Gippsland Times Tuesday 11 April 2023

POLICE BEAT

ZoeAskew

RENTALprice risesthroughout WellingtonShire are dramaticallyhigher thanthosefor national and regional Victoria, figures from aPropTrack Market Insight Report show.

Rental prices are rising at the fastest rate since before the pandemic, increasing by two per cent nationally to reach ahistorically high median of $500 per week in the first quarter of 2023.

Rents in regional Victoria rose five per cent in the Marchquarter,withthe median advertisedrentalprice up 7.7 per cent over the past year to $420 per week.

In Sale, the median rental price for houses is up 12.5 per cent in the past 12 months at $450 per week, and a3.9 percent for units at $332 per week.

The median rental priceinStratford has increased by 3.3 per cent in the last year, while Rosedale's median rental price has increased by 16.8 per cent in the past 12 months, with the average cost to rent ahouse now $400 per week.

Rental prices in Maffra grew19.4per cent in the past 12 months,with themedianhouserent price at $400 per week, and in Heyfield, houses are 33.3 percent more expensive to rent than this time last

year, with the average home costing $440 per week. Median rental prices in Yarram have risen 6.3 per cent in the last year, Wurruk's by 25.8 per cent, and Traralgon's by 5.1 per cent,with median rental prices of $340,$415, and $410, respectively.

Despite continuing increases in rental prices across the country, capital city rents far outpaced regional prices,up13per cent year-on-year, with Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth experiencing the fastest-growing rent annuallyofmore than 10 per cent.

According to PropTrack senior economist Paul Ryan, extremely tight conditions, in which high demand far outstrips supply, is propelling rent prices upwards, and is unlikely to ease anytime soon.

"As aresult, we expect rental prices will continue to climb," Mr Ryan said.

"This is particularly the case in capital cities, where rent increaseshave not yet eased since acceleratingin early 2022. In the regions, rent growthhas slowed after significant rent increases throughout the pandemic."

According to the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation's State of the Nation's Housing report, released last Monday, the main contributors to the housing shortage were post-pandemic population growth and ongoing rate hikes.

"NHFIC analysisshows housing affordability and

supply are likely to remain challenging for some time, underscoring the need for aholistic approach to mitigate the housing pressures Australians are facing," National Housing Financeand Investment Corporation chief executive Nathan Dal Bon said.

The Reserve Bank of Australia paused interest rate hikes last week, capping arecord-long run of 10 consecutive raises that began in May 2022.

Despite the welcome reprieve for Australian households,relief is expected to be brief, with RBA governor Philip Lowe warning that more interest rate rises are probable,adding further pressure to the 5.7 per centofregional Victorianhouseholdsexperiencing housing stress.

Domain's Chief of Researchand Economics,DrNicola Powell,sayssignificant change is needed to strikethe right balancebetween tenantsand landlords "No single solution canfix this rentalcrisis, as it's a compounding issueofthe highcostofhousing, insufficient investor activity,and the lack of social and affordable housing," Dr Powell said.

"Rising investor activity is needed, the build-to-rent sector advanced, additional rental assistance provided for low-income households, more social housing and assistingtenants transition to homeowners."

Photo: Zoe Askew

Firearms seized in Lakes Entrance

TWO men are facing significant time behind bars after police allegedly seized traffickable amounts of firearms and located acannabis lab in Lakes Entrance on Tuesday, March 28.

Withassistance from the Critical Incident Response Team,EastGippsland detectives executed multiple search warrants at three residential properties in Lakes Entrance and Nowa Nowa.

Over the course of the searches, police said they seized:

 A30/30 Winchester rifle allegedly stolen from aburglaryinStratford on November 14 2022;

 A.22 S/L/LR arms rifle;

 Abolt action rifle;

 Agel blaster handgun;

 26 rounds of .22 calibre ammunition, and;

 Approximately 20 grams of cannabis.

Policesaidthey also located ahydroponic

Police Beat with Stefan

Bradley

cannabislab at aproperty in Lakes Entrance,which included four cannabis plants.

Those arrested by police include:

 A22-year-old manfrom Lakes Entrance who was charged with possess traffickable quantity of firearm and prohibited person possess firearm. He was remanded in custody and subsequently bailed to appear at Bairnsdale Magistrates Court on April 11 2023, and;

 A35-year-old manfrom Lakes Entrance who was charged with possess cannabis, cultivate cannabis and possess imitation firearm. He

New wage policy strikes responsible balance

THE stategovernment has confirmed the framework for future enterprise agreements with the state’spublic sector workers, under an updated wages policy.

Minister for Industrial Relations Tim Pallas last week released details of the new Victorian Public SectorWages Policy, which increases the wages component from the current 1.5 per cent per annum to afunded annual increase of three per cent.

In addition to annual wage increases there is also the ability for workerstoobtain alump-sum sign on bonus equal to up to 0.5 per centof overall agreement costs.

Public sector employers will also be able to seek productivity improvementsand efficiencies which can generate additional entitlements.

“Our public sector workers do agreat job serving their fellow Victorians and we’re proud to support them,” Mr Pallas said.

“In addition to wage increases, workers will be able to obtain asign-on bonus while productivity

improvements will bring the potential for further advancement of conditions”

“The policy provides fair outcomes for employees while being responsible as we deal with the types of budget challenges faced by families, businesses and governmentsacross the world.”

The policy strikesabalancebetween providing fair outcomes for valued public sector employees and protecting the wider interests of Victorians as the economy continues its steady rebound from the effects of the pandemic.

The government’s four-step fiscal plan is on track to return the Budget to surplusfollowing unprecedentedinvestments that were required to protect Victorian lives and livelihoods -the Victorian Budget 2023/24 willcontinue this work.

The new policy will apply immediately, including to public sector enterprise agreements thathavealreadyreached their nominal expiry dates, and where bargainingfor replacement agreements is already underway.

was bailed to appear at Bairnsdale Magistrates Court on August 22023.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Matthew Argentino, East Gippsland Investigations Manager, said: “community safetyisour number one priority, which is why we will continue to remove illicit firearms and drugs from our streets.”

Anyone with information about illicit firearm or drugactivity is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit aconfidential crime report to crimestoppersvic.com.au

John Swiety still missing

NEW images of missing Morwell man John Swiety have been released to assist in the search for the 57-year-old.

Unfortunately there is no update on the investigation at this time and it remains ongoing.

Mr Swiety was last seen near aproperty on Old Kent Road, Nurran, on the night of March 17. His two dogs, two small terriers, were found by a passer-by wandering near the road on the Bonang Highway, northofOrbost, on March 28.

Police say Mr Swiety’s disappearance is out of character and investigators now believe he is dead.

Police are keen to speak to anyone with information about his movements in the days leading up to his disappearance.

It’s believed Mr Swietywas heading to Goongerah and had left his Morwelladdressabout 2am in the morning of March 17 in awhite Toyota Hiace van owned and driven by another individual, who has spoken to police.

Investigators would like to speak to anyone who saw this van travelling that day between Morwell and Goongerah.

Help police to keep Wellington safe

FRIDAY, March 31 marked the launch of the annual Victoria Police Community Sentiment Survey.

The survey is running for four weeks, and Wellington Local Area Commander, Inspector Mel McLennan, is encouraging Wellington and the broader Victorian community to participate.

“Nobody knows our community more than you. The information you give us is so vital,” Inspector McLennan said.

“In addition to our usual interactions with the community, the survey is aformal way for us to captureyour safety concerns and work with you to come up with ideas to address them.”

Alink to the survey can be found at: https://go.vic. gov.au/3lNpzIL

John Swiety waslastseen on March 17 in Nurran. His dogswerefound by apasser-by on March 28. Photos:Supplied

Morwellman JohnSwiety is feared dead.

Call to honour exceptional women in Victoria

VICTORIANS are encouraged to nominate women in their communities who have made significant and lasting contributions to society.

The 2023 VictorianHonour Roll of Women is now open.

Minister for Women, Natalie Hutchins recently opened nominations for the honour roll, inviting the community to put forward women nominees while paying tribute to the hundreds of women honoured in the past.

“Women fromdiverse backgrounds and fromall walks of life have made lasting contributions to our state, and we want to shine alight on their achievements for the next generation of women and girls,” she said.

“Some of our previous inductees forged new paths for women today by challenging outdated ideas of what awoman can do, while others are youngwomen redefining what leadership is for the future.

“It is importanttosupport and honour our female leaders, because there is no gender equality without women’s leadership. By recognising these women publicly, we are showing young girls what they can be.”

More than 700 women, whose achievements have helped shape Victoria, the nation and the globe, have been inducted into the honour roll since it began in 2001.

Women from all walks of life, age groups and across industries -fromhealth, science and technology, arts and education to politics and community activism -have been recognised as trailblazers, local champions and change agents.

In recent years, nomination categories have expandedtoinclude emerging leaders aged between 16 and 30 who are redefining leadership in their field of expertise, interest or endeavour.

Celebrating women’scontributions is an important step towardsnormalising women’s leadership, and helps to address agenderimbalanceinwider honours, all with the goal of building asociety where everyone is valued equally, regardless of their gender.

Celebrating the achievements of diverse women from all walks of life helps open the door for the next generation of outstanding women,and shatters entrenched beliefs that only men can be leaders.

The honour roll is proud to celebrate the contributionsofwomen of all faiths,cultures, ages, sexual identities and abilities.

Nominations for the 2023Victorian Honour Roll of Women are open until Monday, May 29.

To nominate and see details of past inductees visit vic.gov.au/ victorian-honour-roll-women-program.

Helping hand for healthy habits

McMaster Photo: Contributed

Shadforthhas been helping Gippslanders achieve theirfinancial goals andlifestyle objectivesfor 30 yearsbyproviding highly personalisedfinancial advice andwealth solutions

At Shadforth,wepride ourselvesonbuilding client relationships to ensure that everyclient hasthe certaintyinlifethat they need. Locatedat19/67 MacalisterStreet,Sale, call 5152 5044 foranobligation-free telephoneconsultation or appointment

SALEhas aweight loss group- and it’s notall about strictdiets, expensivememberships and onerous exercise regimes.

Instead, the Sale TOWN (TakeOff Weight Naturally) Club is about camaraderie, swapping ideas and recipes -and friendship.

Team leader Annette Wolfe, who has herself lost an impressive 36 kilograms, says TOWN focuses on encouragement and support.

“The support that the club gives is just incredible,” she said.

“People choose their own way of losing weight.

“It’s not aone-size-fits-all.”

Members meet weekly,and Annettesaysthe accountability of turning up every week helps build success.

Sometimesthere might be aguest speaker, a dieticianorphysiotherpist. Other times the group might try something new, like laughter yoga.

Membersoftenshare recipes and tips that they’ve found work for them, like meditation.

“Someone might bring in soup, astirfry or low calorie dish to share,” Annette explains

“Nobody judges anybody.

“People understand -and that’s important.

“There’s agoodchanceone of us has been through what you’re going through.”

The club currently has 27 members, and Annette

also encourages younger people wanting to lose weight to consider joining.

“Don’twait until you’re oldertoget your act together -doitnow,” she urged.

ShesaidTOWN wasalsohelpful for those wanting to maintain their goal weights.

“Peoplefindthatifthey don’tgoalong,that’s when the weight can come back on,” she said.

The fees are affordable -just $5 per week and a joining fee of $50.

When the club has enough money together it chooses acharity to donateto, andinthe pastthis has included ABetter Life for Foster Kids,and the SaleAmbulance Auxiliary, which buys equipment and teaching aids for local paramedics to use.

The group also becomes involved in other charity initiatives like Share the Dignity, recently collecting period products for distribution to women in need.

The Sale TOWN Club is part of anetwork of clubs across Victoria. The Sale club meets on Tuesday nights at Sale NeighbourhoodHouse. Weigh-inis between 5pm and 6.15pm, and members aim to finish up by 7pm.

People interested in hearing more about the group can phoneweight recorderSusan Smyth on 0419 505 917 or justgoalong to aweekly meeting.

Grant to address primary careissues

GIPPSLAND Primary Health Network (PHN) has been successful in obtaining afederal government grant to address primary health care service issues in the community.

Gippsland PHN applied for agrant in September 2022 under the Primary Care Rural Innovative Multidisciplinary Models (PRIMM) funding round and received $353,054toco-design and deliver aproject in bothBaw Baw and Wellington Shires

The project willbuildonGippsland PHN’s previous work in designing community-led integrated models of care.

Gippsland PHN chief executive, Amanda Proposch, welcomed the grant, saying it would enable the development of community-supported models of care to apoint where they were ready to trial.

“Communities have told us they want seamless

care across health services to meet the needs of people with complex needs,” Ms Proposch said.

“This grant means we can work with the community and other stakeholderstobuild on and better integrate existing resources to deliver services in a more effectiveand sustainableway within aregion.

“The project also aims to address health workforce shortages and maldistribution in rural and remote Australia. We look forward to working with arange of stakeholders, including community,on this exciting project to help us develop trial ready models of primary care relevant to Gippsland.”

The project will run until June 2024,and GippslandPHN willshare findings and lessons learned from the design and co-design process with other rural and remote communities across Australia, empowering them to design their own primary healthcare solutions.

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Sale TOWN Club leader Annette Wolfe,club weight recorder Susan Smyth andmemberJan

Spurned local afactor in loss

StefanBradley

THE ASTON by-election on Saturday, April 1 defied the odds in an historic way, with the federal government winning aseat off the opposition for the first time in 103 years after Labor’sMary Doyle defeated the Liberals’ Roshena Campbell, aCity of Melbourne councillor.

Cr Campbell is not an Aston local.She lives more than 40 kilometres away from the electorate, in inner-city Brunswick. One of the candidates she defeated in the Liberal pre-selection was Cathrin Burnett-Wake, aformerupper house MP for Eastern Victoria.

The seat of Aston, in Melbourne’s east, was vacated by former Coalition cabinet minister Alan Tudge,and was formerly asafeLiberal seat before the 2022 election.

There were many factors that could be seen as contributing to this loss, whether it was federal opposition leader Peter Dutton’s performance, the popularity of theAlbanese government, the Moira Deemingcontroversy,orsimply adamagedLiberal Party brand -itdepends on who you ask.

Ms Burnett-Wake, amigration agent and former Yarra Ranges councillor, was one of three candidates in the pre-selection, all women, alongside Cr Campbell and oncologist Ranjana Srivastava. There wasnorank-and-filevote for the preselection, causingoutrage among Liberal members. Mr Dutton took part in the secret ballot, which Cr Campbell won comfortably.

Ferntree Gully Star Mail reporter Parker McKenzie had told the Gippsland Times in February that “if there was ever atimefor Labor to win the seat, it’s now”. Despite 100 years of precedent sayingthis was along shot, Ms Doyle is the newMember for Aston.

Would alocal like Ms Burnett-Wakehave done better? Mr McKenzie saidthat’s avery difficult question.

“It’s impossible to say whether acandidate with adeeper connection to the local area, like Cathrin Burnett-Wake or Manny Cicchiello, would have won this by-election. However, thedecision to by-pass local members wasamassive factor in Labor’s win,” he said.

“It dampened the enthusiasm of volunteers and the perceptionthatRoshenaCampbell wasan outsider parachuted into the seat by the Liberal Party was one she couldn’t shake off.”

As this wasa by-election, more resources and attention were put into this seat than it otherwise would have at the federal election. From the perspective of avoter, in Mr McKenzie’s view, the vote was about who the constituents of Aston wanted to represent them in Parliament, rather than the performance of Prime MinisterAnthonyAlbanese or Mr Dutton.

“The reputation that Alan Tudge had with his constituents was that he deliveredfor the local area,” he said.

When Ms Burnett-Wake announced her candidacy,she highlightedher local connections to Aston.

“The EasternVictoria Region, whichIrepresented in the State Legislative Council, overlaps Aston,” she wrote on Twitter.

“My children are at alocal school in Wantirna South and have been for the past 11 years, and they play sports in the community. My business services clients throughout Aston, and it’s where my family shops.”

Ms Burnett-Wake represented Eastern Victoria in state Parliament from December 2021 until November 2022.

