Gippsland Times Tuesday 13 December 2022

Future in doubt

Askew

HEARTBREAKING forayoung Loch

Sport family, after spending close to $70,000 for renovations; their home is now facing demolition.

The future of aSanctuary Road residence is yet to be determined following works by DarcyWheildon of Wheildons Excavation &Home Maintenance, almost all of which allegedly violate the Building Act 1993 and associated regulations, including illegal building workfromanunregistered or unlicensed practitioner.

VirgilTirris,33, and his partner Izabela Kupniewska, 31, fell in love with their Loch Sport residence, agreeing it was the perfect home to raise their infant son; the pair bought the property in February 2022.

Shortly after moving into their new property, Mr Tirris and Ms Kupniewska began the search for atradesperson to complete several renovationstothe main house.

“We planned to renovate the main house, make it abit more modern,” Mr Tirris said.

TheyreachedDarcyWheildon,

22, legallynamed Darcy Di Dios, of Wheildons Excavation &Home Maintenance, which promotes numerous services such as driveways, concreting, fencing, tiling, roof and gutter clearing, solar panels,cleaning and landscaping Mr Tirris’smother notified him of Mr Wheildon’sservices after seeing advertisements on theLoch Sport Notice Board Facebook page by both Mr Wheildon and page admins.

Following communications via Facebook, Mr Wheildon agreed to the job and began workonMrTirris’ residence in March2022.

It was later confirmed Mr Wheildon was not aregistered builder.

“He was saying he was apartofVBA (Victorian Building Authority),and I just didn’t think to check; this is my first renovation,” Mr Tirris said.

“Whenitstarted goingsouth, a tradesman told me to check his name with the VBA to see if he was actually aregistered builder.”

More than three months after works started, Wellington Shire Council’s municipal building surveyor, who was in Loch Sport for general business, noticed substantial building work being

undertaken at the property, sparkinga reviewofcouncil records.

“Upon checking council’s records, it was found that no building permit was in force,” aWellington Shire Council spokesperson said.

“Under section 16 of theBuilding Act 1993, it is aserious offence to commencebuilding work withoutabuilding permit.”

“[Mr Wheildon]was sayingI didn’t need apermit.

“Because Iwasn’t going three metres from the existing structure, and that’s not correct,” Mr Tirris alleged.

Mr Wheildon told the Gippsland Times that he advisedMrTirris he did not need abuilding permit from Wellington ShireCouncil.

Wellington Shire Council issuedMr Tirrisastopwork order(SWO) on June 26,2022.

The stategovernment is the only organisation capable of making changes to building permit rules.

It is also the only organisation capable of making changes to regulations, with the latest changes putintoeffect on December 1, 2020.

“Council is the only organisation who

can determine if abuilding permitis required.

“And this assessment is completed by the Municipal Building Surveyor,” a Wellington Shire Councilspokesperson said.

The SWO mandated Mr Tirris to obtain an officialbuilding report, which building practitioner Darren Hood at Smart Choice Building Permits & Inspections, Traralgon, completed.

“Once we got the stop work order, we had to get abuilding surveyor out, and he said that 95 per cent of his actual work isn’t to standard,” Mr Tirris said.

In the Illegal Building Works report, Mr Hood documents that Mr Wheildon had committed numerous violations of the Building Act1993and the Building Regulations 2018 legislation.

“The building had quite abad termite infestation, masonry wallshave been cut out and not reinstated correctly, there has been more demolition done thanreconstruction and whathas been reconstructed hasn’t been done correctly at all,” Mr Hood said.

Continued Page 4

Zoe

Photo: Michelle Slater

Stranger approaches child in Yarram

Police Beat

BETWEEN 8.30-8.45am on Wednesday, November 30, amale is reported to have approached aprimary school student on Commercial Road in Yarram. The male allegedly asked the student to accompany him to avehicle and see his puppies.

Police have praised the quick thinking of the brave student, who ran away and notified teachers immediately.

Yarram Police are seeking information in connection to this incident and appeal for witnesses who can help identify any suspicious vehicles or suspicious males.

The male is described as being 50–60 years old, has grey-white hair, is of alarge-to-overweight build, and was wearing hi-vis clothing.

Police encourage anyone with information to please contact the Yarram Police Station on 5182 5033 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Abductionincident at Lake Guyatt

WELLINGTON Crime Investigation Unit’s investigation into an abduction attempt in Sale is ongoing. This relates to aman who allegedly approached ateenager at Lake Guyatt in Sale on the afternoon of Sunday November 20.

The 13-year-old girl wasn’t physically injured during the incident, where she was reportedly grabbed by the wrist by the perpetrator, who tried to take her to his vehicle. The incident occurred after 3pm.

The ABC reported that police described the perpetrator as an older Caucasian man with a black beard, wearing board shorts, awhite shirt and thongs. He reportedly was last seen driving ared or maroon-coloured vehicle. It may have been astation wagon.

Police confirmed to the Gippsland Times on November 28 that “no person has yet been identified or arrested” in relation to this incident. The investigation remains ongoing.

Detectives are urging anyone who may have been near McIntosh Dr and or the picnic

benches between Lake Guthridge and Lake Guyatt on Sunday, November 20 around 3.15pm with information or dash cam to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Alleged Bairnsdale sexual exposure

BETWEEN 1-2pm on Saturday November 26, police say an unknown adult male approached a10-year-old child inside aplayground at the corner of Wallace Street and McKean Street.

“It is alleged that the offender coaxed the child to asecluded area of the playground where he pulled down his pants and underwear, exposing his genitals to the child,” police wrote on social media.

“The offender was described as being aged between 20-30 years old, Aboriginal in appearance, tall and wearing adark hoody jumper. The malehad with him an all-black coloured mountain bike.”

An electoral polling station was in operation

nearby and police believe there were numerous people in the area at the time. Anyone who believes they may have seen something or has dash cam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Sale Specialist School celebration

ON Friday, December 2aspartofInternational Day Of People With aDisability, Sale Police and Wellington Highway Patrol members attended the Sale Specialist School with a‘Games Day’ theme for the children to celebrate the day.

There were several games to choose from and all of the games were really popular; even Local Area Commander, Inspector McLennan, tried her hand at Bean Bag Throwing.

To end the celebration, police conducted a Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) around the perimeter of the school lead by Inspector McLennan.

LETR is alarge public awareness and

grassroots fundraising initiative for the Special Olympics. Victoria Police and law enforcement personnel around the world are the Guardians of the Flame, known as the Flame Of Hope.

Police thanked all their members who attended and Wellington Blue Light, who funded the event.

Car accidentwitness in Sale

ON Monday, December 5, at about 11.15am, police say avictim’s vehicle was parked on the side of York Street (southbound lanes), outside 330 Raymond Street, Sale.

An offending vehicle travelling south reportedly sideswiped the victim’s parked vehicle, leaving significant damage. Policesay the offending driver pulled over,but then leftthe scene without providing anydetails to the victim. If you have any dashcam footage or information regarding the incident, contact Senior Constable Benson at Sale Police on 5142 2200.

Bike thefts -lock it or lose it

BIKE thefts have increased across the region. Most of the thefts are opportunistic from bicycles being left unlocked, unattended in apublic place or at home and in view of the offender.

Police have shared some crime prevention tips:

*If you need to leave your bike for ashort period, use aquality bike lock; do not leave it unattended and unsecured.

*When at home, do not leave your bike visible from the street

*Put yourbikeinalocked shed or behind a high fence

*Take photographs of your bike and note any serial numbers

Found property

ASAMSUNG Galaxy watch found near Latrobe Community Health in Sale around November 22 has been handed to Sale Police.

ABMX bike was also found at Gippsland Audiology on September 30. If you are the owner of anyofthese items please contact the Sale Police on 5142 2200. Proof of ownership will be required.

MembersfromSale Police and Wellington HighwayPatrolattended the Sale Specialist School with a‘GamesDay’theme for the children to celebrate International DayofPeopleWith a Disability.

Photo:Contributed

with Stefan Bradley

End of year message -Group captain Nigel Ward

ON behalf of everyone at RAAF Base East Sale, Iwould like to wish you all, our local community of Sale and the broader Gippsland region, a very happy and safe Christmas period, and an exciting New Year as we head into 2023.

This year has again been busy on many fronts, with an increasing focus on aviation training at RAAF Base East Sale.

Initial officer training continues to grow, and is another core part of our role here at East Sale.

There were also many opportunities for the base to continue our relationship with the community, and with Wellington Shire Council, most notably with our support of the West Sale Air Show.

Next year will see the return of the Avalon Air Show after it was cancelled in 2021, so mark that in your calendar for the beginning of March.

As with any year, postings will see some of our Defence personnel and families leave the area, with new members and their families arriving in Sale on posting. As always, Iknow they will feel as welcome as Ihave when Imoved back to Sale.

After three years, my tenure as the Senior ADF Officer, and as Officer Commanding Air Academy, has come to an end.

Ihavebeen very proud to have served in both these roles over the last three years, which has seen us endure bushfires and COVID, among a range of challenges.

Ihavethoroughly enjoyed what has been my second posting to Sale, and the beautiful Gippsland region. It is quite fittingly known as the Middle of Everywhere.

The people Ihave met along the way have always been warm and friendly, which is what makes it such agreat community to be part of.

Again, on behalf of RAAF Base East Sale, thank you for making us all feel so welcome.

Bellenger Bell Award- Mr Frank Jones

ON November 4, Mr Frank Jones was awarded the Bellenger Bell Award for 2022 for his exemplary performance at the School of Air Traffic Control (SATC), and his voluntary contribution to the Sale community and surrounding areas.

The Bellenger Bell is awarded annually to a member of Air Academy who pursues excellence in all their endeavours.

It is based on Air Force values, by always going above and beyond the call of duty and embodying the concept that “how we work is as important as the work we do”.

Commander Air Force Training Group Air Commodore, Greg Frisina, introduced the award, which honours the memory of Wing Commander Sean (Blowie) Bellenger, whose memory lives on through the lives and careers of those he directly and indirectly influenced. Each year, the Bellenger family review the nominations and makes the decision on the successful recipient.

Air Academy’s Officer Commanding Group Captain, Nigel Ward, announced Mr Jones as the award winner.

Mr Jones reflected on Wing Commander Bellenger, and said he was honoured to be selected for the award.

“He was extremely hard working and honest,”

Mr Jones said.

“If you ever wanted arole model for junior officers, Blowie would be right up there with the best of them.”

Mr Jones has been working at SATC since 1996.

He has filled many roles over the years, including Temporary Commanding Officer, and his wealth of experience has contributed significantly to SATC’s ability to meet training requirements.

Mr Jones volunteers his time and considerable effort to those around him, both through the ADF and in the local community. You might have seen him as he volunteers at Uniting Sale in Raymond St.

No 32 Squadron 80th Anniversary

NO 32 Squadron recently commemorated the 80th Anniversary of the squadron on November 4, after some delay due to COVID, as the unit was formed at Port Moresby in February 1942, flying Lockheed Hudson aircraft in areconnaissance and bomber operational role.

Current No 32 Squadron King Air aircraft and aNo100 Squadron Lockheed Hudson flew in formation over Sale in the afternoon and later during an open day for families of those currently serving and past squadron members.

Today, No 32 Squadron supports the training of Mission Aircrew at East Sale, as well as providing an airlift capability for the wider Defence community.

Visitorstothe area -Air Force static display area

IF you have visitors to the Sale area over the Christmas and New Year period, you might want to show them our RAAF Base East Sale Static Display Aircraft.

Just follow Raglan St down and drive to the end of Aerodrome Rd. Just before the front gate of RAAF Base East Sale, you will find this history and heritage area, and the aircraft have just had aclean and polish, ready for the tourist season.

There are signs explaining the history of the base as well as the background of the three aircraft on display.

We also have signs representing each of the major units of the base.

Don’t forget to have alook at the World War

2Operations Bunker behind that area as well,

near the picnic tables.

Beards in the Air Force

TRADITIONALLY, males within Air Force have not been allowed to have beards while in uniform, although this was relaxed when participating in some charity fundraisers. Two units on base have recently supported veteran related charities. No 30 Squadron supported Bravery Trust and Central Flying School is nearly finished fundraising for Soldier On, with $2800 raised to date.

Unbeknown to either unit, Air Force then announced achange to grooming requirements in the dress manual that governs uniform requirements, in amove to “evolve and modernise’ our uniform requirements. You may have noticed this change has been well received by males at RAAF Base East Sale, because as of November 1, 2022, males are allowed to have “facial hair” as long as it meets health and safety requirements and aneat and professional appearance is maintained.

What’s on at Dutson Range

DUTSON Training Area will be active during the period listed for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Field Training Exercises. This may involve demolition practices and, as such, explosions may be heard between the hours of 9am and 4pm each day. Public recreational usage of Lake Wellington will not be affected by these exercises.

December 14-15 -Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Training.

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

For further information, phone Flight Sergeant Matthew Hall on (03) 5146 7383 or 0429 402 049

Aircraft Operations at East Sale

IF you are interested in learning more about the role of RAAF Base East Sale, flying operations and flying areas, you can visit: www.defence. gov.au/aircraftnoise/EastSale.

This includes alink to the RAAF East Sale Noise Management Plan. The Defence approach to noise mitigation can also be found through the ‘Understanding Noise’ site.

Membersof32SQN RAAF Base East Sale, with Commanding Officer32SQN SQNLDR Andrew Daleyand TedMcConchie during the80th anniversary celebrations and family open dayatRAAF Base East Sale.

Photo: Rick Prideaux

Young family facing uncertainty

From Page1

IN his report’s conclusion, Mr Hood declares the building as dangerous and should not be entered until the building was made safe.

Mr Hood notified the municipalbuilding surveyor aboutthe SanctuaryRoad residence, recommendingatemporary fence be built around the building as termite-infected floor joists, lack of fall protection and asbestos litteredaround the outsideofthe building posed aserious safety hazard.

Following the SWO, Mr Tirris and Ms Kupniewska attempted to acquire materials they had paid Mr Wheildon for during the renovations that they had yet to see.

Mr Wheildon allegedly blocked the Sanctuary Rd resident’s phone numbers and social media accounts after being questioned about the materials’ whereabouts.

Mr Tirris and Ms Kupniewska made one final attempt to rectify the situation amicably, travelling to Mr Wheildon’s Loch Sport residence, where he lives with his partner Camryn Eicke and mother-in-law.

Ms Eicke is the legal owner of Wheildons Excavation and Home Maintenance, and itslisted ABN.

Ms Eicke allegedly told Mr Tirris and Ms Kupniewska thatshe had no knowledge or nothing to do withher fiance’sbusiness, despite legally owning Wheildon’s Excavation and HomeMaintenance, with her name listed as the ABN entity name.

Mr Tirris and Ms Kupniewska claim Ms Eicke told them Mr Wheildon was working away and that she would tell her fiancetocall or visitthe Sanctuary Rd residents when he returned; this never happened.

In mid-September, Mr Wheildonadvertised Wheildons Excavationand Home Maintenance services on the PhillipIsland Notice Board Facebook page and the Bass StraitCoast Notice Board Facebook page.

Unable to locateorcontact Mr Wheildon, Mr Tirrisand Ms Kupniewska submitted afraudreport to Loch Sport police, who advised the case was a civil matter, not criminal.

Mr Wheildon told the Gippsland Times that he was still in possession of materials paidfor by Mr Tirris.

“Yes, there are; there are still materials, there’s plaster, it’sstill sitting there, Ican get that delivered to his place anytime,” Mr Wheildonsaid.

“The council had stopped the job, we worked out how much we owed, either direction, and we both agreed on that, no worries; thenheturnedaround andsaidI’ll have to take legal action.

“As soon as someone says anything about legal action, Istop, and Ihave nothing more to do with it,” he said.

“So Igot my lawyer and have spoken with him aboutit, he said not to makeany contact, and I haven’t done anything since.”

Mr Wheildon said he was unable to disclose his lawyer’s name.

Mr Tirris has since submitted acomplaint to theVictorianBuilding Authority (VBA) andis communicating with Consumer Affairs.

The VBA has confirmed acomplaint has been made againstDarcy Wheildon (Darcy Di Dios), which is now under investigation.

In the 2021-22 financial year, the VBA took action against two practitioners in Gippsland.

“We prioritise the safety of Victorians by taking decisive action when practitioners break the rules, helping to give consumers confidence in the industry,” aVBA spokesperson said.

“The Victorian BuildingAuthority (VBA) actively targetsnon-compliantbuilding and plumbing work throughour nation-leading Proactive Inspection Program (PIP).

“Ourinspectors carried out morethan12,000 proactive inspections across the state in 2021-2022 financial year, helping to reduce non-compliant

building and plumbing work in Victoria,” they said.

“Anyone who believes that their practitioner has carried out non-compliant work is encouraged to make acomplaint to the VBA, so we can investigate.

“Anyone found to be in breach of relevant rules andregulations will face enforcement action, riskingfinancial penalties as well as the suspension or cancellation of their registration.”

