Gippsland Times Tuesday 12 September 2023

Stefan Bradley

WELLINGTON Shire Council’s official stance on next month’sVoice to Parliament referendum is one of neutrality.

“WellingtonShire Councilprovides no formal position on ‘The Voice’ referendum, acknowledging that Council has no vote in areferendum to change the Constitution,” Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Ian Bye, said.

“However,inlinewith other socialissues with importance to our community, Iurge allresidents to educate themselves in the lead up to voting.

“Helpful information is available online, and the community can also visit their nearest library for help accessing this information, ensuring they are enrolled to vote and understandwhatisrequired of them to vote in areferendum.

“Council respects that all community members, including individual Councillors and staff have,the right to have their voice heard, to form their own personal views and vote according to their own beliefs.” Neighbouring local governments Latrobe City andEastGippsland have also adopted aneutral position, as have the majority of municipalities around Victoria.

Australians will vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on October 14 on whether to change the Constitution to recognise the FirstPeoples of Australia by establishing abody called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

The proposed Voice would be an independentbodyrepresented by First Nations people around the country to provide non-binding advicetothe federal government and parliament on matters affecting Indigenous communities.

KatrinaBrandon

SAVE the date! SaturdayOctober 14 is the day when Australians will decide on whether there should be an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. But what does that mean?

October 14 is “an opportunity for us to finally fix one missing piece of our constitution and that is the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people,” according to Yes 2023 campaigner, Noel Pearson.

The Voice is so that Indigenous people can have the opportunitytospeakupinparliament and voice theiropinions. Parliament and the government don’t have to take it on, they just have to consider and listen to the Voice.

In support of the campaign, Noel Pearson made atrip down to Traralgon, Morwell and Warragul on Monday September 4.

Duringhis visittoTraralgon,hemet up with Tony Cantwell, Chief Executive of Committee for Gippsland. He walked through local business The Source Bulk Foodsstore,where he conversed with owner Kirsty Quail and Mr Cantwell with WIN Gippsland and ABC Gippsland in trail.

Shortly after followed apress conference in Kay Street and ameeting with Latrobe leaders talking about what they can do and what else can be done to further other opportunities in the future. The meeting took place at Latrobe Community Health Services whereonce again, WIN and ABC Gippsland followed behind.

In the press conference held with ABC, WIN and the Gippsland Times,MrPearson said that the Voice is not apolitical issue but it is for all of Australians’ futures.

“This is not apolitical issue, this is for country people and city people, this is for Liberals and for Labor, for Greens and for One Nation voters,” Mr Pearson said.

He explained that he was going around and sharing what the referendum was with communities and leaders urging people to make their decision and to learn more about the Voice.

“I’m out there urging the importance of the opportunity and getting Australians to think about their choice,” he said.

“My message is that this is acrucially important vote. Iwould urge that you consider this in conversations with fellow Australians. Have real conversationswith real people. Not much is going

to be illuminating in the crevasse of social media where you don’t know if you are talking to abot.

Council’s voice on referendum Pearson visits Gippsland

“Jobs,health,education and all of thegood things that Indigenous people need. That’s what the Voice will speak to.”

Currently, the Yes 2023 campaign has 30,000 volunteers as of the week of Monday 28 August. Mr Pearson said that this is the largest volunteer movement in the history of the country. The volunteers are there to talk to communities and individuals on what there is to the Voice.

In the interview,MrPearson mentioned that with six weeks until voting, people have time to learn about it and make their own decision on what it is.

“The federal government, Anthony Albanese, the PM has simply done what Indigenous people have asked to happen over the last 10 years,” Mr Pearson said.

“This is not the government’s idea, this has come from Indigenous people. We have sought this recognition.

“Now is our time to grow.”

For more information on the Voice, go to https:// gunaikurnai.org/voice-treaty-truth/? or aec.gov. au/referendums/

Kristy Quail, owner of TheSourceBulkFoods Traralgon giving Noel Pearson atour of her shop.

Photos: Katrina Brandon

Noel Pearson explaining why the Voice is important to have in government

TimelyarrivalofNoFee Green Waste

WELLINGTON Shire Council is urging property owners to take advantage of No Fee Green Waste disposal this November, particularly when cleaning up properties to prepare for this summer’s high bushfire risk.

This year, authorities are warning ahigherthan-normal potential for bushfire is likely across Gippsland,because of dry conditions-especially where vegetation was unburnt during the 2019/20 fires.

There is also ahigh likelihood that the bushfire season will begin earlier, compared to the past two years, with above average temperatures and below average rainfallexpected for almost the entire country for this coming season.

To assist residents with property clean-up, council is offering No Fee Green Waste disposal at waste facilities in Kilmany, Maffra, Loch Sport, Seaspray, Heyfield, Stratford and Yarram between November

1-30, 2023. The Dargo Transfer Station does not accept green waste.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Ian Bye urged residents to take advantage of No Fee Green Waste to ensure local communities are bushfire-ready this summer.

“It’simportant we recognise this year’s elevated risk and respond accordingly by cleaning up properties and No Fee Green Waste during the month of November is agreat incentive to do so,” Cr Bye said.

Because of this year’s increased bushfire risk, council officers will begin inspecting some 17,000 private properties as early as October for bushfire hazardreduction compliance. Council will issue the owner of any property identified as posing a potential fire risk with aFire Prevention Notice, with instructions to clean up.

Residents willhave time to take advantage of No Fee Green Waste to help clean up properties

ahead of summer.

Council reminds residents that Fire Prevention Notices are not areminder,asfire risk reduction is ayear-roundresponsibility belonging to every propertyowner.

Residents should reduce fire hazards by slashing grass, bracken or weeds, especially around buildings and fences. Undergrowth, fallenbranches, garden refuse and tree cuttings should be removed, while tree branches and shrubs should also be pruned. Truckloads of green waste will not be accepted at transfer stations. The fine for dumping green waste is currently $370, and court action may incur much more severe penalties.

Cleaned up properties must be maintained for the entirety of the Fire Danger Period.

Penaltiesof$1923 (10penalty units as setby the Department of Justice) can apply for failure to comply.

Property owners must applyfor apermittoburn off during the Fire Danger Period via the Country Fire Authority (CFA). Outside this time, property owners may applyfor apermit to burnthrough council’s website. Permits will only be issued where there is no alternative to burning.

Victoria Police will actively investigate burning off in the Fire Danger Period, and heavyfines may be imposed on any person burning off without a permit.

Under no circumstances does aFire Prevention Notice give direction or permission to remove whole trees or disturb soils.

For more information about fire preparedness, visit www.wellington.vic.gov.au/fire

To learn more about green waste disposal and accepted items, visit www.wellington.vic.gov.au/ environment/green-waste-disposal

Counciltakes centrestageatNew Energy Conference

WELLINGTON Shire Council is celebrating the success of thesecondGippsland New Energy Conference, held on Wednesday, August 30 to Saturday, September 2atThe Wedge Performing Arts Centre in Sale.

Following 12 months of strong commitment to renewable energy, council hosted the highly anticipated 2023 event.

The conference brought together more than 1000 people, including students, experts, community leaders, and government representativestodiscuss the future of clean energy.

Wellington Shire Deputy Mayor, John Tatterson, welcomed morethan 500 attendees, and paidtribute to the event sponsors, organisers, and guests. Those in attendance included Labor Senator Jess Walsh,Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester and Victoria’s Minister forWater, Regional Development and Equality, and Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing.

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen,addressed theaudience via video link on day one, acknowledgingGippsland’s commitment to recognising its renewable energy priorities. LilyD’Ambrosio, Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources, and the State Electricity Commission, did likewise on day two, discussing state government priorities.

The conference provided aplatform for guests to explorepractical opportunities for Gippsland’s transition to clean and renewable energy,and new energy technology.

Wellington Shire Mayor, Ian Bye said advancementsinrenewableenergy, including onshore and offshore wind, solarpanel recycling, and converting waste into clean energy through hydrogen, had been rapid.

“WellingtonShire Council’scommitment to renewable energy aligns with our community’s call foractionagainst climate change.Wehave abundantnatural resources likewind, sun,and water providing incredible opportunities,” he said.

On day two of the Gippsland New Energy Conference, Josh Clydesdale, council’s major projects and principal strategic planner, took centre stage to present the recent Wellington renewable energy impact and readiness study.

The studyassesses planned renewable energy

investment in Wellington Shireand broader Gippsland, and considers workforce needs,supply chain, infrastructure requirements, and land use implications for areas like Yarram that are expecting big growth.

Cr Bye highlightedthe importance of planned renewable energy investments,not justfor WellingtonShire but alsoatstateand national levels, calling for acoordinated government response led by the National Net Zero Authority.

“The WellingtonRenewable Energy Impact and Readiness Studywas akey conversation starter throughout the conference, encouraging discussions

about how local government can influence transition through advocacy,partnerships,local planning, economic development, and community support,” he said.

“The study is helping us prepare for asuccessful transition to renewable energy, maximising the benefits of over $40 billion in planned projects.

“Ourcommitment to our renewable energy priorities remains strong, and we are determined to provideour community withthe toolsand information neededtobeactive participantsin this exciting journey towards asustainable future.”

Experts, community leaders, students and government representatives came to Sale to discuss the futureofcleanenergy.

Wellington Shire Council MayorIan Byewith Senator Jess Walsh. Photos: Wellington ShireCouncil

Wellington Shire Council Deputy Mayor John Tatterson,addressing attendeesonday oneof the conference.

Community energy plans at Gippsland Energy

Zaida Glibanovic

AS Vincent Van Gogh famously once said, “Great things are done by aseries of small things brought together”.

Community Energy wasanengaging topic at the Gippsland New Energy Conference in Sale on Friday, September 1.

In the afternoon session of day two of the regionalled energy summit, aselection of speakerscame to highlight community energy initiatives across Gippsland. While not everyproject was smooth sailing, each speakershared their cases, challengesand successes, and community engagement’s power.

The beachfront town of Sandy Point has trialled aCommunity Power Inc project (SPCP) since 2020 alongside Heyfield’s MyTown Microgrid.

Heardover the courseofthe four-day conference wasthe belief that the key to accelerating transition will be engaging the community as active participants.

MyTownMicrogrid in Heyfield was amulti-year, multi-partner grant-funded project using the community and data to understand whether a microgrid wouldsucceed. The initiative, acollaboration between the Heyfield Community Resource Centre, Wattwatchers Digital Energy, and the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF), aimed to understand Heyfield’s energy needs. The funding came from the Latrobe Valley Authority and the Regional &Remote Communities Reliability Fund.

The project found that amicrogriddidn’t offer many benefits to the town, but it did discover some new opportunities.

The project manager at the Community Energy Gippsland ClimateChangeNetwork, Esther Lloyd, spoke about the challenges of the project.

“We are looking to reduce people’s cost of living, we are looking to increase efficiency, the project is technically feasible, but then economically, it doesn’t benefit the people with existing solar, and it doesn’t reduce their bills,” she said.

The crucial gathering of energy usedatafrom Heyfield’s houses, businesses, and community

facilities was at the core of the MyTown initiative. This data,which was supported by Wattwatchers’ cutting-edge smart monitoring equipment placed in more than 100 places, helped the community understand their energy use, solar generation,and future needs in an era defined by electrification and decarbonisation. The campaign also functioned as acrash education in energy literacy.

So whyshould we persist with community energy?

Heyfield’s MyTown projectexperience is an encouraging model for other towns,beginning on the path to energy self-sufficiency. Using the insights gained, the project has produced two essential online tools.

The first being the ADEPTplatform, acentralised system that aggregates the gathered energy data.

The secondisthe MyTown Decision Support Tool, an easy-to-use internet software meant to assist other towns in determining the best energy solutions for their specific needs.

Despite the feasibility study providing negative results, Ms Lloyd remained confident in the power of community energy.

“We need to work alongside the grid-scale projects becausethe issues thatregional, remote communities feel at the moment will persist,” she said.

With issues such as overvoltage and lack of resilient power, renewable energy and reliability, Ms Lloydsuggested small ruraltowns in the world should still persist with community energy practices to ensure asenseofsecurity as transitions to renewables continues.

“We have really common problems, so we need to be looking for common solutions and help build community practice, but we need to start early and start small,” Ms Lloyd concluded.

In another case of community-led energy solutions, the SPCP was formed to lead community-owned renewable energy projects in the region with poor supply. The objectives of SPCP were to promote

and facilitate the transition to renewable energy locallyand to implement cheaper energymethods.

Mr Harvey saw acommunity desire to take new energy solutions into their own hands.

The reasoning was asense of community “frustration”, “a lack of trust” and “disempowered”.

“So our mission was all about trying to change that and turn it around, reverse globalisation and demonstrate that we could make adifference,” Mr Harvey said

Mr Harvey,onbehalf of his community, helped advocate for Sandy Point, attendingconferences andapplying for grants.

Sandy Point successfully secured funds to put 15 kilowatts of solar for the community men’sshed, a community centre battery and an electronic vehicle fast charger.

This was acommunity actively pursuingefficient energy technology to help stabilise their own grid security.

“Our strategy was to deliver outcomes so that our community could be engaged,” Mr Harvey said.

“The good thing about all these (projects) …is that you can go out touch and feel these -they’re concrete, but even more importantly, it’s creating apsyche amongst the community that we can do stuff and make adifference,” he added

Now actively exploring the Microgrid project, Mr Harvey is keen to explore Sandy Point’s options.

Mr Harvey said major scale projectsshould partner with communitygroups andorganisations such as theirs to use their expertise and build a social license.

Traditionally, major energy developers consult the community as an “absoluteobligation to do so -itmight be as aregulation, it might be aproject requirement, it mightbea moral requirement,” as Mr Harvey said.

He suggested it was the “smart projects” that partner withthe community to help achieve the best outcomessocially, economically and environmentally.

Esther Lloyd, Project Manager,Community Energy Gippsland Climate ChangeNetwork.

President Sandy Point Community Power Inc Chris Harvey.

Photos:File

Regional stakeholder managers(from left): Kate Lancaster (Blue FloatEnergy), Erin Lord (Flotation Energy),KateFoster(Corio Generation) and Paul Johnson (Star of theSouth). All areoffshore wind developers from Gippsland.

Photo:Wellington ShireCouncil

SthGippy offshorewindfarms

PhilipHopkins

THE Barry Beach marine terminal in South Gippslandislikely to generate hundreds of jobs as the offshorewindfarms in Bass Strait gather pace in thefuture,according to the terminal operator Qube.

“We think we have the jewel in the crown, the operationsand maintenancefacilityisa30-50 year project for the local community, jobs and investment,” said Qube’s general manager of strategic development, Michael Knowles.Qube, alisted company with amarketcapitalisation of $5.4 billion, has been the manager and operator of Barry Beach since 2017, from where it has serviced the Esso oil and gas industry.

Mr Knowles, who was addressing the recent Gippsland New Energy Conference in Sale, said Qube was already servicingoffshore wind through the offshore geo-tech requirements of Star of the South. The state government has chosen the Port of Hastingsasthe construction feeder port for offshore windfarms, while Barry Beach will be the operations and maintenance port.

“The transitionofBarry Beach to renewable projects will benefit the local community through employment, traineeships, business contract and sponsorship opportunities,” Mr Knowles said.

“Gippsland must benefit from these projects on their doorstep.The abilityofBarry Beach to serve theseprojectswill ensure this goalisachieved. Since 2017, Qube has ensured local content for all our employment. Business services and sponsorships will continue in future. We are part of the local community we live in and will continue to be aresponsible corporate citizen.”

Mr Knowles said Barry Beach, which is close to CornerInlet,isan80-hectare site with425 metres of quay line, fuel farms,bulk liquid farmsand labour forklift cranes.

“Qube proposes to upgrade Barry Beach to become the key hub of operationsand maintenance support for offshore wind,” he said.