Seminar with Australia’s first Indigenous BJJ black belt

StefanBradley

AUSTRALIA’S firstAboriginal black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), Chris Arnott, received arock star welcome at aseminar he presented at Frontline Australia BrazilianJiu-Jitsu and Fitness Academy in Sale on Saturday, April 1.

Frontlinefounders Scott and Eva Clarke collaborated with coach Arnott to make the seminar happen, with the aim of promotingthe sport of BJJ and engaging the local Indigenous community.

For Frontline’s instructors and members, coach Arnott and his team’s visit was afantastic opportunitytotrainwith those fromoutside the Sale academy. No matter which BJJ academy you go to,everyone can feel accepted.

CoachArnott, of the Wiradjuri and Barapa Barapa peoples, trains and operates Clifton Hill Jiujitsu in Melbourne, an Aboriginal-led not-for-profit club that’s based on favela clubs in Brazil. His goal is to connect with Aboriginal communities through his BJJ seminars, but to also bring everyone in the community together and encourage others to get involved in Indigenous communities. He runs free seminarsthroughout regional Australia, especially at-risk communities,and is looking towards aoncea-year seminar in Alice Springs.

“In Brazil, BJJ is seen as an alternative to becoming involved in alifeofcrime.InAustralia, it’s about addressing trauma issues and encouraging young people to think about careers, their life and being around adifferent cohort of people,” coach Arnott told the Gippsland Times “I think as the first Aboriginalblackbelt, (I want to) address violence,aggression, and give kids something to direct it towards rather than negative things, as I’ve seen in Brazil.”

“Evaand Scott have been so supportive of me and the Indigenous community, so it’s been great to be down (in Gippsland) hearing about the different elders.”

On the day, coach Arnott went through techniques that were useful for beginners, butalso interesting for those more experienced at BJJ. He even showed-off amove he created himself. The key message coach Arnott had for BJJ beginners was to just have fun with it, and find ways to laugh.

Coach Eva said the event was successful, and exemplified Frontline’s mission to promote and share with the community how BJJ can provide “a safe environmentfor young people to learn

how to workfor things,and learn things about themselves”.

“On the mats, we face challenges, and we respond and then learnhow to keep going whenthings don’t go as planned. The point of BJJ is to develop resiliencethatcan be transferred from the mat to tackle the adversities life throws at us,” coach Eva said.

“We really hope more members of the community consider using BJJ as asport to engagetheir bodies and minds to not only develop fitness results, but to improve their confidence, self-esteem and to help lower their risk of developing depression.”

Coach Eva said the BJJ mats represent asense

of belonging and purpose, both of which are vital in maintaining health and well-being.

“What we learnt this weekend is that the mats don’t discriminate, everyoneisequal and everyone is welcome,” she said.

“With such astrong Indigenous community here in Sale, we thought it would be agood way to promote the sport, which has had apositive impact on Chris’ life …and connectIndigenous people and non-Indigenous people together (through) BJJ.

“It’s agood opportunity to allow Chris to bring his seminar here and promote his culture and the culture we have here in Sale.”

Coach Arnott praised the participants of Frontline for punching above their weight.

“They’re much more technical (in Sale) than most country towns, and strong. Country people are generally stronger, so Ialwaysexpect that, but I thought here it was alot more technical …that’s down to the instructors,” he said.

Coach Arnott’s family has alocal connection to the region. He said his nana, Lucie Ingram, spent the last years of her life in Sale.

“She attended the Aboriginal health service here (Ramahyuck), and they looked after her really well,” he said.

“Shedidn’t really identifyasAboriginal,and peopleherereallywelcomed her.(They) gaveher a sense of pride of beingAboriginal and reallyhelped the rest of our family.

“We’re going to drop some flowers on my nana and grandpa’sgrave.I’m so thankful for the community of Sale for welcoming alittle old Aboriginal lady who felt shame to identify all her life, who in her 90s felt asense of pride and love from an Aboriginal community she didn’t realise was there her whole life.”

New Member for Aston, Mary Doyle

Photo: Contributed

Indigenous attendees, from left: Bill Douthat, coachChris Arnott,JadeBishop, TaylaNeilson(13) and Tim Farnham (12)

Photo: Stefan Bradley

Cathrin Burnett-Wake in Sale.

Photo: File Parachuted Liberal candidate Roshena Campbell.

Photo: Contributed

Partnership to highlight opportunities for Indigenous business in offshorewind

STAR of the South and KinawayChamber of Commerce have joined forces to connectVictorian Indigenousbusinesses to new opportunities in the growing offshore wind industry.

Kinaway is aregistered charity which aims to advance Victorian Indigenous businesses with support, advice and by creating opportunities.

Star of the South is working with local suppliers to ensure they are aware and ready for opportunities coming up on the project and across Victoria’s growing offshore wind industry.

Star of the South chief executive, Charles Rattray, said there are exciting opportunities for Indigenous-ownedbusinessestoget involved from the very beginning of this new industry.

“Local and Indigenous businesses will play an importantrole in getting Victoria’s first offshore wind farms off the ground,” he said.

“Working with Kinaway will help us find these businesses and promote them to our supply chain.”

Kinaway chief executive, Scott McCartney, said the organisation was excited to partner with the project and build opportunities for Victorian Indigenous businesses in the offshorewind sector.

“We look forward to seeing our Indigenous businesses participate in this projectand beyond,” he said.

“This is just the beginning of what Ihope is a long-lasting and valuable partnership between Star of the South and Kinaway.”

Star of theSouth is taking partinKinaway events; Sistas in Business held recently in Melbourne, Black Coffee eventsinGippsland and the upcoming Deadly in Gippsland, AFirst Nations Business Expo in Lakes Entrance on May 2and 3.

The expowill showcase the expertise and talent of Indigenous businesses from the Gippsland region,and connect them to corporate partners, government,governmentagenciesand business support services.

Mr Rattray said the expo will be an opportunity for Indigenous businesses to connect directly with the projectand learn more aboutthe industryand opportunities.

“Offshore wind is on our doorstep and it’s important we’vegot locals on board and ready to go,” he said.

“I encourage Indigenousbusinessestocomealong and talk with our team at Deadly in Gippsland to learn more about offshorewind and how to get involved.”

To find out more about the Deadly in Gippsland, AFirst Nations Business Expo phone Deb O’Reilly on 0497 631 724.

Star of the South is Australia’s most advanced

Candidate nominations open for Treaty Elections

NOMINATIONS are now open for Traditional OwnersofCountryinVictoria to stand as candidatesfor the secondtermofthe First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

The assembly represents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the journey to TreatyinVictoria, andwillhold its general elections from May 13 to June 3this year.

offshorewindproject, proposedtobelocatedoff the Wellington coast.

Star of the South would help meet energy,emissions reduction, and economic goals by supplying secure, reliable and affordable power for up to 1.2 million homes.

The projectisinthe feasibility phase with environmental assessments currently underway to inform project planning and approvals.

If approved and proceeds to construction, works could start around the middleofthis decade,with firstpower around the end of the decade.

Master BuildersVictoria calling for urgent review of Domestic Building Contracts Act

MASTER Builders Victoria (MBV) is calling for an urgent review of Victoria’s Domestic Building Contracts Act, in the wake of yet another highprofile building company collapse. Last week, liquidatorswere called in when one of the nation’s largest home builders, Porter Davis collapsed leaving 1500 unfinished projects in Victoria and 200 more in Queensland. Afurther 779 customers who had signed a contract and paid adeposit were also affected, along with 410 staff who were made redundant last Friday morning.

Master Builders Victoria interim chief executive Michaela Lihou, has called for areview of the Domestic Building Contracts Act, saying the current lack of flexibility in fixed priced contracts is placinganunrealisticstrangleholdonbuilders, which also ultimately negatively impacts consumers, rather than protecting them.

“The rigid lack of flexibility in these contracts, on top of supply, skills and labour shortages, as well as inflation and interest rate rises are continuing to impactthe building and constructionindustry,” she said.

“MBV wants to see an urgent review of the

Domestic Building Contracts Act(1995) to include cost escalation clauses and to review the staged payments.”

“Our argument is simple. Areview of acontract, whichmay include some fair and reasonable price rises based on data, is better than an unrealistic fixed contract which drives abuilder into awall.

“Nobody wins when abuilder collapses, obviously includingconsumers who clearlyaren’t being protected by fixed contracts when they endup with an unfinished build or no home.”

Ms Lihou said thecurrent paymentstructure within the building and construction industry also needed to be reviewed to better reflect how buildersdeal with current industry challenges and their impacts on cash flow.

The Domestic BuildingContracts Act (1995) currentlyoutlines payment percentages for projects valued at more than $20,000 depending on the stage of the build -deposit (5 per cent), base (10 per cent), frame (15 per cent), lock-up (35 per cent), fixing(25 percent)withafinal paymentof10 per cent.

“The shortages in labour and materials slow down the building process and also the stages

where builders can legally ask for payment,which challenge abusiness’s cashflowand potential viability,” Ms Lihou said.

“Now is the time to review those locked in percentages to better reflect current building practices and what builders realisticallyneed to undertake projects and keepthem moving, right through until they’re delivered.”

Ms Lihousaid despite the challengesthroughout the pandemic, thebuilding andconstruction industry has largely remained strong and resilient.

“The building and construction industry is the backbone of the state’s economy, contributing to more than 56 per cent of Victoria’s state taxation revenue and supplyingthe equivalentofmore than 12 per cent of our gross state product,” she said.

“But there is no denyingitistough and will continue to be so until we have asystem and legislation that adequately and realistically reflects how the industry operates.

“Consumers obviously need to be protected, but the currentsystem just isn’t working,and areview is urgently needed!”

Assembly co-chair and proudNira illim bulluk man of the Taungurung Nation, Marcus Stewart, said the foundationsand process for Treaty-making was now in place, and the next assembly would be tasked with negotiating the actual state-wide Treaty.“This electionisselfdetermination in action. If you’re aTraditional Owner, please, consider putting your hand up to stand as acandidate to help make sure Treaty delivers tangible improvements for the lives of our people,” he said.

“Treaty won’t negotiate itself, we needpeople to stand up and represent our mob on this incredible journey.”

As well as negotiating astate-wide Treaty, in its next term, the assembly will help empower the diverse Traditional Owner groups in Victoria to negotiate Treaties in theirareas thatreflectspecificaspirations and priorities.

Assembly co-chair andBangerangand Wiradjuri Elder, Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, saidthe upcomingassembly elections are Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander people’s opportunitytochoosewho they wantnegotiating Treaty in Victoria.

“This is it! We’ve been fighting for this for generations,” she said.

“All ourwork has led to this moment where Treaty is finally within our reach. Now we need allmob to get behind the assembly elections. Enrol with us, nominate if you’re keen, and most importantly, vote.

“Every vote counts, and everyone is invited to be part of this shared journey.

The nomination period forcandidates is open until April 24, 2023.

Voting will take place from May 13 to June 3, 2023, with mob able to castvotes in person, online or in the post.

“Thosewho stand as candidates andare elected to the next term of the assembly will negotiate astate-wideTreaty with the state government thatimproves the lives of our kids through truth-telling, bettereducation, more jobs, affordable housing,betterhealth,and justice for our people,” said Aunty Geraldine. Learn more about the assembly elections at www.treatyelections.org

Envirobank Recycling’s Narelle Anderson, Wurundjeri Land Council’s Stacie Piper,Djirri Djirri Cultural Services’ Mandy Nicholsonand Star of theSouth Industry Development and Procurement Manager Katrina Langdon at therecent KinawaySistasinBusiness event at Docklands.

Photo: Contributed

Roadinvestmentbackonthe radar

MEMBER for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has yet again raised in State Parliament the need for greater investment in East Gippsland roads. Mr Bull is calling on improvements to be made across the board.

“While Iacknowledge the $2.6 million recently announced to repair a1.8 kilometre horror stretch of the Great AlpineRoad between Ensayand Swift’s Creek, this is not even the tip of the iceberg in relation to what needs to be done,” he told Parliament. “This government cannot cut road maintenance

funding and expect the situation on the ground to end any other way.

“The factithas been awet period would indicate an even bigger allocation is needed, but your own budget papers show areduction.

“I could not start to mention the roads here in the chamber that need addressing in my area alone, as Iwould run out of time, but the lack of investment needs reversing.

“In afew months we will have anew Budget, the allocation to countryroads mustincrease significantly.

Road rules in place for portable devices

NEW road rules havecome intoeffect in Victoria thatclarify the useofportabledevices whendriving avehicle or ridinganother form of transport such as amotorbike, bicycle, e-scooter or even rollerblades.

These new road rules aim to keep road users safe, reflectthe significant increase in technologies capable of distracting adriver, and bring Victoria into line with the road rules in other states.

The principles underpinning the rules remain the same:Don’t touchyour unmounted or wearable device while you’re driving or riding.

Learner,P1and P2 driversare subject to much stricter rules, and shouldvisit the RACV website for more information.

RACV head of policy, James Williams, explained the new rules, and the penalties that could apply for the illegal use of portable devices.

“We appreciate that the rules are complex, but thisreflects the developing range of technologies that can distract adriver,” Mr Williams said.

“In general, drivers or riders who hold afull licence cannot touchanunmounted or wearable device, such as aphone, tablet, laptop, smart watch,orany other device whiledriving or riding.

“You can connect to your vehicle’s Bluetooth, then place the unmounted device out of sight and reach before you start your journey.

“As ageneral rule, drivers and riders can use mounteddevices or inbuilt systems for functions such as musicand navigation, provided they are not entering text, scrolling, or viewing images, social media, websites, or videos.

“Forwearable devices such as smart watches, you can’t touch the device while driving or riding.

“Youcan only usevoicecontrolstoinitiate, accept or reject audio calls,play or stream audio materials, or adjust volume levels.

“You can also use amobile phone or other device to pay at adrive-through.

“For mobile phones and tablets, the mounting must be commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose, and the device must be secured in the mounting.

“Mobile device and seat belt cameras are currentlybeing introducedinVictoria. The cameras will capture drivers and riders who are holding mobilephones or other devices, as well as drivers and passengers who are not wearing seatbelts, or not wearing them properly.”

For further information on the rules, visit RACV’s road safety website page.

WE’VE BEEN OVERRUN WITH “RATS!”

COUNCIL COLLECTION POINTS:

• Council Customer Service Centres in Sale and Yarram

• Wellington library branches (Heyfield, Maffra, Rosedale, Sale, Stratford and Yarram)

• Any Council immunisation sessions

• The Wedge Performing Arts Centre

• Gippsland Regional Sports Complex

“Our roads have suffered from the wet weather of recent years, but theproblems existedbefore then due to lack of investment and lack of quality of construction which has seen new works fail within weeks.

“Deep potholes havehad countless temporary fixes that fail quickly, rather than the permanent solution that is required.

“The previousRoads Ministertouted in Parliament last year, Victorian roads are smoother and safer.EastGippslanders know this is abig porky pie and it must change.

“It’s time to invest in our roads to the levels required and ensure the standard of work is to a level that will survive the test of time and not fail within weeks or months of the work taking place.

“In many cases it is not the fault of the contractor. Ihave evenhad contractors tell me works will fail before they start, because the tenders do not allow them to do the work to the level they know is required.

“The government must fix this and make the real investment that is needed.”

Member forGippsland East,Tim Bull, is demanding the road maintenance budget be increased to fixroadconditions in his electorate.

Photo: Contributed

Tinambafoodand wine festival returns

GIPPSLAND winemakers will be taking abreak from vintage duties to celebrate at the popular Tinamba Food and Wine Festival this Sunday (April 16).

Wine Gippsland president, Alistair Hicks, of Blue Gables Vineyard,saidthat manyofthe association’s members are nearing completion of the harvest for 2023, and are ready to showcase their current release wines.

“The Tinamba festival is agreat opportunity to meetthe winemakers, trytheir wines and find out the insidestory on what they hope for vintage 2023,” Mr Hicks said.

“We’re hearing reports of top quality from the grapes that have been picked, and that’s certainly been the case with ours.

“After adifficult few years throughout Gippsland, particularly in the East and Central areas, we’re getting some terrific results.”

