Gippsland Times Tuesday 19 August 2023

JAXSON’S

PAGE 11

Super

ZoeAskew

OFFICIAL celebrations at Stretton Park Aged Care on Wednesdaymarkedthe completion of Stage 2ofthe Stretton Park AgedCare RedevelopmentProject.

The almost$2million Stage 2redevelopment includes upgrades to the Maffranot-for-profit community aged care facility’s café and 17 resident rooms and bathrooms, with the three-stage $7 millionStretton Park AgedCare Redevelopment Project now one step closer to completion.

Stage 1ofthe Stretton Park project included the redevelopment of 12 resident suites and the construction of four new suites.

PAGE 27

The Deputy Government Whip, Senator RaffCiccone, and Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, who secured 50 per cent federal funding

for Stage2 of the redevelopment works, joined Stretton Park’s board of management, residents and Central Gippsland Health staff for the official grand opening event.

Mr Chester’s involvement with Stretton Park dates back to 2020.

The Stretton Park board of management and the Maffra community raised more than $4 million in 2020 to begin the Stretton Park AgedCareRedevelopment Project.

However, an additional $2 millionwas needed to fund all three project stages.

Aftermeeting withrepresentatives fromStrettonPark’scommunity committee and representatives from Central Gippsland Health to discuss the nextsteps,inJune 2020, Mr Chester announced that Stretton Park would receive $1 million through the federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

The federal government’s Building Better Regions Fund provided funding for half of the expenses of stage 2ofthe Stretton Park AgedCareRedevelopment Project.

AfterWednesday’s official opening of improved facilities, Mr Chester paid tributetoStretton Park AgedCare volunteer board members and staff.

“The team at Stretton Park has done an amazing job to deliver ahigh standardofcare andamajor building program in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Chester said.

“This $2 million improvement will ensure Stretton Park meets the standard of care that people expect in years to come.”

Honorary guest at Stretton Park’s Stage 2grand opening, Senator Raff Ciccone, saidthe collaboration between the federal government and Stretton Park wasa good exampleofhow

governmentscan work with organisations to producepositive outcomes for the community.

“The Australian government contributed $854,563 to this project, funded through the $1.38 billion Building Better Regions Fund Program, and of course, the other 50 per cent of the funding was contributed by Stretton Park,” Senator Ciccone said.

“As Stage2ofathree-stage project, it’s greattosee upgrades already benefiting residents and the community.”

The project included the refurbishment of 16 single-residentbedrooms that will be compliant to contemporary aged care standards, the construction of 16 ensuites, the installation of airconditioning to stage 2areas, an office extension and café alterations.”

Continued on Page 3

Forestry transition fund not enough

PhilipHopkins

THE native hardwood industry has welcomed the state government's extra supportfor the sector, but maintains that the mill exitpackage doubly punishes those businesses that have acted in good faith.

THE chief executive of the Victorian Forest ProductsAssociation, Deb Kerr, acknowledged the help forworkers, contractors,communities and new regional businesses.

“As details about the exit package come to light, it’s evident that our mills are being punished twice

Council says timber support ‘fallsshort’

Stefan Bradley

WELLINGTON Shire Council says the state government’s increased support for the native timber industry, announced last Wednesday, “falls short” of addressing community concerns, but anumberofmeasures were welcomed.

“Wellington Shire Council acknowledges the recent announcement by the Andrews Labor Government concerningincreased support for timber workersand related businesses in Victoria,” Mayor IanBye said

“While this initiative includesraised worker top-up payments,broadersector inclusivity, businessdevelopment grants, and transition assistance, it falls short of fully addressing the concerns of our communities.

“The state government’s commitmentis noted and appreciated, and we urge impacted individualsand businessestothoughtfully consider these resources as they navigate an uncertaintransition for our timber communities.”

Theyhave invested tens of millions of dollars in newmanufacturing facilities to see them through to and beyond theoriginally announced 2030 deadline -a deadline that the government has reiterated numerous times since the original 2019 announcement,” she said.

Minister for Agriculture,Gayle Tierney,saidthe expansion of the Victorian Forestry WorkerSupport Program increased worker top-up payments from up to $120,000 to $150,000 and allocated extra payments to workers over 45 years old.

Thewider community forestry sector -including firewood sellers, guitar makers, seed collectors and other forest produce licensees -will be eligible forthe expandedworkersupport payments, and redundant equipmentcompensation, pluspayments for undersuppliedtimber, and aone-off hardship payment.

The first round of the forestry transition fund is now open to create more local jobs in affected timber communities.The fund will provide grants of up to $1 million to expand, diversify or start new businesses, while alsoallocatingwage subsidies to incentivise people to employ timber workers who lose their jobs.

The Sawmill Voluntary TransitionPackageis also now open to support mill owners to stay in the

industry or switch to new sectors. Ms Tierney said these packages would ensure workers' entitlements were met and will includeplant and equipment compensation.

An initial Harvest and Haulage Support Package willbeavailable forforest contractors in September, which will include contract and equipment compensation and worker redundancy payments.

Harvest and haulage sub-contractors, chip truck drivers and other businesses heavilydependent on the native timber industry, will also be eligible for the next round of the Timber Innovation Grants -expected to reopen in late September.

"The Labor Government will continue to consult with forest contractors to ensuretheir criticalskills areretainedfor ongoingmanagement of the state’s public land with genuine opt-outpackages available for those who choose to exit," Ms Tierney said.

The government had expanded thesupport program after talks with the timber industry.

"I thank our industry stakeholders for engaging constructively to deliver meaningful support for timber communities."

Ms Kerr said while welcoming the support, "it is hard to fathom how the government has treated native hardwood mills who had acted in goodfaith".

"This is not how agovernment acts that wants to

promote Victoria as aprime location for business. As the main body advocating for wood and wood fibre businesses in Victoria, we will continue to fight for better outcomesfor our industry,” Ms Kerr said. The future of forest produce licences was also still unclear, she said.

Forest produce licences are issued for small native harvestingand firewood west of the Hume Freeway. For more information on how to get local support, native timber stakeholders should visit vic.gov.au/ forestry or phone the Forestry Transition Hotline on 1800 318 182.

To register for the Victorian Forestry Worker Support Program, workers should visit forestworks. com.au.

Act on penalty reminder notice

VICTRORIANS who have an outstanding fine for failing to vote in the 2022 State Election are urged to act before the matter is referred to Fines Victoria.

Victorianswho failed to voteinthe November 2022State election have started to receive penalty reminder notices.

Thesepenalties carrya fee of $27.70 in addition to the original $92 fine.

Electoral Commissioner, Sven Bluemmel, advised recipients of apenalty reminder notice to act as soon as possible.

"If you receive apenalty reminder notice in the mail, you have three options: pay the fine, request an internal review, or elect to go to court," Mr Bluemmel said.

"Please getintouch with us as oncewehand it over to Fines Victoria for enforcement action it’s out of our hands."

Non-voters have 28 days to respond to the penalty reminder notice.

The Victorian Electoral Commission encourages people who are unsure what to do, or who require assistance throughoutany stage of the infringements process, to call 1300 551 575 or visit vec.vic.gov.au/voting/fines-and-reviews

Photo: File

Stretton Park

From Page 1

SENATOR Ciccone said Stretton Park’s redevelopments provide improved living andworking conditions for both residents and staff.

“It was great to see this in person today,” Senator Ciccone said.

“I know the team here does afantastic job, and StrettonPark hasbeen servingthe Maffraand district community for morethan 30 years. But it’s important thatresidents, families, community groups and staff have the benefit of amodern facility, and that’s what this project is all about.

“We know that it’s much better for local families to be able to send their loved ones here than suffering the emotional and financial hardship of using an out-of-town aged care facility.”

SenatorCiccone said oneparticularly important partofthis project was the constructionofthe multipurpose community space.

“I hope this can reduce the distance –both literally and figuratively –between residents and staff at Stretton Park and everyone else who lives in Maffra,” he said.

“Toooften, aged care facilities are silosthat exist separately to the communities within which they operate, and Ihope this new space can help connect residents and staff to the wider Maffra community.”

Almost 10 years since Stretton Park Aged Carerevealed acomprehensive masterplan to update its facilities, the Stretton Park Aged Care

Redevelopment Project is just one stage away from completion.

While stage 3plans are ready and waiting, the Maffra community-run aged care facility requires one final round of funding before work can begin.

Mr Chester has written to the Federal Minister for Aged Care seeking funding to complete the final stage of the project.

“The board advises me that astage 3redevelopment is ready to progress, but there is no capital works program for StrettonPark to seek matching Commonwealth funding”, Mr Chester said.

“If the new federal government is serious about improved access to aged care facilities, it would work with successful providers likeStretton Park to deliverthe next stage of improvements.”

Community Day and EV ExpoatPort of Sale

BUILDING upon the momentum of this week’s Gippsland New Energy Conference, the excitement continues to surge for the Saturday Community Day and EV Expo at the Port of Sale. With something for everyone, innovation, sustainability, and scientific marvels at its core, this event promises to be afun opportunity to see what the New Energy transition means for you and your family.

The Community Day at the Port of Sale on

Transport company charged

ATRANSPORT company will front court in Sale after aworker fell from agrain truck at aMaffradepot in January 2022,and later dying from his injuries in hospital

AccordingtoWorkSafe Victoria, the 60-yearold man suffered head injuries and later died after falling about four metres when aguard rail failed while he was inspecting hatches on top of the truck. WorkSafe chargedD&A Martin Transport Pty Ltd with asinglechargeunder section 21(1) of theOccupational Health andSafety Act for failing to provide and maintainasafeworking environment. It is alleged the company breachedsection 21(2)(a) of the OHSAct by failingtoimplement aqualified inspection and maintenance regime for the guard rails and failing to ensure they were repaired or replaced when faulty. The matter is listed for afiling hearing at Sale Magistrates’ Court on September 12 2023.

SaturdaySeptember 2will run from 10am to 2pm. The free event will include arenewables market, electric vehicle expo,documentary screening, Q&A session with offshore wind company Orsted, and live music and entertainment.

Iberdrola’s Dr Joel Gilmore has been presenting to kidsofall ages for the last 20 years and will be sparkingcuriosity with science. He loves science,and is passionate about sharing it with the world.Building on the scientificdiscussions of the conference, prepare to delve deeper into theworld of wonders of air. We breath it and wind farms use it, but what really is air? Join Dr Joel for action packed science show as he demonstrates just how powerful aircan be –from smashing to exploding to powering Australia’s future! These captivating presentations will both stimulate your imagination and provide insights for driving positive change.

The EV Expo presents abroaderspectrum of electric vehicles (EV). From state-of-the-art commuter

vehicles to luxuriouselectric options,attendees will be treated to an immersive exploration of the diverse future of transportation.

There will be an opportunity to experience the latest in EV technology first-hand andspeak to local EV owners to hear howtheylivewith an electric car in our region. The owners are happy to chat and answer questions about makes, models, charging and costs. The test drive zone will offer a hands-on experience of the EV revolution.

The CommunityDay andEVExpo will also feature an awe-inspiring display of solar solutions. Witness the potential of harnessing the sun’s power to drive asustainable future. Guided by experts, you’ll be empowered to explore the possibilities of solar energy integration.

The day promises not just aglimpse of tomorrow, but an active role in forging it. For more information, head to gnec.com.au

Pearson in-person

ASENIORAboriginal Leader,Noel Pearson, who is an advocatefor an Indigenous Voice in the Constitution, will speak at the West Gippsland Arts Centre in Warragul next Monday night.

The ‘Noel Pearson in conversation with Gippsland’ event has been organised by the Committee for Gippsland in partnering with the GunaikurnaiLandand WatersAboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC). Mr Pearson is the founder of the Cape York Partnership and Good to Great Schools Australia.

The Committeefor Gippsland chief executive, Tony Cantwell, said the event offered an opportunity for Gippslanders to be partofanimportant conversation and hear from someonewiththe experience and calibre of Noel Pearson.

“Having servedasamember of the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous

Australians and the Referendum Council,Mr Pearson is also currently amember of the First NationsReferendum Working Group and continues to advocatefor structural reforms to empower Indigenous people,” Mr Cantwell said.

“We are pleased to be able to partner with GLaWAC in hosting this event and look forward to seeing people from across the region join us on the night.”

GLaWACchief executive, Daniel Miller,said the event was agreat opportunity to welcome Mr Pearson, who is from the Guugu Yimithirr community of Hope Vale, to Gunaikurnai country.

“This is agreat opportunity for industry leaders and the broader community across Gunaikurnai Country to better understand the viewsand aspirations of Traditional Owners,” Mr Miller said

Federal Member forGippslandDarren Chester andthe Deputy Government Whip, Senator Raff Ciccone, with Central GippslandHealth Director of Aged Care CaronMallet,Stretton Park board of directors and residents. Photo: Zoe Askew

What’s On this month

Maffra Community Expo

MAFFRA Neighbourhood House is celebrating its building’s 100th year of service to the Maffra community this weekend and is hosting aMaffra Community Expo in honour of the building’s long-standing history

Maffra Neighbourhood House invites All community organisations in Maffra to join them in showcasing what Maffra has to offer Therewillbeafreesausage sizzle, coffee and tea.

Price: Free

When: 10.30am until 1pm, Saturday,September

2.

Small StageSessions

SMALL Stage Sessions is Bond Street Event Centre’s new Open Mic Night for musicians, poets and short filmmakers. These open mic nights offer up-and-coming performersthe opportunity to test their skills on a receptive crowd of like-minded creatives.

To offer each performer adequate stage time, the format for musical acts will be solos, duos or trios only,performing 15-minute sets (drum kits not permitted). BSEC will provide PA equipment and a sound technician.

enjoyall the very best of orchid displays and buy some plants to take home to enjoyyourself.

The Sale and District Orchid Club is proud to host their Spring Show from 9.30am until 4pm

Saturday,September 2and 10am until 3pm Sunday,September 3.

Apart from award-winning plants to see, therewill be orchid plants for sale (but you need to get in early).

Araffle will be drawn on Sunday afternoon, with potting demonstrations around 11am and 2pm on both days.

Where: Maffra Neighbourhood House, 31A Thomson St, Maffra.

Filmmakerswho would like to showcase their creations will be given a10-minute screening and areasked to bring acopyoftheir film to the venue by 6.20pm on the night.Poets will also be given a10-minute set to perform their written works.

Performerswill be allocated aset time on a first-in-first-on basis. If you areinterested in local musicians, poets, and filmmakers, head to BSEC’s Small Stage Session and be apart of an encouraging and supportive audience.

Small Stage Sessions at BSEC arefor those aged 16 and up, and aguardian must accompany minors.

A$10 entry fee includes alight supper and goes towards the continued running of these events. The bar will also be open.

If you have any questions about Bond Street Event Centre’s open mic nights, please call David on 5182 8770

Price: $10

When: 7pm until 10pm, Friday,September 1. Where: Bond Street Event Centre, 10 Bond Street, Sale.

Sale and District Orchid Club SpringShow

IT is that time of the year again when you can

Visit the Sale and District Orchid Club Facebook page or email saleorchidclub@gmail.com for moreinformation.

Price: $3 (Under 18sfree)

When: 9.30am until 4pm, Saturday,September 2, and 10am until 3pm, Sunday,September 3.

Where: Sale VRI Hall, 1Pettit St, Sale

Among the WildflowersPoetry Book Launch

SEAMUS Foleyand SallyAnne Watson–Kane will launch their newly published book of poems, Among the Wildflowers, co-authored by themselves and Delia Tobin,onFriday,September 8, at the Bond Street Event Centre.

Among the Wildflowersincludespoems and insights inspired by theauthor’s experiences growing up in Ireland and living with naturein Victoria.

Poems from the book will be performed at the launch.

This event is amustfor poetry lovers. Entry is free, and light finger food will be provided, with drinks at bar prices also available.

To book your spot, ring 03 5182 8770

Price: Free

When: 6pm until 7.30pm, Friday,September 8. Where: Bond Street Event Centre, 10 Bond Street, Sale.

