Gippsland Times Tuesday 13th August 2024

MAFFRA SPECTATOR

Roaring through Wellington

The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally brought the best Australian and international teams to Wellington at the weekend.

The rally was Round 4 of the Australian Rally Championships and Toyota Gazoo Racing had four top-10 finishes.

Pictured gliding around a bend in Stockdale is a 2023 Toyota GR Yarris.

STORY-PAGES 8-9

Healthcareoverhaul

TomHayes

THE stategovernment has announced a$1.5billion overhaul of the healthsector,with the implications for Gippsland being assessedbylocal health providers and authorities.

After earliertalks of amalgamatinghealth services, the state government scrapped the idea and initiated the overhaul.

The $1.5 billion commitment for Victorian hospitals is expected to bring significant changes to the health sector. It centres on the creation of Local Health Service Networks, which will group hospitals geographically close to each other to enable more seamless health care.

The state government accepted 26 of the 27 recommendations, in fullorinprinciple,bythe Expert Advisory Committee, as part of the Health Services Plan

The Premier, Jacinta Allen, rejected arecommendation to merge hospitals and instead announced the formation of Hospitals Victoria, which will reduce the “duplication”ofadministration and oversee back office operations.

“As the sister of anurse,and the mum of a daughter who has relied on the life-saving care of our hospitals -mypriority will always be patients and their families,” Ms Allan said.

“We will always support our hospitals -because that’s what Labor does.”

Hospitals Victoriaisbelievedtoensuredelivering patients is the priority number one, eliminating the confusion around multiple systems used across the state.

The state government will also roll out aconnected ElectronicMedical Record System to all hospitals to provide seamless and more efficient care for patients, according to apress release.

The$1.5 billion in funding comesasarelief to

hospitals, as recruitment was frozen amid budget uncertainty.

Accordingtothe stategovernment press release, the funding is set to help hospitals deliver worldclass care despite recorddemands,with the last quarter the busiest on record.

Latrobe RegionalHealthChiefExecutive, Don McRae, shared his thoughts on the health sector overhaul.

“The Latrobe Regional Health (LRH) Board and Executive are currently working through the new Health Services Plan, which is quite an extensive document,” he said.

“The Gippsland network, which includesLRH and Bairnsdale RegionalHealthService, Bass Coast Health, Central Gippsland Health Service, Gippsland Southern Health Service, Omeo District Health,OrbostRegional Health,South Gippsland Hospital and Yarram and District Health Service, will work together to ensure the majority of

healthcare needs are met locally in the region.”

Mr McRae spoke on how patients would be treated if their care can’t be treated locally.

“If aperson requires specialised care that can’t be delivered locally, they will be referred to the tertiary (metro), women’s or children’s hospital withwhich we will have aformal partnership, under the new system,” he said.

“Thisapproach to healthcare across Gippsland alreadyexists in similar form under our Health Service Partnership, which began three yearsago.

“Hospitalsinthe region have beenworking together collaboratively to provide care, services, leadership, training and shared purchasing.

“We envisage the new Local Health Service Network will strengthen this arrangement. All of our hospitals across Gippslandhave alevel of expertise they can bring to the table and that can only benefit the communities we carefor.” Continued -Page4

Help fund life-saving research

WITH about 690 people in the Gippsland region diagnosedwithcancer in 2022, chances are that most people have been touched by cancer in one way or another.

This month, Cancer Council Victoria is urging Victorians to give to this Daffodil Day on Thursday, August 22 to fund life-saving research.

Head of Fundraising and Communications at Cancer Council Victoria,Lyrian Fleming-Parsley said the dedication and compassion of supporters and donors has helpedsecure a$130 million investment in research over the pastfiveyears.

“With almost one in two people heartbreakingly

impactedbycancer during theirlifetime, it is essential we continue to invest in life-savingcancer research,” Ms Fleming-Parsley said.

Morethan$410,000wasraisedthroughdaffodilsales, donationsandcommunityfundraisingeventsin2023.

“Forall cancer takes, weencourage everyonetogive all they can this Daffodil Day,” she said.

“Thanks to our amazing supporters, we’ve made huge strides in cancer prevention, screening and treatment over the past 38 years -but there’s still a long way to go.”

Thirty-twoVictorians die from cancer every day, but Ms Fleming-Parsley saidbreakthroughsin

DaffodilDay helps fund live-saving cancer research.

WoodsidePSmaintenancegrant

WOODSIDE Primary School is receiving over $500,000 for maintenance worksaspartof the state government's Planned Maintenance Program.

The program's projects are chosen through an evaluation process, which provides up-to-date information on the condition of schools for better targeted funding.

Minister for Education, Ben Carrolllast Thursday announced 77 schools would share in

prevention, screeningand treatmenthas helped improve survivalrates. Thefive-year survivalrate has decreased by 48 per cent over the past 30 years, however cancer is still the leading cause of death in the state.

“Each year, Daffodil Day brings our community together to make areal impact, and with every dollar raised, we move closer to breakthroughs in cancer treatment and prevention,” she said.

“Your support means we can continue to fund critical cancer research and provide vitalresources to people with cancer right now -ittakes all of us.”

Linda Curtis from Sale CancerCouncil Volunteer Group said Daffodil Day was amoment of optimism for the Sale community.

“It’s always feels great to see everyone turn out and get behind such aworthy cause,” she said.

“We’re looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the day.”

Cancer Council Victoria volunteers will be at selling daffodil sites at Sale Bunnings and Gippsland Centre on Tuesday, August 20, Wednesday,August 21 and Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 10am -4pm

Anyone can support Daffodil Day by buying flowers at alocal site, donating online at: daffodilday. com.au or phoning 1300 65 65 85, buying an eCard, hosting afundraiserorjoiningthe Daffodil Day Dip.

Find out more about the work Cancer Council does at: cancervic.org.au

Cancer statistics in Victoria:

 1in2Victorians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.

 In 2022, more than 35,000 Victorians were diagnosed with cancer -anaverage of 98 every day.

 Melanoma, prostate, breast, bowel and lung cancer account for 56 per cent of all cancer diagnoses in Victoria.

 Regional Victorians are 10 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than those living in major cities.

 Regional Victorians are 47 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than those living in major cities.

 The five-year survival rate for Victorians diagnosed with cancer has increased by 48 per cent over the past 30years, to71 per cent (73 per cent for females, 70 per cent for males).

 Cancer is the cause of death for nearly onein threeVictorians.

 About 32 Victorians die from cancer each day.

Source: Victorian Cancer Registry, Cancer in Victoria 2022

more than $26 million of fundingtoundertake 78 projects such as fixing roofs and replacing windows, painting, and resurfacing floors, as well as some externalworks likeimproving pathways. Woodside Primary School has been granted $517,303. “This program is about ensuringthat every Victorian student has access to ahigh-quality education in the best classrooms andschools,” Mr Carroll said.

N New w Kid on e the bl c block

JACINTA and Sam Jewell, Saleare thrilled to announce the arrival of their second child Beau Alexander on July 17, 2024 at Sale Hospital, weighing 8lb 6oz. Little brother for Logan Jacintawithlittle Beau

Photo:Contributed

Photo: Contributed

Reduce the risk of house fires

VICTORIANfire services are recommending homeowners prioritisecleaning their chimneys this winter following 70 residential chimney fires last year. In the last fiveyears, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) also responded to more than 530 residential chimney fires.

CFADeputy Chief Officer, AdrianGutschesaid before warming their homes this winter, Victorians should simply use atorch to regularly checkfor soot build-up or obstructions to reduce the risk of afire starting from the fireplace or wood heater.

“Chimneysand flues should be cleaned annually. Always use afire screen in front of an open fire and keep wood and other combustiblesatleast one metre from fire,” DCO Gutsche said.

“Our latest statistics show most fatal fires start in sleeping and living areas, so for your family’s best protection,smoke alarmsshould be installed in every bedroom, living and hallway area.”

Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner CommunitySafety, Joshua Fischer said maintaining your working fireplace is essential for home safety.

“Victorians who have afireplace at home are makinguse of them alot at this time of year. Proper maintenance ensures they don’t pose arisk to your family home,” DC Fischer said.

“Extinguish your fire and any openflames, such as candles, before going to bedorleaving the house. Check that the fire embers are cold before disposing of them.”

Victorians are reminded that long-life battery or interconnected smoke alarms located in all bedrooms, hallways and living areas of the home can save lives for as little as $20.

Chimney tips:

 Over time there could be abuild-up of creosote, ablack tar-like residue, which is highly flammable and could clog up chimneys;

 Creosote is not only caused by general use, but it can also build up quicker if you are using incorrect fuels, such as green wood or treated timbers;

 Chimneys and flues should be cleaned annually, and;

 Always use afirescreen in front of an open

fire and keep wood and other combustibles at least one metre from fire.

To reduce the risk of afirestarting from your fireplace or wood heater, you should:

 Use atorch to check for creosote build-up or obstructions;

 Have your chimney professionally cleaned annually;

 Only burn dry, clean wood, and;

 Extinguish your fire before going to bed or leaving the house.

Candles and open flames:

 Open flames should always be supervised;

 Keep lighters, matches, candles, incense and oil burners out of reach of children;

 Consider an alternative to an open flame candle, such as abattery-operated candle, and;

 Smoking in bed is very dangerous. Never smoke in bed.

ESSO faces cost battle for removals

ESSO is facing abattle on how much it will cost to remove the infrastructure from its old oil and gas platforms in Bass Strait.

Billions of dollars are at stake as the Esso consortium facesstrong pressure to totally remove all the structures that are anchored on the ocean floor.

The company has withdrawn its current proposal, the Deviation Environment Plan, on atechnical basis, while it waits for the federal government to finalise its policy, 'Removal of oil and gas property and sea dumping of infrastructure in Commonwealth waters Guidance’, whichclearly states that sections of steel pile jackets can be left in place.

Esso is taking what it calls "a responsible approach"todecommissioning by removing all above-sea infrastructure and removing the steel piled jackets to adepth of 55 meters to ensure it meets the InternationalMaritime Organisation’s requirements.Itwill only leave the lower sections in place to ensure these ecosystems aren’t destroyed.

"If we were to completely remove the structures we would need to undertake significant dredgingofthe sea floor, meaningnot only removal of theseecosystems butsignificant impact on surrounding marine life," the spokesman said.

"We will remove 60,000 tonnes of material and leave only steel below 55 meters of depth to preserve the marine ecosystems-this is a better outcome for the environment than total removal, which requires dredging the sea floor.

"The steel-piled jackets we are proposing to leave in place are 98 per cent iron and do not contain anycontaminants contrary to what some stakeholders have alleged."

The company said federal government's draft guidance had been developed and jointly signed by the Department of Industry Science and Resources (DISR), the Department of Climate Change, Energy, theEnvironment and Water (DCCEEW) and the National Offshore Petroleum Safetyand Environment Authority(NOPSEMA).

"We welcome the clear policy direction that where thereisanet environmental benefit, it is appropriate to leave in situ of arange of infrastructure classes," he said.

The company says scientistsaroundthe world are calling for these structures to be leftinplace because of the significant and diverse marine ecosystems, including ahome to vulnerable and endangered species, they have built since being installed.

Forexample, Dr MiltonLove,ina paperthat appeared in the Ocean &CoastalManagement journal' in February 2019, said that artificial reefs are an old and global idea to raise fishing prospects and fisheries production.

The paper, 'Worldwide oil and gas platform decommissioning: Areview of practices and reefing options', found that:

 Rigs-to-Reefs converts decommissioned oil and gas platforms into artificial reefs;

 Reefing old oil and gas platforms is done globally where offshore production has been developed, and;

 Oil platforms off California are among the most productive marine fish habitats.

However, the paper noted that California mustdecide whether to reefold platforms or removal them from coastal waters.

Give feedback on local childcare

MEMBER for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien is seeking feedback on how access to local childcare is impacting local families, especially women.

Mr O’Brien has launched an online surveyasking parents to provide feedback on their experiences withattempting to access local childcarein response to ongoing feedback that there are not enough childcare places available locally.

“I am well-awarethataccessing reliable and affordable childcare is ahigh priority for families with pre-school aged children and that doing so is not always easy in regional areas like Gippsland," Mr O'Brien said.

“The purpose of this survey is to not only gain abetter understanding of how this problem is impactinglocal families, but to gather evidence to present to the AllanLabor Government as we look for solutions to improve the situation.”

Mr O’Briensaid data released from Victoria

University’s MitchellInstitute in 2022 showed large gaps in the provision of childcareacross rural and regional communities, including much of Gippsland South.

“This study, which classified communities as achildcare ‘desert’ or an ‘oasis’,dependingon the availability of care, showed most towns in Gippsland South were adesert with either no childcare service or too few places available to meet potential demand," he said.

“Many smaller rural communities have no childcare at all -including no local family day-care options. Even larger towns in Gippsland South like Sale and Leongatha don’t have enough childcare services to cater for the number of children who live there.”

Mr O’Brien said the study revealedthat afamily trying to accesschildcare in Leongatha would have up to 2.24 children competing for that same place

while Sale would see 3.57 children competing for aplace.

“This figure only grows larger as you move out to more rural communities," he said.

“We are fortunatetohave some really great childcare providers in Gippsland South, but many parents, especially mothers, are not able to return to work simply because they can’t get care. This holds back many women who are seeking to get back into the workforce, especially given today’s cost-of-living crisis.

“The ability for parents to return to work is crucial for our regional economy here in Gippsland. If we don’t have these services, young people who want to raise their family in the country will struggle. I am committed to workingwithour communities to improvethe accesslocalpeoplehave to childcare.”

Mr O’Brien’s survey can be completedonline at: dannyobrienmp.com.au/childcare

Philip Hopkins

$1.5bset for state’s hospitals

From Page 1

MR McRae mentioned he expects LRH to receive guidance to implement the planfor Hospitals Victoria in the coming weeks.

He hopes the outcomes from the state-wide health sector overhaul will have apositive affect on the communities.

“If aperson canget care as close to home as possible, it means less travel, less stress and the support of their family and caring networks,” Mr McRae added.

“Greater collaboration between Gippsland and tertiary partners has the potential to streamline referraland carepathways if apersonhas to leave the region to seek more specialised care in Melbourne.”

With amalgamationtalks nowoff the table, according to PremierAllan, Mr McRae reaffirmed that LRH would still maintain relationships.

“LRH prefers to work collaboratively with other Gippslandhospitals and maintain the relationships we have built over along time,” Mr McRae said.

“I have always found collaboration in healthcare is the key to better outcomes for patients.

“As mentioned, all of our hospitals across Gippsland have alevel of expertise they can bring to the table.”

With Gippsland being such avast region, LRH staff still work between hospitals, even outside of the Latrobe catchment, according to Mr McRae.

“We anticipate implementation of the Health Services Plan will take several years. I’m hopeful by then we will have acontemporary healthcare network to meet the future demands of our community,” he said.

“We know people are more unwell for avariety of reason followingthe (COVID-19) pandemic Something needs to change for us to manage the complexity of their care needs.”

LRH will be working withthe Department of Health to finalise their budget for the year ahead, which includes funding amounts and agreed targets.

Mr McRae says all budgets for health services will be finalised by the end of August.

Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas welcomed the $1.5 billion funding, stressing how much

pressure it showed that hospitals were under.

“We have aworld-class health case system here in Victoria, and we’ll continuetoback ourhospitals and our hardworking healthcare workers and clinicians every single day.The (state) government will not be forcing any hospital to amalgamate,” shesaid.

Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron believes the state government will still go ahead with

Wellington CIU thanks locals

Elderly women allegedly assaultedinSale

WELLINGTONPolice are callingfor witnesses to an alleged unprovoked assault on avulnerable elderly person that occurred at the intersection of York and Macarthur St, Sale between3.30pmand 4pm on Tuesday, August 6.

Anyonewho witnessed theincident or may have CCTV, dashcam footage or information on the incident is urged to contact Sale Police on 5142 2200. Loch Sport incident

POLICEare investigating the circumstances surrounding an alleged aggravated burglary and arson incident in Loch Sport on Friday, July 5. It is believedtwo unknown offenders attended the Holmes Street residence about 9.40pm. Three people were home at the time but luckily no one was injured. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit aconfidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

WELLINGTON Criminal investigation Unitsaid they would like to thank everyone who assisted in arecent investigation and provided CCTV to police. The investigation was in relationto aseries of offences that were committed in the Bairnsdale, Stratford and Sale areas between July 7and 8. Offences detected were an aggravated burglary, burglaries, attempted burglaries, theft from motor vehicles and attempted theft from motor vehicles.

Thanks to communityefforts, Wellington CIU made the following arrests-onJuly 11, a 33-year-old Ferntree Gullyman was arrested in Blackburn. He was charged with 33 charges including aggravated burglary, burglary, theft and drivingoffences. He was remanded in custody until August 5. On July 19, a42-year-old Cowes man was arrestedinCowes. He was chargedwith 26 charges including aggravated burglary, burglary, theft and drug offences. He was remanded in custody until September 3.

Increaseinmotorbike thefts

WELLINGTON Police Service Area has recently seenanincreaseintheftsofmotorbikes aroundthe

mergers, "regardless of its spin and rhetoric".

"We needlocal hospitalsfor local people, butthese mergers take management and key decision makingawayfrom locals," Mr Cameron said.

"As the central hub for the 'Gippsland Network', Latrobe Regional Health has been lumped with the impossible task of providing more than 85 per centofcare, over time, for the whole of Gippsland."

Memberfor Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien said

Wellington area.This includes general recreational bikes and farm bikes.

Ensurethat you store your motorbikes in garages or sheds that can be locked and do not store the key on the bike or close by.

Police says it is also atimely reminder for other crime prevention tips.

Never leave your valuables in plain sightina vehicle and do not keep your car or house keys right by the front door of your house which could be easy access for an offender.

Lock the doors and windows of your house even when you are home during the day.

Ensure thatyourcars are lockedatall timeseven if they are parked in adriveway or agarage.

Get more security tips for your home -bytaking aquick 5-minute quiz at https://howsafeismyplace. com.au/

Dutson Downs damage

POLICEare calling for witnesses to fence damage committed between July 25-30 in the Dutson Downs area.

Thedamaged fences are located in the vicinity of 2054 Longford-Loch Sport Rd, Dutson-Downs.

Police are calling for anyone in the area who may have Dashcam footage or who may have seen any suspicious activity to please contact the Sale Police on 5142 2200.

he was concerned hospital mergers will now occur by stealth and cuts may still occuratlocal hospitals.

“One wonders how this new level of bureaucracy, in addition to yet another new government agency ‘Hospitals Victoria’, willreduce administration and back-office costs," Mr O'Brien said.

“I remain very concerned at the government’s budget cuts to hospitals even if there is new funding apparently delivered -weare yet to see the detail of this, including how it will be allocated locally."

Have acoffeewithpolice

WELLINGTON Police will be holding a'Coffee withaCop'onThursday, August 29 at 10amin the Gippsland Centre.

Coffee with aCop brings police officers and the community members whom they serve together, to have arelaxed chat over acup of coffee. Thisisa great opportunityfor people to ask questions,voice any concerns and get to know their local police members.

‘Coffee with aCop’isonThursday, August 29 at 10am in the Gippsland Centre. Photo: File

Police Beat with Stefan Bradley

Used by Gippslanders across the region, including Wellington residents, LatrobeRegional Health is one of thebig Victorian hospitals set to see

$1.5 billion stategovernment overhaulonthe health sector

Photo: File

Dr Greg Steele

Dr Reeha Nandha

Bye discusses development plans

WELLINGTON Shire Council recently met with State Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny and Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Climate Action at Parliament House in Melbourne to discusscritical regional infrastructure development and renewable energy priorities.

The meeting, heldonSpring Street included ajam-packed agendaaimed at gettingthe state government to acknowledge Victoria’s renewable energy needs by promoting sustainable growth and



MAFFRA Bowls Club will host aTrivia Night on Saturday, August 17, starting at 7pm.

Gather ateam together and book atable of eight, cost $10 per person. Bring aplate of nibbles, drinks available at bar prices, coffee and tea available.

Crank up your cranium forafun night and test your general knowledge and have agreat time.

All monies raisedgoes towardBowls Club projects.

To enter ateam or for singles enquires phone Lew Marston on 0428 411 560 or Grant Smith on 0459 033 677.

 MAFFRA Croquet Club will be celebrating their 100th Birthday on Saturday, August 17. If any past members would like to attend please contact the Club on 0432 206 145.

 THREE workshops happening soon at Maffra Neighbourhood House.

First, FunkyFlorist on Wednesday, August 21 at 1pm. Thisworkshop is suitable for beginners. Cost $75 per person.

Second, Tapestry Weaving workshop will be held on Tuesday, August 27 from 10am until 3.30pm. Cost $130 per person.

Third, Paint with Jess to be held on Wednesday September 4, from1pm until 3pm at the cost of $45 per person.

All workshops offer participants the opportunity to makeand take home amasterpiece.

To book aplace in any of these workshops phone 0422 335 155.

 THE theme for the Maffra Mardi Gras 2025 is 'Under the Sea'. The committee is currently looking for fundraising entrants who wish to raise money for their organisations in asix week window from early February until Saturday, March 15, the day of the Mardi Gras.

Organisations must have their own public liability insurance, but anyone can be an entrant regardlessofage or gender. It can be alot of fun and leaf to increased confidence and leadership skills. Bring your organisation together in afun and creative activity. There is no competition, entrants can do as much or as little work as they want to.

Organisations canalso start thinking about their Parade entry, floats, walking groups etc. The theme lendsitselftoenvironmental issues as well as the many movies that are based 'Under the Sea'.

ensuring infrastructure readiness throughout the Gippsland region.

Representing Wellington Shire Council was Mayor Ian Bye, Chief Executive David Morcom, and General Manager Development Andrew Pomeroy. Joining them were delegates from South Gippsland Shire Council, including Mayor ClareWilliams, Manager Regional Partnerships ChristianStefani, and Manager Planning and Building Lucas Gardiner.

The discussion focused on the importance of the stategovernment working closely with both councils to plan for, and then implement the infrastructure requirements needed to support alarge and emerging workforcealong the Gippsland coast.

Mayor Bye highlighted the importance of a proactive land and infrastructure plan to support towns like Yarram and Foster, which are situated close to local infrastructureports BarryBeach and Port Anthony. Housing and other infrastructure is criticaltoensuringweare set up to support significant renewable energy investment.

“We havepartneredwithSouth Gippsland Shire Council and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation to lodge a$4.7million funding application under the federalgovernment’s Regional Precincts and Partnership Program.This has been strongly supported by the state government, as asuccessful application will allow us to prepare the plan and open up land that is critical for future development,” Mayor Bye said.

“State andnationally significant renewable energy investment in the regionwill supporta range of local infrastructure needs, whether it be

localdrainage infrastructure to support worker housing, road upgrades, or expanded childcare and recreation facilities. Akey part of the discussion was the need for afair and consistent funding framework for both onshore and offshore renewables.

“With recent feasibility licenses awarded by the federal government for up to 25GWofoffshore wind, there's significant private sector interest in Victoria’s offshorewind industry. Strategic planning and timely infrastructuredevelopment

are important to meet the stategovernment's renewable energy targets.

“We are now calling for the state government to advocate to the federal government for funding of the plan and to identify required infrastructure needs and delivery to support state and nationally significant renewableenergy investment in Gippsland. Awhole-of-government approach is necessary to ensuresuccessfulenergy planning and infrastructure delivery.”

Have your say on the ‘FutureofWellington’ guide

COMMUNITYmembershaveuntilAugust31toshare their thoughtsonthe FutureofWellington.

Launched in June this year, Future Wellington willguide the long-term planning and review of five essential documents that will steer council's direction and decision-makingtowards 2050.

These documents include Council’s Community Vision, Council Plan, Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan,10-year Asset Plan and 10-year Financial Plan. The Future Wellington project will also revisit the current community vision “Happy people,healthyenvironment and thriving communities”

WellingtonShire MayorIan Bye thanked the community for their input so far.

“We have been really impressed with how our community has responded to Future Wellington. We’ve alreadyreceivedhundredsofsurvey responses,and we’ve spoken to hundreds more people at events all across our shire over the past six weeks. Anyone who is yet to take part should jump onboard and participate. It’s so important to have your say and help shape where you live! Engagement opportunities are open until the end of August, so time is really running out," Cr Bye said.

"I encourage our community to attendaworkshop or fill out the simple survey online. Residents should also look out for their rates notice in their letterbox as there’s apostcard enclosed to fill out.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to have avoice in decision making for your future.”

How to participate:

Survey: Complete an online survey via Your Wellington Your Say at: your.wellington.vic.gov. au/futurewellington;

In-person workshop -coastal communities and surrounds: Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 1pmto 3pm, Golden Paradise Beach Community Centre, Surf Edge Drive in Golden Beach;

In-person workshop -Stratford,Briagolong and surrounds: Thursday, August15, 2024, 3pm to 5pm, StratfordLibrary, 70 Tyers Street in Stratford.

Gormandale Craftand Produce MarketPop up: Saturday, August 17, 2024, 10am -2pm Mechanics Hall, 45 Main Road, Gormandale; Online workshop: Saturday, August 24, 2024, 10am -11amvia Zoom, trybooking.com/CSRXS

Postcard feedback: Fill out aFuture Wellington postcard -aquick and easy waytoshare your ideas.

Collection boxes are located in Yarram, Woodside, Licola, Coongulla, Port Albert,GoldenBeach, Seaspray, Gormandale, Loch Sport,Tinamba, Dargo, Briagolong, Maffra, Heyfield,Rosedale, Stratford, Longford, Wurruk and Sale. Exact

locations are listed on the -Your Wellington Your Say online portal.

Other engagement activities include pop-up events, adrawing competition,photo/video competition, or hosting aguidedconversation with community groups.

Engagement of Future Wellington will close on August 31, 2024.

Formoreinformation, please contact Council’s Organisational Performance and Governance team on 1300 366 244, or email futurewellington@wellington.vic.gov.au

Gippsland,Paulworked as aGPinWarrnamboolaswellascompletinghis hospital trainingatFrankston and Geelong Hospital

He wasdrawn to Gippsland

his

of outdoor activities, andwhennot working enjoys sailing,mountainbikeridingand motorcycling.

Wellington Shire Council MayorCouncillor Ian Bye, Minister for Climate ActionLily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny,and South Gippsland ShireMayor Claire Williams

Photo: Contributed

Calls to stop park expansions

PhilipHopkins

TWO petitionssignedbymorethan29,000 Victorians that call on the state government to stop the expansionofnational parks in Victoria have been extended after overwhelming community demand.

Itcomesaslocalprospectorsandminers'uptheante' in their bid to stop specific gold mining areas being included in apossible Great Forest National Park

Morethan29,000 people havenow signed two e-petitionsonthe issue, whichhavebeen sponsored by LiberalMember for Narracan, Wayne Farnham, and The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath.

Mr Farnham said it was vital that local communities were given avoice and that by extending the petition it would allow more Victorianstohave their say.

“Labor’s plans will exclude the traditional pursuits of thousands of Victorians and their families who regularly access our bushfor camping, hunting, 4WDing, hiking, mountain biking, prospecting and fishing," he said.

“The Victorian Liberal and Nationals are committed to ensuring communities can have their say

about the proposed National Park areas. Alongside the 11,500 signatures on our e-petition in the Lower House, Ihave thousands more on paper petitions to be submitted also.

“By extending these petitions we are ensuring thatmore Victorians can tell the Allan Labor Government that they do not support their plan to lock users out from these regions.”

Ms Bath said there were more than 17,500 Victorians who had already signed the Upper House e-petition that she is sponsoring on behalf of bush users.

"They are sending aclear message to Labor: no more new national parks," she said.

“The Allan Labor Government’s prioritisation of green ideology focusing on alock and leave approach, clearly shows it has zero regard for our bush users. Victoria’streasured nationalparks are already neglected, adding more will not improve environmental outcomes or biodiversity.

“Sixty per centofDepartment of Energy, Environment andClimate Action staff operate out of metropolitan Melbourne -Labor failsto comprehend that state forests are best managed with boots, not suits.

“Labor’s environmental mismanagement has led to overgrown tracks, increased bushfire risk and a

boomininvasiveweedsandferalanimals.Lockingup publiclandisnotaconservationstrategy,it’sneglect.”

The president of the West Gippsland branch of the Prospectors and Miners Association, David Saint, emphasised that Gippsland had always been amajor gold provinceinVictoria.Majorgold rushes took place in the1860s and 1870s, when Bairnsdale and Salewerebuiltongold andthe demands it set in train, and Walhalla's population boomed to 10,000 before 1910, he said in asubmission to theinquiry by the Victorian Environmental Assessment Commission.

Mr Saint said rights and liberties, including land access, won at the 1854 Eureka Stockade, were one of the most important issues facing hobbyists and professional prospectors and miners today.

"The Victorian government has already classified prospecting and fossicking as 'low impact' recreational pursuits. If we lose furtherareas, other opengoldfields will be inundatedbyprospectors being forced out of these now closed parks and into decreasing smaller prospecting areas," he said.

"Thereare dozensofdocuments and web sites that detail the historic significance of the prospecting areas within the Gippsland region; many are within the 'immediate' exclusion zones that have been references by the VEAC reports.

"These are culturally relevant to our historic gold movement, including leases thathavebeen held by members of the PMAV and their forebears."

Mr Saint said one government publication highlighted about 90 different historicalgold sites including their currentcondition.

"The Geovic site canbeusedtolocatethe enormous number and locationofcurrentand expired gold mining leases in the area,"hesaid.

Another publication detailed 114 different sites in East Gippsland, and many others, that had had gold miningleases thatstill provided opportunities for prospectors and fossickers.

Mr Saint said recreational prospecting was alreadypermitted in some national,state, historic and heritage parks, mainly in central, north-east and western Victoria.

"This recognises that low impact activity of prospecting and fossickingcan co-exist within national and historic parks. ThePMAV believes that the areas that have ben identified for changes in status from State Forest to 'exclusion' zones and national park should not be changed because they are being managed and used well enough now," he said.

"If the status change does occur, then these areas cannot be locked up."

St Mary’s Primary takes on politics

THE Year 5/6 students at St Mary's Primary School, Maffra certainlyhave acomprehensive understanding of the Australian political system, which would rival their parents!

Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester visited St Mary's to discussAustralia'spolitical system and local issues with students.

"St Mary's senior students were eager to broaden their already impressive understanding of the three levelsofgovernment and learn aboutmywork as the Federal Member for Gippsland during my visit," Mr Chester said.

