Gippsland Times Tuesday 20 December 2022

EARLYCHRISTMAS PRESENT

Marvellous mural

TomParry

ANEW mural is comingtolife at Maffra Secondary College.

Twenty-five students from Years 7to 12 have collaborated on the work, made possible through the Gippsland Art Gallery’s ‘Artists in Schools’ program. Education coordinator at the gallery, Meghan Bye, said the program was about giving students the opportunity to work with apracticing artist.

“They get, Iguess,the next level of understanding of what art is, and what it is to be an artist working in the community,” Ms Bye said.

It was schoolnurse Sammy-JoSpencer who engaged with the gallery about participating in the program back in July.

Fromthere, Ms Bye approached Melanie Caple, alocal painter who was raised in Leongatha and has previous experience working with young artists. Ms Caple was also sought because of themes and motifs in her work, including her useofAustralian plants and birdlife.

“Just the really graphic nature,and the fact that sheuses local flora and fauna in alot of her designs, that was really desirable -especially for aschool that’s set amongstthe trees,” Ms Bye explained.

Around the same time, Maffra Secondary’s student engagement and community partnership leader, Kristen Raine, began promoting the program and recruiting studentstobecome involved.

Photo: TomParry

Photo: Contributed

Coachtoservice AvalonAirshow

VOLUNTEERS at the AvalonAirshoware organising acoach for those in Gippsland who want to attend the 2023 event, with proceeds going to the local RSL Veterans Funds.

The journey is beingarranged by Ron Gregory, who is offeringtodrive, via Dyson Coaches, interested parties to the 2023 Avalon Airshow. There will only be one coach, departing from Sale.

“The coach will depart ‘The Signal Box’ carpark (opposite Woolworths Sale) at 6.30am on Saturday, March 4, returning at approximately 9pm,” Mr Gregory said.

“By arrangement, we can pick up en route at Rosedale, Traralgon, Morwell and Trafalgar.”

Cost, includingadmission to the show and transport by coach,is$170for adults, and $80 for accompanyingchildren under 15.

“Over the past five shows we have raised in excess of $30,000 for worthy causes (suchas FightMND) and this time all proceeds will be donatedtothe local RSL VeteransFund,” Mr Gregory said.

“Seats are limitedsoplease register your interestsoon- agreat Christmas presentfor someone in your family.”

Those wanting to registerorfurther information shouldcontact Ron Gregory,either via email (ronandgillian@optusnet.com.au) or telephone (0434 007 187).

Head to www.airshow.com.au/airshow2023 to view the program and find more details. The Avalon Airshow typically runs every second year; because of the pandemic,this will be the first event to run since 2019.

Holiday arrangements for Centrelink and Medicare

WITHthe holiday season fast approaching, Services Australiaisreminding customers about changes to payments and services during the Christmas and New Year period.

All services centres and most phone lines will be closed on Monday, December26through to Wednesday, December 28, and on Monday, January 2, 2023.

Services Australia general manager Hank Jongen said Centrelink, Medicare and Child Support customers can still access self-service options during this period.

“The easiest way to do your business during the holiday season is with your online accounts throughmyGov, as well as the Express Plus apps, or ourself-serviceoptions over thephone,”Mr Jongen said.

“Theseservices are available24/7,evenonpublic holidays.

“This means people can still reporttheir employment income, submit claims, or apply for

an advance payment.” Customers should also be aware the datethey receivetheirregular payments may change.

“We have special arrangements in placefor national public holidays.

“Some peoplemay getpaidearly and others may be able to report their employment income early,” Mr Jongensaid

“People can check if theirreportingorpayment date has changed using their Centrelink online account through myGov, or through the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.

“We know reporting early can be tricky, but my top tip is don’t worry.

“If you make amistake, you can correct it within 14 days, or the next time you report.”

Critical servicesfor Medicareproviders, such as PBS authoritiesand organ donor, remain available over this period.

Find out more about how these changes may impact you: servicesaustralia.gov.au/holidays

Zoe Askew’s Xmas guide

LESS than one week untilChristmas -sleighit ain’t so!

Local festivities arewellunderway as the number of sleeps until Christmas quickly slip away. Shops, salons, pubs and cafes have perfectly placed Christmas decorations on display. Riding, driving or walking through town, the spirit of Christmas is all around.

Just as they were last year and the year before that, Christmas lights are back.

With so many Wellington Shire houses dressed in festiveChristmas glory and Christmas lightlooking being acommontradition, we’ve compiled alist of local places whose Christmas lights will stun even the most solemn of faces.

Publishing dates overthe holidays

THE GippslandTimes will be published twice more in 2022.

Following today’s issue (December 20), the Gippsland Times will be published for its usual Friday issue on December 23, and then for the final time in 2022 on Thursday, December 29.

The first issue of the Gippsland Times for 2023 will be Wednesday, January 4. Circulations willrevert back to the standard Tuesday/Friday following this.

Our sister paper, the Latrobe Valley Express, will publishonthe following dates over the break:

 Wednesday, December 21

 Thursday, December 28

 Tuesday, January 3

Gippsland Farmer,alsoput together by the GippslandTimes team, will next be published in early January, with issues to follow each month.

They certainly keep you busy at the Gippsland Times, evenif“No one reads Friday’s paper”.

Correction

LAST Tuesday’s issuehad astory (Book launched) about anew children’s book, called The Professor and the Smelly Green Goop by author Lorraine de Kleuver.

The book is aboutamuch-lovedgoose that lives in the local lakes in Sale.

The article said the book is a“quirky look at the problem of humans feeding birds bread, which offers them nutrition”. This of course was an error,and meanttosay thatbreadoffers birds “no nutrition” and that bird seed is asuitablealternative.

Mrs de Kleuver says the main message of the book is: “why you shouldn’t feed bread to the birdlife”.

“(Bread) makes them poo alot, which in turn rots at the bottom of the lake, which is one contributing factor to massive growth of blue algae, which leads to the ‘Smelly Green Goop’,” she said.

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

Sale:

•Brett Court

•Guthridge Parade Sale

•Macarthur Street

•Ruthberg Drive

•Nicholson Street

•Ibis Avenue

•Swan Lake Drive

•Woondella Boulevard

•Buckley Street

•Allambie Road

•Thornley Court

•Spoonbill Place

•Coverdale Drive

•Heron Court

•SaleMaffra Road

•55, 57 Stevens Street

•10Christie Court

•1,3,5,7 Peppercorn Close

•2Polaris Drive

•108 Fitzroy Street

•33CantwellDrive

•Unit 1-2 Glass Street -walk up the driveway for an interactive Christmas Light looking experience.

