Gippsland Times Tuesday 1 August 2023

ALL SQUARE

SPECTATOR Times

FROM aconversation within the confines of four prison walls to aformulated project, Warrigunya is one step closer to providing safe, supportive, affordable accommodationfor Aboriginal men exiting prison.

Aboriginal men are over-represented in prisonand are at ahigher risk of returning to prison following their release, largely due to alackofhousing, job and opportunities, research shows.

On aDarriman property encircled by towering gum trees just off the South Gippsland Highway, traditional owner project Warrigunyaisedging closer towards completion.

The Victorian-first housing project, Warrigunya strives to reduce high recidivism rates in the Indigenous community by providing Aboriginal men released fromincarceration stable, structured and culturally safe accommodation with collaborative,

Warrigunya is one step closer to completion, having reached the lock-up stage. Warrigunya boardof directors Jane Darling Sloyan, Chris McEvoy, Merryn Stevenson (second from right) and Uncle AlanCoe gathered on the Darriman site on Friday, alongside ACSO chief executive VaughanWinther (centre), to acknowledge the milestone.

Zoe

comprehensive post-release support. Warrigunya is about holistic healing for Aboriginalmen,asdescribed by key director of thefacilitating not-for-profit Indigenous corporation, Uncle Alan Coe “Warrigunya is ahomefor Indigenous men on release from prisontodeal with the recidivism which impacts our peoples,” Uncle Alan said.

“Thisisa way to pay respect to our Elderspast and present, building on their legacy,sustaining and maintaining life.”

Warrigunyahas the potential to be life-changingfor the region’sAboriginal community.

On Friday, the WarrigunyaAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation board of directors invited local organisations and community guests on-site to celebrate Warrigunya’s first construction phase passing the lock-up stage.

Reaching the lock-upstage in the first construction phase is amomentous milestone for the project. The progress

was an emotional affair for all involved, particularlyWarrigunya’s board of directors Uncle Alan Coe, Merryn Stevenson and Chris McEvoy.

To illustrate why, we need to go back to the beginning.

As aman whoknows what it’s like to struggle, aman notunfamiliar to challenge, Uncle Alan changed his life for the better, despite the odds stacked against him as an Aboriginal man.

Uncle Alan’s own life experiences would lead him to his role in supporting Indigenousmen incarcerated at Fulham Correctional Centre to forge new paths for themselves.

Aroutine visit to the Aboriginal men at Fulham Correctional Centre would inadvertently ignitearevolutionary project laternamed by the very men who need and will use the facility, Warrigunya. That was seven years ago.

Uncle Alan acknowledged the urgent need for afacility like Warrigunya, with widespread data highlighting

the alarmingly high recidivism rates significantly contributing to the overrepresentationofAboriginalpeople within the prison system,all but emphasising the demand.

The 2021 Census recorded that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians accounted for just one per cent of the state’s population.

In the same year, Aboriginal males accountedfor more than 10 per cent of the state’s male prison population.

Uncle Alanknew that afacility like Warrigunya, providing safe, affordable accommodationand holistic support for Aboriginal men exiting prison,could be the answer to afuture without prison and, in turn, building culturally connected, stronger Aboriginal communities.

But Uncle Alan would not be able to make Warrigunya areality alone; he would need help.

That help cameinthe form of Merryn Stevensonand ChrisMcEvoy.

Continued -Page7

Zoe Askew

Photo:

Askew

Government boost for kindergartens

THROUGH anew round of grants, the state government are supporting planning for kindergarten building projects, bringing 19 more kinders to life in growing areas of Victoria, including Wellington Shire.

Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep, Ingrid Stittannounced lastWednesdaythat 15 councils and kindergarten service providers would share in $2.5 million of Building Blocks Planning grants of up to $150,000 each for planning, design and preconstruction workonkindergarten building projects.

"We're delivering unprecedented investment in early childhood services across Victoria to expand access to earlyeducation and helpour childrenlearn, grow and thrive," Ms Stitt said.

"Thesegrantswill help eligible organisationsplan projects that increase access to kindergarten for local families -providing the funding needed to help get these projects off the ground."

Memberfor Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh, confirmedthat Wellington Shire Councilwould share

in the $2.5 million of Building Blocks Planning grants.

"Thesegrants willhelp plan projects thatincrease access to kindergarten forlocal families in Sale and provide the funding to deliver the projects as the community grows," Mr McIntosh said.

The $150,000 grant to Wellington ShireCouncil will support planning activity for the Sale Integrated Centre for Children and Familiesto ensure the best for the local community.

Located on Gibson's Road, the Sale Integrated Centre for Children and Families will bring together arange of services, working in collaboration to deliver education, care, health and support services to children and their families in the North Sale growth area.

The cities of Boroondara, Darebin, Monash, Greater Shepparton and Warrnambool, together with Baw Baw, Murrindindi, SouthGippsland, Surf Coast and Wellington shires, have been awarded funding to supportcrucialpre-construction works to help these projects come to life.

Helpingprepare for and construct new early childhood infrastructure is akey part of the state government's rollout of free three and four-yearold kinder in local areas state-wide to ensure all Victorian children get the best start to life.

Throughthe $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms, the state government aims to transform early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money and support parents -especially women -toreturn to work or study if they choose.

In abid to support local councils and kindergarten service providers to better plan for and meet the demand for kindergarten as Victoria grows, the Victorian Budget 2023/24 has made it easier to apply for grants in the BuildingBlocks Capacity Building and Planning streams.

Applications for Building BlocksPlanning grants of up to $150,000 are now accepted yearround -makingitfasterand easier for eligible organisations in Gippsland to apply for funding that supports planning for new and expanded kinders.

The Building Blocks grants program also offers significantly increased capacitybuilding grants of up to $4.5 million for new integrated children's centres, $4 million for new early learning centres and $1 million for expansion projects -helping to build the new and expanded kinders Victoria's

littlest learners need, right across the state.

Previousrecipients of the Building Blocks Capacity grants program in the Wellington Shire include Gumnuts Early Learning Centre, which received funding to expand creating an extra 66

kindergarten places for local families.

Yarram Early Learning Centre was also recently awarded $2 milliontoundergo atwo-room expansion, ensuring localchildrencan get the best start in life, close to home.

Healthcareapplications

THE state government is helping communities across rural and regional Victoria have access to the world-class healthcare, close to home, withthe latest roundofthe Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF) now open.

The Minister for Health Infrastructure, Mary-Anne Thomas, has called for Victoria’s regional and rural health services to enter their submissions for the latest round of funding.

RHIF delivers avariety of projects across regional Victoria, including theatre refurbishments, new waiting rooms and hospital beds, accessible paths and ramps, additional consulting rooms, expansion projects and equipment upgrades.

RHIF hasfunded 630 projects -the largest stategovernment investment everdedicatedto

rural and regional health services.

In Lakes Entrance, more than $562,000 funding has enabled Gippsland Lakes Community Health to install a220-panelsolar power system to providecritical back-up powerinthe event of natural disaster or other emergencies.

The Regional Health Infrastructure Fund provides governmentfunding to rural and regional health services and agencies across Victoria, so these servicescan continuetoprovide safeand efficient care to local communities.

Submissions close on September 11 2023.

All eligible health services and agencies are encouraged to participate by familiarising themselves with application requirements and attending an upcoming online information webinar.

Photo: File

Public transport areasinSale wereof greatconcern for locals.

Annual Police surveypoints to public transport safety concerns

THE annualVictoriaPolice Community Sentiment Survey ran over afive-week period between March 31and May 7this year.

Victorians participated in the survey to share their local safety concernsand how comfortable they feel about approaching police and Protective Services Officers outside of an emergency.

Atotal of 10,996 responses were received from the 2023 Community Sentiment Survey, helping police identify issues that matter most to Victorians.

As reported by TRFM, Wellington Police Inspector Mel McLennan hoped to gauge a bigger response locally to the survey.

“One of the glaring responses we hadthatwehave actually respondedtoquite substantially -isthe concerns around public transport areas in Sale, particularly around the last train of an evening,” she said.

“We’ve set up apoliceunitthatwill be patrolling that vicinity, talking to people as they get off the train, just to provide that levelofcomfort and visibility so they can see us there.”

The 2023 top four safety concerns remain consistent withlastyear’s survey results, however have been ranked in adifferent order.

In 2023, more respondents selected ‘cybercrime or online safety’asaconcern compared to 2022. This crime theme also replaced the family violence category, which previously ranked fifth in 2022.

Topfive safety concerns:

1. Safety in public places;

2. Safety of my property and possessions;

3. Road safety;

4. Drugs and alcohol, and;

5. Cybercrime or online safety.

Topthree responses to improve community safety:

1. More police presence and patrolsin public places, and on the roads. Increased night patrolling;

2. More CCTV and security cameras and better lighting on street and public places, and;

3. More work to address drug-related crime.

Local police have listened to your feedback and will be implementing anumber of initiatives over the next 12 months to help improve community safety in line with the Neighbourhood Policing model.

Power line arrests

POLICEhave arrested aTinamba man and Bairnsdaleman after they allegedly causedsignificant damage to critical infrastructure across East Gippsland.

Detectives from the East Gippsland Crime Investigation Unit (CIU)allege the men used firearms to damage at least eightpower transformers in Fernbank, Lindenow South and Munro areas between September and October 2021.

It’s alleged the men fired gunshots at the transformers, causing more than $100,000 of significant damage to criticalinfrastructure as well as causing undue distress to the community through disruptionstointernet and power services. Following an extensive investigation, two men werearrested andare collectively facing62 charges:

 A24-year-old Tinamba man was arrested and charged with use firearm in apublicplace, use firearm to damage property, use firearm in adangerous manner and criminal damage.

He was bailed to face Bairnsdale Magistrates’ Court on August 2

 A24-year-old Bairnsdale man was arrested and charged with use firearm in apublicplace, use firearm to damage property, use firearm in adangerous manner and criminal damage. He was bailed to face Bairnsdale Magistrates’ Court on August 2

“While some may think this is avictimless crime -significant damage to critical infrastructure can causedistress and disruption to the community through the loss of internet and power services,” Victoria Police Detective Senior Constable Brendan Keane-EastGippsland Crime Investigation Unit said.

“Policewill continue to use all availablemethods at our disposal to reduce the impact illicit firearms have on the community, remove these weapons

fromthe handsofcriminals andplace offenders before the courts.”

The arrestsfollowmultiple search warrants at residentialaddresses in Bairnsdale and Tinamba, where police seized multiple firearms, ammunition, asilencer, and other weapons.

Grants, boost for plantations

PhilipHopkins

THE federal government has allocated grants totalling $73.76 million to establish new forestry plantations and has finally abolished the ‘water rule’that stopped plantations being established in high rainfall areas.

The federal Support Plantation Establishment program will provide grant funding over four years to help establish new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests.

The program will seek to establish up to 36,000 hectares of new plantation across Australia. The Agriculture,Fisheries and Forestry Minister, Murray Watt, said the program emphasised the government’s commitmenttosupportingthe forestry industry and regional communities, while reducing the country’s carbon footprint.

The grants are open to private industry, First Nationsbusinesses, farm foresters, and state and territory governmentforestrybodies. Applicants are required to provide aco-contribution at least equal to the grant amount awarded. This can be demonstrated by the value of the land the new plantation forests will be established on, financial means, or state, territory, or local grant funding.

The federal government will provide funding of $2000 (GST exclusive) per 1hectare of new long-rotation plantation forest established,with aminimum plantation area of 20 hectares to be eligible for agrant.Applications for Round 1of the Support Plantation Establishment program opened in June and close on January 24 2024.

The federal government has also moved to abolish regulatory barriers preventing new timber plantingsparticipatinginthe EmissionsReduction Fund (ERF). The AFPA chief executive, Joel Fitzgibbon,

said the decision delivered on the government’s election commitment to scrap the ‘water rule’.

The decision was also welcomed by the Victorian Forest Products Association as awin for forestry, the environmentand for Australia’s sovereign timber capability.

Both AFPA and the VFPA have been campaigning to removethe ‘waterrule’for many years, as access to the carbon market will incentivise investment in Australia’s plantation and farm forestry estate.

In October2022,the federal government announced aconsultation process on the ‘water rule’, which prevented plantation and farm forestry project access to the carbon market in areas with annual average rainfall above 600mm -thus holding back much need investment in new timber and fibre plantations in most timberprocessing regions.

Also, Forest &Wood ProductsAustralia(FWPA) has called for proposals for the 2023/2024 Forest Research GrantsProgram. The program aims to support collaborative research,development, and extension (RD&E) activities that benefit Australia’s commercial forest growers. Researchers are invited to submit proposals for new projects aligned with FWPA’s StrategicPlan 2023-2028, focusing on advancing thescience of commercial forestry. Funded projects are expected to start in the 2023/24 financial year.

Researchers are strongly encouraged to engage with potential industry partners early to ensure meaningful industry input in their proposals.

For information on the federal government’s plantationestablishment program, visit grants. gov.au. For the FWPA grants, visit the FWPA website.

Photo: File

StillfromBairnsdale arrest. Footageprovided by Victoria Police

Call for donors of rareblood type

LIFEBLOODhas launched an urgent nationwide search forblood donors to help aSouth Australian mother-of-two with ablood type so rare that just one in 10,000 people may be amatch.

Amobile donor centre in Sale is welcoming anyone to takepart withorwithoutappointments untilthis Friday (August 4).

AmiraiscurrentlyinanAdelaide hospital awaiting urgent open-heart surgery. The 37-year-old is expected to need more than 20 bags of blood prior to, during, and after the procedure.

Lifeblood medical director, Dr James Daly said any OorAblood donorinAustralia or internationally could be amatch.

The Mobile Donor Centre is in Salethisweek from 8.30am to 2pm to assist with the search. The centre will then remain at the Sale Greyhound Racing Club until Friday.

“Most people will be either OorAblood type, but Amira has arare combination of other blood types that need to be matched, whichmeans any donor with OorAblood type might prove to be aperfect match," Dr Daly said

"We have identified afew suitabledonors, but this mum will require alarge number of units to see her through her surgery and finding as many donors as we can with therightblood type will ensure we can meet her transfusion needs both

now and, in the future."

Dr Daly called on people in the community with Oand Ablood types to book adonation over the coming week. All donated blood will be tested to identify donationsthat will undergo further screening to find asuitablematch.

“We’ve exhausted Australiansuppliesofthis rare blood typeand we’re now working with international blood services to search for potential donors. We hope to receive asmall number of units from overseas but for Amira’s surgery to proceed safely, at least 15 donors with the same rarecombination of blood types are still needed within the next few weeks," Dr Daly said.

Lifeblood,this mum, and her husbandAhmed thankedpeople who have already come forward to donate in the hope of being amatch.

“We are so grateful to family, friends and the wonderfulpeople in the community,manyofwhom we do not know, who have heard aboutAmira’s plight and have rolled up asleeve to donate blood,” Ahmed said.

“I urge as manypeople as possible across the country with Oand Ablood to donate blood this week, so we can find more donors to help Amira.

“This is not asituation you ever expect to findyourselfin. Any helporsupport is much appreciated.”

To be amatch forAmira,adonor must be blood type 'O' or 'A' (If adonor does not know their blood type, they should still donate to see if they are a possible match).

Beyondcommonly recognisedbloodgroups such as A, Band O, there are more than 300 other variants.

Each of thesevariants is amarkeronthe surface of our red blood cells and is known as an antigen.

The presence or absence of these create rare blood types and this expression of antigens is known as an individual’s ‘phenotype’.

Your blood type is considered rare if you lack antigens that 99 per cent of people are positive for. If someonereceives atransfusion of bloodthat doesn’t match their owntype, theirbody mayrecognise the transfused blood as foreign, and develop antibodies to try and destroy the ‘invader’.

To join the search, book adonation via lifeblood. com.au, call 13 14 95,ordownload the Donate Blood app. Sale MobileDonor Centre is at the Sale Greyhound RacingClubfor the followingdates and times:

Tuesday, August 1-10.30am -6.15pm

Wednesday, August 2-10.30am -6.15pm

Thursday, August 3-10.30am -6.15pm Friday, August 4-8.30am -3.15pm

Homeless ‘Sharethe Dignity’campaigninAugust

SHARE the Dignity is urgently calling for period product donations to their August Dignity Drive, to ensure people don'thave to make do with socks, toilet paper or newspaper.

With the rate of women and girls experiencing homelessness and poverty increasing, Sharethe Dignity urgently needs period product donations fortheir biannual Dignity Drive to ensure those without aplacetocall home don't havetogowithout the most basic of essentials, period products.

The number of women and girls experiencing homelessness is on the rise, with a10per cent increase reported since 2016, with the majority(40 per cent) citing domestic violence as the primary reason.

Women and girls appeartobedisproportionately affected by social issues, with research also finding 53 per cent(1,754,000)ofthose living belowthe poverty lineare womenand girls; that's enough people to fill the largest stadium in Australia, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, 17 times over.

