Gippsland Times Tuesday 13 June 2023

TEACHERS

ICY SPLASH

LOCAL politicians are at odds over budget cuts to the health department.

NationalsMemberfor Gippsland South, Danny O’Brienhas criticised the state government for a$1billion reduction in the 2023-24 State Budget; however,Member forEasternVictoria, Harriet Shing has remained steadfast that there has been no cut to health funding.

According to StateBudget papers, page 208 of Budget Paper3,titled ‘Outputsummary by departmental objectives’, the state government will cut afurther $1 billion from total funding for the DepartmentofHealth, which Mr O’Brien says will be met with despair by many Gippslanders battling with the public health system.

Mr O’Brien said the Department of Health funding cut is ahugeslapin the face for the 78,909 Victorians who remain on the public waitlist for elective

surgery-1746ofwhich are waiting locally for surgery at Latrobe Regional Hospital. Data for other local hospitals are not reported.

“Accordingtothe most recent data availablefrom the Victorian Agency for Health Information (VAHI), more than 25 per cent of public patients are not receiving surgery within the recommended timeframe,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Labor’smismanagement of our health system means patients aren’t getting the health services they need and deserve.

“Instead of investing in asolution, Labor is taking more money away and stretchingour services even furtherwith a$1billion cut.”

The 2023-2024 StateBudget figures also confirm that Labor’s $4 billion commitmentsfor hospitalupgrades promised before the 2022 election remain at less than eight per cent funded.

“This dramatic underfunding of hospital upgrades includes the new West Gippsland Hospital, which we have been

campaigningonfor years and which both sides committed to at the election,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Unfortunately, Labor has not gone close to confirming full funding for this desperately needed development.

“The AndrewsLabor government is letting Victorians down by failingto deliver on the things that matter most.

“Labor musttake actiontoensure our health system is running smoothly and Victorians are receiving the care they need when they need it.”

The state government maintains there has been no cut to health funding.

While the state governmentiswinding down time-limited funding to support things like COVID-19 testing, vaccination,and other crisisresponse-related activities, they say there has been no cut to health funding, emphasising it is investing in new hospitals, new services and the dedicated workforce to back it up.

“I was proud to secure acommitment to builda brand-new hospital and

public sector aged care facility for West Gippsland,” Ms Shing said.

“This result was achieved after many years of advocacy, and like so many others, I’m really excited to get that work underway.”

West Gippsland Hospital is one of seven projects that were announcedlate lastyear, with the state government saying there is considerable work needed in planning and designing required, and this investment will enable the Victorian Health Building Authoritytoundertake the necessary planning and development activities to deliver the projects to the scope announced last year successfully.

“While Mr O’Brien is busy playing politics, we’re getting on and delivering record health funding; we’re doing what matters -delivering on all of our electioncommitments and ensuring thatVictorians have the best quality healthcare and hospital infrastructure close to home,” Ms Shing said.

Continued Page 5

Zoe Askew

Wellington Shire Mayor Ian Bye gets the freeze MND treatment from Ashleigh House chief executive Chris Beckman A number of local groups, schools and sporting clubs held similar events over the long weekend, raising money to help the fight against Motor Neurone Disease.

Local students get education boost

FEDERATION University Gippsland

students Ella Fothergill and Chloe Bethune are this year'sbeneficiariesof the Gippsland Water scholarships.

Ms Bethune,who is studying a Bachelor of Education Studies,isthe inaugural recipient of GippslandWater's Indigenous Scholarship

Aproud Watjarri Mardu woman who loves community work and volunteering, Ms Bethune is also the current youth mayor of Wellington Shire Youth Council

"I hope to be able to teach cultureto kidsindisadvantaged communitiesand support kids to connect to their Country," Ms Bethune said.

Ms Fothergill, aTraralgon local and former Lavalla Catholicstudent, received the Gippsland Water Women in STEM Scholarship to supporther Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) studies

"I hope to be an inspiration to young girls whoare oftenintimidated to step intoamale-dominated industry," Ms Fothergillsaid Both women will receive $3000 per year for the three years of theircourses and havethe opportunitytogain hands-on industry experience at Gippsland Water.

Managingdirector,SarahCumming said she was thrilledthat Gippsland Water was supportingChloe and Ella.

"This is the first year we've awarded our Indigenous Scholarship," Ms Cumming said "We're proud to provide education and employmentpathways for local Aboriginalyouth.

"We hope the scholarships allow Chloe and Ella to reachtheirfull potentialat university, gain valuable work experienceand develop fulfilling careershere in Gippsland."

Students can find out more about GippslandWater Scholarships at gippswater.com.au/scholarships

Do the dumping crime and cop the EPAfine

EPA Victoria recently fined aHeyfield company more than $5500 over astockpile of industrial waste that went missing from its Commercial Road premises, warranting the agency's warning to Gippsland businesses and landholders there's more to waste disposal than just getting it off the property, and reminds the public that it's easy to report illegal dumping.

EPA officers issued Architectural Custom Moulding Pty Ltd aregulatory notice in 2022, requiring it to remove astockpile of construction and demolition waste from its premises.

Whenthey returned, mostofthe wastewas gone, but there was no paperwork to show it had been taken to alawfulplace.

EPA has fined the company $5,548 for breaching the Environment Protection Act by failing to

comply with areporting requirement in an EPA regulatory notice.

Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006, the operator has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed or be considered by acourt.

EPA Gippsland Regional Manager Jessica Bandiera says whetherit's amatter of bungled paperwork or deliberateoffending, EPA doesn't play "Where's Wally" with industrial waste.

"Any lawful place, whichincludesa licensed landfill or recycling facility, will give you documented proof to show they received your industrial waste and that you did the right thing," Ms Bandiera said.

"That paperworkalsoproves your pile of rubbish, demolition waste, or asbestos has not been dumped in acreek, in the bush or on some unfortunate

farmer's land," she said.

"If you are abusiness generatingordealing with waste, you have duties. You need to manage your risks, onsite and when you dispose of or hand on your waste."

Most businessesdothe right thing,and EPA won't hesitate to use its regulatorypowersto protect the community and the environment from pollution from the ones that don't."

EPA is also encouraging people to report illegal dumping; members of the public often see things that don't lookright, and anyone can reportit anonymously.

The public can report pollution by calling EPA's 24-hour hotlineon1300372 842 or providing details online at www.epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/ reporting-pollution

Ella Fothergill,Gippsland Water generalmanager people and customer,Michael Crane and Wellington ShireYouth Council Mayor,Chloe Bethune at Federation University’s recent scholarship presentation night

Photo: Contributed

Maffra Primary School’s plunge

“He[NeilDaniher] is justamazing;wefigured if he can organise the Big Freeze and FightMND with everybody, why can’t we,” Ms Howell added.

how the school got behind the cause, raising over $4000. And they were very glad they didn’t have to get into the bucket.”

BURNTorange and amber leaves floated to the ground, manyunabletohold the weight of caught rain droplets from Thursday morning’s storm.

One by one,theyfell,buryingthe red brickpath in front of Maffra Primary School under ablanket of auburn, crimson foliage.

While the trees surrounding Maffra Primary School grew increasingly bare, departing with their leaves, as they do every year withthe seasons change, excitement buzzed insidethe school’swalls.

Walking through the arched brickdoorway, along the dark carpeted hallway to the glass door, and looking out across the large open courtyard, was like walking into Alice’s Wonderland.

In his navy tartan pyjama pants, light blue Oodie and ultramarine Big Freeze beanie, Maffra Primary School principal Matt Currie was ablue blurashebusily jetted backand forth fromhis office to the courtyard.

One by one, Maffra Primary School staff, parent helpers,and grandparent helpers filed through the glassdoorsand into theconcrete courtyard, each ridiculously brilliant in their outfit of choice.

One by one,they linedagainst the building’swall, each briefly fixating on the large blue tub in the top left corner of the courtyard, dauntingly resting undera wooden archway vibrantlydecoratedin stripsofcobalt material mesh, and silver, white and blue papersnowflakes.

Lining the top of the woodenarchway, large blue laminated letters reading, ‘BIG FREEZE’.

On Thursday,June 8, Maffra Primary School hostedtheir third annual Big Freeze event as part of theFightMND nationwide charity event raising vital funds to fight Motor Neurone Disease (MND) FightMND was founded in 2014 aimed at finding effective treatments and, ultimately, acurefor Motor Neurone Disease -ahorrible, debilitating and rare condition that progressively damages parts of the nervoussystem, taking away the patient’s use of their arms and legs, their ability to eatand swallow, their speech and ultimately their ability to breathe, in an average timeframe of 27 months.

Sinceits foundation, FightMND has been the voice and the guiding star for Australians who want to fight ‘The Beast’.

Former Essendon player and Melbourne Football Club Coach Neale Daniher, diagnosed with MND in 2013, is one of FightMND’s three co-founders.

Last week, 11 Maffra Primary School parent and grandparent helpers, 14 teachers and staff membersand for the first time this year -three emergency services representatives, paramedic Zac Harrington, firefighter David Giles and police officer Campbell Ray -took the plunge into icy cold water as part of the annual fundraiser.

While plunging into the icedwater at Maffra Primary School’s 2023 Big Freeze supports avital and ever-growing cause, there was apersonal driving factor for the local paramedic participant, Mr Harrington.

“I used to work with Lauren Daniher, who’s Neil’s daughter, up in Melbourne as anurse,and they started the Big Freeze and FightMND when Iwas up there working with her,” he said.

“So this is just for her, really; Ithought Iwould jump in and get involved; Iknow alot of the kids at the school, so happy to help out where Ican.”

With Mr Giles’s children students at Maffra Primary School, the CFA volunteer firefighter was more than happy to volunteer for the task.

“It is agreat cause, and I’ve got kids that go to the school, so Ididn’t have alot of choice,” he laughed.

“But no, it is just agood cause. We’re volunteer firefighters, we’re apartofthe community, so it’s just away of giving back where we can.”

Maffra Primary School’s annual Big Freeze fundraiser came to fruition in 2019 at the hands of footy-loving teachersJen Killeen and KarenHowell

“We lovefootball; NeilDaniher is footy,” Ms Killeen said.

“Andalittle discomfortfor two seconds,compared to what they are going through, is nothing,” Ms Killeen said.

“We have since found out there are afew locals who have MND, which makes it even more worthwhileand adds even more meaning to it.”

“And, it’s good fun,” Ms Howell exclaimed.

“The kids love it.”

For the first time since the inception of the Big Freeze at the local school, Maffra Primary School’s 2023 Big Freeze fundraiser included FightMND merchandise.

The blue FightMND socks and beaniesproved popularamong the Maffra Primary School community, with every item sold before the beginning of last week’s Big Freeze event.

Pulling together merchandise sales and donations through their 2023 Maffra Primary School Big Freeze fundraiser, Maffra Primary School raised more than $4000 for FightMND.

FightMND chief executive, Dr Fiona McIntosh, commended herformer primary school for their fundraising efforts as part of the 2023 FightMND Big Freeze.

“As an ex-Maffra PS student, Iknow firsthand how much the Maffra schoolcommunity gets behind important causes likeFightMND,” Dr McIntosh said.

“At FightMND,our tagline is ‘Ittakes people’. MND takes away the ability of sufferers to walk, talk and ultimately breathe. But it also takes people like the Maffra community to fightbackagainst the beast by holding fundraisers like the Maffra DIY Big Freeze.

“Research is expensive and takes time, but is our best weapon against the beast,” she said.

“The $4000 raised by Maffra Primary will help ensure that no one from Maffra will have to suffer from this cruel disease in the future.

“My parents still live in Maffra and were at the school’s DIY Big Freeze. They were blown away by

Sale Police Senior Constable Campbell Ray was the first lucky participant to plunge into the blue plastic tank spilling with icy cold water.

Janelle Hesz was the first teacher to step up to the plate, with the digital spinner displayed on the screen at the front of the courtyard deciding her fate would be thebucket and not thetank.

“It was cold, but not too bad,” Ms Hesz said afterwards, wrapped in afluffydry towel.

Each2023 MaffraPrimary School Big Freeze participants dutifullyreceived their Big Freeze fete, all 28 parents,grandparents, teachers and emergency services representatives meeting cold water one way or another.

But poor Mr Currie.

The Mafrra Primary School principal took the plunge into the tank, only to receive not one, not two, but three buckets of cold water thrown over his head at the conclusion of the event by agroup of very cheeky school leaders and an extremely cheeky teacher.

Following abiggerand better Big Freeze event in 2023, Ms Howell and Ms Killeen are already discussing ideas to ensurethe 2024 Maffra Primary School Big Freeze fundraiser is the best event yet. FightMND has invested morethan $69.3 million into finding acure, including 14 clinical trials for Australian patients and24drugdevelopment projects, since its foundation in 2019.

An additional almost $7 million has been put into vital assistive equipment to help improve the lives of Australians living with MND.

You don’t have to plunge into atankofice-cold water or havebuckets of ice watertipped over your head to help support the fight against MND. Just buying a$25 beanie can provide vital research supplies and make amassive difference in the quest to find acure.

You can buy FightMND beanies from Coles, Coles Express, and Bunnings or donate online at fightmnd.org.au

Zoe Askew

Paramedic ZacHarrington, firefighter David Giles andpoliceofficer Campbell Rayjoinedstaff, parent and grandparents helpers taking part in Maffra PrimarySchool’sBig Freeze event

Senior Constable Campbell Rae representing Sale Police at the 2023 MaffraPrimary School Big Freeze.

Local AmbulanceVictoria paramedic ZacHarrington

The two teachers behind Maffra Primary School’s annual fundraiser for MND, Karen Howell and Jen Killeen

Maffra PrimarySchool teacher Janelle Hesz wasthe firstteacher to take on the Big Freeze challenge at the FightMND fundraising event last week. Photos:Zoe Askew

Maffra PrimarySchoolschool captains Sabe Killoran, Chance Lindrea, TaylaGoodeand Anna Hinchcliffe, with principal Matt Currie.

Big Freeze at Ashleigh House

Zoe Askew

IF Ashleigh House's Big Freeze Event on Friday afternoon taught us anything,it'sthat some people would pay alot of money to dump abucket of ice-cold water on the Wellington Shire Council Mayor -$400 to be exact.

Ashleigh House Sale residents,staff and welcomed guests gathered in the local retirement village's lounge room on the afternoon of Friday, June 9, where abuzzing excitement loomed.

It was almost timetobegin AshleighHouse's annual Big Freeze fundraiser, with residents, staff and guests bidding in an auction ledbyLeo O'Brien for the chance to pour the bucket of ice-cold water over one of the six lucky participants.

And what aparticularly juicy lineup of participantsthat were up for auction in Ashleigh House's 2023 Big Freezefundraiser- AshleighHouse's lifestyle and personal care attendant Daniel Parker Estoppey, operations manager Rod Cusack, personal care attendant Fiona Taylor, well-loved resident StewartDrew, formerAshleigh House nurse Keone Lynch (nae Rogan) and none other than Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Ian Bye.

After Ashleigh House chief executive Chris Beckman opened the event, introducing the 2023 Big Freeze participants, Leo O'Brien jumped straightinto the auctioningoff the first lucky individual, Mr Daniel Parker Estoppey.

AshleighHouseresident Betty was the highest bidder paying $110 for Mr Parker Estoppey, although she delegated the bucket tipping to Ashleigh House staff members.

Next in line,Ashleigh House personal care attendant, Ms Fiona Taylor,who was also auctioned off at $110.

Ashleigh House operations manager Mr Rod Cusack followed third, with the highest bidder paying $120 to dump the bucket of ice water over the new staff member.

WellingtonShire Council Mayor IanBye was the fourth to be auctioned off, with Ashleigh House chief executive Mr Chris Beckman and 2023 Big Freeze auctioneer Mr Leo O'Brien fiercely bidding against each other for the chance to dunk the Mayor.

Alas, with the highest offer of $400,MrBeckman was the lucky bidder who got to tip an extra large and extra icy bucket of water on Councillor Bye.

As Cr Byeremoved his dressing gown, revealing

apair of very short and very tight gold shorts,and headed to the chair, Mr Beckman's face gleamed with excitement.

After all was said and done, Mr Beckman threw his hands to the sky, turning to the audience of Ashleigh House staff,residents and guests, sitting warm and dry in the cozy lounge room, his face showing absolute satisfaction -awell-spent $400.

Ashleigh House's formerregistered nurse Keone Lynch was second-last on the list of auctionee, with the highest bidder paying $185 to pour the bucket of iced water on the mother of three.

The BigFreeze and FightMND have extra personal meaning for several of the Ashleigh House fundraising event attendees, with sisters, fathers-in-law and mothers dying from the horrible disease.

One of those attendees was former Ashleigh House nurse Ms Lynch.

"In 2017, my mum started showing symptoms, we weren't sure what they were, in about June," Ms Lynch explained.

"She progressed pretty quickly. It started off with slurring of words; she said she felt like she hadgolf balls in her mouth, and then swallowing was difficult, and she lost asignificant amount of weight pretty quickly.

"She turned 60 at the start of October, and the next day, she went to St Vincent's Hospital for three weeks; they did all the testing, and at the end of October, it was confirmed that she had motor neurone disease and she passed away on the 23rd of November, so one month after her diagnosis."

Ms Lynchhas continuallysupportedthe Big Freeze and FightMND since her mother's death, now with her husbandand three gorgeous children aged four-years-old, two-years-old and six-monthsold, participating in an MND fundraising event each year, whetherthat be going to the footy match, buying abeanie or in this years case, taking part in the Big Freeze.

