Gippsland Times Tuesday 10 January 2023

Insane in thebrain

Calls to cancel

REGIONAL Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting (RVOTDS) have calledfor the 2023 native duck and quailshoots to be cancelled based on continued alarming declinesinthe bird populations, lack of breeding, and adverse impacts of huntingonprotected species and regional communities not yet adequately investigated by the hunting regulator.

RVOTDS provided detailed examples of those impacts in a20-page submission released on January 5, including tables obtained through Freedom of Information showing thousands of threatenedspecieskilled as collateral damage, tourism operators’ concerns for customer safety and economic loss, and landowners’ fears for their families, trespass, and the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease.

Acopy of the submission was also sent to Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister Tanya Plibersek.

“Mr Andrews needs to know the impacts to regional families,” an RVOTDS spokesperson said.

“If he knows and ignores it -that’s on him. Minister Plibersek needs to know what Victoria is doing to our country’s dwindling native birds.”

The 40th annual aerialsurvey, one of the largest wildlife surveys in the country and the only objectivelong-termdataset,has againshown gameduck populations are declining, in some cases by order of magnitude.

Ninety-six percent of bird breeding was observed in Ibis, Pelican and egrets -not game ducks.

Government authority has yet to be able to provide an estimate on the number of public waterways open to shooters or confirm whether it is closer to 8000 or 20,000.

Unlike outdoor shooting ranges, the vast majorityof duck shootingareas are neither signposted as shooting areas nor monitored by any authorities.

No health and safety risk assessments have ever been conducted for nearby residents or other recreational users, other than at two wetlands in Mildura in 2019, which were subsequently closed to shooting for safety reasons.

The GMA Act (Game ManagementAuthority) states that it is afunction of the regulator to promote sustainability in hunting,toresearch social/economic/

environmental impacts, and make recommendations to ministers in relation to declaring public land open or closed to hunting and open and closed seasons.

RVOTDS is adamant the regulator has to date, failed in those functions.

“It has never closed ashooting season despite presiding over the worst environmental conditions recorded,” RVOTDS stated.

“Previous governments closed shooting seasons in 2003, 2007 and 2008 for less dire circumstances. It refuses to close public waterways to shootingwhenthe community have requested it, despite there being so many thousands of them open to shooting they can’t possibly be monitored.

“Why does less than half of one per cent of the population need to have access to tens of thousands of public waterways to kill birds for fun?

“Don’t landowners matter?”

Recreational bird shooting is banned in NSW, QLD and WA.

Photo:

Zoe Askew

Fines issued to tradespeople

ENERGY Safe Victoria(ESV) fined, disciplined or led prosecutions against more than70tradespeople, councilsand majorelectricity companies that were found to be breaking thelaw over the past 12 months.

ESV is responsible for enforcing Victoria’s energy safety laws, ensuring the community remains safe through the use of electricity, gas and various forms of renewable energy.

Throughout2022, ESV carried out seven prosecutions and issued 63 infringement notices.

ESV chairperson and commissioner, Marnie Williams,saidthe regulator had increased its focus on catching and prosecuting lawbreakers through 2022.

“We continue to expand our complianceand enforcement programs to catch and prosecute those that believe they can cut corners and put people’s lives at risk,” Ms Williams said.

Throughout 2022, 63 fines worth $110,156 were issued for arange of safety breaches, from poorly installedsolar systems to the unsafe delivery of basicgas and electrical work, including six fines issuedtomajor electricity companiesand councils undernew powers given to ESV in June.

Energy Safe Victoria caughtanumber of people breaking the lawinregardsto electricity,gas andvarious forms of renewable energy complianceduring 2022.

Police Beat

withStefan Bradley

Fatalcollision in Kilmany

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding afatal collision nearVelore Rd, Kilmany on Thursday morning.

It is believed two vehicles collided on the Princes Highway at about 6.15am.

The driverofone of the cars, a25-year-old Sale man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver of the other vehicle was not injured, but was taken to hospital for observation.

The Princes Highway was closed on both directions for several hours, due to the collision.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, has dashcam footage or any information is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit aconfidential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

Fatalcrash in Darriman

AFEMALE motorcyclist has died following a crash at Darriman on Saturday,January 7. Policeattended acrash in Darrimanon Saturday morning where it is understood the motorcyclist crashed into atree on Big Tower Rd at about 11.15am. The female rider died at the scene.

It was the ninth death on Victorian roads in seven days.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has footageorinformation is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Vic Polpushing for improvement after fourth-lowest death toll in three decades

VICTORIAPolice is determined to buildona turnaround in road trauma towards the end of 2022, that has helped deliver one of the lowest Lives Lost figures on record.

There were 240 lives lost in 2022, six more than the previous year and slightly above the five-yearaverage of 237.

It represents the fourth-lowest lives lost figure since TAC records began more than 30 years ago, but police stress any life lost is one too many.

December -previously Victoria’s deadliest month on the roads -recorded five fewer deaths than in November. Only May had fewer fatalities during 2022.

The shift coincided with astate-wide enforcement effort where more than 13,500 traffic offences were detected across 12 days, and aseries of awareness initiatives with Victoria Police’s road safety partners was undertaken.

September was the worst month for fatalities, with 28 deaths.

Fatalities on metropolitan roads decreased to 105 compared with114 the previous year, with the five-year average also 105.

Lives lost on country roads, including Geelong and the Surf Coast, rose to 135 from 120 in 2021. Thefigure was also abovethe five-year average of 131.

Speeding, including driving too fast for the conditions, wasthe leading suspected causeoffatalities state-wide. Failing to give way, illicit drugs,alcohol andmobilephones were also common contributors, police cited.

About afifth of drivers and passengers killed

didn’t have their seatbelts on or weren’t wearing it properly, accountingfor 21 deaths, although this was an improvement on the previous year.

The worstareas in the state for lives lost included the Goulburn Valley police division which had 26 deaths, up from 16. The Bendigo division recorded 19 deaths (+3), Dandenong 18 (-15) and Geelong 17 (+4).

Spikes in motorcyclistand pedestrian deaths remain aconcern.

Motorcyclist fatalities rose morethan athird, with 57 deaths compared with 42 in 2021 and a five-year average of 38.

Pedestrian fatalities were up more than 50 per cent, with 44 deaths recorded. This compared with 29 in 2021 and afive-year average of 35.

Driver fatalities fell with 101 recorded (-13) while 22 passengers were killed, down from 33 in 2021. Cyclist deaths were unchanged at 12.

Malescomprisedthree-quartersofpeople killed on the roadswith 179 deaths compared with 61 females.

There was aslight increaseinthe number of young people killed on the roads, with 35 deaths among those aged 18-24, up from 31. Deaths among road users aged 60+ were down but deaths among those aged 50-59 increasedalmost 30 percent to 32 Acting assistant commissioner road policing, Justin Goldsmith, said it was pleasing to see an improvement in road trauma towards the end of the year.

“While the number of lives lost is only slightly above the previous year when there were still significant travel restrictions due to COVID, it’s

crucial to stress any lifelost is one too many,” he said.

“These are not just numbers -each represents amother, father, brother,sister, childorfriend whose lifehas been needlessly cut short. Many people will be celebrating the start of the new year but our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who will never get the chance to see 2023.

“The rise in motorcyclist andpedestrian fatalities over the last 12 months is especially concerning. We’re also seeing increased trauma in country areas. Victoria Police is focused on reducing this needless loss of life and we urge all road users to look out for each other.

“Often it is behaviours within our control like choosing to speed, driving after afew drinks, or texting behind the wheel that results in the most catastrophic road trauma. That’s why you will continue to see us right across the state checking your speed, conducting alcohol and drug tests and removing unlicensed and suspended drivers from the road.”

Victoria Police willcontinue to work with its road safetypartners as part of the Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, which aims to halve deaths and significantly reduce injuries by 2030.

The strategy sets Victoria on the path towards zero road deaths by 2050.

Anumber of state-wideroad policing operations will be conducted during high-riskroadtrauma periods throughout 2023, starting with the upcoming Australia Day long weekend.

Photo: Contributed

Fighting

THE start of anew year and anew parliamentary term representsanopportunity for the state government to reset on key projects in Gippsland, according to Nationals MP, Danny O’Brien.

The Memberfor GippslandSouthsaidthere were anumberofprojects languishing for lack of state government support and he would continue to push the government to get behind them.

“I congratulate the Labor Government on its election victory in November and acknowledge its mandate, but the Governmentmust also recognise thatthe people of Gippsland South voted strongly for The Nationals, endorsing the projects we committed funding to had we been elected to government,” Mr O’Brien said.

“These include constructionofa new Sale College on agreenfields site, fixing Leongatha’s dangerous and confusing “Kamikaze Corner”, anew stadium

for Mirboo North and arebuilt Foster Primary School.

“We also committed to additional train services to Sale,fixing theLoch Sport foreshore erosion, anew overtaking laneonthe SouthGippsland Highway at Toora, and fundsfor upgrades at Korumburra-Bena Football Netball Club and Waratah Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.

“These are important projects in their respective communities and they deservesupport from the state government.”

Mr O’Briensaidhewould be lobbyingthe government forfunding fortheseprojects andmany more, holding the Premiertohis commitment to “govern forall Victorians”.

“If the Premier is to be true to his word, then Gippsland should miss out no longer,” he said.

“While city megaprojects have received billions

underthis government, its time for theseimportant local projects to get their fair share.

“I will also be working with the Government to ensure it delivers on the few commitments made to the Gippsland South electorate,including a revamp for Leongatha Secondary College and a new Yarram fire station.

“I am optimistic aboutour future here in Gippsland, and Iwill fight hard to make sure our voice is heard in the halls of power.”

Labor returned to government in the state election last November, winning 56 out of apossible 88 seats in the Legislative Assembly.

Thisbetteredthe resultin2018stateelection, when the party won 55 seats.

The Liberal-Nationalcoalitionhas 27 lower-house seats.

Time to saygoodbyeafter 25 years

SALE is losing itssanity -the musicand entertainment store that is.

The Gippsland Centre Sanity has been supplying customers with music and moviesfor almost 25 years.

Any Australian born before2000 is almost guaranteed to have memories of the retail music giant, with Sanity, the portofcall for threedecades of kids buying their first record, cassette tape or CD.

Digital music and streaming platforms have put an endtothe tradition, with vinyl and CD music sales declining 80 per cent over the last decade, forcing the hand of Sanity owner Ray Itaoui, who last week announced the closureofits 50 remaining stores by the end of April.

Matt Gruttisamong Australia’s90s kids with fond memories of heading to the closest Sanity store,banknote in pocket, leaving the music retailer abanknoteshortbut with astack of the hottest new CDs.

Through his teenage years, Mr Grutt’s affection for musicaugmentedand at 19, he applied for a positionatSanityinthe GippslandCentre Sale, working his way up the ranks through the years to his current store manager position.

On March 5, after 12 years at the post,MrGrutt will shut the metal roller doors for the final time, bringing an end to Sale’s Sanity, which has been servicing Gippsland Centre customers since 1998.

Sanity’s closureannouncement has shocked the Sale store manager, as it has many other Australian musos.

“I definitely felt it would come; eventually, Ididn’t expect it to be so soon,” Mr Grutt said.

“I thought we had like another year or two left in us,but that is just the way it is; streaming is such ahugething.

“It is completely different now, at the moment, CDs and DVDs are not even half the shop like when Istarted it was like the whole shop, but now you’ve got games and everything else, so they’ve obviously tried to compensate because it’s been adownward trend for the last couple of years.”

Founded in 1980 by billionaire businessman Brett Blundy,Sanity quickly expanded froma lone music store in Melbourne’s east to an iconic Aussie chain, becoming Australia’s largest music retailer in the noughties, operating more than 270 stores at its peak.

In 2010, Ray Itaoui boughtthe company from Mr Blundy, and 13 years later, just 50 physical Sanity stores remain across the country.

With “diminishing physical content” available to sell to customers on Wednesday, January 4, Mr Itaoui announced the music retailer would operate online only beyond that time.

“With our customers shifting to digital for their visual and music content consumption, and with diminishingphysical content available to sell to our customer, it has made it impossible to continue with our physical stores,” Mr Itaoui said.

“Our online business -sanity.com.au -will continue to operate and will service the manyloyal customers the brand has continued to be dedicated to over the decades.

“Our priority right now is to ensure each of our team membersknows exactlywhatthis means for their career and employment future.”

The impending March4 closure has left Mr Grutt and four Sale Sanity employees staring down the barrel of unemployment, with no idea what to do after doors shut.

“I don’t know [what Iamgoing to do now], probably something in retail still, stay in my area, but Idon’t know yet,” Mr Grutt said.

“It is still abit of ashock; just trying to process it.

“I do feel sad, especially like adude just before

was like, ‘What are we going to do now?’ and Iam like, ‘I don’t know’. We are like the last of us; even Kmart phased out their DVDs and CDs. Obviously, they saw the trendand made achoice based on survival.”

Beyond March, Wellington Shire and East Gippslandconsumerswishing to purchase CDsor DVDs physicallywill have to traveltoTraralgon or the nation’s capital, with Sale Sanity the remaining retailer of its kind east of Traralgon, with the next closeststore located in Canberra.

“The hardest part will be saying goodbye to the regular customers,” Mr Grutt said.

“Especially becausethey have been so loyal, some of them have been shopping here for as long as I have worked here; it will definitely be hard saying

goodbyetothem.

“We’ve got to know them likethey’ve had babies, got married, you know what Imean, we’ve been a part of their lives.”

Despite everything, Mr Grutt remains optimistic about the future; however, the impending unknown can not be ignored.

“I am looking forward to trying something new; without it [the closure], Iprobably wouldn’t have, so Iamexcited for the next step, whatever it is,” Mr Grutt said.

“But it is scary not knowing what that next step is.”

Sanity in the Gippsland Centre Sale will host large sales of stock until its March 4closure.

Sale Sanity storemanager Matt Grutthas worked at themusic and entertainment retailer for 12 years, the closure ending not only hisemployment, but years of fond memories.

Sanity,inthe Gippsland Centre Sale, will close its doors on March 4after 25 yearsservice.

Photos:Zoe Askew

Zoe Askew

The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, says he will fight hardin Parliament to ensurekey localprojects arenot forgotten by the stategovernment

Photo: Contributed

Screening datashows important role general practice plays

LATROBE CITY recordedthe highest rate of cervical screening in general practice in Gippsland, new figures show.

While the cervical screening rate in Gippsland (51.4 per cent) is lower compared to Australia (55.7 per cent), the proportion of the population screened in general practice in Gippsland was the equal highest for Primary Health Network regions nationally.

The data is highlighted in the Medicaresubsidised GP,allied health and specialist health care across local areas 2021-22 report.

Gippsland Primary Health Network (Gippsland PHN) chief executive, Amanda Proposch, said the reportclearlyshowed the important role general practices played in improving cervicalscreening.

“The COVID-19 pandemic had amajor impact on awide range of healthoutcomes, so it is

pleasing to see that cervical screening under the Practice IncentiveProgram (PIP) is comparatively high in general practicesinthe region,” she said.

The PIP Incentive began on August 12019. It focuses on 10 quality improvement measures (QIM) and is apayment to general practices for activities that support data-drivencontinuous qualityimprovementinpatient outcomes andthe delivery of best-practice care. Atotal of 43.8 per cent of females aged 25 to 74 years in Gippsland had acervical screening test recordedintheir GP record within the previous five years (July 2022), comparedto38.2per cent across Australia.

“Gippsland PHN has worked closely with generalpractice to improve the uptake of and access to cervical screening services,”MsProposchsaid.

“The Latrobe Health InnovationZone’s Screenfor Me initiative clearly had an impact.”

Screen For Me was asocialmarketingcampaign designed to boost community participation in the national breast, bowel and cervical cancer screening programs.Itused the strength of local community members to haveaninfluence on their loved one’s health by asking them to Screen For Me. The initiative then expandedto‘I’ve Screened forMe’ and also supportedthe ‘It’s Time to Catch Up’ campaign run by the Australian NationalCervicalCancerFoundation proceeding the pandemic.

Cervicalcancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally. In Australia, it accounts for almost two per cent of all female cancers. Two human papillomavirus (HPV) types are responsible for nearly 50 per cent of high-grade cervical pre-cancers.

“Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly.” Ms Proposch said. “VaccinationagainstHPV andscreening and treatment of pre-cancer lesions is acost-effective way to prevent cervical cancer.”