Santa will make aspecial trip from the North Pole on December 19 and December 20.

Maffra:

•356 Three Chain Road

•109 Carpenter Street

•42Queen Street

•9McCubbin Street

•12Church Street

•1Jacobs Drive

•6Burley Place •Johnson Street

•PrincessStreet

Stratford:

•8Findley Court

•11Lee Street

•86Blackburn Street

•50Fitzroy Street

•Bolden Street

•Peters Drive

•Hobson Street

•Warnock Way

Surrounds:

•1700Sale Cowwarr Road, Denison

•25Pearson Street, Heyfield

•71-73 Meridan Rd, Golden Beach

•24King Street, Rosedale

•188 Munro-Stockdale Rd, Munro

•MainRoad, Munro

THIS year the Wellington Shire boasts Christmas events and activities in plenty; with so much on offer, the spirit of Christmas is bound to find even the grinchiest among us. So what is happening? Wherecan we go to eat, drink, play or steal akissunder the mistletoe?

Late Night Shopping

MORE than 50 Sale businesses will be open for late-night shopping on Thursday, December 22. Retail, beauty, produce, and hospitality businesses will extend business hours on the two Thursdays before Christmas, respectively, closing onwards from 7pm.

Where: SeeGippsland Times website forlist of participating businesses.

When: Thursday, December 22.

Maffra Christmas Festival

Maffra Christmas Festival is back once again, boasting street performers, live music and entertainment, food trucks galore, drink trucks, market stalls, andsomuch more. This Christmas party truly has it all!

Where: Johnson Street, Maffra

When: Wednesday, December 21, 5.30pm till late.

NGA’s XmasEve at Jack Ryan’s

With

Where: Jack Ryan’s Irish Bar, Sale.

When: Saturday, December 24, from2pm til late.

Christmasatthe Port

THE Wedge, Gippsland Art Gallery, Wellington libraries,and the WellingtonShire Council are collaborating to host Christmas at the Port. The free event spanning between The Wedge and the WellingtonCentre at the PortofSale this Christmas Eve boasts loads of fun and exiting Christmas activitiesfor the whole family to enjoy There will be arts and crafts, live music, storytellers,marketstalls, face painting, giant games, Christmas lights, carols, and loads of food and drinks; it wouldn’t be aChristmas party without plentyoffood and drinks to choose fromnow, would it?

Where: The Port of Sale,betweenThe Wedgeand the Wellington Centre.

When: Saturday, December 24, 2pm until 6pm.

ChristmasEve at The Star

CHRISTMAS Eve at The Star is set to be agreat nightout for the whole family!

For families withyoung kids, the bistro will be opening at 5pm; aface painterwillbeinthe venue from 5-6.30pm!

Plus, with every kid’s meal purchased, receive a free show bag with an activity pack, candy cane, glowstick and mapofsome of Sale’s best Christmas lights!

Tie up your dancing shoes and warmupthose vocal cords because Ryan Lestrange will playtuneslater in the evening from 8.30pm to 11.30pm. Where: The Star Hotel, Sale. When: SaturdayDecember 24, from 5pm until 11.30pm.

ChristmasEve Parkrun

DRESS in your festive holiday gear, chuck on some joggers and join the Sale Parkrun community for aspecial Christmas-themed run. Where: Sale Botanic Garden. When: Saturday, December 24, from 8am.

Pre-XmasSports Camp

PRE-XMAS SportCampatthe Gippsland Regional Sports Complex offers primary aged children afun and physical development experience through a range of supervised sports games and teambuildingactivities This event, hosted on Wednesday, December 21, begins at 10am, finished at 3pm, and costs $50 per child.

To registerorfind out more go to https:// www.grscwellington.com.au/programs/ school-holiday-programs?fbclid=IwAR2ZFgI_ DPQ9QHtma2uK9T5nP9i-Is2d576vYv2_ ZACsTlA9-vbUF6eXC4o

Where: Gippsland Regional Sports Complex. When: Wednesday,December 21, 10am until3pm

ChristmasServices

SALE Baptist Church

When: Sunday, December 25, 9.30am.

Where: Cnr Princes Hwy and Cobains Rd, Sale Flooding Creek Community Church When: Sunday, December 25, 10am Where: Sale Memorial Hall, 82-84Macalister St,Sale

JACK Ryan’s Irish Bar’s annual Christmas Eve party returns once again, with this year’s festivities starting earlier than ever, with the day party hosted outside, depending on the weather.

music from DJs Tobias Hils, Fraser Wain, Emily Cooper, Addison Jack, Balin Greenwood, Damien Hanratty, Zane Petrovic, Korey Dobson and Peter Pirona this year’s festivities promise to be bigger and better than ever.

Man chargedover crashinLicola

DETECTIVES havecharged aman followinga crash in Licola.

It is alleged aHolden utility was travelling along Tamboritha Rd when the driver lost control and crashed downanembankment before landingona boulder about 3.30pm on Saturday, December 10.

The male driver managed to get out of the car and raised the alarm.

His passenger,a23-year-old Leongatha man, was airlifted to hospital.

A26-year-oldLeongatha manhas been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury.

He was remanded to appear at Sale Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday.

Sextortion is areal thing and it’s acrime

POLICE say they are currently seeing aspike in requests from thecommunityfor inappropriate content and images.

“This is actually acrime,” police wrote on social media.

For further information, go to the Australian FederalPolice’s Program page: https://bddy. me/3UL8N8l

Over four times the limit in Sale

SALE police officers wereleft shaking their heads following an intercept in Sale on Thursday, December 15

Officers responded to information that avehicle was driving erratically around the Sale CBD about 11pm.

The Black Holden Cruze was intercepted on MacArthur St.

They breath-testedthe driver, who returned a positive alcohol reading.

He allegedly returned areading of .212 -more than four times the legal limit.

The 62-year-old Saleman’s vehicle was impounded at acost of $995.

Hislicence was immediately suspended for 12

Beat

monthsand is expected to be charged on summons with offences for drink driving.

Police have thanked those in the public who raised the alarm regarding this incident..

Deer heads seized followingillegal spotlighting investigation

DETECTIVES from Latrobe Criminal Investigation Unit have seized deer heads, firearms and ammunition as part of an investigation into alleged illegal spotlighting in Omeo.

OperationValleyculminated with the execution of three warrants and arrest of three men, on Wednesday, December 7, following reports a number of people were recklessly spotlighting and poaching deer in the vicinity of private property and homes in October.

With the assistance of Game Management Authority officers, detectives executed warrants in Maryvale Road and Angus St Morwell,and Henry St Moe.