Lastbut certainlynot least on the list was Ashleigh House resident Mr Stewart Drew, with the highest bidder paying almost as much as Mr Beckmanpaidfor the Wellington Shire Council Mayor, awhopping $350.

With a$210donation from the auctioneer,Mr O'Brien, the Ashleigh House community raised arecord-breaking $1500 for MND through their 2023 BigFreeze fundraiser.

Adding together money raised from aspecial

raffle the weekprior, FightMND merchandise sold and lucky squares, which residents and staff played on Friday as part of the Big Freeze event, theAshleigh House community has raised more than $2000for FightMND.

The fundraiser event concluded with abirthday celebrationfor AshleighHouse resident Susie Castles,who celebrated her 97th birthday on Friday, June 9.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor spoke highly of last week's Big Freeze event at Ashleigh House. "Friday was afantastic day with theAshleigh House community," Cr Bye said.

"I am always keen to don afunny outfitand support our community in any way that Ican. We raised arecord-breaking $1500, and I'mso grateful for the invitation to take part.

"This is the second year in arow that Council has supported the event to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease, and I'd take athousand more buckets of iced-water over my head if curing this horrific disease was that easy," he said.

"My thoughts are with anyone who is affected by MND, and Ithank Ashleigh House for including me."

Ashleigh House personal careattendant,Fiona Taylor,was auctioned off at $110

The highest bidderpaid$185topour the bucket of iced water on former AshleighHouse nurse Keone Lynch.

Photos:Zoe Askew

The highest bidder paid $120 to dumpthe bucket of ice water over Ashleigh House operations manager Rod Cusack.

Director of LeoO’Brien Property,fully Licensed EstateAgent and experiencedauctioneer LeoO’Brienled the2023 Ashleigh House Big Freeze auction on Friday

Council discuss timber tragedy

Zaida Glibanovic

DEBATE arose at the latest Latrobe City council meeting on Monday,June5.They discussedthe noticeofmotionfor council to; acknowledge the history of native timber harvesting in Gippsland, release astatement condemning the state government's decision to end native harvesting, and call

on the state government to rescind its decision.

Following the state government'sdecisiontobring forward the closureofthe native forest industry, six years earlier than planned to January 1, 2024, the Latrobe City Council calledonthe state government to support local workers in the transition away from the timber industry.

Since then, council has not commented on the timber industry until the last council meeting on Monday, June 5, as councillor Dale Harriman put through anotice of motion on the native timber industry in Victoria.

Cr GraemeMiddlemiss,though in support of the passion behind the motion, could not support it.

"The motion condemnsthe state government and calls on the government to rescind the decision, but I'm yet to be convinced that there is sufficient resource left, bearing in mind the environmental expectations of city slickers who control the government to sustain the industry in its present capacity even till 2030," Cr Middlemiss said.

for months afterthe Supreme Court foundthat VicForests hadfailed to protectthe endangered greater glider and yellow-bellied glider.

"There's been an insufficient environmental focus on timber harvesting,hence the reason harvesting is stopped at the moment; because of court bans," Cr Middlemiss said.

Cr Middlemiss also recognised the devastating impacts the state government decision will leave on the community.

"Towns like Orbost, towns like Heyfield, once thesawmillsgothere's nothing left, there is no economic activity in these towns," he said.

There was mention of the recent job losses in the Valley due to the closure of the reflex machine at the paper mill.

Cr Middlemiss explained how the public was aware that employment markets in regional and rural Victoria are extremely different to those in urban areas.

Cr Law reiterated Cr Clancey's statements saying, "If the CFMEU can't fix the problems,it would be increasingly difficult for acouncil to fix the problem."

In his closing speech, apassionate Cr Harriman said, "[timber] is the only building product that we can use and regrow, you can't do it with concrete, we can't do it with steel, we can't do it with plastics, but we can do it with wood."

Voting in favour was councillors Sharon Gibson, DaleHarriman,Melissa Fergusonand BradLaw, while against were councillors Dan Clancey, Darren Howe, Tracie Lund, Graeme Middlemiss and Kellie O'Callaghan, meaning the motion ultimately failed. Council did discussthe potential of afuture motion that would be more concernedwithworker transition plans, rather than apublic statement calling for the government to rescind their decision.

 ST John’s Anglican Church, Cnr Thomson and Church Street, Maffra, will host afree community meal on Monday, June 19 beginning at 6pm. Please phone Christine on 0408 324 306 for more information.

 MAFFRA Municipal Band will host a Sunday Soirée on Sunday, June 18 in the Maffra Memorial Hall, Foster St, Maffra, from 2pm until 4pm. Entry is by gold coin donation and there will be araffleand afternoontea will be provided.

The soirée will feature all the musical groups offered by the Maffra Municipal Band and the musicwill be varied, from classics to popular. All welcome.

 LIONS Club of Stratford will host an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea tomorrow (Wednesday, June 14) in the meeting room at the Stratford Mechanics Hall. The morning tea will start at 10am, entry cost $10 per person, there will also be araffle.

To RSVP please phone Paul on 0457 3299

19

 MAFFRA Neighbourhood House can help residents claim the power saving bonus of $250, this is afree service.

Applicants must be aVictorian residential energy consumer, that is to have aresidential electricity account, and to be the account holder.

Only one payment is available per eligible household.

To submit an application for the $250 power savings bonus, applicants will need to have an original PDF or hard copy version of their household electricity bill from their retailer. Applicants can choose to receive payment via EFT or cheque.

Applications for this bonus will close at the end of August 2023. Call to book afree appointment on 0422 335 155 or 5147 1487.

Maffra Neighbourhood Housefood pantry is accepting donations and does have some food and household essentials available for those in need.

 THE McMillan Rockhounds group meets every Wednesday evening from 7pm until 9pm. Anyone interested is welcome to come along and learn how to cut and polish gemstones. For further details, please phone Steve on 048 767 2799.

"The available logging country has well and truly been scalped …we've been allowed to over log; it's quite admitted now, we over-logged.The resource is diminishing rapidly.The state government is losing 50 million ayear plus in itsattempttoregulate the industry …there's been nothing done over the yearstoreduce the size of the industry to sustainable levels."

Hundredsofworkers hadbeenunabletowork

He put toward council the need for atransition plan for these workers and communities -that the closureofnative logging will most impact.

Cr Dan Clancey said that as acouncil, their role is to advocate for their communities issues, but in terms of the motion asking the state to rescind theirdecision, Cr Clancey foundthat unrealistic when so much advocacy has been conducted over long periods to save the nativetimberindustry to no avail.

Debate over stateof public health system

From Page 1

"OUR Hospital Infrastructure Delivery Fund will help our hospitalsplan and design theirupgrades, expansions or complete rebuilds, as well as support them to acquire any additional landthey need,” said Ms Shing.

"Since announcing the $1.5billion COVID Catch Up Plan, we've invested significantly to boost the amount of surgery delivered, grow the surgical workforce, and improve the supplyofsurgical equipment, all of which is helping to bring down the waitlist in the last quarter alone, we delivered as much surgery as we did pre-pandemic."

The stategovernment announced the COVID Catch Up Plan in April last year to boost surgical

activity rightacross Victoria, enabling arecord 240,000 Victorians to receive planned surgery every year once it is fully implemented by June 2024 -40,000 more procedures each year compared with pre-pandemic levels.

The state government saidwhile theprogramis being implemented, the planned surgery waitlist has continued to decrease, falling from 81,781 to 78,909 in the most recent quarter.

In other health news, Victoria’sChief Health Officer Brett Sutton announced his resignation from his position on Friday with the Department of Health, to take up anew role outside of government. Professor Sutton is set to take on arole at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, as Director of Health and Biosecurity.

Photo: File

Nominations now open for Victorian Learn Local Award

VICTORIANS acrossthe state are invited to celebrate excellence in the adult and community education sector, with nominations now open for the 17th Annual Victorian Learn Local Awards.

Parliamentary Secretary for Training and Skills Nina Taylorofficially opened award nominations recently, encouraging peopletonominate Victorianswhose personal stories illustrate the life-changingimpactofadult and community education.

Categories at this year’s event celebrate trainers, leaders,learners, and LearnLocal programsincluding the Ro Allen Award for Pre-accredited Learner (Skills for Study and Life).

Theprize pool totals $84,000, with organisation awardcategory winnerseach receiving $10,000, individual category winners receiving $5000 and all category finalists receiving $1000.

Last year, Felimon Asel from Prace received the Victorian pre-accredited Learner (Skills for Work) Award. Aleader and education advocate in Melbourne’s Sudanese community, Felimon learnt crucial Englishlanguage skills throughPrace’s Englishcertificate programs before enrollingin Prace’s Civil Construction Labourer course. Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council’s Conversation and Reading Caféclasseswere awardedaLearnLocal Innovation Award for

helping to lead the sector.

Danielle Hren, who pioneered the program, was awarded the prestigious Learn Local Leadership Award, in recognition of her work with asylum seekers and refugees.

These awards are annually presented by the Adult, Communityand Further Education Board (ACFE) which plans and promotes community adult education in Victoria.

Acting ACFE Board Chair, John Maddock said he was looking forward to receiving nominations.

“My board colleagues and Iare very keen that the sector receives the recognition it so deserves by celebrating our outstanding Learn Local leaders, trainers, programs, partnerships and learners that will be showcased at this year’s gala ceremony,” he said.

Morethan240 Learn Local providers across Victoria offer unique, community-based learning to almost30,000people each year, with afocus on supporting learners with their individual needs.

Learn Local providers are suitedtoadult learners of all ages who are looking to develop their digital, literacy, numeracy and employability skillsfor study, work and life.

To explore the categories and makeanomination, visit vic.gov.au/learn-local-awards

Need Secure Storage Space?

WHEEN Bee Foundation's new range of planting guideshas made creating essentialhabitathavens for bees and other pollinators awhole loteasier.

Createdbybotanists, the PowerfulPollinator Planting Guides support gardeners, farmers, and landmanagers in choosing plants that attract pollinators to their properties, increasing the abundanceand diversity of insectpollinatorsin urban and rural landscapes.

Powerful Pollinators Program Manager Lea Hannahsaidpollinators are essential for preserving biodiversity and ensuring food security, yet, they are threatened by habitat loss, extreme weather events and climate change.

"The Powerful Pollinator Planting Guides promote the creation of vital habitat, increasing food for bees and reducing the distance they need to travel to forage and feed," Ms Hannah said.

Each planting guide includes information on attractingpollinators to the local area, withtips on creating pollination reservoirs, constructing insect real estate, improving habitat connectivity and reducing chemical use.

They contain alistofplants, including shrubs, trees, climbers, vines, forbsand grasses, and informationonplant heights,colour, aspectand soil conditions.

Ms Hannah said these are the only guides of their kind produced for specific ecological bioregions in Australia.

"The PowerfulPollinatorPlanting Guidesinclude avast range of native plants indigenous to each

bioregion, from tall trees to the smallest herbs, so people can choosewhatisappropriate for their site," Ms Hannah said.

"The species list also contains varying flowering times, so you can potentially have something in flower any time in the year to support pollinators."

So far, 21 guides have been published across six states and territorieswithregionscovered including Swan River (WA), Kangaroo Island(SA), North Coast (NSW), South East Melbourne (Vic), Northern Slopes (Tas) and Townsville (QLD). More guides are in development.

The Wheen Bee Foundationmanages the guides withfunding fromvarioussources,including Smart Farms, NSW Government bushfire recovery funding, private organisations, local governments and service clubs such as Rotarians for Bees.

New guides are beingdeveloped for the Limestone Coast (SA) and Scenic Rim (Qld) with funding through local councils and NaturalResource Management organisations.

Wheen Bee Foundation chief executive,Fiona Chambers said further funding is required to develop guides for other regions nationwide.

"It's great to see councils leading the way in the development of new guides," Ms Chambers said.

"This process works really well when councils join forces with land management organisations and service clubs such as Rotary and Lions to fund the creation of aguide

"It resultsina valuablecommunity resource that is owned by everyone," Ms Chambers said.

Megachile species on a Hardenbergia flower

Photo: Gary Taylor

Smoke detectors can save lives

Phil Glover

PHIL Glover is aveteran of a40-year fire service career, with 35 years served in New Zealand and five years in Victoria.

Phil rose to the rank of Deputy Chief FireOfficer, withlengthy secondments as acting Chief Fire Officer within the New Zealand Fire Service, and was endorsed as aqualified and competentfire investigator in 1989, giving him 34 years experience as afire scene investigator.

Duringhis five-year deploymentwith CFA, Phil was the Officer In Charge of the Morwell Fire Brigade, Regional Operations Officer and Gippsland Area Fire Investigation Coordinator.

Afterresigning his CFA position in 2006, Phil created his own forensic fire investigation company, and for the past 17 years has investigated thousands of fires of all types across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Region for many clients, mostly insurance companies, legal firms and private clients, and has solved numerous challenging fire cases, with some individual fires having afinancial cost of over $40 million.

Phil has been endorsed as an expert by all levels of thejudiciary in all courts across Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Region, and has given evidence in fire-related court trials on more than 41 occasions. Phil's evidencehas also resulted in a number of arsonistsand fraudsters being convicted.

Phil researched and wrote abook based on his career and explains how fires start and how that can be prevented, which was published in 2014 and is titled Fire -The Flamin Facts

Phil will be contributing to the Gippsland Times on asemi-regular basis, with tipsaimed to reduce thenumberoffires, and reduce the consequences of fires that do occur.

This month's firesafety tip:

TO start off this monthly column, let me frighten you with afew facts.

Imagineifafire starts in your bedroom, for any of hundreds of reasons, and you're asleep, the bedroom door is closed and there are no smoke detectors in the room.

The first evidence of afire is the smoke. Smoke is an asphyxiant, and in most cases causes you to fall into adeeper sleep, until you die.

Smoke from afire in your bedroom will kill anyone in the room in around three minutes, and the fire may not have developed to the flame stage in that time.

The fire will continue to develop until someone elseinthe house,ora neighbour or passer-by notices the fire and calls the fire service, and that timeframe can vary up to five to 10 minutes.

Add around 10 minutesfor the calltothe fire service to be processed,the fire brigade alerted, and if you live in an urban area serviced by afully staffedfire brigade, the first fire crewshould arrive at your address within that timeframe.

Amuch longer response time needs to be factored in if you live in arural or regional area serviced by avolunteer fire brigade, as the members have to get to the fire station and respond from there. They will have been alerted at the same time as afully staffed brigade.

So by the time the first fire crew arrives at your burning house, at least 10 minutes has elapsed since the first whiff of smoke occurred and someone noticedthe fireand calledthe fireservice, and remember, you diedthree minutesinto thisevent.

The romantic ideathat firefighters will be able to rescue you fromyourburning house is not always realistic, and yours and your family'schancesof survival will be best servedbyaproperly working and maintained smokedetector,installed in the most effective location on the ceiling, which will react to the first whiff of smoke in the room

The temperature at floor level in aburninghouse will be around 800-1000 degrees celsius increasing to around1000-1500 degrees celsius at ceiling height, which is way above temperatures at which are survivable by human beings or pets.

So,get serious aboutinstalling smoke detectors, and if you need assistance with that, reach out to your local fire brigade, who will be happy to assist Next time -we'll talk about electric blankets.

The importance of working smoke detectors is the subject in today’s segmentonfiresafety.

Photo: Contributed

Urgent need for Oand Ablood

AUSTRALIAN Red Cross Lifeblood is urging 8500 people with Oand Ablood groups to donate in the next fortnight as the cold and flu season, combined withongoing COVID-19 cases, has created aperfect storm for apotential blood donor shortage.

Around 2000 donors aweek are cancelling and rescheduling appointments due to cold and flu symptoms, and it is expected to get worse in the coming weeks.

Lifeblood Executive DirectorofDonor Experience, Cath Stone said Lifeblood data shows that higher numbers of people are cancelling or rescheduling their donations due to cold,flu and COVID-19 symptoms this year compared to last year.

“We are expecting those cancellations to increase over the coming weeks so are asking people with Oand Ablood types to book adonation," she said.

"More than 80 per cent of the population has an

OorAblood type, meaning these are the types most needed by patients.

“O Negative, the universal blood type, is found in fewerthan seven per centofthe population, making it one of the rarer blood types, however

its versatility meansitmakesup16per cent of the blood ordered by hospitals.

“It is used to treatpatients when theirblood type is unknown. It’s often stocked in ambulances and rescue helicopters to be used to treat trauma

patients who can require huge quantities of blood in ashort amount of time.”

To combat the seasonal drop in donors, Lifeblood has partnered with emergency services across the countrytolaunchablood drivetohelpsecureblood stocks over the winter months.

“Emergency service workers are used to coming to the rescueintimes of need and emergencies, and at this time of year they will also help save lives by donating blood and plasma,” Ms Stone said. Make an appointment to donate this winter by calling 13 14 95,visiting lifeblood.com.auorthe Donate Blood app.

Right now, Lifeblood needs 8500 people to donate blood and plasma in the nextfortnight,inparticular people who have Oand Ablood groups. Statebreakdown of donors needed in the next fortnight: VIC 2600, ACT 300, SA 550, NSW 2500, TAS 350, NT 100, QLD 1100, WA 1000.