This will involve construction of 160m of new quay line to service Esso and other vessels; amarina for berthing and transfer vessels; and buildings for operations and maintenance administration, equipment and storage. It will include client collaboration in design that meets industry standards.Barriers will protect the160m berth from wave action.

The expansion also includes industrialwarehouses with offices, withsegregated areas for each client; segregated quarantine and electrical storage; individualoffices and amenities; change rooms for technical and offshore crews; up to 500 car parking bays; capacity for shared emergencysupport vehicles; and the ability to expand as required.”Qube is excited to deliver this project,” he said.

Mr Knowlessaidthe labour skills of theworkforce at Barry Beach and nearby PortAnthony could be transferredseamlessly to offshore wind “tomorrow”. He estimated that terminal construction would create 150 jobs for two years.

“We always commit to local content. Agood number would be employed from local industries,” he said.

Further, Mr Knowles said there would be 200 ongoingjobs at the terminal. “With six or seven projects locally, that ‘s areally good job market for local industry. We as aport facility, would add 10-20 per cent on to that,” he said. However, it was important to avoid the ‘boom and bust’ employment of some Queensland projects.

Queried whether the expansion would require dredging, Mr Knowles said the state government hadchosen the nominated ports. “We will do what we need to do; we will build aberth to cater for dredging laterifthe Victorian government supports it,” he said. “Dredging is not on our horizon.”

The communityrelations manager at thePort of Hastings, Todd Trimble,told the conference that the terminal to oversee construction of the windfarms would be built between two existing

jetties -Long Point and Blue Scope Steel -ona 29hasite, the old Tyabb reclamation area that was created about 50 years ago.

The terminal will be built out on reclaimed land intoWesternPorttocreate aquayfront in the existing deep water channel in line with the existing jetties. There will be some dredging to allow a turning circles for large vessels.

Large-scale vesselswill comeinto the port, offloadcomponent where they are stored, precommissioned and ready for installation.

“Components will be storedout back. We will pre-assemble the towers on the quay site and load them onto installation vessels. The issues for the local community are their size and visual impact. The towers are about 200m in height, three times the MCG light towers, so there is abig visual impact on the local community,” he said.

Mr Trimble said Hastings was anaturally deep water port with 3500ha of zoned land at the back of the terminal that could house the supply chain and manufacturing for the future.

“The channel capacity is now 100-150 vessels per-year now. At thepeakinthe 1970s and‘80swas 400-500per year,”hesaid, so there was significant capacity.

“We are relativelyclosetothe offshorewind zone and close to the south-east growth part of Melbourne.”

Mr Trimble said Western Port was aRamsarsite and part of aUnesco biosphere, so environmental standards were higher than other sites.

“There will be some dredging in the port and channel, “hesaid. There would be shoreline protection and improvement works on onshore side.

“The reclamation, formed50years ago, needs engineering strength to handle the weight of these heavy components, and the administration and maintenancebuildings,“hesaid. There would be lighting, fire fighting, massive cranes and environmental monitoring surveys.

“We hope to start dredging in 2026. With atwoyear program, the facility will be available in late 2028-29 to allow three years of construction to

meet 2032 targets.”

Mr Trimble said impacts were being assessed as part of theenvironment effects statement.

“It’s apositive story. We have identified Gippsland businesses that can support that,” he said. The local community had atradition of not supporting inappropriatedevelopments suchasthe AGL gasimport terminal, but therewas likely support for projects that improved the environment such as renewable energy.

“There is some concern about dredging and material, but sentiment is positive to date,” he said.

“There are constant discussions about future developments,suchasturbineand turbine size.

There may be technicalreasons howbig they can get.Wewill be guided by feedback from proponents.”

Queried whether other ports would be used -Bell Bay in Tasmania or Lakes Entrance and Port Albert,MrKnowles acknowledged that Tasmania also planned wind farms.

“Qube has apresence in all Australian ports. Where there are wind projects, we are keen to serve them, including Bell Bay. We hope it stays in Victoria and Hastings,” he said.

“We are building capacity for berth and marine. With Port Anthony next door, both ports can cater forseven wind farm projects quite easily.”

Mr Saifulla Syed is aGeneral and Breast Surgeon and Endoscopist with boardcertified training from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.Following his General Surgerytraining Mr Syed subspecialised in Breast Oncoplastic Surgerybycompleting aBreast Fellowship at Canberra. He is amember of Breast Surgeons of Australia andNew Zealand and Australian SocietyofBreastDiseases.Heisalso aGESA certified colonoscopist.

He specialises in breast surgery(management of breast cancer,benignbreastconditions,nipple discharge,fibroadenoma, breast pain), and skin cancer surgery.

Hisother clinical interests include gastroscopy and

colonoscopy,and general surgery(including carpal tunnel release,vasectomy,lumps and bumps,ingrown toenail,varicose veins).

Besides clinical work,MrSyedispassionateabout teaching and training junior doctors.Heisa member of AcademyofSurgical Educators at the College of Surgeons and is involved in teaching and mentoring medical students and junior doctors

Mr Syed will be consulting and accepting referrals via reception@inglismedical.com.au

Minister forEnergyand Resources and Climate Action, LilyD’Ambrosio speaking at the Barry Beachterminal earlier this year.How many journos can you spot in this pic?

Photo: File

Dr.David Monash Dr.Noman Ahmed Dr.Sen Sivabalan

Loch Sport erosion visit

Stefan Bradley

LOCALS joined NationalsMember for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien, and MinisterofEnvironment IngridStitt,inLochSport on Thursdaytosee the erosionalong the LakeVictoria foreshore first-hand.

Mr O’Brien said it was positive to have the Minister in Gippsland and hopedthat hervisit was asign of action to come.

“Over the past six years or so we have seen the Andrews Labor Government commission numerous reports, but it is clear that immediate action is needed to physically prevent further erosion on the shoreline,” Mr O’Brien said.

“I am delighted to have had the opportunity, along with local members of the Loch Sport community, to show this to the Minister in person –itisa credittoher that she came to look for herself. Iamoptimistic that she will recognise the importance of securing funding to implement immediate measures to prevent further erosion.”

Mr O’Brien said areport produced by BMT Commercial Australia was released to the public in early2022outlining severalpotential solutions to the continuing erosion.

“Subsequent community consultationindicated the installation of groynes in the water to reduce the erosion as the overwhelmingly favoured solution,” he said.

“Thishas clearly workedinother partsofthe foreshore wheregroynes have been installedfor many years. Significant funding is now needed to action this long-term resolution.”

Ms Stitt also spoke positively of the visit.

“It was agreat opportunity to meetwith local community members and see the impacts of coastal erosion at Loch Sport,” Ms Stitt said.

“We knowhow important effectivemanagement of this sensitive coastal area is and we anticipate that designs to inform futureerosion measures will be completed by the end of October.”

Oomsavoids jail sentence

EX-TEACHERMonique Ooms has avoided jail over sexwith astudent after an appeal bid by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Kerri Judd was rejected.

The former Sale College teacher was sentenced on March, 24 to 300 hours of community service after pleadingguiltytofour countsofsexually penetrating achild aged 16 or 17 under her care or supervision.

That sentence was appealed by Victoria’s OfficeofPublicProsecutions,with Director Judd claiming the crime warranted aprison term.Oomshad faced amaximumpenalty of 10 years in jail.

The now pregnant31-year-old allegedlycried when she was told she was free to go by the Court of Appeal on Tuesday, September 5.

Justices RichardNiall,MareeKennedy and CameronMacaulay dismissed the appeal, finding the sentencing judge did not make any errorinhanding her acommunity work order.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action(DEECA) have engaged the coastal engineering firmBMT to undertake surveying and aerial photography, ageotechnical survey, protection optionsfor the Seagull Drive boat ramp eastern side of the car park, specifications for small-scale beach renourishment and concept designs for walking track relocations.

Auditor-General reappointed for second term

THE state government has reappointed Andrew Greaves as Victoria’s Auditor-General for a second term as recommended by the Victorian Parliament’smulti-party Public Accounts and Estimates Committee.

The Auditor-General is an independent officer of the Parliament with responsibilities for auditing public sector entities, ensuringthese entities continue to operate in the best interests of Victorians.

The VictorianAuditor-General’s Officeconducts financial and performance audits of state and local

government public sector entities.

The role of the Auditor-General fulfils acritical function for the community, aiming to ensure public sector entitiesare transparent and accountable to the Victorian Parliament. It makes recommendationsthat aim to increasethe efficiency and effectivenessofgovernment organisations and promote confidence in Victoria’s public sector.

Mr Greaves has more than 30 yearsofexperience in publicsectorauditing at federal, state and local governmentlevels and has served as Victorian

Auditor-General since 2016.

Mr Greaves wasthe Auditor-General of Queensland from2011to2016.From2003 to 2011, he held various roles at the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office, including Assistant Auditor-General (Performance Audit) and Assistant Auditor-General (Financial Audit).

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said the position of Auditor-General wasvitalinensuring that Victoria’s public resources are used efficiently and effectively.

The outdoor education teacher had only recently moved to Gippsland before she beganasexual relationship with an underage student in mid-2022.

It has been reported that Ooms initiated message exchangeswiththe themale student after noticing him withdraw because of personal issues.

The pairhad sex severaltimesover amonths period before the school became awarethrough an anonymous letter.

In previous hearings, the court was told that Ooms was suffering from mental health problems.

As reportedinthe HeraldSun, though theappealwas rejected theDPP argued that Ooms position as ateacher in aplace of power assisted her in commencing the sexual relationship.

However, the three judges on the appeal case considered her not apredator, with the male studentexercising adegree of agency and due to the fact the pair had discussed how appropriate the relationship was, her role as ateacher was deemed to have “loomed as an impediment” to the two.

The NationalsMember for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien (centre) and Loch Sport locals with Minister forEnvironment,Ingrid Stitt(thirdfromleft)atthe Lake Victoria foreshore.

Photo: Contributed.

Regional Vic creative program

MORE creativeevents and festivals are settolight up regional cities and small towns across Victoria.

Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos announced last week applications are now open for the latest round of grants through the state government’s Small Regional Presenters Program, boosting local jobs, tourism and supporting local and visitingperformers showcase theirtalentto new audiences in 2024.

With grants of up to $15,000, the program supports community groups and councils to bring single live shows, aseries of events or an annual program

in their localcommunity. It alsosupports local presenters to bring experienced industryprofessionals to their regions for mentorships and workshops, helping build local skills and develop strategies to grow their audiences.

Mr Dimopoulos said the Small Regional Presenters program had“amightyimpact” for small towns and regional communities, bringing arange of high-quality performances and events to local audiences.

“Thesegrantsdomorethanjust bringshows to town, they back local venues andhelp build

Woolworths unveils new look storeinSale

WOOLWORTHS has re-launched its Sale store, offering an expanded fresh food experience for the local community.

After five months, the supermarket is welcoming 25 brand new members to work alongside 140 existingmembers,including an extra special team member who has been with the Sale Woolworths family since day one.

Located in theGippsland Centre on Cunninghame Street, Woolworths is stocked with arange of fresh Australian fruit and vegetables. Several departments have received an upgrade, including the full production bakery, offering artisan style breads, and the deli. Customers will also notice new refrigeration cases as one of many changes to improve energy efficiency in the store.

Akey update from the relaunchisabrand new direct to boot service. There are four new spaces setupfor customers who have placed their grocery orders online, and the store team will be on hand throughout the day to pack orders directly in the boot with no additional charge.

Storemanager Wayne Fischer has worked at Woolworths for more than 30 years across three different statesand territories. As the

new-look store relaunches, Waynesaid“It’s been ajourney for our team over the last few months as the store has undergone arenewal process to bring the best of the Woolworths shopping experience to Sale. With 25 new members joining the team, we’re excited to hit the ground running.”

“Being able to offer abrand new Direct to Boot service and updates to our registers, ticketing and refrigeration has set us up for even more efficiencyand we hope that our local customers can enjoy the different offerings that lets them choose how they want to shop, in away that is most convenient with their busy schedules.”

For Donna Whiteley, this is the third refurbishment she has seen at Sale Woolworths since starting in 1984 when the store opened.

Donna is much-loved by local customers and there are many shoppers who will wait for her each week to check out their shopping.

This weeks marks exactly 39 years since her firstday,and overthis timeDonnahas connected with many in the Sale community, with new family membersnow all grownup. Shesaiditisthe best renewal yet and there are many great additions for the team and for customers.

the skills and capacity of community presenters enabling them to grow their programs and build their audiences of the future,” he said.

In 2022, Yarram’s The Gumboot Collection received agrant to presentapanel of Storytellers at the Yarram Storyfest.

From supporting comedy and cabaret events in Maldon, folk music gigs in Creswick, ashadow puppetry playfor children and families in King Valley, and aworkshop on the power of technology in storytelling in Castlemaine -last year’s program brought adiverse range of performances to local audiences of all ages.

In 2021, South Gippsland’sFabelo Incorporated received agrant that supported classical ensemble performances (pictured) at the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre and Sandy Point Community Centre.

Also that year, Stratford Courthouse Theatre Inc was given agrant to present ayear-long, community-focused program of professional performances and diverse skills-exchange opportunities at StratfordCourthouseTheatre.

The Dog Theatre Inc were given an opportunity

through agrant to present physical theatre piece shows and improvisation workshops by Born In A Taxi Physical Theatre Company at Iceworks Studio in Lakes Entrance and Bruthen MechanicsHall as part of the East Gippsland Winter Festival 2022. Regional Arts Victoria chief executive Jo Porter said: “From funny stories to serious music, small presenters bring performances into the hearts of Victoria’s regional communities.”

“If youknow your communityand what they’d like to see in your local venue, we’relookingforward to working with you to get your ideas on stage.”

Applicantsmustbemembers of Regional Arts Victoria or local governmentauthorities that do not receiveorganisational or multi-year funding through Creative Victoria.

Small Regional Presenters is part of the government’sCreative State2025strategyand is delivered by Regional Arts Victoria, the state’s peakbody for creatives and creative organisations in the regions.

Applications open tomorrow (Wednesday, September 13) and close on Monday, October 30.

To apply, visit rav.net.au

Photo: KarliDuckett

 Maffra RSL sub branch will hold their monthly Trivia Night on Friday September 15 in their rooms at “Shelton” Boisdale Street, Maffra from 5pm. This is afree family activity, everyone most welcome.

 Maffra Neighbourhood House will be closed for the school holidays from 3.30pm Friday September 15, and will reopen on Monday October 2. Don’t forget to check the IGA notice board and look out for the flyer in letterboxes with an outline of all new courses and activities for Term Four.

 The Rotary Club of Maffra sausage sizzle will be held on Saturday September 16, outside Woolworths front entrance from 10am until 12noon. There will be abonus sausage sizzle on Grand Final Day, Saturday September 30.

 AFree CommunityMeal will be held on Monday September 18, from 6pm at St John’s Anglican Church, cnr Thomson and Church Street, Maffra. All welcome. Contact person is Christine on 0408 324 306.

New history book released

RENOWNED local historian Patrick Morgan has published anew book that unites two key themes of his writing career -the history of Gippsland and the history of the Catholic Church in Australia. AMass-Kit in the Saddle Bag: The Gippsland Catholic Church and Community,published by Connor Court, follows the story of Catholics, mainly of Irish background, who were settling in Gippsland from 1837 for ahalf century before the diocese of Sale was set up in 1887.

During this pioneering period, priests sent out from Melbourne ‘on the Gippsland mission’ built a smallnumber of churches on the main highways Usingthese as theirbase, priests foraged out into the bush identifyingalready established Catholic families whom they served, intermittently at first,ontheir circuits, gradually forming these communities into embryonic parishes.

The first two bishops, James Corbet and Patrick Phelan, established abasic but coherentnetwork of schools, presbyteries, halls and Catholic organisations, giving the diocese ashape it has retained, much embellished, to this day.

