Gippsland Times Tuesday 16 May 2023

WALK THIS WAY

Budget to benefit

ZoeAskew

ASTOUSHhas brewed between Labor and The Nationalsastowhether the 2023/24 Federal Budget will deliver for Gippsland.

TreasurerJim Chalmers officially handed down the Budget last Tuesday, May 9.

LaborSenator forVictoria Raff Ciccone said the families and businesses across Gippsland are set to benefit.

“This is aBudget that delivers on our promises and provides cost of living relief for communities in Gippsland,” Senator Ciccone said.

Among the announcementsare anew EnergyPrice Relief Planthat aimsto provide relief for more than five million households

Around 1.3 million households in Victoria are expected to be eligible for a$500rebate in 2023-24, with $250 from the Commonwealth applied as areduction in electricitybills and the $250 contribution by Victoria as adirect

payment through the 2023 Power Saving Bonus Payment.

“I know that our Energy Price Relief Plan will make areal difference in household budgets -helping families in Gippsland to get ahead,” Senator Ciccone said.

“We are also making ahistoric investment to strengthenMedicare, tripling bulk billing incentives, which will see immediate benefitstomorethan 11 million Australians.”

The government has approved strengthening Australia’s biosecurity safeguards, with an additional billion dollars expected to be providedover four yearstoreinforce the system, including greater regulation, surveillanceand international engagement.

A“biosecurity protection levy” on Australianproducers of agricultural, forestry and fishery products from the middle of next year, which is expected to raise about$150million over three years, will partly offset the cost of the measure.

Commonwealth national parks and marine reserves willreceive a$355million dollar funding boost over four years, while $121 million will be spent over four years setting up the new Environment Protection Australia agency, which aims to strengthen the enforcement of federal environmental laws. Thereis also $51 million in the budget to set up “Environment Information Australia”, which the government intends to become anew authoritative source of high-quality environmental information Low-interest loans will be offered to households looking to improve their energy efficiency, and $300 million will go towards energy efficiency upgrades in social housing. $1.9billion overfiveyears will be spent on measures to improve the lives and economic opportunities available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The federal government will also appoint an interim First Nations AgedCareCommissionerata cost of $1.7 million.

All enterpriseswithanannualrevenue of less than $50 million will be eligible for abonus tax discount to assist them electrify. The measure is expected to help around 3.8 million small and medium-sized businesses at acost of $314 million over the next four years.

Dr Chalmers said that the program was just one example of how the federal government was delivering for Gippsland.

“We madea promise to theAustralian people that after awasted decade, we would work hard every day,” the Treasurer said.

“This Budgetisaboutdelivering a stronger foundation for abetter future.

“Labor is delivering the positive and lasting change that Australians voted for by making child care cheaper, expanding paid parental leave, delivering fee-free TAFE,saving households money on their power bills, making medicines cheaper and getting wages moving again.”

Continued on Page 4

Photo: TomParry

POLICE have charged a38-year-old male followingacrash that killed awoman and seriously injured achild in Flynn on Monday, May 8.

The man of no fixed address has been charged withdangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing serious injury, unlicenced driving and driving an unregistered car.

Emergency Services were called to RosedaleFlynns Creek Road just before 8pm after aFord

Falcon sedan crashed into atree.

Thefemale passenger, a31-year-old woman of no fixed address, died at the scene.

Police charge over crash Heath faces the heat;demoted

Another passenger, an 11-year-old boy, was flown to hospital with serious injuries.

The38-year-old driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries under police guard.

He appeared at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 10.

phone Sue Lawrence on 0455 556 542.

 Maffra Neighbourhood House will be running ashort course, “Digital Essentials for working in adigital world”. Improve digital skills for the workplace, help connect with others and gain confidence using various types of technology.

The course will run every Tuesday for five weeks beginning on Tuesday, June 6at 8.30pm.

This is afundedcourse for eligible learners with alow fee of $50. For more information or to book for this course phone 0422 335 155.

EASTERN Victoria MP

Renee

Heath has been demoted from her role as secretary of the Parliamentary Liberal Party

At apartyroommeetingheldFridaay, May 12, Dr Heath’s colleagues voted 19-11 to remove her a as secretary

ABC News reported that Dr Heath w was sanctioned over hertakingofparty room minutes at previous meetings, having produced three differentversionns of minutes - one of whichwas leaked to media. Dr Heatth denies leaking

The demotion prevents her from takking minutes at future meetings, but she remains allowed to sit in the party room and vote on matters. W When asked to comment, Dr Heathtold the Gippslaand Times she “worked with the leader’s office every step of the way regarding the minutes.”

At the same party room meeting, the Liberal Party voted to expelWestern Metropolitaan MP Moira Deeming from the party room indefinittely; that vote was also won 19-11. Ms Deeming had faaced criticism from her colleagues over reports she was s planning on suing the Liberal Party’s stateleader, Joohn Pesutto

 Indoor Bowls has resumed every Wednesday afternoon at 1pm, names in before 12.30pm.

ASoup and Sandwich lunch will be held on Wednesday May 24, beginning at 11.30am. Names on list in clubhouse or phone Club 514711974 or Joy on 0438 456 875.

 The Gippsland Vehicle Collection in Maffra is hosting the National Motoring Heritage Day this Sunday, May 21, which promotes and displays Australia’s strong motoring heritage.

The Gippsland Vehicle Collection would love to see the whole grounds surrounding the museum filled with everything from vintage, veteran, Hot Rod and modern cars to trucks and motorbikes. Gates open at 10am. Entry is by gold coin donation; proceeds from the BBQ will support the work of local Lion’s clubs. For further information, please

 Local artist Jess Darvill is running aWatercolour workshop at Maffra Neighbourhood House on Wednesday, May 31 from 1pm until 3pm. Cost is $40 per person with all materials supplied.

 The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins on Sunday, May 21, with aservice at St Mary’s Catholic Church in the evening. For further information please contact 0422 941 236.

 The next meeting of the Maffra CWA branch will be held on Monday, May 22 in the Function Centre at the Maffra Recreation Reserve, 6Maffra-Newry Road, beginning at 12pm with BYO lunch. The monthly branch meeting will start at 1pm. Competitions are best bloom or stem and weather photo. All welcome.

Ms Deeming did not attend the meeeting; in March, she was suspended from the party room for nine months followingher attendaance at a controversial “Let Women Speak” rally y

Speaking at apress conference after Friday’s meeting, Mr Pesuttoinsisted thatboth moves were not about excluding peoplebecause e of their viewpoints.

“What’s happened today, and in reccent weeks, has nothing to do with whethher somebody is conservative or progressivee,” Mr Pesutto said.

“It’s all about, are we aunited, discciplined and focused team, and as leadder, my primary focus is on making sure thhat the team Ilead has discipline, focus a and unity in the way we go forward.”

Dr Heath said she wanted to focus on the government and the upcoming budgett: “I believeweshould talk less about politiciaans and more about Victorians.”

Liberal MP Renee Heath.

Photo: File

Calls for Sale school funds

MEMBER for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien saysfunding for the redevelopment of SaleCollege onto anew site must be provided in next week's State Budget.

The Nationals MP said he was pleased to secure $3 million for master planning for Sale College in 2021 and it was time for the state government to put the rest of the money on the table.

“I have been workingwiththe College for at least six years on aplan to consolidate on to one site,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Our public school students deserve the best facilities we can offer them and both the current Sale campuses are in need of significant work. Having students spread across two different sites is not ideal from an educational perspective.

“I was very happy when the Government allocated money for master planning in 2021 and Iunderstand planshave progressedsignificantly.

Iwas pleased to be able to make acommitment on behalfofThe Nationals to building the new school at last year’s election.

“It is evident that the school, the Committee for Wellington and Wellington Shire support a new site in Cobains Road opposite the Gippsland Regional Sports Centre.

“There is agreat opportunity now to get on and deliver anew school, but it is important to secure more funding to prevent this project fromstalling.”

Mr O’Brien said he had receivedcorrespondence fromthe Ministerfor Education two years ago indicating that the Government also supported a new sitefor the consolidatedcampuses, but it had so farfailed to publicly identify alocation or make afinancial commitment to securing it.

“The Nationals committed to provide an initial

$10 millionallocation to purchase land for the greenfield site, as well as early works and stage one of the new school build, and Iamurgingthe AndrewsLabor Government to match and thengo beyond that commitment in the upcoming Budget.”

The state budgetwill be handed down next Tuesday, May 23.

Boost to ABC program to support youth in need

QUANTUM SupportServices’ evidence-based program,Adolescents Building Connections (ABCprogram), will continuetosupport more adolescents in Gippsland,thanks to The Baker Foundation.

Quantum Support Servicesand The Baker Foundation are partnering for the next three years and will expand the ABC programacross Baw Baw, Latrobe City, Wellington and South Gippsland shires to support up to 400 young people each year.

Quantum Chief Executive Natalie McDonald said the support of The Baker Foundation was crucial in creating positive change for young people, their families and the broader community.

“Adolescent family violence is the fastestgrowing type in the home,” she said.

“This funding will allow us to further grow the program, supporting more young people, and expand further within schools.

“The ABC program is designed to assist young people to break the cycle of violence and improve their connection to family, peers and the wider community.

“It combines interactive activities designed to meetthe needsofadolescents,providing an open and safe discussion space to encourage peer connection and wider thinking.

“The ABC program encourages an environment of connection before correction and helps the adolescent to build capacity to maintain strong connected positive relationships in their life.”

The ABC Program was developed by Quantum in 2016 to support adolescents entering the justice system.Ithas sincebeen expanded to include young people using violence within the home and community.

For moreinformation on the support services available throughQuantumSupportServices visit www.quantum.org.au or phone 1800 243 455.

Henderson calls for HECS relief

SENATORSarah Henderson, Shadow Minister for Education,saysthe 2023 Budget will put Education Minister Jason Clare to the test of whether the Australian Governmentwill do anything other than conduct aslewofeducation reviewsand deliver afinancially crippling HECS-HELP(HECS) debt indexation rate of 7.1 per cent.

Theindexationrate, which is tied to CPI and will apply from June 1, 2023, will drive up the average HECS student loan by $1,700. While student loans are interest free,they are subject to indexation.

For astudent with a$90,000 HECS debt on an income of $74,000, the average starting salary for graduates, thismeans an increase in student debt of $6,300 in ayear.

"There has been nothingbut silencefrom Mr Clare following the ATO’s announcement that student loans will be hit with acrippling 7per cent indexation rate, the highest in 30 years, as aresult of Labor’s failure to combat inflation," Senator Henderson said.

"With some 3million Australians carrying a

student loan, what is the Albanese Government doing to combat the cost of living crisis faced by so many students and graduates? Mr Clare needs to do more than puthis head in the sand "Skyrocketing student debt is adirect result of Labor’s failure to combat sky high inflation," she said.

"This comes at atimewhenLabor is proposing anew Startup Year loans scheme for student entrepreneurs whichwill hit them with apotential debtof$23,000 with little or no benefit. ThisdemonstratesLaborcould not care less about the cost of living burden so many higher education students are carrying.

"While Jason Clare is caught up in avortex of reviews, what is Labor doing about declining school standards despite record schools funding, the crisisinthe teaching profession, aschool curriculum which is not delivering for students and skyrocketing student debt? In the May Budget, the Albanese Government must start delivering solutions for parents, teachers and students."

Member forGippsland South, DannyO’Brien at the MacalisterCampus of Sale College.

Photo: Contributed

The ABC program will be expanded across BawBaw,Latrobe City,Wellington and South Gippsland shires to support up to 400 young people each year.

Photo:Contributed

Chester: Budget failed Gippslanders

From Page1

WHILE Senator Ciccone says the region is set to benefit, federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chestersaysthis week'sFederal Budget failed Gippslanders.

"Gippsland and regional Australiaunderpin the wealth of the nation through energy generation, exporting commodities, and growing the food and fibre we need," Mr Chester said.

"In return, we expect the federal government to

return afairshare of revenue to ourcommunity for critical servicesand infrastructure investment

"This week's Federal Budget failed Gippslanders with no new infrastructure projects and areturn to centralised decision making for local projects."

Mr Chester said Gippslanders received avery clear message from the Budget.

"Labor doesn't understandrural and regional Australia;Labor doesn'trespect the contributionwe make to the nation; and Prime Minister Albanese doesn't trust us to make good decisionsfor our own communities," Mr Chester stated.

"I'm ahugebeliever in localism, wherelocal communitieshave asay in the big decisionswhich affect them."

According to Mr Chester, there are at least three specific examples in the Federal Budget where localism has died, and Labor's desire to centralise authority in Canberra has grown even stronger.

"Firstly, the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP) has received no additional funding and has effectively been abolished, robbingGippslandcouncils of an important source of funding," Mr Chester explained.

"Under LRCIP, the previous federal government gave power to local councils to make decisions and build community infrastructure across Gippsland, which they would never be able to afford from their rate base.

"Urban councils willhardly notice the difference because they have other sources of income, but this will be devastating for Gippsland councils which depend heavily on the federal government for funding local projects."

Mr Chestersaidthe decision to ceasefunding for

the Stronger Communities Program was another example of the federal government abandoning localism.

"Underthis highly successful program, every electoratereceived$150,000,whichwas made available for volunteer organisations to seek matching grants for small-scale projects," he said.

"Volunteers who raised money through raffles, sausagesizzles and community events could receive abit of extra help to get aproject completed quicker than was possible if they were forced to raise all the money.

"It was agood example of locals deciding local priorities and leveraging off alittle bit of taxpayers' money to deliver important projects,but Labor always wants to centralise power.

"Theevidenceisclearwith theannouncement thatLaborwill hire 10,000 additional bureaucrats in Canberra, including adecision to move disaster supportofficers into capital cities,rather than leaving them in regional locations."

Mr Chester described the federal government's lack of understanding of how small communities work and trust in them to make good decisions as alarming, leading to abolishing programs that give regions suchasGippsland power to make their own decision.

"Justasconcerning is the fact thatthere's no additional road projects or infrastructure funding for Gippsland in this budget," Mr Chester said.

"Every project involving federal funding that is currently underway in Gippsland was started by the previousfederal government, and the Albanese Government has not started asinglenew project in 12 months.

"It concerns me that we won't have apipeline of newwork when major transport projects are completed, and all the Minister for Infrastructure has announced is areview.

"The announcement of a90-day review into the federal government's infrastructure programis an ominoussignfor Gippslanders withprevious commitments to road projects likely to be at risk," he said.

"I've demandedthatGippsland road safety, transportinfrastructure, localgovernmentsand bushfirerecovery projects are quarantined from the Labor Party's budget cuts, but the Minister is saying if the work hasn'tstarted, it's under review. "So,inessence, we have acommunitythat is at risk of beingpunishedbythe federalLabor Government because the state Labor Government has failed to do its job and spend the funding provided for our local projects."

Contrary to Senator Ciccone, Mr Chester says the budgetleavesmiddle-class Australianspaying morefor their mortgages and energy bills and completely ignoresthe needs of smalland family-owned businesses.

"The federal government has locked in long-term spending commitments on welfare payments, but it hasn't explained how future governments will pay the bill if government revenue drops due to lower commodity prices," Mr Chester said.

"As alocal MP,I willalways workwith community groups and councils to try to secure funding from various competitive grants programs, but it will be challenging to get afair go from agovernment that has so clearly prioritised cities and suburbs over rural and regional communities."

Better environmental protection not enough

THE federal government is setting up the framework for better environmental protection, but it's notenough, according to the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) says significantly more funding is urgently neededtoprotect and restore nature, including our coasts, oceans and marine life, after adecade of neglect.

While AMCS campaigns director Tooni Mahto says funding is welcomed, more is needed.

"We welcome funding commitments to establish anew national environmental protection agency, EnvironmentProtectionAustralia, and anew environmentaldatadivision, EnvironmentInformation Australia, to improve transparency and decision making," Mr Mahto said.

"Establishing anew framework for nature protection is important, but more funding is required to repairthe monumentaldamage that has been done to this continent and our marine environmentand tackle the extinction crisis.

"Experts say we need $2 billionayear to address the environmentaldamageinAustralia, adrop in the ocean compared to what has been committed in this Budget.

"The $1 billionfunding over the next fiveyears for species protection and environmental restoration under the National Heritage Trust is welcome, but it is simply not at the scale needed to reverse the extinctioncrisis, or meet community expectations for nature protection and restoration.

"We hope that this Budget lays the groundwork for much more spending on environmental protection and restorationinfuture years, including

immediate threats to the Great Barrier Reef and our marine environment," he said.

"The Albanese government's continued funding of theclean energy transition will help reduce the impacts of climatechangeand the burningoffossil fuels, but the National Climate Risk Assessment and Adaptation Plan is urgently needed and must apply to assessing risk and funding for nature adaptation around Australian coasts and oceans.

"With aglobal plastic pollution crisis amajor concern for Australians, it'sdisappointingthat there is no new investment for recycling and driving the transition to acircular economy, especially in light of the failure of REDcycle."

Mr Mahto said plasticsdisproportionately impact our ocean and marinelifeand has called on the Australian Government to step up and address the issue.

"Australia has set anational target to recover 70 per cent of plastic packaging by 2025, but plastic recycling rates are unlikely to exceed 46 per cent by 2025 with no new investment," Mr Mahto said.

"We welcome the $355 million funding boost for existing national parks, including marine parks, which are vital for building resilience into the oceans.

"Australia has committed internationally to protect 30 per cent of our landand 30 per cent of our sea, and the Budget investment needsto match that commitment.

"We acknowledge the already announced increased $163 million funding for the Australian Institute of Marine Science, whose work is so important in protecting the Great Barrier Reef."

Teak the dental surgery therapy dog

Zoe Askew

TWELVE-MONTH-OLD Kelpie Teak is training to become Gippsland's first public dental surgery therapy dog.

Amrita Bradley, Windsong Farm Providore hobby farmer, dental hygienist at Sale Hospital, and author of the recently published children's book Who Are You and What Do You Do?,iscurrently completing training with her Kelpie Teak to become the first therapy dog to work in apublic dental surgery in Gippsland.

Teak was the impetusbehind Ms Bradley's book Who Are You and What Do You Do?,which follows baby goat Loki on his journey across Windsong Farm as he meets all the different animals, most of whom Amrita and her husband Andrew have rescued over the years.

"The book was to raise funds for Teak's therapy dog training," Ms Bradley said.

"Teak has now started thattherapydog training; we had to wait until she was mature enough to do it, which means that she had to have turned 12 months by thetimethe five-weektraining had finished."

Teak and Ms Bradley are completing their therapy dog training onlinethroughTherapyDogs Australiaand are expectedtofinish in three weeks.

"Therapy Dogs Australia has very strong ethics around animal welfare and professionalism," Ms Bradley said.

"It doesn'tmean the dog has to be perfect by any means,but the dog has to be under control and using the dog's mistakes can be areally good teaching for apatient.

"For example, we are not talking about the dog being out of control, but if the dog does something they’re not meant to, that can be used as ateaching for aperson like "Okay, so the dog stole some food out of the other dog's bowl, whatdoyou think would happen as aconsequence?", so they use the animalinanimal-assisted activities to run parallels and teach kids possible consequences, desired behaviours, those sorts of things.

"From adentalpoint of view, Ican use Teak more for comforting anxiouskids and to demonstrate tooth brushing and to playwith kids, so if the kids blow up aballoon, breathing out through their belly activating their parasympathetic nervous system, whichwill help them to relax as opposed to being anxious and we can turn that into agame where Teak can play with the balloon around the room type thing."

Many studieshave shownthat petting adog lowers the stress hormone cortisol and can lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

"Stroking adog or just having that warmth of adog on you is really good for calming you down, and we can use those as amethod of dealing with dental anxiety," Ms Bradley said.

A2022study conducted in Switzerland suggests that dogs can even be good for our brains. Researcherssay the results could improve the effectiveness of animal-assistedtherapies for treating manyconditions,includingdepression, dementia and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Clinical studies on human-animal interactions foundthatnot only can dogs serve as asource of comfort and support, but they can also help children with ADHD focus their attention and positively affect children with autism.