Relief for small business as ATOallows taxamnesty

THE Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is encouraging small businessesthat have overdue income tax returns, fringe benefits tax returnsorbusiness activitystatements to take advantage of anew amnesty to get their lodgements back on track.

The amnesty was announced in the 2023-24 Budget. It applies to tax obligations that were originally due between December 1, 2019 and February 28, 2022 and runs from June 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.

To be eligiblefor the amnesty, the small business must be an entity with an aggregated turnover of less than $10 million at the time the original lodgement was due.

During this time, eligible small businesses can lodge their eligible overdue forms, and the ATO will then proactively remit any associated failure to lodge (FTL) penalties.

ATO Assistant Commissioner, EmmaTobias urgedsmall businesses to take advantage of the amnesty to get back on track with their tax obligations if they have fallen behind.

"The past few years have been tough for many small businesses, with the pandemic and natural disasters having asignificant impact. We understand that things like lodging ATO forms may

have slipped down the listofpriorities.But it is important to get backontrackwithtax obligations. Lodging these forms are not optional, so we hope our amnesty will make it easier for impacted small businesses to get back on track," she said.

When forms are lodged with the ATO under the amnesty, businesses or their tax professionals will not need to separately request aremission of FTL penalties.

"All you need to do is lodge your outstanding tax returns or activity statements and we'll take care of the FTLpenalty remission from ourend.You might see an FTL penalty on your account for a short periodoftime,but don't worry, we willremit it," said the assistant ATO commissioner.

Ms Tobias also noted that outstanding lodgements can be an early indicator that asmall business is not actively engaged with the tax system, which can be ared flag.

"We encourage all businesses to lodge any overdue forms even if they are outside the eligibility period. Whilst forms outside the amnesty eligibility criteria will attract FTL penalties, the ATO will consider your circumstances and may remit such penalties on acase-by-case basis."

"We understand that some small businesses

may be worried about payinganamountowing on their overdue lodgement. If you are unable to make full payment of your debt, remember we can work together with you or your registered tax or BAS agent to figure out the right solution for you.

"We want to make this process easy and to encourage small businesses to do the right thing. If you have aregistered tax or BAS agent, now is agood time to reach out to them to make sure you are up to date with your tax affairs.

"Taxpayers stillhave an obligation to lodge overdue forms during the amnesty period and we will continue to work withthem to help ensure they meet their obligations," Ms Tobias said.

The ATO offersa range of support options, including payment plans. Many small businesses are also able to set up their own payment plan online.

Ms Tobias also explained that if abusiness has ceased trading, they need to advise theirregistered tax professional, or the ATO directly.

The amnesty applies to income tax returns, business activity statements, and fringe benefits tax returns. It does not apply to superannuation obligations,and excludes other administrative penaltiessuchaspenalties associated withthe Taxable Payments Reporting System.

ATOAssistant Commissioner EmmaTobias urged small businesses to take advantageof the taxamnesty Photo: Contributed

Greattime to become anurse or midwife

THERE’S never been abetter time to become a nurse or midwife -with free degrees, scholarships, and sign-on bonuses available thanks to the state government's Free Nursing and Midwifery initiative.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas recently visited Monash University -which has seen a19per cent increase in nursing undergraduatesthis year -tomeet some of Victoria’snewest nursing students, and announceapplicationsfor degreesand scholarships that have opened.

The state government’s $270 million investment will see more than 17,000 nurses and midwives recruited and trained, removingthe financial barrierstostudying and training the next generation of nurses and midwives locally.

As part of this initiative, more than 10,000

Victorian nursing and midwifery students who begin theirstudies this year or next will be reimbursed up to $16,500 -coveringthe cost of their degree.

All new domesticstudentsenrolling in a professional-entry nursing or midwifery course will receive $3000 ayear over amaximum of three years while studying, and the remaining $7500 once they complete two years’ work in aVictorian public health service.

There are also strong incentivesfor nursing and midwifery graduates to take up work in the Victorian public health sector, with an additional $5000 in bonus payments after two years of workwith the first round of new graduates set to receive initial payments in May.

The package also includes generous support for nurses and midwives re-joining the workforce

-with scholarships of up to $15,000 to update qualifications and complete any training required to get their registrations up to date. This package isn’t just about recruiting more nurses -itwill also upskill the current workforce and make sure Victoria has the right nurses to deliver the specialised care Victorians need, with generous support for nurses to grow their practice and specialise. Scholarships are available to supportupto 2000 enrolled nurses to become registered nurses, for postgraduate nurses to complete studies in specialty areas like intensive care, emergency, paediatrics and cancer care, and to recruit 100 extra highly-skillednurse practitioners across the state.

Monash Universityhas seen a19per cent rise in nursing undergraduates. Photo: Contributed

New resources for people diagnosed with dementia

NEW resourcesdesigned to supportpeople who have been diagnosed with dementia have been released by Gippsland Primary Health Network.

Created as part of acollaboration between five Victorian PrimaryHealth Networks(PHNs)Gippsland,Western Victoria,North Western Melbourne,Eastern Melbourne and Murray -and the Tasmanian PHN, the resources were funded by the federal governmentand detail information and supports available in local communities for people living with dementia,their carers and families.

Gippsland PHN acting chief executive, Angela Jacob, said the resources were developed as part of the federal government’s response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Mrs Jacob said there was estimated to be nearly

half amillion Australians who were living with dementia,while around 1.6million Australians were involved in the care of someone with dementia. APriorityIssuesPaper on dementia, released last year by Gippsland PHN, revealed more than 7488 people in Gippsland had dementia, with this number expected to increaseto13,783by2058. An estimated 438 people experienced younger onset dementia (under 65 years).

The paper named dementia as the second cause of death among females in Gippsland and the sixth cause of death among males.

“As more Australians live longer, these numbers are expected to increase significantly, whichis why these resources are avaluable addition to the supports that people,diagnosed with dementia,

can access,” Mrs Jacob said.

“Receiving adiagnosis of dementiacan be an extremely challenging and overwhelming experience for anyone, so having access to good quality information and resources in an easy-to-understand format is really important.”

The resources include abrochure -Dementia: Resources and support to help you live well -for people who are in the process of being diagnosed withdementiaand their familiesorcarers. The brochure is designed for people who may be experiencing some cognitive decline. It outlines the process of getting adementia diagnosis and includes suggestions forimportant questions to ask your GP.

The brochure also has information about other

dementia supports and resources, including links to alocal Dementia Directory on the Gippsland PHN website.

As part of the PHNcollaboration, new resources to support health professionals have also been created. Anew workforce dementiatrainingprogramcalled Demystifying Dementia, has been developedin conjunction with Dementia TrainingAustralia, with the program designed and facilitated by GPs for GPs, GP registrars, practice nurses, nurse practitioners and other health professionals. The downloadableversion of the brochure and the localised Gippsland PHN Dementia Directory can be foundatgphn.org.au/what-we-do/programs/ programs-aged-care/dementia-or-cognitive-decline/

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Smoking rate increases for kids

Comment ProfessorColin Hall

NEW statistics released by the Department of Health and Ageing last week paint adisturbing picture of increased smoking by young people.

The report found that smoking among children between14and 17 years of age has increased dramatically, with these finding now beingused to justifyharsh crackdowns on vaping across the country. This is amistake.

The increaseinyouth smokingrates in Australia stands in starkcontrast to other western countries where youthsmoking is declining at an accelerated rate. Why does Australia differ? The answer lies in our regulatory approach to vaping.

Australia’s draconian policies have normalised a black market sellingunregulated disposable vaping products and illicit cigarettes freely, away from government oversightand without age verification

Scare campaigns and misinformation about vaping encourage young people to take up smoking if vaping is seen as harmful.

Cheap cigarettesare alsofreely available for childrenonthe black market as aresultofAustralia’s high tobacco taxes. The price of legal tobacco in Australia is the highest in the worldand is still increasing. Black market sales are thriving.

Without requirements to adhere to basicconsumer laws around the sales of adult products, nicotine products are more widely available to children than we’ve seen in decades.

Lastweek, Professor Wayne Halland Ipublished an assessment of youth vaping, which examined researchinother western countries including New Zealand, Canada, the UK and the US. Every one of thesecountrieshas legalised and regulated vaping as an adult-onlyconsumer product. Studies suggest vaping is actually displacing smoking among young people in all of these countries. Vaping does not cause young people who have

Call to opposition to fully fund public schools across Victoria

THE Australian Education Union Victorian Branch is urging the Victorian Opposition to commit to funding public schools in Victoria to aminimum of 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS).

The union believesthe commitment is long overdue.

Branch president, Meredith Peace said that the staggering difference between private and public school funding in the state should serve as areminder to major parties every day that public school students are being systematically shortchanged by governments. “It is Victoria’s public schools that open their doors to every student, no mattertheir backgroundortheir needs,and provide them with thehighquality education they need to set them up for life,” Ms Peace said.

“Publicschools don’t discriminate, so when will our politicians stop discriminating?

“Opposition Leader John Pesutto is quick to promise thatsomeprivate schoolsinVictoria won’t pay payroll tax. But where is his promise to fully and fairly fund public education?

“Public school students are only funded to 90.4 per cent of the governments’own funding benchmark, while privateschools are overfundedfar beyond their minimum SRS levels every year. Private school funding is increasingatsix times thatof public schools -ashameful statistic.

“By refusing to commit to fully funding public schools, the Victorian Oppositionissending a clear message to public school students, parents, teachers, support staff and principals -that their needs are secondary.

“If Liberals truly care about Victoria’s students and their education, the task ahead is laid out for them plain and clear: commit to fullyfunding public schools to aminimum of 100 per cent of the SRS.”

neversmoked to takeupsmokingifthey would not have otherwise done so. Young people who experiment with vaping are simply more likely to experiment with other risky behaviours, such as smoking, alcohol and drug use anyway. The often-cited ‘gateway theory’ is unlikely to be playing asignificant role overall.

Australia is an outlier among western countries when it comes to vaping and is quicklybecoming an outlier when it comes to youth smoking as well The black market has undone years of tobacco control policies, and Australia’s current approach -heavy restrictionstargeted exclusivelyatthe legalvaping market, will only fuel the fire.

We need to recognisethat overly restrictive policies intended to reduce youth access to vaping can have counterproductive results. Vaping nicotine is the most effective quitting aid available. The Health Department report found that adult smokingrates had not declined at all in Australia overthe last 5years. Doubling downfurther on this

failedregulatoryapproach to vaping willsimply make things worse.

Now, the government’s stubborn policy stance is putting the lives of Australian children at risk. This needs to change.

The Australian government has an urgent need to implement evidence-based policies on vaping which have proven successful in other western countries. This means an adult consumer regulatory model, which allowsaccesstolifesavingvapeproducts by adult smokers, with strict age verification to ensure young people cannot freely access these products.

Kids also need honest education about vapingand smoking, without fear and exaggeration.

If the government doesn’turgentlychange its approach, more young peoplewill be unnecessarily exposed to vaping and smoking, and Australia will face anational health crisis in years to come.

Professor Colin Hall is from the National Centre for YouthSubstance Use Research, The University of Queensland,and has no conflicts of interest.

Celebrating

AMASSwas held to celebrate the beginningof Catholic EducationWeek in theDiocese of Sale on Friday, May 19, bringingtogether education leaders and clergy from across the Diocese.

Catholic Education Week, which runs from May 19 to May 26, is an opportunity for all Catholic schools in the Diocese to celebrate their Catholic identity and showcasethe inspiring activities that takeplaceinCatholic schools every day.

The masswas celebratedatStMichael's Catholic Church in Traralgon and was led by the Catholic BishopofSale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet, with clergy from across the Diocese.

The mass was also an occasion to welcome 13 newly-appointed Catholic school principals, religious educationleadersand Catholic identityand mission leadersintheir school communities.

As asymbol of this leadership, amissionary crosswas presented to each leader by Bishop Greg, assisted by the DirectorofCatholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, Mr Paul Velten.

Newly appointed principals are: Julian Blackford at St Mary's Primary School, Maffra, Felicity Broughton(St Therese'sPrimary School, Cranbourne North), Jo Coldebella (St Joseph's Primary School, Wonthaggi), Megan Escalante (St Patrick's Primary School, Pakenham) and Lisa Parwata (St Mary's Primary School, Bairnsdale).

Newlyappointed Religious Education Leaders are:

Tara Battista at St Mary's Primary School, Maffra,NicoleBuccilli (StJoseph's Primary School,Wonthaggi), Cameron Greenslade (St VincentdePaul Primary School, Morwell East), Alycia Matthews (St John's Primary School, Koo Wee Rup), Cory Monckton (Immaculate Heart of Mary Primary School, Newborough (in absentia)),Tahlia O'Callaghan (Don Bosco Primary School, Narre Warren), Anna Viney (St Catherine's Primary School, Berwick).

Newly appointed CatholicIdentity and Mission Leaders are:

NicoleDudman MaryatMacKillopCatholic Regional College,Leongatha, and Jacinta Johnston (Marist-Sion College, Warragul).

Catholic primary schoolprincipals and staffwith Bishop Greg BennetatStMichael’s Traralgon.

Photo: Contributed

Corn Nut Creek return

TomParry

AMERICANAfolk group Corn Nut Creekare making areturn to the Stratford Courthouse this Saturday.

The musical duo -consisting of American expat Danielle Vita and homegrown talent Tanya Bradley -will be visiting as part of their latest tour, whichispromoting the release of their latest single, “Once Again”.

The jaunty, almost pop-like song is part of a new album, expected to be released in November.

Ms Vita told the Gippsland Times that recording the album has been a“really big process”for herself and Ms Bradley.

“We started to record our album in the same studio that we recorded previous albums, and we decided that we wanted to go in another direction and actually started recording the whole project again,” Ms Vita said.

This involved recording in adifferent studio with adifferent producer.

“We just feltlikewehad averyspecific direction, and it just took some time to get to where we wanted to be, so it has actuallybeen amassive process that we’ve been working on for areally long time,” she said.

Asked whether the band’s music has evolved, Ms Vita responded that it “definitely” had.

“The core of our music is still the same, in that it draws from the roots of Appalachian music; but Ithink we’ve evolved in thatwe’re kind of delving deeper intothe stories that we are writing,” Ms Vita explained.

Corn Nut Creek’s appearance at the Stratford Courthouse comes barely one year after their first-ever performance at the venue.

According to Ms Vita, the debut gig went really well: “It’s the reason why we want to come back.”

“We found the community so receptive,” Ms Vita said of Stratford.

“We had some really beautiful conversationswith some of the people that had come to the show and …wereally just enjoyed playing there.

“We loved the space and the whole community that surrounds that particular venue.”

Ms Vita also revealed that the Stratford Courthousewas the very first venue booked for Corn Nut Creek’s 2023 tour, and will be the first show of said tour.

The band will then perform across New South Wales until July, then travel to Melbourne for a single show in August before concluding their tour in September.

Corn Nut Creek will be performing at the Stratford Courthousethis Saturday (June16) from 7.30pm.

Additionally, Ms Vita and Ms Bradley will be conducting afiddle workshop from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on the Saturday: “Just because there are quitealot of people in that community thatare interested in …Learning alittle bit more about traditional Appalachian fiddle style.”

For more information about both events and tickets, the official website is stratfordcourthouse. com.au

Over the FenceFilm Festival making its waytoBond St

IT’Sbeing touted as “thecoolest comedyfilm fest in the known universe”, and it’s coming to Bond Street Event Centre on Friday, June 23.

Officially known as the Over the Fence Film Festival, the event is makinga return to the Centre, which sees acollection of short films screenedand then voted upon by audience members.

Thisyear’sprogram promises to take viewers “on ajourney through life to death …and beyond” with shorts from the United States, United Kingdom, Great Britain, France and New Zealand, as well as Australia.

Followingapositive experience with previous iterationsofthe Festival, BondStreetEvent Centremanager David Willington is looking forward to 2023’s selection of films.

“They’re reallyfunny, alot of the time; and they’re amixed bag …each film could be completely different to the other one,” Mr Willington said.

“We do it for the fun of it, because we like the films …people enjoy it and so do we.”

Overthe Fence is aFremantle-basedorganisation that aims to “celebrate new and independent filmmakers,their comic masterpieces and their excellent sense of humour.”

It also boasts “the largest travelling comedy film festival in Australia and the world”. More information about the festival and tickets can be purchased through theBondStreet Event Centre’s official website at bondstreeteventcentre.com

PROUDLYBROUGHT TO YOUBYTHESE PARTICIPATINGLOCAL BUSINESSES

Crossword Puzzle No.8538

with Muzza

ONE POINTERS

1 One and a half litres of champagne is known as awhat?

2. Who is reported to have played his fiddle while Rome burned?

3. If Iwas visiting the town of Stawell, which state would Ibein?

4. What is the name of Doctor Who’srobot dog?

TWO POINTERS

5. What city did the Beatles come from?

6. What Italian wordfor ‘Scratched Drawing’ can be found on walls all over the world?

7. Wherewas MarcCohen walking when he put on his blue suede shoes?

8. Who wrote the ‘Famous Five’ series of books?

THREE POINTERS

9. What gland produces insulin?

10. Kim Jong Un is the leader of which country?

11. Which actress emerged from the sea in Dr No wearing awhite bikini?

12. What oath is swornbygraduates of medicine?

FOUR POINTERS

13. What country has the most islands in the world?

14. Whoinvented the World Wide Web?

FIVE POINTER

15. I’ll give you five movie synopsis and you give me the movie.

1. Pilot Pete Mitchell returns to flight school to train agroup of graduates for amission that demands the ultimate sacrifice.

