Gippsland Times Tuesday 4 July 2023

ROULETTES FEATURE

PAGE 6

& MAFFRA SPECTATOR Times

Forour elders

NAIDOC Week celebrations are taking place. Gunaikurnai man Jai Nelson led asmoking ceremony at Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation yesterday.

LAKE TYERS FEATURE

PAGES 8-9

YOUNG LEADERS

PAGE 14

TUMBLING

TEAM

PAGE 28

THE future of Victoria’s forests has been captured by political ideology and complex legalities rather than being determined by science and professional expertise, according to Forestry Australia.

Forestry Australia, which represents Australia’s forestry scientists, forestry managers and timber growers, was commenting on the appeals court’s dismissal of the appeal by VicForests against Supreme Court Justice Melinda Richards’ initial ruling from November last year, that the forestry company failed to adequately survey for two protected glider species.

The appeals court foundthat the trial judge had correctly interpreted the requirements of the timber code of practice and that the declarations and injunctions were lawful.

The case centred on the regulatory

framework, where the ‘Precautionary Principle’ in thecoderequiresVicForests, duringtimber harvestoperations, including planning, to assess “if there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage,lackoffull scientific certainty should not be used as areason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation”.

This is the case even where there are already specific protections in place for those species.

Sixty to 80 per cent of pre-harvest surveys were conducted by DEEECA (formerly DELWP) staff, and the rest by VicForests.

The president of Forestry Australia, Dr MichelleFreeman, said all should be concernedthat lawyershad become key decision makers in forest management, causing the disempowerment of forest management professionals who had dedicated their lives to caring for forests.

“We must now ask: what impact will this decision haveonour active

management of forests going forward and therefore on regional communities more broadly?” she said.

Forestry Australia noted that when DELWP incorporated the Precautionary Principle intothe code,they shifted it from being aconcept to guide management to ahard and fast rule that had to be applied, as it is an offence not to comply with the code.

“The problemis, there has been no universally accepted definition or clarity regarding how key components of the principle should be interpreted or applied in practice,” Forestry Australia said.

Dr Freemansaiditwas not appropriate to consider the Precautionary Principle as ahard and fast rule.

“That’swhy it is termed the Precautionary Principle …not the Precautionary Rule. In other jurisdictions, the intent of the Precautionary Principle is embedded indirectly into regulatory instruments, guiding how

Photo: TomParry

the rules and approaches for values management are constructed,rather than thePrinciple being aruleinits own right (as it is in Victoria), working at an operational level,” she said. “Hence why the challenge around this issueseemstobeuniquetoVictoria. The court and experts for the complainants seem to have taken aview that an impact to asingleindividual of a threatened species represents “serious and irreversible damage”.

“We all know that theapproach in forestryistotakealandscape-wide view …sothere is aclear mismatch here in terms of how scale is considered. There is areal risk that this interpretation of ‘serious and irreversible damage’, or ‘significant impact’ mayflow through into the EPBC Act and Nature Positive reforms, which couldcompletely tie up the ability to conductother active management in the landscape.”

Continued Page 3

PhillipHopkins

Valleyshakes with Rawson earthquake

TomHayes

AMAGNITUDE-4.6earthquake was recorded overnight on Friday, June 30 in the High Country of Rawson.

Thousands of nearby residents reported light-to-moderate shaking of the earthquake that occurred at about 1.30am. Seismologists believe the tremorcould be asequence of earthquakesrecorded as far as South Australia, New South Walesand Tasmania, dating back to 2021.

“This event that occurred early this morning is part of that sequence that started in September2021with that magnitude-5.9 and we’ve recorded at least47earthquakes now between magnitude-two and this 4.6,” Geoscience Australia senior seismologist Jonathan Bathgate told the ABC

“This is the largest aftershock that we’ve had since themain shock main in September 2021.”

ABC callers from Walhalla (about 10 kilometres away from theevent)and as far as Healesville (120 kilometres away) called into radiotoreportthe shaking,after being woken by the shaking sensation. The earthquake is reported to be apart of normal seismic activity, with experts believingthat that 2021 quake is producing its own sequence of tremors.

“It is alargerevent so we would expect aftershocks,” Seismology Research Centre hazardseismologist,Elodie Borleis, told the ABC

“This is very normal. Yes, we’ve had an increase in the last, you know, couple of years of peopleactually feeling them (earthquakes) but the actual background seismicity hasn’t changed at all.

“If you look at it, overthe last 100 years, it is quite normal seismic activity.”

$8.8 million forGippsland

GIPPSLANDwill be better protectedand prepared for future natural disastersfollowing the announcement of six local projects funded under Round One of the federal government’snew Disaster ReadyFund

Through the first round, the region will benefit from $8,857,382 in combined investment into disaster prevention, through thefederal,state and delivery partner co-contributions.

The fund was an electioncommitment by the federal government,and will deliver nationallongterm mitigationfunding to help protect communities from natural disasters.

State andterritory governments submitted applications forarange of projects to improve mitigation and resilience, in collaboration with local councils and community groups.

Senator Raff Ciccone said local projects included new seawalls, aretarding basin feasibility study, swale and levee construction, and community resilience programs.

“Gippsland faces the threat of bushfires and floods every year. These natural disasters are becoming more common and more dangerous due to climate change,” Senator Ciccone said.

“Through the Albanese government’s new Disaster ReadyFund,we’re investing up to $1 billion in Commonwealth funding over five years to build critical projects that will reduce disaster risk, help to reducerecovery costs andstrengthen community resilience across Australia, includinginthe Gippsland region.

“In addition to investinginkey infrastructure projects, we will work with skilled business volunteers to deliver facilitated workshops to reduce risk exposure and build resiliencetonatural disasters.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said whilethe federal government would continuetosupport areas impactedby disasters, it was critical more was done to build defences, to better protect communities and their regional economies.

“We know that every dollar spent on disaster resilience and mitigation delivers areturn on investment to governments and households nine times over,” Minister Watt said.

“But as acountry we invest far more in recovering from disasters than we do defending against them, andthatmentality has got to change.

“This is about more than just bricks and mortar. We are changing the way Australia deals with natural disasters by planning better for the future to ensure that communities all around the country

are betterprepared, less exposedand in the best possible position to recover when disasters strike.”

The Disaster Ready Fund builds upon the federal government’s commitment to ensure Australia is better prepared for natural disasters.

Over the last year, the federal government has paid out morethan $2.7 billion in recovery and resilience programs and payments to support individuals and communities impacted by natural disasters.

The National Emergency Management Agency

(NEMA) will work with each jurisdiction to negotiate funding agreements, with money to be provided as soon as possible from July 2023. Projects must be completed within three years.

There was more than 300 applications submitted across allstates and territories. Successful projects were selectedfollowing arigorous merit-based assessment process undertaken by NEMA. More informationonthe DisasterReady Fund, including updates about RoundTwo of the Disaster Ready Fund, can be found on NEMA’s website.

Photo: File image

VicForest loses court appeal

From Page 1

NATIONALS Member for EasternVictoriaRegion, Melina Bath said the state government had failed Victorians by failingtocloseloopholes in the timber code of practice,wiping out abilliondollar industry that employed thousands of Victorians.

"A change to the timber code of practice would have allowed Victoria's sustainable native timber industry to continue without the constant threat of green lawfare. Icompletely reject the Andrews government's assertion it's hands were tied on native timber harvesting," she said.

Ms Bath, who is theShadowAssistant Parliamentary Secretary for PublicLand Use, said the Precautionary Principle should be removed as amandatory actioninthe timber codeofpractice.

The code should be treatedasa general goal to support the industry operations

"Every single animaland tree species should not be named when it's adesignated rotational harvesting area. The timbercode of practice should be designed to enable harvesting, not adocument thatacts as ablueprinttoshutdown harvesting operations," she said.

Ms Bath said the appeal court's decision was bitterly disappointing.

"I am deeplysaddenedfor thousandsoflives and livelihoods thisdecisiondestroys. Daniel Andrews will forever be remembered as the Premier who failed to put people and jobs before political ideology," she said.

"Legislation could havebeenintroduced and the loopholes should have been closed -instead the Premier has hiddenbehind secret legaladvice that he refuses to release, allowing it to play out in court.

"The hypocrisy of Labor has no bounds -it's happily deliveredthe death knell for Victoria's sustainablenative industry andsidedwith activists -all whileturning ablind eyetothe importation of hardwood from countries devoid of the same stringent environmental standards.

"My thoughts remain with workers -direct and indirect, and their families, who have had their lives turned into apolitical football by this

disgraceful Andrews government,"MsBathadded.

VicForests said it was disappointedwith the appeal outcome and would review the decision in full before making any further comment.

Costsofthe appeal were awarded to the community group respondents, Environment East Gippsland and Kinglake Friends of the Forest.

Both groups welcomed the outcome of the appeal.

JillRedwoodfrom Environment East Gippsland said the verdict "was another nail in the coffin of VicForests".

"Our decision to turn to the law has been vindicated," she said. KinglakeFriends of the Forest said the decision gave endangered forest species afighting chance of survival.

Astate government spokesman said the government acknowledged the Supreme Court's decision and would continue to support timber workers during the transition out of native timber harvesting on January 12024.

"Forestry workers, their families and communitiesare ourimmediate priority," the spokesman said.

The native timber harvesting industry is set to close from January 1next year after the Victorian government's decision to cut short its 2030 phase out. When handing down the 2023-24 state budget TreasurerTim Pallas said: "Thecourts have taken the decision out of our hands."

Lastweek,VicForests released an amended Timber ReleasePlantosupportthe new transition time frame out of native harvesting.The approved TRP changes include 184 new coupes,12coupe boundary changes and two coupe driveway additions for previously approved coupes.

VicForests said theyhad opened the new coupes to create flexibility in the coupes available for harvest to providesupplyand employment for industry during thegovernment's managed transition to January 1, 2024.

"In light of court orders, new reserves and species detections, there are currently significant constraints thatlimit the ability to plan acoupe to harvest stage," VicForests said in astatement.

Uncertainty looms for workersexiting timber industry

MEMBER forEastern Victoria Region,Melina

Bath says civil contractors working in forestry management have been shrouded in uncertainty after the state government said it would transition

displaced native timber workers into the industry. Forestry management contractors have for decadesbeen performing work for the state government to construct firebreaks,maintain bush access roads, remove dangerous trees in water catchments and undertake bushfire mitigation activities.

Labor’s sudden closure of the native timber has nowput abig question mark over all state government civil work contracts and caused aplethora of uncertaintyfor existingforestry management workers.

QuestioningLabor’s Minister for Environment in stateparliament, Ms Bath sought aguarantee that existing forest management civil contractors would not lose their existing contracts.

RespondingtoMsBath, the Ministerfor the Environment, Ingrid Stitt, said she “was not in a position to give definitive timeframes yet”.

Ms Bath said given the bottleneck created by the state governments planstomove nativetimber workers into the forestry management area, “it’s gobsmacking the state government hasn’t devised acomprehensive plan to provide both workforces certainty -it’sclear the it’s making up policy on the run”.

“It’s unfathomable thatthe Andrews government failed to consider the flow on impacts of shunting one industry into an existing one.

“Both workforcesdeserve comprehensive answers -the Andrews government must sort out the wicked

problem it created,” Ms Bath said.

“Neither industry can afford to hold onto their specialised equipment and guarantee jobs without aplan that delivers worthwhile contracts that services the substantial debtassociatedwiththeir highly specialist equipment.

“How can the Andrewsgovernment act to collapse one industry and then announce atransition plan without detail that destabilises another?

“Laborowes forestry management workers anddisplaced native timberworkersrespect and open dialogue, insteadofissuingvague and non-committal statements like ‘they will continue to workonthese issues’. There is arealsense of urgency for Labor to sort out this mess”.

 The Maffra Garden Club’s next meeting is the Annual General Meeting and will be held on Monday, July 10, commencing at noon. The meeting will be held in the Maffra RSL Club ‘Shelton’, 16 Boisdale Street, Maffra. Please bring your own lunch, afternoon tea will be provided.

The guest speaker is from the Australian Native PlantSociety of Victoria and the main topic is Preservation by Propagation. New members welcome. Contact Jeanette on 0438 456 491 for more information.

 The McMillan Rockhounds group meets every Wednesday evening in their club rooms, Maffra Recreation Reserve, enter via Edward Street, from 7pm until 9pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and learn how to cut and polish gemstones. For further information please contact Steve on 0487672799.

Photo:

ChristmasinJulyat Carrajung Estate

CHUCKonyour best Christmassweater, indulgein festive flavours,immerse in acosy and enchanting atmosphere and join the team at Carrajung Estate for aChristmas in July celebration!

Enjoy athree-coursefamily-style festive feast curated for the occasion, paired with house-made mulled wine in the dininghall style setup, ideal formingling, meeting newfriends, and enjoying the festivities.

Shuttle busesfromYarram and Traralgon to and from the event at Carrajung Estate are available. For more information go to carrajung.com.au

When: 5pm until 9pm, Saturday, July 22.

Where: CarrajungEstate, 320 Lays Rd, Willung South.

Poetry Open Mic Night

MONTHLY poetry nights at the Bond Street Event Centre are popular with poets, old and new, from first-time performers to seasoned writers.

Poetry Open Mic Night provides agreat opportunity for budding poets to test their poetry on a friendly andsupportive crowd; thesenights also offer peoplenew to poetry with valuable performance experienceand thechancetomeet with other like-minded people.

Bond Street Event Centre invites anyone interested in poetry to join the supportive audience or to bring their works and perform on stage.

A$5entry fee covers alight supper and supports the running of these monthly events.

For more information, call David at Bond Street Event Centre on 5182 8770.

When: 7pm till 10pm, Wednesday, July 19.

Where: Bond Street Event Centre, 10 Bond Street, Sale

Small StageSessions

SMALL Stage Sessions is Bond Street Event Centre's (BSEC) new Open Mic Night formusicians, poets and short filmmakers.

These open mic nights offerup-and-coming performers the opportunity to test their skills on areceptive crowd of like-minded creatives.

To offer each performeradequate 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 asound technician.

Filmmakers who wouldlike to showcase their creations will be given a10-minute screening and are asked to bring acopy of their film to the venue by 6.20pm on the night.

Poets will alsobegivena10-minute settoperform their written works.

Performers will be allocated aset time on a first-in-first-on basis.

If you are interested in localmusicians, poets,and filmmakers, head to BSEC's Small Stage Session and be partofanencouragingand supportive audience.

Small StageSessions at BSEC are for those aged 16 and up; 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 questionsaboutBondStreet Event Centre's open mic nights, call David on 5182 8770.

When: 7pm until 10pm, Friday, July 7.

Where: Bond Street Event Centre, 10 Bond Street, Sale.

Living in the 70s

GIPPSLAND Vehicle Collection is hosting anew display open day on Sunday (July 9) from9am until 2pm with the latest exhibition titled 'Living in the 70s'.

Gold coin donation to charity for ground entry,

What’sonthis month

freemuseum entryfor display vehicle drivers, and catering is available.

For more information, go to https://www.gippslandvehiclecollection.org.au/

When: 9am until 2pm, Sunday, July 9.

Where: Gippsland Vehicle CollectionInc., 1A Maffra-Sale Road, Maffra.

Painting Workshop with HarleyKewish

LOCH Sport Community House and Public Hall invite artists aged 14-25 to apaintingworkshop with talented local artist Harley Kewish.

The Painting Workshop with HarleyKewish will be hosted at the LochSport Community House and Public Hall from 5pm until 7pm on Thursday (July 6).

This workshop will focus on contemporary figuration, in which young artists will start by blocking in abstract geometry, shapes, and colours and then impose aportrait over that.

Artists will leave with acompleted acrylic paint or mixed media portrait on canvas.