Fromday one of renovations untilthe issueof the SWO, the Sanctuary Rd residents record they handed about $70,000 to Mr Wheildon,with some money provided to the couple by Mr Tirris’ elderly mother and siblings, for materials, external services and the work undertaken by Wheildon’s Excavation and Home Maintenance.

Since the SWO, Mr Tirris has paid thousands of dollars to begin repairing the extensive damage that Mr Wheildon allegedly had rendered, with no guarantee of rectification, leaving Mr Tirris and Ms Kupniewska staring downthe barrel of possible demolition.

Mr Tirris has spent nearly $2000 on the building surveyor report and almost $5000 for further asbestos removal, with impending chargesfor new building plansand structuralengineer consultations.

If the structural engineer deems damage to the Sanctuary Rd residence irreversible,MrTirris may havetospendupto$20,000 to demolish the house.

“It’s heart-breaking,” Mr Tirris said.

“I feel like an idiot, like it’s my fault; Ikeep looking back and thinking Ishould have recognised that something wasn’t right.

“After all of this, there is ahigh chancemyhouse is going to have to be demolished; Ijust want to make sure he doesn’t do this to anyone else.”

In the early days of renovations, Mr Wheildon called in Andrew Considine, owner of SaleAsbestos, to remove asbestos in asmall bathroom.

Mr Tirris claims he paid Mr Wheildonfor Mr Considine’s services, who provided advice on the presence of asbestos in other areas of the house, in addition to theremoval of asbestos from the downstairs bathroom.

“I completed the smalljob; Isent Wheildon’s Excavation &HomeMaintenance abill which hasn’t been paid,” Mr Considine said on October 13. Despite Mr Considine’s explicit direction on the presenceofasbestos throughout the Sanctuary Rd residence, Mr Wheildon allegedlycontinued workwithout proper asbestos removal, resulting in significant asbestos litter throughout the building, posing asignificant health and safety hazard.

Followingdirections statedinthe Illegal Building Works report, Mr Tirris requested Mr Considine’s servicestorectify the asbestos safety hazard caused by the works carried out by Mr Wheildon.

“During my original visit, they [Mr Tirrisand

Ms Kupniewska]were discussing the takingout of walls, and Iadvised them that was astructural wall,” Mr Considinesaid.

“I am not an engineer, but Iknowbuildings and houses, so Iadvised them not to removethat, and the builder [MrWheildon] informed the homeowner that it was going to be okay; Ileft it at that.”

On November3,MrConsidine exchanged text messages with Mr Wheildon regarding whether he had received the invoice for the removal of the asbestos in the bathroom at the beginning of the renovations.

Mr Wheildon wrote thathewas yet to receive the invoice, and provided Mr Considine with his email and apostal address upon request.

On November 4, Mr Wheildontold the Gippsland Times he had paid Mr Considine for his services, claiming he settled the bill out of his own pocket, contrary to Mr Tirris’ version of events, in which he had given Mr Wheildon money for the asbestos removal, which Mr Tirris’ mother claims to have witnessed.

Mr ConsidineaskedMrWheildon about the invoice again on November 9and November 12, to which Mr Wheildon replied he would search his junk mail as it was not in his inbox.

On November 15, nine months afterthe completion of Mr Considine’s initial services, Mr Wheildon confirmed he had received the invoice; the account has yet to be settled.

In late July,staff from Kwik Tip Bins visited the Sanctuary Rd residence in search of Mr Wheildon, who had taken money from Mr Tirris and Ms Kupniewska to hire atip bin but had allegedly neglected to pay the account.

“A guy fromKwikTip Bins camehere looking for Darcy Wheildon because he didn’t pay for the skip,” Ms Kupniewska said.

“He had put down the details of his credit card, his nameand the company, but they couldn’t charge him because every time, it declined.

“We gave him money to pay for it.”

Another Wheildon’s Excavation and Home Maintenanceclient, who has requestedanonymity, spent more than $8000 on works, most of which allegedly was never completed or completed incorrectly.

“I cut my losses and got out before any more damage was done; I’ve had to pay other people to come in afix the work he has done,”the client said. All had commented on the poorquality of his work.

Mr Wheildon has allegedly left atrail of destruction in Loch Sport, as locals hit the hip pocket to rectify the damage they say he has caused.

Only time will tell whether the house Mr Tirris and Ms Kupniewska fell in love with, the house they planned to nurturetheir growingfamily,will stand to be apart of that dreamed future, or whether it will be reduced to rubble on anear-empty block.

Izabela Kupniewskaand Virgil Tirris stand in front of their Loch Sport housewith son Antonio.

Photo: Zoe Askew

Peering inside the doorofthe Loch Sport residence.

Sanctuary Roadhas beenleft in tatters afterrenovation works by an

builder.

Contractor fined afterspraying

Michelle Slater

FRIENDS of the Earth has slammed acourt decision in which an HVP contractor was found guilty of chemical spraydrift where herbicides were found 150 metres into the Holey Plains State Forest.

FOE obtained freedom of information documents whichshowedthat the contractor was found guilty in the Sale Magistrates Court in August for 13 charges in breach of chemicals regulations.

Agriculture Victoria pressed charges after investigating several incidents in 2020 on receiving reports by FOE land-use researcher Anthony Amis, who discoveredthe damage while surveyingfor koalas.

The contractorwas givena12-month good behaviour bond and was ordered to obtain anew aerial management system accreditation and to

pay $1000 to Landcare.

But Mr Amissaidhedid not understand why aheftier penalty was nothanded-down, with applicable maximum fines up to $66,000.

“This is aslaponthe wrist. This was not an appropriatepunishment at all. Whereelse has this company been operating?” Mr Amis said.

It was foundthat the contractor was spraying aneighbouringpine plantationand allowed chemicals to drift about two kilometres along the native forest boundary.

Investigators discovered fourtypes of chemicals, including glyphosate in 17 locations and in tree canopies up to 20-metres in the air.

Some of the charges included injuriously impacting native plants, breaching labelinstructions, using herbicides in excess of label rates and alack

of appropriate record keeping.

Mr Amis saidthe Victorian Biodiversity Atlas showed the affected area contained the critically endangered Martins toadlet,koalas, vulnerable powerful owls and endangered lace monitors.

The forest is also asite for honey producing hives and is apopular bush recreation area.

“If this area had afarm house or acommunity nearby, what would be the impact on residents?” Mr Amis said.

“This is areal worry for me, particularly as the state government is planting thousands of hectares of pine plantations in Gippsland and Ifear there will be more inappropriate chemical use.”

An HVP Plantations spokesperson said it was an isolated incidentand the companyamended its protocols to maintain best practices after an

investigation.

“While this was an extremely isolated incident, we are confident these improved methods and procedures makeitextremely unlikely such an incident could occur again,” the spokesperson said.

Agriculture Victoria has stressed that it is an offence to carry out any spraying that contaminates land, plantsorstock outside the target area under theAgricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Act.

An Agriculture Victoria spokespersonsaidall agrichemical users are required to use chemicals responsibly to preventspray from drifting from the target crop or activity.

“Agriculture Victoria accepts the outcomeof the court case and encourages all agrichemical userstounderstand and comply with the relevant requirements of use,” the spokesperson said.

Sale to celebrate Christmas with late night shopping

BUSINESSES across Sale have banded together to collectively offer locals anever-been-donebefore Christmas special: late-night shopping.

Kurb Skateboard Shop owner Vicki Casper has worked tirelessly, pulling together aChristmas miracle in just two days.

Ms Casper has convinced more than 50 Sale businesses to join in for two nights of late-night shopping on Thursday, December 15 and Thursday, December 22.

“I just really wanted to help pull the community together, especially after COVID,” Ms Casper said.

“Almost every shop on the main street is on board; Redd Cat will be open, serving tapas and wine, Harvey Norman has jumped on board, Juicy Unicorn, as well as most of the beauty stores.

“We want to encourage the community to shop local, breathe some life back into Sale nights and offer something we haven’t before.

“For mums and dads, it is agreat opportunity. For many, especially those with young kids, it’s

not easy getting out or down the street to do the shopping; late-night shopping makes that abit easier.”

Local business owners are pulling out all the stops to ensure that this Christmas is the best

Christmas yet for everyone in the Sale and surrounding community.

Help support those striving to make our town the best it can be, by buying local these holidays.

Let’s breathe some life back into Sale’s

nightlife and grab acocktail at the Criterion or abeer at the Star or have aboogie at Jack Ryan’s before heading home to hide this year’s Christmas presents.

Be apartofabetter Sale.

Zoe Askew

Sale retailershavecome together this Christmas, offering late-night shopping Thursday, December 15 andThursday,December 22.

Photos:Zoe Askew

Finland ‘a green forestry model’

to fuel small heat plants in towns, industry and institutions.”

FINLAND, with apopulation smaller than Victoria’s, has shown the big role that alarge sustainable forestry industry can play in cutting greenhouse emissions, according to an industry figure.

WesternDistrict agriculturalist Andrew Lang, asenior consultant to the World Bioenergy Association, said forestry’s role in fighting climate change had been crystallised by the visitofFinland’s Prime Minister, Sanna Marin, to Australia.

Mr Lang said Finland was aclimate leader due to its native forest management and carbon sequestration arising from this, and development of its bio-economy, including biomass to energy and biomaterials.

“They are not into solar PV or wind turbines, due to the very high cost to the state of subsidising these,” he said.

Ms Marin, in an address to the Lowy Institute, said Australiaand Finland’s common efforts were needed in the fight againstclimate change and biodiversity loss through cleaner energy.

“Ournational aim is to be carbon neutral by 2035 and carbon negative soon after that,” she said.

Mr Lang saidFinland,witha productiveland area about the sameasVictoria’s and aslightly smaller population of about5.6 million, was a global leader in production and export of forest products. Forests make up 67 percentofFinland’s 338,000 square kilometresofland; in Victoria, forests constitute about one thirdofthe state’s 227,000 km2.

“Finlandisreducing emissions both by use of woodand otherbiomassfor energy,but also by carbon sequesteredinwooden structural, cladding and appearance products. The use of wood in buildings has been encouraged by government policy since 1990,” he said.

“It is reported thatuse of one cubic metre of wood to replace fossil-energy-intensive materials in structure,furniture and cladding of buildings can reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere by 1.1 tonnes on average.”

Mr Lang said Finland harvested about 60 million cubic metres of round wood every year, with most of this coming from private or family-owned forests, which make up about 60 per cent of all of Finland’s

standing forest.

“This is essentially mixed native forest,” he said. Smallroundwood from second or third thinnings wenttosmall sawlog milling, to peeler veneer production, and to pulp and paper mills.

“From final harvest,ahigher percentage obviously

goes to milling, but the rest of the tree still goes to theseother end uses,” he said, such as energy production, either in the industrial processing plant or in smaller local or larger regional combined heat and power plants.

“Locally,smaller scale thinnings are chipped

NOVEMBER 25 wasInternationalDay for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It also marked the launch of the 16 DaysofActivism campaign against gender-based violence –an international initiative that calls for awareness and action.

Police say they are committed to eliminating violence against women and ensuring the safety of the community. Family violence can be hard

Mr Lang said the overall outcome of this use of woody biomass for energy, at all scales and as heat, power and even liquid biofuels, was that these sustainablymanaged, mostly privately-owned, forestsprovided alarge single source of energy in Finland.

“Biomass, mostly as woody biomass, provides over 14 per cent of Finland’s power, over 30 per cent of transport fuels, and about 50 per cent of industry and residential and institutional heat,” he said.

WhenOpal Australian Paperfirst floated the ideaofa bio-manufacturing operation -the wasteto-energy plant-its model was Finland’s Metsa Group’s $2 billion Annekoski Mill in Finland, which could make AP part of the growing bio-economy. The Aanekoski bio-products mill is up and running.

Mr LangsaidFinland’s forests were closely monitored for growth rate and carbon sequestration, with forest holdings regularly surveyed and mapped.

“Most forest management is undertaken by the manyregionalforestry management associations, which are controlled by the grower members and which employ specialiststaff,who organise and supervise thinning and harvest, and manage sales for their members,” he said.

“The forest management associations are paid by the government for performing many of the forest management functions thatinother countries aredone by employees of government forestry departments, such as monitoring for pest animals, supervising properregenerationand replanting of harvested coupes, and issues of roading, drainage and fire control.”

According to research, Finland’s forest industry directly and indirectly employsabout 160,000 people,with multiplier effects into surrounding society.

In 2014, the value of forestry production in Finland, including the furniture industry, was 20.7 billion euros -18per cent of all industrial production.

Forestry employs 15 per cent of industrial workers and accounts for about 20 per cent of all Finnish exports.

Finland has about130 industrial sawmills, 25 paper mills, 14 cardboard mills and 15 pulp mills. In 2014, they employed 22,000 people.

to identify, both for avictim survivor, and those around them.

If you, or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please consider contacting: 1800 RESPECT -1800 737 732 www.1800respect.org.au SAFE STEPS-1800015 188 www.safesteps. org.au Phone Triple Zero (000) if in danger.

PhilipHopkins

Finnish Prime MinisterSanna Marin.

Photo:Contributed

Howtoplay. Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or morecan you list? The centrelettermustbe included and each letter may be used only once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in ‘s’ Solution page 43

COLLEGE

SUCCESS, ACHIEVEMENT AND BELONGING

Congratulations to all our students who have officially completed their secondary schooling in 2022. Many of our students have already moved on to a range of successful pathways including; employment, apprenticeships, traineeships and places at tertiary institutions prior to official offers.

For those who have completed VCE and received their ATARs, there is work to be done to secure University places and accommodation to begin the next exciting chapter of their lives.

Our students remain a part of the Sale College family and we look forward to their continued success

of Sale College this year with an ATAR of 82 45 Kane has maintained a healthy balance of study and living his best life throughout the year. We are very proud of his efforts and contribution to Sale College throughout his schooling Kane is seeking to study a double degree in Osteopathy and Health Science

CAREER& PATHWAYS

Our Careersand Pathways staff work individually with students to help equip them withthe skills and knowledge required to assist with futurepathway decision making.Our students transition to university, TAFE, apprenticeships or employment.

During 2022, our students have been involved in avarietyofcareerbased activities including university visits,career expos,taster programs, workshops and hospitalityshort courses

We have hadover70students attend various TAFE courses during 2022, in areas such as Building& Construction, Automotive, Kitchen Operations and Workplace Skills

Our Work Experience Programhas been availablefor students this year afteratough couple of yearsfor the program. We assisted students with over 100placements during 2022, mostlyinthe local area and we would liketosincerely thank our local employers who have provided these

opportunitiesand continuetosupport our school.

Our Victorian CertificateofApplied Learning (VCAL) Programhas seen students plan and initiatecommunity and entrepreneurial activities over the course of the year,culminatingina successfulnight market.

We areproud of allour students and their achievements theyhavehad throughout the year

Thefollowing students have been successfulingaining apprenticeships

and school based apprenticeships/ traineeships in 2022. We congratulate them all.

www.salecollege.vic.edu.au

Kane Wynhoven is the Dux

LAST Christmas, revellers gave them their heart and it felt so good, the Bundy Hall wants do it again.

Bachelor Girl are coming back for some festive spirit and this time, they’re bringing along the full band!

Consisting of vocalist Tania Doko and producer James Roche, this ARIA Awardwinning duo were formed in 1992 and found global fame with the release of their single “Buses and Trains” in 1998. Others hits by the pair include “Permission to Shine” and “Treat Me Good”.

Support will be of the highest quality with Stratford native, guitarist and “Gun-forhire” Danny Spencer also performing at the gig.

Organisers are hoping this may become a Bundy tradition, and are calling on locals to be part of alivemusic-loving community.

Finalscreening for 2022

SALE Film Society will have its final screening for 2022 this Wednesday.

December’s picture of choice is Belfast, asemiautobiographical recounting of director Kenneth Branagh’s childhood in Northern Ireland.

Society secretary Gerard Callinan believes there’s much to appreciate about the feature.

“Well it’s beautifully shot, of course, in lovely black and white; and despite being set in the early days of The Troubles is avery uplifting film about the joy of childhood and imagination,” Mr Callinan said.

Its best aspect, in his view is the “multilayered” performances: “capturing the love of afamily and the anxiety of the period plus the optimism of asmall child.”

Belfast also won Kenneth Branagh his first Oscar, earned for Best Screenplay at the 94th Academy Awards earlier this year.

Although perhaps most-widely known for his role as Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Branagh is also an accomplished director in his own right, having helmed the spy-thriller Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit,the superhero blockbuster Thor,and twoadaptations of Agatha Christie’s Poirot novels.

Mr Callinan cites 1989’s Henry V –anadaptation of William Shakespeare’s play of the same name –ashis favourite of Branagh’s works.

“It was such an arrival for ayoung ‘to-be star’ -directing and starring in aShakespeare classic and following in (Laurence) Olivier’s footsteps,” Mr Callinan said.