Headline acts at Jack’s

Ethan Calway

When: From 9pm, Friday,September 1.

Where: Jack Ryan’s Irish Bar,154 Raymond St, Sale.

Dale Gannon

When: From 9pm, Saturday,September 2.

Where: Jack Ryan’s Irish Bar,154 Raymond St, Sale.

Dale Calway

When: From 9pm, Friday,September 8.

Where: Jack Ryan’s Irish Bar,154 Raymond St, Sale.

Bonj

When: From 9pm, Saturday,September 9.

Where: Jack Ryan’s Irish Bar,154 Raymond St, Sale.

Justin Rebecchi

When: From 9pm, Friday,September 15

Where: Jack Ryan’s Irish Bar,154 Raymond St, Sale.

LowProfile

When: From 9pm, Saturday,September 16

Where: Jack Ryan’s Irish Bar,154 Raymond St, Sale.

Leeroy

When: From 9pm, Friday,September 22.

Where: Jack Ryan’s Irish Bar,154 Raymond St, Sale.

RollerToaster

When: From 9pm, Saturday,September 23.

Where: Jack Ryan’s Irish Bar,154 Raymond St, Sale.

Matt-Peter Fry

When: From 9pm, Friday,September 29.

Where: Jack Ryan’s Irish Bar,154 Raymond St, Sale.

DJ Night

When: From 9pm, Saturday,September 30.

Where: Jack Ryan’s Irish Bar,154 Raymond St, Sale.

Kathleen Halloran Band and Minnie Marks live at the Bundy

GUITARISTKathleen Halloran is one of the country’s most exciting and in-demand upcoming musicians.

Kathleen toursand performs across the country as guitarist for Australian icon Kate Ceberano and has also performed with the likes of FelixRiebl,Iva

Davies, William Barton, Jade MaCrae, Jimi Hocking and Darren Middleton, to name afew

As asession musician, her guitar playing has been heardoncountless recordings, in orchestra pits for many musical theatreproductions, and on major festival stages countrywide.

Minnie Marks is not just some blazingly electrified guitar-playing freak of nature.

She is also arareand triple threat: Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Relentlessly gigging across the globe, equipped with an old Goldtop in her hands and a revolutionary Farmer Foot Drum at her feet, Marks consistently pushes musical limits with her mind-blowing, dynamic guitar wizardry and her insanely powerful voice that roarsout her truth through song as if her own life depended on it Finally,all three beasts aremarried together to forge amammoth-sized wall of sound at the Bundalaguah Hall this Sunday (September 3).

Enjoya community barbeque from 12.30pm beforedoorsopenat1.30pm.

Minnie Marks takes the stage first at 2pm, then Kathleen Halloran Band at 3pm, beforea combined performance at 4pm.

This event is bring your own.

Tickets areavailable here: https://www.trybooking. com/CILDB

Price: $45

When: From 12.30pm until 5pm, Sunday, September 3.

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

Gigs at theGippy

Three Chain Road

When: 8pm until 11pm, Friday,September 1.

Where: The Gippsland Hotel, 153York Street, Sale.

Justin Rebecchi

When: 2pm until 5pm, Sunday,September 3.

Where: The Gippsland Hotel, 153York Street, Sale.

Lincoln &Marcus

When: 8pm until 11pm, Friday,September 8.

Where: The Gippsland Hotel, 153York Street, Sale.

The Detonators

When: 2pm until 5pm, Sunday,September 10

Where: The Gippsland Hotel, 153York Street, Sale.

SweetLIP

When: 8pm until 11pm, Friday,September 15

Where: The Gippsland Hotel, 153York Street, Sale.

Todd Cook

When: 2pm until 5pm, Sunday,September 17

Where: The Gippsland Hotel, 153York Street, Sale.

Reversion

When: 8pm until 11pm, Friday,September 22.

Where: The Gippsland Hotel, 153York Street, Sale.

Scapegoats

When: 2pm until 5pm, Sunday,September 24

Where: The Gippsland Hotel, 153York Street, Sale.

Morning Glory

When: 8pm until 11pm, Friday,September 29.

Where: The Gippsland Hotel, 153York Street, Sale.

Amber Lawrence -Your Town Tour

SIX-time Golden Guitar winner Amber Lawrence will perform at the Sale Greyhound Club on Friday, September 22, as part of her 2023 Your Town Tour Amber is prolific as an artist, having released seven studio albums and three children’s albums. She is well known as one of the best entertainers

in the business, so expect ahigh-energy show filled with hit singles, well-known favourites and surprises.

Last year,Amber released her ARIA Number 1 Country Album, Living for the Highlights, going on to receive aBest Country Album nomination at the 2022 ARIA Awards, on top of winning 6CMAA Golden Guitar nominations, including Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year Amber wasrecently inducted into the coveted GalaxyofStars-alongside legendssuch as Kasey Chambersand LeeKernaghan. Tickets areavailable here: https://events.humanitix. com/copy-of-amber-lawrence-jandowae-hotelyour-town-tour-2023

Price: $15-$55

When: From 7.30pm, Friday,September 22. Where: Sale GreyhoundClub, Maffra-Sale Rd, Sale.

Dr Anton Webb

Ph:

www.inglismedical.com.au

over time.Hehas particularinterests in the health careofolder people,especially those with multiple and complex health careneeds,and this includes caring forresidents in aged carefacilities Another strong interest is in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers.Living in Queensland certainly helped gain a lot of experience in that field INGLIS MEDICALCENTRE Scan the QR code to bookanappointment

with Zoe Askew

Catch six-time GoldenGuitarwinner AmberLawrence at the Sale Greyhound Club this month as part of her Your Town Tour

Photo: Contributed

Dr Deepthi Mudunna

Dr Anne Jansen vanRensburgDrShamima Akter

Lessons from Canadian fires

Comment

Roger Underwood

RECENT multi-million-hectare forest fires in Canada have again highlighted the dichotomy of opinion within the Australian communitywhenit comes to bushfires. The knee-jerk response from environmentalists and most academics has been “it’s all due to climate change”.

Firescientists and bushfire operational people on the other hand, many of whom are in contact withCanadianland andbushfire managers,draw an entirely different conclusion: irrespective of the cause of the ignitions, the explanation why the fires have been so difficult to control and have done so much damage is basically the absence of sound land management -inthis instance, the failure by Canadian authorities to prepare potential fire grounds in the expectation of fire.

Thereports my colleagues and Ihave received from young Western Australian men and women deployed as firefighters in Canada have been especially revealing.They recount how they have been fighting firesinforests that have been logged and then abandoned, and of forests left long-unburnt, carrying tonnes of flammable fuel.

Andtheyhavebeen struck by three things: (i) the enormity of the resources that are brought to bear on firefighting in North America but which are still unable to control the fires; (ii) the futility of attempting to controlfierce forest fires with aerial water and retardant dropping; and (iii) the difficultiesinconstruction of fire containment lines in forests growing on thin, mossy soils overlaying permafrost;bulldozers become bogged, or worse, disappear into sinkholes.

“Would it not have been better to do some fuelreduction burning in these areas, so that tracking the edge of wildfires with bulldozers and trying to extinguishthem with water bombing would not be necessary?” is aquestiononthe lipsofmany experienced Australian bushfire specialists as they contemplate the Canadian disaster.

The dichotomy of viewsabout the bushfires (climate change versus ineffective land management) has an echo in the other great bushfire controversy in which Australia is mired: what is the best approach for dealing with the bushfire threat?

Onegroup (mostly academics and environmentalists,supported by retired“fire chiefs” ready for their closeups) opts for Emergency Response (sometimes known as “the American Approach”) –wait for a fire to start and then throw everything at it so that it is extinguished before it does any damage.

Thealternative approach (mostly promoted by bushfirepractitioners and at one time known as “The Australian Approach”) accepts that an emergency response will always be needed since bushfires can never be prevented, but adds that if the firegrounds are properlyprepared in expectation of afire, then fires will be easier, cheaper and safer to control by emergency responders.

The chief mitigation tool of the second group is fuel-reduction burning –deliberate, supervised burning under mild weather conditions. The aim

is not to “prevent” bushfires, which is impossible, but to reduce the amount of flammable fuelin bushfire-prone bushland in advance of abushfire starting.Itiscombustiblefuel, comprisingdry leaves, twigs and flammable shrubs thatfeeds bushfire intensity; and it is bushfire intensity that determines how hard, dangerous and costly afire is to control.

Mostly this argument has been one-sided in recenttimes. The Emergency Response proponents are well in control of bushfire management in Qld, NSW, and Victoria. In these jurisdictions, bushfire mitigation is either not properly funded or is not carried out in away to ensure it will be effective in wildfire control.

Fuel-reduction burningiscondemned because, its opponentsassert, (a) it causes ecological and environmental damage; and (b) it does not help in the controlofbushfires.

Fuel-reduction burning is condemned because, itsopponents assert, (a) it causesecological and environmental damage; and (b) it does not help in the control of bushfires.

Amore recent addition to the armory of the antiburnersisthe preposterous idea (dreamedupbya CurtinUniversity academic) that if eucalypt forests are left long-unburnt they become non-flammable. Incredibly, this nonsense has been embraced by urban environmentalists and is constantly being pushed at the public by acompliant, incurious and all too gullible media.

Those who advocate the Emergency Response Only approach are promoting an out-dated, failed and afailing strategy. Nowhere in bushfire-prone areas anywhereinthe world has thisapproach worked.Itfailedinsouth-west Western Australia, culminating in the 1961 fires; it failed in southeastern Australia, culminating in the devastating Black Saturday and Black Summer fires, and it is failing (again) as we speak in Canada and the US, where astronomical resources (by our standards) can be thrown at bushfires.

It will inevitably fail again in eastern Australia sometime in the next few years as bushfire fuels build-up again in the areas burned in Black Summer and nothing is done to reduce them.None

of thearguments against prescribed burning stack up in the face either of science or experience.

On the contrary. Biodiversity and the environment are altogether better protected by mild controlled fires than by intense uncontrolled wildfires. There is not an experienced firefighter anywhere in the world who does not understand thatitiseasier, safer and cheaper to control bushfires in light rather than in heavy fuels.

Far from becoming non-flammable, karri forest left unburnt for nearly acentury carries massive tonnagesofcombustible fuels. Unfortunately,this experience does not trump the ideology of the green academics and activists who are calling the shots on bushfire policy in Australia’s eastern states.

This depressing situation is leading many bushfire specialists of my generation to consider slashing their wrists in despair. “Let the bastards burn, if that’s the way they want to play it” is acomment Iheard from one of Australia’s most distinguished bushfire scientists, sick to the core of the way the authorities in Victoria and NSW are deliberately setting up ruralpeople and environmentsfor destruction.

Iamfrequently asked if Ican explainthe madness of governments and professional bureaucracies who promoteafailed and failing bushfire strategy, and who blatantly ignore the lessons of history. I cannot explain it.

Theonly thingI can do is to relatethe good news story from Western Australia, one corner of the continentwherethere is afirm commitment by government to invest in effectivepreparedness and mitigation as well as in emergency response. The WA approach is not perfect, but it is thoughtthroughand supported by good science. The hearts and minds of our political leaders and our professional bushfiremanagersare in the right place.The consequences of action, and of inaction, are understood.The bushfire authoritiesaccept that they are accountable for bushfire outcomes.

AUSTRALIA is in the depths of an eraof incompetent and failing bushfire management. The approach adopted by governments and land and fire agencies (in NSW and Victoria, in particular) is deeply unprofessional, and will inevitably result in new bushfire disasters in the years ahead. To rely on Emergency Responseistorely on something that can never work when needed most, i.e., when there are multiple ignitions in heavy fuels on aday of extreme fire weather, at the end of adrought.

This is not an imaginary scenario,but aset of probabilities that will occur once or twice nearly every few summers, somewhere in thecountry.Needless to say, when the next cycle of nasty fires occur in Australia the cry will go up “it’s all due to climate change”,but Iamnot sure how long this excuse for incompetence can be sustained. Eventually someone will want to see actual evidence of how the climate has changed to produce such dramatically horribleoutcomes.For another, people will want to know why climate change has not caused similar disasters in Western Australia.

Furthermore, every bushfire scientist and manager in the land must know about “the bushfire behaviour triangle”whichdemonstrates that (once you have ignition) the behaviour of afire is aproduct of weather, fuels and topography.

The merest study of history will reveal that the Australian bushland has experienced droughts, severefire weather and bushfires across millennia. Any increase in the frequency of severe fire weather due to climatechange or climate cycles, regardless of the cause, can only be counteracted by focussing management effort on fuels. Nobody can control weather or alter topography.

Afinal thought on the Canadian bushfires.One of the things whichismost often criticised about fuel reduction burning is that it generates smoke, and it is claimed thatthis harms some people’s health and contributes to global warming. The smoke from the Canadian bushfires blanketed the entirenorth-east of the USA for weeksand has even reached Europe. Smoke is an inevitable consequence of fire,but the smoke from amild-intensity prescribed burnislight and ephemeral and can be managed to minimise the risk of smoking out major population centres. The reverse is the case for smoke from wildfires, another key factor in support of programsthat make wildfire control quicker and easier.

This article is an abridged version of an opinion piece that appeared in Quadrant Online Roger Underwood, OAM, is aformer district and regionalforest manager in Western Australia and aspecialist in bushfire operations, policy and history. He was for 20 years the Chairman of the BushfireFront, an organisation dedicated to minimising bushfire damage in Western Australia.

Maffra Mardi Grasfestival 2024

THE Rotary Club of Maffra Mardi Gras is all set to take place in 2024. Following the success of this year’s event, the committee is working hard to makesureithappens again next year on Saturday, March 16 -savethe date!

The theme is ‘OUTER SPACE!’ Get your thinking caps on about the amazing floats you can make up, with planets and stars, astronauts, rockets, flying saucers and aliens, to name afew.

Mardi Gras literally means‘FatTuesday’. It was amedieval festival before Lent, when people ate fatty foods to give them strength throughout their 40 days of fasting. It developed into acarnival, with costumes and floats, and is still popular in Europe. The MaffraMardi Gras is the longest running

event in Wellington Shire. It started in 1957 when agroup of Maffra businessmen wanted to raise money for the Maffra Hospital. That first year, they had ‘penny votes’. The winner was the person who received the most votes, and therefore the most pennies, with all proceeds going to the hospital. This was so successful that it was decided to continue the fundraiserthe following year as the Maffra Mardi Gras.

One purpose of the MardiGras is to provide an opportunity forcommunitygroups throughout Wellington Shire to raise funds for their organisations. Entrants have asix-weekwindow immediately preceding March 16 in which to run their

start. Cost $10per person, BYO nibbles, drinks and glasses. Tables of eight, raffles and prizes. Bookings essential by tomorrow, Wednesday August 30, contact Gail on 0429 051 587.

fund-raising activities.Asmall percentage of those funds goes to the Rotary Club of Maffra to further their work in the local community.

In the past, tens of thousands of dollars have been raised for community projects throughout the shire, with over $4 million raised overall. Last year part of the Mardi Gras funds was usedtobuy afreezer for the Maffra Neighbourhood House.

The second purpose of the Mardi Gras is to provide the Wellington Shire community with a family-friendly event. There is astreetparade with marching bands and floats, street and food stalls, Kids’Corner, entertainment and alot of fun!

Dress-ups in line with the theme are encouraged and vouchers will be handed out to the best costumes. Have fun with ‘OUTER SPACE’ as the next theme!

"The committee is now open to entries from any organisations thatwould like to be involved in order to raise funds for their projects," Maffra Mardi Gras Committee Member, Claire Cochrane said.

 The Rotary Club of Maffra presents aguest speaker at its next meeting on Thursday, August 31. Gabe Hau will be speaking about the many different aspects of Peace, including positive and negative Peace. Peace is auniversal concept, we all want it, even if ourdefinition of peacemay differ. Gabe will be telling those present how to become a Peacebuilder Clubtopromote Peace in the local community and the world.

Anyone is welcome to come along to the meeting.Please book in with Duarton51471985by tomorrow, Wednesday, August 30.