The Painting Workshop with Harley Kewish is also an excellent opportunity to start work on an entry for the Wellington Youth Art Prize. Participants should bring their phone with a portrait they would like to recreate or aUSB with the file that can be printed.

Thiseventisfree, with all materials supplied, plus snacks. Bookings are essential via Eventbrite at https:// www.eventbrite.com.au/e/loch-sport-paintingworkshop-tickets-654457850047

When: 5pm till 7pm, Thursday, July 6.

Where: Loch Sport Community House and Public Hall, 222-236 National Park Rd, Loch Sport.

Gippsland LakesRoller

DerbyRoller Disco

BUST out the moves at Gippsland Lakes Roller Derby's Roller Disco.

From 6.30pm until 9.30pm on Friday(July 7), Gippsland Lakes Roller Derby is hosting aroller disco for participants aged five years and older.

The roller disco costs $5 for GippslandLakes Roller Derby members and for the general public, $15 with skate hire or $10 without skates,with card or cash payment at the door.

There will also be asausage sizzle.

Registration requiredfor non-members is required and can be done in advance at: https:// skatevic.org/RollerDisco

Gippsland Lakes Roller Derby is located at the Sale Showgrounds, Henebery Pavilion with entry and parking on Dawson Street. Organisers ask that you refrain from entering the showgrounds. More information aboutGippsland Lakes Roller Derby'sRoller Disco can be found at https://www. facebook.com/GippslandLakesRollerDerby/

When: 6.30pm until 9.30pm, Friday, July 7.

Where: Henebery Pavilion, Sale Showgrounds, entry and parking via Dawson St, Sale.

Cocktail High Tea

LISTEN to live music by Erin Billings while you sit back and relax with good company, good food and, of course, acocktail at The Vines on Avon Cocktail High Tea.

Tickets are $60 per person, must be prepaid one week beforethe event, and are non-refundable; dietary requirements must be advised at the time of the booking.

There are limited spaces available.

Book your table for The Vines on Avon Cocktail High Tea by emailing tamara@thevinesonavon. com.au or calling 03 5141 1146. For more information, go to https://

thevinesonavon.com.au/

When: 2pm until 4.30pm, Saturday, July 15.

Where: The Vines on Avon, 446 Maffra -Stratford Road, Maffra.

Winter HolidayClinic

ACE your school holidays with Bionic Tennis Coaching's Winter Tennis Clinic, catering for all junior players from red ballers to intermediate yellow ballers.

There are limited spotsavailable for Bionic Tennis Coaching's Winter Tennis Clinic. Book your spot by emailingBionicTennis Coaching founder and head coach, Nicole Bauer at bionictenniscoaching@gmail.com or by calling 0409 692852.

When: 9am until 11.30am, Thursday, July 6, and Friday, July 7.

Where: LongfordTennis Courts,4 High St, Longford.

Watch it atthe Wedge

 The Sunshine Club

When: From 8pm, Tuesday July 4.

Where: John LeslieTheatre, The Wedge Performing Arts Centre, 100 Foster Street, Sale.

 Whalebone

When: 6.30pm, Thursday,July 6and 11am, Friday, July 7.

Where: John LeslieTheatre,The Wedge

Performing Arts Centre, 100 Foster Street, Sale.

 The Belier Family -SaleFilm Society

When: 7.30pm, Tuesday, July 11.

Where: John LeslieTheatre,The Wedge

Performing Arts Centre, 100 Foster Street, Sale.

 Scratch Night TIME

When: 7.30pm, Wednesday, July 12 and 7.30pm, Friday, July 14.

Where: John LeslieTheatre,The Wedge

Performing Arts Centre, 100 Foster Street, Sale.

 Ross Noble -Jibber Jabber Jamboree

When: 8pm, Wednesday, July 19.

Where: John LeslieTheatre, The Wedge

Performing Arts Centre, 100 Foster Street, Sale.

 Marina Prior and David Hobson -The 2 of Us

When: 3pm, Sunday, July 23.

Where: John LeslieTheatre,The Wedge

Performing Arts Centre, 100 Foster Street, Sale.

 The Outsiders -Sale College

When: 7pm, Thursday, July 27 and 7pm, Friday, July 28.

Where: John LeslieTheatre,The Wedge

Performing Arts Centre, 100 Foster Street, Sale.

LIVE AT THE GIPPY

 Dadbod

When: From 8pm, Friday, July 7.

Where: The GippslandHotel, 153 YorkStreet, Sale

 Grant Van Brummelen

When: From 2pm, Sunday, July 9.

Where: The GippslandHotel, 153 YorkStreet, Sale

 MegDoherty Trio

When: From 8pm, Friday, July 14.

Where: The GippslandHotel, 153 YorkStreet, Sale

 Brunsy

When: From 2pm, Sunday, July 16.

Where: TheGippsland Hotel, 153 York Street, Sale

 Da Funk

When: From 8pm, Friday, July 21.

Where: TheGippsland Hotel, 153 York Street, Sale

 Paul Buchanan's Voodoo Preachers

When: From 2pm, Sunday, July 23.

Where: The GippslandHotel, 153 YorkStreet, Sale

HEADLINE ACTS AT JACK'S

 Grant &Chuck

When: From 9pm, Friday, June 30.

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

 Nathan Lambourn

When: From 9pm, Saturday, July 1.

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

 Leeroy

When: From 9pm, Friday, July 7.

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

 Shibby Right

When: From 9pm, Saturday, July 8.

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

 Dale Gannan

When: From 9pm, Friday, July 14.

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

 Morning Glory

When: From 9pm, Saturday, July 15.

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

 Lincoln &MarcusMusic

When: From 9pm, Friday, July 21.

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

 DJ Bonj old school DJnight

When: From 9pm, Saturday, July 22.

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

 Matt 'Tezmo' Howlett

When: From 9pm, Friday, July 22.

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

 Low Profile

When: From 9pm,Saturday, July 22.

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

Get involved

HAVE an event coming up in August that you'd like to publicise?

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

Birthday bash for Probus

Sheila Barnsleycutting Sale Ladies’ Probus Club’s 36th birthday cake with co-president ValEllis

Photo: Contributed

SALE Ladies’ Probus Club recently celebrated their 36th birthday -anage that many of its members wish they shared.

The group marked the milestone with the cutting of acake baked by oneofits members, Jan.

“During COVID, our membership dropped but thanks to the persistence of some of the ladies and ably led by Sheila Barnsley, we have come backstronger than ever,” publicity officer Trish said.

ProbusLadies meet on the fourthMonday of each month, 10am at Sale Greyhound Club. All monthlymeetings are held on the first floor, and include aDevonshire morning tea and aguest speaker.

A“new innovation” of lunch followed by agames/cards afternoon is being planned for the same venue at the next meeting,to be held on July 24.

The groupenjoys trips, mid-month lunches,Friday ‘natters’ and other such events. Their goal is “fellowship and fun”. Those interested in participating,or with any questions, are encouraged to call Heather on 0428 441 563 or Trish on 0418 104 840.

Zoe Askew

Affordability atop priority

Zoe Askew

WATER rates are due to rise by $51, with average annual water and sewerage bills forGippsland

Water residential owner-occupier customers increasing 3.7 per cent, from $1363 to $1414, as of July 1.

Last week, the Essential Services Commission released its final decision on Gippsland Water's five-year pricing plan, following adetailed proposal by Gippsland Water and consultation with customers and the community on adraft decisionearlier this year.

Typical bills in 2023-24 are set to increase by $51 under the ESC's final decision on Gippsland Water's five-year pricing plan.

This meanstypical annual water and sewerage bills for Gippsland Water residential owneroccupier customers will increase by 3.7 per cent from July 12023, until July 12024.

For the remaining four years to 2028,typical annual water and sewerage bills for Gippsland Water residential customers will decrease by an average of 0.2 per cent per year before inflation.

The Essential Services Commission director of pricing, Marcus Crudden, highlighted thatwater businesses in Victoria must provide payment assistance to households and small businesses, and said Gippsland Water hasinitiatives to support customers experiencing vulnerability.

"We encourage customers to contact Gippsland Water if they are experiencing difficulty paying bills to discuss what assistance or arrangements can be made," Mr Crudden said.

The ESC's acceptance of Gippsland Water's 2023-28 price submission, outlining the water corporation's investments,service standards and charges,which willtakeeffectfromJuly 1, means Gippsland Water customers will see one of the lowest water bill increases across the state over the next five years.

Gippsland Water managing director, Sarah Cumming said customers had shaped the submissionduringanintensivetwo-year engagement process.

"Thecommunity engagement we undertook to develop this submission was noted as being industry-leading whenfirst assessedand fasttracked for approval by the ESC in March," Ms Cumming said.

"Customers can take comfort in the fact that our focus over the next fiveyears will reflect their priorities, issues and concerns, while at the same time saving them money."

In approving Gippsland Water's five-year pricing plan, the ESC considered Gippsland Water's price submission andresponses to queriesand thedraft decision; consultants' reports; written submissions frominterested parties; and the participants' views in the public forum held on April 6.

Ms Cumming said the dominant theme of the submission was affordabilityand fairness and providingbill reductions (beforeinflation)for customers.

"We ran the ruler over all of our fees and charges to make sure they're attributed to those who use them at the lowest possible cost," she said.

"Despite costs beyond our control such as interest rates, electricity andchemicals increasing, we will still deliver an average bill that is 3.3 per cent lower than the inflation rate.

"Keeping billsbelowthe inflation rate has helped to protect ourresidential customers fromafurther $53.49 increase on their bills.

"For ourtenantsand small businesses, the savings are $14.38 and $74.38, respectively.

"This represents one of the lowest bill increases in the state compared to other water corporations for this determination.

"These reductions, along with our other investments,willensureGippsland Water customers receive improved value andknow thatweare

working to provide them with agood and affordable service."

Gippsland Water committed to several fundamental objectives over the five-year pricing period, reflecting customer priorities,includingbeing affordable and fair; doing its job well; being easy to deal with;being involvedinthe community; being environmentallyresponsible; and planning for the future.

Gippsland Water will invest $268 million in capitalinvestments to meet higher demand and higher service levels, $10.5 million in energy projects to increase system resilience, boost renewable energy generationand reduce long-term energy costs and $100,000 per year in programs that support the wellbeing of community support, including more public drinking fountains.

It will alsobuildonits extensive engagement with its customers and community, including withTraditional Owners,and further uplift its education and awareness campaignsabout water conservation, sustainability,wellbeingand customer support by implementinganapp, providing greater flexibility in managingbill payments and the ability to monitor water usage, more customer careresources and increased investment in Aboriginal employment and cultural recognition initiatives.

Typicalbills for South GippslandWater residential owner-occupiercustomers will increase by $111 in 2023-24.

The ESC's final decision on SouthGippsland Water's five-year pricing plan, also released last week, confirms a$111jump in the cost of typical bills.

This meanstypical annual water and sewerage bills for South Gippsland Water residential owneroccupier customers will increase 9.6 per cent, from $1154 to $1265, as of July 12023.

For the remaining four years to 2028,typical annual water and sewerage prices for residential

customerswill increase by an average of 3.2 per cent per year before inflation.

Mr Crudden said South Gippsland Water recognises the impact the price change will have on customers, and has initiatives in place to support customersexperiencing vulnerability, including expandingeligibility for its customer support program and introducing aco-payment scheme to help re-engagewith customers withoutstanding payments and help them reduce debt.

"We encourage customers to contactSouth Gippsland Water if they are experiencing difficulty paying bills to discuss what assistance or arrangements can be made," he said.

Following the ESC's finaldecision on East Gippsland Water's five-year pricing plan, typical bills will increase by $93 in 2023-24.

Typical annual water and seweragebills for East Gippsland Water residential owner-occupier customers will go up by 7.5 per cent, from $1238 to $1331, as of July 12023.

For the remaining four years to 2028,typical annual water and sewerage prices for East GippslandWater residentialcustomerswill increasebyanaverage of 0.5 per cent per year before inflation.

The Essential Services Commission formally reviews the maximum prices and service levels to applyfor Victorian water managers, including Gippsland Water, South Gippsland Water and East Gippsland Water, against alegal framework established by the state government and set out in the Water IndustryRegulatoryOrder,and the ESC's PREMO pricing framework,every five years.

Locals reminded to keep homes firesafeduring winter

WELLINGTON Shire Council is urging residents and local business owners not to become complacent about fire safety during the winter season.

The prompt follows aspate of firesinrecent weeks which has seen entire households and commercial buildings withinthe shire completely destroyed.

The winter monthsare among themost dangerous time of the year in terms of house fires. While the most common place in the home where fires start is in the kitchen, datafrom the CountryFire Authority (CFA) and Fire Rescue Victoria shows that morethan 72 per cent of deadly fires start in bedrooms and living areas; most of which are caused by mechanical failure of heating systems, appliances, and equipment.

As the weather cools down, residents are being asked to stay vigilant when using heating equipment such as indoor fireplaces and electric room heaters.

When it comes to home heating in particular, Fire Rescue Victoria and the CFA recommend the following fire safety and prevention tips:

 Never leave portable heaters and fireplaces unattended and turn off heating devices before leaving home or going to sleep;

 Drying clothes and other items must be kept at least one metre away from all heating;

 Residents should have their gas heaters inspected and serviced every two years to ensure the safety of loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning or fire;

 Children must be supervised near all types of heating;

 Heaters should be installed as per the manufacturer's instructions, away from wet areas if they are portable, and;

 When purchasing aheater, look for one that has an automatic safety switch that will turn off if the heater is tipped over.

Under the Victorian smoke alarm legislation, all residential properties must have asmoke alarm installed on every level including in every sleeping area and living room.

As afurther safety precaution, smokealarms should be installed with a10-year long-life battery and tested each month to reduce fire risk.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Ian Bye was shockedtolearn about the recent fires in Wellington Shire.

“Having these fires happen within the first two weeks of winter is devastating and has such ahugeimpact on so many people livinginour community," he said.

"I encourage all residents to stay alert of the fire risksintheir home or business and to develop a fire escape plan and practice it."

If afire starts inside your property, get out and stay out and in every case -call Triple Zero (000).

More information about fire preventionand safety is available via:

Stategovernment -Practical Fire Safety Tips: www.vic.gov.au/practical-fire-safety-tips

CFA -Fires in the Home: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ plan-prepare/fires-in-the-home

Fire Rescue Victoria: Home Fire Safety: www. frv.vic.gov.au/home-fire-safety-v2

Wellington Shire residents arebeing urged to stay firesafe, following aspate of incidents this winter.

Photo:Wellington ShireCouncil

Sale’s elite squadron: The Roulettes

TomParry

ON any given day, the sound of aircraft can be heard buzzing in the skies above Sale.

Chances are, moreoften than not, theseaeroplanes belong to the Roulettes -anelite squadron thatshowcases Sale’saerial grandeurtoAustralia, and the world.

Formally known as the RoyalAustralian Air Force Aerobatic Team, the squadron is stationed at RAAF BaseEast Sale,and consists of seven members who attend events across the country.

One of these members is Flight Lieutenant Ben Price, or Roulette Seven,who is largelyresponsible for organising these appearances.

Flt Lt Price first joined the RAAF in 2015 after spending seven years as an electrician; he recalls working in aroof with another electrician, who wastwice his age, as the motivation for him to join the Air Force.

“We were up there, doing some work in the roof, and Iwas 25 at the time, and Ithought, ‘That’s not really what Iwant to be doing when I’m 50 years old…’” Flt Lt Price said.

“I kind of went home that night and put in an application(to)Defence Force Recruiting, and I thought, ‘I’ll just see what happens’.”

Despite having no experience as apilot, he was accepted into the RAAF and beganhis new career.

He has beeninvolved with the Roulettessince last year, initially viewing the role as an opportunity to return home, having grown up in Mornington. “Living in Brisbane, COVID hit and Iwanted to get back to Victoria, and they basically said, ‘We’ve got somejobs available in EastSale, andone of those is the Roulettes -goinginto the Roulette Seven position,’” he said.