“Music by my home town -City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra under Simon Rattle.”

Belfast will screen at The Wedge this Wednesday, December 15 from 7.30pm. Entry for Sale Film Society members is free, and $5 for non-members.

Prospective attendees are encouraged to attend 30 minutes prior to the film commencing to browse the Society’s DVD library and mingle with fellow movie-buffs.

Committee members are currently organising and preparing next year’s schedule of films, which is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Twoworlds colliding on stage

OPERA

Hobson is one of Australia’s best-known operatic, concert and stage performers, with arepertoire that spans the gamut of musical styles from Baroque through to Pop.

Beginning his career in rock and jazz bands, Hobson’s potential as a“classical” singer was discovered by the Victoria State Opera in the 1980s. He subsequently made his name with Opera Australia in his award-winning performance of Rodolfo in La Boheme.

Lane, meanwhile, is ahousehold name best known for his comedy partnership from Frank Woodley. He is also known for his frequent appearances on television shows such as Good News Week, Spicks and Specks, Thank God You’re Here and the BBC’s QI.

Hobson and Lane have been friends for 25 years. From vastly different backgrounds, they have observed one another’s worlds and always thought, “Gee, wouldn’t it be nice to have ago at what that other guy does?” So here’s their chance to see whether the grass is alittle greener.

Their show bills itself as a“unique and hilarious experiment”.

In Tails will be playing at The Wedge on Thursday, December 15 from 7.30pm.

For tickets, visit thewedge.com.au or call the box-office on 5143 3200.

Bachelor Girl’s Tania Dokoand James Rochewillbereturning to theBundyHall this month.

Photo:Contributed

Images: Universal Pictures

and comedy shall collide when David Hobson and Colin Lane take to the stage of the John Leslie Theatre.

Colin Lane (left) andDavid Hobson will grace The Wedge with their blend of comedy and opera. Image: Entertainment Consulting

Book launched

Bradley

LORRAINE de Kleuver, from Sale, has embraced her inner child by writing and illustrating imaginative stories. Her new children’s picture book, The Professor and the Smelly Green Goop,isbased on afriendlygoose who resides at the local lakes, and is out now.

Mrs de Kleuver, aretired nurse, has written and illustrated nine children’s picture books, and is passionate about sharing the beauty of her local surroundings with her readers.

The main character of her new book, Professor Grey Goose, is aToulouse, aFrench goose breed that is invasive to Australia. This particular goose has made himself at home with the other birds at Lake Guthridge and Lake Guyatt in Sale.

“He’s adopted the other ducklings,” Mrs de Kleuver said.

Mrs de Kleuver didn’t know much about birds when the idea for the book originally came to hand.

“I contacted the bird watch people and on the phone they were really disappointed,” Mrs de Kleuver said.

They weren’t happy that the book was about a bird that wasn’t native to Australia.

“I really liked the look of the (Toulouse) and the size of them,” she said.

“When Iwas walking around, Inoticed the parks have got the signs about not feeding the birds (bread), but you still see packets of muffins with berries in them, cake and obviously bread that’s been left there.

“It came into my head that Icould do astory. Ithought that he was so ‘professor-looking’. He was so ‘professor-like’, so Icame up with that easily.”

Mrs de Kleuver said the book, which is recommended for ages four to nine, is aquirky look at the problem of humans feeding birds bread, which offers them nutrition.

“People can be proactive by getting bird seed

(to feed them instead),” she said.

“Another part of the story is the smell of the algae. In the beginning of this year, the whole of the Gippsland Lakes were affected by the algae. I’ve come across algae smells (before), but it was really, really strong. Iactually felt nauseous because of the thickness of the smell.

“So Ithought, comically, I’ll get the professor to investigate the smell. The story is about him and his companions, Gwendolyn and Gertrude, finding out what it is, and where it is, and what they can do about it.”

Ms de Kleuver’s self-published book, The Professor and the Smelly Green Goop,can be purchased at Sale Produce Market at Sale Showgrounds on the third Saturday of each month. It’s also availableatMrs de Kleuver’s website: cuddleschildrensbooks.com.au

“My intention is to not conquer the world, I’m quite happy doing local stories. Idoitwith my husband, it’s something for him to do. He looks after the back end, like liaising with the printers, which is afeat in itself.”

Stefan

Lorraine de Kleuver with her new bookatLakes Guthridge and Guyatt. Photos: Stefan Bradley

This is aToulouse, aFrench goose,and livesatLakes Guthridge and Guyatt. He is the inspiration for Professor Grey Goose.

Reuniting after almost 50 years

Zoe Askew

WE all have that one primary school teacher we justadored,the one who madeuslook forward to going to school, even those who hated it on the best days.

For Diana Van Den Broek and 10 other former NambrokWestPrimary School students, that teacher was David Wright.

Ms Van Den Broek, joined by 10 formerNambrok West Primary students taughtbyMrWright, met with their formerfavourite teacher after almost 50 years at the Sale Greyhounds Club for lunch on Monday, November 21.

“I am aconnector of people,” Ms Van Den Broek said.

“Moving back to Sale, Icaught up with acouple of friends who Ihave known since four, five years old; we were catching up from time to time, and I said to them recently, ‘Why don’t we invite David Wright, who was our favourite school teacher?’

“I gotincontact withhim, and he was absolutely stoked, absolutely stoked, and couldn’t wait for the day,” she exclaimed.

“So we organised it; Istarted networking, and we ended up getting 11 ex-students there.”

Mr Wright, now80, taught at Nambrok West Primary School, on the corner of Nambrok Road and RossRoad, longbefore the amalgamation with Nambrok Primary School in 1987.

Ms Van Den Broekwas one of Mr Wright’s 30 students at Nambrok WestPrimary School, harbouring adulation and fond memories for her former teacher.

“He [Mr Wright] hadthe senior part of the school; there was aprep, one, two teacher,” Ms Van Den Broek said.

“Andhe[Mr Wright] was only therefor three years, which is really funny because my whole primary school, Ireally just remember him; we were all very, very fond of him.

“He and his wife were really involved with the families; theyhad two babies, two boys while they were there, so we were there with the prams. It was areally beautiful environment.”

Nambrok West Primary School no longer exists after the amalgamation, with all 10 students attending Nambrok West transferringtoNambrok Primary School in the late ‘80salong with all their equipment and resources.

In 1994, after state government changesto the education system, Nambrok Primary School was merged withDenison Primary Schooland Nambrok-Denison Primary School was established.

After an enjoyable lunch with their former favourite teacher, Mr Wright, Ms Van Den Broek and Pam Glenton, friend and former Nambrok West classmate, proposed a50-year reunionfor the Nambrok West students of Mr David Wright.

“It was really wonderful, we alljust got on, shared stories, and he [DavidWright] stayed on overnight, and we just kept talking, sharing stories, finding out more,” Ms Van Den Broek said.

“Pam Glenton, who was ayear above me, came to dinner because she couldn’t come to lunch and suggested we do a50threunion next year.”

The 50-year reunion of Mr David Wright’s NambrokWest Primary Schoolstudents will be hosted on March 19,2023.

Ms Van Den Broek invites allwhomMrWright taught at Nambrok West to celebrate aremarkable teacher.

“For me, it is something that Ireally want to give to David as avery personal ‘thank you’ because Ihave the best memories; we all have the best memories of him,” Ms Van Den Broek said.

“So it is really about giving back to David.”

If you or someone you know was taught by Mr Wright at NambrokWest Primary School and would like more informationaboutthe reunion, email Diana Van Den BroekatDisoutter@hotmail com.

Nambrok West Primary Schoolstudents reunited with their favourite teacher,David Wrightafter 49 years.

NambrokWest Primary School.

Microgrid workshop in Heyfield

NOW approaching its finalphase,the Heyfield MyTown Microgridprojectteam ran acommunity workshop on December 3and 4atHeyfield Memorial Hall.

The aim of the MyTown Microgrid projectis to helpHeyfield understand the feasibility of a microgrid and other local energy solutions in the town, while making it easier and faster for other communities to follow in its footsteps.

Hosted by the HCRC and with project team members in attendancefrom Wattwatchers and the UTS Institutefor Sustainable Futures, the open invitation event featuredanumberof information and workshop sessions.

It also heard amoving talk from Voices of the Valley founder Wendy Farmer on why Heyfield can be an inspiration to many other communities wanting to make energy work better for them.

Since its inception, MyTown has conducted detailed technical analysis of multiple local energy options, identified the business modelsand partnerships that would be needed to enable them, supported the formation of aproject community reference group,hosted webinars and other events to help increase energy literacy and engagement, and installed almost 100 Wattwatchers monitors for free in homes, businesses, and schools.

This has allowed for abetter understanding of the way energy is used and generated in the town, with community screens and outreachtolocal schools helping to educate and inform using the data that has been gathered.

On Saturday, December 3, research lead, Dr. Scott Dwyer of ISF, tookthe audience through the iterative co-design process that the CRG has participated in and presented the technical analysis results.

The technical analysis explored anumber of different scenarios, but found thatonly one of them was able to help reduce energy bills for both solar and non-solar households.

Allthe options were also expensive with additional risks due to the complex legal and regulatory frameworks that are relevant for microgrids.

The project team also presentedonseveral other local energy solution options that emerged as promising during the technical analysisand community engagement, including neighbourhood batteries, community energy retailers, and town-scale approaches to home electrificationand energy efficiency.

Sustainable Smart Town initiator and MyTown projectlead, JulieBryer of the HCRC said it was apromising two days.

“My vision has always been for businesses and homes to share their excess solar and potentially generate income, that could then be reinvested in the community,” he said.

“I think we are closer to making this happen.”

With the project funding ending in June 2023, the MyTown project team is working on the final project milestones, while also looking beyond the funding period to opportunities for movingfrom feasibility to implementation.

The project team will continue discussions with possiblepartnerswhile seeking funding opportunities for the preferredlocal energysolutionsfor Heyfield.

The MyTown project team will host another webinarinFebruary 2023, to present the technical details of thefeasibilityresults for those interested.

Also being finalised is aweb-basedtool that will help other communityenergy groups in determining whether amicrogrid or other local energy solution is right for them.

MyTown has empowered and developed the knowledge of its locally recruited community reference group members to support the community’s vision.

It will seek to continue their support activities through 2023 and beyond.



MAFFRA Community Church

Christmas Carols will be held in Victoria Park, Kent St, Maffra this Saturday (December 17) beginning at 5pm.

Everyone is invited to come along to enjoy carols, children’s entertainment and afree barbecue.



MAFFRA Neighbourhood House will close this Thursday (December 15, 2022) at 4pm for the school holidays. The house committee and management express best wishes to all for asafe andhappy holiday season.

Maffra Neighbourhood House will open for the 2023 year on Monday, January 30 2023.



THE Maffra Anglican Church will hold aChildrens Christmas service on Friday, December 23 2023, beginning at 6pm.

During this special service for children and families there will be opportunities for the children to dress upasashepherd, wise man, Angel, Mary or Joseph, there are costumes for everyone.

Attendees at the MyTownMicrogrid Project Update and Business Model Co-design Workshop in Heyfield.

Photos: Contributed

Research Lead,Dr. ScottDwyer of the Institute for Sustainable Futures, updating attendees at the workshop on project progress.

Wendy FarmerofVoices of theValleyspeaking at theworkshop.

Husodo is DUX

STUDENTS at Gippsland Grammar celebrated this year’s VCE results on Monday, with 20 per centofthe cohortachievinganATAR above 90, placing them in the top 10 per cent of students in the state.

The school’s median ATAR for 2022 is 76.55, which is much higher than Victoria’s median ATARof70.33.Atotal of 65 per cent of Gippsland Grammar’s 89 Year 12 students achieved an ATAR above 70, placing them above the state’s average.

Gippsland Grammar’s Dux was Sarah Husodo with an ATAR of 98.55.Sarah is from Sale and hopes to study medicineatMonashUniversity in 2023.

Sarah said she found out her results just before 7am on Monday.

“I felt alot of excitement and relief; Iwas quite nervous about getting the results,” she said.

“Then Ispoke to (Acting Deputy Principal) Mr Henderson who told me Iwas DUX. Iwas very surprised at that, but it was quite special.

“My parents (Jemima and Oscar) were very excited for me and that made my day. They have always been supportive and I’m very grateful for their support.

“I’m still deciding between Dentistry in Bendigo, for which Ihave aconditional offer, or Medicine. Ineed to think about it and decide!

Reflecting on her VCE experience,the pandemic played asignificant part.

“Studying my VCE during the pandemic years did make it more challenging because it’s hard to stay focussed and learning during the Zoom environment,” she said.

“But it was also beneficial in away as it made me ease back on alot of the extra-curricular stuff and just concentrate on studying. Ithink we also formed stronger connectionswith our cohort after what we went through together. We missed out on alot which made us do alot of different things to build connections so by the time we got to Year 12 Ithink we were amuch more connected cohort.

“I miss school already, as Ireally enjoyed being at school with my friends, and studying and the teachers and school environment. It’s been abig part of my life.”

With school finished, Sarah has time to relax before considering further study.

“I’m looking forward to spending Christmas with my family and then we’ll have aholiday at Sandy Point, which we do every year,” she said.

“Then we are going to Japan for afew weeks to visit my sister who is on exchange.”

Gippsland Grammar principal, Michele Wakeham, was thrilledtocelebrate the results

of all the school’s graduatingstudents. They had persevered with their studies through the pandemicyears and Monday was aday to celebrate that achievement.

“Our entire school community congratulates the Class of 2022,” Mrs Wakeham said.

Students joining Dux Sarah Husodo as the school’s highest achievers with an ATAR above 95 include CamilleJaphary with 97.25, Charlotte Runciman with 96.9, Pearl O’Connor with 95.55, Jessica McLindin with95.5, Katie Wallerwith 95.45, Jessica Ingle with 95.15 and Nikolas Valette with 95.05.

GippslandGrammar also acknowledged the students from this year’s cohort who made asuccessful transition into the workforce through an apprenticeship or traineeship this year.

GippslandGrammar’s 2022 Year 12 cohort included 89 students from across Gippsland, the Latrobe Valley and far East Gippsland.

Gippsland Grammar’s ‘Class of 2022’ Year 12 cohort received their VCEresults on Monday December12.

Gippsland Grammar’s 2022 DUXisSarah Husodo with an ATAR of 98.55. Sarah is pictured with her parents Jemimaand Oscar

Photos: Contributed

Gippsland Grammar’s 2022 DUX Sarah Husodo with Gippsland Grammar Principal Michele Wakeham at the School’s Year 12 Valedictory in November

Stratford’s very high grass a real eyesore

STRATFORD’S grass has grown greener and longer as lawns overseen by the Department of Transport (DoT) have not been maintained in a year, raising locals’ concerns

Photos taken on Tuesday, December 6 show land near Stratford train station and Stratford fire station - on the corner of McFarlane and Hobson Street - with very high grass

A Stratford resident, Harry Nowak, has been living in the area for more than 70 years, and he’s never seen the grass this long V/Line is part of the DoT, who are the responsible party, but until the Gippsland Times made enquiries, it wasn’t entirely clear to the residents who was in charge of the maintenance Mr Nowak had said he didn’t care who was responsible, he just wanted something done He had previously spoken to Wellington Shire Council and V/Line, but discussions didn’t go anywhere “Council says that it’s not our responsibility, but why can’t council apply pressure to VicTrack to come and do something about it?” he said

“The grass is as high as the fence By the end of the month, it will be dry It’s a fire hazard There’s a potential disaster here (for these homes) ”

VicTrack is a state government enterprise that owns Victoria’s rail transport land, assets and infrastructure

As Mr Nowak watched a V/Line train go through the station, he wondered what the passengers might think if they saw the unmaintained vegetation

“Stratford consists of proud families that are community-minded and they want to maintain the pretty-little town People who are passing through for the first time see this grass and must think that Stratford is a hole of a place It’s just disgusting really,” he said

“The growth has gone mad grass up to the bloody windows of the train It’s an embarrassment ” Mr Nowak said some residents had taken things into their own hands

“You don’t want grass like this in front of your house People, through their own good will, their

pride in their community and their own homes (cut it), because it needs to be done,” he said

“People see Wellington Shire Council as an insipid organisation They don’t claim responsibility and won’t do anything because they say it’s not their responsibility

“If it’s not their responsibility, they should be proud enough to say ‘we don’t want the town to look like this’ and get onto the responsible body But they don’t seem to be ”

One resident, whose house is next to the lawn on the corner of McFarlane and Hobson Street, said the last time the grass was cut was in December last year

The resident, who asked not to be named, said they “had a gutful” dealing with the parties to have it maintained

The resident had someone cut a section of the grass right next to the fence to create a path to safely walk through, and also to reduce the risk of snakes appearing in their house or yard, or their

neighbours’ properties

“VicTrack and V/Line fob (the complaint) off, but we’re not allowed to build on (the land),” they said “I’ve said to them that I’ve had snakes in my yard my neighbours have little kids I’m worried that someone will throw a cigarette in there and it will (burn)”

The resident said they’ve had issues with the high lawn for more than 20 years, and brought the issue up with the Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, and his office

“We’ve spoken to one of their representatives, but we’ve never actually spoken to Tim Bull,” the resident said

“With the warmer days, (the grass) is drying out a lot faster If my house burns down, one of (the responsible parties) will be paying ”

When asked about the issue by the Gippsland Times, Mr Bull said his office had received complaints about long grass “from Mallacoota to Heyfield, and up to Omeo”

“One of the great problems that the various agencies have is that up until recently it’s been too wet to even get a (lawn) mower in some of these places,” Mr Bull said

“So, there’s a huge backlog in relation to the maintenance of grass (and) native vegetation I would hope over the warmer months when the works are able to resume after the grounds have dried out that we see improvements in a whole range of areas

“Because, getting towards the end of the summer where things dry off, we’re going to have a significant risk of grass fires in our areas

“We have from now to late February, March to catch up It’s been a challenging time just because it’s so wet ”

Mr Bull said his office had had a “truckload” of enquiries about grass and vegetation in Stratford “I haven’t had that particular enquiry (corner of McFarlane and Hobson Street) come to me, my staff have probably handled that one,” he said He added that in some of the cases, his office had investigated; multiple agencies or bodies were responsible for maintenance of that land

“Two agencies have said ‘we’re not sure it’s us’ and (then later) agreed it’s both,” he said

The Gippsland Times sent questions to Wellington Shire Council, VicTrack and the Department of Transport to find out who was responsible for the land near Stratford Station

VicTrack said “the majority of the land in the area is managed by V/Line under their infrastructure lease”

Council confirmed that the areas in question were all owned by V/Line, and said the DoT would be able to answer any queries

A DoT spokesperson said fire prevention slashing was scheduled to be carried out in the Stratford area in coming weeks, including the vegetation surrounding Stratford station

“Our annual maintenance program is underway and we’re on the ground where conditions allow This year we have additional funding for our maintenance program and crews will mow more grass than ever before,” the spokesperson said

DoT said the first round of this slashing was usually carried out from October to December, with

Stefan Bradley

The long grass further along McFarlane Street near Stratford Station Photo: Stefan Bradley

Thelawnonthe

populated areas prioritised, but the high rainfalls throughout spring had causedaslightdelay in the 2022 program. Asecond round of slashing will take place at the end of summer.