Women and peoplewith acervix aged 25 to 74 yearsofage are invited to have acervical screening test every five years through their healthcare provider.

Alternatively, all cervical screening participants now have the choice to self-collect their own cervical screening test sample.

See the Department of Health website for more information https:// www.health.gov.au/campaigns/ self-collection-for-the-cervicalscreening-test.

The most popular baby names of ‘22

Zoe Askew

WHILE we don’t yet know the exact number of babiesborn in Australialast year, we do know the 2022birthratewas 12.244births per 1000 people, a1.280 percentdecline from 2021.

We also know the most popular baby names in Australia in 2022.

According to Parenting Central, Australianshave been pretty constant in naming their children in recent years, with very few changes in the top 10 baby names in previousyears. However, there are some shifting naming patterns in Australia.

In the top spots, Oliver for the boys has been consistently the most popular boys’name since 2013, with Isla taking the lead for the girls this year, knocking Charlotte out of the first position for the first time since 2015.

Joining the top 100 Girl Names Australia 2022 is Zoey at number 100, Heidi at 97, Nora at 96, Indiana at 93, Lyla at 92 and Riley at 86.

New additions to the top 100 Boys Names Australia 2022 are Elias at number 99, Nicholas at 96 and Miles at 89.

Top10Baby

Sale Hospital’s first baby of 2023, Alekzander Graeme Fricke, born at 12 52pm on Monday, January 2.

Photo: Zoe Askew

What’s on this month with ZoeAskew

GOODBYE 2022, hello 2023.

The year 2023 is well and truly under way, with aplethora of local events happening across the year’s first month.

Whether you are looking for something to do with the kids while they enjoy (and possibly drive you crazy) these school holidays, or something to do over the weekend, this list has got you covered.

School HolidayFun

STARTING Monday,January 23, untilFriday, January 27, the Art Room Gippsland is hosting creative and crafty school holidayfun at the Gippsland Centre Sale.

From 10am until 2pm, the Art Room Gippsland will guide children on an artistic adventure, each day offering anew exciting activity,with colouringin available across the entire week.

On Monday, children can create their owncellophanewindow and garden decorations, and on Tuesday,they can createpolymer clay gardenbugs Wednesday’s activity is making rock pets, Thursday is painting, and on Friday, children can try their hands and tie-dye for Rainbow Day.

When: 10am to 2pm, Monday, January23Friday, January 27.

Where: Gippsland Centre Sale.

Rhys Crimmin Live atThe Star

SPEND an evening at The Star Hotel in Sale listening to the fantasticmusic stylings of the one-person band Rhys Crimmin.

Live music from Rhys Crimmin starts at 8.30pm in the Star Hotel Sale Bar.

When: 8.30pm to 11.30pm, Saturday, January 21.

Where: Star Hotel Sale.

Headline acts at Jack’s

PULL out your dancing shoes for anightoffantastic live music at Jack Ryan’s Irish Bar in Sale every Friday and Saturday night.

Girls night out, boys night out, work drinks, school reunion, sporting club outing or justa random night out with friends -every weekend, Jack Ryan’s has livemusic to keep yourocking out and partying (responsibly) until the night’s end.

Weekends at Jack Ryan’s feature local and travelling headlining artists, and with so many artists performingliveevery weekend of the month,there is bound to be atune to get everyone in the mood to get down and boogie.

Nota dancer,noworries:You cansoak up the good vibes and enjoy headlining artists while testing your skill at agame of pool.

Headline acts at Jack’s this month are:

Friday, January 13: Mat ‘Tezmo’ Howlett

Saturday, January 1: MSAGRO Duo

Friday, January 20: Ryan Lestrange Saturday, January 21: 80s 90s DJ Night

Friday, January 27: Mat Howlett

Saturday, January 28: House DJ Night Where: JackRyan’sIrish Bar, 154 Raymond St, Sale.

When: Every Friday and Saturday night from 9pm.

Forever Rod

ROB Caudill is adead-onRod Stewart impersonator.

He’s got the high-definitionjawline, the shock of spiky blonde hair and the nose.

Vocally, his distinctive, naturally raspy voice sounds like the legendary Stewart, and his range easily nailsevery highnote from the singersongwriter’s younger days.

Caudill travels the world regularly in his role as RodStewart; he hasalso been working with the world-famous Legends in Concert show out of Las Vegas for the past 15 years.

Ashleigh Toole is auniqueand rare young performer who made it into the top 12 of Australian Idol in 2009.

Toole joins Caudill on the John Leslie Theatre stage this month for Forever Rod, the very best of Rod Stewart and Cher.

Tickets available at https://tickets.thewedge. com.au/

When: 8pm, Friday, January 20.

Where: The WedgePerformingArts Centre, Sale.

GippslandCars and Coffee

DELUX Detailingand Prostreet Media are hosting their first Gippsland event from10am on Sunday, January 15, in Sale.

All cars and bikes arewelcome to join the event at 27 Union St, Sale.

Whether you are motor-enthusiast or just want something new to do, head to UnionSt, Sale this Sunday,grab yourself acoffee and check out the cars on display.

When: 10am, Sunday, January 15.

Where: 27 Union Street, Sale.

2023 Yarram Chalk Art Festival

THE Yarram Chalk Art Festival is back for 2023 with ‘Bookspiration’ as this year’s theme.

See incredible art works adorning the footpaths of Yarram’s main street and learn aboutthe books that have inspired the artists’ work.

The 2023 Yarram Chalk Art Festival boasts an incredibleline-up of artists from all corners of Australia and overseas.

Organisers are especially proud to support their own art community, with several local artists also in the mix of talent.

The Yarram Chalk Art Festivalstartsat9am on Saturday, January 21 and concludes 5pm, Sunday, January 22.

When: 9am, Saturday, January 21, until 5pm,

Metung Market

THE first market on the Metung Village Green in 2023 is on this Saturday, January 14,from8am until12.30pm.

The Metung Market boasts avariety of goods including fresh local fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, organics and flowers. Plus, beautiful preserves, breads,pastries, home baked cakes, biscuits, clothing, artisan items and more.

When: 8amuntil 12.30pm, Saturday,January 14.

Where: Metung Village Green, Metung.

Nightwalk Immersive Horror Traralgon

YOU arrive at asecretpathway at night in Traralgon.

You’ve got your starting coordinates and brought your fully charged, internet-enabled mobile phone or tablet.

You lookfor the candle’s light, set waiting for you nearby.You find it; now it’s timetoput on your headphones.

Voices speak to you out of the darkness, communicating to you through your device. Whispers and sounds, pleas and exclamations, temptations and threats.

Somethingterrible happened here, and you’re going to find out what. Nightwalk is aunique and fully immersive journey into adarkstory of haunting,deceit and murder.

Nightwalk is at asecret location; you receive yourstartinglocation when youbook your tickets All tickets are priced at $42.90 and can be purchased at https://www.nightwalkimmersive. com/.../Traralgon-c138207507

Nightwalk is suitable for ages 13+: The experience includes some coarse language and adult themes. Nightwalk Immersive Horror Traralgon is for onenight only, Saturday, January 21, with two sessions at 8pm and 9pm.

For more information, go to www.nightwalkimmersive.com

When: Saturday, January 21, from 8pm and 9pm. Where:Traralgon.

STEAM lab sessions

IF you’re interested in virtual reality or enhancing yourdigital illustration abilities, sign up for one of theSTEAM lab programmes at Wellington Shire Libraries this January.

The three-hour, interactive sessions for young people (12-25 years) are acombination of structured learningand creative play, and are designed to encourage them to exploreand experimentwith art.

All sessions are free, with more information available at Eventbrite:http://ow.ly/v4i150M6CUl

Virtuality realitysessions, no bookings required

TUESDAY, January 10, from 10am at Rosedale Library.

Thursday, January19, from 10am at Maffra Library.

Friday, January 20, from 10am at Yarram Library.

Digital illustration workshops. Limited spots available, bookings required

WEDNESDAY, January 18, from 10.30amatSale Library.

Wednesday. January 25, from 10.30am at Stratford Library.

Australia Dayfreebreakfast barbecue

ROSEDALE Country Market is hosting afree barbecuebreakfastonAustraliaDay, January 26; bringyour picnic rug and enjoy asnagor bacon and egg sandwich with your neighbour in thisopportunity to come together as acommunity.

When: Thursday, January 26, from 8am until 11am.

Where: Rosedale Community Market, Prince Street Reserve Rosedale.

Mindfull Aus Mental Health Fundraiser

FROM 5pm on Saturday, January 14, the Glengarry Hotel and Gippsland local Jasmine Pryor are hosting aparty to help raise money for Mindfull Aus.

There will be live music from the amazing Erin Mckinney, cold beers, great food, araffle and, of course, good times. Donations to MindFull Aus are appreciated.

Mindfull Aus works withpeople in high-risk areas of Australiatoput wellness back into their own hands and spread the message of acceptance and hope as they work towards reducing the number of lives lost to suicide andthe stigma associated with mind and behavioural health.

Booking is essential; to book yourspot at the party, call 51 924 222.

When: Saturday, January 14, from 5pm.

Where:Glengarry Hotel, 25-27Main Street, Glengarry.

Sunday, January 22. Where: Yarram

The Yarram Chalk ArtFestival is justaround the corner.

Photo: File

Authority urgescaution

AS summer heats up, the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is urginghomeowners to make sure they are prepared during fire season.

The VBA wantsVictorianstotakethe necessary steps to make sure they are protected from bushfires.

The VBA’s state building surveyor, Andrew Cialini,saidVictoriawas oneofthe mostbushfireproneareas in the world,soitwas important to make sure you prepare your home early.

“Beingprepared earlyiskey, don’twait until it’s too late, start updating your survival plans now and get your home ready for fire season,” he said.

“Steps you can take now include clearing leaves from gutters and installing leaf-guards, as well as protecting evaporativecoolers with properly sized metal bushfire mesh screens.”

Mr Cialinisaidhomeowners could get in contact with aregistered building practitioner to see how

they can retrofit their properties with additional safety features, as part of their bushfire survival plan.

“There are easy and affordable things owners can do to protect their properties from things like ember attack,” he said.

“You can seal gaps in the external walls and eaves withsilicone, put silicon weather strips and draught excluders on windows and external doors, cover vents in external walls with metal bushfire mesh and seal around roofing joints and roof penetrations.”

Removing anyoverhanging tree branches, keeping grass short and cleaning up other debris near your home that could easily catch fire, are other useful ways to reduce fire risk.

It is also important to make sure your property is accessible for emergency vehicles and has awater supply for firefighting.

Whilebuilding standards reduce the risk of ignition of homes in the state’s bushfire-prone areas, it is important to note that it does not guarantee abuilding willsurvive the unpredictable nature of abushfire. Maintenance of the house surrounds plays an important part in bushfire safety.

Leaving early is the safest option to protect yourself and your family. Leaving early meansleaving the area before afire starts on days predicted to be acatastrophic or extreme fire danger rating –not when you can see flames or smell smoke.

Find out more waystokeep yourhome safe from bushfire on the VBA website and tips on home protection from the Country Fire Authority.

Homeowners should familiarisethemselves with the CFA’s Fire Ready Kit and prepare abushfire plan and keep updated on current fire incidents and warnings on Vic Emergency.

Firedangerperiod commences next week

THE Country Fire Authority (CFA) has announced thatthe firedangerperiod (FDP) willstart next Monday, January 16, in Latrobe City and the shires of Wellington, Baw Baw and South Gippsland

The FDP will begin at 1am on Monday in the four municipalities, which make up the CFA’s South East Region.

FDP restrictions already apply across many parts of Victoria and these restrictions are based on assessments of the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and local conditions.

Thereturn of aLaNiñaweather pattern has led to widespread rainfall and flooding in parts of the state,howeverthat doesn’t meancommunities can become complacent about the increasing fire risk this season, says the CFA.

The Seasonal BushfireOutlook for summer identified potential for increased grassfire conditions for the 2022/23fire season, due to significant grass growth and delayed harvest activities.

Based on the latest outlook, the fire season is expected to be normal in Victoria, except for parts of central, north east and eastern Victoria where the potential is below normal.

CFA Acting Deputy Chief Officer South East Region,Bryan Russell, said whilesome parts of Gippsland remained quite wet, other areas were rapidly drying due to the recent warmer weather.

“Grassed areas are beginning to dry off and this increases the risk of grassfires,” he said.“While there are no restrictions in East Gippsland and Bass Coast shires currently, we are closely monitoring the seasonal conditions and expect to see the introduction of the Fire Danger Period in the coming weeks.”

CFA firefighters have beenpreparing for the

bushfire season and they are urging the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.

Residents in these areas should take this opportunity ahead of the FDP to conduct safe private burn-offstoreduce fuel loads and clean up their property

If people are using fire to clean up their property aheadofthe FDP,they should notify authorities of the burn-off at the Fire Permits Victoria website at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au, or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.

No burning off is permitted during the FDP without apermit to burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.

There are very strict conditions attached to these permits and the liability sits with the permitholder to ensure they always act safely. Monitor weather conditions and do not burn-off during days of high winds.

More information about burn-off restrictions specific to an area can be found by consulting thelocal council. More information and restrictions are published at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/ fire-danger-period-restrictions.

Victorians can find out “Can IorCan’t I?” information at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/ can or by calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

As of September 1, the fire danger rating system changed and is now nationally consistent across everystate and territory. The system reduces the number of danger levels from six in the previous system,tofour;Moderate,High,Extreme and Catastrophic.

Victorians can learn more about the new fire

danger rating system on the CFA website.

FireDanger Period information:

La Niñagoing down,BoM

LA Niña continues in the tropical Pacific, but is weakening, according to the latest report from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).

However, while ocean temperatures have warmed in recent weeks, atmospheric indicators arelargely unchanged, remaining at La Niña levels. La Niña typically increases the chance of above average rainfall for northern and eastern Australia during summer, says BoM.

“Long-range forecastssuggestthattropical Pacific Ocean temperatures will continue to warm towards ENSO-neutral levels over the coming weeks, with some change in atmospheric patterns towards neutral levels also possible. As long-range forecast accuracy is generally lower at this time of year, ENSO outlooks that extend through autumn should be viewed with caution,” the bureau said.

Awritten permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. This permit may be issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer or the CFA District Office. You can apply for apermit at firepermits.vic.gov.au



 Lighting afire in the open without apermit is an offence and can bring apenalty of over $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth do not require apermit, but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces (to view complete conditions visit cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/ can/  The use of an incinerator, chainsaw/lawn mower, welding/grinding equipment and vehicles that come in contact with vegetation and machinery with an internal combustion/ heat engine are permitted provided conditions are followed.  Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/ farms –this information is important especially for new farmers, bush block owners or hobby farmers.

ATotalFireBan declarationmeans no fires can be lit for the declared districtfor that day unless there is aspecific exemption or special permit issued.This applies irrespective of the Fire Restriction status for agiven municipality. Further details at cfa.vic. gov.au/warnings-restrictions/can/

ENSO (El Nino-Southern Oscillation) is a periodicfluctuation in sea surface temperature (El Nino) and the air pressure of the overlying atmosphere (Southern Oscillation) across the equatorial Pacific Ocean. El Nino usually means less rainfall.

“The Indian OceanDipole(IOD) is neutral and has little influence on Australian climate while the monsoon trough is in the southern hemisphere (typically December to April).

“The Southern Annular Mode(SAM) is strongly positive and is likely to be positive until at least mid-January. During summer, apositiveSAM increases the chanceofabove average rainfall for eastern New South Wales,eastern Victoria and north-east Tasmania and below average rainfall for western Tasmania.”

The bureau said the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) had been in the Western Pacific since late-December and was forecast to move into the Atlantic in the comingdays.

“This may cause an easing in trade wind strength and increase cloudiness near the dateline, potentially weakening some indicators of La Niña,” the bureau said.

“Sea surface temperatures remainwarmer than average in the western Pacific, much of the Maritime Continent,and around northernAustralia. Warmer Australian waters, especially in the tropics, can result in greater evaporation, humidity, cloudiness, and rainfall.”

Victorian Building Authority’s statebuilding surveyor,AndrewCialini

Photo: Contributed

Cooling your home efficiently

NOW thatsummer has finally arrived in Gippsland accompaniedbyprolongedspells of warmweather, Sustainability Victoria says it’s time to think about how youcan cool your home efficiently;saving both money and resources while keeping the summer heat out.

