharing, cooking class with Julie from SBA’s Kitchen at Maffra Neighbourhood House: Let’s take aCabbage,

Portraitdrawing classwithYingYingisheld fortnightly at Maffra Neighbourhood House; the next session will be held on Monday,August 21 at acost of $20 per class. Booking is essential. Book now for both events to avoid disappointment on 0422 335 155.

 Afree Community Meal will be held at St John’s Anglican Church, cnr Thomson & Church Sts, Maffra, on Monday, August 21, beginning at 6pm. All welcome.

 Maffra RSL Sub-branch will hold its monthly Trivia Night this Friday, August 18 in their rooms at “Shelton”, Boisdale St, Maffra, from 5pm.

This is afree family activity, all welcome.

 The Rotary Club of Maffra sausage sizzle will be held on Saturday, August 19, outside Woolworths from 10am to 12 noon.

More than 1300 paramedicshavebeen added to Victoria’s networkinthe last two years.

Photo: File

Urgent calls for improved emergency response time

DESPITE more paramedics on the road,and better response times in Wonthaggi, Warragul and Moe/ Newborough areas,wait times for Wellington Shire are still high. Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien said he raised his concerns over ambulance wait times in Parliament many timeslastyear and is disappointed to see the life-threatening issue remains ongoing.

“The fourthquarter performance report from Ambulance Victoria shows that Wellington Shire residents are waiting over 20 minutes on average for an ambulance to respond to acode 1call-out with only 50.4 per cent of ambulances arriving withinthe targeted 15-minutetimeframe,” Mr O’Brien said.

“In the South Gippsland Shire that percentage is even lower at 45.4 per cent.”

Acode1incident is apatientwho requiresurgent paramedic and hospital care and has atargeted response time of less than 15 minutes.

Mr O’Brien said this is not an issue that can be allowed to go unchecked.

“I am extremely grateful for the work of ourlocal paramedics and hospital staff who are doing their best to deliver under enormous pressure and it is disappointing to see them continually let down by agovernment that fails to improve the system.

“The people of Gippsland South deserve to have access to an ambulance when they need one.

“I am calling on the Andrews Laborgovernment to take immediate actiontoensureour local ambulance services are able to meet their performance targets and keep our community safe.”

Ambulance Services Minister Gabrielle Williams said she was "optimistic"response times would eventually return to pre-pandemic levels.

Victorian Ambulance Union secretary Danny Hill told AAP: "Ambulance Victoria and (the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority) are coding so many cases as code 1, when they don't need to be."

He said that as aresult of this, paramedics dealt withmanycases withlights and sirens thatweren't emergencies.

We buy Gold,Antiques &ContemporaryJewellery in Gold,Diamonds,Silver,Sovereigns,Precious Stones including broken Jewellery& Watches

Arch Beauty awardfinalist

Zoe Askew

GIPPSLAND businessowner Taylor Peatlinghas beennamedafinalist in the prestigious Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards.

Taylor’s Maffra-based business Arch Beauty has been recognisedfor its excellence, selectedasa finalist in the Lash and Brows category from a pool of more than 2500 entrants.

“I entered the awards on the last day (July 21), thinking, ‘why not, Ihave nothing to lose’,” Taylor said.

“On the 2nd of August, Iwas getting coffee at Raymond Cafe and was going through my emails and saw that Ihad been picked as afinalist.

“I nearly startedcrying; Ididn’t think Iwas going to get in at all.”

Walking intoTaylorPeatling’s houseinSalea little more than 18 months ago, motherhood and business merged.

Three-year-old Archer sat among myriad children’s toys on the lounge room floor, faint chattering from colourful cartoons emanatingfrom the television. Eight-month-old-old Alby clung to his mum’s hip, fresh from an afternoon nap.

Alaptop rested ajar on the couch’s edge, and a work diary splayed across the table among stacks of empty post boxes ready for packing.

In January 2022,Taylor successfully balanced it all; babies, brows and business. Today is no different.

While much has changed in the past 18 months, Taylor continues to balance babies,brows, and business with Arch Beauty’s selection as an Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards finalist, negating historic toxic working mum stereotypes.

For too long, society has stigmatised working mums with erroneousstereotypeslike women can’t simultaneously be good mothers and be good at their jobs, culminating with the overarching belief that women must choose between professional success and having children.

Taylor Peatling invalidates these preconceptions, valuing motherhood and family while finding professional success,contradicting antiquated patriarchalsocietal beliefs that continue stigmatising working mothers.

While Taylor’s business continues to flourish, Arch Beauty’s journey to success has not been without challenges.

The young mother of two knewitwould never be easy to establish her own business with the arduous act of balancing work and motherhood, further challengedinthe early days as COVID arrived and Australia was suddenly amid apandemic.

Arch Beauty opened its doors to clients in July 2020, with challenges associated with COVID among thehardestTaylor has faced throughout her business journey.

“Oneofthe biggest challenges, definitely COVID,” Taylor said.

“We got shut down about amillion times with absolutely no funding given out and still paying your insurances while not operating, meaning you wereata loss, so that was superhard, justtokeep

going forward through that because there was no certainty that we were going to open backup.”

Childcare hasalso posed achallenge.

“I don’t have family here, so not having people to look after my kids, family to help has been a challenge,” Taylor said.

“So say if they’re sick, Ihave to have the day off, or Brad (Taylor’s husband) has to have the day off.

“There were alsosome mental health issues, and just dealing with them.

“Stress and even postpartum, Ihad Alby in COVID, which was really hard, but you get help.

Don’t suffer in silence.”

In the beginning, Taylor envisaged Arch Beauty to focus solely on makeup; however, clients were sparse with consistent restrictions and reoccurring

stay-at-home orders suspending the demand for makeupservices. As aresult,the new business owner found herself in asink-or-swimposition.

Taylor began diversifying her services, offering brow treatments.

“I thoughtbecause of masks,everyone would want their brows done,” she said.

“I also started body waxing, eyelash lifts, anything Icould do with amask on.”

ArchBeauty quickly gainedtraction on social media, leading clientele numbers to rise.

WithTaylor’s services in high demand, the young mother sought to advance her skills and capabilities, enabling Arch Beauty to offer clients amore comprehensive range of services.

Despite ongoing pressures from the pandemic, a

rambunctious toddler and arapidly growing baby belly Taylor remained dedicated to expanding her horizons, travelling to Melbourne in December 2020, where she attained her eyebrow tattooing qualification.

Taylor gave birth to her second son, Alby in May 2021;barely two months later, Arch Beauty was back in business.

In late November 2021, while maintaininga prospering business and caring for her newborn and toddler, the supermum launched Arch Beauty Brow Soap.

“I really wanted to make my own product, so I just didit,” Taylor said.

“I made all the soap by hand on the kitchen stove. Afriend from schoolwho is agraphic designer helped me create the labels, which Iindividually stuck on every product and packaging.

“I tested the productfor months, wearing it everywhere to bed, to the gym. Iwanted to make the best product possible. Iput my heart and soul into it.”

By January 2022, alittle over amonth after the product officiallylaunched, Arch Beauty Brow Soap receivedits firstwholesaler order, with online demand for Taylor’s latest product skyrocketing.

Taylor’s client list continued to growthroughout 2022, and in August, Arch Beauty relocated, today operating out of the Collective Hq in Maffra.

“I just wanted home to be home and work to be work,” Taylor said.

“I wanted that drivetowork, to hang out with people and not always be by myself.

“I love it here.”

In February, Taylor launched 1:1 intensivebrow and lash training services.

“I’ve now trained over 20 students,” Taylor said.

“Fourinthe Gold Coast and the rest here in Gippsland.

“I’vegot three more training sessions this month here, spots are already booked for next month when Iget back from my holiday, and then in November, Iamtrainingsomeone in Canberra.”

In June,Taylor launched Browd.e, her very own productrange for creating perfect brows.

Beginning Arch Beauty with an almost nonexistent client base, that number has surged to more than 1000 in just three years, atestament to Taylor’s diversification, consistent upskilling, hard work and personability.

Taylor, the flourishing Gippsland businesswoman who never imagined she would be where she is now, finds Arch Beauty’s sudden success surreal at times.

“I didn’t think Iwould ever have my own brow range, let alone have aloyal stockist who buys my products and sells them on his website,” Taylor said.

“I also wholesale to alot of my students who do my training.

“That’s anotherthing, this time last year,I didn’t think Iwould be trainingpeople in browsand lashes, so that is ahugeand unexpected milestone.”

With Taylor celebrating three years of Arch Beauty on July 3, being named a2023Australian Women’sSmall Business ChampionAwards winner wouldundoubtedly be an unforgettable belated birthday present.

Maffra business owner Taylor Peatling hasbeen named as afinalist in theprestigious Australian Women’s Small Business ChampionAwards.

Photo:Contributed

Getting readyfor Book Week 2023

Zoe Askew

GET ready to breakout Alison Lester's Are We There Yet,Mem Fox's PossumMagic and Enid Blyton's The Magic Faraway Tree as Book Week 2023 fast approaches.

Book Week, along-standing tradition introduced by the Children's Book Council of Australiain1945, is one of the most highly anticipated occasions on the school calendar.

Students dress as their favourite book characters to mark the week-long literary celebration of books, Australian children's authorsand illustrators, which hasbeen bringing children and books together for more than 75 years.

To emphasisethe importanceofreading, schools and public libraries across Australiaare festooned with bright, colourful displays, with teachers and librarians devising activities, facilitating competitions, and telling stories relevanttothe chosen Book Week topic.

This week's theme is ‘Read, Grow, Inspire’. There is no shortage of Book Week events in the Wellington Shire this year, with libraries and schools across the regionstaging celebrations of all things literary.

Guthridge Primary School studentsand teachers willdress as their favourite book characters for their annual Book Week Parade on Friday, August 25.

On Saturday, August 26, Wellington libraries invite the community's youngest readers to dress up as their favourite book characters and join their library team for amorning of reading and songs.

Wellington librarieswill hostStorytime sessions -suitable for kids aged three to nine -atall six branches in Heyfield, Maffra, Rosedale, Sale, Stratford and Yarram from 10.30am.

The announcement of this year's CBCA Book of the Year Awards will launch Book Week 2023 with local children's book author Vikki Conley named The Book of the Year: Early Childhood finalist for herlatestpublication, Wherethe Lyrebird Lives, illustratedbyMax Hamilton and Windy Hollow.

Ms Conley was awardedhonours in last year's CBCA Book of the Year Awards for her title, Amira's Suitcase,illustrated by Nicky Johnston.

The CBCA Book of the Year Awards are among the most prestigious literaryawards in the country, which showcase books of high literary and artistic quality.

"This year,wecelebrate stories for ouryoung peoplecreatedbyadiverserange of artists, including many new voices who display confidence with

fresh approaches to storytelling," CBCA national chair Wendy Rapee said.

"Recently, the media carried an outpouring of opinions and emotions around how stories for our children should reflect the values we share.

"We acknowledge the power of and the everchanging nature of language.

"Our awardsfor 77 years have always celebrated stories of relevance; we value highly stories that speak directly to the reader of their time."

The 2023 CBCA Book of theYear Awards winners will be announced at noon on August 18.

This year young readers from across the nation will be shadow-judging to choose their own winners, with shadow-judged winners to be announced at 10am on August 25.

Rotary ClubofSale’s giant booksalesoon

ROTARY Club of Sale are reminding everybody that their giant book sale is running this weekend at the Port of Sale.

The event begins this Friday (August 18) at 9am running until5.30pm, then continuing on the Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Prospective attendeesare encouraged to bring their own bags to carry away your bargains.

Entry to the sale is via Canal Road, at the rear of the Port of Sale building.

The books come from the Wellington Libraries; book donations will be accepted duringthe sale, but not before.

Organisers say there will be some greatbook bargains, with prices as low as $1.

Our Open Access BoardMeeting is agreat opportunity for you to meet our BoardofDirectors and hearabout allthe important work we aredoing. Everyone is welcometothe Open Access BoardMeeting on Wednesday 6September 2023 from 5-7pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Thevenue will be confirmed.