 The Trivia Masters, Avon Parish Trivia Night will be held in the Anglican Church Hall, 26 McFarlane Street, Stratford, on Saturday, September 2, at 7pm for a7.30pm

 The Maffra Community Expo is on this Saturday, September 2, from 10.30am until 1pm at Maffra Neighbourhood House, cnr Thomson and Queen Street, Maffra. Many local community groups will be represented at the Expo, with information to hand out and to answer any questions you may have. Everyone is invited to come along and enjoy afree sausage cooked by the Maffra Lions Club.

Look for the yellow flyer in your letterbox this week.

 St Vincent de Paul monthly Garage Sale will take place on Saturday, September 2 at the Jack Kelly store, 28 Laura Street, Maffra from 9am until 10.30pm, weather permitting.

 The Rotary Club of Maffra Community Market will be held on Sunday September 3atthe Island Reserve, McMahon Drive, Maffra (at the back of Woolworths car park). From 9am until 12.30pm, the Maffra Ukestra (Ukulele group) are going to be playing this month, weather permitting.

Ms Cochrane said entrants will receive alot of support with their fundraising, as well as publicity for their organisation. They will also receive asash and flowers at the presentation on the day.

"There is no age limit, and men are welcome as well as women. The organisation must have itsown public liability insurance," she added.

"Being aFundraising Entrant can be as much or as little work as you want to put into it and can be alot of fun!"

Entry forms available from melissamafframardigras@gmail.com

Applications from stallholders are also welcome now,especially food and coffee stalls. The northern service lane in Johnson St, Maffra will have space for stalls to set up with parking on the grass verge. Please consider astall with games, such as fishing games with magnets, spinning wheel games, etc. For application forms contact kath@wideband. net.au

Expressions of interest from anyone wishing to enter afloat can also be sent in, with entry forms nearly ready to go. Any community organisation that has its own public liability insurancecan enter afloat. The Best Community Float, Best Overall Float and Best Business Float will all receive trophies. Email maffrasecretary@rotary0920.org.au

On SaturdayMarch 16 2024,MaffraMardi Grasreturns withanew theme:Outer Space!

Maffra Mardi Graswillreturn, bringing street parades with marching bands andfloats -a wholetonne of fun.

Photos:Contributed

Mavis’ magical milestone

Zoe Askew

FORMER Sale art teacher Mavis Jennings celebratedher 102nd birthday on Friday (August 25) with afternooncelebrations hosted at the Lakeside Bowling Club to mark the momentous occasion.

Mavis Jennings, born in Sydney on August 25, 1921, was joined by friends and former students to celebrate her 102nd birthday.

Mrs Jennings and her latehusband of more than 70 years, Bill, moved to Sale from Bendgio in the 60s, the couple teaching at the SaleTechnical School until their retirement.

In her younger years, Mrs Jennings was akeen golfer while Mr Jennings was ahighly active member of the Sale Bowls Club.

Over the years, Mrs and Mr Jennings havemade generous donations to the club, with one Sale Bowls Club greennamed afterthe couple -The Jennings Green.

Acreative spirit with atrue passion for art and craft, Mrs Jennings was always working on acreative project, whether that be leather work,

knitting,macrame,painting, pottery, or hat making. Mrs Jennings soon became known for her eccentric hats.

As well as teachingatthe Sale Technical School, Mrs Jennings used to facilitate occupational art therapy and oftengaveart lessons in her home.

Mavisand Bill Jennings were known to throw lavish parties at their Cunninghame Street home, ahome which Mrs Jennings designed herself

Mrs Jennings puts her long life down to being avegetarian since she was ayoung girl.

When she was just four-years-old, Mrs Jennings went into her grandfather's butcher shop and saw blood everywhere. Right then, she vowed never to eat meat again.

In celebration of her 102nd birthday, Mrs Jennings made agenerous donation to the Sale Bowls Club, which will fund the construction of an extension to the pavilion.

Sale Bowls Club president Stephen Chalmer says to acknowledge Mrs Jennings' generous donation, the Bowler's Room willbenamed'Mavis'.

OSTOMY MEET AND GREET

Bringaplate of afternoon tea to shareand partners aremost welcome.

The Ostomy Meet and Greet will be held in the CGH Conference Room –CommunityCare Building, Palmerston St, Sale.Stoma appliance representatives will be in attendance.

Formoreinformation about theevent,contactStomal Therapy Nurse, Ann Payne, on 5143 8148

Job Vacancies ç Please visit

Mavisdesigned her CunninghameStreet house, whereshe lived until moving intoWilsons Lodge.

Mavis, aged 102, conducts theroom as theysingher happy birthday.

MavisJennings with formerstudents Heather Schlipalius, ShirleyTerry and Peter Eppelstun.

Photos: Zoe Askew

Metallica in Morwell

StefanBradley

THE metal militia that is Metallica and their fanbase broadcast heavy rock riffs and two killer liveshows all aroundthe world in cinemas this month, including in Morwell, as part of their M72 World Tour.

California heavy metal icons Metallica probably won’t be coming to Gippsland anytime soon, and it’sbeenoveradecade since the band performed in Australia, so ashow streamed live from Texas to aMorwell cinema is the closest fans in our region will get to experience their electric set-up. This is acinema experience that breaks all the rules. Cinemagoers were encouraged to stand up and make some noise in the theatre, and even jump on their phone to share photos and videos to asocial media hashtag. It’s afront row opportunity you don’t have to line up hours for.

Frontman James Hetfield welcomed everyone to the ‘Metallica Family’, and called the shows a “gathering of people who don’t fit in”. It’s no wonder he’sconsidered one of greatest frontmaninrock and metal. Despite his age of 60, his voice is in fine form, and he chugs away on his guitar at the same time with the energy as someonehalf his age. The other three in the band are just as hungry to please the crowd.

With Victoriaabout 15 hours ahead of Texas, the true live experience was the 5.30pm sessions on Saturday August 19 and Monday August 21. Assuming you didn’t go to alater session, and or were in an unfavourabletimezone,around the world all Metallica fans enjoyed the same show

as Texas -bar asix-second broadcasting delay. With the first three songs of night one, the live favourites ‘Creeping Death’, ‘Harvester of Sorrow’ and ‘LeperMessiah’, it was clearthat the band would be catering to alltheir fans. Not just the old school fans, but also the more mainstream (or casual) listeners, and the hardcore devotees who love all their albums.

The band’s M72 tour is in support of their 11th studio album, 72 Seasons, released in April. A band with such alarge following and influence as Metallica could probably rest on their laurels and play ashow full of hits as not much else, but the group has always tried to find ways to innovate. As part of the tour, they’ve set up a‘No Repeat Weekend’concept, with not asinglesongrepeated across the two nightsineach city. It’s afan’s dream to hear 32 completely different tracks across the two shows from over forty years of history.

The sound across both nights was hit and miss. It can be difficult to ascertain at times whether it was cinema or the sound mix from Texas to blame. The Morwell Village Cinemas session did not have VMAX, which has alargerscreen and enhanced soundinmanycases. Astray bass drum permeated the sound of much of night one, and parts of two, which was very frustrating. The first night was also not very loud, but thankfully nighttwo turned it up to 11.

While those in the cinema got to see the band up close and personal at all the great angles, it didn't always make sense; it was strange to see the camera not switch to lead guitarist Kirk Hammett when he was playing key solos.

One of the weakestmoments from the firstnight

was theirperformance of the new album’s lead single, ‘Lux Æterna’. It’s one of the better tracks from 72 Seasons,but this version sounded like a rehearsal, and Hetfield struggled to hit the higher notes on the chorus. Noneofmypersonal favourites from the new record were played, but it’s great to see alegacy band have confidence in their new material.

‘Seek &Destroy’ and acover of ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ saw beachballsdroppedall over the crowd. Despite being one of the pioneering heavy bands, Metallicaalsohaveasoft side,and hearing the crowd sing the title of power ballad ‘Nothing Else Matters’ at its conclusion was very emotional. One very unexpected highlight was ‘Dirty Window’ off the infamous St Anger record -this live versionsounded absolutely brutal. Both nights saw alengthy instrumental -‘Orion’and ‘The Call of Ktulu’ -which were great to sit back and take in the riffage.

Alongside classics like ‘Battery’, ‘One’ and ‘Fade to Black’, it’s great to see the bandgive anod to theunderratedtracks in their set, like ‘The Day ThatNever Comes’, ‘WelcomeHome (Sanitarium)’ and ‘King Nothing’. The first nightended with 'Master of Puppets' and the second with ‘Enter Sandman’. There wasnoway they could haveboth of those monster hits on the same night, with the former experiencing apopularity surge thanks to its inclusion in Stranger Things

Ultimately, there were no surprises on either night’s setlist -nosong premieres, no revival of old tracks, or aspecial cover.Just two great Metallica shows, which we hope to see in Victoria soon.

Cornell progressesthrough to ‘The Callbacks’

StefanBradley

SALE busker Jaxson Cornell has impressed on talent show The Voice, progressing to the next round to be coached by singer Guy Sebastian.

Mr Cornell turned up for The Voice blind auditions (airedAugust15) and performed apassionate rendition of Post Malone’s‘IFall Apart’, progressing to the next round, ‘The Callbacks’, which aired on Monday night.

You may have seen him performing in front of the Gippsland Centre(Coles side), the Clocktower, the Sale ChemistWarehouse,and the Sale Greyhounds Club. And now, your television screens.

“I’ve been busking alot in many different areas. Going from busking to hitting that stage in front of a lot of successful people…it was truly breathtaking. It was unbelievable,” Mr Cornelltoldthe Gippsland Times.

The lone coach who turned their chair to pick Mr Cornell for his team of competitors was Mr Sebastian.

“GuySebastian turning his chair was such an amazing feeling. I’m glad he turned out of all four of the coaches. Ilove him -he’s agreat bloke,” Mr Cornell said.

“He’s been an inspiration of mine. Iused to listen to alot of his songs.”

One of the toughest calls for The Voice you have to make for the audition picking the right song. How do you pick asong that you can sing well, while also showcasing what you’re about?

Mr Cornell idolises Post Malone, and ‘I Fall Apart’ was asong he really loves.

“For me, Ifelt(it was a) way Icould interact with the crowd and the audience, and just tell astory in away and let them feel the emotion of the song,” Mr Cornell said.

“It’s such agreat song. Ifeel this song would just

standout the most, and Ihaven’t heard it done yet on The Voice,soIfigured Iwould give it acrack.”

Asked about his other musical influences growing up, Mr Cornell said he was inspired by the hip-hop genre, and is arapper himself. He’s abig fanof Machine Gun Kelly.

He alsonamed singers he looked up to, in particular those who wrote heartfelt and sad songs, such as StanSmith,LewisCapaldi, Calum Scott and Conor Maynard. He also loves 80s music.

They’re not his number one muse, however. Mr Cornell’s siblings watched his audition from the sidelines, but sadly, their mother never got to see his performance, as she died in 2019 from cancer.

He brought aphoto of her, showing the coaches andthe Australian public how much she meant to him. He became emotional as he described her as his biggest inspiration.

“She always believed in me,” he said.

She knew he could make it in music.

Mr Cornell is committed to giving it all for the next round, knowing that so many never pass the blind audition.

“There’s amazing talent around Australia on The Voice this year. I’ll give it acrack and see how far Ican get,” he said.

“At one stage, Ifelt like Iwas in it to win it. But then Iswitched it up and thought Ishouldn’t come in with so much confidence, because there’s going to be alot of great singers as alot of people have heard already.

“I wasn’t even expecting achair turn, and Igot that far…I’m one of those people who did make it, and I’m so grateful for that.”

When Mr Cornell was ayoung child, afirecracker blew his ear drum. As aresult, he’s partially deaf in one ear, which has led to self-doubt about his singingability. In addition, he's hadnoformal music training. He hopes that those watching the show are encouraged by his progress.

“It’s hard out there, but if you have abit of faith in yourself, you’ll surprise yourself by what you can achieve,” he said.

Mr Cornell’s music journey began when he was about four or five years old. He recalls how enamoured he was by the sound of apiano keyboard

“You could make asound with your fingers, and it sounded beautiful. Inever gave it up,” he said.

Over anumberofyears, he learnt small songslike 'Mary Had aLittle Lamb' and 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'.

When he got older, he began incorporating singing into his playing.

“You gotta sing. You can’t just play the piano,” he laughed.

“It brought me to where Iamtoday - The Voice stage.”

MetallicaperformsatAT&T Stadium, Arlington, TexasonAugust18, 2023.

Show photos: BrettMurray

Jaxson Cornell shows aphoto of his biggest inspiration, his mum, who diedin2019from cancer Images: Seven Network

Metallica’s elaborate light show stuns fans.

Crossword Puzzle No.8549

with Muzza

ONE POINTERS

1. Which element is represented by the letter ‘O’?

2. Who is Buzz Lightyear’scowboy buddy?

3. If Iwas in the town of Kyneton, what state/territory would I be in?

4. What is the name of the river that flows through London?

TWO POINTERS

5. What is the name of the Earl of Grantham’svalet in the series Downton Abbey?

6. What is the name of the Earth’slargest continent?

7. Who is the Australian Formula 1driver who has recently started driving for team Alpha Tauri?

8. What is the tallest waterfall in the world?

THREE POINTERS

9. What wordrepresents the letter ‘G’ in the phonetic alphabet?

10. Who won this years gold logie?

11. Name the song from these lyrics...“For hereamI sitting in a tin can, Far above the world”?

12. Who wrote the hit musical ‘Hamilton’?

FOUR POINTERS

13. Who wrote the book ‘Sense and Sensibility’?

14. Who played the part of the Toymaker in the movie ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’?

FIVE POINTER

15. I’ll give you five songs and you give me the band/artist?

One point for each correct answer

1. Rhapsody in Blue 2. Shape of You3.DrFeelgood

4. Dirt Track Cowboy 5. The Logical Song

HOW DID YOU FARE?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 23-29: Well done;

15-22: Solid effort; 9-14: Room for improvement;

0-8: Hit the books.

Target Time No.0173

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, apostrophes or

Howtoplay...

Fill

BUY

Duty’swillinclude installing showerscreens and Splashbacks &reglazing of broken windows

Be able to work unsupervised

Be able to work in ateam environment

Must be reliable, have driver’s licence

STUNNING RESIDENCE ON ACREAGE IN TOWN

This stunning home that meets all the family needs requires an inspection to fully appreciate all that it has to offer.

Situated on 2.6 acres this quality-built home is situated in aquiet street on the northern fringe of the Maffra township, The brick veneer home consists of 4spacious bedrooms, 3living areas, 2 bathrooms, inground spa and pool, sweeping verandas, double carport and extensive shedding. The main bedroom is huge and features aspacious ensuite and large walkin robe with all the remaining bedrooms featuring built-in-robes and have recently been fitted with quality carpets. The newly refurbished kitchen is amazing and features new stainless appliances, an abundance of cupboard space and is decorated in neutral tones. The home has a huge amount of living space which includes family room with gas log fire, informal dining area, formal lounge with open fireplace and delightful north facing rumpus room with reverse cycle air-conditioning. Externally the features are endless. There is asolar heated inground swimming pool along with an inground gas heated spa surrounded by pavers making the area clean and comfortable. For the home handyman there is an ample amount of shedding which includes a5mx7mshed/gym/pool side room plus 12m x7.5m workshop complete with concrete floor,power,and hoist. The double carport adjoins the residence. The rear yard is fully enclosed with Colourbond fencing and is secure making it ideal for pets and children. The block has subdivision potential subject to council approval and is only ashort distance from the Cameron Sporting Complex and Maffra Golf Club.

Briefdetails

Property: Four-bedroom home on 2.6 acres

Address: 180-184 McAdam Street, Maffra

Price: $1,050,000

Agent: BrettLanigan or PatWeatherley, Gippsland Real Estate, 0427 517577 or 0412 435 644

So

Moderntwo-storey home

Modern two-storey retreat. Introducing 157 Fitzroy Street, Sale -Amodern two-storey retreat nestled in agoodlocation close to schools, shops and services. Thisfabulous

two-storey home built three years ago by Bedggood and Clarke, presents ablend of modern practicality and promises acontemporary, low-maintenance lifestyle.