While fans, evaporative coolersand air conditioners play their part when cooling ahouse, experts at Sustainability Victoria recommend optimising passive cooling techniques such as shading and insulation before flicking the switch.

Matt Genever, Sustainability Victoria’s interim chief executive, says householders can reduce energy consumption and keepcostslow while keeping their homecool if they focusonfivekey factors; insulation, window design,orientation and coverings, draught-proofing, ventilation, and landscaping.

“These passivecooling techniques can keep your home comfortable and minimise the need for fans and air conditioning,” Mr Genever said.

“But if you do need to switch on the airconditioning, remember to set it between24°C and 26°C -every degree lower will increase running costs by around 10 per cent.

“By cooling your home efficiently, you can keep the summer heat out, make your home cheaper to run and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Sustainability Victoria’s top tips to stay cool this summer and save energy:

•Insulation -it’snot justabout keeping the warmth insideinwinter; it’sabout keeping the heat out in summer. Installinsulation in your ceiling, in walls and undersuspended timber floors to seal out the warm air.

•Windows -glass can let alot of heat into your home, especially if you have large west, east and north-facing windows that aren’t adequately shaded. Use of external shading is best as it stops the sunshine before it hits the window, but even internal shadingcan reduce heat entry and improve comfort.

•Draught proofing -sealing up gaps and cracks will minimise the amount of hot air entering your home on summer days. It’s arelatively easy and cost-effective upgrade to help reduce your cooling bills.

•Ventilation -once the temperature starts to drop in the evening,orafter acool change, it’s important to open your doors and windows to flush warm air from your houseand allow cooleroutside air to enter.

•Landscaping -careful selection and positioning of plants can provide summer shading and act as abuffer against hot winds. If youdoneed extra helptocool things down, fans can be acheap and effective way to stay comfortable on warm, humid summer nights. Fans can keep you feeling more comfortable without having to operate your air-conditioner at lower temperature settings and assist withnatural ventilation, helping to move air through yourhome. When things really heat up, air-conditioners can be used to extractheat from inside, cooling the air to amore comfortable

temperature. Reverse-cycleair-conditioners are the most efficient, but follow the tips below to ensure you get the most out your system.

Tips for using air-conditioners efficiently:

•Keep windows and doors closed;

•Minimise the area to be cooled by closing doors to rooms that don’t require cooling;

•Use the thermostatcorrectly by settingit between 24°C and 26°C for living areas -every degree lower in summer will increase running costs by around 10 per cent;

•Don’t leave your air conditioner running -it’s amyth that running your air conditioner 24/7 is cheaper to run. And don’t forget to turn the entire

system off at the switchboard completely when you go away on aholiday.;

•Use atimer or programmable thermostat to turn your system on ahalf hour or so before you come home so that it is comfortable when you arrive, and to ensure that it is switched off overnight;

•Shade the compressor unit -ifthe compressor unit (the part located outside) is exposed to full sun during the day, shade it with an awning, shade mesh or asimilar structure. Be careful not to restrict air movement around the unit, and;

•Maintain your air-conditioner -clean air filters regularly and have your air-conditioner servicedregularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

For moreinformation, visit Sustainability Victoria’s reduce cooling costs at home.

Householders can reduce energy consumption andkeep costs lowwhile keeping their home cool by followinga number of simple steps.

Photo: Contributed

Bushfirepolicy on wrong track

JohnCameron Comment

1. The government’s rosy spin on managing bushfire risk

IN his story with the Gippsland Times (29/12/22 ‘Be preparedthis fire season’), the Chief Fire OfficerChris Hardman painted arosy picture of forest fire management in Victoria and made the following points:

“Victoria is Australia’s most bushfireprone state”.

“By investing in prevention we aim to protect people,property and the environment by reducingthe risk and impact of major bushfires”.

“As aworld leaderinbushfire risk management we have many different tools in our toolbox”.

“Planned burning is not the only waywe manage bushfire risk and reduce fuel...We’ve increased ouruse of mowing, slashingand mulching this year”.

“We’ve expandedour networkofstrategicfuel breaks...in the highest priority locations –close to towns, water catchments and sensitive environments”.

“Over 200 cultural burns are plannedoverthe next threeyears”.

“We work with CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria, government and localcommunities to deliver the best local approaches to bushfire risk management in Victoria”.

“The combination of our actions helps communities and our environment to become more resilient”.

Let’s look at how much of the above ‘spin’ is backed up with substance?

2. Somekey facts on

management of bushfirerisk

VICTORIA certainly has had more than its fair share of megafires and can claim to be prone to bushfires, but the severity and extent of recent megafires has been mainly attributed to deficient fire mitigation –including fires such as the ‘Great Divide Fire’ in 2003, ‘Victorian Alps Fire’ in 2006-07, ‘Black Saturday’ in 2009, ‘and ‘Black Summer’ fires of 2019-202.

Victoria has apoor recordofprotectingpeople, propertyand the environment from bushfires and is alaggard rather than aworld leader in bushfire risk management.

Investment in waterbombing aircraft will have little impact suppressing or controlling a raging bushfire in heavy forest fuels, but enough reducedareas of sufficient size and management can assistgreatly in containing the spread of bushfires.

By contrast the regime employed in the forests of the South WestofWestern Australia is world class.

While planned burningisnot the only wayto manage bushfire riskand reduce fuel, it is the most provenand cost-effective toolavailable at this time.

The South Westforests of Western Australia are arguably more fire prone than Victoria, withtheir longer and dryersummersand the occasional impact of cyclonic winds in WA.

Proven science on the impact of forest fuel on firebehaviour hasbeen available for decades. Fireintensityisheavily dependentonthe quantity of combustible fuel in the forests (typically the accumulation over many years of up to 40 tonnes per hectare of dead leaves, twigs, branches, plants and bark in the forest). Doubling the mass of the fuel quadruples fire intensity, but halving the fuel delivers afourfold lowering of fire intensity.

This science has been successfully implemented in theSouth West forestsofWestern Australia for 60 years. This has resulted in no megafires and only two lives lost in South West WA, whereas Victoria has had five megafires and 309 lives lost over the past 60 years.

Since 2000 Victoria’s fuel reduction effort has declined and the average annual proportion of the forest burnt by bushfire each year and lives lost to bushfires have increased. Since 2000, 65 per centofall fire impacting Victorian forests waswildfire(and 35 per cent prescribed fire), compared to only 21 per cent of all fire impacting SouthWest WA forests being wildfire (and 79 percent prescribed fire)

Muchofthe areaburntbywildfiresisburnt at high fire intensity, which causes considerable environmental damage as well as causing loss of human life, livestock and wildlife. When correctly implemented, prescribed fire burns at low fire intensity, akin to the fire stick approach successfullyused for 40,000 years by our first people and copied by fire savvy ‘bushmen’ over about 200 years.

fire policy.In2015, Victoria introduceda new approach,called ‘Safer Together’. The Minister Hon Lisa Nevillesaid: “Our new approach is about doing more to reduce the risk of bushfire, and knowing what we do is more effective. We will involve local communities in decision making,taking into account what peoplevalue in their local area.”

The resulting prescribed burning has been about 1.2 percent,well below the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission (VBRC) target of five per cent, which was recommended following 119deaths in thedisastrous 2009 bushfires. The VBRC put amuch higher value on human life than the ‘Safer Together’ policy.

For the BlackSummerbushfire in East Gippsland, there was awindow between the 22nd of Novemberand 8th of December2019when the forest Fire DangerIndexremained below 20 to 30. This fire danger indexwas sufficientlylow to allow suppression, if there was prudent fuel reduction, along with adequate fire access, early detection, rapid initial attack and appropriate fire suppressionforce. The fire wasn’t contained to afew hundred hectares because of inadequate fuel reduction, fire access and suppression.

The Victorian Auditor General (VAGO. 2020. ReducingBushfire Risk) at least uncovered some ‘truth’. The Auditor Generalraised so many issues with the modelling of ‘residual fire risk’, which underpins the Victorian Governments ‘Safer Together Policy’, such that it is ‘not fit for purpose’.

The governmentcontinues with its ‘Safer TogetherPolicy’ and asks communities to accept 70 percentresidual risk-anunacceptably high level of riskinsufficient to protect lives, livelihoods and the environment. The Victorian government only achieves 70 per cent residual risk by countingthe area burnt by disastrous wildfire,the fires the policyissupposed to avoid –what anonsense. Put simply, 100 per cent residual risk means there has been no fuel reduction burning; 70 per cent means there has been only 30 per cent fuel reduction.

Evidence shows that the areasburnt by the wildfires are agreater fire risk going forward due to the development of dense and tall ladder fuel, including very flammable species such as Petrol Bush. Much of Victoria’sforests now containtall dense flammablespecies and deadtrees that encourage raging crown fires. This undesirable outcomeisavoidedwith low intensity prescribed fire.

Much of Victoria’s forests now have over25 tonne per hectare of fuel, making fire suppression virtually impossible even at very low forest fire

danger indices(i.e. even without drought and under mild weather conditions).

The government focus on fuel reduction ‘closer to towns’ needs to be augmented with more fuel reduction closer to sources of ignition.Lightning accounts for about one quarter of ignitions and almost half the area burnt by wildfire. Victoria’s prescribed burn plans show insufficientfuel reductioninthe hillsincluding areas where lightning started the 2019-20 fires.

4. Victoria’s high fuel reduction costs and inefficiency

VICTORIAN fuelreduction undertaken by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is certainly not ‘world leading’. Over the past six years DELWP spent $736 million on fuel reduction at an average cost of $1,137/fuelreduced hectare, of which $250/ha was adirectcost and awhopping $887/ha (78 per cent) was spent on indirect and overhead costs. The cost of fuel reduction by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) in the South West forests of WA averaged only $299/fuel reduced hectare, over the last five years. (DELWP and DBCA annual reports and webpages).Victoria’s fuel reduction costs are about four times those of South West WA. Differences in topography and forest type are insufficient to explainsuch alarge difference in cost.

Victoria’s excessive fuelreduction costs are related to organisational issues. Fuel reduction is managed by DELWP, acumbersome government department or ‘conglomerate’.DELWP has 59 per cent of its staff working in Melbourne’s CBD and only 11 per cent of employees classified as field staff –those ‘at the fire front’.

The government needs to burnits ‘Safer Together’ policy and reverttothe recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission, and fix the ‘centralised’ organisational issues that constrain the efficiency and effectiveness of the outcome focused peoplein DELWP.

JohnCameron(DipHort. Burnley and MBA Monash) is aTraralgon forestry and business consultant with several decades of experience.

Local consultant JohnCameron hashit back at ChiefFireOfficer ChrisHardman.

Photo: File

Victoria’s

3. Victoria’strack record under the ‘Safer Together’ policy

THEgovernment talks up its‘Safer Together’

Thekey to asuccessful diet

lost 4.1kg in the first three weeks of using meal replacement shakes within their diet, and 80 per centofpeople reportingfeeling betteratcontrolling their cravings.

By week six, participants lost an average of 5.9 kg, two-thirds achieved aclinically significant weight loss, and confidence in their ability to resist cravings increased by 19 per cent.

CSIRO Research Scientist and report author,Dr Gilly Hendrie, said the findings were awelcome developmentinproviding an alternative start to weightlossfor someAustralians, that bettersuits their needs andlifestyle.

“With 67 per cent of Australians overweight or obese it’s more important than ever that scientists continue to find new ways to help peoplelose weight,” Dr Hendrie said.

“There is no ‘one-size-fits all’ approach to healthy weight loss. We know that people who experience higher than average cravings not only have more weight to lose, but also lose less weight than others.

me up, so it was easy to say no to office morning teas and end of week takeaways.”

“The transition to the wholefoods program was also critical in me not falling off the wagon, and I was able to keep that confidence and drive with the help of the CSIRO Total Wellbeing tools.

“All of thegood habits I’ve learnt are now second nature,” she said. “I know suitable portion sizes, and howmuch exerciseIshould be aiming for each day.”

“Losing the weight early made the process more motivating and Ihad such agreat weight loss that Iwas focused on continuing my weight loss journey and didn’thaveany cravings. Iknew if this was goingtoworkthen the cravings were no longer an option.”

To find out more about the Fast Start program, go to, https://www.totalwellbeingdiet.com/au/

Victorians urged to be on high alert for illegal pet businesses

NEW research from Australia’s nationalscience organisation, the CSIRO, targets one of the most major impediments to efficient dieting -cravingsand is expected to assist Australians with healthy weight loss in 2023.

Based on the findings,CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet has launched its Fast Start program; an alternativeway for overweight or obeseAustralians to make sustainable, safe and healthy diet changes.

Arecent survey of 330 Australians revealed that 66 per cent of respondents reported aconstant struggle to resist higher levels of cravings, while 82 per cent said it would be easier to lose weight without cravings.

With one in five of this group also reporting more than 25 attempts to activelymanagetheir weight, CSIRO conducted afollow up study to explore alternative ways they could better curb their cravings and avoid derailing their weight loss.

The follow-up study askedparticipants to engage in three weeksofpartial meal replacement, before making afully supported transition into the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet’s high protein, low-GI wholefoods program.

Evidence shows that people who start strong in the first three weeks of aweight loss program go on to lose 3.5 times more weight after 12 weeks, than those who struggle to get started.

On average, participants that completed the study

“The evidence from our study shows that asupported transition using mealreplacements to a wholefoods diet can help people lose weight, learn to eat well and adopt healthy practices.”

Through thisnew alternative approach,the Fast Start program offers members the option of using meal replacement shakes, taken twotimes aday for three weeks, before transitioning to the standard high protein, low GI wholefoods program.

Members are also full supported with the Total Wellbeing Diet program’sfull suite of tools, includingthe food and exercisetracker, Positive Psychology tools and the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet community.

“There is avast body of scientific evidence that supports mealreplacements as aweight losstool,” Dr Hendrie said.

“What we’re doing differently here is providing a program that supports amore sustainable weight loss journey by helping peopletotransitiontoa wholefoods diet.”

CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet member, Deb from Adelaide reinforced the importance of starting a weight loss journey well, crediting the Fast Start programinhelpingher achieve her 18.9kgweight loss.

“The meal replacement shakes really curbed my cravings during the often challenging first three weeks of aprogram,” Deb said.

“The shakes were easy and convenient, andfilled

MANY Victorians are preparing to bring anew pet into theirlives, and RSPCA Victoria is urgingthe public to be vigilant when purchasing, and to beware that it is illegal to buy animals in places suchasparks,roadsides, and car parks

Illegalbreeders or sellers operate covertly, provide misleading information,and requestto meet in public, to complete the sale of an animal.

In early December, RSPCA Victoria’s Major Investigations Team executedmultiple Domestic Animals Act warrants across two properties in Ballarat in relation to the illegal sale of kittens from an unregistered animal business.Inspectors seized six Burmese kittens due to non-compliance with the mandatory Code of Practice and RSPCA is currently investigating multiple suspects.

RSPCAVictoria’s Inspectorate Team Leader -Major Investigations, Lisa Calleja, said it is important to research before purchasing apet.

“If you cannot find asuitable pet to adopt and instead choose to purchase, it is important to make sureyou are purchasing from aregistered breederoperatinga legal breedingfacility,” she said.

“A responsiblebreeder willanswer all your questions, provideaccurate information,and willallow youtovisit the location where the animal lives to ensure the standard of care and living conditions are appropriate and that it has been bred for atemperament suited to beingapet.

“Many peopleunknowingly purchase animals from illegal businesses that sell animals from public places to hide the location of their operations.”

“The subjectsofRSPCA Victoria investigations are often sophisticated networks that use covert methods, so our inspectorate team relies on the public forinformation thatmay assist with investigations

“Significant investigationsand successful prosecutions do eventuate as adirect result of tip offs from the public, so we encourage anyone with information to make areport.

“All details, no matter how insignificant they may seem, are welcome and all tip offs are reviewed.”

RSPCA Victoriarecommends future pet owners to read the RSPCA Smart Buyers Guide.

The Domestic Animals Act 1994 specifies thatdogsand cats mustbesold from either aregistered domestic animal business, from a privateresidence or sold at aplacewhere an animal sale permit is in place.

Penalties can applyfor thosewho sell dogs and cats from apublic place. Individuals could facea maximum penalty of $5547.60, while bodycorporatescould face amaximum penalty of $27,438.