According to the DoT, slashing is only effective in areas where the ground underneaththe vegetation is dry, meaning crews need to wait until certain areas dry out before they proceed.

DoT said residentswith queries, concerns or who’d like to flaganarea for inspectionwere encouraged to call their dedicated customerservice team on 1800 800 007.

Mr Nowak said it was good to knowthatthe DoT would be dealing with the issue soon.

The same day the GippslandTimes took photosof the grass at thecorner near the station on Tuesday, December 6, Stratford resident Thelma Keeley spoke at theWellington Shire Council meeting to complain about letters that Council sent to residents regarding unkempt grass in the town.

“You sent out photographs to people around the area about not cutting the property -the grass. I am very disappointed in the Shire for doing this

because yourselves, you are not keeping up to date with your own grass,” Ms Keeley said.

“You had sent theseletters out to areas that are absolutely water-bound, unable to even walk across, never mind put alawn mower on.”

Ms Keeley informedCouncilofher and her husband’s prolonged efforts in keeping Stratford tidy, cutting grass in several areas.

“We bought aride-on (mower) ourselves, and we (cut the grass) with our own money,” she said.

“I’m disappointed because the grass is amess all over Stratford; there are areas that have not been cut.”

The Gippsland Times understands that Ms Keeley mowed the lawn on McFarlane and Hobson Street the next day, on Wednesday, December 7. Photos taken on December 9show its been mowed. Despite this, much of the grass on McFarlane Street and throughout Stratford remains very long and untidy as they await action by the DoT.

Additional reporting by Tom Parry and Zoe Askew.

corner of McFarlane and Hobson St, understood to have been mowed by a Stratford resident on Wednesday, December 7. Photo takenFriday, December 9.

Photo: TomParry

Stratford resident HarryNowak on thelandclose to Stratford Station andStratford Fire Station on the corner of McFarlane and Hobson Street withvery highgrass.Image taken Tuesday, December6.

Photo: Stefan Bradley

HarryNowak demonstrates just howlongthe grass hasgrown.

Photo: Stefan Bradley

Bullkeen to enactpromises

FOLLOWING

Gippsland Times: Congratulations on your win; you werenot only re-elected to the seatofGippsland East,but returned with an increased majority -whatdoyou put that result down to?

TIM BULL: LOOK, being alocal representative, you can’t make everybody happy all of the time; that’s basically an impossibility, especially when you have differing views in the community on certain issues. But Ithink what the community members generally want is, they want to be listened to, and Ithink at the end of the dayeven if you might disagree with somebody’s point of view, they’re generally happy and respectful if you’ve listened to them, heard their argument, heard them out and given them agood hearing. I always try and do that, and obviously on polling day, Idon’t know how people are going to vote; but to receive an increase of that margin, Iguess was humbling -probably tells you that you’re getting some things right. But from astatewide perspective, while it was apleasing result for me locally, it was certainly abittersweet result in that we find ourselves in another four years of opposition.

Touching on thatpoint,The Nationals did really well in seats like Gippsland South and Morwell, and won back seats in northern Victoria; whatdoyou believe those results aredue to? Whatisyourparty doing right thatthe LiberalParty didn’t?

ITHINK we’ve got agood reputation of giving strong representation to our communities, and Ithink country people want astrong voice in Parliament, and Ithink TheNationals provide that. We don’t run any candidates in urban seats, so we’re not compromised by that, and we can present avery clear country perspective to Parliament, and Ithink that that resonatesthat we only stand, obviously, candidates in country areas. Ialsothink we came up with some exceptional candidates this time around who are already local champions in their own right, and I think that played arole in our success statewide as well.

With thatinmind, whatdoyou think the Liberals could learn from The Nationals and take to the next stateelection in four years’ time?

I’LL preface what I’m about to say by saying, I don’t enjoy when other parties provide political commentary on The Nationals, so Itry and refrain from providing political commentary on other parties. Having said that, what Iwill say to you is that Ithink communities -whether they are city or country -wantacommon-sense,

middle-of-the-road approach in relation to their political parties, and Ithink that’s what we provided, and our communities responded to that.

Given Labor is back in power and the Liberal-National coalition is in opposition, howcertain areyou thatyou’ll be able to deliver on your election commitments?

LOOK, that’s obviously ajob that’s at the top of my priority list when parliament resumes. We have achieved anumber of things in my electorate in opposition, and Iamkeen to work with the government ministers to progress that, and then make sure we continue (to) achieve for our community. Anumberofthe pre-election commitments that we made were somewhat specifically local; some were around roads and health that need more investment, so we need to pursue those matters both from astatewide and alocal perspective. Obviously, we commit to things like sporting facilities and fire stationsthey need to be pursued through those particular communities, and Icertainly intend to do that. Irelation to the wider investments in health and roads, probably one of the bigger ones is the

dilemma facing the timber industry, they’re all matters we need to prosecute strongly when Parliament resumes, on behalf of our region but also country areas statewide. And Ilook forward to doing that.

Your electorate encompasses part of the Wellington Shire, including regionssuch as Heyfield, Maffra and Stratford; what areyourpriorities in thatareaofyour electorate?

FOR that area, the priorities will be basically related to what your last question was, and that is …try and deliver on the pre-election commitments Imade. Upgrades to the Maffra Hospital is something Iwant to pursue; ensuring the community hospital at Heyfield remains viable, which was another pre-election commitment we made; ensuring that our sporting facilities are up-to-scratch -and Boisdale-Briag, we made a significant commitment out there that Iwant to see realised (upgrades to the football-netball club). When people talk about sporting facilities, I’m astrong believer that sport can play akey role in solving alot of our problems that we have in wider society; Ithink if you can get our young people into sporting clubs, either as players, helpers or administrators, it puts them in around good role-models, and puts them in agood, friendly environment, and Ithink that helps alot of our kids with the development of their behaviours and their social skills. (If) we get kids into our sport, Ithink they’re all the better for it, so I’m areally strong advocate for making sure we have facilities that meet the needs of our communities. And obviously, the road network -whilst you’re talking specifically about the Wellington Shire end, all of country Victoria needs amassive increase in road funding, which has been cut in recent years. When you cut road maintenance funding, it can only end one way, and we need to reverse that and make sure we have significant investment into

our roads -particularly after all the wet weather we’ve had, which has made aproblem that existed prior to the wet weather even worse. On another matter,regarding the Indigenous Voice to Parliament,your federal Nationals colleagues are advocating a“No” vote at the proposed referendum on the issue, astance which hasbeen backed by your stateleader, Peter Walsh; what’syour stance on the issue?

LOOK, when Peter Walsh made that statement -and Idon’t know if you saw it in the media or not -Peter’s commentary was that we are lacking detail on it (the Voice) and what he wants to see, and what Iwant to see, is more detail on the actual proposal. So at the moment, we have the federal government saying that we’re going to have avote on the voice, and then aparliamentary committee will go away after that vote, and determine how it will be structured -what the representation willbe, whoit willbemade up of, what their role will be. Now, Ithink that the Australian community, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, when they’re being asked to voteon something, they need the basic detail of what they’re actually voting on. So Iremain very open-minded about it, as do the Victorian Nationals, and whatour leader (Peter Walsh) said the other day was, in its current form and without that current information, it’s very hard to vote “Yes”. But we would hope that prior to any referendum, we get more detail and more information released, so that people can make an informed choice and vote accordingly. And that is my very strong view -I’m quite open-minded about this, but I’d like more detail on how it’s going to be structured, how it’ll work, and more importantly, how it’ll improve outcomes for our Indigenous community.

his victory at the recent state election, Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull spoke with Gippsland Times journalist Tom Parry about the positive outcomes for his party, The Nationals; where it went wrong for their coalition partner, the Liberal Party; and his stance on the Voice to Parliament.

Tim Bull with Boisdale-Briagolong Football-Netball Clubrepresentatives Ash McDonough and RayAdams during theelection campaign. Photos:File

Member forGippsland South Tim Bull (right) with Maffra Agricultural ShowpresidentTim Dwyer earlier thisyear.

MAFFRA’S Christmas Festival has long proven popular with locals, as crowds at previous events can attest.

We’ve trawled through the Gippsland Times archives and found some photos of the Festival in years gone by.

Can you spot any familiar faces?

Aclown shows offhis balloon-twisting skills to an attentive collection of young onlookers Photos: File

GeoffStobie andson Marcusoutside Stobies Land andSurf. Geoff wasbrought“out of retirement” to assist with runningthe store duringthe 2018 Christmas Festival.

 Ella McCubbin busking at the 2018Maffra Christmas Festival.

Tubby Robotfist-bumping youngsters along Johnson Street

Maffra residentsOdie, Ruby andKate Hore at aprevious Festival

known as “Waterdrop” walks through the crowd, drawing the smile of two-year-oldRosie.

one ofthe

fabulous Christmaslight displays in Maffra, this one located on Three Chain Road. All photos: Facebook

T

HERE’S still plenty to see in Maffra once the Festival ends and the sun goes down.

Those who enjoy Christmas light-spotting will get akickout of the homes decorated in and around town. Here are some streets you might want to travel down in the lead-up to December 25:

Three Chain Road

Carpenter Street

Queen Street

McCubbin Street

Church Street

Johnson Street

Princess Street

UniqueLifestyle

Looking for the tranquillity of arural lifestyle? Then this property is for you.

Located on the eastern edge of the Boisdale township and only a short drive to Maffra, this 16-acre (6.4-hectare) property with great views offers plenty for buyers.

The three-bedroom weatherboard home has been fully renovated and comprises three spacious bedrooms, with the master bedroom featuring walk-in robe and ensuite; anorth-facing open plan kitchen/living area; aformal family/dining area which includes wood heater and reverse cycle air-conditioning, plus astylish main bathroom.

The home is surrounded by verandahs to the east and north, allowing you to sit outside and takeinthe breath-taking rural views.

The outdoor features are endless, including ahuge two bedroom bungalow with its own living space; asuperb 20mx12m barn-style shed with concrete floor,power and extra height, which is ideal for boats and caravans; plus an additional 10.5m x10.5m storage shed, along with some external

Here is an outstanding opportunity to purchase aunique caféwith residence, nestled within a residential area in the beautiful township of Maffra.

The 1920s modern industrial store has undergone afabulous renovation and now offers:

Avibrant Food Store and café-aprofitable business that still has further potential to grow;

Seating for up to 45 patrons inside, alfresco dining area with wood-fired pizza oven plus take-away window;

Aliquor licence;

Full commercial kitchen fit-out;

Trading seven days aweek, including catering services and school lunches;

Solid social media presence boasting almost 4,500 loyal followers on Instagram and Facebook;

Attached modern residence with two bedrooms, office, kitchen, living room, bathroom and laundry This is an ideal location to raise afamily and be apart of agreat community-spirited town, ashort drive to Ninety MileBeach and the snow.

Buyers have the option of purchasing the business only for $135,000, plus stock at value. The current leasing agreement is $31,200 per annum, with terms negotiable.

Located on aquiet street within walking distance to the Lakeand shops, this updated home has much to offer, whether you’re buying to move in, use as aholiday home or an investment.

The Davies Street property has an inviting space with awelcoming front façade and amoderninterior.The open-plan kitchen and living areais well-equipped with ample bench and storage space.

The two bedrooms are sizeable and the central bathroom equipped with vanity,double shower,toilet and washing machine space.

Outside is adecked, undercover entertaining space nestled in a fully-secure yard.

There is alarge carport offthe side of the house with room for aboator caravan, plus a5.4 x5.4 sqm concrete floor shed -perfect for storage.

Call Wellington Real Estate today to arrange an inspection.

This lovely property -located right next to the township of Coongulla and overlooking LakeGlenmaggie -isindeed ararefind, with options both for leisure activities close-by and scope to transform the land into a variety of uses.

The land is approximately 24.88 hectares, or 61.4 acres, in size and mostly cleared to pasture, with small areas of trees and a tranquil, natural feel.Magnificent views of LakeGlenmaggie and surrounding scenery are available from the elevated points.

Four large dams on the property give the new owner the option to use this stored water for any number of uses. Trees, vines, herbs, flowers, the possibilities are endless Or if its grazing or horses, it’sperfect for that too.

On the leisure side, the property is only two minutes to the boat ramp for water sports or fishing on the lake, and the Victorian Alps is right on your back door.

The vendors have had afamily connection to the property for over 60 years and are hoping the new owners get as much enjoyment from it as they have.

This property will be auctioned on-site in the new year

Keeping artformalive

Michelle Slater

A15-year-old girlwith apedigree steeped in high country heritage captivated the hearts of an audience of thousands last month with apair of stock whips.

Valencia Creek teen, Jules Reti, was one of the star attractions aSaturday night gala the Mane Event heldaspart of equestrianindustry expo Equitana at the Melbourne Showgrounds.

Jules stepped into the spotlight and wowed the crowd with hergun whip-cracking skills, which so far have takentoher national and state title competitions.

“I was nervous walking out there but after my first few cracks Iwas okay,” she said.

Jules is keepingthe art alive as the great granddaughter of the Arthur Guy whose family used to run Wonnangatta station, and built Guy’s hut on

the Snowy plains in 1940.

Shehad beengoingtomountain cattlemen’s gatheringssince shewas atot,where she saw big kids using astock whip anddecided to give it acrack with an old one lying around at home.

“I kept practising and Igot goodatitvery quickly. My mum said if Igot good with one in the other hand she would buy me apairofwhips,soIdid a lot more practising,” she said.

The young gun said she had also been helping to drive cattle through the bush using stockwhips to help guide her charges, with family friends.

Jules also helps around the dairy farm at home milkingcows, jumping on the mowerand training her polocrossehorses in between crackingher whips.

She can now perform some tricky high-level double-handed combinations including the Drovers Two-Step and the Tasmanian Twist.

“You have to remember the cracks in all

directions, it’s fast and you crack the whips behind your back. You gotta know to crack to the right beat,” she said.

“Once you’ve got it, you can’t lose it. But you need alot of strength in your arms, it could be a small hand movement or how you tilt the whip.”

Juleshad been amember of the highcountry whip crackers club where she picked up some new tricks,but now does alot of performing at local shows.

Shesaid she gotthe Equitana gig afterbeing spotted at acattlemen’s gathering and went on to perform in front of her largest audience.

“This is like this old-fashioned thing they used to do, and Ithinkit’scoolthat there are still stockmen whopushcattlewithhorses instead of motorbikes,” she said.

“It’s cool I’m helping keep this alive and telling astory.”

Recognition for workersofHeyfieldWetlands

TomParry

VOLUNTEERS and committeemembers of the HeyfieldWetlands havebeenrecognised with a national award.