As you step into the welcoming entryway you'll immediately sense the spaciousness and warmth that permeate throughout. A comfortable sitting room at the front of the house sets the tone for relaxation and intimate gatherings.

The heart of the home is the open-plan layout encompassing the kitchen, meals, and family area.

Bathed in natural light, this space provides an inviting atmosphere for family and friends to gather and the modern kitchen agreat placetoprepare meals, with alarge island bench and plenty of drawer and cupboard space. Wood heating, ceiling fans andsplit system provide year-round comfort. Downstairs also features alarge,wellequipped laundry and aseparatetoilet.

Theupper level of the home is dedicated to rest and rejuvenation. Acentral living space creates an inviting hub for family members to gather and unwind.

The master bedroom is accompanied by aluxurious ensuite and large walk-in robe, providing aprivate retreat within your own home. The other two bedrooms are agenerous size, bothwith built- in robes providing ample storage space, ensuring aclutter-free environment. These bedrooms are serviced by awell-appointed familybathroom which boasts ashower,bath, and stylish vanity.

Thedouble garage provides direct entry into the home and the rear yard, as well as being an additional inbuilt storage area Step outside,and you'll find an outdoor area designed for year-round enjoyment. With pull-down blinds, you can create your own sheltered haven, perfect for all seasons. The private yard is atestament to low-maintenance landscaping, providing aneat and tidy space for relaxation and entertainment.

In every aspect, 157 Fitzroy Street, Sale encapsulates modern living at its finest.

Briefdetails fdetails

Property: Modern three-bedroom family home

Address: 157Fitzroy Street,Sale

Price: $599,000

Contact: Tony Kiss, Wellington Real Estate, 0419 526 637

Council’snew energy specialist

WELLINGTON Shire Councilhas backedits commitment to Wellington and Gippsland's renewable and new energy transition by adding aspecialist to its business team.

The council has announced Kirsten Power as its new Business Facilitationand Leveraging Officer, who aims to ensure that businesses are well-placed to get the most out of the $40 billion in planned

renewable energy investment across the region.

This new position is part of acoordinated plan responding to new energy, and considers transmission infrastructure, economic and community benefits, communityengagement, localconstruction and jobs, training and skills, regional collaboration, and information sharing across government.

In 2021, the Wellington community identified climate change as their number one council plan priority, resulting in the council supporting renewable energy investmentand transition. While supportive, the council acknowledges that there are diverse views about the impacts of renewable energy throughout the local community and is working closely withbusinesses and government to ensure planned renewableinvestment in Gippsland provides big legacy benefits to Wellington communities.

Council continues to advocate to the state government viaVicGrid, for well-planned and coordinated transmission outcomes. Council’s position supports community sentiment that underground is preferable, and above-ground or amixture of both may be accepted when necessary. This will avoid a“spaghetti effect” of transmission and minimise impact on landowners, while also acknowledging that the responsibility for ensuring responsible transmission infrastructure remains with the state government and not the council.

Council seeks to ensure the economic potential of renewable energy investment and continues to advocatefor employment and supply-chain inclusion for businesses across the shire.

WellingtonShire Councilactively backs

investment frombusinesses that align withits focus on renewableindustries.These include already established companies such as Elecsome in Kilmany, which is building Australia’s first solar panel upcycling service, and H2X, which is establishing aplant to convert traditional fossil fuel-based vehicles to hydrogen-power.

The council supportsthe role of local ports at Barry Beach and Port Anthonyfor the construction, operation and maintenance phases of new energy transition projects in Gippsland.

To take advantage of the shire's role in the new energy transition, the council believes that Wellington-based training and educationopportunities are vital. It will collaborate regionally with other local government authorities and the state government to support advocacy priorities.

Council willalsoencouragestate and federal government bodies, along with renewable energy proponents,toengage effectively withthe Wellington Shirecommunityand Traditional Ownerstoinform them about final project proposals and investment decisions.

Communityconsultationisstronglyencouraged during the planning and implementation process for energy transition, especially within communities directly affected by transitioning industries.

Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to think about the role that they could play in energy transition, and to contact Kirsten Power at kirstenp@ wellington.vic.gov.au to show their interest. Moredetail about Council’skey priorities can be foundatwww.wellington.vic.gov.au/ renewableplanning.

South Gippyfarming expo

THE Strzelecki Lions Clubhas announced that they will be hosting the South Gippsland Dairy &Farming Expo in Korumburra on Wednesday, September 6and Thursday,September 7.

This year, they will celebrate over 22 years of providingthe localdairying community withan event showcasingthe latest innovations, products, and services available to the dairy industry.

Be surenot to miss your chance to win part of a$5,000 prize pool in the Udder Truth Show bag competition, which is proudly bought to you by South East Organic Fertiliser. So come alongtothe Korumburra Showgrounds on September 6and 7.

The rulesare simple, participants must be farmers and over 18 years of age. Collect ashow bag at the gate, answer 17 of the 20 questions and request your card to be stamped by the corresponding exhibitor. The first card drawn with 17 correct answers, with the exhibitor stamps, will respectively win $3,000 first prize; $1,500 second prize and third prize $500.

The lucky winner's announcement will occur at 2.30pm on Thursday, September 7, 2023.Let's work out the odds; there will be 200 show bags available during the event's two days.

The funds raised from the Dairy Expo have helped the Strzelecki Lions Club distribute over $640,000 back into the community and Lions projects. The planning for the Dairy Expo starts in January each year, and the committee meets monthly until the last week before the event to ensure all the plans are in place.

Matt Harmsfrom OnFarm Consulting is hosting asession on Wednesday, September 6at11am.

Withquestionls like: Is dairying likeagood bottle of red wine? Does it get better with age, or is it corked? Is the grass greener on the other side or does dairy offer along-term financial reward that

compensates for the hard work and volatility?

Join Facilitator Matt Harms with panel members Mark and Trish Hammond (Labertouche dairy farmers), David and Linda Brumby (recent entrants to dairyfarming at Leongatha), Luke Wallace (Poowong North dairy farmer with recently installed robots), Nick Leppin (Wattlebank) and Matt Colwill (Nerrena) (both former dairy farmers), to discuss whetherdairyfarming is improving with age or is it on the nose? Come along and listen to a passionate range of views and experiences, to really determine whether dairy farming is improving with age.

Whatelseishappening?

Airy Fairy Fun &Faces: There is something for everyone at the 2023 Dairy Expo, so bring the young kidsalong and shareanopportunity to bringcolour and fun to their faces.

The Gumboot Gift: On Thursday September 7at 1pm, the prestigious 120-metre gumboot footrace will take place. It is amust-see and do event with both male and female sections with aprize pool of $4,000.

DIAA Gippsland Networking Event: On Wednesday September 62023, at 3pm. Why GippslandisAustralia’s premierdairy region. Panel discussion with Jersey Milky Cocktails, Beverages &Snacks by Matt Wilson. RSVP via https://diaa.asn.au/events

Thechoiceofdaysisuptoyou, but make sure youvisit the South Gippsland Dairy &Farming Expo at Korumburra Showgrounds, Korumburra. Openinghours are 10.00am to 3pm daily, and the cost is $15.00per person; childrenunder16 years old are free. For exhibitors or patrons who have questions,please phone Deanne Kennedy on 0419 878055 or email dairyexpo@jaydee.net.au

Australian top hayhonours

GROWERS from Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia have shared top honours in the Feed CentralNational Hay Qualityawards announced during the Australian Fodder Industry Association 2023 FODDERGANZA! in Bendigo on Thursday, August 17.

Feed Central managing director Tim Ford said the awards were streamlined this year to feature only national winners due to the difficultharvest and curing conditions.

“We normally have state and national winners, but because of the extensive weather damage last year, there weren’t enough quality samples to have state awards, so we decided to combine entries at anational level,” Mr Ford said.

“However, the national awards are as important as ever because, despite the tough season, some farmers stillcame up with reallygood product through their excellent management.”

Col Radcliffe and the Radcliffe familyof Kerang, Victoria,continued theirsuccess in the Hay Quality Awards, winning the Best Lucerne Visual Score.

The runner-up for the Lucerne Visual Scorewas Wade Alexander and the Alexander family from Mundubbera, Queensland.

Bill Ferguson from Cumboogle Farming in Dubbo, NSW, won the Best Lucerne Feed Test, while the runner-up was Alex Peacockand the Peacockfamily from Timmering, Victoria.

BradGriffiths from Mallala, South Australia, was the national winner for both theBest Cereal Visual Score and the Best Cereal Feed Test.

Mr Ford said all winners had prospered despite the challenging conditions.

Despite the lackofquality products for the 2022/23 season, Mr Ford is more upbeat about the prospects for this season.

“I think it’s looking really good,” he said.

“Some areas are dry, but there is good growth in mostareas.Adry season is predicted,soweare expectinggoodquality hay.

"Last year, there was aseries of ongoing weather fronts when hay was on the ground; we would be extremely unlucky to get that again this year.”

The Feed Central National Hay Quality Awards recogniseand encourage growers to aim for high-quality hay.

Hay listed with Feed Central in preparation for sale is inspected on-farm by a certified Feed Central inspectorand is eligible for entry in the competition.

Turningupthe heatonfieldcropresearch

AT atimewhenrecord temperatures and extreme heatwaves are causing concern globally, the Free Air Temperature Extreme (FATE) facility at Agriculture Victoria’s Horsham SmartFarm will provide vital information on the impact of climate change on field crops.

Agriculture VictoriaResearch Leader of Crop Agronomy Dr GlennFitzgerald is testingthe effect of heatwaves on cereal, pulse and oilseed crops using computerised, custom-engineeredtrolleys mounted with infrared heaters.

"The FATE facilityhelps us to assess the impact of heatwaves on plant functions at critical times during the grown season such as grain-filling or flowering," he said.

"Unlike standard chamber-based studies on heatwaves, these trolleys sit in the ‘free air’ in paddocks and radiate heat directly on to the plants growing underneath, while still exposing them to

wind, rain and other atmospheric conditions in a real-world setting.

"We can program the FATE computers to dial the heat up or down and change the frequency, severity and duration of our simulated heatwaves.

"There are lots of variations that we can explore including the effect of warmernights on crops versus afrost event that might be experienced by our reference crops."

Dr Fitzgerald said the research goes far beyond the obvious conclusion that ahotter climate and heatwaves will reduce crop yields and grain quality.

"This season we are doing heatwave research on wheatand lentils whichwill feed into other work done at the SmartFarm on graintraits being studiedbyour teams who workincrop quality, plant genomics and breeding.

"We are aiming to simulate drought-like conditions which will allow us to understand the

different impacts heatwavesand drought have on crops."

The FATE facility is funded by the state government as part of Agriculture Victoria’s 10 year AgricultureStrategy and the Safer Smarter Farms Program which highlights risk management and adaptation to climate change.

The Grains Researchand Development Corporation (GRDC) has provided afurther $800,000 funding to expand the facility in 2023/24.

AgricultureVictoria is also collaborating with the University of Sydneytotrialsome of their heat tolerant wheat lines in theFATE facility, and CSIRO to help understand heat impacts to varieties of lentils.

Find out more about the agriculture strategy here: https://go.vic.gov.au/3QxJ6tu

Regional Agribusiness innovative technology

INNOVATIVE technology at Gippsland Regional Agribusiness, which allows staff to monitorfarmland remotely, offers aglimpse into the future of the farming industry.

Probes and‘farmbots’ are amongthe tools strategicallyused across the Gippsland Waterowned agribusiness property at Dutson Downs. These devices enhance farming operations and improve efficiency, actively recording and monitoring livestock movement, water storage levels and weather events.

‘Farmbots’ are the newest addition to operations at Dutsonand are alreadyastaff favourite. The bots record live rain events, water storage andflow from waterbores and transfer the data to an app called ‘MaiaGrazing’.

They also alarm if water tanks stop filling or begin dropping and have recently helped to identify leaks in water tanks quickly. Managing directorSarahCumming said Gippsland Water is embracing innovative thinking and finding clever solutions.

“We’re excited to adopt new and exciting technologyand challenge ourselves to innovate,” Ms Cumming said.

“The technology at Gippsland Regional Agribusiness has been welcomed by our staff to help with the management of the property and livestock.”

‘IrriMAX’ moisture probesare used in irrigationmanagement and record soil moisture, salinity, and temperature. Staff monitor data

from the probes to decide when and where to irrigate.

The MaiaGrazing app has also provided staff an easy place to access data like stock grazing numbers, herdmovements,waterpoints, total grazing area and grazing demand. Theapp receives information from devices in thefield and displays them on aproperty map and dashboard.

Gippsland Regional Agribusiness is part of Gippsland Water’s circular economy operations, using treated wastewater to irrigate farms and generaterevenue, which helps to put downward pressure on customer bills.

For more information, visit www.gippswater. com.au/gra

Col Radcliffe and theRadcliffe family of Kerang, Victoria, won the Feed Central National HayQuality Awards’BestLucerne Visual Score

Photo: Contributed

NewPHN grant to address shortage

GIPPSLAND Primary Health Network (PHN) and Federation University Australiaare working together to provideapipelineofallied healthworkers for the Gippsland community to help address acute shortages in the sector.

As part of a$500,000 commitment, Gippsland PHN will provide scholarships to three new Federation University students ayear for 12 years, supporting them to succeed in their studies without the stress of financial pressure.

Starting in 2024, the scholarships will support eligible Gippsland occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology students for the duration of their four-year programs, enabling them to receive funding for the entire period of their degree.

This initiative aligns with Gippsland PHN's vision of a'Measurably healthier Gippsland' and will ultimately support 36 students to cover costs like textbooks, travel, groceries and computers.

Gippsland PHN acting chief executive, Angela Jacob, said the scholarship program would help disadvantagedstudentsfromGippsland secondary schools who may not consider tertiary study in health because of financial implications.

"It will also support the pipeline of local health professionals in order to address ongoing workforce issues," she said.

"We know that young people who study in Gippsland are more likely to remain in Gippsland."

According to the2019Gippsland's Future Health and Community Services Workforce report commissioned by the LatrobeValley Authority, thenumber of physiotherapists in Gippsland is projected to grow from 167in2016to237 by 2036; occupational therapists would grow from 150 in 2016 to 212in2036; and speech pathologists and audiologists would grow from 79 in 2016 to 113 in 2036.

FederationUniversity launched its Gippsland allied health programs to help tackle local workforce shortages, beginning with Occupational Therapy in 2020, followed by Physiotherapy in 2021 and Speech Pathology in 2022.

At Federation's state-of-the-art Allied Health and Activity Centre, students learn in modern

teachingspaceswith the latest technologydesigned to simulate clinical settings.

"As Victoria's premier regional university, we are uniquely placed to provide the pipeline of skills needed to address health sector shortages and driveprosperity in Gippsland," said Federation UniversityVice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley.

"Through our cooperative educationmodelin which our programs are collaborativelydesigned, developed and delivered withlocal industry, we areworking to tackle emerging workforce needs, and we are proud to partnerwith Gippsland PHN to provide allied health students with important supporttocomplete their degrees and enter the workforce where they can transform lives."

For moreinformation on the Gippsland PHN scholarships, visit federation.edu.au/connect/ foundation/scholarships/gph-scholarships

Photo: File GP1659221

MINATURE PINSCHER

LPG

11139, 16269335.

Old Port Poultry Farm

Delivering 18 week old Isa Brown laying hens to your area, Sat. Sept. 2nd. $30 ea. 0438 832 535.

In accordance with a local law itroduced by the State Government on January 1, 2012,

For more information please visit

CAR REMOVALS

-$130

-$20 45kg

HORSES WANTED

$$$

MOBILE COOL ROOM

6X4Mobilecool room, excellent condition.

Registration N41271

Ph: 0418 536 283

MULCH TIME

Large squares rice mulch.

Ph: Ray 5144 2622 or 0427 344 832.

RANCHER ROVER

Ride on mower, good condition $800 o.n.o.