"I was peppered with questions, and we had a great discussion about local, state, national and even international issues.

"One of the best parts of my job is visiting local schools, speaking with students and helping them understand what their local Member of Parliament does, as well as how Iamworking to support the community."

Gippsland MP DarrenChester visited St Mary’s PS to discuss Australia’spolitical system and localissues with students.

Irrigation season set to get underway this week

THE irrigationseasonfor channeland pipeline customers in the MacalisterIrrigationDistrict starts on Thursday, August 15 with good storage levels, allocation and weather.

Lake Glenmaggie is 70 per cent full, with 122,000megalitres currently in the storage. Simon Wilkinson, General ManagerService Delivery, says thesenumbers areinline with the 10-year average “If we remove thepast fourwet years, we are above the storage level we would traditionally see at this stage,” he said.

The current 2024-25 seasonal allocation is 80 percent for High Reliability Water Shares and this gets reviewed each fortnight during the season.

Simon says the long-range forecast is still relativitynormal, with awet spring with average to above average temperatures predicted.

“These are great conditions for farmers to grow fodder crops using natural rain fall supplemented by irrigation,” he said.

Southern Rural Water have started filling the irrigation channels to prepare for opening day.

Stockand domestic water willbeavailable to customers on the networkasthe channels and pipelines fill over the coming seven to ten days.

Simon said customers can place water orders from late afternoon on Thursday, August 8.

“If customers already know what water they need, they can use Waterlinenow to placetheir orders,’ he said.

“We’ve successfully completed our winter maintenanceprogram thatincluded alarge investment in desilting channels to improve customer delivery, ensuring the network is ready and we’re excited

to support customers to make the most of what’s shaping up to be another strong season.

“We have adedicated irrigation planning team whoactivelymonitor our system 24 hours aday during the irrigationseason.Ifcustomers need help, I’d encourage them to contact us.”

Southern Rural Water provide fair, equitable and sustainable to water across southern Victoria.For more information, visit: srw.com.au

Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester with St Mary’s Primary School Maffra School Captains Sam andEmilyn. Photos: Contributed

Upcycling innovation in Kilmany

TomHayes

AFIRST of its kind in Australia, in Kilmany sits the country’s first solar panel upcycling facility.

ElecSome transforms end-of-life solar panels into “higher value products”.

As well as end-of-life solar panels, ElecSome also deconstruct and upcycle damaged solar panelswhich have faced either weather, transportation or installation damage.

The solar panels are collected and transported to ElecSome facilities or their collection centres throughout Australia.

In 2015,ElecSome established under the Ojas Group umbrella. OjasGroup were founded in 2008 to design, supply, and deliver power and communication cable in the Australian market. ElecSomewas part of the research untaken in 2020 in conjunction with the Universityof Melbourne and RMITUniversity on end-of-life options for solar panels.

Two years later, ElecSome received a$500,000 Victorian state government grant and a$500,000 NSWstate government grant for its operations, giving them the ability to launch the SolarCrete biproduct.

Followingthese findings, ElecSome received documentaryand EPA approval and abuilding permit to begins construction of the first plant in Kilmany. Ayearlater in 2023, the first processing plant wasupand running in the Wellington Shire.

TheElecSome head office is in Keysborough, but processing stations are located all over Australia including Kilmany (Wellington Shire, VIC), Richmond Valley (NSW), Toowoomba (QLD), and East Pilbara (WA). All processingsites have a pickup/drop off point too.

The primary part of the solar panels that are upcycledisthe glass, which is refined into a “nano-engineered concrete aggregate”, branded as ‘SolarCrete’.

This process saves cement mix manufacturers from 50 to 80 per cent of river sand which is the typical ingredient of the product.

ElecSome provided the artificial sand to be trial as apart of the NorthEastLink.The concrete batching plant, Boral, ran the trial.

ElecSome Chief Executive, Neeraj Das said the

trial was asuccess, with no issues arising fromthe test. Victoria’s Big Build is set to release footage on the artificial sand trial.

Every other part of the solar panel is recycled in one way or another. PV battery grade Silicon wafersand electric conductors can be re-used. Silverand copper can be re-used as araw material for other industries. Aluminium frames can be repurposed for cans or other solar panel frames, andthe plastics and polymers “enter established sustainable recycling channels”.

In summary,about97per cent of every solar panel is upcycled and/or repurposed.

SolarCrete is ElecSome’s upcycled pre-mix concrete product. The upcycled product is essentially asustainable alternative to sand, protecting the environment from potentially hazardous waste.

Not only is SolarCreteasustainable alternative, but its performance matches up with the regular option. It is also viewed as the budget-friendly option, as one of the best substitutesonthe market, according to Elecsome’s website.

The recommendedapplication for SolarCrete has beenfound to be driveways, pathways, footings, postings, curbs and shed flooring.

Sincethe start of operations, it took ElecSome three months to acquire nearly 100,000 solar panels which were at their end-of-life or were damaged.

The process of upcycling solar panels is actually

more straightforward than one might suggest.

At this stage, ElecSome employees semiautomatically pry the structure of the solar panel apart, before nothing is left besidesthe bi-fold glass of the solar panel.

All of the other parts are upcycled or recycled to their given destination mentioned previously.

The glass is then broken into pieces and filtered into bags. From here, the pulveriser is introduced -which completes the final product of the sand. The pulveriser runs at certain speeds which determine how fine the artificial sand result is, the faster it runs, the finer the artificial sand.

The sand is then packed in bags, ready to be sent off for projects of many kinds, also mentioned before

The ElecSome site at Kilmany hasmanynew developments on the way and is always changing as the idea comes to life.

Anew shed is set to be built at Kilmany and is currently in progress.This will mainly be used forsilicon and/or silver recovery from the solar panels. This willinclude moreequipment whichis currently being stored in the deconstruction shed. Construction of the recovery shed is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Also in the words is abatch mixing plant on the Kilmany site. This is currentlyinprogress; however the completion date is still unknown.

With plenty of space on the Kilmany property, there is endless opportunities for storage developments and upsizing, but for now, ElecSome is just doing what is needed as they venture deeper into this industry.

Thousands of damaged solar panelsare stored on site in Kilmany

An ElecSome employee works the semi automated

Photos:Tom Hayes

Gippsland Rally: drivers trek

Erika Allen

RALLY driving is asport of fine margins.

It’s more than just speeding along dirt tracks. It’s asport that demands precision,skill and strategy.

Spectators at the weekend’s Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally had the chance to experience this as 37 crews raced in Round 4ofthe Australian Rally Championship (ARC) and afurther 26 competed in the Victorian Rally Championship.

Before the event, alot of pre-race tweaking and fine-tuning occurs. Teams had the chance to perfect their cars, get afeel for Gippsland’s gravel roads, and polishteamwork last Thursday at two test tracks in Stockdale. The intention behind test days is to make final adjustments, and drivers didn’t hold backaround the bends or on the straights, kicking up rocks and dust as they glided around corners.

Few understand the demandsofrally driving better than four-time Australian Rally Championship winner Neal Bates, who heads Toyota’s Gazoo

Racing Australia team. Mr Bates has been involved in rallying most of his life, joining Toyota in 1989. Now he travels Australia with his professional rally driving sons, Harry and Lewis.

Mr Bates said drivers use the test runs to get a feel for how the car handles the course and terrain.

Last Thursday, after Harry completedtest runs in aToyota GR Yaris, a1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged four-wheel-drive Rally2 car, he said thevehicle was handling the fast sections of the trackwell, but its turning wasn’t up to scratch on challenging tight corners.

Like asixth sense,drivers understand what is andisnot working in the car, and their 10-person crew make corrections.

“You’ve got several ways to adjust that: you can go up in the rear ride height; you can go harder in the rearshock; you can go softer at the front shock, so there’s alot of adjustments in the cars and alot of different ways that you can change them to make the driver comfortable,” Mr Bates said.

Adaptability is also essential, as drivers must

adjust to evolving track conditions lap after lap.

Unlike tarmac, gravel roads change with every run as stones lift and loose debris are sprayed across the track from previous run throughs.

Beyond skill, the will to win fuels the quest for rally-drivingglory. The mentalgameisjustas crucial as the physical one. Racing demands laserlike focus, split-second reflexes, and arelentless competitive drive.

“You come to every event to try and win it, but you know that there’s alot of other people with the same idea. Obviously, that’s what competition is all about,” Mr Bates said.

Mr Bates said his son Harry leads the ARC standings after four rounds alongside co-driver Coral Taylor. The pair cemented their lead over the weekend,winning overallat1:55:44.7, over two minutes faster than brother Lewis Bates and co-driver Anthony Mcloughlan. Molly Taylor, one of two female drivers, was fourthoverall, with co-driver Andy Sarandis in aSubaru WRX STI. Likelastyear, Day 1ofthe rallywas basedin

Heyfield,and competitors drovethrough the forests north of Cowwarr to Glenmaggie.

Gippsland Rally Director Andrew Roseman said drivers climbed about 1100 metres above sea level on roadshedescribed as “technical” but “fast and flowing”.Day 2took the crewsfrom Briagolong to Stockdale on acourse characterised by twists and turns.

“The drivers have to have skillfor both travelling fastonthose sweepingroads up in the hills and then also being able to tryand extract as much time out of doing these tight technical roads as well,” Mr Roseman said.

Spectators were out in droves for the rally.

Theweekend’sproceedings began at the BSR AutomotiveRally Show last Friday at the Port of Sale. Hundreds of people, including kids still in their school uniforms, milled about among the impressive rally cars. Spectators had the chance to meet crews before watching them tear through the Gippsland wilderness on Saturday and Sunday. “The great thing is that spectators can turn up to

Sarah, Sophie, Liam and Lachlan from Wurruk Primary School at the Port of Salefor TheMiddle of EverywhereGippsland Rally BSR Automotive RallyShow. Photo: Stefan Bradley

ToyotaGazoo Racing Australia’sset up in Stockdale aheadof the Gippsland Rally.

Two-time Australian Rally Championship serieswinner(2019 and ‘23) Harry Bates drives for the ToyotaGazoo Racing Australia team. Photos:Erika Allen (unless otherwisespecified)

gravel with skilful precision

aforest location -quitesurrealand quiet -and the tension builds as the rally cars approach,” Michael Finger, the Marketing and Media Manager for Gippsland Rally, said.

“Each of the cars start the stage at two-minute intervals, so spectators can hear one car at atime come through the forests and come through the intersection at ablinding pace very differentto what youwould expect any car to be travelling out on agravel,”hesaid.

Mr Roseman shared this sentiment.

“The great thing about rally is that the roads and the conditions that you drive and compete with are so variable and challenging compared to circuit racing,” he said.

Doug Lord experienced this difference last week when he drove shot gun with Tom Clarke from White Wolf Racing in a2018Ford Fiesta -R5. Mr Lordboughthimselfthe opportunity at a fundraisingevent for the charity Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia. The proceeds willfund

mentoring programs for vulnerable children.

He said he loved every minute of the drive. Mr Lord is acar enthusiastand has driven tarmac circuits before, but he emphasised that nothing compares to the trustco-driversmust have in drivers as they rescind control over the vehicle.

“You’re experiencing for the first time, just going out of control on adirt road and you don’t have kitty litter or tyres on the side of the road if something goes wrong,” he said.

“It’s adifferent animal. I’ve got awhole new respect for drivers that do this.”

Rally driving has become afamily affair for the Bates’, but cross-border and even international bonds are being formed on the rally circuit.

“Therallycommunity’s abit like abig family and Ithink there’s alot of camaraderie between the teams,” Mr Roseman said.

Amoment thatspeakstothis camaraderieis whenupand comingdevelopment driverNao Otake from Japan, competed with Australia’s Toyota

Gazoo Racing team at the weekend. Mr Otake is part of an exchange program between Japan Rally Championship (JRC) and ARC, withToyotaGazoo Racing hosting himand ateamof10fromJRC. In return, Harry Bates and co-driver Coral Taylor will compete in Rally HokkaidoinHokkaido,Japan, from September 5to8

Mr Otake said he competed in sprint rallies like hisfatherwhenhewas growing up. He said the sport, whilefamous, is less popular in Japan than it is in Australia.Hesaidmany Japaneserally drivers travel here for this reason.

“In Japan, we have apassion to do the rally in Australia because it’s so popular... It’s good to have this kind of exchange program and getthe community (experience) with Australian people,” Mr Otake said.

Australia and Japan’s rallying relationship has along history, beginning in 1957. Mr Otake said working withNeale and Harry Bates is part of continuing Japan and Australia’s great relationship.

He was also excited to experience Australia’s roads. “I’m so happytodrive this kind of Australian road; it’s not the same as Japan. Japan is more narrow and twisty and (has) quite rutted surface, but this is aquite flowing, hard and compact surface so it’s agood opportunity to drive and get the experience.”

Mr Otake finished an impressive seventh overall alongside co-driver Hideki Takeyabu at 2:05:06.6. Drivers aren’t the only ones reaping the rewards of Gippsland’s impressive landscape.Heyfield was again chosenasthe basefor The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally this year.

“We understand the impact that we make to the small towns… Our economic surveys show us that we do contribute in agood way to the economy,” Mr Finger said.

“We’re really happy that we have such community involvement and support from local traders: HeyfieldPizzaand Takeaway andalsoHeyfield Bakery are our food providers at the spectator points.”

Harry Bates and co-driver Coral Taylor from ToyotaGazoo Racing Australiaabout to shower spectators in dust in aToyotaGRYarris -Rally 2inthe Stockdale hills.

Peter Rulloand co-driver James Marquet from IntelliSpatial FleetcareRacing floor a2022 Hyandaii20 -Rally 2around abend.

BrettGill, Doug Lord andJohn Mannow wereenthralled by the rallyaction. Doughad the opportunity to co-drive with TomClarke from White Wolf Racing in a2018FordFiesta- R5 last week

Lewis Bates and Anthony Mcloughlinfrom ToyotaGazooRacing Australia tear around abend in a2023ToyotaGRYarris -Rally 2. Drivers hadthe opportunity to fine tune their cars and

Doug Lord gets strapped in forthe ride of his life.

Gary Mills and co-driver Richard Charlesson from Midalia Steel kick up dust in a2015 Peugeot 208 -AP4.

Australian rallydriver legend,Neal Bates (left) assists Doug Lord whobought himself the opportunity to ride shotgunina professional rally car last week.

Photos:Erika Allen

Molly Taylor and co-driverAndy Sarandis from Molly Taylor Motorsporthug the bend in a2019 Subaru WRX STI- P5.

Creativity to stem with Mardi Gras

STARTthinking about Family Mardi Gras2025! The theme for next year is ‘Under the Sea’ and the event will be heldonSaturday, March 15,2025 from4pm to 8pm.

Thereare lots of possibleideasfor Parade Participants (floats,walking groups,etc)- think Nemo etc -somanymovies! Think sharks and whales,think saving the ocean environment -so muchscope for creativity!

Take this opportunity to raise fundsfor your organisation, and become aFundraising Entrant. Raise money for yourorganisation’s specialproject and become apart of afestival of fun and entertainmentinthe mainstreet of Maffra.

Any community group or organisation within Wellington Shire Councilthathas itsown public liabilityinsurance can put forward aFundraising Entrant

The culmination of the fund-raising period of six weeks in February-March 2025 is the Rotary Club of Maffra Mardi Gras family friendly, alcohol-free street festival and parade. Its primary purpose is to provide afun day for families and the general public, with many free activities.