Several items were seized including:

•Nine deer heads;

•Six firearms,including bolt-action rifles and ashot gun;

•Ammunition;

•Spotlights; •Thermal imaging equipment, and; •Mobile phones.

Two Morwell men aged 20 and 24-years and a 30-year-old Moeman werearrested andinterviewed in relation to alleged conduct endangering life and anumberofillegal spotlighting, criminal and wildlife offences.

Thetrio have been released and it is expected they will be charged on summons.

Vaping risks areinthe spotlight

VAPING poses aserious risk to the health of the community,according to anew priorityissues paper released by GippslandPrimary Health Network (Gippsland PHN).

The paper highlights the side-effects of vaping, which include seizures and poisoninginsome users, andanimpact on heart and lungs from chemicals, some of which can even cause cancer.

Vaping exposes users to heavy metals and fine particulate matter (also foundinair pollution from traffic and bushfires) while shortterm impactsmay include coughing, breathing problems, vomiting, swelling and throat irritation.

Gippsland PHN chief executive, Amanda Proposch, said the new priority issues paper highlighted the dangers of vaping, revealing concerning statistics that showed an increase in vaping in 2022 with 22 per cent of Victorian adults declaring they had vaped. This is up from 17 per cent in 2018-2019.

Of these, 6.1 per centare current users, up from threeper cent in 2018-2019 and 3.5 per cent are regular users, up from 1.6 per cent.

“It is very concerning that the largest increase in vaping is among young people under 30 years of age,” Ms Proposch said.

The paper reveals that 19.4 per cent of males 18-24 years vaped in 2022 (up from 10.8 per cent in 2018-19) and 15.2 per cent of females 18-24 years (2.8 per cent).

An Australian school staff survey indicated 78 per cent are concerned about vaping in primary

andsecondary schools.

“E-cigarettes present avery real danger to our community -especiallyfor children and young adults,” Ms Proposch said.

“Ifwewant people to live longer, healthierlives, we need to address the issue of vaping.”

Other concerning facts in the priority issues papers include:

•Students who vape report poor mentalhealth, social interactions and school/sport performance;

•Vapes generally contain much more nicotine than cigarettes;

•Young peoplewho vapeare more likely to smoke tobacco cigarettes later;

•Vapes containingnicotine can be bought in some Gippsland shops underthe counteroronline;

•Vaping is harder to detect than smoking because there may be no odour or asweet, fruity smell;

•Vapes are actively andillegally marketed to children and young people by the tobacco industry, and;

•Afruity or sweet flavour doesnot makevaping safe.

Thepriorityissuespaper suggests people who want to help address the issueshould advocate for aban on import and sales of vapes and products.

They can also invite young people to contribute to design and delivery of local resources and services to help raise awareness in the community.

Read the priority issues paper on e-cigarettesand vaping at https://gphn.org.au/resources/

The driver of this blackHoldenCruzeblew more than four times the legal limit Photo: Contributed

Police

with StefanBradley

Rubbish company convicted over Gippy workplace death

AWASTE disposal company has been convicted and fined atotal of $300,000 after aworker was fatally crushed by agarbage truck in 2019.

CountryCart Pty Ltd was sentenced in the MelbourneCounty Court on December5after earlier pleading guilty to two charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The company was convicted and fined $250,000 for failing to provide or maintain safe plant and $50,000for failingtoprovide or maintain safe systems of work.

The court heard that in April 2019, garbage truck driver Brian Rintoule, 55, was collecting bins when he arrived at aproperty in Leongatha South and got out of the cabin to open afront gate.

Despite engaging the parking brake, the garbage truck rolled forward and crushed Mr Rintoule against the gate.

Following the incident, aVicRoads inspection found the garbage truck to be unroadworthy due to several major defects, including afaulty parking brake, and being overdue for all required services The courtfoundCountry Cartfailedtomaintain the parking brake in acondition that would hold the truck stationary in all circumstances.

It was also reasonably practicable for the company to haveprovided and maintainedasystem of worktoensure the truck waskept in aroadworthy condition without defects.

WorkSafe actingexecutive director of health and safety, Kelly Harris, said the death highlighted the terriblehuman cost of failing to followthe most basicofworkplace safety procedures.

“A thorough maintenance program and rigorous inspection of heavy vehicles is absolutely critical to protecting the health and safety of not only your workers but other road users and members of the public,” Ms Harris said.

“Weare stillseeing too many preventable workrelated fatalities on our roads and WorkSafe will continue to take strong action against employers not doing everything they can to control the known risks.”

WorkSafe said to manage work-related vehicle risks employers should:

*Ensureappropriatesafesystems of work are in place and that these are regularly monitored, reviewed and, if necessary, revised;

*Ensure regular vehicle inspections, servicing and maintenance are undertaken by suitably competent persons in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations;

*Ensure pre-operations checks are conducted daily on essential components suchasbrakes, steering, tyres (includingpressure), indicators, suspension and to detect issues such as oil leaks; and thatany defects are rectified by competent persons, and;

*Communicate all safety information to drivers and others to enable them to perform their work in away that is safe and without risks to health.

Human cell discovery in university lab

ASERENDIPITOUS discovery in the lab has the potential to revolutionise embryo models and targeted drug therapies.

Materials scientists at UNSW Sydney have shown that human pluripotent stem cells in alab can initiate aprocess resembling the gastrulation phase -where cells begin differentiating into new cell types -much earlier than occurs in mother nature.

For an embryo developing in the womb, gastrulation occurs at day 14. But in adish in alab at UNSW’s Kensington campus, Scientia associate professor Kris Kilian oversaw an experiment where a gastrulation-like event was triggered within two days of culturing human stem cells in aunique biomaterial that, as it turned out, set the conditions to mimic this stage of embryo development.

“Gastrulation is the key step that leads to the human body plan,” says Prof Kilian.

THE 60th Parliament of Victoria officially opens today (Tuesday, December 20).

The opening will include aWelcometo Country, swearing-in of Members, election of Presiding Officers, Smoking Ceremony and the Governor’s Speech.

The day’s proceedings will be broadcast live on the Victorian Parliament’s website from 10am.

Time-honoured traditions will feature during the proceedings.

After the official opening,both houses will hold question time, and then MPs will get down to the businessofthe new Parliament.

“It is the start of the process where a simple sheet of cells transforms to make up allthe tissues of the body -nerves, cardiovascular and blood tissue and structural tissue like muscle and bone. But we haven’t really been able to study the process in humans because you can’t study this in the lab without taking developing embryonic tissue.