The annual festival is in its 13th year and regularly attracts up to 2000people. Seven local wineries: Blue Gables,Glenmaggie Wines, Lightfoot Wines, Nicholson River, Mt Moornapa, Narkoojee Wines and Wyanga Park will be among the stallholders at the April 16 event. Hatted restaurant Tinamba Hotel will be serving

Time to apply for 2024 school places

THE state government is making it easier, clearer and fairer for young familiesenrolling kidsinto Prep, with anew process providing standardised dates and forms for all government schools.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins said the new approach to enrolling children into Prep will streamline the process for families, with applications now accepted from the start of Term 2until July 28

Parents and carers willreceive offer letters back by August 11, while applications received after July 28 will be considered by schools as they are received.

“Starting school is an exciting and important milestonefor any family, that’s why we’re making the process simpler, easier and fairer with standardised datesand forms for enrolmentinall government primary schools,” she said.

“We’re well on target to open 100 new government

schools by 2026,with this year’s updatetoFind My School showcasing more local school options and providing all the information parents and carers need at their fingertips.”

As in previous years, families with children in Year 6willreceivea Placement Information Pack at the start of Term 2, which includes an application for Year 7Placement Form. These will need to be submitted by May 12, with students across Victoria receiving offer letters on July 19.

Familiesapplyingfor placesatlocal government schools from the start of Term 2can now also access the freshly updated Find My School website, which gives parents and carers the latest information on school zones.

First launched four years ago, the websiteallows families to find their designated neighbourhood government school and other nearby government schools, giving them clarity on what their

Opportunity to playyour music

WELLINGTON Bluegrass Jammers provides an opportunityfor musicians interested in bluegrass and traditional old time country music to get together and play the music they love on aregular basis.

The next jam will be held at Bond Street Event Centre, 10 Bond St, Sale, on Saturday, April 15 from 1pmto4pm (notethe change to Saturdays). There will be a$10 entry fee to cover venue hire. Wellington Bluegrass Jammers’ aims to cater

to musicians of all abilities. Many bluegrass and old time tunes use simple chord progressions and instrumentalvirtuosity is not essential. The object is to encourage participation and enjoyment.

The group’s Facebook pagecan be found at facebook.com/Wellington-BluegrassJammers-349975162124941/, where you can see information of interest to the group, including clips of jam tunes.

For more information, callSteve on 0431 513 579

government school options are for their children. It nowincludes14new schools and campuses set to open in 2024, along with small changes to existing school zones to reflect changes in school provision and adjustments to improve accessibility for all students.

Schools can be found by typing in aresidential address or searching by school name or categories such as primary, secondary, or specialist school. Every child has the right to enrol at their designated neighbourhood government school or, if there are sufficient places, at another government school of their choice.

Families can searchtheir schoolzonebyvisiting findmyschool.vic.gov.au

More information on the enrolment process is available at vic.gov.au/starting-school

delicious lunch options, along with several local gourmet food producers. The Tinamba CFA will also be running asausage sizzle.

Hip Pockets, a10-piece R&B soul band, fresh fromthe BoolarraFolkFestival, is providing the entertainment.

Tickets are availableonTryBooking via trybooking. com/CGNAC

There are also VIP marquees to hirefor groups of 10.

Part of the ticket sales go to local community groups and service organisationswho assist with the set-up and running of the festival.

For more information, follow Tinamba Food &Wine Festival on social media, or go to winegippsland.com

 MAFFRA Indoor Bowls Club will resume indoor bowls on Wednesday, May

3. Names in before 12.30pm. Names on the sheet in the clubhouse or phone 5147 1974 or Joy on 0438 456 875. Soup and sandwich luncheons will be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, commencing Wednesday, May 23. Names to be submitted as per indoor bowls.

 AFREE communitymeal will be held on Monday, April 17 at St John’s Anglican Church, corner Thomson and Church Street, Maffra beginning at 6pm. All welcome.

The TinambaFood and Wine Festival is on Sunday.

Photo: Contributed

Artistry from Sale streets

LOCAL Sale residents will find somethingvery familiar about the paintings of Tammy Honey. Based on the Sale streetgridand surrounding environmental wetlands, Tammy createsher largescaleand immersive paintingsfromGoogleMaps. In MappingPlace,she wanted to create something unique and relevant for local audiences.

Beneath Tammy’s brightly-coloured, hard-edge paintings is afascinating back story. For the past 25 years, she has made work about memory and place framed by social issues through various approaches to artmaking, including painting,video, and installation.

Tammy makesartworks in series,exploring particular themes around memory and place by

translating data such as, in this case, online maps.

She writes of her work:

“I conduct investigations that look at the crossovers between memory and place through the process of data mapping and colour field painting.

“With this series, Ihave created acollection focusing on the Sale (Gippsland) township in and around Foster Street, then onto the rivers around Clydebank, Riverside Reserve, and beyond.

“As acontinuation of my existingpractice, where Ihave lookedinrecentstudies at topographical placements of data through the subject, Iseek to better understand this methodological process by wanting to develop new works that continue my interest in data mapping.

International Children’s Book Daylights up Gippsland Centre

ON SundayApril 2, Gippsland

Centrehosted an event celebrating International Children’s Book Day.

Gippslandauthors Andrea Kate McKenzie, Rebecca McGregor and author/illustrator Ester de Boer attended, and each read through one of their books to the assembled children.

Centremanager Emma Waghornesaidthey chose to celebrate this day to highlight the importance of encouraging alove of reading,and books for children.

“We were thrilled to have fantastic local authors come to the centre and read to the children. The illustration workshop with Ester de Boer was freetoattendand completely booked out which was fantastic to see,” she said.

“Encouraging children’s

literacy and creativity is so important and we love being apartofthis.”

Ms Waghorne encouraged the community to support the events that the centre is hosting, many of which are free of charge.

“Every Wednesday we have Fairy Julianne reading and singing songs for toddlersat 11am and 12pm in centre court and this is afreeevent each week for familiestoenjoy,” she said.

“In my practice, Ihave used non-representational forms through hard-edgeabstractionthatare then compiled onto canvas.”

As part of the exhibition, the gallery will host an artist talk by Tammy on May 13 at 10.30am. This is auniqueopportunity to hear from a contemporary artist who has exhibited around the world, including the TATE Modern in London, Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane, ACMIin Melbourne, the SCOPE Art Fair, and the Dundee Arts Centre, UK.

Entry to the exhibition and talk are free; however, bookings are essential, which you can do so through the gallery’s website: www.gippslandartgallery. com/events.

Birdofthe month for April

ONE of the more distinctive members of Australia’s birdlife is the gang-gang cockatoo. Ashort, small and stocky slate-grey bird, the males have the scarlethead and wispy crest. Females have agreyhead and crest with feathers edged withsalmonpink. Asocial but relatively quietcockatoo, they can be locatedinfood trees by the soft growlingsounds they makewhile feeding. Theircallis similartothe sound of acreaking gate.

The gang-gangcockatoo can be seen throughout many parts of south-eastern Australia. During summer, they can be found in tall mountain forests. In winter they movetolower altitudes into more open woodlands. At this time, they may be seen by roadsides and in parks and gardens of urban areas.

Theyfeed mainlyonseeds of nativeand introduced trees andshrubs, with apreference for eucalypts, wattles and introduced hawthorns. They

will also eat berries, fruits, nuts and insects and their larvae. They spend most of their time foraging in tree canopies, coming to the ground only to drink and to search among fallen fruits or pinecones.

Gang-gangcockatoos are

monogamous and form strong pair-bonds. They nestinhollows of trunks or limbs of large, tall eucalypt trees, usually near water. Both sexes prepare the nest by chewing on the sides of the hollow and use the wood chips and fragments to line the nest. Both sexes share incubation duties and care for the young.

Gang-gangcockatoos are adversely affected by land clearing and the removal of mature trees (potential breeding hollow sites)

Numbers were impacted by the 2019/20 bushfires and the species has beendeclared endangered.

ABushfire Recovery Project saw communities put agreat effortinto planting7500trees. With publicity and increased survey effort, good numbershave been found since the bushfires. Bird LifeEast Gippsland meet weekly for Monday morning outings.Check their Facebook page for more information.

Artist Tammy Honey.

Photo: Contributed

Local authors and illustrators Rebecca McGregor (left), Ester de Boer and AndreaKateMcKenzie withhosting International Children’s Book DayatGippsland Centre.

Photo: Contributed

Male gang-gang cockatoo.

Photo:John Hutchison

Aray of sunshine for Good Friday

ZoeAskew

BRIGHT yellow flowers, tall, as if almost trying to kiss the sun, blanketed fieldsatthe Bundalaguah farm, almost omnipresentintheir abundance, the thousands of sunflowers, every day, without doubt,radiantly glowing as their short life span ticked away.

When 12-year-old Zoe and 9-year-old Matilda Webber's dad decided to plant sunflowers late last year, atrial to maintain the health of their farm's soil, an opportunity arose.

Zoe, Matilda, and their mother, Belinda, made agroup decision to cut and sell the towering flowers with golden petals to raise funds for the Good Friday Appeal.

"This is actually our first time growing them," Zoe said.

"Come crop time, to help the soil, we were just going to mulch them to ground."

Sunflowers are phytoremediators, meaning they clean up contaminated environments by absorbing harsh chemicals and other contaminants in the soil through their roots and stems.

Fungi found in the roots of sunflower plants convert mineral phosphorous,which plants cannot absorb, into phosphorous that plants can use to grow.

Planting sunflowers between crops also prevents the harsh Australian sun from drying out the soil, fostering ahealthier environment for growing crops in the same area.

Sunflowerfields also make for fantastic Instagram

shots, research shows.

Last Monday, April 3, with the help of Belinda and their grandparents Gary and Laurel Goodwin, Zoe and Matilda, picked hundreds of stunning sunflowers and set up astall in front of Mortgage Choice on Raymond Street.

As the Grade 4Longford Primary School student and Year 7Catholic College Sale student manned the stall, handing over bundles of joy-bringing flowers to eager patrons, Gary was sent back to the Bundalaguah farm to collect more with the numerousoncefilled tubs of sunflowers almost emptied.

"We sold alot," Matilda said.

"We did three truckloads and one carload."

Zoe and Matilda sold out of sunflowers not once, not twice, but three times, raising nearly $1200 for the Royal Children's Hospital as part of this year's Good Friday Appeal.

The RoyalChildren's Hospital holds aspace close to the Webber family's heart, with nine-year-old Matilda aregular patient at theMelbourne-based hospital.

"We decided to pick and sell them (for the Good Friday Appeal) because we go to the Royal Children's," Matilda said.

GippyGrammar Easter parade

GIPPSLAND Grammar held its Easter parade in thedaysleading up to the holiday period.

Easter festivitiestook part, with students eager to get their hands on as many Easter eggs as possible.

Looking at photos from the day, there was even aspecialappearance by the Easter bunny himself.

Matilda was born with Alagille syndrome, acondition in which bile builds up in the liver because thereare too few bile ductstodrain the bile, damaging liver tissuesand ultimatelycan cause your liver to fail.

"Matilda goes [to the Royal Children's Hospital] about every six months," Belinda said.

"Her doctor is calledDrSafe, and he is very good.

"Weonly have to go down for day treatments and check-ups, really."

Zoe and Matilda aim to raise even more money next year after raising nearly $1200 for the Good Friday Appeal, adding to the $421 million raised forthe Royal Children's Hospitalsince the annual causebegan in 1931.

The 2023 Good Friday Appeal raised arecord $23 million, the most ever raised in the event's almost 100-year history. Penny Fowler, Chairman of the GoodFriday Appeal,said giving for the kidsiswhat the Good Friday Appeal is all about.

"And what big, generous hearts Victorians have hadthis year," Ms Fowler said.

"The Appeal continues to shine alight on the very best in our community and this year's Appeal is no exception."

Regional and rural Victoria raised an incredible $2,955,656 through tin shaking, raffles, fundraisers, and auctions.

"We are incredibly grateful to communities in Victoria and all the volunteersfor diggingdeep for The Royal Children's Hospital," Ms Fowler said.

"Thankyou to both the federal and state governmentsfor the generous contributionstothe Appeal to ensure it remains aworld-class facility helping sick children and their families."

You can donate to Zoe and Matilda's Good Friday Appeal here: fundraise.goodfridayappeal.com.au/ fundraisers/zoematildawebber

Sophie Arnup with Piper Cordell gettinginto the Easter spirit. Photos: Contributed

Gippsland Grammar Early Learning students MatildaWilliams, Will Gibson and Milla Van Heurck showoff theirmillinerycreations at the school’s Easter hatparade this week.

Last Monday’s happy customers buying brightgolden sunflowers from the Webbergirls for the Good FridayAppeal.

Photo: Contributed

MatildaWebber showsoff herproduct alongside her school-aged customers.

Photo: Contributed Zoe Webber hands over abunch of sunflowers to heryoung customer.

Zoe and MatildaWebberraised

$1200 selling sunflowers for the

Hundreds of local students celebrate

Zoe Askew

HUNDREDS of local students rode, scooted or walked as part of this year’s National Ride2School Day on Friday, March 24

The national annual event was well received by students and parents of St Mary’s Primary School Maffra, first-year Ride2School Day participants, with physical health and education teacher Rebecca Stobbie blown away by the efforts of her school community

“Ride2School Day at St Mary’s was a huge success,” Ms Stobbie said

“We had an average of eight bike riders that week, and on the day of Ride2School, we had over 90 bike riders and over 20 students walk to school, which is an amazing effort for a small school ”

Ms Stobbie said it was fantastic to see the entire school community involved with last month’s event

“There were so many parents who actively travelled to school with their child, children,” Ms Stobbie said

“At school, our staff members came out and ran some active games to encourage students to be active before school

“There was basketball, skipping, dancing and hula hooping In particular, students loved riding on the oval, which was set up with a bike obstacle course It was so great seeing all students being active together and having fun

“In the lead-up to the event, I was contacted by local Catholic parish member Peter Smyth, who used to run a similar event at the school for many years

“In the past, Peter and other community members not only encouraged students to ride to school but conducted bike checks and had local Police involved in teaching students about road and bike safety

“This is something we hope to incorporate into our future Ride2School Days ”

After a wildly successful Ride2School Day in 2023, St Mary’s will undoubtedly be registering for next year’s event

“Our school will definitely participate in future Ride2School Days as the event created such a positive atmosphere in the yard and helped

encourage lots of students to be active,” Ms Stobbie said

“From the event, I hope to see more students actively travelling to school on a regular basis ” National Ride2School Day is Australia’s biggest celebration of active travel, and one of the most anticipated days on the St Thomas’ Primary School, Sale school calendar

St Thomas’ sport coordinator Grace Duffield was thrilled with the high level of participation in this year’s event

“This year’s Ride To School Day was exceptional, we had over 100 students and families participating and choosing active modes of transport,” she said

“The bike shed exploded out into the schoolyard and was full of a variety of wheels of all makes and models

“All students had the opportunity to participate in an obstacle course around the oval, which was set up and run by our amazing house captains

“This enabled all students, including our bus travellers, the opportunity to participate in the day

“We hope to see many more students and families taking up the opportunity to ride, walk, scoot or skate to school in the future ” Bicycle Network, Australia’s biggest bike riding organisation, supported by nearly 50,000 members nationwide, formed Ride2School Day as a solution to combat the significantly increasing number of children who are not physically active for the recommended minimum of 60 minutes each day

“In the 1970’s, eight out of 10 students rode or walked to school, but today that number has dropped to just two out of 10,” a Bicycle Network spokesperson said

“Students who ride or walk to school contribute to their minimum physical activity level of 60 minutes per day; they are also more focused and ready to learn compared to those who are driven “Ride2School is a nationwide program delivered by Bicycle Network, designed to support schools to encourage, empower and enable more students to get physically active on their journey to school

“To do this, we work with schools, students, parents and local government to cultivate active and healthy school communities ”

St Mary’s Primary School Maffra Foundation students Alby Saunders, Edward Stobie and Levi Saunders

St Mary’s Primary School Maffra Foundation student Jobie Bramich and Grade 2 student Jimmy Stobie

Jack Morris, Archer Dyer, Sam Duffield, Oli Bateman and Lachlan McMaster arrived at St Thomas’ Primary School Sale together on Ride2School Day

St Thomas’ Primary School Sale students Louis and Lila Bristow were among the hundreds of students who rode their bikes to school on Friday, March 24

St Thomas’ Primary School students, brother and sister Kailin and Jack Smith

St Mary’s Primary School Maffra Foundation student Mia Vardy clips her helmet up in preparation for her scooter ride home.