Ph: 0447 548 559

Garage Sales •

SALE

38 Guthridge Pde, Sat and Sun 2nd and 3rd Sept, 9am-4. Dec. estate, huge sale, washer, dryer, 1950 lounge suite, collectables, tools, wood lathe, toys, china.

SALE

3Callistemon Court, Sat., Sep 2, 8am-2pm. TV, camping gear, jigsaws, records, DVD's, bedding and heaps more

Cobains Road, Sat 2nd Sept. 7.30am -2pm. Dec. Estate, everything must go. Glassware, kitchen items, household items, outdoor table set, student desk, gardening equipment and much, much more.

Meetings

AGM

Sale Music Festival AGM will be held on September 13 at 2pm in the Veteran Welfare Centre.

AIRLY CLYDEBANK

Hall AGM 30 Aug. 7pm at the hall, 556 Clydebank Rd Airly. All welcome.

CHRISTIAN BIBLE Stratford meetings. Please feel welcome to attend public gospel meetings to hear the simple story of Jesus' life and teachings. Used by God to freely bring hope and life to all. Held in the rear super room of the Stratford Mechanics Institute 17 Hobson St Stratford.

Sundays 2pm Non-denominational, all welcome Nathan 0477 899 212

AGM The Newry Eight's Hotrod and Muscle Inc. annual general meeting will be held at 5pm on Saturday September 9atthe Newry Recreation Reserve.

•

E. G. STAR AUCTIONS

PRELIMINARYNOTICE

WELGUARDMETALINDUSTRIESCLEARINGSALEAUCTION

7Giles Street, Bairnsdale, 10am Saturday,September2,2023

Forklift:Hyster2.5tonnegasforkliftine/c.Trailer:8mlongtandemtrailer

Machinery:Commercialpressurewasher;MIGwelders;millingmachine,folders,guillotines;35tonne holepunch,pipebenders,bandsaw&cut-offsaws

Powdercoatingheatedroomunitwitho/headrailing(EnergySafeVictoriaapproved)

Shippingcontainer:6m(20ft).Workshop:Asst.steel&timberracks;asst.steelbenches. Lgeqtysteel,aluminum,workshoptools&sundries;officeequipment&furniture PhotosonFacebookonThursday,August31.

PaymentbyCash,Cheque,BPay,EFTPOSontheday.IDrequiredtoregister.Catering&toiletsonsite.

Auctioneer TOM MORRIS 0407 098805

Applicants areinvited for aSenior Leadership position

DEPUTY

PRINCIPAL Learning and Wellbeing

Catholic College Sale is aco-educational secondary college for Year 7to

12. The College is built on Sion and Marist traditions and is seeking an enthusiastic, student-centred and achievement-focussed Deputy Principal to fulfil this position. As aChild Safe school our focus is to provide afaith-filled partnership between students, families and the College to achieve student learning goals.

This is an excellent opportunity for acommitted Catholic educator who might be aspiring to Principalship to join ahigh functioning Leadership Team and work closely to plan and implement new developments while leading pedagogical change and avenues for student wellbeing.

The successful applicant will bring their own unique gifts and talents to the leadership of Catholic College Sale which will complement those of senior management. Applicants will:

● Have aproven record as an educator and leader.

● Be actively involved in the development of contemporary learning and pedagogy.

● Be committed to and supportive of the Catholic ethos of the College.

● Be an active member of aEucharistic community.

● Have appropriate experience in education with current VIT membership.

● Have, or be prepared to work towards, 'Accreditation to Teach in a Catholic School'.

● Show ademonstrated commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children.

● Enjoy working in adynamic environment with young people.

● Be committed to working in ateam environment.

● Participate in aformal appraisal program during the term of appointment.

● Have an ability to work with students, staff and parents to ensure that the vision and mission of Catholic College Sale permeates all aspects of our faith and learning community.

Ifyou would like to apply, please access the position description and application form via www.ccsale.catholic.edu.au and emailboth the application form and your curriculum vitae to principal@ccsale.catholic.edu.au or PO Box594, Sale 3850. Applications close: 4pm Thursday 14 September 2023.

Email classifieds to: classifieds@gippslandtimes.com.au

Telephone: 5143 9333 or drop into our office: 74 Macalister Street,Sale

Ourclassifieds deadline for Tuesday's

Phone 5143 9333 for information

$$$ Cash Paid $$$ Gippsland Ph. Dave 0418 202 202 Situations Wanted • 2ND YEAR LAYERS Isa Brown hens. $15 each or 10 for $100 Ph: Lee 0423 514 834 BIRD AVARIES Two high dome $200 and $250, one octagonal, $300, also large inside aviary, suite large bird $250. Lots of transport boxes breeding boxes for parrots. Small cages and feed hoppers all in good condition and everything is neg. Ph: 0447 548 559 ANTIQUE BLACKWOOD Church pew $500. Proceeds to Ukraine. PH: 0427 688 009 ST VINNIES Giant garage sale at the Jack Kelly Store, 28 Laura St., Maffra on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 9am -10:30am Weather permitting. Cancellation announced on ABC radio. BULLS FOR HIRE/SALE Angus, Limousin, Jersey, Hereford and Friesian, very quiet. 0447 331 762. Newspaper Deliverer required for Raymond Street, Sale (Area from Foster St. to Macarthur St.) Please phone Sam 0438 446 513 GARDEN RENOS Yes we weed, mulch, trim, prune, remove unwanted plants and trees. We also build fences, orchard covers, cat palaces, lay turf and more. We are qualified, experienced and we love what we do. We are the garden renovators. Call Mike 0478 636 088. 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 Clearing out the clutter? Public Notices • Situations Vacant • For Sale • Livestock • 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

Timefora change?

St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School is seeking applications for the following positions:

Database Administrator (Synergetic)

Warragul Secondary School

Full-time, commencing as soon as possible

Personal Assistant to Deputy Principal Warragul Secondary School

Full-time, commencing as soon as possible

Business Administration Traineeship

Warragul Secondary School

Full-time, 12 month contract for 2024

See full position descriptions and apply at stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

Leadership Positions

St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School is seeking applications for the following positions:

Director of Studies (Years 7-9)

Warragul Secondary School

Full-time, commencing 2024

Director of Learning and Teaching Warragul Secondary School

Full-time, commencing 2024

Director of Learning and Teaching Warragul Junior School

Part-time, contract, commencing 2024

See full position descriptions and apply at stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

PRINTING TRADES ASSISTANT

If you are currently looking to work within agreat team, IntaPlumbing is the team for you. We are currently seeking: Qualified plumbers Machine operators

Experienced drainers

We are offering excellent remuneration, conditions and vehicle packages. Join our family orientated business for the change you have been looking for.

To apply send applications to: admin@intaplumbing.com.au or call 0400 554 223

Administration Assistant

Due to growth in Business Ausure Insurance

Brokers is seeking amotivated and enthusiastic candidate to join the team at our Sale office. We are along-standing business that has been servicing the diverse needs of our clients throughout the Gippsland region and beyond.

Duties include:

Assisting with general enquiries both phone and in person, computer data entry, emails and general administration work and assisting brokers prepare submissions.

This is afull-time position which requires:

● Knowledge of computer programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook.

● Good communication skills and presentation.

● Accuracy and close attention to detail.

● The ability to work to deadlines.

● Reliable and punctual attendance to all duties.

● Motivation and apositive can-do attitude.

Training will be provided for specialist system operations.

To apply, please forward your resume to: james.stevens@ausure.com.au and brad.silver@ausure.com.au

Business Administration Traineeship

Union Hydraulics Pty Ltd Sale, VIC Full Time, Monday to Friday -40hrweek Duties include:

● Greeting clients, answering and redirecting incoming phone enquires

● Distribution of incoming and outgoing correspondence

● Preparing documentation

● Processing invoices

● Managing accounts

● Assisting in general administrative duties

1st or 2nd Yr Apprentice Chef

Excellent hours, working conditions and astrong supportive team

Email your resume to info@reddcatt.net.au or drop into 192 Raymond St, Sale 3850.

SALE COLLEGE

FORD TERRITORY

GP1661394

We're looking for anew team member who has:

● Great communication and customer service skills

● Apositive, client focused attitude

● The ability to demonstrate awillingness to learn

● Ability to work independently and as apart of a team

● Neat and tidy presentation

EXPRESS PRINT,MORWELL FULL TIME POSITION AVAILABLE

An opportunity is available for an enthusiastic person to join our printing team at the Latrobe Valley Express Print Site in Morwell.

Youwouldberequired to work varying day and afternoon shifts and be working as part of a team of printing press operators to produce newspapers and other publications of the highest quality

Limited weekend and public holiday work would be required.

A“can do” attitude is veryimportant

Applicants would need to be physically fit and be able to work on their feet

Agood practical mechanical aptitude and basic numerical skills would be an advantage. Aforklift licence, although not mandatory, would also be desirable.

Please send cover sheet and resume with references to:

The Print Manager 5Jones Road Morwell Victoria 3840

Express Print –Morwell is an equal opportunity employer

Checkout the Tradesand Services Guide in the

● Drivers license required Please submit applications to admin@unionhyd.com.au Applications close Monday September 4

Newspaper Deliverers

TheOrangeDoor Home Agency Manager

Leadingcommunity services organisation

Salary packaging& competitive sector remuneration 10 weeks paid parentalleave

Full time| Initiallymaximum term to June 2024

We have an exciting opportunity for a Managertoleada multi-disciplinary team within theOuter Gippsland Orange Door This newlycreated positionwillprovide effectiveleadership to support and strengthen day-to-day practicesand operationalrequirementsonsite at the SaleHub.The role will work closelywith partneragencies,FSV andDFFHto ensurea highquality, integrated service response is deliveredtopeopleaccessing supportthroughThe Orange Door Interested? Applytoday at:

https://careers.unitingvictas.org.au

Get in touch

If youhaveany questions aboutthis

opportunitypleasecontact Tracey

Donaldson– Senior Manager,Child Youth& Families on (03) 5144 7777

Learnmore

JAYCO PENGUIN. 1990. Good used cond. New awning $11,000. Ph: Tony 0447 973 115

GALAXY Odyssey 17ft, Limited Edition, pop-top, 2011, TV, gas/elec. stove, top grill, m/wave, a/c, QB, 240v/12v, plenty storage, e.c. $21,000 o.n.o. Phone 0456 609 278.

OZ TRAIL OFF ROAD

Camper trailer, 2012 model, fold out tent. 12 mthsreg.VOO-044. $2,500 Ph. 0498 362 386.

GP1661464

Learnmoreabout Uniting at www.unitingvictas.org.au andkeepan eyeonour Careers page for more opportunities.

GP1660384

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, rev. camera, w/mach., CD player,TV, exc. cond., great van, easy to tow, gen. reason for sale $70,000. 0431 159 984.

Zero turn ride-on mower, very good condition.

$3,600. Phone 0408 395 732.

Car Parts & Accessories

NEW TRAY

To suit Toyota Landcruiser.

$2,600. Photos available. Ph: 0437 244 461.

CUTLER, Gregory Phillip. 7/2/1960 -20/8/2023

Loved husband of Debbie.

Father and father-in-law to Megan and Liam, Ryan and Bec.

Son of Phil (dec.) and Noelle.

Brother and brother-in-law of David and Donna, Leanne (dec.), Rod and Linda, Jamie and Vanessa.

Son-in-law of Kevin (dec.) and Judy.

Thanks

THANK YOU

Iwould like to thank the Ambulance and Police officers and all of the people that came to help me after my accident in Guthridge Parade on Wednesday the 16th August.Your kindness and help were much appreciated.

Ian Lord

Deaths •

ALLEN (nee Morrison), Beth Irene

10/12/1931 -25/08/2023

Cherished wife of Jim

Allen (dec.).

Much loved mother to Julie and Russell

Christine and Graham, Sheryl and Alan (dec.), Robert.

Loving Nanna of 12.

Great Grandmother to 21.

Forever remembered as a kind loving mum and friend who didn't like sand between her toes.

Much love, Julie and Russell.

Nanna to Rachel and Jon, Michelle and Dan, David and Jess.

Great Nanna to Angus, Eddie, Jack, Lola, Patrick, and Ben.

In loving memory

Mother to Christine and Graham. Nanna to Nicole, Shorty (dec.), Linda, and Justin, Melissa and Don.

Great Nanna to Lilly and Luke, Hayden and Molly, Alana, and Joel. Forever in our hearts.

Mum, Thank you for alifetime of care and support, Iwill do my best to keep your pot plants alive.

Love always, Sheryl and Alan (dec.). Nanna to Samantha and Leigh, Becky and Andrew (dec.), Nicholas and Holly, Casey and David.

Great Nanna to Max, Elli, Xavier, Chloe, Georgie, Anna, Lexi, Tom (dec.), Roger and Bruce.

In loving memory of a great mum forever missed and remembered in my attempts at biscuit baking.

Thanks for always being there, love Robert.

Nanna to Aleisha and Nathan, Kanie and Sarah.

Great Nanna to Kobe. Alifewell lived

Pop to Maddi, Timmy, Laylah, Arlo; Evie, and Harvey. No words can describe how much we love you and how much we will miss you.

Who would have thought meeting on aContiki tour 39 years ago would've ended up like this. Thank you for an amazing life with so many adventures. Iwill miss you so much.

My partner and best friend. Debbie x

MAHER, James Anthony 21/12/53 -20/8/23

Eldest son of Eddie and Moyra Maher (both dec.).

Much loved brother and brother-in-law of Maureen and Jim, Trish and Geoff (dec.), Bernadette and Rod, Dhelia, Gabrielle and Gary.

Our darling brother James, you left us before any of us had achance to say goodbye, but we know you are in the loving arms of mum and dad.

James my loving brother, You had aheart of gold, which touched so many, now part of it is embedded in mine with alifetime of loving memories. You will be sadly missed by all.

Rest in peace my brother.

Reunited with mum and dad.

Love always Maureen, Jim, Louisa and Blake, Nicholas and Kaylee, Justin and Ebony and your nine great nephews and nieces.

MAHER, James Anthony 21/12/53 -20/8/23

Jimmy,

Your death was so sudden. We girls were planning your surprise 70th and were so looking forward to seeing the smile on your face and spending this special day with you. Now, sadly we are planning your funeral. We only had one brother and you were the best. Iwill miss our chats on the phone and hearing your voice now that you are reunited with Mum and Dad. Till we meet again. Rest in Peace. Gabrielleand Gary, Jemma and Tony, Joshua and Renee, Melanie and Daine, Dylan and Brooke, Rebecca and Lyell and your 16 great nephews and nieces. XXX OOO

MAHER, Kevin Albert of Meerlieu.

On August 25, 2023, aged 90 years. Now at rest after abattle bravely fought.

Beloved husband of Helen for almost 69 years.

Loved father and father-in-law of Glen and Rosemary, Maryanne and Richard, grandfather of Natasha, Charlie and Jasmine, and great grandfather of six. Private cremation.

ALLEN (nee Morrison).

For funeral arrangements for Mrs Beth Irene Allen, please check our website or phone:

WILLOX. The funeral service for Ms Loran Emma Willox will be held in our Geoff Rossetti Memorial Chapel, 1390 Maffra Road, Sale (next to Sale Cemetery) on MONDAY (September 4, 2023) commencing at 1pm.

CUTLER. Please join us to celebrate the life of Gregory Phillip "Greg" Cutler at 2pm on SATURDAY (September 2, 2023)atthe Sale Greyhound Club Marquee.

DUCK.

For funeral arrangements for Ms Rebecca Lee Duck, please check our website or phone:

Refreshments will be held at the Sale Greyhound Club at the conclusion of service.

Aprivate cremation will follow.

In Memoriam •

KINCAID, Colin. Shirley, Russell, Cheryl, Denise and Helen would like to express their sincere thanks to all for the support and kindness shown to all our family with flowers, cards, messages and prayer, and to everyone who attended Colin's funeral, we are all so very grateful. Special thanks to the Community Palliative Care team and Semmens Funerals. Also abig thank you to the ladies at St John's Churchfor providing the lovely afternoon tea and the Maffra Food Store for their wonderful service.