2. Arebellious 16-year-old is fascinated with life on land and falls for a prince.

3. The story of seven children from Derry who face their worst nightmarewhen ashape-shifting evil emerges from the sewer every 27 years to prey on the town’schildren.

4. Amovie about losing one’svirginity,a group of friends, fed up with their well-deserved reputations as sexual no-hitters, decide to take action.

5. At the start of the New Year,a 32-year-old woman decides to take control of her life and starts keeping adiary.Now her most exciting book on her bedside table is the one that she is writing.

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.0162

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

Sudoku No.0162

Howtoplay...

R E I T A T N N

Fill the grid so thateveryrow and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1to9 Solution page 29

“Phenomenal” season launch

TomParry

LOCAL artistsdrew all the attentionatthe Gippsland ArtGallery’s Winter Season Launch earlier this month.

Acapacity crowd attended the venue on the eveningofFriday, June 2for the occasion, the largest audience for agallery event since the 2022 John Leslie Art Prize.

Central to the latest season is an exhibitionin themain gallery simply titled ‘Winter’,which is described as “a paean to the evocative majesty of our darkest and most reflective months”. That exhibition is complementedbyPolar Convergence, acollection of photographs taken by Melbourne-based artist Rohan Hutchinson on arecent expedition to the Arctic.

Yet it was the works of Gippsland-based artists FrankMesaric, NadineLineham and Klara Jones that garnered the most interest on opening night, withattendees queuing and crowdingtoview their respective exhibitions.

Mr Mesaric and Ms Lineham, who are spouses, showcasetheir conflicting artistic stylesinDouble Vision, while Ms Jones has crafted aseries of sculptures in her first solo exhibition at the gallery, titled ‘Our Mother’.

Gallery director Simon Greggdescribed the quality of the artworks in both exhibitionsas “phenomenal”.

“Our local artists, they are at national, if not international quality,” Mr Gregg said.

“We are just so proud of all of ourartists,and the fact that you live and work in aregional area is no longer abarrier to making incredible work andgetting it seen.

“You don’t have to be aMelbourne-based artist or ametro artist to be (seen).”

While usually coy about discussing which artworks he prefers in any exhibition, on this occasion Mr Gregg revealed his favourite to be Silva, aseries of four paintings by Welsh artist Daniel Crawshaw of the Gippsland alpine ranges.

“We got him out for aresidency at the Cowwarr Art Space whenthey used to have artist residencies there …heonly spent acouple of months here, but as an outsider, he saw somethingthat was unique to our area, and Ithink he captured that in his paintings,” Mr Gregg said.

“I feel myself disappearing into them and Ijust find them so powerful every time we show them.”

The four paintings are hanging on the freestanding wall in the centre of the John Leslie Gallery which, according to Mr Gregg, was purpose-built for Silva.

Irishtalentintownthis week

IRELAND'S young traditional musicians and winners of the prestigiousTG4 'Young Musicians of the Year' Sorcha Costello, Conor Connolly and Pádraig O'Dubhghaill, are set to performatthe Valencia Creek Hall from 7.30pm on Friday (June 16).

Sorcha is from afamily steeped in traditional music from the west of Ireland and is amaster of the fiddle.

Conor is asuperbaccordion player and a singer of extraordinary sensitivity, instilling the emotion of songsinthe tradition of Galway singers Dolores Keane and Sean MacDonnacha.

Pádraig is ahighly sought-after guitar player and teacher from Connemara and has accompanied manyofthe finest exponents of Irish music.

Both Conor and Pádraig have represented Ireland at the World Expo in Dubai.

Together, with Sorcha Costello on the fiddle, Conor Connolly on the accordion and Pádraig O'Dubhghaill on guitar, these threeyoung artists are making aname for themselves in the traditional Irish music scene worldwide. This talented trio, one of the feature acts at the Australian Celtic Festival, offers anight of high-powered Irish traditional music that will raise your spirits and makeyou want to sing and dance.

Experience the soundofSorchaCostello, Conor Connolly and Pádraig O'Dubhghaill in their very first tour of Australia, at the Valencia Creek Hall from 7.30pm on Friday, June 16. Bring your own food and drinks.

Bookings cost $25.

To make abooking, callGarryon: 0439 454 428.

“They’re one of the few artworks that Ican say the gallery was designed specifically for,” he said.

“I’vehad them on (the wall) acouple of timesnow, and with Klara’s Allerleirauh work -the princess sleeping on the floor -Ithought, ‘She’s lost in the forest -whatcan Iput behind her? What can Iset the scene with? Of course, it’s going to be those pictures again.’

“There’s something so powerful about them I just love …they’re beautiful, but they’re scary at the same time.

“And Ialwaysfind something new in them, every time Isee them.”

As for which artworkwillprove most popular among attendees?

“I think there’s so many pieces that people will connectwith, andthere’s suchgreat diversity; but Ican’t help thinking that Klara’s sculpture of the old lady is the one that’s going to be the standout, just because everybody can connect with it,” Mr Gregg said.

“When it arrived at the gallery, we were blown away -everyone who saw the piece thought it was areal person …they would say,‘Oh,sorry! Hi,’ introduce themselves and then realise it’s a sculpture!”

‘Winter’ and itsassociatedexhibitions are currently being displayed at the Gippsland Art Gallery until the end of August.

For more information about the venue, head to gippslandartgallery.com

Musical afternoon out

MAFFRAMunicipal Bandisshowcasing three of its five musicalgroupsinaconcert at the Maffra Memorial Hall on Sunday (June18) from 2pm until 4pm.

Come and listen to the talented string ensemble directed by Rosemary Iversen, the training band,open to beginners and those who

haven’t played their instruments for awhile, directed by Claire Cochrane and the fabulous ukestra,the new ukulelegroup directed by Julie Bradley.

The music will vary from classics to popular, and afternoontea will be provided after the concert, making for alovely afternoon out.

Gippsland Art Gallery director SimonGregg addressing attendeesatthe Winter Season launch Photos: TomParry

An attendee transfixed by the work of photographerRohan Hutchinson.

Kathy Luxton-Carr’s artwork on display in the John Leslie Gallery

Couch Mother is part of Sale artist Klara Jones’ exhibition

TG4‘Young Musiciansofthe Year’ Sorcha Costello, Conor Connolly and Padraig O’Dubhghaill.

Photo: Contributed

Author Cachia coming to Sale

Zoe Askew

MOTHER,author,business owner,socialmedia influencer, podcaster and sports journalist Sophie Cachia is Sale bound to celebrate the launchofher latest novel, And Then There Was You

Whether you know her as the ex-wife of former Carltonfootball player Jaryd Cachia, as the co-founder of CACHIA Sleepwear &Loungewear, as apopular social mediainfluencer, or as apublished author,the name Sophie Cachiaisknown to many.

Sophie Cachia has risen to prominence over the years, with the mother of two's relationship with former AFL player Jaryd Cachia at the crux of her rise to notoriety.

Sophie andJaryd began datingin2011, welcomed ason in 2013, married in 2015, and welcomed a daughter in 2017 before splitting in 2019.

Sophie has built and grown asignificant social media presence since debuting in 2013, and has become awell-known name after co-founding her premiumsleep and loungewear brandCACHIA in 2017.

While the successful mother of twoseemingly had it all, something was missing; there was something not quite right.

Questionsthat had neverpoppedinto Sophie's head were suddenly front of mindshortly after the birth of her daughter Florence, with the wife and mother of two uncovering asexual attraction to women.

Sophie fought her attractions, desperatelypushingthem down, soon realising this was amagnetic and all-consuming connection that she couldn't hide from her husband.

"It got to apoint where Jaryd was well aware of how Iwas feeling about this woman,and Iwas just like, 'I need to kiss her' because Itruly thought if I just do it, and Ikiss her, this feeling would be gone, it would go away," Sophiesaidinaninterview with MamaMia earlier this year.

"WithJaryd's full permission and understanding, Idid have asexual experience with that woman.

"It was just going to be alifeexperience, something Ireally wanted to tick off.

"I wasn't doing anything behind my husband's back,somorally, Iwas fine. He was aware of the openness of the situation, so it was just meant to be areally fun life experience," Sophie said.

"I had completelyconvinced myself that this was

just goingtobea bit of fun, aharmless experience, and Iwouldjust go back to my life with my husband and kids straight after."

Sophie's first sexual encounterwith awoman did not dissipate her feelings; quite the contrary.

"After that night, my feelings became more conscious to me; they became more aware," Sophie said.

"I recall standing in the supermarket line, and in the next aisle to me, Isaw this beachy girl. She was tanned, wearinglittledenim shorts and acroptop. Straight away, Inoticed she didn't have abra on.

"These invasive, sexual thoughts about women just started coming, and they have not stopped.

"While Iwas well aware of my feelings and where my body wanted to go, Iwas also aware of the life I had created and the promises Ihad made.

Photo:Contributed

"I had agorgeous, loving, dedicated husband and two wonderful children, and we really did have a greatrelationship. We had, on both sides,huge familiesand interconnected friendship groups, so it was scary and almost impossiblefor me to imagine that not existing."

Sophie faced an exceptionally hard decision, to blow her lifeupand explore her feelingsfor women or continue with the 'perfect' life she had createdfor herself and risk living an unfulfilled, unauthenticlife.

She chose to blow it all up.

"I didn't choose this to happen to my life," Sophie said.

"I didn't wake up one morning and flip the lesbian light switch. These feelings, Ibelieve, were always inside me.

“This is who Iwas meant to be my entire life.

"I knew Iwas going to disappoint alot of people.

"I knew Iwas throwing agrenade into my own life and not knowing when it was going to go off. But Ialsoknewthat if Ididn't throw the grenade, it was going to go off in my hand."

Following her split from Jaryd, Sophie revealed never-before-shared details of her marriage breakdown, and how delving intoher feminine intuition and fallinginlove withawomanturned herwhole world upside down in her deeply honest memoir, Then There Was Her

Then ThereWas Her follows Sophieinmaking peacewith her decisions and sexuality, all in the unrelenting glareofthe public eye, encouraging readers to stop fearing the unknown in life and inspiring thousands of readers to reach out, eager to share their own journey of sexual and romantic discovery-making.

This month, Sophie's latest publication, Then There Was You,the long-awaited sequel to the Australian influencer and entrepreneur's bestselling memoir Then There Was Her,hits national andinternational shelves.

Then There Was You is acaptivating true-life collectionofstories toldtoSophie about heartbreak, passion, bravery and the healing power of shared experiences.

On Sunday, June25, Sophie Cachia willbeinSale to celebrate the launch of her new book - Then There Was You -withSimon &Schuster Australia, Collins Booksellers Saleand Wellington Libraries, hosting

Author Talk: Sophie Cachia in the Wellington Room at the Port of Sale from 1pm.

Whether you are afan of Sophie's debut memoir, Then There Was Her,adedicatedsocial media follower,orfascinated by the motheroftwo's journeyinpurging heteronormative societal assumptions, Author Talk: Sophie Cachia is arare opportunity to have an intimateconversation with awell-known and influentialAustralian presenter, businesswoman, entrepreneur, digital marketing expert, sports journalist and author.

Author Talk: Sophie Cachia is expected to book out quickly, so don't hesitate to register for this free event on Sunday, June 25, from 1pm.

Toclet are avaialble from: eventbrite.com.au/e/ author-talk-sophie-cachia-tickets-631173104747

Sophie

Charming home in soughtafter Stratford location

THIS home offers prospective buyers the opportunity to purchase ahome full of character,agents say Agents add the home is in an ideal location situated in Stratford, close to shops, schools, parks, walking trails and sporting facilities.

The home is well-positioned on acorner block, nestled between established trees and greenery with panoramic views over the Avon River

An inviting entry welcomes prospective buyers to the home, seamlessly leading into the generous open plan kitchen/living and dining. Agents say this space is impeccably presented, featuring beautiful, vaulted ceilings and is awash with natural light. Split system air conditioning provides year-round comfort.

The modern kitchen is extremely wellequipped with an abundance of drawers, cupboards and pantry storage, plus there is alarge island bench, all combining to create agreat hub of the home for family and friends to gather

There are three bedrooms, two with built in robes. The third bedroom is substantial in size, easily fitting up to two double bunks, or if athird bedroom is not needed, could also be used as asecondliving area.

The updated bathroom features amodern vanity,shower,extra cupboard space and the bonus of aheatlampand heated towel rail for the cold winter months.

Outside is alow maintenance yard, secure fencing that has been installed at the property in recent times and alfresco entertaining area which agents say is the perfect spot for prospective buyers to soak up the afternoon sun.

The garage has plenty of room for acar, plus extra storage or workshop space. There

is dual driveway access offbothstreets and ample off-street parking for two cars or space to park acaravan or boat.

The home will suit arange of purchasers from first home buyers to those wanting to downsize to low maintenance living.

With new vinyl plank flooring, carpets and fresh paint, prospective buyers can just move in and enjoy

Briefdetails

Property: Three bedroom home by the Avon River

Address: 2WellsfordStreet,Stratford

Price: $417,000

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

AGENTS say this picturesque coastal retreat overlooking the idyllic town of Seaspray is a stunning property offering an unparalleled lifestyle, combining the tranquillity of arural setting with the convenience of being just moments away from pristine beaches.

Boasting breath-taking views, expansive living spaces, and an array of luxurious amenities, agents say this residence is the epitome of comfort and elegance. With its design and features, the property presents arare opportunity to own aslice of paradise

in one of Victoria's most sought-after coastal locations.

Step onto the sprawling landscaped grounds and be greeted by manicured gardens and mature trees that create asense of serenity

The property offers sweeping views that captivate from sunrise to sunset, providing an ever-changing backdrop to daily life.

Whether prospective buyers prefer to relax in solitude or entertain guests, multiple outdoor entertainment areas are available, offering the perfect setting for gatherings or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Inside, the home features spacious open

plan living and dining areas designed to maximise natural light and provide aseamless flow throughout. The kitchen is equipped with ample storage and bench space. Agents say the luxurious master suite is aprivate haven with walk-in robe, and alavish ensuite plus beautiful views.

Additional well-appointed bedrooms, each with built-in robes and serene garden views, provide comfort and privacy for family members or guests.

This property also offers aversatile home office or study area, ideal for remote work or study sessions.

The expansive garage provides plenty of

storage space for vehicles, equipment, and recreational items, ensuring everything is neatly organised. Aside from its features, the property is conveniently located just ashort distance from Seaspray Beach, renowned for its pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. The surrounding area also offers local shops and recreational facilities, ensuring all daily needs are met. With easy access to nearby towns and major highways, agents say travel becomes effortless.

Tony Chris Julian Kevin Tim Emma Elise Nat Cindy Will Dayle Tonya Emma Bronwyn Cheyenne Dawn Tanya

Wherethe ranges kiss the coast

SITUATED on the most elevated position along the Ninety Mile Beach, agents say this property offers warm winter grazing land, outstanding views looking across Bass Strait, as well as the coastal lifestyle of the surf beaches.

 Land is asizable 144.6 hectares (357.3 acres approximately) with all the hard work of improvements completed;

 Subdivided into 16 mostly east facing paddocks with shelter sheds in each;

 Excellent fencing throughout, with central laneway to the shearing shed and kidding shed facilities for easy stock management;

 S&D bore feedinglarge water troughs in all paddocks;

 Three bedrooms plus study all taking advantage of the views.

 Excellent shedding including triple-bay lock up garage, three-bay shearing shed, hayshed and kidding shed, machinery shed and workshop.

Briefdetails

Property: Manager’s residence on grazing land

Address: 205 McGuinness Road, Seaspray

Price: $2,250,000

Contact:

Rock solid home

SITUATED on acorner allotment agents say is this well-cared for solid brick home.

The home consists of four bedrooms, lounge/family room, combined family bathroom/laundry which also acts as asemiensuite to the master bedroom.

The timber kitchen features new electric stove, corner pantry and appliance cupboard.

The home is comfortable all-year-round with gas ducted heating, wood heater and reverse cycle air-conditioner.Externally there is a9mx6mgarage/workshop with concrete floor,power and automatic door, undercover patio/fernery plus adouble carport.

Agents say this property provides agreat opportunity for aretiree, first home buyer or an investor looking for alow maintenance investment opportunity

Climate resilient pastures day

Zoe Askew

FARMERS from across Gippsland descended on the property of Briagolong farmer John Mosley last month, to take part in Agriculture Victoria’s Climate Resilient Pastures Field Day.

Agriculture Victoria,inconjunction with Gippsland Agricultural Group and Liz Semmens from Vast Agronomy, hosted the field day on Wednesday, May 31, withthe prime objective of educating Gippsland farmersonhow bestto manage their perennial pastures.

In the words of LivestockIndustry Development Officer James Paulet, climate-resilient pastures arevital for producers as they allow pastures to withstand seasonal and climate variability.

“A resilientpermanentpasture will have longer persistence,will respondquicklytoavailable moisture in the soil profile, which reduces the need to re-sow as often, and savings on annual input costs,” Mr Paulet said.

About20participants joined Mr Paulet, along with fellow Climate Resilient Pastures Field Day facilitators Fiona Baker and Liz Semmens for the almost four-hour-long event.

“There was great participation in the field day with farmers taking particular interest in the one-metresoilcores, which can highlight possible restrictions to pasture growth such as high sub-soil acidity,” Mr Paulet said.