While therapy dogs are common in Gippsland, with dogs regularly visiting Wurruk Neighbourhood House,Bairnsdale Hospital and Briagolong Primary School,therapy dogs haveyet to be utilised in the region's public dental health sector.

"Therapy dogs aren't new, but in public dental, it is," Ms Bradley said.

"In private dental, they have got atherapy dog down in Warragul, but as far as public dental goes, this will be afirst, and we are working with the hospital, Central Gippsland Health,toimplement

that with support from Dental Health Servies Victoria and the University of Melbourne."

Teak's therapy dog training is expected to be completedinearly June, after which the brownhaired Kelpie will undergo specific environment training with the goal of working at the CGH dentist clinic by July.

"We do awhole day Monday online, online lectures, assessments for myself and then assessments for Teak," Ms Bradley said.

"We video those assessments, send them in and get real-time feedback on them during aZoom call, then we have the next week to work on the next set of milestones.

"After five weeks, Teak needs to be assessed on temperament and ability,and if she passes, she will be able to work."

Therapy Dogs Australiatrains about 100 dogs peryearwith their mission to assist in creating human-canine therapy teams by equipping people with the skills and confidence required to include their dogs in their daily practice in amannerthat is safe and ethical for their dog and their clients.

Therapy Dogs Australia co-founder, head trainer, psychologist and clinic director SamanthaKing says therapy dogs need to display good manners and great listening skills when their handlers are communicating with them.

"The level of skill and training required for the dog and handler teams differs depending on their workplace setting," Ms King said.

"Dentist dogs need to have acalm and confident dispositionand be workingvery well with their handlers.

"The handlers need to remain committed to theirdog's training to ensure their safetyinthe workplace.

"Therapy Dogs in dental surgeries are still quite uncommon, especially as these are medicalenvironments with sterile equipment being used –the teams need to be very well prepared and havegood policies in place to ensurethe safetyand wellbeing of the dogs and their clients," she said.

"We have trained between 5to8therapy dogs for dental settings."

Therapy dogs have acompletely different type of job from service dogs. Their responsibilities are to provide psychological or physiological therapyto individuals other than their handlers.

Ms King says therapy dogs need to be confident, outgoing,difficult to offend and enjoy meeting new people regularly.

"They should be well-mannered and responsive to their handlers," Ms King said.

"Handlersneed to possess many of the same qualities as well as be quick thinkers and able to respond calmly in unexpected situationssothat they can support boththe dog and theservice participant.

"Amrita and Teak are progressingvery well through their training; they are agreat team who are working well together."

Ms Kinghas worked in animalassisted therapy, incorporating the use of animals within atherapy session to achieveaspecificgoal, for 11 years, founding Therapy Dogs Australia in 2016 alongside her other business, Psychology &Animal Assisted Wellbeing, amultidisciplinary practice where all of the clinicians work with therapy dogs in Redcliffe, Queensland.

"There can be many benefits of involving awellmanneredand confident canine in avariety of human service settings," Ms King said.

"One of the things we hear the most is that the presence of the dog can help people to feel comfortable in accessing the service, meaning that they are able to receive the health care or education they are in need of.

"It should be considered that not all people are comfortable around dogs whichcan be due to allergies, phobias or cultural differences," she said

"It is very important that the presence of atherapy dog also doesn't exclude anyone from accessing a service –which is why it's really important to have policies and procedures in place to accommodate for this."

Ms Kinghas also recently established an equine assisted therapy training business, Wild at Heart Horses.

Carol Batchelor,owner and sole trainer of Unified Canine, established to assist with dog training in Sale and surrounding areas, has offered to support Ms Bradley in Teak's specificenvironment training upon completion of her therapy dog training.

Ms Bradley has alreadybegun introducingTeak to dental practice characteristics at home to ensure the spirited Kelpie has the smoothest transition into the new environment.

"At the moment, it's kindoffun becausewe're just socialising Teak around walkers, children, dental noises, things that go up and down like a dental chair, vacuum cleaners, so suction noises," Ms Bradley said.

"We play dental room noises in the car when we are travelling to and from places, and then we're supplementing common things she will find in a dental cliniclikethe high-speedsuction with a vacuum cleaner, the chairthatgoes up and down we

sit with heronthe backofthe tractor on the carrier.

"So we are already starting to get her used to the dental environment even though she has never actually been in one just yet."

Before Teak can begin working at Central Gippsland Health, consultation, planning, and approvals are required.

Ms Bradley expressed gratitudetothe community for its assistance in Teak's Therapy Dog training.

"It's been along haul to raise enough funds, and we couldn't havemadeittowhere we are now without the supportofthe community," Ms Bradley said.

"Thank youtoeveryonewho supported Teak's Kickstarter campaign, purchased the book from our onlineshop, visited our stall at local community markets and festivals or purchased from ahandful of localretailers in Latrobe Valley,Central Gippsland and East Gippsland.

"All profits have gone directly to funding Teak's training, whichwill come full circlewhenshe starts work assisting anxious dental patients."

Amritaand Teak sharea specialbond- an important element when training and handling a therapy dog

Photos: Zoe Askew

Twelve-month-old Kelpie Teak is trainingto become Gippsland’s first public dentalsurgery therapy dog.

Lower fareswelcomed, moretrains needed

Stefan Bradley

WHILE Victorians are certainly saving money on the new reducedV/Line fares, regional spokesperson for the PublicTransport Users Association (PTUA),Paul Westcott,saysthe most pressing need is the availability of train services.

Daily fares arenow capped at the currentmetropolitan fare of $9.20 or $4.60 concession, while on weekends or public holidays, fares are capped at $6.70 for afull fare or $3.35 for aconcession per day

In amedia release,the stategovernment said that passengers had saved more than $4 million since the cheaper fares were introduced on March 31, with the average V/Line passengers paying 50 per cent less for their trip.

"More than 1.5 millionpeople took atrip on public transport across regional Victoria in the first month of the new fairer fares," the statement read.

"The first week alone saw more than 420,000 passengers travel, making it the busiest week on the network since before the COVID-19 pandemic."

Mr Westcott described these numbers as vague.

"For the first week 400,000 passengers on V/line, that doesn't directly say how much it would have been otherwise.

“We wereexpectinganuptake. It doesn't say it'sa big increasefor thosewho wouldn'thave travelled otherwise,"hesaid.

"Anecdotally people are travelling by train. Some

services are crowded, some aren't, but it was like that before.

"V/Line said therewas a20per cent increase, again, that's avague sort of figure. It's hard to know what they know?

"Is it cheaper fares or would they have been travelling already? You have to assume there's more travelling than before, but you can't quantify it, really.

"It's asuccess that it's saving passengers alot of money. That is clearly welcome. Some people are saving aheck of alot, some people saving alittle less. There's alot of different journeys."

The governmentsays"V/Line patronagedata" shows more passengers are taking advantageof cheaper fares to travel to and from major events

like the GrandPrix, AFL matchesand Groovin' the Moo, as well as tourism destinations across Victoria, with an uplift in patronage on the weekend and special services.

Mr Westcott said the most important aspectofV/ Line is not the cost but the availability of services, especially in the wake of frequent train cancellations on the Gippsland Line.

"It's what we call 'bustitutions', where you have to take abus instead of atrain. It's rail services replacedbybuses,eitherscheduled or unscheduled ones," he said.

"They haven't added any extraservices, but they say they will in 2024."

"There are crowded services when there's only three-carriage VLocity trains (instead of six). That's

Angel Flight offersassistance

REX Airlines has reduced multiple travel routes in regional areas of Australia, due to shortages of pilots, engineers, and parts. The reduced routes will impactmanypeople, includingthose requiring medical treatment. Angel Flight is looking to fill this gap by offering to help those in need.

Angel Flight is acharitythat coordinates free non-emergency flights to assist people in rural areas, in accessingmedical treatment, notavailable to them due to vast distance and high travel costs.

Angel Flight hasbeen around for 20 years, and coordinatedover54,000 flights, includingroutes

thathave recentlybeen impacted. These are travel routes thatAngel Flight services and will continue to service.

The route cuts also impact doctors and various health professionals who travel to rural areas to deliver medical services. Angel Flight have recently begun flyingdoctorsinto rural areasaswell.Most recently viaVision Jet which significantly reduces travel times so health professionals can spend more time on the ground with patients.

“This service can help doctorsreach their patients fasterand provide care quicker,which is often essential when working in underserved areas,” Dr Ash Collins of Ochre said.

Angel Flight CEO, Marjorie Pagani said it was unfortunate that so many country air routes are being forced to close down,particularlywhen the rural and remote patients and their families have such limited facilities for both specialist and generalist treatment in their home regions.

"Angel Flight has been helping these people, withoutgovernment support, for more than 20 years, and will continue to do so," Ms Pagani said.

"Now we have expanded our servicetotransport health professionals, with the great help of Ochre Medical Group, and health students for placements, as well as stepping in to assist in natural disasters

(one of) the biggest complaints.

"It's the equipment, the signalling and the tracks that's causing the (Gippsland Line) cancellations. And sharing the tracks withmetro tracks into the city."

Almost 200 extra weekend services are set to be added to the V/Line timetable in 2024, with afurther order of 23 VLocity trains to meetthe demands of agrowing network.

"We said we'd make regional travel cheaper and that's what we've delivered, saving Victoriansmillionsofdollars and makingiteasierfor families and commuters in regional Victoria to leave the car at home and get around by train and bus," Premier Daniel Andrews said at apress conference last week.

In March, Nationals Member for EasternVictoria Region, Melina Bath, said complaints on the Gippsland V/Line service were aconstantfrustrationfor locals who tell her the ongoingunreliability of the service is adisincentive.

"On days when demands for public transport are highest, it's unfathomable that the Andrews Government continues to bungle our Gippsland train service and relegate locals onto abus," she said.

"We have atrain timetable with the ongoingopen clause -'Coaches replace some evening trains on the Gippsland Line'. Ihave called on the Andrews Government to guarantee areliable train service for Gippsland commuters."

withflights, food and medicines, we are hopeful that we will get support to continue to fill these gaps in healthcare for our country friends in need.” While the recent reduction in routes will have a huge impact on many people and communities in these regions,Angel Flighthopestoalleviate these challenges by coordinating thesefree flights for thoseinneed of non-emergency medical treatment.

V/Line train going through Stratford.

Photo: Stefan Bradley

Dr Ash CollinsofOchre.

Bel-Ami and his motherMazambi areAngel Flight passengers that frequent medical appointments via the nowimpacted Mildura route. Photos: Contributed.

Zoe Askew

AYOUNG motorcyclist is begging all road users to consider the long-termimpact of road-related trauma.

Twenty-six-year-old Poowong man Izaak Brain, lost his leg after being hit by acar allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road on the afternoon of February 16, 2020.

"I don't think anyone can truly realise how every aspect of your life is touched after something like

Roadtrauma in spotlight

this," Mr Brain said.

"You are never justimpacting theperson you hit."

Izaak Brain was riding his motorbike home from afriend's house in Poowong one afternoon; what was supposed to be aquick five-minute trip home soon turned disastrous.

The motorcyclist was travelling along the road he lived on when afour-wheel-drive drivingonthe wrong side of the road struck him, the collision flinging Mr Brain from his vehicle and onto the other side of the road.

Emergencyservices arrived at the scene, and the 26-year-old was administered pain relief and put into an induced coma.

Mr Brain was flown to Royal Melbourne Hospital and underwent emergencysurgery for aspinal fusionand amputation of his leftleg below the knee.

He was in acoma for aweek and spent the next three months in the hospital.

"There'snothingthat can describe goingtosleep withtwo legs and waking up with one of them amputated," Mr Brain said.

It would take another month-and-a-half of rehabilitation to gain the strength needed to receive a prosthetic.

"I spent time walking holding rails and learning to balance again,then using two walkingsticks and eventually one," Mr Brain said.

"I just wanted asense of normality again."

WhenMrBrainwas physicallyabletoreceive aprosthetic limb, he described asense of relief.

"It was just asense of relief that Icould learn to walk again," Mr Brain said.

Have yoursay on road behaviour

VICTORIANS are having their say on road users’ behaviour as part of aparliamentary inquiry looking into road safety.

The Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committeeisinvestigatingthe impact of road safety behaviours on vulnerable road users with aspecific focus on the impact of theCOVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic changed how Victorians use the road,” Committee chair Alison Marchant said.

“More peopleare driving, walking or cycling rather thanusing public transport,and more people are working from home, shifting traffic patterns.

“In addition,the Committee’s preliminary research suggests thatroadusersare not using the roads as safely as they could be.”

The Committee is encouragedbythe number of submissions received so far and urges more Victorians to sharetheir observations on road users’ behaviour during and after the pandemic.

"I couldn't get over how lucky Iwas to begin to gain my independence back."

On top of learning how to walk again, Mr Brain had to retake his driver's test to drive with a prosthetic.

"It's frustrating, but Ididn't have achoice," Mr Brain said.

"I didn't want to sit at home feeling sorry for myself."

Despite his traumatic life-altering incident caused by another person's disregard for traffic laws, Mr Brain considers himself fortunate to have the support of his family, friends, and girlfriend.

“I don’t think anyone can truly realise how every aspect of your life is touched after something like this," Mr Brain said.

"You are never just impacting the person you hit.

“My family, friends and girlfriend were fantastic in supporting me, and Iamsolucky.

"I know my loved ones were terrified when Iwas laying in hospital and were with me every step of the way in recovery, duringthattime their worlds were also turned upside down.

“Seeing me like that was incredibly difficult for them it’s also atraumathey have to deal with.”

Mr Brain has since returned to part-time work as adiesel mechanic at Brandt Australiain Leongatha.

"This has been the most shocking and traumatic experience of my life, butnot everyone is lucky enough to have the same mindset Ido," Mr Brain said.

"Not everyone can recover from alife-changing event, and it doesn't only affect me, but it affects my family and friends."

“We are especially interested in the impact of road safety behaviouronvulnerable road users, suchaspedestrians, cyclistsand motorcycle riders, based on last year’s road trauma statistics,” Ms Marchant said.

In 2022, 52 per cent more pedestrians and 30 per cent more motorcycle riders lost their lives on the road than in 2021.

Fifty-six per cent of lives lost in Victoria in 2022 were on rural roads, even though less than 25 per cent of Victorians live outside of Melbourne.

“We are interested to hear fromroad safety experts if thesestatisticsindicateatrend, or if 2022 was an exception,” Ms Marchant said.

Slater and Gordon Senior Associate, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Jessica Lyons, said Mr Brain's situation demonstrates the devastating effect our choices can have on other people's lives.

"I have been blown away by Izaak's determination to keep going and his positive mindset," Ms Lyons said.

"Everyone needs to be aware that when we get behind the wheel, everychoicewemakecould change someone else's life."

On Tuesday, April 18, two motorcyclists died on Victorian roads, bringing this year's total number of motorcyclist deaths to 16.

Followinga significant increase in motorcycle trauma and ahorror year for motorcyclist fatalities in 2022, 57 deaths, Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing Glenn Weir urges road users to be cautious.

"We ask all road users to take care, to look and to really pay attention to all aspects of the road and all thosepeopleusing it," Assistant Commissioner Weir said.

"We knowthat the faster you go, the lessreaction time that all road users have.

"Sometimes the difference between lifeand death can be asplit second, so Iask people to consider thatand to really drive within safeparameters to allow everyone to get to where they are going.

"We've had daylight savings finish; it is darker earlier in the afternoon and in the evening, and we know that speed at night is asignificant causeof trauma, so Iask people to consider that."

Seventeen motorcyclists have been killed on Victorian roads to date.

“We also want to know experts’ views on how the pandemic shaped road users’ behaviour, and how this information can be used to improve road safety.”

Submissions to the inquiry are open until May 19 2023. For more information on the inquiry, including how to make asubmission, go to the Committee's website: https://new.parliament. vic.gov.au/get-involved/committees/legislativeassembly-economy-and-infrastructure-committee/ The Committee plans to hold public hearings later this year and will report to Parliament in March 2024.

Izaak Brain hadhis leg amputated following a motorcycle crash in 2020.

Photo: Contributed

Bake for Babies almost here

Zoe Askew

THE Newborn Intensive Care Foundation (NICF) Bake for Babies fundraiser is almost here, officially commencing on June 1.

NICF founder and chairman Peter Cursley says the clinical staff at Sale Hospital's Women's and Children's Unit have given him anew challenge that will be the focus of this year's Bakefor Babies fundraiser.

"For this year's Bake for Babies fundraiser, the Women's and Children's Unit Sale Hospital's clinical staffhave requested special chairsthat can be converted to beds," Mr Cursley said.

"TheNewborn IntensiveCareFoundation's goal is to raise the funds for 10 new chairs at the cost of $4,950 each.

"Thesesofabedswillbeputineachroomtoprovidea placeforpartnersorasupportpersontostayovernight

This willensurethat the women giving birth at Sale Hospital willfeel more supported and ascomfortable as possible.

"Becoming anew parent can be aperiod of big change. Spending as muchtimetogetherin hospital as afamily is apositive way to start this new phase. Thesenew beds will replace the old ones that are in much need of an upgrade."

In 1995, the Newborn Intensive Care Foundation was launched and has sinceraised millions of dollars to help critically ill newborn babies lead healthy, normal lives.

Since commencing operationsinSaleinJuly 2019, Mr Cursley has been able to facilitate more than$220,000 worthofmedicalequipment forSale Hospital's Special Care Nursery through NICF. Bake For Babies, which officially begins on June 1 and concludesonAugust 31, has twicebeen hosted in Gippsland since launching in Canberra in 2017.

Mr Cursley said it is asimple concept.

"People can bake whatever they like –acake, scones, brownies, cheesecakes,cupcakes,cookies, muffins, biscuits,aslice or maybe charge friends for aseatata table of abakeddinner," he said.

"We want people to have fun baking, maybe involvingtheirkids, and thensell their baked creations at aprice they think appropriate and donate the profits to the NICF.

"If you are like me and your scones turn outmore like ANZAC biscuits, maybe people will sponsor you not to bake!"

Once you have baked your treat of choice, scones, cakes, pizzas, muffins, biscuits, aslice,sell them to your friends, family or colleagues,collectthe

proceedsand deposit them into the NICF Bake for Babies account at Beyond Bank in Cunninghame Street, Sale. The NICF will do the rest

One hundredper cent of the money raised through Bake for Babies is dedicated to sending sickbabies home fromthe hospital quicker and healthier throughfunding high-tech medical equipment.

Last year, the NICF's Bake for Babies fundraiser, which received agenerous donation from local baker Tamara Hall, contributed to purchasing a Resuscitaire for the Sale Hospital'sspecial care nursery.

Tamara Hall baked more than 300 cupcakes in the 2022 Bakefor Babiesfundraiser,raising $1100 for the NICF; the local baker now has her sights set on the upcoming 2023 Bake for Babies.

"NICF is agreat foundation that spends money locally,which helps our community," Tamarasaid.

"I hope to raise more than last year's $1100.

"We will be attending marketsaround Gippsland and also selling online via our website(https:// eight9fivedesserts.com.au/)."

The Women's and Children's Unit provides antenatal, intrapartumand postnatal care for women and their families from across the Wellington Shire and surrounds, East Gippsland and further afield, providing high-quality family and woman-centred care, meeting the needs of a diverse range of families.

NICF has provided equipment such as lactation aids, various size cot nests, knitted and cotton newborn clothes,aphototherapy blanket,fourspecial recliner chairs, aRescusitaire for the Birthing Unit to help resuscitate babies born who can't breathe, and an Isolette humidicribthat providesa cocoon-like environment for arecoveringnewborn.

"We are about to fundabreast pump, special baby scalesand abreastmilkwarmer and afoetal monitoring system," Mr Cursley said.

"We could not have done this without the help of BeyondBank,the John Leslie Foundation, and thegeneral community.

"We are 100 per centvoluntary and have no overheads. This means 100 per cent of donations go towards the Foundation's goal, making Sale's Special Care Nursery the bestregionalSpecial Care Nursery in Victoria.