SMITH, Irene Elizabeth. "Rene"

MAHER. For funeral arrangements for Mr James Anthony Maher, please check our website or phone:

DUCK, Rebecca Lee. 28/7/1983 -27/8/2023

Aged 40 years. Passed away at the Sale Hospital with her loving family surrounding her.

Lovin gm ot her of Cameron, William, Ishana, and Jaya.

Daughter of Jennifer and Graham.

Sister to Daniel, Aaron, and Amanda.

Auntie to Catherine and Stuart. Special friend of Sarah, Xander, Rhys. Now at peace.

James my gentle quiet brother, We didn't see each other often but the distance didn't stop the love we have for each other. Another very special angel to hold in my heart.

Love you brother.

Trish and families X.

James, Iamsoblessed, so proud and so lucky to have you in my life. You were a quiet gentle soul.

Love you brother.

Bernadette. We will miss you James. Sleep peacefully Jacko. Forever in our hearts. Bernadette, Rod, and family.

Much loved brother to Dhelia and uncle to Rhys. My beautiful brother James, you have left a massive hole in my heart that will never be filled. We have alifetime of memories together which I will cherish forever. The past 14 months brought us even closer together when your whole life changed. Imadea promise to you and I'm happy that Icould keep it. Mondays and Friday's will never be the same when we go out for lunch and coffee and our conversations and you singing in the car to the radio.

James you were an awesome uncle to Rhys, and Iknow how much you loved him, your "Netflix fix it Man and he loved you too."

Whilst I'm feeling how I am, now it gives me great comfort knowing that you're in the arms of Mum and Dad, and to have had that final special time with you before you left home forever.

James, you were more than abrother to me, you were my best friend, and I know you were happy. Rest peacefully James. Your forever loving sister Dhelia and Rhys.

Memories are the sweetest things. They're with you every day. They don't grow old. They don't get lost. And no-one can take them away.

MARKLAND. James Francis. "Jim" -"Jimmy"

6/3/1929 -22/8/2023 Aged 94 Loved husband of Janet. Lovingfather and grandfather.

Resting in Peace

MARKLAND, James (Jim). 22/8/2023. West Sale Bowls Club are saddened to hear of the passing of member Jim. Always smiling and happy to help, loved his cards and bowls. Our thoughts are with Jan and his family. RIP Jim.

SCHULZ, Oswald.

1931-2023 Aged 91 years Loved husband of Shirley (dec.). Loved father of Mark, Paul and Andrew (dec.), Grandfather to Stacey, Justin, Georgia, Dylan, Alana, Jake, Mathew and Carly.

Great-grandfather of 14. Wonderful father-in-law of Bronwyn, Janelle and Thyre. At Rest

WILLOX, Loran Emma. Peacefully at home on August 13, 2023.

Cherished daughter of Faye Willox, Vincent Hammond, adored mother of Byron and Lochy, loved sister of Janelle, Shardae, Rheanna, and Chelsea (dec.).

Forever in our hearts; Dearly missed.

WILLOX, Loran. Suddenly passed away on Sunday, August 13. Words cannot express our deepest sorrow and sadness at this difficult time. Will be greatly missed by all her family.

MARKLAND. The funeral service for Mr JamesFrancis "Jim" Markland will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street Sale at 1:30pm NEXT TUESDAY (September 5, 2023) followed by aprivate cremation.

LORD, Jason. Passed away August 29, 2022. Could you come back and stay awhile, We want to hear your voice and see your smile. We want to hold you just one more time and tell you how much we love and miss you. We know how much you loved us all. We are missing you so much every day. Heaven is lucky to have you. All our love, your family.

SHARP, Bridget (Biddy). Nine years have passed by and your loss is still very painful. Missing you heaps. Your loving husband Bill, loving daughter Dorothy, son-in-law Darren, grandsons Andrew and Mathew. Forever loving you. x

Our family would like to extend our warmest thanks for expressions of sympathy, cards, flowers and the support shown to us on the passing of our dear Mum. Special thanks to Brad and staff at Letts Funerals and to celebrant Julie Duffy on abeautiful farewell to Mum.

To the wonderful staff in medical ward at the CGH. Please accept this as our personal thanks to you all. Julie, Alan, Debbie, Greg and families.

MARSH.

The funeral service for Mr Clinton Robert Marsh will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street Sale at 1:30pm on FRIDAY (September 1, 2023) followed by a private cremation.

Please see our website for livestream details.

Scott Rossetti & Staff 1390 Maffra Road Sa e 03 5143 2477

www.gippslandfuneralservices.com.au

SCHULZ. Funeral arrangements for Mr Oswald Schulz are not yet confirmed, please visit our website or contact:

GP1658407

Barry &Annette Lett

67 Macarthur Street, Sale Phone 51431232

GP1658406

SHARMAN. Amemorial service for Mrs Margaret Suzette Sharman will be held at the Church of Christ, 1 Mackay Street Springvale South at 1:30pm on THURSDAY (August 31, 2023).

The burial will be at 1:15pm TOMORROW (Wednesday August 30, 2023) at the Springvale Botanical Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Country Women's Association.

GP1658408

SINGLETON. Afuneral service for Tracey Ann Singleton WAS HELD on THURSDAY (August 24, 2023).

JOHN DEERE

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

GOALS: Leongatha: JGarnham 4AHeppell 3T Brill 2W Littlejohn 2JHopkins 2NGown

JGinnane DHume NFixterCStone JBurns.Maffra:K Renooy2 BEST: Leongatha: AHeppell

JHarry NGownJ Hopkins AHillbergJ

LAustin JDore. Warragul: WCole PIreland LGarner THobbs CSutherland JDavidson

GOALS: Moe: TBlackshaw5NProwse4HSim 4J Balfour 2H Pepper 2J Wood 2JMakepeace

LWeir.Drouin: HBirks 3J Marshall RSalterKQuirk. BEST: Moe: TBaldi HSim JWood

TBlackshawLMulqueen JBalfour.Drouin: KQuirk DClebney JKingi AQuirk JMarshall

GOALS: Wonthaggi: ALindsay2JBlair 2NAnderson2HDawson MHayesJ Thomas THarley

Morwell: BMcDonald2AQuigley 2BBailey 2T Hillier. BEST: Wonthaggi:JBlair RSparkes JBates

BSchilling 2T Schneider 2T Hamilton 2JHamiltonT Marsh JMcMahon

Mclaren HRonchi JFreeman TWrigglesworth PTainsh MBown.

Regularstuffdone

ZaidaGlibanovic

GIPPSLAND League finished its home-andaway season at the weekend with outcomes of no surprise.

Leongatha was too good for Maffra.

The Parrots came out of the gates firing and gave no sign of lettingupasthey defeated theEagles by 28 goals.

Laura Higgins, Lauren Redpath and Nicola Marriottwereinfluential for the Parrots, whileMaffra’s Chloe Felsbourg, Matilda Pendergast and Ashleigh Keefe were recognised for their efforts.

Leongatha made astatementwith this dominant victory. The final scoresread Parrots 56 to Eagles 28.

The Maroons finished the season on ahigh.

Traralgon hosted Sale in the last game for the year for both sides, who fell short of finals, but that did not mean this game did not come at any stake.

Pride and hope for the next year were on the line, and the Maroons grabbeditwith both hands as they defeated Sale by just three goals.

It was aclose affair all game between Traralgon and Sale -almostgoal-for-goal. But the Maroons’ last quarterset them above the rest as they shot 12 goals to the Magpies mere eight andran away with the win.

Traralgon’syoung gunsMilly Murphy, Amy Harrison and Cassidy Smith were outstanding on the day for the Maroons

and undoubtedly gave the club hope for the future of the side.

That future will be led by someone other than Kate French, with the Traralgon AGrade coach stepping down aftherthis season.

Moe downed the Hawks.

The Lions won their 17th game in arow, in whatwould be arecord for the club’s A Grade side.

Playing-coach Ramayer Gourley was dominantagain,sinking 31 shots to get herself among the best alongside fellow shooter Abby Gregorovich. Emma Sculley was also instrumental for the Lions.

Drouin had no answers to stop the Lions’ train as the final scores read Moe 48 to Hawks 40.

Despite the loss, Drouin’s Ava Gaul, Kym Diston and Lucy McKellar starred.

Moe secured the minor premiership, having lost only one game all year.

Off the back of astellar season, the Lions finished with 68 points,and will have the first week of the finals series to rest and recover.

The Hawks will have to gear up to play an elimination final against Warragul on Sunday.

Lights out as the Tigers dominate.

Morwell made light work of Wonthaggi last Saturday with a27-goal victory.

The game started out even as the quartertime scoreboard read Tigersnine and Power eight.

Wonthaggi’s competitiveness ran out in

the secondasthe Tigers steamrolled their opposition on court, scoring 14 to five.

But it came down to Morwell’s fitness and perseverance in the fourth quarter, which won them the healthy-looking margin, sinking afurther 20 shots to amere seven.

Chelsea Bowman, Annalise O’Halloran and Freya Scapin were good for the away team. Morwell veterans Tanya Budge and Courtney Garthdominatedthe playand led the defensive pressure in the game, while Ellie Pollutro had the game of her life.

The finalscorewas Morwell 55 to Power 28. Morwell will now head to aqualifying final against Leongatha at Wonthaggion Saturday.

Hoping to put alittlefear into Morwell’s eyes with such abig win, the Parrots will turn their focus onto getting throughthe Tigers in week one of the finals.

The Gulls sent the Redlegs packing. Warragul showed just why they’re playing finals in season 2023, as they thumped Bairnsdale 48 to 28.

The Gulls were too good, like awell-oiled machinewith defensivepressuretomake any team crumble.

Despite the best efforts of Bairnsdale’s Alison Dwyer, Anna Mooneyand Ruby Dunkleythey coulddolittletostopthe dominance of Warragul’s Renee Cook,Pippa Cook and Sienna Green.

No surprises in the last round

FROM Page 32

HOW many seats would have been taken up by eskies on this bus trip?

Bairnsdale finished its season on apositive note, defeating Warragul.

recent history of rising in the last round. In Round 18 in 2019, the non-finals-bound Tigers lost to top-three side Sale by one point, while just last year, Morwell defeated the Magpiesinthe final roundtotakeaplace in finals.

JTwite.

DByron 2Z Russell 2J Butcher BSmith CLaverty. BEST: Traralgon: JTwiteF Kennedy

CLaverty JButcher SFyfe

The Redlegs made the long drive to Western Park, and broke awayinthe final termto win 13.12 (90) to 7.11 (53).

Just six points separated the sides at the last change, but Bairnsdale closed strongly, kicking six goals to two.

Bailey ledfrom the front on Saturday, and found willing allies in Zac Anderson, Brandon Mcauliffe, Aidan Quigley, Max Linton and Dan Musil.

EDickison KYann. Morwell: SLintonLDalziel RAdams

Wonthaggi: JGilmour KMcCarthyLJones ODawsonK Yann RMoresco. Morwell: LTactorM Porykali ALovison

GOALS: Leongatha: FMateria 4DBerryman 3J Lamers 2RKemp2 GFleming 2

JStewart. Maffra: BHarrington. BEST: Leongatha: JLamers MMcGannon

LMarshmanRKempJSchelling.Maffra:W Brunt BCarubia WPleming AMckenzie

Moe: JChessells 6CNash3LMackay2J Maslen SCurtisL Durkin WClaridge.Drouin:

N/A. BEST: Moe: JChessells WHesterLFry WLuke JThorntonW Claridge.Drouin:

JClerksBFlynn MInterlandi EBracken HMcConnell

LachlanByrne-Jones wasagain prominent for the winners, while Ethan East, Will Mitchell, Nathan Dennison, Logan Austin and James Dore were also serviceable.

The Redlegs showed awillingness to play kids right to the end, with youngster Campbell Moresi making his debut.

GivenWarragul’sissueswiththe player points systemthis season,where former juniors returning to the club have been worth more thanone point, it was perhaps ironic to note Moresi came in as afour-point player.

For context, Wonthaggirecruit Cooper McInnes, who joined fromTarwininthe Mid GippslandFootball-Netball League this season and finished third in the league goal kicking, is worth the same number of points.

Best players for Warragul were Will Cole, Patrick Ireland, Luke Garner, Tom Hobbs, James Davidson and Corbin Sutherland, who kicked four goals.

Sutherland, recruited to the Gulls this season by good mate and fellow Yarram boy Jed Lamb, ended the year with 36 goals to claim aspotinthe top 10 -adecent effort given Warragul’s on field struggles.

MORWELL would be bullish about their prospects for next season.

Although by the same token, the Tigers would be equally frustrated to have played their best footballatthe end of the season when finals are out of the equation.

If the last two rounds of this season were playedasthe first two rounds of nextseason,

Morwell would surely raise afew eyebrows among those in Gippsland League circles.

The Tigers put together what coach Boyd Bailey described as anear perfect game against Bairnsdalethe week before, and backed it up at theweekendbytakingit right up to Wonthaggi.

Morwell jumped out of the blocks with three goals to one at home, and were three points ahead at the last change.

The Power steadied in the last, kicking five goals to one, but not before surviving afew nervy moments.

While Wonthaggi was safe in terms of a double chance, they weren’t so in terms of the minor premiership. The Power still had to winthis game, as Moe,equal on points, was always likely to beat bottom-side Drouin.

So,noone could accuse Wonthaggi of playing dead, especially against ateam that has

The coaches must have given themselves acard, as best for Wonthaggi was Jarryd Blair.Others to follow was likely league best-and-fairest Ryan Sparkes, Josh Bates, Toma Huther, Tim Knowles and Isaac Chugg.

For Bailey, he has much to work with during the offseason, with ateam that finished with seven wins and 11 losses, but with a very good percentage of more than 85, helped mainly by Brandon McDonald, who kicked 56 goals this year, second only to Traralgon’s Brett Eddy who won with 60.

Morwell has already started planning for next year, with Gippsland local and former North Melbourne player Troy Makepeace appointed head of football operations.

Nextyear will mark 10 years since Morwell last won afinal, and given the close relationship between them and Yallourn Yallourn North, youwould imaginethere are afew players on the Tigers’ radar to help bolster their stocks.

Losses to Warragul and Sale by under 10 points during this season have arguably been thedifference between Morwell payingfinals and not.

MOE might have uncovered ahidden gem right on the eve of finals.

In his first year out of thirds, and in just his secondsenior game, Tom Blackshaw kicked five goals to see the Lions to a21.11 (137) to 6.9 (45) win over Drouin.

Blackshaw’s effortmay have reminded onlookers at Ted Summerton Reserve of Jacob Townsend coming in late for Richmond in 2017, and will now surely give Moe selectors the proverbial good problem to have.

Leading forward Billy Gowers was rested at the weened, and partner-in-crime Harry Pepper sat out from quarter time onwards as aprecaution after landing awkwardly. Gowers, along withMoe playing-coach and centre half back Declan Keilty were among prominent names to sit out the game at the weekend.

Although the Hawks werelastonthe ladder headingintothe match, and ended the season withthe wooden spoon, they appeared up for the contest until halftime.

After then however, Moe flexed their muscle, and kicked14goals to three after the main break.

TrentBaldiwas best-on-ground for Moe, and wasjoined by skipperJacobWood, Blackshaw, Luke Mulqueen, Jacob Balfour and Harri Sim, who kicked four goals. Kye Quirk,Dan Clebney, JordanKingi, AdenQuirk, Jarrod Marshall and Shay Harvey got the votes for Drouin.

ChrisLaverty(left) played his 350th game for Sale at the weekend. He is pictured with fellow300 gamers Shane Fyfe and ChrisHudson, all playing in the one game earlier this year

Photo: Contributed

Maffra is hosting the first semi final this year. Photo: File

An all-inclusive finalsseries

Liam Durkin

FINALS begin this weekend in the Gippsland League.

The competition has tiptoed its way through the regular season to reach this point, where the top five teams in each grade will take their campaigns into September.

Those who finished on top of theladder have earntaweek's rest, and are justone win away from aGrand Final.