Fundraising Entrants will receive asashand flowersatthe endofthe parade, when thecommunity organisation which has raised the most money is announcedasthe winner Mardi Gras literally means ‘Fat Tuesday’. It was amedieval festival beforeLent, whenpeople ate fatty foods to give them strength throughouttheir 40 days of fasting. It developed into acarnival, withcostumesand floats, and is still popularin Europe

The Maffra Mardi Gras is the longest running event in Wellington Shire. It started in 1957 whena group of Maffrabusinessmenwanted to raise money for the Maffra Hospital. The event was so successfulthatitwas decided to continue thefundraiser the following year as the Maffra Mardi Gras.

Since the start, organisations entering the Mardi Grashave raised over$4million dollars for the community.The small percentage taken by Maffra Rotaryisreturned to the community through its supportoflocal organisations. TheClub is currently looking for projects that benefit the community in ordertospendthe funds raised at last year’sevent- contactdetailsbelow.

So,bring your organisation or club together by working towards agoal- fundraising andpreparing afloat for the parade.Beinga Fundraising

LEFT-IN raising awareness for left-handed children

Stefan Bradley

TODAY is International Lefthanders Day, which for Maffra WestUpper resident Kate Axfordis the perfect time to raise awareness about the challenges left handed children face throughout theireducation.

Kate Axford is part of LEFT-IN which is aglobal interest group formed in 2021 with the aim of improving the information and educationavailable to the educators of left-handed children around the world.

In late 2023, the VictorianEducation Department updated its Literacy Teacher Toolkit to include detailed and referenced instructions for teachers' instruction of handwriting to left handed students in response to an appeal by Ms Axford.

Ms Axford had observed the teaching methods in her son’s early learning centre for left handers, saying they hadthere was “little-to-no direction andincorrect information for teachers to be able to teach and support the basics of literacy being letter formation, paper placement and pen grip”.

“My concerns were raised as my first son is lefthanded and being anew mum Iwas unaware of thisuntil he was three-years-old. Ifoundthe system had failed me right from get go,” she told the Gippsland Times

She said that education not understanding the correct way to develop left-handedness was causing frustration for the kids, who were getting abad experience in the classroom.

“I was sure that Icouldn't be the only one going throughthisand further investigations into the matter Ifound that not only was Inot supported, neither was my son in his further progression into kindergarten and primary school.”

Ms Axfordliaised back-and-forth with the Department of Education for about 18 months before they took the initiative on board, and she hopes the rest of thecountry would adopt asimilar approach in the future.

“With rural Victoria already at adisadvantage in deliverance of education, Ifeel no child should be left behind especially when (left handedness) isn't achoice,” she said.

“It'snatural and stillwefail to accept, recognise and treat them as equals and the worst is that teachers who are not givenenough credit for what

they do areleft in the dark with no resources to be able to teach left-handed students or accommodate them.”

During International LefthandersDay,it’s important to remember that about 10-12 per cent of the population is left handed. Head to leftys.com.au for resources for lefthanded students.

Entrant can help to develop leadership, confidence and lifeskills. It can be alot of fun, and is only

Photo: Contributed Maffra

Affinity Quartet at The Wedge

AUSTRALIA’S international prize winners, the Affinity Quartet, returns from aperiod in Europe to perform one of the works from Beethoven’s first foray into string quartets,the Opus 18 Part One,for one night only at The Wedge. Ayoung Beethoven, still in his twenties, defies the logic of The Enlightenment to create astriking new direction for thisintimate medium.Compact and ground-breaking, the

Opus18quartets are often overshadowed by the ten string quartetsBeethoven would compose over the next three decades. In these early works Beethoven transforms the legacy of Haydn and Mozart into something fluid, brilliant, and ingenious. Don’t miss this powerfully crafted, uplifting program performed by one of the mostexciting chamber music groups in Australia.

Affinity Quartet - Beethoven Opus 18 Part One,atThe WedgeonSaturday, August31 at 8pm.

Artistic finalists announced

GIPPSLAND Art Gallery saysitisdelightedto announce this year’s finalists for the $30,000 John Leslie Art Prize for landscape painting.

Atotal of 403 entries were received for the coveted national prize from all states of Australia. Artists had the option to enter up to two paintings each. Atotal of 52 paintings have been shortlisted this year. The list of finalists includes works by leading and emerging artists from around Australia and spans awide range of styles and approaches from the field of contemporary landscape painting.

Each of the finalists will be vying for the $30,000 acquisitive first prizetobeannounced at Gippsland Art Gallery’s Spring Season Launch on Friday, September6at6pm by Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ian Bye. Asecond, non-acquisitive prize of $1000 will also be awarded to the Best Gippsland Work. Theartwork will be exhibited between September 7until November 24 at the

Phillip Island to hostlatest The Block season

RENOVATION show The Block celebrates 20 seasonsthis year in picturesque PhillipIsland, with its premiere airing last night (August 12) on Channel 9and 9Now.

Five fresh duoswill walk intoanabandoned resort and transform it into five luxury family

holiday homes, once again designed by long-time Block architect Julian Brenchley.

For the first time in Block history, one of the teams will grow in size when Haydn -one half of the Melbourne team -welcomes abeautiful baby girl in the first week of filming. Plus, will the pressure

of this exacting build become too much for some?

The postcard backdrop of Phillip Island is the perfectlocationtocelebratethis milestone season, and The Block will be showcasing allthe Island has to offer, including the famous Penguin Parade, local attractions and the bustling retail sector.

Gippsland Art Gallery via free entry.

The shortlist of finalists was selected by apanel comprising Melanie Caple, Associate Curator, Gippsland Art Gallery; JuanFord,Internationally renowned Australian Artist; Dr Sam Leach, Internationally renowned Australian Artist; and Dr Louisa Waters, Curator and Collection and exhibition Coordinator, Gippsland Art Gallery. The winners will add their namestothe growing Hall of Fame for the Prize, and cement their place in Gippsland art history.

The biennial John Leslie Art Prize is one of Australia’s most prestigious prizes for landscape painting.The Prize wasinaugurated in 2000 and is named after the Gallery’s Patron, John Leslie OBE (1919-2016). The continuation of this $30,000 acquisitiveprize is made possible through the generous ongoing support of the John Leslie Foundation.

An image gallery of allofthe shortlisted paintings can be viewedonthe Gallery’s website at: gippslandartgallery.com/ exhibitions/2024-john-leslie-art-prize

Finalist in the 2022 JohnLeslie Art Prize, artworkbyViv Miller titled ‘Scenery for a bird’, oil and acryliconcanvas Image: VivMiller and Neon Parc

Welcome to Philip Island - The Block has made its waytothe Gippsland LGA, the Bass Coast Shire. Image: Nine

Photo: Contributed

ONE POINTERS

1. What is asmall sailboat called?

2.The abbreviation sat-nav stands for what?

3.What is the name of Mickey Mouse’sdog?

4. What name is given to abook containing world maps?

TWOPOINTERS

5. Who was the villain in 101 Dalmatians?

6. What speed did Doc Brown’sDelorian have to reach before time travel could be achieved?

7. What countryisMonte Carlo apart of?

8. Who sang the 1963 version of the song “Ring Of Fire”?

THREE POINTERS

9. What element does ‘O’ represent on the periodic table?

10. The protagonists of the X-Files are Moulder and?

11 Which record-breaking American Tour de France cyclist was stripped of his medals for drug use?

FOUR POINTERS

12 Who was the first James Bond?

13. What is aNorth American Moose also called?

14 What was Marylin Monroe’sreal first name?

FIVE POINTER

15. What is the highest number on aroulette wheel?

Howdid youfare?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 23-29: Well done; 15-20: Solid effort; 9-14: Room for improvement; 0-8: Hit the books.

Target Time No. 0222

Howtoplay...

Sudoko No. 0222

Commerci l Commercial investment pp tu ty opportunity

PropertyGuide

GENTS saythis two-bedroom house on RosstrevorAvenue offers affordabilitywithout compromisingoncomfort

The homefeatures afireplaceand ductedheatingand cooling

The fullyfenced yard providesprivacy and safety,agents say,whilethe remote garage andadditional shedhas storage. Agents say Briagolongisknown for its ruralatmosphere and strong sense of community

Prospective buyers could spend weekendsexploring the nearbyAvon Wilderness or drivetothe BluePoolfor a swim.

The town's localamenities,including thelocal wateringholeand generalstore are close by accordingto agents.

Agentssay thisproperty is an opportunity for first-time buyers or those looking to downsize

9Rosstrevor

Briagolong.

Extra incentive to plant trees

BEE Friendly Farming’s popular Tree Grants are back for another round, with farmersacross the country being supportedtoplant more treesfor bees

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to farmers and land managers to plant pollinator-friendly trees that are indigenous to their farms, with Bee Friendly Farming providing farmers and land managers with $1 for every tree planted, thanks to grant partner One Tree Planted.

The programisadministered by Wheen Bee Foundation. The foundation's chief executive,Fiona Chamberssaidthe Tree Grants supportpollinators while also benefitting farmers.

“The Bee Friendly Farming Tree Grants program is agreat opportunity to give landholders an extra incentive to expand their tree planting and provide habitat and diverse floral resources to support pollinators,” Ms Chambers said.

“The grants are oneway the Bee Friendly Farming program supports andempowers landholders to managetheir land in away that both supports pollinators and enhances yields from crops.”

To receive aTree Grant, farms must be certified with Bee Friendly Farming.

The grants, which start at $1000, more than cover certification costs, making it both good for the environmentand asound business investment. This is the third year the Tree Grants have been offered. So far, 33 Bee Friendly Farming Certified landholders across five states have been approved for grants totalling more than $81,000 to plant pollinator-friendly trees.

“The grant programhas far exceeded ourexpectations in terms of area of certified land, coverage across Australia and the range of farmer enterprises signing up to be certified,” Ms Chambers said.

“Todatethe grantfundingishelping establish 92 hectares of pollinator habitat and that number continues to grow.”

One Tree Planted supports reforestation projects across the globe.

Last year, the non-profit planted over 51 million trees across nearly 400 projects in 72 countries. Each project is managed in partnership with local communities for arange of objectives from forest fire recovery to wildlife habitat expansion.

One Tree Planted Asia Pacific Regional Director, BethDalgleish said the organisation is keen to continue the partnership and help increase biodiversity on farms and beyond.

“We're happy to play arole in encouraging food producers to prioritise pollinators and support the planting of locally native trees to attract bees and other beneficial insects,” Ms Dalgleish said.

Successful applicants will receive acontribution of $1 per tree planted, with grants between $1000 and $10,000 available. Larger grant requests will be considered. Applications must be received on or before 5pmAESTonTuesday, September 10, 2024.

To be eligible to applyfor these TreeGrants, farms must either be aBee Friendly Farming Certified farm or have aBee Friendly Farming Certified application submitted and pendingapprovalby the tree grant closing date.

Apply for Tree Grantsat: beefriendlyfarming.org. au/tree-grants-application

Apply to become Bee Friendly Farming certified at: beefriendlyfarming.org.au/categories/bff-certified For more information, email info@beefriendlyfarming.org.au

Program open for rural women

THE stategovernment has launched the Victorian Rural Women’s Network Leadershipand Mentoring program.

Minister for AgricultureRos Spence opened applications for the VictorianRural Women’sNetwork’s 2024 Leadership and Mentoring Program last week.

The program seeks to increasethe representation of women in agricultural leadershiproles by fostering their leadership capabilities, enhancing their skills, and instilling confidence in decision making.

Twenty women will have the opportunity to participate in specialisedmentorship and leadership training, learning from influential leaders across industry and government.

As atraditionally male industry, womenhave made up around athird of agriculture sector workforce for adecade and remain proportionally under-represented in leadership roles.

The training is tailored to the unique challenges

and opportunities faced by women in agriculture, providingparticipants with the tools, supportand visibility they need to be leaders in their industry and communities.

The program curriculum will cover effective leadership and advocacy, government and private sector decision making,and setting careeradvancement goals.

Accommodation, childcare, and travel costs will be covered in acknowledgement of the financial barriers thatmany womenface which can prevent participation in leadership programs.

The government has invested $1.4 million into The Victorian Rural Women’s Network to remove barrierstowomen’s workforce participation, including initiatives that support women’seconomic security.

To learn more about the program or apply, visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au

The Wheen Bee Foundation is encouraging farmers to apply for new grants supportingthem to plant more treesfor bees.

Photo: Contributed

Mirboo Nth celebrates Winterfest

Katrina Brandon

THOUSANDSflockedtothe streets of Mirboo North to celebrate Winterfest.

The festivalsaw drummingand dance workshops, the Ridgway Lantern Parade at dusk,the Pyromancer &Coseed sculpture, live music, and abonfire.

During the lantern parade, many people brought theirlanterns to light up the sky, playingmusic, as others watched from the side of Ridgway. Leading the way was the wise, powerful owl, carried by many of the main performers, led by drummers and saxophone players throughout the street.

Layersuponlayersofpeopleweregatheredalongthe street,naryasinglespotspared,whichlatertransferred to thebonfire, readyfor ignition andcelebration.

After the bonfire, the band Skazz performed in theMirboo North Hall to finish the night, inviting people to dance along.

On the Sundaymorning (August 4) even more peoplecame from far and wide, enjoying thesun with an artisans market with more than 75 stalls, music, and the sculpting of an owl out of local cypress salvagedfrom the February 2024 storm damage that ravaged the town.

It wasn't long before the streets were filled with cars and people wandering through to the last hours of the festival.

One of thethree organisers,Nicky Cawood, said: "I think it has been a great success. It has been a really beautiful crowd with really good energy."

"It has been hectic.There have been alot of people. Ithink it is bigger this year."

Fellow organiser, Thamasin Bales concurred,saying: "Both days have been just as busy as another, which has been beautiful to see."

"People cameout aboveand beyond whatwewere expecting."

Workshops open for farming businesses

FARMERS in central, south and west Gippsland are invited to attend upcoming Farm Business Success workshops to support their business and action planning to build astrongerbusiness for tomorrow.

Agriculture Victoria Horticulture Program Manager,Aimee McCutcheon said the free workshops provide the opportunity to discussand consider how to manage risks, including production, biosecurity, people or thework environment. The workshops have been designedinpartnership with the ION Group, for farmers, farm managers and employees to improve theirknowledgeand skills in key farm business management areas to allow for clear planning and decision making.

"Attendees will have the opportunity to meet

like-minded farmers, find informationand tools on making their business more productive, farm smarter and achieve their individual business goals, as well as afocus on work-life balance," Ms McCutcheon said.

"The workshops are relevant for farmers in the horticulture (includingnursery and garden), meat and wool and apiary industries across the region.

"We encourage farmers from various backgrounds and industries to attend, regardless of theirknowledge level, as there will be opportunities to learn new things and develop skills to take back to the farm," she said.

The series of sessionswill coverarangeofmodule topics,includingaction planning, riskidentification and management,profitable decisionmaking,

managing people on farm,farm safetyand wellbeing, adaptationand naturalresourceimprovement including soil, water, crops and pastures.

Session times for the Maffra workshop is: Central Gippsland -Maffra:  Tuesday, September 24 and Wednesday, September 25 -Modules 1- 3  Thursday, October 3and Friday,October 4- Modules 4-6

Register at: forms.office.com/r/R9ECEjqYzJ

The workshops are deliveredbyAgriculture Victoria through the Farm Business Resilience Program with joint funding from the federal government’s Future DroughtFund and the state government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund.