“So it’s really exciting that we were able to see this happening in vitro.”

The achievement, which was reported in the journal Advanced Science, has not only implications for our understanding of human embryonic development, but also new treatments in medicine including cell therapy, targeted drug development and CRISPR gene-editing technologies.

Brian Rintoule withJed thedog. Mr Rontoule died afterbeingcrushed by atruck at work.

Photo: Contributed

“SOME Itappedonshoulders because Iknow they love their art, and spoketoart teachers about students that they’ve noticed in class that would (liketo) be involved in this,” Mrs Raine said.

Ms Caple’s role on the project is as acontributor or mentor to Maffra Secondary’sstudents, assisting them in realising their vision for the mural.

She first met with the school’s pupils just over two months ago.

“I worked with the students to go through adesign process as to what they might want to see on the mural, and we all decided that we wanted to see a

reflection of the landscapearound us,” Ms Caple said “The Koori students were able to express that in the ways of their people; we were also able to highlight birds and local plants… and then Iwent away with all of their ideas and created the final design.”

Said design incorporated, among other things, wattle and banksia plants, akookaburra and a lorikeet.

Painting of the mural began in earnest on Thursday, December 8, the most of which was completed over two days.

The façade of the Year 9building was chosen as

thelocationfor the mural, providing acolourful backdrop to theschool’s outdoor amphitheatre.

Students worked with ahigh-quality, waterbased exterior paint to craft their artwork.

“It’s the same paint that you would paint ahouse with,” Ms Caple explained touting its lifetime guarantee, and resistance to sun and water as reasons for its use.

Amongthose who assisted with painting was Year 11 student Emily Morton, who showedgreat enthusiasm for the project.

“I honestly thought this was areally good idea, getting students involved on this big art project; and Ialso really love art.

“I thought it’d be great to be apartof,” Emily said of her reason to join the project.

Theyoung artist wasfull of praise for Ms Caple, describing heras“the sweetest person ever!”

“She’sreallykind, she’s very helpful and she’s not bossy.

“She’s lettingusdowhat we want, basically, which Ithink is really sweet,” Emily added.

That’s not to say that Ms Caple lets the young artists run amok.

Rather, she is guided by their vision and allows them to lead the way.

In the wordsofEmily: “We’reall our ownleaders.” Year 8studentApril Wolskiwas another who helped with the painting of the mural.

Shedescribed the process as “relaxing” and also hadpraise for Ms Caple.

“She’s real bright,” April said of her mentor. “She listens to your ideas and she’s just good to talk to.”

Staff at MaffraSecondary, Ms Bye and Ms Caple have all been impressed with the students’ creativity, and their commitment to the project.

“It’s been really lovely how much they’ve all risen to the challenge,” Ms Caple said.

“The kids are so dedicated to what they’re doing… they get alot done really quickly.

“You see those immediate results, and once it starts coming together, their peers are coming around and telling them how good it looks…

“The surface that we’re painting on, the brick, is quite rough, so it takes alot of dedication and concentration to paint at the scale,and they’ve all just risen to it.”

Whilethe students haveall workedhard, the mural is not finished yet -MsCaple will return to Maffra in Term 1topaint the upper reaches of the wall, and provide some final touch-ups to the students’ work.

In the meantime, students are heading into the holidays satisfied and proud of their efforts.

Themural is set to become ahighlight for the students involved, and also agreat endorsement for the school to any prospectivestudents, staff, as well as parents.

“Knowing that I’ve been apart of this, Ifeel like I’ve made abig impact on the school,” Emily said.

“I think it’s really cool.”

What’s more, that lifetime guarantee on the paint will ensure their legacy remains for decades to come.

Huge lift in Yarram SC results

YARRAM SecondaryCollege has recorded a big lift in its final-year student results, putting the school on par with others across the state.

More than threequartersofYarram Secondary College students achieved an ATAR of 50 or more this year, with 56 per cent of students gaining scores between 50 and 69. Twenty per cent achievedascoreof70or more.

In 2021,35per cent of students received ATARs between 50 and 69, and 19 per cent received ascore above 70.

Principal Lyn Kerrison creditedthe dramatic improvementinresults to auniqueliteracy program the school started in 2019 to support students in Year 7to9

“Three years ago, our median study score for English was 21.7. It is now 26.1, and we have

exceededour strategic targets,” Ms Kerrison said.

Before the literacy program was introduced, the school’s median study score for English had remained stubbornly consistent.

The school’s medianstudy score for all subjects is 25.6. Last year, it was 23.6.

The school is also celebratingsix students who graduatedfromthe school’s final Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning program.

“This is aphenomenal achievement for them,” said Ms Kerrison.

“These are students who, for medical and other reasons, have had interruptedschooling

“So, ahugeshout-out to them for sticking with their studies despite the odds, finding a pathway and achieving success.”

Maffra

Secondary Collegestudentsfocussing on thefiner details of themural.

Maffra Secondary College studentshardatworkpainting the mural.Photos: TomParry

Colourfun run

hands covered faces as pink and purple and yellow and blue paint squirted from all directions.

Santastops by Seaspray as Christmas Day creeps closer

IT doesn’t get much more Aussie than Santa on the beach.

The man himself made aquick stopover in Seaspray on Sunday morning, paying aspecial visit to Seaspray Nippers, before making the journey back to the North Pole to get ready for the big day.

Santa made quite the entrance, appearing on the back of abeach buggy, waving merrily as he made his way from the foreshore.

Kids at Seaspray Nippers were clearly on the

nice list, and Santa handed out treats to those in attendance -talkabout an early Christmas present.

With just fivedaystogountil Christmas, perhaps even those of an older generation asked Santa for something they really wanted for Christmas.

Surelyafew national surflifesaving titlesfor Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club would make the best Christmas present.

AKALEIDOSCOPE of coloured dust formed a rainbow hazeacross Sale PrimarySchool oval on Wednesday, (December 14), as Grade 3and 4 students raced around the oval, teachers, parents and older student helpers dousing the giggling gaggle in water and vibrant powdered paint.

Sun shone throughpartedclouds, warming youthful faces, and despite the frequent chilly breeze ripping across the green grassed oval, students made no hesitations, sprinting head first into fresh spraying waters.

Laughter and joyful squeals oscillated between Sale Primary’s red-bricked buildings. Tounges poked out as young feet balanced on beams, and

Students beamed cheesy, genuinesmiles as each partook in Sale Primary School’smiddleschool colour run, racing through squirting waters and overcoming various obstacles.

As their youthful legs carried them around the course, it was almost as if each student followed achoreographed routine as they clumsily danced through waves of powdered colour.