In this position,Flt Lt Pricegenerallyisn’t involved in the aerial displays -only six pilots performtogether at anyone time -but will fly the back-up aircraft, and accompany his fellow Roulettes to each event.

Heading the Aerobatic Team is Squadron Leader Mark Keritz, who has been involved in the Air Force since joining the Australian Defence Force Academy in 2006.

He became part of the troupe in 2019, and assumed the designation of Roulette One last year.

SqnLdr Keritz explained to the Gippsland Times how much preparation is involved before attending an event.

“We have what’s called a‘work-up’ every six months -given peopleinthe Defence Force post in and postout, we might have oneortwo members changing at any one time,” he said.

“So we have about 30 to sometimes 50 flight work-upstotrain people up …and it usually takes about six, sometimes eight weeks to train people up for ashow.”

That involves up to 50 hours of flying time over Sale and surrounds, all for adisplay which typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

Proud history

THE Roulettes were formed in 1970 following the success of two other aerial display teams: the Red Sales and the Telstars.

The original aircraft flown by the squadron was the Aermacchi MB-326, an Italian light military aircraft affectionately referred to as the “Macchi”. They were replaced by the Swiss-built Pilatus PC-9/A in 1989, whichwould be utilised by the Roulettes for another three decades.

Their replacement was another Pilatus aircraft, the PC-21, which superseded the 9/A fleet in 2019 and is still being utilised by the squadron today.

The PC-21 is highly versatile aircraft, capable of pulling 8Gs of force and turning 200 degrees per second-afar cry from most other planes in the ADF’s fleet.

“Most of my hours are on the C130 Hercules -it’s amedium tactical airlifter, so cannot do anything

near what (the PC-21) does,” Sqn Ldr Keritz said.

He likened the PC-21 to asportscar, and the Hercules to atruck.

Flt Lt Price agreed with the comparison, saying of his former aircraft: “Mark was in the truck, I was in the bus.”

“I flew an air-to-air refueller …itwas acommercial airliner that had systems up the back to refuel other aircraft,” he said.

“Comingto(the PC-21) now is asportscar in terms of what you can do in it.”

While only six PC-21s are flown by theRoulettes during their display formations,EastSalehas a fleet of 25 Pilatus aircraft on-site, all of which are paintedinthe same red-and-blue livery.

When not being used for events, the planes are utilised by the Central Flying School to train junior Air Force pilots and teachers.

As part of their role,the Roulettesassist with training prospective instructors who have previouslyflown in Hercules, C-17 or F-35 aircraft.

“They come to us,weteach them to be instructors, and they go to either 1FTS here (in Sale) or 2FTS in Perth,trainthe basic pilots… then we sort of keep that cycle going,” Sqn Ldr Keritz said.

Trainingtakes place across the wider region during all hours of the day.

“We train instructors to teach at night here, so there’s afair bit of night-flying …just to provide students and the instructors with the skills they need to go and fly other operation types,” Sqn Ldr Keritz said.

Though he added: “We try and minimise it where we can.”

Flying everywhere

THE Roulettes willoftenattend multipleevents throughout a12-month period; this year alone, they have performed aerial displaysover Melbourne on Australia Dayand Anzac Day, in Tasmania for theHobartRegatta, and in South Australia for the Barossa Airshow.

The squadron was also seen at the Avalon Airshow, where it participated in aformation flight withits South Korean counterpart, the Black Eagles; and the Australian Formula 1Grand Prix, performing routines on all four days of the event and being telecast to aglobal audience.

“It’s impressive,” Flt Lt Price said regarding the international recognition.

“Whilst we are only asmall Air Force comparatively, our display team is up there with the best in the world.”

At each event, the pilots aim to have what they refer to as “ground interactions” with attendees.

“The flying displaysare great, but where we can, we get down and do meet-and-greets,” Sqn Ldr Keritz said.

“It’s quite exciting -especially when you see all thekids’ facesafter thedisplay,and you get to ask what their favourite part of the show is.”

Theiranswer, according to Sqn Ldr Keritz, is typicallythe same: the “Bomb Burst” thatconcludes the display.

These interactions serve not only to publicise the Australia’s defence forces, but the town where the crew hails from.

“Whilst we aim to promote the ADF we are representativeofwhere we come from, being Sale,” Flt Lt Price said.

“A lot of people know (of) Sale because of the Roulettes.”

Camaraderie

BEING an elite flyingsquadron,comparisons with acertain Hollywood blockbuster are inevitable.

So, just how similar is being in the Roulettes to Top Gun?

According to Sqn Ldr Keritz: “There’s alot less volleyball involved.”

“It’s not as competitive as Top Gun,” he added, describing the relationship with his fellow pilots

as “veryclose”.

“There’s alot of trust withthe job itself, and from all the time we spend together, you become quite good friends, because you also go away alot together.”

Flt Lt Price shared similar sentiments: “We all get on really well, we have agood laugh, but it’s also avery professional team as well.”

But it will all soon be over for Sqn Ldr Keritz, who will be leaving the Roulettes to “fly desk” and join the Air Force’spersonnel management branch in Canberra.

The departing pilot said he will “very much” miss the role.

“Every time Iget asked this question, Italkabout how it’s kind of sad,” Sqn Ldr Keritz said.

“I think this is the peak of my flying career; I’ll never sort of get this much enjoyment, this much fun again.

“But it’s definitely …agood time for me to step

out of the role, give someone else achance, and I’ll go on to meet some new and different challenges.” SqnLdr Keritz has just concluded his work with theincoming pilots,who arecurrently two-thirds of the way through their work-up.

Flt Lt Price, meanwhile, will remain in his role as Roulette Seven, and continue supporting the squadron in the lead-up to the rest of the year’s events, including the Pacific Airshow in August, and the BattleofBritain Commemorationin September.

Anybodyinterested in joining the Air Forceis encouraged to visitdefencejobs.gov.au or call 13 19 01.

The Roulettes performing aflyoverabove theMCG on AnzacDay of this Year Photo: Contributed

The twopilots chattingwith technicianBen Halliganinthe aircraft workshops.

Flight Lieutenant BenPrice(Roulette Seven) and Squadron Leader MarkKeritz (Roulette One) at RAAFBaseEastSale. Photo:Tom Parry

Royal Australian Air Forcenews

National Families Week event

TO celebrate National Families Week last month, DefenceMember andFamily Support(DMFS) hosted an event for Australian Defence Force members and their families from the Sale area. The event wasanopportunity to show appreciation for ADF families and the unwavering support they provide that enables those in uniform to serve.

The event beganwithacruise at Lakes Entrance on board Peels Cruise’s Catamarannamed Thunderbird, with the weather thankfully providing some sunshine in among the clouds. Families enjoyed spotting anumberofdolphins and seals before having lunch on the Metung foreshore thanks to the excellent hospitality of the Metung Lions Club.

Following ahearty lunch on the foreshore, the families set off again, this time cruisingaround Raymond Island for more sightseeing.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the event and is looking forward to the next DMFS activity which is agreat opportunity for ADF members and their families to make meaningful connections with other ADF families in the area. Events suchasthis are made possible thanks to the amazing support and cooperation of local businesses.

What’sonatDutson Range

DUTSON Training Area will be active during the periods listed for Field Training Exercises. Some of these activities may involve demolition practices and, as such, explosions may be heard between the hours of 9am and 4pm each day.

Public recreational usage of Lake Wellington will not be affected by these exercises.

 July 6-14 -Military Field Training;

 July 11 -Survival Pyrotechnic Training, and;

 July 20-August 3-Initial Officer Training, including blank ammunition firing and pyrotechnics.

While RAAF personnel strive to inform thepublic of all activities conduced at Dutson Training Area, explosions may be heard outside the dates listed above if dictated by operational requirements.

Warningtohunters

IN the interest of public safety, notification is hereby giventhat access to Dutson Training Area is PROHIBITED.

Dutson Training Area is still an active weapons range, and presents asignificant hazard to all persons within the range boundaries.

The hazard not only exists during range activation for weapons exercises, but also during times of inactivity. This is due to the very high levels of UnexplodedExplosive Ordnanceonthis range, some dating back to World War 2, much of which is in an unstablecondition. Unmarkedsiltedin bomb craters present another significant hazard. People are reminded that it is an offence, under Section 89 and 89A of the Commonwealth Crimes Act to trespass on Defence land, and to discharge firearms on or over Commonwealth land.

For further information, phoneSergeant Nick Young on 0429 402 049.

Aircraft Operations at East Sale

IF you are interested in learning more about the roleofRAAFBase East Sale, flying operations and flying areas, you can visit www.defence.gov.

Dutson Training Area Range Boundaries.

Photos: Contributed

au/aircraftnoise/EastSale

This includes alinktothe RAAF East SaleNoise Management Plan. TheDefence approach to noise mitigation and AirForce fly neighbourly policy can also be found through the ‘Understanding Noise’ site.

General information

ANY enquiries relating to activities at RAAF Base, East Sale, should be directed to the Air Base Command Post on 5169 9892, or via email to esl. abcp@defence.gov.au.

Defence families enjoyed aday outaround Lakes Entrance recently

MorevisitorstoGippslandasVictoriantourism hitshigh

Zoe Askew

VISITOR expenditure in Victoria has hit arecord high of $35 billion annually.

The latest data released by TourismResearch Australia, showed visitor expenditure in Victoria for the year ending March 2023surpassed the 2019 pre-COVID peak of $32.5billion, hitting a record highof$35 billion and reaching the state government's 2024 tourism target more than a year ahead of schedule.

Victoria is leading the nation's tourism recovery, attracting 22.1 per cent of Australia's total visitor expenditure over the 12-month period and making thelargest market share gains in the country with a2.9 percentage point growth.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, said tourism was critical to the state's economy as it creates jobs, supports Victorian businesses.

"These are outstanding results for the Victorian tourism industry, whichhas shown incredible resilience and innovation in recent years," Mr Dimopoulos said.

"There'snoquestionthat Victoriaisback and top of the list for travellers from across the globe."

The latest Tourism Research Australiadata revealedthatMelbourne has kept its crownasthe number one interstate overnight leisuredestination in Australia, with 3.6 million visitors staying 14.6 million nights and spending $5.1 billion.

Regional Victoria continued to deliver results, withall tourism regionshitting all-timehighs, with visitor spending in Phillip Island increasing by 75 per cent, High Country up by 73 per cent, and the Grampians rising by 66 per cent since 2019.

Overall intrastate overnight visitation numbers to regional Victoria wereupsix per cent since2019, with total nights increasing by eight per cent and expenditure up 58 per cent.

Acting chief executive of Visit Victoria, Kelly Dickson, was elated with the state's tourism.

"We're thrilled to seetourism in regional Victoria humming,aswell as Melbourne,keeping the

top spotasthe country's number one interstate overnight leisure destination," Ms Dickson said.

Gippsland has not been leftout of the current tourist boom, with WellingtonShire Council Mayor, Ian Bye, confirming asignificant rise in visitor expenditure and the average length of stay across the area.

"Throughcouncil's lifestylebrand 'The Middle of Everywhere', Wellington Shire Council continues to encourage visitors to theregionthrough delivery and support of major events, including the Great Victorian Bike Ride, 2024 ANZAC Weekend Airshow and The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally," Cr Bye said.

"Withpopular locations such as the Gippsland Lakes, Victorian High Country, Tarra Bulga National Park and NinetyMile Beach, The Middle of Everywhere continues to gainmomentum, highlighting the region as acentral base to experience theseincredible attractions whilstpromoting Wellington Shire as apremier destination to live, work, invest and thrive.

"Over the past 12 months, we have seen a16 per cent increase in visitor expenditure across the region, with the average length of visitor stays in Wellington increasing to over three days.

"A recent survey conductedexternallyonThe Middle of Everywhere showed outstanding brand awareness within Gippsland, while also encouraging visitation from across the eastern half of the state.

"Councilwill continue to build on this momentum with anew destination TV commercial to be shown across southern NSW, Northern Victoria and the outer South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. " Ablockbuster major and business events calendar and Visit Victoria'scampaigns 'Stay close,go further' and 'Get Set -Melbourne', reaching more than 15 million people combined in the year ending March 2023, have bolsteredtouristresults to reach arecord high.

In May,the state governmentreleasedits vision to grow Victoria's tourism industry and create jobs overthe next 10 yearswithExperience Victoria 2033, building on the government's $633 million

VisitorEconomyRecovery and Reform Plan, outlining the goal to achieve $35 billion in visitor expenditure by June 2024. International markets continued to recover, reaching $4.2billioninvisitor expenditurein Victoria in the year ending March 2023 -around

50 per cent of 2019 levels.

China has returned as the number one international market after reopening in January.

India continues to be agrowing international market, with visitor expenditure now 11 per cent higher than in 2019.

Visitors have flockedtoplaces suchasWoodsideBeach in the past year.

Photo: Wellington ShireCouncil

Lake Tyers is asurvivor and will

TomParry

THIS story contains the names of Indigenous people who have died. Both are respectfully used with the permission of the family of the deceased.

EAST of Lakes Entranceand off the Princes Highway is the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust.

It’s aplace of many names -Tyers, the station, the mission, Bung Yarnda -but to Gunaikurnai elder John Gorrie, it’s known simply as Home.

The Gunaikurnai people have astoried connection with LakeTyers which, of course, existed long before whitefullas came to Australia.

The Trust’s history can be traced back to 1863, when it was founded as an Anglican Mission for First Nations peoples by English clergyman John Bulmer.

In 1908, control of the settlement was handed to the state government, which severely limited the freedoms and opportunities of residents.

Mr Gorrie lived at Bung Yarnda for seven years of his childhood.

While he is unable to recall his earliest memory livingthere,hedoes recollect being tub-bathed under awatchful eye.

“Mrs Rule, the manager’s wife, used to walk around …(and) make sure that we had abath,” he said.

“Used to comeand make sure the mother was doing it right, cleaningthe kids up and all that stuff.”

Though he adds: “Apart from that, it was great fun living there.”

Mr Gorrie was born to asinglemother, Linda -herself aGunaikurnai woman -onMarch10, 1950. Being the child of an unwed parent, he was removed from his mother and placed in an orphanage in Melbourne.

This practice, known as “forced adoption”, was common in Victoria at the time, with both Indigenous andnon-Indigenous single mothers having their children taken from them.

Three years later, Linda wrote to the secretary of the Children’s Welfare Department, informing of hermarriagetoCarl Turner andrequesting custody of her son.

The next year, afour-year-old John Gorrie was returned to hismother to liveonLakeTyers Aboriginal Station.

But even then, the fear of separation remained.

“Mum was still frightened of the welfare people, taking me off (her) again,” Mr Gorrie said.

“She used to hear the cars come down along the dirt track, used to race me into the bushes…”

Though he wasnever taken again, Mr Gorrie did witnessother children being forcibly removed

In 1961,the governmentannounced its intention to close the station, purportedly at the behest of a certain aviation magnate.

“Old Reg Ansett was going to buy the property and turn it into aresort area,” Mr Gorrie said.

As aresult, residents were “shipped out” and moved to towns such as Bruthen, Orbost, Newborough and Warragul; the Gorriefamily were relocated to Moe.

“You had no say about the place at all; you just got moved out, and that’s it,” Mr Gorrie said.

“I’d never heard of Moe until Igot to Moe. All I knew was Lake Tyers…”

Due to the protests of older residents, the closure never came to fruition; instead, the settlement became aself-governing community in 1971, and

has remainedunder the control of theTrust to this day.

John Gorrie would go on to be employed as an Aboriginal Liaison and Advocacy officer with the Department of Health and HumanServices, where he had along and distinguished career.