Lighting up thenight,MirbooNorth residents andvisitors enjoyed the festivitiesthroughout Winterfest.

Photos: Katrina Brandon

Paul Staffordwas asked to create an owlout of the Mirboo Northstorm debris for the festival.

WANTED

Poultry

In accordance with a local law itroduced by the State Government on January 1, 2012,

CAR REMOVALS

Maffra RSL Sub-Branch Shelton Lodge 16 Boisdale Street, Maffra 3860 Seeking expressions of Interest fromlocal builders/renovators for the renovations for our club rooms. Please send all enquiries to maffrarsl@gmail.com

TRUST NON-TRUSTEE SECRETARY

Maffra

Training and guidance is

closing on Friday 23rd August 2024, are welcome from people with a range of skills and experiences including computer, administration, book-keeping, interpersonal and complaint investigation. Contact the Cemetery Chairperson by phone on 043811897 for acopy of the position description.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Sale Turf Club.

An exciting opportunity exists to join the team at the Sale Turf Club Club as the Business Development Manager.

For more information please visit

FIREWOOD

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

HORSES

Areas of responsibility would include, but not limited to;

● Sponsorship and Membership sales and servicing

● Race Day and Non-Raceday event hospitality

● Support services

● Engaging with key stakeholders in the Marketing and Promotion of our club

For aFullPosition Description (including salary details), Key Selection Criteria, and atour of the club, please contact us via email at b.evans @saleturfclub.com.au or via phone 5144 2962.

Applications close Monday, August 26, 2024 and must include aCVofrelevant qualifications and employment history, aresponse to Key Selection Criteria and the contact details of 3Referees.

We areseeking committed and enthusiastic individuals to join our school in the following roles: Teacher of French/Head of Dept.

Teacher of Mathematics

● Ongoing position Garnsey

annual general meeting will be held August 20th from 8pm at the Sale club house, 1Punt Lane Sale.

AGM

KAYAK

Hurricane Tracer, made of lightweight Trylon, 5mtrs., 23kg. Great to paddle, in excellent condition.

$1,200.00

Ph: 0419 551 760 FISHER AND PAYKEL Chest freezer.A1 condition $250.00 ono. Ph. 0437112350

Sale Neighborhood House annual general meeting is to be held on Wednesday 18th September. The meeting will be held at Sale Neighbourhood House 19-21 Leslie Street, Sale at 6.30 pm. To attend, please RSVP via email to salenhsecretary @gmail.com by Wedn esday 11th September. Allare welcome.

Clearing Sales • AGM

The Newry Eight's Rod and Muscle Inc. annual general meeting will be held at 5pm on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the Denison Hall, 1293 Denison Road, Denison.

Saturday, August 24, 10am

Est. V. Popov, Glenmaggie

Machinery, workshop tools, sundries and household furniture.

Ful details Gippsland Times August 20 Photos on Lions Facebook page. AHeyfield Lions Project. Enquiries Damian 0427 451 286

Experienced Maintenance Employee Drainage and Signs

Permanent Full-Time role.

Location: Morwell.

Salary Range: $63,748.72 to $68,570.73 + applicable allowancesand 11.5% superannuation.

As aMaintenance Employee Drainage, you'll perform various asset and infrastructure activities throughout Latrobe City. Working hours are weekdays 7:00 AM -4:00 PM with a9-day fortnight, commencing and concluding at the Morwell Depot.

You will need:

● Current Heavy Rigid Vehicle license.

● Current relevant Confined Space Entry Certificate.

● Practical experience in use of high-pressure cleaning equipment used in piped drainage maintenance.

● Good knowledge of the standards, regulations and practises relevant to signs maintenance and installation and storm water maintenance.

● Ability to interpret basic diagram, plans and written instructions.

● Traffic Control and Worksite Management certificate.

● Construction Induction (White Card).

Successful applicants will be required to apply for and satisfactorily obtain aNational Police Check and Working with Children Check and undertake aPre-employment Medical Check. Apply (and submit your responses to the Key Selection Criteria) via the Latrobe City Council website: careers@latrobe.vic.gov.au

Applications close at 11.59pm Monday, 19 August, 2024 Contact Murray Websdale, Coordinator Infrastructure Maintenance on 0419 875 979 for aconfidential discussion.

We are adiverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and identities,LGBTIQ+ people, people with alived experience of disability and service personnel and their families to name afew. We will make reasonable adjustments when required.

Project Manager

Future of Heyfield

The Heyfield Community Resource Centre is looking for a Project Manager tojoin our team and support the implementation of the Future of Heyfield Forestry Transition Program; Community Development.

This is an exciting opportunity for a community-minded and project-orientated individual to create innovative change in collaboration with established working groups.

Essential:

● Demonstrated experience in engaging and partnering with arange of stakeholders to develop and deliver programs and initiatives

● High level project management, report writing and presentation skills

● Excellent written, proof reading and verbal communication skills

● Demonstrated experience in organising, promoting and conducting community events and meetings

● Experience with developing grant applications

Desirable:

● High level of computer literacy, including online communication tools, Microsoft Word and Excel, presentation and organisational software

● Demonstrable skills in community development principles and Smart Specialisation

● Strong administration skills

The successful applicant will be required to undergo aVictorian Working with Children's and Police Check as well as hold acurrent Drivers Licence. (full time/ contract to 31 March, 2027) This position is afull time contract to 31st March, 2027. For more information, position description or to submit an application contact Caroline Trevorrow at coordinator@heyfield.net Applications close Friday 30th August, 2024

Youwould be working as part of ateam on alternating day and afternoon shifts, working a9 dayfortnight

To be successful you must have:

• Printing Trade qualifications

• Astrong mechanical aptitude

• A‘can do’ attitude and commitment to task, whilst being prepared to work as part of ateam

• Current driver’s licence and reliable transport

The ability to print process colour and experience on acoldset Goss Community 4high press wouldbeadefinite advantage.

Aforklift licence would also be an advantage, but not essential.

Please send Resume with References to: The Print Manager 5Jones Road Morwell Victoria 3840

Or via email to printing@lvexpress.com.au

Applications close Friday, 30 August 2024. Express Print –Morwell is an equal opportunity employer

CHILDCARE 2025

1999, 43,235kms ex/cond. recent road worthy, reg. till Dec., saddlebags, perfect learners bike. $3,500 o.n.o. Ph 0403 325 438.

HOOPER, John Alexander. 17/06/1954 -02/08/2024. Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Aged 70 years.

Loving husband of Christine.

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to you JH. You were acherished family man who touched the lives of so many with your kindness and gentle nature.

Enrolments are now open at Heyfield Kids House for childcare in 2025 for children aged 12 months to 5years. Contact the HeyfieldCommunity Resource Centre for details on 5148 2100 or email coordinator @heyfield.net

PRODUCERS

Cherished and muchloved father and fatherin-law of Alison and James, Brendan, Nicholas and Ellen.

Adored and looked up to by his 11 grandchildren, Felicity, Jole, Mackenzie, Sophie, Logan, Matilda, Lincoln, Arlo, Tex, Elsie and Zarlie.

The hard work is done for now Johnny, rest easy xoxo.

You had the foresight, guts, determination and great ideas. You made us see things differently. You moved us forward. You made us what we are today.

Love always, Chris.

Your presence was a source of comfort and joy to all that knew you.

You will always be fondly remembered as Uncle Johnny no teeth -wecan hear your quiet chuckle to this day!

Thank you for being you.

Love Deb, Reidy, Noah and Mitchell xx.

Tuesday, 13 August, 2024

PLASTERER

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

FORD Fairmont Sedan, '93, auto, cardinal red, garaged, reg. till 19 Jan 2025, FFM-088, 6cylinder, approx 125,000kms good cond.

$6,500 ono. 0402 348 914.

HOLDEN HZ 1tonner, fully refurb., chassis repainted, new susp. inc. shockers, front/rear new coil springs, new brake/fuel lines, 4 barrel carby, Hitech extractors/twin exh., Supra gearbox, all rust removed, GTS dash rust free cab.

$25,000. 0408 356 153.

HONDA Jazz, 2008, only 146,000km, manual, drives great, light body damage, engine number

L13A14705528, $1990 as is. Phone 0409 565 497.

PULSAR SSS, 2015, auto, reg. till June 2025, AEZ-934, r.w.c., new tyres, 90,500kms, great condition. $12,500 o.n.o. Ph Ian on 0418 559 294.

TOYOTA L'CRUISER

2006 100 series, exc. cond., auto 4.2lt turbo, many extras, never been off road, YXF 471, $39,000 Ph 0422 631 200.

Flair

TVAN Scout, MK5, 2018, Camper trailer, numerous accessories, exc/cond. minimal use due to covid travel restrictions. $67,000 neg.

Petrol, grey, very good condition, roll bar, good tyres all round, $6,800 o.n.o. Ph 0427 681 320. Trucks &Tractors

FERGY TRACTOR

BIRDSEY, John S. The Chairman, Board, Manag emen ta nd members of CFA regret the passing of their esteemed colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.

Motoring Deal

Atotal of 12 issues over amonth!

Cash or credit card, through

Dad, no words can truly express what Iwant to say. Iamthankful for the last few years to have been back on the farm and to have spent time with you every day. You were my absolute rock and Iamatacomplete loss. You were the best dad and Iamforever grateful for all your tireless work and everything you have done for us. You have been my greatest teacher and Iamdefinitely the person Iamtoday because of you. Iwish we had more time, there was so much more to learn. I am proud to have been able to call you my dad. You were loved by everyone that had the privilege of knowing you. Forever in my heart and memories. Iloveyou, Alison xoxo.

Johnny, Iloved you to the moon and back. This all happened so quickly and you were taken from us too soon. There was so much more for me and you to do together, I'll miss ringing you every morning and seeing your ute coming down the road or in the driveway. You were my go-to man. I hope you are at rest now. I'll never forget the things you showed me. I'll carry the memories forever.

RIP JH.

Love James (Yogi) xoxox

HOOPER, John (JH)

Not only agreat brotherin-law, but abeloved uncle and best mate. To hear your voice and see you smile, To sit and talk just awhile, To have you back in the same old way, Would be our dearest wish today, Rest easy now Johnny. Our heartfelt sympathy, love and support are with Chris tine, Al ison, Brendan, Nick and families. Graham, Lynne, Deb, Fiona, Tracey and families. xx

HOOPER, John. The Chairman, Board, Manag emen ta nd members of CFA regret the passing of their esteemed colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.

HOOPER, John. The Heyfield Cricket Club wishes to express our deepest condolences to Christine and family of John Hooper. John was aformer captain, player and much respected team mate at the Heyfield Cricket Club.

HOOPER, John.

Winnindoo Rural Fire Brigaderegretsthe passing of our long-term member and ex leader. John there is agift in life that you can never buy, Very rare but true, It's that special gift of memories like the ones we have of you. Our hearts remember happy timeswhen laughter filled the air. We remember you with smiles not tears for the good times that you shared. Deepest sympathy to the Hooper family.

MATHEWS, Patricia Shirley (Shirley). 13.07.1935 -05.08.2024 Passed away peacefully at age 89. Loving mother to Clarence (dec.), mother to Russell, mother-in-law to Elaine, grandmother to Erin and Ashleigh, Grandmother-in-lawto John (Russell), great grandmother (GG) to Theodore, Sampson, Ma gn ol ia an d Montgomery.

HOOPER, John. We are all deeply saddened at the passing of our great mate Johnny. You'll be so greatly missed. Our workplace will never be the same. Our deepest sympathies and love are with Pat, Chris tine, Al ison, Brendan, Nick and families. From the crew at Cowwarr Quarries xxx Strop, Jane, Robert, Matt, Wink, Wallaby Bob and Garry.

McLEOD, Doreen Ellen. Passed away peacefully at Sale on Aug. 8, 2024 aged 95 Years. Loved wife of Donald (dec.). Adored mother and mother-in-law of Duncan and Barbara, Brenton (dec.) and Leianne, Anthony (dec.), Elizabeth (dec.). Cherished granny of Declan and Yasmin, Kane and Mel, Jamie and Keira. Great granny of Elizabeth and MacKenzie. Forever in our thoughts and hearts.

HOOPER, John.

YAMAHA Virago, 250,

MOTHERWAY (nee Walker), Robin Margaret. 10/4/1942 -10/8/2024 Passed peacefully on Saturday, August 10 at Sale Hospital, aged 82. Mother of Siobhan and Genevieve. Mother-in-law of Robin. Adoring grandmother to Meabh and Wolfram. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word.

MOTHERWAY, Robin Margaret. Ind epe nden ta nd determined to the endthankyou for your advocacy, your recipes, for giving us music, curiosity and humour. Thank you for loving your grandchildren so well. Exeunt, pursued by a bear. Love, Siobhan, Robin, Meabh and Wolfram.

PLEYDELL, Barrie James. 27/4/1938 -9/8/2024.

Loved husband of Pam.

Father to Jo-Ann (dec.), Clinton (dec.), Lonnie (dec.), Nadine, Adam (dec.) and Andrea (dec.). Brother to Bill (dec.), Sam, Cheryl and Leah.

Lived afull busy life.

Will be so missed. Your loving wife Pam.

PLEYDELL, Barrie James. 9/8/24

Lovedbrother and brother-in-law of Bill (dec.) and Kathleen Loved uncle of Leanne, Jennifer, Alecia and Michael and families. Rest peacefully

PLEYDELL, Barrie James.

Loved brother of Cheryl and Russell. Fond uncle to Eugene, Quent, Sharn and their families. Your pain is finally over, rest peacefully. Love always.

PLEYDELL, Barrie.

Loved brother of Leah, Geoff (dec.). Uncle to Chelsie, Ebanie, Zaine and families. Sweet are the memories of abrother Iwill never forget. Lonelywithout you already Barrie. R.I.P.

ROWLEY Gregory Neil 11/11/52 -6/8/24

Dearly loved Husband, Dad and Poppy of Merrill, Jonathan and Amanda, Zoe, Luke and Jesse, Craig and Kim, Olivia and Tom.

Brother of Mary (dec.), Peter, Annette, and Catherine. Best mate of Bruiser -his little shadow.

We cannot put into words how much we love you and how much you will be missed.

Our world is so much less now, there is ahole left in all of us that can never be filled.

We will remember all of the good times and all you taught us.

We will continue to push ahead as you would have wanted.

We love you, we miss you, goodbye.

ROWLEY, Greg. Another limb has fallen from our family tree, Ikeep hearing avoice that says grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the last of the song, The good life Ilived while Iwas strong.

R.I.P. Greg. Brother of Peter and Jill, uncle of Justin and Matt and families.

ROWLEY, Greg. Gone too soon but leaving memories of growing up with you as my big brother. Brother of Annette, brother-in-law of Tony. Uncle of Shannon, Jess, BJ, Laura, Max and Julia. Great Uncle of Lucy, Harvey and Alfie. Gone Bush

ROWLEY, Greg. Dear friend of Mick, Jenny and Grant Hawryluk. Greg lived his life to the fullest, always busy making or fixing things. There wasn't anything that beat him. Our thoughts go out to Merrill, Jonathan and his family, Craig, Kim Ollie and Tom who Iknow will miss him dearly.