At the finishline, colourful drops, aswirling mixture of water and paint,plummeted to the ground below, creating an abstract work of art at pairs of little feet.

Sale Primary School’s middle school colour run was an end-of-school-year event these Year 3and 4students will certainly remember.

Santaarrives in style

SantainSeasprayonSunday

Photos: Contributed

Penny Bennettduringthe colour run.

Photos: Zoe Askew

TomHunter showing all the colours of the run.

Year 3and 4students from SalePrimary School run head first into cold spraying water.Will Sheilds is doused as he exitsthe tunnel.

ZoeAskew

Birthdaybenefit for Ukraine

BRETT Osler is used to doing things differently for his birthday, with manycelebratedacross Gippsland since childhood.But it is other childhood memories, and the effects of Russia’s invasion on those displaced from Ukraine, that has been the catalyst for how he has chosen to celebrate it this year.

Having recently returned from Poland, Osler is conducting aBirthday Benefit via GoFundMe for two community organisations based in Krakow, Poland, where he had been located for ayear.

Centrum Wielokulturowe wKrakowie (Krakow Multicultural Centre) and Fundacja Wolno Nam (Free Us Foundation),have been at the frontline of the response for those displaced from Ukraine since day one. Mr Osler himself has astrong affiliation with both, having assistedthem until lateJune 2022 through activities such as filming, food and clothingdistribution and making Aussie kids’ favourite foods.

He started makingAussiefoods in Krakowfor International Children’s Day, which is celebrated on June 1inplaces such as Poland and Ukraine. With little plannedbyorganisations for the refugee children, Mr Osler -who is an uncle of six and whose then partneralsohas two teenagers -wanted to mark theday in away that helped the kids feel it was as normal as possible.

Mr Oslerrecountedthat when embarkingonhis efforts, he hadnoidea what was the best way to celebrate the day, especially when most children had their dads, uncles,grandfathers and neighbours on active duty or on the frontlines defending their country.

“I had not grown up celebrating International Children’s Day and did not have members of my family on active service during my lifetime,” Mr Osler said.

“But what Idid know was the impacts of war on my family members, as well as how we celebrated kids’ birthdays in Australia. So Iput an Aussie spin on it.

“I made things likehoneyjoys, fairy bread, Vegemite and cheese scrolls and frogs in apond with atwist -using two layers of jelly in the colours of the Polish or Ukrainian flags and replacing the frog with chocolate kangaroos, koalas or maps of Australia.

“It was hugely appreciated by the young and old alike apart from the need to clean up the trails of spilt Corn Flakes from the honey joys.”

One of Mr Osler’sfellow volunteers, Oleg, appreciated it especially. Being agrandfather himself, and withhis own son and grandchildren remaining in Ukraine, Oleg produced aspecial memento on behalfofthe children of Ukraine -a5kopiikascoin

Osler carries the coin,which has been withdrawn from circulation, with him everywhere -along with aone hryvniacoin, given to him by aUkrainian mother on her return home from visiting her mother and son in Western Europe.

“When Oleg gave me the coin, it was avery emotional moment,” Osler said.

“I went home that night, found a50c Australian coin and returned the favour. Iwanted him to have something distinctly Australian and the emu and kangaroo are exactly that.”

Sincereturning to Gippsland in mid-2022,Mr Osler -who sits on Western Australia’s committee for Amnesty International -has felt ahelplessness knowing that support for many women, children, the disabled and elderly has declined or ceased in recent times.

Under programs such as thePolish Government’s 120-dayaccommodationsupport, about A$100 per person is provided weekly to Polish residents accommodating in their ownhomesthose displaced from Ukraine.

Initiallystartingasa60-dayprogram, it was extended to 120 days at the end of April when it was clear that the hostilities would not cease. However, it has not been extended beyond that.

“Many thought that Russia would notinvade, especially because of the Olympic truce still being in place for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympicsand Paralympics (in February and March).But that did not deter (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” Mr Osler said.

“Then after the invasion commenced, many thought that it would only be short-lived and the support needed would only be amatter of weeks.”

Mr Osler, who has also studied and beenengaged in international relations for more than 15 yearssawtoo many similaritieswithPutin’s risetothat of German dictator AdolfHitler, includingthe use of sporting events to fuel their legitimacy, as well as other regional conflicts such as the Yugoslav wars.

“Formine, therewas never adoubt thatthis would be an extended conflict. However, Idid not believe that we could ever again see an attack on civilians and community assetsinthe manner that

we have”, Osler said.

Due to the Polish Government’s assistance program being discontinued,aswell as the impacts of inflation in Poland, which currently sits at 17.9 per cent, many Ukrainians are feeling that there is no option but to return home.

This is all at atimewhenhostilitiesagainst citizens have increasedand energy assets have been targeted, reducing heating at atimewhen weatherconditions are much harsher thanthey were last winter.

“Seeing it all unfoldfirst-handwiththe massesof women,childrenand the elderly arriving in Poland exhausted,hungry and withthe littleclothingthat they could fit intoasinglesuitcase at the end of last winter, eventually got the better of me. It still does”,MrOsler laments.

“It was asurreal irony to our historylessons or what we know from literatureand filmsabout Krakow in World War II.

“Massesofpeople arrivedinto Krakow via trains, buses and any other means possible as well as truckloads of clothing, medicines and volunteers arriving from around Poland and Europe.”

The biggest issues for those displaced remains accommodation, food, medicines and now winter clothing and shoes, especially those who arrived in the warmer months in spring to autumn.

Being aChristmas baby-his birthdayisDecember 21 -MrOsler saw an opportunity to use his birthday to advantage and fundraisefromMorwell to provide some ‘normality’ to what should be atimeofyear to share joy with family and friends, rather than being displaced in aforeign land.

“Just as with International Children’s Day, it pained me to think that these families would have little to celebrate and may not even enjoy their traditional Christmas meals,” he said.

“I just want them to know that they have friends across the globe and to show that even those 15,000kms away from the conflict really do care.

“They may even have relatives here from the migrants that arrived to work on our power stations alongside my grandfather, or those arriving after the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.”

Mr Osler is alsomindfulthatsome of those displaced may have already lostfamilyand friends.

He learnt from ayoung age aboutthe impacts of war through his own family. Anumberofthem servedacross the wars with some payingthe ultimate sacrifice on the Western Front in World War Iand in the UK and Asia in World War II.

Instrumental on Mr Osler was the death of his Ma’s(great grandma) brother, Private George Reynolds, whose painted portrait adorned her living room in Warragul before amove to Bairnsdale.