The Briagolong event began with morning tea, providing Gippsland farmers with an opportunity to expand their social circleand better acquaint themselveswiththose in theagricultural industry

Mr Paulet and Ms Baker directed participants to one of farmer Mosley’s many paddocks, equipping each attendee with acopy of Meat &Livestock Australia’s Pasture Paramedic and asizeable plastic-ruler-type-tool thatfolds into ahollow square.

The MLA Pasture Paramedicisatool containing

quick but simple assessments commonly used by agronomists to evaluatethe condition of a pasture,allowing farmers to rapidly assess pasture conditions in the medium and high rainfall zones of South East Australia.

As described by Agriculture Victoria, the MLA Pasture Paramedicisavaluable resourcethat gives aframework for farmers to assess their pastures and determineany options for future development

In the paddock,MsBaker guided participants through how to use the Pasture Paramedic ensuring Gippsland farmers could utilise the tool on their own farms and identify opportunities to improve their pastures, whether through changing grazing practices or through renovation.

Ms Baker covered various topics relating to the Pasture Paramedic and best pasture management practices, emphasising the importance and positives of understanding your pasture.

She also touched on trash -clumps of dead, dry grass on the soil surface. Afterthe wet summers we’ve had the last few years, those in the agricultural industry are seeing

abuild-up of ‘trash’ on the soil surface, causing a restrictionfor sub-clover germination as well as fostering aperfect environment for slugs to inhabit and reproduce, damaging both clover and grasses

Participants then examined adeep soil core, discussing how soil could influence decisions in pasturemanagement beforeseeing Gippsland Agriculture Group’s new soil corer in action.

As fertiliser prices are relatively high, facilitators emphasised that a soil test is a cheap option, and will help you plan how to maintain your soil nutrition.

Followinglunch, Ms Semmens led apresentation on options for sewing to provide spring feed and incorporating options into arenovation improvement plan for sowing pastures in autumn.

The event closed with adiscussion that included material from all three sessions to assist farmers in identifying opportunities to implement on their own property.

Agriculture Victoria’s ClimateResilientPastures

Field Day is one of the organisation’s many field days, which aligns with topical issues and assists withagriculturalrecovery after emergencies such as floods, fires, storms, and drought.

For Gippsland producersinterested in upcoming events, keep an eye on Agriculture Victoria’s events page at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au or their social media.

Gippsland Agriculture Group’s newsletter is another greatway to stay up to date with all things ag. You cansubscribe to the GAGG monthly newsletterhere:https://gippslandag.com.au/ communications/newsletters

Dairy world’s good news

ALONGwithcelebrating World MilkDay on Thursday, June1,Australia’sdairyfarmers also enjoyedthe benefits of amandatory code of conduct hard-won by their national advocacy body, Australian Dairy Farmers.

Australian DairyFarmers presidentRick Gladigau,saidthe phones were running hot in the Australian dairy industry last week as processors announced their prices for farmgate milk for the coming season, which has not always been the case.

“The fact that dairy farmers will, by 2pm today, knowwhatpricetheir processor is offering for the coming season is adirect benefit of the workofAustralianDairy Farmers to make milkprices more transparent,” Mr Gladigau said.

“In the not-too-distantpast, dairy farmers could be many weeks into the supply season, having their milk collected by aprocessor foranundisclosed price.

“Thanks to the Mandatory Dairy Code of Conduct, dairy farmers now have amonth to considerprocessor’s offers, get milk price income estimations and sign an agreement.”

Mr Gladigau said the code is about more than just price.

“It imposesminimumstandards of conduct on processors and dairy farmers, who must deal in good faith,” he said.

“As farmers watch their input costs increase and the industry navigates a shrinking milk pool, the farmer-processor relationship will be more important than ever before. Farmgate prices and cooperation aroundthe codeare two key wayswecan continue to restore trust.”

Deep soil coreexamination in process.

Gippsland AgricultureGroup’s new soilcorer.

Photos:StanWalker

Fiona Baker directs participants through a deep soil core examination

VFF slams decision on high towers

Zoe Askew

THE VictorianFarmers Federation (VFF)has blasted the state government’s decision to go forthwithtransmission developments in Western Victoria, with the AustraliaEnergy Market Operator Victorian Planning (AVP) implementing aMinisterial Order.

VNI West is a500kV transmission line that will connect the Victorian and New South Wales grids, ensuring reliable electricity access during high-demand periods, allowingfor about 3.4GW of additional renewablegenerationtobebuiltacross the solar-rich Murray River REZ and wind-rich Western Victoria REZ.

Ministerfor Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, reccently announced aMinisterial Order under the National Electricity (Victoria) Act 2005 to identify the preferred optionfor the Victorian part of VNI West and progress work to identify afinal route through consultation with landowners, Traditional Owners and community stakeholders.

“Progressingcritical transmission projects like VNI West is necessary to deliver cheaper, more reliable renewable energy to Victorian homes and businesses,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.

“There can be no energy transition without new transmission infrastructure -asVictoriamoves towards 95 per cent renewables by 2035, we have aduty to modernise our electricity network.”

The Ministerial Order will connect VNI West to the planned Western Renewables Link (WRL) at aterminal station at Bulgana in Victoria’s west, then link to aterminalstation nearKerang in

Minister forEnergy LilyD’Ambrosio confirmed she signed an order to progress the Australian Energy MarketOperator’s preferred route for theVictoria-to-New South Wales InterconnectorWest (VNIWest).

north central Victoria before crossing the Murray River north of Kerang -AEMO’spreferred option.

VFFpresident Emma Germano said Victoria’s Minister for Energy is using extreme powers to come over the top of farming communities and force transmission towers to be built on theirland.

“Farmers are beingignored by the Andrew’s government in the planning for renewable energy and transmission development across the state,” Ms Germano said.

“The VFF called on the government to put apause on these projects, takeover their planning and get the policy settings right so communities are respected and landholder rights are protected.

Groups impactedbyfloodsare encouaraged to apply for grants

COMMUNITY and not-for-profits groups impacted by 2022-23 floods in rural Victoria are being encouraged to apply for grants for up to $20,000.

In partnership with insurance firms Suncorp and AAMI, the Foundation for Rural &Regional Renewal (FRRR) is offering $300,000 for initiatives that build resilience and support medium-to long-term recovery of communities affected by the flooding and storms thatoccurred between October 6, 2022 and January 13, 2023.

Groupsinboththe Wellington and East Gippsland Shires are eligible.

Fundedthrough the Rebuilding Futures program, these responsive grantsare available for proactive initiatives that are community-led and will support their community’s recovery.

FRRR’sDisaster Resilience &Recovery Lead, Nina O’Brien, said that extreme weather events -likethe floodingand storms experienced by rural Victorianregions late lastyear-affect everyone in acommunity, but especially those who are most vulnerable and rely on community organisations for support.

“Differentgroups within thecommunity, such as thoseliving withdisability,homelessnessor who speak English as asecond language, will be impacted differently, and as such, will have their own needs in termsofbuilding resilience and how they can prepare for future disaster events,” Ms O’Brien said.

“We encourage community groups to be inclusive with their initiative ideas and consider how their project can support community members from

all nationalities,socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.”

“We also encourage community groups to think outside the box when it comes to infrastructure and equipment projects by considering resilient materials and harnessing clever use of design to decrease future impacts of natural disasters.”

Suncorp’s Group Executive People, Culture & Advocacy, Fiona Thompson, said that natural disasters, such as the Victorian floods, have devastating impacts that are complex, contextdriven and long-lasting.

“Thisisthe third disaster-affected region that we’ve supported throughthis program over the last couple of years.

“We know that the impacts in each place are different.

“Onethingisalways the same though; local people are best placed to know the needs and priorities of theircommunity, especially following anatural disaster event.

“Thanks to our partnership with FRRR, we’re pleased to be able to provide flexible funding that means communitiescan determinehow bestto address the medium to long-term recovery, resilience and preparedness needs and priorities for their region.”

Applications close Thursday, July 6.

For more information about the program, visit frrr.org.au/rebuilding-futures

“Instead, they have done the complete opposite by giving AEMOunfettered powers to send the bulldozers over our farms.

“The Minister is using autocratic powers to rush these projects,meaning there is no requirement for acost-benefit analysis or competitive tender.

“Victoria’s energyrules aren’t just broken; they’re rotten.”

Ms Germano said the state government and AEMO’sproposed Option 5A for the VNI-West project opened new communities to transmission development without consultation.

“Yet again, the government has allowed AEMO to announce anew transmission route in the dead of night, without one jot of consultation with the farmers that could be impacted,” she said.

“The Minister’s Order states that she has consulted with the premier, the treasurer and AEMO; nowhere does it sayshe has consulted with the farming communitiesthat will be impacted by these projects.”

VP and Transgrid completedsix weeksofcommunity consultation concerning alternate options for VNI West and received feedback and submissions from local communities and stakeholders.

The feedback reshaped where VNI West crosses the Murray River, with the final option adjusted to reflect stakeholder feedback identifyingconstraints around culturallyand environmentally significant areas and zones of irrigated agriculture.

AVP Group Manager, Nicola Falcon, said that significant consultation and stakeholder feedback had contributed to the proposed option, which maximises benefits to electricityconsumers and unlocks Victoria’s renewable energy potential.

“We thank all the farmers, community groups,

councilsand TraditionalOwners who have contributed to the consultation, which will continue as the transmission linedesign is finalised,” Ms Falcon said.

“The feedback received has helped us identify a preferred option for the critical transmission line -a variant of the previously proposedoption -that delivers the most benefitsfor consumers and more electricity generation from three REZs in Victoria and New South Wales.

“By crossing the Murray Riverfurthernorthwest, the project can also avoid somesensitive cultural areas and prime irrigation land identified in feedback from local communities and avoid the habitat of the endangered Plains-wanderer.”

Ms Germano said the government had failed to plan these projects properly, and as aconsequence, regional communities could not support them.

“It’s clear the government is willing to allowthese projects to be done on the cheap and nasty because they have failed to plan the transition to renewable energy,” she said.

“We want to be able to say that Victoria’s plan fortransmissionisthe best in the country. That it takes into account our food and fibre security as well as our energy security at atimewhenthe cost of living is biting every Victorian family.”

“Instead, we have no plan for our transmission network, and as aconsequence, the projects currently underway should not have the support of any Victorian.”

VNI Weststill requires relevant planning and environmental approvals, which will provide more opportunities for those in communities and Traditional Owners to share their views on the project.

Photo: Contributed

PUPPY

Female Border Collie, black and white markings, read to go, 12 weeks old, microchip and first vaccinations done, vet checked, worming up to date. Bairnsdale area. Parents have working backgrounds. $650.

More available.

Phone: 0419 176 102

Source #: mb112721 MC: 956000014856190

BULLS

For hire or sale. Angus, Limousin, Hereford, Jersey and Friesian. Very quiet. Ph. 0447 331 762.

HORSES WANTED

$$$ Cash Paid $$$ Gippsland Ph. Dave 0418 202 202

Old Port Poultry Farm

Delivering 18 week old Isa Brown laying hens to your area, Sat. June 24. $29 ea. 0438 832 535.

SPROODLE PUPPIES

Springer Spaniel XStandard Poodle. Vet checked, microchipped, gorgeous and adorable. 9wks old.

$2000 each. Daisy, Henry and Charity.

Ph: 0467 058 031

MC: 953010066455 40 /42/43

Source: MB 204368

For

Sale

AGM

Sale Golf Club AGM will be held on Sunday, June 25 at 10am at the golf club.

AGM

The Golden Beach Men's Shed Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 15th of July at 11am. All Committee of Management positions are open for nominations. Nomination forms are available at the Shed. Nomi nation sc lo se Saturday 8th of July.

Public Notices •

PRODUCERS MKT

Sale Producers Market, Make it, bake it, grow it. Saturday, June 17, at Sale Showgrounds in the horse pavilion, 8am-12:30 pm. Enq: 0409 697 254.

SUNDAY MARKET

Sale CharitySunday Variety Market, Canal Reserve, June 18. Egg and bacon rolls for breakfast, BBQ, hot dogs, hot and cold drinks, stalls from $15, raffles must be accompanied by astall. Proceeds to charity.

Buskers welcome.

Phone 0409 574 253 or 0438 079 966

TUTOR

English and Maths tutor wanted for ayear 9 student in Longford. Phone: 0412 284 252

MAFFRA

Gippsland Times

CASUAL DELIVERY PERSON

Must be 11 years or over and have own bike. Tuesday only. Contact Gail 0418 292 066

COACHES

Expressions of interest. Sale Sonics. Sale Amatuer Basketball Association are currently seeking expressions of interest for coaches for all our representative teams for the upcoming 2023 /2024 season.

Positions available: U10's up to U18's boys and girls. Senior CBL men's and women's. All applicants will require working with children checks.

Expressions of interest close Wednesday, June 21. Email your EOI to sale.basketball @hotmail.com

ST. THOMAS' PRIMARY SCHOOL, SALE

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

Teaching Positions

1FIXED TERM Yr 1and 2CLASSROOM TEACHER (0.4FTE) 2DAYS PER WEEK TERMS 3and 4, 2023

1ONGOING PART TIME (0.6FTE) STEM

TEACHER 3DAYS PER WEEK

Applications are invited from suitably experienced persons for the above educational roles.

The fixed term position ends January 26, 2024. Each role is aposition under the Diocese ofSale Catholic Education Limited Schools and Secretariat Agreement 2022.

The successful applicants will have a demonstrated commitment to Catholic education and to the safety and wellbeing of children. They will possess the skills and abilities to provide students with arich and rewarding educational experience and will embrace a collegial, team-based approach to teaching and learning.

The successful teaching applicants will hold current Victorian Institute of Teaching Registration.

For further information regarding this position and an Application for Employment form please email: reception@sttsale.catholic.edu.au

Applications and resumes can be forwarded to Mrs Anita Little, email: principal@sttsale.catholic.edu.au

HEYFIELD

Want

to

some pocket money?

Newspaper

Please contact Sue 0403 006 347

Gippsland Times

CASUAL DELIVERY PERSON

Must be 11 years or over and have own bike. Tuesday only. Contact Lee Dugan 0419 518 277

Afantastic opportunity for suitably qualified Early Childhood Educators to join our Centre on a Casual basis.

Our growing team is seeking enthusiastic & dedicated early childhood educators to join us. We cater for children aged birth to twelve years and provide a range of additional services to our children and families in the community. Due to continued growth and expansion of our service we are looking to build on our already established team of highly motivated, professional Educators to continue our journey in agreat workplace environment.

Our Educators must be passionate about achieving quality outcomes for children, their families and our community. You must be highly motivated, enthusiastic and have proven Early Childhood skills. If you would like to work in a community run not for profit centre who value and appreciate their staff, then this is the centre for you!

Some of what we offer:

● Above award wage.

● Excellent facilities and resources.

● Ongoing professional development training.

Successful applicants must:

● Hold aqualification in Early Childhood Education and Care or be working towards a qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care.

● Be passionate and enthusiastic about Early Childhood Education.

● Have strong leadership, communication and organisation skills.

● Have aWorking With Children Check.

Further enquiries to the Centre Director on 5144 6952

Applications close Friday June 30, 2023

Please contact the centre to receive aposition description and email your updated CV to brendon.ronan@gumnutselc.vic.edu.au

Gumnuts is committed to child safety

Howto placeyour advertisement Deadlines for classifieds CLASSIFIED GUIDELINES Tuesday’s paper before9:30amMonday Friday’s paper before9:30am Thursday More options for placing classifieds inperson MaffraNewsagency NewryStore Heyfield Newsagency Car advertisers Private vendorsofmotor cars advertised for salemust includeintheir advertisement: -Cashpriceofmotor car -Ifcar is registered, registration number -Ifunregistered, the engine, vin or chassis number. Lost andfound All ‘found’ advertisements arepublished free Simply providethe details of yourfind for publication. ‘Lost’ advertisements arepaid. Photographs Photographs for Deathand In Memoriam noticeswillcostaccording to thespace they use. Pleaseemailhigh resolution images to classifieds@gippslandtimes.com.au as we cannotaccept photosona memorystick. Personal notices All engagement and marriage notices must carrythe signatures of BOTH parties. If under 18 the parents’ signatures as well. The publisher reserves the right to refuseadvertisements PHONE (03) 5143 9333 FAX (03) 5144 7308 E-MAIL classifieds@ gippslandtimes.com.au IN PERSON 74 Macalister St, Sale or newsagents CREDITCARD FACILITIES We accept Livestock • Meetings • Situations Vacant • Situations Vacant • Situations Vacant • Accommodation Accommodation Wanted Lease To Let Business Opportunities Educatio cant Situation ents Fo egal Lo Pet Cemetery Public Notice Religion Tenders 4WD Caravans Cars Machinery Phone: 5143 9333 Fax: 5144 7308 Email: classifieds@ gippslandtimes.com.au

TIMBER PROCESSING TEAM LEADER

Davids Timber, based in Dandenong South is a successful family business, that has been an industry leader of outdoor timber for more than 30 years. We have an exciting and new opportunity for an enthusiastic and self-motivated Timber Processing Team Leader to join our team. Our Processing is fully automated with minimal manual handling.

The role of Team Leader is to process timber, including operating the band and pack saw, kilns, and the timber stacking machines. You will be responsible for production planning, machine set-ups, process improvement, and be part of the OH&S team.