Register your attendance by 5pm Wednesday23August by emailingrebecca.gunning@cghs.com.au or phone 5143 8319.

Book Week 2022 celebrations at Sale Library with Sale Library support officer Leanne Collins.

Sale Library support officer Leanne Collinsreading The Very Hungry Caterpillar at last year’sBook Week Storytime session.

Photos: Zoe Askew

RotariansLisaBurgess andJohn Castle arelooking forward to this weekend’s book sale.

Photo: Contributed

Wonka’s wild world at TheWedge

AWORLD of pure imagination is close to hitting the stage at The Wedge.

Maffra DramaticSociety’s production of Charlie andthe Chocolate Factory is set to perform for two weekends this month.

Based on Roald Dahl’s world-renowned children’s novel, the show follows eccentric chocolate maker WillyWonka on his questtofind an heir to his chocolate kingdom. Enter Charlie Bucket, apoor boy from aloving family who spends all day thinking up new candy inventions instead of doing his homework, and who prides himself on making his yearly birthday chocolate bar last as long as it can.

WhenWonka announces acompetition thatwill allow five lucky golden ticket winners to tour his factory, Charliegets his lucky break and takes off to experience the wonders that await behind the factory doors. But what awaits him and the other four spoilt, bratty golden ticket winners is far from the tooth-tickling, tongue-tastical adventure they were expecting. They are thrown head-first into Wonka’s wild world of mayhem,madness, and of course, Oompa Loompas.

The cast and crew have been hard at work in rehearsalssince March, and director Grant van Brummelen is excited at the level of enthusiasm spreading through the group.

“The last month of rehearsals is where the production reallystartsreaching performance standard, and it’s really exciting seeing the cast start to hit their strides,”Mrvan Brummelen said.

The cast is leadbyRyan Crawford andEdith Lukjanov, playing Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket,respectively, and supported by astrong group of regulars to local stages including Paul Lee, Clare Hastings and Darren McCubbin.

Thisproduction will also mark the first major musical performancefor some of the younger cast members, such as Haydn De Sair and Miranda Watts, playing the icnoic roles of Violet

Beauregarde and Veruca Salt, respectively.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opens this Friday, August 18 for seven performances across two weekends only. Ticketsare availablenow by phoning the boxoffice on 5143 3200, or via thewedge.com.au

Latest local talentatLatrobe ValleyEisteddfod

THE stage is set for the 2023 Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod Performing Arts Festival, with more than 2700 performances across vocal, choral, instrumental, brassbands,piano, speech and drama and theatricaldance set to grace the region for the event.

Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod Public Relations Officer, Sjaala Harbridge said that the event was notonlya huge celebrationofthe arts,but also an opportunityfor allperformersofall ages and skill levels to gain valuable experience and feedback from judges.

"The event provides aplatform for local artists to develop their skills, grow their confidence and connect with other performing arts individuals in

the community," Ms Harbridge said She added that the Eisteddfod "is often the first publicexperienceperformers will have, and is an important bridge between performingasan amateur and learning professional behaviour and standards, and for somestudents this is their only performance opportunity, so it’s an important event to work towards to showcase their hours of time and dedication to their craft."

Running since 1956, Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod has seen some amazinglocal talentperform at the event, and go on to become renowned professionalsintheir fields. The dedicated Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod committee has worked many hours to ensure that the program of events can run smoothly

and efficiently overfive Latrobe Valleyvenues, including Traralgon's Gippsland Performing Arts Centre (Main Stage, Little Theatre and TownHall) for Music and Choral; Morwell Central Primary School for Recorder; and Kernot Hall in Morwell for the Theatrical Dance sections. The event has begun and runs until September 24.

Volunteers are being called for, with many jobs to be filledduring the eventsuchasfood kiosk sales, ticket box, door monitors and many more. For the full program of events and or to sign up as avolunteer, go to www.lve.org.au or the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod Facebook page.

Australian String Quartet returnstoSale

OFF the back of their2022 visit to Sale, the Australian String Quartet returns with aprogram featuring aselection of melodic and rhapsodic musical gems. This concert opens with Mozart’s String Quartet in Dminor. Intensely personal in its expression, this composition features moments of intimately sublimesorrow which give waytoburstsofplayful

radiance, showcasing this incrediblecomposer’s gift for melody.

Following Mozart is Australian composer Nigel Westlake’s Sacred Sky,commissioned by the ASQ and inspired by the seascapepaintings of Westlake’s late sister Kate.

Finishing this concert is Fanny Mendelssohn’s String Quartet in E-flat Major.Thisextraordinarily stunning, dreamlike composition is one of the

earliest known string quartets written by awoman, and its rousing finale is the perfect conclusion to this performance.

Australian String Quartet will be performing at the John Leslie Theatre on Sunday, August 27 at 4pm.

For more information and tickets,visit thewedge. com.au or call the box office on 5143 3200.

The cast of Maffra Dramatic Society’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ areready for opening night this Friday.

Photos: Lisa Hayman

Edith Lukjanov andRyanCrawfordleadthe production.

ONE POINTERS

PROUDLY

PROUDLYBROUGHT TO YOUBYTHESE PARTICIPATINGLOCAL BUSINESSES

Crossword Puzzle No.8547

with Muzza

1. Who is the female Irish singer that passed away recently that had ahit with the song ‘Nothing Compares 2U’?

2. Bert and Ernie arecharacters on which children’sTVshow?

3. How many carats arethereinpuregold?

4. If Iwas in thetown of Tennant Creek, what state/territory would Ibein?

TWOPOINTERS

5. In which sport would you perform the “Fosbury Flop”?

6. True or false. Scallops can see?

7. Which actor was the youngest to play Doctor Who when he took on the role?

8. What is the national animal of England?

THREE POINTERS

9. On what part of the body would you wear wedges?

10. Who serves as the principal of Springfield Elementary School in the cartoon show ‘The Simpsons’?

11. What does the world LED stand for?

12. In which city did Anne Frank write her diary?

FOUR POINTERS

13. Which element gets its symbol from the Latin word Plumbum?

14. What is the wordused to explain events of supernatural phenomena?

FIVE POINTER

15. Who am I? Clue: Iwas borntoScottish parentsand moved to Australia at the age of 6. An accomplished actor and author, you might know me from one of my earlier TV shows set in the seaside town of Summer Bay?

HOW DID YOU FARE?

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

Target Time No.0171

Howtoplay.

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or morecan you list? The centrelettermustbe included and each letter may be used only once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns,

Sudoku No.0171

Howtoplay...

BUY

community.

When youbuy local youreceivelocal serviceand supportand youalso help ensurethe prosperity of the region.

Anddon’t forget about the convenience of shopping local.

I ONE OF MAFFRA’S FINEST

This delightful home on northern town boundary of Maffra is arare find according to agents. Situated on ahuge 2023m2 (half acre) block this quality home is in one of Maffra’smost prestigious residential streets.

The brick rendered home consists of three bedrooms, study or fourth bedroom, north facing lounge, kitchen/meals/living combined, two bathrooms and separate laundry

The main bedroom is huge and features a stunning ensuite with double vanity,walk-in shower and large built-in robes.

The kitchen features stainless steel appliances including gas hotplates, electric wall oven, built-in microwave, and dishwasher

All seasons are covered with gas central heating, gas log fire and reverse cycle air-conditioning.

Externally the features are almost endless. There is aprivate timber decked patio area, two carports, 8m x6.5m garage/workshop, and ahuge 14m x10m brick shed with high clearance roller doors and mezzanine floor.Awellestablished garden completes this property

Briefdetails fdetails

Property: Three-bedroom plus study home on half acre

Address: 35-37 Henry Street,Maffra

Price: Reduced to $849,000

Inspection: By appointment

Contact: PatWeatherleyorPaul Bourke, Gippsland Real EstateMaffra, 0412 435 644 or 0428 451366

*Approximately

180MCADAM STREET,MAFFRA

STUNNING RESIDENCE ONACREAGE

*Solar

FOR SALE $1,050,000

157SANDY CREEKROAD, MAFFRA

FAMILYHOME, GREATSHEDDING, 1ACRE

*Perfect for the growing family with plenty of room to move

*5bedroom, 2bathroom home

*Open plan kitchen/family dining area

*Theatre/lounge room

*North facingoutdoor entertainment area

*Secureyardfor pets and young children

*Double garage with direct entry to the home

*Huge 9m x12m shed with concretefloor,power,mezzanine floor plus additional 9m x4mapron

*Town water

FOR SALE $920,000

heating plus reverse cycle air conditioner

*Double garage with automatic door

*Undercover outdoor area at rear

*Split level backyard

*Currently leased until December 2025

•2 bedroombrick veneer home

•North facing lounge/dining with gas heating and reverse cycle air conditioning

•Kitchen with gas stove and an abundance of cupboard space

•New floor coverings and freshly painted throughout

•Single carport

•Separatebungalow

•Easy stroll to schools and corner store

Potential site fordevelopers

Welcome to 2Buckley Street, Stratford!

Situated on amassive 1584 m2 corner allotment, with the boundaries facing three separate streets, this property offers aprime opportunity for developers looking for a great site or is aneatand tidy option for first home buyers or downsizers.

Located in alovely part of Stratford this property offers close proximity to the Knob Reserve, Avon River,the Recreation Reserve and is ashort walk to the main street.

Inside, you'll find agenerously sized bedroom complete with ahuge walk-in robe providing plenty of storage space. The comfortable lounge room is equipped with a split system, ensuring apleasant atmosphere throughout the seasons. The kitchen and dining area offers plenty of space and natural light. The practical bathroom has shower over bath and vanity,while the separate laundry provides practicality and convenience. The porch/sunroom at the rear of the home provides another versatile space.

Outside, the property boasts ahuge yard with subdivision potential (subject to council approval), making it an enticing prospect for investors and developers looking to unlock its full potential. Additionally,a3.0 x3.6 sqmshed provides valuable storage space. Don't miss out on this versatile property that offers multiple opportunities for both developers and home buyers. Take thenext step and explore the possibilities that 2Buckley Street Stratford has to offer!

Briefdetails

Property: One bedroom home on a large block

Address: 2BuckleyStreet, Stratford

Price: $395,000

Contact: Christine Haylock, Wellington Real Estate, 0417 007 336

So

Your perfect family home retreat

STEP into this home that epitomizes modern family living in an unbeatable location, just ashort stroll away from the vibrant CBD and the convenience of the train station.

This exceptional brick veneer residence has been meticulously renovated and updated, according to agents, ensuring aperfect blend of style, comfort, and functionality

Upon entry,you will be greeted by afloor plan that maximizes space and natural light.

The master bedroom exudes elegance and luxury with its walk-through robe, asecond walk-in robe and ensuite featuring adouble vanity

Alongside the master is three additional generously-sized bedrooms, each equipped with built-in robes for all your storage needs. Twoseparateliving zones cater to your family's lifestyle needs. The formal lounge with wood heating provides atranquil retreat for relaxation and entertainment.

The heart of the home is the open plan kitchen, meals, and family zone, boasting raked ceilings that add atouch of sophistication.

Prepare and enjoy meals in the stylishly appointed kitchen, complete with top-of-theline fixtures and finishes, large island bench and plenty of storage space.

Step outside, and you'll be delighted by the expansive decked alfresco area, perfect for soaking up the sunshine or hosting gatherings with family and friends.

For the handyperson or hobby enthusiast, afully powered separate shed/workshop with additional storage areas awaits. Dual access to the shed and backyard is provided through the enclosed double carport with aremote door,aswellas double gates at the rear of the property for added convenience.

Don't miss this opportunity to secure afamily retreat in ahighly soughtafter location.

Briefdetails

Modern family living

THIS inviting property is situated in agreat location, close to parks and only ashort drive or walk to town. According to agents, it offers spacious modern living that will suit arange of buyers either looking for their next home or investment.

From the moment you step inside, you'll be impressed by the seamless blend of contemporary design and practicality.The open-plan kitchen/living and dining is the hub of the home and creates aspacious and inviting atmosphere, perfect for entertaining family and friends.