"Ourpolicyis'moneyraisedintheregionstaysinthe region'.”

Information about NICF and Bake for Babies can be found at www.newborn.org.au

Peter Cursleywith atrayoffreshly baked scones during the NICF’s Bake forBabies fundraiser.

MSCH’s free and fun community event

MARLEY Street Community Hub (MSCH) is hosting afree community event on Thursday 18 May, between 10am-2pm. Everyone is welcome to come and join in thefollowing sessions.

Have acuppaand achat. Morning tea starts at 10am, where youcan decorate your own homemade biscuits with sweet treats and also take alovely gift box home too.

AScam Awareness Sessionstartsat 11am, presented by NBN and Job Victoria Advocates. Given how prevalent scams are, this informative session will help you to identifyand deal with some of the scams going around at the moment. This is not to be missed!

Join the Hub for ahomemade pizza lunch at noon, made by their own MSCH cooking group. Then at 1pm,there willbea Bunnings workshop, where you will be guided in constructing your own Mini Succulent Gardens to take home.

This is agreat chance to get out, meet new people, learn some new skills and be creative. Phone 51443536 or 0475210 919 formore information.

Photo: File

Dargo home invasion leavesjudge ‘appalled’

Wellington Police Community Connections at Gippsland Centre

THREE men and awoman have been ordered to undertake community service followingwhat has been described as an “appalling” incident in Dargo.

Husband-and-wife Steven and Helen Hall, along with their associates Wayne Traill and Sebastian Badey, faced avirtualhearing at Melbourne’s County Court on Thursday, April 20, each charged with two counts of common law assault and one count of aggravated burglary.

The offences werecommitted overthe Easter weekend in 2019.

Mr and Mrs Hall were both ordered to perform 300 hours of unpaid community work over a three-year period, while Mr Traill and Mr Badey were both ordered to perform 200 hours of unpaid community work over aperiod of 30 months.

Additionally, all four were ordered to pay compensation of $2,236.80 to their victim, Jake Peters.

Mr and Mrs Hall were co-owners of the Dargo Hotel at the time of their offending, while Mr Badey was employed as achef.

The court heard that on the eveningofSaturday, April20, 2019, Mr Peters visited friends at the Dargo Hotel despitehaving previouslybeen banned from the venue.

Shortlyafter hisarrival, Mrs Hall noticed Mr Peters and requested he leave the venue,with security ejecting him from the premises.

Mrs Hall later returned home, during which time Mr Peters drove into aneighbouringpaddock, circling his car in an attempt to agitate Ms Hall. While attemptingtoconfrontMrPeters and request him to stop, Mrs Hall fell into the engine bay of adisused vehicle on the propertyand called for help.

Mr Peters then filmedMrs Hall with his mobile phone, driving away upon the arrival of Mr Hall, Mr Traill and Mr Badey.

After assisting Mrs Hall out of the vehicle, the groupthen entered the nearby premises of Mr Peters with the intention of confronting him.

The confrontation became physical when Mr Peters’ father, Richard was awoken by the commotion and requested the group to leave.

It is estimated that the offending lastedten minutes, with property damaged and both Richard and Jake Peters sufferingcuts, bruisesand general pain as aresult of being physically assaulted.

In his victim impact statement, Jake Peters saidthathehad been affected “psychologically and physically” by the offending, needed to take eight weeks off work to recover, and consequently suffered from anxiety and depression.

Richard Peters said that he thought he was “going to die”, fearful of further attacks, and suffered from prolonged shoulder and neck pain as aresult of the offending.

In her sentencing remarks, Judge Angela Ellis

noted thataggravated burglary is “by its very nature aserious offence.”

“Ordinarily, this type of offending would receive asignificant term of imprisonment,” Judge Ellis said.

“Regardless of Jake Peters’behaviour in the paddock, and no matterhow provocativelyyou may all have viewed that conduct, he was entitled to be able to retreat to his home safe from any violence; likewise his father,who was in bed at the time when you came into their home.

“Richard Peters had the sanctity of his home violated, and found himself caught up in an inexplicable display of aggression whereby he, along with his son, were assaulted by agroup of people from the community, some of whom were armed withitems that were ultimately used in the scuffle that ensued.

“However, Iaccept thatthe offending in this case was unplanned -itwas spontaneous.”

Judge Ellis added that their conduct on the evening was “most appalling”.

“Youall have the wisdom and experienceof people in their late 40s or 50s, and the reality is you should all know better than to get yourselves caught up in afit of anger or adesire for confrontation, no matter how well-justified you consider it to be at the time,” she said.

“You should all be ashamed of your behaviour on the night, and more so given that you, until that point, had been pillars of your community.”

In hersentencing, Judge Ellis took into account the four offenders’ good character, plea of guilty and excellent prospects for rehabilitation.

Sheindicated that without their early guilty pleas, the offenders would likely have faced at least 14 months’ imprisonment.

The Judge hoped that the sentenceswould ensure the community understands that “entering the home of anotherwith the intention of confronting an individual, or committing an offence involving an assault will not be tolerated.”

Mr Hall, Mrs Hall and Mr Traill previously fronted the SaleMagistrates’ Courtregarding the matter on May 31, 2022, where all three pleaded Not Guilty to the charges against them. Thegroup was subsequently committed to trial and their case referredtothe County Courtin Melbourne.

The trio changed their plea to guilty at ahearing on February 10 this year.

In October 2022, the Halls announced on Facebook that they would be “hanging up the boots” and placing the hotel and its associated Motor Inn on the market.

Acrowdfunding-backed consortium known as The Dargo Hotel Owners Group is currently seeking to purchase the venue.

LEADINGsenior constable Sarah Reggardo was on-site at Gippsland CentreSalepromoting the Safe Plate (SafePL8)initiative during the Country Market Day on Saturday, May 6.

The Safe Plate initiative is specially designed one-way screws that are put onto your number plates to replace generic screws -the screws are harder to remove due to their unique design.

LSC Reggardo said the theft of number platesfromvehicles within the community is increasing.

"Victoria Police and NeighbourhoodWatch are aiming to deter thieves from stealing your number plates," she said.

"VictoriaPolice willtargetand detect offenders, but it is up to you to make your number plates harder to steal. Offenders use stolen plates to avoid identification when committing serious offences such as traffic offending, petrol thefts, drug trafficking and burglary.

LSC Reggardo advises we can all help prevent

seriousoffences and keep ournumberplates secure by following afew simple steps:

-Securing number plates with one-way, antitheft screws –they are free and can be fitted with astandard flat-bladed screwdriver

-Park in asecureplace–off the street in a garage or carport where possible

-Staying alertand report the theft of oneor both number plates to police as soon as possible

LSC Reggardo handed out over 60 sets of antitheft SafePL8 screws last Saturday, as well as engaged with over 150 community members with various questions.

Last week Gippsland Centrealsohosted a 'Coffee with aCop' event, an opportunity for community members to have an informal coffee with local police members.

The Centreprovided freecoffee and encouraged community memberstomakethe mostofthe opportunity to engage with local police.

Sentenceshavebeen handeddownfollowing an incident in Dargo four years ago.

Photo:File

Buzz for World Bee Day

Gippsland Jerseymilk to power coffee competitor

GABREL Tan, Head Barista for Veneziano Richmond,looks forward to competing in the ASCA Australian Coffee Championships this week, where he will usenon-other than Gippsland Jersey milk.

If Gab wins, he'll represent Australia in the World Barista Championships.

For months Gab hasbeen fine-tuning his competition routine with Steveand Sallie Ronalds from Gippsland Jersey, getting an intimate run-throughofhis complex and incredibly rehearsed 15-minute routine on Friday, May 5.

Gab has done his research down to the smallest detail -including the milk he has selected.

FARMERS’ markets across the country prepare for abuzzy week as farmers, food producers, and shoppers don their favourite yellow garb to celebrate World Bee Day on May 20, 2023.

This year’s World Bee Day theme is ‘Bee engaged in pollinator-friendly agriculture’. There’s no better way for people to celebrate than to join the Bring YourBuzz campaignbywearing yellow to their local farmers’ market to highlightthe vital role pollinators play in our food production systems. The Bring Your Buzz campaign is ajoint venture between Australian Farmers’ MarketsAssociation and the Wheen Bee Foundation. Australian Farmers’Markets Association chairperson Jane Adams says markets acrossthe country are excited to support World Bee Day 2023 with its globaltheme highlightingpollinator-friendly agriculture, with festivities running at farmers’ markets across the countryfrom Saturday, May 13 to Sunday, May 21.

“Encouraging stallholdersand visitors to wear their yellowhats, beanies, scarves and hoodies is asimple, fun way our vibrant farmers’ market networkcan support healthy food systems and healthy communities,” Ms Adams said.

“We hope to see yellow bagsand baskets, dog collars and stall signs all helping to create abuzz and raise awareness.”

Ms Adams says farmers’ markets are the perfect placefor non-farmers to embrace this year’s World

BeeDay themethatencourages people to become engaged in pollinator-friendly agriculture.

“Farmers’ marketssupport sustainablefood production by supplying local, seasonal produce,” she said.

“Shoppingatyour local farmers’ market is agreat way to support farmers who in turn support bees.”

WheenBee Foundation CEO Fiona Chambers said this year’sWorld Bee Day theme was atimely reminder for peopletoactively seek out farmers and agriculturebusinesses that place apriority on supporting pollinators and the vital service they provide in putting food on our tables.

“Engaging in pollinator-friendlyagriculture means managing the land in away that helps pollinators thrive,” Ms Chambers said.

“Farmers can plant pollinator-friendly plants to increase places for bees to forage, live andbreed and avoid pesticides that cause harm to bees.”

“And thereare lots of ways for people in urban areastoget involved as well,” Ms Chambers said.

“Anyone can plant abee-friendly garden or veranda potsorbuy produce fromfarmers who are dedicated to supporting pollinators.”

For more information on World Bee Day, visit worldbeeday.org.au

To find your nearest Australian Farmers’ Markets Association market, visit farmersmarkets.org.au

Working at afarm level with Luke Wallace andalongside their factory team, Gippsland Jersey has produced custommilkwith the perfectamount of fat and proteintosuitGab's milkycoffee.

The ASCA Australian Coffee Championships involves presenting three sets of drinks in front of ajudging panel; four sensory judges and a head judge.

The sets include:

 Espresso

 Milk-based

 Signature coffee beverage

Together with coach Pete Licata (World BaristaChampion2013),Gab has perfected aroast profile that will bring out interesting tropical and chocolate flavour notes that evolve based on the type of drink presented.

Industrial hemp fibretobelooked at as afuture Gippsland industry

FOOD&FibreGippsland (F&FG) and the Latrobe Valley Authority areinvestigatingindustrial hemp fibre as apotential future industry for Gippsland using the Gippsland Smart Specialisation Strategy (GS3).

Globally, industrial hemp is acommodity experiencing accelerated growth. New hemp products are rapidly appearing on themarket, newuses for the material continue to be found, and demand is increasing while the environmental benefits of hemp products are

beginning to resonate loudly with those tasked with finding asustainable future.

Investigating whether industrial hemp fibre is apotential future industry for Gippsland brings togetherstakeholders from foursectors, industry, community, academia, and government.

These four groups willsoon partakeinan Entrepreneurial Discovery Workshop (EDP), which aims to tease out the competitive advantage Gippsland can apply to hemp and identify opportunities, barriers, and gaps in knowledge.

The inauguralhemp EDP,facilitated by Professor Bruce Wilson, Director of the EU Centre ExcellenceSocial Global Studies Centre at RMIT University,willbehostedtoday (May 16), with online and in-person attendance options.

ProfessorWilson will discusspotential opportunisand provide keydatatowards the viability assessment and potential development of an integrated industrial hemp fibre supply chain in Gippsland region.

Registerorlearn more aboutthe inaugural hemp EDP by emailing Food and Fibre Regional Strength nior Program Officer Elena Nauta at elena. nauta@lva.vic.gov.au.

Gabrel Tanand Steve Ronalds.

Photo: Contributed

Honeybee hard at work.

Photo: Donna Sanders

PROUDLYBROUGHT TO YOUBYTHESE PARTICIPATINGLOCAL BUSINESSES

Crossword Puzzle No.8534

with Muzza

ONE POINTERS

1. Who wrote and sung the 1980s hit ‘Boys of Summer’?

2. What do you call ashape with six sides?

3. What animal is on the Twitter logo?

4. In which TV family was Lurch the butler?

TWO POINTERS

5. What does SPF in sunscreen stand for?

6. What language is most commonly spoken in China?

7. True or false. Lego was founded in 1932?

8. After a21year drought, what senior Gippsland Football League team beat Sale in Sale recently?

THREE POINTERS

9. In netball, how many players on ateam areallowed to score?

10. What is the capital of Scotland?

11. Michelle Payne is aprofessional in which sport?

12. What other name was ‘The Whitechapel Murderer’ also known as?

FOUR POINTERS

13. What is used to create electricity in an Eolic power station?

14. What country’sflagfeatures an eagle eating asnake?

FIVE POINTER

15. I’ll give you five movie synopsis and you guess the movie.

1. Agirl and her dog arewhisked away to amagical land when a tornado rips through their farm.

2. ANew York City policeman visiting his estranged wife on Christmas Eve gets involved when agroup of terrorists take over the exclusive high-rise whereshe works.

3. Ayoung rapper in Detroit struggling with every aspect of his life wants to make it big.

4. Five high school students meet in aSaturdaydetention and discover how they have agreat deal more in common than they thought.

5. Military lawyer Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee defends Marines accused of murder.They contend they wereacting under orders.

HOW DID YOU FARE?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 23-29: Well done; 15-22: Solid effort; 9-14: Room for improvement;

0-8: Hit the books.

Target Time No.0158

Howtoplay.

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or morecan you list? The centrelettermustbe included and each letter may be used only once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or

Sudoku No.0158

Howtoplay...

B D R K A E O N

Fill the grid so thateveryrow and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1to9 Solution page 41

Lifeskills taught through school partnerships

TOMPARRY

NATIONAL Walk Safely to School Day occurs this Friday,and motoristsare being urged to keep alert.

Schools across thenation andGippsland will be participating in the initiative,

including StratfordPrimarySchool.

According to principalKateSteele, approximately one-quarter of the school’s 83 pupilsregularly walktoand from school, anumbershe is keen to seeincrease on the day

“Most of our children, the younger ones willget dropped offbymum anddad;and because these days most parents work, they’redroppingthem offonthe wayto work, or they’re in beforeand after school care,” Mrs Steele said.

“Stratfordis such alovely community and asafecommunity… if we canbeencouraging moreofour children, whocan, walk to school or ride their bike to school, we’d love to see that happen.”

While Stratford Primaryiswithin walking distance for alarge number of students, Mrs Steele acknowledged that thereare somebarriers which prevent them from walking to schoolsafely

“Forour kids here (inStratford), we’ve got the highway going through the middle of town -that can be achallenge there,” Mrs Steele said.

“We’ve also gotthe railway line,that (pupils)have to learnhow to safely cross.

“It can also be distance… forsomeofthe children who areliving in the outer areas of Stratford, on the lifestyle blocks -that distance can be achallenge for them to walk to schoolaswell.”

But the biggest barrier is the duty-of-care to students when walking to or from school: “if mum and dad areworking, it’snot always the safestoption.”

To overcome thesebarriers, Mrs Steele is setting-up asafe meeting point to encourage students to walk to school, and accompany them to theschool grounds.

Her goal is to have half of theschool’s students accompany her on the day This year marks the24th anniversaryof

National Walk Safely to School Day,which is typically held on the thirdFriday of May annually.

Championed by the PedestrianCouncil Australia andsupported by VictoriaPolice, the initiative aimstoraise awarenessof the health,road safety, transportand environmental benefits that regular walking, or alternative active transport-especially to and from school -can offer in assisting the long-termwellbeing of children and adults.

And the advantages go further thanthat.

“Apartfromthe environmental and physical health benefits, walking to school for any of us helps us to mentally preparefor the day -releasing those good endorphins to clearour minds!” Mrs Steelesaid.

In the lead-uptoFriday,she is urging drivers to pay attention and be awareof children, particularly around her school.

“Be aware of thespeed limit -itisa 40 kilometre-an-hour speed zone, regardless of whether we’reatschool or not,” Mrs Steele said.

“Just take notice of any child walkingor ridingtoschool.”

Additionally,thisFriday,May 19 coincides with StratfordPrimarySchool’sCrazy Sock and Crazy Hair Day-allowingthose who areotherwiseunable to walk to school to feel included in the day’sactivities.

Pupils arebeing encouragedtodress in their craziest socks or wear their craziest hairdo in returnfor agoldcoin donation, with allmoney raised goingtowardthe Footprints Foundation

Students, Mrs Steele and “assistant principal” Beethe Dogusing the Wellsford St crossing to StratfordPrimary.

StratfordPrimary Schoolstudents with principal Kate Steele (right). Photos: TomParry

Life skills taught through school partnerships

WHILE schoolis aboutlearning reading, writing and numeracy,itisalso an important time for students to learnabout building relationships, developing confidence andimproving communication skills to supportasuccessful future.

Boisdale ConsolidatedSchool (BCS) values these life-skills and have implemented some excellent programs to supporttheir developmentfromPre-PreptoGrade 6and beyond. Partnering with local kindergartens and Maffra SecondaryCollege, two unique and engaging programsare offered at BCS that give students the opportunity to developleadership skills and build reciprocal relationships across age groups.

Everyyear,BCS deliversasix-week KinderLeadership Program at three local kindergartens. Thisinvolves Grade 6students attending thelocalfacilities to read books andrun activities with the three and four-year-olds. Lessons are planned and delivered to tie-inwith the kinderliteracy program, to nurtureyounger

students’ literacy comprehension andfine motor skills. Lessons mightincludegames or craft activities, such as making ahat like MrsHoneyfromMrs Honey’s Hat, or planting awatermelon seed to seewhat happens, likeinThe Watermelon Seed.

“This is agreat experience for Grade 6 students,” said program co-ordinator and BCS prep teacher, MelSmyth. “It really puts their leadershipskills into practice. With alittle bit of guidance, they plan and organise eachlesson. They have to work in teams and communicate with children and adults outside their familiar environments, like schooland the playground. They learnwhat it means to be arole-model, of puttingtheir bestfoot forwardtorepresent the schooland, most importantly,togive thekinderstudents avaluablelearning experience.”

Kinder kids reap the benefits too.The regular program helpsthem familiarise themselves witholderstudents, school behaviour,expectations and even school uniforms. The relationships they develop with the older students gives them confidence to take the enormous leap into primaryschool thefollowing year

NutureOne Duke St Children’sCentre

Derek Xiyu Zhao says the younger students arealways eager to meet theolder students, who bring an atmosphereof excitement and fun withthem.

“All the students arepretty nervous for the first 20 minutes,” he said, “howeverthey soon get comfortable with each other and establish arelationship thatisbeneficial for all. Trustis built quickly between participants andthe Grade 6’sare great role models as theyshow patience, give clear instructions andtake on feedback The kinder kids arealways askingwhen are they coming back.”

Mr Zhaostates that thebeneficial outcomes from the program include the reciprocalrelationships that develop between students and the boost it give everyone’sconfidence. “All students really come out of their shell throughout the program.Lastyear,wevisited BCS in Term

Of TheYear

4and the kinder students wereverykeen to meet the teachersand see familiar faces they’d already met. They also loved taking homethe crafttheymade to show their families.”

At the other end of the scale, BCS have partnered with Maffra SecondaryCollege (MSC) to deliveranintegrated LOTE program, whereby four Year 8or9 MSC students attend BCS everyweek to helpin the Indonesian classroom. Withthe guidanceofteachers, the MSC students run small group activities focusing on learning language and culture. MSC students talk, read, sing and even play games in language, which greatly improves theyounger students’ confidence andenthusiasm when it’stheir turntopractice newvocabulary.

From kinderage to high school,these two unique programs allow forcontinuity between school transitions andbuildthe foundationfor stronger relationships that students will remember in the future.