After the disruptions caused by the Great Split of the 1950s, Bishops Eric D’Arcy and Jeremiah Coffey, re-established the diocese’s equilibrium in order to successfully cope with new issues such as increasing secularisation and modernistattitudes, which threatened anew round of disarray.

Patrick Morgan haspublished more than a dozen books, including a two-volume history of the MelbourneCatholicarchdiocese, an award-winning history of Gippsland, ahistory of Gippsland literature and anthologies of Gippsland literature.Hehas also written extensively on Eastern Europe and the role of writers in society, particularly under dictatorships and totalitarian regimes.

Patrick and hiswife Annliveinthe South Gippsland hills near Boolarra.

This diocesan history can be purchased for $25 plus $5 postage, from Patrick Morgan. For more information, email morganps@iprimus.com.au or phone 5169 6216.

St Matthew’s 99 years celebration and service

A SPECIAL service will be held at St Matthew’s Soldiers Memorial Church in Tinamba this Sunday September 17, from 9 30 am to celebrate St Matthew s Day This will be the 99th anniversary of the dedication of the church Morning tea will follow the service - all welcome Photo: Contributed

Midsumma festival series

MOREthan adozen events and activitieswill celebrate Rainbow communitiesacross the state during spring and summer as part of the RegionalActivation Program for Victoria’s Pride with Gippsland, one of the numerous locations to host events as part of the annual celebration of Victoria’s diverse LGBTIQ+ communities.

Minister for Equality and Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing,said13 community groups,organisations, and artists would receive $15,000 in funding to host LGBTIQ+-focusedevents,workshopsand activities in the 2023/24 program.

“I’m delighted to see such diversity in the activitiesput forward by an ever-increasing number of passionate and dedicated LGBTIQ+ community groupsand organisations who are working hard towardsamore inclusive Victoria,” Ms Shing said.

“Our regional and rural LGBTIQ+ communities are strong and thriving, and along withprovidingmoreopportunities for rainbow communities across the state to connect and express pride in who they are, events like these giveall Victorians the chancetoshowsupport for LGBTIQ+ people.”

Gippsland will host the Midsumma Festival seriesaswell as inclusive workshops celebrating the lives of regional and rural deaf LGBTIQ+ people.

Aleading arts and cultural organisation, Midsumma deliversVictoria’s Prideinpartnership with the state government.

Thefestivitiesculminate in aone-day free arts and cultural street festival at Melbourne’s Gertrudeand SmithStreets precinct in Fitzroy on Sunday, February 11, 2024.

Victoria’s Pride is part of the government’s broaderworktodriveequality for and with LGBTIQ+ people through its 10-yearplan, ‘Pride in ourfuture:Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ strategy 2022-32’.

More information is available at midsumma. org.au/regional-activation.

GOOD practice, more research and incentives for farmers may be the best ways to reduce emissions, as discussed at last month’s Gippsland Red Meat Conference (August 29).

This was akey topic at one of the sessions at the conference, featuring Simon Quilty and Richard Eckard,titled‘GreenhouseGas Reduction Schemes Worldwide’.

What works best, the carrot or the stick?

Will producers respond best to incentives, or regulation?

The whole story about greenhouse gas and carbon creditsisaconfusing one, and red meat producers have asignificant exposure to the market, with livestockidentified as major emitters of methane, a gas seen as eighty times more potent than carbon dioxide over atwenty year time period.

Simon Quilty,market analyst and regular Gippsland Red Meat Conference presenter, recently returned from aChurchill Fellowship tour studying Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Schemes in the USA, Canada, Netherlands, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK.What he found wasthat much of Europe’s attempts at lowering methane output were about using ‘the stick’, meaning forcing farmers to comply throughregulation.

Mr Quilty believesthe ‘carrot’ will get the best results, where farmers are rewarded for lowering methane emissions.

Mr Quilty told the Gippsland Times that Australia is at “crossroads”, and suggested that arewards system be implemented whilst using technologytoaccurately measure methane production. In other words, aprice value on methane reduction.

“The methane measurement is crucial,” he said.

Melbourne University Professor Richard Eckard, whose research focuses on howclimate change affects agriculture and vice versa, told the Gippsland Times thepathway of lowering emissions for livestock businesses will come from the supply chain, rather than the government.

“By 2030,weknow our supply chain willask us to have (30 per cent)lower emissionsand demonstrate it. Selling ourproduct is the main game we’re in.”

Professor Eckard saidthat farmers who work with best practice and efficiently will be best-placed to meet these emission targets, with the government having adifferent role, with research.

“(The government’s) got to put in more research into providing farmers with those next options beyond that,” he said.

“How do we take the next step to reach those (2023) targets? What can we do to halve our methane after that? That still doesn’t exist.”

The ‘Big Farm/LittleFarm’panel: Frank Archer from Landfall Anguswith Gippsland Agriculture Group boardmemberDavid Caldwell, andAlister andSteph Micallef at the Sale Baptist Church.

Photo: Stefan Bradley.

From left:conference speaker and consultant Nathan Scott from Inverleigh; Alister Morris, Winnindoo;ScottLangley, Glengarry; and Tim Paulet,Flynn

Nicky Hair taking avirtual tourwith Greenham’s Emma Boughdon

Photo:LyricAnderson.

HannahCampbell, Traralgon and Robert Lamb, Sale.

Photo:Lyric Anderson.

Conference eventmanager Craig Bush Photo:StefanBradley

Conference attendee Alister Morris from Winnindoo said he wanted the supermarkets to lower the price of meattohelp clear the backlog. Photo: Zoe Askew

Morecoverage of the conference wasfeatured in September 1and 8issues of the Gippsland Times.

Meat and livestockanalyst Simon Quilty

Photos:Zoe Askew

Melbourne University Professor Richard Eckard.

with Muzza

ONE POINTERS

1. What is the common name for dried plums?

2. Extortion is another name for which crime?

3. Who played Don Corleone in 'The Godfather' movie?

4. What arethe four suits in astandarddeck of playing cards?

TWO POINTERS

5. What is the most consumed manufactured drink in the world?

6. How many colors arethereinthe rainbow?

7. Who was this years Latrobe Valley Soccer League Senior Women's League champions?

8. What rapper performed the song 'Drop It Like It's Hot'?

THREE POINTERS

9. What country has the most natural lakes?

10. Aristocrats aresaid to have which colour blood?

11. Abosun would work on which method of transport?

12. The Tour De France always finishes in which city?

FOUR POINTERS

13. Who is the author of 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'?

14. Grace Kelly married the Prince of which country in 1956?

FIVE POINTER

15. I'll give you an Australian town and you give me the state/ territory that they arein? Onepoint for each correct answer

1. Lismore2.Burnie 3. Busselton 4. Whyalla 5. Gladstone

HOW DID YOU FARE?

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

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

0-8: Hit the books.

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Catholic schools and parishes celebrate child safety projects

CATHOLIC schools and parishes within the DioceseofSale united to promote ChildSafety Week (September 3to10)

This year, Catholic schools and parishes have shared theirinnovativechild safety projects through avideo and resource titled Child Safety in Action in the Diocese of Sale.

Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet, opened the video by commending schools and parishes for their valuable work aimed at keeping children and young people safe.

He acknowledged that manyofthe projects were developed by young people themselves, with the supportoftheirschools and parishes,whichreflect Victorian Child Safe Standard 3: Student voice and empowerment.

"As Christians, we believe that everypersonis created in the image and likeness of God. It is our

responsibility as aCatholic community to ensure they are valued,respected, and protected. Everyone has arole in keeping children safe,” he said.

Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale,Paul Velten, said the projects complement the extensivework done to build systems that keep children and young people safe in school andchurch communities guided by the Victorian Child Safe Standards.

"I hope theseprojects will inspire others and encourage meaningful discussions surrounding child safety withinschools, families, parishes, and thebroader community,” he said.

“Throughout ChildSafety Week, our schools and parishes will actively share resources and conduct various activities covering abroad range of topics, including online safety.

“We strongly encourage families, grandparents,

and all individuals to actively initiateconversations about child safety with the younger generation in their lives. These conversations are invaluable in shaping their understanding and awareness of this important subject.”

Bishop Gregconcluded the video with amessage that it is not just our actions, but also our words and intentions that shape the future.

“May we alwayschoose kindness, compassion, and understanding, foritisthrough these qualities that we truly bless and protect the innocence of our youth,” he said.

To find out more about Child Safety in the Diocese of Salegoto: doscel.catholic.edu.au/child-safety/ child-safety-week

Guthridge Primary School’s heroes of the multiverse

IMMERSE yourself in auniqueblend of reality and fantasy with Guthridge Primary School next month.

Sale Botanic Gardens is about to become the stage for an extraordinary experiencethat blurs the lines between the real and the virtual.GuthridgePrimary School,renowned for their innovative approach to Performance Art, is set to captivate audienceswith their latest creation –anAugmented Reality (AR), Choose Your Own Adventure Performance, titled 'Heroofthe Multiverse'. Grade 5and 6studentsat Guthridge have taken storytelling to new heights this year, mastering narrative writing, monologues, and script development.

Whatsetsthem apart is their commitment to creating unique characters deeply rooted in their surroundings. Delivering scriptsand astoryline that they themselves developed.

These imaginative students have breathed life into iconic elements of the botanic gardens landscape, includingthe famous'Lightning Tree,' a transformed Swagman, and even abunyip emerging

fromLakeGuyatt. Theircreativejourneyextended beyondstorytelling, with in-depth exploration of the Botanic Gardensand lake areas

GuidedbyEllen Morabito, these students also delved into Augmented Reality (AR) technology. The fusion of their narratives with AR promises an unforgettable event that showcases their storytellingskills alongside theirinnovative use of technology.

Prepare to be transported into arealm where you, the participant,are the protagonistofan epic saga.Inaworld on the brinkofperil, the ominous Oblivion Legion threatens to engulf your universe through interdimensional portals.Asthe protagonist, yourmissionisclear:sealthese portals to thwart the impending disaster and ensure the survival of your world.

Unlike traditional performances, 'Hero of the Multiverse' leverages cutting-edge AR technology to embed performers within your own surroundings. Throughthe lensofyourdevices,you'll witness characters materialize in your environment,

Free skin checks by ACCOs

FREE skin checks will be provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Gippsland.

Gippsland Primary Health Network is partnering with five AboriginalCommunity Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), acrosssix sites to host visits from mobile skin check clinic,YourSkin Scan.

The firstround of visits startsMonday (September 11) and consists of ‘YourSkinScan’ performing skin checks on eligible Aboriginal and/ or Torres StraitIslander patients identified by their local ACCO. At the end of round one, patients requiring further follow-up will be identified and booked in for the second round checks or referred on to additional services.

The clinic’s lead clinician is aqualified clinical nurse consultant and nurse practitioner with more than 10 years working in the field of melanoma andskin cancer.

Gippsland PHN acting chief executive, Angela Jacob, said cancer screening saves lives.

“Ithelps to keep ourcommunities strong,safe and healthy,” Mrs Jacob said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslanderVictorians have afive-year survival rate of 59 per cent after

being diagnosed with melanoma compared to 71 per cent for other Victorians.Anearlier diagnosis means agreater ability to treat and achanceof survival.”

The free skin checks are being delivered under Gippsland PHN’s Integrated Team Care (ITC), supplementary services funding,which contributes to improved healthoutcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic health conditions through betteraccess to coordinated and multidisciplinary care. First round dates below:

•September 11 -Lakes EntranceAboriginal Health Association, 18-26 Jemmeson Street;

•September 12 -Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative, 37-53 Dalmahoy Street, Bairnsdale;

•September13-Ramahyuck, 2Stead Street, Sale;

•September 14 -Ramahyuck,15-17 Collins Street, Morwell;

•September25- Lake TyersHealth and Children’s Service, 1Rules Road, Toorloo Arm, and;

•September 26 -Moogji Health Services,52 Stanley Street, Orbost Reach out to your localACCOs whoare coordinating appointments and transport.

creating an immersiveexperience that fuses the virtual with reality. This convergence of digital and physical realms promises to redefine the boundaries of Performance Art.

The performance takes place on October 14 and 15, at Sale Botanic Gardens, with flexible attendance hoursfrom 9am to 6pm.Tomaximize your engagement,ensure your device is fully charged and equipped with acompatible web browser such as Safari or Chrome. Additionally, phone data is necessary for aseamless experience. Don't forget to crank up the volume on your device to catch every whisper of guidance from the allies.

Engage withimmersive videos thatlead you through the quest, step by step. By scanning the QR codes provided with your native camera app, you can summonhelpful allies from parallel dimensions, who will offer crucial insights and advice to aid your mission.

Central to your objective are the 12 elemental boxes. These boxes hold the key to sealing the interdimensional portals,and their acquisition

is pivotal to restoring harmony and dispelling the looming threat of The Oblivion Legion. Follow the guidance of your allies and use the provided map to navigate through the performance in astrategic order.

This adventure welcomesparticipants of all ages.

Considering the outdoor setting, remember to wear appropriate clothing, including ahat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.

Don'tmissthis chance to be part of an avantgarde Performance Art experience that pushes the boundaries of creativity and technology. Guthridge’s 'Hero of the Multiverse' promisesto be an unforgettableevent thatmerges the ordinary with the extraordinary, takingyou on ajourney that transcends reality itself.

Mark your calendars for October 14 and 15 and join thequest that beckons you to be the hero your universe needs. So,staytunedfor agroundbreaking performance where narrativesand technology converge, highlighting the limitless potential of these young talents in shaping the future of storytelling.

Bishop of Sale Most Reverend Greg Bennet, and the Director of CatholicEducation forthe Diocese of Sale Paul Velten.

Photo:Contributed

Sam Newman

Dave O’Neil

John Silvester

Park Dream at Gipps Art Gallery

THIS spring, Gippsland Art Gallery is delighted to present Park Dream,anexhibitionbycollaborative artists Wona Bae (South Korea) and Charlie Lawler(Australia),who are knowninternationally for their installations and sculpturethat navigate human relationships with nature.

Wona and Charlie’s wide-ranging art practice spans sculpture, painting, relief, sound, photography,and video. Inspired by patterns and textures drawn from the world around them, their unique and immersive installationsexperiment with materiality and technology.

For their major new exhibition at Gippsland Art Gallery, Wona and Charlie have created two new largescaleartworks –one is field of over 4,000 pieces of charcoal,and the other is aseries of large photographic prints of lichen.

The charcoal installation contains climate and topographic data of vulnerable alpine and rainforest landscapesfrom Gippslandand Lawler’s home state Tasmania. Park Dream references the ongoing climateemergency and the effects that decades of stalled action on climate change is having.

The artists write:

“For many Australian forests, fire is part of the naturalecology. But in recent years the effects of climate change has seen unprecedented fire

seasons. That are now affecting rainforest and high-altitude vegetation that have not adapted to fires over millions of years. These vulnerable landscapes hold adiverse and fragile biodiversity that does not recover easily. According to CSIRO research, more than 100 plant species had their entire populations burned in the Black Summer bushfires, with an estimated 816 species having at leasthalfthe areas they grow burned, and some ecosystems are now at risk of ‘regeneration failure’.”

Comparable to the charred landscape following a bushfire, Park Dream appears static at first, avast landscape consisting of thousands of charcoal pillars. But as the viewer moves around the work, the work begins to dance, creating adynamic tribute to the breath-taking and important landscapes it’sinspired by. This workspeaks to the agency of nature to not only inspire us, but the fact that we are embedded in nature and utterly dependent on nature for our wellbeing.

The artists attendedthe exhibition launch on Friday September1,meetingmanyGippsland locals. They will return on Saturday October 14 for an all-ages art workshop at the Nakunbalook Environmental and Cultural Education Centre in Sale’s Botanic Gardens.

Beginning in the gardens, participants will

Catching diamonds tour

KATE Miller-Heidke is embarking on the ‘Catching Diamonds’ tour and will perform at The Wedgein February.Kate Miller-Heidke is an award-winning Australian singer-songwriter who traverses the worlds of folk, pop, opera and musical theatre.