The key focus areas include;

● Hands on team leadership -working with the team to achieve targets and operational goals

● Communication -planning, communicating and motivating the team

● Production -processing of timber products

● OHS -identify hazards, assess risks to health and safety to the team

● Maintenance -oversee preventative maintenance schedules

Skills and Experience required;

● Current forklift licence

● Experience within the timber and/or building processing industry

● Experience with machine maintenance and operations

● Leadership skills

● Strong written and verbal communication skills

● Computer literate

Proven experience within asimilar role is essential. Relocation assistance can be provided.

If you would like acopy of the position description, please email lisa.coutts@davidstimber.com.au

Tenders

Engagements •

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Deaths •

HOPKINS, Harold Rupert. 29/6/1934 -8/6/2023

aged 88 years

Dearly loved husband to Mary for 67 years, an amazing bond has been broken.

Only son of Harold Rupert Snr and Mary Jane Hopkins (both dec.).

Loved brother of Mary Brown (dec.) and Margaret (Peg) Brennan.

Birthdays

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

HOPKINS, Harold Rupert. Greatly loved father of Carmel and Wayne, Grandfather or 'Hoppa' of Thomas and Alice. Dad/Hoppa you were such awonderful caring Father and Grandfather, never too busy to spend time helping or supporting your family -such a generous and humble man. You had the best memory and we especially loved sitting and listening to find out about family history, your love of the bush, or hear about some of the mischief you got up toyou had agreat sense of humour. You have had such an impact on our lives -wesmile when we realise that we have bits of your character in each of us.

Yes Dad/Hoppa,you really weren't such abad old stick!

TERRILL, Lois Patricia.

On June 7, 2023 aged 90 years. Much loved wife of Neil, loving mother and mother-in-law of Linda and Laurie; Jenni and Anton; Thea and Richard, grandmother of Jack, Sophie, Harry and Foster; great grandmother of Clarabelle and John.

STERRITT(CAMBLIN).

In accordance with her wishes,aprivate cremation for Ms Jean Sterritt will be held.

FORD TERRITORY

NISSAN Navara xtra cab.

2009, one owner, full service history, six spd manual,320,000kms, VGC. $12,500 ONO

XMW123 Ph: 0419 621 276

Motorcycles

STREET GLIDE

2012, exc. con., Screamin Eagle air and cam, been on Dyno, 22,000km, $21,000. 0428 619 971.

Marine

Cherished father and father-in-law to Pauline and Ron Lay, Jenny-Maree and Danny Feist, Helen and Graeme (dec.) O'Connor, Therese and Eugene Salole, Carmel and Wayne Kuizenga, Bernard and Kylie Hopkins.

Adored Hopper to Danielle, Claire, Rohan and Andrew Lay, Adele Feist, Brenton, Sarah, James, Olivia and Michael O'Connor, Anthony and Patrick Salole, Thomas and Alice Kuizenga, Joshua, Chloe and Joel Hopkins. Great Grandfather to14.

Forever in our Hearts

Much loved father and father-in-law to Pauline and Ron. Adored Hoppa to Danielle and Erik, Claire and Kevin, Rohan, Andrew and Sophie and his great grandchildren Mason, Archie, Sebastian, Xavier, Fleurand Clarabelle.

He was an ever generous, caring and humorous father, we have been so privileged, and he will be dearly missed.

Dear Dad, Poppi and Hoppa, Iwas so proud to have you as my father. Teaching us that honesty, true humility and fairness were qualities to aspire to. Youwere atrue gentleman in every sense of the word. Your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren always loved to visit you, because you always made it fun, something they will always remember. We will truly miss you.

Jenny-Maree, Daniel, Adele, Tim, Perrie and Blaire.

Dearly loved Father of Helen and Graeme (dec.) O'Connor. Loved and loving Hopper of Brenton, Sarah and Kevin Beams, James and Cassie, Olivia and Simon Watt, Michael and Vivian.

Adored Great Hopper of Henry and Louie, Tom and Lachlan, Charlotte and Lily. Dad you were the best. Your constant love, support, humour and ability to make and fix everything was amazing.

I'll especially miss your pots of soup and your stewed rhubarb.

You always thought of everyone else first. The life you lived is an inspiration to all of us.

KAYAK Outback pedal kayak, comes with all accessories, excellent condition, $1800 o.n.o. Ph 0427 404 666.

Machinery &Plant

LYKO hydraulic post ram, 3augers, V.G.C., $9000. Massey Ferguson 35X, reco. engine, new clutch and pressure plate, v.g.o., $6000. Ph 5134 3462.

Love you forever.

Beloved father, father-inlaw and "Hopper" to Therese ,E ugen e, Anthonyand Patrick Salole. Aloving, humble, compassionateand inspirational man who touched the lives of many, and always put his family first. We will miss his words of wisdom, stories, handyman tips and, most of all, his unconditional love.

May he rest in peace.

Hard working, generous, gentle and loving. Simply the best. Forever in our hearts. Bernard, Kylie, Josh, Chloe and Joel.

HOPKINS, Harold. "Forever in our hearts", one of the good guys. Compassionate, caring with agreat sense of humour. Great friend of the Turnbull family. Sunday drives to the Hoppy's place! So many fond memories.

Brother-in-law to Ian and Margaret (dec.) Turnbull. Dear Uncle to Craig, David, Wilhelmina (dec.) Clare and Michael. Treasured memories of a life well lived. R.I.P.

TOOGOOD, Ronald Roy of Maffra. 15/10/1938 -6/6/2023

Passed away peacefully at Ashleigh House, Sale. Beloved husband of Thea. Dearly loved father of Darren, Mark, Stephen, Michael, Glenn and Julie and their partners.

Loved Pop to his 12 grandchildren and 8great grandchildren.

Thanks for the great memories Dad.

TOOGOOD, Ron. Passed away 6/6/23 aged 84 years. Loved brother of Graeme, brother-in-law of Lorraine, dearly loved uncle of Joanne, Kellie, Luther and families.

Funerals

CORFE-RATHMAN. The funeral service Mrs Joyce Margar Corfe-Rathman will held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street Sale at 1pm TODAY (Tuesday June 13, 2023) followed by apriva cremation.

Please see our website for livestream details.

Deaths

MacLEAN, Jan (nee Olver) of Perry Bridge 19/04/1941 -08/06/2023

Beloved wife of Euan MacLean, mother of Richard, Tameson and Miriam (Lanie) and Yogev. Grandmother of Niah, Shae, Skye, Jade Shachar, Rimon, Nerya, Tzuriel and Shiloh.

Janma

So many memories. Tameson Linsen and Denis Reynolds, Niah Linsen and Jordan Dakic, Skye Linsen and Harry McNeill, Lily and Mack Reynolds, Richard and Kim, Shae and Jade

STERRITT (Camblin), Jean. 23/3/1947 -27/5/2023

Mum you left us too early. Loved partner of Wayne Kennedy. Mother of Brian and Tracy, mother-in-law of Sally and Darren, loved grandmother of Alyce, Melissa, Emily, Ryan, Rochelle and Liam. The family just kept growing mum, Matt, Ben, Jess, Julian, Tiana and Liam and great grandmother to Charlotte, Alivia, Harvey, Amelia, Savannah and Athena.

Mum we love you and you will always be in our hearts.

TERRILL.

Amemorial service for Mrs Lois Patricia Terrill will be held at the Cooperating Church, 1 Williams Avenue Churchill on THURSDAY (June 15, 2023) commencing at 11am.

MACKAY, Robert John.

19/02/1938 -13/06/2022

Ayear has passed with out you in our lives. We love you and miss you every day. Forever in our hearts. Your lovingfamily, Marion, Cathryn, Rodney, Rebecca and families.

Bereavement Thanks •

BROADBEAR, William (Bill).

HOPKINS. Requiem Mass for repose of the soul of Harold Rupert Hopkins willbeoffered at St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Pearson Street Sale at 11am NEXT WEDNESDAY (June 21, 2023) followed by burial at the Stratford Monumental Lawn Cemetery.

Please see our website for livestream details.

TOOGOOD. The funeral of Mr Ronald Roy Toogood is appointed to leave Our Chapel, 5 Queen St Maffra after a service commencing at 11.30am TOMORROW (Wednesday June 14, 2023) for the Maffra Lawn Cemetery.

Please visit our website for the livestream of Ron's service

Passed away May 17, 2023. Trish and the girls wish to extend our sincere thanks for the many kindnesses, condolences and support that we have received. We also send our heartfelt thanks to those who cared for Bill at Wilson LodgeCheyenne, Kirby, Sam, Carolyn, Dr Nic and all the nurses, Julie, and the kitchen staff. Sincere thanks also to Dean Keren and Rev Heather for their loving support and to Warren at GFS.

MACLEAN. The funeral of Mrs Janice Ethany MacLean will be held at Geoff Rossetti Memorial Chapel, 1390 Maffra Road Sale (next to Sale Cemetery) commencing at 12pm on MONDAY (June 19, 2023). Refreshments will then take place prior to a private funeral. For those unable to attend, a"Facebook Live" broadcast of the service will take place with details on our website or facebook page.

Fulfordracks up 300 games

Zoe Askew

PREMIERSHIPS are why you play. Clubs are why you stay.

You'd think it would be difficult to sum up why someone would devote almost 20 years to playing football with one club, but not in the case of Leigh Fulford.

On Saturday, June 3, in Round8ofEastGippsland Football, 37-year-old Leigh Fulford, widely known as Fulf, donned his blackand redguernsey, proudly representing Boisdale-Briagolong Football-Netball Club on the field for the 300th time.

The Bombers made it amilestone to remember, winningthe reserves game 10.8 (68) to 4.2 (26) over local rivals Stratford.

Fulfordwas chaired from Stratford Recreation Reserve, walkingoff in celebration and victory alongside teammates.

To top it all off, Fulf was voted one of the Bombers' best on ground.

300 games

Assuming time spent on the bench cancels out theaccumulative overtime from each of Fulford's games played, 300 games equates to 24,000 minutes of football. That is 400 hours, just shy of 17 days. Not many can say they have played 300 games with the same club, begging the question of how and why, which for Fulford, takes us back to the early 2000s.

"I started [playing footballwith BoisdaleBriagolong] in 2004," Fulford said.

"I wouldhave been 18 at the time, and yeah, I've played there ever since.

"It's been along journey, but it's been agood one though; Ihaven't won any premierships as of yet but taking that out of it, it has been definitely worthwhile.

"I have loved every minute of it and have made some lifelong friends there; Iwould never take it back. There are so many good people at the club; it's unreal.

"When Ifirst startedpremierships is why you play, butasyears went on, my love for the club grew, and you sort of look past that stuff.

"Ultimately,premierships are why you play,but withoutthem, do you still love what you're doing? And yeah, Ido, and Ilove the peoplethat Imet trying to do that; we all had acommongoal of wanting to win apremiership, but in my time it wasn't meant to be, and I'mnot regretting anything because it has been one pretty good ride."

While Fulf has yet to claim apremiership with the Bombers in his 19 years of playing, the dedicated club man has come close on two occasions; when Boisdale-Briagolong made the 2019 senior Grand Final, and last year when the Bombers made the reserves decider.

"I played in the senior2019Grand Final against Lindenow, we didn't win, but that was probably the highlight of my career, actually making it to a Grand Final in the seniors," Fulford said.

"Itwouldhave been nice to win won, but obviously, it wasn't to be, but it's still beenanenjoyable journey.

"Still hopefully got achancethis year to maybe get one in reserves, but if it's not to be, it's not to be. I'm not going to regret anything; it's beengood."

Alot has changed since an 18-year-old Leigh Fulforddecided to leave Stratford following his first year of football, playing in the thirds, to join his mates at Boisdale-Briagolong.

Twice the Bombers changed leagues, from the Riviera League to the North Gippsland FootballNetball League,before settling in the East Gippsland League.

One of Fulford's fondest memories fromhis 300-gamecareer came from the time BoisdaleBriagolong played in the NGFNL.

"Many years ago, we played Heyfield, and at the time, they were avery strong side, had some very big names playing," Fulford said.

"We were still developing in the league, we'd comeout of the RiveraFootball League, and we were in the North Gippy League for afew years, but we finally beat them in agame that was played at Maffra, and that kind of changed the club from that day onwards, people started to take notice of us alittle bit."

Fulford only recentlyretired fromseniorfootball, opting to play in the reserves this season as joints become increasingly troubling the closer he gets to 40.

After gaining many years of experience, Fulf decided to share his wisdom with the club's youth, taking on arole as the Under 13s coach; he is also aleading assistant at Boisdale-Briagolong's junior club.

Among the plethora of changes within the club, league and the sport, the most significant change in Fulford's 300-game(and counting) career has

beenthe inception and increasingpopularity of female football.

"We've now got the youth girls and the women's football side at Briag," Fulford said.

"Those youth girls will go play with the women, so thereisa pathway for them now, which is important; they don't have to change clubs to do it, which is even better.

"While Ididn't play junior footy, back in my day, you would only ever see one or two in aside; in my Under13side, it's almost half girls and boys, so female football is definitely becoming more popular.

"A couple of my girls who are in my Under 13s, they’re aspiring to play in the Youth Girls, and good on 'em; Iwill try and give them all the knowledge I can to hopefully go in with their best foot forward when they are ready to step up into that age group.

"[Female football] definitely has been one of the biggest in my career, and it's agood thing, too; if they have aclub that's inclusive of both genders, that's pretty important."

While Fulf has made many afriend and seen many great club members come and go, it was near impossible to name just one person who stood out above the rest.

"I couldn't reallypinpoint anyone actually, I could," Fulford said.

"The current[Boisdale-Briagolong FNC]president Ryan Evans.

"I played football with him, but it hasn'tbeen the football side of things that has so much grown on me. He's been the president for quite anumberof years now. Just the amount of work and care he puts in towards the footy club, Ijust think it goes unnoticed alot,and abloke likehimselfthatdrives the engine of the footyclub, there is alot of behind

the scene stuff thatevenplayersand spectators wouldn't know about.

"I'm on thecommittee, so Isee alot of it firsthand and alot of hisworkgoes unnoticed. So yeah, I would honestly say Ryan has been abig influence on me; his passion and commitment towards the club has been huge."

Fulford'sadmiration for the Boisdale-Briagolong

FNC president does not go unreciprocated, as Evans shared praise for the club's life member, painting Leigh Fulford as ahighly commendable and integral part of the football-netball club's community.

"Fulf has been amuch-respected member of the Boisdale Briagolong Football-Netball Club since 2004;after debuting in the seniors that year, he became aregular member of the team's backline over the next 17 years," Evans said.

"After aparticularly good season in 2007, where he won the seniorsbest and fairest, Fulf played an integral role for Boisdale-Briagolong in the 2008 and 2009 seasons at full-back with the senior team that went deep into the North Gippsland FNL finals.

"After those couple of years of playing finals, he continued to play in the seniors for another 10 years, and, despite the club experiencing little success over that time, he remained acommitted and loyal club member.

"Fulf'slastyear of playing in the seniors, in 2019, saw him finally get the opportunity to play in his first Grand Final.

"More recently, over the last two seasons, Fulf has relished anew role in the midfield in the reserves team, and he's playing some extremely good football in his 21st season at the club.

Evans emphasised Fulford's achievements on the field were not the only thing he has brought to the club over the years, with the 300-gamerhighly active in and around the club.

"He has been amember of the committee for anumberofyears, worked many hours behind the bar and is aregular attendee at club working bees," Evans said.

"He also recently took up acoaching stint at the junior club where, by all reports, is doing afantastic job with the kids.

"You will never meet amore loyal and dedicated club member.

"Fulf is the type of bloke that other blokes play for,and one of the reasons thatI,and others around the club, do what we do -tobeabletosee him, one day, with apremiership medal around his neck, which we're hoping will be this year.

"Over my years at the club, Fulf has been a fantastic teammate to play with, agreat player to watch and achampionbloke to have around the club. It was very gratifying to have seen him be able to runout for his 300thclub gameonthe weekend."

Fulf is the eighth playertoplay 300 games for Boisdale-Briagolong FNC behind Kenny Marshall (429 games), Malcolm McGuiness (421), Donnie McInnes (350), Brian Neilson (339), Danny Pratt (315), Mark Landy (313) and DarrenRenooy (300).

Leigh Fulford became theeighth player to reach300 gameswith Boisdale-Briagolong FootballNetball Club Boisdale-Briagolong’s Leigh Fulfordischaired from the ground after his 300th game.

Boisdale-Briagolong’s 2019 senior GrandFinal team. LeighFulford is pictured middle row, fifth from left

Photos: Contributed

Zoe Askew

SALE Hockey Club, MaffraHockey Club and Wellington Hockey Club concluded Round 5of the East GippslandHockey Association 2023 season last weekend, with local outfitsproving strong competitors for this year's premiership titles.

Maffra opened the season in the women's competitionwithless-than-ideal results, facing a2-0 defeat to Orbost Hockey Club.

MaddisonFecondo was the sole goal scorer for Orbost in Round One.

Nagle/Bairnsdale suffered a6-0 defeat at home to an in-form Swan Reach outfit.

Sarah Steele and Leila Roberts each scored two goalsfor Swan Reach, withgoals from Sarah Grixti and Beth Roberts rounding out the final score.

Sale Hockey Club had the bye.

In almost perfectcontrast results to SwanReach's 6-0 win in Round One, the East Gippsland side suffereda5-0 loss to Sale Hockey Club at theGRSC in Round 2.