Reports made to RSPCA Victoria’sMajor Investigations Teammust be lodged via https://rspcavic.org/tip-off-form/ or by calling 9224 2222.

CSIRO research scientist and report author, Dr Gilly Hendrie. Photo: Contributed

MeettheMerriman catches crowd

to learn about the Seaspray Creek’s unique and ever-changing environment.

MORE than 40 inquisitive young minds, and almost 80 participants in total, attendedthe joint West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) and Bug Blitz, aSale-based not-forprofit environmental science initiative, free Meet the MerrimanEstuary Discoveryevent on Friday,

Friday’s Meet the Merriman Estuary Discovery was the first event of its kind since COVID, with the WGCMAhosting similar events in previous years, including Wreck Creek in 2017, Merriman Creek in 2018 and Screw Creek in 2019.

WGCMA Coastal Waterways officer and Meet the Merriman Estuary Discoveryorganiser Callum

Edwards saiditwas an exciting and well-received event.

“It wasagreatturnout with over75peoplein attendance, which was morethanweexpected when we first organised the event,” Mr Edwards said.

“It was great to see so many people interested in the estuary.

“It was amazing having John and Olivia down from Bug Blitz trust; the kids loved all the bugs they showed and enjoyed searching for bugs in the estuary,” he said.

“It was also really great having Jackson from Austral Researchand Consulting catching fish in nets and showing the kids what fish live in the estuary and as well as upstream.But the highlight was everyone having fun and learning more about Merriman Creek estuary and whatlives in it, especially since they spend so much time down at the creek!”

Six-year-old Harvey Rhode from Bendigo, one of the many children at Friday’s event and afifthgeneration Seaspray summer holidayer, had a greattimelearning and havingfun under the warm golden sun.

“I liked seeing, catching and learning about all the different fish and marine animals that live in the creek,” Harvey said.

“I especially loved seeing the spiders and creepy crawlies, even the scorpion and black spider.”

Harvey’s four-year-old sister, CaitlinRhode, said, “The leaf insect was amazing”.

Avid eight-year-old fishermanfrom Sale, Mackley Noble, couldn’t fault the event.

“I loved everything,” Mackley said.

“Especially seeing all of the fish that live in the creek.”

Six-year-old Abby Poustie from the nation’s capital, Canberra, enjoyedseeing thefish at Merriman Creek but was not afan of the spiders, unlike Mackley’syounger sister, four-year-old Willow, who “loved seeing the redback spider”.

Seaspray resident, four-year-old Lachlan Simmons, said he loved netting the fish.

“I got to do it myself, but Ialsogot to see the men (Callum and Jackson) net some fish too.”

Meetthe Merriman Estuary Discovery was hosted to give the community agreater appreciationofwhatlives in Merriman Creek estuary, and to educateparticipants on howthe estuary changes over the year and why it is so unique.

“We also wanted to learn from the community aboutwhatthey enjoy most aboutMerriman Creek estuary and how they like to use it,” Mr Edwards said.

While there are no more estuary eventsplanned, Mr Edwards enunciates that the community is always apriority at WGCMA,and is not ruling outthe possibility of future estuary events.

“We don’t haveany more estuary events in planningatthis stage, but engaging the communityis always apriority at WGCMA, so maybe sometime down the track,” Mr Edwards said.

“My colleaguesalsooften run community events across the catchment in West Gippsland.”

The easiest way to find out about the events is to visit and follow the social media pages or by visiting https://www.wgcma.vic.gov.au/

Zoe Askew

Sale’s Mackley Noble, Gippsland Grammar Year 2student andavid fisherman.

Canberra’sAbbyPoustie (6) withher Bendigocousins Harvey (6)and Caitlin Rhode (4) enjoythe WGCMA eventatMerriman’s Creek on Friday. Thecousins arethe fifth generationoftheir family to holidayatSeasprayeachsummer

The Merriman Estuary Discovery in full swing.

Bug Blitz’s John Caldow(picturedcentre) with someofthe morethan 40 children who attended thefree‘Meet the Merriman’ estuarydiscovery event at SeasprayonFriday Photos:Zoe Curtis

Crowds gather to learnaboutlife in theestuary

Seaspray’s Ettie (7) andTed Curtis (5) holding aleafinsect withthe Bug Blitz team at the estuary event in Seaspray on Friday.

Sale museum ahidden gem

TUCKED away in ashed at the West Sale Airport, one will find amodest, but nonetheless impressive, collectionofarmy, navy and air force paraphernalia.

This is the home of the Gippsland Armed Forces Museum, an institutionwhichdedicates itself to preserving the region’s military heritage.

Responsibility for the building largely falls to three men: Rory Ester, Lindsay Everard and Mal Cotton,all dedicated volunteers and former servicemen.

Mr Cotton is arelative newcomer, having not known about the museum until achance encounterwithone of itsfounding members, Lester Jackson.

“I knew Lesterbecause he usedtoservice my car back in the early 1970s,” Mr Cotton explained.

“I saw Lester out in town one day, and he says, ‘come on down to our museum’ -that was when it was the Drill Hall.”

By Mr Cotton’sown estimation, he first became apermanent presence at the museum adecade ago, and can be found volunteering there most weekends.

Mr Ester’sbeginningsatthe museum were similarly unassuming.

“I only got tied-up with it because my background in the air force -I’m interested in restoring old aeroplanes,” Mr Ester said.

He adds with asmile: “But Ihaven’t done all that much of that.”

The idea for alocal military museum emerged in 2000, when acommittee was formed with the viewofestablishing such an institution in Sale.

Aftersome deliberationswith WellingtonShire Council, the committee was granted use of the formerDrill Hall on Punt Lane, which officially became the museum’s home in September 2003.

Then, in May 2008, the committee was given its marching orders, told to vacate the Drill Hall by year’s end.

Despite theprotests of the committee-and the local netball community, which played on the adjacent netball courts -the museum was closed in December of that year.

As consolation, the committee was offered use of three buildings: one in Maffra, another -the old butter factoryinYarram, and ashed at West Sale Airport.

The latter optionwas chosen, partly due to the site’smilitary links -itserved as an Air Force Base during WW2, and today is utilised for training pilots stationed at East Sale.

The museum now occupies what was agymnasium, and remnants of its sporting past are evident throughout.

The former basketball court now houses the Army section of the Museum, while the Air Force and Navaldisplays occupy the old squash courts.

Contained within the multiplerooms of the Museum is afascinating array of items, including oldmilitary uniforms, an extensive model plane collection, an armoured vehicle, and an American flag onceflown on the USS Missouri -the ship upon which the Japanese InstrumentofSurrenderwas signed in 1945, bringing an end to WW2.

The public have been most keen to donate militarywares overthe years, resulting in a broad and sizeable assortment of items, to the point where volunteers are struggling to place things.

“Thecollection’sgrown… andit’s grownto astate nowwhere we’re becoming very select as to what we actually accept,” Mr Ester said.

“At one stage,people were dumping stuff here likeanopshop, so now we’re abit more selective as what we take, becausewe’re runningout of room.

“But if it’s something that’s really good and it’s related to the local area, we’ll accept it.”

Local history is certainly well-represented, with the Air Force room boasting anumberof items pertaining to RAAF Base East Sale.

Central to this curation is an historic overview of the RAAF Aerobatic Team, which has been stationed at the East Sale since 1962.

The display traces back to the squadron’s origins, the Red Sales, which then became the Telstars, before becoming the modern-day Roulettes everybody knowns today.

More Air Force history is found outside, where an Aermacchi MB-326- an aircraftflown by the Roulettes until 1989 -flanks the museum’s entrance.

All three volunteers on-duty at the time cited the “Macchi” as their favourite artefact in the collection.

For Mr Cotton, the best part of his role is meeting people, and showing them around the collection.

“You don’t get too many people that are… disinterested or don’t talk,” Mr Cotton said.

“Most people come and ask you questions, and we go around and mix with people, and we might start (saying) ‘Oh, did you see this or this?’ So you tell them the full story.”

Oftentimes, accordingtoMrCotton, he will leave attendees be after speaking to them about an item, only for them to beckon him back and explain the history of another item.

He believes that the museum has gone from strength to strength since relocating to West Sale, though it has faced challenges in recent years.

Foot-traffic is less than it was in town, volunteers are dwindling, and COVID put adent in their finances.

“But that hurt everybody, so you can’t really whinge about that,” Mr Ester said.

Theycontinue to see asteady streamofpeople through their doors, manyofthem local community groups or schools.

Arecent highlight for the museum was the inaugural Anzac Weekend Airshow, which saw

with the organisersfor alump sum, and everybody just came in or out whenever they wanted,” Mr Ester said.

“We had agroundplan where they come in (the main entrance) and disappear out the end door;thatlastedabout 15 minutes…itwas just mayhem!”

Some even made areturn visit in the weeks and months after, keen on viewing the collection again.

Another highlighthas been avisit from Woodside Primary School,whichsaw all 29 pupils getting atour of the building.

“It was brilliant! Ihad aballthat afternoon,” Mr Ester said of the school’s visit.

By means of appreciation for the volunteers’ efforts, students sent a‘thank you’ card, which now proudly sits in the museum’s front window Spendingeventhe shortest amount of time the museum’s volunteers, one gets the sensethat their recognition is richly deserved.

The passion for their work is evident, their knowledge palpable, and theirwarmth infectious.

Perhaps that’s why they share such acamaraderie-inspeaking to the Gippsland Times, the committee membersall freely bouncedoff each other, engaging in good-natured banter and more than keen to share alaugh.

On this evidence alone, it appears that the museum has many strong years ahead of it.

Mr Ester, for one, is keen on sticking around.

“It’s agood way to spend acouple of days a

TomParry

Museum committee member Lindsay Everardstands next to aflagonce flownon the USSMissouri. Ahistory of thelighthorsemen can be seen in thearmysection of the museum.

The naval displayfromabove.

Who is the patron saint of Ireland?

Which crooner and brat pack member partnered with comedian Jerry Lewis in morethan adozen movies?

Who am I? Clue: I’m an American animator,film producer and entrepreneur.I’m am apioneer of the American animation industry and introduced several developments in the production of cartoons.

Target Time No.0140

Howtoplay. Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or morecan you list? The centrelettermustbe included and each letter may be used only once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in ‘s’ Solution page 27

100years in the same hands

ZoeCurtis

SIXgenerations of one Gippsland family have enjoyed acentenary of Christmas, Easter and family celebrations at their Seaspray holiday house.

Longford grazier Harry (Bert) Andrew Senior purchased ‘Ocean View’ on February 24, 1923, and on Saturday January of this year, more than 60 family members and friends of the Andrew family gathered at ‘Ocean View’ to celebrate 100 yearsofmemories at the beachside holiday house.

BertAndrew Snr’s granddaughters and current owners of ‘Ocean View’, Wendy Skewes of Maffra and Noeline Andrew of Glen Iris, hosted the event.

The sisterssaidthey were thrilledtopay tribute to ahouse that has alwaysbeen much-loved by their great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and more recently by their own children and grandchildren.

“First and foremost this house has been about family,” Noeline said.

“And the times we have spent in this house has strengthened the valuesthe Andrew family lives by, which are friendship, community, sharing agenerous table and appreciatingthe local environment.”

“Even though we have never lived here, ‘Ocean View’ and Seaspray has always been our home.”

The guestofhonourfor the occasion was Lilydale’s96-year-old Thelma Cock, who is the onlysurviving childofBertSnr and hiswife, Alice.

Bert Snr and Alice had seven children -Doris, Ray, Albert (Bert Jnr), Keith, Anne, Thelma and George -the descendants of those siblings gather at ‘Ocean View’ each January for afamily reunion.

Thelma said herearliest memory of ‘Ocean View’ was travellingalongthe sandy track fromLongford to Seaspray in the family’s 1928 Dodge car -which had canvas panels and plasticwindows -when the house had just three rooms with afront and back porch.

“When we arrived,which was usually in the afternoon, one of the first things we did was to go and get some fresh bread from Hawkins Bakery,” Thelma said.

“Once we were here we alwaysenjoyed lots of fish breakfasts because dad and ‘Stumpy’ Cartledge next door alwaysloved to go fishing each morning.”

As ‘Ocean View’ didn’t then have abathroom, Thelma recalled her father’s strict rules.

“If we’d been swimming in the creek we had to have aswim in the salty ocean before we could come home,” Thelma said.

“We weren’t terribly happy with that rule because the creek was nice and warm, and the sea was icy cold, but Dad was hard and fast.”

Thelma said Seaspray’s early days were quite

similar to the present day, as many of the holiday houseswere ownedbyfamiliesfromSaleand surrounds, which strengthened the friendships between families, many of which remain today.

“For entertainment, each Tuesday night, there was aeuchre and dance night at the Hall, and on Thursday nights, therewas achildren’s dance,” Thelma said

“Before these functions, JackHawkins from the bakery and my brother George would go around town and ring abell and call out ‘roll up, tumble up, come to the dance tonight’. And for that, they got sixpence, which was quitealot in those days.”

Thelma recalls the polio epidemic in the 1930s.

During that time, we were here from just after Christmas until about April,” she said.

“There was part-time school up in the Hall each morning, and in the afternoons, we were free to go to thebeach. But Idon’t recall there being any polio cases from Seaspray.”

CherylLong (neeSheean) travelled to the‘Ocean View’ celebration from Melbourne and said she had many happy memoriesfrom when she holidayed at the house throughout her childhood and teenage years.

“My family was from Omeo and my parents knew the Andrews so we wouldset up ourcaravan in the front yard every January,” Cheryl said.

“I remember fishing every morning, competing in the annual (AustraliaDay)fishingcompetition, swimminginthe creek and all the mozzies. It was areal beach holiday.

“There were always people coming and going from ‘Ocean View’ and it’s been absolutely wonderfulto return after 50 years and relive those memories.”

Sale’s Anne Fleming attended the event in memoryofher father Bernie Lazzaro,who served in WWII and was alifelong friend of Wendy and Noeline’s father, Bert Andrew Jnr.

Mr Lazzaro also owned aholiday house in Seaspray -‘Malfa’,atthe corner of Bock and Bearup street- which also recently celebrated its own centenary of being owned by the same family.

“My dad and Bert (Jnr) spentalot of time fishing and mucking up around Seaspray together,” Anne said.

“There are so many connections between the familiesinSeaspray and an event like this to celebrate that is just fantastic.”

Sadly, Wendy and Noeline’s uncle, George Andrew of Sydney, who was along-term co-owner of ‘Ocean View’ died on December 17 and so, just missed out on this occasion by amatter of weeks.

“Uncle George and his family played asignificant part in our lives and in the history of ‘Ocean View’, and this occasion also gave us an opportunity to remember him,” Wendy said.

Morethan 60 members andfriends of the Andrew family gathered at ‘Ocean View’ at SeasprayonSaturdaytomark100 years of the holiday housebeing owned by thesamefamily

Ocean View as it stands today.

OceanView as it wasin1942.

Siblings Wendy Skewes andNoeline Andrew arethe current ownersofSeaspray’s ‘Ocean View’, which hasbeenowned by the Andrew family for100 years

96-year-old Thelma Cock travelled from Lilydale to attend the ‘Ocean View’ centenary. Thelmaisstanding beside the recently restored Andrewfamily table which belonged to Thelma’s grandparents Williamand Naomi Newnham of Longford. Photos:Zoe Curtis

Wendy Skewes,Noeline Andrew and ThelmaCock make atoast at the ‘Ocean View’ centenary

Sheron and Allan Sheean, Cheryl and John Long, Wendy Skewes and Noeline Andrew

Baga bargain at St Paul’s Book Fair

TomParry

BOOKWORMS and bargain hunters are encouraged to visitStPaul’sGiant Book Fair in January.

The fundraiser, which began last Wednesday, is looking to sell over 12,000 books, DVDs and CDs that have been donatedbythose in the community.

Event coordinator, Christine Morris OAM, says this year’s fair is the biggest yet in terms of both the quantity and quality of the books.

“Certainly in quality… there’s aheck of alot more newer ones,” Ms Morris said.

“You open them and think, ‘They haven’t evenbeen read, they haven’t creased aspine or anything!’”

This differs from years past,where “verywellloved” books have been donated to the fair.

The event has already proven popular, as members of the St Paul’s congregation, the community and tourists all having visited since Wednesday.

Ms Morris estimates over 300 purchases were made on the firstday alone, more money was raised in the first two days than normal within aweek.