The prize was bestowed by the River Basin Management Society at their awards gala dinner, held last month in the LeopardLodge function room at Melbourne Zoo.

“Think of it as the Logies for Water Management people,”Wetlandscommittee member,Mike Kube, told the Gippsland Times.

The Heyfield Wetlands won for “Involving community in waterway management”.

Organisers praised the initiative as “the success

story of apassionatecommunity with infectious enthusiasm”.

“The Heyfield Wetlands Committee harnessed enormous community support to create atreasured local space and ecological asset,” organisers said.

“Afterdecades of worktorestore and now water the wetlands, the wetlands are flourishing.”

Mr Kube received the awardonthe committee’s behalf, alongside the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority’s (WGCMA), Caitlin Pilkington and Stephanie Suter, who secured the nomination.

“They’d done an amazing amount of work –I mean, Idon’t think anyone else stood achance with the way they wrote it,” Mr Kube said.

“They’ve done an amazing job on it –like, eight pages of stuffthat they had to put together for the nomination.”

Heyfield’s Wetlands,intheir present form, were brought to life over two decades ago on the site of the former Heyfield Racecourse.

Improvements to the Wetlands are ongoing, with committee members preparing to unveil anew viewing platform on the site in the coming days.

The committee has also received agrant from the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee that will introduce “thousands” more plants to the site.

Mr Kubedescribedthe funds as “probably the biggestgrantwe’veever had”.

“We’re talking (to) someone who’s managing

the whole project, and hopefully engaging school groups and community groupstohelp us putitall together,” he said.

“We’vegot two years to it, so hopefully it’ll be quite adramatic change over the next two years.”

Caitlin Pilkington, Mike Kube and Stephanie Suter accepting theHeyfieldWetlands Committee’s accolade last month.

Photo: Contributed

Valencia CreekteenJules Reti performs at the Saturdaynight ManeEvent gala at Equitana.

Photo: MichelleSlater

THE dire flood crisis continuing to grip huge areas of land and communities within New South Wales, Victoria andSouth Australia has promptedthe urgent relaunch of Rural Aid’s ‘Buy aBale’ rescue campaign in thelead-up to Christmas.

Thousands of rural families face ableak festive season, with recoveryfromwhathas beendeemed Australia’s most expensive flood event,which has been hamperedbyongoing rain across the more than 130 local government areas already declared disaster zones.

Rural Aid has now madeanurgentplea for donations through the Buy aBaleprogram,whichfirst came to prominence when it raised $100 million for drought-affectedfarmers between 2015 and 2020

Rural Aidchief executive, JohnWarlters, said the scale of thisdisastermadeitnecessary to bring Buy aBale back.

“These floods have had unprecedented impact on ruralAustralians -families are losing their homes and livelihoods and entire towns are being wiped out,” Mr Warlters said.

“Hay supplies are running out and stranded animals are drowning and starving. Crops are rotting in the ground.

“It’s time to bring Buy aBaleback, notonly to provide much-needed fodder deliveries, but also to offer financialassistance, clean drinking water, volunteer and counsellingsupport to Aussie farming families facing this crisis.”

John Warlters.

Rural Aid predicts at least atwo-to-three-year recovery for communities, with the funds required to adequately support farmers and families estimated to be more than $50 million.

With concerns the extent of the disaster has not been fully communicated to policy makers, corporate Australiaand the broader community, Mr Warlters urged governments and private donors to prioritise the wellbeing of affected communities

“We’re ready to executeanextensive recovery support program based on atried and tested approach, but we need as much help as we can get,” he said.

“With the generous support of the broader community, we can help keep our farmers going, get

them back on track, keep homegrown produce on our tables, and stand with our mates in regional Australia.

“These families need help, and they need it now. Without it, they face afrightening and uncertain time as the rest of the country gears up to celebrate Christmas.”

Deniliquin farmer and Rural Aid board member, Airlie Landale, said the floods had been catastrophic.

“It is now summer, yet it still feels like winter is rolling on and haunting us. It feels wrong to be speaking abouttoo much rain, but thesefloods have taken atoll on so many,” Ms Landale said.

“Farmers have lost thousands upon thousands of hectares of crop, producers have lost livestock, fences and their homes, and rural communities and businesses have been isolated andinundated with water.

“It will take months –ifnot years –for people to recover, but Iknow the strength and resilience of our rural people will once again shine though.”

All donations received by Rural Aid ensure the ongoing provision of critical economic and empathetic assistance to farmers, including the expansion of their national mental health and wellbeing program.

To support Rural Aid or make adonation go to: www.buyabale.com.au

National park preparingfor huge influx of visitors

THE Friends of Tarra-Bulga National Park are gearing up for an influx of visitors this summer, preparing new brochures highlighting the delights of one of the region’s most popular destinations and outlining the opportunities available for locals to volunteer or join the group.

With the school holidays fast approaching, The Friends of Tarra-Bulga National Park are keen to hear from people who would like to volunteer behind the desk in the park visitor centre. Experienced volunteers will show you the ropes.

If you can spare aday or two or more, they would love to hear from you.

For more information on how to obtain copies of either brochure or volunteering, email friendsoftarrabulga@gmail.com or call 0488 035 314. Alternatively, you can visit The Friends of Tarra-Bulga National Park website, https://friendsoftarrabulga. org.au/park-information/visitors-centre/

PRODUCERS

SUNDAY MARKET

RAY AND NANCY

One

Day Bridge

Crash Course

Saturday, March 4, 2023

10.30am -3.30pm Masonic Hall, 5-7 Marilyn Way, Sale $15.00 Covid guidelines will apply BYO lunch. Tea/Coffee/Morning tea provided. Come along to the Sale Bridge Club's One Day Bridge Crash Course. During this course you will have afun day out, learn the basics of the world's greatest card game and meet new people.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY

For further information ortosignup, please call ortext Libby Thomson on 0408 783 500 or email: salebridgeclub@bigpond.com Follow up lessons available for those keen to learn more

Gippsland Times Christmas and New Year Publishing

The Gippsland Times will close its office on Friday, December 23 at 3pm.

Newspapers will be published Thursday, December 29 (in lieu of Tuesday, December 27) Wednesday January 4 (in lieu of Tuesday, January 3, 2023) Friday, January 6, 2023 (Deadlines will be 9.30am the day prior) Papers will publish as normal from Tuesday, January 10, 2023.

Office hours: Monday, December 26 -CLOSED Tuesday, December 27 -CLOSED Wednesday, December 28, 9am-5pm Thursday, December 29, 9am-5pm and Friday, December 30, 9am-5pm. Monday, January 2, 2023 -CLOSED

Normal office hours return from: Tuesday, January 3, 2023 -9am-5pm

DRIVERS

Situations

ASSISTANT TREASURER

Showgrounds

REAL ESTATE ADMINISTRATION

The successful applicant will have strong motivation, great communication skills, professional business acumen, smart presentation, ahigh level of computer literacy, and an admirable work ethic.

If this sounds like you, send your resume including covering letter to: rodt@chalmer.com.au by close of business Tuesday 13th December 2022.

For enquiries or to discuss the position in more detail call Rod Tatterson on 5144 4333

Village Manager

Full Time Flexible Hours

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

We are seeking aVillageManager to join our team. This position will be responsible for leading and engaging the village within the local community through and array of marketing activities, Occupancy Levels, sales and tours, open days, expos for prospective residents and front of house administration duties.

To apply for this position, you will have relevant tertiary experience (or willing to obtain), be proficient and comfortable with adopting technology and software tools, be self-motivated, highly developed interpersonal skills and demonstrate experience in developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external groups.

St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Stratford

STARTING TERM 1, 2023

EDUCATION SUPPORT OFFICER (ESO) POSITIONS

St. Patrick's Primary School, Stratford is seeking enthusiastic, dynamic and motivated individual for various Education Support Officer positions, commencing on Friday, January 27, 2023.

The successful applicants 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 applicants 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:

CLOCKTOWER MEDICAL

PART-TIME VACANCY Medical Administration/Receptionist

Avacancy for apart-time position exists on a Monday and Friday, with opportunity for occasional Saturday morning shifts each month if suitable, and relief work if desired. The vacancy exists in acontemporary, busy, General Practice in Sale. Administration experience is preferred and medical administration experience would be highly regarded. Applicants will need to have good computer knowledge and the ability to work as part of alarge team is essential and the capability to use initiative is vital. The applicant must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, an understanding of the importance to follow protocol and procedure at all times.

The team member we are seeking needs to have agood eye for detail and can work well under pressure, in abusy environment.

The reward offered, is above award wages and conditions, afulfilling role with diversity and job satisfaction, in awell-established practice alongside awonderful team. The role includes, but is not limited to, reception work, patient liaison, bookings, general administration work, accounts and support to clinicians.

All applicants will be considered.

Please forward your current curriculum vitae to: The Practice Manager

Clocktower Medical Centre P.O Box 838 Sale, 3853

Applications close Thursday, December 23, 2022

The successful candidate will require aclear NDIS worker screening check and up to date COVID19 vaccinations prior to commencement. Apply via our website www.secv.com.au

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: Monday, December 19, 2022 at 9am.

Facility Manager

Permanent

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

We are seeking aFacility Manager to join our team. This position will be responsible for project management of capital works. Oversight of maintenance schedules for all property, plant, and equipment, Hazard Identification and Mitigation/Resolution, OH&S Risk Identification and Mitigation.

To apply for this position, you will have relevant tertiary experience (or willing to obtain), be proficient and comfortable with adopting technology and software tools, be self-motivated, highly developed interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience in developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external groups.

The successful candidate will require aclear NDIS worker screening check and up to date COVID19 vaccinations prior to commencement. Apply via our website www.secv.com.au

Expressions of Interest

Yoowinna Wurnalung Healing Service Company Secretary

Yoowinna Wurnalung Aboriginal Healing Service Limited (YWAHS), is aspecialist Family Violence organisation, providing arange of services and programs to support the recovery and wellbeing of Aboriginal individuals and families impacted by family violence across the Wellington and East Gippsland shires.

YWAHS is currently seeking expressions of interest from individuals who may be interested in becoming YWAHS Company Secretary. Interested parties should consider the following selection criteria:

● Have agood understanding of corporate governance

● Good understanding of family violence and the associated complexities

● Knowledge, expertise, and commitment to the purpose of the organisation and the Aboriginal community

● Be prepared to undertake aNational Police check and bankruptcy check

HC Driver/Local Driver

Bonaccord Freightlines is seeking an experienced HC driver/local driver to join our team for our long distance and local operation based in the Bairnsdale area.

Skills required:

● HC licence as aminimum

● Be over 23 years of age due to insurance purposes

Previous refrigerated transport experience and forklift licence is desirable but not essential.

To be successful for this role applicants must:

● Pass acompany medical including drug and alcohol test

● Be flexible to work rostered weekends and public holidays

Please see bonaccordingram.com.au website or contact us for ajob description. Applications must include previous relevant experience and work references. Applications can be emailed to freightlines@bonaccord.net or contact our office during work hours on 03 5157 1325 for further information.

Expressions of Interest

Yoowinna Wurnalung Healing Service Members

Yoowinna Wurnalung Aboriginal Healing Service Limited (YWAHS), is aspecialist Family Violence organisation, providing arange of services and programs to support the recovery and wellbeing of Aboriginal individuals and families impacted by family violence across the Wellington and East Gippsland shires.

YWAHS is currently seeking expressions of interest from individuals who may be interested in becoming members of YWAHS. Interested parties should consider the following selection criteria:

● Be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Person

● Have agood understanding of corporate governance

● Good understanding of family violence and the associated complexities

● Knowledge, expertise, and commitment to the purpose of the organisation and the Aboriginal community

● Be prepared to undertake aNational Police check and bankruptcy check

● Pay the relevant membership fees of $2

Accountants.

Previous experience in asimilar role may be an advantage but is not essential.

This position is for five days per week 8:30am5:00pm in our Sale office.

Please direct your cover letter and resume to the Practice Manager, Glenn Crawford: glenn@bcsaccountants.com.au or deliver by hand to 441 Raymond St, Sale or 147 Johnson Street, Maffra. Applications close at 5pm Thursday December 15th 2022

● Have acommitment to the purposes of the company

● Be willing to undergo Company Secretary training

For further information about this role, please contact CEO Daphne Yarram on 0408 378 808, or email daphney@ywahs.org.au.

Closing date for EOIs is Friday, 16th December 2022

● Have acommitment to the purposes of the company

For further information about this role, please contact CEO Daphne Yarram on 0408 378 808 or email daphney@ywahs.org.au.

Closing date for EOIs is Friday, 16th December 2022

Graham Chalmer Real Estate have an administration position available in our commercial property division.

Heavy Diesel Mechanic/Fitter

We are looking for an experienced Diesel Mechanic to join our Maintenance and Repair Team.

The role consists of awide variety of repair, diagnostic and preventative maintenance works across our Earthmoving, Road Maintenance, Quarry, and Heavy Haulage divisions.

The Fleet consists of predominantly modern Kenworth and Caterpillar machinery with around 90 Caterpillar machines, 60 Kenworth and Isuzu Truck and trailer combinations as well as afleet of Light Vehicles and small engines.

The successful applicant will meet the following criteria:

● Aqualification or equivalent essential for at least one of the listed requirements with a minimum of 3years' experience post qualifications.

● Previous Road Transport and/or Heavy Plant maintenance experience.

● Strong Mechanical &Electrical Fault-finding skills.

● Knowledge of spare parts and ordering systems.

● Organised with Basic computer skills.

● Hold acurrent driver's license, HR preferred.

● Ability to Work in ateam environment.

Experience in maintenance repair works, a background in heavy road transport or earthmoving/constructionmaintenanceand repairs will be an advantage.

Successful applicants will be based out of the companies Bairnsdale Depot with onsite works required as needed.

Resumes detailing qualifications, experience, current licences, accreditations and including names and phone no's of three current employment referees may be forwarded to;

Attention: Kellie Geehman

Whelans Group Investments Pty Ltd, 103 Rupert Street, BAIRNSDALE, Vic, 3875 Or via e-mail: kellie@whelansgroup.com.au

For more information on Whelans visit: www.whelansgroup.com.au or contact us (03) 5152 2844.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS

Are you seeking acareer change, wanting to return to the workforce following abreak or starting out?

We are looking to employ people who want a rewarding career in early Childhood Education.

Work while you study to attain acertificate 3or Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care with support and mentoring from qualified and highly experienced educators. Above award pay and conditions apply.

Flexible hours available.

Resumes and/or inquiries by 18th December to: director@kathfoleycentre.com.au or contact Robyn on 51447188

Business Administration and Accounts Manager

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

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

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

Please forward your resume along with acover letter to operations@maffragymnastics.org.au

All applications are confidential and close on 11th January 2022.

KUDU Trek camper trailer, reg. 2/23, dble bed matt, 75L fridge/freezer, solar panel, camper wired 240v &12v, 100amph batt., water pump &sink, 2burn stove &hotplate, slide out drawers -all brand new $8500 o.n.o. 0448 496 172.

MERCEDES Coach 1995, noreg., nor.w.c., WDB 38200461038660, partly fitted, good motor and box $14,500 o.n.o. Phone 0490 793 800.

QUEST Bluestone, 20ft, 2008, tandem, reg. till 2023, comb. shower/toilet, 3way fridge, new QS matt, recently serv., new brakes, lovely clean van. $29,500, selling due to ill health. 0413 683 223.

BENSON, John Richard. Died peacefully at Monash Medical Centre Tuesday December 6, 2022.

Treasured husband of Roslyn, father and fatherin-law of Carolyn and Marc, Bronwyn and Matthew.

Grandpa to Ethan, Jessica, Lachlan, Olivia and Matilda.

Son of the late Fred and Annie Benson. Brother of Kevin (dec.), Geoff (dec.),Trevor (dec.), Frank and Janice.

Beloved and cherished by all who knew him.

Anniversaries

Happy Anniversary

Mine …mybest friend and companion, cherished and loved husband. Many happy memories. The best 48 years of my life. -Roslyn.

Our dear Dad and Grandpa, You taught us to be curious, creativeand engaged with life.

To appreciate the simple pleasures of family, our animals and garden. To love our local area, local sport and community. Your influence will be ever present in our lives. We will miss you dearly. -Carolyn, Marc, Ethan, Jessica and Lachlan.

Our beautiful Dad and Grandpa, we will miss you every day. Bronwyn, Matthew, Olivia and Matilda.

You can shed tears that he is gone, Or you can smile because he has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back, Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him, Or you can be full of the love that you shared.

Motorcycles

COROMAL VAN '06

•

16ft.,

FIFTH WHEELER

January 27th, 2023.

Each role is aposition under the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited Schools and Secretariat Agreement 2022.

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

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

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

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

Applications close Wednesday, Dec 14th 2022 at 4.00pm.