Arabella Fowler and Isla Millier rode their bikes to school at St Thomas’ Primary School Sale, on National Ride2School Day.

St Thomas’ Primary School Sale student Audrey Wilson on Ride2School Day

St Mary’s Primary School Maffra students Bay Oldham (Grade 1) and Payton Robson (Grade 4)

Liam Fraser jumps off his bike as he walks into school at St Thomas’ Primary School Sale on Ride2School Day.

Brother and sister Thea and Chevy Stubbe show off their bikes as they arrive for school at St Thomas’ Primary School Sale.

St Thomas’ Primary School Sale students Jessica Heffernan and Scarlett Pini

St Mary’s Primary School Maffra Grade 5 student Mia Potter sets off home on her bike

St Thomas’ Primary School Sale classmates and sisters Addison and Peyton Morelli.

St Mary’s Primary School Maffra Foundation student Asher Murphy sets off home on his swishy bicycle.

Photos: Zoe Askew

St Mary’s Primary School Maffra Grade 2 student Sailor McQuillen walks her bike through the school gates

Walking her bright pink bike into St Thomas’ Primary School Sale on national Ride2School Day is Emme Sanders

A big grin from St Thomas’ Primary School Sale student Laura Salerman.

St Thomas Primary School student Raffa Gunn

Crossword Puzzle No.8529

with Muzza

ONE POINTERS

1. Not including the Jokers, how many playing cards areina standarddeck?

2. Stevie Nicks is the lead singer for which famous musical group?

3. What colour arethe G’sinthe Google logo?

4. Australian Greg Norman was aprofessional in which sport?

TWO POINTERS

5. 2023Chinese New Year is know as the ‘Year of the ...’ what animal?

6. Spinach is high in which mineral?

7. The hardwhite material of elephant tusks is called what?

8. What two bones connect the elbow and wrist?

THREE POINTERS

9. What nut is used to make marzipan?

10. Which country is hosting this years Rugby WorldCup?

11. What is it called when abottle of champagne is open with asword?

12. What’sthe total number of dots on apair of dice?

FOUR POINTERS

13. What is Africa’shighest mountain?

14. What type of legal defence is derived from the Latin word meaning “elsewhere”?

FIVE POINTER

15. What arethe 5elements on the periodic table that have 4 letters? One point for each correct answer HOW DID YOU FARE?

Target Time No.0153

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

Howtoplay...

WGCMA photo winners

Ahoymatey

Captain Jack andthe Caribbean Pirates areperforming at The Leaf in the Sale BotanicGardens on Tuesday, April 18 and Wednesday, April19.

WINNERS of the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority’s (WGCMA) ‘Your Weekend, Your Waterway’ photo competition have been announced, with winners in four categories acknowledged and rewarded.

“The theme of this year’s competition prompted people to get out and explore the wonderfulwaterways we have around the region,” WGCMA chief executive Martin Fuller said.

“Not surprisingly,some lovely images have been taken and shared and Imust say abig thank you to everyone who took part.”

The photographs will form part of the WGCMA’s AnnualSeasonal Watering Proposal Document to be submitted to the Victorian Environmental Water Holder. Once approved, thisdetermines

allocations of waterfrom storagesreleasedto promote and support healthy waterways and ecosystems.

“Environmental water plays an important role in improving the health of rivers and wetlands in West Gippsland, and this is guided by Seasonal Watering Plansapproved by the Victorian Environmental Water Holder,” Mr Fuller said.

The three waterways that receive environmental waterdeliveriesinWestGippsland formed the photo competition categories.

The overall competition winner wasJames Kettner with ‘Picnic’ at Cowwarr Weir.

The winners of each section were:

1. Durt-Yowan (Latrobe River) anywhere downstream from Lake Narracan, including the

The overallcompetition winner wasJames Kettner with ‘Picnic’ at Cowwarr Weir Photos:Contributed

Lower Latrobe Wetlands ie: Dowd Morass, Heart Morass and Sale Common.

Winner:Ellie Harrington SwingBridge Drive Sunrise

2. Wirn wirndook Yeerung (Macalister River) anywhere downstream from Lake Glenmaggie.

Winner: Claire Jobling -Intrepid Landcare Group kayaking trip.

3. Carran Carran (Thomson River),including the Heyfield Wetlands(anywheredownstream from the Thomson Reservoir).

Winner:Sarah Heath -Rope Swing at Cowwarr Weir

All winnerswill receive shopping vouchers to use in their local communities.

Former Heyfield resident receives an inspirational women’s award

FORMERHeyfield resident BarbaraBednarski was recently honoured with the Inspirational Women’s Award by the Women’s Interfaith Network in Narre Warren.

Barbara’s journeybegan when sheand her family arrived in Australia in the 1950’s, spending their first years in three migrant camps, including Cowra, Bonegilla, and West Sale.

Eventually, the family settled down in Heyfield, where Barbara beganher career with Australia Post,formerly knownasPMG

After hertimeatAustraliaPost,Barbara went on to work at St.Lawrence Aged Care Facility and the State Electricity Commission (SEC) in Morwell.

In the 1990’s, she moved to Fountain Gate and pursued acarer’s certificate in gerontology, while continuing her work at Australia Post.

Even in retirement, Barbara remains active in her community by volunteering with Wesley Mission and the multicultural women’s group. Through activities such as knitting, sewing, and crocheting, she fosters connections with others in the community and offers her time and companionship.

At home, Barbara cherishes her three birds, one cat, and adog, appreciating their unconditional love and constant companionship.

In her free time, she enjoys dancing, traveling, socialising, and reaching out to people.

Barbara’s dedication to her community and her compassionate nature have made her adeserving recipient of the inspirational women’s award.

RUMOUR has it Captain Jack and the Caribbean Pirates is aswashbuckling adventure!

Join the craziest and most colourful pirates of the Caribbean as they tell theirlife stories on the high seas, battling for booty from passing merchant ships and living the pirate life to the fullest.

Learn the pirate talk, do the pirate walk, sing the pirate songs and go on atreasure hunt to find the long-lost treasure!

Meet CaptainJackCutthroat, Major Key, Larry(who should be Sally)and the mysterious and magical Gypsy Pirate.

Whose crew will you join?It’s afightto the death, so choose carefully!

Willthey everfindthe treasure map? Will the magical Gypsy Pirate reap her revenge on Captain Jack Cutthroat and have him keelhauled? Will Larry save Major Key?

It’s up to you because you’re in the story.

This exciting hour-long interactive theatre production has manysword fights, songs and hearty pirate action.

Don’t be alandlubber: get yourself shipside and join in the fun at The Leaf -Sale Botanic Gardens at 3.30pm on Tuesday, April 18 and 10.30am Wednesday,April 19.

Ticket prices for adults are $25, children under 18 cost $15 or buy afamily of four ticket for $70.

For bookings and more information go to https://thewedge.com.au/event/captain-jack/

JUDITH GASPROJECT –FIELD APPRAISAL DRILLING, BASS STRAIT STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION PROCESS

EmperorEnergy is an Australian gasexploration company planning to drill theJudith-2appraisal well on theJudith GasField in Bass Strait to helpimprove thecurrent and projectedshortageofnaturalgasinsouth-easternAustralia. Whiledrillingactivitieswillbefocussedapproximately 40kmsoffshorefromthe existing Orbost GasPlant,spill modellingsuggeststhatinthe very unlikely eventofa loss ofwellcontrol,coastalandmarineareasoffsouthernNSW, east andsouth-east Victoria,and north-eastTasmania couldpotentially be impacted.

If youhavefunctions,interests or activities in theseareas andwould liketoreceivemore informationthenplease contact us viathe emailbelow.

stakeholder@emperorenergy.com.au

We will then send youfurther information to helpyou determinehow youcould potentially be affected and discussfurther consultationwithyou regardingour proposed activities.

Photo: Contributed

Well done: Former Heyfield residentBarbara Bednarski with her inspirational women’s award. Photographsupplied

SarahHeath, Rope Swing at Cowwarr Weir ClaireJobling, Intrepid Landcare Group kayaking trip

EllieHarrington, SwingBridge Drive Sunrise.

Movie a1-Up for Super Mario Bros. fans

Just in time for the school holidays, The Super Mario Bros. Movie has been released in theatres. Our resident film buffs -and lifelong Mario fans -Tom Parry and Stefan Bradley went to check it out.

SB: It was absolutely packed at Sale Cinema on Thursday night for The Super Mario Bros. Movie. While it had come out the day before, Easter and school holidays meant this was the ideal time for families to see the movie with their kids.

TP: Cinema 3was more full than it was for Avatar: The Way of Water, The Batman and any Marvel movie released in the past twelve months, so people were very keen for this picture.

SB: Including me -I'vewaited 25 years for an animated Mario film.I think childhood enthusiasts of Iron Man and Transformers felt the same anticipation whenthe film adaptations of those properties first emerged in the late 2000s. Iloved

nearly all aspects of The Super Mario Bros Movie, but I'll start with the negatives -itdoes suffer fromabasicplot.Now, there'snothingwrong with asimplestory,but there's not alot of character development here, so we oftenmove fromone scene to the next really quickly as aconsequence of its 90-minute runtime. But what's most important for me is, does this look, feel and sound like aMario movie that the franchise and fans deserve? In that respect, this is absolutely what Iwanted.

TP: It absolutelydoes feel likea Super Mario movie, and has aton of respect for the lore of the games. This is in contrast to the live-action Super Mario Bros. film from 1993 starring Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo, which had little to do with its source material.Aswell-knownasMario is, if you've never experienced his games, or don't like video games at all, you'll probably react very differently to this new movie.

SB: Marioisabout as recognisable as Batman, MickeyMouse or Pikachu, and this is an origin story, so Ithink almost anyone will be able to connect with its characters and story. And for us fans, it’s amazing to see Mario look this good in animation and hear the music from the games. There's so many surprises and references -more Easter eggs than this past weekend!

TP: And it’s not just references we’re treated to, either -wealsoget to see some fast-flowing action sequences that mirror the platforming elements of the original games, which are brief yet enjoyable nonetheless.

SB: Ifeel fatigue fromall the superhero CGI-fests, so theserelativelyquickand chaotic animated actionscenes feltlike abreath of fresh air.And since they paid tributes to the games, they don't feel derivative of other recent movies. One of the biggest concerns for fans prior to this film’s release was the cast; the choice of Chris Pratt as the voice of Mario in particular has been quite contentious and he's... okay. The voice did grow on me -you rarely remember it's Pratt as you watch it, but just ‘okay’ is not good enough for the most iconic video game character ever. Ialsodon't think he delivered most of his lines with the over-the-top emotion that you expect in acartoon or animated film. This is in contrast to Keegan-Michael Key's exaggerated performance -hewas exactly what IexpectedToadtosound like. Pratt's chemistry with Charlie Day's Luigi was superb, so props to both of them.

TP: There were times that you hear his 'Prattness' coming through, but for the most part, Iwasn't bothered by the Mario voice -Iactually found the portrayal quite charming. In fact, all of the voice cast was pretty great, particularlyAnya Taylor-Joy as Princes Peach.

SB: Taylor-Joy has apowerful presence as Peach. Iloved Seth Rogan essentially playing himself as Donkey Kong,hewas really funny.The Mario

and Donkey Kong rivalry in thisfilm is one of the highlights for me. But the best performance by far is Jack Black as Bowser. He sounds more perfect the more you hear him.

ugh; a basic

TP: Agreed. To go back to the story, Ithink it worked well enough; it follows abasic structure and it all leads to a bizarre, hectic third-act that Iquite enjoyed. Actually, in truth, Iwas invested throughout, despite the screenplay’s lac ko f originality.

SB: Ilike how they flipped the roles of Luigi and Peach -the latter well-known for being kidnapped by Bowser in the games; in the film, it's Luigi who needs rescuing, and Peach instea works togethe with Mario stop Bowse That workswe in an origin sto likethis becau rescuing Mari brother becom the emotion hook -why wou he rescue Pea someone he's never met? This also allows Peach and Toadtointroduce the world of the Mushroom Kingdom to Mario and new audiences.

TP: Ithink thevisualsofthe Mushroom Kingdom are the movie's greateststrength. Ialsowantto mentionTyler Bates' score andhow he incorporated so many nuggets of music from the games into thisfilm.It’s somethingIwished they had utilised more, instead of these weird needle-dropsfromThe Beastie Boys and a-ha, among others.

SB: This is one of the most rewatchable movies I've seen in awhile.It's also funnier than Iexpected. The flaws Imentioned about the script lacking a huge amount of substance is not adeal-breaker -it's important to keep in mind that this is afilm made forchildren and families.

TP: Equally important to note is that cinema is aseparate medium from video games, so any film adaptation needs to stand on its own merits, and this movie does just that.

SB: It has the energy of avideo game, such as when Mario trains on that obstacle course, failing again and again, just like agamer. Combining Mario Kart and Mad Max for that ‘Rainbow Road’ drivingsequence is not something Iever expected to see on film, but Iabsolutelyloved it. The Super Mario Bros. Movie is going to be amassive hit.

TP: If youdislike animation and if you hatevideo

The titular brothers, Mario and Luigi, as they appearin The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Bowser,Mario’s nemesis, as he appears in The Super Mario Bros. Movie Images:Universal Pictures/Nintendo

games, you probably won’t see the appeal. My expectations were low for this film, but Iwas enamouredbywhatI saw and I'mlooking forward to whateversequels Nintendo and Illumination produce. The Super MarioBros. Movie is rated PG for mild fantasy themes and animated violence, and is currently screening at Sale Cinema.

The film is in cinemas now

Secluded block with views n of the mountain ranges

Located to the north of Newry is an undulating block protected by the neighbouring bushland to the southwest and harnessing the views of the mountain ranges to the north. At approximately 3.45 hectares in size, agents say this rare parcel of landisperfectfor aweekend getaway, whether it be camping or enjoying the activities that exploring the Great Dividing Ranges has to offer.

The block is predominately cleared, only ashort drive from Maffra, Tinamba, Heyfield and reachable in atimely manner from afar.

Briefdetails Brie etails

Property: 3.45 hectares (approx.8.5 acres) of cleared land

Address: ess: 47ASlaughterhouse Road, Newry

Price: $230,000

Agent: Kevin Read, Wellington Real Estate, 0488 411026

Plenty of character in Coongulla

This north facing property is located in the picturesque township of Coongulla on Lake Glenmaggie. Agents say the property is fully renovated and awaiting its new owners, and that the decked veranda which wraps around the front of the property will surely catch your eye.

The three bedroom weatherboard home consists of agenerous open plan living and dining area with the added benefit of split system heating and cooling. The tasteful kitchen is wrapped around the living/meal area which features an ILVE oven, gas cooktop and plenty of storage.

The three bedrooms all boast built in robes, along with the master bedroom having the added charm of double French doors that open out to aprivate and secluded rear deck. The main bathroom is tastefully finished with wall to ceiling tiles, aseparate shower and bath.

Outside, there is asingle lock-up garage

and fencing providing asecure place to park vehicles, boats and caravans alike. Perfect for aweekend getaway orashortstay money spinner with potential returns of $30,000 p/a,the property is being offered furnished by negotiation.

Briefdetails fdetails

Property:Three bedroom home ty: Three bedr near LakeGlenmaggie Lake Glenmaggie

Address: 27 Wellington Street, Street Coongulla

Price: $480,000

Contact: Ferg Horan, Graham t: Chalmer,0417123 162 23 16

Large family home in quiet court

2ASH STREET,HEYFIELD

RENOVATEORRECREATE

AUCTION: SATURDAY 6TH MAYAT10:30AMONSITE

135-137 POWERSCOURT STREET,MAFFRA

Located within walking distance to schools, shops, Central Gippsland Hospital, LakeGuthridge and recreational facilities is this outstanding five bedroom brick veneer home that truly offers something for every member of your family.