Those just two spots belowplaythis Saturdayfor the right to challenge, while for those in positions four and five,every match during the finals will be do-or-die.

The Gippsland League has adopted anew-look finals series this season and next, giving all 10 member clubs the opportunity to host.

Clubs will take revenue from finals they host, excluding gate takings, which go to the league.

Working underthe banner of 'Community System',the league said thedecisionwas made after consultation with clubs.

"The aim of the ‘Community System’ is to showcase the member clubsand their facilities across Gippsland and promote the Alinta Energy Gippsland League’s showcase events across the five local government authority areas that the Gippsland Leaguereaches," the leaguesaid in a statement

The Gippsland League works under aboard structure, meaning elected officials make decisions, with aseparate administration overseeingthe day-to-day running.

This system has been in place since 2021.

Previously, the Gippsland League played finals at 'central'venues in the Latrobe Valley, with the Grand Final rotating between Terry Hunter Oval, Traralgon, Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe and Morwell Recreation Reserve.

Morwell has been chosen to host the main game for the next two seasons.

"The move away from the centralised systemfor the next two seasons is something that anumber of member clubs have been campaigning strongly for," the league said.

"The recent off-field stability and success of the Gippsland League business operations has given an opportunity to explore the Community System option.

“The board considers that allocating finals to all 10-member club venues over the centralised systems financial, traveland supporter focus,that the member clubs will have agreater opportunity to promote and showcase football and netball in their region.”

The decisionhas not been without backlash, with some calling into question the suitability of some grounds to host finals, not to mentionthe likely stress on volunteers carting equipment all around Gippsland.

For instance, next season will see finals played in Drouinand Bairnsdaleover the same weekend.

Moe Football-Netball Club presidentManny Gelagotis has been vocal in his criticism, believing the standing of Ted Summerton Reserve warrants hosting more than one final in two years.

"It doesn't matter who you talk to, it doesn't make sense," he said.

"We feel the venue is in the topthree in the region,

GippyLeague finals

venues this weekend

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE FINALSSERIES 2023 WEEK 1

Qualifying Final

Saturday,September 2atWonthaggi

Seniors:Leongatha vs Moe (2.20pm)

Reserves:Traralgon vs Maffra (12.30pm)

Thirds:Leongatha vs W’Gul (10.45am)

Fourths:Maffra vs Bairnsdale (9am)

Elimination Final

Sunday, September 3atWestern Park,

Seniors:Traralgon vs Sale (2.20pm)

Reserves:Wonthaggi vs Sale (12.30pm)

Thirds:Maffra vs Bairnsdale (10.45am)

Fourths:Moe vs Leongatha (9am)

that in itself, how do you not allocate more than one final?

"I think Italkonbehalf of not onlyour club, because we're not talking about our teams, we're talking aboutthe facility, it's beyondbelief that Ted Summerton gets one final in the next two years, that doesn't sit well with alot of people.

"I think we have alot to answer for,trying to deliver aproduct to the sponsors, community and players, Idon'tthink thishas been thoughtthrough very well.

"It is not asour grape thing, it is not aMoe thing, veryhappythat theGrand Final is at Morwell, that's fine, it is the Centre of Excellence for football As Iraised at apresident's meeting, if it is the CentreofExcellence for football, start spending money and make it the Centre of Excellence for football -a synthetic field and anice football field doesn't make it aCentre of Excellence, what it needs is infrastructure around so that we are all proud to say it is the best football facility in Gippsland."

However, theGippsland League has remained steadfast in its view the current surface at Ted Summerton Reserve is not up to standard,particularly for broadcast.

"The GrandFinal for both seasonshas been allocated to Morwell Recreation Reserve after the league was advised by Latrobe City that the other major venues in Moe and Traralgon will have their football ovals continue the maintenance practices from 2022 which, from feedbackprovided by stakeholders, saw the ovals not present in line with the image and standard for major finals matches," the league’s statement said further.

This notion was affirmed by Gippsland League Board chair Andrew Livingstone.

"There has been abit of talk about the only final in the Valley (thisyear)isinMorwell, we just feel that the Traralgon and Moe grounds need to present a lot better as far as the only ground that gets over sewn with winter grass now is Morwell," he said.

"As amajor league, we had some negative feedback last year with finals at Traralgon and Moe, particularly through our social platform, on the screens it looks terrible from aspectator and aesthetic side of things, so that's the reason neither Traralgon or Moe will have afinal this year."

While Traralgon and Moe are ordinarily lush green, and have hosted high profile eventssuch as Big Bash League cricket and AFLW matches, they are now sewn with what is known as Santa

ana couch.Itisunderstood this couch has been laid purely as acost-cutting measure.

Santa ana couch reduces in turf colour when temperatures are below 15 degrees Celsius. In astatement, Latrobe City Council explained the machinations of the set-up.

"Ted Summerton Reserve and Traralgon Recreation Reservemainoval are primarilySanta anacouch surfaces;adrought tolerant turf species selected for its ability to withstand high levels of wear, its high regrowth and repair rate of growth, and its requirement for lower water and nutrient inputs, compared to other suitable turf sports turf species (i.e., ryegrass,fescue,kikuyu etc.)," acouncil spokesperson said.

"Santa ana couch enters periods of dormancy when soil temperatures are below 15 degrees Celsius (i.e., winter), which causes the reduction in turf colour.

"Oncesoil temperatures increase above 15 degrees Celsius, the turf will exit dormancy and become active again, at which point the turf will regain its normal colour."

Livingstone said the league would look to work with LatrobeCitytoget its premier ovals in better shape.

"We are keen to have further discussions with Latrobe City because we feel like our brand brings adecent economic benefit to the Latrobe City," he said.

Furthermore, Livingstone said the board would access the suitability of grounds to host finals.

"Warragulwas alittle bit of aconcern, but we've been down and had alook, the ground looks like it is holding up well and is in good condition,"hesaid.

"We'll monitor grounds and make adjustments if required. If aground isn't up to scratch we're not going to host afinal there, we'll inspect grounds."

The mud-bath that is the Drouin oval has been labelled not finals-fitbymostrank-and-file players, however Livingstone dismissed the rumour the Hawks had alreadyinformed the league they would be pulling out of hosting.

"We'll have more discussions with them during the offseason, Idon't see any reason why Drouin can't host afinal if the ground is up to standard," he said.

"If aclubblatantly doesn't want to do it, that's their prerogative, but we'll be encouraging all clubs to showcase our brand in their region."

Interestingly,Drouin did host an interleague match in 2015.

Speaking of the upcoming finalsseries, Livingstone said it was an exciting time.

"It'sgreat that so many clubs are represented, we're really happy about that," he said.

"Should be afantastic finals series, taking it out was aboard decision,our outlining clubshad been callingfor it,tohave finals elsewhere rather than central, we looked at it and thought it would be a good opportunity to have atwo year trial.

"We'rehopingfor good gate attendances that can justify our decision."

Finals will be live streamed on the Clutch app on the Gippsland League website, and TRFM will be broadcasting every senior final.

Reeves fighting for nationalmiddleweight title

AFTER successfully defending his unbeaten record against seasoned opponentJayde Mitchell, Stratford boxing prodigy Max Reeves is gearing up to return to the ring, this time with anational title on the line.

The 23-year-old super middleweight Australian Number 2will take on Tasmanian opponent Joe Corner for the Australian SuperMiddleweight Title at Albert Park, Melbourne, on Saturday, September 2.

Boasting aprofessional record of eight wins, six by way of knockout, and one draw, Reeves is forging his place among Gippsland's most successful boxers alongside the likes of local legends Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Dennis Booth, Commonwealth Games silvermedalist Jason Whateley and former super featherweight world champion Will Tomlinson.

Reeves recently returned from atwo-weektraining camp in Thailand, with the Australian Number 2expected to have afew new tricks up his sleeve heading into the Australian Super Middleweight Title bout.

"Thailand was really good," Reeves said.

"I was over there for two weeks training under aRussian boxing coach.

"Training in that heat was full-on, hard work,but it was agood experience;learnedafew new things.

"There are afew little things that I've taken away from it, some Russian-style boxing things that we've kept, so yeah, there are afew things that have changed since I've come back, which is good."

WhileinThailand,Reeves also had several sparringsessions with 25-year-old Australian-Russian

boxer Nikita Tszyu, son of former world champion boxerKostyaTszyuand brother of World Boxing Organization interim light-middleweight title holder Tim Tszyu, who is unbeaten with five knockouts through six fights and is quickly rising up the super-welterweight division.

"I actually met Nikita over there just by coincidence, and we ended up just getting some rounds in," Reeves said.

"They are alwaysgood roundscos' he is pretty handy."

He may have broadened his capabilities, but will they offer Reeves an advantage against Corner?

"We really don't know what we're getting at the moment cos' there's no videos or anything of him (Corner)," Reeves said.

"So we are justdoing everythingwecan. We'll have to get in there and just have to figure it out, Iguess."

DespiteReeves and trainer Paul 'Turk' Carrol having little knowledge of Corner, the Stratford boxer is feeling good ahead of Saturday's fight.

"I feel good," Reeves said.

"I was justupinSydney getting some hard rounds in at the Bondi Boxing Club with aRussian boxer who's got 19 winsand oneloss.They were good rounds; it's what Ineed. Idon't really get anyone like that at home.

"Besidesthat, everything is going to plan, Ithink."

Reeves has his sights set on the Australian Number 1spot, with the 23-year-old hinting at a bout with current Number 1super middleweight boxer RohanMurdock earlynextyeartostart 2024.

But for now, Reevesisfocusedondefeating Corner and claiming the Australian Super Middleweight Title on Saturday.

Zoe Askew

Stratfordboxer Max Reevesisfighting for the Australian Super Middleweight Title on Saturday. Photos: Zoe Askew

Gippsland League Board chairAndrew Livingstoneisencouraging peopletopackvenues across theregionfor this year’s finals series

Photo:File

One spot left in North Gippy

Liam Durkin

TRARALGON Tyers United moved one step closer to the North Gippsland Football-Netball League premiership at the weekend.

The Bombers continued their unbeaten season, qualifying for the GrandFinal after defeating Woodside by 18 points.

Taking to Stephenson Park, the Bombers and Wildcats traded momentum, but ultimately, TTU proved why theyare thebestteam in the competition, winning 13.9 (87) to 10.9 (69).

In afree-flowing game, eight goals were kicked in thefirst quarter alone, while come the main break, it was even-Stevens at 7.4 (46) apiece.

The Bombers put together astrongerthird term, scoring four goals to two, giving them ahandy 14 point lead at the last change.

Given the game was decided by 18 points, that leadproved vital in contextand clockmanagement.

BradKelleher led thescoring for the winners with six, and received good support from Kade Duncan, Mitch Mustoe,LiamWillaton and Frazar Brouns.

TomFlemingwas best-on-ground, in whatwas ahectic week for the left footer, after being at the centre of atribunal hearinginvolving Churchill’s Dillon Leysansweringaroughconduct charge

Leys was, somewhat astonishingly, handed afour week suspended sentence for his part.

Perhaps even more astonishing was the sight of Ricky Cochrane in the TTU reserves at the weekend.

Cochrane, who won the Mid Gippsland FootballNetball League best-and-fairest last season, perhaps showed just how hard it is to get into the Bombers line-up at the moment.

While he is reportedly not at full match fitness, what aluxury it must be for TTU coach Jamie Aitken to not be forced to play someone of that calibre on reputation alone.

In the Woodsidecamp,Ben Johnson, Michael Stockdale, Cam Whiteoal, Alfred Jessup, Michael O’Sullivan and Matt Dyke were given the nod as best players.

The Wildcats will now use their double-chance, and play Heyfield in the preliminary final.

HEYFIELD took care of Churchill with absolute ease.

The Kangaroos barelygave the Cougars alook-in, winning ahighly inaccurate game 16.17 (113) to 5.22 (52) at Glengarry.

Churchill may not have had their kicking boots on, but it matterslittlenow as they are eliminated, and will have six months to practice.

Following their insaneelimination final win the previousweek, the Cougars may have been emotionally gassed for the follow-up.

The game was all but over halfway through the secondquarter, afterHeyfield registered 10 scoring shots to four in the first term.

Churchillcamebackfrom four goalsdownatthree quarter time last week, however, there would be no repeat performance this time around.

The Kangaroos extended their lead as the game

went on, and kept the Cougars goallessinthe final term.

Once againitwas the mostly young brigade that did the damage for Heyfield -Tom Marchesi, Asher Eastham, Rob McMillan, Kail Hole, Liam Heasley and Tyson Birss among the top contributors.

Conversely,Churchill was best-servedmainlyby

veterans Brendan Holt, Nick Celima and Jordan Fenech, along with BaileyFlanigan, Tom Sevenson and Joel Mason.

The loss made it consecutive semi-final exits for Churchill, while Heyfield has risen from well outside the finals to third in the space of 12 months.

Sale City to use double-chance, Heyfield out in straight sets

ZaidaGlibanovic

NORTH Gippsland Football Netball League’s semifinals were one for the ages.

Churchill caused amajorupset as they went straight through to the Grand Final after beating Sale City.

Theremusthave been alot of manifesting and belief as the Churchill side, against all odds, took down the minor premier.

Sale City had all but one grade of netball in the finals on their home deck at Stephenson Park, and

the Cougars rolled up to see asea of red, white and blue.

The crowd was heated as the match began being agoal-for-goal game with momentum shifts galore. Still, it was Churchill’s experienced players in skipper Rachael Loechel andcoach KatrinaHutchinson who were able to keep composure and possession to settle the pace.

The Bulldogsnever gave up as they continuedto contest every ball despite trailing the whole game.

SaleCity’s goal attack, Charlotte Ronchi,was unstoppable, keeping them in the game with her accuracy in the ring; however, it was simply just not enough.

Downthe otherend,Lynette(Louie) Patten was justasaccurate for the Cougars, and when she wasn’t, there was no one taking arebound off her.

Patten was strong in the win, snatching up every ball that was fed into the ring.

The Cougars impressed when they were able to stop the Bulldogs from getting any run on, but when Churchill royalty Stacey Yates came on into goalkeeper position, bestbelieve Sale City’s scoring power all but completely dried up.

The final scores read Churchill 47 to Sale City 40.

Sale City willnow take on Woodside in the preliminaryfinal, which hasbeen relocatedto Glengarry.

Woodside are in aleague of their own.

The Wildcats sent Heyfield home after defeating the Kangaroos 64 to 34.

We know the Wildcats are good, but just how good are they to win asemi-final like it was a piece of cake?

Heyfield couldn’tstop the scoringforcethat is playing-coach Libby Nicole, who received silver service delivery from her midcourters and goal attack.

NORTH GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

The Wildcats had doubled Heyfield’s score in the first quarter, sinking 16 to their eight to go on to dominate play entirely for the rest of the match. After an impressive home-and-away season, Heyfield was sent home from finals after straightset losses.

Avery young side, the Kangaroos will take it as alearning experience to come back bigger and better next year.

Woodsideonthe other hand, are amajor contender for the flag.

The last time Woodside and Sale City faced, it was one of the best netball matches all year, with no winning result as the two sides drew at 47-all. With stakes so high, expect to see abattle like no other this Saturday.

As for the Cougars, they’ll be eagerly awaiting who they’ll face come Grand Final day.

Cameron Whiteoakwas amongthe best players for Woodside in the Wildcatsloss to TTUinthe North Gippsland second semifinal.

Photo: Contributed

Swans home in epic prelim

ZoeAskew

THERE is asaying, "with the good comes the bad; that's life".

And gosh, wasn't that ascertained in the East Gippsland netball Preliminary Final on Saturday.

Tearsstreamed down Stratford and BoisdaleBriagolong netballers flushed red cheeks; for one team, warm salted dropletsslipping from blinking eyes were aresult of overwhelming joy; for the other,tears were asymptom of heartbreak as their 2023 finals campaign came to an end.

StratfordFootballNetball Clubdefeated reigning premier Boisdale-Briagolong48-47 in anail-bitingly close AGrade preliminary final at Bairnsdale City Oval on Saturday afternoon.