“From kindergarten to secondaryschool, we want our students to transition smoothly and with confidence”BCS principal Belinda Marshall said.” These programs allow students to develop lasting relationships, develop critical leadershipskillsand givethemexperiences outsidethe normal classroom activities thathelp to normalise good behaviour and confident communication. And theyare loads of fun for everyone involved, which isreallyimportanttoo.”

•Emphasis on student learning, student engagement and student wellbeing

•Two coreteachers in Year 7tosupport transition from primary school

•Extensive wellbeing supports by qualified practitioners and awellbeing dog

•Caring and supportive learning environment

•Broad range of subject offerings and small classes at VCE

•Extensive community partnerships and student pathways

•Active student leadership program and opportunities for student voice and agency

•Flourishing Arts program with access to abroad range of opportunities in music, visual and performing arts

•High expectations for all

Maffra SecondaryCollege’sMontana Robinson helps BoisdaleConsolidated

Ruralschools move,makeand motivate

THIS year’sEducation Week theme, “Active Learners:Move, Make, Motivate”, captures the year so far for students from the Sale Rural Cluster

The seven small schools have combined to attend LifeEducation days at Cobains PrimarySchool with Harold,SurfLifesaving Days withLSV at Seaspray,Safety Day at Loch Sportwith Ambulance Victoria, CFA, SES, Parks Victoria and the Loch SportBoat Club and students have explored HeartMorass withBug Blitz.

Skateboarding, billycartraces andsports days all lie ahead.

Currently,our Grade 5and 6students are getting active at Camp Rumbug.

Studentsare meeting personal challenges anddoing morethanthey thought they ever could. Highlights have included canoeing,the giant swing, flying foxand a hillymud run.

Cheeredonbytheirpeers’ students have raised to these physical challenges,

demonstrating newfound confidence, strength andgrit

And, of course, no camp is trulycomplete without toasting marshmallows on a campfire, the perfect time for friendship forming and storytelling.

CampRumbug is the first of three camps this year,the second being in Melbourne, whereour learners willexperience a different kind of challengealongsidetheir new friends.

Sale Rural Cluster Schools arecommitted to moving, makingand motivating our students in andout of thetraditional classroom space;wesee all environments as opportunities for dynamic learning.

Sale RuralCluster Schools areAirly PrimarySchool, Bundalaguah Primary School, Cobains PrimarySchool,Cowwar PrimarySchool, LochSportPrimarySchool, Seaspray PrimarySchool and Wurruk PrimarySchool.

Seaspray Primary School love being involved in their local coastal community

SEASPRAYPrimary schoolis located just outside the beautiful coastal township of Seaspray approximately 30 km from Sale. Our school is proudtobeactively involved in ourlocalSeaspray community

We haverecently played amajor role in thelocalAnzac service, which was attended by manylocals. Thechildren enjoyed singingwithlocal SueKennedy and Jack Reid of our school captains recited averymovingAnzacPoemwith his mum Rebecca Reid.

Our school photo’sare traditionally taken on the beach by KateLowe photography, which is alwaysa lovely backdrop. The childrenoften attend the beach for enjoyment, and educationalpurposes, how lucky we aretohave this beautiful environment in ourbackyard.

Last year,the childrenwereinvited to

be involvedinthe unveiling of thenew Historic Information Boards, and we often visittheseboardstogain moreinsight into our local history,taking information backto school to complete projects.

The Seaspray General storehavebeen verysupportive of the school and provide the children with ahot lunch once a fortnight.The children enjoy this andreally look forwardtothese special lunches. They arealsoveryencouraging of the school putting displays in the shop window

Over Easter the children displayed some of their amazing paintings produced in art with Liz Robbins. Being involved in the localEasterArt Show gave thechildren asense of pride abouttheirwork. These beautifulwater colours, sketches and collage of the local landscapewere breathtaking.

Hub aboost for VCEstudents

STUDENTS in Gippsland will soon be able to access awider range of VCE subjects and specialistteachers at anew Blended Learning Hub.

The Hub, located at TAFE Gippsland’s Morwell campus, was unveiled by Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins last month. Ms Hutchins said the initiative would ensure local kids can “think big” when it comestodecidinga career pathway that’s rightfor them.

“No matterwhatyou want to be, in Victoria we have an educational pathway for you to achieve it -and with thisnew Hub, we’remaking it easier for local students to arrive at their dream job,”Ms Hutchinssaid

The state government put forward$5.2 million in last year’s budget to establishthe hub, which will operate as acampusof Virtual SchoolVictoria.

Member for EasternVictoria Harriet Shing has welcomed the Hub’sunveiling.

“Since 2014 the educational opportunities and infrastructureacross theValley have

gone from strength to strength, with this Hub adding further to ournew TAFE campus and Hi Tech School to providea

bright future for every Gippsland student,” Ms Shing said.

Supporting students from 15 government

secondaryschools in inner and outer Gippsland, the hub aims to provide access to specialised subjects, including VCE Specialist Maths, VCE Physics, andVCE Politics.

It willdeliver thecombined benefits of virtual and face-to-face learning, with students abletocome togetherinMorwell to learn with peers from other schools across the region.

As partoftheirstudies, students who areenrolled in asubject at the hub will be provided access to hi-tech equipment through the Tech School, with the opportunity to benefit from resources, pathways and further studyoffered by the adjoining TAFE campus.

Local schools set to benefit from the blendedlearning initiativeincludeYarram Secondary College, Sale College and Maffra SecondaryCollege

Thenew hub will be completed and begin accepting enrolments laterthis year,with course deliverytobeginin2024.

TAFE Gippslandinterim CEO Roxanne Jones,VirtualSchools Victoriaprincipal Fiona Webster, Memberfor EasternVictoria Harriet Shing,Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins, Gippsland Tech Schooldirector Paul Boys, andTAFEGippsland Chief Executive LauraMacpherson.

Photo: Contributed

Hittingthe high notes at Maffra

THE instrumental music department at Maffra SecondaryCollege is growing from strengthtostrength, with morethan90 students involved in the musicprogram.

Instrumental music coordinator, Gerry Ciavarella,isoverwhelmed withthe enthusiasm, dedication and commitment students have already shown this year.

“The program currently hasfour instrumental music teachers whoare kept busy teaching all instrument families such as woodwind, brass, strings, rhythm, including guitars, bass guitar,ukelele, keyboardand voice,” Mr Ciavarella said “Our students arelucky to have experienced staffteachingavariety of instruments. Oneofthe highlights has been

seeing our ensembles developover the pasttwo years.

“Wenow have ajuniorand intermediate concertband, two rock groups, two guitar ensembles, astring ensemble, anda new vocal group Harmonix. Themain focusisto get the ensembles performing.

“Ourstudents havelots of opportunities performing at school assemblies, Maffra’s Got Talent,East Gippsland Music Festival and in thecommunity.The college looks forwardtotaking their ensembles on tour in the future.”

The music department willbehostingits first concertfor 2023 at 7pm on Monday, May 22, in the college library.

The concertwillshowcase allensembles,

including soloists, duos, small group items and VCEmusic students, and is also an excellent opportunity for prospective families to come along and seewhatthe music program hastooffer

Sale College is amulticampus school consisting of the Guthridge Campus Year 7-9 and the Macalister Campus Year 10-12 with a population of 820 students.

At Sale College we strive to ensure that every student will Learn, Achieve and Succeed.

Sale College offers a comprehensive curriculum as well as awide range of extracurricular and innovative programs.

Formoreinformationvisitourwebsite: www.salecollege.vic.edu.au

Orphone51443711or51441711

The collegecommunity is invited to attend this special occasion.

Students and stafflookforwardtoseeing attendees on the nightand sharing their love of musicwith all.

AimHigh, Show Respect, ShowCuriosity,BeHonourable

Forfurther information and to arrange atour contact the Principal; Kate Steele on 5145 6554 or stratford.ps@education.vic.gov.au

Macalister Campus: Corner of York and Macalister Street SALE Vic 3850 Guthridge Campus: 279-295 Guthridge Parade SALE Vic 3850

At StratfordPrimary School, effort is valued, and achievement recognised. We take prideinthe fact that, as asmall school, we offer many and varied opportunities for our students.

Our well-rounded academic program is complimented by the specialist areas we offer –Healthand Wellbeing, Kitchen Garden, Physical Education, Visual Art, Music, Indonesian, History,Geography and Science.

Digital Technologies areintegrated across all subject areas.

We look forwardtowelcoming you to our school –asmall school with big opportunities!

Our vision at Stratford Primary School – to develop the whole child in partnership with our community

Our guiding principle – to engage our students in an informative, safe learning environment that supports the growth of confident, numerate, literate, informed and responsible global citizens

Our mission – to present programs that develop confident, independent, honourable, cooperative students who are passionate about learning

Maffra SecondaryCollege junior stringensemble.

Photos: Contributed

Maffra Second College junior concert band

Principal receives Bishop’sblessing

GIPPSLANDGrammar’seighth principal in the School’s99-year historyhas been formally welcomed.

Principal Michele Wakehamwas officially commissioned by Bishop of Gippsland The Right RevDrRichardTreloar last term.

“Gippsland families aresolucky to have access to this level of educational excellencewhile enjoyingthe numerous benefits of living in regional Victoria,” Mrs Wakeham said

“I am completely dedicated to leading the

school as Principaland my family is equally thrilled to furtheranchor ourselves in this brilliant region.”

Mrs Wakehamhas apassionfor innovative teachingand learning as well as an inspiring enthusiasm for cultivatinga strong community across the school’sthree campuses

As Principal, Mrs Wakehamoversees Gippsland Grammar’stwo EarlyLearning Centres and two junior campusesinSale and Bairnsdaleand its senior campus and Boarding House in Sale.

Mrs Wakehamwas appointed Gippsland Grammar Principal in November 2022 after acting in therole since June. Prior to that she was the School’sDeputy Principal.Previously shereceived an acknowledgementfromAssociated Public Schools of Victoria for morethan10years of longstanding teachingexcellence at Geelong Grammar,Melbourne Grammar and Scotch College. She also worked at Trinity Grammar School.

Mrs Wakeham’sfamily includes husband Laurie, who is Gippsland Grammar’sHead Groundsperson, and sons Trystan, Rhys and Bryn, who areall students at St Anne’s Campus.

Briagolong Primary School

“I feel honouredtobepartofthe Gippsland Grammar Community,” she said. “And what attracted me to thisSchool and what Ihaveloved about beinghere, is that the school’scultureand valuesfit with my own. Ifeellike everything is aligned and it’s the perfect fit.”

When asked about someofher favourite momentsatGippsland Grammar,Mrs Wakeham saidtherehad beenplenty

“Most recently,Ihave really loved cheering on our girlsatthe Head of the Schoolgirls Rowing Regatta at Geelongas well as meeting many prospective families at our OpenDays,”she said.

“Grandparents’ Days at our junior campuses werejust so lovely to be part of and I’ve also really enjoyed dancing at our Early Learning CentresonFriday afternoons as part of their ‘funky,fun Friday pick-up routine.”

Gippsland Grammar is Gippsland’soldest independent school with atraditionof excellence in education. It will celebrate its centenarynext year.Gippsland Grammar is also theonlyboardingschool east of Melbourne’s suburban fringe andisa home-away-from-home for students from East Gippsland, South Gippsland,Victoria’s High Countryand the Latrobe Valley Scholarships areoffered and enrolments for 2024 and beyond arebeing taken.

Principal MicheleWakeham and her family following theCommissioning Service held at theleading independent school.

Photos: Contributed

BishopofGippslandThe RightRev Richard Treloar blesses Gippsland Grammar’seighth Principal Michele Wakeham.

Discoveryour calling at school!

SECONDARYstudents, didyou knowthat co-curricular activities at school provide you with an avenue to find your calling? Embarking on newpursuitsmay inspire interests thatlast alifetime.There area variety of co-curricular activities at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School, inthe areas of sport, performing arts, public speakingand communityservice. Why nottry an activity or twoineachofthese areas to discover what fits you?

Involvementinco-curricularactivities provides youwith confidence right from the startbysimplystepping out of your comfort zone to trydifferent activities. It’salso a fantastic opportunity to meet newpeople and make new friends along the way

At secondaryschool, St Paul’soffersa range of sporting opportunities from surfing to gymnastics, basketball to swimming and even clay target shooting for you to get active. Deliveredby highly-skilled teachers, you areguided everystep of the way.Let your imagination run wild in the annual dramaproduction, or you mightget agood laugh out of the Theatre

Sports competition’simprovisation antics. Alternatively,you can experimentinArt Club or at the Visual Arts Festivaltosee whereyourcreative side takes you.

If music is moreyour style,you can join aSoulBand, play classical music with aString Orchestra, or be loud and upbeat with the Drum Battery. If you have high-levelorchestral, choral andkeyboard skills, then the St Paul’sAcademy of Music may appealtoyou.Opentostudents by audition, the Academy builds professional musical experience providing you with the confidencetopursue further performance opportunities. Here, you will gain live concertexposureand collaborate with professionalconductors, educators and performers.

Service activitiesare anotherway to contribute back to thecommunity and be mindful of others. Team Timor meetson aregular basis to fundraise foreducation facilities in East Timor. Notonlydoyou have the chance to keep busy for agood cause, but it’salso agreat chance to catch up with otherstudents.

Youcan also take on moreresponsibility in aleadershiprole in the senioryears such as aPeer SupportLeaderorasa Co-curricular Captain. Or be the voice for otherstudents as amember of theStudent Representative Council.

Perhaps you enjoy the idea of expressing yourself? Public speaking or debating events help you to build confidence in speaking in front of others –a most valuableskill forthe future.

St Paul’s is currently taking enrolments for 2025 with limitedplaces for 2024.Tolearn more, or to arrange apersonalised tour, please contact the school’sEnrolments Office via enrolments@stpaulsags.vic.edu. au or visit their website stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

Dawson Street,Sale. Phone: 5144 3633

www.guthridgeps.vic.edu.au

email: guthridge.ps@education.vic.gov.au

Contactustoenrol today!

•HighlysuccessfulFoundation-Support Class for identified studentsneeding an extrayear of transition

•Small Foundation classes designed to meet students’ needs in their firstyear of schooling

•Defence Mentortosupport Defence students andfamilies

•Positive,purposeful, playactivitiesatrecess and lunch playactivities and teachers teachingchildren how to play

•Before-school BreakfastProgram available forall studentseveryday

•Koori and English as Additional Language students’learningneeds supportprogram

•Specialistsubjects: Physical Education, Music andPerformingArts, Visual Art, Auslan and Swimming

•Swimmingprogram taught by qualified instructorsinour own indoor heated swimmingpool

•PerformingArtsprogram teachingthe latest newfilming techniques

•Choirs, concertbandand instrumentalmusic tuition forsenior students

•Hugestate-of-the-artFitness Centre and Basketball stadium

•Outdoorsball courts,dedicatedplaygrounds for allage andplentyofopenspacetoplay

•Synthetic soccer field with four lane running track

•Purpose builtfacilities with appealing classroomsand grounds

•MentalHealth,Wellbeingand Engagement Team providing supports to students and their families

Acuration to be commended

TomParry

STUDENTS at Sale College have curated an exhibition of Alison Lester’sworks for the Gippsland ArtGallery.

23 budding artists from the school’s VCE ArtMaking and Exhibiting class participated in theproject as partofUnit 3, Outcome 3intheir curriculum.

According to the College’sArtsKLA Leader,Hayley Duyn, the opportunity came about through the school’sgoodworking relationship withthe Gallery

“I’veworked with themfor anumber of years, andI pitched to them the idea and (said), ‘Wewouldreally love to curate an exhibition with you,asthat’stheir outcome for Unit 3’,”MsDuynexplained.

“I asked if they had anyexhibitions available thatthey’d be willingtoworkwith us on,and they said they’d really lovefor us to work on this exhibition.”

In preparation for their assignment, the students spent two weeks undertaking workshops on crafting an exhibition, learning about curatorial considerations such as lighting, space and colour

“They discussed the content of the exhibition, andthey’vealsohad to designitwith a target audience in mind, which is going to be kidspredominantly,” Ms Duyn said.

Studentsthen attended the Gallery on Thursday,May 4and Friday, May 5to assess the artworks, decide which should be shown in the exhibition and placethem accordingly.

Thoseunable to attend participated via email, andalso had the optionofvideocalling via WebexorZoom.

Afterwards, students wererequired to create aPowerPoint presentation and write abouttheirexperiencesinareflective piece, outlining what worked welland what theywould have done differently.

ARALUEN PRIMARYSCHOOL

Araluen is an inclusivecommunityschool that develops strong relationships with studentsand their families.Araluen is small enough to know everyone by name,and big enough to offer comprehensiveprograms. We offer:

• Foundation Supportprogram

• Excellent outcomes in literacy& numeracy

• High expectations forbehaviour and respect

• Lovely caring staff

• AIM HIGH Instrumental Program (free)

• BikeTrack +billy carts

•Weekly Art, Music,PE, STEM, Science

•Choiceof Spanish or French lessons

• School bus route to/fromMcMillanPark Contact

Alison Lester is achildren’sauthorand illustrator whoresides in Gippsland,with abookshop and gallerylocatedinFish Creek.

The students’ curation consists of

sketches andphotographs pertaining to her award-winning picturebook AreWe ThereYet? which tells of afamily’s year-long journey around Australia.

Its launch lastweekcoincided withThe Wedge’sshowing of the stageadaptation by CDP TheatreProducers.

Education Coordinator at the Gippsland ArtGallery,Georgina Glanville, said that the Galleryhad received“lots of positive feedback” regarding the exhibition

“I think ithas beenpresented really well by the students -they’vedone agreat job,” Ms Glanvillesaid.

“They had to sift through lotsand lots of material, andthey’ve selected certain works and certain back-up works and come up with areally good end product.”

Ms Glanville added that the work ethic of the students was “really commendable”, and expressed interest in doingsimilar exhibitions inthe future.

Ms Duyn also expressed her admiration forthe students and their efforts.

“I’m really impressed with theinitiative they’ve shown in this project -it’sreally lovely to see them engaging with the communityinthisway,and alsocuratinga show that thewider public is goingtosee,” she said.

The exhibition will be shown on the second floor of thePortofSale building until May 28

Studentsselectingthe artworks to be displayed on the wall

Cora Cheyne arranging one ofthe display cabinets, featuring sketches and notesby Alison Lester.

SaleCollegestudents Tobi Karys, Ella Turner, Bella-RoseWhitehead, Jack Miller, Cora Cheyne and(front) Caitlyn Davidson-Portlock.

Photos: TomParry

Asmall portion of the finished product at Gippsland ArtGallery.

HeritageDay is hereagain

IN 2023, an electric car driving the streetsofinner Melbourne is thought to be anovelty. At the turn of last centuryaround 120 years ago, the same was true.

In the early 1900s, Melbourne's ownership of 'horseless carriages' per capita was second only to New York. Part of the mix was electric cars, with

some believing that they were the future of both commercial and personal transportation.

This rich history of transportation provides the basis of National Motoring Heritage Day.

Conceived some 10 years ago by the Association of Motoring Clubs and promoted by its car club members, NationalMotoring Heritage Day

Coming up at Bond Street

An Afternoon with Glenn BennieAPRA AMCOS

Saturday, May 27 -12.30pm -3pm

ARE you amusician, vocalist, music venue manager, songwriter, or composer?

Do you want to be paid royalties?

Want to be paid for your live performances?

Want to protect your songs?

Glenn Bennie is aNational Education and Outreach representative for the Australasian Performing Right AssociationLimited and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society, or APRA AMCOS for short.His role is to engagewithwritermembers and educational institutions to inform them about the work of his organisation.

In his presentations, Glenn provides arange of information on:

 Music copyright in Australia;

 The systems of royalty collection and distribution that APRA AMCOS undertake;

 How writer members can earn royalties;

 How performing right organisations overseas can assist APRA AMCOS members;

 Initiatives, events and benefits available to APRA AMCOS members, and; Other general music industry help and advice.