The kitchen is well equipped, boasting high-end stainless-steel appliances and alarge central island that doubles as

abreakfast bar,plusplenty of storage options. There are three well-appointed bedrooms plus astudy,the private master suite features aluxurious ensuite and awalk-in robe. The other bedrooms are both agood size, both with built-in robes and are serviced by acentral family bathroom with shower,separatebath and vanity

Ahighlight of the property is the outdoor alfresco area. Large sliding doors seamlessly connect the interior with this great entertaining space. Completely enclosed with roll down blinds, you will be sure to utilise it all year round. The deck extends into the yard, providing further entertaining space and abeautiful spot to sit and takeinthe afternoon sunshine.

Briefdetails

Property: Three-bedroom modern home

Address: 50 Woondella Boulevard,Sale

The backyard is well landscaped with lovely established gardens and trees, yet the yard still has the benefit of being low maintenance, with just asmall amount of lawn to mow. The double garage provides secure parking for your vehicles and has internal access into the home, plus roller door access into the backyard. Other features include ceiling fans throughout, ducted gas heating, evaporative cooling, and double-glazed windows. With so much to like about this home, agents say you won’t want to miss out.

Price: $545,000

Contact: Christine Haylock, Wellington Real Estate, 0417 007 336

GippsDairy Grants

APPLICATIONS are now open for the 2024 round of GippsDairy Grants.

The GippsDairy Grants Program began this year, and enables dairyfarmers, organisations, and dairy farming groups to applyfor funding to undertake initiatives to help the dairyindustry,and to develop local solutions to local problems. Each financial year, GippsDairy will providea total grant allocation of $40,000,with up to $20,000 available per grant application.

Applications for projects must address priorities identified in the GippsDairy Strategic Plan 20202025,and have direct value to the Gippsland dairy industry and/orlocal farmers. The grant guidelines and applicationform canbefound on the GippsDairy website.

GippsDairy’s Regional Extension Officer, Agribusiness, Richard Ockerse, believesthe program is aterrific waytoprovidefarmerswith the resources needed to explore new advances in dairy.

“The program offers farmers the opportunity to

move ahead with that great ideathey had to promote the industry, or to takeadvantageofuntested innovations,” he said.

“Farmers operate in abusiness environment and may not be willing to purchase anew product without being sure of the return on investment.

“These grants takeaway some of that risk by providing assistance withpurchasing and testing theproduct, and then sharingtheir findingswith thebroader industry.”

In GippsDairy’s first round of applications,funding was awarded to continue acomparison of regenerative and conventional agricultural techniques, including afinancial analysis of the two approaches. This will provide akey piece in the conversation around changing agricultural practices across the wider industry.

Applications for the 2024 roundofgrantsclose in Octoberand funding recommendations will be provided to the GippsDairy board in December.

For more information on the GippsDairy Grants Program, phone Mr Ockerse on 0417 552 399 or email richard.ockerse@gippsdairy.com.au.

Investigations into horse deaths

AGRICULTURE Victoria has confirmed that recentsudden multiple horse deaths are not linked or the result of an infectious disease.

Sample testing and necropsies were conducted where possible on deceased animalsand found nothing unusual or unexpected as contributing causes.

Anumberofseparate diagnoses have been made, including intestinal issues in one instance, while there is apossibility of toxic plants present in another.

In some instances, it was not possible to determine aclear cause due to alack of available suitable samples.

The investigation involved atotal of 17 horses that died on six separate properties where multiple deaths were reported.

Negative tests were returned for a wide variety of transmissible diseases, such as Hendra virus and equine influenza.

Agriculture Victoria extended thanks to the horse industry, private veterinarians, other experts and horse

ownersfor their assistance duringthis investigation.

Next steps

As there are no further concerns about the investigation’sfindings,regular arrangements for reporting illness or deaths in horses will be reinstated.

Privateveterinariansmust be the firstpoint of contact as your horse’s primary health advisor -they are the ones with specific knowledge about your individual situation and are best placed to provide assistanceorknow whereto find other assistance if required.

AgricultureVictoria can support privateveterinariansvia the Significant Disease Investigation (SDI) program if eligible.

Allhorse owners should takeregular steps towards ensuring the best health of their horses and tailored to the season, includinggood parasite management and weed control and providing quality feed and water.

Focus on methane emissions

CATTLE Australia has welcomed Oxford University Physicist Myles Allen to Australia to addressthe oversimplified accounting of methane emissions.

Professor Allen was the architect of the GWP* metricthat wasspecifically designed to accurately account for the warming impact of short-lived gasses.

Cattle Australia chief executive Luke Bowen thanked Professor Allen for meeting with industry, journalists and policymakers at Hotel Kurrajong in Canberra.

“Professor Allen has clearly demonstrated why we need to look at methane emissions more closely,” Mr Bowen said.

“Beef emissions are dynamic and shouldn’t be measured the same way as CO2.

“Several significant factors are ignored when our emissions are measured this way.

“Short-lived gasses,such as methane, do nothave awarming legacy, whereas CO2 lasts thousands of years.

“Whenthe short lifespan of livestock methane is takeninto account, you find an industry’s gases stop contributing to warming after 12 yearsifyour herd size is constant.

“What’s more important, is when we cut methane emissions, we reverse our warmingimpact, something that does not apply to CO2.

“Being part of anatural cycle means the carbon in our emissions goes back into growing the grass and vegetation which sustains our cattle, the natural environment.

"Professor Allen has undertaken asignificant

analysisofthese dynamics to develop ametric that fairly represents the impact methane has on warming.

“It’s important to note Professor Allen is an advocate for good science and not an advocate for livestock industries.

“At the same time, our policy settings must be based on the best available science, so our efforts have the most impact.

“It'stimeAustralia recognised the truewarming impact of the grassfed beef industry, which will be neutral by 2026 -and well before net zero.

“Taking the time to understand the climate contribution of the beef industry will put us in a position to take meaningful climate action.”

Photo: File

Photo: File

Drought Angels appoints new chief

DROUGHT Angels has appointed Jason Law as its chief executive.

Mr Law is an experienced business leader and will take on an advocacy and farmer support role at Drought Angels.

Drought Angels is anationalcharitythat responds to the needsofprimary producers impacted by drought and other natural disasters.

Founder Tash Johnston said the appointment of Mr Law would give her space to work hands-on directly with farmers and the communities they support.

While she may be handing over the reins to Mr Law to drive the growth of Drought Angels into the future, Ms Johnstonwill takeonanadvocacy and farmer support role as Chief Angel and also remain aboard member.

Ms Johnston intends to spend much of her time in arole that fuels her never ending passion for helping farmers all over Australia.

“As the founder and CEO of Drought Angels, it has been arewarding journeyofmylife to witness the growth and impact of our organisation," she said.

“Handing over the reins doesn't signify an end; rather,itmarks the beginning of anew chapter for Drought Angels. Ifirmly believe that leadership is about recognisingstrengths and leveraging them for the greater good.

"With this transition, Ican now focus on what I am truly passionate aboutand where my skills lie, which is nurturing the heart of Drought Angels -our core values, our farmers, our community, and our purpose.

“I have every confidence in the abilities of our incoming CEO, who brings awealth of expertise and apassion for our cause.

"Under his guidance, Iknow Drought Angels will soar to even greater heights, reaching more

farmers, providing more support, and making an evenlargerimpactinthe lives of those affected by natural disasters and the mental healthchallenges these disasters help create.”

Apassionateadvocate for driving change in regional Australia,MrLaw previously held therole of general manager of the Telstra Country Wide initiative that saw ruraland remote communities gain greater access to the network.

He wasalso instrumentalindelivering digital transformationinitiativesinvarious regional communities across Queensland.

Withmore than 33 years’ experience working in both the technology sector and Regional Economic Development organisations,MrLaw brings a unique blend of strategic thinking,innovative problem-solving and adeep understanding of the issues facing regional and rural communities across Australia, and is looking forward to using his skills to continue the work done by Drought Angels.

“Drought Angels’ unwavering commitment to supporting those affected by the harsh realities of natural disasters is truly commendable and Iaminspired by the incredible work that Tash and her teamhavedone for farmersand rural communities," Mr Law said.

“Together, with our dedicated team and our generous supporters, my goal is to build our capacity and extendour reach to provide permanent Angels on thegroundineverystate in Australia and make alasting difference for those who feed our nation.”

In congratulating Mr Law on his appointment, Ms Johnston said Drought Angels was in safe hands.

“I am both proud and humbled to be passing the batontoa new,moreexperienced CEO," she said.

"This decision comes from aplace of deep

Victoria’s CropSafe Surveillance Program

EXOTIC plant pests and diseases pose asignificant threat to Victoria's agriculture industry, especially the cropping sector.

With international travel reaching pre-COVID-19 levels and the increasing movement of plant materials and farm products throughout the state, the risk of incursions of plant pests and disease is high.

Agriculture Victoria Grain Services Program manager Jo Cameronsaidthe CropSafe Surveillance Program delivers reassurance to the Victorian Grains Industry by increasing

agronomists' monitoring, reporting and identifying plant pests and diseases.

"The CropSafe network covers85per cent of grains agronomists within Victoria, with more than 1.7 millionhectares, or 22,500 paddocks surveyed during 2022," Ms Cameron said.

"This area of research and identification ensures 14 high-priority pests and diseases, includingfederal and state identified exotic pests, are reported."

As outlined in the 2022 CropSafe report, Ms Cameron said 68 crop samples were submitted during 2022 from across Victoria, with the majority

delivered from the Wimmera and Mallee regions. "Samples were from arange of crop types including wheat, lentil, barley, faba bean, lupins, canola, vetch and chickpea," she said.

"The reportfound that all Victorian lupin samples submittedtoCropSafe during2022werenegative for anthracnose, which is adisease of great concern to the state."

Of the findings, endemic diseases accounted for 38 per cent of the samples submitted, with the remaining affected mainly by physiologicalor environmental conditions.

reflection and adesire to ensure the continued success and expansion of our mission.

“As the founder, my heart will always remain with Drought Angels. Together, let us continue to sow the seeds of compassion, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity.

"The journey may change, but the destination remains the same: abetter and brighter future for our farmers and rural communities.

“To our team, supporters, and partners, Iextend my deepest gratitudefor believinginmeand the vision we built together. Iamnot stepping away, but rather, stepping into arole where Ican contribute more effectively.

"I am eager to remain involved and support Jason and our dedicated team in any way Ican.

“Thank you all for being apart of this incredible journey, and Ican't wait to witness the continued growth and success of Drought Angels under the guidance of Jason."

Drought Angels founderTashJohnston.

Photo:Contributed Photo:

LPG Gas Bottle Refills

8.5kg -$20 45kg -$130

We will refill any gas bottle including SWAP'n'GO if it's less than 10yrs old

Call Platinum Plumbing Plus Sale 5144 7644

HORSES WANTED

AGM

Sale Angling and Sports FishingClub annual general meeting will be held August 29 from 8pm at the Sale club house.

AGM

Sale Neighborhood House annual general meeting is to be held on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. The meeting will be held at Sale Neighbourhood House 19-21 Leslie Street, Sale at 6.30 pm. To attend, please RSVP via email to salenhsecretary@gmail.com. by Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023. All are welcome.

Community Invitation OPEN ACCESS BOARD MEETING

The Central Gippsland Health Service Board of Directors cordially invites members of the community to an Open Access Board Meeting on Wednesday 6September 2023 from 5-7pm. The venue will be confirmed once attendance numbers are known. We welcome the community to engage with the work ofthe Board and the health service. Information ofcommunity interest will be shared, including current capital development projects, an overview of our Community Liaison Committee, and other topical matters. Light refreshments will be provided. Please register your attendance by COB Wednesday 23August 2023 to Rebecca.gunning@cghs.com.au or on 5143 8319.