Boisdale-Briagolonghad the firstcentrepassand quickly found their goal shooter, Mollie Huts, in theshooting ring to take the first lead.

Stratford would nothesitate to eventhe score, with agoal from the Swans' goal attack, Tori Patterson, levelling the game in the opening minute.

The Bombers exercised fantastic up front, particularlythroughthe likesofcaptain RachelWeatherly, who scored to regain Boisdale-Briagolong's lead.

Speedy combination play betweenplaying-coach

Sarah Gardiner andRWeatherly, paired with accurate shooting from the Bombers' goal shooter andgoal attack, quickly gave Boisdale-Briagolong afive-goal advantage.

Stratford found Patterson in the shooting ring to close the Bombers' lead, but Boisdale-Briagolong retaliated with consecutive goals from Hutts and RWeatherly, to see the score now 8-2.

Elly Weatherly was aweapon in the Bombers' defensive third,the Boisdale-Briagolong goal defender frustrated Stratford shooters early in the piece.

Stratford took their time to settle into the game, but when they did, the Swans exercised methodic passing in their attacking third. Paired with class movement from Patterson in the shootingring, Stratford was able to close the Bombers' lead with consecutive goals from the Swans' season-highscoring goal attack.

Boisdale-Briagolong's young wing defender

Ashlee McDonough was an absolute workhorse fromthe beginningofthe first quarter;her agility,

speed and strength made theyoung Bomber an awe to watch. The young gun was afundamental player for the Bombers, making countless interceptions in Boisdale's mid-court and defensive third, and was relentless in her efforts from start to finish.

Hutts and RWeatherly continued to demonstrate their threatening accuracy in the shooting ring, with Patterson carrying the Swans down the opposite end of the court, almost single-handedly keeping Stratford in the game.

Stratford gained momentum as thefirstquarter neared the end, with the Swans closing the Bombers lead to just one goal.

Afinal burst from the Bombers in the dying embers sawBoisdale-BraigolongleadStratford 16-14 ahead of thesecond quarter.

Patterson scored 10 of Stratford's 14 goals.

It wasn't just the afternoon sun heating things up in Bairnsdale when teams returned after the break. The Bombers were likebulls out of the gate from the first centre pass, putting away four goals before theSwans found their first.

Tempers flared,and an already physicalAGrade preliminary final shifted up agear. If you couldn't tell these two clubs wererivals before, you certainly could now.

McDonough made afantastic intercept in the opening minutes of the second quarter, with the Bombers'wingdefence continuing to turnover possession on several occasions as the quarter progressed.

As an in-form Hutts and RWeatherly furthered theBombers lead and Boisdale-Briagolong demonstrated threatening movement through the likes of McDonough and Gardiner, the pressure was on for apanicked Stratford.

While some teams work well under pressure, others don't. It's either fight or flight.

Stratford chose to fight.

Despiteforging ahead early in the second quarter, Stratford clawed their way back into the game, with Swans goal shooter Ashlea Higgins scoring two and Patterson scoring nine to the Bombers' 10 goals to thwart the Bombers lead to just one at the break.

Stratford was first to score when teams returned to the court, with Patterson levelling the score 26-26 in the opening minutes of the third quarter.

Agoal from Hutts soon restored the Bombers' lead, extendedbygoals fromRWeatherly and Hutts again.

Patterson continuedtocarrythe goal-shooting duties for Startaford superbly, shooting 11 of the Swans' 12 goals in the third quarter.

RWeatherly scored eight of the Bombers' 12.

EWeatherly and Boisdale-Briagolonggoalkeeper

Rebecca McKay were tenacious in their defensive role, while Emmagyn Williamsled Stratford's defence.

Little separated sides as the third quarter reached the midway mark.

Stratford led by one. Scores even. BoisdaleBriagolongled by one. Scores even. Boisdale led by one. Scores even.

Boisdale-Briagolong showed strength across all thirds as the break neared.

EWeatherly made astunning block as Stratford attempted to feed the ball into the shooting ring, followed by an intercept from Gardiner that saw Stratford lose custody of the ball.

McDonough, replacing EmersonConnolly in the centre for the third quarter, made asensational interception which led to the Bomber's scoring.

Boisdale-Briagolongfed well into the ring, a threatening strength paired with RWeatherly and Hutts' accuracy.

Pattersonand Higgins'collaborationinthe shootingring, along with Patterson's impressive agility and accuracy, constituted the Swans' biggest threat. Stratford also proved dangerous in the third quarter through wing attack Coco Henry.

Williams' excellent interceptionoff BoisdaleBriagolong's centre pass resulted in aStratford goal late in the third quarter.

Boisdale led by one, 38-37, ahead of the final quarter.

After afiery third quarter, with words said, faces pulled, andgestures madethat one would not typically expect from agroup of women, teams returned to the court for acombative final battle.

Stratfordhad 15 minutes to muzzle Boisdale-Briagolong.

Boisdale-Briagolonghad 15 minutes to thwart a determined Stratford.

The Swans evenedthe scoreinthe opening minute of the fourth and final quarter, with Stratford forging ahead with two consecutive goals.

McDonough, returning to wing defence for the Bombers in the fourthquarter, was unremitting; her speed, court coverage and resolution unmatched.

Agoal from RWeatherly evened the score once again.

Stratford regained afleeting lead with goals from Patterson, Hutts levelling the score soon after. There were fiery contests all over the court as the Wellington Shire rivals exerted everything they could to forge ahead.

EWeatherly thwarted Stratford as the midway mark approached with another settler interception at the edge of the shooting ring.

The Swans ploughed their way to atwo-goal lead heading into the final half of the fourth quarter. Amid-court interception from McDonough, who found Gardineratthe edgeofthe ring,who fedthe ball to Hutts, closed the Swans lead.

The Bombers evened the score with agoal from RWeatherly.

McDonough was indomitable, turning over the ball yetagainwithanother incredible mid-court interception. Williams and Stratford goal defender Katy Coster increased the pressure in the final quarter, posing aheightened challenge for Hutts and RWeatherly in the shooting ring.

As the fourth quarter neared the end, an on-form Gardiner blocked Coster's pass from the shooting ring, feeding the ball to Hutts, who scored to put Boisdale-Briagolong back in front.

With oneminute left, avital interception from Henry led to Patterson levelling the scores yet again. 47-47.

Stratford had the centre pass with less than 30 seconds left to play.

The Swans moved quickly, finding Patterson in the shooting ring. As Boisdale-Briagolong scrambled to defend Stratford's sharpshooter, Patterson was awarded apenalty,shooting the Swans'winning goal afterthe final whistle sounded. While it was jubilation for the SwansonSaturday, there was only heartbreak for the Bombers, their hopes of defending their AGrade netball premiership title squashed.

Stratford's 48-47 victory over Boisdale-Briagolong sees the Swans advance to the 2023 AGrade Grand Final, where they will take on 2022 grand finalists Wy Yung.

Big week ahead forbrilliant Boisdale-Briag

ZoeAskew

WINGS were clipped at Bairnsdale City Oval on Saturday.

Adominating Boisdale-Briagolong ended Stratford's dreams of defending their 2022 East Gippsland Football senior premiership.

The Bombers defeated Stratford 16.11 (107) to 11.16 (82) to progress to the Grand Final.

Boisdale-Briagolong dominated Saturday's preliminary final from the outset.

Caleb Calwyn, Thomas Bradshaw and Kelvin Porter quickly distinguished themselves as standouts for the Bombers.

Calwyn kicked the game's opening goal from inside the 50 with asolo run down the middle of the park, adding asecond to the Bombers' score within the minute.

While Stratford captain Jack Bacon carried theSwans,his standout efforts were obsolete against an on-form Boisdale-Braigolong.

The Bombers lead the Swans 3.5 (23) to 0.5 (5) at the first quarter break.

Stratford started strongly in the second quarter,but Boisdale-Briagolong was quick to regaincontrol of the game

Calwyn's strong form continuedwith the forward athreat in the air

Adiving smother fromJim Reeves, who played the ball to Calwyn inside the 50, saw the Bombers forgeaheadearly in the second quarter.

Stratford managed to wrangleina dominant Boisdale-Briagolong ahead of the

halftimebreak,with the Bombers retiring to therooms leading the Swans 5.7 (37) to 4.7 (31).

Boisdale-Briagolong opened the scoring in the third quarter with agoaljustoutsidethe 50 metre arc from Ben Wilkinson.

Stratfordwas quick to retaliate,kicking their first goal of the quarter.

Ahigh tackle from Stratford's Nathan French saw Boisdale-Briagolong extend their lead with agoal from Paddy Mac.

Calwyn scored his fourth goal of the game 13 minutes into the thirdquarter with a high tacklefromStratford playing-coach

Jarryd Clohesy inside the Bombers 50 seeing Boisdale-Briagolong quickly adding to their advantage.

Tom Jolly kicked the Bombers ninth goal, with the Bombers leading 10 goals to five as thethird quartersurpassed the 20-minute mark.

Despitescrappyplay from Stratford, the Swans managed to kick agoallateinthe third quarter.

Clohesy gave away 50 in the dying embers, seeing the Bombers kick their 11th goal, with Reeves winning amarkinside the 50 to kick Boisdale-Briagolong's 12th goal just before the siren.

Reeves, Calwyn, Jolly, Porter and Marshall continuedtobethe Bombers' biggest threats.

Boisdale-Briagolong huddled closely around playing coach Sam Bedggood at the three quarter time break, with the Bombers kicking seven goals to lead the Swans 12.9

(81) to 6.11 (47) ahead of the final quarter, the 2023 East Gippsland Grand Final was in reach.

"They are agoodside, but if we play our brand of footy, we can win this game," Bedggood said.

"So come on, boys -let's make it happen. Make it happen."

The Bombers repeated Bedggood's final words,"make it happen", before returning to thefield for the fourth and final quarter. Stratford supporters were spotted leaving Bairnsdale after Boisdale-Briagolongopened the fourth quarter, kicking three consecutive goals.

The Swans clawed their way back, with Bacon kicking Stratford's fourth consecutive goal in jaw-dropping fashion from well outside the inside 50. Credit where credit is due: Stratford knows how to play fourth-quarter footy. But their efforts were all but too little, too late.

Boisdale-Briagolong's victoryover Stratford saw the Bombers progresstothe Grand Final, where they will take on Wy Yung. Reeves, Calwyn, Jolly,Porter, Marshall and Shaymus Wain were best-on-ground for Boisdale-Briagolong. Bacon was by far Stratford's best, with NickFrench,Regan Tait,Lachlan Channing, Roydon Fulton and Angus Mason also putting in good performances.

FOOTBALL NETBALL EAST GIPPSLAND

Stratford: THawkins 3HErfurth 2L Toner 2LChanning RO’keefeA Mason NFrench.

Boisdale Briagolong: JReeves CCalwyn TJolly KPorterB Marshall SWain. Stratford:

NFrench RTait LChanning RFulton AMason

Wy Yung: JCabaybay2 CAvage JDyerB Trinder JKeown NEsdaile DDoecke.

TKeyteJ Kelly RMutimer JSanford. BEST: Wy Yung: CAvage MArnold JKeown

TOgilvie.Lucknow: JSanfordT Coxhill KCollinsDGledhill DEvans

ROUND 24

JOLLY GOOD SHOW

Boisdale-Briagolong qualified for the East Gippsland Grand Final on Saturday, after defeating arch-rival Stratford. TomJolly (pictured) wasinstrumental in thewin, kicking four goals. Another BoisdaleBriagolong Cinderella story is brewing, with the Bombers going from wooden spooners to Grand Finalist in the space of 12 months.

Magpies warm up with dress rehearsal win

Liam Durkin

DID anyone really takemuchnoticeofwhathappened in the Gippsland League at the weekend?

Therewas no last round anxiety for teams, as Round 18 matches went largely as expected. Morwell kept things interesting by leading Wonthaggi at three quarter timebefore being overran in the last quarter. Had the Tigers won, Moe would have claimed the minorpremiership.

Whilethe Lions found themselves in the unusual position of barracking for Morwell, the top five remained as it had been since Sale sewed up the fifth and last available spot in September two rounds ago.

The Power have earned abreak in thefirst week of finals, and will watch on at their home ground as Moe and Leongatha fight it out in the qualifying final.

Traralgon and Sale warmed up for their elimination final, playing each other in the last home-and-away round last weekend.

Matches from Round 18 were almost instantly forgotten about for all clubs, as attention immediately turned to finals, or postseason celebrations forthose not partaking.

There will likely be some sore heads reading these verses by the time newspapers hit selves.

JUST how much this game means will be seen in afew days’ time.

Traralgon and Sale faced off, in what was a dress rehearsal for the elimination final.

If this was Test cricket, the Magpies would be taking a1-0 lead into the decider, after beating the Maroons 13.10 (88) to 10.8 (68).

Sale led at every change,with asix goal to one opening term setting up their win on Terry Hunter Oval.

Traralgon fought gallantly, but found the gap too great to overcome.

By the timeaSalevictorywas assured,both sideswerehappy to park the bus and look to this week.

JackMcLaren finishedthe regular season as he started it, with aspotinthe best players for the Magpies. Others to play well were Harry Ronchi, Jarrod Freeman, Pat Tainsh,Mitch Bown and Tom Wrigglesworth, zooching is way into finals.

The David Bowie song Changes might well be apt for Sale thisseason, as again at the weekend, the Magpies were forcedtobring magnets across from one board to another.

Key forward Brad Dessent was named in the reserves, but was alateout, while KaiMcDonald was one to be bumped up into the main game.

At country level, it is often said the reserves reflect the seniors, and both of Sale’s teams will head into the first week of finals after finishing fifth.

Magpie’s stalwart and senior games record holder Chris Laverty chalked up another milestoneatthe weekend, playing game number 350.

Traralgon meanwhile will take some very unwanted forminto September.The Maroons have lost their last four games, and are at risk of being bundled out cheaply.

Those listed in the best at the weekend however in Billy Schilling,Tom Hamilton, Tye Hourigan, Sammy Hallyburton,Hugh Dunbarand Louis D’Angelowillbehellbent on making sure this doesn’t happen.

Traralgon has had ahectic few weeks, capped off withthe announcementthatcoachJake Best wouldnot be continuing.

Best had the option of going to afourth year, but cited family and travel as the main reasons he could not commit the hours necessary.

Elsewhere, the surface at acouple of Latrobe Valley-based grounds has attracted criticism in recent weeks.

Terry Hunter Oval and Ted SummertonReserve are bothcurrently resemblingbeaches, due to the yellow tinge plaguing the grass, and players fromeither side sported severe grassburnsafter the match.

Thereare no finalsateither of thosevenues this year.

LEONGATHA crushed Maffra.

The Parrots showed no mercy at home, and will take atriple-figure winning margin into finals.

Leongatha never gavethe Eaglesalook-in, and won 19.14 (128) to 2.5 (17).

In aseason where ayoung Maffra side has

seemingly entered the record books for all the wrong reasons, they again found themselves in that position at the weekend.

The Eagles’ score was the equal-fourth lowest Round 18 total in Gippsland League history.

Maffra kicked just one goal in the firstthree quarters, and watched by as Leongatha added five, six and another six, before putting the cue in the rack at three quarter time to prepare for this week.

While the Eagles have persisted with ayouth policy this season, the last fewweekslook to have indeed taken their toll on younger bodies, in what has probably becomeacase of justbeing helplessly inexperienced.

Brayden Monk, Ben Brunt, Ed Carr, Darcy Gray, Ethan Aurisch and Kade Renooy battled out the last game.

Maffra’s final position of eighth is their worst since 1995.

Aaron Heppell, Jackson Harry, Noah Gown, Josh Hopkins, Aaron Hillberg and Jenson Garnham were best for the Parrots. Hopkins was brought back into the senior team in Round 17 after being overseas for three months and playing two games in the reserves upon return.

VFL-listed playerGown also got his Leongatha games for the seasonuptofour -the number required to qualify for finals.

Continued -Page26

STORY -PAGE29

Photo: Zoe Askew