Unfortunately, when women,girls and people with aperiod can't afford period products, research has shown they leaveinperiod products for longer thanrecommended or improvise with items like socks, toilet paper, or newspaper.

Share the Dignity aims to collect at least 200,000 period products to ensure those experiencingorat risk of homelessness, domestic violence or poverty don'thavetorisk their health and go through the indignity of using other items in place of period products.

Share the Dignity's Dignity Drives allows people to donate period products to ensure people have access to the most basic of essentials.

Volunteers will distribute all donations to Share the Dignity'smorethan 3000charitypartners, includinghomelessand domestic violence shelters, alongwith other organisations helping those most vulnerable in the community.

Throughout August, Woolworths will donate five cents from the saleofevery period product purchased to help fund Sharethe Dignity's Dignity Vending Machines, with more than $2.5 million donated since the partnership began. Pink collection boxes will also be available in Woolworths supermarkets across Australiafor the donation of period products.

Share the Dignity Founderand Managing Director,Rochelle Courtenay said shehopes Share the Dignity can collect enough period products, as she hears an increasing number of heartbreaking stories from those sufferingthe implicationsof living below the poverty line.

"At arecent signal flare event, afather and his nine-year-old girl came up to our stall,and he shared how his daughter had started her first period two days earlier," Ms Courtenay said.

"He was heartbroken, trying to explain how it was the last thing they expected so soon after being forced to live on the streets.

"Thankfully, period product donations from the community allowed us to provide them with a six-month supply of pads as well as atoiletry bag.

"Whenwehanded themover,reliefwashed over his face knowing she had the supplies she needed whilst he worked to find asafeplace for them to stay.

"I wish this was the first time Ihave heard a heartbreaking story likethis, but unfortunately, it is all too common.

"If you have the means to do so, Iurgeyou to drop periodproducts into ourcollection points nationwide; you never know what someone is going through, andatthe very least, let's ensure they can manage their period with dignity."

Since 2019, Woolworths donations have helped fund 107 of Share the Dignity's Dignity Vending Machines, which dispense free packs of pads and tampons, andare located in community centres, homeless hubs, charities, Aboriginal Medical Services, hospitals and other areaswhere there is aneed across Australia.

Kimberley Gardiner and Kyla Earsman are just two volunteers with Share the Dignity, and will be helping to collect and distribute the donations in Sale.

"Our dignity drives are so important to ensure thoseexperiencing period poverty can managetheir period with dignity," Ms Earsman said.

"We rely on these donations to give to charities to ensure the people they supportdon't havetouse unsuitable alternatives.

"Please,ifyou can, consider donating pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear, reusable pads, or incontinence aids this August."

Supporters can help someone in need by dropping off period products at any Woolworths supermarket, or anumberofnominated businesses nationwide throughout August. Alternatively, you can donate via the Share the Dignity website.

Share the Dignity strongly believes those experiencing period poverty should be able to use their preferredperiod product,socollect all period productsintheir original packaging, including pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period undies, reusable pads, as well as incontinence aids.

Newcervicalcancer tests

MORE Victorian women who have never been screened for cervical cancer are testing due to the roll out of anew and less invasive testing option, backed by the state government.

The Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, recently visited the Royal Women’s Hospital to mark one year since the self-collection option was introduced and reminded all women, they need to be tested every five years.

“Regularscreeningisyourbest protection against cervical cancer -soifyou’re due for atest or have never been tested -contact your GP and request aself-collected test,” Ms Thomas said.

“Self-testing is reducing barriers and making it easierand faster to screen for cervicalcancer.

“The rapid uptake of self-collection cervical cancer tests in Victoriashowsmore women are willing to get tested if they are given more control of their options.”

Self-collectionisasimple process which tests forhuman papillomavirus (HPV) -a common infection thatcan cause cervical cancer. It allows women to collect their own sample and avoid a pap smear which many women report finding uncomfortable.

Providing an alternative reduces these barriersand ensures women who otherwise would have gone without atest are more likely to screen for cervical cancer.

Since the self-collection option was introduced nationally on July 1, 2022, Victoria has seen a rapid uptake in reported self-tests, with the number rising from 180 in June 2022 to 2413 in December 2022.

Furthermore in 2022, 63 per cent of the selfcollected tests in Victoria were from people who had either never screened at all or screened less than the recommended amount of once every five years.

Among Victorians with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderbackground,there was afivefold increase in the number of people choosing self-collected tests.

Self-collected tests now account for up to 12 per cent of all monthly cervical screening tests in Victoria, and this is expected to keep growing.

More than 70 per cent of cervical cancers occur in thosewho have neverscreened or are overdue, and self-collectionwillplay akey role in efforts toward the elimination of cervical cancer.

Improved access to cervical screening is giving Victorian women andpeople with acervix support,akey target of the Victoria Cancer Plan 2020/24 -tosee cervicalcancer eliminatedas apublic health concern by 2030.

Australia’s world-leading screening program, combined with its HPV vaccination program, means the state is on track to be the first country in the world to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern.

The state government provides free cervical screening tests to at-risk groups through its partnership with the Australian Centrefor the Prevention of Cervical Cancer.

For more information about self-collection for the cervicalscreening test, go to health.gov.au/ self-collection-for-the-cervical-screening-test

 Maffra Mens Shed wish to announce that they have moved to their permanent home at 20 Moroney Street, Maffra (rear of the old caravan park), opening from 8.30am until around 12 noon, each Tuesday and Thursday for men of all ages.

 Haarmoni Bennett from the Community Bank Maffra and District will be speaking to the Rotary Club of Maffra on Thursday, August 3about cyber security. The venue is Duart Homestead, 6pm for 6.30pm start, and is adinner meeting at acost of $35 each. Please book in with Duart by tomorrow (Wednesday, August 2) on 5147 1985. All welcome.

 The Maffra Garden Club’s next meeting is at 12noon on Monday, August 14 at Jenny

Langshaw’s garden in Batchelor Court, Maffra. Bring your own chair, cup and lunch.

The monthly competition is the best bulb. The owner of the Redbill plant nursery in Heyfield will be the guest speaker. New members welcome, phone Jeanette on 0438 456 491 for more information.

 Maffa Neighbourhood House has regular groups that meet each week for a$2donation. New members are welcome to craft group that meets on Tuesday mornings from 10am to 12 noon. Bring your own project and enjoy good company and acuppa.Social art and jigsaw groups both meet on Thursday afternoons from 1pm. Bring your own artwork to this self-help group, there are many jigsaws to choose from. Tea and coffee always available, in warm and comfortable surroundings. Ring 0422 335 155 for more details.

 The Rotary Club of Maffra Community Market will be held on Sunday, August 6, at the Island Reserve, McMahon Drive, Maffra (at the rear of Woolworths car park), from 9am until 12.30pm. Everyone welcome.

 St Vincent de Paul monthly garage sale will be held on Saturday, August 5atthe Jack Kelly store, 28 Laura Street, Maffra, from 9am until 10.30am.

Maffra Rotary keentogrow

ROTARY Club of Maffraisholding ameet and greetatDuart Homestead on August 13 to welcome people to Rotary and its values and projects.

Rotary is an organisation that promotes peace, fights diseases such as polio andmalaria,provides basics such as clean water and education to communities that needit, and supportsprojects in local communities.

Rotary ClubofMaffrafacilitates the Maffra Community Market, Maffra Australia Day Celebration and the annual Mardi Gras, which was such asuccess this year.

Less well known is the support it gives to various community groups such as Maffra Secondary College, with an annual scholarship for aYear 11 student and fundingfor various programssuchas Fit 2Drive.Regular donations also go to the Maffra Municipal Band and Maffra Neighbourhood House. Various Rotaryprograms are alsosupported, both nationallyand internationally, such as Disaster Aid Australia and Polio Plus.

Rotary Club of Maffra secretary,Claire Cochrane, said the meet and greet agreat opportunity for those who want to be more involved in the communityand are looking for friendship and fellowship.

"Rotary is moving into the future, actively encouraging participation from all walks of life. Equity, diversity and inclusion is important to Rotary and Rotarians all over the world," she said.

"If you are community minded, share Rotary’s values of service, integrity and fellowship, or have a

MaffraMardi Gras and the monthly marketare 2ofthe most popular eventsinMaffra. We need people who are willing to volunteer alittle of their time to help with some small jobs.

Youdon’thavetobea member to help.Comealong and meet the crew forachat on howyou can makea difference

Morehands on deckare needed forthese eventsto continue.

St Paul’s Book Fair calls for donations

ST Paul’s AnglicanCathedral Giant BookFair is beingheld early January 2024. Theyare now accepting all types of good quality books, DVDs and CDs. These can be dropped off at any time, preferably to the back of the Cathedral hall via driveway off Marley St into theircarpark, or contact the office on 5144 2020 for assistance or more information.

Book Fair Coordinator Christine Morris OAM is excited to be able to again provide book lovers

withanopportunity to buy morebooks, as well as helping those with books they no longer need. She is encouraging people to sort through their bookcases donate as soon as possible so they can have the time to sort them.

"The money raised helps support the ministry of the cathedral as well as the maintenance of the magnificent cathedral building," she said.

project in mind that Rotary could become involved in, the RotaryClubofMaffrawould like you to consider joining them.

"The club welcomes visitors and new members from any sphere of lifewho sharetheir goals. Dinner meetings are fortnightly at Duart Homestead and are casual and friendly, with guest speakers at each meeting. There are no rigid attendancerules and the evenings are fun, with lots of laughter."

The Rotary Club of Maffra is looking to increase their membership, allowing the club to better service Maffra and District by delivering programs relevant to the community. Ms Cochrane said the club would like to find out how it can best be involved in communities such as Stratford, Heyfield and Briagolong, as well as Maffra.

"For example there have been Rotary meetings recently in Heyfield and Briagolong, with adonationtosupport the Heyfield Wetlandsintheir projecttobuildoutside toilets," Ms Cochrane said.

"The club is looking to grow and engage more people who are proactive and community minded. Without more members it may not be possible to continue our many programs.

"Fellowship is also avery important concept of Rotary so come along to the meet and greet on Sunday, August 13 from 2.30pm to 4pm for some fellowship and to see what Rotary is about and where it might lead you."

Rotaryhavebeen supporting the community and businesses of Maffrafor XX years,now we need your help

Rotary Meet and Greet

Location: DuartHomestead

Date: SundayAugust 13th

Time: 2.30 –4pm

Bring afriend or 2!

Christine Morris OAMiseagerly awaitingthe return of the St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral Giant Book Fair

Photo: Contributed

DefenceEmergency Vehicle course

No cause for alarm

DURING the first week of July, Number 30 (City of Sale) Squadron ran aDefence Emergency Vehicle course, the first of its kind to be run at RAAF Base East Sale.

Highway Patrolmembers from Victoria Police,Saleassisted the Air Force Instructor in providinga comprehensive course for two medical staff whose jobs often require operating vehicles with lights and sirens activated to deal with medical or other airfield emergencies.

The course included training both on and off base, and was an excellent opportunity for local policemembers to increase their awareness and understandingofthe RAAF Base and how they will work together with RAAF personnelduring emergency situations. The training scenarios were directly relevant to aflying training base to ensure medical staff and Victorian Police are prepared for the types of emergencies that could occur here at RAAF Base Sale.

What's on at Duston Range

DUTSONTraining Area will be active throughout the upcoming month.

You can therefore expecttohear gunfire on aregular basis.

Some of these activities may involve demolition practices and, as such, explosions may be heard between the hours of 9am and 4pm each day. Public recreational usage of Lake Wellington willnot be affected by these exercises.

Warning to Hunters

IN the interest of public safety, notification is hereby given that access to

Dutson Training Area is prohibited.

Dutson TrainingArea is still an active weapons range, and presents a significanthazard to all personswithin the range boundaries.

The hazardnot only exists during rangeactivationfor weapons exercises, but also during times of inactivity

This is due to the very high levels of unexplodedexplosive ordnance on this range, some dating back to World War 2, much of which is in an unstable condition.

Unmarkedsiltedinbombcraters presentanother significant hazard.

You are reminded that it is an offence, under Section 89 and 89A of the Commonwealth Crimes Act to trespass on Defenceland,and to discharge firearms on or over Commonwealth land.

The Dutson Rangeboundariesare depicted in the supplied map.

For further information, phone Sergeant Nick Young on 0429 402 049.

Aircraft Operations at East Sale

IF you are interested in learningmore about the role of RAAF BaseEastSale, flying operationsand flying areas, you can visit: www.defence.gov.au/ aircraftnoise/EastSale. This includes alink to the RAAF East Sale noise management plan. The Defence approach to noise mitigation and Air Force fly neighbourly policy can also be found through the ‘Understanding Noise’ site

General information

ANY enquiries relating to activities at RAAF Base, EastSale, should be directed to the Air Base Command Post on 51699892, or via email to esl.abcp@ defence.gov.au.

Defence Emergency Vehicle course at RAAF Base East Sale, held in conjunction with Victoria Police.

Photo: Contributed

Dutson Training Area Range Boundaries.

Warrigunya: making achange

From Page 1

DIRECTOR of Warrigunya, Merryn Stevenson, like Uncle Alan, saw the damaging effects alack of housing and support for men exiting prison was doing to the region's Aboriginal community, and shared in the belief Warrigunya couldchangethat.

Since 2020, Uncle Alan, Merryn Stevenson, and local Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal volunteers have worked to make Warrigunya areality, putting in hundreds of hours, pro bono, on the project.

Theteamstruck ahurdle,with no grantsallowing for the purchase of land. With no land, there could be no Warrigunya.

That was before Uncle Alan and Ms Stevenson met the managing director of Radial Timberin Yarram, Chris McEvoy.

"When this journey started more than three years ago, and Merryn and Alan came to me and said theyreally wanted to do thistransitional housing project, that they had this idea, Merryn had done somework on it,Alan hadbeen working in Fulham prison and seen the need for it, and all they needed was some land," Mr McEvoy said.

"I thought, well, I've got land.I've always wanted to get involved in aTraditional Owner project, and Ithought everyone deserves the basicright to housing, even more so Traditional Owners. It's adisgrace to think that any Traditional Owner would be living in acar to try and survive; this is their country."

For Mr McEvoy, it was an easy decision to gift the land to the project, splitting off 20 acres from his plantation estate for the site of Warrigunya on a50-year,peppercorn lease -$1ayear for 50 years.

With landfor the project secured, Uncle Alan, Ms Stevenson, Mr McEvoy and the entire Warrigunya group were able to secure a$3million grant from Homes Victoria.

ACSOchiefexecutive VaughanWinther playeda significant role in securing this funding and helping Warrigunya achieve all the necessary permits, approvals and abuilding contract.

Earlier this year, construction finally began.

Once complete, the Warrigunyafacility will form the shape of the pelican Boran, which is the main totem of the Gunaikurnai people, adesign decided by the traditional inmates of Fulham Correctional Centre.

However, afterlong delayswith buildingand planning permits, COVID-19, price increases for materials and fire surveys, Warrigunya is $1.5 million short of completing the project.

While stage one of construction forms just one wingofthe pelican,Warrigunya'sprogress is a milestone celebrated by all involved.

For Uncle Alan, phase one of construction reaching the lock-up stage represents the fruits of the Warrigunya team's labour.

Aboriginal Honour Roll open

THE state government is calling for nominations to recognise the outstanding workand achievements of Aboriginal Victorians, past and present, to celebratetheir contributions to Victoria.

Nominations are now open for the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll, which formally recognises Aboriginal peoplewho have made asignificant contribution to the community and the state.

state and throughout history and include:

 Legendary singer-songwriters Uncle Archie Roach AM and Ruby Hunter;

 Artist and activist William Barak, who played akey role in founding and maintain the self-sufficient Aboriginal community Coranderrk near Healesville in the 19th century;

"I can see the fruits of ourlabourand maybe that there is hope," he said.

"Before, it was all just hoping, hoping, wishing. But now, this here, it won't be long."

The Warrigunya board of directors are currently working to acquireadditional funding so the project may be completed in accordance with its original design.

More information is available at warrigunya.com

Every dayistreeday

ON the eve of National Tree Day 2023, (held last Sunday,July30, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) reflected on the sheer beauty of trees and how many the team is planting in the catchment over the year.

Chief executive of West Gippsland CMA, Martin Fuller,saidplantingtrees along waterways is one of the organisation’s favourite stagesinany project.

“This stage usually symbolises that the ‘heavy lifting’ of weed removal and fencing is complete, and we can get going on putting plants in the ground so they can work their magic,” Mr Fuller said.

This “magic” includes stabilising banks, creatinghabitat for wildlife and helping the waterway become more stable and resilient to the impacts of flood events and drought.