Glenn has worked at APRA AMCOS for seven years and has been an active musician in the local industry for over thirty years. He is also afounding

member of Underground Lovers.

Those wanting to learnGlenn's tricks of the trade are being invited to his workshop at the Bond Street Event Centre on May 27.

Admission is $10 and lunch will be provided.

To secure your spot, please contact Bond Street Event Centre via email at bondstreeteventcentresale@gmail.com by Friday, May 19.

Poetry Open Mic Night

Wednesday, May 17 -7pm to 10pm

HELD on the third Wednesday of every month (that's tomorrow, folks!) these poetry evenings are popular with poets old and new, from first-time performers to seasoned writers.

Anybody with an interest in poetry is encouraged to come along and join asupportive, appreciative audience.

Small StageSessions

Friday, June 2-7pm to 10pm

Also held monthly, Small Stage Sessions provides the opportunityfor musicians, poets and short film-makers to test their material in front of a supportive crowd.

Artists wishing to perform or showcase their work must arrive early to secure their spot on the schedule -first in, first on!

For further information about Bond Street Event Centre or any of its events and activities, pleasecontact David on 5182 8770or send an email to bondstreeteventcentresale@ gmail.com

celebrates the diverse array of vehicles that have been central to the development of Australia over the last 120 years.

No other country in the world has had such a diverse range of imported vehicles, ranging from Czechia to China. Add to this alocal car manufacturing industry that started from small beginnings and built some of the best vehicles in the world, exported to the very countries that had exported to us for many years.

It goes without saying that makes like Ford, Holden and Chrysler are always present. But you justmight seeaGerman Zundapp motorcycle, sitting next to a1940s American flexible Greyhound coach as well.

As you walk through the eclectic mix of cars, trucks, motorbikes and anything in between, the dedication to the preservation of these vehicles is overwhelming. Alarge number of these vehicles have been

restored back to their showroom condition and at times upgraded with modern hardware, enabling them to live seamlessly in our modern automotive world. After all, old vehicle enthusiastsare the original recyclers!

This Sunday,May 21, awarm invitationis extended to everyone to bring along their vehicle (all makesand modelswelcome) and join the Gippsland Vehicle Collection (GVC) as it celebrates National Motoring Heritage Day

GVC willhostthe Gippsland gathering on the lawns outsidethe 'Maffra Shed', with gold-coin gate takings and barbeque proceeds supporting the work of Maffra's local Lions Club.

This eventissponsoredbythe RACV Victoria and supported by local community groups.

While you are there, make aday of it and come see GVC's salute to the music industry and the cars its artists wrote about.

"Cars and Songs" will walk you through the memories you have of the cars we've driven and the songswe've listened to in them. Entry is discounted at $10 per person.

Formore information aboutthe Collection, head to gippslandvehiclecollection.org.au

Avery rareBrush Runabout,built in theearly 1900sinMichigan, USA.

Photo: Contributed

TIR-NA-NOG Graze, RestoreorBuild

OFFERED for auction is “TIR-NARNOG”. Owned by the Allman family since 1906 and oncepartofalarger holdingprior to soldier settlement, this property rich in history offers quality irrigationland,a century-oldhomestead andoutbuildings with original features that offer potential for restoration.

The landarea is 35.02 hectares (86.55acres approx.)inthe renownedMacalister Irrigation District with quality soils suitable for arange of uses. There is agenerous water right of 109.3 megalitres in High Reliability and 51.5ML in Low Reliability Water Shares, serviced through one outlet.

The property is subdivided into seven paddocks, boundaries are well-fenced, and all is sownto perennial pastures.

The homesteadisFederation stylecirca 1910, and namedTIR-NA-NOG- “landofthe young”. While in need of some TLC, the home has most of the features of the time still intact. The lounge features pressed tin, chandelier and baywindow, while the rest of the home features

Briefdetails et

Property: ThreebedroomFederationhome on acreage

Address: 1164 Denison Road, Denision

Auction: Friday, May26, 11am on-site

Contact: Tim Missen, Wellington Real Estate, 0488 483 000

high ceilings, awide hallway, butler’s pantry, original doors and wrought iron veranda trims.

Outbuildingsinclude ashearingshed of the same vintage, and an intact slab-sided stable complete with original horsestalls andclay-fired brickflooring. Theonly thing missing is the horse and buggy! There are also plenty of places to build anew home on thisproperty STCA. Well-located,with major towns only a30-minute driveaway, agents say this property offers versatility either as grazing, historic restoration or somewhere to build your dream home on acreage.

Qualityfamily entertainer

ACCORDING to agents, this exquisite home -built by LEGEND Homes -isthe definition of modern, luxurious living. Acontemporary,striking façade makesfor aspectacular first impression, which sets the tone for the rest of the home. Entertaining is effortless with a fully-equipped kitchen and butler’spantry, flowing into the dining/family room and outside onto the large north facing alfresco. Further living space will satisfy the entire family with aseparate theatre/sitting room, plus astudy nook with built-in desk and shelving.

The private master suite features awalk-in robe with desk and exquisite ensuite, showcasing astunning vanity basin and walk-in shower

The three remaining bedrooms have built-in robes, one of which is walk-in, and all have access to the modern bathroom with dual tone freestanding bath.

Highlight features include amagnificent well-appointed laundry,stone benchtops and feature lighting to the kitchen, ducted heating and cooling, great storage and quality finishes throughout.

Outside, the generously-sized yard has beautiful low-maintenance gardens, a Colorbond storage shed and rear access via double side gates.

Agents say this beautifully-designed home caters for the modern family,and must be seen in order to truly appreciate its quality and comfort.

Briefdetails

Property: Four bedroom home

Address: 34 Cantwell Drive, Sale

Price: $749,000

Contact: FergHoran,GrahamChalmer Real Estate, 0417 123162

Principals

Solid Sale home with ample shedding in sought-after location

SET on agenerous 1,061sqm block, this property offers plenty of space in asought-after,quiet court location that is in close proximity to the beautiful LakeGuthridge precinct, recreational facilities, health services and only ashort distance to the Sale CBD.

The solid brick home has been wellmaintained inside and out. An inviting front façade,set amongst lovely established

gardens, is awelcoming entrancetothe home.

The interior provides aconsiderable amount of space, and purchasers looking for ahome with substantial shedding will be able to tick that box.

The shedding and adjacent concreted space would be ideal for car enthusiasts, tradies or storage for acaravan or boat.

Acomfortable home that you can either move straight into or spend some time putting your own stamp on it.

Property features:

 Three large bedrooms plus astudy,all bedrooms with built-in robes, one with split system;

 Large living room with plenty of natural light, gas heating and ceiling fans, providing year-round comfort;

 Spacious kitchen and dining area -the kitcheniswell-equipped with plenty of bench and cupboard space, the adjacent dining is alight and bright space with some in-built cupboards for storage;

 Central family bathroom with vanity and shower;

 Covered outdoor entertaining area that captures the afternoon sunlight;

 Brick veneer shed with four roller doors, concrete and three-phase power,built-in work benches and shelving, and;

 A5.4kw solar system with 20 solar panels, making for an energy efficient property

An Open Home will take place this Saturday,May 20 from10am to 10.30am.

Don’t miss out on inspecting this great property

5144 0601 EST 1886

•Set privately overlooking the Macalister River, Lake Glenmaggie and the foothillsofthe GreatDividing range

•2010built ItalianFarmhouseinspiredhome perfectly blends with itssurroundings

•Exposed aggregate polished concretefloors,timber featurewallsand brick highlights

•Well appointed kitchen, dining area and aspacious lounge room with open fire place.

•Tieredentertaining zones thatall enhancethe viewsand wind down to theswimming pool

•Incredible opportunity to secure sliceofparadise onlyminutes from thebeach.

•Modern contemporary design, featuring alarge open plan living anddiningareaand well laid out kitchen withsplit system airconditioner

•Undercoverdeck at therearofthe property along withthe addedfeatureofthe external shed.

•Lessthan 30 minutesfromthe townshipofSale and perfectlylocated on the doorstepofthe beautiful NinetyMile Beach.

•300 established Fianovinesthatproduce approximately 250 bottlesofwhite wine in the stylingofaChardonnayorRiesling

•Luxuriouslyappointed bunkhouse hasbeena clever additionworking perfectly forthe extendedfamily and guests

•Large damonthe southside of theblockand a furtherbuilding by the riverallowsfor afurther entertaining space

•For sale by expressionofinterestby5pm the 25th of May2023

•Well presented solid brick home on 3.3 acres (approx.)

•Set at thefoothills of some of the most desirable real estate this region has to offer

•Open plankitchen, diningand livingarea, three spacious bedrooms allwithensuites and BIR and a large study

•High ceilings, ductedvacuumsystem, double garage with automatic roller doors,gas stove, electric oven, dishwasher and wood fire

•2xwatertanks,gardenshed,2xdams,fruit trees include,apricot,pears,lemon, apple,almond and 100-150olivetrees

Location, Location, Location!

THIS 153-acre farm hasn’t been offered on the market since the turn of the century!

One of the last family-owned farms in Nambrok, this property presents an opportunity for ayoung person to enter the market, or an established operation to expand.

The solid three-bedroom, one-bathroom weatherboard and iron home has had some internal modernisations. There are two good machinery sheds, as well as asolid hay shed and railway iron cattle facilities.

Offering great water security with a120 megalitre groundwater licence and a93 megalitre channel water licence, this property would lend itself to being abeef

operation, afodder production block, or a turnout for young stock.

Close to the highway and with two road frontages, agents say this property presents afantastic opportunity

Briefdetails Property: 153-acre farm with water rights

Plenty of spacefor the family

OFFERING the best of semi-rural living, this 8,000sqm property provides aquiet lifestyle with the benefit of easy access to local schools, Sale's CBD and the beautiful Ninety Mile Beach.

According to agents, this home has been well-designed for modern family living, with an inviting front façade andgenerous, well thought-out floor plan that includes quality finishes and an abundance of extra features, plus takes advantage of the setting -providing great views to your rural outlook.

The land is well-fenced around the home, providing asafeplace for the kids, the balance of land providing the perfect space for animals or young motorbikeriders.

Property features include:

 Sensational master suite with sliding door access to yard, walk-in robe and stylish ensuite with toilet, vanity and double shower;

 Three remaining bedroomslocated in the opposite end of the home, all agreat size and all with built-in robes;

 Separate formal living at the front of the home;

 Expansive open plan kitchen/dining and family room with wood heating and split system, providing year-round comfort to makethis space the perfect hub of the home;

 Well-equipped kitchen with modern cabinetry,lovely timber bench tops and plenty of cupboard space, including built-in pantry,while bi-fold servery window provides direct access to the adjacent patio;

 Central family bathroom with vanity,bath and separate shower;

 Aseparate study and good-sized laundry with walk-in linen press;

 Enclosed patio with wrap around windows -the perfect entertaining spot with direct outlook to the backyard;

 Double glazed windows and4.1 kw solar

system for energy efficiency;

 Three 22,500 litre water tanks;

 Great outdoor space -ample room for the whole family and their hobbies;

 Well fenced with established chook pens, and;

 Double garage with direct entry into the home. Agents describe this property as agreat package in atightly-held area of Longford. Don’t miss out on inspecting and securing your family’sdream lifestyle.

Briefdetails ails

Property: Four bedroom home on ahuge block

Address: 44 Hampton Court, Longford

Price: $835,000

Contact: Julian McIvor,Wellington Real Estate, 0428 084 622

REIV bolster calls to stampouthousingbarriers

INaneffort to create more efficient and equitable tax distribution, and enable greater housing accessibility,the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) is calling on the state government to replace property stamp duty with abroadbased tax.

In its response to Victoria's Parliamentary Inquiry into Land Transfer Duty Fees, REIV has suggested that abroad-based tax will avoid inefficient and disproportionate effects of house price bracket creep, as well as provide amore stable and predictable revenue stream for government.

REIV has submitted to government that stamp duty is not only ahit to homebuyers financially,but it also curbs labour and capital mobility

The peak body has reiterated that the financial pressure that comeswiththe tax impacts decisions regarding relocation for employment, personal preference, and downsizing or upsizing based on housing requirements.

"The REIV has long sought an abolishment of this tired tax," REIV chief executive Quentin Kilian said.

Mr Kilian is set to give evidence at the Parliamentary inquiry's hearing this month.

"Stamp duty has created an excessive burden on home buyers for fartoo long, with fees forthe median priced house currently sitting at approximately 48.9 per cent of Victorian's average annual income," he said.

Revenue collected by the state government in 2021/22 from stamp duty was$10.3 million, a61.3per cent increase from the year before, which sat around $6.5 million.

"The nature of land transfer tax is

dependent on market activity and performance, which impacts government revenue predictability," Mr Kilian said.

"The fluctuation in revenue points to the fact that when households are in need, government revenue is likely to also be impacted, making meaningful policy intervention more difficult."

Mr Kilian said that removing stamp duty would allow for amore sustainable market environment and encourage activity,benefitting the economy

"Recent economic fluctuations, such as limitations on real estate activity during COVID and increases in interestrates, influence individual decisions to engage or not engage with housing markets, further impacting government revenue," REIV's submission states.

"As stamp duty increases the cost of moving, people may choose to remain where they are rather than pursue job opportunities elsewhere -contributing to the lack of skilled labourers in areas of need, negatively effecting productivity."

REIV has urged the state government to invite stakeholders and experts to contribute to aroadmap that supports home ownership while maintainingtax income for the state.

"Wehavelong called for stamp duty abolishment and believe that abroad-based tax system will be beneficial for the economy and housing market in Victoria

"We look forward to further conversations with policymakers about how the government and sector can move forward together and create abetter system for all Victorians," Mr Kilian said.

FOR

Call for government to step in

Zoe Askew

THE Victorian FarmersFederation (VFF) has called on the state government to step in and take over the planning of the state’s transmission network.

Following aconsultation periodinwhich more than 500 submissions were received, the Australian Energy Market Operator(AEMO) formally endorsed Option 5ofthe VNI West transmission line project, which would involve the construction of 500-kilovolt powerlinesthrough farming land from Bulgana, near Ararat, to near Moama in New South Wales.

VFF president andMirbooNorth farmer,Emma Germano said the AustralianEnergy Market Operator (AEMO) had failed to consider the impact on agricultural production in planning for transmission on behalf of the state government and that the government needs to take back control.

“Farmershave had agutful overthe disrespectful way in which these projects are being planned,” Ms Germano said.

“AEMO is not up to the taskoftaking into account the impact of these projects on Victoria’s food and fibre production. It is an unelected agency which seems to answer to no one.

“Ultimately,the stategovernment is responsible for delivering thispublicinfrastructure. The government should take full control of planning the shift to renewable energy across the stateto ensure the impacts on agriculture and regional communities is understood and mitigated.”

As part of the VFF submission to AEMO’s consultation on the VNI West project, Ms Germano

said planning for the VNI West and Western Renewables Link (WRL) projects shouldbepaused, with the government needing to undertakeastatewide plan.

“The VFF believes that an immediate halt to all planning for the VNIWest and WRLprojects must be undertaken,” Ms Germano said.

“The powers for all transmission network planning must be vested in and executed directly by the stategovernment. In addition, there must be astate-wideplan for renewable energy and transmissionthat accounts for issues of agricultural production.”

Ms Germano said farmers were being forced to bear the cost of transmissioninfrastructure because AEMO is only considering the cost of powerlines in terms of the cost to consumers’ electricity bills.

“It is clear that AEMO’s view on transmission planning is completely blinkered by the requirements it has to place energy consumers at the centreofinvestment decisions,”MsGermano said.

“This view has no regard for the interests of communities, landholders,businesses and families that are directly impacted by the construction and operation of transmission towers and who bear costs that are not accounted for under the existing cost-benefit arrangements.

“Most concerning to the VFF, our members and all Victorians who value food and fibre production, AEMO’s actionstodatetakenoaccount of agricultural production and its importanceto Victoria’s economy.”

Ms Germano said the government neededtolook at thesubmission put forward by Professors Bruce Mountain and Simon Bartlett, stating that the decisiontocommittoWRL-VNI is adecisionto

roughly triple charges for transmission services in Victoria and seriously consider its conclusions.

“Their submission highlightsthe reasons why AEMO is not suitable to be planning Victoria’s transmissionnetworkand that it seems to be motivated by wanting to buildatransmission linkalong the eastern coast of Australia,” Ms Germano said.

“These are grave concerns that the Minister for Energy has adutytoinvestigate immediately.”

According to the state government, the Western Renewable Link is subjecttoa comprehensive Environmental Effects Statement, which considers impacts on the environment, including agriculture, and provides the opportunity for more community and stakeholder feedback through the consultation process.

VNI West is in the early stages of development, with ongoingopportunities for engagement with Traditional Owners, stakeholders and communities as it progresses.

“The independent AEMO is ensuringthe national electricity system and markets generate and supply enough power to meet demand across Australiathrough criticaltransmission lines -and importantly help protect consumers from price increases,” astategovernment spokesperson said “We know that transmission is key to delivering affordable and reliable renewableenergy and storage capacity in Victoria.

“AEMO is properly assessing any issues and concerns raised through their community engagement process and will continue to do so as these projects progress.”

TheNational Party is also calling for aSenate inquiry into the VNIWestrenewableenergy project, with Mallee Nationals MP Anne Webster issuinga jointstatementwith federal party leader David Littleproud on Monday, May 1, calling for aSenate inquiry to ensure renewable projects in Victoria have adequate social licence.

900 important additions

NATIVE Dwarf Galaxiasfish may be small, but they are mighty importanttothe Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site, which is why 900 have just been released intothe freshwater wetlandof Macleod Morass.

The exciting event is part of the Love Our Lakes ‘Improving the wetlands of Jones Bay andLakeKing’project that aims to improve environmental conditions and habitat for native fauna in the fringing wetlands and shorelines of Jones Bay and Lake King.

The fish were bred by Chris Lemin, who specialises in growingnativefishspeciesat Middle Creek Farm and released into several key identifiedareasofthe freshwater morass that is part of the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar wetland.

Project partners East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority,Greening Australia, Parks Victoriaand GunaikurnaiLand and WatersAboriginal Corporationjoined Chris Lamin to watch the release.

Just five centimetres long,Dwarf Galaxias are listed as Vulnerable at anational level and were upgraded to Endangered in Victoria in 2021.Thisincludesthe eastern populations of thefishinthe Gippsland Lakes.

“It’s great to see so many partner organisations working in collaboration to complete another LoveOur Lakes project to improvethe

health of the Lakes,” said Kim Allan, Project Coordinatorfor East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.

This program is funded as part of the Victorian Government’s $248 million investment over fouryears (2020-2024)toimprovethe health of waterwaysand catchments across regional Victoria and made possible through $7.5 million to support the Gippsland Lakes Coordinating Committee and deliverongroundworks and community engagement.

Martin Potts(Greening Australia) and Jeremy Tscharke (Parks Victoria) release the fish.

Photos: Contributed

Kim Allan (EGCMA), Olivia Bowman, Wilfred Carter (GLaWAC), Chris Lamin (MiddleCreek Hatchery), Martin Potts(Greening Australia), Jeremy Tscharke (Parks Victoria).

Powerful precision agriculture

WIMMERA farmer Tim Rethus describes precision agriculture as a‘really powerful’ tool for his family’s 5000-hectarebroadacrecroppingoperation, one that takes the guesswork out of farming and provides the data to ground-truth decisions.

“There is still room for gut feel in farming but precision agricultureputs the numbers around that,” Mr Rethus said.

“Having digital tools and data takes the subjectivity out of decisions and helps us to manage proactively.

“We can do analysis quite quickly on the phone, tablet or at home on the computer and make decisionsasthough we’re actually standing on every hectare.”

Trading as Rethus Broadacre, Tim, his brother Luke and father Geoff Rethus and their families grow dryland wheat, barley, canola, lentils, faba beansand oaten hay crops in western Victoria.

The family has found precision agriculture systems also provide flexibility in directing their workforce, and employeesare attractedbythe opportunity to work with the latest technology.