Upstairs features raked ceilings in the huge rumpus room and two bedrooms (each with robes), there are two showerrooms and separate toilet.

The ground floor offers amaster bedroom boasting an ensuite and substantial robes plus two further bedrooms sharing amain bathroom.

Ahome office sits at the front of the home and connects to aprivate living room with wood heater and adjoining kitchenette, while the meals area and updatedmodern kitchen sits adjacent to the sunken lounge room which flows out onto asunroomperfect for entertaining family and friends all year round.

Further features include an outdoor alfresco with extensive open decking, good

storage throughout, as well as quality vinyl flooring to the main living area and large laundry

The garage offers undercover access into the house and there is asmall shed/ workshop, plus the rear yard is fully fenced, making it ideal for young children and pets. Call now to arrange an inspection!

Briefdetails

Property:Fivebedroom, four bath p room home with four living bathroom fo areas

Address: 2EdwardCourt, Sale ess: 2Edw dCour

Price: $585,000

Contact:

16

SPACEFOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

FOR SALE $775,000

DON’T WANT THE STRESS OF BUILDING?

•Situated in one of Sale’s newest residential estates

•Quality built by local builder Colmac Homes

•Near new 4bedroom, 2bathroom home

•Large open plan design

•Stunning kitchen with large stove, dishwasher and walk in pantry

•Separatelounge/theatreroom

•Ductedheating plus reverse cycle air conditioner

•Double garage with automatic door and direct access into home

•Alfresco area at rear

•Spacious backyardwith loads of room for the growing family or additional shedding

•All the hardwork completed, just move in and enjoy

FOR SALE $695,000

TICKS ALL THE BOXES!

•Situated on alarge 2269m2 block in avery sought afterresidential estate

•4bedrooms, 2bathrooms

•Separatelounge plus spacious family room

•Kitchen/dining area combined

•Enclosed outdoor entertaining/rumpus area

•Wood heating and reverse cycle air conditioning

•Solar power system reducing the costs of electricity

•Double carport and brick workshop

•10.4m x9menclosed colorbond shed with adjoining 3.6m x9mopenbay ideal forboat or caravan

FOR SALE $695,000

Waterviews

Located in apeaceful setting, and just across the road from the boat ramp, this two bedroom, one bathroom, with open plan living, is an ideal permanent home, holiday home, or investment.

Elevated on the block and with anortherly facing aspect, the home takes in views of LakeVictoria all year round. Climb the stairs to the double glass front doors and find an entertaining deck with lakeviews.

The spacious open plan living area lets in natural light from the north, withthe lounge and meals area heated and cooled by the wood heater and split system.

The laminate kitchen has plenty of bench space, LPG gas freestanding stove and built in pantry cupboard. Leading fromthe dining area is the sliding door to the rear covered alfresco area.

The two spacious bedrooms are both carpeted and the main bedroom has aceiling fan, sliding door to the entertaining area and views of the water

The centrally located bathroom consists of shower,vanity and toilet. The laundry is located in one of the two single garages, which have power,concrete floor and roller doors. The spacious fully fenced front yard is an ideal area for parking boats and trailers. A10,000 gallon water tank services your water supply,the sewerage is connected to mains sewerage and gas is provided with LPG bottles.

The property has aproven record with AirBnB for holiday makers, creating an ideal investment opportunity.Furniture is included in the sale of the home.

The seaside town of Loch Sport is close to the Gippsland Lakes and 90 Mile Beach, with agolf club, café, local hotel, supermarket, pharmacy, service stations and more. Contact the selling agentto arrangea time to inspect this property

Briefdetails ails

Property: Twobedroom home ty: Tw edroom with water views ter

Address: 41 Seagull Drive, Loch dress: ch Sport

Price: $550,000

Contact: Christine Haylock, Wellington Real Estate, llington Real 0417 007 336 17

“Balnavoran”

Welcome to “Balnavoran”, established in 1908, this 1.86 hectare property is steeped in history and has many astory to tell. The solid federation style homestead is calling out for someone to revive it to its former glory,taking advantage of the charming features of that era, including high ceilings, feature cornice and ceiling roses.

The home is set well back from the road, nestled within arural landscape, including beautiful well-established trees, and an expansive outlook.

The home features along entry hall, which upon renovation would be an elegant welcome to the home. There are five bedrooms, spacious lounge area and large kitchen and dining space. The kitchen and bathroom are both functional due to aprevious 1970s renovation. Other additions to the home include seven split systems throughout, solar panels and anew roof.

The land is azoned Farming Zone with frontage to Wickhams Creek. Agents say it will be well suited to horse owners, hobby farmers or anyone just wanting alifestyle

property in aquiet area known for award winning restaurants and wineries. There is an existing three bay open fronted shed on the property,good fencing and water available from the well/underground aquifer

“Balnavoran” is going to Auction on April 29, 2023 at 11.30am, on site.

Briefdetails

Property: Fivebedroom federation ebedroom erafarmhouse

Address: 5299 Traralgon MaffraRd fraRd Tinamba

Auction: 29/04/2023 on siteat site at 11.30am

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

Topawardfor Pearsondale pair

Zoe Askew

STAN and Denise Walker of Pearsondale’s Charellen Poll Herefords won the carcase award for apair of grass-fed steers entered in this year’s grass-fed trials at Farm World, Lardner Park.

Mr and Mrs Walker commenced Charellen Poll Herefords after purchasing property from Denise’s familyabout30years agoand have sincemanaged the Pearsondale farm, gradually increasing the holding capacity over time, first entering the grass-fed trial in 2021.

In July2022, the 47th Lardner Park grass-fed trialbegan in Warragul, with 35 teams of mixed breed steers entered from 26 producers across the state.

Purebred entrants were Taracombe Herefords, Tarwin Poll Herefords, Charellen Poll Herefords and Moorville Herefords, withthe Walker’s among the Lardner Park 2022 grass-fed trial winners announced on March 24 this year at Farm World (the awards were given for weight gain, carcase and eating quality over asix month period).

“I was surprised, quite elated actually,” Mr Walker said.

“I actually rang Anthony Wellhams, who is the manwho manages thesteers for that six-month period and said, ‘Look, Ican’tcomedownAnthony’.

“Hesaid, ‘I think you’re up for an award, so if you could really come down and make it’.

“So we drove down and got there, got the award and came home, so Ididn’t see any of Lardner Park, really.”

Charellen PollHerefordssteers recorded an overall pair daily gain of 1.26kg and overall individualgainsof1.35and 1.17kg,winning the highest carcase score for the pair on 90.66 points, carcases scoring 88.15 and 93.16 points, respectively.

The steers had carcaseweightsof278 and 297kg respectively, and eye muscle areas of 77 and 88sqcm.

“The trail offers particpants the opportunity to evaluate their cattle in astandardised feed enviroment,” Mr Walker said.

“It was pleasing to see howe well our steers performedand Iguess the thing that set them apart was they ended up having very good carcasses.

“The previous year we were about 10th overall” Mr Walker added.

“It wasa nicesurprise to seeour weight gain improve and obviously when they wentover the hooks, they scored very well.”

As Australia’s only grass-fed steer trial,producers frommultiple states have the opportunity to assess cattleunder independentlycontrolled grazing conditions.

Compliant with the Coles QA grass-fed program, the aimistoachieve the best outcomes during trial information and datacollection and purchase price on carcase meat when the trial is finished in late November.

The fifth and finalweighing was heldonNovember 28, 2022, before the steers were transported to JBS for processing.

Thefinal grid specifications are220-330kghot standard carcase weight.

“It’s all donebyMSA grading, so Meat Standards Australia’s grading system, so they score the carcass for differentthings, fat and meatcolour, marbling, ossificationintermuscularfat, eye muscle area and PH, which is part of the flavour of the meat,” Mr Walker said.

“If you’ve got aPHthat is too high or too low, it can affect thetaste, tenderness andshelf life of the meat.

In summary, Charellen Poll Herefords selects

genetics based on Breedplan data and phenotype, which include above-breed average traitsfor weight gain, eye muscle area, intramuscular fat and docility to produce the highest quality cattle.

“Winning the carcase award gives us the benefit of seeing how we stackupagainst other breeds and ensures that our breeding strategy is soundly based,” Mr Walker said.

Finishingfifth overall, Stan and Denise Walker, Charellan PollHerefords, Pearsondale, had few steerstochoose from this year as the drop wasmostly heifers but enteredcalvessired by Ravensdale Trooper L179 and Ravensdale Spark M016.

“Weenteredthem to get aguide on how they kill out,”MrWalker said.

“Generallyour steers are sold directtothe Greenham Never EverProgram at 450-500kg live weight.

“The Lardner Park Trial is agood educational trial with all the steers on the same pasture, and normally the Herefords perform well.”

Mr Walker said the key wastohave steers at the June entry of 300-350kg live weight to meet the endspecifications of 220-330kg carcase weight.

David Meikle, Tarwin Poll Herefords, Meeniyan, placedsecond in theweight and carcase award and Tim Hayes, Tarcombe Herefords, Ruffy, won the highest eating quality (MSA Index) award.

Tarwin PollHereford’s winningteam from the two entrants had acarcase score of 87.58 and 83.78 points, carcase weight of 317and 327kg, eyemuscle area of 84 and 90sqcm, respectivelyand MSA Index of 60.13 and 58.46, an individual average daily weightgain of 1.46 and1.56kg, andanoverall pair average daily weight gain of 1.50kg at the final weighing.

The pair placed second overall in the combined weight gain and carcase award with 228.32 points, 1.53points behind overall winners, two Angus steer from Tim Wilson, Amphitheatre Pastoral Partnership, Labertouche.

Tarcombe Homeland P177sired TarwinPoll Hereford’s overall second-placing steer, while the otherpair,placingseventhoverall, wassired by Wirruna Nolan N146.

David Meikleregularly competes in carcase competitions,and the Lardner Park steer trial maintained afocus on traits needed for sound practical cattle, including adequate weight gain, ability to finish,tractability,mothering ability and structural soundness.

“It was tremendous results for the breed-weight gain, carcaseand eatingquality all go towards good viable cattle that make money,” Mr Meikle said.

“Hereford cattle have been consistently reliable in this competition.

“We make our selections in June, and over the

10 years, the cattle always meet the specifications.

“This competitionisthere to be dominated by Hereford cattle.

“I would love to see more commercial purebred and crossbred entries from around Victoria and interstate.

“It leads to the Hereford strengths of being able to grass finish.

“I get abenefit out of the competitionpromotionwise -weput our cattle out there to be challenged and tested, and that’s apositive.”

Tarcombe Herefords has been aregular entrant in the steer trial with both purebred and Hereford-infused steers, achievingconsistent results, finishing eighth overall in the Lardner Park 2022 grass-fed trial and winning the MSA Index component.

Tarcombe Herefords winning team had acarcase score of 86.34 and 88.87 points.

The carcase weights of the winning steers for eating quality 254kg and 253kg, eye muscle area 78 and 65sqcm, and MSA Index 63.79 and 62.9, respectively.

The eating quality win reaffirmed the stud’s breeding focus on increasing muscle, marbling, carcase quality and finishing ability.

“To have Herefords represented among the winners in the weight gain, carcase and eating quality says alot,” Mr Hayes said.

“It is not an easy competition to win as there are some large commercial operations supplying the supermarket trade competing with teams.

“I encourage more Hereford breederstoget behind this trial; next year, Iwill have ateam of Hereford andHereford/Charolais steers.”

Sale local breeder Stan Walker is now preparing forLardner Park 2023 grass-fed trial.

Stan and Denise Walker at Pearsondalehaveproven their superior grass-fed performance by taking out theCarcase Awardfor apairofsteers entered in the LardnerPark 2022grass-fed trial.

Photos: Contributed

The Lardner Park 2022 grass-fed trial Carcase Award.

Flower farmer takes home top honour for work in sustainability

GLENMORE entrepreneur Nikki Davey has been awarded the 2023 VIC AgriFutures Rural Women’s Awardfor hertrail-blazing approachtosustainable farming practices in the flower industry.

The prestigious award was presented at aceremony in Melbournerecently by Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Regional Development Michaela Settle.

The AgriFutures RuralWomen’s Award, supported by long-termplatinum sponsor Westpac, is Australia’sleading award in empowering and celebrating the inclusive and courageous leadership of women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities, now and into the future.

It is an opportunity to celebrate the forward thinking, courageous leaders who come from industries that represent some of the regional and remote areas of Victoria.

Ms Davey, co-founder of GrownNot Flown, was selected for her work in creatingadigital

Saputoenters intoagreement

SAPUTO Dairy Australia (SDA) has announced its intention to further optimise its operating model by entering into adefinitive agreement with ColesGroup Limited to sellits fresh milk manufacturing sites at Laverton North (Victoria) and Erskine Park (NSW).

The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including clearance from the AustralianCompetitionand Consumer Commission(ACCC), andisexpected to close in the second half of calendar 2023.

Fresh milk products remain an important part of SDA’s business, and as part of the sale agreement with Coles Group Limited, SDA will continue to havefresh milk products processed at thesetwo manufacturing facilities.

SDA will work closely with its customers through the transition to ensurethese changes have minimal impact and intends for itsloyal consumers to continue enjoying itsdiverse rangeofdairy products.

Therewillalsobenochanges to its valued farmer relationships,with suppliers’ milk continuing to be collected and processed throughout Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania

“We’re continually working to ensure we have the rightmanufacturing footprint and product offering to enhance our position as ahigh-quality, low-cost processor,” Saputo Inc.’schair of the board, president and chief executive Lino A. Saputo said. “This marksanimportant step in executing our long-term vision for successinAustralia as we maintain asharp focus on efficiency to ensure we maximise the return on every litre of milk.”

The sites employ around 48 people.

All employees will receive an offer to transfer their employment to Coles Group Limited, and SDA will work closely with the site teams to support themthrough this changeover.

platform that supports the slow flowermovement by connectingflower consumers with local and sustainable producers.

The slow flower movement aims to encourage sustainable farming practices by reducing flower miles, and encourage consumers to buy from the many local small-scale producers who make up the Victorian flower industry.

As part of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, Ms Davey received a$15,000 grantfrom Westpac to further supporther project,aswell as the opportunity to undertake aprofessional development course of her choosing.

Ms Davey will go on to represent Victoria at the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement in Canberra later in the year, where the national winner will be awarded an additional $20,000 Westpacgrant and the national runner-up, an additional$15,000.

“I feel so incredibly grateful for this opportunity to be able to share ourGrown Not Flown story and platform with everyone, and to help promote and raise awarenessaroundflower miles, slow flowers and supporting local,” Ms Davey said.

“As aself-funded start-up, often progresscan be very slow and so this Westpac grant will be an absolutegamechanger forusand what we can achieve in the next 12 months.

“I’m so excited and proud to be joining an alumni community of supportive and strong women who are real change makers within their rural communities.”

Ms Settle commended Ms Davey and fellow finalists GraceLarson, NehaSamar, Michelle Daga andSarahDuncansonfor their brilliantwork and ongoing contribution to rural and regional communities in Victoria.

“Victoria is proudtocongratulate the 2023 Victorian finalists, all of them showcase the powerful impact women have across our regional

Kudos: Victorian Rural Women’s Award winner Nikki Davey(centre)flanked by Parliamentary Secretary for Agricultureand Regional Development Michaela Settle (left) and regional general manager,Central VIC/ Gippsland, Regional &Agribusiness Mandy Hehir (Westpac). Photograph supplied

communities,” Ms Settle said.

All five women will now join a300-strong alumni which provides anetwork to support their future endeavours.

AgriFutures managing director John Harvey hopes Ms Davey’s achievementswill inspire other determined and forward thinking female leaders working in rural, regional and remote communities across Victoria for years to come.

“The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award providesthese women aplatform to build on their leadership skills to drive changeinrural and regional Australia.”, Mr Harvey explained.

“It’s exciting to see Nikki alreadymakingsuch a positiveinfluence in her industry and community.”

Supportingthese sentiments, senior relationship manager for Westpac Gayle Isles said the awards reflect the heart of rural industries in Victoria and across the nation.