For West Gippsland CMA, it’s tree day every day, and across the catchment this year,the team will plant more than 100,000 trees and plants, the finishing touch to restoration projects along rivers and waterways from San Remo to Sale.

According to WestGippsland CMA project deliver team leader Matt Bowler, this number is supplemented by many more plantedbythe CMA’s wonderful partners, who include Traditional Owners, Landcare, Trustfor Nature, Greening Australia, and private landholders.

Mr Bowlerhas witnessedchange on alandscape scale, resulting fromprojects he has overseen and been directly involved in, taking pride in the thousands of trees and plants he has personally planted throughout his more than 15-year-long career with the CMA.

“Gippsland is agreat place to plant trees,”Mr Bowler said.

“The small sapling you plant this year can have aKoala feeding in it in only five years’ time and be creating shade, shelter and habitat for many other animals.

“Some of the largest trees in the world can still be found high up in the Strzelecki Ranges -remnant stands of Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans), which are the largest flowering plant and hardwood species on earth.

“The cool thing is you can plant one today, and it will still be alive in hundreds of years’ time.”

National Tree Day falls at the perfect planting

time of year, and Landcaregroupsacross the region always have many events on the go. These large-scale restorationprojects are funded as part of the state government’s $248 million investment overfouryears(2020-2024) to improve the health of waterways and catchments across regional Victoria.

Planet Ark’s National Tree Day started in 1996 and has grown into Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event.

Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams said the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll is our opportunity to celebrate the remarkable dedication and determination of Aboriginal people across the state and their contributions to abetter future for all Victorians.

“I encourage Victorians to nominate an Aboriginal communitymember they know who has made adifference -whether in the past or today -and havetheir leadership, achievements and contribution to the community formally recorded for future generations,” Ms Williams said.

Since it was established in 2010, the honour rollhas recognised139 Aboriginal people for their work in awide range of fields including health, education, justice, sport, the arts, community leadership and military service.

Honour roll inductees come from across the

 Activist, entrepreneur and theatre producer William ‘Bill’ Onus, who is also thought to be the first Aboriginal filmmaker and subject of the recent documentary Ablaze,and;

 Former co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, who from 2019-22 helped negotiate the Treaty elements required to begin Treaty negotiations in Victoria.

The 2023 inductees will have their personal stories added to the honour roll, which is on permanent display in theVictorianParliament Nominations for the honour roll will close at midnight on Sunday, August 20.

For more information, visit firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/VAHR

Chris McEvoyexplains Warrigunyabuilding planstoFederalMember for Gippsland, Darren Chester. Photos: Zoe Askew

Warrigunya, underconstruction.

Every dayistreeday at West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority,according to project delivery forWest Gippsland team leader Matt Bowler.

Photo: Contributed

FederalMember for Gippsland DarrenChester joined Uncle Alan Coe andthe Warriguna boardofdirectors at the Darriman site on Fridaytocelebratethe projects most recent milestone

TamboUpper TrailRiding Club

THE Augustride for the Tambo Upper Trail Riding Club will be on Sunday, August 20.

The ride will leave from The Barn at Calajero in the Iguana Creek area. Club committee member Anne Rees will be leading the ride.

At the recent annual meeting, the 2023-2024 calendar of rides was finalised.

There will be the usual regular rides in areas including Flaggy Creek, Glenaladale, Fernbank, Melwood, Colquhoun, Mt Taylor. Feature rides are the annualChristmaslunchride at Sarsfield and atwo-day camp based at Valencia Creek. New lead riders will be Lyn King and Julie Reading at Briagolong and Christa Treasure in the Mitchell River area. Calendars will be available at local saddlers and horse associated stores.

Anne and her husband Ron lead many rides in this area from their property. They put ahugeamount of effort into mapping out interesting rides which take in avariety of terrain with great views.

The ride will leave from their property at the 3235 Bairnsdale-DargoRoad, Glenaladale. The morningsection will be longer before astopfor lunch and ashorter trip home.

The tracks will be amixture of pines, bush and creeks with some hillsand gullies.Horses will need to be shod or wear boots due to rocky creek crossings and stony sections.

Departure timewillbe10am sharp.Riders should bring asaddlebaglunchand afternoon tea to share back at the floats at about 2.30pm to 3pm.

The July ride attracted 26 riders in the Bruthen area.There were quite afew returning members, new riders and regulars who were keen to get out on their horses on alovely winter’s day.

Gill Renshaw led the groupconfidently and set agood steady pace. The ride featured abit of everything, hills,singletracks, fourwheel drive tracks and open bush.

Celest Whelanand Lyndl Packett both joined in for their first club ride and thoroughly enjoyed their day out.

Carmel Kuizengawas welcomed backonher new thoroughbred mare, Frenchie. Although fresh at the beginning the mare soon settled into agood rhythm. Jenny Doran also returned to riding after an injurytoher horse and completedthe day well

Tambo Upper Trail Rides are held in different locations on the third Sunday of every month. New members are alwayswelcome and childrenare also welcome but must be able to ride independently.

Ridecalendarsare availableonthe club's Facebook page or at your local saddler.

For further details, phone Caroline Driscoll on 0408 963 667 or Sue Cullinan (0412 526 121).

Lyndl Packett on arecentride with Tambo Upper Trail RidingClub.

Tambo Upper Trail Riding Club nearBruthen.

What’sonthis month

with Zoe Askew

WE are seeminglyracing towardsthe end of 2023. Canyou believe that we are more than halfway through the year? Christmas is only146 days away! Each month there has been amyriad of activities and events in andaroundthe Wellington Shire, and August is no exception.

Fromworkshops and classes to car shows and art exhibitions, to live music and parties, with so muchtodothis month, keeping us busier than ever,the next thingweknow, we'll blink and it will be September.

Headline Acts at Jacks

Leeroy

When:From 9pm, Friday, August 4.

Where:JackRyan’sIrishBar,154 Raymond St,Sale.

Orkestrated

When: From 9pm, Saturday, August 5.

Where: JackRyan’sIrishBar,154 Raymond St,Sale.

Justin Rebbechi

When:From 9pm, Friday, August 11.

Where:JackRyan’sIrishBar,154 Raymond St,Sale.

Rollertoaster

When:From 9pm, Saturday, August 12.

Where:JackRyan’sIrishBar,154 Raymond St,Sale.

Mat-Peter Fry

When:From 9pm, Friday, August 18.

Where:JackRyan’sIrishBar,154 Raymond St,Sale.

Spitting Swallows

When:From 9pm, Saturday, August 19.

Where:JackRyan’sIrishBar,154 Raymond St,Sale.

Matt 'Tezmo' Howlett

When:From 9pm, Friday, August 25.

Where:JackRyan’sIrishBar,154 Raymond St,Sale.

Gecko

When:From 9pm, Saturday, August 26.

Where:JackRyan’sIrishBar,154 Raymond St,Sale.

DGmusic Live at the Cri

When: From 7.30pm, Saturday, August5, Saturday, August 12 and Friday, August 25.

Where: CriterionHotelSale, 90 McAlister Street, Sale.

Disco in the Bistro

DANCE the night away!

Fancy Discoplays all the greatest throwback hits from Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, and Queen to Tina Turner, Britney Spears, and Fatboy Slim at the Star Hotel's Disco in the Bistro.

There's guaranteed to be something for everyone, so rally the crew and put on your dancing shoes for the Star Hotel's Disco in the Bistro.

When: 9pm until 12am, Saturday, August 12.

Where: Star Hotel Sale, 173 Raymond Street, Sale.

Kick Start Your Career

HEYFIELD Community Resource Centre is facilitating afive-week program to link local job seekers with local businesses.

Throughout the course, learners will meet arange of business owners, take tours of local workplaces and improve their job-ready skills -applying for a job, sitting ajob interview and digital skills. Kick Start Your Career will be hosted on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am until 3pm, beginningWednesday, August 16 and concludingon Thursday, September 21.

Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 5148 2100 or emailing coordinator@heyfield.net

Price: $20 per person

When: 9.30am, Wednesday, August 16, until 3pm, Thursday, September 21.

Where: HeyfieldCommunity Resource Centre, 5George St, Heyfield.

Together We Read

BOOK lovers are invited to join Australia's biggest annual online book club, Together We Read, from Wednesday, August 16 to Wednesday, August 30.

This year the chosen book is local author Kirsty Manning's TheParis Mystery,anintriguing mystery set in pre-WW2 Paris. All you need to take part is alibrary card and the Libby app for digital borrowing.

The Together We Read digital book club connects readers through Australian public libraries with a featured title for two weeks each year.

During the program, readers can participate in onlinediscussions about the titleaswell as an online event with the author.

Together We Read is free and is facilitated by OverDrive, creator of the award-winning Libby app and aleading digital reading platform in Australia for ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers.

To take part in Australia's biggest annual online book club, you will need: Alocal library membership -join for free.

The free Libby App which you can download to your smart device.

Download The Paris Mystery by Kirsty Manning as an ebook or audiobook free of charge, with no holds or waiting, and get reading.

Join the author and readers across Australia for an online discussion throughout the two weeks. Contribute to the discussion here: https:// togetherweread.com/au/

JoinOverDrive's live online eventwith Kirsty Manning on Tuesday, August 29 from 7.30pm AEST to meet the author, ask questions, and enjoy awell-rounded bookish discussion. Register your spot here:https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ together-we-read-featuring-kirsty-manningtickets-652438269427.

When: Wednesday, August 16, until Wednesday, August 30.

Where: Online

Sale Psychic &Wellbeing Expo

VICTORIA'S longest-running psychicexpowillbe in Sale on Sunday, August 20, at the Sale Memorial Hall from 10am until 4pm.

Enjoy an inspiring and relaxing day with stallholders offering arange of services and products to indulge your senses, including readings, psychic mediumship, tarot, intuitive, palmistry and numerology and healings, reiki, and energy balancing.

Shop awide range of crystals, inspirational giftware, books, natural healing products, handcrafted products, jewellery, witchy wares, and soy candles.

Free workshops will be hosted throughout the day, including mediumship demonstrations and free giveaways.

It is important to note that this venue does not have an ATM, and while someexhibitorshave card facilities, some are cash only.

You can pre-book your ticket here, https://www. eventbrite.com.au/e/sale-psychic-wellbeing-expotickets-675031917637,orpay at the door on the day.

Price: $5 (Free for children under 12)

When: 10am until 4pm, Sunday, August 20.

Where: SaleMemorial Hall, 88 McAlister Street, Sale.

GippslandCars &Coffee

DELUX Detailingand Prostreet Media are hosting their third Gippsland event in Sale from 10am until 1pm on Sunday, August 20.

All cars and bikes are welcome to join the event at 27 Union Street, Sale.

Whether you are amotor enthusiast or just want somethingnew to do,head to Union St in Sale this Sunday, grab yourself acoffee and check out the cars on display.

When: 10am, Sunday, August 20.

Where: 27 Union Street, Sale.

Public Meeting -The Middle of EverywhereChristmas Parade

MEETThe Middle of EverywhereChristmas ParadeCommitteeand discover how you, your community group, business, school or sporting club can be apartofthe great event bringing Christmas fun to Sale.

When: From 5.30pm, Thursday, August 17

Where: Star Hotel Sale, 173 Raymond Street, Sale.

Things of Stone and Wood Live at the Bundy

IN its ninth year, Live at the Bundy continues bringing the finest Australian entertainment to our doorstep.

After having July music-free, Live at theBundy is backinaction on Saturday, August19, headlining

Things of Stone and Wood and Mick Harrington.

In theirmore than three-decade-long career, ThingsofStone and Wood havehad two Top10 albums in Australia, aTop 10 single and five Top 50 hits.

The band has won an ARIA Award, and singer Greg Arnold was namedSongwriter of the Year at the APRA Awards.

Things of Stone and Wood has proven to be an apt name for aresilient band built to last.

Support from the region's very own local celebrity, Mick Harrington ensuresthis to be anight for the ages. From 6pm, Live at the Bundywill hosta

community barbecue (bring your cash as it is cash only), with doors opening at 7pm.

Mick Harrington starts things off at 7.30pm, with Things of Stone and Wood taking the stage at 8.30pm.

This event is bring your own.

To purchase your tickets, go to https://www. trybooking.com/CILBK.

Price: $46

When: From 6pm, Saturday, August 19.

Where: BundyHall, 795 Maffra-Sale Rd, Bundalaguah.

Sale Girl Guides 100th Anniversary

JOIN the Sale Girl Guides on Sunday, August 27, at the Sale Guide Hall on Market Street as they celebrate their 100-year anniversary.

From 1pm until 4pm, Sale Girl Guides will host afternoon tea, historical displaysand conduct officialproceedings as part of theorganisation's 100th anniversary.

All are welcome to join the Sale Girl Guides' 100th-anniversary celebrations.

When: 1pm until 4pm, Sunday, August 27.

Where: Sale Guide Hall,118-120 Market Street, Sale

Tough Guy Book Club -Sale Chapter

JOIN the Tough Guy Book Club Sale Chapter from 7pm until 10.30pm on Wednesday,August2,at the Gippsland Hotel.

You can find out this month's book here: https:// toughguybookclub.com/books

Try to pick up the book and read acouple of pages before thenight. If you haven't, go anyway,noone gives adamn. They're notyour boss. Make suretobring downyourcopy of the books if youhaveone; it'llhelp you talk about bitsofit. It is suggested that you underline things that stick out to you as important.

Like all months, Tough Guy Book Club will announce next month's book at the meetingand hand it out to those wise enough to pre-order last month.

Want to know more about Tough Guy Book Club? Go to http://toughguybookclub.com/about-us

When: From7pm until 10.30pm, Wednesday, August 2.

Where: Gippsland Hotel, 153 York Street, Sale.

Watch it at the Wedge

Animal Farm

Price: $19-$37

When: 12.00pm, Thursday,August 3and 7.30pm, Thursday, August 3.

GreenRoom Award-winningensemble

Bloomshedmixes big political ideaswith entertaining andaccessible storytellingintheir latest production, Animal Farm

Photos: Contributed

Where: The Wedge PerformingArts Centre,100

Foster Street, Sale.

The Black Sorrows

Price: $69

When: 8pm, Saturday, August 5.

Where: The Wedge PerformingArts Centre,100 Foster Street, Sale.

The Godmother –SaleFilm Society

Price: $30-$50 (membership subscription)

When: 7.30pm, Wednesday, August 9.

Where: The Wedge PerformingArts Centre,100 Foster Street, Sale.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Price: $25-$125

When: 8pm, Friday, August 18, 8pm, Saturday August 19, 2pm, Sunday, August 20, 8pm, Thursday, August24, 8pm, Friday, August 25, 2pm, Saturday, August 26 and 8pm, Saturday, August 26.

Where: The Wedge PerformingArts Centre,100 Foster Street, Sale.

Australian String Quartet

Price: $19-$47

When: 4pm, Sunday, August 27.

Where: The Wedge PerformingArts Centre,100 Foster Street, Sale.

Get involved

HAVE an event coming up in Septemberthat you’d like to publicise?

To be featured in the Gippsland Times’ next ‘What’s on this month’, send details of your upcoming event to news@gippslandtimes.com.au with the subject line ‘What’s on this month -September’.

Things of Stone and Wood preparetoimpress thismonth when they headline at Live at the Bundy

Maffrastudent shows artistic talent

Stefan Bradley

MAFFRA SecondaryCollege studentOlivia

Palmer has an eye for art, and the judges at the STAEDTLER Secondary School Art Competition agreed,awarding her second place in the junior category for her entry, acharcoal piece.

The STAEDTLER Secondary School Artists of the Year Competition was open to all Year 7to 12 students (junior and senior categories), with the chance to win prizes.There were also people’s choice awards for juniors and seniors

The competition allowedparticipants to create whatthey pleased, withimagination theonly restriction.

Olivia, aYear 9student with an interest in realism and detail, entered as ajunior with her entry, TheRealistic Eye

“I just wanted to enter something Ienjoy and I was really intrigued by all the detail (of an eye),”

Olivia said.

“It’sthe first time I’ve picked up charcoal. Ireally liked it.”

The results wereannounced on July 7, and

Olivia’s dad informed her of the fantastic result.

“It’s very, very exciting. Iwas with my nan and my dad called me up to tell me the news,” Olivia said.

“They’re so proud, and I’m so proud of myself.”

Olivia’s supportive parents had been spreading the word abouther art when they stumbled on the competition.

Her second placeshowingdemonstrates that her art career is already picking up momentum.

“My dad built me an art studio, so my easel is set up all the time,” she said.

“Every day after school Igotomyart studio and do alittle bit at atime.

“I’vealwayshad acreativelook at things. I’ve always enjoyed craft.”

Olivia’sgoal is to support herself through art. She has begun to get some paid commission work via word of mouth.

Olivia has created asocial media page for her art: instagram.com/oliviasart_account/

Birdofthe Month -Little Raven

Little Raven

WHENpeople seealarge blackbird, they often call it acrow.