In recognition of his efforts, in 2005 he became the first Indigenous Australian to be awarded the Public Service Medal.

Nowadays aresident of Sale,hevisits LakeTyers when he can, and recently invited the Gippsland

The entrance to Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust.

Photos: TomParry

always be an Indigenous home

Times on atour of the area.

As ageneral rule, whitefullas (such as this author) aren’t allowed onto the property, but aspecial exemption has been granted for this occasion.

There are no signs directing people to the Trust; the only indication of its existence is abus shelter painted withFirst Nations artwork alongthe highway.

From here, motorists turn and followahilly, winding road through bushland, where they are greeted by alarge wooden gateway and billboards instructing non-residents not to enter.

After ashort drive beyond the gates,the bushland turns to farmland, with cows grazing in the fields. Another few-hundred metres down the road, and signs of atownship at last become visible.

Mr Gorrie will alwaysstop by the NewCemetery first whenever he visits Bung Yarnda; this occasion is no different.

It’s here where his mother and father are buried; it’salsowherehewishes to be buried once he passes.

After saying our greetings and payingour respects, it’s time for abrief tour of thearea.

Mr Gorrie identifies the various sites of interest, including theold abattoir, adam, and the remains of theold bathhouse -it’shere where local children were required to wash every morning, regardless of weather.

In winter, the children would walk from their homes through the cold mud and then clean themselves, only to get mud on themselves again as they walked back home.

Next to be drivenpastisthe church. Built in 1878 by architect Leonard Terry, the building is one of the oldest, and few remaining, timber churches in Australia.

It’s also where Mr Gorrie’s parents were married.

The church has seenmany weddings over its lifetime -and many more funerals.

During latter events, alarge bell in the tower would toll as mourners followed the caskets of loved ones to their resting place. The bell has since been removed from the church.

Nearby is amodern health centre, and an old mission building where residents, in the past, would queue to receive their food rations.

Just beyond this building is the Old Cemetery, surrounded by whitepost-and-railfencingand sheltered by large evergreen trees.

Unlike the New Cemetery, there are no tombstonesormarkedgraves; instead, asingle freestanding wall lists the names of the deceased.

Further down the road, Mr Gorrie points out what was the first -and for atime, the only -lamp-post at Bung Yarnda.

He recalls the children hanging around the pole after dark, trying to hit its bulb with stones.

After adrive past the local residences, it’s back into town for aquick visit to the main hall and information centre for acuppa,ayarn and aglance at old photos.

Then, it’s back in the car for the return journey,

withMrGorrie wavingashepassesthe New Cemetery.

Upon return to Sale, he admitted to feeling emotional wheneverhethinks about his childhood.

“It brings back alot of memories …sometimes I get teary about it,” he said.

It’s mostly positive memories that spring to mind -picture nights, swimming in the lake and playing with friends.

Forthose reason, Mr Gorrie says: “Lake Tyers will always be home.”

This article was made possible through the assistance of Mr Gorrie’s local sponsors, Tidy Toes and Toys Galore And More.

An old mission building at Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust. It’s herewherelocal residents would queue for their food rations.

TheLake Tyers Anglican Churchisone of the oldest timber churches in Australia.

Uncle John Gorrie outside theentrance to Lake Tyers.

The Old Cemetery,asviewed from the road

Mr Gorrie at thegrave of his late parents.

New meets old in Vegemiteremake

VEGEMITE has revealed the highly anticipated remake of its iconic Happy Little Vegemites advertisement as the brandinches towardsits 100th birthday.

In celebrationofVegemite's100th birthday on October 25, 2023, comes the return of the Happy Little Vegemites.

In 1954, atrio of bright,energeticyoungsters burst into song on the radio to atoe-tapping jingle named 'Happy Little Vegemites'.

Within five yearslater, the infectious song was developed into atelevision campaign, which continued intermittently until the late 1960s.

In the dawnofthe 1980s, the original 'Happy Little Vegemites' commercials, re-mastered and colourised, were broadcast to an entirely new generation of Australians.

Vegemite released anational public casting call in April, inviting Australian children to apply for

aonce-in-a-lifetime part in theiconic HappyLittle Vegemites remake.

Children nationwide respondedindroves,and Vegemitereceivedmore than 10,000 audition applicationsfromaspiringHappy Little Vegemites destined for stardom.

With the stage set to introduce Australia to the highlyanticipated reveal of the new cast, Vegemite announced awell-keptsecret -the return of avery special member of the Vegemite family for the remake.

Many mightrecognise the iconicTrish Cavanagh, who was just seven-years-old when she marched on top of the Vegemite jar in the original 1950s ad, and now, 71, on board as aspecial guest within its 2023 remake.

Aged seven, Trishdidn'trealisewhatshe was getting herself into then, but 64 years later, the Happy Little Vegemites ad is now as iconic as ever.

Bakefor babies… and beds!

"I'm so honoured Vegemite asked me to be involved in the ad that changed my life forever," Ms Cavanagh said.

"Vegemite has been and continues to play ahuge role in my life, and Iamsothrilled to be passing the baton to the next generation of Happy Little Vegemite kids.

"These children today don't realise what abig event this is for them, and Ihope in the years to come, they look back with pride.

"To be in the remake of the original Vegemite ad for Vegemite's 100th birthday is something very special.

"Get readyfor the ride,kids -Ithinkitwill be along one."

From the 10,000 who responded to Vegemite's national casting call auditions, six lucky youngsters madethe final cut; six-year-old Brielle, six-year-old Cyril,seven-year-old Albie, 10-year-old Amber,

10-year-old Ava and 11-year-old Xavier.

Within the remake, you'll spot Vegemite's 2023 cast of Happy Little Vegemites joyously dancing, gleefully running around the clotheslineinthe backyard, climbingtrees and sharing Vegemite moments with their cherished friends.

The new Happy Littleremake, and the next generation of Happy Little Vegemites, proudly celebrate the tapestry of Aussie life-where the simple act of enjoying Vegemite brings people together and fostersasenseofbelonging and nostalgia that resonates within every Australian heart.

General Manager, Marketing at Bega Foods, Matt Gray said the remake of the Happy Little Vegemites ad providesanopportunityfor children to write their names in Australian history.

"When Vegemite announced the remake of the Happy Little Vegemites ad, we knew one thing was true -itwas achancefor some lucky kids to weave themselves into the Aussie history books," Mr Gray said.

"Vegemite has playeda key role in this great nation since1923, and we couldn't thinkofa better way to celebrate its incredible legacythan by inviting anew generation of Happy LittleVegemites to be apartofsomething incredibly special."

Vegemite thanked each Happy Little Vegemite who submitted their audition and everyone who has supported Vegemite during its 100-year existence.

Babiesof theMonth

The chairs can be converted to beds to provide aplace for partners or the birthing mother’s support person to stay overnight.

about the NICF and Bakefor Babies, visit www.newborn.org.au.

AvaBeverlyTyson born 7poundsat6.43pm on June 19,2023,toproud Longfordparents Melissa Slade and AndrewTyson.

Ezra Derek Da Silvaborn 8pounds 2ounces at 8.55pm on June 21,2023,toproud Stratford parents Madisonand Christopher Alexander Da Silva.

Maya Hawkins born 7pounds 8ouncesat 7.04pm on June 26,2023, to proud Sale parentsRachel and Wayne Hawkins. Alittle sistertoLiam and Kohen. Photos:Zoe Askew

Harriet Rose Pridham born 9pounds 1ounce at 2.01pm on June 24, 2023,toproud Maffra parents SerenaKilpatrick andRhy Pridham.

Trish in the 2023 Happy Little remake.

Trish Cavanagh biting into her VEGEMITE toast in theoriginal ad in May1959.

Sale Swifties strike gold in ticket quest

Zoe Askew

SHE was the most searched singer on Google in 2022, with more than 2.1 million monthly hits. She is the second wealthiest self-made woman in the global music industry, with an estimated net worth eclipsing $800 million. And last week, she broke the internet -atleast in Australia.

TaylorSwift set anew national record with more thanfourmillionusers queuing on Ticketek to get theirhands on highly sought-after presale tickets on Wednesday.

While hundreds of thousandsoflucky Swifties successfully secured tickets,manyclaimed the Ticketek app crashed, and they could not get through to purchasing page.

The desperation of fans endeavouring to secure tickets for Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour in February next year was on display across the nation on Wednesday, with presale tickets for the pop star's threeSydneyshows selling out in little under four hours, while presale tickets to the two Melbourne shows sold out in less than three.

Amid thecountry's 'Tayhem' (Taylor Swift mayhem), the state government officially declared the global superstar's MelbourneThe Eras Tour concerts amajor event, meaning ticketscalping laws will apply, in abid to protect fans from being ripped off.

Having sold more than 200 million albums since debuting in 2006,making her one of the bestselling musicians of all time, 12-timeGrammy-winning singer Taylor Swift needs little introduction.

And withrepeated world-mauling super-smashes and phenomenal global fame, whether you are a die-hard fan, aka Swifties, or don't care much for Spotify's most-streamed artist in asingleday,it's almost impossible not to have heard aTaylor Swift song at least once.

We'veall cry-sung along to TaylorSwift in the car,volumeblaring, afterbreakingupwith ahigh school boyfriend or girlfriend, right?

Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour,a journey through themusical eras of the American singer-songwriter's career,pastand present, was first announced in November 2022.

Taylor Swift confirmed the first round of international tour dates in earlyMay,hosting The Eras Tourconcerts in Mexico this August andArgentina and Brazil in November.

Australia's Swifites waited in anxious anticipation, their prayers answered on Wednesday, June

21,when at 2am (Eastern StandardTime), Taylor Swift unveiled the Australian dates for her global The Eras Tour withfiveperformances slated for Sydney and Melbourne across twomassive weekends in February 2024.

The international superstar willhostconcerts in Melbourne at the MCG on Friday, February 16, Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18, 2024and in Sydney at the Sydney AccorArena on Friday, February23, Saturday, February 24, Sunday, February 25 and Monday, February 26, 2024.

On Monday, June 26, the American Express Card presale released the first round of tickets to Taylor Swift'sThe Eras Tour Australian concerts; however,tickets were limited to VIP packages, selling for up to $1249.

On Wednesday, June 28, the Frontier Members' 24-hour presale, or until the presale allocation is exhausted,began with tickets for Sydney shows on sale from 10am and 2pm for Melbourne shows.

At 1.45pm, Ticketekreported that the presale for Sydney performances had sold out.

By 4.17pm, all presale tickets had sold out for the Melbourne shows.

Since hearing the pop star on the car radio as a little girl, 16-year-old Eloise Nottle from Sale has been afan of Taylor Swift, and when she learned that The Eras Tour was coming to Australia, she knew she had to get her hands on tickets.

"I saw the announcement on Instagram, and I was telling my friends we have to go," Elosie said.

On Wednesday morning, the local Swiftie banded together with five of her friends, setting out for one critical mission -buy Taylor Swift tickets.

"Beforehand, Imet up with my friends, and we were all so nervous," Elosie explained.

"We werescrolling on TikTok, and it was all people from Sydney getting tickets or not getting tickets."

Eloiseand herfriendshuddled together, devices open and ready, an hour before the presale began.

"It was very stressful," Elosie said.

"So we were sitting there an hourearly and were like, 'it's two o'clock, they've been released', and then we sat there for an hour. We were so stressed; we were losing hope because in that hour, we saw someone got tickets, and we were like, 'Oh no, we're not going to get them'.

"It had been an hour and ahalf, so we had been on therefor two and ahalf hours;itwas just so stressful, like aroller coaster of emotions -excited,

nervous, we just kept thinking, 'we're not going to get them, and we are going to have to do this all over again on Friday'."

Despite their doubts, luck was on their side; out of the four million people vying for presale tickets to her Sydney and Melbourne shows, Eloise and her friends successfully gained tickets to the opening gig of Taylor Swift's The Eras Australian tour leg at the MCG.

"When we booked it, we were all crying happy tears," Eloise said.

"We weretrying to make ourselvesnot as excited as we could be; we were to the point where we thought we would be so disappointed because we had been in there for ages and thought they would sell out."

On Wednesday,Sale Swiftie Deanne Holmes wasn't so fortunate; the long-timeTaylor Swift fan waited four hours to walk away with nothing.

Deanne tried her luck again on Friday when the remaining ticketstothe TaylorSwiftconcertwere released. This time, she was successful in securing tickets to her favourite artist.

"Her concerts are unreal; I've never ever missed one," she said.

"This will be the seventh!"

With ahistorically unprecedented demandfor tickets to see T-Swizzle (yes, this is actually a common nickname for the country-turned-pop singer), Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos has declared the global superstar's Melbourne The Eras Tour concerts a major event under the Major Events Act 2009.

Under the legislation,tickets to adeclared major event can't be advertised for resale or resold for more than 10 per cent above theiroriginal valueand ticket package sellers must be authorised by the event organiser. Individual ticket advertisements must also include ticket and seating details.

Any ticketseller whodoes not comply withthese legislations is subject to penalties ranging from $925 up to $554,760, depending on the nature of the offence.

Mr Dimopoulos believes that issuing amajor event ticketing declaration for Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour,aglobal phenomenon that has sold out with unprecedented demand worldwide, is the best approach to safeguard Aussie Swifties.

"As the live music capital of Australia, Melbourne is Taylor-made to host iconic events like this," Mr Dimopoulos said.

"By protecting our major events from ticket

scalpers, we're ensuringfans have the best chance possible of seeing their music idols.

"Our message to ticket scalpers is clear -don't sell Taylor Swift tickets at inflated prices; otherwise, you will be fined."

Frontier Touringchiefexecutive officer, Dion Brant expects overwhelming interest in Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour tickets.

"These laws help to keep ticket purchasing fair for music fans," he said.

The Eras Tour is limited to just two Australian cities, Melbourne andSydney,meaningthe state's capitalisgearingfor amassiveeconomicboost through spending on accommodation, retail, food, beverage and transport, withreports Swifties have already booked out hotels in Melbournemore than eight months before the tour even hits Australian shores.

Demand for flights into the capital cities on her concert datesalsomore than doubledinanticipation of the ticket release.

Following Wednesday's Tayhem, which sent Swifties into afrenzy across the country, the American singer-songwriter made ashock announcement on Thursday morning, adding two new shows to her 2024 Australian tour.

The additional concerts mean Taylor Swift will be the first artist since Madonna to play three consecutive shows at the MCG and the first artist ever to perform four straight concerts at Sydney's Accor Stadium.

Crowds are expected to reach 270,000 over three nights, with fans travelling from interstate and across theTasman Seatosee the pop star perform.

Taylor Swift's recently announced third concert in Melbourne will also be protected underthe state government's anti-scalping laws as all of the pop star's Melbourne legs of her The Eras Tour have been declared amajor event.

"We don't want Taylor Swift fans to get 'Bad Blood' after beingrippedoff from unscrupulous ticket resellers -that's why we have declared these concerts as major events," Mr Dimopoulos said.

"We know that the biggest concerts in the world hit different when they are held at the 'G, and we're expecting tens of thousands of people to visit Melbournetosee one of Taylor Swift's three shows here.

"We are very clear on our stance on ticket scalping. Do not resell tickets to her performances at inflated prices because you will be fined."

Sale teenager Eloise Nottle and her friends withlaptops at the ready, anxiously waiting to secureTaylor Swifttickets.

Photo:Contributed

US megastar Taylor Swift is coming to Australia next year Tickets have sold out in record time

Crossword Puzzle No.8541

with Muzza

ONE POINTERS

1. Neale Daniher is afflicted and raises money for which disease?

2. Which video game and movie series features Lara Croft as the main character?

3. Who was ‘Livin La Vida Loca’ in 1999?

4. What title did the Australian Cricket team win recently in England by defeating India?

TWO POINTERS

5. What vegetable has varieties called, Angers, Snowball, Roscoffand Patna?

6. In the TV show MASH, what does MASH stand for? For a bonus point, what was the number of the unit in the show?

7. If Iwas visiting the town of Geraldton, what Australian state would Ibein?

8. What planet is closest to Earth?

THREE POINTERS

9. True or False?Electrons aresmaller than atoms?

10. “Let them eat cake” is afamous misquote attributed to who?