“Creating and advancing opportunities for rural Australiaand ourlocal communitiesisatthe core of what makes our regions the backbone of our economy and our rural industries asuccess,” she said.

“On behalf of Westpac Agribusiness, Icommend all the inspiring women who took the initiative to apply for the Rural Women’s Award, and congratulate Nikki for being awarded the Victorian State Winner.”

Landcaregrantsopento help protect environment

THE state government is providing a$4.4million funding boost to volunteers and young people across the state, to help them protect and restore the natural environment in our area.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, is encouragingvolunteer groups across Gippsland to apply for the 2023 Victorian Landcare Grants and the 2023 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants, which are now open to help volunteers and kids carefor the state’s precious environment and biodiversity.

Through the Victorian LandcareGrants, environmental volunteer groups can apply for up to $20,000for on-ground works and community education projectsthat protect or improve the natural environment across Gippsland.

Support grantsofupto$500are also available to help with groupadministration and running costs

“These grants will help volunteers of all ages across Gippsland to continue the crucial work to restore and improve habitats for our native plants and animals,” Ms Shing said.

“We know Victorians love being out in natureand we are investing to ensure our precious and unique environment can be enjoyedbyfuture generations.

“This funding will assist our hard-working

volunteers, community groups and young people to continue caring for our beautiful, diverse, and vitally important natural environments.”

The Victorian Landcaregrantsare open to environmental volunteering groups, including Landcare groups and networks, friendsgroups, conservationmanagement networks, committees of management, Coastcare groups and Aboriginal groups to support the important work they do in protecting and restoringthe land and environment.

More than 200 projects were funded through last year’s grants, including revegetationprojects at Burnet Park Camp, planting afirewise demonstrationgarden in Nungurner, and theplantingof thousands of Indigenous plants in gardens across East Gippsland.

Grantsofupto$5000 will be available for projects that providechildcare centres, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools,Scouts, Girl Guides and youth groups in Wellington with an opportunity to participate in hands-on projects planting Indigenous gardens, building habitat to attract native insects and birds, collecting data about nature and excursions to wildlife sanctuaries. For more information about how to apply, visit environment.vic.gov.au/grants

HORSES WANTED

send your resume to: info@designercabinetry.com.au

MISSING TURNED WOOD

HORSES WANTED

Forall classifieds please telephone: 5143 9333 drop into our office: 74 Macalister St., Sale or email: classifieds@gippslandtimes.com.au

we want to provide the best possible learning environment for our students. We welcome both new and experienced

●

●

●

Receptionist/Legal Secretary

Semmens, Hatch &Anderson Solicitors are seeking the services of an enthusiastic Receptionist/Legal Secretary to join our team in the Maffra Office.

Required hours can be flexible by agreement and will be discussed on application or fulfilled on afull-time basis.

The successful applicant should ideally possess:

● Excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to work within ateam.

● Experience in office procedures and in handling confidential documents.

● Experience in Reception/Administrative roles or Legal Practice.

● Sound computer skills with Microsoft Office, accuracy in data entry and experience with LEAP Legal Software (preferred but not essential).

● Problem solving skills, ability to meet deadlines and key attention to detail.

Applicants are requested to provide aresume and application letter indicating whether you are seeking full time or flexible hours addressed to Office Manager, Semmens, Hatch &Anderson, PO Box 152, Maffra VIC 3860 or accounts@shamaffra.com.au

Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 19 April 2023

Are you ready to join our team: Superclean Maid Service are home cleaning & garden professional supporting veterans, aged care &NDIS participants.

We are currently seeking casual employees to work in avariety of roles:

● Home care cleaning

● Gardening Maintenance including hedge trimming, lawns, edging, weeding &pruning

● Gutter cleaning

● Pressure washing

● Window cleaning

● Carpet steam cleaning

● Skilled at ironing

● Meal preparation/welfare check

● Community access

The successful applicants will require:

● An eye for detail whilst taking pride in your work.

● Valid driver's licence &road-worthy vehicle

● Provide first aid including CPR certificate

● Current police check with no outcomes

● WWCC

● Smart phone

● Solid understanding of work, health &safety

● Able to work independently &confidently

● Prior experience in the chosen role/s

In return you will receive:

● Flexible work hours Mon -Friday 9am -4pm

● Friendly &supportive team

● Above Award wage

● Yearly bonus scheme on performance

● Portable long service benefits scheme

Blue/black BMW

2014, f800 GS, Adventure Touring Motorbike, 12,200kms, reg till July '23

$12,800, ph 0419 523 761

•

Camper Trailer

Sleeps 4, fully equipped, good condition, $900.

•

ARMSTRONG (Nobelius)

some pocket money?

$$$

Phone 0408 241 319.

CAMPERVAN

Nissan 1988 high roof, many extras including solar panels. Roadworthy cond. Ph 0457 671 525. 681 YIA

BUTCHER, Roma. Passed away on April 7, 2023. Loved sister of Reg, sister-in-law of Margaret. Auntie of Carolyn and Steve, Jenny and Matt, Matthew and Caroline, David and Mindy. Great Auntie of Rani, Quinn, Jessica, Lauren, Ethan and Lilly. Loving Memories

Gippsland Lakes Complete Health has the following career opportunity available: General Practitioner -SexualHealth Hub Clinic 281 Bairnsdale

Locum or Casual

2days per week from May 8th -May 20th

The Sexual Health Hub- (Clinic 281) is a Victorian Government initiative in response to the Victorian Women's Health Strategic Priorities. The clinic operates Tuesday to Thursday and seeks to improve access for women's health inclusive of unplanned pregnancy support, contraception, and STI screening.

GLCH recognises the broader sexual and reproductive health needs of the local region, and under the community health banner, is also seeking to meet the sexual health needs, particularly young people (of all genders) through the provision of aholistic sexual health service. The GP role works in close collaboration with trained Sexual Health Nurses in providing confidential and supportive sexual health care along with an established network of service providers.

For more information about the role or to express your interest please contact: cherylb@glch.org.au

Diesel Mechanic

Full Time -Sale Depot

Sign on $5k Bonus

The Dyson Group of Companies is a family-owned organisation providing quality coach and bus services across Australia. Dysons currently employs over 1350 people, and we well understand that our people are our greatest asset.

We value safety, and work hard to ensure a positive, collaborative workplace culture at all our locations based on family values established across 70 years of operation.

An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced Diesel Mechanic to join the team at our Sale depot.

Primary responsibilities will include the regular servicing program of buses and coaches as well as day to day maintenance and repairs. Reporting to the workshop Supervisor, the successful applicant will be comfortable with computer systems and be able to meet the company's accreditation requirement.

To be successful in this role, ideally you will have:

● Trade qualifications (Heavy Vehicle).

● Heavy Rigid licence or be willing to obtain one.

● Flexible with workhours to meet operational needs.

● Excellent communication skills.

● Be safety minded.

● Be able to work as part of ateam or autonomously.

Benefits of working at Dyson:

● Sign on 5k bonus.

● Competitive pay.

● Job security and opportunity for career progression.

● Uniform provided.

● Access to discounted gym membership.

● Free access to Health assist.

● Generous Tool Allowance.

● Working with amodern and diverse fleet of buses.

If you have these skills and feel you meet the criteria, please forward your resume to our careers team. careers@dysongroup.com.au or 121 McKimmies Road, Bundoora VIC 3083

For more information please call (03) 9463 3999

● All public holidays off

● Travel costs reimbursed when driving your own vehicle

● Uniform and equipment supplied

To apply: Email your resume &cover letter to: Superclean.applications@gmail.com

Applications close 4th May 2023

Senior Retail Sales Assistant Maffra

AG Warehouse is an owned subsidiary of Saputo Dairy Australia operating arange of retail stores and fertiliser depots throughout Victoria New South Wales and Tasmania which service these farmer catchment areas with their farming requirements.

We are currently seeking an energetic individual with excellent interpersonal skills to join our Maffra team as aSenior Retail Sales Assistant.

The primary focus of the role is to support the Store Manager with day-to-day store operations and build strong partnerships with customers and deliver appropriate advice and services using your specialist knowledge of avariety of agricultural products and supplies.

Servicing predominantly dairy and livestock based clientele, the successful candidate will be strongly customer driven and will demonstrate outstanding communication and relationship building skills to enhance astrong team environment. Pasture, livestock, nutrition or basic agronomy knowledge is highly advantageous but not essential.

The successful candidate will be highly motivated, demonstrate previous experience in a Retail Sales Assistant role and ideally have a good knowledge of the rural industry. Strong communicaton, organisation, proactiveness and ambition are paramount to being successful in this role.

Acompetitive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate who can demonstrate the above requirements. This is a diverse and challenging opportunity to join an evolving business with vast amounts of ongoing growth and development potential.

For further information about the role or to apply please send your resume and acover letter to ken.lascelles@saputo.com or call 0417 310 989

Applications Close: Monday 17th April 2023

Motoring Deal

Atotal of 12 issues over amonth!

Cash or credit card, through

GRANT'S RoyalFlair 2011, 21ft, reg. July '23, Limited Edition, dual axle, hot water service, full ensuite, washing machine, large bed, rev. air cond., fully maint., large fridge, many extras $42,000. Ph 0412 963 561.

Want

Nissan Navara

1991, manual, v.g.c. r.w.c. vin 21A0433493. $8,000, phone 0475 690 520

Helen Estelle. Passed away peacefully April 1, 2023. Cherished wife of Geoff for 64 years, loved mother and mother-in-law of Jane and GeoffMcInnes, adored grandmother and great grandmother of Tom, Kelly and Kobe McInnes, Sarah, Tom, Zara and Zoe Saunders. Too dearly loved to ever be forgotten.

Deaths •

BUTCHER (nee Monck), Roma Bernice.

26/11/34 -07/04/23

Late of Sale, formerly of Briagolong. Passed away gently at the Sale Hospital surrounded by family on Friday the 7th of April, 88 years strong. Eldest child of Leo and Iris Monck (both dec.)

Much loved sister of Jeanette (dec.), Reginald, Alan (dec.) and Robyn. Adored wife of Jack (John) Butcher (dec.) Dearest Mum of Colin, Terry, Alan and Sandra (Kelly) and their partners. Special Grandmother to their children. Now resting in the arms of her beloved.

Mum, your chocolate walnut cakes were the best. May you swing your clubs and scoot your boots with Dad in heaven. Love Colin, Marg and kids.

Sam 5144 6513

•

DE VISSER,Klaas. 28/05/1944 -7/04/2023

Peacefully at Maffra Hospital. Loved son of Cornelis and Neeltje de Visser (both dec.). Loved brother and brother-in-law of Huib and Grace, Kees (dec.), Nellie and Ivan, Bram and Janny, Leintjie and Frank, Mim (dec.) and Rob, Martha and Walter, Willem (dec.) and Leeann, Corrie and Neil, Martin and Karen, Rina, Jim and Maxine, John and Karen, Tania and Lou (dec.), and their families.

Remembered Forever

2012 SR5 HILUX

Manual, one owner, 306, 000kms., ARB canopy awning, rear draws, roof racks, Maxis all terrain tyres, excellent condition, drives as new, RWC, reg. YWA-321, $26,000 ONO. Phone 0407 808 180, 0418 353 077.

Holden Captiva SX, 2010, 7seater, new turbo, diesel, r.w.c., very clean, 1BE-8ZH, $9750. Phone 0412 059 810.

NISSAN NAVARA

1994 4x4 complete front end rebuilt, ARB bull bar, new radiator, manual, with RWC, no reg, located Maffra. $5,500 ONO, JH10BHC21AO438569 Ph: 0429 147 122

We remember now in love, Your life from start to end, And we're just glad we knew you, As Mother, and as Friend. Love Terry, Lyn, Josh and Ella.

My Mum, My friend. It's been amonumental privilege. With all the love in the world and beyond, I say goodbye from my shattered heart. Until we meetagain. Love Sandra and Doug (dec.).

Memories growand memories fade, But memories of our one in amillion Nan, Will never go away. Love Mat, Charlie, Bart and Alleena.

BUTCHER, Roma. Passed away April 7th 2023. Much loved daughter of Leo and Iris Monck (both dec.). Loved sister of Jeanette (dec.), Reg, Alan (dec.) and Robyn. Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again.

BUTCHER,Roma

Loved sister of Robyn, sister-in-law of Jock (dec.). Loved Aunt of Rodney, Paul and Carol, Jeffrey (dec), Leanne and Geoff. Great Aunt of Jack and Gemma. Treasured memories of happy times together, Will always keep you near.

BUTCHER,Roma

Those who touch our lives, Stay in our hearts forever.

Loved Aunt of Leanne and Geoff. Great Aunt of Jack and Gemma.

DE VISSER,Klaas.

28/05/1944 -07/04/2023

Aged 78.

Words are hard to find for the way Ifeel so Iwill just say rest easy and fly free. Never far from my thoughts. reunited with mum, dad, Kees, Mim and Willem. Corrie, Neil, Jason, Irene, Dean and Megan

DEVISSER,Klaas. Loved brother and brother-in-law of Jim and Maxine. Loved Uncle of Daniel and Asha, Ryan and Bianca. Great Uncle of Chloe, Aria, Bonnie, Elke and Tyler. He was aquiet and gentle man, who has left us with many memories.

DE VISSER,Klaas. 28/05/44 -07/04/23

Loved eldest brother of Tania. Beloved uncle of Rhiannon. Resting peacefully, reunited with Mum, Dad, Kees, Mim and Willem. Sadly missed never forgotten.

DE VISSER,Klaas.

Friday 7th April 2023.

You will be missed forever and always. Beautiful moments you shared with us will always speak of the wonderful person you were. Sadly missed, Willem (dec.) Leeann, Adelle, Zeke, Blayne, Damon and Ruby.

JENNINGS, Angus. 28/3/1928 -2/4/2023

Husband of Bernice (nee McDiarmid) for 66 years.

Father of Bill, Ian (dec.) and Lyn.

He lived agood life and raised afamily, played football for Heyfield as rover in seven premierships 1947, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, and 1957 under Gerald Marchesi. Sadly missed.

VAN DER MERWE,Peter. 28/10/1937 -04/04/2023

Peacefully at home in Sale.

Loved husband of Liz. Loving father of Richard and Sue, Ben and Helen, Sylvia and Kelvin, Dianne and Derek, Brooke, Narelle and Mark. Opa to Ella, Grace and Michael, Michelle, Claire and Arie, Kevin, Emma, Andrew and Nicole, Ethan and Kobi. Great Opa to 15 great grand children. Forever in our hearts.

WORRALL, Joshua Daniel.

Dad, just one last chance, we wish we were in your arms hugging you and never letting go. We miss you Dad.

-Makayla and Abbey

Loved son of Sandy and daddy of Roxy. We are both absolutely heartbroken. We will wait in the shed until we see you again, helping each other through.

Loving brother of Jess and Amy (dec.), brother in law of Matty. Adored Uncle of Paige, Naite and Harper. Ihave no words.

Loved son of Danny and Marlo. Brother of Deanna, Alec and Ryan, brother in law of Taylah, Jeanette and Adrian. Loved Uncle to Ta yl a, Kyah and Harvey.

WORRALL, Joshua Daniel. My lovely boy, see you tomorrow matey.

Love Gran

LONSDALE. The funeral service for Mrs Ethel Lorraine 'Sue' Lonsdale will be held at The Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Drive Traralgon at 1pm NEXT TUESDAY (April 18, 2023).

Please see our website for Livestream details. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ashleigh House.

WORRALL. The funeral service for Mr Joshua Daniel Worrall will be held at Maffco Brewery &Taphouse, Bundalaguah Rd Maffra on FRIDAY (April 14, 2023) at 11.30am. Aprivate cremation will follow.

Please visit our website for the livestream of Josh's service.

VAN DER MERWE. The funeral of Mr Pieter Bastiaan van der Merwe will leave St Mary's Cathedral corner Pearson and Foster Streets Sale following prayers commencing at 1pm on THURSDAY (April 13, 2023) for aprivate cremation. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed. Please check our website for details.