BMW1200

GS Adventurer, 2006, 72,000km, reg. 30/1/23, r.w.c., Wunderlich power module, Remus exhaust, lower/modified seat (orig. incl.), doubletake mirrors, Trickle charger, tail shaft Universal replacement done, 32L tank good for 800+ kms. In last 2000km -gearbox input shaft fault done (replacement later model box fitted by BMW Traralgon), new clutch while motor/box split, full BMW serv. and tune, new rear Heidenau tyre, gen. BMW new old stock side panniers all keyed alike to match top box and ignition keys, Touratech tank bag $13,000. 0436 408 480.

4WD •

FORD Territory SZ TS 2011, AWD diesel, tow bar, 344,000kms, service history, electric brakes, r.w.c. $9,000 o.n.o. Phone 0448 153 829.

Crossroads 30ft 2009, 3 slide outs with 2009 lveco Daily twin cab diesel with 170,000 klms. Will only seperate if 5th wheeler sells first. $85,000 or $60,000/$25,000. Phone 0432 219 885.

AMEY, Lyn. Maffra Ladies Probus Club acknowlages with great sadness the passing of aloved and highly respected long time member Lyn Amey. She will be much missed. Our sincere condolences are extended to Lyn's family and friends at this sad time.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he isgone, Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

BENSON, John. Loving brother to Frank and Phyllis. Loved Uncle to Dean and Jenny, Poss and Kevin, Scott and Tania and families.

BENSON, John Richard. Passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2022.

LIDDELL, Lesley. Passed away in hospital December 2, 2022.

Love wife of Tony (dec.), loved sister-in-law to Paul and Carole. Our deepest sympathy to Toby, Tammy and Heath.

Now resting peacefully

LITTLE.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Elizabeth Little (nee Linaker) of Sale Gardens, who passed away on December 9, 2022. Aged 91 years.

Loved wife of Don, mother to Kaye and John, Ken and Phyllis, Graeme and Astrid, grandmother to Amy and Ben, Kate and Michael, Emmaand Brian, William,Tom and Eddie, great grandmother toHayley,Harry, Ellie, Ruby and Sophie.

LITTLE (nee Linaker), Elizabeth (Tots).

Loved daughter of Robert and May Linaker (both dec.). Loving sister and sister-in-law of Avis and Don Weir (both dec.), Len and Greta (both dec.).

Buck and Kay Linaker, Ruby and Bob Black (both dec.).

Much loved by all her nieces and nephews.

Just as you were you'll always be awonderful part of our family.

Whe re ver we go, whatever we do we will always love and remember you.

Deepest sympathy to Don and family.

LITTLE (nee Linaker), Elizabeth (Tots).

Loving sister and sisterin-law of Buck and Kay. Much loved aunty to Clint, Jan, David, Deborah, Jayne, Tegan, Stephen and Maddi, Annie and Chris, Billy, Magan, and Ned. We cannot stop the hands of time, nor live again the past, but we shall love and think of you as long as time shall last.

Deepest sympathy to Don and family.

MUIR (nee Blacker), Nancy. 31/5/1935 -9/12/2022.

Loved wife of Lee (dec.). Very special Mum of Leslie, Cheryl and Stephen. Very much loved Nanna to her 10 grandchildren and her great and great great grandchildren.

Loved daughter of Una and Cyril Blacker. Sister of George and Lenny, sister-in-law of Val (all dec.).

Reunited with all her family. You're home now! You were amazing.

MUIR, Nancy. In loving memory of Nancy, our dear friend for along time. We will miss you. Now with Lee. Love from Les and Margaret, Maureen and David and families.

O'CONNOR, Ivan Lloyd. 30/8/43 -2/12/22 Passed away after along and painful illness.

Loved son of Lloyd and May (dec.).

PIEFKE, Ted. Passed away suddenly on December 10, 2022.

Aged 73.

Loving husband of Therese for 51 years. Proud father of Ben (dec.) and Jon.

Father-in-law of Kathy and Trace.

Affectionately known as Grumps to his grandchildren Jade, Ash, Jess, Harry and Tori.

PUSMUCANS, Vincent Joseph. 16/11/1940 -6/12/2022

Loved former husband and friend of Gweneth.

Much loved father of Pauline and Michael (dec).

Loved father-in-law and friend of Kevin.

Adored grandfather of four and great grandfather of nine.

Alife well lived by aman forever loved.

Resting peacefully now reunited with Michael.

PUSMUCANS.

Vince.

You were the love of my life, and we shared many good times, bad times, happy and sad times. As your journey continues know you always have a special part of my heart. At peace now with Michael.

Love Gweneth.

PUSMUCANS, Vince (Dad).

Deeply loved father of Pauline, father-in-law and friend of Kevin.

Adored Pa to Daniel, Brent, Deneal and their families.

Dad, you have left me with so many beautiful memories. Your wisdom, knowledge and generosity were amazing. But above all else Ialways knew and felt your love and for that I am eternally grateful. Iwill miss you dearly. Ihope Michael's got acold beer ready for you up there. God bless you always and thanks for being my Dad.

Dear Pa, We're glad your suffering has ended and you can be reunited with Michael. You'll forever be in our hearts and minds.

Love Daniel, Hannah, Ella and Finn.

Dear Pa, What we feel right now is hard to put into words. We love you and will miss you dearly, but know there is no hurting, no suffering and no pain in heaven.

And while you are no longer with us we are sure you will still be by our sides.

Always lovedBrent, Tammie and kids.

Grandfather Dearest, What an absolute legend! So very grateful for all the beautiful memories you've left Hailey and Iwith. Forever in our hearts, may you rest peacefully. All our love.

Noulsy and beautiful Hailey girl xx.

JAYCO Freedom '05, 15ft pop-top, model 14-45-1, a/c, burner cooktop, 3-way fridge, m/wave, TV/DVD, plenty of storage space, annexe as new, awning and privacy screens, elec. brakes, raised suspension $23,000. 0409 219 847.

JAYCO SPRITE

14ft., rear entry with two single beds, very good condition, $12,000 ONO. Phone 0408 574 961.

Dearly loved brother of Jan and Neil (dec.) Vance.

Loving Uncle of Darran and Deb, Julie and Stu and Andrew. We will miss you. Lovingly remembered.

BENSON, John. The members of the Strat ford Histori cal Society expressour deepest sympathy to Ros and family. Avalued member of many years who will be missed.

Loved brother of Jean, brother-in-law of Fred (dec.).

Fond Uncle of Debbie, Karen, Andrew, Tracey, Ian and families. Rest in peace.

Pa, We were privileged to have had you as our Pa and to have felt so much love. We will speak your name and cherish the good times we shared. I will always be your magic man. You will be forever loved and missed.

Justin, Hailey, William and Sophie.

PUSMUCANS, Vince. Rest easy brother. Sis.

BENSON.

The

15, 2022) for the Stratford Lawn Cemetery.

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

PIEFKE.

In accordance with his wishes,aprivate cremation for Mr Ted Piefke will be held.

PUSMUCANS.

Funeralprayers for Mr Vincent Joseph Pusmucans will be offered at St Mary's Catholic Church, cnr Church and McMillan St. Maffra TODAY (Tuesday, December 13th 2022) commencing at 11.30am.

Ambassador Ablett

AFL royalty Gary Ablett Jr will be the ambassador for this year’s Gippsland Festival of Racing across Sale, Warragul, and Traralgon.

Former Geelong Cats and Gold

GippslandFestival of Racing.

“I’m really excited to be attending the Gippsland Festival of Racing thisyear across the three days,” Ablett said.

“I can’t wait to see everyone there.”

up against Jarick Bale, no dog has ever won the Sale Cup back-to-back, but Jarick will be going for it,” Johnston said.

“This year is also about giving the community the opportunity to rub shoulders, maybe even grab an autograph or selfie with one of the AFL greats.”

The festivalwill then takeonamore communitybased tone at Warragul.

thekids, live music, and fireworks.

Traralgon Greyhound RacingClubgeneral manager, Olivia Alcock, said the Traralgon Cup is agreat waytoencourage the Gippsland community to come see what the club has to offer.

“It’s agreat timeofthe year, the weather is fantastic,”Alcock said.

LITTLE.

Agraveside service for Mrs Elizabeth Little will be held at the Maffra Lawn Cemetery on THURSDAY (December 15, 2022) commencing at 3pm.

MUIR (nee Blacker).

Agraveside service for Mrs Nancy Muir will be held at the Stratford Lawn Cemetery on FRIDAY (December 16, 2022) commencing at 2pm.

At the conclusion of prayers, the cortege will leave the Church for the Maffra Lawn Cemetery.

The month of racing will start in Sale on December 26, with the fun movingtoWarragul on January 13 and finishing in Traralgon on January 26.

Each club will be putting their own spin on the event.

According to Sale Greyhound Racing Club general manager Peter Johnston, this year’s cup is set to be the biggestinthe club’s85-year history.

“MelbourneCup winner YachiBalewill be going

The club will be running seven heats on January 6, where local community groups are able to own adog for the evening and go into the draw to win up to $5000.

“Post COVID, alot of communitygroups are struggling for money, and this will give thema kick along,” Warragul general manager, Tony Mitchell said.

The Gippsland Festival of Racing will then conclude in Traralgon where familiesare encouraged to join the fun.

The Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club will providefree entry to theevent, awaterslide for

“We have made this year super family-friendly, so it’s agreat chance forparents to enjoy aday out with the kids.”

TheTraralgon Greyhound Racing club will also be runningheats where local community groups can go in the draw to win up to $11,000.

“The Gippsland Festival is all about showing the Gippsland community what greyhound racing is all about,” Mitchell said.

“We want to be able to help the community as much as we can, and we are so grateful that we can do this with the support of Gary Ablett Jr.”

Sideline shots by TomParry

In Memoriam

funeral of Mr John Richard Benson is appointed to leave St Andrew's Uniting Church, Jones St Stratford after a service commencing at 11am on THURSDAY (December

Coast Suns player Gary Ablett Jr said he will come to the countrytobeapart of the

Stratford’s Harry Tatterson made arespectable 30 in his side’s loss to Sale at theweekend.

Photos: TomParry

Nathan Hangan finished the daywith3/45for RK.

Ben Sly prepares to play the ballthatwould get himcaught on 20.

Heath Shingles made 33 for Maffra as they wentdownagainst Rosedale-Kilmany

BrandonMcDonaldtook3/50isRosedale-Kilmany’s winover Maffra.

Coenie Neltook four wickets in Sale’svictory against Stratford.

Dimarco is MVP

SALE Sonics Tayli Dimarco was awarded the 2022 defensive player of the year for the Country Basketball League Women’sGippsland conference.

Dimarco was bestowed with the honour on Saturday night during the leaguesGrand Final between Korumburra and Moe.

Dimarco wasanintegral partofthe Salewomen’s season, as she ran the point guard position and set the standard on the defensive end.

It is an incredible achievement for such ayoung player who was only playing her first full season in the league, but she has put in the hours and is adeserving winner.

She played tenacious, hard-nosed defence from start to finish every game, picking her opponents up full court and really making them work hard for every possession.

Winningthis award comesonthe back of her also being named the teams most valuable player and best firstyear player at the recent Sale Sonics

end of season awards night.

Other award winners at the night for the Sonics women’s were Jemma Birss, who wasnamed runner-up most valuable player,and ChloeSmith, who took home the coaches award.

For the Sonics men, Jake Hutchins was named most valuable player, while Harper Fraser was runner-up.

Lachlan Pfeiffer took home the best first year player and Bailey Harrison was recipient of the coaches award.

While resultsdon’t reflect it, bothSonics squads showed plenty of promise with alot of youthcoming through the ranksthat will be in abetter position nextseasonwiththe extraexperience gained this season.

Coaches Joel and Ryan Fraser both expressed how excited they are to see the continued development of these young teams in coming years.

Sharks enjoycountry week win

Liam Durkin

UNDER15Junior Country Week saw wins to Sale-Maffra, Bairnsdale and Leongatha on Sunday.

Sale-Maffra defeatedLatrobe Valleybysix wickets.

Latrobe Valleywon the toss andchose to bat first at Stephenson Park.

The visitors were soonlooking at an early Maccas stop on the way home, crumbling to 3/9, 4/16 and then 5/30.

The Shark bowlerswereproving impossible to get away. Riley Donohue took 2/18off eight oversand Navdeep Singh returned the astonishing figures of 1/4 off 10 overs, with seven maidens.

Talk about dot ball pressure.

Latrobe Valley pair Archie Norman and Darcy Walsh got together and set about fixing the damage, and batted through the rest of the innings to get the home side into triple figures.

Norman showed outstanding patience, with his 26 coming off 146 balls, while Walsh made afine 36 off 57 balls.

Sale-Maffrawas rarely challenged with the ball, and got the winning runs away inside 40 overs.

Charlie Morris top-scored with 40, while others around him chipped in.

Jacob Dunn had some success with the ball for Latrobe Valley,taking 2/8, while Walsh backed up his efforts with the bat, taking 2/21.

Bairnsdale defeatedTraralgon by five wicket and in the other match, Leongatha beat Warragul.

Leongtatha ended up winning by 33 runs, after posting 164.

Rhys Newman played amightyhand of 70 off 107 balls, combining with Riley Harris, who made 40 opening up.

DaneHammond bowledwellfor the Wild Dogs, finishing with 4/30. Nate Murphy gave his opponents grief, taking 3/8 off 10 overs with five maidens.

Warragul looked in aspotofbother at 3/39, but fought back well through the likesofJoe Sheehan (35),Murphy(25 off 30) and Jesse Jagoe(24), only to fall short.

The Wild Dogs ended at 5/131.

Bryce Riddell maintained very good discipline, with figures of 2/7 off five. Andot Mankhong did likewise, taking 2/25 off 10 with three maidens.

IN the Under 13 Development League, athrilling matchbetween Bairnsdaleand Traralgon highlighted the action.

Just 11 runs determined thewinner,which happened to be Bairnsdale.

Lucknow synthetic was the venue, and 106 the total scored by the home side.

Ollie Hudson made agood portion of the runs, making 38 at the top of the order.

TheTornadoes were then bowled out for 95, due in no small way to the bowling efforts of Lucas Shanahan (2/1)and Harper Clack (2/7).

Latrobe Valley found the goingtough against

Sale-Maffra.

The Sharks bowled Latrobe Valley out for 98 on the Stephenson Park synthetic.

Linc Chila played alone hand for the visitors, making 38 opening the batting.

Remy Sutton, XavierAdam andMac Birss all took two wickets for Sale-Maffra.

The Sharks then got the required runs four wickets down, before getting some matchpractise in, and closing at 6/192 off 40 overs.

Ryder Thomas was outstanding, retiring on 52 from 53 balls, in an effort that included five fours. Shevan Fernando didn’t muck around, smacking 39 from 42 balls, with two sixes thrown in the lot.

Xavier Hurley also retired, making28against the new ball.

They’re pretty good at cricket those Hurleys.

Leongatha had too many answers for Warragul. Warragul batted first at home on EasternPark, but had to make do with closing at 8/71 from 40 overs.

Leongatha’s bowlers proved hard to get away. CooperNewmanwith 2/1 did some damage, as did Ty Debono (2/4) and Louis Read (2/6).

Newman and Eamon Berryman then put on 34 for the openingstand,with the latter retiring on 22 Others to help out were Read (22 not out off 24) and Max Johnston (20 not out off 23).

Zak Parson experiencedsome success for Warragul, grabbing 2/6.

LATROBE VALLEY proved too strong for Leongatha in women’s Gippsland Cricket League on Sunday Battingfirst at Inverloch, the visitors from the Valley made9/166aftercompulsory close (35 overs).

Bridie Kimpton was outstanding, scoring 54 off 49 balls, with her innings featuring seven fours. Others to get among the runs were Olivia Speairs (19), StacyRockliff (18), skipperEmilyShaw(16), Susie Blines (13) and Simone Clymo (13).

Latrobe Valley showed they bat deep, with Blines’ contribution coming from number 11.

Wickets were shared for Leongatha. Katrina Burgione took 2/18, while Kylie Collins (2/18) and HollyWilliams 2/36 hit good areas.

Leongatha madeadecent start, with Collinsand Amanda Linford putting on 31 for the first wicket, but after they were dismissed, the rest of thecard failed to get going.

Collins made18and Linford 16, while Gabrielle Perry scored 18, as Leongatha was restricted to 8/84

Catriona Halkett gave littleaway, taking2/6 off sevenovers with two maidens included.

Rockliff also proved ahandful, nabbing 2/31.

Sale-Maffra had the bye.

The next round of women’s GCL will be played on January 22, 2023.

Sale-Maffra hosts Leongatha at avenue to be confirmed. Latrobe Valley has the bye.

Sale Sonics women’s awardwinners TayliDimarco, Jemma Birss and Chloe Smith, with captain Bree Alexander (left) and coach Ryan Fraser (right). Photo: Contributed

Sonics host Sydney Athletic

SALE Amateur Basketball Association partnered with SportFirst Sale to welcome Sydney Athletic Basketball to town lat Saturdayfor some exhibition games to promote senior basketball in the area.