ROWLEY, Greg. Heartfelt sympathy to Meryl, Johnno, Craig and families and "Bruiser" on the sad passing of Greg. He was along-time friend to Stephen, Jill, Nick, Renee, Jake and Jodie and families. He will be sadly missed by us all.

PLEYDELL, Barrie. Passed away at Opal Aged Care on 9/8/2024 after along illness. All our love to Pami, Nadine, Fonzi and family. Love Pat, Dev and family.

PLEYDELL, Barrie. Passed away August 9, 2024. Brother of Jim (Sam). You fought along, lonely battle 'til your very last breath, We knew it was coming that you just had to give in. Missing you already, Sam and Kathy and families.

PLEYDELL, Barrie James. 27/4/1938 -9/8/2024. Brother-in-law of Peggy and John Minard, Pauline and George Findlay and families. Our thoughts are with you, big sister Pamelar, Nadine and the rest of the family. R.I.P. Barrie, no longer in pain.

SUNDERLAND (nee Gibbs), Lynette Anne "Lyn" of Bairnsdale, formerly of Lakes Entranceand Maffra. Passed away peacefully on August 2, 2024, aged 82 years. Dearly loved wife of Richard, married for 60 wonderful years. Cherished mother and mother-in-law of Leanne and Steaven. Devoted Nanny of Alex. In keeping with Lyn's own wishes,aprivate cremation will take place.

Stephen Baggs Funeral Directors Bairnsdale 5153 2150

TULIP (Anderson), Judith Gertrude "Judy"

Passed away peacefully on August 6, 2024.

Dearly loved wife of Douglas (Doug, dec.). Much loved mother of Ruth (Bourke) and Alison (Laurie).

Loved mother-in-law of Eamon and Adam.

AdoredGrandmaof Bridie, Patrick, Thomas, Ryan (Bourke) and Kiera (Laurie).

Loved daughter of Alan and Elsie (both dec.). Sister to Thomas and Geoffrey (dec.)

Will be sadly missed

TULIP (Anderson), Judith.

Dearly loved sister and sister-in-law of Tom and Fay, Geoffrey (dec.) and Heather.

Much loved Aunt of Rodneyand Emma, Cameron and Caroline, Tony and Nicole, Kate and their families.

Afine life well lived

MOTHERWAY, (nee Walker). For funeral arrangements for Robin Margaret Motherway, please check our website or phone:

PLEYDELL

The funeral for Mr. Barrie JamesPleydell is appointed to leave All Saint's Anglican Church, Briagolong after aservice commencing at 1pm on THURSDAY (August 15, 2024) for the Briagolong Cemetery.

The funeral service for Mr Gregory Neil "Greg" Rowley will be held at the Sale Baptist Church, Princes Highway, Sale at 11am on FRIDAY (August 16, 2024) followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

SAVAGE. For funeral arrangements for Andrew "Roo" Savage, please check our website or phone:

TULIP (nee Anderson) The funeral service for Mrs Judith Gertrude "Judy" Tulip will be held at St Paul's Anglican Cathedral, Cunninghame Street, Sale at 12 noon TOMORROW Wednesday (August 14, 2024) followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia Foundation.

Please see our website for livestream details

Bereavement Thanks •

McKIMMIE, Mark Neville. 16/7/1952 -20/7/2024.

Jan and families wish to extend their sincere thanks to everyone who sent cards, flowers and messages, and attended Mark's funeral. Special thank you to Mark's sister Iona and James for all their help at this difficult time.

Thank you to Scott Rossetti and staff at Gippsland Funeral Services for alovely service.

ROSS, Erica Sophia. The family of the late Erica Ross would like to thank: Dr Choy, Dr Wright, staff at McDonald Wing Maffra Hospital, Julie Duffy, Brad Semmens, Brodie Tait and all the friends and relatives who supported us through this time. Kind regards Geoff Ross and families.

For friendly advice on how to place a personal message to a loved one or email: classifieds@gippslandtimes com au please call: 5143 9333

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

ROWLEY, Greg. Passed away on the 06/08/2024. Greg, you were our friend, and avery caring and supportive person to us. Atrue bushman, and a unique tradesman, and avery clever and creative man. We will miss your humour and kindness you gave freely. Our heartfelt sympathies to Merrill, Johnathon, Craig and families much loved little dog, Bruiser. Always remembered, never forgotten. Brian and Robyn Hutty, Justin and Lorrae Hutty, Andrew and Jodie, Murray and families. HOOPER The funeral service for Mr John Alexander Hooper will be held at Heyfield Memo rial Hall, MacFarlane St., Heyfield at 1pm on FRIDAY (August 16, 2024), followed by burial at the Heyfield Lawn Cemetery.

ROWLEY, Greg. Our Munro BBQ chief cook. Always afriendly hello, quirky joke or comment for everyone. Sadly missed, many fond memories. The Friday night regulars. McLEOD. Amemorial service for Mrs Doreen Ellen McLeod will be held at Geoff Rossetti Memorial Chapel, 1390 Maffra Road, Sale (next to Sale Cemetery) on FRIDAY (Aug. 30, 2024) co mm encing at 1pm. For those unable to attend, a"YouTube" broadcast of the service will take place, please check our website or Facebook page for details.

SAVAGE Andrew 7.6.97- 7.8.24 Darren, Jacqui and Alex and extended family would like to advise the sudden and unexpected passing of Andrew 'Roo' Savage.

Macarthur Street,

We’ve been helping Gippslanders w th care and respect for over 125 years

1390 Maffra Road Sale 03 5143 2477

you lose someone close to you, it can be hard to put your thoughts and feelings into words.

GP1673238

Barry &Annette Lett

ROWLEY

Crows, Berry upset the Bulldogs

TomHayes

AROCKYweekendfor most localsatAFL level has once again sentshockwaves up and down the ladder.

Just two rounds remain until the finals get underway and onlythe league-leading Sydney Swans are locked in for September action.

Second-placed Port Adelaide, although not mathematically locked in, are just two wins clear of ninth-placed Carlton. That’s how close it is. IS Collingwood’s season over?

TheMagpiesdramatically lost to the Swans last Friday night at the SCG, it what was amassive comeback.

Sydney charged home in the final 15 minutes to win 13.11 (89) to 12.14 (86).

Nothingcould separate the two sides early on,

each kickingthreeapiece in thefirstterm. Two late goals to the Magpies had them ahead by 13 points at quartertime.

The Swans made up the distancetostart the second term, starting atrue arm wrestle between the two.

Collingwood could only manage one goal in the second term, giving them the lead back, holding on to be ahead by three points at half time.

The second half began with awave of black and white, as Collingwood booted the first three goals of the half, going up by 22 points.

Sydney kickedtheir two third-quarter goals in quicksuccession, butCollingwood negatedthem with two of their own to finish the third term.

Everything was in the visitors’ hands going into the last quarter, the Magpies led by 21 points.

FOOTBALL NETBALL EAST GIPPSLAND

After the first goal of the fourth term,Collingwood stretched out to a28-point lead, andSydneyweresent intohunting mode.

Kicking four goals in arow, the Swans turned the game on its head in the space of 10 minutes, trailing by less than akick with five minutesoftimeleftonthe clock.

SENIORS

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0.5 (5) GOALS: Wy Yung: JBetts 6AHanuera 2LElia 2BDanielHKellowNBetts JAnderson. Lindenow:Details N/A. BEST: Wy Yung: NBetts JAndersonJ Broome JOverend NSomerville JBetts.Lindenow: AKell LLakay DDonchi TAlexander JGould RMaisey LUCKNOW8.5

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GOALS: Lucknow: JGooch 7JSmith 5J Green 3SMooney 2B Flinn 2C McAuliffeJ Kennedy DSmith ASmith JMcnamaraN Mooney.Paynesville:Details N/A. BEST: Lucknow: JGlassborow JMcnamara GPerkins JSaulle RHalford JGooch.Paynesville:MGolding JRay

CMein OPike HGibbs TFahey

With all of the momentum, Sydney surged forward. At a forward 50 stoppage, athrow in was tapped down to Errol Gulden who snapped truly to give Sydney theirfifth-straight goal,and the lead.

Atense ending saw both sides fight tooth and nail in the last four minutes, with both having chances to steal or seal it.

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GOALS: Orbost Snowy Rovers: LFenner 7HNettleton 3G Rogers 2M Welsh AJonkersM Dignan SNippress MFenner.Lakes Entrance: NBottom OBrazzale BEST: Orbost Snowy Rovers: GRogers MWelsh LFenner JHumphreysA Davis CBennett. Lakes Entrance: S Etheridge LCarroll MDuggan TSinclairLAllen TCrellin

3.2 8.5 14.7 18.10 (118)

5.6 7.7 9.9 (63) GOALS: Boisdale Briagolong: TJolly 5W Brunt 3SBedggood 3BRimington 2CEgan M Wilkinson NMarshall KPorterT Dessent. Stratford: RO’keefe3 WWebb 2NFrenchD O’Shanassy RThatcher JSchultz. BEST: Boisdale Briagolong: KPorterT Jolly BMarshall P Mack BRimington MWilkinson. Stratford: NFrench LChanning JBacon RO’keefeF Fulton

Orbost Snowy Rovers: DScott 5HKenny3AKenny3JSanna JJoiner LBorley T Findley.Lakes Entrance: JCameron3 MBattista2ARimmer BBrown BEST: OrbostSnowy Rovers: JJoiner JDerbyshireH Mitchell TGriebenowAKennyJ Sanna. Lakes Entrance: M Sowden BCampisiMBattistaZHooper ZAmynJ Cameron

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But as it would lie, the Swans would do enough to hold onto their slender margin and claim the four points in athriller.

Sale’s Scott Pendlebury might need to have his heart checked with two close games in the same stretch of weeks. He finished his night with 18 disposals, seven tackles, threeclearance and three marks in game number 401.

The Swans are now agame clear on top of the ladder and could lock in the minor premiership with awin over Essendon this coming weekend.

Alarms would be going off at Collingwood’s AIA Vitality Centre, as the Magpies sit in 11th, onegameout of the top eight.

They will need to win both of their nexttwo gamesagainst Brisbane and Melbourne, and have other results go their way, to have any chance of defending their premiership.

THE red, hotBrisbane Lions were outdone at the weekend.

The Lions welcomed GWS to the Gabba on Saturday afternoon and found themselves on the receiving end of a13.4(82) to 8.16 (64) loss to the Giants.

Usually good at home, Brisbane certainly looked the goods in the opening quarter, kicking 4.7 (31) to one behind.

Some inaccuracies meant the margin could’ve beenmore, but nonetheless, they had prevented theGiantsfrom having multiple scores.

Things would soon change,asthe Giants started their comeback-somethingthey havedone multiple times this season.

Afive-goal quarter for the Giants saw them claw themselves back into the contest, trailing by just 11 points at the main break.

Brisbane would continue to miss chances, allowing GWS to stayinthe game.Kicking 1.4 (10) to the Giants’ 2.1(13) broughtthe margin to eightpoints with one quarter to play. It was all up for grabs.

The home side kicked the firstofthe quarter to move out to a14-point lead and sustain some comfortability. But nothing was as comfortable as they seemed.

GWS kicked the nexttwo in quick successionand had themselves just three points behind before a lull put things on hold.

Brisbane continued to flufftheirlines with three behinds, taking the margin to astraight kick in their favour.

Although, the momentum was not in their favour, as the Giants kicked four consecutive goals in the final10minutes of the game to not only pass the Lionsbut open up asizeablelead in the short space of time

The Giants caused ahugeupset on the road, getting over the Lions by 18 points on their home deck.

Yarram’s Josh Dunkley played his part for the losing side, having 22 disposals, five marks, five tackles,four clearances and over 300 metres gained.

Brisbane drop from second to fifth on the ladder, only agame and ahalf behind Sydney in first but also agame and ahalf ahead of Carlton in ninth.

GWS moved into the top four.

The Lions havetwo winnablegamesagainst Collingwood and Essendon to close out the home and away season and will also be hoping to secure atop four berth.

SALE’S Charlie Comben and North Melbourne suffered heartbreak in their game against West Coast at the weekend.

Taking to Tasmania, the Kangaroos hosted the Eagles at Hobart’s Blundstone Arena lastSaturday afternoon, with achanceofjumping their counterparts on the ladder.

It was West Coast who found their fifth win of the year, winning 15.12 (102) to 14.13 (97).

Atense start to the game saw both sides get on the scoreboard regularly, however the Kangaroos led by just five points at the end of the first quarter.

The Roos went on atear during the second period too, keeping West Coast goalless, as they added just five behinds to North Melbourne’s 3.4 (22).

At half time the Kangaroos led by 22 points and the game continued to play into their hands when the second half kicked off.

The first two goals went the way of North Melbourne, as the Kangaroos found themselves 35 points up athird of the way through the third term. West Coast flipped the script in amatterof minutes, kicking five of the last six goals in the thirdterm, bringingthe margin back to just 13 points with aquarter to go.

After justseven minutes of thefinal quarter, the scores were level and both teams were vying for the win.

North Melbourne kicked two more in consecutive fashion, going back out to their 13-point lead but it still wouldn’t be enough.

Kicking five of the last seven goals including the last three goals of the game, West Coast finished strongest to pinch the lead in the final minute of the game, thanks to aquick snap from Eagles’ co-captain, Oscar Allen.

Comben could only manage 10 disposals and five marks in the loss, which turned out to be tricky for both sets of defences.

North Melbournelook set to receivePick 2inthe draft, while West Coast are now two games clear of the Kangaroos and look primed to pick up the third selection of the draft.

ADELAIDE dealt ahugeblow.

Sittingin15th, the Crows had no business knocking over the top four-bound Western Bulldogs. But they did, defeating the Bulldogs 17.9 (111) to 9.18 (72) at Adelaide Oval last Sunday evening. Adelaide controlled the game from start to finish, and with nothingonthe line, they might’ve just cost the Bulldogs their top fourhopes, let alone potentially finals altogether.

The Crows led by 22 at quarter time, kicking five goals to one, going again in the second quarter, kicking four more to three.

With26points up theirsleeveathalf time, many were expecting the Bulldogs to start some sort of comeback in thesecond half, considering their form as of late.

Adelaide launched again, kicking five more goals to the Bulldogs’ two, and the nextthing they knew, they were 41 points up at three quarter time.

The Crows put afull stop on their four-quarter performances, as each sideaddedthreeeach in thelastquarter to close out Adelaide's 39-point win at home.

Maffra’s Sam Berry had adecent showing, with 14 disposals, eight tackles, four clearances, agoal assist and almost 300 metres gained.

The Dogs had little to show for their inside 50s, scoring multiple behinds, unable to capitalise on any advantage they may have shown.

Adelaideremain 15th on the ladder, but the Bulldogs dropped to seventh. There will be more changes in the next fortnight, no doubt.

Maffra’s SamBerry (Adelaide) pushes hisway

Photo:AFL Galleries

Sale’s golden tennis connection

MANY of us watched tennis at the Olympic Games in Paris with great interest.

Tennis returned to Roland Garros exactly 100 years after the Games were first held in that city and little more than amonth since aspectacular French Open. That 1924 event was aparticularly significant one for tennis, as it was the last time the sport would feature at the Games for several decades.

Tennis had been included in the Olympics since the very first Games in Athens in 1896, although it was afar cry from the event we knowtoday. Matches took place on three courts in the middle of the velodrome, with play starting at 5pm each day, after the cycling had finished.