We seek committed and enthusiastic individuals for the following opportunities commencing in Term 1 of 2024:

Positions of Leadership:

Deputy Head of Junior School

● St Anne's Campus

● 3year appointment to Deputy position of responsibility, attracting 0.6FTE time allowance (0.4 teaching) and $12,818 annual monetary allowance in addition to annual teacher's salary

● Ongoing full-time teaching contract

Heads of Year

● Garnsey Campus

Forall classifieds please telephone: 5143 9333 drop into our office: 74 Macalister St., Sale or email: classifieds@gippslandtimes.com.au

Chris Owens Plastering. Experienced plasterer available for new houses, extensions, renovations, sagging ceilings, water damage, patching. No job too small. Qualified trades-man with 25 years experience. Prompt, reliable, professional service. Ph. Chris 0460 813

Situations Vacant •

● 3year appointment to Head of Year role attracting 0.2FTE time allowance (0.8 teaching) and $14,955 annual monetary allowance in addition to annual teacher's Ongoing full-time teaching positions @ Garnsey Campus

● Ongoing full-time teaching contract

Head of Learning (Primary)

● 2positions, one at St Anne's Campus and one at Bairnsdale Campus

● 3yearappointment to the role attracting 0.2 FTE time allowance (at Bairnsdale) and 0.4FTE (at St Anne's) teaching for residual time and $4,272 annual monetary allowance in addition to annual teacher's salary

● Ongoing full-time teaching contract

Teaching positions:

Primary Teachers

● Ongoing full-time @StAnne's Campus

● Ongoing full-time @Bairnsdale Campus

Secondary Teachers

● Ongoing full-time and part-time positions with combinations of Mathematics, Psychology, English, Humanities (including Geography) and Digital Technology at our Garnsey Campus in Sale.

SALE COLLEGE

Is seeking to appoint the following:

Classroom Music /InstrumentalTeacher

Full-time: 38 Hours aweek

Job Opening Number 1358108

Classroom Teacher -Maths /Science

Full-time: 38 Hours aweek

Job Opening Number 1358107

Classroom Teacher -English

Full-time: 38 Hours aweek

Job Opening Number 1358105

We welcome your applications for the above positions.

Enquiries: Andrea Watson 03 5144 1711

Applications close 21/08/2023

Position Descriptions and Selection Criteria available via: https://www.salecollege.vic.edu.au/employment/

● Graduate Teachers are strongly encouraged to apply.

Support positions:

GAP Assistants

● General Duties positions at both Garnsey Campus and Bairnsdale Campus

● Outdoor Education/Year 9position at Garnsey Campus

● 1FTE, 11 month contracts commencing January and concluding in December

● Applicants must be 18 years old or older at start date.

For more detail on the requirements, duties and responsibilities of these roles, visit the employment page of the Gippsland Grammar website.

Expressions of Interest School Cleaning Contractor

Our current cleaning contract is coming to an end, as aresult we are seeking expressions of interest from cleaning contractors to clean Rosedale Primary School commencing January 1st, 2024.

Cleaners are required to attend asite inspection at 4pm on Monday 21st August 2023. Contract documents will be available at that time. Please register your attendance/interest on 51992473. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. All successful applicants must have, or be able to meet, Department approved cleaning panel status prior to commencing their contract at any Victorian government school.

Bonaccord Freightlines is currently hiring:

● Full Time Long Distance HC Drivers (Interstate)

● Casual Relief MC Driver (Lindenow to Melbourne)

Please visit our website https://bonaccordingram.com.au/careers for further details and job descriptions. Applications can be emailed to freightlines@bonaccord.net or contact 03 5157 1325 for further information.

Executive Officer

Gippsland East Local learning and Employment (LLEN) is seeking suitable applicants for the Executive Officer position.

The Executive Officer leads the LLEN team, making collaborative decisions focusing on successful outcomes for the organisation, its employees, clients and community. The position is responsible for achieving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in aportfolio of contracts.

The EO will also explore and engage in arange of new strategic opportunities and activities that will provide the LLEN with asustainable future.

The position is full time fixed term until 31 December 2025 with alikelihood of extension. Negotiable working hours fall between 8.30am -5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Aposition description can be found at gellen.org.au/exof

Cover letter addressing Key Selection Criteria and earliest available commencement date, and current CV including three professional referees should be directed to: info@gellen.org.au

Applications close 5pm 3rd of September.

Mill Operator -Tinamba Site

Areyou afit and healthy individual that likes an active job?

Do you have experience in milling or asimilar role?

Then Browns Stockfeed Tinamba may have the perfect position for you!

Job responsibilities will include:

● Milling and mixing grain to specified rations

● Assisting in the running of the mill and associated equipment

● General cleaning and routine preventative maintenance in and around the mill

● Unloading trucks with raw materials and loading trucks with finished product

● Reporting information to site manager as required.

The successful candidate will have the following skills and characteristics:

● Milling experiencewould be highly advantageous.

● Possess apositive "can-do" attitude and work well in asmall team.

● Ability to communicate in aprofessional manner with all clients, suppliers and work colleagues.

● Be physically fit and able as the job does involve lifting.

● Ability to accurately calculate and record information.

● Reasonable computer skills.

● Aforklift license and /orother relevant qualification would be an advantage.

● Willingness to pitch in and help in other areas as required.

Specific on the job training will be provided and an immediate start is available. If this sounds like the right fit for you then forward your cover letter and resume to: tinamba@brownssf.com.au

Finance Officer

● Flexible hours

● Excellent benefits including salary packaging

● Friendly and supportive team environment

CGH Finance Department are looking to enhance the team with aFinance Officer who has experience working in afinance role. We are looking for someone with an eye for detail, ready to learn, can work autonomously, and willing to participate in all aspects of the finance team.

To apply for the role or for further information, go to https://centralgippslandhealth.mercury.com.au or contact Emma Brennan, Manager Finance on (03) 5143 8559

Community Care Worker

Ongoing casual and part-time positions available

● Are you passionate about making adifference in people's lives?

● Do you enjoy and get satisfaction from providing high quality support and care?

● Do you have experience in or currently studying community based home support services?

If so, we'd love you to join our team!

Central Gippsland Health are seeking to appoint compassionate Community Care Workers to support our clients to remain living independently at home by providing home and social support care services within Sale and surrounding areas. Applicants need to be physically fit, have a driver's license and areliable roadworthy vehicle.

To apply for the role or for further information, go to https://centralgippslandhealth.mercury.com.au or contact Stacey Maxwell, Manager Community

In-Home Support Services on (03) 5143 8811

Allied Health Assistant -Paediatric

Permanent Full Time

● Excellent benefits including salary packaging

● Challenging and rewarding work environment

● Ongoing training and development opportunities

● Friendly and supportive team environment

Central Gippsland Health are seeking to appoint an Allied Health Assistant to provide therapeutic and program related support in delivering individual, group and home-based therapy services. The successful applicant will be enthusiastic, experienced and have astrong commitment to delivering outstanding service to internal and external stakeholders.

If you have relevant qualifications or relevant work experience and apassion for Allied Health, we would love to hear from you!

To apply for the role or for further information, go to https://centralgippslandhealth.mercury.com.au or contact Kath Cook, Speech Pathology on (03) 5143 8560.

Poly Welder /Labourer

Full Time

Great opportunity to join our Poly &Irrigation business, duties include poly welding, PVC & poly pipe installation. Drivers licence essential, experience in irrigation preferred, medium heavy rigid license and excavator experience looked at favourably. For further information call Luke on 5141 1648, please send applications to: luke@maffrapoly.com.au

www.eager.com.au

ACCOUNTANT /BOOKKEEPER

•Bairnsdale Location

•PartTime or Full Time Position

•Work/Life Balance

Eager and Partners has an opportunity for an Accountant/Bookkeeper to join their team for aposition in their Bairnsdale office (minimum 24 hours perweek).

As aCPA Practice we are committed to providing an exceptional level of service to clients. The role is centredonaccounting, taxation and business services to clients of all entity types.

Working in asupportive team, the successful applicant will ideally be qualified/experienced in an accountingdiscipline with the skills to prepare financial reports, business activity statements and income tax returns. Important skills needed include good communication, computer and time management skills, together with apositive and friendly attitude. Familiarity with MYOB or Xero would be highly regarded Need achange? Move forward with awellestablished and progressive firmthat offers flexibility,career development, trainingand a supportive/fun working environment. To applyinstrict confidence, please email your application (including resume and two referees) before Thursday31August2023 to daniellem@eager.com.au

GP1660922

Cars •

GALAXY Odyssey 17ft,

grill, m/wave, a/c, QB, 240v/12v, plenty storage, e.c. $21,000 o.n.o. Phone 0456 609 278. 2011 Audi A4 turbo diesel wagon, immaculate cond., only 132,700kms, full serv. history. and all receipts, 12 months rego., r.w.c. $12,550. 0418 512 734.

AUDI A4

Auto, perfect body, very very good interior, needs alittle work, absolute bargain $2500. Phone 0418 830 201.

detail and exceptional communication skills?

Do you require ajob that fits in with school drop offs and pick-ups?

Then Browns Stockfeed may have the perfect position for you!

Job responsibilities will include:

● Reception duties

● Customer sales

● Customer invoicing

● Updating and altering Excel spreadsheets

● Assisting office manager and site manager

● General administration and accounts support duties

The successful candidate will have the following skills and characteristics:

● Possess apositive "can-do" attitude and work well in asmall team.

● Ability to communicate in aprofessional manner with all clients, suppliers and work colleagues.

● Be physically fit and able as some lifting will be involved.

● Competence using Microsoft Word and Excel programs.

● Willingness to pitch in and help in other areas as required.

Specific on the job training will be provided and an immediate start is available. For more information please contact Estie at the Tinamba office on 03 5145 1345.

If this sounds like the right fit for you then forward your cover letter and email to tinamba@brownssf.com.au

Engagements •

IMPORTANT NOTICE

HILL, James Edwin (Jim).

9/5/1940 -6/8/2023

At Maffra District Hospital.

Son of James Rupert and Ethel May Hill.

Brother of Kathleen (Pleydell),Margery (Price), and Clem. Brother-in-law of Bill (dec.), and Ann. Rest Peacefully HILL, James Edwin (Jim).

9/5/1940 -6/8/2023

Dearly loved brother of Kathleen, brother-in-law and mate of Bill (dec.) Pleydell.

Birthdays

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

(size 1column x6cm)

Deaths •

BENSON, (nee Costello)

Mattea Josephine. 3/4/1933 -9/8/2023

Daughter of Charlotte and Mathew Costello (both dec.).

Dearly loved sister and sister-in-law to Margaret and Ian Grumley (both dec.), Mary and Don Ronalds (both dec.), Myra and Tom (dec.) Grumley, Robert and Eilleen Costello, Locky and Peter (dec.) Wilson. Much loved aunty to all families. Thanks for all you did for every one of us and the love you gave us all.

Treasured Uncle of Leanne and Guy, Jennifer and Peter, Alecia and Ashleigh, Michael and Nadine and their families. You did not want to leave us, but you did not go alone, For part of us went with you, the day you were called home, Deep in our hearts memories are kept, to love and cherish and never forget.

Rest in Peace Jim

HILL,James Edwin.

Aged 83 years. Jim you have been there for every part of our lives, Christmas, Birthdays, Weddings, Babies, Farming and our sport, our whole life included you. Fond memories of Sunday roasts at Tinamba Rd and how you were so meticulous about your lawns and especially the mowing of the Maffra Football oval, the lines marked to perfection and goal posts straight. You will be dearly missed but we all have our memories to cherish.

RIP Big Jim.

-Leanne, Boof, Tayla, Blake, Alex and Jaime

HILL,James Edwin. 09/05/1940 -06/08/2023

Uncle Jim, No more poking, No more prodding, No more pills, But most importantly, No more pain. Our hearts are all broken, But take solace in knowing you can now relax. You certainly didn't want to leave us, what afight you put up, Time to blow the last siren now Hilly, And hang those boots up xx

So proud to have had you as our 'Uncle Jim.' RIP

-A l ecia May (the Manager), Ash,Dan, Tara, Bri, Hamish, Mitch and Em xx

HILL,James Edwin.

Farewell Hilly /Uncle Jim. You fought agood fight. RIP now and say hi to PaPa for us.