Australia has six ‘crow species’ but the three we see in Victoria are all given the name of raven. All our ravens and crows, referredtoas ‘corvids’,are quite similar and closelyrelated

But the Little Raven is the one most often seen around populated areas.

In East Gippsland we have the Little Raven, AustralianRaven andthe lesscommon Forest Raven.

These birdsare very similar,with the Little Raven being slightly smaller, hence the name. All three are entirelyblack,including legs and feet, with awhite eye. Juveniles will have a brown eye. To distinguish between these birds, you can rely on their call.

The Australian Raven has the classic Aussie sound of three notes with along, drawn-out finalnote, whereas the ForestRaven call is lower, slower and harsher.

The Little Raven has acall that is amuch shorter, guttural,raspy ‘ark, ark, ark’ call that ends more abruptlyand they are the only species who flick their wings when calling.

Little Raven habitats are open areas and lightly timbered woodlands, and they do well in human altered environments such as sheep paddocks, parks and roadsides.

Little Ravens are omnivorous and feed mostly on the ground. Diet consists of insects,

small birds, egg, nestlings, carrion and occasionallyseedsand fruit. They are opportunistic feeders,especiallywhen aparticularfood is abundant like alocust or mouse plague. But they are also partial to human food and will gather where humans make food abundant. They’revery intelligent birds and have been recorded using tools as well as having innovative methodsofseeking out food. Theycan be seen raiding bins or tryingtoopen litter packaging. Theyare known to open backpacks at the Wilson’s Promontory Lighthouse -very adept birds indeed.

Breeding is mainly during late winter to spring (July to mid-November). The species is nomadic and only defendsa small area around the nest while breeding.Establishedpairs will build alarge nest of sticks and both will feed the young.

Our three local species perform two very important roles -keeping insects such as beetle grubs and locustsdown in the paddocks and actingasclean-upsanitation agents to recycle the roadkill. Breeding habitatsare being reduced by land clearing.

BirdLife East Gippsland meet weekly for Monday morning outings. New members are always welcome. Check the Facebook page and Birdlife Australia events page for more information.

Olivia Palmer,14, hopes to one dayrun her ownsmall business as an artist.

Maffra SecondaryCollege teacher Riley Sheffordand studentOlivia Palmer on ABC Gippsland. Photos: Contributed

Olivia Palmer’s charcoal piece, TheRealistic Eye, came second in the junior categoryof STAEDTLER Secondary School Artists of the Year Competition

Photo: Jack Winterbottom

Fresh films soon coming to Bundy

ANEW seasonofFilms at the Bundy is underway.

The current slate of screenings began last Wednesday,July 26 with ascreening of themusic documentary Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

Films at the Bundy meet regularly in the Bundalaguah-Myrtlebank Hall on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

The local film society screens new, indie, foreign and Australian films, using the Bundy Hall’s extraordinary sound system.

Patrons are treated to high-quality audio and visual screenings of award-winningfilms, and the opportunity to share adrink and achatwith other film lovers.

This season, running through until November, willalsofeature French drama Corsage; Australian documentary Rachel’s Farm; Italian romancedrama Shadow of the Day; and US thriller How to Blow Up aPipeline

Guyatt featureexhibition

A$50 season pass grants entry to all five films, and free rentals of the society’s back catalogue of DVDs.

‘Come and Try’tickets for non-members are $15, which is deducted from thecost of membership if purchased.

Membership is transferable to afriend for any film that members are unable to attend.

To purchase amembership, visit trybooking. com/CJOHJ

Doors open at 7pm for each screening, with organisers hitting play at 7.30pm.

Films at the Bundy,Season Two, 2023

August 23: Corsage (France, 2022)

September 27: Rachel’s Farm (Australia, 2023)

October 25: Shadow of the Day (Italy, 2022)

November 22: How to Blow Up aPipeline (USA, 2022)

ANOTHER exhibition is headed for Bond Street Event Centre: AHistory of Lake Guyatt.

Curated by Allison Yanez, the display coincides with the one-year anniversary of Nakunbalook Environmental and Cultural Education Centre in Sale. Nakunbalook is aGunaikurnai name whichtranslates to ‘Grandfather Gumtree’, representing knowledge and place.

The exhibitionwillfeature works drawnform avariety of archives, including photographs from the Gippsland Art Gallery,RotaryClubof Sale,GuyattArchives and the Sale Historical Society.

AHistory of Lake Guyatt will be displayed

at the Centre fromMonday, August 14 to Thursday, August 31.

Local historian, author and former Mayor of Sale, Peter Synan will be delivering ahistory talk alongside the exhibition on Thursday, August 17 from 6.30pm to 8pm. He will discuss topics around the Sale Common and SaleGame Reserve, as well as Herb Guyatt’s role in the transition.

Viewing of the exhibition is strictly by appointment; donations are strongly encouraged. For more information, visitbondstreeteventcentre.com or call 5182 8770.

Localclubs to showoff their best photos of Gippsland

THE Gippsland Interclub PhotographicExhibition marks acollaboration between six Gippsland photography clubs.

Now in its 13th year, the interclub collaboration continues to flourish. The hosting of this exhibition rotates among sixprominent clubs:EastGippsland PhotographicSociety, Warragul Camera Club, Sale Camera Club, Latrobe Camera Club, Phillip Island CameraClub, and South Gippsland CameraClub. This exhibition serves as avibrant celebration of the region's photographers, each capturing and creating their images right here in Gippsland.

Join the East Gippsland Art Gallery for aspecial opening event on Friday, August 4, at 5.30 pm as they present the Gippsland Interclub Photographic Exhibition. Admission is free,and everyoneis welcome.

THIS is auniqueopportunity to witness Gippsland through the lens of these photographers. The exhibition will run from August 4toSeptember 2.

Another exhibition is headed for Bond Street Event Centre. Photo: Mitchell Johnson

Lake BungaBeach by Vicky Jesty -EastGippsland

Rhyll by Vicky Jesty- East Gippsland Photos: Photographic Society

with Muzza

ONE POINTERS

1. Margo Robbie stars as this famous female in her latest movie?

2. What does acamel storeinits hump?

3. What is the main material used to make paper?

4. In ‘The Flintstones’, who is married to Barney?

TWO POINTERS

5. Mounties arepolice officers in which country?

6. What does the Cstand for in the medical term OCD?

7. In Spain, what is the name of the fritters that areusually dipped in chocolate?

8. What is the name of the fourth book in the ‘Harry Potter’ series?

THREE POINTERS

9. Raphael and Michelangelo arefamous artists from which country?

10. Which part of London hosts an annual flower show each Spring?

PROUDLYBROUGHT TO YOUBYTHESE PARTICIPATINGLOCAL BUSINESSES Sudoku No.0169

11. What animated Disney film did the character Malificent originally appear in?

12. What is the nickname of the Australian women’ssoccer team?

FOUR POINTERS

13. Emmanuel Macron was elected President of which country in 2017?

14. ‘Bright Eyes’ by Art Garfunkel was used in the soundtrack to which 1978 animated film?

FIVE POINTER

15. Guess the logo name. One point for each correct answer

Crossword Puzzle No.8545

HOW DID YOU FARE?

Target Time No.0169

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,

Howtoplay...

ABSOLUTE QUALITYINSIDE ANDOUT

Don’t want to go through the stress of building? Well look no further than this delightful home. Situated on aspacious 854m2 corner allotment in the sought after Hillcrest Estate, this beautifully presented home consists of four bedrooms, study or parents retreat, two bathrooms, large open plan family/dining area, separate lounge room, spectacular kitchen, and large laundry

This stunning modern home is decorated in neutral tones and features ducted heating and cooling throughout.

The light filled open plan family area flows into the kitchen/meals area with alaminate floor

The spacious kitchen has plenty of bench space, huge walk-in pantry,double sink, stainless-steel appliances, gas hotplates, electric oven and dishwasher

The large master bedroom features ahuge walk-through robe and stunning ensuite with all the remaining bedrooms having built-in robes.

The family bathroom has ashower,bath, and vanity with under-bench cupboards.

External improvements include adouble garage with direct entry into the home, outdoor entertainment area with external toilet and powder room, a12m x7mColorbond shed with concrete floor,water tanks and a cubby hut.

The block is surrounded by good quality Colourbond fencing and has alow maintenance garden.

All the hard work has been done, just sit back and relax in this beautifulhome.

Briefdetails

Property: Quality modern

four-bedroom home

Address: 3DalyStreet,Maffra

Price: $760,000

Inspection: By appointment

Contact: PatWeatherleyorBrett

Lanigan ,Gippsland Real Estate, 0412 435 644 or 0427517 577

Ideal

Welcome to 17 Stead St, Sale! This solid home presents an excellent entry-level opportunity in adesirable location.

Situated in East Sale, this property offers convenience with its proximity to schools, shops, multiple sporting facilities, all your medical needs and the LakeGuthridge Precinct.

Agents say this well-maintained brick home boasts acomfortable interior while offering plenty of opportunity for you to add your own personal touch if desired.

The house features three spacious bedrooms, providing ample space for relaxation and privacy.The generous main bedroom conveniently includes an ensuite bathroom and built in robes.

The large living room is awelcoming space, and split system and gas heating provide year-round comfort.

The kitchen offers plenty of storage and bench space, allowing you to easily prepare meals.

Acentral family bathroom with vanity and shower over bath service the remaining bedrooms.

Outside, the property offers a

118-120 JohnsonStreet,Maffra 5147 2200

covered outdoor entertainment area, perfect for enjoying the outdoors while protected from the elements. The yard is secure with established lawn and trees and ample room for children and pets. There is also asingle carport with an adjoining garden shed, providing additional storage space or aplace for hobbies and projects

If you're searching for an entry level home with potential in agreat location, this listing is worth considering.

*Openplan living area

*Kitchen with stone benchtops, large 900mm oven, dishwasher and walk in pantry

13 CURRAWONG CRESCENT,MAFFRA

QUALITY RESIDENCE IN COURT-LIKE LOCATION

•4bedrooms, 2bathrooms

•Open plan kitchen/meals/family area

•Quality kitchen with Caesarstone benchtops

•Separatelounge/theatreroom plus study nook

•Ductedheating plus reverse cycle air conditioners

•Undercover

FOR SALE $740,000

Dual levelmud brick home on acreage

Nestled in the rolling undulations of Stratford is this lovely acreage block set on approximately 2.39ha, with aunique mudbrick home.

The thoughtfully designed home is on two levels and has all the passiveinsulation benefits that come from amud brick construction along with striking timber themes and cathedral ceilings.

The north facing layout is drenched in light throughout and even more so in the open plan living zone from the clerestory windows.

There are four bedrooms and two bathrooms along with astudy,all of which merge beautifully with the open living zone and mezzanine level.

The kitchen at the heart of the home includes awalk-in pantry,ample bench space and views out to the front garden.

Awood heater keepsthe home cosy and warm in winter along with the natural winter sun, whilst the solar system andsolar hot water capture the north sun.

Vehicle accommodation is well catered for with agarage, carport and shed.

Stroll the acreage and takeinthe gardens that surround the dam with its established trees and birdlife. This is certainly a property that will not disappoint upon inspection.

Briefdetails

Quiet

Welcome to 12 Redgum Court, Sale! This spacious family home is located in apopular residential estate, overlooking the Redgum Parkland and offers comfort, convenience, and an abundance of desirable features. With four bedrooms, ensuite and bathroom, agents say this brick veneer residence provides ample space for the whole family.

Upon entering, you'll appreciate the welldesigned layout that ensures aseamless flow throughout the home. Each bedroom is equipped with built-in wardrobes and ceiling fans, offering both storage and comfort. The main bedroom includes awalk-in robe and ensuite, providing aprivate retreat.

The kitchen features quality appliances and plenty of cupboard space. It also overlooks the spacious lounge area, creating acentral hub for family gatherings.

The large backyard is easily accessible from the lounge area and offers an undercover entertainment area and low-maintenance landscaped gardens with inbuilt sprinkler system. The fully fenced yard provides asecure space for children and pets.

Parking is abreezewith the double lock-up remote access garage, which also features internal access to the house. Additionally, asingle roller door at the rear of the garage allows convenient entry to the backyard. Situated in afantastic residential estate, overlooking the lovely parkland, this home offers agreat combinationof comfort and convenience.

Briefdetails fdetails

Property: Four-bedroom home with park views

Address: 12 Redgum Court, Sale

Price: $548,000

Bringing strength to Victorian water systems

ANEW 'place of take approvals’ framework will be introduced to strengthen water delivery rights in declared water systems in Victoria, (such as the Thomson-Macalister, Murray, Goulburn and Werribee systems).

Theframeworkcameinto effectinJuly2023 following planned consultation and communications activities.

A‘place of take approval’ defines the place that waterusersare allowed to take water that is in their allocation account, and the terms and conditions under whichthat take is allowed. For private diverters this will include their extraction share.

Extraction shareisaprivate diverter’s right (entitlement) to ashare of the water available for delivery when river rationing is required. Delivery share is similarly an entitlement to have water delivered to land in an irrigation area.

The state government says the new framework willclarify and protectexistingwater users’rights to take water during the rare event of ashortfall

due to deliveryconstraints in the river, and provide flexibility for water users to manage their own delivery risks.

“The Victoriangovernment is taking action to bringinnew approvals which protectirrigators’ rights to take water when there are challenges in delivering water when and where it is needed,” a state government spokesperson said.

“The new ‘place of takeapprovals’ framework will strengthen water delivery rights in declared water systems in Victoria.”

Thegovernmentsaidthe new approach does not affect anyone’s water shares, it simply clarifies their right (entitlement) to have that water delivered.

The stated reason for these changes is the increasing delivery risks in the Murray River system, referringtothe challengeswith getting water to where and when it is needed without damaging the environmentalhealth of rivers. Where these risks areincreasing, the Minister for Water can

set acap on extraction share and make rules for extraction share trade.

This aims to protect existing delivery entitlements while also allowing water users the flexibility to manage theirown delivery risks through trade.

Private diverters and irrigation district customers in declared water systems will automatically receive a‘place of take approval’ if they own land with awater-use licence or registration, or are already approved to use water they own on land owned by someone else.

The framework was introduced throughthe Water and Catchment Legislation AmendmentAct 2021and the recent WaterLegislationAmendment Act 2023, whichamendedthe Water Act 1989 when the changes came into effect for the 2023/24 year.

A'place of take approvals' framework webinar on July12discussedwhatthe new framework means for irrigators, and covered the drivers for thechange;what thechangesare, and what they mean for water users,including private diverters

and irrigation districtcustomers;and proposed rules under the framework, including cap and trade of water delivery rights.

Consultation on the ‘place of take approvals’ framework began in 2021.

Throughout 2022 and into 2023, thestate government has undertaken consultation on the place of take changes through arange of stakeholder forums including water corporation customer committees, various water industry forums and through aplace of take consultative committeecomprised of irrigators from across Victoria which was created to provide quality insightsfrom the irrigation community on the proposed arrangements. Consultation with irrigators and water users in these forums will continueinthe lead-upto commencement of the changes later in 2023/24. The commencement datewillbeinformed by the consultation with stakeholders and water users.

Carbon EDGE redmeatprogram launch

MEAT &Livestock Australia is launching anew program called Carbon EDGE for Australian red meat producers. This is in addition to the industry's well-known EDGE networktraining program includingBusinessEDGE,Breeding EDGE, Nutrition EDGE and Grazing Land Management EDGE.

The red meat industry says its target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030(CN30) willonly be realised with the adoption of emissions avoidance and carbon storagepracticesand technologies. Although there is wide interest in these practices andtechnologies, producershaveindicated that they are looking for more informationtomake sense of the options available to themand how these could be applied within their businesses.

VFF UDVvote Bernie Free Vice-President

THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF)has announced the outcome of its election for Victorian Farmers FederationUnitedDairyfarmers of Victoria (VFF UDV) Vice-President.

VFF Returning Officer Brendan Tatham congratulated the successful candidate.

“VFF UDV Members have elected Bernie Free as vice-president of the VFF UDV,” he said.

“I congratulate Bernie Free and look forward to working with him and the wider VFF team to help deliver for dairy farmers throughoutVictoriain the coming years.

“The VFF would like to acknowledge and thank all candidates for nominating for the positions and encourages them to continue to contribute to the VFF and the farming community into the future.”

Mr Free runs adairy operation with his family in Winslow in South West Victoria, near Warrnambool.

He is passionate about advocacy and promotion of successful farming systems in agriculture.

He has beenactively involved with the VFF UDV at abranch level for many years and subsequently as both deputy and acting policycouncillorfor the UDVWannon Branch.

According to MLA’s programmanagerfor adoption, Sally Leigo, the development of a Carbon EDGE training package will address the knowledge and skill gap.

Carbon EDGE will run over two days and will provideindependent research and fact-based information.

It has been developed by aworking group of producers, advisers, andtechnical experts from across Australia.