The first person to win an Olympic tennis title was aman whohadn’t even planned on entering. John Boland wasanIrishman who was on holiday in Greece at the time. He heard about the Games and decided to enter. He ended up winning both the singles and the doubles, although his prizes were silver,not gold. First place winners were awarded a silver medal, an olive branch and adiploma. Those in second place were given abronze/copper medal, abranchoflaurel and adiploma.

Over the next three decades, Olympic tennis became amuch more organised affair, with many of the top players of the day competing.When London hosted the Games in 1908, the tennis was played at the All England Club, just as it would be in 2012, although at that time the Club was still located at Worple Road. The singles gold medallists that year were Major Ritchie and Dorothea Lambert Chambers.

Unusually, there were two Olympic tennis events

in 1908. Aseparate indoor event had beenheld at The Queen’s ClubinMay.Those eventswere won by Arthur Gore and Gladys Eastlake-Smith. The Paris 1924 Olympics Games would be the last time tennis would featureasafullOlympic sport until 1988. With Roland Garros, the venue for this summer’s event not yet built, the tennis events were held at the OlympicStadium in Colombes

Now knownasthe Stade Yves-du-Manoir, after the French rugby player, the venue hosted the hockey events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Regrettably, following the 1924 Games, disagreements between the International Olympic Committee(IOC) and the International Lawn Tennis Federation (ITLF) over the organisation of the event and the nature of amateurism, saw the removal of tennis from the Olympic program.

Although tennis was ademonstration event at Mexico City in 1968 and Los Angeles in 1984, it wasn’t until the Seoul Games in 1988 that tennis fully returned to the Olympics. Miroslav Mecir of Czechoslovakiawon the men’s singles in Seoul, but it was SteffiGraf’s victory in the ladies’ singles thatwas more significant.Having already won all four Grand Slam tournaments in 1988, Graf’s Olympic title meant she had completed aunique ‘GoldenGrand Slam’,the only person, male or female, ever to do so.

The All England Club transformed into an Olympic venue in 2012 and Andy Murray thrilled the Centre Court crowd with his victory overRoger Federer in the gold medal match. Murray also formed asuccessfulmixed doubles partnership with Laura Robson, withthe pair winning asilver

medal after anarrow defeat in the final to Victoria Azarenka and Max Mirnyi of Belarus. Serena Williams won the women’s singles,losing only one game in defeating MariaSharapovainthe final.

Murraymemorably retained his title in Rioin 2016 and there was asurprise in the women’s event, with Monica Puig winning gold for Puerto Rico.

At Tokyo 2020 (played in 2021) the singles gold medallistswere Belinda BencicofSwitzerland and Alexander Zverev of Germany. In his semifinal,Zverev had shocked Novak Djokovic, who, having won the first three Grand Slam titles of the year, wasoncourse for his own ‘Golden Grand Slam’. Unlike his ‘Big Four’ rivals Murray, Rafael Nadal (2008singles and 2016 doubles) and Roger Federer(2008doubles), Djokovicremainedwithout an Olympic Gold Medal, his only medal thus far being abronzein2008.The Serbian’s questfor almost the only achievement missing from his CV was finally realised at the Paris games.

Australia has won two gold, one silver and six bronzemedals in tennisatthe Olympics. Curiously, Edwin Flack, the only Australian to compete at the 1896 Athens games, won abronze in the doubles with Englishman George Robertson.Flack also won the 800m and 1500m titles and competed in the marathon.Our first ever tennis gold medal came through “The Woodies”, Mark Woodford and Todd Woodbridge,inAtlanta in 1996 and they backed up with silver in Sydney in 2000.

In Paris, Australia claimed its second Olympic gold medal in men's doubles afterMatt Ebden and John Peers triumphed in an incredible match. The pair were in "disbelief" after pulling off aglorious

comeback to defeat American doubles specialists Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek in the gold medal matchatRoland-Garros.Ebden and Peers secured the win after trailing by aset and abreak. They stareddefeat in the face late in thesecond set before breaking back and thundering through the second set tiebreaker, then dominating the majorityofthe match tiebreaker to secure amemorable 6-7 (6), 7-6(1),10-8 win.

"To be part of that was aspecial feeling," Ebden said.

"I moved to Australia when Iwas ayoung kidand Australia adopted me and it's been an incredible ride of my whole life. Iwouldn't change it for the world. Ithink it'sthe greatest country on earth I'msuper grateful to be Australian."

For those with agood memory John Peers has a connection to Sale Tennis Club. John played our Pro-Circuit event in 2008.

The experience Peers gained on the red porous playing surfacehas obviously stood him in good stead as 16 years laterheisanOlympicGold Medallist at Rolland Garros in Paris.

Peersstayedthe week in Sale with STC Life Member Gary Schuback and his wife Kathleen, who are family friends with Peers' parents.

The one difference Peers would have observed between Paris and Sale Tennis Club is that under the watchful eye of the two Karen’s, our canteen did not run out of anything.Surely it was these high quality canteen offerings still powering him 16 years on. With thanks to the Sale Tennis Club who provided this excerpt from its newsletter.

Finals ahead for Sale-Maffra badminton

Stefan Bradley

AFTER 15 rounds, the Sale-Maffra Badminton Association's Thursday Night Winter Pennant begins two weeks of finals from this week.

Despitewinter illnesses affecting numbers, Sale-Maffra Badminton Association coordinator Greg French says it's been aterrific season.

Last Thursday night, 16 players joined in on the fun at Mick Mundy Stadium on Cobains Road, Sale.

"We have20onWednesday nights. And Monday nights is 40. so probably looking around 60-70 people (during the week)," he said.

The association has brand new uniforms ready for upcoming tournaments. For more information aboutthe club, visit their officialFacebook page, or send an email to smbasale@gmail.com

CHEYENNE

ROUND

Friday,August9

SydneySwansvs.Collingwood(SCG) (N)

Saturday,August10

BrisbaneLionsvs.GWSGiants(G)

NorthMelbournevs WestCoastEagles(BA) Fremantlevs.Geelong(OS) Essendonvs GoldCoastSuns(MRVL)(N) Melbournevs PortAdelaide(MCG)(N)

Sunday,August11

Carltonvs.Hawthorn(MCG) Richmondvs StKilda(MRVL) AdelaideCrowsvs.WesternBulldogs(AO)

NORTH GIPPSLAND

SENIORS

3.4

11.9 (75)

2.1 3.4 6.9 8.11 (59) GOALS: Rosedale: WLogan 8SFox RDiamond RBoyle.Woodside: AJanssen 2R Pepper RFoat MDyke DFarmerZRichards LLeeson. BEST: Rosedale:W Logan RBoyle BSafstrom DBarnett J Diamond JPawley.Woodside: JFythe RPepper MDyke TKing CWhiteoak BJohnson

2.2 3.3 6.6 7.6 (48)

YYN: DMacdonald 5MLuck 5BBurnett 3JKeyhoe 3BClymo 2A Young 2DBrooks2J De Virgilio LRees. Churchill: BKokshoorn 2ADiCiero2 BWight TSevenson CWilliams BEST:YYN: DBath MLuckJ De Virgilio JKeyhoe AYoungJMassese.Churchill: ADiCieroBFlanigan BSlater BKokshoorn CWilliams TSevenson

TTU7.8 11.12 19.21 25.27 (177)

GORMANDALE 1.1 2.2 3.2 3.2 (20)

GOALS: TTU: JNeilson 8J Jacobsen 3J Albanese 3M Jacobsen 2FBrouns 2SGoddardW Curtain BWhiteF Shields DMorrison. Gormandale: CPotalejFRoscoe SBurgess BEST: TTU: JNeilson M Jacobsen JJacobsen WCurtain JAlbanese FShields.Gormandale: CPotalej JFoulkesHRichards SBurgess ICopland TSalerno

COWWARR 2.3 7.6 12.8 16.10 (106)

GLENGARRY3.4 5.5

Cowwarr:KStamers 5MJohnston 5KHughes 3N Twomey SAlexander ASaunders Glengarry: BTruin 3CBartley 2MRyanJBurgess LHealy DMassaroJ Hodges BEST: Cowwarr KStamers MJohnston CCookR Farnham NTwomeyHHector. Glengarry: CMitchell MRyanC Bartley THarris JLee DMassaro

Final five teams locked in, positions still to be decided

Blake Metcalf-Holt

THINGS are beginning to even themselves out as we pass the penultimate round of the North Gippsland Football-Netball League.

Justweeks ago, it would have been safe to assume the top two of Traralgon Tyers United and Woodside would run through the competition to prepare for arematch of the 2023 Grand Final, however, with teams narrowingthe gap, at least one shake-up could be in the works.

SALE City are locked in for finals.

The Bulldogs took down their closet opposition to apostseason ticket after defeating Yarram 14.9 (93) to 12.9 (81) out in the sticks.

The Demons, who had lostfive of their last seven games are being positioned as the upstart team within the top four early in the season, trailed Sale City by agame for fifth spot pre-match, meaning Yarram’s final home game served as much as an Elimination Final as you’ll get.

It was astrong site on both ends with the ball flicking around in either teams’ hands withequal understanding of the stakes at play.

The Bulldogs kicked some timely goals to conclude the first quarter up seven points but knew they still needed to present plenty more if they were to cement their first finals berth since 2018.

The Demons finally awoken, and unearthed astyle of play not seen from Yarram spectators (against ahandy opposition) since the early stages of the season and booted 6.3 (39) to Sale City’s 3.3 (21) to end the first half with an 11-point Demon lead.

Bothsideshad fullunderstandingthat the nexthour wasset to be abloodbath as the twostakedtoclaim themselves as aworthy finalsopponent.

Sale City foundthe edge they needed, holding Yarram to eight points through the third quarter whilst adding aclean five goals to lead by 12 points with aquarter spare. The fire wasthere as players slammed into each other withnoregard for their own or their opponents’ safety sensing that something had to give one way to see someone claim victory.

Yarram gained and got within striking distance but the Bulldogs knewwhat was required at the appropriate moment and found time to sing the songdue to theirefforts when it mattered.

Seasoned gun and top-recruit Kane Martin (four goals) was adecisive piece for Sale City in theirmonumental road win followed by Jayden Allison, Kyan Sellings, Cooper Whitehill, HudsonTollner and Nicholas Lerardi with Mitch Evans booting amatchhigh five goals.

BoadieMottoncontinuedastrong season for the Demons with Kayleb Pearce, Chris Bruns in his300th senior game, KellyGriffiths, Dylan Garnham and Matt Clavarino were standouts for the home side.

After aphenomenal start to the year, Yarram will not be present in finals in 2024 but still have plenty to offer with such ayoung and hungry side. Their time will come with consistency when it matters most.

Sale City won their 10th game of the season, locking themselves into fifth position -with room to jump higher if given results in the final round of the home-and-away season go their way.

SURELY not, right?

dug deepfor a3.3 (21) score linethatwas enough to subdue Woodside’s chances and give Rosedale apositive end to the season (with abye in the final round).

Will Logan embodied the attitude that the Blues imposed finishing with abag of eightgoalsfor the day, followed by top performancesfrom Riley Boyle, Blake Safstrom, DeclanBarnett,Jay Diamond and Jake Pawley.

Woodside recognised Jon Fythe, Rowan Pepper, Matt Dyke, Thomas King, Cameron Whiteoak and Ben Johnson in defeat.

Woodside, who won their first 10 games to start the seasonasthe premier side in the competition, offeredahugeredemption arch following their Grand Final defeat. They have since managed three losses in their last five games to enter the finals with some doubt as to whether they can even get to the big dance again.

THE Jets are still lurking in the shadows. Some may have predicted adecent hit out at Gaskin Park between Churchill andYYN

The sides featured in some of the best games in recent country football less than a year ago, but how times see change.

The Jets throttled the Cougars, winning 24.15(159) to 7.6 (48), making it two in a row north of 110 points.

As Churchillare anticipating their first year absent of finals since 2012, YYN wouldhave still been expecting the Cougars to throw one last swing at their newfound rivals and disrupt the Jets recent run towards finals for the third consecutive year since moving into the NGFNL.

It began quitefeistily,ahot contest around the ball early in beautiful conditions,YYN still found the edge but only marginally with Churchillkeeping their chests out despite down 4.3 (27) to 2.2 (14) come quarter time.

Ashley Di Ciero (two goals), Bailey Flanigan, Blake Slater, Brayden Kokshoorn, Chris Williams and Tom Sevensonwere admirable in defeat.

YYN, in third, move to agame behind Woodside in second, surpassing the Wildcats' percentage, but are still unlikely to leapfrog them in the last round, with the Wildcats facing 10th placed Glengarry.

COWWARR made it to three.

The Saints outdid Glengarry at the weekend 16.10 (106) to 10.10 (70) to determine ninth and 10th on the ladder for season 2024. It was amodest start for the Magpies, who had patchesofgreat effort the previous week against YYN, and ended the first quarter ahead 3.4 (22) to 2.3 (15) over Cowwarr.

However, that did wake the Saints, who weren’t about to let the chances of arare victory slip away.

Cowwarr5.3 (33) led Glengarry 2.1 (13) to end the first half ahead by 13 points and continued suit with afurther five goals during the third term, 12.8 (80) to 8.9 (57).

The Saints did what was required to conclude, outscoring Glengarry by 43 points through the final three quarters of play. It was ahugegame from most of the Cowwarroutfit, butmostnotably Matt Johnston and Kyle Stamers who both tallied five goals on the day as the clear differencemakers in the contest.

Keenan Hughes with three goals, Connor Cook, Robbie Farnham, Nick Twomey and Hayden Hector were others to play well in themuch deserved win.

For the Magpies, Callum Mitchell, Michael Ryan, Cassidy Bartley (two goals), Thomas Harris, Jesse Leeand Declan Massaro did what all that they could.

TTU reign supreme.

BEST: SaleCity: RWilson RWells TGrumley JHislop LKnight NWilson.Yarram:JApiata TDelaney WBrunton FEdwards NDaldy LRoberts ROSEDALE 4.5 5.7 8.8 10.10 (70)

LSpeairs JBruceJMurrayJPlunkett NHeathcoteLEzard. Woodside: AJanssen RMaiden MMattern JMattern AFrancis

TTU6.8 12.10 17.16 21.22 (148)

GORMANDALE 0.0 0.2

3.2 (20) GOALS: TTU: NWasalski8 RDenovan 4NLeslie2JColaciello TCrosbyJStimson LFox TSpagnolo DLongmore. Gormandale: TKanara 2LDillon. BEST TTU: NPoel HWhateley TTangiBSelwynT Spagnolo JStimson.Gormandale: JCochrane THall KWhitney JWhitney RMusgrove MDillon

CHURCHILL 9.9 16.11

Churchill: TCrawford10D Tobin 7MBlewett 2RBergW Towers LHecker JHutchinson T DicoratoH Berechree LMcavoy BHarrington JThomas.YYN:GRueyJKaschke

Rosedale, with nothing to gain and also nothing to lose in the final weeks of regular season, found timetoprovide one of the upsets of the seasondefeatingsecond-placed Woodside 11.9 (75) to 8.11 (59).

The Blues opened giving the Wildcats ataste of their own medicine, piling the ball into their forward line giving plenty of opportunity to cease any early score and did so, ending the firstquarterahead 3.4 (22) to 2.1 (13).

Much of the samefollowed throughinto the second term, with Rosedale punishing Woodside, forcingmistakes thatled to a 7.5 (47) to 3.4 (22) lead thathad Wildcats searching for answersasthey headed into the half time break.