She has performed on stages as varied as the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Coachella, the New YorkMetropolitan Opera, the EurovisionSong Contest, the Sydney Opera House, and the Roebuck Bay Hotel, Broome.

And now, after long months locked awaywriting songs, she’s hitting the road to play in dozens of beautiful theatres around Australia.

Kate will be playing her greatest hits and most belovedpop songs, as well as performing tracks fromher original musicals ‘Muriel’s Wedding the Musical’and the new ‘Bananaland’, some unexpected covers, taking requests, and telling stories from across her varied career. Excitingly, she’ll also be debuting new material from her forthcoming 6th studio album, which will dive deep into the genre of ‘gothic folk’.

Thisisaspecialopportunity to see Katein intimate, stripped-back mode, accompanied by her long-termcollaborator Keir Nuttall on guitar.

(Thebendy polesfrom Eurovision will be there emotionally, but not physically).

Kate says of the upcoming tour,“Playinglive has always been at the heart of what Ido- Ilive for it. Ican’t wait to get back to some placesI haven’t been in AGES, and some I’ve never been to, and connect with my amazing audiences across Australia.

“Regional crowds are some of the greatest people to play for!”

Like allKate Miller-Heidke shows, the tour will be acelebrationofvoice, storytelling, emotion, humourand music that transports and transcends, of discovering anew each night the transformativeconnection between the performer and the audience.

Special guest GeorgiaMooney will be joining Kate at all shows.

Tickets for the Friday February 22024show at The Wedge in Sale are on sale now.

explore the gardenswith the artistslookingfor interesting naturalpatternsand textures. From therelearn how to create frottage rubbings with Wona and Charlie, which will then be transformed into artworks.

This exclusive workshop will enable participants to create with nature, and is based on Wona and

Charlie’s unique observation and interaction with the natural environment.Bookings for theworkshop can be made through the Gallery’s website at www. gippslandartgallery.com/events, and placesare limited.

Park Dream is showing until November 19.

Wisdom, power and freedom

BRIAGOLONG Art Gallery has announced its new exhibition, The Crone,which will be shown from September 16 to October 22. Four sprightly octogenarians have banded together to presentanexhibition to depict Wisdom,Power and Freedom of the Aging Woman.With each reflectingontheir life experiences,theyhavecreated individual dynamic images that express the essence of the journey to Cronism.

The official opening will take place on Sunday September 17 at 2pm.

Karin McDonald,Coral Minster, Lorraine Scottand KayZacher will showtheir works at Briagolong Art Gallery Image: Contributed.

Kate Miller-Heidke is known for her track ‘Zero Gravity’,which she performed at Eurovision

Photo: Contributed.

Visitors to Gippsland ArtGallery checkingout Wona and Charlie’smajor installation artworks.

Artists Wona Baeand Charlie Lawler at the exhibition launch, FridaySeptember 1.

Privacy&Tranquillity

Here is arare opportunity to purchase an absolute gem of a home. This iconic Maffra home is positioned in amagnificent garden setting on an elevated block and in aquiet court location, it has a very distinctive design. Adjacent to numerous walking tracks, close to football oval, tennis court, local outdoor pool &schools with easy walking to the main street.

The double storey cape cod style home includes many features. The first floor includes fully renovated kitchen surrounded by the two living areas (one of which is a large games room), formal dining room (currently used as awine room), study or fourth bedroom, laundry,plusanadditional fully enclosed sunroom that hasviews of the garden and spa.

The kitchen includes awalk-in pantry,large oven, dishwasher, loads of bench/cupboard space and French doors that lead out to the large covered entertaining area. The separate living areas include asunken lounge adjacent to the entry and dining room. Upstairs are the three bedrooms with the master including abalcony that takes in the view of the tree tops and wetlands, with its own ensuite, walk-in wardrobe and separate dressing room, and reverse cycle air-conditioner.Itisseparate to the remaining two bedrooms on the top wingwhich also have built-in-robes and are adjacent to the updated bathroom.

The home is comfortable all year round with hydronic heating, agas log fire in the main loungeroom and reverse cycle air-conditioners along with alarge solar panel system to reduce the cost of power bills. The undercover outdoor areais accompanied by acanopyoftrees in the rear yard that blend with the established gardens at the front.

There is an outdoor spa which is surrounded by adelightful timber deck that runs the length of the front of the house. Adouble garage with additional off-street parking along with adesignated caravan/ trailer parking space at the front of the property.This home is completely secluded from the road and is an oasis in awonderful Maffra street.

Briefdetails

Property: Unique home in great location

Address: 6The Crescent, Maffra

Agent: Gippsland Real Estate Pty Ltd

Brett Lanigan 0427 517 577 or Pat

Weatherley 0412 435 644

Price: $779,000

35 THOMSON STREET,MAFFRA

CHARACTER, CHARM, POSITION

*A home with plenty of potential

*High baltic pine ceilings, decorative ceiling roses and polished floors

*4 large bedrooms

*Lounge room with gas heater and timber mantle piece

*Country style kitchen

*Large block measuring 882m2

*Rear access to backyard from laneway

*Renovateorredevelop

*Great location close to schools, churches and main street

AUCTION –SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2023 AT 10:30AMONSITE

AUCTION

*Stunningly renovated Edwardian home combiningperiod features with modern conveniences *Big rooms, Baltic pine floorboards, 12 ceilings, period mantles decoratethe open fireplaces, picturerails and large front porch arejustsome of the many features

*Substantial home featuring 3bedrooms plus study

*Modern kitchen with stone bench tops, dishwasher,

period-style electric oven, induction cook topand huge walk-in pantry

*2fully renovated bathrooms

*Delightfulformal lounge with gas log fire and reverse cycle air-conditioner

*Sunroom

*Garage/workshop with concretefloor&power

57 ALFRED STREET,MAFFRA

IMMACULATEHOMEINQUIETLOCATION

*4bedroom brick veneer home

*Freshly painted internally with new carpets

*Kitchen/dining area with reverse cycle air-conditioning

*Comfortable lounge

*2Bathrooms

*Double carport

*Great pergola area

*2 garden sheds

*Ideal for the retiree or investor

FOR SALE $535,000

Regional brand-new homes available

Living in abrand-new home is something that many aspire to, yet it’sareality that very fewever get to enjoy.BourkeRise, Heyfield’s newest land subdivision, allows you to experience this with indulgent living in ahome curated to your specific needs.

With so many people now able to work remotely in their jobs, there has been ahuge shift in the popularity of regionalliving and all for good reason. For some, it’sthe feeling of community that’soffered and the promise of fresh clean air,for others, it’sthe slower pace of lifewithout the hustle and bustle that many feel in city areas. Perhaps, however,the biggest drawcard is the fact that you get more house for less money,something that is enticing to many as the cost-of-living skyrockets. BourkeRise, which is located 400 metres from the centre of Heyfield,

offers 14 new lots to choose from, ranging in size between 328m2-455m2. This allows you to build asizeable home without needing to spend all your leisure time on arduous upkeep. Adding to the appeal is the fact the allotments are flat,ensuring the land can be used to its full potential while keeping building costs to aminimum.Some will be interested in buying aparcel of land only and engaging the assistance of an architect or a builder of their choice to create their dream home from scratch.

With lots starting at only $129,000, you’ll have plenty of spare change to add the luxuries that the modern-day buyer seeks. Others will see the value in working with one of the three reputable home builderswehave engaged in the BourkeRise project; Colmac Homes, JG King Homes, and Metricon Homes, who, between them, are offering a

range of house and land packages. Starting at just $396,857, you’ll benefit from along list of inclusions while having the peace of mind that afixed-price contract offers. Heyfield, agateway to the VictorianHigh Country,islocated approximately 200kms east of Melbourne.

It is the ideal place for first-home buyers and young families looking to put down roots and forge abrightfuture. Likewise, it is well-suited for those who are looking for aquiet place to wind down in retirement at amore leisurely speed than what they’ve experienced in the past.

The rich tapestry of surrounding amenities also makes it an attractive lifestyle option for those in between these lifestages. The township of Heyfield offers alocal IGA andIGA liquor,apopular bakery,cafes andfood outlets, specialty shops, and the

More actionneeded to tackle housing crisis

THE National Council of St Vincent de Paul welcomes the significant commitments of National Cabinet and the Commonwealth to address the housing and rental crisis.

From July 2024, the National Cabinet has set atargetofbuilding 1.2 million new homes over five years.

The Commonwealth has also committed to providing $3 billion in performance-based funding for states and territories. This will reward those who build more than their fair share of the new homes.

The Housing Support Program, a$500 million competitive funding program for local and state governments, aims to boost housing supply

National Cabinet has also agreed to A Better Deal forRenters which will develop anationally consistent policy for genuine reasonable grounds for eviction, limiting rent increases to once ayear, and phasing in

minimum rental standards.

"Wesupport these announcements. The Society has advocated over aconsiderable time for ambitious targets for housing and for minimum rental standards," said National President Mark Gaetani.

Almost one third of Australian households are renting.

"Weare encouraged that theNational Cabinet is addressing the issue of no cause evictions and rental bidding and recognises the need to limit rent increases to once a year and introduce more uniform rental process and standards. These reforms are long overdue.

"It is very encouraging to see that the National Cabinet is making housing such a priority,although supply continues to be the biggest challenge." Mr Gaetani said.

The Society continues to question why the Housing Australia Future Fund Bill (HAFF), which aims to address the severe shortage

of social housing, continues to be stalled in the Senate.

"The HAFF is not perfect, but it is astart It would be great if all could agree to rental reforms, such as capping rent increases. But this should not hold up the HAFF.Weurge allstakeholders to put aside political point scoring and pass the Bill," Mr Gaetani said.

Australia is experiencing atightrental market, and low levels of social housing.

In conjunction with acost-of-living crisis, this means manyin our community are suffering.

There are more than 122,000 Australians homeless on any given night.

"Federal and State governments must helpalleviate this situation. Charities are unable to carry the burden on their own," Mr Gaetani said.

choice of two traditional country pubs; the Commercial and Railway hotels. There’s also Heyfield Primary School, the Heyfield Public Library,the Heyfield Memorial Pool, the Heyfield Hospital, and the Heyfield and Districts Museum.

As is the case in many regional pockets, local sporting clubs create strong foundations within the community.Heyfield is represented by teams competing in AFL football, netball, tennis, and lawn bowls. It also offers avariety of open green spaces for outdoor pursuits. These include Blores Hill Mountain BikePark, The Gippsland Plains Rail Trail, Heyfield Apex Park, The Heyfield Wetlands, and anumber ofother walking tracks, parks, reserves, and ovals In less thana10-minute drive, you can be at LakeGlenmaggie, ahotspot for swimming, recreational boating, and fishing.

Federal and State governments must help alleviate this situation. Charities are unable to carry the burden on their own

Mr Gaetani National President

Studieshaveshown that advertising your property in thelocalnewspaper engagesactive andpassivebuyersand reaches more than 7 outof10people each issue (1) . Newspapercombinedwithonlinewill typically deliver impressive results;

3 less time on market

3 increase in success rate

3 higher prices comparedtoonlineonly (2)

If you’re interested in browsing our newest listings, we have a convenient way for you to access them. Simply view the QR code provided and you’ll be directed to our updated inventory It’s quick and easy, and you’ll be among the first to discover our latest offering Don’t miss out on this opportunity to find your dream home or investment property

Bindawarra Merino Stud sale

BINDAWARRA Merino Stud hosted its first onproperty sale on Friday September 1, with buyers fromacross Victoria and interstatevying for their top pick of Steve and Lisa Harrison’s Merino rams.

The Giffard WestMerinostudearnedatop price of $7100for their Lot 2sirepurchased by Russell, Marg and Sam Bennett from Everton Upper Lot 2was highly contended for from theoutset.

Bindawarra Merino Stud’s second top-price ram, Lot 1, was purchased by Woodside’s Peter Young for $4300.

Atotal of 70 rams, 39 polls and 31 horned, aged between 14 and 16 months, were on sale at the Giffard WestMerino stud, with 52 ramssoldto buyers from Tasmania, Flinders Island, Central Victoria, NorthEastVictoriaand Gippsland at an average of $2340.

One lot, Lot 3, was withdrawn prior to the onproperty sale.

“We are still part of the Gippsland Stud Merino Group, but we had increased numbers and decided to try our own sale,” Lisa said.

“In the last few years, we’ve sold 64 of 66. We did have 71 for this sale, but we had to withdraw one.

“Hosting ourown sale is more buyerfriendly, benefits us logistically and also supports better welfare for the rams-they don’thavetotravel, they’reintheir home shed, they’re comfortable in this environment.”

Steveand Lisa Harrisonpurchased the Bindawarra Merino Stud from Murrayand Janet Toland in 2011, becomingaregistered poll stud in 2019

“This is the firsttimewe’ve had more polls

than horns, which has been one of our breeding objectives over the past several years, to improve consistency of poll wool,” Lisa said.

Bindawarra Merino Stud on property sale was set for40minutes,with finalbidding extending the sale length to almost two hours. About 20 buyers attended in person, with online bidding a popular option.

As those in the agricultural sector embark on a challenging market climate fuelled by dry conditions, lower commodity prices and high interest rates affecting farmers of all codes, Bindawarra Merino Stud principalswereapprehensiveahead of last week’ssale.

Steve Harrison, recently elected president of peak woolgroup WoolProducersAustralia, admitted to nervesatthe beginningofthe sale, pressure to host asuccessful first on-property sale adding to the list of anxieties;however, tensions easedas the sale’s conclusion edged closer.

“I was very nervous at the start of the sale but becameless nervous as the sale progressed,”Steve said.

“Given the dry conditions in Gippsland and the challenging commodity prices, we are very happy with these results.”

James Kirkpatrick Senior andJames Kirkpatrick Junior from Stockyard Hill in Western Victoria, who have been buying rams from Bindawarra Merino Stud for the past decade, purchased nine rams, three non-mulesed, at atop price of $3500. New client Paul Trowbridge bought 10 rams at Bindawarra MerinoStud’s firston-property sale in its 60-year history, while Jarrod Demarco fromNutrien Victoria purchasedten rams for various clients.

Woodside’s Peter Young (right)stands withLisaand Steve Harrison after purchasing Bindawarra Merino Stud’s second top-price ram, Lot1,for $4300.

Photos:Zoe Askew

Steveand Lisa Harrison with BindawarraMerino Stud’s top price ram, Lot2,purchased by Russell, Margand Sam Bennett from Everton Upper.

Zoe Askew

Bee industry pest fear

Zoe Askew

SINCEthe initial detectionofvarroa mite in biosecurity surveillance hives at the Port of Newcastle more than 12 months ago, Victoria has enforced restrictionsprohibitingthe movement of beesand bee products fromNew South Wales in abid to prevent the deadly parasite from infiltrating the state.

Asignificant surveillance campaign wasalso conducted across the state with registered beekeepers required to test and submit data to Agriculture Victoria, governmentofficers and StateQuarantine Response Team (SQRT) members, comprising commercialand recreationalbeekeepers,inspecting thousands of hives.

For the first time since the incursion of the pest was found in June last year, varroa mitehas been detected in hives on the Victoria-New South Wales border in the Sunraysia region, warranting authorities to establish emergency biosecurity zones. While no varroa mite has been detectedin Victoria, there are growing fears that the recent discovery of varroa mite on the state’s border indicatesthe invasive pest is likely to spread, creating enormous uncertainty for the state’s agricultural sector.

Varroa mites are tiny red-brownexternal parasites of adult honey bees thatmainly feed and reproduce on larvae and pupae in the developing honey bee brood,causing malformation and weakeningofhoneybees and transmitting numerous viruses.

Australia is the only significanthoney-producing country free from varroa mites. These parasites areconsidered the greatest threat to Australia’s honey and honeybee pollination plant industries, with estimationsthat varroa mitecouldresult in lossesof$70 million ayear should it become established in Australia.