11. Which of these animals has the most legs: bee, octopus, or crab?

12. Which country was the first man in space from? Bonus point if you know his name.

FOUR POINTERS

13. What term is given to an angle that ranges from 90 to 180 degrees?

14. Which artist painted “The Persistence of Memory” in 1931?

FIVE POINTER

15. Who am I? Clue: Iamaformer AFL player who appeared on the show ‘Big Brother’ in 2004. I am now acomedian who is also apresenter on radio and television.

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.0165

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 plural

A E H T B R E T A

Sudoku No.0165

Howtoplay.

Fill the grid so thateveryrow and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1to9 Solution page 28

‘Destiny’ dulls Indy’s legacy

ONE of cinema’s most iconicheroes has returned for one last adventure in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.Our resident film buffs Tom Parry and Stefan Bradley went to check it out.

TP: It would be remissofusnot to start this reviewwithout discussing ourthoughts on the other four movies in this long-running franchise. Stefan, what is your history with “Indy”?

SB: I’ve seen Raiders of the Lost Ark abunch of times, and Isaw the othertwo films in the “original” trilogy, Temple of Doom and The LastCrusade, around the time Kingdom of the CrystalSkull was released in 2008. And Ihaven’t seen any of those sequels since then, so Ifeel like I’ve aged together with Indy. How about you?

TP: My parents didn’t let me watch the Indiana Jones trilogy as akid becausetheybelievedthe movies would be too scary for me -and they were probably right- so Ididn’t seeany instalments until Crystal Skull came out. I’ve got asoft spot for all the movies, even the much-maligned fourth one.

SB: Same here -the castingofShia LaBeouf and infamous “nuking the fridge” scene aside, Iquite enjoyed Crystal Skull.Asfor this instalment, the plot of Dial of Destiny takes place in 1969, for the most part, and sees retiringarchaeologist Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) join his goddaughter Helena Shaw (Phoebe “Fleabag” Waller-Bridge) on ajourneytorecover adevice known as the Antikythera.

TP: Andtheymustdosowhile preventingit fromfallinginto the hands of Dr. JürgenVoller (MadsMikkelsen), aformer Nazi scientist with bold plans of re-establishing the Third Reich. The premise has all the makings of aclassic Indiana Jones film; and yet, this is probablythe movie I was least enthused by in the entire series.

SB: My expectationswere low for Dial of Destiny, and sadly those expectations were met but never surpassed. I’m calling it the Dial of Dullness, which sounds harsh, but it’s justpainfully average. Obviously,Harrison Ford is great,asisWallerBridge-I'm abig fan of her show Fleabag.Her character’s shady motivations made Helena quite an interesting figure in theearly parts of the movie; lesssothe second-half whereshe switchesbetween antagonist and ally when it's convenient.

TP: Part of me believes Helena was written withWaller-Bridgeinmind, because we did see shades of her Fleabag character come through in her performance.

SB: Ithought Ethann Isidore as Teddy, the child sidekick was pretty good as well, even though he’s similar to Short Round from Temple of Doom.Asfor the other characters, they were prettyhit-or-miss.

TP: You can countDrVoller among the latter company. It’s becoming abit of aclichétocast Mikkelsen as the antagonist in every movie, and that seems to be the only justification for his inclusion here. Dial of Destiny is Mads at his least menacing or his least effectual as avillain. There’s nothing he does here which Isaw as particularly menacingorsinister, asidefrom his Nazi associations.

SB: It is unfortunate we’re stuck with another boring villain, that’s for sure.

TP: One performer Idid like was Shaunette Renée Wilson as Agent Wilson, who is by far the coolestand most-interesting character,but the time we spend with her is disappointinglyshort- she isn’tseenbeyond thehalfway point.

SB: On amore positive note,the moviestarted strong, with aprologueset in the past with adeaged Indiana Jones and his classic Indy energy and humour in its action sequences. Although that chase scene on the train would have been better with less shaky cam, and it was so dark it was difficult to watch. Someone should havetold the editor to adjust that Dial of Dullness to ahigher brightness! There’s also afun horse chase through the streets of New York City, and afun tuk-tuk chase through the Moroccan city of Tangiers.

TP: All three chase sequences are the highlight for me, because without them, the film never feels likearomp. You watch the original trilogy, or even Crystal Skull,and it plays like an old-school adventureserial and you’re along for the ride; in Dial of Destiny,itfeel like the narrative just happens,and the events just wash overyou.It’s

TP: Honestly, those final moments did melt the heart and bringa teartomyeye. It was predictable and milked for all it was worth, but you couldn’t help but like it.

SB: Is this movie worth seeing? Ithink just one viewing does thetrick- Iwon't be watching it again This is certainly not anywhere close to the original

three movies in quality. If you’re expecting abig comeback for Indy, àla Mad Max: Fury Road or Top Gun: Maverick,this isn’t it.

TP: Ican only echo what Stefan has said. Dial of Destiny isn’tawful, nor bad; yet at the same time, it’s hardly the best action movie we’ve seen this year -that title easily belongs to John Wick: Chapter 4,which also stands as one of the best action films ever made.

SB: We probably come across as overly negative here, but that's because of the prestige which the Indiana Jones series carries. While it's good to see Fordback in his hat, this filmfailed to reach its true potential.

IndianaJones and the Dial of Destiny is rated Mfor frequent action violence, and is currently screening at Sale Cinema.

strangehow theother Indiana Jones chapters are criticised for being cartoonish or silly, and this fifth movie -even though they have these wacky or outlandish ideas -itdoesn’t have that same sense of fun.

SB: This filmpeaks at the beginning,and the level of enjoyment chartssouth from there.Overall, it's abland and forgettable affair.Itespecially starts to feel its 142-minute length once you get to the underwhelming third act. Therewere many examplesofscenes that could have been shortened or outright cut to improve the pacing.However, the ending -without wishing to spoil anything -was a nice way to finish this saga.

Harrison Ford returns as everybody’s favourite whip-cracking archaeologist, Indiana Jones.

Images: Disney/LucasFilm

Young regional Victorians stand up against bullying

Cathryn Langley

WELLINGTON Shire Youth Councilmembers have brought their passion for bullying reform to the YMCA’s Youth Parliamentchambers, introducing the ‘Bullying Intervention and Prevention in Schools Bill.’

YouthParliamentariansZaralee McAuliffeDouthat,Flora Gillies,Kaidance Green, Nicole Danks, Charlotte Mansfield and Jarrah Parr have been drafting and editing the Bill since the start of the year.

The Bill was debated in Victorian Parliament’s Legislative Assemblyand passed with avast majority last Thursday.

It proposesa centralised bullyingintervention and resource system across all Victorian schools, with the aim to establish abest-practice approach that equips schools, staff and parents with skills and resources to preventbullying and ensure effective resolution.

The clauses recommend adesignated Bullying Support andPrevention Officer for everyschool and astreamlined Bullying Awareness program.

It also outlines howtoreport bullying and conduct

anti-bullying procedures across Victorian schools.

Theyoung change-makers were inspired by personalexperiences, witnessing all too often among their peers how the education system has struggled to provide asafe, accessible, and consistent bullying intervention and prevention system.

The team described the Bill as fundamental to an issue that affects almost, if not all, young people and remains amassiveprobleminschool systems

According to Bully Zero, 60 per cent of students have experiencedbullying at leastonce in their school journey, with three in four feeling unsatisfied with bullying procedures.

“The issue of bullying doesn’t seem to be getting better; it seems to be getting worse,” Zaralee said.

“As the leading cause of suicide in young people, no student should be left wondering where to go or what to do when they are bullied.”

Flora agreed that if acentralised bullying intervention system existed, our school environments would foster areliable and safe environment for students

“Most of us would have had some sort of experience with bullying, whether we’ve seen it, heard about it or experienced it ourselves,” Flora said.

“But the result remains the same -ithas

detrimental effects on the mental and physical well-being of everyone involved.”

Aiv Puglielli MP, Greens Member fromthe Legislative Council,commended the advocacy and efforts of the Wellington Shire Youth Council.

Aiv holds aportfolio for youthand is aprominent advocate for youth issues and policies.

“Bullying is frankly an under-resourced issue that goes on day-to-day in our schools, and it has alasting impact thattranscends schooling life,”

Aiv said.

“It's important that there is an evenness in support that is able to be provided to all schools

WellingtonShireYouth Council team members

Flora Gillies, Kaidance Green, Zaralee McAuliffeDouthatinthe Legislative Assembly at Parliament House of Victoria

Photo: Contributed

across the state, we owe it to schools, and we owe it to young people.”

Jarrah emphasised its potential to transform the legislative landscape.

“This Billrecognisesthe currentbarriers to handling bullying -bybreaking down those barriers, the easier it will be to stampout bullying for good,” he said.

The Bill will now be passed on to the Minister for Youth, MP NatalieSuleyman, for consideration in future legislation.

Cathryn Langley is from YVictorian Youth Press Gallery.

Remember IbeforeEexcept after Catthe spelling bee

AFTERatwo-yearhiatusasa result of COVID, Vicspell is againupand running.

Founded in 2004 by Gippsland volunteer teachers, originally as Gippspell, the competitiontakes a spelling bee format and is open to all students in Years 5to8and is aimed to 'promote and reward good spelling'.

Thezonefinals are based on shire boundaries. Colour certificates and ahandsomeglass trophy for zone winners are awarded to each school repre-

Jonty Simmons (Gippsland Grammar School 2005/6), Teuila Jarvis (Gippsland GS, 2007), Kyung Stewart (CowwarrPrimary School, 2009/11), Hayley Kinnish (Sale Catholic College, 2009), Cassie Byrne (GippslandGS, 2009), Paige Bratt (St Mary'sSale, 2011), SerenaLees (SaleCC, 2012), Leeanne Tan (Wellington Secondary College, 2014), Maya Cairnes (Sale CC, 2018), Josiah Levchenko (St Anne's GGS, 2019), Gretel Harms (GGS Sale, 2019), Josiah Gubaton (Guthridge PS, 2022) and

generosity of Vicspell'ssponsors: OxfordUniversity Press, Bendigo Community Bank -Neerim South and Triangle Trophies.

The zone finals occur in August and the state final on September12. The Wellington zone final willbe at Heyfield Primary School on Friday, August 25. Schoolswishing to inquire about Vicspell can email Trevor Sowdon at Vicspell@hotmail.com.

m d Ultra-modern family home

DON’T want to go through the stress of building? Look no further than this brand-new home located in Maffra’snewest residential estate.

This custom home built by the awardwinning team at Colmac Homeshas quality written all over it.

The home consists of four large bedrooms, with the master bedroom featuring a uniquely designed ensuite and walk-in robe; family bathroom featuring ahuge bath and walk-in-shower; ducted heating and reverse cycle air-conditioning; outstanding kitchen with island bench, walk-in pantry and quality appliances; open plan family area, separate lounge/theatre room and alarge study nook, plus adouble garage with direct access into the dwelling.

Along with these features there are some keyupgrades to the home which include raked ceiling, upgraded ceiling height, vinyl planks, wet area bathroom, eaves to the entire dwelling, herringbone kitchen splashback, waterfall ends to the kitchen island bench, floating vanities, recessed rails to kitchen cabinetry and floor to ceiling tiles in the bathroom and ensuite.

The spacious 932sqm block allows loads of room for additional shedding

Agents say inspection of this stunning home will certainly not disappoint.

Briefdetails

Property: Brand new four-bedroom home

Address: 10 Harrison Drive, Maffra

Price: $745,000

Inspection: By appointment

Contact: BrettLanigan or Pat Weatherley, Gippsland Real Estate, 0427 517 577 or 0412 435 644

Privatesetting in agreat location

PROPERTIES on the northern corridor of Boisdale Street in Maffra are heavily sought after,with alarge 1250sqmblock,agents say this property is even more attractive.

Well-built in its day,this home is perfectly set for the buyer looking for aprivate setting in aresidential area. The north facing design brings an abundance of light into the living zone, creating acosy theme for the rest of the home.

The floorplan includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms perfectly designed to flow around the living areas, with the kitchen perfectly positioned in the centre of the layout. The living area also taking in the views of the plant filled courtyard, perfect for entertaining friends and family.

Off-street parking is well catered for with a single carport and extra space for the trailer or van at the front, along with the large shed at the rear of the block.

The gardens have an abundance of plants and trees that complete the tranquil nature of the property,blending the home into the block beautifully

If you are looking for aproperty considered by many to be in one of Maffra’smost idyllic locations, then call Wellington Real Estate for an inspection.

Briefdetails

Property:

Three-bedroom home on large block

Address: 142 Boisdale Street,

Maffra

Price: $610,000

Contact: Kevin Read, Wellington Real Estate, 0488 411 026

Comfortable family home in great location

SITUATED in alovely tree-lined court is this immaculately presented home which has had only one previous owner

The home consists of four bedrooms, two bathrooms, open plan kitchen/meals/family area, separate lounge/ sitting room and laundry

The kitchen features gas hotplates, electric stove, dishwasher,pantry and plenty of bench space.

The home is comfortable all year round with gas ducted heating plus reverse cycle air conditioning. Externally,there is adouble-car garage with automatic door,undercover patio area and established low maintenance gardens. The property provides agreat opportunity for aretiree, first home buyer or an investor looking for alow-maintenance investment opportunity.

Briefdetails

Perfect family home or investment

WELL positioned on alarge 1176sqmallotment is this very neat brick veneer home boasting afull veranda. This well-built home is lightfilled and comprises four bedrooms with a fully-renovated bathroom and ensuite.

Alarge living zone with timber floorboards, wood heater and reverse cycle, keepsthe home tempered through the seasons.

The bricks surrounding the wood heater are thoughtfully placed to hold warmth long after the fire has died down, keepingyou warm and cozy during winter nights.

Aspacious kitchen and dining zone that looks out onto the entertaining space and yard completes this very functional floorplan.

The veranda has been renovated with new merbau boards, which gives the home a stylish look upon entry

The property also features adouble garage with rear door exit to the yard, solar power, and established gardens.

Other features include:

 ceiling fans;

 fresh exterior paint work, and;

 LED lighting which neatly integrates a modern update into the original build.

According to agents, this comfortable family home and will suit a buyer looking for awellbuilt house which has stood the test of time.

Dairy muster sets out goals

KatrinaBrandon

GIPPSDAIRY held amuster recently, to help educate farmers and students on 'People in Agriculture' and adaptive leadership in the agricultural workforce, whether it is abig or small business.

The morning muster was held at the Yarram Regent Theatre,and the eveningmuster at Yarram Recreation Reserve.

Attendees heard from multiple speakers, and enjoyed an array of information sessions.

"This year'stheme is to rethink, develop and grow," GippsDairy board member Jess Knightsaid.

GippsDairyRegionalManager,subcommittee group, Karen McLennan,aswell as other staff, organised the event to help combine knowledge and the agriculture community all over Gippsland.

"Agricultureisn't justabout the stock. It is about the people and staff in the industry," Ms McLennan and Ms Knight both explained.

"It'snot justfarmers that can come to this event, it is everyone who is interested in learning about the industry."

Some of the speakers included peopleand culture strategist,Sally Murfet, leadership andculture development expert Kylie Paatsch, leadership and communications consultant James Freemantle; keynotespeakers Humans of Agriculture Founder Oli Le Lievre, and apanel discussion of Gippsland farmers facilitated by Matt Harms.