“Oneofour challengesisgetting skilled labour to do farm activities and the digital tools help workers to become familiarwith their roles alot more easily and quickly,” Mr Rethus said.

“We can supportthem by using John Deere Operations Center™ to log in remotely and give them directions, as well as simplify their tasks.

UK barriers removed

THE Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement offers access to the UK market thatAustralian agricultural producershave not seen in generations.

Cattle Australia has welcomedthe decision to enter into force afree trade agreement between our two countries.

The trade deal will come into effect by the end of May, removing barriers for Australian beef producers trading with the UK.

The agreement will enable up to 35,000 tariff-free tonnes of eligible Australian beef in the UK market in year one, rising in equal instalmentsto110,000 tonnes in year 10 until the trade is fully liberalised in 2038.

Cattle Australia Chair David Foote said the deal was acredit to all involved.

“I want to recognise the work of the Australian Government over many years for theircommitment to make thisareality,” Mr Foote said.

“This has also taken considerable work from industry, with Cattle Australia and MLA working through the UK Red Meat Industry Access Taskforce to make sure this deal delivers further opportunitiesfor Australian beef producers.

“Australia remains aworld leader in producing high-quality, healthy,and sustainable beef, underpinned by our world-leading traceability systems to achieve our customers’ expectations.

“As such, Cattle Australia is urging the UK government to recognise Australia’s highly developed industry systems in managing and tracking HGP treatments in cattle.

“This agreement will see much more Australian beef on the menu in the UK.

“The free trade agreement will also help to further diversify our export markets and agrowing list of countries with which we enjoy free trade access.”

Mr Rethus advises farmers to ‘take small steps’ when starting out on the precision agriculture journey, and begin with the ‘low hanging fruit’.

“These tools have been developed by JohnDeere to fix farmers’ problems,” he said.

“Have avision of what you want to fix and find the tool that will help you achievethat. Everything builds on that first small thing.Onceyou pick the first apple, reach up the tree for the next one.

“Operations Center is agreat platform to start with, it’s free and is very user friendly, so get alog in and start using it by putting your paddocks in and recording and capturing data. There are some easy wins to be had.”

Mr Rethus said variable rate lime applications had been a‘no brainer’.

“We would normally do ablanket rate application of lime across the field to raise any areas with low pH towards neutrality, but by grid sampling our field in two hectare grids, andusing Operations Center to build aprescription map, we actually ended up applying40per cent less lime,” Mr Rethus explained.

“The saving is easy to see -you are literally delivering less truckloads of lime to the paddock, so the pile of lime is less. And it’sbetter for the environment,becausewe’re only applying fertiliser where it’s needed.”

Rethus Broadacre has applied the same principle to the use of gypsum and phosphorus. Soil testing revealed that phosphorus in one paddock varied from as low as nine ppm to as high as 66 ppm -and averaged 33.

“Precisionagriculture showed that we’reputting the right amountofphosphorus on the cropbut just not in the right places, so it’s making the application of fertiliser more efficient,” Mr Rethus said.

“With nitrogen it’s abit trickier, but the new John Deere protein sensor is fantastic.

“It allows us to analysewhether we’reharvesting high protein or low protein,inother words, whether the crophas responded to nitrogen applications or if it’s actually missing some other trace element that needs investigating.

“This will eventually lead to maps which can tell us which areas of the paddock are more profitable, by identifying crop quality and yield.

“Then we can start saying yes, we should spend money on nitrogen to lift yields overall.

“It’s really, really powerful data.”

Mr Rethus said precision agriculture has ironed out another challenge on the farm -decision making by family consensus.

“True science-based data takes the subjectivity out of decisions, which reduces conflict because you can’t argue with data,” he said.

“And rather than trying to make decisions when you’re physically exhausted after sweating it out in the paddock all day, you can use digital tools to make them there and then.

TheRethus family said they see each advancement in machineryand every new technology launched by John Deere as aseries of steps towardsthe full automation of farming,making the adoption of precision agriculture essential for the sustainability of their business.

“We need precision agriculture to beat the cost price squeeze that is reducing our profit margins in farming,” Mr Rethus said.

“We’re lucky to haveagood workingrelationship with our local dealer’s Precision Agriculture Manager. He knowswe’re up for trialling anything new.

“The technology has become very user friendly andyou don’t have to do it alone. John Deere will walk with you to get the most benefit out of these tools.”

Learn more abouthow the Rethus family has embraced precision agriculture to optimise their farm businessatjohndeere.com.au/gotwhatittakes

New e-newsletter launched

AGRICULTUREVictoriahas launched anew monthlybiosecuritye-newsletterthat will serve as the key hub for all biosecurity updates, featuring adiverse range of biosecurity-related content including new developments in theemergency animal disease (EAD) space.

Victorian BiosecurityMatters will pool together all Agriculture Victoria biosecuritycontentinto one monthly e-newsletter and become asource that farmers, small landholders, animal owners, and veterinarians can rely on in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak.

The biosecurity e-newsletter will cover abroad range of topics for anyone with an interest to stay up to date with the most relevant information in relation to Victoria’s agriculture industry.

It will focus on emergency animal diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, lumpy skin disease, varroa mite, marine pests, pest animals, plant diseases and pests and weeds.

Profiles andsuccess stories from within the industry will be featured to provide readers with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that exist within the world of agriculture,

while alsogiving them an opportunity to learn from the experiences of others.

“We are excited to launch this new biosecurity e-newsletter as it serves as avaluable resource for anyone who owns or works withanimals,” Biosecurity Victoria Executive Director Katherine Clift said.

“Ourgoal is to ensureeveryoneunderstands the importance of biosecurity and the rolethey can play in maintaining ahealthy and sustainable agriculture industry.

“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility and by stayinginformed and following best practices, we can all contribute to protecting our industry, environment and economy from the threat of pests and diseases.”

Whether you’re aseasoned professional, or just starting out, Victorian Biosecurity Mattershas something for everyone.

For more information or to subscribe to the free newsletter, visit agriculture.vic. gov.au/support-and-resources/newsletters/ victorian-biosecurity-matters

Western Victorian farmers Tim, Lukeand Geoff Rethus.

Photo: Contributed

17 Desailly St., Sat., May 20 from 9am-4pm. Household clearance, clothes, furniture, kitchen and garage. No early callers.

DRUM /GUITAR

PRODUCERS MKT

Sale Producers Market, Make it, bake it, grow it. Saturday, May 20, at Sale

Showgroundsinthe HORSE PAV ILI ON, 8am-12:30

Youmay look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the responsible authority.This can be done during office hours and is free of charge. Acopy of the main aspects of the application can be viewed on Council’s website at the following address: https://www.wellington.vic.gov.au/development/ planning-applications-on-notice

Wellington ShireCouncil

18 Desailly Street (PO Box506) SALE VIC 3850

Telephone: 1300 366244

Email: planning@wellington.vic.gov.au

Website: https://www.wellington.vic.gov.au/development/planningapplications-on-notice

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissionstothe responsible authority.

An objection must be made to the responsible authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected.

The responsible authority must make acopy of everyobjection availableat its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.

The Responsible Authoritywill not decide on the application before: 5June 2023

If you object,the responsibleauthority will tell you its decision

GP1657607

Afantastic opportunity for OSHC Educators to join our Centre on a Permanent Coordinator Split Shift basis.

We require OSHC educators to work at our Maffra OSHC

Our growing team is seeking enthusiastic & dedicated early childhood educators to join us. We cater for children aged birth to twelve years and provide arange of additional services to our children and families in the community.

Due to continued growth and expansion of our service we are looking to build on our already established team of highly motivated, professional Educators to continue our journey in agreat workplace environment.

Our Educators must be passionate about achieving quality outcomes for children, their families and our community. You must be highly motivated, enthusiastic and have proven Early Childhood skills. If you would like to work in a community run not for profit centre who value and appreciate their staff, then this is the centre for you!

Some of what we offer:

● Above award wage.

● Excellent facilities and resources.

● Ongoing professional development training.

Successful applicants must:

● Hold aqualification in Early Childhood Education and Care or Outside School Hours

Care.

● Be passionate and enthusiastic about Early Childhood Education.

● Have strong leadership, communication and organisation skills.

● Have aWorking With Children Check.

Further enquiries to the Centre Director on 5144 6952.Please contact the centre to receive aposition description and email your updated CV to info@gumnutselc.vic.edu.au

Gumnuts is committed to child safety

Gumnuts acknowledges the Gunaikurnai people as the traditional custodians of the land of where Gumnuts now is. We pay respect to their Elders past and present and emerging.

If you love the outdoors and working in ateam environment then this could be the job for you.

We are aSpecialist Wholesale Native Plant Propagation Nursery located in Heyfield.

We are currently seeking an enthusiastic self motivated person to join our team. Experience is preferred but not essential.

The position will be on acasual basis with the opportunity for apermanent role for the right candidate.

You must have apositive attitude and good work ethic.

We are also offering an opportunity for an apprenticeship for ayoung energetic person who would like to begin their career in Horticulture.

Duties will include but not limited to:

● Propagation Grading of stock

● Potting

● General nursery work

If you think this might be the opportunity for you please email your resume to: sales@wildtechnursery.com.au or call 03 51482 635

Full Time Diesel Mechanic/Equipment Maintenance Covino Farms, Longford

This position reports to the Maintenance Manager and will be responsible for maintenance of heavy vehicles, agricultural equipment and various machinery across our site ensuring all repairs are completed in atimely and safe manner.

As aDiesel Mechanic, you will diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair Diesel vehicles and equipment to ensure smooth functioning of the company's operations.

To be successful in this role ideally youwill have:

● Heavy Diesel Experience.

● Minimum 5years' experience as aDiesel Mechanic in the service and maintenance of heavy diesel vehicles, agricultural equipment, and similar applications.

● Previous workshop exposure would be highly regarded.

● Solid diagnostic capabilities.

● Amature attitude and logical and methodical approach to your work. Please forward your resume to hr@covino.com.au

Fulham Correctional Centre -Sale

Tenders for the supply of food/produce for the Fulham Correctional Centre for the period 1st July 2023 to 30th June 2024 are being sought.

Separate tenders are called for the following categories:

● Bread Products (Fresh Bread &Bread Rolls)

● Dairy Products (excluding Milk/Cream)

● Milk and Cream

● Eggs

● Fruit and Vegetables

● Wholesale Dry &Frozen Goods (includes Frozen Seafood)

● Fresh Meat

● Halal Meat

● Smallgoods

● Poultry

Successful bidders should be able to demonstrate capacity to meet the demands of supply for a900+ bed facility, price stability for the fixed term, delivery and service.

Tender documents will be supplied on request.

For further details contact Kim Andrew Food Services Manager on 5142 3808 or email fulhamfoodservices@geogroup.com.au

Closing date: end of business Friday 9th June 2023.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

1983 PORSCHE,

Funerals • Deaths • Deaths • Deaths • Deaths • Funerals •

GILMOUR, Joan. Passed away with family at her side on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. Loved and loving wife of Jim (dec.). Loved mother of Russell, Ann and Brett (all dec.). Mother-in-law of Therese, Damian and Vicki. Will be greatly missedbyall her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Loved By All

GILMOUR, Joan Elaine. 8/12/33 -10/5/23

GRMUSA, Nikola. You played abig part in my life, alongside my dad. Awonderful man whom I dearly admired and adored. How blessed I was to have you as moj kume. How missed you are already. No longer in pain and having arakija with dad up there I'm sure.

Our love and most sincere condolences to moja kumaMandy, Mick, Marko, Angela, Rada, Annette, Peter, Dean, Denny, Hanna, Cassie, Emerson, Aiden and families.

Kristy ,C had and Mrdjenovic-Stockdale families.

IRVING, Colin Joseph. 25/3/1947 -15/5/2023

Passed away suddenly at home. Lovinghusband of Rosalie. Father of Rodney and Scott.

SHINGLES, Fredrick Thomas. 4/2/1939 -4/5/2023

Aged 84 years. Fred passed away peacefully at Royal Freemasons, after a courageous battle. Born at St David's Hospital Maffra, second child to Kevin and Eva Shingles (both dec.).

SHINGLES, Maxwell. 27/10/1940 -10/5/2023

Of Carrum Downs, formerly of Maffra. Passed away peacefully at Frankston Hospital surrounded by family.

Dearly loved husband of Margaret. Loved father of Jennifer and Raelene and step father of Jason. Poppy of Emerson, Bayley, Ashton and Thomas.

Son of the late Alister and Marjorie Shingles. Loved brother of Jean, Gwen, Geoff, Marjorie and Brian and the late Mick. Loved and remembered always.

SHINGLES, Max.

Passed away peacefully at Frankston Hospital on May 10, 2023.

GRMUSA. Family and friends of Mr Nikola "Nick" Grmusa are invited to the funeral service at St Paul's Anglican Cathedral, 149 Cunninghame Street, Sale at 1pm on THURSDAY, (May 18, 2023), followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

Please see our website for livestream details.

IRVING. For funeral arrangements for Mr Colin Joseph Irving, please check our website or phone:

HOLDEN ASTRA

2001 model, auto, mech. sound, reg. until August, 225 000kms QYS 731 $550. Ph 0419 655 858.SOLD

HAPPY

KENT, Martin. Southern Rural Water pays tribute to former Chief Executive Martin Kent. Our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends.

Caravans

NOVA VITA van, 2009, semi off road, 18'6, a/c, diesel, HTR rev/camera, q/bed, oven, m/wave, 3-way fridge, 23" TV/CD, BBQ, water filter, heaps more, loads of storage. 1owner, $36,000. M0412843 302.

Deaths

BROWN, Robert (Bob) Joseph. Aged 85 years. Passed away peacefully at the Sale Hospital on May 10, 2023. One of nature's true gentlemen. Bob will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Forever in our hearts

Lisa, Stuart, Oscar, Gareth, Troy, Shaye and Sam. We will never forget you.

Go Tiges …RIP Bob x

GRMUSA, Nikola. "Nick" May 8, 1934 -May 11, 2023

Aged 89 years

With great sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Nikola on May 11, 2023, after along illness surrounded by his loving family in Sale, Victoria.

Beloved husband of Manda. Cherished Tata (Dad) of Marko, Michael, Angela, and Rada.

Father in-law to Annette, Peter, and Dean.

ProudDjedo (grandfather) of Natasha, Hanna, Cassie, Denny, Emerson, and Aidan.

Adored Praun Djedo (great grandfather) of Ari, Zia, Opie, Saya and Nikolai. So deeply missed but forever in our hearts.

Loved and remembered always.

Farwell Dad, Djedo and Praun Djedo, No better teacher of life, love, and family values. We will sadly miss your cheeky humour, doof doof dancing and the look of absolute joy you radiated on seeing your grandchildren.

In our hearts forever.

Love Marko, Annette, Tash and Freda, Hanna and Ryan, Cassie and Sam and all our grandkids Ari, Zia, Opie and Saya.

Loved Dad, cherished grandfather and adored great grandfather. We will remember your laughter, wisdom, and legacy. You will be sorely missed by all who knew you.

Goodbye dear Tata (Dad) and Djedo, Such akind soul who cherished and loved his family deeply, always bringing us the joy of laughter and love. So grateful you were apart of our lives -wewill sadly miss your big and generous heart, your cheeky jokes, and little jigs.

Thank you for the wonderful memories -they will be treasured forever.

LovePeter,Angela, Emerson, and Aidan xx Dear Dad, May you be fishing amongst the clouds where the catch is plentiful. Forever loved and missed.

Love Rada and Dean.

Loved and loving husband and father to Ellen, Martin (dec.), Jane and Sarah. Your strength and courage is an inspiration. -Ellen and Sarah.

So grateful we got to be with you, agolden heart stopped beating, hard working hands now at rest, it broke our hearts, to let you go. The past nine years were astruggle for both of us, we were in it together to the end. Love you Ellen and Cocoa. Our fur baby paw cuddles miss sitting in the ute with you waiting for Mum to do her shopping.

Freddie say hi to Martin, sending hugs and love from me and Cocoa xo

Much loved brother and brother-in-law of Brian (Tubby) and Jennifer.

Birthdays • In Memoriam • FORD TERRITORY 2012 TS, silver 7seats 146,000K's diesel, ZIG263 TBar, Local car $16,500. RWC. Ph 0406 659 920

Special uncle of Adam (in heaven), Heath and Amber. Aman of simple needs who took great pride in his family and home. So many wonderful and cherished times together. You are now free from your struggles of the past few years. Glad we got to say goodbye. Coming home to rest.

Funerals

MUNNINGS.

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr Phillip Munnings will be held at the Sale Baptist Church, Princes Hwy., Sale FRIDAY WEEK (May 26, 2023) commencing at 1pm.

Followed by acelebration of his life at the Heyfield Football clubrooms, Gordon Street, Heyfield.

CANNON, Donna. 31/1/52 -14/5/21

Bereavement Thanks

MUNNINGS.

It's with great sadness and heavy hearts that we let our family, friends and anyone whose lives he has touched, know that Phillip Munnings passed away at home suddenly on May 8, 2023. He was surrounded by his best friend and wife Linda along with their four children. He was outside, working in his yard, at his beloved J'hameni Rise.

Our Phil, Dad, husband, Pa and mate will be greatly missed by his loving family: His wife Linda, his children and grandchildren Justin, Natalie, Thatcher and Myles. Haylee, Gary, Logan and Hudson. Melissa, Renold, Westin and Harlow. Nicholas and Paige.

Our sincere grateful thanks to Dr Sen at Inglis Medical Centre, Christine, Hayley, our rock Amber and all staff that cared for Fredat Royal Freemasons, Sale hospital and Frankston hospital for their care.

SHINGLES, Fredrick Thomas. 4/2/1939 -4/5/2023

Aged 84 years. Passed away peacefully with Mum and Ibeside him at Royal Freemasons Sale, became his second home. My hard working Dad, work came first to provide for his family. Farm life of all sorts you always loved. Milking cows was your passion, thanks Dad for teaching me the work ethics in my early years of my life, still stand with me today. Iwill always miss your smile, greeting, and witty attitude.

Dad say hi to Martin and the gang, sending hugs from me and Arnie. Loving daughter Sarah (Wal).

BROWN. The funeral service and committal for cremation for Mr Robert Joseph (Bob) Brown will be held at Our Chapel, 5Queen Street, Maffra on FRIDAY (May 19,) commencing at 11am.

RICHARDS.

Afuneral service for Mrs Marie Joyce Richards WAS HEL Do n SATURDAY (May 6, 2023).

GILMOUR. The funeral service of Mrs Joan Gilmour will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel,6Ollerton Ave., Newborough on THURSDAY (May 18, 2023) commencing at 2pm. Following the service, the funeral will leave for the Moe Cemetery.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

RYRIE, Peter. Alice Ryrie and family would like to thank all who gave love and support on Peter's passing. For the flowers, cards, visits, and attendance at his memorial service. To the doctors and nurses for their care and understanding at the Maffra Medical Group, Sale, Ma ffra, Traralgon, St. Vincent's and Casey hospitals, your thoughts were ver ym uch appreciated.

MUNNINGS, Philip. Wellington PSA police members send their condolences to Philip's family at this time of loss. We are grateful for all the support and the strong working relationship that Philip provided over many years.

Phi lip was hig hly respected as aperson and professional in his field.

RICHARDS, Marie Joyce (Joyce) at Estia Health Aged Care on April 23, 2023 aged 98 years.

Passed away peacefully at Royal Freemasons Sale your second home Pop. You never failed to do your best, your heart was true and tender, you simply lived for those you loved and those you loved remember. Thanks Pop for welcoming me into your life from apuppy, playing tug of war games with me and your hugs. It's going to be ahappy sad day as you left us on my 2nd birthday. Miss you lots Pop. Love Arnie grandy fur baby.

Ships seeking potential move

Liam Durkin*

THE worst kept secret in local cricket will formally be voted on at the end of the month. Trafalgar Cricket Club will vote on aspecial resolution at aspecial general meeting on Wednesday, May 31.