Dean of St Paul’s,the Very Reverend Keren Terpstra, has been impressed with the turnout.

“I think it’s been phenomenal so far… on Wednesday, the first day, Icouldn’t believe just the numbers of people,” Dean Terpstra said.

“The funnything is, youlook… and go, ‘Yeah, but there’s still so many books…’

“And yet, yousee people walking out the door

with boxes full of books!

“I think that’s areally good thing to know that people are supporting us.”

The books are spread across 60 tables and are sorted intofiction and non-fiction, as well as by genre, author and age demographic.

Most books are for adult readers, with anumber of children’stitles available as well.

Local resident, teacher and self-confessed booklover, Mick Evers, is one of many to havevisited St Paul’s so far, praising the fundraiser for its large and “good assortment” of books.

Mr Evers, who attends the event annually, has already purchased “two big bags” of books.

He oftenattends the fairovermultipledays, allowingthe number of books on tables to dwindle

before they are restocked and rearranged by volunteers, as “there might be something different, or something Imissed the first time”.

Dean Terpstra noted that, “in aworldthat’s increasingly digital, books have the capacity to bring people together”.

“You pick up any one of these books, and it’s got ahistory,” Dean Terpstra said.

“It’sreally good to be apart of something that perpetuates that, and perpetuates the opportunity for us to actually hold the things in our hands…

“There’s nothing like holding abook in your hands to read.”

Dean Terpstra added that it was “really good” to facilitate what is effectively an event that allows for the “recycling” of books.

“I hopethat it continues to be an event on the Sale calendar”.

Ms Morris commented that shewouldneed“a long sleep” before consideringwhether the fair wouldcontinue as an annual event, noting the possibility of it becoming an two-yearly event.

Shealsoexpressedher gratitude to the “hardworking volunteers” who madethe eventpossible.

St Paul’s Giant Book Fair will be running in the Delbridge Hall, next to St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral on Cunninghame St, Sale until January 24.

Money raised at the fair will go towards asolar powersystem and general repairsfor the cathedral.

Purchases can be made with cash or card.

The fair is open 9am to 4pm Monday through Saturday, and 10.30am to 4pm on Sundays.

South Gippsland organisation selected to help community

AGROUP from South Gippsland is one of 10 organisations across Australia that has been selected to develop new and innovative ways to encourage their communities to be heart healthy through physical activity.

Anot-for-profit arts company based in Leongatha, ‘(it’sno) drama’, was one of this year’s winners with its community project, Everyone Can Dance.

Everyone Can Dance is an accessible program involving six months of community dance workshops in Leongatha,culminatingina relaxed community performanceatthe end of July.

The group is open to anyone in the community, especiallypeople with disabilities, and vulnerable and marginalised people of all ages.

Morethan halfofAustralia’s adult population and almost all Australian children are not meetingthe recommended guidelines for daily physical activity, placing those Australians at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease including heart attack and stroke.

To encourage more movement and help improve the heart health of these Australians, the Heart Foundation, with support from the Department of Health and Aged Care runs the annual Active

Australia Innovation Challenge in whichschools, universities and community organisations are encouraged to submit innovative new ideas to get more people moving more often.

This year was the fifth challenge run by the Heart Foundation, with more than 300 applications received from across Australia. This year’s winners came from all over the country.

Each winner receives $10,000 to make their project areality.

The artistic director and (it’s no) drama program manager, Samara Cunningham, said the Active Australia Innovation Challenge was highly

competitive and involved awritten application, as well as an online Zoom pitch in frontofa nationalpanel of judges, who would confirm their progression.

“Emily Ardley and Idid the pitch together, and wereextremelyproudtorepresent our company,” Ms Cunningham said.

“We hope the Everyone Can Danceproject will encourage people in our community to get involved in our free weeklymovementworkshops that encourage participantstoget moreactive and live ahealthier lifestyle.”

Mick Evers,Christine MorrisOAM and Reverend KerenTerpstra at St Paul’s Giant Book Fair

Photo: TomParry

Film buffs review the year in cinema

WITH 2022 done and dusted, our resident film buffs Stefan Bradley and Tom Parry reflect on the cinematic year that was.

TP: What an extraordinary 12 months it has beenfor movies, Stefan. 2022 was aparticularly strong year for cinema, especially considering we’restill coming out of apandemic. Whatdo you reckon?

SB: Yes, it has been agoodyear. Ithink SpiderMan: No Way Home wasthe film that started the pandemic recovery at the beginning of the year it’s technically amid-December2021release, but still made plenty of money over January and February, proving that cinemas were back. This continuedwith Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar: The Way of Water in particular. Those films reminded us of what we weremissing: Going into atheatre, sitting down, not looking at your phone or pressing pause, sitting in front of abig screen, and enjoying an event with friends.

TP: You’venailed it with the term ‘event’ Cinema is not just about seeing amovie -it’s an experience. The feelingyou getsittingina dark room, eagerly anticipating what’s about to appear on screen is afeeling you can’t replicate sitting at home on the couch. It’s something we discovered ourselves when revisiting the first Avatar for its theatrical re-release in September by watching it on DVD instead.

SB: Usually when Iwatch afilmathome it’s not abig deal that’s it on the small screen, but Avatar on DVD absolutely left me wanting for thetheatre. Ican’t imagine The Way of Water will feel the same on Disney Plus. Let’s discuss ourTop Five lists now, and it’sgoodtosee we’ve hadsome crossover. Ihave The Batman,which we saw in March, in my honourable mentions, whereas you have it as your top film of 2022.

TP: Indeed Ido. Ireally appreciated its gritty tone crossed with the gothic visuals; the score of Michael Giacchino, which was really powerful; and the mystery element in the screenplay. This might be sacrilegious to say, but Ienjoyed The Batman more than Idid The Dark Knight

SB: That’s abold statement. It’s ver but Idon’t love it as much as you do, because it’sjust hardfor me to be excited by anoth Batman movie.

TP: That’s fair -the character has received areboot three times in the past 20 Anyhow, Top Gun: Maverick is in both Top Fives. This film is the biggest surprise 2022 for me -Idid not anticipate it would as enjoyable, nor as heartfelt as it turned to be.It’s got captivating flying sequences, course, and agreat soundtrack, but Idom the cheese of the original Top Gun SB: Ithink it’s acredittothe produce for not only greenlighting abig-bud sequel to adecades-old blockbuster, but for utilisingreal-life military aircraft the flying sequences. If cinemas disappear you would probably have to say goodb to that kind of film-making, because most TV shows wouldn’t be able to afford it.

TP: Agreed. One movie we didn’t review was The Bob’s BurgersMovie.I’m an enormous fan of the television series, so seeing the characters on the big screen justhad me grinning from ear to ear. It had catchy musical numbers, bright and lively animation;the only downside is that the film lost its energy and momentumheading into the final act -it was building up to be this thrilling clima instead ended up feeling like abit of abummer.

SB: It did feel like four episodes stuck together, which has been acriticism of The Simpsons Movie and the South Park film, but Ithink those two did abetter job of justifying their own existence on the big screen. Iliked the movie alot, because Ienjoy the Bob’s Burgers TV show as well, but it does little to alter the course of the show.

TP: Anyhow, we’ve also got Jordan Peele’s Nope on both our lists. It is agenuinely terrifying movie -Inever expected Iwould be afraid of clouds!

SB: It’s definitely great, and another movie that hits differently in acinema. On another note, Igave Thor: Love and Thunder agood review when we watched it, and said it was almost as good as Thor: Ragnarok,but that’s not really true the more Ithink about it -it’s nowherenearasrewatchable as Ragnarok

Then there’s Halloween Ends,which was adisappointing end to alegacy horror franchise. My worstexperience at the cinema this year was probably watching The Invitation,but to be fair, compared to acertainblockbuster we’ll discuss in abit,ithad amuch smaller budget and at leasttried to do something different.

TP: It had acampy quality to it, but definitely not something Iwant to revisit any time soon.

SB: I’ll say it -most of it was boring, my pick for worst movie of the year Jurassic World: Dominion,atextbook cash-grab. And it worked -itmadeabillion dollars worldwide! It brought back the original cast from Jurassic Park and did absolutely nothing with them. You can do things with aheritage sequel: You can Dominion,oryou can make Maverick Ithink you’re being overly negativealot to appreciate about Dominion, now let’s agree to disagree. My least favourite from 2022 is Fantastic Beasts: The of Dumbledore.Thistakes afranchise had so much promise and just wrings out of it. Almost every element of the is underwhelming -itwas as if they running on auto-pilot.

You’ve summarised my thoughts on Dominion perfectly there. Here’s some interesting news - Avatar: The Way of Water has overtaken Maverick as the highest-grossing movie released in 2022.Obviously, you didn’t like The Way of Water,asyou made clear in our recent review, but at least it brought people back to the cinema.

TP: Youcould saythe same about Dominion SB: Well, yes. At the very least,people are willing to see these big-budget movies in theatres again, and that’s definitely agood thing.

Be sure to readnext Tuesday’s Gippsland Times when Stefan and Tom reveal what

StevenYeun in ‘Nope’,another favourite filmofour critics.

Image:Universal Pictures/Monkeypaw Productions

‘Avatar: The WayofWater’, nowthe top-grossing pictureof2022, divided our film buffs.

Image: 20th Century Studios

‘Top Gun: Maverick’ blitzedthe box-office and wasa favourite with our critics. Image: Paramount Pictures

Tomand Stefanboth enjoyed ‘The Bob’s Burgers Movie’, released theatrically in May.

Image: 20th Century Studios

Partnership opens the door to home ownership forthousands

VICTORIANS looking to buy a home have been encouraged to consider agovernment-backed scheme that has helped thousands of people by drastically reducing the up-front purchase costs.

The state government’s$1.6 billion Victorian Homebuyer Fund contributes up to 25 per cent of ahome’spurchase price, reduces the required deposit to just five per cent, and eliminates the need for buyers to pay costly premiums for lender’smortgage insurance.

The fund contribution means that on average buyers backed by the scheme pay a deposit of $35,000 on a$630,000 property, while the fund contributes more than $155,000.

The fund contribution on ahomevalued at the maximum $950,000 would be up to $237,500.

“The Homebuyer Fund means families, couples and single people who may have been priced out of the market can get afoot in thedoor quicker,backed by the state,” treasurer TimPallas said.

“This initiative makes areal difference, and combined with first-home buyer supports, it means more Victorians are realising their dreams of owning their own home.”

More than 2500 Victorian families and individuals have taken possession of the keys to their new home since the fund was launched in October 2021, including Carnegie resident VickiStegink.

Ms Stegink realised her goal of owning her own home when she settled on a $641,000 apartment, paying afive per cent deposit and receiving a25per cent Victorian

Homebuyer Fund equity contribution.

Because of the fund’scontribution, Ms Stegink did not pay lender’smortgage insurance, saving about $20,000, and as a first home buyer she also benefitted from a $24,000 stamp duty concession.

Separate to the Homebuyer Fund, the state government provides grants and stamp duty rebates and concessions for tens of thousands of first-home buyers each year In 2021, this support topped $1 billion.

More than half of the people who have purchased ahome through the fund are first-time home buyers.

The government recently boosted the homebuyer fund by $1.1 billion, creating the capacity to support 10,000 people.

Some 1200 Victoriansare looking for ahome with pre-approval from the fund, which means there are thousands of positions still available.

Participants in the schemecan buy back the government’sshare in the property over time.

Applicants can earn up to $128,000 individually or $204,000 as acouple, while the maximum purchase price is $950,000 in metropolitan Melbourne and Geelong, and $600,000 in other parts of regional Victoria.

To provide agreater levelofsupport to the Indigenous community,Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Victoriansonly require a3.5 per cent deposit, and are eligible for a35per cent shared equity contribution.

For more information about the fund, visit sro.vic.gov.au/homebuyer

Skills First funding expanded, applicants maystill be eligible

THE Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) has some exciting news for anyone considering acareerinreal estate or those wanting to further their career

Government funding, through Skills First, may now be available to you, slashing the cost of the study In the past, training in progressively higher qualifications has been a‘key eligibility criteria’ to access this funding, however,this no longer applies.

Upskilling will no longer be an eligibility requirement for Skills First funding.

This is great news, and the REIV applaud the government in making this move, as this allows many more

individuals to get their real estate qualifications at amuch lower out of pocket cost.

Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens can now access this funding even if they hold a higher educational qualification.

For example, agraduatewith a bachelor’sdegree can now access Skills First funding to complete the CPC41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice.

This is agreat opportunity for individuals who have ahigher qualification to access the Certificate IV or Diploma at a significantly reduced out of pocket cost.

Please email the REIV training team on training@reiv.com.au for more information.

AUSTRALIA begins 2023 with an annual inflation rate of 7.3 per cent, a30-year high, driving up energy costs, road tolls, passport fees, and other bills from January 1, but it’snot all bad news.

Cheaper medicines, aboost in welfare payments and savings on child care are among the host of changes in the new year

With 2022 bringing the worst cost-of-living crisis in ageneration and steep interest rate hikes squeezing millions of budgets, it was achallenging year for many Australian families, and unfortunately,2023brings little reprieve.

With inflation driving up the cost of living, what does that mean exactly for Wellington Shire families?

AGL gas customers in Victoria will see a price increase on standing offers beginning January 1, while customers on variable rate market contracts will see aprice increase beginning February 1.

Gas prices for Energy Australia residential and business consumers on astanding offer tariffwill see an average 28 per cent hike from January 1, while gas rates will climb by 22.1 per cent for residential Origin gas users and 24.3 per cent for small businesses.

Victorians will also pay extra for tolls this year,with a12cent rise for cars travelling the whole length of Melbourne’sCityLink taking effect on January 1, on top of increases for trips across Bolte Bridge, Tulla and CityLink daily passes.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’spassport fees have increased again, with a10-year passport for people 16 and over now $8 dearer,costing $325, and an extra $9 is added to the price tag for a five-year passport.

Emergency and replacement passports and priority processing fees have also increased by more than $10.

The cost of astamp, the basic postage rate, also increased from $1.10 to $1.20 on January 3.

Interest rates have risen for the eighth month in arow,pushing thousands of Australian homeowners to strain their household budgets to the breaking point, already stressed by sky-high living costs.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the Reserve Bank’srun of successive rate hikes in 2022 would takemonths to impact the Australian economy fully,estimating the full effectsin mid-2023.

“That’swhen the interest rate hikes are expected to hit the hardest,” Dr Chalmers said.

Thankfully Australia’sbest economic pundits have good news with Gareth Aird, Head of Australian Economics at CommBank, speculating just one more Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) rate hikein2023.

“Wethink we are near the end of the RBA’s tightening cycle,” he said.

“Expect one further rate hikeinQ1, 2023 that will takethe cash rate to 3.35 per cent,” Mr Aird said.

“From there, we have the RBA on hold as much slower growth in demand is expected to see inflation come down in 2023.”

The good news doesn’t end there.

Youth Allowance and Austudy Centrelink payments will be indexed, increasing by little more than six per cent as of January 2023.

That corresponds to an extra $19 per fortnight for Youth Allowance, between $32.40 and $41.40 for Austudy,and between $27.40 and $40.70 for individuals under 21 on Disability Support Pension.

Totally and Permanently Incapacitated

(TPI) Veterans will get an additional $1000 ayear,anincrease of $38.46 per fortnight, although Australian Council of Social Service CEO Cassandra Goldie said it’snot enough.

“Income support payments were woefully inadequate before the prices of food, rent, medicines, energy,and other essentials skyrocketed, and they will still be totally insufficient after indexation,” Ms Goldie said.

“There are more than three million people living in poverty in Australia, and this Christmas, one in five of us were struggling to afford food.

“The federalgovernment must takeaction to change this by lifting income support payments to at least $73 aday in the May budget.”

The maximum cost of medicine on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is $30, down from $42.50 as of January 1 however,subsidised mental health sessions will be cut in half from 20 to 10 sessions per year

The federaland state governments will hand out 180,000 fee-free TAFE,vocational education and training places in 2023 for study areas identified as a‘national priority’, including care, hospitality and tourism, construction, agriculture, sovereign capability,technology and digital.

As of this year,all Victorians are entitled to two years of free Kindergarten programs as part of the $9-billion Early Childhood Education and its Care reform program.

A15-hour per week program will be available to four-year-old children, and a five-to-15-hour program will be available to three-year-old children per week.