Ms McLennan said thereare manyprioritiesfor GippsDairy thatare also viewedintheirfive-year plan

She said her hope is that the agriculture industry is going to grow in diversity and communication betweenfarmers, to workasa peer community rather than individual, and that more people will become interested in the industry, as well as more climate protection thanks to agriculture.

"It is great to see all the people that came to last year's event, to see the support in the community," Ms McLennan said.

"Thereisconstantly new development in agriculture especially on thetechnologicalside of things, and that may entice somepeople tohelp join."

Drive to educatepeopleabout food

RURAL Aid has endorsed acampaign to help Australians better understand where their food comes from, how to eatseasonally, and how to stretch their 'food dollars' further.

The National FarmersFederation (NFF)-inspired campaign featuring Sydney-based culinary experts Alex Elliott-Howery and Jaimee Edwards from Cornersmith willshowcase adifferent Aussiegrown product every week for the next six weeks.

Recentresearch commissioned by the NFF found that51per cent of theAustralian population is "extremely" or "very" concerned about fresh food and grocery costs.

According to the latest data, the same amount of respondents indicated they only "know alittle" about Australian farming and agriculture, which concerned Rural Aid chiefexecutiveJohn Warlters

Mr Warlters saidwhile Australianfarmerswere world-renowned for the quality of their produce and their efficiency, closer to home, many people were less familiar with how their food was grown and how to make the most of their food purchases.

"At RuralAid,our mission is to safeguard our farmers -our food producers, before,during and after natural disasters, but we also aim to be a bridge that connects city and country," he said.

NFF president, Fiona Simson said recognising thevalue of food started with learning just how much work "our farmer put into growing it".

"How often do we grab lettuce from the shelf for afew dollarswithout even thinking it has spent12 weeks being nurtured on afarm," Ms Simson said.

"We want people to meet the farmers who are growingtheir food so the next time they're in the supermarket, they think about how the bread they are buying might have come from the wheat grown by Brad Jones in WA or when they serve up aSunday roast they think of how passionate Ellen Litchfield from SA is about growing the best quality lamb to feed their family."

The campaign will be delivered under the NFFled Australian Farmers platform and will'open the gate' so everyone can see farmers at work for themselves.

"We willlook at leafy greens, lamb, oranges, bread, cheese and carrots and meet afarmer who has grown that food, and hear from the Cornersmith team to learntricks of the trade to make that food go further and receive simple recipes to try," Ms Simson said.

Sydney-based Alex Elliott-Howery and Jaimee Edwards' food journey spanscafes,cookbooksand social media.

"We love to preserve, cookand celebrate produce in an efforttosave it from landfilland educate Australians to get into the kitchen for fun, sustainability, and to save money,"MsElliott-Howery said.

"Join us as we teach you how to eat seasonally, store produce correctly,makethe mostofleftovers, use up the odds and ends, glam up the staples and get swoony about stale bread (yes, really)."

The adventure hasbegun on the Australian Farmers' social media accounts. Tips, tricks, recipes and farmer profiles can be found at farmers.org.au

Red meatgetting greener

THE Australian red meat and livestock industry has reduced its net greenhouse gas emissions by 65 per cent since 2005, according to anew research report released by CSIRO and Meat &Livestock Australia (MLA).

Using data primarily from the 2020 Australian National Greenhouse Gas Inventory,the total greenhousegas (GHG)emissions attributed to the red meat industry in 2020 were 51.25 Mt of carbon dioxideequivalent GHG, a6.4 per cent decrease from2019and a65per cent decrease from the baseline year of 2005.

According to MLA's managing director, Jason Strong, the reduction in red meat industry GHG emissions in 2020 was partly explained by reductions in livestock numbers following the years of drought leading into 2020.

"Thenumberoflivestock on the ground has an influence on the industry's overall emissions, and we knowthesenumbers will fluctuate with seasonal andmarket conditions," Mr Strong said

"Thishighlights the importance of MLA'sinvestment in emissions reduction strategies to reduce entericmethane and other agricultural emissions along the value chain.

"Through an initiative called CN30, we are aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030, which is seeing us invest in innovation and technology that will help our industry to be carbon neutral while also maintaining productivity.

"The CN30 target is focused on achieving our goals through innovation, allowing us to maintain stock numbers while also delivering even greater environmental outcomes.

"We know thatthere will be variance year-to-year in industry emissions -but this report highlights that the overall trend is that theindustry is decreasing its emissions.

"Although, it is important to note that reporting against the CN30 target accounts for'real' biophysical change only attributed to the red meat sector and is unrelated to activities in the carbon market or with purchased offsets."

The new research report examined the production of beef cattle, sheep formeat, and goats,as well as the domestic processing of these animals.

Emissionswere attributedtothe red meat industry based on animal numbers, feed intake, livestockprocessed, and resource use as part of the industry's work in annually benchmarking its GHG footprint, occurring since 2015.

The report highlighted areas for improvement, such as including methods to estimate emissions that are currently excluded from the calculation, includingthe transport of livestockand emissions associated with crop production for feed.

Mr Strong said that MLA had developed a

roadmap for CN30 thatoutlinedfour key areas for investment:emissions avoidance; carbon storage; leadershipbuilding; andintegrated management systems.

"As we move closerto2030, MLAand the red meat industry are ready to further reduce emissions and support producers in building astronger, more sustainable future," Mr Strong said. In 2020, the red meat industry accounted for 10.3 per cent of total Australia's GHG emissions, asignificant reduction since 2005, when the red meat industry contributed 23.5 per cent of national emissions.

AaronThomas, JessKnight,Sally Murfet, Peter Dunstan andStuart Griffinatthe GippsDairy Muster in Yarram.

Photo: Katrina Brandon

Photo: File image

Rural Aid calls for better health funding

RURAL Aid supports the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) and its call for better funding for the bush in the wake of new research showing rural Australians are missing out on $6.5 billion annually in health care access.

The NRHA-commissioned research reveals that each person in rural Australia is missing out on nearly $850 ayear of healthcare access, equating to atotal annual rural health spending deficit of $6.5 billion.

Rural Aid chief executive,John Warlters,said living and working in the bush waschallenging at the best of times, and too often people in rural communities were forced to sacrificeaccess to basic services. This had become an ingrained, but unreasonable, expectation of what wasrequired if someone chose to live outside of ametropolitan area.

“The NRHA,throughits research,has quantified the gap. Now we call on government to act swiftly to close the gap,” Mr Warlters said.

Rural Aid is well-known for the assistanceit provides farming families before, during and after disaster -including drought, bush fires and floods. This includes mentalhealth and well being support via its team of professional accredited counsellors in communities across rural Australia.

The latest data, revealed in an independent Nous Group report commissioned by the NRHA, reflects the urgent need foranoverarchingNational Rural Health Strategy,tobring scattered rural health initiatives under one umbrella.

Alliance chief executive, Susi Tegen, said the report looked at health spending from apatient’s perspective, reflecting the alarming day-to-day realities for ruralAustralians unable to access equitable care.

“Over seven millionpeople, who make up nearly a thirdofAustralia’s population, experience agreater burden from illness and early death, in part due to inadequatefundingfor their healthcare.This is despitethe significant contribution they make to Australia’s economy,” she said.

Resources and ruralindustriesalone generate around 80 per cent of Australia’s exports, excluding the extra contribution of rural-based services and manufacturing. The value of agriculture, fisheries and forestry exports is $76 billion, while commodities exports are worth $497 billion-a collective value to the nation of more than $500 billion, courtesy of rural Australia.

Morethan90per cent of freshfood soldin Australia is produced rurally. In addition, nearly half of the nation’s tourism income is fromrural

Australia and overhalf amillion people are directly employed in rural tourism-related industries.

Rural people experience atriple health disadvantage: poorer circumstancesinterms of social determinants of health, alack of service availability, and higher costs of access and delivery, all resulting in poor health outcomes.

“Although the government invests in workforce initiatives and several measures are in placeto support rural health, these need to be augmented and continuedasthey stilldonot sufficiently improve service availability and apatient’s access to healthcare," Ms Tegen said.

“Social determinantsofhealth negatively impact ruralpeople,who aresickfor longerperiods and end up in hospitals because of inadequate primarycare access to doctors,nurses andother health workers. Proper funding in this regard would keep people well and out of the expensive and overburdened hospital system.

“Rural communities need government to be more flexible and introduce block or genuine support funding to provide multidisciplinary care for patients. These communities know how to collaborate-they do it every day -but costs of access and delivery are higher, so the delivery of healthcare will be different and broader. It does

not fit into the model available to urban people."

The alliance was calling for the funding of aplacebased multidisciplinary model of primary health carethat givesthe flexibility to engagecommunities and address local needs in partnership.

“Communities need access to healthcare in their localities.Toachieve this, we urge government to add to existing city-based and hybrid (city/rural) training, with aflipped model of exceptional rural medical and allied training, including nurse training. This would maketraining in cities the exception and enable students living rurally to train in their own communities," she said.

“Why should people living in rural Australia pay twice or thrice the amount for the samehealthcare available in cities, yet stillhavepoorer health? Why do they need to fund raise to access aservice that should be provided through their taxes? This is the unfortunate reality faced by manyrural Australians."

Investing in rural areas wouldhavethe additional benefit of reducingcosts in the hospital sector and emergency departments but, more importantly,it would increase the already significant economic contribution of rural communities to Australia’s well being.

Maffra Landcarechief to head Gippy’s peak foodbody

MAFFRA and District Landcare Network (MDLN) chair, Ben Gerbert has stepped down from his role and the board to assume the role of acting chief executive at Food and Fibre Gippsland (F&FG).

In May, the board of F&FG announced that Mr Gebert,general manager at F&FG,would become acting chief executive as of July 1, following the departure of former chief executive, Nicola Pero. Ms Pero leaves F&FG afterthree and ahalf years as chief executive to work in the private sector.

The F&FG board wished Ms Pero every success in her endeavours andthanked herfor hercommitment and leadershipasshe steeredF&FGinto the

significant regional peak body that it has become.

Board chair Barry Rogers believesthat Mr Gerbert has the skills and capabilities to grow F&FGfurther to becomeamajor institution for the developmentofthe Agri sectorinGippsland and amajor policyinfluencer at the stateand national level.

"Ouraim is for asmooth transition and to continue the organisation's growthduring difficult times that are impacting members and stakeholders in allparts of the food and fibre value chain -from growers to retailersand all in between," Mr Rogers said.

"The board has carefully considered the options as to who can lead F&FG into the next phase of its development and strongly supportthe appointment of Ben in this transition period.

"As partofthe reviewprocess, the board will consider the strategic direction for the organisation over the next six months and consider the best organisational structure that can be put in place to support the industry into the future."

Mr Gerbert enthusiastically accepted when offered the position.

"I feel distinctly honoured to be commencing the role of actingchiefexecutivefollowingNicola's departure,and heartilywish Nicola all the best for her future endeavours," Mr Gerbert said.

"Sincejoining F&FG in 2019, Ihave seenour organisation evolveinto one that plays aunique role in representing and supporting many levels of the $7 billion regional food and fibrevalue chain in the Gippsland region (and beyond).

"Our growth and breadth of representation has been enabled by equal parts visionary leadership; the passion of our team; andhaving the right people in our corner.

"I look forwardtoworking alongside our passionate, capable teamand in collaboration with our many valued stakeholders to ensure F&FG continues to contribute to the prosperity of our industry and communities."

Global market forces lower Burra prices

BURRA Foods has advised its minimum farmgate milk price range for FY23-24.

Theprice range has been set at $8.50 -$9.00/ kilogram milk solids for the period July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.

As per Burra's long-term practice, the company is quoting arange in which more than 90 per cent of its milk supply partners will sit, rather than aweighted average price, which is often difficult for many to achieve.

Burra says it acknowledges that this minimum price is areduction on current year.

Whilst disappointed this is the case,Burra hasconsidered the decreased value in global markets over the last 12 months and the growing uncompetitiveness of Australian exports versus other countries.

Australia is the only countryinthe world that must set aminimummilkprice for the next 13 months, yet trade in volatile markets.

With the recentlycommunicated restructure, Burra Foodsiscontinuingtofocusonimproving productivity, reducing costs and optimising its product mix with an increasing domestic focus to maximise returns.

Burra's successful launch into cream cheese this year has beenfurther endorsed by the board supporting acapacity upgradetothe Korumburra factory, as it continues to focus on new premium markets and products. Burrasaysitisvery proud of its contribution to Gippsland, and is heavily invested in local dairying communities.

In this financial year, Burra will provide around $250 million back into communities through milk price, wagesand employment, preferential engagement of local contractors and transport providers, and donations to various clubs and organisations.

Ben Gebert hasassumed the role of chief executive at Food and FibreGippsland.

Photo: Contributed

GARDEN RENOS

Lost

WALKING STICK

Black with name on, lost

28 June bet ween

Bunnings, and Raymond St. area. Call 0499 605 635

MAFFRA

4Campbell St., Sat., July 8from 8am-12 noon. Chainsaw, tools, furniture, household items, bikes, books, toys, plus more.

STRATFORD

Moving sale. Furniture, wall art, camping gear, plants and much more! Sat 8-2, Sun 9-12. 2Wellsford St.

Clearing Sale

Saturday, July 8, 10am

Acc K. Vardy 332 Seaton-Glenmaggie Rd.

Items include: Kubota 50hp 4x4 FEL 4inl bucket &forks 1,780 hrs 7years old 12 mths rego, 1997 Toyota Hilux 3.0D 136,490kms VGC RWC vin# JT73LNG700001305, Kuhn 7disc mower, Kuhn 2rotor hay rake, Hardie 1,200ltr spray unit 12mtr boom, scorpion round bale feeder, 6" Revflo pump, 3pl spreader, Yamaha 200 ag bike, 3fire righting units (400, 800 and 1,200 ltrs), 6x4 trailer, tandem trailer (old), 12' aluminium boat, Lister diesel +3"pump, Inter 20 plate discs, pipe layer, 4leaf harrows, hay forks, weigh scales, 3 round bale feeders, 2concrete troughs, 2fuel tanks, 2fire fighting pumps 6" aluminium pipes, 9" poly pipe 14mtrs, 6" suction line, 7bundles steel posts, 4coils plain wire, 214' gates, Echo chainsaw 20" bar, ladders, milk cans, welder, trolly jack, Stihl pressure sprayer, bench grinder, power tools, poly fitting +sundries too numerous to mention, household furniture including double bed, garden furniture etc. including pots, plants. Photos on Lions Facebook page.

AHeyfield Lions Project. Enquiries Damian 0427 451 286

WELLINGTON SHIRE COUNCIL

Planning and Environment Act 1987

WELLINGTONPLANNING SCHEME NoticeofApprovalofAmendment AmendmentC114well

The Minister forPlanninghas approved Amendment C114well to theWellington Planning Scheme. The Amendmentcomes intooperation on the datethis noticeispublished in the Victoria Government Gazette

The Amendment rezones land located at 35B Chinamans Lane, Sale (Lot 2onPS819621B), 33 Chinamans Lane, Sale (Lot 1onTP320182), Chinamans Lane, Sale (Lot 2onPS748267L),(Part) 13 Cobains Road, Sale(LotA on PS 742810Y) and 35A Chinamans Lane, Sale (Lot 1onPS819621B), Sale from Farming Zone to theGeneral Residential Zone (Schedule 1) and applies anew Development Plan Overlay (Schedule 13).