The special resolution is: (that) “The Trafalgar Cricket Club affiliate with the Warragul District Cricket Associationfor season 2023/24 and beyond”.

“After alengthy review by asub committee appointed by the Trafalgar Cricket Club (TCC) committee, the recommendation was unanimously approvedbythe TCC committee members in attendance at the Monday, May 8, 2023 committee

Zoe’s netball scoreboard

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

AGRADE:Warragul 49 dMaffra 41,Morwell 49

dLeongatha 43, Moe 57 dTraralgon 45, Sale

42 dDrouin 38 Wonthaggi 54 dBairnsdale 46.

BGRADE:Warragul 53 dMaffra 47,Traralgon 43

dMoe 41,Leongatha 57 dMorwell 49, Drouin

47 dSale 23, Bairnsdale bye, Wonthaggi bye.

CGRADE:Maffra 48 dWarragul 26, Traralgon34

dMoe 30,Morwell 25 dLeongatha 21,Drouin

41 dSale 24, Bairnsdale 52 dWonthaggi 22.

17 AND UNDER:Maffra 43 dWarragul 17, Traralgon 49 dMoe 9, Leongatha 38 dMorwell

25, Sale 39 dDrouin 18,Wonthaggi 59 d

Bairnsdale 23.

15 ANDUNDER:Maffra 37 dWarragul19, Traralgon 59 dMoe 16,Leongatha 36 d

Morwell 22, Sale 68 dDrouin 14,Bairnsdale

57 dWonthaggi 26.

13 ANDUNDER:Traralgon45d Moe29, Leongatha 41 dMorwell 11,Maffra 49 d

Warragul 27,Sale 56 dDrouin 9, Bairnsdale 17

dWonthaggi 1.

NORTH GIPPSLAND

AGRADE:Heyfield 61 dGormandale29,

Rosedale 52 dCowwarr 42,SaleCity50d

Yarram 34, Glengarry 53 dTTU 43, Churchill 61

dYYN 19,Woodside bye.

BGRADE:Heyfield 50 drawGormandale 50,

Rosedale 46 dCowwarr 43, Sale City 79 dYarram

27,Glengarry 54 dTTU 34, YYN 53 dChurchill

18,Woodside bye.

CGRADE:Gormandale54dHeyfield 23,

Rosedale 42 dCowwarr 30, Sale City 87 dYarram

3, TTU30d Glengarry 29, YYN46d Churchill14, Woodside bye.

DGRADE:Heyfield 30 dGormandale 28,

Rosedale 36 dCowwarr 29, Sale City 77 d

Yarram 9, TTU36dGlengarry 24, Churchill 30

dYYN 13,Woodside bye.

17 AND UNDER:Heyfield 35 dGormandale

23, Rosedale 56 dCowwarr 10,Sale City 68

dYarram 3, TTU31d Glengarry 31,YYN 32 d

Churchill 26, Woodside bye.

15 ANDUNDER:Heyfield 47 dGormandale 6,

Rosedale 51 dCowwarr 8, Sale City 72 dYarram

4, TTU42d Glengarry 18,Churchill 30 dYYN 9, Woodside bye.

EAST GIPPSLAND

AGRADE:Lindenow49d Lucknow 37,Stratford 55 dOrbost SnowyRovers41, Boisdale-

Briagolong 55 dPaynesville 16,WyYung 77 d

Lakes Entrance 35.

BGRADE:Lindenow 32 dLucknow 25, Sratford

40 dOrbost SnowyRovers 24,Boisdale-

Briagolong 61 dPaynesville 14,WyYung 41 d

Lakes Entrance 19

CGRADE:Lucknow 30 dLindenow 26, Stratford

33 dOrbost SnowyRovers21, BoisdaleBriagolong 28 dPaynesville 16,WyYung 64 d

Lakes Entrance 7.

DGRADE:Lucknow 30 dLindenow 28, Stratford

48 dOrbost Snowy Rovers7,Boisdale-Briagolong

37 dPaynesville 7, Wy Yung 10 dLakesEntrance

0.

meeting to seekaffiliationwith theWarragul District Cricket Association (WDCA),” the meeting notice stated.

“Itisthe view of the TCC committee that amove to the WDCA would deliver anumberofbenefits, including AGrade matchesatTrafalgar Recreation Reserve, reduced travel for senior grade players, changed playing conditions thatshorten match daysincluding capped two day overs, increase in potential benefits to sourcing asecond oval in Trafalgar, and participation in the club’s home shire.”

Trafalgar has competed in the Latrobe Valley District Cricket League since the league was formed in 2018. This came about after five clubs from the Traralgon DistrictCricket Association joined to

create the expanded competition, branching off from the old Central Gippsland Cricket Association.

However, with the LVDCL mandating for the vastmajority of AGrade gamestobeplayedonturf wickets, and with Trafalgar Recreation Reserve only havinga synthetic, it has meant the Ships havebeenfinancially burdenedwithtravelling away to play matchesfor the best part of five years.

Trafalgar will need athreequarters majority of eligible members voting in favour of affiliating with the WDCA in order for the move to go ahead.

The WDCA would then need to formally accept Trafalgar at its AGM in June.

Just where Trafalgar fits intoWDCA grading wouldalso need to be determined. Last season, the Ships fieldedsenior teams in AGrade,B Grade

and CGrade,aswell as juniors in Under 16s, 14s and 12s.

Talk of Trafalgar moving back to the WDCA has been doing the rounds for years, although this is the first time discussions have come to aformal vote since the Ships left the WDCA in 2010. Trafalgaroriginally competed in the WDCAfrom 1932/33 until 1990/91, and again from 2001/02 to 2009/10, switching to Central Gippsland on both occasions.

*Conflict of interest declaration: Liam Durkin (Gippsland Times Editor) is secretary of the Trafalgar Cricket Club, and served on the subcommittee mentioned.

Disappointing weekend for United

Nerelle Foster

AFOGGY morning greeted Beaumaris at Latrobe City Stadium for under 12s pre NPL action, as Gippsland United enjoyed ahome game on Mother’s Day.

It was ahot contest early,with Beaumaris opening the scoring withaseries of strong attacking plays that had Gippsland on the defensive.

Oliver Lee shoneindefence, ably assistedby Liam Arbon and Lewis Manzo, with keeper Quinn Asmussen working hard to guard the goal.

The Gippsland boysgot betterasthe firsthalf wore on, connecting from defence,through midfield and into attack, through the run and goodwork of Sidney Box, Blake Breheny, Lucas O’Dowd and Isacc Sharp, who all worked hard to assist Hudson Reiss and Dino Grbic to try and push the ball forward and into attack.

In the secondhalf, Gippsland started to gain some momentum and run. Striker Harry Lee came on with impact,almostscoring from an intercept and alongvolley opportunity.

Romeo Vitale made repeated saves in goal and Ryan Ogg finished the game strongly at right back in the 6-0 loss.

The boys continue to improve each week and played very well in patches, with greater consistency akey focus each week.

UNDER 13 boys headeddowntoBrightonon what would be aglorious day on and off the pitch for their Round 4clash.

With both teams searching for their first win of the season, it was bound to be acrackingencounter.

The game started at aquick pace and it was the United boys that capitalised first with McCannDiston hitting the back of the net after some great link up play. Brighton kept trying to press forward, butwith the defence being marshalledtoperfection by Halkett-Dobson, there was no way through.

With the ball being controlled in the midfield and out wide by Semmens, Sharp and Hermans the Gippsland boys looked well in control and started to create opportunity after opportunity. McCann-Diston put another one away just before halftime to see United go in 2-0 up at the break.

The second half saw the Gippsland boys remain in control but unable to add to the goal tally. Brighton cleared several set pieces and free kicks on the goal line to ensure the score remained 2-0 at the full time whistle.

Plentyofsmiles and satisfaction post gamewith the Gippsland players and coaches starting to see the reward for effort from the training track.

ADISAPPOINTING 4-1 loss greeted the under 14 boys (and their mums) against Mornington SC at home on Mother’s Day.

Gippslandstarted the matchbrightly, putting pressure on Mornington’s defence for much of the first half.

After numerous good shots on goal failed to find the net, Maurice Baldacchino scored ablinder from the right-wing midway through the first half.

17 AND UNDER:Lucknow 73 dLindenow 7,

Stratford 67 dOrbost Snowy Rovers 14,BosidaleBriagolong 65 dPaynesville 18,WyYung 31 d

Lakes Entrance 19

15 ANDUNDER:Lucknow 26 dLindenow 25, Stratford23dOrbostSnowyRovers17, BoisdaleBriagolong 28 dPaynesville 7, LakesEntrance

22 dWyYung 21

Severalexcellent savesfromChristian Guarascio combined withstrongdefensive playbyEthan Bruce, Declan Paku and Fraser Smith, had the game looking good at halftime with Gippsland leading 1-0.

The cold foggy morning had the coffee machine jumping and the hot chips popular, providing a welcome distraction as the second half began with Mornington equalising the score.

With serval Gippsland players recovering from recent illnesses, they lacked their usual intensity and were unable to capitalise on their chances in the second half. Three more goals from Mornington and the match points were won.

The sun finally made an appearance as the final whistle blew, but the Gippsland boys will need to shakethis one off andbebacktotheir usual strong form when they take on Bentleigh Greens SC next game.

IN the Under 15s, Gippsland United lost 1-0 to Mornington. The Under 18s enjoyed abetter time against Mornington, winning 2-0.

Gippsland United’s Dylan Rosato in action.

Photos: Contributed

-Gippsland

Leeton Hilli prepares to kickthe ball downfield.

Swan atiger for aday

Zoe Askew

THEsmell of hot chips and tomato sauce, the siren's sound blaring across the ground, beer cans frothing at the mouth, pie mince spilling down the front of shirts, this is pub league football.

The clouds parted just around the sun, lightingupGormandale Recreation Reserve likeastage light when Heyfield and Gormandale met on Saturday afternoon for Round 6ofthe NorthGippsland FootballNetball League.

Donning number 34 for the Tigers,was Collingwood premiership player, Brownlow medallist and three-time Copeland Trophy winner, Dane Swan.

With acoveted AFL star in their midst, Gormandalestarted strong, scoring an early goal, with the pressureofthe occasionunsettling Heyfield for the opening 10 minutes, after which they steadied. The Kangaroos provedtoo classy in the finish, defeating the Tigers 15.17 (107) to 6.18 (54).

The match's top goal scorer, Mitchell Bennett, kicked three goals in arow for the Kangaroos in the first quarter, totalling seven by the end of the game.

Agoal fromGormandale's Jai Foulkes closed the gap before the break, with the Kangaroos leading the Tigers 4.5 (29) to 3.5 (23) at the end of the first quarter.

Gormandalehad an early chance for agoal in the opening minutes of the second term with abrilliant run from Adam Tipungwuti, cousin of Essendonexcitement machine Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, but atenacious Heyfield defence squandered efforts, with the Tigers snagging their first goal of the quarter in the dying minutes.

Tipungwuti joined Swan in the one-off game for the Tigers at the weekend, one of many players to don the yellow and black guernsey as part of aprogram Gormandlae have established with Tiwi Islands bringing acouple of players over every year.

Heyfield led Gormandale 7.10 (52) to 4.10 (34) ahead of the third quarter.

The Kangaroos kicked the opening goal of the third quarter, furthering their lead.

Abig hitsaw the Tigers lose their young ruckman 10 minutes into the third quarter, but despite the loss and theKangaroos' progressively furthering lead, Gormandale's determination was unwavering.

Along kick from Tristan Salerno to Tipungwutiinsidethe 50 saw the Tigers score their only goal for the quarter.

Creeping forward fromhis defensive

position, the crowd at GormandaleRecreation Reserve erupted whenSwan marked theball just outside the 50.

Lining himself up, the Collingwood premiership player sent the ball toward the goal, but his glory days proved well behind him.

"I'm certainly not what Iwas," Swan said post-match.

Heyfield led Gormandale12.13 (85) to 5.14 (44) at three quarter time.

Heyfield kicked the opening goal of the final quarter, with the Kangaroos adding two more goals to their score before the game's end.

Gormandale's JakeRust kicked the Tigers' first and only goal of the fourth quarter in the dying minutes.

While the hosts showed plenty of heart, steppingupwithanAFL legendintheir midst, they were no match against astrong Heyfield fit.

It wasn't all bad for Gormandale,with Swan, who was runner-up in the 2017 edition of I'm aCelebrity Get Me Out of Here, admitting he expected them to lose by a larger margin after the game.

"To be honest, Ilooked at their scores during the week, and Ifigured we were in for about 150 drumming, we were actually in front, so Iwas more impressedthan I thought they would be," he said.

"But they were good, they are obviously very young, and Iunderstand when Icome to these sides that it's not usually the best sides, but nah, they were good, good bunch of kids,they had acrack,Ididn't actuallydo

alot, they sort of got that score without me.

"I enjoyed it; it was anice day for it actually; it was aperfect day for footy, really.

"It wasgood fun; hopefully, we can go in and have acouple of beers now and have a bit more fun."

Abeer may have been just what the doctor ordered for the 39-year-old after having played in WesternAustraliathe previous weekend.

"I played last week, so this game is my sixth game this year, so I'm hanging on, I'm hanging on by athread," Swan said.

"I'm just getting there; I'm alright. I'm certainly not what Iwas, I've got about five or six sessions of effortinmebefore the handbrake comes up, and Ineed arest, but Ienjoy it

"I wouldn't do it if Ididn't; otherwise, I'd just be sitting on the couch now havin' a bet on the horses and the footy, so it's nice to come outand seedifferent parts of the country which Inever would because playing footy and that cos as soonasI'd haveholidays

I'd go overseas.

"I'd never heardofGormandale until Iwas told Iwas playing here, so it's nice to come and see differentpartsofAustralia and meet country people who are obviously all really good people, pretty laid back, relaxed, very [much] like myself, who love to have abeer and don't take themselves too seriously, so it's nice to get out of the city for alittle bit andhave acouple beers with some people who are very relaxed and chilled and like to have agood time."

Cougarsget jump on the Jets

TomHayes

BOY, it was an eventful week in the North Gippsland Football-Netball League.

The weekend was filled with highlyanticipated clashes, tight finishes and ex-AFL royalty.

CHURCHILL got over the line away from home againstthe reigning premier, Yallourn Yallourn North.

An enticing back and forth battle saw the lead swing several times before the final term, where it was one-way traffic for the visitors.

The Jets got the jump on the Cougars in the opening term, kicking 4.3 (27) to 2.1 (13), making the most of that home ground advantage.

Churchill bit back and cut the margin to just one point by the main break, kicking five of their own to YYN's three. Ahugethird quarter provided end to end, free flowing footy, which had the scoreboard ticking over quite frequently.

The Cougars had the lead eventually and held onto it going into the final change, leading by apoint.

But the final term was party time for the Cougars, kicking four goals to one to extend the marginout to 27 points by the final siren. The party trickswere on show as the Cougarskicked three quick goals to stun the Jets in the final term, as everything seemingly went their way.

For Churchill,Ben Kearns -who kicked six goals, Ryan Lowrie, Tyson and Dillon Leys along with Joel Mason stood out.

Campbell MacInnes and Dean Macdonald kicked 10 goals betweenthem, earningthem aspotinthe best for YYN, alongside Rohan Reid,Anthony Young,Mitchell Luck and Dylan Bath.

The Cougars remain undefeated in 2023, improving their record to 5-0,leaving the Jets in unfamiliar territory with a3-3 record.

NORTH GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

THE Saintsand the Bluestook to Cowwarr Recreational Reserve in agame that hoped to see ateam claim their second win of the year, but the script was left at home.

The home side got off to the best of starts, booting 5.2 to 0.2 in theopeningtermtohold afive-goal lead at the first change.

It was Cowwarr's best first term of the season so far, their previous best was in Round 1against Gormandale.

Rosedale got the ball rolling in the second quarter, dragging the margin back to 26, but plenty of work still had to be done.

In aseesawing affair, Cowwarr got the better of the visitors, kicking 3.3 (21) to 2.6 (18), extending their lead to 29 with a quarter to go.

But Rosedale evidently didn't give in, despite the deficit.

All of asudden, Cowwarr had transferred their momentum to Rosedale, as the Blues went on to kick 6.1 (37) to 1.2 (8).

You can do the math.

The scores ended all square, at 11.8 (74)to 10.14 (74), the second draw in the NGFNL this season (the first in seniors), after Cowwarr and Yarram drew in the reserves.

ShaneMorgan, Matt Johnston -who kicked four majors, Kyle Stamers, Ben Coffey, Jake Brown and Shane Galea were the best for thehome side.

While for the Blues, Jay Diamond, Will Murray, Thomas Northe, Riley Atlee, Devon Maxwell and Matthew Ellman were in the best.

TRARALGON Tyers United continued their unbeaten start to 2023, knocking over the winless Glengarry with ease at home.

The game was just about over by half time, as TTU took a47-point lead into the first change -kicking 8.2 (50) to 0.3 (3), turning it into a66-point margin halfway through the game.

Thefootmight'vecome off the accelerator, butthe scorescontinued to grow.

TTU surpassedtripledigitsinthe third

term and led by 82 points with 30 minutes to go.

Aspirited Magpiesoutfit competeduntil theend,winning the final term to drag the margin back to 73 points.

TTU moveto6-0, defeating Glengarry, 19.14 (128) to 8.7 (55).

The Bombers look to be the strongest team in the competition thus far, but could meet their matchnext weekinatop-of-the-ladder clash.

Kade Duncan was best on ground for TTU, complimentedbyMichael Jacobsen, Brad Kelleher -who ledthe line kicking eight majors, Liam Willaton,Jye Neilson and Jake Cashmore.

As for the Magpies, Michael Ryan, Thomas Harris, Cameron Graham,Luke Healy,Riley Adams and Cassidy Bartley impressed.

FINALLY, Yarram overcameanearly deficit to down the Bulldogs on their home deck at Stephenson Park.

Sale took an eight-point lead and held onto it up until half time, yet the Demons had slashed the margin to just four points.

Thegameblew wide open when Yarram kicked 8.1 (49) to 3.3 (21), putting things on Yarram's terms, leading by four goals at the final break.

With the game seemingly won, the Demons extended the lead out to six goals to complete the comeback, winning 16.11 (107) to 10.11 (71).

Yarram held onto their top four spot, now two games clear in the finals positions, from Sale in sixthplace.

Boadie Motton, Tyler Chisholm, Griffin Underwood,LiamBentley,DylanGarnhamand MattClavarinowerethebestforthewinners,while JoshuaSwiftkickedfivegoals-nowwiththeequal third-most goals for the season with 25.

For the Bulldogs, Harry Kaandorp, Daniel Howe, Benjamin Brett, Kaden McCulloch, Matthew Walker and Brayden MacgregorDavies stood out.

Brownlowmedallist and Collingwood premiershipplayer DaneSwanchats to Gormandale players at the weekend.

Photo:Zoe Askew

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE SENIORS

Maffra on the board

Liam Durkin

SALE andMaffra went into the bye of the Gippsland League season on apositive note.

The Magpiesand Eagles got much-needed winsonthe board in Round 6action, each returning home aftersuccessfulWest Gippsland assignments.

With the league now breaking for amodern incarnation of interleague, anumberofplayers will be able to rest up.

The Gippsland League is playing an inhouse interleague carnival this weekend, featuringthe best players under the age of 25. MAFFRA brokethroughfor its first win of the season.

The Eagles took to Western Park, and held off adetermined Warragul to win 8.14 (62) to 6.11 (47).

Notmuchseparated combatants throughout the day, although atwo-goal to none thirdterm allowed Maffra to establish a 21-point lead.

The Eagles were then able to maintain amarginsomewhere within this vicinity in the last.

Both teams shared threegoals in the opening term, although Maffra did have to work its way back after the Gulls had twice as many scoring shots.

Left-footer Ben Brunt led the way for the winners in abest-on-ground performance, followed by Brayden Monk, John Butcher, TomThatcher, Alex Carr and Ed Carr.