The Sydneyteams faced off against two Sale teams comprised of players from the senior Sale Sonics squad and also some players from the local domestic competition.

There wasfour men’sgamesplayed over the day that all went the distance, with only afew points deciding all outcomes.

The Sale Redteamtook out the day overall, winning both their games, while Sale White and Sydney Black both managed to go 1-1 each.

Cody Tonna was awarded the MVP for Sydney, earning him aSonics Hoodie and cap, while Josh Butcher was named the Sale MVP with Joe Clarke getting runner-up.

There was also asocial mixedgame played where some Sale and Sydney men’s players teamed up

with the Sydney women’s players for afun game full of laughs.

Spectators were also able to get in on the action, participatinginafree-throw shootout, athree point shootout, and ahalf court shootout that finished off the day.

All three shootouts had the crowd cheering in excitement as participants went basket for basket and they erupted when local Nick Van Loon hit the half court shot, winning him the big prize of the day-anAllen Iverson jersey.

Event organisers were very happy with how the day went, even though they were hoping for alarger crowd turnout, it was always going to be an uphill battle at this timeofyear with so many outside commitments on.

The day, at the least, showedthese events can be held, and hopefully can lead to future events to help promote senior basketball in the area.

Go7 Grand Finals this Thursday

HOW doesthat saying go, “talent wins games, but teamwork and experience win championships?”

On Thursday evening, 16 teams met at Sale United Football Club groundsfor the final season round of the Go Sevens summer soccer competition, and with top ladder teams in both draws fighting for atop spot in this week’s finals, tensions were high.

Looking at the draw Bladder leading into the final season round, the undefeated Mac Rappers and Misfits werecertain to make the first versus second finals no matter their result.

Misfits held top spot with five wins, one draw and agoal difference of 25. Mac Rappersfollowed suit in second with five wins, one draw and a goal difference of 14.

Draw A, however, was quite a different story. The completion of Round 6saw the undefeated Bayside Astronauts maintain top position with five wins and one draw, and a comfortable goal difference of 20.

Coming in second was My Little Morty’s with five wins, oneloss and the competitions leading goal difference of 25. Pink Bits held third position with five wins, one loss and agoal difference of 17. The position of draw A’s top three teams heading into Round7meant Pink Bits, Bayside Astronauts and My Little Morty’swere all fighting for achancetoplay in this week’s first versus second finals.

Ladder leaders Bayside Astronauts met the unexpected season contenders, My LittleMorty’s, at 6.30pm on Main Pitch One for the team’s biggest game of the competition.

Bayside Astronauts’ excellence comes from the likes of Sale United Senior Men’s youthful players Isaak Jondahl, Callum Campbell, and Brennan McGill. The young side has undoubtedly proven their capability over the Go Sevens 2022 season.

For My Little Morty’s, asignificantly older team, with the exception of Dani Wilson and Murray Casella, who has unexpectedly risen to every challenge, the final round would be their biggest test yet.

Teams donning red and yellow entered the field, respectivelytaking their positions in anticipation of the whistles blow.

Phwwwwwhht. Game on.

For joints lessoiled than thatoftheir opponents,MyLittle Morty’shit the ground running, and the game’s openingminutesproved arelatively even playing field.

AslipinMyLittle Morty’s defence proved opportune for Bayside Astronauts to make amove, and in his ever-graceful composure, Jondahlfound the backofthe net to put the team in red ahead.

Bayside’s leadwouldnot be keptfor long though.

The rude awakening shocked My LittleMorty’s into top gear, and the team in yellow did what they do best; they worked together, moving the ball upfield to ultimatelyeven the score,scoring

asecond goal shortly after.

My Little Morty’s third goal was disallowed for reasons that were unclear to most.

Bayside Astronauts trailed the underdogs at halftime, the scoreboard reading 2-1.

Aswitch up of positions was in order for Bayside as Campbell retired to goals and McGill took the field.

My Little Morty’s claimed their third goal, but their lead was quickly shortened after McGill found the back of the net, bringing the score to 3-2.

With five minutes remaining, tensions rose, and the heat on the pitch was felt by onlookers

who had congregated around the field’s edge. Afoul from Baysidesaw My Little Morty’s score their fourth and final goal.

My Little Morty’s held their own in the final minutes, denying Bayside another goal.

Almost simultaneously with the clock reading one minute to go, afoul was called against My LittleMorty’s, giving away apenalty to Bayside Astronauts.

Aclean shot added another goal to Bayside’s score, but one wasn’t enough.

The final whistle sounded, and the score was final; triumph went to the underdogs, the aging side, the unsuspected victors.MyLittleMorty’s beat Bayside Astronauts 4-3 in awicked battle, claiming top spot on the ladder at the end of the normal season rounds.

With Pink Bits unable to claim awin, drawing 3-3 with Divines, My Little Morty’s will meet Bayside Astronauts again this Thursday for the first versus second Go Seven 2022 Grand Final.

Purple Cobras, who beat GreenGrubs 8-2, will play Pink Bits in the third vs fourth Go Seven 2022 Grand Final.

Tekkerslovakia, who tied 3-3 with The Special Ones,willmeet Divines for the fifth versus sixth GrandFinal, and The Special Ones will play GreenGrubs in the seventh versuseighthGrand Final.

In Draw B, Misfits will meet Mac Rappers this Thursday for the first versus second Go Seven 2022 Grand Final.

Occasionally United play the Mighty Cornflakes in the third versus fourth Grand Final,The David’s face Dico’s Demons in the fifth versus sixth Grand Final and Raglan Street Blues are up against Ringins for the seventh versus eighth Grand Final.

Junior firebrigadepreseason session results

Zoe Askew

Sale Amateur Basketball Association hosted SydneyAthletic Basketball in four exhibition games on Saturday

Photo: Contributed

My Little Morty’s Zoe Askew presses toward thegoal. Bayside Astronauts’ Callum Campbell moves out of goals as Tenellie page chases behind.

My Little Morty’s Josh Jenx.

Photos: TomParry

Bayside Astronauts’Isaak Jondahl

My Little Morty’s Murray Casella.

Bayside Astronauts’ BrennanMcGill.

Sale officially the real deal

later left the Redbacks in apositionthey haven’t found themselves all season -introuble on 6/88.

TABLES have turned in the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association.

Round 7ofthe first-grade competition concluded on Saturday, the results of which brought anew hierarchy and amuch-needed shake-uptothe ladder.

As for the games themselves, mild temperatures and extra dampness in the pitch gave bowlers the advantage on the day, as did acool breeze which, at times, threatened to turn into agust.

Threegames were won on first-innings, and the fourth outright.

StratfordvSale

COULD Sale be the dark horse that claims the 2022/23 premiership?

That’s aquestion many are posing afterthe Swansbeat reigning champions and title favourites Stratford by 84 runs.

Having begun their chase last week, the Redbacks resumed at 0/6 with Ben Dinning and Lachlan Channing at the crease.

Dinning was lost in the seventh over of the day for five, his departure bringing Jack Tatterson to the middle.

Together with Channing, Tatterson steadily added runs to Stratford’s total, and by the 20-over mark the score was sitting at 1/50.

From there, things headed southward, with Tatterson caughtfor 24 and JackRietscheltrapped in front of his stumps for seven -both in the space

Rosedale-Kilmany 1stinnings

BMcDonald bMcKenzie...................................46

AWright. cWozniak bHopkins....................23

RDiamond st Hibbins bBeaumont.................28

JDiamond...........cHarringont BShingles...............33

BScott. c&b Griffiths ..................................53

ILove. runout (Harrington) 19 CFreshwater not out...........................................48 NHangan. not out...........................................25 Extras (nb 2, w1,b0,lb0). 9

Overs. .....................................................................80

Total. 6/284(cc)

Maffrabowling:A McKenzie 19-3-1-82, JPendrick9-1-0-28, DGriffiths 21-4-1-56,BSly 5-1-0-20, LHopkins 20-3-1-71,J Beaumont 4-1-1-8, HShingles2-0-1-13

Maffra 1st innings

BSly cRDiamond bHangan ...............20 HShingles lbw bHangan................................33

MEastham cWight bHangan 2 NHibbins cHill bMcDonald .........................44

LHopkins bT Love........................................68

JDavis cFreshwater bT Love 1

BHarrington. c&b McDonald 12 NWozniak runout (Freshwater) 3 DGriffiths not out 16

AMcKenzie bMcDonald 1 JBeaumont bWright. 8 Extras (nb 0, w3,b9,lb1). 13 Overs. 72.5

Total. 221

Rosedale-Kilmany bowling:D Rowley 11-3-0-31,NHangan 25-9-3-45, BMcDonald 18-3-3-50, ILove6-1-0-31, TLove 9-1-2-35,, BHill 2-0-0-11, JDiamond 1-0-0-7,A Wright 0.5-0-1-1

SALE DEF STRATFORD

Sale 1stinnings

HGlover. cDinning bJ Tatterson 17

DPadula c&b Rietschel..................................9

MJackson cDinning bAnstee. 7

CNel lbw bJ Tatterson 9

BJones cBolton bJ Tatterson 14

NMassey. cJ Tatterson bAlbrecht.................66 GWolmarans cAlbrecht bWaixel.......................70

MRaidal runout (J Tatterson)......................43

TDobson bJ Tatterson 4

RSudan not out 10

Extras (nb 0, w0,b2,lb6). 8 Overs. 77.1 Total. 262

Stratford bowling: SPednergast 12-2-0-37,H Tatterson 2-1-0-4, JRietschel14-5-1-28, JTatterson 18.1-4-4-29, S Anstee 8-1-1-46, LChanning5-1-0-15,Z Waixel 9-1-1-39,E Albrecht9-1-1-36

Stratford1st innings

BDinning bWolmarans...................................5

JTatterson cPadula bGlover. ....................24

HTatterson lbw bNel.......................................30 EAlbrecht bJones...........................................1

SAnstee not out...........................................20

ZWaixel bWolmarans...................................3

Extras (nb 2, w2,b0,lb1). 5 Overs. 68.5

Total. 178

Sale bowling: GWolmarans 12.5-6-2-11, BJones 11-7-3-12,T Dobson 3-0-0-8, MRaidal 5-2-0-21, HGlover5-0-1-22, CNel 25-4-4-77,NMassey1-0-0-2, MO’Brien 4-0-0-18, 2-0-0-6

of three overs.

Seven overs afterRietschel’swicket, it was Channing’s turn to head back to the pavilion, out for 33.

Channing was replaced by Chris Aurisch, who has beendependable with the bat for Stratfordmost of this season;yet he too struggled at the hands of Sale’s bowlers, leaving for just onerun ThelossofBen Channingfor aduck four overs

SMCA SCOREBOARD

COLLEGIANSDEF LONGFORD(OUTRIGHT)

Longford 1st innings

BRuss bNHurley. 5 WSutton. cH Anderson bNHurley. 1 SDean. cT Morrison bWhitford. 10 JPrice bNHurley. ................................21 AVogt. CDurnell bS Anderson 6 LFloyd bNHurley........................................2

SLucas-Laws not out 9 LKnight bNHurley. 0 JTaylor. cZHurleybN Whitford 9 NWalker bDurnell 0 BWalker lbw bDurnell 0 Extras (nb 0, w1,b0,lb1). 2 Overs. 39.5

Total. .........................................................................65

Collegians bowling: NHurley12-6-5-9, NWhitford10-1-2-25 SAnderson 6-1-1-6, CMorrison 5-1-0-11,H Anderson4-1-0-7, JDurnell2.5-0-2-6

Collegians 1stinnings ZHurley. bTaylor..........................................75 TMorrison bPrice.........................................108 ZRussell bPrice...........................................62 CMorrison not out...........................................35 HAnderson bFloyd 4 MNicholls not out 1 Extras (nb 1, w3,b3,lb2). 9 Overs. .......................................................................42 Total. 3dec 294

Longfordbowling:J Price 14-1-2-88, LFloyd 9-0-1-56, B Walker 3-0-0-27,J Taylor 7-0-1-55, SLucas-Laws6-0-0-45, N Walker 3-0-0-18

Longford2nd innings

SLucas-Laws cMalone bCMorrison.................23

SDean. bWhitford. 0 JWynd bNHurley. 10 JPrice st Malone bDurnell 11 AVogt. bCMorrison 18

LFloyd cMalone bDurnell 1

JTaylor cNicholls bDurnell.........................4

LKnight not out 2 NWalker lbw bWhitford. 2 BWalker cNicholls bNHurley. 1 Extras (nb 1, w5,b0,lb1). 7 Overs. 33.4

Total. .........................................................................79

Collegians bowling: NHurley9.4-3-2-16,N Whitford8-5-2-14, JDurnell 9-1-3-25, CMorrison 7-1-2-22

BUNDALAGUAH DEF BOISDALE-BRIAGOLONG

Bundalaguah 1stinnings

JLangshaw. cOuthartb Marshall 1

KO’Reilly. cOuthartb Marshall 0 KSharma. cHurst bHughes............................3

SSpoljaric cOuthartb Marshall 11 CSmart. cPang bBolton. 5 NFrench runout (Bolton).............................37

LWrigglesworth..c Marshall bBolton 3 HWrigglesworth.not out. 15 CLay bBolton 15 JDimarco st Outhartb Bolton 14 KBannak Ralalage bBolton 3 Extras (nb 0, w0,b9,lb3). 12 Overs. 48.1

Total. 120

Boisdale-Briagolong bowling: CHughes 8-2-1-16, RMarshall 7-2-3-14, DBolton 19.1-8-5-18, LHurst 6-1-0-13, NSutton4-0-0-26, NPang 4-0-0-21

Boisdale-Briagolong 1stinnings NPang cSmartb HWrigglesworth. 19 SNoble cH WrigglesworthbSmith 15 CHughes cSpoljaric bSharma 14 LHurst cH WrigglesworthbSharma 4 DBolton. bL Wrigglesworth. ....................20 JOuthart. cSmith bKBannak Ralalage 3

Lewis Bolton and Harry Tatterson survived to afternoon tea, and afterwards,resurrected the innings with a62-runpartnership.

Thatspark of joy was dampenedinthe 57th over, when Bolton went out just one run shy of afifty,and all but diminished in the 60th with Tatterson’s wicket.

SamAnsteeprovided some defiance,but the lossesofEthanAlbrechtand Zane Waixel for single digits meant he couldn’t make enough runs before the innings came to apremature close.

Coenie Nel took fourwickets for Sale, Ben Jones three, Garreth Wolmarans two andHayden Glover one.

Curiously, six of the Stratford’s batsmen to fall were clean bowled.

The loss relegates the Redbacks to second on the first-grade ladder.

Rosedale-Kilmany vMaffra

FOURTH spot on the ladder has been secured by Rosedale-Kilmany following theirwin at the Cameron Sporting Complex.

With the Warriors having battedthe full 80 overs last Saturday, it was Maffra’s turn to post runs over the weekend. Their innings began strongly, making nine runs in the first over off Dylan Rowley’s bowling.

Proceedings were slower thereafter, with openers Heath Shingles and Ben Sly making just 44 runs between them by the 21st over.

Just as Sly was looking comfortable, he scooped

TLeeds bL Wrigglesworth. 8

RMarshall cSpoljaric bL Wrigglesworth. 2 MFreeman lbw bL Wrigglesworth. 0 KRandle not out 2 Extras (nb 0, w0,b4,lb1). 5 Overs. 37.3 Total. .........................................................................92

Bundalaguah bowling: SSpoljaric 11-6-0-8, CLay 3-0-0-17, HWrigglesworth2-0-1-12, KSharma 7-1-2-29, BSmith 6-2-1-9, LWrigglesworth6.3-1-4-10, KBannakRalalage 2-0-1-2 Bundalaguah 2nd innings JLangshaw. bPang...........................................45 KO’Reilly. bMarshall 6 SSpoljaric not out...........................................71 HWrigglesworth.cFreeman bBolton 12 NFrench not out 7 Extras (nb 0, w1,b3,lb2). 6 Overs. .......................................................................44 Total. 3/147 (dec)

Boisdale-Briagolong bowling: CHughes 9-3-0-18, RMarshall 8-3-1-19, DBolton 13-2-1-50, Npang 7-0-1-39, LHurst 7-1-0-16

Boisdale Briagolong 2ndinnings NPang cDimarco bSpoljaric 0 CHughes bL Wrigglesworth. 9 DBolton. not out...........................................63 LHurst. cSmith bL Wrigglesworth. 9 TLeeds not out...........................................28 Extras (nb 0, w0,b2,lb2). 4 Overs. .......................................................................29 Total. 3/113

Bundalaguah bowling:S Spoljaric 4-1-1-7,L Wrigglesworth 9-0-2-37,B Smith 6-1-0-17, HWrigglesworth3-1-0-10, K Bannak Ralalage 3-0-0-10, JLangshaw2-0-0-12, CSmart 2-0-0-16

Second Grade: Collegians209 (L Panwar 91) &2/90 (C Hall 61*) defBundalaguah 84 (N Giove3/23);v Maffra 152 (C Hennig 38*,NMagnuson 32, HHenry3/12,SFox 3/33) def Rosedale-Kilmany106 (H McCann25) &25(JAnderson 3/9, JKelly3/10), Stratford 6/247 (Na French 104, ANicholas 3/56) def Sale 238(ANicholas 76).