The Nationals are demanding immediate action from the state government to protect Victoria’s agriculture industry and honey producers to stop an extensive outbreak of varroa mite in the state, which could catastrophicly impact Gippsland’s honeybee populations and agricultural industries that rely on crop pollination to thrive.

The NationalsMember for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, said Australiahas had more than 14 months’ notice of this pest being an enormous threat to our agricultural industry.

“The Nationals have warned the Minister for Agriculture that her department must have acomprehensive plan to deploy resources and preventawidespread varroa mite outbreak in Victoria,” Ms Bath said.

“Last winter, Imet with members of the

Gippsland Apiarists Association in Wiseleigh, East Gippsland, to discussindustryconcerns on the mites possible spread to Victoria and have held recent follow-up conversations.

“Commercialapiarists and honey producers are fearful the Andrews Government hasn’t been sufficiently proactive in earlydetection and the implementation of control strategies.

“This highly destructive pest has now been detected in Sunraysia on the Victorian border, and the possibility of further spread is significant.”

With the pollinationofcropsand fruit trees in the state’s horticulture sector as well as home-based fruit and vegetable growers, likely to be compromised if the varroa mite becomes widespread in Victoria, Ms Bath says the state governmentmust focusonassisting commercial apiarists to have world’s bestpracticeonvarroa mite mitigation and containment.

“Theeconomic valuefromthe contribution of honeybees in cropproductionisvalued at more than $14 billion nationallyand $6 billion annually for Victoria,” she said.

“Given the importance of Victoria’s agriculture industry,the Andrews Governmentmustexpand bee biosecurityprograms to better protect honeybee colonies and crop pollination.”

Agriculture Victoria Chief Plant Health Officer RosaCrnovemphasisedthat Victoria is committed to the National Response Plan and will continue

to undertake surveillance and compliance checks of beekeepers across the state.

“The Victorian Government has worked proactively to minimise the riskofvarroa mite entering the state sinceitwas first detected in NSWin 2022,” Ms Crnov said.

“A Control Area Order was immediately put in place to regulate hive movements, and Victoria conducted an extensive surveillance programto ensure the state was free of varroa.

“Victoria has successfully managed two almond pollination seasons, supportedbeekeepers and pollination-dependentindustries, and remains varroa-free.”

Agriculture Victoria continues to incorporate world-class and robust strategies in pest management so the state remains protected, with government and SQRTmembers set to conduct more surveillance over the coming weeksand months to verify Victoria’s ongoing freedom from varroa mite.

Victoria continues to enforce restrictionson themovement of bees and bee products, with beekeepers only movinginto the stateunderstrict permit conditions that require reporting of hive movements and testing of hives.

The numberofNew South Wales premises infested with varroa mite has now reached 250, withmore than280,000 hives destroyed since the mite wasfirst detected 14 monthsago

Ararat farmer convicted foranimalcruelty

AN Ararat farmer has been convicted,fined $14,000,and disqualifiedfor 10 years from owning or being aperson in charge of any farm animal after pleading guilty to animal cruelty charges at the Ararat Magistrates’ Court recently.

Agriculture Victoria Program Manager Animal Health andWelfareCompliance, Daniel Bode, said Ian White was convicted of 13 charges, including cruelty and aggravated cruelty charges involving thedeath and serious disablement of numerous sheep in his care, and two charges for failing to comply with notices.

The court heardthe charges relatedtoa failure to provideproper and sufficient food and veterinary or other appropriate treatment to approximately 475 head of sheep at Mr White’s property at Buangor,

east of Ararat, in June and July 2021, and then August and October 2022.

Mr Bode said AgricultureVictoriaofficers first attended the property in mid-June2021in response to an animal welfare complaint.

Sheep were foundtobesuffering from starvation, worms, and pregnancy toxaemia.

Despite numerous attendances and Notices to Comply issued by officers, 135 sheep were observed deceased, and 15 were seriously disabled.

Magistrate Bailin said it was acase that very stronglycalledfor disqualification,asthe suffering of the sheep was sustained, incredibly serious and profound.

Mr Bode said the 10-year disqualification order will protect animalsfrom further painand sufferingatthe hands of the accused.

“It sends avery clearmessage that those who continually commit offences against animals should not have the privilege and opportunity to care for them in the future,” Mr Bode said.

“Apart from the obvious pain and suffering of the animals, animal welfare breaches can jeopardise Victoria’s reputation as ahumaneand responsible producer of food, which can, in turn, affect all producers.

“This is areminder to all livestock producers thatanimal cruelty will not be toleratedbythe Victorian Government or our community.”

Anyone wishing to makeaspecificcomplaint regarding livestockwelfarecan call Agriculture Victoria at 136 186 or email aw.complaint@ agriculture.vic.gov.au

The NationalsMember for EasternVictoria, Melina Bath andIan Cane from the Gippsland ApiaristsAssociation discussvarroamite outbreak concerns in 2022. Photos: Contributed

BULLS

FOR HIRE/SALE Angus, Limousin,

2ND YEAR LAYERS

HORSES WANTED

LAURA TEMPLE

Much loved pet passed peacefully 7-9-2023. Sadly missed, reunited with Zara, Cecilia and Adrian.

For Sale

FIREWOOD

Top quality. Dry. Split. Mixed hardwood. Deliver all areas. Phone 0439 206 925.

FURNITURE

Two dining room tables each have matching chairs. Chest of draws. Two cupboards, one with three doors one with two doors. Tall TV unit with glass doors at the top and two doors at the bottom. Dressing table with large mirror. Kitchen storage cupboard with 3draws for bread,potatoes and onions. Small butchers block. Two large agave plants, very healthy, would look good as a garden feature. All in good or as new condition and all negotiable. Ph: 0467 555 800

LPG

8.5kg -$20 45kg -$130

We will refill any gas bottle including SWAP'n'GO if it's less than 10yrs old Call Platinum Plumbing Plus Sale 5144 7644 Maffra 5147 2818

SALE

11 Lazzaro Cres., Sat. Sept 16th, 8am -3pm. Household items, kids toys, clothing. No earlybirds please. Preliminary

AGM

Sale Golf Club Women's annual general meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 2pm at the clubhouse. All women members are encouraged to attend.

AGM

The Seaspray Surf Lifesaving Club will be having it's 2023 annual general meeting on Tuesday, September 26 at Sporting Legends in Sale commencing at 7pm. All members and interested parties welcome. Written nominations for Board positions should be submitted by September 19.

For further questions or details contact the secretary of the club at secretary@seaspraysurf club.org.au or phone 0498 010 812.

PublicNotices •

IPETER HOFFMAN,

have nothing to do with any outstanding debt Janie Hoffman has with Letts Funeral Services. Janie was handed funds last September.

GARDEN RENOS

Yes we weed, mulch, trim, prune, remove unwanted plants and trees. We also build fences, repair and install irrigation systems, lay turf and much more. We are qualified, experienced and we love what we do. We are the garden renovators. Call Mike. 0478 636 088

ON THE BUSES

Merimbula trip, Melbourne Cup weekend, Nov. 4-8, Coach, accommodation, breakfast plus Cup Day Luncheon. All incl. $550pp. Ph: Kim 0408 388 672. Proceeds to Royal Childrens Hospital.

HOF FMAN, PET ER RAYMOND, Stratford VICTORIA. Please pay the outstanding amount owing for Mum's funeral to the funeral home. You have received this money in July 2022 as you are the nominated beneficiary of Mum's funeral insurance policy. Mum had this insurance policy set up with the sole purpose for this money to go towards her funeral costs. To date you have not paid any monies towards the funeral despite numerous attempts by both the funeral home and myself to contact you to finalise payment of the outstanding amount of $5000.

Regards, Jane Hoffman

SUNDAY MARKET

Sale CharitySunday Variety Market, Canal Reserve, September 17. Egg and bacon rolls for breakfast, BBQ, hot dogs, hot and cold drinks, stalls from $15, raffles must be accompanied by astall. Proceeds to charity.

Buskers welcome.

Phone 0409 574 253 or 0438 079 966

Situations Vacant

PLASTERER

Chris Owens Plastering. Experienced plasterer available for new houses, extensions, renovations, sagging ceilings, water damage, patching. No job too small. Qualified trades-man with 25 years experience. Prompt, reliable, professional service. Ph. Chris 0460 813 299.

Gippsland Hire

Rigid Truck Driver Position

We are located at 14-16 Wellington Park Way, Sale. The role is delivery, collection and servicing of Portable Toilets and Showers.

To secure this position, you will require the following:

● Medium Rigid Truck Licence.

● Forklift and Crane Licences Preferred.

● Be reliable, punctual and self-motivated.

● Have agreat attitude and strong work ethic. Genuine applicants only. Please forward your resume to: info@gippslandhire.com.au or call (03) 5145 6954.

Customer Service Officer

Leadingcommunity services organisation

Salary packaging& competitive sector remuneration

Stimulatingrolefor an enthusiastic administrationprofessional

Maximum term to August2024 (Parental Leave Cover)

We are seekinganenthusiastic administration professional whowill enjoyworkingclosetohomeatour Bairnsdaleoffice. We havea part time positionavailable, working30.4hours perfortnight during office hours 9am5.06pm.

This roleinvolves keyfront desk operationsincluding reception and phones, bankingduties, arrangingoffice supplies,administrationdutiesand direct contactwiththe public and Uniting employees.

Interested?

Applytoday at:

https://careers.unitingvictas.org.au

Get in touch

If youhaveany questions aboutthis opportunity, please contact Sascha Johns –Manager, Children Youth& Families on (03) 5152 9600

Learnmore

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

CLEANING BUSINESS

St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Stratford

HORSES WANTED

Situations Vacant

•

STARTING TERM 4, 2023 1x EDUCATION SUPPORT OFFICER (0.79 -Ongoing)

St. Patrick's Primary School, Stratford is seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic and motivated individual for the above education support officer position, commencing on the Monday, 2nd October 2023. The successful applicant will be employed Monday to Friday from 9am -3.30pm.

The successful applicant will need to demonstrate acommitment to Catholic Education and to the safety and wellbeing of all students. They will also demonstrate an ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with students, colleagues and families. The successful applicant will also need to demonstrate that they can work effectively as part of ateam, have an eagerness to learn and excellent communication skills.

Special Requirements: Qualifications in Integration Aide/Education Support are desirable.

Applicants must possess acurrent Working with Children's Check. Applications are to include acompleted application for employment form (available from the school website) and the names and contacts of three referees.

Applications can be emailed to: Mr. Joel Brayshaw principal@stpstratford.catholic.edu.au

Applications close: Friday, 22nd September, 2023 at4pm

New opportunitiesat Uniting!

We have several exciting opportunities availableacross ourprogramswhich strive to make adifference in thelives of individuals, families &communities.

Orange Door Team Leader

Permanentfull time

Based at Sale

Opportunity fora passionate leader to join ourmulti-disciplinary team at the Gippsland Orange Door. Work within a new integrated servicedelivery model assistingvulnerable families whorequire supportwith thecare, development& wellbeing of infants, children&young people.

FamilyServicesPractitioner

2Permanent Full-time positions available

Based at Sale

Support vulnerable families to improve theirparenting capacity &family functioning.Establish, expand or transfer your social work skillswithin apassionate team environmentwithsupportive programleadership.

Interested in anyofthese roles?

CASUAL RETAIL POSITION

The position requires you to work every second Saturday morning. Some other shifts available during the week. The successful applicant will have acan do attitude and retail experience is preferred. Please send resumes and cover letters to: gareth@australiancountryretail.com.au

Heyfield Community Resource Centre Neighbourhood Battery Initiative Project Manager

The Heyfield Community Resource Centre has an exciting opportunity for aProject Manager to assist with the implementation of their new project as part of the Victorian Neighbourhood Battery Initiative (NBI). The NBI project will deliver abusiness case for two community battery scenarios within Heyfield. The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing the NBI project plan; ensuring that deliverables are met and reported on to our funding body, project partners and stakeholders. This role requires collaboration and the ability to work with amultitude of stakeholders; from volunteer groups to engineers and local government. The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, agenuine interest in community energy and be able to negotiate and build relationships. Part-time, 12 hours per week, until August 31, 2024.

For adetailed position description: heyfieldcommunity.org.au/job-opportunities Applications submitted to coordinator@heyfield.net by Friday October 8.

Catholic College Sale

"Every Student, Every Day"

Applications are invited for the following: VCE VM Coordinator (POL 3) Applied Learning Teacher -Junior Technology (Woodwork) Commencing in 2024.

Further information and application forms available at www.ccsale.catholic.edu.au

All applications are to be forwarded to principal@ccsale.catholic.edu.au

Applications Close: 4.00pm Thursday September 14, 2023.

Administration Assistant

Due to growth in Business Ausure Insurance

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

Duties include:

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

This is afull-time position which requires:

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

● Good communication skills and presentation.

● Accuracy and close attention to detail.

● The ability to work to deadlines.

● Reliable and punctual attendance to all duties.

● Motivation and apositive can-do attitude. Training will be provided for specialist system operations.

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

RECEPTIONIST

GP1661835

GP1661843

Sullivan Braham are looking to employ a dedicated Receptionist to join their team and be the face of the firm on afull-time basis.

This is afull time position, working 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. The successful candidate will be responsible for all reception tasks, including:

● Answering and transferring calls;

● Ensuring the smooth running of the front desk;

● Meeting and greeting clients and visitors;

● Arranging client appointments;

● Running the Deed Register;

● Assisting with general administration and accounting tasks;

The capacity to work as part of ateam is essential along with the ability to show initiative and work unsupervised.

The successful applicant will have excellent verbal communication skills, be able to multitask and pay attention to detail. As the first point of contact for our clients you will require a consistent, professional and welcoming demeanour.

Although not necessary, reception or legal industry experience would be advantageous. Acompetitive salary will be negotiable, based on skills and experience.

Applications including aletter of introduction and CV should be addressed to James Sullivan, Sullivan Braham Pty Ltd, P.O. Box 599, Sale, Vic, 3850 (phone 03 5143 1999) or e-mail james.sullivan@sullivanbraham.com.au

Applications close: 5pm September 15, 2023.

Caravans • Cars • Funerals • Deaths • Deaths •

HOLDEN

SSV Commodore 2006, orange in colour, 194,000 kms, good cond., UJB-361. Lots of extras, $21,000 o.n.o. Ph: 0400 183 728.

•

FORD TERRITORY

2012 TS, silver 7seats 147,000K's diesel, ZIG263 TBar, Local car $13,800. RWC. Ph 0406 659 920

OZ TRAIL OFF ROAD

Camper trailer, 2012 model, fold out tent. 12 mthsreg.VOO-044.

$2,500 Ph. 0498 362 386.

770 962

PARAMOUNT Thunder 19'6'' pop-top, 2020, dual axle, full ens., L-shaped lounge, x2 95L water tanks, x1 95L grey water tank, bike rack, diesel heater, QS bed, elec. brakes, Dexter anti-sway, gas/240v HWS, 3-way fridge, microwave, anti-flap kit, Dometic awn., solar panel, rev. camera, w/mach., CD player,TV, exc. cond., great van, easy to tow, gen. reason for sale $70,000. 0431 159 984.

Motoring

2024Teaching Positions

Traralgon Secondary School

•

• 4WD

Nissan Navara 2009 King Cab, good work Ute, roof rack, XDT-328. $15,000 o.n.o. Ph 0437 020 252

IMPORTANT NOTICE

FRESHWATER, Graeme. 01/12/1943 -01/09/2023

Passed peacefully Friday 01/09/2023 at 6am.

Dad, we will miss you so much as you are our rock and our hero. Words can not do you justice.

At least you now can rest from that bloody mind and soultaking disease (Alzheimer's) which you battled for seven years and did it without afuss, in true FRESHY style.

WAIN, Raymond. 27/11/1930

Ray passed away on September 4athome, aged 92.