The program is for grass-fed beef, sheep and goat producers who are looking to build on their understanding of carbon. The program will help participants develop their understanding of carbon and move into aplanning and action phase, identifying practices and technologies that could

be incorporatedinto theirbusiness to benefittheir bottom line and the environment.

It is also suitable for advisers and other service providers looking to enhance their understanding of the current operating environment.

Five pilot workshops for Carbon EDGE are plannedtotakeplace from August 2023, with full roll out of theprogram in 2024. Thepilot workshopswill be held in Central Victoria, Western New South Wales, Central Queensland, Southern Western Australia andthe fifth locationwillbe confirmed this month.

Register an expression of interest to participate in the Carbon EDGE pilot workshops. Availability for pilot workshops will be limited. Find out more by searching CarbonEDGE online.

Shot seeing the stars

Maffra resident Ross Bradleysnapped this shot of theMilky Waylastmonth. The shot wastaken around 10pm.

NeXgenAgri advice workshops

THINGS that make you money, save you money, save you time and delight your customer were the primary focus of two recent workshops, hosted by Dr Mark Ferguson, of neXtgen Agri.

The workshops took place at the woolsheds of the Pauletfamily, Toongabbie,and the Alexander familyatWalpa, and attracted many sheepfarmersfrom across Gippsland who farm breeds from Merinos to first-cross and composite sheep.

Thedays were important for sheep producers, given the current dry seasons predicted, with Dr Fergusoncovering other topics like Australian sheep breeding values (ASBVs),referring to genetics as ‘a slow burn’ for production, ram buying and being the most informed buyer at the sale, preventative animal health and nutrition, plus planning to have “decision rules” -not rules of thumb.

“Hope is not acourse of action,” Dr Ferguson reminded the attendees at Walpa.

“Farmers will often hope it rains rather than have aplan if it doesn’t.

“Weneed to have logical decisions pre-made if it doesn’train, to have aplan in place if things don’t go as expected.''

He said sheep were ''short-day breeders'' and the later the rams were put out, the more lambs would be produced,due to the melatonin response to longer nights, suggesting rams were put out in late March.

“A ewe’s condition score at lambingdrives lamb-birthweight and birthweight drives lamb survival,” he said.

“Also, decreasing mob size increases lamb survival, with every 100 head taken out of alambing mob, the lamb-survivalrate in twin-bearing ewes increases two per cent, while the figure is five per cent for the triplet-bearing ewe mob.”

He advised people to “put your handonevery sheep twice ayear” to condition score them, as it was impossibletotell visually when they had woolon.

This month, Dr Ferguson will host asession at the Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale,

titled‘Genetic Selection in Sheep’, covering ASBVs joining ewe lambs and other pivotal decisions in running asheep enterprise.

“We’ll look at what having agood genetic plan looks like and the impact of non-genetic factors in ram buying decisions, and how the things that arevaluable in aram are the things that aren’t visible,”hesaid.

“We’ll also discuss ewe lambing mating and the genetic and management factors that lead to success, the impact of welfare traits and selecting for sheep with high welfareoutcomes for consumers.''

Dr Ferguson said there had been areal swing towards using ASBV data in the industry, which had gained significant momentum.

“The collected data means people are at amore informed place when buying genetics,” he said.

“The sheep industry is catching up with the beef industry and that’s been fuelled by the next generation, which isn’t willing to accept the status quo.”

Gippsland Agricultural Group (GAgG) co-hosted the workshops and GAgG general manager,

Illegal wood result of timber axe

PhilipHopkins

REPORTS aboutthe illegal theft of firewood from Gippsland’s state forests have been confirmed by local country music identity, Mick Harrington, who is an advocate for the forest industry.

Mr Harrington, executive officer with Forest and WoodCommunities Australia, said he had witnessed “obvious” illegal harvesting after recently taking adrive on the backroadsbetween Stratford and Bairnsdale.

“Within around 30 minutes, Iwitnessed avast quantityofForest Red Gum and Red Box trees cut down for firewood. Not only is this affecting the rare ecology of this remnant vegetation, some of the tree harvesting was within five metres of the Princes Highway, an obvious safety issue,” he said.

“Anecdotally, this is just adrop in the ocean, with Facebook Marketplace flooded with illegally harvested firewood fromroadsides, parks and reserves thatare host to rare and threatened vegetation communities including, the BarmahMillewa forest -the world’s largest River Red Gum forest, as well as the Moormung Flora and Fauna Reserve in the state’seast -home to the nationally endangered (EPBC-listed)Gippsland Red Gum Grassy Woodland.”

Mr Harrington said simplyputtinganend to sustainable native timber harvesting in common vegetation types throughout Victoria had resulted in ashockwave of illegal harvesting in “our most at risk vegetation types throughout Victoria that society has aduty to protect”.

“Decisionsmadeinisolationbyacademics, activists and politicians without considering the broader context are always doomed to have perverse and unintended consequences and this the perfect illustration of exactly that,” he said.

Timberbiz reported that illegal firewoodcollection had taken hold in some of Victoria’s most valued andrareecological gems sincethe announcement to close the native forest industry.

In remote areas and rural towns, particularly in low socio-economic situations, firewood was often the sole source of heating and was particularly important for communitieswhere powersupply was at the mercy of natural disasters.

Firewood suppliers, including East Gippsland commercial firewood operator Malcolm Beveridge, fear for the future.

“We’re just not goingtobeabletoproduce enough affordable firewood for our town and family -we’re still doing it at the moment as we have asmall amount of logs left, but come next

winter the community will have no firewood,” he told Timberbiz.

Timberbiz said the reduction of firewoodsupply afterVicForestsstopped harvestingoperations had pushed up firewood costs statewide, making clearly visible illegal firewood harvesting operations, with theimpacts on environments, increasingly visible.

Mr Harrington said past timber sector operations had harvested just five in 10,000 trees state-wide annually from non-endangeredforest types, which wasthenregenerated according to strictprotocols.

“Thisfirewoodnow has to be sourced elsewhere, with illegal firewood harvesting booming in rare vegetation communities Victoria-wide,” he said.

Timberbiz saidstate government agencies, including VictoriaPolice, the Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria and Forest Fire Management Victoria, had made headlines recentlyprosecuting people for illegally harvesting firewood within parks and reserves from all over the state.

The state’s chief conservationregulator,Kate Gavens, was disturbed by the illegal harvesting that was commonplace.

“We are seeingquitesignificant amounts of illegal take of firewood and cutting down trees in state forest and in national parks acrossthe state,” she said.

Jen Smith, attended both workshopsand said Dr Ferguson’s research projects were incredibly practical and relatable to the challenges the industry was currently facing.

“Mark is arealist, he’s out in the field every day and in touchwith farmers, theirsheep and their grass,” Jen said.

“He has the unique ability to balance economics and the genetics.

“His presentationsare relevant and implementable.”

The Gippsland Red Meat conference is set for Tuesday, August 29 at the Sale Baptist Church.

Tickets are available via the trybooking website, https://www.trybooking.com/CIZVCaswell as via links on the Gippsland Red Meat Conference Facebook page and the GAgG website.

Or phone Nicole White at GAgG on 0427867490 or email redmeat@gippslandag.com.au

Dr Mark Ferguson held aworkshopfor local farmers recently Photos: Contributed

Localslearnt about the best time to putrams out.

Wellington Shire Council has impounded one (1) Merino sheep from Carrs Creek Rd, Longford on 26 July 2023. The sheep has ayellow identification tag with the number NH060120, INGLEWOOD.

SATURDAY,

AUGUST

Public Notices

•

GARDEN RENOS

Add to your property value. We are garden construction and maintenance specialists. We are qualified and we love what we do. We are the garden renovators.

CAR REMOVALS

Free service. Phone Sam 0488 471 163

MAFFRA MARKET

Rotary Club of Maffra Community Market, Sunday August 6, 9am12.30pm, Island Reserve, McMahon Drive, Maffra. Enquiries 0409 030 918.

1.

VIC 3850 WWW.RFNSA.COM.AU/3850003

● Replacement of three (3) existing panel antennas with three (3) new panel antennas less than 2.8m in length;

●

of twelve (12) existing remote units with nine (9) remote radio units; and

● The installation of ancillary equipment associated with the operation and safety of the facility.

2. Optus regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 ("The Determination") based on the description above.

3. In accordance with Section 7ofC564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Enquiries and/or comments should be directed to: SKYAUS Infrastructure on 1300 845 444, via email at optusplanning@skyaus.com.au orvia mail at 188 Newton Road, Wetherill Park NSW 2164 by 15 August 2023.

HOMEOPATH Classical Homeopath and Herbalist just moved to Loch Sport. Ispecialise in skin, anxiety, depression, stomach issues, headaches, back ache, parasites and all other illnesses. Please contact Cameron 0413 958 754 MAJORAUCTION-WOODSIDE,VIC GP1659527 Howto placeyour advertisement Deadlines for classifieds CLASSIFIED GUIDELINES Tuesday’s paper before9:30amMonday Friday’s paper before9:30amThursday More options for placing classifieds inperson MaffraNewsagency NewryStore Heyfield Newsagency Car advertisers Private vendors of motor cars advertised for salemust includeintheir advertisement: -Cashpriceofmotor car -Ifcar is registered, registration number -Ifunregistered, the engine, vinorchassis number. Lost and found All ‘found’ advertisementsare published free Simply providethe details of yourfind for publication. ‘Lost’advertisements arepaid Photographs Photographs for Death and In Memoriam noticeswillcostaccording to thespace they use. Pleaseemailhigh resolution images to classifieds@gippslandtimes.com.au as we cannotaccept photosonamemorystick. Personal notices All engagement and marriage notices must carrythe signatures of BOTH parties. If under 18 the parents’ signatures as well. The publisher reserves the right to refuseadvertisements PHONE (03) 5143 9333 FAX (03) 5144 7308 E-MAIL classifieds@ gippslandtimes.com.au IN PERSON 74 Macalister St, Sale or newsagents CREDIT CARD FACILITIES We accept Public Notices • Auctions • Meetings • Impounding • Garage Sales • Accommodation Accommodation Wanted Lease To Let Business Opportunities Educatio cant Situation ents Fo al Lost Pet Cemetery Public Notice Religion Tenders 4WD Caravans Cars Machinery Phone: 5143 9333 Fax: 5144 7308 Email: classifieds@ gippslandtimes.com.au

WELLINGTON SHIRE COUNCIL

Land UsePlanning Support Officer

•Part-time (0.8EFT) until November 2024

•Band4 –$65,874pro rata,per annumplus 11% statutorysuperannuation

Wellington ShireCouncil is currently seekinga dynamic, processdrivenadministrator to join ourDevelopmentTeam.

Keyselectioncriteria and aposition description may be downloaded from www.wellington.vic.gov.au/ careersorbyusing the QR code provided. Applications canbesubmitted via the website. Previous applicants need not apply.

Applicationsclose at 11.59pm on Sunday 20 August 2023.

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.

Advertising Consultant -Sales Part-time

The Gippsland Times is your local newspaper, distributing our publications throughout the Wellington Shire and beyond. Apart-time position has become available for a sales consultant in our advertising department. The department is responsible for managing and exceeding set targets set out by management, maintaining astrong client base throughout the local community and through the print and online medium, working to strengthen and promote local businesses.

We are seeking an individual with the following positive attributes:

● Must work as part of ateam.

● Organised and able to work to deadlines.

● Be motivated as well as goal orientated.

● Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

● The ability to work unsupervised.

For acopy of the position description, please email Advertising Manager, Matthew Fitzgerald: mfitzgerald@gippslandtimes.com.au or phone 5143 9309.

Applications addressing the positive attributes along with the names and contact details of three referees should be forwarded to:

The Advertising Manager Gippsland Times 74 Macalister Street, Sale 3850 Or via email: mfitzgerald@gippslandtimes.com.au

Applications close 5pm, Friday August 4, 2023.

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.

Newspaper Deliverers

CADET JOURNALIST

The Gippsland Times and Latrobe Valley Express arelooking for acadet journalist to join our team.

This is afantastic opportunityfor you to contribute to the communities in our region.

The role will includegeneral news reporting in aregion with awealth of storiestobetold about current challenges and future opportunities in addition to the normal story telling expected of alocal newspaper serving its community

The ideal candidate will:

Have relevant tertiaryqualifications

Have great communicationskills, both verbal and written

Be able to write punchy,informative and exciting storiesonarange ofsubjects

Possess great news sense and an understanding of what engages local readers

Have acurrent driver’s licence

Be motivated with acommitment to accuracy and quality reporting

The position will be based in Sale.

The successful applicant will report to the Editor

Send aletter of application, resume, list of referees and work examples to:

The Editor -Liam Durkin

Gippsland Times ldurkin@lvexpress.com.au

Applications close:

Friday, 11th August 2023.

Cars •

condition. $12,000. Call: 0458 472 722.

GP1660183

Deaths • Deaths • Deaths • Deaths • Deaths • In Memoriam • In Memoriam • Caravans •

17' GAZAL Champion poptop e.c., light/bright, centre isl. bed, 3-way fridge, RC a/c, recently serv'd, new hydra lic str ts eas tow $3,990

09

JAYCO Swan Outback

2009, excellent condition, rego Jan 2024, sleeps up to six. $20,000. Ph: 0411270997

BAILEY, Robert William. 11/06/63 -28/07/23 aged 60 years.

Loved son of Mary and Maurie Bailey (both dec.). Cherished father of Peter (dec.), Zach, and Jesse, loved friend of Danica.

HOLMES, Kevin Robert. 29/12/1935 -26/7/2023. Aged 87 years.

Passed Away July 26, 2023 at Laurina Lodge, Heyfield.

Loving husband to Noreen (Nor); father to Lynda, Robyn, Gary (dec.), Susan; father-in-law to Jim, Michael, Alex.

HOLMES, Kevin Robert. Dad/ Pop (Poppy-car), Dad we all know our day will come and that's ok.

For you, your day was called but you weren't ready to go. Iknow your love of family and life kept you here longer than your body could give.

Ithank you for all the life lessons adad and pop could give. We will miss you immensely.

MACMANUS, Diane.

Imissed you today but that's nothing new, Imissed you amillion times yesterday too.

Ipick up my phone to tell you the news, Then realised, again, I can't text it to you.

Sadly missed along life's way. Quietly remembered every day. No longer in our lives to share,

But in our hearts you're always there.

PARAMOUNT Thunder

19'6'' pop-top, 2020, dual axle, full ens., L-shaped lounge, x2 95L water tanks, x1 95L grey water tank, bike rack, diesel heater, QS bed, elec. brakes, Dexter anti-sway, gas/240v HWS, 3-way fridge, microwave, anti-flap kit, Dometic awn., solar panel, AGM batt., rev. camera, w/mach., CD player, TV, exc. cond., great van, gen. reason for selling $72,000. 0431 159 984.

•

Treasured brother of Tony and Mary, Peter and Donna, Rose and Mark, Kathy and David, Maree and Gil. Beloved uncle, great uncle and great, great uncle.

'Courageous 'til the end' Beautiful father of two, Zach and Jesse. We both cherish every moment we had with you. It was always agreat laugh to be around him. He made the most of life with us two boys, he always looked after us and taught us almost everything we know, which to us is so special. We will always love you. It's time now to be with Nan and Pop.

Rest in eternal peace dear brother you will live on forever in our hearts. Pete and Donna, Tony and Mary.

Canter 3tonne tipper 2015, auto, 68, 000km, tool boxes, drop

sides,

Grandfather to Alina, Mel, Gemma and Chris; Kristen, Megan, Jaime, Nic and Mitch; Mariah and Ekayla; Aidan and Jack.

GreatGrandfather to twenty three beautiful children.

Son of Robert and Myra Holmes (dec.). Brother to Patricia (Pat).

We are so fortunate to have had such agreat life Kev. We were able to travel extensively both in Australia and overseas. We were able to enjoy many years playing golf and socialising with wonderful friends.

But most of all, the joy of watching our wonderful family continue to grow and grow!

WhenI hear the kookaburras' call, Iknow you are near, but it's your love and memories that will live in our hearts every day. Susie, Alex, Aidan, Jack. HOLMES, Kevin Robert. Our Poppy Kev, you will be sorely missed. You were awonderful, joke-filled grandfather. Now you are reuniting with our dad and will be remembered forever in our hearts. Your grandkids, Mariah and Ekayla.

JENKINSON, Harry.

Isaw your bright smile, at least 20 times, And then Iremember, it's all in my mind. Idrive without presence, the world feels surreal, And on comes your song and this doesen't seem real.

Imiss you today but I miss you alot, It's helpful to miss you, it's all that I've got. Iwish Icould pull you down here for awhile, I'm frightened to lose the shape of your smile.

MILLER, Gregory Allan. 4/11/1960 -23/7/2023

Aged 62.

Loving partner of Tracey.