Love Mick, Ned, Riley and Jed

HILL,Jim. Big brother Jim, Rest in Peace.

-Blondie and girls

HILL, Jim. Jim Hill was aTitan of the Maffra Football Netball Club. ALife Member of the club, the Pas tP layer s Association, and the League, as well as being amember of the Hall of Fame and one of three Club Legends. Jim's time at the club spanned 60 years and while his playing career numbered approximately 100 club games, it was as an administrator and a club person that he really excelled.

At various times Jim servedaspresident secretary and treasurer, as well as serving on the general committee. Around the club his commitment was enormous and his contribution to club life without peer.

At any one time Jim was grounds-keeper, barman, club delegate, scoreboard attendant, club historian, goal umpire, recruiting officer, recreation reserve representative, time keeper and president of the past players association.

The best player in the local Maffra/Sale derby receives the Carter/Hill trophy. Jim will be missed by everyone associated with the club and his dedication and love of the club recognised by all. The preisdent, committee and members MFNC.

HILL, Jim. The Maffra Recreation Reserve Committee members are saddened by the passing of past committee member Jim Hill.Jim wasthe maintenance person at the Reserve for many years and had much pride in his work. RIP

LAY, Trevor John.

Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Hospital Traralgon on August 7, 2023.

Aged 88 years.

Loving son of Victor and Berniece.

Brother of Roseanne, Patty and Zac (all dec.). Loving husband to Jan for 62 years.

Adored father and fatherin-law of Debbie, Michael and Justine, Greg and Simone,Julie and Lindsay, and Susie and John.

Much loved pa of Glenn and Rency, Nicholas, Fraser and Pip, Chelsea, Logan, Maclaine, Teagan, Sam and Beck, Alyce and Regan, Madeline and Andrew, Lachlan and Tegan, Joshua and Maddie, Brydee and Josh, and Jackson.

Very proud big Pa to Liam, Bianca, Kaitlyn, Maddison, Norah, Neave, Oscar, Murphy, Lenora and Charlie.

Dad/Pa/Big Pa/Old Pa, It's never easy to say goodbye to those you love. We want to thank you for the amazing role model you have been for us all. You didn't need much to make you happy, you had everything you ever needed. Family was everything to you and we felt how proud and loved we all were by you. We will be forever grateful to you for choosing us to be your family. You had a long and happy life here beside us and you so deserve now to rest. We love you more than words xx

HILL. The funeral of James Edwin (Jim)Hillis appointed to leave the Maffra Football Club Function Room, Newry Rd, Maffra after aservice commencing at 11am on FRIDAY (August 18, 2023) for the Maffra Lawn Cemetery.

Please visit our website for the livestream of Jim's service.

HIBBINS, Marion. 6/8/2003. Ioften think of you Mum and we miss you even more.

Love Kerrie, Anthony, Ashleigh and Sam. XX

Bereavement

Thanks •

Swanettes win Gippstar Award

LAY.

Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mr Trevor John Lay will be offered at Scared Heart Catholic Church, Commercial Road Morwell TODAY (Tuesday August 15, 2023) commencing at 1.30pm.

Private Burial

Trevor's service will be live streamed, to view the live stream please visit latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.

Morwell 51344937 latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

NENER, Jonathon Keith. 19/08/42 -01/03/23

Jon's family invite friends and relatives to an Inurnment Service to be held on SATURDAY (August 19, 2023) 10am at the Maffra Cemetery Memorial Native Garden.

HELMKE, Ron. Many, many thanks to you all for your prayers, thoughts, cards, flowers, fb messenger, messages and for those able to attend Ron's farewell, I am grateful. To the many paramedics, all involved with his care at Gippsland Base Hospital -Critical Care, Surgical, Medical and Palliative Care. To Monash Dandenong -Nth 3and ICU, words can't describe my appreciation for your care of Ron. Special thanks to the teams at Maffra Medical Group and D.C.O. Maffra. Last but not least Semmens Funerals and the Tinamba Hotel for a magical farewell, you went above and beyond. Blessings to all.

Leanda, Lucas, Shanelle, Adam, Rachael, Ziggy, Marley and XavierHelmke family.

JENKINSON, Harry. 11/3/1933 -23/7/2023

Lenore and family of Harold Robert Jenkinson would like to express their thanks to the kind people who supported them in the recent loss with cards, ca lls, foo da nd sympathetic messages. Thank you to all who attended Harry's funeral. Rest in Peace

SALE United Football Club senior women were named 2022/23 Team of the Year at Thursday’s annual Gippstar Awards at the Morwell Bowling Club.

Followingasuccessful 2022season

finishing third in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League, the Swanettes progressed to secure a dominating 6-0 win overEastGippsland Football Club in the LVSL Cup Grand Final.

SUFCsenior women’s coach, Madelaine Breakspear wasalso named FootballVictoria’s 2022 Community Female Coach of the Year.

SUFC hostedthe 32nd annual Kendall Cup competitionin

February.

Hosted each year on the last weekend of February,the Kendall Cup is in honour of Sale United player Jamie Kendall, who tragically died at age 18.

The Swanettes took to the pitch with victory in mind, Sale United women having yet to claim aKendall Cup Grand Final win in the club’s history, despite comingclose in 2022, ultimately going down to Bayside United 5-6 on penalties.

Taking the first kick-off, Sale United pressed forward, squandering ahandful of chances to take an early lead.

East Gippsland’s Sally Hoffman claimed the match’s first goal, pounding down the right wing and kicking ascreamer from outsidethe 18-yard box.

NEWNHAM. In loving memory of Margaret Newnham, a wonderful mother and wife, amemorial service will be held at St. John's in Church Street Maffra on MONDAY (August 21, 2023) at 11am.

WYND, Robert. Thank you for all the phone calls, text messages, flowers, cards and food that Ireceived. Abig thanks to all the doctors and nurses in the surgical ward that took care of Robert, the H.I.T.H and palliative care nurses that came to our home. The ambulance service and paramedics, Sale Greyhound Racing Club, Scott Rossetti and Gippsland Funeral Services. Robert enjoyed having a bit of ajoke and alaugh with you all and alot of the time he gave you a hard time.

I'd like to thank you all for the support Irecieved along the way, you know who you all are. Anne, Belinda, Brad and families.

Sale was quick to even the score, with the Swanettes finding the back of the net following acorner kick from SUFC senior men’s coach Anouk Meereboer.

Receiving athrough ball from attackingmidfielder and SUFC senior women’s captain Zoe Askew, Soreti Anderson slipped behind East Gippsland’s defenceand foundthe back of the net to put the Swanettes ahead 2-1 before the break.

Aclass goal direct from acorner kick saw Breakspear claim Sale’s third goal in the openingminutes of the second half, with Meereboer finding the back of the net shortly after bringing Sale to a4-1 lead.

Apenalty awardedtoSalesaw Askew kick Sale’s fifth and final goal, the Swans defeating EastGippsland 5-1, claiming the 2023 Kendall Cup.

SaleUnited’s senior women continued to find success ahead of the 2023 LVSL season, progressing to Round 3ofthe Nike FC Cup -astate-wide women’s football competition.

The Swanettes defeated local rivals Fortuna 4-2 in Round 1, with goals from Askew,Meerboer, Dani Wilson and Rebecca StobiesealingSale’s place in Round 2.

Sale United’s senior women faced Melbourne’s State League 2sideSt Albans SaintsDinamoSoccer Club, in Round2 of the Nike FC Cup.

Breakspear scored the opening goal,putting the Swanettes at a 1-0 lead over their metropolitan opponents,with wingerHollie Ryan finding the back of the net to extend Sale’s lead to 2-0.

Agoal to St Albans beforethe break saw Sale’s lead shortened, thescore 2-1 as teamsretired to the change rooms, with the State League 2sideequalising earlyin the second half. With 20 minutes remaining, Anderson was fouledinthe centre of the boxasshe reached athrough ball from midfield, and the Swanettes were awarded apenalty. Anderson took abreath, positioned herbody andplaced the ball to the keeper’s left, sealingSale’s 3-2 victory over St Albans

Sale’s win over St Albans put the Swanettes into the top 42 teams in the stateasthey enteredRound 3 of the Nike FC Cup meeting State League1sideCaroline Springs

George Cross Football Club.

Sale led 2-0 at the break, but by the end of 90 minutes, Caroline Springs evened the score 2-2, pushing the game into overtime.

The Swanettes regained the lead, with Breakspear scoring apenalty goal, 3-2.

Caroline Springs scored an

equaliser,finding the back of the net again to put them in a4-2 lead, with afifth goal in the final minutes of overtime to kill the game.

SaleUnited’s Nike FC Cup campaigncame to an end as aresult of the 5-3 loss.

Breakspear and assistant coachRomiBitar were appointed coaches of the 2023 LVSL under 18 Girls squadtorepresentthe region in the Country Leagues FootballAssociation 2023 Country Championships.

Sale United senior women’s fancy footwork forward Dani Wilson was named the under 18 girlscaptain, with the Swanettes’ fierce defender Emma Robb selected as vice-captain. The girls under 18 team ended up winning the tournament.

The Swanettes have continued to assert dominancethroughout the 2023 LVSL season, havinglost only one game throughout the campaign. Sale’sMeereboer is the league’s current leading goal scorer, Ryan IS fifth,Wilsoneighth and Breakspear 15th.

On Sunday, the Swanettes claimed the first-ever senior women’s league championship title in the club’s 49-year history following a4-0 over Morwell Pegasus.

SUFC senior women’scaptain Zoe Askew said receiving the Gippstar Award was an honour, with the Swanettes’ ongoing successa testament to what women in sport can achievewhenclubs foster an equitable environment.

“Without our incredible, dedicated coaches, Madeline Breakspear and Romi Bitar, we wouldn’t be celebrating winning Team of the Year or being 2023 leaguechampions,” Askew said.

“Without our incredible, dedicated volunteers,likeSUFCsecretary Darleen Richardson, treasurer Cameron Irvine and SUFC junior coordination, senior women’s manager and player Laurel Irvine, we wouldn’t have aclub to play for.

“From management to coaching staff to players, Sale United has built an equitable environment for women in sport.

“Women, men, boys and girls are treated the same, given the same opportunities, and promoted the same. Our club’s success, not just our women’s success, but our club’s success, is atestament to what we can achieve when clubs don’t just strive for but expect equality from each and every member.”

Sale United senior women will take on Falcons at home this Saturday, kicking off at 7pm, after which they will receivethe 2023 LVSL champion cup.

The Swanettes were joint award winners of the Gippstar Team of the Year, alongside Gippsland All Abilities Netball Team.

Sale United Football Clubsenior women’s coach Madelaine Breakspear andcaptain Zoe Askew proudly holdthe awardfor Gippstar Team of the Year

Photo: Contributed

NORTH GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

Kangaroos jump into third, Cougars go fifth

TomHayes

THAT’S 18 rounds of the North Gippsland Football-Netball Leaguedone and dusted, starting with 11 sides -we’re now down to the final five.

Finals begin as this weekend,with five soon to be trimmed to four.

Positions are signed, sealed and delivered as we prepare for an entertaining finals series which hopes to not disappoint.

IT’S hard to defeat the undefeated.

Churchill travelled to Tyers, needing to beat the unbeaten Traralgon Tyers United to ensure atop three berth.

It proved difficult, as youcouldassume, as TTU drowned the Cougars, displaying the classy footy they have done all year.

Churchill started well by slotting the first goal of the game, but for the next 25 minutes, the Bombers had every avenue covered.

The home side went on to kick five in the quarter, to hold a27-point lead at quarter time,stopping Churchill in their tracks.

TheCougars stuck to their game plan, but were unable to account for TTU’sgut running in the middle, making their forward-50 entries count.

TTU added7.2 (44)to2.2 (14) in the second termtopracticallyput the gametobed, holding amonster 57-point halftime lead.

In the third term, the Bombers appeared to have their way with the Cougars, slowly putting the final daggers in.