Eagle players who had yettosing the song after asenior victory made up quite a contingent of those in the ‘inner circle’ when the visitors entered the rooms to belt out ‘We Are the Red and Blacks’.

RESERVES

LMcDonald LEONGATHA

GOALS: Leongatha: HLindsay4N Fixter JSchelling KMateriaF Materia LHickey LWright

RKemp.Morwell:ZCheffers DHough NWilson MLovison. BEST: Leongatha: HLindsayS

Forrester NFixterJSchelling DBerryman LWright. Morwell: LDalziel MPorykali LTactorM

Lovison DHough RAdams

WONTHAGGI

GOALS: Bairnsdale: TRees3DEastman 2JStewartN George RPeters.Wonthaggi: ABusana

RMorescoK Yann ODawson WLuke BEST: Bairnsdale: JDoreO Clarke LLakay NGeorgeC

Moresi ETaylor. Wonthaggi: KYannRCornell RMorescoKBrown KMcCarthy

Maffra: MGravener 8J Oldham 7OBrewer2BMckenzie 2CJohnson WPleming

DSaker BEST: Maffra: MGravener JOldham WPleming BMckenzieBCarubia O

JOrlickiMO’Halloran TDavine DPaul CWilliamson

Brodie Johnson became the latest Maffra player to makehis seniordebutatthe weekend.

With the Eagles undergoing arebuilding phase, coach Anthony Robbins has shown a willingness to play the kids, and he said a win would do wonders for their confidence.

“Much better to win than lose of course, it wasnice to get awin, especially down there, not easy down there but we got the job done,” he said.

“Both sides wasted opportunities at different times that put scoreboard pressure on each other. It was abit of an error-ridden game, however both sides at different times played good footy.”

Warragul found servicefrom Liam Serong, Nick Mulqueen, Liam Sumner, Sam Whibley, Corbin Sutherland and Brad Hefford.

The bye may have come at agood time for theGulls,asthey have amounting casualty ward

The unfortunate Warragul squad was so depleted at the weekend, its reserves only had nine registered playersand needed five fill-ins to get it up to 14 -the minimum number required to avoid forfeiting.

Injuries in the Gulls camphave been compounded by the absenceofplaying-coach Jed Lamb, who will likely miss the rest of the season.

Lamb suffered ashocking knee injury the week before against Traralgon. It is no exaggeration to say it looked like his left leg was goingtosnap off. Field umpire Mark Smith reported hearing the ‘pop’ from as far as 10 metres away.

Robbins sent his best wishes to Lamb, seeking him outbefore the game.

“I went over and saidIwas very sorrytosee him injured, never want anyone injured in that way, especially players bringing excitement to the game like Jed does,” he said.

In agoodsign, Lamb has implemented some character building traits with the Warragul team -players walked around picking up rubbish post-game after the crowd had left.

pick up afew more wins on return from the bye.

“We’realwaystrying to win games of footy,” he said.

“In terms of possession and winning contested ball we’ve actually beenquite good against those (top) sides, but clearly our ability to finish and probably connect withour forwards hasn’t been as goodas we would have liked.

“That’s awork-in-progress with guys being able to operate in their skill at alevel under the pressure you are going to come under against those sides. They’re not quite there yet, butthey’ll get there,but certainly when we come up against sides that we think we work (well) against we certainly work hard to win.

“Every game we think we can have some impact. If you get things right enough for long enough,you can certainly putpressure on any side, but we’re realistic, we know some of those sides are going to have us for experience and depth.”

Maffrawillback offtheirtrainingload tonight, holding arecovery session and watchingvisionfrom the Warragulgame, before going out for ateam dinner.

The Eagleswillsurely be quietly hoping someonecan knockoff Leongatha at some stage duringthe season, to protect their cherished league record of 45 wins in arow.

SALE got back on the winners list.

The Magpies led from starttofinishagainst Drouin, winning 16.13 (109) to 9.9 (63).

WithDrouinhaving lostmost of their games this season by ahandful of points, there was some suggestion the Hawks weren’t that far off some of the finals contenders. Such thoughts may have been extinguished at the weekend after Sale defeated them by 46 points.

do withtheir current position through an absolute sheer anomaly.

ELSEWHERE, Traralgon got over Moe in agood contest at Ted Summerton Reserve. The Maroonslooked like running away with the match after kicking six goals to one in thesecond term, before the Lions hit back to only be 12 points down at the final change. Traralgon full forward Brett Eddy was the difference in the end, kicking six goals as the visitors won 13.12 (90) to 11.9 (75).

Wonthaggi made the longest trip in Victorian country football asuccessful one, after easily accounting for Bairnsdale. Only14points separatedthe sides at halftime, before the Power put the foot down, scoring 10 goals to one in the second half to win 18.21 (129) to 8.7 (55).

Leongatha tookits winning streak up to 34 after defeating apersistent Morwell 11.18 (84) to 7.6 (48).

Determined by alphabet

Liam Durkin

IMAGINE not even being able to say your team is where it is on the ladder ‘by percentage’.

Those checking the Gippsland League ladder mightnotice aremarkable statistic.

WARRAGUL 1.3

GOALS: Maffra: SSmith 2B Wright. Warragul: LFinnegan LMoore LCarter. BEST: Maffra: J

Boyd EStables JKelly AWrightHBurgiel NChristy. Warragul: LCarterLFrenchJDeLaHaye

DPaul LFinnegan LEONGATHA

(91) MORWELL

3.1 3.2 5.2 (32)

GOALS: Leongatha: JGarnham 5T McRae3 TGannon 3W BrownCQuaife. Morwell: Rtha Z

CheffersWClark RO’Neill ALovison. BEST: Leongatha: JCallahan BFortT Gannon BGrabham

AndrewsZLamers JSmith. Morwell: CSeymour ALovison LEffenbergA VanDerVelden Z

From aMaffra perspective, although the Eagles are currently second-last on the ladder, the next wave of youngsters has the chance to forge their own history.

Maffrastill has some quality senior players in Daniel Bedggood, Kade Renooy and Danny Butcher, who have all tasted multiple seniorpremiership success,the likes of which Robbins said were now passing on their knowledge.

“It’s been quite exciting, we’ve had seven debutants, you think about how many wins we’ve had in the last 20 years, it’s aunique time for alot of us,” he said.

“Those older guys are doing agreat job of mixing in and educating thoseyounger players, and Ithink it’s broughta bitof excitement back for some of them.

“It’s never easy when you are getting beaten easily, but we’re learning all the time, young players are learning and the old ones are working with them, we’re still enjoying what we’re doing.”

Moving forward, Robbins said the Eagles would be looking to remain competitive and

The visitors dominated the opening term, putting up 5.8 (38) to 1.1 (7).

Sale added another five goals in the second term, and four in thethird to makeita 39-point margin at the final change.

Abit of astalemate ensued in the last, as both teams simply played out the game.

KaneMartin madeawelcome returnfor the black-and-white,and was among the best players with three goals.

Joining the left-footer as his side’smost prominent was Shannen Lange, who also kicked three, while HudsonHolmes and Josh Butcher also played well.

Brothers Daineand Jonty McGuiness continued their strong formfrom the previous week.

Clayton Kingi kicked four goals for Drouin, and found good support from Kye Quirk, Jordan Kingi, Hugo Birks,CallumTyler and Jarrod Marshall.

In an amazingstatistic, Sale is seventh on theladder by virtue of alphabetical order.

The Magpies share exactlythe samepoints and percentage as Morwell, but have to make

After six rounds, Sale and Morwell areseparated only by the alphabet. The Magpiesand Tigershaveboth won two games and lost four, and are on exactly the same percentage. Thatmeans both have scored and conceded the exact same number of points in season 2023.

For the record,Sale and Morwell’s points for is 391, and 488 against. Morwelltakes sixth spot by virtue of thefact M(13th letter) comes before S (19th letter) in the alphabet.

While it is highly unlikely, if near-on impossible, to ever come to this, if two sides either sideofthe top five are equal on points and percentage at the end of the home and away season, the following is used to determine who makes finals:

 Plan A: Record between the two teams during the home and away;  Plan B: If that is even, percentage in matches between the two teams;

 Plan

C: If it is still even then, no joke, toss of acoin.

Maffra gotits first win of the season on the boardatthe weekend, defeating Warragul at Western Park.

Photo: Gippsland League

FOOTBALL NETBALL EAST GIPPSLAND

BRIAGOLONG

GOALS: Boisdale Briagolong: CCalwyn 6T Jolly 4B Wilkinson3B Hudson 2T Bradshaw2C

Hennig 2PMack2 BKewish KPorterBRathnow LJones.Paynesville:CPescod 2BMckinnon

CMein LO’Connor BEST: Boisdale Briagolong: NMarshall PMack TBradshawKPorterT Jolly

BHudson. Paynesville: HGibbs BMckinnon BRadfordCMein JDadswell JFarquhar

GOALS: Lucknow: RHalford 3SBertino 3DSmith 3JSmith 2BSauer 2B Flinn DHodder

Lindenow: KBongers 3JGould RCarroll BEST: Lucknow: JSeymour BSauer ASmith JSaulle

DSmith SMooney.Lindenow: JGould RBlandfordBCameron HMcShane JLando RMaisey

Topfour go clear

Paul Nicholas

IT wasaweekendofbig marginsin the East Gippsland Football-Netball League, as the top four started to separate themselves from the competition. With absolutely perfect conditions in Stratford, theSwans were too strong for OrbostSnowy Rovers, winning 12.5 (77) to 4.8 (32).

Hard defensive football was the order of the 15 minutes of the match, until, for the third week in arow, crafty small forwardRodney ‘Ducka’ O’Keefe got things rolling for Stratford, kicking the first goal of the game.

The Blues certainly missed star forward Hamish Nettleton, who was out with suspension. Their inaccurate kicking at goal meantthey were unable to stayinthe contest. Acontrolled game by Stratford meant the result was never in question, as they extended their lead at each break, finishing 45 points clear.

Stratfordwas down to one on the bench in the last quarter, with Zane Perkins and LewisBolton sidelined due to injuries.

The Swans midfielderstaught the forwardsa thingortwo, with Ryan Thatcher kicking four, and Lachlan Channing and Nick French kicking two apiece.

BOISDALE-BRIAGOLONG

travelled to Paynesville, and were comprehensive victors, winning 25.20 (170) to 6.5 (41).

The win sees the Bombers backinthe top four, and with agood percentage boost. It was smiles all round for the club, as all 11 teams across men’s and women’s football and netball got the job done.

The Bombers were too strong for the Gulls from the first whistle, taking a 32 point lead after the first quarter, and continuing to extend the margin at each break.

Caleb Calwyn was strong up forward kicking six, his most in agame this season, supported by Thomas Jolly with four and Ben Wilkinson with three.

Anumberofthe Bombers’ players added to the scoreboard, with 11 individual goal kickers for the day, a testament to their depth.

Boisdale-Briagolong coach Sam Bedggood heaped praise on his players, saying “it was really pleasing to see us implement the things we have been focusingonattraining over the last few weeks."

Best forthe Bombers was Nicholas Marshall, Paddy Mack, Thomas Bradshaw, Kelvin Porter,Thomas Jolly and Brett Hudson.

Kelly ‘CowCrusher’ Thorburn of Sale, Lizzie ‘Griff’ Griffiths of Bairnsdale, Kylie‘Gav’ Fordham of ForgeCreek, Tab‘Lady Justice’ Bennettof Glenmaggie, Bim ‘BimSim’ Panagiotopoulos of Eagle Point andKatie ‘Tickles’ Watsonof Glengarry.

Record-breaking reps

EXCITMENT was in the air as Gippsland Lakes Roller DerbyClubsent arecord-breaking six skaters to compete as part of the composite team, Team Regional Victoria (TRV), to the statewide Stampede Victorian Roller Derby Tournament in Bendigo on May 6.

TRV faced off against Pivot City Ranges, ultimately losing the game with afinal score of 139 points to 392. Nevertheless, the game was afun and an exhilarating experience for all involved.

Local skater Gav was named the MVP 'Jammer', showcasingimpressive speed and agility on the track Lady Justice, another local skater, won the MVP 'Blocker' award for her impressive defensive skills.

The other local skaters, including Griff (TRV Captain), Cow Crusher, Tickles, and Bim Sim, also put on an impressive performance, showcasing the talent and dedication of Gippsland Lakes Roller Derby Club.

J

KCollins CMiller.Lindenow: DBryantKHall KHarrison JMayes JBence TDuignan

GOALS: Stratford: OHenry3 JCottrellNFrench BHuttonCDixon.Orbost Snowy Rovers: H KennyMFenner JLawrence BEST Stratford: CDixon JCottrell NFrench SCottrell KLaudani.

Snowy Rovers: JEaton CDownwardLOsborn DKane TFindley MFenner

BRIAGOLONG VS PAYNESVILLE SCORES UNAVAILABLE

Best for Stratford was Harry Langford, Regan Tait, Jarryd Clohesy, James Channing, Roydon Fulton and Alex Morcom in his last game for the Swans as he moves interstate.

Bestfor Orbost Snowy Rovers was MitchellDignan, Wesley Russell, Sean Nippress, GusRogers,Samuel Thomson and Braeden Ross.

Touch

Laurie Smyth

WITHonly two rounds remainingin the first Sale Touchseason for 2023, competition leader, Long Drop has an impressive recordwithnine wins and one draw; the drawn game was in Round9against second-placedKitchen

Sink

Last Wednesday night (May 10), Long Drop defeated Hussey with 11 tries to four.Athalftime, Long Drop led with six tries to three.

Michael Sack top-scored with five tries;Jacinda Mani and Rhiannon Massey each made two, with one each to Niome Greig and Tree Phuong.

Hussey captain Brendan Flannagan was his team’stop scorer with two tries, both of which were the result of 70-metre runs down the side line.

YoungstersKaidynand Ben Hall showed their talents with one try each.

Best playerswere Peter Hall, Flanagan, Jack Neesham,Massey

Best for Paynesville wasHarry Gibbs, Benjamin McKinnon, Brayden Radford, Charles Mein, Jordan Dadswell and James Farquhar.

IN the other games for the round, Lakes Entrancewere dominated by Wy Yung,16.16 (112) to 3.3 (21) and Lucknow defeated Lindenow15.8(98) to 5.8(38).

and Mani, with Ben Hall winning the encouragement award.

Phoenix recorded their sixth win of the season when they defeated an undermanned Mustangs team; the final score was nine tries to three.

Leigh Taiapa top scored with four tries; CarlMuir made two, withone each to Kate Laskowski, Ursula Barnsley and Henry Ropeti.

Patrick Doherty top-scored with two triesfor the Mustangs,while Jessica McGovern made one.

Bestplayers were Taiapa, Doherty, McGovern and Kerry Shotter.

Zohan’s, like the Mustangs,were missing playersdue to work commitments, resulting in them forfeiting their game against Porky’s.

The ladder following Round 12 has LongDropontop with35points and 181.6 per cent, followed by Kitchen Sink (31 and 220.6), Phoenix (25 and125.9), Mustangs(25 and89.5), Porky’s (23 and 115.6), Zohan’s (18 and 75.0) and Hussey (18 and 26.8).

Tomorrow night at 6.30pm, Long Drop plays Phoenix (refereeing by Zohan’s) and MustangsplayHussey(refereeing by Kitchen Sink).

At 7.20pm,Zohan’s will playKitchen Sink(refereeing by Mustangs).

Target

brake,

break,BREAKDOWN, broke, broken, dank, danker,dark, darken, debark, drake, drank,kaon, karo,kendo, keno, kerb, kern, kero,knar,knead, knew,knob, know,knower, koan, kora, krona, krone, naked, oaken, okra, rake,raked,rank, ranked, wake, waken, weak, weka, woke, woken, wonk, work,worked, wreak.

Target: Average-30, Good -38, Excellent -46+

If you're interested in learning more about the club andthe sport, you can find Gippsland Lakes Roller Derby Club on Facebook.The club trains in SaleonTuesday evenings and Bairnsdale on Sunday mornings.

Everyone is welcome, regardless of skill level or experience.

The team next plays against Kingston City Rollers team, 'The Royals', againhosted at BendigoonMay 27

Watch the live streamvia the Statewide Stampede -VictorianRoller Derby Tournament page on Facebook and support the local skaters as they take on this exciting challenge. You might even be inspired to jointhe cluband become apart of the action yourself.

Photo: Michael Pedley

season nearly over

JULIAN

ROUND 9

Swan song

Hollonds-Komen Cup this weekend

HEYFIELD will host Cowwarr at Sale Football-Netball Club this weekend, with the Kangaroos competing against the Saintsfor the Hollonds-Komen Cup in the North Gippsland Football-Netball League Round 7match

The Hollonds-Komen Cup is named in honour of Heyfield’s Pat Komen and Cowwarr’s Andrew ‘Angry’Hollonds, who both died before the 2009 NGFNL season, and is contested by Heyfield and Cowwarr in their firstmeet of every season.The winningclub is based on results from the three football and six netball games.

Andrew ‘Angry’ Hollond’s career with Cowwarr spanned more than 20 years,first representing the Saints as a 17-year-old in the thirds before becoming amember of the seniors and reserves.

Hollonds was awarded runner-up in Cowwarr’s thirds best and fairest in his debut season, claimingthe club best and fairest award in the reserves competition in 1990.

In 2005, Hollonds, who played 264 games, was awarded lifemembership of Cowwarr FNC, his boots remaining in the Saint’s change rooms since 2008 in his honour.

Collingwood legend Dane Swan in action for Gormandale at the weekend. Swan suited up for the Tigers as they took on Heyfield, a team coached by Swan’s Collingwood premiership teammate Leigh Brown.

STORY -

Pat Komen was amuch-loved clubman who played 472 games with Heyfield FNC, and was athree-time premiership player, playing in the undefeated Kangaroos flag in 1976, which saw the Kangaroos defeat Stratford 17.18 (110) to 11.16 (82) in the Grand Final.

In 1998, Komen wasinductedasa life member of the league and was also awarded life membership of boththe Heyfield junior and senior clubs.

Komen was not only agreat footballer for Heyfieldbut was instrumental as ajunior football coach, claimingtwo premierships during his six-year stint at thepost.

Kaylah Komen, Pat Komen’sgranddaughter, continues representing the Komen bloodline at Heyfield FNC, with the Hollonds-Komen Cup holding aspecial place in the young netballer’s heart.

“It makesmefeelgoodthat Iget to still play under pop,and Ifeel likeeverytime the Hollonds-Komen Cup doescome around, that pop is still here watching us try and win,” Kaylah said.

“Cowwarr has only won it once in the whole time, so it is stillgoodthat we can win it every year for him.”

For Kaylah, the Hollonds-Komen Cup

is agame where nothing is left on the court.

“I feel like Iget up and about more whenitcomes to it because Iwant everyone to win and make pop proud,” she said.

“Everyone this year has stepped up and definitely showneveryone what Heyfield can do, but who knows what [the result]isgoingtobe, Ireckon anyone has achanceofwinning it this year, but hopefully it’s us.”

Heyfield AGrade netballcoach Emma Wojcinski has been involved in the Hollonds-Komen Cupinone formor another since its inception in 2010. This year marks Wojcinski’s second year as the Kangaroos AGrade netball coach. Wojcinski said there is always an increaseddrivetoperform when Heyfield meets Cowwarr for the Hollonds-Komen Cup.

“The Komen family has had so much to do with the footy-netball club for so many years, so the Hollonds-Komen Cup is abit of ahype, it gets talked about at training,and we really don’t like to lose it,” Wojcinskisaid.

“It has alot of meaning behind it.”

Ahead of Heyfield’s Round 7clash with Cowwarr, Wojcinski is expecting achallenging game.

“I often look at theladder and the results of all the AGrade games, and Idon’tthink it will be an easy game,” shesaid.

“Oftenitcomes downtothe wirefor Heyfield and Cowwarr, some of our margins are often within 10 goals, so it is generally close, and we do match up well against Cowwarr; they are hard to match up against.”

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Heyfield Under 17sand CGrade netballer Kaylah Komen.

Photo: Zoe Askew

Photo: Zoe Askew