Zoe Askew

Protect animals from illnesses

HORSE and pigowners are urgedtoprotect their animals from mosquito-borneillnesses this summerafterrecentheavy rain andflooding.

Victoria’s chief veterinaryofficer, Dr Graeme Cooke, said bite prevention and mosquito control are the key to keeping animalsfree from mosquitoborne diseases including Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Ross River Fever, Murray Valley Encephalitis and West Nile Virus (Kunjin strain).

“It is reasonable to anticipatethat JE mayagain affect livestock in Victoria, however there have been no reported animal cases in Victoria since pig cases were seen last summer,” Dr Cooke said.

The most common signs of Japanese encephalitis in pigs are mummified and stillborn or weak piglets, some with neurological signs.

Very young piglets may exhibit signs of central nervous system disease, however, the majority of pigs appear unaffected.

Japanese encephalitis virus is not spread directly frompigs to people, and thereisnorisktohumans from eating pig meat.

Horses may show no signs of illness from arbovirus infections, but these diseases can present withfever, lossofappetite, jaundice, lethargy, neurological or musculoskeletal signs such as staggering,incoordination, weaknessand depression Hendravirus infection mustalwaysberuled out in cases of neurological disease in horses.

Hendra andWest Nile virus clinical disease can

Horse owners can protect their animals by rugging and hooding them to prevent bites and stabling them between dusk and dawn,asthe mosquito most likely to carry diseases of concern is anight-time feeder that stays outdoors.

Reducing mosquito breeding sites by removing stagnant water or fixing dripping or leaking taps and water troughs is critical in reducing the risks of arbovirus.

“Whereit’snot possible to fully eliminate breeding sites, people should treat them with an appropriately registered larvicide,” Dr Cooke said Animal owners suspecting JE, Hendra and West Nile virus clinical disease should notify their vet or the AgricultureVictoriaAnimalHealth and Welfare team, the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline (1800 675 888) or the Notify Now App.

People with increasedexposure to mosquitoes may be at ahigher risk of infection, particularly people working or living on or near pig farms.

Visit argiculture.vic.gov.au/JEfor information about the JE in pigs and horses.

For more information about Japanese Encephalitis virus and human health, phone your GP or NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024, or visit the Better Health Channel.

Mosquito bites areonthe risedue to recent heavy rain. Photo: File

havehumanhealthimplications, so it is important to report suspect cases and get an accurate diagnosis to ensure the appropriate response.

Have afield daywith smart farm power

RENEWABLE energy has made ahugedifference to the WilandraFarmsbusinessinClydebank, which is now moving towards being carbon neutral.

Wilco Droppert and Sandra Jefford were faced with energy bills greaterthan $120,000 ayear for their irrigation and dairyoperations before they had an energy audit done in 2018 to see what changescould be made

Theaudit report showed that there were many ways to improve energy efficiency. Steps included installing larger diameter irrigation water pipes, replacinginefficient pumps and changingnozzle sizes on pivots.

The couple also wanted to generate their own power, and engaged Steve Soutar from Alternate Energy Innovations (AEI) in Morwell to design a renewable energy action plan.

With funding from Agriculture Victoria, this plan has been implemented, and the farm has 200 kilowatts of solarpanels that provide power for most of their irrigation.

Other important features of the system are the dam, automationonall pivots and at bores and the dam pumps, and the energy management system that co-ordinates irrigation with availableenergy.

Whilethe cost of the upgrades has been significant, with more than $1 million invested,MsJefford expects to recoup those costs within seven years.

The renewable energy systemalone has made “a big difference” in terms of profitability, according to Ms Jefford, with irrigation energy bills lowered from about $80,000 to just $1200 last year.

Not only are the business’costs dramatically decreased, but their greenhouse gas emissions are also reduced, labour input for irrigation has dropped by about 15 hours aweek, and the farmers sleep better at night because most irrigation happens during the day.

Changes made in the dairy to date include replacingoil ring vacuum pumps with alobe pump, which requires about 55 per cent less power, and improved water flows through theplate cooler This getsmilk to the vat about two or three degrees cooler than previously.

The realisation that greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced, and carbon stored in the soil and vegetation, have led the business to look at how they can store more carbon than the farm emits, if animals’ methane emissions are reducedby dietary modification.

This complex topic will be covered in afield day planned for Thursday,February 2atThe Stables in Sale.Speakers will include Lachlan Monsbourgh from Rabobank,Charlie Prell for Farmers For Climate Action, Steve Soutar from AEI and Megan Hill from Dairy Australia.

During the afternoon, participants will have the chance to look at the renewable energy equipment andtalktoWilco and Sandraabout how the system works.

For bookings, go to www.ivvy.com.au/event/ wilandra2023

For other enquiries, call Deanne on 0419 878 055 or John on 0412 368 739.

Keep domestic birds safe from disease this summer

AGRICULTURE Victoria is urging bird owners to help prevent emergency animal diseases through the routine use of biosecurity measures at home, sales, bird shows and race events.

Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer,DrGraeme Cooke, said poultryfarmers,and bird andbackyard chook owners needed to be vigilant for disease in their birds, such as avian influenza.

“Signs of avian influenza include breathing difficulties such as coughing, sneezing, or rasping, while ruffled feathers, dopiness, diarrhoea and closed eyes can also be evident,” he said..

“Other signs include swelling and purple discolouration of the head, comb, wattles and neck, and a rapid drop in eating, drinkingand egg production.”

Dr Cooke said infected birds shed avian influenza in saliva, nasal secretions and faeces.

“Wild birds including waterfowl are anatural host for the virus and don’t usuallyshow any symptoms. Theyneed to be kept away from domestic birds, their food and water,” he said.

“Domestic poultry, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, quail, pheasants, emus and ostriches are most susceptible to being affected by avian influenza.”

Dr Cookesaidanon-farm biosecurity planwas the best management tool poultry farmers could use to reduce the risk of introducing infectious diseases.

“Other actions include maintaining ahigh level of hygiene,rodent control around poultry shedsand feed-bins, and avoidingcontact with non-commercial poultry and wild birds,” he said..

“New birds should be quarantined prior to being integrated into existing commercial or backyard flocks. Disease transmission should be minimised between poultry farms by cleaning vehicles, equipment and clothing after visiting another farm.”

Poultry farmers and bird owners with backyard flocksare urged to report cases of unexplained sudden increase in bird deaths or asudden drop in egg production to the 24-hour Emergency Animal

Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888, to your local vet or to Agriculture Victoria. Dr Cooke also remindedall livestock owners, including those with poultry, of the need to have aproperty identification code (PIC), which allows Agriculture Victoria to trace and control disease

outbreaks.

“Getting aPIC is free and easily done online via the Agriculture Victoria website,” Dr Cooke said.

Afull list of biosecuritymeasures for poultry producers is available on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Anumber of farms aremoving to becomecarbon neutral.

Photo: Contributed

Dealing with depression and anxiety

Zoe Askew

Content warning: This story discusses matters of mental ill-health.

DEPRESSION sucks. There’s no better way to put it. You might be in adark, cold and lonely place thinking, “I will never feel normal again.”

Or you might be completely apathetic, trudging through the motions of your daily life.

Or you feel great! The world is bright and wonderful; every morning, you’re awakened by wildlife creatures singing to you about how great you are, and rainbows fly out of your backside. Wherever you are on the scale, there are super simple practices you can implement into your everyday life to support apositive mindset.

These five simple yet effective steps might help you maximise your wellbeing, even if you’re abroke-a** university student.

1. Create asleep schedule, and stick to it

well-being but also for your physical health.

Creating asleep schedule and sticking to it as best you can will improve your overall health and support ahealthy, happy mind.

2. Drink…water

OUR bodies are 60 per cent water; 70 per cent of our world is water.

Water is everywhere and we need it, lots of it!

As kids, or even more recently, many of us would roll our eyes when people would harp on about water and how important it is, but seriously, water is very important!

It carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, aids digestion, flushes bacteria from the bladder, normalises blood pressure, prevents constipation (because who likes being constipated), and cushions joints.

One thing about drinking enough water that many people don’t realise is that it helps us maintain good mental health!

Studies conducted across the globe have shown those who drink the recommended amount of water aday (or very close to it) have alower risk of suffering from anxiety and depression.

We all know that not drinking enoughwater leads to dehydration, and there are some unpleasant side effects of that.

There are just as many effects of dehydration on our mental health as there are on our physical health –which makes afair bit of sense.

Dehydration depletes our brain’s energy and impedes serotonin production, acritical neurotransmitter that heavily affects your mood, and an undersupply of serotonin is acharacteristic of depression.

Dehydration also negatively impacts anumber of amino acids, resulting in feelings of sadness, inadequacy, anxiety, irritability and is also atrigger for panic attacks.

Now, drink up.

3. Forget the meatpiesand eata carrot

Depriving yourself of time to recharge, relax andrecuperate can leadtogeneral restlessness,insomnia, lower performance and productivity,difficulty concentrating, irritability,social withdrawal, andoverall feelings of dissatisfaction.

and productivity, difficulty concentrating, irritability, social withdrawal, and overall feelings of dissatisfaction.

In the long run, denying yourself time to recharge, relax and recuperate is detrimental to your mental health.

Iknowwhat you’re thinking, “I am too busy to take afive day trip to the coast.”

But here is the thing –taking abreak canbeassimple as standing up from the computer chair each hour and stretching for five minutes, or taking a10or20-minute walk on your lunch break.

You can put aside 30 minutes in the evening to practise meditation or mindfulness or run ahot bath and do some visualisation.

You can even set aside an hour before bed to read abook.

There are lots of options available that you can choose from to slot abreak into even the busiest of schedules.

5. Listen to Olivia and let’s get physical

FOR the sake of our mental health, we all need to listen to Australian icon Oliva Newton John and get physical.

While getting down and sweaty with it does amazing things for your physical health, there are also many benefits for our mental health.

IT’S no secret that sleep is fundamentally important for our bodies.

When we sleep the body repairs and re-energises itself and fights off disease, our brain processes memories and knowledge, and our minds recharge.

Without sleep, we simply can not function.

While it’s all fun and games staying up past 3am, hitting the town, enjoying abeverage and boogie, or binging that new Netflix show, insufficient sleep significantly impairs our body’s ability to function.

Most people can assume what the following day is like after a lack of sleep.

You feel irritable and lethargic, while you may also experience extreme hunger or feel nauseous.

Prolonged lack of sleep can lead to serious physical health issues ranging from heart disease to diabetes and increases the risk of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and other mental health issues.

On the other hand, oversleeping is just as detrimental to our health as sleep deprivation!

Excessively oversleeping can lead to sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety and physical health issues including cardiovascular disease, chronic pain and hypothyroidism. Sleep is important, not just for your mental health and

FOOD is our body’s fuel and what we put in our body is important. That lame old saying our parents and grandparents would persistently chant, “you are what you eat,” is pretty damn accurate.

There are so many physical benefits from maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet: strengthening bones, lowering the risk of heart disease and type two diabetes, supporting muscles and maintaining weight to aiding digestive function and boosting immunity.

As kids, the physical benefits of healthy eating are pounded into us, at school, at home, at sports, even on the TV.

However, many people are unaware of food’s significant rolein our mental health.

Healthy eating improves mood, helps us think clearly, improves concentration and our attention spanand helps us feel morealert throughout the day.

We get it; healthy eating is important.

Poor diet causes fatigue, impairs decision-making, decreases reaction time, depletes our mood, makes us more irritable, delays brain development, causes nutrient deficiencies, and impairs immune system function.

Not to mention, an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Avoid sugars and highly processed foods, as they cause inflammation throughout our entire body, including the brain, and can exacerbate mental ill health.

4. Have abreak,minus the Kit-Kat

WHETHER you’re pounding the keys on your laptop in the library, sweating bullets as an assignment deadline fast approaches or you’re copping an earful from your boss in the office as apile of paperwork grows taller than the Maffra 5G tower, there is one really easy thing you can do for your mental health.

Take abreak,minus the Kit-Kat; see point 3.

It might sound obvious, but take abreak.

Changing the scene and environmental pace is really good for our mental health.

Taking breaks periodically throughout the day significantly lowers stress levels as it allows our brains to recharge and refocus and can positively boost our overall mood.

Depriving yourself of time to recharge, relax and recuperate can lead to general restlessness, insomnia, lower performance

People who exercise regularly have better mental health, emotional well-being and lower rates of mental illness.

When we get moving, blood is pumped into our brain, which helps us think more clearly and increases connections between the nerve cells in the brain,but why?

When we exercise, abutt-load of the body’s famous “feel good” chemicals, endorphinsand serotonin, are released, evoking feelings of happiness and euphoria.

By increasing our heart rate, we can reverse stress-induced brain damage, no joke.

Exercise also helps our stress response.

Noradrenaline is released as aphysiological response when we experience fear and stress and when we exercise, noradrenaline levels are increased.

This means we are actually giving our bodies practice dealing with stress as it basically forces our physiological systems to communicate much more closely than usual.

Put aside 30 minutes aday to move your body, whether you go to the gym, do some yoga, or go for aleisurely stroll.

So, in summary, how do we easily reduce the risk or symptoms of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety and a bunch of other adverse health effects?

We create asleep schedule and stick to it, we drink plenty of water every day, we avoid sugar and processed foods and maintain ahealthy, well-balanced diet, we make time to take a break.

Last but not least, we listen to Olivia Newton John and get physical.

While getting down and sweaty with it doesamazingthings for your physical health, thereare also many benefits for our mental health.

Healthy eating improves mood, helpsusthink clearly,improves concentration and ourattention spanand helps us feel more alert throughoutthe day.

Studiesconductedacross the globe have shownthosewho drink the recommended amount of water aday (or very close to it) have alower risk of suffering from anxiety and depression.

Prolonged lack of sleep can leadtoserious physical health issues rangingfromheartdiseasetodiabetes andincreases the risk of depression, anxiety,suicidal ideation and other mental healthissues.

BULLS

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

IMPOUNDED

Wellington Shire Council has impounded two (2) goats from Mawleys Road, Cobains on Wednesday 4January 2023. If not claimed within 7days, the goats willbeoffered for sale via tender on 16 January2023.For enquiries, please contact impounding officer Kane Oliver on 1300 366 244.

PUPPIES

SALE

76 Inglis Street. 8am -2pm. Moving sale. Household items etc. No early starters please.

SALE

BIG GARAGE SALE

Saturday Jan 14. 7am -3pm 28 Helen Crescent Cnr of Cherrie Court, Sale Near Foodworks.

DELIVERY DRIVER/ NURSERY HAND

Hillywood Tree Nursery is aproduction wholesale plant nursery located in Briagolong.

We are looking for amotivated

If this position sounds like it would suit you, please contact Ed for more information on 0409 547 960, or send your resume to: ed@hillywoodtreenursery.com.au

Positions

Business Administration and Accounts Manager

Ashleigh House is committed to being an employer of choice. We do this by offering above award remuneration,flexible working arrangements, great professional development programs, employee support and opportunity to grow your career in Aged Care and Assisted Living.

If you are an empathetic, community minded person who is motivated to work with the elderly and vulnerable, then you may wish to consider a career with Ashleigh House.

The successful candidate will be areliable, passionate, hard-working person who works well in ateam environment.

The successful candidate will require aclear NDIS worker screening check and up to date COVID19 vaccinations prior to commencement.

Application via our website www.secvinc.com.au

The Maffra Gymnastics Club has the availability for aBusiness Administration and Accounts Manager to work with our team supporting overall management of our gymnastics club to start in Term 12023.

The position will be permanent part time 25hrs per week. Hours are flexible however aminimum of 2evenings per week during the school term will be required.

Duties will include managing HR and payroll, overseeing accounts payable/receivable preparing BAS and financial reports, cash flow management, and assisting with the daily workflow of the office administration to ensure efficiency and accuracy.

Please forward your resume along with acover letter to operations@maffragymnastics.org.au All applications are confidential and close on 11th January 2022.

0483 189 549

can be forwarded to Mrs Anita Little Email: alittle@sttsale.catholic.edu.au

Applications close, January 15th 2022 at 4.00pm.

2014 SUBARU

BLACKWOOD, Victor William "Vic" 27/6/1948 -5/1/2023

Aged 74years.

Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones.

Dearly loved and adored husband of Maree.

My darling, You suffered so long and told so few, it doesn't seem fair what you went through.

Tired and weary you made no fuss, you tried so hard to stay with us. Thank you for alifetime of memories.