Churchill, much like the first half, looked astepbehind in most facets,which only highlighted how good TTU are.

for Heyfield, kicking three goals, but it was Robert McMillan, Mitch Bennett, Nick Dinsdale, TysonBirss,LiamHeasley and Max Van Der Zwart who stood out.

blue, as the Bulldogs piled on 6.4 (40) to 2.1 (13),giving them ahandy 42-point lead at halftime.

2BKuch2

JChisholm AWalpole BReed SLothian BAskew.Yarram: Details N/A. BEST: Woodside: J

Morgan ADeanT Love JSchultz SLambertZRichards. Yarram: MClearyRShirley JBabb S

HarveyJ James SBrown GLENGARRY4.6 4.8 10.14 13.16 (94)

GORMANDALE 0.1

GOALS: Glengarry: LNoble 2C Ross 2T May2 WCoad 2AMay OPoulton LMitchellJ Ingle

LWhitehead.Gormandale: JGreen MTobin. BEST: Glengarry: CRoss HGilmoreT MayJ Ingle

ZKeenan AMay.Gormandale: JGreen SMorritt PShrubbNHammond PDoyle MFarah

CHURCHILL 1.1 6.3 10.4 12.5 (77)

TTU2.2 4.6 5.6 7.9 (51)

GOALS: Churchill: LBrereton3BBrereton2 MSbaglia 2D Golcic BKokshoorn SWhittle

JAnswerthJ Whykes.TTU: THendricken2A Brady BPoel NAlbanese JSavige DNavakas

Churchill: JWhykes MSbaglia LBreretonHvan Rossum SWhittle RCroft.TTU: B

FShields THendricken

GOALS:

Another 6.1 (37) was added to the Bombers’ score, as Churchill could only muster 1.2 (8), atriple-figure margin loomed, as the 86-point buffer currently stood.

With the game out of reach, Churchill set out to win their final quarter of footy in the home-and-away season, trying to take a positive step into finals.

You could say that was achieved, just, as theCougars threw big bodies forward and registered 5.6 (36) for the quarter to TTU’s 5.3 (33).

Themargin at the final siren read abuffer of 83 points,23.10 (148) to 9.11 (65).

Mitch Mustoe was unstoppableinthe middle for the Bombers, and joining him in the best was Jye Neilson (four goals), Frazar Brouns(six goals),Oscar Aliotta, Beau White and Liam Willaton.

Blake Slater went forward late and kicked four goals for Churchill, earning him astop in the best, as did Tom Sevenson, Jordan Fenech, Nick Celima, Dillon Leys and Ben Kearns.

TTU now get abye and will play the winner of Woodside and Heyfieldfor aspotinthe Grand Final, while Churchill will have to do it allagainagainst Yallourn Yallourn North, following athree-point defeat to them just afortnight ago.

THE Roos leapt to third.

Heyfield would’ve been confident going into their final home-and-away game knowing they were coming up against abottom-half side.

They handedasenior debut to thirds youngster Ethan Davies, the defender showing great form in his age grade.

Needing awin (and Churchill to lose) to secure top three,the odds were in the Kangaroos’ favour, and boy did theycash in.

The Kangaroos are one of, if not the most in-form teams right now,dispersing the fact thatTTU are undefeated, Heyfield’s climb hasbeen one to watch.

Cowwarr’s best and fairest Ben Coffey kicked three goals and was rewarded with abest-on for the Saints, joining him was Jackson Davison, Kyle Stamers (three goals), RhysLuxford,Mathew Leicester and Wayne Swan

The Saints’ own Shane Galea was chaired off after the game, after announcing his retirement.

Heyfield will now take on Woodside, who haveeasilybeen second fiddle to TTUall year, but can the young side take it to one of the league’s best?

Lose,and they face the winner of Churchill and YYN in ado-or-die clash.

WOODSIDE enter finals on apositive note.

The Wildcats and Demons endured aslow starttoproceedings, one that saw just agoal each in the first term.

Yarram have potentially had the most unpredictable seasonofresults,and perhaps we were getting ataste why thatwas the case. The floodgates certainly opened after quarter time, Woodside tookathree-point lead into the break.

In the second term, both sides were on song, but Woodside edged out their counterparts slightly,this time to hold a15-point lead over the Demons, still not out of the fight yet. Woodside extended their margin, but Yarram didn’t seem to be done with yet.

The Wildcats added 3.2 (20) to 1.2 (8), which saw the margin rise to 27 points, but the game was going to go one of two ways from here.

And it went the way of Woodside, who kicked 7.5 (47) to 1.1 (7) in the final term to take the margin above 11 goals, sealing the win without ashadow of doubt.

Woodside’s Daniel Farmer leapfrogged YYN’s Dean Macdonald in the goal-kicking ranks in the final round of the home-andaway season, booting six goals to lead the count 82 to Macdonald’s 80.

Rosedale didn’tmakeiteasy, climbing back in the thirdterm,scoring 5.2 (32) to 3.4 (22). Stilldownbyfive goals, it was going to take amassive effort to win from here.

Perhaps that margin was too high to climb, as Rosedale got close, but not close enough, going down by 23 points, 14.15 (99) to 12.4 (76).

Bulldogs runner-up best and fairestJaxsyn Whitehillpipped eventual winner Blake Safstrom to get best-on-ground. They were joined by Lachlan Carman, Billy Quirk, Cam Green and Joel Safstrom.

HarryFoat setthe examplefor Rosedale, as did Spencer Fox, Luke Stuckey, Max Lazzaro, Corey Buys and Connor Macleod.

GLENGARRY ended on the right note and gotout of 10th position.

They locked up their third win of the season, besting Gormandale in atough battle.

The Tigers didn’t back down easily, going aheadinthe opening term andholdingan eight-point advantage at the break.

But the Magpies swooped in and regained the lead, keeping Gormandale to apoint in the second term to then take their own ninepoint lead into halftime.

Their lead doubled by three quarter time, but by no meanswas this safe, as scoring went either way in the third quarter.

But Glengarry was able to hold on and deny Gormandale their first win of the season, locking up a20-point win away from home, 10.15 (75) to 8.7 (55).

Jake Read was named best-on-ground for the Magpies, complimented by MichaelRyan, Riley Adams, Matt Scholtes, BeauHutton and Thomas Harris.

IsaacCopland was influential for the Tigers, and was helped by Flynn Roscoe, Nick Millington, Tristan Salerno, Noah Copland and Jodie Owen.

YYN had the bye.

MStevens JReid BWilloughbyI Wheeler W

Walters.Cowwarr:R WhiteDHowardNScholz BEenjesJ Davison JBarton

YARRAM 7.1

WOODSIDE 1.0

GOALS: Yarram: TChisholm 7W Brunton 2TThornton2 LEarles 2L Sketcher 2T Hall J

Apiata CEarles LHunter.Woodside: JScott NLucas BRussell AJanssen. BEST: Yarram: T

LHunter JApiata LEarles TChisholm. Woodside: BRussell MMattern AJanssen JScott

DAvery

Glengarry: JHodges 8H Whateley 5SBurgess 3S Darby3DBalfour 2BLever-

Moorehead.Gormandale:

They did it quite comfortably against Cowwarr at the weekend,who made sure to give them asmall fright on their journey.

The tone was set from the get-go, as Heyfieldburst out to a27-pointleadat quarter time,setting up what could have been another thumping.

ButCowwarr retaliated, which no doubt would have put the Kangaroos on the back-foot.

The Saints kicked 5.2 (32) to just 3.4 (22), dragging the margin to withinthree kicks -17points at the main break.

Butfromhere on out, Heyfield were easily able to account for the Saints, taking their bet all the way to the bank,tocash in on their double-chance winnings.

The Kangaroos extended the margin back out to 27 by three quarter time, before puttingthings beyonddoubt and sealing the 33-point win, 14.17 (101) to 10.8 (68).

It was by no means their best performance, but it proves that they can get the job done while going through some adversity on the field, shown in the second term.

Youngster Asher Eastham led the line

RyanFoat,Matt Dyke,Tom King,Joh Fythe, Adam Janssen and Darcy McAlpine were standouts for the Wildcats.

As for Yarram, Griffin Underwood shone, as did Liam Bentley, Daniel Vardy, Boadie Motton, Demons’ best-and-fairest Dylan Garnham and Tyler Chisholm.

With Yarram’s season done and dusted, it is just Woodside who have agame to look forward to next weekend; Heyfield in a qualifying final.

SALE CITY ended their season on ahigh.

The Bulldogs madesure to finish their season with fourmore points in the bank, getting past Rosedale at home.

It was aspecial dayfor the home side, who had two milestones to celebrate.

DanielBirdplayed his 350thgame and TomBowmanracked up his 200th senior game, following an on-off career with the Bulldogs that began in 2000.

Sale City kept Rosedale to nothing in the opening quarter, but could only muster 2.3 (15) for themselves, keeping the Blues in it.

The second quarter was all red, white and

NORTH GIPPSLAND FOOTBALL-NETBALLLEAGUE FINALSSERIES 2023

QUALIFYING FINALS

Saturday, August 19 at Churchill Seniors:Woodside vHeyfield Reserves:TTU vWoodside

Under 18s:Rosedale vYarram

ELIMINATION FINALS

Sunday, August 20 at Yarram Seniors:YYN vChurchill Reserves:Churchill vHeyfield

Under 18s:Sale City vGlengarry

Liam Willaton wasone of TTU’s bestagain as they defeated Churchill by 83 points

Photo: File

Gippsland League records smashed

LiamDurkin

NED Kelly has been beaten at his own game. In one of the greatest thieving efforts ever seen in Gippsland Leaguehistory, Drouin came from the cloudstodefeat Maffrain Round 16.

The Hawks trailed by 45 points at halftime, but stormedhome with 11 goals to twoafter the main break to claimafamous win.

As Drouinwalked off their home ground to rapturous applause, the Eagles were left to lament exactly how they had let such dominance slip.

Maffra kicked 10 goals in the first quarter -and yet lost the match by 13 points, 16.11 (107) to 14.10 (94).

It was only the second timeinleague history ateam has kicked10goals in the opening term and gone on to lose.

Coincidently, Maffra now joins Sale in this unwanted slice of history -the Magpies led Traralgon 10.2 (62) to 4.3 (27) in Round 6 1978 before going on to lose.

For the Eagleshowever, this result will surely to leave an even more sour taste in their mouths.

Traralgon wonthe flagin1978 -Drouin is probably going to win the wooden spoon this year.

From alatitude perspective, with games against top-three sides Moe and Leongatha to come, it is almost impossible to seeMaffra claiming another win for the season.

From alongitude perspective, one could nearly argue Drouin is actually ahead of Maffra as far as arebuild goes.

Whilethe Hawks are lastwithjust two wins, ahealthy percentage of more than 70 shows Drouin has been more than competitive this season.

That percentage indicates the Hawks haven’t had any issuescoring, and they certainly showed that in the second half at the weekend.

Drouin slammed on seven goals to two in thethirdquarter, and closed with four goals to none in thelast.

Actually, Maffra only managed one behind for the whole last quarter.

The man whohas taken the competition by storm,Hugo Birks, had aday out, kicking eightgoalsfor Drouin, giving him an overall tally of 41 for the season.

Anyone with the name Hugo Birks is bound to draw some attention, but the youngster haslet his football do the talking in his first year with the Hawks.

His eight-goal haul set anew Drouin club record for individual goals against Maffra, breaking the previous best of six jointly held by Damian Carmody (2008), Brad Carmody (2009) and Darcy Irwin(2016).

Many opposition defenders have labelled Birksone of the harder forwards to play on.

Joining Birks in the best-on-ground honours was Joe Collins, Charlie Bethune, Clayton Kingi, Tim Hancockand James McKellar.

Although Drouin mirrors Maffra’s run home with games against the Parrots and Lions, they will surely take agreat deal of momentum into season 2024.

Honestly,the Hawks could be the best wooden spoon team of all time.

If they can keep this group together, it could be watch out Gippy in years to come.

Better players for Maffra were James Read, Brayden Monk, Alex Carr, Sam Davidson, Ed Carr andLachlan Allman.

Coming into this game following two wins in three rounds, the Eagles might be left to pick up the pieces of some serious collateral damage.