LONSDALE, Ethel Lorraine. 'Sue'

30/11/1945 -7/4/2023

Passed away peacefully at Ashleigh House. Aged

77 years.

Loved wife of Doug (dec.).

Loved mother of Greg, Geoff, Kim (dec.), and Helen.

Mother-in-law to Dana, Jodie and Tony.

Grandmother to Cameron, Danny, Rosie, Will, Nick and Jess, Rhys and Amy.

Great Grandmother to Harvey and Harrison.

Daughter of Ethel and James (both dec.).

Sister to Darrel, Joe and Harry (dec.).

Now reunited with Dad and looking over us.

In life, Iloved you dearly, in passing Ilove you still. In my heart you'll hold a place, no one else will ever fill.

Iwill miss you mum, more than words can ever say. But Iknow we will be together, in heaven some day.

Love always your babyHelen

You were our mother that we could rely on, even though life was astruggle in the end. With your little escapee mate Buster, and Iwould catch him just around the bend.

Iwill see you again one day, as this is not our forever end.

Your name will always be in my contacts book, and I will keep typing you messages and press send.

Love Geoff, Jodie, Rosie and Will.

Gran, you are so loved and will be missed dearly by us all.

Our memories of you are something we will hold onto forever. Selfless woman who would put those you loved and cared for, above all else. Your 'loveys'. We know Mum will be waiting for you with open arms. Rest peacefully now with your daughter, Gran.

All our love, until we meet again. Rhys and Nick xo

Deaths

RIP Josh Sadly missed and never forgotten. -Mick

Funerals

BUTCHER (nee Monck).

The funeral service for Mrs Roma Bernice Butcher will be held at the Briagolong Hall, Avon St Briagolong on THURSDAY (April 13, 2023) commencing at 11am, followed by burial at the Maffra Lawn Cemetery.

Please visit our website for the livestream of Roma's service.

WILSON.

The funeral service for Karen Anne Wilson will be held in our Geoff Rossetti Memorial Chapel, 1390 Maffra Road Sale (next to Sale Cemetery) NEXT TUESDAY (April 18, 2023) commencing at 11am.

Aprivate cremation will follow.

For those unable to attend, a"Youtube" broadcast of the service will take place -please see website below for details.

In Memoriam •

GLESON, Margaret. April 9, 2014. Not aday goes by that there isn't something we would love to share with you. Mum, years pass but memories never fade.

MACMANUS, Leo.

Aged 94 years. Passed away April 13 2022. Another sunset fades away. Another day without dear. It's been 12 long months since you left us all. You are always in our thoughts and in mu heart you will always be. Carmel and family.

WILSON, Karen Anne. 02/10/1960 -01/04/2023

Beloved partner to Lisa, daughter-in-law to Maria (No nna) ,m othe rt o Kimberley and partner Jamie, grandmother to Louie and Meila, daughter to Ray (dec.) and Mary (dec.), sister to Geoff, Julie and Maree and partners and children, beloved friend to Carmen and family, Godmother to Mitch, and extended Wilson and Gravina family members, and close friends.

At age 62, on Saturday 1st April, Karen peacefully passed with Lisa and Kimberley by her side at St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne.

Karen was fiercely loyal, protective and caring for those close to her.

Forever Lisa's rock and soul mate, Kimberley's "Tiddy". She will be dearly missed and forever treasured by all those that love her.

An angel in the sky.

Rest in Peace My Beautiful Woman.

CUNNINGHAM (nee O'Connor). Requiem Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Mrs Maureen June Cunningham willbe offered at St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Pearson Street Sale at 11am TODAY (Tuesday April 11, 2023) followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

Funeral Directors •

Barry &Annette Lett

DE VISSER

The funeral of Mr. Klaas de Visser is appointed to leave Our Chapel, 5 Queen St Maffra after a service commencing at 11am on MONDAY (April 17, 2023) for the Maffra Cemetery.

Please visit our website for the livestream of Klaas' service.

67 Macarthur Street, Sale Phone 5143 1232

Gippslandtrack athletes break the barrier

AHUGE night of racing from Gippsland Track Club athletes was held recently at the final Victorian Milers meet at the Doncaster for season 2022/23.

Elly Fleming led the charge by breaking the 2:10 barrier for the first time to record atime of 2:09.06 to move up to number two on the alltime GTC 800-metre rankings. Fifteen-year-old Fleming has also recently won the Australian All Schoolsjunior800m title.

Sale’sCassieFarley had abig breakthrough performance to win the CGrade1500m.Clocking anational open and underage qualifying time. Farley also shot up the GTC all-time1500m rankings to number four.

KaydenceFlemingstepped up in distanceto the 800mtorecord anational qualifying time and apersonal best of 2:22.12.

Rhylee Stewart continued his red hot form to clock apersonal best and anational qualifying time of 2:03.86. Stewart’s time moves him up to number 10 all-time over the 800m at Gippsland Track Club.

Full Results

Female 800m:Elly Fleming 2:09.06 PB, NQ, #2 GTCAll-Time, Kaydence Fleming 2:22.12 PB NQ,Ada Hill 2:24.11, Aleasha Read 2:26.35, Georgie Lindsay 2:34.62, Charlotte

Cunningham 2:45.19

1500m:Cassie Farley 4:41.14 PB,#4GTC All-Time, Grace

Graafsma 4:44.33 NQ, Anna Mulquiny 5:38.90 SB

Male 800m:Charles Leahy 1:59.34, Rhylee Stewart 2:03.86 PB, NQ, JettSchofield2:06.87 PB, AlexRajan 2:27.12, Andrew Crawford2:28.33 PB, Glenn Crawford2:35.51PB

1500m:Oscar Woodhouse 4:40.03 PB

Rangersmake thesemifinalof Gippy champs

AmyForrester

MORWELLCougars BaseballCluband

Traralgon Redsox BaseballClubrecentlyhosted the annual Gippsland Championship.

Nine teams, including some from Melbourne, participated over the weekend starting Saturday, April 1.

Moe/Newborough Dodgers had astrong start to the tournament, pulling out all the stops and being undefeated in the round robin.

Sale had astrongshowing both days, winning three games and having aloss against Dingley.

Traditional powerhouse, Dingley, won three round robingames, but just couldn’thold top spot, tying with Traralgon in their last game of the round robin, putting them second on the ladder Morwell Cougars had adecent side but only managed one win against Westgarth, to go with three losses.

Westgarth didn’t win amatch,althoughthey had some close games.

Traralgon Redsox started off with aloss against Moe/Newborough. The Redsox then won two games against Churchill and Pakenham, but justcouldn’t getthat extra run during the tie with Dingley.

PakenhamPumas started the weekend off strong, winningtheir first game against Churchill, but struggled to keep up the momentum with three losses after that.

Churchill Braves had aslowerweekend, only winning one game against Westgarth and having three losses.

Mornington Pirates showed they had potential with a2-2 record for the weekend.

After the five games were played by each team, the top four teams on the ladder stood: Moe/ Newborough Dodgers, Dingley, Sale Rangers and Traralgon Redsox.

Semi-finals saw Moe/Newborough and Traralgon end on atie

Dingley won their semi-final against Sale, to book aspotinthe final, opposed to the Dodgers.

The Grand Finalbegan with Dingley at bat with the Dodgers doing what they do best and keeping the runs at bay.

The Dodgers’ at bat was looking prettygood until an out at home base.

With six innings past with no runs on the board, Dingley got at bat at the top of the seventh, scoring 10 runs before the Dodgers got the last out. With only 30 minutes left in the game,the Dodgers had achancetoredeem themselves with runs, but Dingley wasn’t having that, finishing the game with a0-10 win.

Dingley now holds the title of Gippsland championships for the second year in arow.

Come and trydragon boating

JOINthe GippslandWater Dragonsfor aleisurely paddle along the Canal and ThompsonRiver at theircome-and-try day on Sunday, April 16.

Meet the Gippsland Water Dragons at the Port of Sale west side boat ramp at 10am.

All equipmentand instruction are provided,plus one month’s free membership to return as many times as you want.

After paddling, join the team for acuppa and delicious snacks.

Children must be 10 years or older.

For all enquiries,email gippslandwaterdragons@ gmail.com or call Heather on 0478 371 555.

Diverse trail ride in the bush planned

THE upcoming ride for the Tambo UpperTrail Riding Club will be in the Fernbank/Glenaladale area on Sunday, April 30.

Led by local resident and longstanding club member Lionel Rose, the ride has been mapped outoverthe last few months.

The bush in the Limpyer’s Road area offers diverse riding,withsmall gullies and thickscrubby areas opening up to clear bush. Open tracks, 4WD tracks, and bush bashing will also feature.

There are no significant hills to negotiate, so a high level of fitness is not required. The ground underfoot is mainly loamy and soft.

Ride-out time will be 10am; bring asaddlebag lunch.

To get to the start, turn onto Limpyers Lane off Fernbank-Glenaladale Rd, then at the T-junction, turn right and stay right to follow the fence line to the starting point.

The March ride from Jackie Whiting’s Swan Reach North property wasvery popular. The Saturday ride had fewer numbers due to the forecast of 34 degrees. However, 10 riders set out on ashort two-hour ride. Horses and riders coped well with the conditions, which, although warm, were shady and offered alight breeze.

On returning to the property, riders tended to their horses before takingadvantage of Jackie’s swimming pool for arefreshing dip. After that, the courtesybus arrived, and the group set off to the local pub for awell-earned dinner and refreshments.

The campers were up early for breakfast before asteady stream of floats began to arrive for the Sunday ride.

Twenty-tworiders headed outinto the nearby ColquhounForestthrough lovely ferny gullies and pretty bush. Jackie knows this area well and led the ride at agood steady pace. Lunch was at the historic Mississippi Creek Quarry.

This granite quarry wasopened in 1904 to provide rock to reinforce the man-made entrance to the Gippsland Lakes. The granite was taken from the quarry and then shipped to the entrance. Atram linewas built to transport the rock 13 kilometres from the quarry site along Mississippi Creek to barges at the head of the North Arm inlet. The barges then took the rock afurther 6km to the entrance site.

Once the entrance was completed, granite was later taken to Melbourne.

Juniorfishing comp well attended

Stefan Bradley

IT was afeel-good day on Sunday, March 26 for ‘EelingGood Fishing’s inauguralJuniorCarp Fishing Competition at LakeGuthridge and Lake Guyatt.

‘EelingGood Fishing is afamily-friendly Facebook group to share fishing tips, tricksand log catches. It’s an online space to correspond with other anglers regardless of their location.

Competition organiser Matt Battley said the event exceededhis expectations. He was expecting about 20 contestants, and was surprisedtosee 83 kids take part as anglers. On the day, 48 carp were caught,along with one redfin and one turtle.

“Well done to all our winners and for all of those that took part and caught carp. But our comp wouldn’t have been as successful if it were not for the generosityofthe local community,” Battley said.

“It was through these businessesand people that we received the prizes. Neville Loper, Greg Battley, myself and our mascot MichaelRouse organised the day.”

Battley said there will definitely be another competition due to its success.

“What we learnt from our first ever competition was the amount of bureaucratic hurdles we have to jump through.Itmadesomething so easy so very hard,” he said.

“Our nextouting will be held in late April. All spots have been booked for an offshore charter with Far Out Charters in Lakes Entrance.

“There have been suggestions of another charter for group members at Port Albert.”

Mr Battley said at this stage, there is no adult fishing competition.

“‘Eeling Good Fishing wasn’t formed to organise competitions. We thoughta juniorcarp fishing competition was agood idea to get kids and families out and about,” he said.

It was atrue community undertaking to make this event asuccess.

Matt and Karen Telling from Stratford Marine were the first to jump on board and contributed. An anonymous donor gave generously. Ashleigh WoodfromAsh’s Edible Artworksgaveout awards. Rick Morrison and the staff from MAD Outdoors Sale put together agreat prize pack. Michael Walker at SportsF1rst, and Toys Galore &More Sale graciously donated.

BCF Sale contributed and Heather Baird donated a$100BCF voucher.

Thestaff at Avon Hotelwerekeen to jumpon board and shared ideas for the next competition.

Kylie-AnneRichfrom Victorian Fisheries Authority was responsible for the red gift bags anglers received when signing up.

Within those bags was alittle gift pack kindly given by Zoran Milic.

Hanno Parker from Noojee Bush Goods made the journey to bring his child but also gave away aprize pack and afishing rod given to him by Rex Hunt.

Finally, Stephen Flynn from MaffraWorm Man donated and supplied worms to the anglers.

Results:

Logan Rickard:Largest Carp -71.5cm Cambell Dawes:Most Carp -11caught- acombined length of 4.87m

Will Howe:mystery prize, aturtle. Emma Skeelmystery prize, first fish

Blake McDonald:Smallest Fish -11cms HarveyLindrea:Encouragement Award

LoganRickard caught the largest carp, sized at 71.5 centimetres.

Photo: Contributed

Gippsland Water Dragons in action

Photo: Contributed

The bushinthe Limpyer’s Road area offers diverse riding, with small gullies and thickscrubby areasopening up to clear bush.Open tracks, 4WD tracks, and bush bashingwillalsobe featured.

The upcoming ride forthe Tambo Upper Trail Riding Club will be in the Fernbank/Glenaladale area on Sunday, April30.

Photos: Contributed

Success for Sonics in Traralgon

LASTmonth, Sale Sonics junior representative teamstravelled to Traralgon over the Labour Day long weekend to participate in the Traralgon tournament, the last local tournament forthe squads this season.

The Sale Under 10 Girls had atoughdraw, playing two of the top teams who went on to play in the finals,but the girls showed improvement in their skills every game and never gave up, playing with fantastic sportsmanship and walking off the court with asmile on their face.

Julia Graham and Luke Bird stepped in as coaches of theSale Under10Girls as coach Jo and assistant Shanelle were out with illness.

“The resilience thislittleteam has shownduring this season makes us all so proud to have been a part of awonderful group of girls,” aSale Amateur Basketball Association spokesperson said.

The Sonics Under 10 Boys finished their season on ahigh with their most successful tournament of the year.

Having previously only won one game in the A Grade competition, Sale came out strong to win three out of their four round-games against Maffra, Bairnsdale and Warragul.

Sale narrowly missedout on making it four from four, losing to Moe by four points in an incredibly rough and tough game.

Sale hadtoback it up and face Moe again in the semi-final. Sale was leading by two points at halftime, but finished the game behind by only three points.

The Sale U12 Girls had another tough weekend against some qualitysides playingMorwell, Bendigo, Moe and Pakenham.

Sale Under 12.1 Boys had avery good weekend. The first two games they were up against two of the good Div 1/2 Country teams, and the boys were verycompetitive withoutwinningthosegames, having gainedusefulexperience playing against much taller sides.

More success came when the side beat the highly rated WonthaggiCoasters, whichare another rated Div1/2 team, by five points.

The final game against Pakenham found Sale slipping behind early, trailing by 10 points near the end of the firsthalf, but they regained their composure in the second, falling short by just one point at fulltime.

The Sonics Under12.2 Boysfinished their tournamentseason, showing their growth and development.

After afantastic game of team basketballagainst Wonthaggi that led to awin, they then came up against acouple of metro teams that were aphysical mismatch;atnostage did Sale haveaplayer on the court bigger than their opponent. Despite this, the boys never gave up and continued their team play. In theirlastgame against Morwell, it was neck-and-neck, but Sale unfortunately, went down by three points at the end.

The Sale 14.2 Girls had three wins and one loss in their pool matches,making their first finals appearance this season.

Game1against Bulleen wasatough game against astrong side, with first-game jitters from the Sale girls seeing them go down 12-30.

Sale defeated Traralgon 51-25 in the second match, with agreat high-intensity game from the Sonics.

Nerelle Foster

ASUNNY Autumnmorning saw the Gippsland FC Under14boys put under early pressure from an attacking DandenongThunder in National Premier League action on Sunday, April 2.

CristianGuarascio met thepressure in goals with abrilliant one-handed save, ably backed up by astrong defence which continued throughout the game.

Dandenong scoredearly, but the Gippslandboys responded with Henry Knight and Hamish Crosbie forcing own goals to bring the score 2-1 at halftime. Despite repeated attacking runs on the wings and astrong defensive line, Gippsland was unable to sustain the lead and conceded two goals in the second half.