Loving fatherand father-in-law of Sally and Robert, Jodie (dec.)

Raymond and Kelli, Todd, Paul.

Sadly missed husband, father, father-in-law and grandpa.

Kate, Leonie and Jeff, Christopher and Sam an tha and grandchildren.

NOCK, David William. 16/7/39 -31/7/22

WANKO, Peter. 10/8/1952 -30/7/2014

Gone but not forgotten. It has been one year since you passed away and there's not aday goes by we don't think about you. Miss you David. Love Dianne, Darryl and families.

Your last few years have been astruggle, but you fought to the very end. The struggle is over, the pain is gone. Now you can rest easy in the loving arms of our beautiful son, Gary and all of those friends we have lost along the way.

Forever in my heart.

-Nor

MOTORING DEAL Advertise i intthe Gippsland Times and Latrobe Valley Express with our Atotal of 12 issues over amonth!

My baby brother, I'm heartbroken that you have left us but so very grateful that your pain and suffering have ended. It has been an absolute pleasure and honour to look after you in your time of need. Thank you for your unconditional love.

$74

Thanks •

MY ANGELS

In late June, Ihad a medical episode outside the shopping centre in Sale. Iwould like to thank all those who came to assist me. Two off duty nurses from Stratford and Loch Sport were my saving Angels. They helped and called the ambulance for me. They stayed with me until the ambulance took me to hospital. Icannot thank the paramedics, nurses and doctors enough. All staff that Idealt with during my stay at CGH were amazing in everything they did for me.

Lesley B.

It's now time to take Mum's hand and be forever in peace. So it's hoo roo from the big guru to the little guru, Ilove you as you damm well doo roo.

Rose, Mark, Danieka, James and Mariah.

Loved brother of Kathryn, brother-in-law of David and Uncle of Bonnie. We are so glad that you came back into our lives so that you could be surrounded by love and comfort in your final days.

My darling brother, Words can never express the pain and sadness I'm feeling. Iwill miss you and think of you every damm day. Give my love to Mum and Dad.

Love ya, love ya, love ya.......as you do. Maree and Gil.

Uncle Rob, to say that we are proud of the man that you were would be an understatement.

Thank you for your love, laughter and words of wisdom. Life will not be the same without you.

BAILEY, Robert William. Nephew of Kath and Alf Luscombe (both dec).

Cousin of Pam, Janet, Eddie, Jason and Adrian and friend of Steve.

We remember your dedication to family, your colourful spirit and your brave fight to the end.

HOLMES, KevinRobert. Dad, Pop, Poppy Kev, To lose aloved one is always difficult but when you lose the family's patriarch the void in our lives is immeasurable.

We shall remember "Dad" for his immense love and passion for his family, his sense of humour and his love of his mighty Sydney Swans and St. George Football teams. Forever in our hearts.

Lynda, Jim, Alina, Mel, Gemma, Chris, JJ, Eli, Lilly, Georgia, Brock, Deklan, Oliver, Kenny. Love The Colemans.

HOLMES, Kevin Robert. To Dad, Pop, Poppy Kev, Finally released from the physical limitations you have endured for so long. You fought to the end, just like you did to recover over adecade ago.

Of course we will miss you, but are content that now you can rest in peace.

The essence of agood bloke with the perfect quota of larrikin mixed in; no one had abad word for Pop and neither did he for anyone else.

That big heart that didn't want to stop was always loving, generous and willing to lend ahand, offer afriendly greeting or asay kind word. The cheeky wit, the sly grin and the laughter that could fill aroom will always echo around your grandchildren and they will tell their stories of Poppy Kev to your great grandchildren, so you know that you will always live in their hearts.

Aman of many loves, but none greater than Nan who devoted herself to your care and was your constant presence until you had both given everything you had to give.

So for now, "Thanks for everything" and "You take care" and we'll make sure that "we get everyone together" to send you on your way. From the Dowse, Dwyer, Pendlebury and Wilson families

Darling Harry was a warm, giving selfless man, the list of the acts of his generosity could go on and on. Having wonderful memories of times gone by, we will look at photos and remember the times never to be forgotten and never to be replaced. To love and be loved is the essence of life, Harry will be missed by all who loved him. It has been our privilege to have had him in our life for 71 years. Never to be replaced in our hearts. ♥ All our love Michele and Barry.

Peacefully passed away at Stretton Park Maffra, aged 88. Dearly loved husband to Shirley for 66 years.

Loving father and fatherin-law of Russell and Anne, Cheryl and Rick, Denise and Steve, Helen and Frank. Adored Pop (known as Jack) to Melissa and Dean, Karen and Paul, Louise and Gerard, Grace, Marcus, Neil and Di, Matthew and Paris, Crystal and Brad, and Tayla.

Great Grand Pop (known as Chook Pop) to Mikaela and Reece, Kowen, Ethan and Chenara, Caleb, Hannah, Tahlia, Abel, Wilderae, Kody, Joel, Jack, Revie. Adored Great Grand Pop to Myla.

Son of Rupert and Gladys Kincaid (dec.). Brother to Ern, Perc, Les, Heather, Iris (all dec.). So many wonderful memories. Now in God's care.

MACMANUS (nee Stevenson), Diane Joan. Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Hospital on July 26, 2023 surrounded by her loving family, after abrief battle.

Aged 69 years. Wife of Bernie. Dearly loved mother of Michael and Nadine, Jane and Craig, Julia and Troy, Sarah, Melissa and Craig.

Loved grandmother of Amber, Jack,Tyler; Jessie, Beau; Stevie; Billy, Lacey, Ryder; Skye, Jake, Jayden, Summer and Chase.

Loved great grandmother of Ava.

Loved daughter of the late Geoff and Joan Stevenson. Sister of Michael, Sue, Paul,David, Lisa, Ann-Marie and Ben.

Imiss you today and I'll miss you tomorrow, There seems to be no coming end to this sorrow. Itry to go on as Iknow that you care, Iknow that you're willing me on from up there. Imiss you today but I'm trying to find, Away to move on but not leave you behind. Away to forge on with the love that we had, Away to recall you and simply feel glad.

We will see you again really soon Mum and cannot wait to be by your side once again, loving you endlessly. Forever in our hearts until then, your loving daughters Jane and Melissa, sonsin-law Craig Wand Craig B, loving granddaughter Lacey, grandsons Billy Bowker and partner Liv, Jesse McDiarmid, Beau McD iarmid, Ryd er Bowker.

MACMANUS (Stevenson), Diane "Dizy" Stevo (Mum and Nana)

12/2/1954 -26/7/2023

Loving Pop to Rose and Josh, RJ and Casey, Jacoby. Cherished Great Pop to Saylah-Rose.

We miss you and love you always. Nothing can ever take away alove the heart holds dear.

PRIVATELY CREMATED

SMITHWICK, Norman. "Graeme" 26/07/1939 -20/07/2023 Eastwood Park, Sale.

Forever in our hearts.

BAILEY. The funeral service for Mr Robert William Bailey will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel Marley Street, Sale at 1pm TOMORROW (Wednesday August 2, 2023) followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

• GP1658408

Barry &Annette Lett

67 Macarthur Street, Sale Phone 51431232

GP1658406

HOLMES.

The funeral service and committal for cremation for Mr Kevin Robert Holmes will be held at Our Chapel, 5Queen St., Maffra on FRIDAY (Au gust 4, 202 3) commencing at 11am.

Celebrating life...with

MATTHEWS, Jean. Died 23/7/23

The Seaspray Tennis Club and local community mourn the death of Jean, who along with her family were prominent members; dating back to the end of the Second World War. Condolences to her family. Rest in peace

Please see our website for the livestream of Kev's service.

www.gippslandfuneralservices.com.au

KINCAID.

For funeral arrangements for Mr Colin Rupert Kincaid please visit our website or contact:

GP1658407

MACMANUS (nee Stevenson). Agraveside service for Diane Joan Macmanus will be held at the Glenmaggie Lawn Cemeter yT ODAY (Au gust 1, 202 3) commencing at 1pm.

please call:

5143 9333

For friendly advice on how to place a personal message to a loved one or email: classifieds@gippslandtimes.com.au

NORTH GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

TTUhumbleHeyfield

TomHayes

ONLY six teams mathematically remain in the hunt for finals, after another round of the North Gippsland Football-NetballLeague saw one’s chances cut loose.

But six can’tfit into five, so when push comes to shove, who will stand tallest in the final two rounds of North Gippy home-andaway season?

TRARALGON TyersUnitedhumbled Heyfield to the tune of 116 points.

The Kangaroos were sent straight back down to Earth after athumping defeat at the hands of the league-leaders. Before heading into the match, Heyfield appeared to be one of the most exciting young sides in the competition, following astring of strong wins.

But reality might have sunk in for the blue and white, succumbing to their biggest test of the season.

You better not shy away from the task when playing TTU at Tyers, because if you do, this can happen.

The Bombers dismantled the Kangaroos from the offing, starting off with an eight-goal to one opening term.

The same followedinthe second term, handing the home side amore-than-comfortable 84-point halftime lead.

Scoringslowed downinthe thirdterm, in fact the Kangaroos managed to win the quarter slightly, dragging the deficit back to 79 points at the final break.

RESERVES

SStuckey

HFox JMacmanus LRowley JNichols LLittle. Gormandale: HGriffiths LPrinceNHammond

TFoster DPollard

GOALS: Heyfield: BKing5BDinsdaleJ BurtonR Bean PUnmack JDinsdaleRSmith.TTU: D

Grinstead-Jones BPoel CParker JAitkenRJacobsen. BEST: Heyfield: BKingRBean ARoss

With the margin now out to 69 points, the four points virtually in the bag for Yarram, both sides combined for eight goals in the final term.

The lead was cut, but the damage wasdone, Yarram claiming amassive win 21.6 (132) to 10.5 (65).

Josh Swift was huge for the Demons, kicking nine goals. He was well-assisted by Tyler Chisholm (four goals) andThomas Sheedy (three goals).

Swift was best-on-ground, also in the best was Dylan Garnham, Chris Bruns, Liam Bentley, Griffin Underwood and Sheedy. For the home side, Brayden Rioli, Kyle Stamers, Sean Alexander,NickTwomey, Matt Johnston and River O’Brien were noticed for their efforts.

Yarram remainfour points outside the top five,and stillwithin achance of afinals.

With Sale City next up for the Demons, they coulddraw level with Yallourn Yallourn North if results fall their way.

However, in the final round they face Woodside, and with two wins essentially needed to qualify from here, it must be said that is unlikely.

THE Jets closed in on double chance. They didn’t put afoot wrong at the weekend, on theirway to a149-point winover Glengarry at home.

Consistent goal flow was on display, as YYN closed the gap on Churchill in third, who are under the pump in the final two rounds.

put sides away by this point, and with only an 18-point buffer,Sale City waswell and truly in the fight.

But all hopes were squandered in the second half,when Woodside did what Woodside does best -score goals.

The Wildcats added 8.3 (51) to 1.1 (7) in the third term, blowing the lead outto62points.

The onslaught didn’t stopthere, as they buried the home side on their way to a 93-point demolition, 21.9 (135) to 6.6 (42).

And with that defeat for the Bulldogs, they were kicked out of finals contention, leaving just six teams in the hunt for apremiership, which will soon be cut to justthe final five.

Daniel Farmer led the line for the visitor’s, kicking eight majors, while the Wildcats saw another 10 players hit the scoreboard, three of which doubled-up.

Farmer was best-on-ground, while Josh Kennedy,Lee Stockdale, Rowan Missen, Cam Whiteoak and Michael Stockdale all featured in the best.

For the home side, Blake Safstrom, Tom Bowman, Chad Evans, Jai Nelson, Sam Dean and Brysen Nottle were the bestfor the Bulldogs. Woodside aretreated to abye this week, butI’m not sure if they would’ve wanted it. If TTU win this weekend over Glengarry, they take the minor premiership, and unfortunately for Woodside, it is completely out of their hands.

H

Whateley JNewborough. YYN: LCumiskey2 BEST: Glengarry: CBartley NLeslie DBalfour

SBurgess JNewborough BLever-Makin. YYN: JPheeney JGarner LCumiskeyMGlibanovic

JLerstang NWhite YARRAM 5.4

COWWARR 0.0

GOALS:Yarram: LHunter 4LEarles 4T Chisholm 3CEarles 3LRoberts 2JSheedy 2LSketcher

2CFarley THallCIreland WBrunton NDaldy.Cowwarr:Details N/A. BEST: Yarram: CEarles

SBeerLEarles TChisholm. Cowwarr:CCox BEenjesT DavisonDHowardJBarton

Heyfield: JReid 4H Blake 2JHanratty2JPettigrewHughes

But normality was restored inside the final 30 minutes,asTTU piled on another 7.5 (47) to 1.4 (10) to put the margin over triple figures, sending Heyfieldhome empty-handed.

The final score in TTU’s favour was 25.9 (159)to6.7 (43).

Beau White was the cream of the crop for the Bombers with five goals, leading the line of three additional four-or-more goal scorers.

Frazar Brouns, Nick Fox and Brad Kelleher all booted four of their own.

Flynn Shields was unstoppable for the Bombers, earninghimself aspotinthe best, as was White,Tom Fleming, Fox,Brouns and Kade Duncan.

As for the Roos, Liam Heasley, Kail Hole, Robert McMillan, Asher Eastham, Kodie Woodland and Max Van Der Zwartwere valiant in defeat.

A15thsuccessive win this weekend for the Bombers will secure the minor premiership. Allthatstandsintheirway is 10th-placed Glengarry.

As for Heyfield, they remain inside the top five, and with games against Gormandale and Cowwarr, there is no reason the Kangaroos drop points and fall out of finals contention.

THE Demons are still in the hunt.

Yarram stakedtheir claim at the weekend in acommanding 67-point win over Cowwarr on their home deck.

The visiting side barely lifted their foot off of the throttle, and with finals on the horizon, why would they do anything else?

Aquickstart to the gamegranted the Demons an early advantage over the Saints, taking a27-point lead at quarter time.

The second term was much more freeflowing, for both sides, Cowwarr added 3.2 (20),but Yarram extendedtheir lead, adding 4.1 (25).

Cowwarr blew their chancetoget back into the gameafter halftime, instead Yarram put the game beyond doubt, smashing theSaints, kicking 8.2 (50) to 2.1 (13).

The Jets kicked 6.2 (38) to 2.2 (14) in the firstterm, before keeping the Magpies scoreless throughout the second and third.

While doing so, YYN kicked 12.7 (79) throughout the second and third quarters, to extend their lead beyond 100 points -101 to be exact.

It justwent from badtoworsefor Glengarry, despite scoring1.1 (7) themselves. YYN flexed their muscle, kicking 8.7 (55), walking away as 149-pointwinners, 26.16(172) to 3.5 (23)

Theduo of Dean Macdonald and Keenan Hughes were at it again,kicking13goals between them; seven and six respectively.

Macdonaldwas noticed for his efforts with best-on-ground honours, also featuring was Mitch Luck, Bailey Brown (four goals), Hughes, Barrie Burnett and Anthony Young.

For the Magpies, JackBurgess, Michael Ryan, Alex Birmingham, Lachlan Patterson, Matt Scholtes and Curtis Hood tried their best.

The future of YYN’s season is all in their hands, and this is where it gets interesting.

Next week, they travel to Gaskin Park to take on the Cougars, who are currently under siege.

Awin here will boost them above their counterparts and into the second-chance position of third.

However,awin for the Cougars willjust aboutconfirm second chancefor them, as they would be two wins above the Jets and even if Heyfield draw level on points, Churchill’s percentage should be far more superior.

Everythingwill come down to the final two weeks, but all could be decided in the next couple of days.

WOODSIDE survived an early scare.

The Wildcatsweren’t abletotakeeasy street from the get-go against the Bulldogs.

Sale City kept themselves in the competition for at least ahalf before the visitorsdrew away in the second.

Woodside took aseven-point first quarter lead, moving to 18 at halftime.

Not their usual selves, Woodside generally

However,Woodside wereabletomathematically confirm atop-two spot at the weekend, meaning they are likely to face offagainstHeyfield, YYNorChurchill in the first week of finals.

Sale City has already turned its attention to next season, with coach Nathan Thomas indicating he won’t be going on.

Thomas is moving away from the area, and so the search is on to find asuccessor.

Thomas coached the Bulldogs for the last two seasons, taking over from Sale football legend Shane Fyfe.

ROSEDALE gottheir fourth win of the year.

The Blues startedslow,but grewovertime to overcome the Tigers at home.

Gormandalestarted positively, taking a 10-point lead into the first break.

And they stuck with the Blues for as long as they could, yet the lead traded hands as Rosedale then had afour-point lead at the main break.

Rosedale kicked away in the third term, adding 4.2 (26) to one goal, holding afour-goal lead with 30 minutes to play.