“Ma often spokeabout the lossofher brother, George, whose body still has not been found over 100 years later,” Mr Osler said.

“I havevisitedthe Tyne Cot site in Belgium where he is understood to have been killed and Menin Gate, where he is commemorated. Both are stirring places.

“I think about those affected by the current conflictand the possibilitythat they too may never know the final resting place of their loved ones.

“Will they only have awar memorial in their town centres likeanother greatgranduncle,Lance CorporalAlexander Brown,who is commemorated in Warragul’s town centre and was buried in a mass grave at V.C. Corner in Fromelles, France?”

Being fortunate to havehis grandparents and great-grandparents return home fromservice, Mr Osler also has otherrelatives buried across the Western Front, the Middle East, UK and Asia, as wellascommemoratedacross Gippsland, Ypres (Menin Gate, Belgium) and Villers-Bretonneux (Australian War Memorial, France).

If his efforts supporting these Krakow-based organisations can somewhat lessen the impact on those displaced, Mr Osler believes it will all have been worth it.

Centrum Wielokulturowe wKrakowie continues to provide clothing, food, medicines and arange of programs and services (including legal) for those displaced from, as well as in Ukraine, on topof their usual multicultural offerings.

Theyare based near the Jewish Cemetery and OskarSchindler’s Enamel Factory -made famous by Australian author Thomas Kenneally and popularised in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film Schindler’s List

Fundacja Wolno Nam hostsabout 200persons at the old Jagiellonian University Psychology building on the edge of Krakow’s historic Old Town. This provides hostel-styleaccommodation,akitchen and aplayroom forchildrenaswell as access to activities.

Details of the fundraiser can be found at https:// gofund.me/413aa6b2 or by searching‘Birthday Benefit’ on GoFundMe.com

BrettOsler (left) holding the five kopiikas coin gifted by Ukrainian grandfather and fellow volunteer,OlegataCentrum WielokulturowewKrakowie distribution centreinKrakow, Poland.

Photo: Contributed

Forestry:facts vs fiction

COMMENT John Cameron

THE state governmentrecently said it would minimise job impacts from the timber shortage and accelerate the Opal Maryvale mills transition away from native timber harvesting. Is this fact or fantasy?

The state governments Forestry Plan announced three years ago was trumpeted as away to transitionthe timber industry fromnativeforests to plantations within 10 years. Apart from ignoring the biological fact that it would take 25-30 years for the new plantations to mature, the plan was always afantasy divorced from reality. The plan ignored the challenges associated withplantation expansion in Gippsland, including insufficientsuitable and affordable landwithineconomic distance of mills and the poorer wood quality making a plantation-based resource unsuitablefor many existing mills.

Over the first three years of the Forestry Plan, the governmenthas deliveredlittle more than announcements, coupe closures, declining plantation area, reducedlog supply,timbershortages, mill shuts and the stand-down of timber workers. Opal’s Maryvale mill recently announced that it mayhave to shut its M5 paper machine involving 220 jobs,becauseithas run out of hardwood logs.

Victorian Government’s Forestry Plan -the fantasy

IN 2019the state government announced the Victorian ‘Forestry Plan’, aplan to transition the timber industry,reliant on logs from native forest, into logs supplied from new plantations.

On 27 July 2020 Premier Daniel Andrews announced a“Review to protect Victoria’sforests, jobs andtimber industry” and the followingstatementswere in that announcement:

“The Victorian Government has commissioned a broad-ranging review to safeguard the Victorian Forestry Plan- and theregional jobsand environmental protections it will deliver”.

“The 30-year plan sets out along-term and sustainable future for Victoria’s forestryindustry”.

“Opal AustralianPaperwill also be supported to transition to afull plantation-based supply, ensuring it operates until at least 2050”.

“The plan is backed by $120 million… for reemployment andre-training impacted workers, funding for community projects thatsupport local businesses and help create local jobs”.

“Legal challenges have highlighted arange of issues that put the future of the plan at risk”.

In December 2022, the Victorian Government says it is actively engaging with Opal’s Maryvale Mill to minimise job impacts from thetimber shortage andaccelerate themill’s transition awayfrom native timber. The government says it is getting on with the job of deliveringthe VictorianForestry Plan with more than $200 millionintransition and investment support to timber businesses, workers and communities:

Spending$85 milliononlocalstrategies, community development, businesstransition and innovation.

Investing $120 million in anew plantation estate in Gippsland to support the sustainable future of forestry.

Victorian Government Forestry Plan -the facts

THE Andrews governments Forestry Plan has delivered 50,000fewer hectares of plantation rather thanmore plantationarea. It has also delivered ahuge30per cent reductioninlog supply from Victorian forests and plantations over the last few years.

Victorian log production is in serious decline. The facts are:

Total Victorianlog supply from native forest, hardwood plantation and softwood plantation has declined by about three million cubic metres per annum over the past few years.

This has already contributed to the loss of about 3300 direct jobs and 10,000 indirect jobs.

The Governments initial ‘fantasy supply’, Victorian plantation hardwood (eucalypt)log supply’, has declined by about 2million m3 pa.

The state governments ‘backup fantasy supply’, Victorian softwood log supply’,has declinedby about 570,000 m3 pa.

Victorian plantation area has shrunk by 50,000 ha over the past five years, of which 22,000 ha is in Central Gippsland.

The 14,000hapromisedonthe eve of the November 2022 election, if implemented, will onlydeliver about 250,000 m3 pa and onlyin about 25-30 years’ time. It will only replace about a quarter of the area of plantation lost over the past five years, norwill the Forestry Plan replace the 1 million m3 of logs supplied from the native forests.

The loss of plantation area and the alarming decline in log supply, rather than expansion, is an indictment on the state government’’s Forestry Plan.

The industry support package announced by the Premier on 27 July 2020 appears to have shrunk from $120 million to $85 million now. This is only sufficient to provide support of about $23,000 for each of the 3660 workers.

Victoria’s misguided policies on forestry, bushfire mitigation, flood mitigation and rural roads continue to deliver underdevelopment of rural Victoria with profoundadverse socioeconomic and environmental consequences.

Rewiring Aus

REWIRING Australia says thefederal government’s plan to help electrify homes and businesses will drive down inflation, while saving the planet andAustralian households money

The government has brokered adeal with theGreens to supportbusinesses and households replace gas with electrification systems, in apackage to be developed for the May 2023 Budget.

Rewiring Australia has found the average household could reduce their energy bills by around $5000 by 2030 if they electrify their cars and appliances.