Woodside answered the bell in the second half, returningtothe dominant form with relentless attack that contributed to eight scoring shots to two during the third quarter, bridging the gap to just nine points upon three quarter time.

Fromwhatoccurredinthe firsthalf of football, Rosedale knewthey had what it took to take down their opponents if they stuck to their guns.

As most final quarters play out in this situation, the game beginstotighten and whomeverceases in the biggest and most important moments end up on top.

In this circumstance, it was the Blues, who

If the Cougars thought they had what it took to cause an upset on their home deck, the second quarterwould have created a headache between the eyes of the coaching staff and players on field.

The Jets tallied 8.5 (53) dominating at every corner of the ground and conceding just 1.1 (7) to head into the rooms full of bravado up 59 points already.

The secondhalf opened, and with it the game returned to physical contest from the first quarter stretched across each zone and the Cougarsfound some success, booting 3.3 (21) butequally giving up an efficient 6.2 (38) leaving many Churchillonlookers shaking their heads.

Both sides were just looking to see out the game in the end, the second half finished muchthe same to howthe firstone did, with the Jets piling on goals and giving the opposing backs little timetorecover while the ball saw little time down the other end.

YYN added afurther six goals in the last quarter to hand Churchill their first 100-point loss of the season and their first 100-point loss in 14 years.

Dylan Bath was awarded best afield for the winners, followed by adominant performance from Mitch Luck with five goals and James De Virgilio, JoshKeyhoe (three goals), Anthony Young (two goals) and Jai Massese.

The Jets had seven multiple goal scorers headlined by Luck and DeanMacDonald with five taking the latter out to a13-goal lead for the league-leading goal kicker, on 67 with around to go.

For the top-positionedBombers, it was business as usualathome, defeating Gormandale 25.27 (177) to 3.2 (20).

All would have been expecting an emphatic result from TTU, the question would be how much,given their eyes would already be set on the gameagainst Heyfield and preparation for theirfinals oppositions, but you’ve still got carry out the game.

The Bombers had plenty of opportunities all game, but the Tigers did add agoal early on despite conceding 15 scoring shots for 7.8 (50) in the first quarter alone.

It was similar in the following term but to lessemphasis and the firsthalf concluded with TTU ahead 11.12 (78) to 2.2 (14).

The home side felt it was time to put their foot down (despite already displaying clear dominance already), piling on 8.9 (57) to one goal in the third quarter alone, blowing the game out115 points with one quarter still to go. The Bombers added afurthersix goalsand did give ascore at the other end.

Captain Jye Nielson had afield day with eight goals and the best on ground honour, followed by Michael (two goals) and James Jacobsen (three goals), William Curtain, Jake Albanese (three goals) and Flynn Shields as standouts for the winners.

Chris Potalej,Jai Foulkes, Hayden Richards, Steven Burgess, Isaac Copland and Tristan Salerno were noted as top players for Gormandale.

HEYFIELD had the bye.

The Rosedale crowd, and players alike, were up and about during their win over Woodside at the weekend.

Photo: Fiona Nicholson

Perfect recordonSale City’s horizon

Blake Metcalf-Holt andErika Allen

ROUND 17 of North Gippsland netball concluded with little surprise on offer.

Sale Citypushtheir leadfor first positionout to an untenablemargin havingnot lost agame all year and may be on track for an unblemished season all together the way things have shaped.

The Bulldogs defeated bottom-placed Yarram 86 to 12,asthe Demons continue awinless season in 2024.

Netball scoreboard

NORTH GIPPSLAND -ROUND 17

AGRADE: Churchill 50 defYYN 24, Sale City86def Yarram 12,TTU 56 def Gormandale 40, Glengarry 60 def Cowwarr 53, Woodside 60 def Rosedale 47,Heyfield -BYE.

BGRADE: YYN 54 def Churchill 38, Sale City 65 def Yarram 38, Gormandale 48 def TTU41, Cowwarr 42 def Glengarry 26, Woodside 63 def Rosedale 35, Heyfield -BYE.

CGRADE: Churchill 45 def YYN 28, Sale City 39 def Yarram 27,TTU 45 def Gormandale 21,Glengarry 43 def Cowwarr 15,Woodside 47 def Rosedale 19,Heyfield -BYE.

DGRADE: YYN 35 def Churchill 29, Sale City 58 def Yarram 12,TTU 45 def Gormandale 20, Cowwarr 31 defGlengarry 21,Woodside 32 def Rosedale 23, Heyfield -BYE.

17 AND UNDER: YYN 24 def Churchill 17,Sale City 75 def Yarram 9, TTU39def Gormandale 17 , Glengarry55def Cowwarr 18,Rosedale 29 def Woodside 7, Heyfield -BYE.

15 AND UNDER: YYN 35 def Churchill 19,Sale City 61 def Yarram 4, TTU52def Gormandale 23, Glengarry 42 def Cowwarr2,Woodisde 23 def Rosedale 21,Heyfield -BYE.

EAST GIPPSLAND -ROUND 16

AGRADE: Boisdale-Briagolong 55 def Stratford 34, Orbost SnowyRovers64def Lakes Entrance 48, Wy Yung 59 def Lindenow 37,Lucknow 95 def Paynesville 12

BGRADE: Boisdale-Briagolong 45 def Stratford 27,Lakes Entrance 43 def OSR 42, Lindenow 34 def Wy Yung 28, Lucknow 64 def Paynesville 14

CGRADE: Stratford 28 defBoisdale-Briagolong 27,Lakes Entrance 29 def OSR 27,Lucknow 65 def Paynesville 7, Wy Yung 49 def Lindenow 28. DGRADE: Boisdale-Briagolong 52 def Stratford 19,LakesEntrance 29 def OSR 18,WyYung 71 def Lindenow 11,Lucknow50def Paynesville 13 17 AND UNDER: Boisdale-Briagolong 38 def Stratford 20, Lakes Entrance 41 defOrbost Snowy Rovers31, Wy Yung 10 def Lindenow 0, Lucknow 70 def Paynesville 8. 15 AND UNDER: Stratford 36 defBoisdaleBriagolong 20, OSR 41 def Lakes Entrance 20, Lindenow 53 def Wy Yung 39, Lucknow 45 def Paynesville 29.

SaleCityface Gormandaleinthe final round, while Yarram will give themselves achance against YYN away this weekend.

Churchill subdued the Jets after an early backand-forth first half to come out on top 50-24.

TheCougars’Stacey Yatescelebratedher 250th AGrade game and her 350th club game to add further spice to the win.

Churchill sit second on the ladder ahead of Heyfieldand Woodside by agame, preparing to face Cowwarr in the final round.

TTU defeated Gormandale 56-40 bringabout theirninth win of the season to secure afinals berth.

Glengarry got by Cowwarr 60-53 to split their season at awin-loss record of 7-7plus one draw ahead of their final matchup against Woodside to conclude the season.

The Wildcats defeated Rosedale60-47 giving them aguaranteedtop four finish in 2024.

VNL Under 23 premiership player for Hawks Netball,OliviaBarnettlined up for the Blues, helping them get closer than they might've without her services.

The Blues missed their opportunitytoplayfinals and conclude the season at 8-8 with abye in the final round.

Heyfield had the bye.

BOISDALE-Briagolong are on the up, while Stratford drop to fifth overall.

In Round 16 of East Gippsland Netball the Bombers came out firing in enemy territory against the reigning premier. They led by 11 points at the first change. Stratford fought back and led marginally at half time with thanks to Ava Buckland for her defensive prowess and Sarah Bishop’s ability to protect the ball down the court and feed it into the goal third.

Ash McDonough and Linley Bertacchini were aggressive ball winners in the midcourt, creating turnovers that Rachael Weatherley capitalised on. Teamingupwith Weatherley under the postwas playing coach Sarah Gardiner. The goal attack didn’t missandsunkgoalsfromastepinsidethesemi-circle.

Stratford’sParis Toner matched Gardiner’s impressive shots from range. But the Bombers were the first to 50 points early in the fourth quarter. There wasplenty of feeling as spectatorshave come to expect in the Battle of the Avon. Britt Coridas had atough match-up on Swans sharpshooter, Skyla White. Both exerted energy in highly physical contests that made spectating athrilling. Saturday wasthe third time the teams have met this season. Boisdale-Briagolong have the better record after the 55-34 win, bringing their total to two wins and one loss against the Swans. Boisdale-Briagolong moved into third positionafter worrying signs only five rounds ago.

The loss for Stratford could be season-ending, who are trailing Boisdale-Briagolong and Orbost Snowy Rovers by awin. There is only Round 17 to come and all three match ups have winning potential,

but Stratford will be the ones waiting with bated breath at it's conclusion.

Lucknowwill finishmiles ahead.The Magpies are 12 points clear of second-placed Wy Yung and an 83-point demolitionofPaynesville over the weekendonly cementedtheir finalsfavour. Wy Yung is holding strong below Lucknow. The travelling Tigers had an easy win on Saturday against Lindenow, 59-37. In Lakes Entrance, Orbost Snowy Rovers were too strong for their hosts, defeating Lakes Entrance 64-48. The win brings the Blues up to fourth place, equal on points with Boisdale-Briagolong (44). THE Gippsland Leaguehad its final league-wide bye of the 2024 season. Just two rounds remain in the home-and-away season.

Last Gippsland League-wide byefor 2024

Liam Durkin

GIPPSLAND Leaguehad aleague-wide bye at the weekend.

This is the final bye for the season before finals start on Saturday, August 31.

Home-and-away season actionresumes on Saturday, August 17, when the league moves into Round 17.

There are two rounds to go until finals.

SALE faces two must-win games in order to have any chance of playing finals in senior football.

The Magpies are equal-fifth on the ladder with Wonthaggi on 36 points.

Sale faces fourth-placedMorwell in Round 17, which will all but determine their finals fate.

The Magpies have not missed finals since 2017.

MAFFRA won't be taking part in finals, and could claim their first wooden spoon since 1987.

The Eagles are anchoredtothe bottom on just two wins -eight points off ninth-placed Warragul.

Maffra has the chance to finish its season on a positive when it plays the Gulls in the last game.

The Eagles would need to beatfinals-bound Traralgon nextround to be any chanceofavoiding alast-place finish

THERE is more to be excitedabout in the reserves, with Maffra and Sale both finals-bound.

The Eagles have once again put together astrong campaign in the lunchtime league,with 13 wins andjust two losses to date

Maffra might yet miss the doublechancehowever,

after being disqualified in the Round 13 match against Bairnsdale (currently third) for playing ex-champion Gary Jones ineligibly.

Should Maffra finish fourth, it will set up an Elimination Final against Sale.

The Magpieshave played in thelast tworeserves Grand Finals, coming from outside the top three on both occasions.

Despite only winning seven games to date, Sale has the chance to square the ledger before the regular season is out.

MAFFRA will play finals in Thirds football, in what is ahorrendously lopsided competition.

Fifth-placed Drouin has 10 wins, five more than the next best.

Maffra is also second on the fourths ladder, while Sale is facing two weeks of virtual Elimination Finals.

The Magpiesare two wins off fifth-placed Bairnsdale, and the two will meet in the last round.

IN netball stakes, Sale and Maffra will both be glad to see the end of the season in AGrade

Thetwo local sides have ensured horrific years, occupyingthe bottom-two spots for the whole season.

The newsisnot much better in BGrade,with Sale and Maffra both set to miss finals, although the Eagles should claim the double chance in CGrade andbeagood showing of defending their crown.

Sale is fourth on the 17s netball ladder and Maffra fifth in the 15s.

Bothclubs do however have strong 13s, which could point to abright future.

Maffra is second on the ladder by two games, and Sale fourth with afinalsspot sewn up.

Stratford’s Paris Toner wasimpressive under the post Photos: ErikaAllen

Rachael Weatherleygets to the ball before Swans defender AvaBuckland

Finals frenzy

It’s been aterrific season of badminton according to Sale- aterrific Maffra Badminton Association Co-ordinator,GregFrench. dminton Associa Co-or ,GregFrench. Twoweeks of finals action gets underway this week in the underwaythis Sale-Maffra Badminton Association’s ThursdayNightWinter Pennant. BadmintonAssociation’sThursdayNight W WiinterPennant. MORE -PAGE27

Bombers triumph in Battle of the Avon

Blake Metcalf-Holt

ROUND 16 of the East Gippsland Football-Netball Leagueconcluded at the weekend and despite consisting of zero entertainment with blowouts galore, it brings alot of attention to the final round of the home-and-away season.

Stratford and Orbost are deadlocked for the last spot of finals, meaning each are awaiting for an additional week of preparation to keep their seasons alive.

 THE Bombers went about their way.

Boisdale-Briagolong handed Stratford theirthird loss in four games at the weekend, defeating them comfortably at their home deck, 18.10 (118) to 9.9 (63). Attempting to redeem themselves upon a potentially season-ending defeatlastround against Orbost,Stratford openedthe match with intensity like nothing else and led by the end of the first quarter, but only by apoint

The Swansare one of only two teams to claimvictory over the Bombers in 2024, but the top-seeded Boisdale-Briagolong have been on aroll recently and showed that in the secondterm to jumpout to an 8.5(53) to 5.6 (36) lead by halftime.

Stratford would have loved awin to jump back ahead of the Blues on the ladder,but evenkeeping it closewouldhavedone wonders to keep their season alive.

That didn’tgotoplan, however, and the Bombers added6.2 (38) to the Swans measly 2.1 (13) to push their lead out to 42 points with no signs of slowingdown.

Muchthe same to how the last two quarters played out, the fourth term offered afurther four goals for Boisdale-Briagolong, while Stratford managed just 14 points to conclude.

Kelvin Porter served as the best on ground for the Bombers, followed by Thomas Jolly with five goals, Billy Marshall, Paddy Mack, Brandon Rimington and Matthew Wilkinson.

Stratford had Nathan French, Lachlan Channing, Jack Bacon, Rodney O’Keefe and Floyd Fulton as standouts in defeat.

Boisdale-Briagolong are closetolocking in the minor premiership with agame advantage, ready to attack finals head on and take the club one step further.

 DESPITE the dominant and clear-cut performance featured, that game would be the closet margin at the weekend.

Orbost defeated Lakes Entrance17.14(116) to 2.9 (21)toleapfrog Stratford for fourth position, giving themselves asurprising chance at afinals berth.

Lachlan Fenner booted seven goals followed by threefrom HamishNettleton as top performers for the Blues.

OrbostplayLucknowinthefinalroundoftheseason, awin resultinginfinals, whereas Stratfordwillhave to blow away Paynesville to surpassthe Blues

 WY Yung comfortably took apart Lindenow 14.20 (104) to 0.5 (5).

Although facingthe reigning premiers,Lindenow were coming off their first win for the year against Paynesvilleand arecent patch of great football. The end result couldn’t have been expected but that’s what happens if your heads not in the right place,even with the Tigerskickingquite inaccurately.

Jack Betts kicked six goals for Wy Yung as Norman Betts, Jake Anderson, JoshuaBroome, Jock Overend and Nate Somerville were headlining players for the Tigers.

 LUCKNOW demolished Paynesville to the tune of 166 points, 25.21 (171) to 0.5 (5).

TheMagpies featured five players with multiple goals including John Gooch (seven goals) and Jackson Smith (fivegoals)intheir highest winning margin of the season.

One round remains but there’s still plenty of opportunity for the finals table to be shaken up.