Losingisone thing, but losing to the team coming last after leading by 45 points at halftime can only be spoken about in a negative light.

At the risk of delving into hyperbole, from ahistorical context, there would be grounds to label it the worstMaffra losssince the 2005 Grand Final.

THERE was another record broken.

In an equally stunning turn of events, Bairnsdaleshocked the GippslandLeague world by defeating Traralgon on their home deck.

The Redlegs scrapped in to win by agoal, getting up 11.5 (71) to 9.11 (65).

The victory broke the longest ground hoodoo in leaguehistory -Bairnsdale hadn’t won at Traralgon for 40 years.

In fact,before last Saturday, Bairnsdale had only won at Traralgonthree times previously (1969, 1975, 1983).

All looked to be going to plan for the

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

finals-bound Maroons at quarter time, as they led 4.3 (27) to 0.2 (2).

From there however, the Redlegs wrestled momentum back, and went into the main break just 14 points down.

Goals wereshared in thethird,before Bairnsdale stormed home with five goals to two to pinch victory in the last.

WillMitchell, LachlanByrne-Jones, Ethan East, Andrew Nelson, Cohen Frith and Nic Bulmer were the heroes for the Redlegs.

Dan McKenna,Tye Hourigan, Connor Ambler,Jordan Cunico, MitchMembreyand KadeRuyters needed afew more to join them for Traralgon.

Whilethe Maroonswill play finals, they won’t finish higher thanfourth, and will have everyreason to be worried about the prospect of playing Sale in an elimination final.

The Magpiescan now genuinely knock them out in the first week.

Traralgon’s form line has been indifferent, withtheir recordsince Round13reading loss, win, loss, loss.

The Maroons have to play Sale in the last round,aswell as top-side Wonthaggi this week, meaning there is every chance they willenter afinals series withfourconsecutive losses under their belt.

Traralgon has certainly slipped in the latter part of the season, and looks ashadow of the team that knocked off Moe in Round 6and annihilated Morwell in Round 3.

Granted those games were played at atime when grounds were firmer and more conducive to the open running style Traralgon is known for, recent statistics might suggest the issue for the Marrons is that are in fact only running one way.

In the Round 15 loss to Moe, therewas astaggering 26 differentialinthe tackle count, while the numbers in the Round 8 loss to Wonthaggiwere evenmore damning -the Power had 101 more uncontested possessions.

STAY calm, but this might actually be the year.

Three teams sharing equal firstonthe ladderbecame two at the weekend,after Moe defeated Leongathafor the second time this season.

The Lions won an absolutely brutalising affair against the Parrots, 10.6 (66) to 6.8 (44).

Ted Summerton Reserve might as well have been abattlefield, as players from both teams threw themselves wholeheartedly at the contest.

The body count ended up seeing Moe playing-coach Declan Keilty and ruckman Ben Morrow play with bandages around their heads, midfielder Trent Baldi retreat to the rooms early, while young ruckman Lachlan McGrath was knocked out in the last quarter.

Leongatha didn’t escape the carnage either, as Jack Hume was taken from the ground before halftime, along with Jake van der Plight in the second half.

It was honestly the most physical game this writer has seen in his time watching or covering local footy.

Leongatha appeared to have the ascendancy early, getting out to a12-point lead at quarter time.

From there however, Moe was able to turn the screws, and kicked seven unanswered goals either side of halftime.

The Parrots meanwhile,didn’t get asingle one in.

Keilty was acolossus down back, and went straight to key Leongatha forward Noah Gown, back from the VFL.

While both coaches have to give votes at the end of each game, no one could criticise Keilty if he gave himself three -hewas clearly best-on-ground.

Keilty played aclose-checking game on Gown, but also managed to out-mark him on several occasions.

Down by 28 points at three-quarter time, Leongatharolled the dice and went for everything, but the Lions were able to hold firm, and sealed the game with agoal at the 22-minute mark to keep the lead hovering around thefour-goal mark.

Joining Keilty in the best for the winners was fellow defenders ScottVan Dykand LukeMulqueenand midfielders RileyBaldi, Ben Daniher, and born-again wingmanBen Maslen

Ben Willis was apillar for the Parrots, along with AaronHeppell, Cade Maskell, Jackson Harry, Will Littlejohn and Jesse Burns.

Moe moves to second on the ladder and equal-first, although some percentage short of top side Wonthaggi.

If resultsgoasexpected in the last two home-and-away rounds, theLionswill have arematchwithLeongathainthe Qualifying Final.

That match carries alot of intrigue, as it is being played in Wonthaggi-a ground closer to Leongatha, but one in which Moe has won at this season.

Having now beaten the reigning premier twice, as well as every team in the competition, the Lions willsurelybeconfident about theirchances of ending thelongest premiership drought in Gippsland League history, stretching all the way back to 1967. Wonthaggihowever will be out to create history of their own, as the Power is yet to win asenior Gippsland League flag itself. (Wonthaggi won anumberofflags in the Alberton FNL in the 2000s, before being deemed ‘too strong’ and forced to join the major league).

Apologies in advance if Moe does happen to take it out, you might not be getting a Gippsland Times for amonth.

SALE, Morwell, Warragul and Wonthaggi had the week off, after playing the first week of the split round last week.

Leongatha: JGarnham 5T McRae2 RReardon TGannon SBorg. Moe: LWeir 3T

BEST: Leongatha: BGrabham

TBrown 2MEast 2T ClayRMcColeL Dunkley

Traralgon: HLittleT Anderson FWatts GRuach CBrown WBrent.Bairnsdale: LCloak L Dunkley TMatthewsMHamiltonO Clark JPhillips

Maffra: JDimarco 4SSmith 4DDavis 3ZFelsbourg2 TLittleE Stables JAllman.

Maffra and Drouinplayers andstaffgather fora minutes silence before the match on Saturday, honouring respective club legendsJim Hill (Maffra) andSteve Bethune. Afull tribute to JimHill will appear in Friday’s paper.

Photo: Contributed

Sale City areminor premiers

Zaida Glibanovic

DROUIN was too good for Maffra in Round 16 of the Gippsland League.

Round 16 saw the league complete asplit round.

The Hawks defeated the Eagles 48 to 29.

April Bethune, Lucy McKellar and Kym Diston were recognised as the best for the Hawks, while Eagles in Matilda Pendergast, Chelsea Allman and Grace Ronchi impressed even in the loss.

Moereturned to the top of the table aftersmashing Leongatha.

Moe's attacking force was unstoppablelast Saturday at Ted Summerton Reserve, as Ramayer Gourley with 45 goals, individually outscored the Parrots' 39.

Leongatha's Lauren Redpath, Kate Browne and Kayla Redpath were good for their side,while Olivia Barnett, Alexandra Moody and Gourley were outstanding in the win for the Lions.

Bairnsdale didn't have the luck of their senior footy side, going down to Traralgon 52 to 23.

The Maroons were able to build consistently on their lead after an even firstterm. The Redlegs were caught with their hands off the wheel in the second quarter, allowing the Maroons to capitalise and take away the 18-goal win in the end. Montanna Styles, Ashlyn Pavey and Bronwyn Tebb were among the bestfor Traralgon,whileAlison Dwyer, Brielle Malady and Danielle Johnson starred for the Redlegs.

Warragul, Wonthaggi, Morwell and Sale had the week off due to the split round.

THERE were no major upsets to report in the final roundofthe North Gippsland Football-Netball League home-and-away season.

Sale City held on from adefiant Rosedale side. The Blues were coming to knock the Bulldogs off their throne, but the fairy-tale wasn'tmeanttobe, going down 48 to 42.

It was undoubtedly ahard contest, but the Bulldogsshowed their bite and fight to get over the line and finish as this year's minor premier. Rosedale, on the other hand, finishing fifth, will play Woodside this Sunday in an elimination final. Heyfield had an easy win over Cowwarr.

All theKangaroos had to do was beatthe Saints to lock in the second spot of the ladder, and that they did. The final scores were 71 to 26 Heyfield's way.

Cowwarr had no response to Heyfield's defensive pressure, which allowed the Roos to turn the ball over again and again, and what was even better forthe Roo girls was that they capitalised on most turnovers, ahandy skill to have come finals.

Woodside were comfortable winners overYarram.

The Wildcats were 25-point winners over the Demons, but given Yarram's track record this year, spectators might have expected abigger margin.

Yarram couldn't hold back the Wildcats as they extendedtheir leadeveryquarter, despite apretty even first term. The final score was Wildcats' 67 to Yarram's 42.

Glengarry received some consolation for just missingfinals with agood 69 to 32 win over Gormandale.

The Magpies, aquality side all year, felljust short of the top five, but to beat the Tigersbya whopping 37 goals is no easy feat and proves just how tight the competition was at the top end of the table.

Churchill got the job done.

The Cougars locked in third place on the ladder when they took the four point's home from TTU.

The Bombers side was aformidable opponent, testing every inch of the Cougars in the first term, but the Cougars regrouped and found another gear to run away25goal winners.The finalscoreswere 65 to 40.

Yallourn Yallourn North had the bye.

STRATFORD and Boisdale-Briagolong are both finals bound in East Gippsland netball.

The Swans and Bombers willbelookingto progress their campaigns further as the finals commence.

Sale Cityand Rosedale hadafinal hit out beforeNorthGippsland finals. TheBulldogs claimedthe minor premiership, while traditional powerhouse Rosedale finished fifth in one of the mosteven AGrade competitions in recent history.Photo: ZoeAskew

Success for Sale TouchAssociation

Laurie Smyth

COREY Siebel’s Mustangs recruitedfour new players for last Wednesday night’s game against Phoenix in Sale Touch Association.

Star recruit, Helen Rowell made her first try in the competition. ZaraHart,Lewis Stewart and Juliette Quinn also acquitted themselves well against a muchimproved Phoenix team.

Antonia Keedle-Grandeza was the other to score for the Mustangs. Phoenix hadsix players that scored; the elusive NickElliott top-scored with three tries. Cindy Mani, Henry Ropeti and Marcus Sbaglia-Smith each made two with CarlMuir making one.

The final score was 11 to two.

Best playerswere Nick Elliott,Henry Ropeti, Patrick Doherty, Helen Rowell and Kate Laskowski.

Porky’s and Long Drop played a6-all draw; at halftime Porky’s led with four tries to three; in the second half Long Drop added three to Porky’s two.

It was unfortunate that the allocated referee could not officiate due to work commitment, which then led to Long Drop player, Rhiannon Massey, taking charge of the game.

Best players were Michael Sack, Albert Van de Vyver, Jack Neesham, Taylah Ropeti and Mia Van de Vyver with Ellie Roache winning the encouragement award.

The Mavericks continued their winning way with aconvincing win over Hussey and yet despite the final score of 12 tries to one, Hussey improved to the extent that opposition players were commenting on the team’s improved game skills.

Verdine Van der Merwe was the only scorer for Hussey; it is his tremendousskills that help inspire his teammates.

Bodhi Banister top-scored with five tries for

Mavericks. Siane Fonua, Chris Luttrell and Ben Trimmer each made two. Jordan Zielke made one. Banister leads the try-scoring competition with 11. Michael Sack is on nine.

Best players were Chris Luttrell, Bodhi Banister, Brendan Flanagan, Siane Fonua and Jordan Zielke. Jyirin Patten won the encouragement award. This was Patten’s first game. Theladder leaderisMavericks with nine points and 640.0 per cent, followed by Long Drop (8 & 185.7), Phoenix (7 &218.2), Porky’s (6 &94.4), Hussey (3 &35.5) andMustangs(3and 22.5). Tomorrow night’s gamesat6.30pm sees Mustangs play Hussey [referee Phoenix] and Long Drop plays Mavericks [referee Porky’s]. At 7.20pm, Phoenix takes on Porky’s [referee Mavericks].

Netball scoreboard

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE -ROUND 16 (COMPLETED)

AGRADE: Moe 61 dLeongatha 39, Drouin

48 dMaffra 29, Traralgon 52 dBairnsdale

34, Warragul 51 dWonthaggi, Morwell 52 dSale39.