The final score was 3-2.

THE Under 16s against DandenongThunder seemed like two different matches for Gippsland.

The first half, even though the local boys dominated the ball, lacked their normal energy. Both teams played adefensive game and Gippsland kept

In the third game, the girls showed some great ball movement and teamwork, beating Warragul 32-13.

Sale secured their place in the semi-final with a 34-11 win against Bendigo in Game 4.

Foster had the luck in thesemi-final, beating Sale 36-15.

The Sonics 14.1 Boys were grand finalists.

The tournament featured the top four ranked Country Victorianteams in Warragul, Warrnambool, Sale and Traralgon,somaking the Grand Final wasa great lead-in to Country Champs.

Sale defeated Shepparton, Korumburra, Eltham and Morwell in the pool games, then defeated Traralgon in the semi-final 43-27.

Sale crossed Warrnambool in the Grand Final, missing both HunterWynd and CharlieYoung. The

game was close until midway through the second half when Warnambool broke away to win by 13.

Cooper Hole was awarded MVP in the decider.

Sale 14.2 Boys had atough start to the tournament, coming up against two strong teams on the Saturday. Despite this, they were confident about Sunday’s games.

Sunday saw Sale haveagood win in Game 1, the second game aclose four-point loss.

TheSonicsUnder 16 Girls had atough weekend in Traralgon, losing all four games to Wonthaggi, Morwell, Traralgon and Warragul.

There were good passages of play during most games, however, they just couldn’t string together aconsistent 40 minutes.

They regrouped with acouple of trainings heading into the Country Champs, and looked forward to seeing what they could produce against arange of different opposition from across Victoria.

The Sale Under 18 boys hadagreat weekend and,asusual never gaveupand exceeded their coach’s expectations.

Sale managed to make the GrandFinaland went down to Traralgon by nine points. Given the opposition had ayear on them in development, they did exceptionally well.

On the way to the Grand Final, they won two games by one point, one of which was Geelong; having been down by seven points with 1.50 minutes to play, they managedtoget in front by apoint with six seconds to go and win.

They then defeatedBendigo by seven points and lost to Wonthaggi by two points.

This then meant asemi-final clash with the undefeated Ballarat team BDU. Sale was in control most of the game but BDU managed to close the Sonics’ one point lead on the buzzer. Sale won by two points on the buzzer in double overtime. Even some of the senior Sale Sonics players got in on the action as they entered into the open men’s competition, showing the young players that the fun doesn’tnecessarily endonce youfinishyour junior career.

The seniorsquad came up against very strong teams who were comprised of players from higher leagues, such as the Country Basketball League and Big Vcompetition. There were certainly lots of sore bodies after hard-fought games, but all the guys had ablast being able to compete at ahigh level, which is arare opportunity locally.

Gippsland FC

Dandenong Thunders defence busy, keeping the ball in their offensive side and even though there was many shots at goal by Gippsland, the score remained nil-all at halftime.

In the second half, the boys came back onto the pitch with renewed energy.

Again, Gippsland kept the ball off Dandenong, and Lucas Halden, NoahJackson,Tanna Leicester and Leeton Hilli worked hard getting and keeping the ball down their end and the team fought hard to assist Joshua Clark to kick his first goal for the club and the first goal for the game.

This boosted the boys resolve and two more goals were scored quickly. Apenalty goal by Luca Di Corleto and the third goal by Dylan Rosato meant the game ended 3-0,givingGippsland its first win forthe year.

THE Under 18 boys came out to the park one week after their first win of the qualifyingcampaign. They looked to continue their winning run and get three points against Dandenong Thunder.

The Dandenong boys looked strongerfromthe get-go and showed afew opportunities at the start

of the game, scoring within the first 25 minutes. The final 20 minutes of the first half saw numerous opportunities createdbythe Gippsland attack, but no opportunities were capitalised, and the Gippsland boys went into halftime 1-0 down. With work to do in the second half, Gippsland came out of the sheds fired up and ready to go.

Although Gippsland had strongmomentum goingforward, it was their inability to finishtheir attacking opportunities which provided Dandenong Thunder with morescoring chancestoput the game to bed, scoring alatesecond goal to give them all three points. Athird goal in the final minute rubbed salt in the wounds of the Gippsland boys.

Playervacancies

GIPPSLAND United still has limited places available in the Under 15, Under 16 and Under 18 squads. If you’re interested in findingout more, phone Gippsland FC technical director Mark Cassar on 0437 496 757.

Sale seniormen’s players Jake Hutchins,Josh Backway, Brenton Lear,Joe Clarke, Ben Thatcher, (front) Josh Butcher,Lachlan Pfeifferand Jason Brown.

Photo:Contributed

Sale take out inagural Mums comp

Zoe Askew

SALE United Football Club defeated their hosts, Traralgon Olympians Soccer Club, 1-0 in the inaugural GO Soccer Mums Gippsland Cup on Sunday, April 2.

Sale’s Jenny McGuinness scoredthe winning goal just minutes before the final whistle.

Football Victoria’s introductory soccer program designed specifically for women, GO Soccer Mums, offersparticipants afun, activeand supportive setting to meet new peopleand learn basicfootball skills in asocial, judgement-free environment. Decades of evidence highlight the inequities and barriers women and girls in sport and active recreation haveand continue to endure, the effects filtering from grassroots levels through to professional competitions.

Football Victoria chiefexecutive KimonTaliadoros said his role is to influence change, not only at FV but throughout the industry.

“Our target of 50/50 gender balance by 2027 depends on the most senior sports administrators aroundthe country making aconscious mental shift to develop women leaders at all levels in our game -players, coaches, referees and administrators,” Taliadoros said.

“I plan to lead this change as we have clearly outlined in our strategic plan that women and girls is akey focus area and integrated within all our strategic pillars.”

Rather than continuallyfocusing on the injustices, FootballVictoria is tacklingthe root of the problem, focusingonimplementing ways to improve the status quo, and change the systems and thought processes that have impeded access and opportunity in the first place.

And so, GO Soccer Mums was established. Don’t be fooled by the name; GO Soccer Mumsis open to all women from age 15, regardless of skill level, whether you’re agroundzero beginneroran ex-Matildasplayer.

This year,Sale United,aleading Gippsland sporting club in gender equality, commenced the GO SoccerMumsprogram to encourageactive recreation for local women and girls, and increase the participation rate of female football.

WGTA season

WELLINGON Gippsland Tennis Association

Finals are done and dusted, playerscompeting at the end of March, with good weather and even better tennis on display.

Juniors competed at Maffra Lawn Tennis Club across seven sections, with Sale Tennis Club dominating, taking home five pennants.

Stratford won Sections 2and 3ofthe senior competition at Stratford Tennis Club, while Sale won Section 1byanarrow margin.

Seniors

Section 1:SaleJohnEllimanRealEstatedefeated

Maffra Gippsland Real Estate 4-36 -4-33

Section 2:Stratford defeated Longford7-67-2-43

Section 3:Stratford defeated Maffra 6-61-3-50

Juniors

Section1:Longford/Sale Tomjlanovicdefeated Sale

De Minaur 6-41-2-27

Section 2:SaleDuckworth defeated Sale Inglis 6-41

-2-28

Section3:StratfordSwans defeated Sale Popyrin

6-44 -2-23

Section4:SaleKubler defeatedStratfordMagpies

4-37 -4-36

Section 5:SaleGadecki defeated StratfordKookaburras

3-31-3-24

Section 6:SaleVukic defeated Bairnsdale Hewitt

6-37 -0-21

Section 7:Bairnsdale Alcott defeated Sale Mendez

Sale GO Soccer Mumscoaches -referred to as deliverers in the program -Madeleine Forbes and Laurel Irvine, were overwhelmed by thekeen interest fromlocal women and girls,with 24 registering to participate.

“We are so fortunate to have such strong female leaders and coaches at the club, who support and encourage other females to do and be the same and acommitteethatsupports female participationso well,” Forbes said.

“Everyone had such afantastic day at the Gippsland Cup on Sunday. You could see it on everyone’s faces -each player thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

“It was such afun, friendly and welcoming environmentand so organised;I guess that’s what you get when you get 20-plus mums together!”

Traralgon Olympians, the GO Soccer Mums

Photos:Contributed

Gippsland Cup hosting team, organised sponsors for the inaugural event, who provided drink bottles, fresh fruit and veggies, asmoothieblender bike and medals for first place, second place and third place teams.

Oh, and of course, the Gippsland Cup trophy.

“When everyone saw the trophy, the ladies gave it their all and were keen to bring home some silverware,” Forbes said.

“It was phenomenal to see so many friends and families there supporting and volunteering, enabling these women to play.”

While some mums packed bags with games and lunch for theirlittleonesbrought alongonthe day, others soughtchildcaresothey could join their teammates on the evenly trimmedgreen grass field for theirshot at the first-ever Gippsland Cup trophy.

“Ladies on the Sale team had partners temporarily fill theirusual volunteer roles for the SUFC men’s team playing on the same day -but this Sunday was about them, for them,” Forbes said.

“So many ladies selflessly give their timeto the sport, but rarely get to experience playing themselves.”

Sale’s GO Soccer Mums side consisted of two mother-daughter teams, Forbes describing their playing together, side by side, as aheart-warming picture.

“I had my daughters there,one joining in for the warm-up and one being breastfed in between matches,” Forbes said.

“I think that’s the most beautiful thingabout this program; it is designed for busy mums and women, and it gets females participating in the sport whilst fitting in around life.”

With Football Victoria’s target of 50/50 gender balance by 2027, FV growth and inclusion executive manager, Karen Pearce, said the sustainable growth of women and girl’s football will be dependent on the entire football family to embrace, commit, support, acknowledge and strive towards ensuring amore gender-balanced landscape.

Programs like GO Soccer Mums program are a step in the right direction.

“We must understand and support the differences peoplebring to football and addresseach need based on personal, social and environmental factors that impede participation,” Pearce said.

“We must then use this knowledge to ensure traditional and non-traditional methods of engagement are available at all life stages.”

Following atremendous community receiving in Term 1, Sale United has confirmed the GO Soccer Mums program will be up and running in Term 2.

“We are so thrilled by the number of women who signed up for Term 1and have enough demand to continue the program in Term 2,” Forbes said. “For any ladies interested,wewill resume GO Mums on Wednesday afternoons in Term 2; please keep an eye on the SUFC Facebook page for full details.”

Junior Section 6Vukic.JackJellis, Ryder Ferrell, Lawrence Zhang and Rishit Shee.

Junior Section 7Bairnsdale Hewitt. Patrick Anderson, Lenny Chandler,Tana Baisly,Liam Wake andOliviaWhite.

Section 2Stratfordpremiers Emma Nowak, Christine Shingles, Anna Norris, Mark Kennedy, DavidAuldand Jacob Kennedy.

Sale UnitedGOSoccer Mums Gippsland Cup champions team Aralai Eldred, Ebony Jarvis, Jenny McGuinness, Kate Hanckel, Jo Dargan, HaleyMcGrath (front) KimCornell, MegMcGrath, Maddy Forbes and Melesa Eldred.

Junior Section 3StratfordSwans. Umit Cetin, Rodger Sears, Jack Bartlettand Dylan Morriss.

JuniorSection 4Sale Kubler.Angus Cleland, Oscar Callanan, Seb Jones, Noah Broughton and Archie Wallace.

Junior Section 5Gadecki. LucasZhang, Zac Ingram, Rory Macmillan and Robbie Cutts.

Junior Section 1premiers Longford/Sale Tomjlanovic. RileyNicholas, Dylan Boardand Charlotte Board; teammate Mia Goold was absent. Photos: Contributed

Section 3Stratford. Tim Crooke, Cooper Clutterbuck, Kirsten Redfurn, Rhianna Downes, RayWeber,JoClutterbuck and Daryl Cooper; teammate Tanya Readwas absent

Junior Section 2SaleDuckworth. Judah Levchenko, Andre Wassermann, SamCrouch and JayDavies.

ROUND

The Hawthorn vGeelong game wasstill to be playedattime of printing. Scores will be amended in Friday’s paper

Signed, sealed and delivered

Sale John Elliman Real Estatewon the Section 1premiership in Wellington Gippsland Tennis Association. Toasting their success is Mark Elliman, Jessica Board, Reggie Virgo and Cal Board. MORE -PAGE29 Photo:

Demons undone in Good Fridaynetball

WHILE many towns in the Gippslandregion were deserted last Friday, with nearly all shops locked up and only ahandful of cars on the roads, most of whichwere driving through on their way to their weekend destination, Yarram was bustling with life as players and onlookers gathered for the NorthGippsland Football-Netball LeagueGood Friday playoffs.

Yarramtook the court, meetingYallourn Yallourn North, in what was expected be ahotly contested game between the two sides.

What might not have beenexpected was the number of ‘more than handy’ inclusions for the visiting team.

Using their networks and the local sporting schedule to full advantage, the Jets were able to draft gun Morwell defender Tanya Budge (whose husband plays footballfor YYN), fellow dual Morwell AGrade premiership player Lexie Bowe, and Trafalgar AGrade premiership player Ella McDonald into the side.

The Jets ended up tearing away in the final quarter, taking home the win by four goals, 38 to 34.

YYN came out strong, snagging afew early goals to put them in the lead, but afiery Yarram turned up the heat, netting consecutive goals to even the score 10 minutes into the first quarter.

Withthe Jets struggling to find theirplayers, the Demons took advantage, intercepting and turning overballs in mid-courtbefore finding accurate shooter Bella Bettridge in the ring to put Yarram ahead 13-10 by the end of the first quarter.

YYN returned to the court like abull out of the gate, shooting the first few goals in ahot start to the second quarter.

The Jets pressed hard, searching for athird consecutive goal to equalise the score.

While YYN was presented with several opportunities to even the score, Yarram would not make it easy for YYN, with fantastic defensive play from goalkeeper Madison Roberts, supported well by goal defender Hazel Kerrison-Male.

Followinga nail-biting back-and-forthand a scoreless three minutes, Yarram added agoal to to lead the Jets by two, 14-12.

YYN wing defence SamiraHeffermandisplayed relentless tenacity returning to the court in the second quarter, her athleticism andworkhorse

mentality rewardingthe Jets with numerous turnovers throughout the match.

In the centre, YYN drew strength from Annalise Gafa; her high work rate, fast pace and impressive agility wreaked havoc for the Demons.

Budge slid into YYN’s defensive line-up and was unsurprisingly one of the best on court.

Yarramwing attack Lily Kerrison-Male was a strong player for the home side, alongside Bettridge and Roberts.

Scores remained relatively eveninthe second Bettridge shot five goals and Yarram goal attack EllaRendell scored two in the second quarter, while YYN goal shooter Shelby Carr netted six and Bowe scored two.

Yarram led YYN 20-18 at the halftime break.

The Jets evened the score early in the third quarter with two consecutivegoalstogoahead for the first time since the game’sopening minutes, and extended their lead 24-22.

Yarram was quick to even the score but not for long,withYYN scrapingbacka one-point lead before breakingaway to lead 31-28 at the final break.

YYN continued to pull away early in the final

quarter with great play from wing attack McDonald and Carr in goal attack.

Yarramwasn’t about to give up. The Demons worked hard until the very last second, equalising thescore in the final five minutes.

Kerrison-Male was impressive for Yarram at centre in the fourth quarter, runningthe midcourt with physicality, speed, agility and ahighwork rate.

YYN pulled one point ahead of Yarram 35 to 34.

Budge read the Demons’ playinthe shootingring likeabook,intercepting andturningoverthe ball, quicklystarting YYN’s counterattack.

Afluid, fast-paced playupthe court to Bowe and Carr in theshooting ring saw YYN draw away in the game’s closing minutes.

The Jets found Bowe andCarr twice morebefore the final whistle, the home team leaving the court gassed and disappointedasYYN claimed the win Shellby Carr was best on court for YYN, with Emily Sherry aclose second.

In other games,the Jets defeatedthe Demons 51-23 in BGrade,32-8inCGrade and23-17 in DGrade.

Zoe Askew