Loved husband of Phyllis (dec.). Loved father of Gregory, Ann, Allan, and Neil.

WAIN. In accordance with his wishes, aPrivate Family Service for Mr Raymond Wain will be held.

Express with

our Atotal of 12 issues over amonth!

*Price includes headline plus 4lines of type. Each line thereafter $8.50 Cash or credit card only

Loved father to Brett, father -in -law to Kylie-Anne and Pa to Caleb, Brianna and Makayla. You can do some gardening at your leisure now and I'm sure will makethe first11 wherever you are. Will miss you Dad (Legend). Go Cats

FRESHWATER,Graeme. 1/12/1943 -01/09/2023

Passed Peacefully Friday 01/09/2023 at 6am.

Graeme was atrue gentleman, great family man, afair but firm leader and asensational sportsman. He has touched so many lives and did it without a fuss, always put others first and was the fairest most honest person you will ever meet. Husband to Jeanette (the love of his life).

Father-in-law of Susanna, Peter, and Janette. Grandfather of David and Emma, David and Abby, Mark an df ami ly, Elizabeth, and Shaun.

GreatGrandfather of Ashlin, Caitlin, Lara, Frankie, and Betty. Brother of Ken (dec.).

Ray's sense of civic responsibility, of work ethic, and of love of community inspired family and friends. Acommitted and aloved family man. Thank you, Ray, your work is finished.

Ray's family would like to thank the Sale Golf Club's members for their fellowship and for the good times they shared with Ray in his retirement.

Aspecial thank you to his friend and golfing partner, John Wake. Thank you also to his wonderful neighbours, to Peter and Dawn Redaelli, and to Colin Carmody.

Bereavement Thanks •

Thank you to our extended family who were all willing to help in atime of need.

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

Full-time or part-time, permanent ongoing VCEexperience preferable

•English

•Maths

•Science

•Japanese

We are also seeking casual reliefteachers.

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

FRESHWATER, Graeme. (Freshy)

My Love My Rock

My Best Friend

Passed away September 1, 2023.

Father to Brett and Steven (our hero). Pa to Caleb, Brianna, Makayla, Minnie, Lora and Jack Brother to Noel and Evelyn. Unc to so many. Brother-in-law to Sandra, Alan and Gwen. We all love you Freshy and will miss you. RIP -The Freshwater family

WAIN,

My heart is broken, you were the love of my life and husband of 52 years.

Ray. Committee, staff and members of the Sale Golf Club are saddened at the loss of our long time memeber and friend Ray Wain. Deaths •

Nothing was never ever too much trouble for you. Iloved your patience. Iloved your thoughtfulness. Iloved your affection.

Iloved you my perfect husband.

My earth angel.

You're forever in my heart and never ever forgotten.

Until we meet again. Your Babe, loving wife, Jeanette x FRESHWATER,Graeme. (Freshy)

Aboy from the farm at Kilmany, you have left a legacy that we are all proud of.

You loved your cricket 'til the end, you achieved so much on and off the field for club and association. Acadet engineer that made it to the top, managing brown coal mines locally and afar.

HODGE, Francis James. (Frank)

Passed away peacefully on September 3, 2023 at PaynesvilleGardens

Aged Care. Aged 90 years. Loved husband of Shirley (dec.). Loved father of Stuart, Robert (dec.), Murray and Nola.

Father-in-law of Virginia and Julie. Loved Pop of Jarrah and Ruth; Melissa, Brent and Nicole; Erin and Floyd; Meggan, Emilyn and Jacob. Great grandfather of Lewis, Amali, Parker, Lenni, Sadie, Rafi, Luka, Hurley, Kieser, Jasper, Bohdi, Rosie and River.

FRESHWATER.

The Funeral Service for Graeme Freshwater will be held on FRIDAY (September 15, 2023) commencing at 12 noon at St Mary's Anglican Church, 6/8 Latrobe Road, Morwell.

At the conclusion of theService the cortege will proceed to theGippsland

Memo rial Par k, Ce me te ry Dr iv e Traralgon for afinal farewell service.

HODGE Funeral arrangements for Mr Francis James (Frank) Hodgeare not yet confirmed, please visit our website or contact:-

care.

GP1658408

Gippsland Rally high success

ROUNDFour of the Bosch MotorsportAustralia

RallyChampionship, The Middle of Everywhere

Gippsland Rally (August25- 27), has built on its previousyear’s high level of success

Based in Heyfield with competitors driving through the forests north of Cowwarr to Glenmaggie, and Briagolong to Stockdale, the event kicked off with aceremonial start Rally Show at the Port of Sale.

The Minister for Tourism, Sportand Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos joinedWellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye and President of Motorsport Australia Andrew Fraser in flagging away the strong 50+ field of Australia’sfastest rally drivers at the ceremonial start. Hundreds of people gathered to admire the rally machines, meet the drivers and co-drivers and witness the beginning of the rally.

Clerk of Course Andrew Roseman enthused, “Port of Sale was buzzing with excitement, and it was great to see so many locals interacting withthe crews. It also gave us the opportunity to acknowledge the support we receive from the Wellington Shire and Victorian Government and our eventpartners thatenablesustorun this event.

“The popularity of the weekend highlights the

popularity of rallying and motorsport in the wider Gippsland community.”

Over 4,000 spectators attended the rally over three days, with as many as athousand people at atimeatthe Cowwarr Weir spectator point. Spectators enjoyed the amazing speed of the rally cars, enjoyed lunch cooked onsite by Heyfield Pizza and Takeaway, coffee from Just Another Barista, and kicked back in The Middle of Everywhere Lounge.

At GordonStreet Recreation Reservethe rallyoperations and teamsset up theirservice operations. The Sonax Car Wash crew of Heyfield Primary School and the Sonax Australia team washed the rally cars before they entered the service park. The technicians had the mud out of the waysothey could concentrate on servicing their cars within the 30 minutes allowed

Breakfast, lunchand dinnerwas providedby Heyfield FootballClub, andthis was complemented by Koffee Cup’s all-daycoffee service

On Sunday morning, the teams headedout to Boisdale for ablast around the Boisdale Hill Climb Track before drivingout to the forests north of Briagolong and Stockdale for more competitive stages. The spectator point at Kennedys Flat was alive with Wheely Good Pizzas’ wood fired

pizza, egg and bacon rolls, coffee and other food. The strong sized crowdsaw some of the fastest action as the rally drivers tried to make up time and challengetheir competitors. Back at Boisdale, the Hill Climb Track hosted the EROAD Power Stage to end the rally in dramatic form. Drivers were desperate to score the extra point available for the stage win and the challenging stage was too much for some. Daniel Gonzales hit atree in spectacular fashion and others missed crucial turns.Ultimately it was the neatest but most committed risk takers HarryBates and co-driver Coral Taylor who took the stage win.

Mr Roseman thanked the 250 volunteer officials who helped make the event happen.

“It takes meticulous planning over eight months to deliver this event which culminates with acore groupofofficials working tirelesslyfor three days setting up for the event ready for competition and spectating,” he said.

“It was incredible to see so many enjoying the spectacle of the EROADPower Stage at Boisdale Hillclimb track andthankstothe Maffra and District Car Club for their support.

“Victoria certainly didn’t disappoint with four seasons in two rally stages this year, from thick fog to rain soaked slippery clay based roads that

addedtothe challenge this year,asthe first endurance round of the championship.

“Our event is like no other with competition set in thefoothills of Victoria’s alpine region, and who knows whether we may see snow in 2024?”

TopTen Overall

1. Harry Bates /Coral Taylor

2. Lewis Bates /Anthony Mcloughlin

3. Eddie Maguire/Zak Brakey

4. Luke Anear /Malcolm Read

5. Nathan Quinn /Ray Winwood-Smith

6. Jamie Luff /BradLuff

7. Bodie Reading /Mark Young

8. Troy Dowell /BernieWebb

9. James Dimmock /Larisa Biggar

10.Danny Traverso /Anthony Carr

Thousands attended the rally

Photo: Tom Carroll

Minister for Tourism,Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos speakswithWellington Shire CouncilMayor Ian Bye.

Photo:Nishimachi Photography

Tourism Sport Events speaks with Wellington

Boisdale, Sunday 27 August

Photo: Nishimachi Photography

On Thursday August 24, a number of teams completed testing in the forests near Stockdale

Photo: Nishimachi Photography

Gippsland Rally said it wastheirbiggest event yet. Photo: Nishimachi Photography

Gi l d R ll id th i bi t t t

Only three left standing

LiamDurkin

POWER to win.

Wonthaggi became the first team to qualify for thisyear'sGippsland League senior football Grand Final.

The Power were too strong for South Gippsland rival Leongatha, winning Saturday's second semifinal by 22 points.

The minor premier led at every change to eventually win 9.10 (64) to 6.6 (42).

Atight opening term at Morwell Recreation Reserve saw just one goalkicked, although Wonthaggi was able to keep Leongatha scoreless in the process.

The Power added three goals to two in the second, before both teams shared two goals each in the third.

The Parrots trailed by 11 points at the last change,but Wonthaggi finished the stronger, kicking threegoals to two on their way to their first Grand Final since 2014.

Former Collingwoodplayer Isaac Chugg was industrious for the winners, as was Jack Hutchinson who kicked four goals.

Others to play well were Jakeb Thomas, Brodie Mabilia, Jack Blair and Tom Murray.

Key Wonthaggi forward Cooper McInnes made his return to the Powerline-up, having been sidelined with injury since Round 15.

Meanwhile, Leongatha forward Cameron Olden,

who kicked eight goals in the previous week's qualifyingfinal, missedafter takingaone game ban for an elbow thatcollectedMoe defender Luke Mulqueen.

Given the Parrots had adouble chance, it was probably wise on the part of Olden to take the week rather than go to the tribunal.

Best playersfor Leongatha were Aaron Heppell, Travis Nash, Jenson Garnham, Tom Marriott, Ben Willis and Noah Gown.

With Wonthaggi, Leongatha and Moe the final three left standing, it means the premiership race is between sides who have all beaten each other at some stageduring the season.

MOE progressed to the preliminary finalafter victory on Sunday.

The Lions finished full of running in the first semi-final, overcoming arch rival Traralgon.

Asix goal to none final term was needed to see Moe eventually break away and win in Maffra 12.7 (79) to 8.8 (56).

The Maroons certainly gave the Lions afright, and were 15 points ahead at three quarter time. Considering Traralgon went into the match with justone win from their lastfivegames (which came in the previous week’s elimination final), it was very much anervy Moe contingent huddled around at three quarter time.

While there wasa clear scoring end at Maffra heading toward the netball courts, the thought of going out in straight sets lingered for Moe.

Those thoughts undoubtedly stayedwith most Moe supporters, and possibly even players, until midway through the final term.

Traralgon sewed the seed of doubt early, keeping the contest tight until Moe was able to kick away.

Riley Baldi was again best-on for the Lions, followed by Scott Van Dyk, Declan Keilty, James Blaser, Nick Prowse(fourgoals) and skipper Jacob Wood.

Best for Traralgon was ConorLittle, Tom Hamilton, TyeHourigan, Scholtes, JoshHamilton and Hallyburton.

The Maroonsput up abravefight, butcould only manage two behinds in the finalquarter Simplistically at least, Traralgonkicked five goals withthe windwhenitwas at its strongest, and Moe kicked six.

Moe now has arematch with Leongatha for place in the Grand Final.

The Lions will know what to expect from the Parrots,having playedthem in the first weekof finals.

Unfortunately, the end of the game was soured by an altercation in thecrowd.

As Moeplayerswerewalking intothe Maffra home rooms, ascuffle broke out at the Maffra bar, more than likely brought about by patrons who had probably had too much to drink.

The situation appeared to have been settled a shorttimelater,with the main perpetratorescorted from the scene.

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE PRELIMINARY FINALS

Saturday, September 16 at Sale Oval

Football

Seniors: Leongatha vs Moe (2.20pm)

Reserves: Maffra vs Sale (12.30pm)

Thirds: Traralgon vs Maffra (10.45am)

Fourths: Maffra vs Bairnsdale (9am)

Netball

AGrade: Morwell vs Leongatha (2.35pm)

BGrade: Traralgon vs Leongatha (1.20pm)

CGrade: Leongatha vs Bairnsdale (12.15pm)

Under 17: Sale vs Leongatha (11.10am)

Under 15: Traralgon vs Leongatha (10.05am)

Under 13: Sale vs Moe (9am)

Magpies to playhomepreliminary final

Liam Durkin

SALE gets ahome preliminary final after all.

The Magpies sent Traralgon out in straight sets on Sunday, after winning the reserves first semi-final.

Sale ledatevery change, but hadtoholdoff agallant Maroons outfitina 6.9 (45)to4.3 (27) scoreline.

With their seniors eliminated in the first week of finals, the Magpies were able to bring rebounding defender Jordan Burke as well as young guns Tom Wrigglesworth and Harry Tatterson into the reserves. Wrigglesworth kicked two goals, including aneat dribbler in the first quarter.

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

SEMI FINALS

SENIORS

TRARALGON2.3 3.3 8.6 8.8 (56)

GOALS: Moe: NProwse4 HPepper 2J Balfour2 BGowersRBaldiJBlaser

HSim. Traralgon: BEddy 3BSchilling LTripodi JHamilton HNeocleous L

D’Angelo BEST: Moe: RBaldi Svan DykD KeiltyJ Blaser NProwseJ Wood

Traralgon: CLittle THamilton THourigan JScholtes JHamilton SHallyburton SEMIFINAL 2

WONTHAGGI

LEONGATHA0.0 2.3 4.5 6.6 (42)

GOALS: Wonthaggi: JHutchinson 4NAnderson 2R Sparkes JBlair IChugg

Leongatha: AHeppell 2JGarnham JGinnane KDrewJ Hume BEST

Wonthaggi: IChugg JHutchinson JThomas BMabilia JBlair TMurray.

Leongatha: AHeppell,T Nash,JGarnham, TMarriott, BWillis, NGown

RESERVES

SALE

TRARALGON0.0

GOALS: Sale:LPlace3 TWrigglesworth 2B McKay. Traralgon: DMcKenna 3L

Hahn. BEST: Sale:ZRussell BMcKay CLavertyLPlaceACampbell JSweeney

Traralgon: KRuyters KMarsh LHahn GWood JVan Iwaarden LMcDonald

LEONGATHA

MAFFRA1.0

GOALS: Leongatha: FMateria LWright. Maffra: CJohnson DStubbeW

Pleming. BEST: Leongatha: Jvan der PligtJ Schelling MBentvelzen RKelly

KBrown DHume.Maffra: SWalkerW Pleming CSmart KKilloran BMckenzie

CJohnson

MAFFRA2.2

LEONGATHA3.2

GOALS: Maffra: JDimarco 2NChristy 2SSmith. Leongatha: BFortR Reardon

JGarnham

WBrown BEST: Maffra: JKilloran JBoyd TScott HStablesNSzabaturaE

Stables.Leongatha: WBrown NSkewes CQuaifeDKratzat TRichards BFort

MMaakaH Little

The Sale reservesreceived good support from their senior counterparts. Magpies senior captain Jack Leslie ran water, while the huddles were packed with senior players, showing one-team unity.

For the secondyearinarow,the Magpies will play Maffra in the reserves preliminary final. Maffra will use their double chance after going down in asomewhat bizarre second semi-final. The Eagles kicked more goals, but had11less scoring shot thantheir opposition, losing 2.12 (24) to 3.0 (18) against Leongatha.

Unlike last year however, this preliminary final is at Sale Oval.

It doesn’t matter what grade it is, it doesn’t get much bigger than Battleofthe Birdsinaprelim.

Sale juniors fighting for netball success

Liam Durkin

LEONGATHA will be busy on the netball courts this weekend.

The Parrots have fiveofsix teamsplaying Gippsland League preliminary finals.

With the senior football teamalsoplaying for aspotinyet another Grand Final, expect asea of greenand gold to make its way to Sale Oval.