Acopy of the Amendment canbeinspected, freeof charge, at the Department of Transport and Planning websiteatwww.planning.vic.gov.au/public-inspection or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange atime to view the Amendment.A copy of theAmendment canalso be inspected, free of charge, during officehours,at the officesofthe Wellington ShireCouncil, 18 Desailly Street, Sale or at theWellington ShireCouncil website www.wellington.vic.gov.au

PeitaTapper Acting Director,State Planning Services Department of Transport and Planning

GP1659383

Did you know we provide arange of services for the older gardener. Yes we weed, mulch, trim, clip and prune and tidy up. We also install grab rails, banisters, steps, ramps and more. We have solutions to help you stay safe and happy in your home for

WELLINGTONSHIRECOUNCIL

Planning and Environment Act 1987

WELLINGTONPLANNING SCHEME

NoticeofApproval of Amendment Amendment C116well

The Minister forPlanninghas approved Amendment C116well to theWellington Planning Scheme.

The Amendment comes intooperation on the datethis noticeispublished in the Victoria GovernmentGazette

The Amendment rezones approximately 150 hectares of land located at 216 and Part 286 Longford-Loch Sport Road, LongfordfromFarming Zone (FZ) to Rural Living Zone Schedule5(RLZ5) and applies the Development Plan OverlaySchedule 14 (DPO14).

Acopyofthe Amendment canbeinspected, free of charge, at the Department of Transport and Planning websiteatwww.planning.vic.gov.au/public-inspection or by contacting 1800789 386 to arrange atimetoview the Amendment.Acopy of the Amendment canalso be inspected, free of charge, during officehours, at the offices of the Wellington ShireCouncil, 18 DesaillyStreet, Sale or at the WellingtonShire Council websitewww wellington.vic.gov.au

PeitaTapper

Acting Director,State Planning Services

Department of Transport andPlanning

GP1659384

Wellington ShireCouncil hereby gives noticeofits intentions pursuant to the provisions ofSection 206 including clause 2ofSchedule 10 and 207A of theLocal GovernmentAct 1989, to consider not less than four (4) weeks from the date of publication of this notice,aproposal to undertake aroadexchangebydeviating a GovernmentRoadbetween of Lot1 PS703133 &CA8Sec A, CA12 SecAandCA13 Sec AParish of WullaWullockshown hatchedbelow over part of Lot1PS703133 shown crosshatched below

The community is invited to comment on the proposal whichisshown on the diagram below

WELLINGTONSHIRE COUNCIL

Please phone Sue 0403 006 347

We seek committed and enthusiastic individuals to join our school in the following roles:

● Finance Operations Officer Ongoing 0.8FTE to full-time

● General Duties GAP Assistant Fixed term to mid December full-time

● Learning Assistant St Anne's Campus ongoing 3days per week

● Visual Arts and Technology

TRUCK DRIVER WANTED

● HR license required

● Gippsland to Epping run

● 3nights aweek Sunday, Tuesday &Thursday

● Suit semi retired.

Real Estate Sales Agent Maffra

We have an excellent opportunity for adriven, highly organised, community involved and customer focused individual to join our property sales team in our locally owned and independent Agency at Wellington Real Estate Maffra.

HEYFIELD

Want to earn some pocket money?

Gippsland Times Newspaper Deliverers required once aweek

Burnett Ct River St Clark St Gordon St area

Please contact Sue 0403 006 347

We operate with the goal to provide exceptional client experiences and to achieve outstanding results on clients largest investments by keeping our approach transparent, honest and ethical.

The ideal candidate will enjoy being involved in the community with asound knowledge on the area and has excellent communication skills. This candidate will also display apositive can-do attitude and ahigh level of accuracy and attention to detail.

About the role This role is seeking someone who is willing to create relationships and build skills to execute the listing and sale of property. You will be given training and have access to high performance technology to support you in this role.

Duties will involve:

● Attendance at community events and local support groups to create relationships and support the township

● Generate leads, attend appraisal &enquiries

● List, advertise, promote, qualify potential buyers, arrange viewings and negotiate

● Comply with legislative procedures to handle the sale of real estate

● Build &maintain relationships with customers and third party services

● Manage customer database with current and accurate information

● Conduct open for inspections &private inspections

● Build astructure of referral and repeat clients for the Agency

Skills &Experience:

● Preferred prior experience as aSales Consultant

● Effective negotiation and customer service skills

● Passionate about property

● Polished and professional presentation

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills

● Acurrent real Estate License /Certificate of Registration

● Valid Victorian Driver's License Resumes can be emailed to realestate@wremaffra.com.au

6513

STRATFORD

Must be 11 years or over and have own bike.

Tenders

•

● Must be prompt and reliable. For more details please contact: John at Mannys Market MORWELL 0418 594 156 Leave amessage.

Administration Officer

An exciting opportunity has become available to join our team of 7. This role will largely be processing invoices as well as other roles associated with business operations. We are looking for someone who has capacity to develop competence in arange of software programs.

Amajor focus of the role is respect, compassion and privacy.

Please forward cover letter and CV to admin@gippslandpsychology.com or call Sarah Schluter on 5144 5154

ST THOMAS' PRIMARY SCHOOL, SALE

Subcontractors

This school community promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

Administration Officer -Finance

Applications are invited from suitably experienced persons for the part time 0.6 FTE role of Administration Officer -Finance. (Hours and days negotiable with successful applicant).

This is an Education Support Employee Category BLevel 2position under the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited Schools and Secretariat Agreement 2022.Employment is ongoing tenure.

The successful applicant will have a demonstrated commitment to Catholic education and to the safety and wellbeing of children.

The successful candidate will be appropriately qualified and/or experienced, demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to provide the appropriate expertise in arange of administrative abilities, and be able to provide assistance to the Principal whilst supporting and respecting the ethos of the school and its environment.

The successful applicant will be subject to an Employee Working with Children Check and a National Police Record Check.

Start date: July 17th, 2023 (TBC).

Adetailed position description and application requirements are available by contacting St Thomas Primary School, Sale.

Principal: Anita Little, Email: alittle@sttsale.catholic.edu.au

Applications close: July 4th 2023

Yarram keep season alive in inspired win

TomHayes

JUST when you thought the twists and turns would end, they became ever-present once againafter Round 12 of the NorthGippsland Football-Netball season.

Although the overall ladder didn’t change much, thoughts would have.

YARRAM are not done with yet.

The Demons might sit sixth and currently out of the finals, but they made astatement at the weekend, dismantling ahot favourite.

Despite theirrecent formnot beingthe greatest, Yarram has found away to bring themselves back into contention with backto-back wins.

They welcomed Churchill into town and did not make life easy for their rivals, always showing up for this contest.

Yarram did everything they could to slow down the footy, and make the most of their opportunities going forward by putting something on the scoreboard.

The Demons took a2.4 (16) to 1.3 (9) lead into thefirst break, causing alarm bells to go off in the Cougars camp.

It was only aseven-point margin, but things were not going to plan for Churchill, who hoped the tide would change in the coming quarters.

But the second quarter was muchthe same, the Demons continuedtocongestthe play, not allowing the Cougars to get the game on theirterms,taking aseven-point lead into themain break.

Yarram could have really punished the Cougars in the third term, but they were let off the hook.

Having seven scoring shots to three within aquarter in atight game could and should have put the game to bed right there.

Yarram kicked 1.7 (13) to 0.3 (3), helpful, yet their lead remained at 16 points, meaning the game was still wide open.

Churchill had theirbest chance of the game to get back into it, when the Demons had a player sent off, giving Churchill 15 minutes against one-lessplayer which carriedover into the final term.

Alas, it was Yarram’s day as they finished off Churchill in style, kicking 5.2 (32) to 1.3 (9) in the final term to keep their finals hopes aliveina39-point win, 10.15 (75) to 4.12 (36).

Liam Bentley was best for the home side, and was supported by Daniel Vardy, Dylan Garnham, ThomasSheedy, AnthonyScott and Thomas Mattern.

For the Cougars, Andy Phelan was prominent once again, as was Jack Hasell, Pat Kearns, Ben Skinner, Bailey Flanigan and Kurt Holt.

Yarram will want to keep their run going when they travel to Yallourn North this weekend,whileChurchillwillhope to get some big names back on the park as soon as possible.

WATCH out for Woodside.

This weekend is shaping up to be one of the most epic first versus second battles, after Woodside madelight work of the visiting Yallourn Yallourn North.

Despitethe conditions at Woodside, scoring was free-flowing compared to what was seen in other games.

Woodside took atwo-point lead into quarter time, as either team scored three goals in an entertaining quarter of football.

But it didn’t take the Wildcats long to get into their groove, as they stormed away, kicking 5.2 (32) to two behinds, restoring a massive lead that they’re so used to.

By three quarter time, the game was put to bed, with everything lying on Woodside’s terms.

Amonsterseven-goaltotwo third term just blew the game wide open, as the Wildcats registered atriple-figure score, taking alead of 65 points into the final quarter.

YYN weren’t going to go away easy which was pleasing to see, winning the final term and kicking twice as many goals to see the game out.

Woodside claimed the four points in a 52-point win, 17.11 (113) to 9.7 (61).

In the best for the winning Wildcats were Rowan Missen,Thomas Mann, Michael and Lee Stockdale, Joh Fythe and Adam Janssen. Jai Massesewas best on for YYN, while other stand-outswere Josh Keyhoe, Lachlan Little, Barrie Burnett, Matt Twaddle and Anthony Young.

Woodside now set up amassive home game against league-leaders Traralgon Tyers United this weekend, with favouritism for the flag most definitely on the line.

As for YYN,thingsmightn’t be as calm, with themselves in fourth they have percentage

NORTH GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

on their side, but Heyfield (fifth and agame in hand) and Yarram (sixth) sit on the same points as them.

The race for finals has every right to go down to the wire.

ELEVEN straight.

Traralgon Tyers United have merely hit a bump in the road this season, after winning their eleventh game in arow this year.

The Bombers opened their doors to Sale City, who arrived knowing that anything less thanawin could have their finals chances takenawayfrom them

TTU got off to ahot start, and in hindsight, they would have had Sale City covered on the scoreboard early into the first quarter.

A47-point buffer separated the two sides at quartertime, thanks to seven goals to the home side while keeping the Bulldogs to a singular point.

The Bombers powered through the next 30 minutes, adding another 4.2 (26), while keeping the visitor’s to just the one scoring ashot-amajor

TheBulldogs wereheld to one scoring shot once again, adding another point, but this time in atightly-contested quarter,with TTU only able to add 1.3 (9).

But acomeback looked unlikely here, as the Bombers were up by 75 points with a quarter to play, they would’ve wanted to finish with abang.

Which is exactly what they did, booting 6.2(38) to 1.2 (8), to remain on top of the ladder after winning by 105-point s, 18.13 (121) to 2.4 (16).

Rohan Hildebrand was astandoutfor TTU, as was Frazar Brouns, Oscar Aliotta, Beau White, Jake Cashmore and Brad Kelleherwho top scored with five majors.

For Sale City, Blake Safstrom, Jaxsyn Whitehill, Jai Nelson, Billy Quirk, Brysen Nottle and Matthew Walker did agood job.

TTU will be keen for atest this weekend, something that they haverarely had this season, whenthey travel to Woodside for an all-important fixturethat couldshape the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, Sale City could put their season back on track when they host Gormandale this weekend, they havemore winnable games than not in their run into finals.

COWWARR recorded their first win since April.

The Saints survived asee-sawing match against Gormandale, which could have gone either way at the Boneyard.

Essentially this was Gormandale’s last realistic chance to get awin this season, yet anything remains possible with six rounds to go.

The Tigers started strong, takingaone-goal lead into quarter time, changing the pace of the game that Cowwarr controlled so much in their Round 1encounter

TheSaints did regain some control before halftime however, with six scoring shots to

one, taking anine-point lead into the main break, but things were not done with yet.

Gormandalesmacked back, kicking 3.3 (21) to two behinds, taking a10-point lead into three quarter time, setting up ablockbuster final term.

Just whenitlooked likethe Tigers could pull off amiraculous win, Cowwarr denied them.

At what was seemingly the scoring end, Cowwarr had aplethoraofchances to ice the game, kicking 3.6 (24) to no score in the final term, getting home by 14 points, 6.15 (51) to 5.7 (37).

Brayden Rioli was best-on-groundfor Cowwarr, and he wassupported by captains Ben Coffey and Kyle Stamers, Mathew Leicester, Luke Hegarty and Jake Brown.

Despitethe loss, vice-captains Isaac Coplandand Liam Deering led from the front, scoring three of Gormandale’s five goals.

TristanSalerno was themost prominent Tigers player afield, in the best also were Ray Heywood, Copland, Wynn Harvey, Ben Heath and Flynn Roscoe.

The win pushes Cowwarr up the ladder into ninth, meanwhile Gormandale look all but certain to pick up the wooden spoon in 2023.

ROSEDALE ran over the top of Glengarry.

The Blues would have prided themselves over this finish, whichsaw them start poorly and walk away with the four points.

Glengarry took atwo-goal lead intothe first break,setting up the nextquarter nicely while keepingRosedaletojust three behinds.

It was much closer in the second term, but thanks to their lead,Glengarry held onto atwo-goal margin (or thereabouts) at the halftime siren, 6.3 (39) to 4.4 (28).

Rosedale bit backinthe third term, squaringthingsupwith aquartertogobykicking 3.2 (20) to 1.3 (9).

And all of asudden, this game was there to be won.

Rosedale took full advantage of this, kicking 2.2 (14)inthe final term, completely icing out Glengarry, holding them scoreless to win by 14 points in an entertaining come-frombehind victory.

Thomas Northe was best on for the winning side, while Luke Stockey, Bailey Reid, Hayden Bell, Spencer Fox and Declan Barnett all had days to remember.

As for the Magpies,JesseLee,Callum Mitchell,LachlanJewell, Declan Massaro, MattScholtes and Cassidy Bartley were standouts in the loss.

With this game having no real effect on finals, there was nothing to lose for either team, but they can makethings difficult for those making finals runs in the coming weeks.

Rosedale host Churchill this weekend, who are in abit of arough patch, whileGlengarry travel to Heyfield who will be fresh off of the bye.

HEYFIELD had the bye.

Yarram’s Boadie Motton wraps up Churchill’s Jarrod Henderson.

Photo: Mick Tyas

From Maffra to Aus Champs

Fine-tune: final phase

ZoeAskew

SALE Greyhound Racing Club is in the final stages of its six-month and more than $4 million investment into upgrading the club's racetrack.

The Sale Greyhound RacingClubredevelopment is the first of several infrastructure upgrades to greyhound racing clubs state-wide as part of GreyhoundRacingVictoria'sfive-year, $50 multimillion investment to provide the highest quality racing environments for greyhounds, participants andpatrons

Initiating the largest investment undertaken by the industry, construction on the Sale Greyhound Racing Club racetrack began in Januaryand is on course to be completed by September.

Maffra gymnast Henry Noble performed strongly at thenationalchampionships recently Photos: Contributed

MAFFRA gymnast Henry Noble competed in the Australian Championships on the Gold Coast recently.

The 15-year-old competed in theInternational Under 17 Men’s tumbling,narrowly missing a medal to place fourth.

Henry qualified for finals withascore of 41.300, which qualifieshim for aposition in the Australian GymnasticU17 Men’s tumbling team.

This opens up many training avenues, including Australian team training.

The Maffra Secondary College student will be heading to the Gold Coast again in September to fight for apositiontocompete in the World Gymnastics championships in the UK in November.

Noble trains under the Victorian Tumbling coach, JordonMitilineoes-Janicke at BTYC Gymnastics Club at Donvale,and travels from Maffra to Donvale at least twice aweek to train with increasing frequency as competitions get closer.

Last week, participants were invited for their second guided walk of the project, highlighting the changes and improvements at every corner, including atwo-metre increase in track width, transitions to all four corners, anew racing surface and upgrades to lighting, rails, fencing and irrigation. Withgreyhound racing congestioncommonly occurring at the entrance to the first bend, transitions help reduce disturbances in quadruped gait symmetry.

Increasingthe widthofthe trackand constructing anew racetrack surface providesadditional safety to the greyhound's racing.