The game was put beyond doubt in the final quarter, as Rosedale ran home 39-point winners, 12.13 (85) to 7.4 (46).

For Rosedale,Darryl Mayman-French, Luke Stuckey, Bailey Reid, Spencer Fox, Harry Foat and Corey Beaver stood out.

While for the Tigers, Jai Foulkes, Jet Krimhand, Tristan Salerno, Isaac Copland, KodieOwenand Will Flanaganwere also stand outs for their side.

With nothing on the line for either team, pride remains afactor.

Rosedale could still finish above Sale City andbenamed the best of the rest, all that stands in theirway is Cowwarr and the Bulldogs.

While for Gormandale, it looks like they could go awhole season without awin, with Heyfield next week that appearsunlikely, leaving their only chance to get four points against Glengarry in the final round.

CHURCHILL had the bye.

Tough weekend for our home grown

TomHayes

IT isn’t often you see three top-fourteams lose in the sameweekinanAFL season, but they did last week, and in two of those teams were locals.

The Magpies and Sale’s Scott Pendlebury succumbed to their bitter rivals -the Blues -infront of apackedMCG on Friday night, and the Lions and Yarram’s Josh Dunkley weren’t able to shake off the Suns in QClash 25 at Heritage Bank Stadium.

COLLINGWOOD remain at the top of the ladder, despite a17-point loss to Carlton.

The Magpies started off hot, kickingthe first couple of goals for the game, before the Blues came back strong.

At the end of the opening term, the two sides couldn’t be separated, 3.4 (22) apiece.

Carlton stepped it up agear in the second quarter, establishing a17-point lead at halftime.

The Magpieshad no answersinthe second

half, and couldn’trespond with aroutine miracle final quarter comeback.

Up by 19 points with aquartertogo, Carlton then stretched the lead out to 36 points at one stage in the final term, before Collingwood dragged things back slightly.

But the damagewas alreadydone as Carlton got home safely, recording afamous win in their hunt for afirst finalsappearance in 10 years. Consistent as ever, Pendlebury appeared to do his job.

Theveteran recorded 20 disposals, including five marks, three tackles, two clearances and agoal assist-setting up the opening goal for Jordan De Goey.

With four rounds to go, the Magpies have Hawthorn, Geelong,Brisbaneand Essendon on the horizon, essentially needingtowin two of those fourtolock in theminor premiership FURTHER north on Saturday afternoon, the Gold CoastSunsmadeamockery of Brisbane, winning their seventh QClash. Gold Coast hadn’t recorded aQClash win

since 2018, thus ending anine-game losing streak to the hands of the Lions.

The Lions conceded aseven-point quarter time lead to trail at halftime by just three points.

It wouldbeall Gold Coast after the sunset behind thestandsinthe second half.

Gold Coast enjoyed asuccessful period in the third term, kicking back-to-back goals twice, extending the lead to 17 points.

But with the game still in the balance, theSunsended any hopes of apotential comeback, kicking 5.3 (33)to1.3 (9) in the final term to win by 41 points,15.6(96)to 7.13 (55).

Dunkley, in defeat, was the highest-ranked player on the ground, racking up 137 fantasy points, 22 more than the next best.

He collected 30 disposals, as wellassix marks, 10 tackles, nine clearances and 10 score involvements.

The Lions currently hold onto third spot on the ladder, equal on points with the Demons in fourth, just 0.9 per cent separating the two sides.

Eagles do it for Winnie

Liam Durkin

NOT often you see footballers applying sunscreen in the middle of winter.

Finals weather came early in Round 15 of the Gippsland League.

Perfect conditions and dry decks made for free-flowing football, as the five victorious teams all scored around the 100-mark.

There is stillnoseparating the top-three sides, as Leongatha, Wonthaggi and Moe all carry win-loss records of 13-2.

Wonthaggi should take top spot this week by simple virtue of the fact they are the only top-threeteam playing, due to asplitround, and have an assignment against second-last placed Warragul.

While that match doesn't evoke much excitement, the other game to be played in the first week of the split roundcertainly does: Morwell versus Sale -fifth versus sixth.

There is just one spot left in the final five, so whoever wins that game will just about be assured of afinals berth.

THINGS just work out perfectly sometimes.

Maffra gave club legend WinstonGieschen amoment to savour, ensuringhecelebrated his record-breaking day with awin.

Gieschen, playing senior game number 250, walkedoff hishome ground after the Eagles won 15.14(104) to 7.4 (46)against Warragul

To top it all off, the milestone man kicked three goals.

When it's your day

Gieschen broke the senior games record for Maffra, surpassing the mark set by Brendon Donahoe, which had stood since 2003.

The four-time premiership winning Eagles sawhis side start withaflurryofgoals at the weekend, kicking 5.8 (38) to just one behind.

There was no way Maffra was going to let up from there, and the Eagles continued on their merry way for the best partofthree quarters.

With Dr Sam Davidsonrunning riot up forward,and Maffra's defence keepingthe Gulstojust two goals up until threequarter time, the Eagleswere afforded the luxury of playingthe last quarter in total contentment they had the game won.

Warragul saved faced with five goals, but Maffra went past the ton with four of their own.

Dr Davidson kicked half-a-dozen, and was ably assisted by Brayden Monk, Noah Christy, Alex Carr, Kade Renooy and James Read.

Those checking results in the lower grade may have noticedaninteresting name in the Eagles' reserves -Gary Jones.

Jones made acameo appearancefor Maffra, the day afyter beinginducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame, in what his first game in the red and black since 2015. Jones showed he hasn’t lost it, and duly kicked seven goals.

Better players for Warragul in the seniors were Sean Masterson, BayleyPaul, Tom Hobbs, WillCole, Brad Hefford and Sam Fennell.

The ninth-placedGulls have already turned their attention to next season, with Masterson and young gun Tom Stern signing on.

While the result of this game will do little in the grand scheme of the ladder, from the Eagles perspective, it meansthey willno longer be any chance of finishing last.

Following afew heftydefeats in recent weeks, there wasanhonest possibility Maffra could have met this fate.

Foraclub that has wonnine premierships since the turn of the century, one could only imagine how big ashock to the system that would have been.

FOR ateam that's coming last, the Drouin

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

senior team of season 2023 is still pretty good.

The Hawks put up agood fightagainst Sale, but went down in acompetitive match 13.9 (87) to 9.9 (63).

Sale received an almighty scare at home, and were on level-pegging with Drouin when the halftime siren sounded.

The Magpies rectified the situation in the third term,adding three goals whilekeeping the Hawks to just one behind.

The game opened up in the last, as nine goals were kicked. Sale managedfive,and Drouin closed strongly with four.

Sale however was able to take the four points, and avital four points at that, to see themselves agame clear inside the top five.

Thank God the Magpies have Shannen

Lange.

The star midfielder kicked five goals, and was Sale's only multiple goal-scorer.

Lange collected best afield honours, followed by Jack McLaren, Will Leslie, Pat Tainsh,JordanDessent and Jarrod Freeman.

Drouin has agood one in Hugo Birks.

As well as having the best name in the competition,heisalsoa dangerous forward. Birkskicked four goals at the weekend, and now has 33 goalsinjust 11 games this season.

Tim Hancock playedwell for the Hawks, as did Jordan Kingi, Xavier Kinder, Kye Quirk, Ryan Taylor and Tom Evans. Despitelanguishing in last position on the ladder, the Hawks continue to win praise from league pundits for theirattacking style of play.

Apercentage of nearly 70 means Drouin has hardly been awalkover this season, and giventhe fact the Hawks lost their first three games by single-figure margins, there could be plenty of upsidefor Drouin next season.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, they are probablygoingtoclaimthe woodenspoon, but couldwell go downasthe best teamto finishlastinGippsland League history.

Drouin has just one winnable game left, againstMaffra,before finishingwith topthree sides Leongatha and Moe.

Meanwhile, Sale will now count down the days until its date with destiny.

The Magpies must beat Morwell on the road this weekend to all but lock in afinals berth.

As has been the story all season, Sale was again beset by chopping-and-changing its senior line-up at the weekend -the Magpies making four changes for the Drouin game.

Those sitting around the selection table at Sale Oval will have fingers and toes crossed for strong availability this weekend, as their season is on the line.

There will be atouch of irony about the situation, as it was Morwell who defeated Sale in the last round last season to secure their own spot in the finals.

The Magpieslossprevented Maffrafrom making finals. This time, Sale has to win to prevent Morwell possibly taking their own spot.

HAVE aguess who the Moe player that kicked six goals against Traralgon was.

No, it wasn't Billy Gowers.

It wasn't Harry Pepper either.

And Kristian Jaksch has been injured all year.

Nick Prowse emerged as something of an unlikely goal-kicking machine for the Lions at the weekend.

We say unlikely becausehedoesn't usually get as much attention operating alongside Gowers and Pepper.

LikeRoughead playing in the sameteam as Franklin and Rioli however, Prowse proved more than adequate foil, and ended the day with abag of six goals.

His efforts helped Moe fight back from an early deficit to overrun the Maroons15.8 (98) to 10.13 (73).

Honours were shared in the first term, before Traralgonskipped out to a20-point lead in the second at Terry Hunter Oval.

The Maroons added four goals in ahurry to start the second, but Moe was equal to thetask, addingjust as many themselves to take aslender lead and some momentum into the main break.

As the sun continued to beat down, things heated up in more ways than one during the third.

Moe's ill-discipline, which had already gifted Traralgon agoal in the first half, threatened to boil over in the second, as a couple of spot fires broke out.

Once the Lions calmed down, they were able to get some good looks inside 50.

The visitor's were efficientmoving forward, adding3.1 (19) for the quarter, in stark contrast to Trarlagon, who butchered 1.6 (12).

Some nice running goals to Riley Baldi and Harri Sim provided highlights for the Lions, as they got out to ahandy 13-point lead at three quarter time.

Traralgon key defender DanMcKenna came off in the third after being winded, giving the coaching staffanotherproblem to deal with.

Moe started the last quarter in the best possible way, with an opportunistic goal from Gowers in the first 30 seconds.

Traralgon full forward Brett Eddy responded aminutelater,cutting the margin back to two goals.

Prowse found himself in thethick of the action, snapping the ball through after Gowers had shruggedoff afew opponents, before adding another one to histally

The Maroons threw caution to the wind, and kept trying to put speed on the ball and get it into Eddy's hands.

His third goal came at the 14-minute mark, which left the equation at 18 points.

With plenty of time left, Moe needed agoal to settle things down.

Fittingly, it was milestone man Jacob Wood in his 200th seniorgame, who pouncedon aloose ball and snapped through the sealer as the clock ticked into red time.

LEONGATHA was too strong for Morwell, taking the points in aone-sided affair 13.14 (92) to 7.2 (44).

The Parrots burst out of the blocks at home, putting up 6.4 (40) to no scoreinthe opening term.

The Parrotstook a44-point lead into the sheds, and maintained the margin for another 30 minutes.

Adisappointed Tiger outfit was made to rue their poor start, which gave Leongatha the opportunity to virtually play the game out from there with littledanger of being overran.

Aaron Heppell was best for the winners, followed by the Benjamin ButtonofGippsland football, CadeMaskell.

Others to play well were Kim Drew, Tallin Brill,and backline defender Sean Westaway

The Parrotsstill have Josh Hopkins to potentially come back into the seniors.

Hopkins, who had been overseas for afew weeks,playedinthe reserves at the weekend, and was second-best on, kicking four goals. WONTHAGGI belted Bairnsdale.

TheRedlegs were left resembling aprominent AFL player turned boxer in arecent bout, after going down 16.21 (117) to 0.8 (8).

Making what is believed to be the longest road trip in country Victoria, the Power startedslowly, before flicking the switchand inducing maximum pain on theiropponents.

Wonthaggi scored just one goal in the opening term, but then went on to score six, five and four -while their opponentsdid not even make the goal umpire signal with two fingers.

The Power kept Bairnsdale to the secondlowest Round 15 score in league history.

Settingthe recordasstraight as possible

Tassie Deacon

THEoften mentioned factthatlegendary Sale footballerJackSchuback played more than400 club games has been questioned for some time

Therefore, it is time to attempt to confirm the correctnumber. The problem is of coursethereare no records of that era in existence. So, there can only be an estimate done by using the process of analysis In doing so, there are many knowns and unknowns to take into consideration.

Knowns

Jack Schuback'sdate of birth: 23-9-1920

Year arrived in Sale: 1938

Army service period: Sept1942to June 1946 (he did not play except for inter service games with champions likeBrownlow Medallists Norman Ware, Bill Morris and BertDeacon Seasons played withSale: 14 -1938, 1939, 1946-1957.

There werenoGippsland League games playedduringWW2

He retired as aplayer at the end of the 1957 season,aged 37

Gamesplayed in these years: 29 +216

=245

He was avery tough player and would play injured if required

Other games played on permit to Sale District 1940-42 before enlistment in theArmy in Sept1942 =40gamesestimate

Permits were given for Sale playersJ Schuback and T. Hart to play with Old CollegiansinSaleDistrictAssociation

1952-53. (Games were playedonThursday afternoon after work.) The games played counted as Salegame =28gamesestimate

Unknowns

Number of gamesmissed due to football injuries (if any).

Number of gamesmisseddue to workplace injuries being abutcher by trade (if any).

Schuback mayhave played some seconds games duringthe time he wasnon-playing

coachofthe thirds. There are however no records thatexist of thesegames available

Exact number of games with SaleDistrict Associationinyears 1940-1942 before Army service is not known. Estimates here are used basedonrecords found in the Gippsland Times archives.

Summary

JackSchubackcould not possiblyhave played 400 games, reason being therewere not enough seasonsavailablefor him to have achieved this number.

Therefore, the mostlikelynumberoftotal games played based on the above is estimated to be aconservative 313+games.

This would mean he does not hold the Sale Football-Netball Club games record. The recordisheld by presentday player Chris Laverty with338+ games.

Sale FNC 300 games players

▶ Chris Laverty

▶ ChrisHudson

▶ Shane Fyfe

▶ Jack Schuback

Dawson KYannABusana BCornelis MCoyne.Bairnsdale: Jfraser MStephenson sGotthold PBills LBleyswyk JWaddell

Sale:KCutler4H Tollner 2JAnnearCKelsey CJohnson ZWaixel.Drouin: A

Scandrett 3CBrown

Rutter

ERoscoe

BWolfenden 2CNash. BEST: Traralgon: CBrown CBooth RRutter RGuiney

MMaaka.

Warragul: LGarner 2KBaker

Sale United to hostnew social soccer comp

Levelling the playing field

THE state government is helping to level the playing field for women leaders in sport and recreation, withaprofessional development scholarship program creating more opportunities for women’s development and training across the sector.

Minister for Community Sport RosSpence officiallyopenedthe latest round of the Change Our Game Professional Development Scholarships Programrecently,encouraging women working in sport across Victoria to apply.

The Professional DevelopmentScholarship Program supports women to take on and succeed in leadershiproles in thesport andrecreation sector no matter their career stage: from joining

the workforce, returning froma career break, current seniorexecutivesand new or aspiring board members.

The program offers several development opportunities, including grants of up to $5000 and $10,000 to completeprofessional development courses through the learning and executive streams.

ANext Generation Leaders stream offers career coaching to help aspiring executives map their career paths and the skills needed,while participants in agovernance stream can complete aspecialised sports governance course.

Successful applicant Shenae Keleher took part in the NextGeneration Leaders Stream in last

Netball scoreboard

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE: ROUND 15

AGRADE: Morwell 42 dLeongatha 41,Warragul 38 d Maffra 24, Moe 64 dTraralgon 39, Drouin 40 dSale 35, Wonthaggi48d Bairnsdale 42.

GO GIRLS 'World Cup Edition' is coming to Sale United Football Club.

For four fun nights each Wednesday from 5pm until 6pm commencing tomorrow (Wednesday, August 2) and concluding Wednesday, August 23, Sale United will host GO GIRLS World Cup Edition for girls aged 11 to 16.

Come and have some fun, meet new people and learn athing or two from SUFC senior women's team captainsZoe Askewand Hollie Ryan.

To join Sale United's GO GIRLS World Cup Edition,gotogofootball.com.au/play/ pick-your-location/sale-united-fc Clickon'register as an individual' and follow the prompts.

For any trouble registering, send atext message to Darleen at 0429 446 656.

For any otherqueries, callortextLaurel at 0409 144 757.

BGRADE: Leongatha 58 dMorwell 41,Maffra53d Warragul 34, Moe 35 dTraralgon 28, Drouin 58 dSale 42, BYE-Bairnsdale, Wonthaggi.