Sale looks set to turn on aperfect day weather wise, with sunshine and atemperature touching30degrees forecast.

Aforecast like that must mean it is getting close to cricketseason.Does it ever rain in Sale-Maffra?

Leongatha won through to the AGrade Preliminary Final aftergetting overDrouin last Sunday.

Taking to the Maffra courts, the Parrots put together ablisteringlastterm, scoring 19 goals to 10 to win 52-46.

They will now play reigning premier Morwell, who will use their double chance after losing to Moe by four goals.

The Lions advancedstraight through to their first Grand Final since 2018, winning a seesawing battle against their Valley rivals.

Some thrilling matches unfolded in Maffra on Sunday, not least the CGrade semi between Drouin and Bairnsdale.

The Hawks sent the game into overtime with agoal after the siren, before the Redlegs sent Drouin home by nailing the winning goal of overtime literally one second before time was called.

Sale's strong showing in junior netball will be on show again this weekend, with the 17s and 13s in action.

The Magpies get to play afinal on theirhome court, in what will no doubt be aspecial day on the facility named after the late great Kevin Hogan Alegend of Gippsland sport, Kevin Hogan

gave especially greatservice to Salenetball. You would find him courtside at every Sale home game,camera in hand, taking photos for the Gippsland Times

“The netball involvement has been one of the best things I’ve done,” he said in an interview with the author just before his death in 2019.

“The families are magnificent, there’s people at Sale that we would never have seen if it wasn’t for netball.”

Second semi-final results

AGRADE:Moe 48 dMorwell 44

BGRADE:Drouin 49 dTraralgon 29

CGRADE:Maffra 28 dLeongatha 17

17 AND UNDER:Traralgon 33 dSale 31

15 AND UNDER:Sale 33 dTraralgon 31

13 AND UNDER:Traralgon 39 dSale 32, First

semi-final results

AGRADE:Leongatha 52 dDrouin 46

BGRADE:Leongatha 48 dMoe 46

CGRADE:Bairnsdale 40 dDrouin 39 (OT)

17 AND UNDER:Leongatha 42 dMaffra 25

15 AND UNDER:Gatha 47 dBairnsdale 25

13 AND UNDER:Moe 42 dBairnsdale 17

TomWrigglesworth zooches asmart goalinthe opening quarter of thereserves semi-final for Sale.

BradSmith takes aslick markfor Sale.

Photos:Liam Durkin

Hillclimb coming this Sunday

MOREthan 90 competitorsrecently attended Round 5ofMaffra And District Car Club’s Boisdale Hillclimb Series.

On Saturday, August 19, racing started at 1pm in sunny conditions, with drivers negotiating the gravel track incorporating the extra “loop” for added challenge. Most junior and senior entrants ended up with seven 'runs', at least two of those under lights for the twilight meeting.

Club president Anthony Kovco won not only his class, but the event outright with atime58.30 seconds in his purpose-built buggy.

Secondplace overall wenttoPeterLeed with atimeof62.85,and third place getter wasDick BridleinaPolarisbuggy in atimeof63.85 seconds

All junior competitors drove extremely well, with Brock Hamilton gaining first place in 65.29 seconds. Cooper Clutterbuck also drove well and gained aclass win in his Hyundai Xcel with atime of 66.94 seconds.

Ladies class winner was Lauren Britton in 65.22 seconds over Kristy Tormey and Ella Forsyth with 69.39 and 72.23 respectively.

The next round of the Boisdale Hillclimb Series will be held this Sunday (September 17), and will be in short track format with racing to commence at 10am.

Further information about the MaffraAnd District Car Club and the Boisdale Hillclimb is available at www.madcc.com.au.

Firsttothirdclass placings

Class A:D.Clutterbuck 66.53, C.DuVe68.30, R.Chrisp 70.08

Class B:A.Britton 64.65, Spider Anderson 65.32,

W.Gellie 71.39

ClassC:J.Forsyth 66.12, J.Jones 69.51, C.Martella

75.95

Class D:R.Cannon 65.03, L.Fortune 67.27,A.Jones

67.28

Class E:C.Treadway 73.37,J.Cupples 73.84, J.Kohte 73.94

Class F:A.Paterson64.91, A.Brady 66.69, B.Vandongen 66.82

Class G:P.Bartlett 73.26

Class H:G.Daniel 69.29, E.Whittaker 70.62, C.Haagsma 72.28

Class I:P.Leed 62.85, M.McDonald 65.73, I.Martin

Class K:A.Kovco 58.30, D.Bridle 63.85

Class L:L.Britton 65.22, K.Tormey69.39, E.Forsyth

72.23

Junior class first to thirdplacings

Class A:C.Clutterbuck 66.94, C.Gellie 70.63, H.Myers70.86

Class B:H.Britton 70.94, S.Dwyer 74.42

ClassD:F.Cannon 68.14, D.Howard70.38, A.Cannon 71.62

Class E:J.Walsh 70.91, L.Trolove 72.27

Class F:B.Hamilton 65.29, M.Austin 75.25, B.Shaw 76.97

Class I:T.Hunt 74.42

Contributed

Grand endings for Maffra

Liam

Durkin

GRAND Finals were playedinthe Sale District Junior Football Association recently. Players took to Briagolong Recreation Reserve to see out the season.

Maffra was the sole representative in the under 15 Grand Final, for good and bad reasons. Whileitwas great for Maffra to have both its under 15 teams (black and red) in the Grand Final, it meant only one was going to walk away with the flag.

In the end, that happened to be Maffra Black, who dominated the Redsinapummelling 17.23 (125) to 2.7 (19) final score.

Judd Burgiel wasbestfor the winners, followedby Asher Higgins, Darcy Scott, Archer Stobie, Lachlan Harrington and Jy Higgins.

Best for the Reds was Will Burgiel, Marcus Proud, Harley Young, Harrison Vera, Braith Staley and Nate Brady.

Although the finalscoreboard indicated averyonesided game, it demonstrated the depth of players in theMaffra area. The Eagles could have easily just fielded one team and completely demoralised junior footballers in Sale and surrounds.

Sale Magpies won the under 13 Grand Final. The Magpies came backfroma nine-point deficit at three quarter time to defeat Heyfield 5.11 (41) to 5.6 (36).

Sale Magpies also had aclose win in the Under 11 match, beatingStratford Swansby12points, 6.9(45)to5.3 (33).

Max Bartlett, Koby Dorning, Logan Powell, Sonny Pendrick, Brax Wilson and Charlie Gartung played well in alosing cause for the Swans.

The SDJFA is agreat stepping stonetosenior

leagues, andsomeplayers willnow moveinto under 16, 17 and 18 age groups in the Gippsland League, Football-Netball East Gippsland and North Gippsland Football-Netball League.

Author's note: Maffra Junior Football Club were emailed to provide photo.

Ebony Whittaker in theV8Holden powered ToyotaCorolla Photos:

Commodoredriver Peter Bartlettnegotiating the “Esses”.

Sale Magpies won the Under11s flag

Matt McDonald in his Subaru WRX.

Plenty of sideways action from juniordriver Lochie Trolove in hisFordFalcon at Boisdale Hillclimb

Sale Magpies celebrate winning theUnder13premiership.

Photos: Contributed

Woodside adds to

Zoe Askew

GRAND FINALS are truly a spectacle of life’s inexorable opposites

For one team, the final whistle-blow induces euphoria For the other, devastation Hours upon hours of hard work, sweat, and sometimes tears are paid off in victory for those who are triumphant For those coming off second best, hard work is met with misery - fleeting as it may be, it’s a tough pill to swallow Woodside evaded heartbreak at the weekend, defeating Churchill 50-29 in the North Gippsland Football-Netball League A Grade Grand Final

The win meant a second consecutive A Grade netball premiership for the Wildcats

Woodside’s army of loyalists descended upon Heyfield’s Gordon Street Reserve on Saturday, armed and ready to cheer their A Grade netballers to back-to-back flags

Their opponents wouldn’t be without their own army of supporters Churchill’s legion of Cougars supporters infiltrated Heyfield Football-Netball Club’s gates, assembling their position beyond the black-wired fencing at the court’s edge Pigments of navy blue, white and yellow gold dazzled in the sun, dipping ever closer towards the horizon Wind whizzed streamers of the beholder’s respective club’s colours, and chatter buzzed as anticipation germinated

The court clear and ready Anticipation peaked for supporters and players alike

Officials called players to the court, one by one

As sneakers collided with the vibrant blue court surface beneath them, just 60 minutes separated the Cougars and the Wildcats from the premiership title

Churchill roared with determination

Finishing eighth in the 2022 season, the mere thought of Churchill making finals, much alone a Grand Final, was a stretch beyond belief for most

But with a new season came a new Churchill Katrina Hutchinson’s Cougars defied expectations from the outset to finish the 2023 home-and-away season third, with convincing finals wins over Heyfield and Sale City, securing their place in the Grand Final Woodside embodied tenacity

In an unexpected turn of events, the 2022 minor premier and Grand Final winners finished the season fourth on the ladder, making Woodside’s road to the 2023 Grand Final a long one

But the Wildcats, led by former Victorian Netball League premiership goal shooter Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Nicol, all but proved their role as league pacesetters, steamrolling their way to the Grand Final, defeating traditional powerhouse Rosedale 75-24 in the elimination final, Heyfield 64-34 in the semi-final and Sale City 63-45 in the preliminary final Woodside had earned a well-deserved place in the Grand Final, a chance to claim a consecutive premiership title, a chance they would not relinquish easily

This was it; no more waiting now

Teams took their places Would Hutchinson lead Churchill to their first A Grade premiership since 2012, or would Nicol re-establish the Wildcats as the benchmark for the 2024 season?

Churchill stormed into the game, with wing defender Zaida Gilbanovic stealing possession with a spectacular interception from the game’s opening centre pass

2023 AGRADE GRAND FINAL

Woodside heard their wake-up call loud and clear - they would not make the same mistake twice

The Cougars’ transition from midcourt into the shooting ring was seamless, quickly finding the hands of goal shooter Louie Patten

Enter Holly Jonston

Just as Churchill looked like shooting the game’s first goal, the Cougars were denied by Woodside goalkeeper Holly Jonston Jonston was influential for the Wildcats, with sensational one-on-one pressure, anticipation of the ball, quick change of direction, evasiveness to fly for the intercept at any given moment, and overall strength Woodside’s defensive threat was bolstered not just by Jonston’s individual performance but

also by the goalkeeper’s collaboration with goal defender Caitlan Johnson Together, Jonston and Johnson formed one hell of a defence to penetrate With the ball back in the Wildcats’ hands, Woodside zeroed in on Nicol

The Wildcats transitioned from their defensive third to attacking with such speed that you would miss it if you sneezed

Scoring was inevitable once Woodside got that ball to Nicol - you don’t win three VNL championship Hot Shot Awards without being able to put away a goal

Nicol would shoot 12 goals in the Grand Final’s opening quarter Patten would score six Churchill posed a consistent threat through Glibanovic, whose impressive long-range accuracy, elevation, vision, speed, movement and

defensive pressure proved pivotal on more than one occasion

Supporters were treated to an athletic and competitive match-up between Glibanovic and the Wildcats’ wing attack Taylah Buckley, with the dynamic young midcourter bolstering Woodside’s speed and whose agility, rapid change of direction and ability to find space made her difficult to stop

While Glibanovic posed a threat in the defensive and centre third, Churchill’s dynamic centre, Rachael Loechel, caused a headache for the Wildcats across the entire court Loechel’s vision, paired with her seamless transition between attack and defence, made her a tough competitor, with deliberate and evasive movement allowing her to apply constant pressure in all areas of the court

Darren Chester Putting Locals First

Woodside A Grade netball captains Georgie Banik and Caitlan Johnson raise the premiership cup

Photos: Zoe Askew

NORTH GIPPSLAND FNL

Woodside 50 def Churchill 29

Best on court: Holly Jonston (Woodside) Woodside AGrade premierships (as Woodside District): 2008, 2009, 2016, 2022, 2023

Woodside goalkeeper Holly Jonston was overcome with emotion having being named best-on-court in the A Grade Grand Final

its trophy cabinet

Despite the Cougars’ speed, defensive and midcourt pressure and accuracy in the shooting ring through the likes of Patten, Churchill was unable to thwart a blistering Woodside

The Wildcats rapidly transitioned play from end to end with a truly stunning fluidity, showcasing a beautiful brand of netball

While windy conditions added a challenge for both sides, Nicol was unstoppable in the shooting ring, with Woodside doubling Churchill’s score before retiring for the first quarter break Woodside set the tone early in the second quarter, finding Nicol in the shooting ring in record time

Wildcats wing defender Georgie Banik came flying out for an intercept on Churchill’s opening centre pass, with Woodside pushing their sevengoal lead to eight

The reigning NGFNL A Grade premier scored four goals before Churchill put away their first goal of the second quarter

As Churchill recovered from the Wildcats blistering start to the quarter, the Cougars showed strength through Glibanovic, Loechel and playing-coach Hutchinson at wing attack

The trio comprised a dangerous midcourt combination, a threat to any opposition Loechel’s impressive work rate was on show as the second quarter progressed, evenly matched by Woodside centre Laura Foat

Churchill’s defensive unit of Samantha Mann and Stacey Yates applied the pressure, forcing Woodside to work the ball around But once in the goal circle, the looming presence of Nicol was hard to stop

Jonston continued to cause problems for the Cougars in the shooting ring, with the Wildcats’ tenacious goalkeeper a real headache for opposition attackers with her timing on the intercept and willingness to contest

Great footwork and work rate allowed Jonston to body up on her opposition and cause mayhem to the feeders while also providing great reach and elevation over the shot

The Wildcats had forged a 10-goal lead midway through the second quarter

With a late second-quarter change of positions for the Cougars, Glibanovic assumed the role of goal defender, with Layla Blair coming off the bench and adopting the role of wing defender

Glibanovic denied Woodside as they attempted to feed into the ring, with the turnover of possession ebbing Woodside’s lead

While Churchill may have found their groove in the final minutes of the second quarter, the Wildcats dominating second-quarter performance left the Cougars with a mountain to climb after the break Woodside led Churchill 27-13 ahead of the third quarter

Churchill returned to the court burning with momentum The lethal Hutchinson and Lochel combination was hard to stop and was complemented by Patten, whose strength in the shooting ring paid dividends

Patten’s accuracy under pressure kept defenders on their toes, but Jonston and Johnson stepped up to the challenge

Jonston was a formidable masterclass in defence

Competition between Jonston and Patten continued to heat up, making for a highly physical battle between the Woodside goalkeeper and Churchill goal shooter

Fierce match-ups continued in the midcourt, with the Cougars and the Wildcats’ centres,

Foat and Loechel, boasting impressive agility and speed

Churchill had upped the ante with the Cougars throwing everything they could at the Wildcats, refusing to go down without a fight But it wasn’t without response

Buckley, Nicol and Woodside goal attack Jess Banik was a prominent attacking threat with Foat’s technical skill, reading of play and consistent pressure forcing mid-court mistakes Churchill pushed hard to keep themselves in the game

The Cougars used their midcourt strength to their advantage while Mann and Yates worked hard to isolate Nicol in the shooting ring

A tall, physical goal shooter with great timing and accuracy, Nicol did not make things easy for Churchill’s defence, with the playing-coach Woodside’s sole scorer in the third term, shooting 11 goals

The Wildcats led the Cougars 38-20 ahead of the fourth quarter, with a change to Woodside’s line-up in the final term Buckley assumed the centre position, Jess Banik moved to wing attack with Andrea Elliot coming off the bench playing as the Wildcats goal attack Georgie Banik set the tone for the final quarter, hunting and stealing possession, flying out for an intercept on Churchill’s opening centre pass and furthering Woodside’s lead

Jonston continued her epic Grand Final campaign, thwarting a strong Patten in the shooting ring

Nicol commanded play from Woodside’s attacking third, with Woodside looking almost impossible to stop

The Wildcats benefited from a Jess Banik interception, the Wildcats wing attack regaining possession as Churchill attempted to rid the ball from their defensive third

Both Churchill and Woodside wing defenders, Blair and Georgie Banik, threatened with excellent vision Yates’ fourth-quarter performance was commendable, with the Churchill goalkeeper exercising excellent reading of play and skilful technical abilities, intercepting Woodside’s attempts to feed into the ring on several occasions Buckley’s outstanding agility and endurance shone in her role as Woodside’s centre, with the young midcourter combining well with Elliot and Jess Banik to feed to Nicol

While the Cougars dug their claws in, fighting tooth-and-nail until the final whistle sounded, their attempts at overpowering the Wildcats fell short

Woodside defeated Churchill 50-29, with Nicol scoring an impressive 43 of the Wildcats’ 50 goals Jonston was awarded best-on-court, truly well deserved, following an exceptional Grand Final performance

While Woodside secured a second consecutive NGFNL A Grade Grand Final win, Churchill’s hopes at securing their first premiership in 11 years diminished

Life consists of a complex of inexorable opposites

While we might not be able to change that, we can choose what side to focus on and experience Churchill may have lost at the weekend, but their 2023 season has been a winning campaign Here’s hoping the Cougars focus on this

Woodside players celebrate their premiership

Woodside’s tenacious defenders Caitlan Johnston and Holly Jonstone embrace upon hearing the final whistle

Laura Foat added to her premiership collection at the weekend.