Iwill miss you so very much.

Love you Maree xx

So hard saying goodbye to this amazing man.

Dadeo passed away peacefully after along battle with illness, Fighting so hard to stay with us, You were my inspiration and hero.

Dadeo, Ilearnt so much from you Just know that Iwill always be there for Mum Love Chriso xxx

Rest in Peace Vic. We admired your courage as you fought abrave battle until the end. May you now rest peacefully.

Our thoughts to Maree and all Vic's family and friends during this sad time.

The Jones family (Matt, Meg, Daisy, and Jasper).

With tears we saw you suffer, We watched you fade away, You fought so hard to stay with us.

You will be sadly missed, but not forgotten Rest easy Vic Rhonda and Steven Brad and Kellinde Marc and Julia and families.

Vic, fond memories of the last 20 years. We admired your strength and determination to endure the last 15 years to stay with Maree, whom you loved so much. You will be missed.

Love Berny, Phil, Peter, Wayne, Leigh, Dish and Mark and families

Vic (Poppa), You will be greatly missed but your warmth, kindness and gentle spirit will be remembered forever.

With our love and deepest sympathy.

Love Tom (son-in-law), Kim and your loving grandchildren Molly, Chloe, Jack, and Emma xxxx

LANGLEY, Betty Joan (Bette) at Wilson Lodge Sale on Jan. 3, 2023 aged 92 Years.

Loving wife of Noel (dec.) for 75 years.

Loved mother of Graeme (dec.) and Kay.

Mother-in-law of Mal, grandmother of Queylyn, Rowan, Erik. Great grandmother to nine.

Reunited with Noel and Graeme.

Along life well lived

NASH, Paul Raymond. 4/7/1937 -8/1/2023.

Beloved husband of Joy for 62 years.

Father of Robyn Gras, Raymond,Neil,Julie McInnes, and Morris.

Grandpa of 18, and Great Grandpa of 2. Amuch loved gentleman.

ROWTHORN, Dorothy Winifred "Dot" 26/12/1921 -4/1/2023

Passed away peacefully at Ashleigh House.

Aged 101.

Dearly loved mother of Bill and Ann.

Loved mother-in-law to Fiona and Bruce.

Admired Grandmother of Mandy, Melody, Cindy, Tracey, Mitchell, Megan, and Nicky.

Great Grandmother to Sophie, Lachie, Jack, Lily, Harry, Sebastian, and Alfred.

My darling Mum, How do Iput into words how much Iloved you? I was blessed to have you in my life for so long. You embraced life right to the end and Ilearned so much from you. You were strong, courageous and did everything with gusto.

Your days were filled with love for which Iwill always be grateful.

Keep on dancing, my beautiful girl. Love Ann and Bruce.

When Icome to the end of the day and the sun has set for me Iwant no rites in a gloom-filled room Why cry for asoul set free?

Miss me alittle, but not too long and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love we once shared Miss me but let me go.

Nan -Thank you for filling our lives with such happy memories, right up until the end. Thank you for taking care of us every day after school and duringthe school holidays. You showed us the magic of Elvis and Shirley Temple. You made us laugh, all the time. We will miss you.

Mandy, Melody, and Cindy.

To the dedicated staff at Ashleigh House.

We want to thank you for taking such wonderful care of our Mum, Dotty.

The love you showed her, especially during her last days, was beyond measure. We will always be grateful to you for helping make adifficult time easier with your devotion, understanding and kindness.

She loved you all. Ann and Bill.

Acelebration of life for Dot Rowthorn will be held on SATURDAY (January 14, 2023) in The Drawing Room at The Criterion Hotel, Sale at 2pm.

SMOLENAARS, John Gerard.

Passed away at Sale

Hospital on 31/12/2022.

VASSILIOU, Andreas Aresti

at Sale on Jan. 2, 2023 aged 81 Years.

Loved husband of Virginia, loving father of Theresa, Catherine and Aresti, father-in-law of David and Wayne, grandfather of Xavier, Zac hary ,L ach lan , Dominic, Matilde and Oliver.

We knew the time was coming, and soon we would have to part. You fought so hard, you gave it all, you came up fighting after every fall.

Ahappy smile always on your face, aspecial dad we can't replace. Always cheerful, aheart of gold, memories of you will always hold.

Rest in peace 'Bapou'. We love you so much and will treasure the time and memories we had together.

WALKER, Charles Roger (Chuck) 25/6/1933 -5/1/2023 Passed away peacefully at Ashleigh House, Sale. Dearly beloved husband of Jude.

Loved father and fatherin-law of Brian and Joanne, Bernie and Sabine, Brad, Ben and Denise, Blaine and Heather and Boyd.

Loved grandfather and great grandfather of Kelly and Matt, Lucas and Zac; Jon and Megan; Jenny and Andy, Cael, Gabe and Everleigh; Dawn and Luke; Tyler, Andrea, and Geneva.

Loved brother of Earl, Fern and Harold (all dec.).

In God's Care

WILCOX, Lindy. Rick, Daniel and Wilcox families. Sending you all strength during this extremely difficult time. We are all thinking of you. Graeme, Scott, Greg and David Dyer and families.

To Rick and family Wherever abeautiful soul has been, there is atrail of beautiful memories. Thinking of you all during this difficult time and know we are all here for you. Love from all of us at head office xxx

Our thoughts and sympathy go out to Ricki, Daniel and extended families at this tragic time. Softly within the shadows, There came agentle call, With farewells left unspoken, You quietly left us all. From all Management, Operations and Drivers at Dyers Distribution Gippsland.

Our Lindy Words cannot express feelings right now. We have alifetime of memories shared with you, Rick and the kids. Shooting and camping and talking on the phone are just some things which won't happen anymore. We struggle to understand why you have gone, But we'll share our memories forever more. We'll forever hold you close in our hearts. You are our best friend and friends will never part. Always loving you and miss you even longer. The Wains Tony, Tash, Jordan, Kaleb and Cody.

WILCOX, Lindy. Such acaring, fun-loving soul taken far too soon. We will remember and cherish all the fun "Cafe Latt" times we had. RIP Lindy Lou Condolences to Rick, Daniel and family. Narelle and Mark and family, Lauren and Grant and family, and Colin McQuillen.

WILKINSON (KING), Carolyn Euphemia Jean (Caro). 12/4/1942 -3/1/2023 Loved daughter of Joseph (King) and Mary (Obrien), dearest sister to Denise (Mulcahy), special auntie to Monique (Day), Anthony and Yvonne. Cherished memories of a unique beautiful soul. So loved by us all.

DELANEY.

The funeral service for Mr John Bernard Delaney will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street, Sale at 1pm on THURSDAY (January 12, 2023), followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

VASSILIOU. The funeral of Mr Andreas Aresti Vassiliou will leave St Paul's Cathedral, 147 Cunninghame Street, Sale, after aservice commencing at 11am on WEDNESDAY (January 11, 2023) for the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

HURLEY.

The funeral service for Mr John Daniel Hurley of Dargo, will be held at the Dargo Public Hall FRIDAY WEEK (January 20, 2023) commencing at 2pm, followed by burial at the Dargo Cemetery.

LANGLEY. Aprivate funeral service for Mrs Betty Joan Langley WAS HELD on FRIDAY (January 6, 2023).

WALKER.

The funeral service and committal for cremation for Mr. Charles Roger (Chuck) Walker will be held at Our Chapel, 5Queen Street, Maffra on FRIDAY (January 13, 2023) commencing at 11am.

Please visit our website for the Livestream of Chuck's service.

BLACK, Elisabeth Jane.

"Jane"

19/2/1957 -5/1/2023

Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.

Much loved wife of Alistair.

Proud mother and mother-in-law of James and Jane, Tim and Sally, Hamish and Sophie.

Loving grandmother of Sarah, Harry, Jack, Xav, Lachy, Mitch, Augie and Ziggy.

Her courage, strength and determination have been an inspiration to us all.

Always loved and forever in our hearts.

Always loved achat with Vic.

Now at rest after along and courageous battle Thoughts are with Maree and family.

Donna (dec.) and Bill.

DELANEY, John Bernard. 1/9/1931 -1/1/2023

Loving brother of Dorothy (June) (dec.), Wanda, Michael (dec.), Mary (dec.), Kathleen (dec.), and Nancy.

Rest in Peace Always Remembered

Much loved and respected brother and brother-in-law of Theo and Sandra.

Uncle of Daniel, Elizabeth, Frances, Susan, Chris and their partners, and their children.

SMOLENAARS, John.

On behalf of the Bertacchini family we wish to extend our sincere condolencestothe Smolenaars Family on the passing of John.

We always regarded John as ahard worker and a hard player. R.I.P. John. Paul Bertacchini.

WILCOX, Lindy. Passed away suddenly. Lindy had aheart of gold. Abeautiful friend and work colleague. Going to miss you Lindy. Sleep peacefully. Our condolences to Rick, Daniel and family. Maryanne and Graeme.

The

LIPMAN (nee O'Callaghan).

Funeral prayers for Mrs Ellen Rosemary "Mary" Lipman will be offered at St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Pearson Street Sale at 1pm on FRIDAY (January 13, 2023), followed by burial at the Rosedale Cemetery.

Please see our website for livestream details.

WARFORD.

The funeral service for Mr Clive Charles "Charlie" Warford will be held at Holy TrinityAnglican Church, McFarlane Street, Stratford at 1pm TOMORROW (Wednesday January11, 2023), followed by burial at the Stratford Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukaemia

Please see our website for Livestream details.

NASH. For funeral arrangements for Mr Paul Raymond Nash, please visit our website or contact:-

WILCOX. For funeral arrangements for Mrs Lindy Wilcox please visit our website or contact:-

BLACKWOOD.

funeral service for Mr Victor William "Vic" Blackwood will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street, Sale at 10am on FRIDAY (January 13, 2023), followed by aprivate cremation.

Foundation.

BLACK. The funeral service for Mrs Elisabeth "Jane" Black will be held at St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral, Cunninghame Street, Sale at 1pm on SATURDAY (January 14, 2023.)

Please see our website for livestream details.

Funeral Directors

Deaths

Wilcox, Lindy. With the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Lindy Wilcox. 29/10/19753/01/2023

Beloved mother of Daniel, Ricki, Big Jess, Little Jess and Chermaine. Nanno to Jacko, Maddison and Leighton. The entire world of Ricki Wilcox.

Bundy and Maffraall tied up

Maffra vBundalaguah

NOTHING could separate the teams at Cameron Sporting Complex,somuch so thattheir battle resultedinatie -arare result for any cricket match.

Bundalaguah elected to bat first and got off to a flyer, making 29 runs in the first six overs.

Maffra made abreakthrough in the very next over, with Bull’s captain Jason Langshaw caught for 17.

More wickets fell five overs later,with Steve Spoljaric, Kshitiz Sharmaand Nick French all lost in quick succession -the latter run out for a golden duck (not adiamond, as he did face aball according to MyCricket).

Then, just before the drinks break, the Bullslost their danger man, Lachlan Wrigglesworth, who went out leg before to Ben Durrant on 27.

Although James Read and Chris Smart provided some resistance, no other batter couldreplicate the performance of Wrigglesworth, with Bundy losing alltheir wickets by the 34th over for 103.

Josh Davis, making justhis third appearance for Maffra this season, took 3/13 off seven overs.

The Eagles’ start was not as strong as Bundy’s, with the opening Bens -Sly and Harrington -making six runs before the former was bowled in the third over.

Harrington made astand with coach Lee Hopkins over the next four overs, which transpired as the most fruitful partnership of Maffra’s innings. Sadly, the pair made just 24 runs before Harrington was caught for eight.

At the halfway point, Maffra was 5/54.

Thingsbegan to look up for the Eaglesinthe 22nd over, when Davis and Miller Eastham added 11 runs off the bowling of GayashanMunasinghe, only for both men to lose their wicketsimmediately after.

The tail-enders, led by Dylan Freitag,hungon to be within nine runs of victory by the 35th over, despite havingjustone wicket in hand

Maffra wasstill in contentionbythe final over, havingwhittled the deficit down to just one run Youngster Hamish Anderson was given the unenviable task of defendingBundy’s razor-thin margin.

His first ball was adot to Freitag, his second also adot.

On his third delivery, Freitag managed asingle. Scores were now dead-even,and Hennig only had to make one run to secure the win for Maffra. Easier said than done- Anderson’s fourth ball was adot, as was his fifth.

On the final ball, in alast-gasp effort to clinch thegame, the batsmen tried for asingle, only for Freitag to be run out by athrowfromSpoljaric in the field.

It just had to be Spoljaric who had the final say. Thus, atied game was declared.

Some would argue that the Bulls’ wayward bowling is what cost them the win -they conceded 16 wides across the innings

Hayden Wrigglesworth was Bundy’s best with 4/16 off eight overs, followed by Sharma with 3/18.

One benefit of the result is that both teams earned ashare of points,receiving three each.

On the downside, their chances of clawing back into the top four are diminishing, with Bundy and Maffrasitting13points and 15 points, respectively, behind fourth-placed Rosedale-Kilmany.

Boisdale-BriagvLongford

AWOODEN spoon is no longer acertainty for the Saints, who recorded their first win of the season at Briagolong Recreation Reserve.

Fittingly, their success came against Longford, the very same sidethat relegated themtothe bottom of the ladder back in Round 5.

The home side opted to bat first and had arocky start, losing their openerswithin thefirst three overs and Toby Leeds in the fourth.

Proceedingssmoothed thanks to Dylan Bolton and LiamHurst,who combined for 53 runs in their fourth wicket stand.

Bothmen were lost before the innings break, leaving the score 5/66.

Thankfully, another solid partnership was formed between Michael Roberts and Stephen Noble, the pair adding 39 runs to the Saints’ total.

Then came another stand, this one seeing Noble paired with Jonathon Outhart for 45 runs during the eighth wicket.

Boisdale-Briagolong saw throughthe full 40 overs with atotal of 154.

Noble finished the inningsunbeaten on 54, becoming just the second Saint to make ahalf-century this season.

Rupinder Sidhu was Longford’s chief wickettaker, but also their costliest, conceding 43 runs across his eight overs.

Opener Andrew Tyson led the chase for the Lizards, but without much help from his batting partners -all were lost forsinglefigures within 12 overs, resulting in aprecarious score of 5/35.

Tyson eventually found an equal in his captain, Lachlan Floyd, together amassing 47 runs within 14 overs.

Their collaboration ended when Tyson was caught for 48; by that point, Longford was still 72 runs short of their target.

The captain’spresence at the crease endured for the remainder of the innings, but not so his team-mates, who all fellcheaply to seethe Lizards all out for 128 in the 39th over.

Floyd was left stranded on 42, with Sidhu being theonlyother player to reach double-figures; 10 runs, made in 14 balls late in the innings.

The result seesBoisdale-Briagolong jump to seventh on the ladder, courtesy of asuperior percentage.

On asidenote, this game had the tidiest bowling of any first grade contest, with just 11 extras conceded across two innings and zero no balls from either side.