CGRADE: Leongatha 32 dMorwell16, Maffra 32 d Warragul 20, Traralgon 30 dMoe 29, Drouin 52 dSale

21,Bairnsdale 38 dWonthaggi 18

17 ANDUNDER: Leongatha 32 dMorwell 23, Maffra 75 dWarragul 12,Traralgon 51 dMoe 12,Sale 37 dDrouin

25, Wonthaggi 46 dBairnsdale 24

15 ANDUNDER: Leongatha 29 dMorwell 21,Maffra 47 dWarragul 20, Traralgon 52 dMoe 10,Sale 61 dDrouin

27,Bairnsdale 56 dWonthaggi 25.

13 ANDUNDER: Leongatha 38 dMorwell 13, Maffra 57 dWarragul13, Traralgon48dMoe 34 Sale 65 dDrouin15, Bairnsdale 30 dWonthaggi 7.

NORTH GIPPSLAND: ROUND 16

AGRADE: Heyfield 47 dTTU 33, Rosedale76d

Gormandale 32, Cowwarr 56 dYarram 48, Woodside 47 draw Sale City 47,Glengarry 63 dYYN 28, BYE- Churchill.

BGRADE: Heyfield 47 dTTU 37,Rosedale46d

Gormandale 45, Cowwarr 49 draw Yarram 49, Woodside

54 dSale City 37,YYN 32 dGlengarry 31,BYE -Churchill.

CGRADE: TTU55dHeyfield 19,Gormandale 43 d Rosedale 31,Cowwarr 17 dYarram 16,Woodside 36 d Sale City 35, YYN draw Glengarry 29, BYE- Churchill.

DGRADE: TTU69dHeyfield9,Rosedale 32 dGormandale

30, Cowwarr 35 dYarram 14,Sale City 33 dWoodside 23, YYN 33 dGlengarry 26,BYE -Churchill.

17 AND UNDER: TTU30d Heyfield 29, Rosedale 33 d

Gormandale 12,Cowwarr 24 dYarram13, Sale City 54 dWoodside 13,Glengarry 55 dYYN 16,BYE -Churchill.

15 ANDUNDER: TTU46d Heyfield 17,Rosedale 36

dGormandale 10,Cowwarr 31 dYarram 9, Sale City 56 dWoodside 16,Glengarry46d YYN11, BYE- Churchill

EAST GIPPSLAND: ROUND 14

AGRADE: Lindenow31dBoisdale-Briagolong 30, Orbost SnowyRovers58d Lucknow 33, Lakes entrance 52 d Paynesville 36, Wy Yung 48 dStratford35.

BGRADE: Boisdale-Briagolong 56 dLindenow11, Lucknow 33 dOrbost SnowyRovers30, Lakes Entrance

35 dPaynesville 19,WyYung 36 dStratford27.

CGRADE: Boisdale-Briagolong 37 dLindenow 32, Lucknow 30 dOrbost SnowyRovers10, Paynesville 33 d Lakes Entrance 19,Stratford29dWyYung25.

DGRADE: Boisdale-Briagolong 36 dLindenow 17 Lucknow 23 dOrbost SnowyRovers14, Lakes Entrance 10 dPaynesville 0, Wy Yung 30 dStratford26.

17 ANDUNDER: Boisdale-Briagolong 51 dLindenow 13, Lucknow 64 dOrbost SnowyRovers7,Lakes Entrance 51 dPaynesville 12,WyYung 32 dStratford26.

15 ANDUNDER: Lindenow 28 dBoisdale-Briagolong 19, Lucknow 30 dOrbost SnowyRovers25, Lakes Entrance 39 dPaynesville 13,WyYung 35 dStratford5

Sale City goalattackCharlotte Ronchi in

year’s2022-23 Change Our Game Professional DevelopmentScholarshipsProgram, and has since been promoted to chief executive at FedUni WestVic Academy of Sport.

Since 2018, the Office for Women in Sport and Recreationhas supported 553 participantsthrough Change OurGameprofessional development programs, including 97 participants in last year’s inauguralProfessional Development Scholarships Program.

Applications close on Monday, August 28 2023.

For more information and details on eligibility, visit changeourgame.vic.gov.au

edge, emend, endue, etude, gene, genet,gent, genu,geum, judge, JUDGEMENT,judgment,jute, meet,mend, menu, mete, mute, muted, need, nude, nudge, nutmeg, teed, teem, tegmen, tend, tenge, tune, tuned, unmet

Finals-bound teams Sale City and Woodside played out athrilling drawinRound 15 of North Gippsland netball. Woodside’s Laura Foat is pictured in action. Photos: Zoe Askew

action against Woodside.

GO GIRLSisa new social, non-competitive football program for girls 11-16years old.

Photo: Contributed

Swans just fall short

without too muchdamage, with Wy Yung kicking1.5 (11)and not capitalising on their forward entries in the first quarter.

FOOTBALL NETBALL EAST GIPPSLAND

THERE is two weeksleftinthe East Gippsland football home-and-away season. Boisdale-Briagolongsolidified themselves in the number two spot after asolid win in Round 14 at the weekend.

The fight for fourth remains with Lucknow upsetting Orbost Snowy Rovers to keep their finals hopes alive.

WHILE the score read Wy Yung 11.10 (76) to Stratford 8.7 (55) at the final siren, the reality is the game was in the balance until five minutes to go in the last quarter.

With some positional changes that we haven’t seen this year, Stratford was doing all it could to bring the pressure required to put the game on their terms against the ladder-leaders.

AngusMason was givenarole in the midfield, and withthe absence of Rodney ‘Ducka’ O’Keefe, Ryan Thatcher was asked to play as asmall forward on the Wy Yung ground, something he has some experience in through his time at Maffra.

Earlyinthe game, Wy Yung wasable to find numbers inside 50 too easily, with Stratford’s defenders caught off guard.

Luckily, Stratford wasabletoescape

An injury to James Channingearly on meant Stratford was down to only two on the bench. TheSwans managed to find their feet and evenedupthe inside50s and capitalised, taking atwo-point lead into quarter time.

The tackle pressure from Stratford at the start of the second wasrelentless, but aknee injury to Regan Tait in the second, resulted in Stratford down amidfielder and wing rotation, and now also left with only one on the bench.

The Swans were able to hold onto their two-pointlead at the main break, clawing back frombeing two goals down at one stage in the second quarter.

Stratford started the second half in fine fashion,with JackRietschel snapping agoal fromthe pockettoextendthe lead, albeit briefly, as the Swans hung on to athree-point lead going into the last quarter. Swapping the lead acouple of times in the last, Wy Yung made the most of their pace and full bench rotations, kicking away with five minutes left to go 21-points up.

Haditnot been for the injuries to Tait and Channing, the result may have been very different.

IN an expected result, Boisdale-Briagolong defeated Lindenow.

The Bombers won 23.10 (148) to 5.3 (33). There would be awaveofoptimism hovering over the Bomber’s faithful, sitting in second spot with two rounds to play and having beatenevery side this year, including premiership favourites Wy Yung.

The usual suspects starred for BoisdaleBriagolong, with league leading goal kicker Caleb Calwyn kicking eight, supported by Jim Reeves with four and araft of players kicking two apiece.

Thomas Bradshaw continued his impressive season, being named thebestfor the winners, joined by veteran Brendon Rathnow, Calwyn, Shaymus Wain, Jarrad Neilson andDaniel Johnson.

Whilst being in the socialmedia spotlight lastweek through the antics of Justin Morgan gavethe Cats alaugh, there’snothing to smile about with their season this year. Sitting on the bottom, it’s afall from grace for asidethathas been competitive in years gone by.

IN other games, Lucknow defeated Orbost SnowyRovers to keep their finals chances alive, while Lakes Entrance might have just avoided the wooden spoon, afterdefeating Paynesville.

ZoeAskew

SALE Turf Club used its Sunday meeting on July 23 to honour the memory of late jockey Peter Mertens.

The legendaryMertens, whose many accolades throughout his illustrious career dubbed him the ‘King of Gippsland’ died on June 24 after abattle with pancreatic cancer.

Mertens’ death propelled the racing world into mourning, with the King of Gippsland remembered as an outstanding local jockey and arespectedfigure in theracing community, whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations of riders.

In acareer spanning more than 30 years, Mertens rode more than 2100 winners, including seven Group 1s in both Victoria and South Australia, before his retirement in 2013.

Mertens’first Group 1win came in 1999 aboard Rustic Dreaminthe FuturityStakes at Caulfield.

Of his 2100 career wins, 737 were on Gippsland Tracks -279 at Sale, 159 at Moe, 132 at Bairnsdale, 113 at Traralgon and 54 at Stony Creek.

Mertens wasathree-time SaleCup winner, riding winners in 1990, 1995 and 1999. He also wonthe Traralgon Cup in 2003 and the Bairnsdale Cup in 2013.

In 2010, Mertens was inductedinto the Sale Turf Club Hall of Fame. Aplaque in the male jockey room at Salecommemorates the King of Gippsland’s outstanding career. Sale Turf Club hosted aspecial meeting in his honour, dedicatingRace4 with the race name ‘Vale Peter Mertens, to the King of Gippsland’.

Mertens’ wifeGulcin and their nine

children were among those in attendance, with his son and talented jockey Beau Mertens riding Delicate Babe in the race named in his father’s honour.

Delicate Babe was the favourite ahead of the race, but the Matt Laurie-trained bay filly, ridden by 2008Melbourne Cup winner BlakeShinn,claimed thewin Sale Turf Club chief executive Brad Evans said Mertens’ passing saddened the club, and that the Gippsland jockey significantly impacted the region throughout his career.

“Given his legacy and contribution to Gippsland Racing and his love of Sale, it was fittingtohave 30-plus family and friends joining committee as guests of the club for

this specialday,” Evanssaid.

“It was avery successful celebration of a great career.”

Racing farewelledthe King of Gippsland at Caulfield Racecourse on Thursday, July 6, with more than 300 gathering to remember the husband, father, friend and extraordinary jockey.

Mertens hoped one of his children would follow himinto the saddle,his son Beau stepping up to fulfil his wishes.

On Wednesday, June 28, in his first ride since his father’sdeath,Beau won the Benchmark 70 (1300m) for fillies and mares at Ladbrokes Park Sandown Lakeside aboard Anahita.

Beau told Racing.com that he planned to winthe race, and believes he had the assistance of his late father riding with him.

“I had abig smile on my face, Iwas going to do it for him, and he was definitelyriding over me on that one, that’s for sure,” Beau said.

Ten days later, and just three days after farewellinghis late father, Beau led all the way to win the 1100m 2YO Handicap at Caulfield aboard Spicy Margs When Peter Mertens fell ill,the determination that stood him in such good stead on the track enabledhim to fight, telling Racing.com in November last year that Beau’s promising career in the saddle was atremendous form of motivation.

“I’ve never done things in halves; you’ve got to remain positiveand takewhatever you can,” Mertens said.

“There’s aladywho has asimilar cancer in asimilar spot to mine from America who has lived for 20 years.Ifshe can do it, whycan’t I?’

“Plus, Iwant to be around for abit longer to keep reminding Beau that I’m stillthe King of the Country Cups.

“My friends, family, and, in particular, Beau are my inspiration. That’s what drives me.

“He still has alot to go, but geez,hemakes me proud.”

With that, you can’t help but believeBeau when he said his dad was riding over him after winning the Benchmark 70 (1300m) for fillies and mares at Ladbrokes Park Sandown Lakeside.

You can’t help but believe Mertens was riding with Beau when he won the 1100m 2YO Handicap at Caulfield aboardSpicy Margs.

You can’t help but believe Mertens will forever be riding with Beau.

BHarrison

WMorris. Paynesville: BLeslie2 ASingh 2CBlackley JKinderTBaxter. BEST: Lakes

BHarrisonJ Saunders CKelly LDonchiZ Hooper RKamphuis.Paynesville:KHood

Wy Yung: JCabaybay4LElia 2SScicluna JKeown NEsdaile BTrinder JHealey J

JAnderson AHalabut. Stratford: JBennett KLangford. BEST: Wy Yung: AHalabut J CabaybayJ Anderson KMcNamara LElia BTrinder.Stratford: NBennett JBennett MManning

Beau Mertens,son of Peter,aboard

Delicate Babe at Sale Turf Club on Sunday, July 23.

Paul Nichols

JULIAN

ROUND

Doing dad proud

Beau

Photo: Zoe Askew

SALE came close in Round 15 of GippslandLeague netball.

The Magpies were neck-and-neck with Drouin, managing to keep the scores level at 19-all at the major break.

The Hawks cameout of halftime with some newfoundenergy, shooting 12 goals to Sale’s seven. Sale’s Emma Allman,KaseyDessent and Teagan Harrison were impressive, but Drouin’s Lucy McKellar, EllaHenderson andKellyMills were even more so.

Peopleoftensay the thirdquarteriswhere games are won and lost, and in this match, that was the case,asthe Hawks managed to maintain their dominance to win 40-36.

In the Maffra versus Warragul battle, the Eagles were outplayed from the beginning.

Warragul, too strong aside, doubled the Eagles’ five shots for the first quarter, setting themselves up with ahandy lead that they maintained.

Chloe Proud,Natalie Allman and Maddy Dalton starred for Maffra, but it was Warragul’s Renee Cook, Sienna Green and Naomi Allardyce who won the Gulls the game. Thefinal score was 38-24.

Morwell fended off the high-flying Parrots. Leongatha impressedlastSaturday as they broughttheir very best to face the reigning premier

With the Tigers sitting second and the Parrots third, this game was always going to come down to the wire.

Morwell edged away afour-goalleadfromthe

first whistle until the first break. Leongatha was able to regroup and find some scoring power in the second, outshooting Morwell 12 to nine and then nine to eight in the third.

LaurenRedpath, KateBrowneand Nicola Marriott were dominant for Leongatha. At threequarter time scores were Parrots 32 and Tigers 33. With one goalthe difference, ahuge final term was ahead for both teams.

Morwell’s best, Chloe Radford, Saskia Eenjes and Tanya Budge,took charge in the final quarter and kept the Parrotsatbay

The final scores were Morwell42toLeongatha 41.

Moe is unstoppable.

The Lions showed lion heart as they trampled Traralgon.

Moe came out of the gates firing, outscoring the Maroons 16 to 10 in the first term; thestory stayed much the same for the next three terms, with the result a25-goal victoryfor the Gippsland League leaders.

Moe captain Alex Moody, Jordan Pyle andEmma Sculley starred for the winning team. Traralgon’s Milly Murphyplayedwell against her oldside. Ashlyn Pavey and Matilda Van Berkel were notable even in defeat.

ThisMoe side will be hard to beat come finals time.

Wonthaggi got the job done against Bairnsdale.

It was apretty even contestbetweenthe two sides,asthe narrow Wonthaggilead remained close throughout the first three quarters.

Powerful players for Wonthaggi were Olivia Gilmour, Courtney Brann and Chelsea Bowman,

whileBairnsdale’s Anna Mooney, SophieBills and Charli Young were good.

The Power struck in the last term to seal the win. The final scores were 48-42. THINGS aregetting interesting in North Gippsland.

Adraw, who would’ve thought?

The two top teams -Woodside and Sale City, showed just how tight the competition is at the top of the North Gippsland ladder when they both took home two points each.

Sale City had the jump on the league giants with awin in sight, leading 40-35 at the final break at Stephenson Park.

But where there’s awill, there’s away, and Woodside -nostrangers to winning -found away to claw the margin back and even equalise.

The draw means that positions on the ladder might be shaken-up, with Woodside having the potential to drop to fourth place given they have abye next week, while Heyfield and Churchill, currently in third and fourth respectively, have an easier run home.

Heyfield got the job doneagainst TTU, withfinal scores 47-33.

It was avaliant effort from the Bombers, who rarely make contests against them easy.

The Kangaroos have achancetofinish in top spotifthey win their nexttwo games against Gormandale and Cowwarr, and if Rosedale somehow manages to beat Sale City in the final round.

RosedalethumpedGormandaleina44-goal win

The Blues, sitting fifth withfinals in sight, willbe

focusedonconserving some energy for the last game against Sale City, but also for avery competitive finals series.

Glengarry steamrolled through Yallourn Yallourn North.

The Jets couldn’tget off the ground as the Magpiesswooped fromthe get-go. The final scores were 63-28.

Yarram faced another loss at the hands of Cowwarr, with the Saints dominating play to win 56-48.

Churchill had the bye.

IN East Gippsland, Lidenow went home very happy campers after defeating Boisdale-Briagolong by a single goal.

The Bombers were favourites cominginto the match with ahome-ground advantage. Still, underestimating Lindenow proved to be fatal for the Bombers, as the Cats were able to finesse themselves into awinning position.

The Swans suffered their first loss for the season, as Wy Yung showed their dominance when they beat Stratford by 13 goals. The final scores were 48-35.

TheSwans will have to wait until finals to get their revenge.

In the other games, OrbostSnowy Roversdefeated Lucknow quite easily in a25-goal victory, 58-33. Lakes Entrancealsohad agood win against Paynesville, with the final score reading Lakes 52 to Paynesville 36.

Zaida Glibanovic