Caitlin Frisina put away two goals for Sale with goals from Jess Cull,Jennifer McGuinness and Maddison Richards, completing thehome side's 5-0 victory.

Nagle/Bairnsdale hosted Orbost in Round2with agrittyperformance from both sides.

In the end,itwas Orbost who claimedvictory, defeating Nagle/Bairnsdale 3-1.

Casey Findley scored two goals for Orbost, and Breebo Kenny scored one.

Allison Claridge was Nagle/Bairnsdale'ssole goalscorer.

Maffra returned to action in Round 3following abye in Round 2, with the local side travelling to Bairnsdale to face Swan Reach.

Jo Buckler put two goals away for Maffra, which proved just enough to scrape in avictory.

Maffra defeated Swan Reach 2-1.

Sale HockeyClubhosted Nagle/Bairnsdale at the GRSC in Round3,with the hosts overpowering the travelling outfit 8-0.

Caitlin Frisina scoredahat trick for Sale,and BiancaKlopperput away two with agoal each from Jess Cull, Jennifer McGuinness and Maddison Richards, cementing Sale's 8-0 victory.

It was adead even between Orbost and Swan Reach in Round 4, with neither team abletoput one past either keeper before the final whistle sounded at the end of the fourth quarter.

The 0-0 result saw the points split between hosts

Orbost and visitors Swan Reach.

It was arematch of the EGHA 2022 Grand Final at the GRSC, with Maffra hosting Sale. Sale, the reigningchampions, couldn't reproduce their previous success against rivals Maffra, falling 3-4 in acutthroat four quarters.

Maffra were able to convert their chances in the opening two quarters and took a2-0 lead into the main break. Sale evened the score in the thirdquarter, but Maffra cemented their victory with agoal early in the fourth quarter.

Jo Buckler added agoal to Maffra's scoreboard, with Kahlia Hillbrich earning herself ahat trick in the Round 4match

Caitlin Frisina,Jennifer McGuinness and Julieanne Nicholls each scored agoal for Sale.

Maffrahosted Nagle/Bairnsdale in Round 5, with the home team establishing their domination in the competition with an 8-0 victory.

Jo Buckler scored four goals for Maffra, Kahlia Hillbrichscored two, with agoal from Peta Crawford and young gun Tara Lambert completing the competitive outfit's final score.

Sale also secured an 8-0 victory at the GRSC in Round 5, hosting opponents Orbost on Saturday, June 3.

Caitlin Frisina scored ahat trick, Maddison Richards put away two, while Jennifer McGuinness,

Bianca Klopper and Sarah Boag each scored one goal.

Teams return to the field this weekend following a competition-wide break across the King's Birthday long weekend.

Maffra host Orbost at the GRSC this Saturday, Nagle/Bairnsdale host Swan reach in Bairnsdale, while Sale has the bye.

Sale had asolid start to the season in the Open competitionsecuringa 6-1 win over Wellington at the GRSC.

Kevin Arbuthnot and Leonard Van der Velden each scored two goals for Sale, with goals from MarkBenfield and AdamSlattery rounding out the final score.

Jimmy Love scored for Wellington.

Maffra hit the road in Round One, taking on Orbost at Bower Street Reserve.

Two goals from Nathan White and agoal each from Darren White,Dave Gover and Ryan Crawford secured a5-0 victory for Maffra.

Swan Reach defeated Nagle/Bairnsdale 4-0.

Wellington suffered asecond consecutive loss in Round 2, going down 5-2 to the competitive outfit.

Darren White scored two goals for Maffra, while MarkPhoenix,Grantvan Brummelen and Nathan White each scored one goal.

Declan Jones put away the two goals for Wellington.

Sale suffered aloss at home, going down 5-1 to Swan Reach.

Adam Slattery was Sale's sole goalscorer. Nagle/Bairnsdale defeated Orbost 6-0.

Swan Reach ended Maffra'swinning streakin Round 3, defeatingthe visitors5-0 at WORLD Hockey Field.

Swan Reach's Riley Simpson scored ahat trick, and Jason Lavell put away two goals.

SalehostedNagle/Bairnsdaleatthe GRSC, with the home team claiming a3-2 victory.

MarkBenfieldscored two goals for Sale, and Kevin Arbuthnot put away one.

Wellington hit the road in Round 3totakeon Orbost.

The hosting side was no match against the visiting side, with Wellington sealing a5-1 win at the end of the fourth quarter.

Wellington's JimmyLove scored ahat trick and a goal each from HaydenCochrane and Declan Jones. AstrongSaleoutfit proved too good for Maffra in Round 4, defeating their local rivals 5-0.

Adam Slattery put two goals away for Sale, with Maddison Richards, Luke Hughes and Mark Benfield scoringone goal each.

Wellington stood no chance against an assertive Nagle/Bairnsdale outfit.

One goal from Paula O'Neill, two goals from Shane Bartlett and Sam McPherson and three goals from Glenn Grant secured Nagle/Bairnsdale's 8-1 victory over Wellington.

Declan Jones scored for Wellington.

Swan Reach walloped Orbost 13-0.

Maffra hosted Nagle/Bairnsdale at the GRSC in Round 5, with both teamsexerting gritty performances.

After ahard-fought battle, it was Nagle/ Bairnsdale who emerged on top at the final whistle blow, defeating Maffra 3-1.

Grant van Brummelen was Maffra's sole goalscorer.

Matthew Bell,Oscar Crunden-Smith and Ashlin O'Neill each scored goals for Nagle/Bairnsdale.

SwanReach hostedWellington at WORLD HockeyField in Bairnsdale, the home side dominating the visitors 11-0.

Ashortage of available players forced Orbost to forfeit their Round 5match against Sale.

This weekend,inRound6ofthe EGHA, Wellington will take on Sale at the GRSC on Friday night, Maffra will host Orbost at the GRSC on Saturday, while Nagle/Bairnsdale will host Swan Reach at WORLD Hockey Field in Bairnsdale.

Hockeyaction around the fields School clay target championshipstomorrow

STUDENTS across the region will descend on the Sale Field and Game Range on Wednesday, June 14, for the 2023 Howard and Schuback Inter School Clay Target Championships.

The 2023 Howard and SchubackInter School Clay Target Championships is the 44th annual clayshootingcompetition, attracting thousands of students since its beginning in 1978.

Sponsored by Gary Howard and Gary Schuback withsupport from WinchesterAustralia, the event began at Anderson's Paddock, on MaffraRoad, Sale, using amanualtrap with stacked hay bales as the ‘trap house’.

Maffra High School, coached by Rick O'Connor, Sale High School, coached by Col Evisonand Andrew Daff, Sale Tech, coached by Jill Tucker and Bruce Houston and STAGGS, coached by Trevor Costerand VivCooper, werethe four schoolsto compete in the inaugural shooting competition.

Gary Howard wasthe advisor,referee and presenter.

In 1979,the competition moved to the 'gravel pit range' at the Southernorrear entrance to Kilmany Park, with the manual trap placed in thepit,below the competing shooters. Schools from Bairnsdale and Traralgon participated for the first time in the secondannualHoward and SchubackInter School Clay Target Championships.

Along lever trap and trap house was built in 1980, by BruceHouston, Viv Cooper, and students Morris Cox and Shawn Anders, with the help of

park manager Eric Frith.

Eventually, the competition moved permanently to the Sale Fieldand GameRange at Longford, where it is still sponsored by H&S Firearms (Sale).

Several Howard and Schuback Inter School ClayTarget Championshipsparticipants have represented Australia in internationalevents, including two shooters who represented Australia at theOlympic Games -KeithFerguson in theRio andLondonOlympics and Aislin Jones in the Rio 2016 Olympics.

The local shooting competition's popularity has grown fromnomore than 50 competitorsatthe inaugural Howard and SchubackInter School Clay Target Championships to more than 220 student shooters in 2014, attracting schools from Warragul to Mallacoota and everywhere in between.

Last year, the first post-COVID event,118 students from 11 schools, attended the annual shooting competition, with facilitators anticipating alargerturnout in 2023.

Schools will arrive at the Sale Field and Game range, off Chessum Rd Longford, on Wednesday, June 14, from 9am, with shooting beginning before 10am.

All shooters competing in the 2023 Howard and

Schuback Inter School Clay Target Championships will complete two rounds of 10 targets.

Students will compete in one of the four age categories, with schools also vying to win the school title.

Shoot-offs for placings will occur, with presentations usually completed by about 2pm.

Reigning 2022 champions, GippslandGrammar is gearing up for what they hope will be another successfulyear at the annual Howard and Schuback Inter School Clay Target Championships.

"Shooting has alonghistoryatGippsland Grammar,with thesport running consistently since 1967,otherthan lockdowns through COVID," Nick Kuch, Gippsland Grammar teacherincharge of shooting, said.

"Students are very excited for Wednesday, especially the current group of Year 12s that has been involved in the shooting program since Year 8and who enjoy this competition more than any other competitionwecontest throughoutthe year

"Why do we keep being involved? Because of the strong student interest. The students love it," Mr Kuch said.

"We have between 80-100 students every year register to participate in our shooting program

Theytrain every Thursdayafternoon plus compete in five competitions each year.

"Unfortunately, our Year 7studentshaven't been involved in the program for the last six years due to these large numbers."

Gippsland Grammar haswon the school title at 17 of the past 43 Howard and Schuback Inter School Clay TargetChampionships. Will they make it 18 in 2023?

"The dedication, discipline, organisation and effortthe students put in each week needs to be commended," Mr Kuch said.

"I also attribute our success and level of involvement to the amazing group of dedicated volunteers from Sale Field and Game Association.

"Theyassist our students with technique and skills in thevarious disciplines of Clay Target shooting."

For more informationabout the 2023Howard and Schuback Inter School Clay Target Championships or local conservation,hunting, andclay target sports, go to facebook.com/salefieldandgame/ or fieldandgame.com.au/home/

Zoe Askew

Sale HockeyClubare on topofthe women’s ladder,aheadofMaffra HockeyClub, who sit in second.

Photo: Maffra HockeyClub

Year 11 student Finn Carpenter is Gippsland Grammar’s 2023shootingcaptain and will compete in the 2023 Howardand Schuback Inter School ClayTarget Championshipstomorrow.

Photos: Contributed

Maffra Secondary College team at the 2022 Howardand Schuback InterSchool Clay Target Championships.

Gippsland Grammar’s Yarra Valley School Shoot winning team, which washostedin Lilydale last month. Pictured is LucaCovino, Oscar Rich, James Westman,Che Buckley, NathanielShelton, Sam Ditchburn, Ella O’Doherty,Gippsland Grammar teacher in charge of shooting NickKuch, (middle) Braith Stayley, Ryan Waller,FinnCarpenter,Imogen Carpenter,Darcee Young and (front)Jack Nethercote.

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

SENIORS

Dunkley racks themup

TomHayes

YARRAM’S Josh Dunkley was at his very best forthe Brisbane Lions at the weekend, despite ashock loss to Hawthorn at the MCG.

It was aslowstart to the game, with the first points being scored eight minutes into the contest.

Dunkley began positivelywithaneat snap out of the pack to put the Lions up by agoal halfway through the first term.

It washis first goal in his new colours, and he was swamped by every Lions player on the field.

Despite his efforts, the Hawks would hold afive-point lead at the first change.

Three late goals at the end of the second quarter put thegame on the Lions’ terms, as they turned the deficit into a17-point lead at the main change. In aseesawingaffair, the Hawks came back, doing to the Lions what had been dealt to them.

Two goals late in the third term gave the

sounded, getting home 15.8 (98) to 11.7 (73).

Hawks captain James Sicily is set to have astint on the side lines, after atackleon Brisbane’sHughMcCluggage left thelatter knocked out.

McCluggage didn’t move for nearly a minute, while Sicily’s action was graded as careless conduct,severe impact andhigh contact, which sanctions athree-game ban at least.

Dunkley was prominent despite the loss, perhaps he hasn’t lost his touch in Melbourne just yet.

J Mcmillan TAnderson LEONGATHA

DROUIN

GOALS: Leongatha: FMateria 4O Kerr 4T Hall DHume RKemp.Drouin: BBrasier 2. BEST:

Leongatha: OKerr KBrown DHume ATrottoLMarshmanHLindsay.Drouin: RHodge B

Brasier DClebneyANicolosi HMcConnell WONTHAGGI

GOALS: Wonthaggi: ABusana6 AMurray2BCornelis LJones KBrown.Morwell:R Oddy 5T

Jiath 2HMaximiw 2RAdams CBailey BEST: Wonthaggi: ABusanaKMcCarthyJ Williams L Jones AMurrayO Dawson. Morwell: Rtha RAdams ROddy LTactorZCarlson JLeak

MAFFRA2.1

GOALS: Maffra: DStubbe5.Moe:A Wilson WClaridge BEST: Maffra: WPleming DStubbe

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Yarram’s JoshDunkleykicked his first goal in Brisbane colours at the weekend.

Photo:Contributed

Hawks the lead, anda10-pointbuffer at that. The Hawks held on and added some more goals to win by 25 pointswhen thefinal siren

The local boy was the highest-ranked player on the field as he stuffed the statsheet, collecting 28 disposals, seven marks, 11 tackles, eight clearances, agoal and five score involvements, aserious chance for three Brownlow Medal votes.

Sale’s Scott Pendlebury was in action at the MCG, when Collingwood played Melbourne in the highly-anticipated King’s Birthday clash. The game was played after this story went to press.

Maffra sends scarethrough Moe

Liam Durkin

IF you went to Moe on Saturdayfor entertainment,itall happened before the senior game.

Ahugecrowd gathered at Ted Summerton Reservetosee anumberofbravesouls dunk their heads under ice cold water, all in the nameof'puttingafreeze’ on Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Former Socceroo Archie Thompson, alongtime friend and former Gippsland Falcons teammate of Moe Football-Netball Club president Manny Gelagotis, was there, as was larger-than-life media personality and North Melbourne premiership player Sam Kekovich.

The great Neale Daniher, the face of the Fight MND campaign, wasalsopresent, and watched on as the festivities unfolded.

Moe players all wore special Fight MND socks, and ran out withthe iconic FightMND blue beanies on their heads.

In aperfect script, Neale Daniher's son, Moe footballer Ben, kicked the opening goal in the Lions' winagainst Maffra.

That is about where the action ended, as the rest of the game was playedout in a rather dull manner.

Moe eventually got the points in ascoreboard that read 9.19 (73) to 8.4 (52).

Maffra threw acurveball at the home side, dropping one winger into defence and shifting another inside attacking 50.

While the ploy was highly unusual, it worked to the extent of giving the Lions something to think about.

Playing without wingsmeant Maffra essentially backed their midfielders at the sourcetowin the ball, and had an extra number at either end to help out.

The catch-22 of course meant Moe's wingers were freed-up,and there was aclear discrepancy on the inside 50 count.

The Lions however were plagued by poor conversion, and their inaccuracy kept Maffra

right in the game until early in the last term.

Moe led by 21 points at the main break, but15scoring shots to four told astory of missed opportunities -and they weren'teasy missed opportunities either.

The home side straightened up in the third, kicking 3.3 (21), but their opponents more than responded, with five straight goals of their own.

The Eagles were able to isolate key forwardsDaniel Bedggood and John Butcher, and the pair played ahand in seeing the visitors only 12 points down at the last change.

Butcher fired things up with agoal and subsequent melee that saw his jumper ripped, while skipper Bedggood flexedhis muscle (literally), kicking agoal right on the siren in front of the pro-Moe crowd.

Moe forward Harry Pepper produced one of the rarehighlights for the day at the other end,turning hisman inside outand snapping through abouncing goal.

Contrasting messages came outofthe respective three quarter time huddles.

Moe playing-coachDeclan Keiltycalled on his sidetolift,saying they hadn't committed their bodies.

Meanwhile, over in the Maffra huddle (which was positionedvery closely to the centre circle), the Eagles could sense an upset.

When Kade Renooy burst off half-forward and set up agoal to Alex Carr within the first minute, theycouldn'tjust sensean upset -they could well and truly see it.

With the margin just six points, some Moe supporters may have been fearing the worst, however, agoal-saving tackle from Dylan Brooks, as well as a50metre penalty from Butcher, helped the home side steady.

Pepper scored acrucialgoal at the six minute mark, followedbyaBilly Gowers snap and salute to the Can Bar.

Gowers found himself at theother end of the ground ashort time later,and was pinged for running too far.

The follow-up shot from Sam Robbins lookedontarget, but Moe's defence was able to hold strong.

The Eagles'lastreal chance to makealate charge came when Butcher had aset shot from 45 metres out but failed to make the distance. Had he kicked that, it would have cut the margin back to 10 points Moe threw some magnets around, with usual defenders Tyson Biffin and Ben Maslen playing on the wing at times. Maslen took astrongoverhead mark next to the coaches box, while Biffin smartly took time off the clock, finding Luke Mulqueen at the 25-minute mark late in the game.

The Lions only kicked two goals in the final term,but it was enough to secure a 21-point win.

Despite afew nervy moments, it never felt as though Moe was going to lose the game. Without stating the absolute obvious, if they hadofkicked straight, the game would have been over at halftime.

Daniher kickedtwo goals in the win, continuinghis strongseason that sees himamong thefavourites for the club best-and-fairest. Keilty should also feature prominentlywhenthe votes are read out, as will Scott Van Dyk and Brock Smith. The two Harrisons, Pepper (four goals) and Sim rounded out the best players. Sim has flown underthe radar abit in the goal-kicking stakes, and has acreditable14majors to hisnameasasmall forward this season, working in tandem with Pepper who has 17.