ThirdGrade: Maffra9/128(BLanigan 29, WBrady 4/29, BGieschen3/16)def Bundalaguah 111(BLanigan 5/21); Rosedale-Kilmany9/184 (dec) (W Smith61, DDavidson 4/33) &0/60(LFreshwater 48*)def Boisdale-Briagolong 81 (T Threadgold 40, JReid 3/17)& 159(TThreadgold74, W Smith 3/5, JReid 3/42); Heyfield8/242(cc) (R Smith72, J Burton 49*) defNambrok108 (P Brown54, RSmith 3/41) &3/55(cc) (M Robinson 21); Collegians 8/231 (G Wells 76,CMalone 40*) def Sale 8/156(cc) (A Jackson 62*, C Malone 4/41);Longford7/156(JNeesham61*,J Reid 34*) def Wurruk 9/155(cc) (C Young 41,L Vander Velden 40, C Osborne3/28); StratfordBye

FourthGrade: Longford6/230(cc)(JLove50*, M Grosveld 42, WBreddels 3/9)

the ball to Rohan Diamond at midwicket and departed for 20.

Next to go was Miller Eastham, who lasted four overs and made just two runs.

Four overs after that, Shingles was gone on 33, Maffra’s score sitting at 3/68.

This brought captain Lee Hopkins to the crease, who paired with Nathan Hibbins in a74-runstand Their partnership lasted 20 overs, ending when Hibbins was caught for 44.

His replacement was JoshDavis, who lasted three overs and could onlymanage asinglebefore he wasalso caught.

Ben Harrington arrived next,lasting10overs until being caught and bowled by Brandon McDonald for 12; his successor, Nick Wozniak was run out within an over of his arrival.

Hopkins had been the constant through it all, making ahalf-century as he watched his counterparts fall one-by-one.

His contribution came to an end in the68thover with, fittingly, 68 runs to his name.

With Andrew McKenzie being the ninth wicket to fall, it was left to David Griffiths and Jim Beaumont to find the 85 runs Maffra needed to avoid losing the match; they managed 21 before the latter was bowled in the 73rd over.

McDonald and Nathan Hangan were the heroes for Rosedale-Kilmany, finishing the innings with three wickets each.

Maffra’sloss seesthem bumped to sixth-place among the first-grade clubs, in part due to the result at Colin Wrigglesworth Oval.

LongfordvCollegians

AN emphatic win was recorded by Collegians at Stephenson Park.

Resuming at 3/283, the team made 11 runs and lost the wicket of Henry Anderson, before Zac Hurley declared the innings after just two overs of play.

Longford now had the unenviable task of making 229 runs against one of the strongest bowling attacks -ifnot the strongest -just to force College to bat again.

Their chase did not begin well, with Sam Dean lost in the second over for nought.

Five overs went by, and Jake Wynd was bowled for 10.

Another five overs passed, and Jordan Price found himself stumped for 11.

Relief came in the form of Ash Vogt, who put on a31-runfightbackwithopenerSam Lucas-Laws, only for the former to be bowled in the 21st over for 18.

In the overs that followed, captain Lachlan Floyd fell cheaply, as did Jayden Taylor, before LucasLaws was lost too for 23 -the Lizards’ highest score of the match -at7/68.

The remainder of Longford’s wickets were lost in the proceedingnineovers, with just 11 runs added, handing Collegians their biggest winning margin of the season -aninnings and 150 runs.

Jake Durnell claimed the most scalps this week with second-innings figures of 3/25; Noah Hurley, Nathan Whitford and Charlie Morrison took two wickets each.

Thanks to this victory and Stratford’s defeat, Collegiansare now on top of the first-grade ladder, equal with the Redbacks on points but aheadof them on percentage.

Bundy vBoisdale-Briag

THISclash onceagainproved the competition’s outlier, as batsmen on both teams defied the conditions to amass 270 runs between them.

Play began with Boisdale-Briagolongcontinuing their innings; they lasted five overs before losing their seventh and eighth wickets in succession at the hand of Lachlan Wrigglesworth.

He struck againtobring the Saints’ innings to a close, 28 runs short of Bundalaguah’s first-innings total.

With 70-odd overs still left in the allotted day’s play, the Bullsbegan their secondinnings,and did so with aplomb, scoring two runs off the very first ball and another two off the ball that followed

The loss of opener Kyle O’Reilly in the sixth over brought Steve Spoljaric to the middle, who combinedwith Jason Langshaw to add 68 runs until the latter was bowled by Nick Pang for 45.

HaydenWriggleswortharrived next, contributing 12 off 43 runs in the third-wicket partnership; he was caught in the 39th over.

Another 20 runs were scoredinthe following five overs, before captainLangshaw made the declaration at 3/147,giving Boisdale-Briagolong atargetof176 forvictory

The fourth and final innings started with Nick Pang caughtbehind for agolden duck; afurther blow was dealt when Connor Hughes was bowled for nine.

Liam Hurstand captain Dylan Boltonoffered resistance over the next 10 overs.

Bolton then partneredwith Toby Leeds,the pair adding 61 runsand battinguntil thecloseofplay, by which time theywere still 55 runs in arrears.

Bundy’s first-innings win sees them leapfrog to fifth spotonthe ladder, off the backofMaffra’s loss to Rosedale-Kilmany.

The Saints, meanwhile, remain etched in last place.

TomParry

Stratford’s Lachlan Channingposted 33 in his side’s loss to Sale.

Photo:Contributed

Gippy still the champs

ATEAM of 83 Gippsland Swimmers once again claimed the title of Country JuniorDistrict Champions at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on Saturday, November 5.

Historically, Gippsland were the champion district at the previously named ‘Country 7-10 Competition’ from 1978-1988.

From 1989, the trophy was won by Ovens & Murray District for the next 4years.

Gippsland reclaimedthe titlein1993 and has held onto it since.

Gippsland coachesfor the day were Caiden Gill (Traralgon),Lorrianne Mckenzie (South Gippsland), and Penny Georgeson (Traralgon), under the team management of Simon Turnbull (Sale) and Miriam Ripper (Sale).

The Gippsland team consisted of 83 swimmers

spread across the South Gippsland Bass (33), Warragul(9), Sale (10), Traralgon (22), East Gippsland (4), Moe (4), and Morwell (1).

At the conclusion of the day, Gippsland were declared the overall champions with atotal of 1302 points, led by captains Max Auteri (Traralgon) and Chloe Szkwarek (Traralgon), 202 points ahead of rival Ovens and Murray.

During themeet,the team won eight individual events, came second on four occasions and placed third 14 times.

The teamalsowon five relay events, placed second four times and third twice.

Place-getters on Saturday, November 5:

11-Year Old-Girls:Rebecca Barclay (South Gippsland): 3rd 50-metre Backstroke; GemmaCook(SouthGippsland):3rd 50m Backstroke, 3rd50m Freestyle; Adelaide Ripper (Sale):

2nd50m Breaststroke; Chloe Szkwarek (Traralgon): 1st 50m Butterfly,2nd 50mBackstroke, 3rd50m Freestyle.

11-Year-Old Boys:Max Auteri(Traralgon): 3rd50m Backstroke; RexBrocklesby(South Gippsland): 1st 50m Butterfly,1st 50m Backstroke, 2nd50m Freestyle;HarryKurrle (Traralgon): 3rd 50m Butterfly

10-Year-Old Girls:Mackenzie Gibbs (Sale): 3rd50m Breaststroke; Elise Pratt (Traralgon): 3rd50m Freestyle.

10-Year-Old Boys:Archie Smyth (South Gippsland): 1st 50m Backstroke, 1st50m Freestyle; Jayden Tran (Morwell):1st 50m Butterfly,3rd 50m Breaststroke; Max Williamson (Sale): 1st 50m Breaststroke.

9-Year-Old Boys:Logan Gibson (Warragul): 3rd50m Butterfly 2nd50m Breaststroke, 3rd50m Freestyle; Ethan Lynch (South Gippsland):3rd 50m Breaststroke.

8-Year-Old Girls:PippaBiorci (Warragul): 3rd50m Backstroke; Pippa Brideson (Sale): 3rd50m Breaststroke.

8-Year-Old Boys:Hayden Rawson(Traralgon):1st 50m Backstroke.

Keeping tennis awardinthe family

was exciting to see familiarfamily names coming through the club.

Festival of women’s T20 cricket in Sale

ROUND 10 of the Sale MaffraCricket Association Saputo Women’s T20 competition willsee all matchesplayedatStephenson Park, Sale on Tuesday, December 20, 2022.

The recently opened Wellington Shire Council Stephenson Park Complex, touted as afemale-friendly facility, will be showcased whenthe inaugural competition descends on the venue to compete in the final round of 2022.

The venue will see hosts Longford play Rosedale-Kilmany on the main oval, Stratford take on Bundalaguah on the George Wilson Memorial Oval, and Sale play Collegians on the Rotary Reserve.

All matches start at 5.30pm; the Longford Cricket Club will be providing ameal and have the bar open to celebrate what has turned out to be awell-supported competition.

“The six clubs have done amagnificent job getting this competition up and running,” competition organiser Greg Wrigglesworth said.

“I would not have been able to do it without the support of these clubs.

“I am very pleasedwith how much the teams haveimproved since thestart of the season and how muchthey are enjoying themselves.

“It has been played in suchgreat spirit.I hope that this continues throughout the rest of the competition and for years to come.”

The women will returnonJanuary17to finish the final five rounds before to atwoweek final series.

All teams have hadsome winsinthe competitive competition with Collegians, Bundalaguah and Sale currently the most successful from awin/loss ratio.

The Sale-MaffraCricket Association has been pleased with the support from the clubs and their supporters in the inaugural season.

LIKE grandfather, like grandson.

Mark Elliman won the Sale Tennis Club Men’s Singles Championship on Sunday November 27, the same award won by his grandfather, the late Stan Elliman, in the 1950s.

Mark, 40, who works as aproperty valuer and licensed real estate agent with his father John at John Elliman Real Estate, had his name etched on the W. F. McLoghlin Trophy, just as Stan did from 1953 to 1956, which Mark said was the best part about winning.

“(Being) on the samehonour board as my grandfather is very special,” Mark said.

The moment was also an opportunity for John to write atouching tribute to his father, who died in 2005.

“Stan won the Sale Tennis Club Men’s Singles Championship four years running from 19531956,” John wrote.

“He wasregarded as the best playerinthe district and throughout Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley. The slice on his backhand was often unplayable.

“He was so highly regarded that he caught the eye of Harry Hopman, who was in charge of the Davis Cup Squad at the time. Harry came to Sale to discuss the possibility of Stan playingonthe Satellite circuit in Melbourne and also to hit up in practice with the Davis Cupteam members.

“He declined as he didn’t want to leave Sale.”

Sale Tennis Club president, Robin Lowe, said it

“It’s nice when you can see that family history on the walls,” he said Mark went up against 2021 OpenMen’s semifinalist Marrien Van Den Heuvel for his big match winning in straight sets, despite pulling agluteal muscle.

“I twinged it at the start,” Mark said. “But Igot through it. Now I’m on aslowrecovery.

“It’s anice feeling to win (the Championship). Inever thought it would happen. There’s always been one player better than me.

“Next year will see avery strong field, with a couple of returning champions possibly coming back andyoung gun Sen Gould returning from Japan, so the pressure will be on.”

Lowe said it wasn’t typical for tennis players to injure aglute muscle during amatch,but Mark triumphed at the end.

“(Mark) was looking to shorten the points alot. He did lots of really good serves. And it worked.”

Mark said his opponents would describe his tennis game as “annoyingly consistent”, with a good forehand.

“I struggle againstthe bigger hitters. People used to say they get frustrated playing against me, because Inever missed.”

Mark said his grandfather Stan was avery good grass court player.

“He just played areally pure game that was nice to watch,” Mark said.

Gippsland won the CountryJuniorDistrict Swimming Championship recently

Photo: Contributed

Stefan Bradley

Sale Tennis Club championship winners Mark Elliman (Open Men’s Singles) and Jess Board (Open Women’sSingles). Photo: Robin Lowe.

The late Stan Elliman. Stan won theSaleTennis Club Men’s Singles Championship four years running from 1953-1956. Photo: Contributed

THE curtains closed on the 2022 CBL Gippsland season, with both Men’s and Women’s Grand Finals played on Saturday at the GippslandRegional Indoor Sports Stadium in Traralgon.

First up was the Women’s division, where KorumburraWildcats steamed to the title, slaughtering Moe Meteors by 48 points.

The Wildcats put thepedal to the metal, building its leadinevery quarter, climbing to the title at full speed.

With afour-point lead at the end of the first quarter, Korumburra’s lead grew to 21 at the half, as it kept the Meteors to just seven points in the second quarter.

The Wildcatsweren’t running outofenergy anytime soon, with the lead extending to 30 with aquarter to play

Korumburra’s final quarterwas certainly the mostover-powering, outscoring Moe 24-6, to complete aGrand Final demolition.

Moe’s best point-scorer was Caitlin Demczuk, doing so once again for the Meteors in 2022.

Chloe Hogg top-scored for the Wildcats with 26 points, including one three-pointer, and was well accompanied by Alahna Arnason who nailed 20 points throughout the Grand Final.

The Grand Final MVP was taken out by Korumburra’s Gemma Dixon, who featured with eight points, which included one from outside the arc.

After losing the 2021/22 Semi Final to the eventualwinners, Wonthaggi Coasters, earlier this year, the Wildcats made sure they would right its wrongs by winning the 2022 Grand Final.

NOT many teamscan say they’ve won two Grand Finals in acalendar year, but now the Traralgon T-Birds Men’s team can, after defeating Maffra Eagles.

Like fellow Premiers, Korumburra, the T-Birds built its lead after every quarter to ease to another title.

The first quarter was the tightest of the entire Grand Final, with Traralgonslightly edging Maffra by just apoint.

Butthe remaining three quarters would be all Traralgon, as they continued to romp the Eagles.

The T-Birds outscored Maffra by 10 points in the

second quarter to take an 11-point lead into the half time break.

The rest in between quarters did the T-Birds a world of good, as they came out and continued to batterthe Eaglesmore severelyinthe secondhalf

Thelead grew to 15 with aquartertoplay, before Traralgon blew it out to 27 points, thanks to a 32-20 quarter, to be crowned eventual champions.

Points were scoredall over the floorfor Traralgon, with Christian D’Angelo top scoring with 24.

Frazar Brouns scored 22 points, while Ben Barlow, Kody Tibballs and Luis D’Angelo all scored in double digits.

Christian D’Angelo wasawarded the Grand Final MVP for the T-Birds, thankstohis outstanding performance, which included three three-pointers.

next three wickets for two runs.

opener Lee Stockdale, who scored 34 off 37 balls (with two sixes).

IT might not be for another two months, but we already know Sale-Maffra will play in the Gippsland Cricket League senior men’s final.

The Sharks opponent for the final was decided on Sunday, when Traralgon defeated Bairnsdale by 65 runs.

Makingthe road trip to LakesEntrance,the visitors compiled 214 batting first.

Traralgon was well-served by Matt Dyke scoring 52, in aknock that includedseven fours, and fellow

After the pair put on 74 for the opening stand, further runscamethanks to some late hitting from Cam Graham, to see Traralgonuse up virtually their entire 50-over allotment.

Bairnsdale took the initiative in response, with Rohan Blandford and Dylan Jordan combining for a59-run stand to start proceedings.

Jordan sent three balls over the fence, although his demise set about arot as far as the home side was concerned.

Jordan’s innings of 60 ended up being the only

effortofnote, as Traralgon was able to turn the gamethanks,inturn, to theworkofJimmy Pryde and Stockdale.

Pryde was miserly, goingfor just 28 runsoff 10 overs, while Stockdale could notbedenied, taking 4/10 offjust as many, withfourmaidens as well ‘Spintowin’proved to be the catch-cry for Traralgon,asYohanSoyza alsochipped in with 2/23.

After gettingto2/99, Bairnsdale was soon starring down the barrel,with the scoreboard reading 5/108. Asmall partnership took the score to 5/133, but this rebuildwas undone when Bairnsdale lost their

In the end, Bairnsdale could only manage 149.

Youngster Campbell Peavey made his senior GCL debut for the Tornadoes, and grabbed 2/19.

With four of five regular season games now completed, Traralgon and Sale-Maffra cannot mathematicallymissthe final, to be played on February 52023.

That means the Sharks last remaining regular season match against the Tornadoes, to be played on January 15 2023, is virtually adress rehearsal for the final.

TomHayes

LiamDurkin

Photo:Tom Parry