DPadula bReid 19

GWolmarans cA Diamond bHangan 2

NMassey. c&b Hangan 9 BJones cCFreshwater bLove. 20

CAurisch

Extras

0, w11, b0,lb3)14

Overs. 38.2

Total. 135

Collegians bowling:N Hurley8-0-0-25, NWhitford3.2-0-3-22, SAnderson 8-3-5-10, TMorrison 7-2-1-19,CMorrison 3-0-0-20, JDurnell 4-0-0-18, ZHurley5-0-1-18

Collegians innings

SAnderson not out 32

ZHurley. cAlbrecht bChanning 11

CMorrison bPendergast 8

TMorrison bJ Tatterson 14

NHurley. lbw bRietschel 4

JMalone bJ Tatterson 0

NWhitford. lbw bPendergast 19

ABurgiel bRietschel 14

TDessent lbw bPendergast 1

HAnderson lbw bPendergast 5

ZRussell bAlbrecht 9

Extras (nb 2, w10, b0,lb4)16 Overs. 39 Total. 134

Stratford bowling: SPendergast 8-1-4-33, LChanning 4-01-19,J Tatterson 8-2-2-21, JRietschel 8-1-2-18,E Albrecht 8-1-1-20,S Anstee3-0-0-19

ROSEDALE-KILMANY DEF SALE

Sale innings

CNel bHangan 3 HGlover. cCFreshwater bRowley. 0

MRaidal cRDiamond bLove. 0 MO’Brien cWaltersb Reid 5 MJackson bScott. 1 RSudan bScott. 11 TDobson not out 0 Extras (nb 0, w13, b0,lb2)15 Overs. 33 Total. 85

Rosedale-Kilmany bowling: NHangan 8-3-3-16,D Rowley 6-3-1-12, BScott 8-2-2-20, ILove6-1-2-9, BReid4-0-2-20, J Diamond 1-0-0-6

Rosedale-Kilmanyinnings

MWalters. cJones bNel 19

LFreshwater cMasseyb Wolmarans 12 ADiamond st Masseyb Jones 8 RDiamond cJackson bJones 4 JDiamond not out 6

BScottlbw bJones 0 CFreshwater lbw bNel 11 ILove. not out. 14 Extras (nb 1, w11, bo,lb2)14 Overs. 25.3 Total. 6/88

Sale bowling:G Wolmarans5-2-1-15, HGlover3-0-0-13,M Raidal 3-0-0-6, CNel 6.3-2-2-20, BJones 8-0-3-31

MAFFRATIED BUNDALAGUAH

Bundalaguahinnings

LWrigglesworth..lbw bDurrant 27 JLangshaw. cSly bFreitag 17 SSpoljaric cHopkins bKelly. 10 KSharma. c&b Kelly. 2 NFrench runout (Pendrick) 0 JRead bDavis 12 CSmart. c&b Hennig 11 HWrigglesworthb Henning 3 GMunasinghe c&b Davis 9 JDimarco bDavis 1 STudor not out 0 Extras (nb 1, w7,b3,lb0)11

Overs. 33.2 Total. 103

Maffra bowling: DFreitag 5-1-1-17, JPendrick2-0-0-17, B Durrant 8-3-1-13,J Kelly5-1-2-21, CHennig 7-0-2-19, JDavis 6.2-1-3-13

Maffra innings

BSly bMunasinghe 6 BHarrington. cDimarco bMunasinghe 8 LHopkins cRead bH Wrigglesworth. 14 NHibbins bH Wrigglesworth. 7 JDavis lbw bSharma 3 NWozniak bH Wrigglesworth. 0 MEastham bSharma. 3 DFreitag runout (Spojaric) 19 BDurrant cL WrigglesworthbH Wrigglesworth 7 JPenrick. bSharma 0 CHennig not out 2 Extras (nb 1, w16, b0,lb7)24 Overs. 40 Total. 103(cc)

Bundalaguah bowling:GMunasinghe 8-1-2-30,H Anderson 6-1-0-16,H Wrigglesworth 8-2-4-16,SSpoljaric 8-4-0-11, K Sharma8-0-3-18, LWrigglesworth 2-0-0-5

BOISDALE-BRIAGOLONG DEF LONGFORD

Boisdale-Briagolong innings

TLangshaw. cSuttonbSidhu 4

NPang bPrice 1 DBolton. cMcMaster bFloyd 26 TLeeds cFloyd bSidhu 7 LHurst. cPrice bTaylor. 26 MRoberts c&b Sidhu 12 SNoble not out 54 RMarshall c&b Sidhu 2 JOuthart. cPrice bTyson 15 MLobley. lbw bTyson 0 Extras (nb 0, w4,b 1, lb 2) 7 Overs. 40 Total. 9/154(cc)

Longfordbowling: JPrice 7-1-1-27,R Sidhu 8-0-4-43,J Wynd 8-1-0-23,A Tyson8-0-2-36,LFloyd 5-1-1-12,J Taylor 4-0-1-10

Longfordinnings

ATyson cRoberts bMay 48 JHeywood lbw bMarshall 0

GMcGrath 2/35)def Rosedale-Kilmany 107(MWright 46,B Rowley 4/19, CFrancis 3/14); Collegians 6/192(cc)(NAnderson 96, GWells 52*,KRandle 4/22) def Boisdale-Briagolong 181 (C Comben 64, EHug 3/44); Heyfield 126(JKeane 26,T Pritchett 26)def Wurruk 56 (R Smith3/6); Stratford 6/177(cc) (S Williams 65, MPendergast 43*) def Nambrok 9/164(cc) (A Robinson 40, LAdams34);Sale83(PPadula28, PLove 3/7, AVogt3/9) def Longford80(PLove31, CFry 3/13,R Donohue 3/15); Bundalaguah Bye.

FourthGrade: Maffra 191(RWhelan 50*, MShaw3/20, BFoster 3/25) defStratford7/173 (B Manson 53*, MCordias 5/29); Heyfield 7/179(cc)(RWinter50*, TAshley50*,A Begbue 3/54)def BundalaguahBulls 119(RWinter 3/6, T Sunderman 3/43); Collegians 186(CMcGregor 53*, XHurley 50*, CLenehan3/36)def Bundalaguah Yaks 9/121(cc)(G Abrahall 27,R Sutton 3/23); Sale White3/72(TReid44, D Westland2/18) def Wurruk Toads70(LLyndon2/2,T Reid 2/23, MBerns 2/28); Rosedale-Kilmanyv Wurruk Windies result unknown; Longford Bye. Under16and Under 14 matches

Maffra captain Josh Davis hada200th match he is unlikely to forget,asthe Eagles tied their game against Bundalaguha.

Photo: Contributed

Sale runners get within a stone’s throw

TomHayes

STONY Creek Racing Club was back in action, starting the New Year with an eight-race card for the Pink Roses Day meet.

The track wasgraded aGood 4atthe beginning of the day, but was upgraded to aGood 3prior to the opening race.

Ten local horses were spread out across six of the eight races, although none were winners, a few came close.

The Race 1Action Pumps &Irrigation Maiden Plate over 2100 metres, was taken out by Nightsun for Robbie Griffiths and Mathew de Kock.

Sale’s Troy and John Kilgower raced Redskin Jimmy, afive-year-oldgelding now with 23 starts. Despite another placing, he is still withoutawin Redskin Jimmy had the best jump of them all andled the packontheir first triparound the main straight.

In avaliant effort, Redskin Jimmy led practically from start to finish, but was run over the top of in the final 100m, by Nightsun, who came from fifth to take the first victory of his career.

Surely amaiden win is just around the corner for Redskin Jimmy, who has presented good form as of late -five top-four finishes in the last five starts.

Race 2’s Pink Roses Maiden Plate (1000m) had no local runners, and was expertly won by Rock Melody for Pakenham’s Ricardo Meunier.

In just the four-year-old mare’s seventh start of her career, Rock Melody now has atickin the win column, now five placings from those seven starts.

Priced at $18 prior to the race, Rock Melody led the sprint from start to finish, holding off a fast finishing short-pricedfavourite -Star Magic to the line.

Trailer Park Girl ran for Sale’s Angela Bence in the Race 3Ladbrokes Market Control F&M Maiden Plate (1100m).

Unfortunately for Bence, Trailer Park Girl had ashocking run, finishing last of the ninestarters.

The race waseventuallywon by OreoTwist by around half alength, for Mornington’s Matt Laurie.

Oreo Twist ran off-pace for much of the race, before coming alive to pinch the lead at the final hurdle to claim her first win from three starts.

The Race 4South Gippsland Sentinel Times Maiden Plate (1600m) was comfortably won by Makbeel for Dean Krongold.

Abrilliant run from Makbeel saw him clean up the field at the 600m.

He stretched out to afive-length lead, for the first victory of his short career.

Redoubt Road for Sale’s Adam Hanley ran last for majorityofthe race, until the 600m,when she fortunately climbed the order to finish fifth.

The favourite -Miss Vaughn -was trapped as horses fell in her lap as they rounded the final corner, before finishing sixth.

Race 5s Meeniyan Hotel BM58 Handicap (2100m) was ran in similar fashion to race six, with Sarnia for Reece Goodwin,winning by close to four lengths.

There were three local runners in the fifth race, one of which earnt aplace-finish.

Sarnia miraculously led the entire race, although close with Dodgy One at the final turn, she blasted out to athree-and-a-half length lead.

The Bounty for Sale’s ColinButcher had a consistent race, keeping up with the pace-makers. He was beaten to athird-place finish by another local-Sassoon, for Sale’s Rebecca Kelly.

The veteran Sassoon finishedstronglytopinch third from The Bounty by anose.

Redgum Rosie for the Kilgower’s of Sale had a great start, seeing she was priced at $51.

She gassed out toward the 600m,falling into the clutchesofthe midfield, beforefinishing seventh.

The Race 6Meeniyan IGA PlusLiquor 0-64 Handicap BM58(1100m) was the finalrace of themeet with no local talent.

Just like the two previous races, it was another one-horse race.

Bifrost for Emma-Leeand David Browne cleaned up by three-and-a-half lengths.

Bifrost sat comfortably in the midfield for the sprint, before making achargearound the bend and taking the lead inside the 200m.

He claimed his third win from 13 starts, and his first since May, 2022 at Hillside.

Race 7s FishCreek Hotel BM58 Handicap (1000m), was won by Mir for Nick Ryan, close behind in second was Delivery Man for Kelly of Sale.

The favourite, Mir, had aslowstart,but made ground in the sprint, beforekickingaheadofthe leadersonthe straight.

Paying $26 before the race, Delivery Man did well to hold onto second, edging the likes of Bazinga Bazinga and Pretty Panda.

With just one race remaining, still three local horses were due to run in the Race 8Brandt Leongatha BM58 Handicap (1700m).

It was an unfortunate ending however, as none were able to make good progress in the pack.

Jakk’s Fortune for Sale’s Hanley ran at the rear of the midfield for most of the race, before falling further to second-last.

The Kilgower’s Manhattan Sting treaded steadily for the entire race, stayingwithin the midfield, completing the 1700m in sixth, over seven lengths from the leader.

The best of the locals in race eight was Little Brother for Darryl Blackshaw of Moe.

Little Brother made alatechargeinthe final race, coming from ninthatthe 400m mark, to runintofourthbythe line, pipping fifth-place Cleitus by anose.

But the race was comfortably won by four-yearold mare Tiara Jewel, who led at the important stages,including the finish by over two-and-a-half lengths.

In hershort14-racecareer, it is justher second victoryand fourth placing, as she hopes to regain form once again.

Scoreboard

Sale Golf Club

Saturday, January 7-Stroke; AGrade: SWilliams 61 runner-up: IDoggett 63. BGrade: MKrusik 63, runner-up: JBall 64. DTL: FJohns 64,JAitkin 64, FSimmonds 64, A Taylor 64, KWhite 65, CRintoul 65, GMoulton 65. NTP: 6th AGaskill, 11th FSimmonds, 14th NWageland. Women’s competition: KCashman 44, runner-up: JO’Neill.

Sale Bridge Club

Wednesday, January 4: 1CVaLier&VBraham, 2R Ziffer &FSunderman 3DBennett &CJenkins

Thursday, January 5: 1R& MZiffer,2C Jenkins& W Smits 3LBjorksten &ADeWitt

Mir riddenbyTom Prebble wins Race 7atStony Creek, in secondisDeliveryMan for Sale’s Rebecca Kelly.

Photos: ScottBarbour/Racing Photos

Nightsun ridden by Carleen Hefel wins Race 1atStony Creek. Redskin Jimmy (blue and red) for Sale’s Troy and John Kilgower came homeinsecond.

Evergreen terrace

HISTORY will be made this weekend in Yarram, with Yarram DistrictCricket Club set to play their first match on turf at the Yarram Recreation Reserve.

The Pelicans are scheduled to face Imperials in Round14ofthe Traralgon District Cricket Association

When Yarram District first came into the TDCA afterthe Alberton Cricket Association disbanded, thePelicansAGrade teamhad to play all away matchesdue to not having aturf wicket.

It is TDCA policy that AGrade matchesare not to be played on synthetic wickets, and allowances were not going to be granted due to the TDCA not wanting Yarram District to become complacent, and instead be motivated to install aturfwicket.

Alack of motivationhas never beenanissue for thenew club, and in only three years they have managed to install amassive 6.5wicket bench as well as full irrigation.

This is not the first time Yarramhas had a turf wicket, with the local schoolinstalling one many years ago.

Yarram is now able to host AGrade matchesas well as finals and even Gippsland Cricket League fixtures, which is amassive boostfor the TDCA and for the township as well.

The first ball on the new turf will be bowled at 12 noon on Saturday.

Those in the Pelicans BGrade will not have to wait long to play on the grass,asthey are rostered on this Sunday.

Unbelievably close one-daygames in SMCA

TomParry

LOCAL cricket reached acrescendo on Saturday, with aseries of nail-biting encounters in the SaleMaffra Cricket Association.

While Round 9was anticipated to be the most evenly-matched week of the First Grade competition, two of the games were closer than anybody, including this reporter, could have predicted.

Even conditions found the appropriate balancewarm, dry air favoured the batsmen, whereas the green-tinged pitchesand astrong,frequent breeze handed an advantage to the bowlers.

StratfordvCollegians

TOP spot on the First XI ladder was reclaimed by the narrowest of margins at Stratford Recreation Reserve, where the home side emerged victorious by just asingle run.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the Redbacks looked in trouble early, losing four wickets within the first 10 overs for just 38 runs.

Dean Devisser and captain Jack Rietschel helped salvagethe innings,surviving the next 15 overs to addanother55runs to Stratford’s total. Their partnership was broken in the 26th over

with the stumping of Rietschel, which triggered aminor collapse of the middle and lower order. Another fourbatsmen went out in the following six overs.

At this point, Stratford was in danger again with the scoreboard reading 9/108.

EthanAlbrechtand SamAnstee held on for a10 wicket partnership of 27, coming to aclose when Albrecht wasbowled for 19 in the second-to-last over of theinnings.

Their final score of 135 was the lowestofthe season thus far for ateam batting first.

Stuart Anderson inflicted much of the damage with the ball, finishing his eightoverswith5/10 including three maidens; NathanWhitford was next-best with 3/22.

In the follow-up innings, runs and wickets were traded at anear-equalrate, sending the clashdown to the wire.

It all came to ahead during the final ball of the 39th over when, with just two runs needed for victory, Collegians’ 10th and final wicket fell, handing the win to Stratford.

Afterdominating with the ball, Anderson was also the highest-scorer for Collegians with 32 not out.

Seb Pendergast finished the day with figures of 4/33, while Rietscheland JackTatterson collected two scalps each for the Redbacks.

Rosedale-Kilmany vSale

THE gap between third and fourth on the ladder narrowed following events at Rosedale Recreation Reserve.

In acomplete reversal of their Sale Oval clash in Round 5, Rosedale-Kilmanytriumphed over the Swansina tight, low-scoring affair.

Sale won the toss, batted first and almost immediately benefittedfrom the decision, with the Warriors’Nathan Hangan bowling three wides in the first over of the innings.

That fortune soon dissipated, as opener Hayden Glover was caughtbehind for aduck in the following over, and Coenie Nel bowled for threesoonafter.

This turned out to be afamiliarnarrativein Sale’s innings -just three of their batsman made ascore greaterthan 10, with the rest departing for single digits.

Runswere hard to come by, and partnerships difficult to forge, with Ben Jonesand Daniel Padula the only pairtoformany semblanceofafightback.

They made 27 in their fifthwicket stand, ending when Jones was caughtfor 20 -the highest score of any Swan.

Next bestwas Padula whotoiled hard for his 19, coming from 71 balls after spending nearly two hours at the crease.

Hangan

Through their efforts, the Warriors were able to bowl Sale out for 85 in the 33rd over.

Rosedale-Kilmany’s chase was slow but steady, accumulating24runsfor the first wicket and another 27 added in the second, both within 14 overs.

Aslightscare was had toward the midway point of their innings, when three batsmen were lost within just five balls, but the side soon settled again under the stewardship of Jay Diamond and Colin Freshwater.

The latterwas the last of RK’smen to fall, trapped in front of his stumps for 11.

Love hit the winning runs in the 26th over.

With this victory, the Warriors are now equal on points withSale, but remain in fourth place due to being behind on percentage by the narrowest of margins -afigure of 0.0071 is all that stands between them.

An off day for Sale, or are RK actually the SMCA dark horse?

recoveredfromhis first over to devastate with the ball, taking 3/16 with three maidens; Brad Scott, Bailey Reid andcaptain IsaacLovetook two wickets each.

The new turf wicket squareatYarram Recreation Reserve. Photos: Contributed

The Pelicans will playtheir first homegame on turfthisSaturday. play their home game on turf this Saturday.