Larger transitions, improved lighting and irrigation complimented by new fencing, timing and kennelling areas were highlighted on the 30-minute

Sale GreyhoundClub general manager Peter Johnston says the$4million upgrades areon track to be completed by September Photo: File

Sale Greyhound RacingClubtrack tour, which concluded with acomplimentary morning tea and question time.

Rebuilt in 2004, GRV says the Sale Greyhound Racing Club racetrack redevelopment is anecessary upgrade, replacing ageing infrastructurethat is reaching the end date of its practical life.

The redevelopment supportsGRV's adherence to greyhound welfare,safety, and sustainability.

It also reinforcesthe industry's commitment to supporting local communities, with Sale Greyhound RacingClubexclusively employing local contractors for the racetrack redevelopment.

Sale GreyhoundRacingClubgeneral manager PeterJohnston said the redevelopment was part of GRV's investment to provide the highestquality racing environments for greyhounds, participants and patrons.

"With the support of GRV, the significant investment in the Sale Greyhound Club has already benefited manylocal contractors and suppliers," Johnston said.

"But importantly, it has also provided confidence for the hundreds and hundreds of Gippsland participants who race their athletes at our track on aweekly basis."

With Sale GreyhoundRacingClubinthe final fine-tuning phases of the track redevelopment, the local greyhound racing club is set to commence on-track trials the week of July 17, leading to a twilight race meeting on Saturday, August 12.

Father's DayonSunday,September 3marks the officialreturn to racing at the Sale Greyhound Racing Club.

"The Sale GreyhoundClubisobviously eager to showcase the manyimprovements both off and on thetrack thathave taken place over the past six months,"Johnson said.

"Father's Day and greyhound racing are set to providea great opportunity for fathers and families to visit on our first race day, on the first Sunday of September."

Motorcross Ride Days areback

MAFFRA Sale Motorcycle Club's Newry track welcomed the return of Motorcross Ride Days recently.

After abrief hiatus due to the busy racing schedule for many members who compete all over the state, it was clear that local riders were eager to return to the Newry facility.

The event was well attended, with juniorriders through to seasoned pros enjoying favourable conditions.

Juniors through to seasoned pros welcomedthe favourable conditions in Newry

Photos: Contributed

Local riders wereeager to return to the Newry facility following a hiatus as aresultofabusy racing schedule.

Playing for morethan just agame

GIPPSLAND League will host its mental health round this weekend, following aleague-wide bye.

Round12will see players and officials aim to help raise awareness of mental health issues and the impact it is having in our community, and the quest in ‘making better mental health our goal’. TraralgonversusMaffraonSaturday and Warragul versus Drouin on Sunday have been chosen as the feature match days of the round. Bothfootball and netball willbeengaged with activities.

The main activation in the round will see one mental health champion from each football team across the fourgrades wear aspecially designed jumper featuring ablue 0onthe backtorepresent

the push for zero lives lost to mentalhealth

Thesejumpers represent the league and member clubs united position to support better mental health across clubs and communities. In each netball match, amental health champion from each team will wear aspecial blue bib. Each netball match will also feature the use of a special blue netball match ball.

All football and netball players and officials will be wearing bluearm bands to support the quest to make better mental health our goal.

Eachofthe five matchdaysacross the Gippsland League will participatefor aMental Health Round Cup. The winning club will receive this at the end of the day. The winning club will be based on the

total team wins on the day across football and netball.Inthe result of atie,the club with the highest average winning marginonthe day will be declared the winner.

All 10 matches at each venue will have amedal to be awardedtothe player judgedplayer of the game.This medal will be decided by the winning sides coaching panel andawardedtothe player they believe demonstrated the most courage, determination and teamworkfor the winning side.

This theme round will be the second of three in the GippslandLeague this season, following Orange Round in Round 10 and Change Our Game Round to come in Round16.

Back on top

TomHayes

THERE was barely aclean jumper in sight when the Gippsland Junior Interleague Carnival took place at Morwell Recreation Reserve on Wednesday, June 28.

The best under 18 footballersfrom the Gippsland, North Gippsland,Mid Gippsland, West Gippsland and Ellinbank and District Football-Netball Leagues were on display for the round-robin format.

Games were underway as early as 9am, stretching out untilnearly 5pm, as each team was required to play four matches -one each against the other leagues.

Each game would see two 18-minute halves, in ordertoget through them all within aday, meaning players could spend over two hours on thefield -more than what most would be used to.

The Morwell Recreation Reserve was packed, cars were oftenfound driving all of the way around the oval, only to find out that they had to drive all of the way back around due to the lack of space.

The weathersimplydidn’t have any effect on the turnout,aspeoplecontinued to jump the fences at halftime for some kick-to-kick.

Cloud coverage was prominent, as was the occasional drizzle of rain which came and went throughout the day.

In action was two leagues within our readership; the Gippsland League and NGNFL.

RETURNING to regain the Gippsland Junior Interleague title was the Gippsland League, who won all four games, including adecider-like game against West Gippsland.

In their first gameagainst Mid Gippsland,their opponents were able to keep things tight in the firsthalf,trailing by two points, but the Gippsland League kicked away, scoring 3.6 (24) to 0.1 (1) in the second half to win their first game of the day by 25 points, 4.9 (33) to 1.2 (8).

Gippsland League’s best were Moe’s Liam Masters, Warragul’s Riley Senini, Leongatha’s WillBrown, Traralgon’s Baxter Kennedy, Drouin’s Brodie Atkins and Bairnsdale’s Tate Clay.

Followinga one-game break,the Gippsland League returned to the field to face Ellinbank and District.

Once again their perseverance showed, after a highly contested first half saw them lead by apoint at thebreak,the Gippsland League rallied into the second half,kicking awayagain with three second half goals to win by 19 points, 6.3 (39) to 3.2 (20).

Senini was best on,and wassupportedby Maffra’s Harry Stables, Traralgon’s Campbell Booth (two goals), Warragul’s Liam Finnegan, Drouin’s William Young and Clay.

Up next for the Gippsland League was North

Zaida’s netball scoreboard

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE -BYE

NORTH GIPPSLAND -ROUND 12

AGrade:Cowwarr 52 dGormandale 36, Sale City

58 dTTU 45, Woodside 53 dYYN 29, Churchill 58 d

Yarram 30, Rosedale 48 dGlengarry43, BYE- Heyfield.

BGrade:Gormandale 57 dCowwarr 55, Sale City

40 dTTU 31,Woodside 55 dYYN 40, Yarram37

dChurchill 36, Glengarry 52 dRosedale 42, BYE

-Heyfield.

CGrade:Gormandale 41 dCowwarr 19,TTU 36 d

Sale City 27,Woodside 38 dYNN 19,Churchill 40 d

Yarram16, Glengarry 38 dRosedale 35,BYE -Heyfield.

DGrade:Cowwarr 39 dGormandale 31,SaleCity

31 dTTU 26, YNN 30 dWoodside 27,Churchill 54 d

Yarram 15,Glengarry 35 dRosedale 23, BYE-Heyfield.

17 and Under:Gormandale 26 dCowwarr 14,Sale

City 32 dTTU 23, Woodside 41 dYYN 13,Churchill 32 dYarram 19,Rosedale 41 dGlengarry 19,BYE-Heyfield.

15 and Under:Gormandale 17 dCowwarr 15,Sale City 26 dTTU 23, Woodside 48 dYYN 2, Churchill 21 dYarram 5, Rosedale 38 dGlengarry21, Heyfield bye.

Gippsland, who appeared to be their toughest opponent yet.

Despite having fourmore scoring shots, the Gippsland League only went intohalftimewith afour point advantage.

It was ahot footy in the second half, but just as the rain started to clear, the GippslandLeague extended on their advantage, winning by 12 points, 5.7 (37) to 4.1 (25).

Thisthen set up aGrand Final-like match against the also undefeated West Gippsland, meaning the winner would take all.

WestGippslandwon the 2022 carnival,ending an eight-year Gippsland League under 18 supremacy.

West Gippsland were out of the gates quick, kicking four goals straight in the first half, stunning the Gippsland League to their 2.1 (13).

The11-point bufferwasn’t going to be enough for West Gippsland, as they were peppered by the Gippsland League in the second half.

The Gippsland League creatednine scoring shots to two in the second half, leaving it all out there in their final game of the day.

Thingsgot off to agood startwhenMoe’sThomas Matthews kicked astunning running goal to bring the margin back to five points early, giving them plenty of time to complete the comeback.

Matthews backeduphis own work with asecond major to put the Gippsland Leagueahead with half of the half still to play.

Seninicontinued the run of goals forthe Gippsland League with amajor of his own,stretching the margin out to nine points at the time, but still six minutes were on the clock.

West Gippsland’s Max McDermott dragged the margin back to three points with four-and-a-half minutes remaining.

But from here on out it was all for the Gippsland League, who had the chance to sealitonthree occasions, but all were registered behinds,enabling them to close out their final game as winners by agoal, 5.7 (37) to 5.1 (31).

In the final game, Brown,Matthews, Senini, Sale’sTom Wrigglesworth, Maffra’s Jonathon Boyd and Masters were best.

The Gippsland League Playerofthe Carnival was awarded to Leongatha’s Will Brown, while the overall Player of the Carnival was his Gippsland League teammate Warragul’s Riley Senini.

NORTH Gippsland finished the day fourth on the ladder, with arecord consisting of onewin and three losses.

NGFNL went down by 11 points to Ellinbank and District, beforea14-pointloss to eventual runner-up West Gippsland.

Atough two-goal loss to the Gippsland League was one of their better performances, before they got their first win in their final game against Mid Gippsland, trumping them by nine points.

EAST GIPPSLAND -ROUND 11 (SPLIT ROUND)

AGrade:Boisdale-Briagolong 48 dOrbost 37,Lakes Entrance57d Lucknow 32, Stratford 46 dLindenow 28, Paynesville vs Wy Yung to come.

BGrade:Boisdale-Briagolong28dOrbost18, Lakes Entrance 31 dLucknow 29, Stratford41d Lindenow 28, Paynesville vs Wy Yung to come.

CGrade:Orbost 33 dBoisdale-Briagolong 26, Lucknow 46 dLakes Entrance 14,Lindenow 27 Stratford26, Paynesville vs Wy Yung to come.

DGrade:Boisdale-Briagolong 42 dOrbost 8, Lucknow 10 dLakes Entrance 0, Stratford33dLindenow 31, Paynesville vs Wy Yung to come.

17 and Under:Boisdale-Briagolong 44 dOrbost 22, Lucknow 43 dLakes Entrance 15,Stratford 50 dLindenow 13,Paynesville vs Wy Yung to come.

15 andUnder: Orbost 28 dBoisdale-Briagolong 26, Lakes Entrance 33 dLucknow 11,Stratford 23 draw Lindenow 23, Paynesville vs Wy Yung to come.

FOOTBALL NETBALLEASTGIPPSLAND

ROUND 12

The undefeated Gippsland League pose with their 2023 Gippsland Junior Interleague trophy

Photo: Contributed

LEADER

LEADER

JULIAN

ROUND 16

Progress

STORY - PAGE 28

Rosedale making acomeback

WITHnoGippsland League netballatthe weekend, many players would have opted to go away, have a break or go for aspin in North Gippsland FootballNetballLeague teams to keep match fit and resume general play.

It was all status quo for North Gippsland though, as teams among the top fourplayedteams from the other end of the ladder.

Churchill had acomfortable win against Yarram, who have struggled to perform in the competition

thisyear.The Cougars won58to30. In abeston-court performance, Cougar’s captain Rachael Loechel played her 100th AGrade game for the club.

Woodside still runs this competition, despite a few losses in arow.

The Wildcat’s on-court dominance showed through as they easily stopped the Yallourn Yallourn North Jets from take-off on their home runway. Wildcat Jess Banik received honours for her role in the 53 to 29 win.

Sale City defeated Traralgon Tyers United in a

game of closer margins, the Bombers shooting 45 to the Bulldogs' 58.

The Bluesare back as Rosedalesecuredanother win against Glengarry to havethe two sides sitting on an equal 28 points on the ladder.

The game was aclose one and went down to the end, it was amatter of only five goals or just two turnovers but it was ultimately the experienced Blues side that won it 48 to 43.

Magpie Kayla Muller was recognised for her efforts in the loss.

Cowwarr ran over thetop of Gormandale in a52

to 36 goal win.Erin Campbell won the best on-court award for the Saints.

Heyfield had the bye.

IN East Gippsland Round11matches, BoisdaleBriagolong defeated Orbost SnowyRovers 48 to 37. Lakes Entrance kept Lucknow to 32 goals while shooting 57 of their own. Stratford showed their dominance against Lindenow, defeating them 46 to 28. Paynesville and Wy Yung will play their Round 11 match this Saturday.

NETBALL SCOREBOARD -PAGE 29

Swans, Bombersinrace to double chance

Paul Nichols

UNLIKE Round 10 in East Gippsland football, Round 11 results fell as mosttipsters would have imagined, with victories to Stratford over Lindenow, Boisdale-Briagolong over Orbost Snowy Roversand Lucknow kept their season alivewith an emphatic victory against Lakes Entrance.

STRATFORD easily accounted for Lindenow.

TheSwans did not allow the Cats to evenscore agoal,winning 17.16 (118) to 0.5 (5).

Having been accused of slow starts in the past two rounds, and knowing the voodoo that came with the Lindenow ground, the Swans had apoint to prove, and that they did.

It’s acommendable efforttokeep aside goalless, and Stratford coach Jarryd Clohesy praised his side's defensive efforts post-game.

The Swans realisticallyhad the gamesewn up midway throughthe second term, takinga 59-point lead into halftime.

While the defensive efforts of the Swans were instrumental in thewin,they stillneeded to kick goals. It was up to Haydn Erfurth again for the Swans, whokicked seven. Erfurth has kicked 24 goalsinthe five games he has playedthis season, an average of 4.75 making it the highest in the league.Itmakes youwonder how many he could kick if he played afull season of football.

Joined on the goal kickers list was co-captain Jack Bacon with three, small forward Rodney O’Keefe with two and ruckman Lincoln Tolner with two.

Best for Stratford was Erfurth, Zane Perkins, Brodey Reid, James Channing, Bacon and Harry Langford.

It’s been afall from grace for Lindenow, aclub that has been so strong for anumberofyears,

succumbing to their second biggest losing margin for the season.

With Stratford looking to welcome afew back in coming weeks, there’sgoingtobeplentyof players to choose from as they head towardsa finalscampaign where back-to-back premierships are areal chance.

Those players who have stepped up in multiple rounds, notably Brodey Reed and Kobi Taylor, have given Clohesy much to think about.

BOISDALE-BRIAGOLONG got what they needed.

TheBombers were narrow 9.18 (72) to 8.9 (57) winners over Orbost Snowy Rovers.

Errantkickingwas the flavour of the day for the home side, in what could have cost them the four points.

The Blues' ball movement was clean and they applied strong pressure to aBombers outfit who love to play at their smaller home ground.

However, the Bombers showed why they’re a threat this year, being able to grind out awin in the lead up to the bye this weekend.

Caleb Calwyn chalked up 50 goals for the season with three,his namealready engravedonthe league goal kicking trophy. Orbost Snowy Rovers opponent Curtley Nettleton is 21 goals behind in second spot.

JoiningCalwyninthe goalkickerswas Ben Wilkinson with two.

For the Blues, Hamish Nettleton kicked three, with Mitchell Fenner slotting two.

IN the other game of the round, Lucknow were 72-point victors over Lakes Entrance.

The Magpies did as they pleased, winning 19.14 (128) to 8.4 (52) by the sea.

Wy Yung and Paynesville play this weekend, in week two of the split round.

EAST GIPPY SCOREBOARD -PAGE 29

Zaida Glibanovic

Guests were recently invited for their second guided walk of the Sale Greyhound Club track redevelopment project.