For Maffra, the experience of Ed Carr, Brayden Monk, DanielBedggood(four goals), Ben Brunt, Alex Carr and Kieran Jones stood out.

As ateam in transition, it was clear to see the future on display for the Eagles last Saturday.

Senior coach Anthony Robbins will be hoping to keep acore group together, with playersthe likesofMax Stobie, Tom Thatcher and Jett Killoran among the next generation.

Magpies leave their run too late at home

Liam Durkin

WHAT adifference aweek makes.

Traralgongot back on the winners list, defeating Sale in atop-five contest.

While the visitors led at every change, they were made to work for the points in an 11.10 (76) to 9.13 (67) victory.

Coming into the game off the back of a 79-point drubbing at the hands of fellow top-five team Wonthaggi, pressure was on the Maroons to respond.

Traralgon didso, and looked to have the game under control for all intents and purposesatthree quarter time when they ledby26points.

However, the Magpies hit back, and hit the front in fact, very nearly pulling off the deficit.

Sale kickedfour goals with the wind in the final term heading toward the hospital, but were overtaken in athrilling climax.

Up until then, Traralgon had been the betterside, and keptthe Magpies to just two goals in the middle two quarters.

The Maroons added five foals in the same amount of time, maintaining athree-to-fourgoal buffer.

The home side threw skipper Jack Leslie forward in the lastquarter, and he responded

with two goals. Anumberofplayers on both sides rose to the occasion late, including Max Jacobsen, who took some telling marks for Traralgon.

Agoal to SalemidfielderKane Martincame at acrucial stage. Witha game to win, there was no time to celebrate the fact it was his 300th senior goal for the black and white.

The feat added another dot point to aCV that includes four club best-and-fairests, a league best-and-fairest, and best-on-ground in aGrand Final. For amidfielder to kick 300 goals in just over 200 games at Gippsland League level surely puts Martin among the greatest to have ever played at this level. (In my time covering or watching localfooty,I haven't seen anyone better).

Fellow midfield gun Shannen Lange kicked two goals for the Magpies, and was listed among the best alongside Will Leslie, JackLeslie, Cooper Whitehill and Daine McGuiness, while Brad McKay played his first senior game since comingover from Rosedale.

The Magpies wereforcedtomaketwo late changes, with Jordan Dessent and Lachie Ronchi pulling out.

Jack McLaren continued his breathtaking form with another best-on-ground performance.

It is McLaren's world at the moment, we are just living in it -hehas been best-on the last three weeks, and been first or secondbest in six of nine games this season.

Traralgon was well-served by Tom Schneider, Billy Schilling, Josh Hamilton, Luis D’Angelo, Tye Hourigan and Jacobsen

Like McLaren, Hourigan is bringing his own footy this season -hehas been listed in the best seven times out of nine games.

The Maroons benefitted from the Gippsland Power break due to the long weekend, and were able to welcome Hamilton, who kicked three goals, along with Cooper Brown and Harper Fox into the senior side.

Traralgon sits fourth on the ladder at the halfway mark, but is only agame off sharing top-spot with Leongatha.

Senior leader and club heart-and-soul Matt Northe played his first game for the season at the weekend, coming backthrough the reserves.

Following this win,there may be some cause for Traralgon to cast the Wonthaggi result asideasa once-off, although that might do the Power an equal disservice. Does Traraglon beating Sale say more about the Maroons or more about how good Wonthaggi are?

Parrots still the benchmark

Liam Durkin

YA still gonna have to beat Leongatha to win this premiership.

The Parrots went into the halfway mark of the Gippsland League season on top of the ladder, after handing Drouin anice-oldpasting.

Leongathawas not in ahospitable mood, and dismissed the Hawks by 99 points at home, 23.10 (148) to 7.7 (49).

While Drouin has shown some promising signs this season, and won plenty of admirers for their attacking flair, the winlessHawksperhaps showed just how easy they are to score against.

Big marginswere the order of the day for the Hawks. Drouin local Ryan Maric lost by 122 points on debut for the West Coast Eagles against Adelaide on the same day.

If it is any consolation for Maric,another Gippslander sufferedaworse lossonAFL debut -Maffra'sJohn Butcher lost his first AFL game by 165 points playingfor Port Adelaide against Hawthorn in 2011.

At that time, it was said VFL sidePort Melbourne would have beaten Port Adelaide.

Leongatha found plenty of goals from Tallin Brill, Jenson Garnham and Lachie Wright, the trio kicking 16 between them.

Tom Marriott was bestafield (could he be on track

to win another leaguebest-and-fairest?)followed by Brill, Aaron Heppell, Garnham, Jack Hume, and the Benjamin Button of the Gippsland League, Cade Maskell. Tim Hancock, JarrodMarshall, Tom Evans,Ryan Taylor, BaileyStephensand Kye Quirk battled hard for Drouin.

BAIRNSDALE celebrated abig day for the club.

The Redlegs notonlydefeated Warragul 19.9 (123) to 12.10 (82), but also raised more than $100,000 for the Fight MND campaign.

In true country footy style, aDIY Big Freeze slide was set-up at Bairnsdale City Oval, and saw a number of local celebrities take the plunge.

Amongthem wasFederal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, as well as Stratford singersongwriterMick Harrington of The Voice notoriety.

In keeping with thegood spirit of theday,injured Warragul coach Jed Lamb also went down the slide. Bairnsdale's effort was one of the biggest Fight MND fundraisers in the state.

The game itself kept spectators on edge, as just two points separated combatants at three quarter time.

Withthe Gullsstrugglinginrecent weeks, players could sense arare victory.The home sidehowever made sure of the result, slamming on eight goals to oneinthe last term

Amazingly, three players kicked five goals for

the Redlegs: Tom Hudson, Brayden McCarrey and Tyran Rees.

Even more amazing was the fact Bairnsdale kicked 15 straight at the scoreboard end (thank you Mr Carter).

McCarreyand Reesjoined Lachlan Byrne-Jones, Nathan Dennison, Ethan East and Link McKenna in the best.

Goals also came froma familiar boot for Bairnsdale, although the player concerned found himself in an unfamiliar grade.

Senior vice-captain and Sale premiership player

John Gooch kicked 10 goals in the reserves, presumably to find some touchafter beingheld to just two disposals by Morwell's Campbell Blewett the week before.

It was Gooch's first reserves game since his days at Sale in 2014

While it is highly unusual to send asenior leader back to the early game at country level, the decision may be justifiedgiven the fact threeBairnsdale players ended up kicking five goals.

Ironically, Bairnsdale playing-coach Logan Austin might have taken aleaf out of his old AFL club Port Adelaide’s book in making the decision. The Power left skipper Tom Jonas out of the side last month, and he hasn't been recalled since.

Richmond premiership captain, Bruce Monteath famously sat most of the 1980 Grand Final on

the bench after struggling to get agame at times during the season.

For Warragul, Yarram recruit Corbin Sutherland played his best game in the major league, kicking five goals. Others to play well were Brad Hefford, Tom Kelly, Lane Ward, Sean Masterson, Lachlan Smith and Cooper Alger.

Kelly was an interesting inclusion;the former Gull with one of the best left foot kicks in the game, was available to play duetohis current club on the Mornington Peninsula having abreak.

Warragul goes into the halfway mark of the season two games off the bottom from local rival Drouin.

It is expected the Gulls will use the second half of the year to avoid the wooden spoon, with one eye turned to next year.

Warragul has beenbesetwith concatenation of evil this year, with amounting injury toll and issueswith their playerpoints systemcompounding things further.

The playerpoints issue, where conjecture has been raised over the amount allocated to certain Warragul players,has meantthey have been unable to select their best team at times.

Theissue mayhave come to ahead lastweek, as it is understood aplayer left the club after being told he couldn't be picked in the seniors due to the points cap.

Demons andKangaroos to fightfor fifth place

TomHayes

DESPITE aturn in results as of late, it would be hard to tip against most favouritesthis weekend,astheNorthGippsland Football-NetballLeague returns from the King’s Birthday bye.

One game has great potential to be athriller and really shape the top five,while the others could be quite lopsided, as we enter the second half of the home and away season.

East Gippy action back this Saturday

EAST Gippsland football and netball had a league-wide break for the King's Birthday at the weekend.

The competition resumes this Saturday. Round9 action sees Boisdale-Briagolong take on Lucknow,while Stratfordmakes the trip to Paynesville.

In other games, Lakes Entrance is home to Lindenow, and Orbost Snowy Rovers travel to Wy Yung.

THE Demons welcome Heyfield to Yarram, in a game that will give more shape to the finals picture.

The two sides sit in fifth and sixth respectively, both with a4-4 record, separated by 12 per cent

Both sides will be coming off tough losses from a fortnight ago -the Kangaroos took it to the league leaders but fell 41 points short, and Yarram were stunned by Rosedale by apoint in one of the upsets of the year.

Yarram would have most certainly hit the reset button, whileHeyfield would want to keep momentum positive despite the loss.

It will all be on the line as the winner will be rewarded with acushion in thetop five.

Yarram have sat inside the top five for most of the season, but don’t write off the visiting Kangaroos, who have been impressive all year and could cause another stir.

WOODSIDE will host Glengarry in what could appear to be route one football for the Wildcats.

Stated as one of the more devastating teams in the league, when Woodside win, they make sure to bury their opponents.

Perhaps going under theradarbecause of an early loss to Traralgon TyersUnited, but sitting second with a7-1 record, Woodside are the real deal.

Glengarry will have to be at theirvery best,which they have displayed as of late, but they will need to shift up agear to have ared hot crack at Woodside away fromhome.

The Magpies won two on the trot before an agonisingly close loss to Sale City before the bye, so their form isn’t in the mud. But their opponents for this week might just be aclass above and it will be tricky for them to get into this contest.

CHURCHILL are on the road to Sale this week.

The Cougars were blessed with two monster wins following their first loss of the year to TTU, and don’t look like slowing down just yet. Sale City are coming off the back of atwo-point win afortnight ago, but likeGlengarry, their opponents this week are aclass above.

Usually one’s home ground would give them an edge, but that hasn’t been the case for the Bulldogs, who have just won one game at home all year. MeanwhileChurchill have wonevery game on the road in 2023.

If Sale City can cause some sort of upset here and beat theCougars, that will justadd more flavour to the finals picture, as atop seven will break away from the bottom four.

But,that looks unlikely, as Churchill havegained some serious momentum and will look to exert it at Stephenson Park on the weekend.

It could be the beginning of atricky run for Sale City, who then face Yallourn YallournNorth, then TTU, while Churchill may well use this game as a warm up for Woodside in Round 11.

YYN will look to regain some traction after a seesawing period in the NGFNL.

The reigning premier hasn’thad it easy all season, struggling with form and consistency, but they will be hoping to go back-to-back in Round 10.

THE Jets will travel to Cowwarr to face aside that hasn’t had the best of luck recently, the Saints haven’t picked up four points since Round 1.

Yes, they did get adraw out of Rosedale, but comparing the Blues to who they’re up against this week, it’s no match.

The unpredictability of the Jets will have some worried, but surely we aren’t duefor another upset of this magnitude just yet.

Cowwarr willhavetoprovideagargantuan effort to knockoff theJets -a complete backflipfrom what their recent form would suggest.

YYN should get the pointshere,and solidify their spot in the top five for now.

FINALLY, there is the battle of first versus last.

Gormandale will host the undefeated Bombers on the weekend, in what can only be predicted to be arout.

Despite theirefforts, the Tigershaven’t beenable to getclose allyear, and against the undefeated top side, there is little to no chance.

Their goal simply hastobetomakethe scoreboard

Target Time No.0162

anent,ante, anti, arete, attire, eaten, eater, enate, enter,ENTERTAIN, entire, entrain, entrant,entreat,etna, inert,innate, intent, inter,intern, interne, internet,intranet, irate, iterate, natter,nattier,neat,neaten, neater,nett,nite, nitrate, nitre, rant,rate, ratite, renitent,rennet,rent,retain, rete, retie, retina, riant,rite, taint,tanner,tare, tarn, tart,tear,teat,tenant,tenet,tenner, tent,tenter,tern, ternate, tetra, tier,tine, tinea, tinner,tint,tinter,tire, titan, titre, train, trainee, trait,treat,tree, treen, tret,trine, trite.

Target: Average-40, Good -50, Excellent -65+

look as positive as possible, and make sure to be feltatthe contest, which theyare known not to shy away from.

They’ve seen some big scores be posted against them this season,but looking simply at the ladder and how similar games have gone,this couldbe the biggest.

As for TTU,they willwant to pile on as many as possible, and really set the tone for the second half of the season.

ROSEDALE have the bye.

G GIPPSLANDTIMES TIIPPPINGCOMPETITION

Each tipster has nominated acommunitygroup to promote throughout this year’s season At the time of printing, the Melbourne vs Collingwood game wasstill to be played.

At the time of printing, the Melbourne vs Collingwood game wasstill to be played.

Girl power

ZoeAskew

SALE United Football Club’s Anouk

Meereboerhas been named Ally Champion of the Year as partofFootball Victoria’s 2023 National Female Football Week Awards.

Unless you’ve been living under arock, you would knowthat in just amatter of weeks, Australiawillhost to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Something perhaps not so widely recognised,Female Football Week, this year occurred from Friday, May 19, to Sunday, May 28.

Launched in 2014toelevate women and girls and recognise their contribution to football, Female Football Week has become ahigh point in the nation’s annual football calendar.

This year’s Female Football Week is extra special, falling just weeks before Australia and New Zealand host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

To coincide with the biggest female sporting event in the world landing on Australian shores, #LoveOurGame was named this year’s Female Football Week theme.

The theme #LoveOurGame posed as acelebration of Australian women’s football andencouragedparticipants to embrace their love for the world game and its positive impacts.

As part of Football Victoria’s celebrationoffemale footballin2023,the statewide governingsporting body established the 2023 National Female Football Week Awards ahead of this year’s Female Football Week.

Sale United Football Club’s Anouk Meereboer is atrailblazer,a former National PremierLeague player, the first femalesenior men’s coach in Latrobe Valley Soccer League, the LVSL U18 Boys rep team coach, adedicated club woman, avoice for women in sport and atrue advocate and idol of female football.

Meereboerisalso the 2023 National Female Football Week Awards Ally Champion of the Year.

“It feels weird,” Meereboer laughed.

“I feel like so many other people are doinggreat things as well. It’s not just me. Yes, Imight be pushingfor these things, but thereare so many other people involved in making it happen.

“So Iamexcited to get it, but on the other side, there are so many other people who shouldbejoiningmewith this award.

“For example, Istarted the GO Mums, but Madeline Forbes and Laurel Irvine are doing an awesome job at running it, and I’m just there as abackupnow,” she said.

“Same as with coaching the senior men’s, Ican’t do it by myself; I’ve got

three other great coaches doing it with me.

“It’s the same with so many other things; Ijust get the randomideas in my head and am like, ‘hey, we should do this, we should do this’, and make it happen, but there are so many other people that make it happen with me.

“We are very luckytohave so many people, goodpeople, around the club that want to promote the sport and want to make the sport bigger.”

Meereboer was named the 2023 National Female Football Week Awards

Ally Champion of the Year during this year’s Female Football Week for her unwavering tenacity and commitment to advocating for female football and women in sport.

This dedication to promoting, growing and showcasing female football has led Meereboer to facilitate programs such as GOSevens, GOFives, GOGirls and GOSoccerMums and played an influential part in Gippsports ‘LetUsPlay’ campaign.

Meereboer is adedicated supporter of junior coaches, is aFASchools Program deliverer, deliveringprogramstovarious primaryschools and specialist schools across the region and regularly coaches holiday clinics.

When she isn’t busycoachingSUFC senior men or occupied with the latter, Meereboercoordinates and organises

coaching and referee courses, Come and TryDaysand various football tournaments.

Throughher dedication, passion, nothing is impossible attitude, and the supportofone of the regions leading sporting clubs in gender equality, SUFC, Meereboer, has been instrumental in increasing the recognition, participation andinvolvement of local female football.

Female FootballWeekhas helped to raisethe profile of female football and showcase women and girls in football at all levels across Australia, with the week-long celebration acting as anational platform to profileand celebrate women in football and create greater visibility across all areas of the game.

FootballVictoria says showcasing women and girlsinfootballis paramount.

“Like manysports, football was traditionally male-dominated, but with hard work,investmentand acultural shift,a transformation has been taking place,” aFootball Victoria spokesperson said.

“Whilewe’ve made incredibleprogress, we are always seekingtoimprove the landscape and worktowards more equity.

The state-wide governing sporting body said football’s greatest female role models are Australia’s women’s National Team, The Matildas, with young players

looking up to these players and aspiring to be like them.

“We are seeing ashift as aresult of their media exposure which is elevated women in our game,” the Football Victoria spokesperson said.

“We are highlighting the rise of new players, women becoming mothers and the parallel journey when the right environment and supportare provided.

“We know women and girls are drawn to clubs that are welcoming; this is based on what can be seen,” the spokesperson added.

“Ifaclub’ssocial media, club rooms, environment, training and game day are all about the men and boys that play for them, it won’t be the place women and girls will gravitate towards.

In order to attract and retain women and girls in football and sport you can no longer just talk the talk, you have to walk the walk, and it needs to be seen; you need to show that you celebrate equity at your club.”