BGRADE: Leongatha 43 dMoe 37,Drouin

72 dMaffra 24, Wonthaggi 52 dWarragul

33,Morwell 59 dSale 50, BYE-Bairnsdale, Traralgon.

CGRADE: Leongatha 30 dMoe 20, Maffra

38 dDrouin 27,Traralgon 34 dBairnsdale

16,Wonthaggi 37 dWarragul 34, Morwell

31 dSale 28.

UNDER 17s: Leongatha 61 dMoe 4, Drouin

42 dMaffra 35, Traralgon 44 dBairnsdale

22, Wonthaggi 58 dWarragul 17,Sale 47

dMorwell 10

UNDER15s: Leongatha 42 dMoe 12,Maffra

46 dDrouin 21,Traralgon 58 dBairnsdale

20, Wonthaggi 24 dWarragul 23, Sale 64

dMorwell 8.

UNDER13s: Moe 33 dLeongatha 32, Maffra

34 dDrouin 33, Traralgon 42 dBairnsdale

29,Wonthaggi 34 dWarragul 17,Sale 58

dMorwell 13

NORTH GIPPSLAND -ROUND 18

AGRADE: Heyfield 71 dCowwarr 26, Sale

City 48 dRosedale42, Woodside67d

Yarram 42, Glengarry 69 d Gormandale

32, Churchill 65 dTTU 40, BYE-YYN.

BGRADE: Heyfield 60 dCowwarr 50, Sale

City41dRosedale 38, Woodside 66 d

Yarram 36,Glengarry 65 dGormandale

34, TTU49dChurchill 27,BYE -YYN.

CGRADE: Heyfield 26 dCowwarr 24, Sale

City 46 dRosedale20, Woodside63d

Yarram 6, Gormandale 50 dGlengarry 14, Churchill 35 dTTU 32, BYE-YYN.

DGRADE: Cowwarr 42 dHeyfield 22, Sale

City41dRosedale 28, Woodside 55 d

Yarram 9, Glengarry 36 dGormandale 21, TTU41dChurchill 29, BYE-YYN.

UNDER 17s: Heyfield 42 dCowwarr 10, Sale City 41 dRosedale 16,Woodside 53

dYarram 8, Glengarry 38 dGormandale18, TTU53dChurchill 12,BYE -YYN.

UNDER 15s: Heyfield 54 dCowwarr 11, Sale City 39 dRosedale 27,Woodside 54 dYarram 5, Glengarry 39 dGormandale 5, TTU72dChurchill 7, BYE-YYN.

EAST GIPPSLAND -ROUND 16

AGRADE: Stratford52d BoisdaleBriagolong 34.

BGRADE: Boisdale-Briagolong 34 d Stratford31.

CGRADE: Stratford27drewBoisdaleBriaglong 27

DGRADE:Boisdale-Briagolong25d Stratford22.

UNDER17s: Boisdale-Briagolong39d Stratford36.

UNDER 15s: Boisdale-Briagolong 21 d Stratford14.

(No other East Gippsland scores available)

Localslock in topfour

TomHayes

BOTH locals gotoverthe lineinthe AFLlast week, althoughonly just.

Sale’s Scott Pendlebury and Collingwood are one win away fromsecuring the minor premiership, whileBrisbane Lionsand Yarram’s Josh Dunkley secured atop-four spot.

FIRST up was the Magpies, as they took on Geelong at the MCG on Friday night.

Thescoring was free-flowing and high scoringinthe first quarter, as nine goals sailed through the uprights.

Two-thirds of them went the way of Geelong, who claimed a16-point quarter time lead.

Collingwood suffered asetback at the end of the first quarter, losing captain Darcy Moore to ahamstringcomplaint, injecting fan favourite Jack Ginnivan into the game.

Theskipper could miss the final two games of the home-and-away season, but thankfully for the Magpies, he should return for finals.

Increasing their competitive edge, the Magpies edged closer, kicking 4.4 (28) to 2.1 (13), trailing by apoint at halftime.

Pendleburygot the ball rolling for Collingwood, starting their fightback by kicking their first goal of the second term, which was followed by three more in arow.

In week’s gone by, Collingwood have been unable to capitalise from here, but they were back to their best on Friday.

They kept the goals flowing, adding another 5.3 (33)toGeelong’s2.2 (14), regaining the lead and taking afour-goal lead heading into the final quarter.

Despite some contentious callsgoingagainst them, the Magpies rallied to get back onto the winner’s list, downing the Cats by eight points,surviving afinal-quarter comeback to win16.13 (109) to 15.11 (101).

Pendlebury was one of Collingwood’s best, stuffing the stat sheet with 21 disposals at 81 per cent efficiency, agoal, seven tackles, fiveclearances and sevenscoreinvolvements.

THE following afternoon saw Dunkley and the Lions host Adelaide at the Gabba, in amatch that was much closer than originally expected.

Adelaide kicked four of the first five goals, only for Brisbane to swiftly reply with three of their own to finish the quarter with a three-point lead.

The second quarter seesawed as the lead changed hands three times. The Crows then took an advantage of the slimmest margins into halftime, up 49-48.

Bothsides got awriggle on in the thirdterm, but Brisbane took it to another level, and it might have won them the game.

They kicked 7.2 (44) to Adelaide’s 4.3 (27), handing them a16-point lead with aquarter to play.

In the final term, Brisbane was kept to just 1.1 (7), and Adelaide kicked 2.5 (17), keeping the margin at six points by the time the final siren rang, 15.9 (99) to the Crows’ 13.15 (93).

If it wasn’t for inaccuracies from four more scoring shots, the Crows could have well and truly stolenthis onefrom theLions, who instead booked atop four finish.

Pendlebury plays Dunkley this Friday night in ablockbuster at Marvel Stadium.

FOOTBALL NETBALL EAST GIPPSLAND

Junior

Hillclimb thisSaturday

MAFFRAand District Car Club recently hosted around of the Victorian Championship Autocross Series(VCAS) at the Boisdale Hillclimb Track.

Afield of more than 115 drivers attended the race meeting as part of the 2023 state-wide series, with drivers travellingfrom across Victoria to compete in the event.

Along with regular MADCC entrants, both junior and senior, the Twilight Autocross began in the early afternoon, continuing into the evening to race under lights.

Avariety of vehicles -from standard cars, to sportssedans and purpose built buggies -gave their all, entertaining the crowd of spectators as they slid around the gravel track.

Autocross has different class definitions, “flying start” timing, and winners are calculated by the their three fastest times added together, making results slightly different to aconventional hillclimb.

After seven runs,the winner of theevent was Anthony Kovco in his buggy in specials classwith an aggregate time of 169.20seconds.

Fellow buggydriver MattMuirplaced second overall with 173.36, while third overall was juniordriver Ozzy Muir with 178.84seconds.

The next race meeting willbeRound5of

the Boisdale Hillclimb Series, to be held this Saturday (August 19).

This will be atwilight and long Trackevent, with racing to commence at 1pm, and there will be free entry to all spectators.

Further information is available at madcc. com.au or by phoning Adrian Britton on 0418 561 053.

First to ThirdClass placing as follows;

Class P:D.Clutterbuck 195.30, R. Johnson 202.11, M. Grist 202.48

ClassC:J.Forsyth 194.31.M.Bumpstead 198.38, M. Challis 200.60

Class D:R.Cannon 190.42,A.Jones194.21, T.

Oakes 194.79

Class E:G.Scott 189.41, B. Vandongen 194.67 , R. Renooy196.26

Class J:C.Clutterbuck 192.15, A. Challis 199.06, H. Myers200.12

Class L:L.Britton 195.02, J. Jones 206.88, J. Willoughby224.09

Class S:A.Kovco 169.20, M. Muir 173.36, O. Muir

178.84

Class W:C.Seabrook 184.33, J. Allen 185.92, T.J ohannsen 187.15

driverRileyCallowcoming into the “Esses” for Maffra and District CarClub

Each tipster has nominated acommunitygroup to promote throughout this year’s season roup

JULIAN

ROUND 22

Friday,August11

Collingwood vs.GeelongCats (MCG) (N)

Saturday,August12

North Melbourne vs Essendon (MRVL)

SydneySwans vs.GoldCoastSUNS (SCG)

Brisbane Lions vs.AdelaideCrows (G) (T)

Carlton vs.Melbourne (MCG) (N)

West CoastEaglesvs. Fremantle (OS) (N)

Sunday,August13

vs.Western

vs.Richmond

Woodside finished the North Gippsland regular season second on the ladder, and will now play Heyfield in the Qualifying Final. The Wildcats scored a mountain of goals this season, headlined by former Collingwood player Dan Farmer, who won the league goalkicking with 82 Farmer is pictured right, being congratulated by cousin and Woodside co-captain Ryan Foat.

Smiling all the way to September

Bombers gain confidence on eve of finals

Paul Nichols

AND so that ends the East Gippsland home-andaway season for 2023.

In the battle between local rivals BoisdaleBriagolong and Stratford, the Bombers were simply too good.

The home side won 16.9 (105) to Stratford 8.10 (58).

In what was arguably theirbest game forthe year, the Bombers were never challenged in their 47-point victory over the Swans,establishing alead early to be 39 points clear at halftime.

Boisdale-Briagolong was on topofaflat and disappointing Stratford, winning the contested game and controlling the match from there. It cameafter anumberoflateouts for the Bombers, again having to rely on their depth to get thejob done,while for Stratford, they went in with an almost full strength side. Nick French and Reg Tait were notable absences, giving young

Ethan Clohesythe opportunity for his debut game

An under 17.5 player, Ethan is the son of assistant coachLuke and nephew of playing-coach Jarryd Clohesy.Astrong, quickfootballer,Ethan hasa bright future ahead for Stratford.

For BoisdaleBriagolong, the win marked an eighth-straight win, the form you can only dream of coming into finals.

The Bombers have taken some notable scalps in Wy Yung, Orbost and Stratford along the way.

It’s this confidence they’ll need as they take on afast, nimble Wy Yung on awider ground at Lucknow in week one of the finals.

The lead-up pressure of Caleb Calwyn was again on show at the weekend, as he booted four goals to take his goal kicking tally to 76 for the season,winning the leaguegoal kicking, and quite comfortably too.

It’s been aseason that the Bombers faithful can be proud of, and to finish second, giving them the best tiltatthe premiership theycamedesperately close to in 2019.

Calwyn was supported by Brandon Rimington and Ben Wilkinson with three apiece in the Stratfordwin, with Jamie Mcintosh the onlyother multiple goal kicker with two.

For Stratford, whilst they were flat, they know how to win finals, evident from their campaign in 2022 where they finished premiers.

Underthe tutelage of an experienced coaching panel in JarrydClohesy,Luke Clohesy and Rowan Marsden, and the on-fieldleadership of Nick French and Jack Bacon, the Swans can rebound, and they’llneed to as they take on asurprising Orbost Snowy Rovers at Bairnsdaleinacutthroat finalthis weekend.

One highlight for Stratford, and football in general on the weekend, was the 150-game milestone for Swans journeyman Nathan French.

French debuted in 2011, playing his first senior game after consistent and solid form in the under 18s competition. Atoughinside midfielder,French’s ability to remain calm under pressure and with a strong football IQ he has been amainstay of the

Stratford seniors side for many, many years now.

Abrokenleg in Round 1last year could have beenexcusedifthatwas the end for French, a seasoned veteranwho had done his service to Stratford over those 11 years, but aburning desire to play football again, to be around his mates saw him return to play reserves football, and his form and experience ensured selection in last season's senior premiership.

While French plays in anumberofdifferent positionsthese days, it'stestament to his ability to impact the play from anywhere on the ground. He plays his role, he leads through his voiceand embodies whatStratford is about, apositive family club who are there for their mates.

IN other games, Orbost Snowy Rovers were too strong for Lakes Entrance, Wy Yung defeated Lucknowand Lindenow handed the woodenspoon to Paynesville.

EAST

GIPPY SCOREBOARD -PAGE 29

NORTH GIPPY - PAGE 26

Photo: Contributed