That’s awrapfromNth Gippy

Durkin

WORK never stops in sports administration.

While there was some cheers from North Gippsland Football-Netball League officials as the final result for the season was entered at the weekend, it is indeed only the playing side of things that has come to an end.

As the league tallied the numbers from the Grand Final crowd, which brought in an estimated 4000 people, North Gippsland president David Kyle wished to thank all clubs for their work during 2023.

"Another successful day, record crowds, record gates, some exciting matches, the footy probably wasn't exciting in terms of highscoring but exciting in terms of competitive, so great day," he said.

"Good umpiring, goodgames of footy, good games of netball, good spectator behaviour, so tick all boxes.

"Unfortunately not everyone can be awinner, for those teams that won we wish them well, to those that didn't, our commiserations, there's always next year.

"We always think our Grand Final is aday to showpiece what's good about North Gippy and we hope that everything was on show today.

"We couldn't be more proud or happier with the facilitythat Heyfieldhas put on show here, great netball courts, the ground was in perfect

condition, crowds, parking was great, everything was fantastic, the rec reserve needs apat on the back."

Looking to next year, Kyle said there was some excitingworks in the making, not least the prospect of North Gippsland welcoming its 12th member club.

MembersofMid Gippsland Football-Netball League club Morwell East recently voted in favour of moving to the NGFNL for next season.

The NGFNL board is meeting with Morwell East tomorrow night.

""There may be achancethat the Morwell East Football-Netball Club will join us next year, so exciting times ahead. Certainlythe board is in favourofit, we willinviteMorwell East to come and have achat to therest of ourclubs,"Kylesaid.

"We've been aleague that if clubs want to come to our league we'll support it, we've been aleague where clubs have come and gone, it's pretty difficult to see how this would be any different."

With some downtime between now and when fixtures are released, the issue of competitive balance remains one North Gippslandwillneed to address.

North Gippsland waslittered withlopsided games in senior footballthis season, something Kyle admitted wasn't healthy for anyone.

"Competitive balance is atopic Ithink in any communitysport,certainly as ourboard we sit

here and say 'how can we make our teams more competitive?'," he said.

"I'm not 100 per cent sure that can be done just through scheduling, but we will look at whatwecan do to try and make as much competitive balance as we can in the North Gippy, whether that means

more teams, more clubs or whether that means we work with whatwe've got, we'llcertainly be focussing on that in 2024."

Stopping gamesbeing decided by 150 points is surely at the top of the prioritylistfor North Gippsland.

Shaw thing at Grand Final breakfast

Liam Durkin

COLLINGWOOD legend Tony Shaw was perhaps the ideal guest speaker for this year's NorthGippslandFootball-Netball League Grand Final breakfast.

Shaw captained the Magpies to adrought breaking premiership

NORTH GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

in 1990, the same year Traralgon Tyers United won their first flag in the NGFNL.

The Bombers would go on to break adrought of their own later in the day, securing their first senior flag since 2004.

Officials and guestsfrom North Gippsland’s 11 member clubs gathered for the annual breakfast, held in the clubrooms at Gordon Street Reserve, Heyfield.

With Collingwood through to this year’s preliminary final, Shaw was only too happy to talk about his old side’s prospects, although he wasn’t all thatkeen onCarlton’s following the Blues’ elimination final win the previous night.

After addressing the audience, Shaw tookquestions from thefloor.

When asked about the Daicos family, Shaw said as good as Nick had been this season, he still rated the old man Peter as the best footballer he had played with.

Shaw made apoint of reminding those in attendance that Peter Daicos moved from midfield to the forward line following asevere injury, and still kicked 97 goals as asmall forwardinthe Magpies premiership year.

In keeping with the Grand Final theme of the day, Shaw made the following, quite poignant, remark: He could rememberevery player he played with in the 1990 premiership team, but not one in the losing 1980 or 1981 Grand Final sides he played in. Thathesaid, is the differencebetween winningand losingon Grand Final day.

Shaw stuck around, and handed outmedalstoHeyfield thirds players after they won their Grand Final.

GI PS AN IME P GIPPSLANDTIMESTIPP

The North Gippslandlogo painted into Gordon Street Reserve, Heyfield for the GrandFinal.

Photo: LiamDurkin

Collingwood premiership captain Tony Shawwas guest speaker at this year’s North Gippsland Football-Netball League Grand Final breakfast.Shawispictured with NGFNLpresident David Kyle.

Photo: Liam Durkin

Grand Final observations

Venue of choice

HEYFIELD FNC hosted the North Gippsland FNL Grand Final for the second year in arow. Clubs from across the leaguewere involved in running the day, and deserve apat on theback for their efforts.

The surface at Heyfield was superb, while the facilities served agreat deal of practicality. With an unused second oval, parking was hardly an issue, and the second netball court meant presentations and warm-ups could he held without unnecessarily holding up games.

In true country footy style, the Grand Final stage was wheeled out onto the oval via UTV. Naturally, afew patrons, or more likely players, clearlyenjoyed the Grand Final andthe hours that followed.

Heading home after the Gippsland League semifinal in Maffra,therewas still afew cars at Gordon Street Reserve on Sunday night.

Afew Dusty Martin’s at the MCG perhaps.

Crisis averted

WITH the reserves matchcoming down to the wire, there was some fear the game would be going into extra time.

Umpires and officials in the dugout made sure they were across the rules, with aNorth Gippsland official coming downfromthe club rooms to clarify what would happen if scores were deadlocked at the final siren.

Fortunately, it didn't happen, much to the relief of many, not least Heyfield legend and time keeper Graeme Anderson. Whilewatchingthe seconds match between TTU and YYN, Ihad to double take, having become so accustomed to YYNwearing the Bombersjumper.

Of course,TTU were the Bombers in North Gippy before YYN joined in 2021, meaning YYN had to change not only their jumper, but their nickname to the Jets.

Grounds of potential?

TAKING amoment to walk around the main oval on Grand Final day,I couldn't help but contemplate if the entire Gordon Street Reserve facility was being utilised as best it could.

For asmall town, Heyfield certainly has adecent sporting facility at its disposal.

Relatively new club rooms back onto abasketball stadium, while apretty modern three-net cricket square also makes up the reserve.

That atown of 2000 peoplecould only field a Third XI last cricket season is abit of ashame.

Perhapsaneven greater shame that Gordon Street actually has three ovals, although one has beenconfined to nothing more thanapaddock with goalposts at either end.

Taking amoment to walk out to the middle, there is stillastrip there, and the concrete still looks relatively new, just that the astrohas come off in sections.

With clubs always on the lookout for second

with Liam Durkin

grounds, surely there is potential to make better use of this space.

Even aclub in the nearby and newly formed Cricket Latrobe Valleycomp might like to look into getting it up to playable condition.

Maddash

IT isn't just playersthat feel stress on Grand Final day.

Having generously been given tickets to the North Gippy Grand Final breakfast, Ithought I had everything arranged for the day ahead. Camera, notepad, phone charger, fuel and no tickets. Panic stations.

Having turned my briefcase insideout to try and find them, Ithought Imust have left them at the Express office back in Morwell.

Upon arriving, Isaw the opened envelop where the tickets had been on my desk before clicking. Sure enough, they were in my wallet the whole time.

THEREissomething in the water at Heyfield.

The Kangarooslook set to have avery brightfuture, afterits thirds tookout the NorthGippsland Football-Netball League premiership.

Heyfieldbroke away from adetermined Rosedale in the last quarter, to win the flag 10.7 (67) to 6.8 (44) on their home deck.

The Kangaroos got out to an early lead, before theBlues pegged it back to go into the main break three points ahead. Heyfield added two late goals in the third to take momentum into thelast, fromwhich time they rarely faltered.

The ball lived in Heyfield’s end for most of the last quarter, as they added four goals to one.

Having finished on top of the ladder with just one loss, therewas some pressure on the Kangaroos, who lost to Rosedale in the second semi-final.

Jack Christian was best-on for the winners, and received good support from Harper Fraser, Ethan Davies, Jackson Reid, Jacob Hanratty and Mitchell Stevens.

Continuing the proud football tradition in Heyfield,Mitchellisarelation to Adelaide premiership player Mark Stevens.

Fellow Heyfield AFL premiershipplayer and current Kangaroos senior coach Leigh Brownwas on hand to offer support to the thirds, talking to players at the breaks.

Brown will no doubt have his eye on afew players to come into the Heyfield senior team next season, many of whom have already had ataste of senior football this year.

Some, like Kail Hole and Asher Eastham, have played the whole year in the top grade.

Both missed the third premiership as a result, and Eastham had Gippsland Power dutiesregardless. To win the flag with these two players not taking part perhaps only shows just how strongHeyfield was in the thirds

Thesuccessofthe thirds might wellcomplement the Kangaroo’s seniors, whomade the preliminary final thisyear with ateam holding an average age of just 21

With the age group only three years younger now having won the premiership, it could be look out North Gippy in the years to come.

The Heyfield boys had agreat role model as coach in club legend Scott Anderson.

Having won the thirds flag last season, Rosedale could equally have somequality youngsters helping the senior grade in years to come.

Jay Diamond played agood game for the Blues, as did Caleb Barnett, Kodie Carnes, Hayden Berry, Harrison Rowley and Liam Burgan.

In agreat show of maturity and solidarity, Rosedale players stood arm-in-arm during the presentation, ever gracious in defeat

Liam Durkin

NORTH GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

Heyfield thirds coachScottAnderson and captain Kohen Anderson hold aloft the premiership cup.

Photo:Zoe Askew

Perfectly scripted

Wildcats fall short in maiden Grand Final

THE 2023 North Gippsland Football-Netball League senior Grand Final may well go down as the most ironic ever.

Two teams, in Traralgon Tyers Unitedand Woodside, who had kicked goals with ease during the season, struggled to find the middle for most of Grand Final day.

The finalscoreboard read 4.14(38) to 2.8 (20), making for one very scrappy affair in Heyfield.

TTU didn’t score their first goal until midway through the third quarter. Woodside didn’t score any after halftime.

The Wildcats,who had often put up scores of more than 200 during the season, were kept to the lowest ever score for aNorth Gippsland FNL Grand Final.

In fact, Woodside’s final score was the exact same as what wooden spooners Gormandale had managed against TTU in agame this season. There is surely some irony in that.

Of allthe statisticsassociated with the Bombers’ unbeaten season,that might be the one that demonstrates justhow strong they were this year. Notthatthe Wildcats didn’t have their chances, and in such alow scoring game, they were well and truly in with ashow up until three quarter time. There was just too much irony.

For much of this season, commentary had surrounded the Bombers being on the edge of their player points.

Points were again atalking point for TTU in the

GrandFinal, albeit by the number of behinds they registered on the scoreboard.

Bombersco-captain Jye Neilsen took out the best-on-ground medal, but he too wasn’t sparred the irony of contributing anumberofbehinds to the overall tally, including acouple missing altogether.

That he sealed the premiership for TTU with a major right on the goal line perhaps stopped any potential for acruel, ironic fate that can sometimes meet ateam entering aGrand Final undefeated.

The Bombers had to overcome worrying signs in windswept Heyfield. The Wildcats, with the weight of sentimentality on their side, kicked the only two goals for the first half, and led by 10 points at the main break.

Woodside had wanted adogfight, and they had one. The Wildcats second goal coming after aneat handball from co-captain Ryan Foat was collected by fellow leader Dan Missen, who curled it home in the breeze on the eve of halftime.

Little was anyone to knowthat would be the last time the goal umpire extended both arms for Woodside.

TTU was denied acouple of chances before the break,with the ball rolling into the postout of congestion at the 33-minute mark.

Asecondquarter lasting the best part of 35 minutes showed just how congested the contest was There was more of the same in the third term, as the ball was sent from end to end between the arcs. In some ways, it was country footy personified; man-on-man, no 45s, kick it to acontest and hope someone wins it.

With no one daring to attack from the top side

of the ground, Bombers defender Liam Michie decided to take apunt from akick out. He took one bounce, and anotherbefore sending the ball to the wing. Again, somewhat ironically, the Bombers’ firstgoal came from the top side, when league best-and-fairestwinner Liam Willaton found some spacefromahit up, faced up, and smartly used the wind to swing the ball through from left to right at the 12-minute mark.

That goal sparked some life into the game, and TTUhit thelead at the 20-minute mark thanks to RickyCochrane. Cochrane had missedthe semi-final, and was brought back into the team for the decider. What atimetorepay the faith.

While the scoreboard wasn’t becoming an issue, Woodside had some issues around the ground as the Bombers controlled possession.

Arare Wildcatsinside 50 for the term was thwartedwhenaset shot from Shaun Cusack didn’t make the distance. Woodside might have been a bit frustrated at this stage, as adownfield free kick was paid to Guy Sinclair, who added another behind to the total.

Come threequarter time, with TTU ahead by one goal, the Bombers were instructed by playing-coach Jack Brown to sticktothe man-on-manmethod that had served them well the previous term.

Brown had the final say, leaving fellowcoach Jamie Aitken (non-playing)todissectthe magnets.

TTU got away to the perfect start, with agoal to Sinclair in the first minute.

The goal umpire made him wait to see if his snap shot on the run was touched, before cueing

ahuge celebration when it was given the all-clear. Sinclair set off on avictory lap toward the TTU bench who were right nearby.

On aday where there was anoticeable amount of floaters kicked, the Bombers thought they had another goal when Hayden Willaton kicked truly and was then flattened.

The kick was recalled by umpire Lachlan Floyd, who to his credit, wasn’t falling for anything as afew players flopped for free kicks amid abit of push-and-shove.

The Wildcats battled on, but looked out on their feet by the 15-minute mark, the result of perhaps playingfour finals in as many weeks,compared to theBombers who had only played one.

Withthe margin 12 points at the 20-minutemark, Woodsidewent for glory, kicking long straight down the middle.

The sealing play however came when Michie mopped up inside defensive50, handballed it to Liam Willaton,who then found his brother Hayden inside 50 on atight angle. Hayden kicked toward goal, and muchtoTTU’s delight, saw theball marked on the goal line by Nielsen, who ensured the premiership cup was going to be making its way down the only road leading into Tyers.

Neilson, Sinclair, Liam Willaton and Cochrane all playedwell for the winners, as did Tom Fleming and Mitch Mustoe.

Matt Dyke, Rowan Missen, Ryan Foat, Jeremy Morgan, Bailey Tatnell and Lee Stockdale put in good performances for Woodside.

LiamDurkin