Electrificationofhouseholds would also reducedomesticemissions by around one-third.

The dual motivations of household savings and emissions reductions was behind US president Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which acceleratedinvestment in domestic clean energy.

Founder of Rewiring Australia, Dr Saul Griffith,who was akey architectofthe Biden administration’s electrification agenda, says Australiacan follow and learn from the USA’s lead.

“Support from the government to help electrify business and households puts Australia in astronger position to transform our energy economy away from expensive future commitments to fossil-fuels," he said.

"This is Australia’s chance to lead the world on savingthe climate, economy and household budgets.

“Clean electrification is anti-inflationary. The economics of electrification makes sense in Australia -petrol and gas prices are climbing while we live in amoderate climate and lead the world on rooftop solar andhousehold battery installations.

“In prioritising amore ambitious Act, Australia should provide accessible and affordable finance and incentives to support householdselectrify, invest in electrifying publicand social housing, testintensive electrification through community pilots, build the skilled workforce for installations,and support the growth of domestic manufacturing of modern, electric appliances.”

John Cameron, Dip Hort.Burnley and MBA Monash, is aforestry and business consultant

Local consultant John Cameron. Photo:File

Film buffs review new Avatar

SB: We’ve both seen Avatar: The Way of Water in 3D, me havingviewed it on opening night, and Tom over the weekend. Since your memory is freshest, what are your firstimpressions of the movie, Tom?

TP: We were warned this would be athree-hour movie, and Ifelt every minute of it -it’salmost patience-testing. There are certainly elements of it that Iappreciated, but Ifeel that it could have lost half an hour and Istill wouldhave enjoyed it as much.

SB: Notably, you texted me “Whoa, that was a LONG movie” as soon as your session concluded, which was not my first thought when Ifinished it. For me, the time flew by, but Icertainly acknowledge that it could have been trimmed in some areas. In saying that, Ithink this sequel tops thefirst Avatar quite easily -it'sa big step up in anumber of ways. Yes, it's long, but Iwould watch it again.

TP: Sadly, Ihavetodisagree with you, because Idid not think it was as good as the first movie. I think it's slightly worse. The sequel doesn't throw as muchexpositionatusand doesn't seem to rip-off other films as the original does, but it seemed like Iwas watching the same movie. It had the same conflict, the same emotional beats, and even the same villain in Na'vi form. Idon't see how this sequel is justified as it's just the same narrative setinawater world, rather than aforest world.

SB: The structure is similar to the first, but let's talk visuals. Ithink most people by now have seen afilm in 3D andknow if they like that format or not. I've personally always enjoyed 3D cinema, and if Iwas going to watch any movie in 3D, it would be this one.

TP: Ididn't enjoy the 3D, but Inever liked 3D cinema to begin with -Idon't think it adds anything. It takesmeout of the experience, and distracts rather than enhances the visuals. At least five times duringmysession,Itook the 3D glasses off because my eyes were straining. You shouldn’t feel that it's necessary to watch it in 3D when you could watch it in 2D and have justasenjoyable an experience.

SB: Ithought all the underwater sections looked incredible and the 3D enhanceditfor me. When you watch the flight sequences in Top

be hard to tell apart because they look like the same blue alien, and that issue is compounded by this film introducing

TP: Ignoring the 3D effect, Idid likethe visuals. The CGI is asignificant improvementoverthe first Avatar and it no longer looks like I'm watching a PlayStation 3cutscene. You can tell it's mostly greenscreen, but the shading and lighting add an element of realism that was lacking previously.

SB: There were many scenes where characters areobservinginawe what they’reseeing underwater; and as an audience member Igot sucked-in and did the same. Cutting some of that out would have reduced the length of the movie quite abit, but I'm glad they didn't.

TP: Ididn'tenjoy thosescenery or montage shots- it felt like Iwas watching ascreensaver. How does this move the narrative forward? Sure, it's pretty to look at, but beyond that, where is the appeal? On another point, when we revisited the first Avatar for its re-release in September, we talked about the fact that we couldn't recall the names of many characters. So, Stefan, can you name any of the new characters?

SB: In regards to the Sully family Ican, but some of the others Ican't because these are names I've never heard before or seen written down, such as the twoNa'vibrothers.Ican name Tuk, Spider and Kiri,who was played by Sigourney Weaver. The characterisation of the new cast, especially the Sully kids, is much betterthanthe firstmovie.

TP: Iagree with you there. The new characters are more nuanced, more complex and more interesting. Spider, ahuman teenager adopted by Jake and Neytiri, was my favourite character in the movie. The actor who plays him, Jack Champion, was great and Ithink he will have abright future in Hollywood.Spider is important to the movie because he's abridge between the other humans and the Na'vi, but also abridge for us as an audience. He helps us adjust to the world of Pandora.

SB: Jake and Neytiri have much less screen time thanI expected,and that'sa problembecause they

weren't well-developed in the first movie. Jake Sully, played by Australia'sown Sam Worthington, does get an opportunity to show how he's changed, but once again Zoe Saldaña is criminally underused as Neytiri. In all her scenes, Saldaña is fantastic, but by the end Iknowjust as much about her character as Idid at the end of the last movie.

TP: Correct, thereisvery littlecharactergrowth or development for Neytiri.

SB: As for the villain: we see Colonel Miles Quaritch return, and he was much more interesting this timearound. However, Ihope they try something different for the villain next time.

TP: Agreed again. As an antagonist, he was more nuanced than he was in the first movie; but is this really the best they can do -recycling the villain by turning him into aNa'vi?Asfor the action scenes, they were pretty intense -Iwasn't expecting this much gritty action from an Avatar movie! Iwould expect it in another James Cameron movie such

as, say, True Lies or Terminator 2,but not an otherworldly, fantasy narrative like this. I'd say the action is marginally better than the first.

SB: Iloved all the action scenes -Ifound them easy to follow and they didn't get lost in the visuals. To conclude, Ithink this is agreat movie that's leagues ahead of the first film. It is epic ride from start to finish and it deserves to be seenincinemas, not just casually viewed on Disney+. I'm definitely pumpedfor Avatar 3,but Idon't knowifI'm excited for Avatar 4 and 5 at this point. Are you looking forward to Avatar 3?

TP: No. Not in the slightest. In my opinion, The Way of Water is not an improvement overall on the first movie. The areas where it does improve is in the visuals, the actionand the characters, but otherwise it's afacsimile of its predecessor.

JAMES Cameron's long-awaited blockbuster sequel Avatar: The Way of Water has finally reached cinemas. Our resident film buffs Tom Parry and Stefan Bradley went to check it out.

Gun: Maverick andthe HALO jump in Mission: Impossible -Fallout,theyhit differently as those were practical stunts performed by the actors. It's incredible to watch The Way of Water knowing that theactorsbroke world records holding their breath underwater to perform these scenes. One problem is that some characters can

anew clan of people who are also blue, just in a brighter shade.

AVATAR The Way of the Water is rated Mand is currently screening in 3D and 2D at Sale Cinema.

JamesCameron’s follow-upepicAvatar2isnow screening in Sale Cinema. Image Contributed

Mardi Grasprep

THE MAFFRAand District Bendigo Bank will offer cash prizes for the three best overall floats in the Rotary Club of Maffra Mardi Gras 2023. This is in addition to the trophy awards, and to their usual sponsorship of the best three school floats.

The bank board’s chairman, Rob Christie, said the Maffra Community Bank would like locals to support this event by entering floats in the parade. After not being able to hold such events over the past three years, the area needed aboost to bring people together again.

“We are very pleased to be able to assist in encouraging more businesses and organisations to participate in theMardi Gras 2023,” he said.

The theme for 2023 is ‘TheCircus’.Prizes will be awarded to the best-looking floats in line with the actual theme. The first prize is $3000 so it is well worth going all out to make an effort.

The bank has also increased the money for school floats, with $1000 being awarded to the best school float, $750 for second place and $500 for third place.

The Mardi Gras committee and the Rotary Club of Maffra have welcomed the bank’s involvement.

Floats are welcome from any business or organisationinWellington Shire,not justMaffra.

Businesses willalsohave the opportunity to competefor anew trophy, the Arthur Watts Trophy for the Best Business Float.This is anew initiative of the current Mardi Gras Committee, and is a wall plaque so that it can be hung in the winner’s business premises.

Trophieswill be awardedeitherjointly or separately from the cash prizes.

The community is urged to gettheir creative thinkingcaps on over the Christmasbreak and plan awonderful float for March 18, 2023.

Christmas fes on tommorrow

IT’S back! It’s bigger than ever, and the town of Maffra can’t wait to put on ashow that the whole region can come and enjoy.

After two long years of delaysand interruptions, the Maffra ChristmasFestivalisrevving to life again to bring the spirit of Christmas back to the main street in town.

 MAFFRA Neighbourhood House 2023

Term 1brochure can be viewed now on the house’s website and on Facebook. Book early for activities via Facebook or leave amessage to be reached when activities resume on January 30, 2023.

 CHRISTMAS service times for St Mary’s Maffra, St Ita’s, Newry and St Michael’s, Heyfield Catholic Churches: Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24; St Michael’s will begin with carols at 6pm followed by Mass at 6.30pm; St Mary’s will begin with carols at 8.30pm followed by Mass at 9pm; Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25; St Mary’s Mass will be held at 9am; St Ita’s Mass will be held at 11am; Friday, December 30; AFeast of the Holy Family Mass will be held St Mary’s at 9.30am.

New Year’s Day Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God will be held at normal Sunday Mass times.

 CHRISTMAS service times for St John’s, Maffra and St George’s, Boisdale Anglican Churches. Friday, December 23; Children’s Christmas service will be held at 6pm, this is aspecial service for children and families. There will be costumes for everyone to be involved. Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24; St George’s Holy Communion will be held at 8pm. St. John’s Carols and Holy Communion will be held at 11pm. Christmas, Day December 25; St John’s All age Holy Communion will be held at 9.30 am.

 MAFFRA Vigilance Society Thrift shop will be closed until Monday, January 9, 2023.

Having built expectations as one of the busiest and most entertaining festivals in Gippsland, organisers say it’slikelya bigcrowd will return this year.

Christmas committee member Pam Anderson said that the jointventure with the Maffra Business& Tourism Association hasproven to be asuccessful combination of hard work, and a desire to put on aprofessional eventthat would attract people from over the whole state.

‘We’ve had people come and return each year from Melbourne, Ballarat and other areas around Victoria,” Ms Anderson said.

This year’s festival will be no exception, with an arrayofentertainment to suit the youngest to the oldest.

Standing high above the crowd will be stiltwearing guestssuch as Giant Mr &Mrs Santa, FuchsiaFlower and Gemma the Giraffe, accompanied by her ranger.

Wacky Wombat will bring ahive of activity for kids and parents to enjoy; Tubby the Robot and Marjo the Clown will be slowly making their way through the crowd for plenty of pics and selfies.

And of course, what Christmas Festival would be complete without avisit from the real Mr and Mrs Claus?!

Otheractivities include apettingzoo, face painting, balloon twisting and jumping castles to keep the kids entrained for hours.

Local acts will be on display, and an interactive songand dance show from Gran Pam and Phil Pop. Great raffle prizes will be available on the night, as well as food and gift stalls for last minute Christmas shopping. Most local retailers will be open during the event.

So come along, bring the whole family and join in with the festive cheer this Wednesday, December 21 from 5.30pmto10pmalong JohnsonSt, Maffra.

Boisdale Consolidated Schoolwon best overall float in 2019.Photo from 2018 Maffra MardiGras. Photo: Contributed

WHAT is Christmas to you?

Maybe Christmas is acup of warm cocoa clutched between cold hands as you sit in front of an open flamed fire, flames ferociously dancing before transforming into blackened smoke.

Maybe Christmasisa warm sunnyday,bare feet tickled by grass as you stand ready for the next ball to be bowled in agame of backyard cricket; the smell of fresh prawns, fruit, and barbequed meat distractingly tantalises your senses.

Maybe Christmas is the sound of carols reverberating between walls or off nearby trees as children run wild, rosy-cheekedand sweaty-browedasdirty hands clasp frostedfizzy drinks,heavy gulps filling the silence before cheerful yelling resumes once again.

Maybe Christmas is the smell of fresh pine and the serenity of early morninglight before wrapping is eagerly torn away, revealingsurprises suppressed within, pieces of paper floating softly to the floor like colourful snow.

As we grow older, what Christmas is to us, our meaning of Christmaschanges,but no matter how old we are or where we live, there is one feature of Christmas that remains the same: giving.

Festive colours gleamed under fluorescent lights as Ashleigh House residents and members of the

an abundance of vibrantpackagedtoyssplayed out from beneath the glistening Christmas tree.

Ashleigh House residents and staff were joined by volunteersfrom Gippsland-based charity, A Better Life for FosterKids,onTuesday,December 12, who, upon arrival, were unwitting of the fact they were about to receive the biggest Christmas donation of the year.

Over the past weeks, Liza Pendlebury and the entire leisure and lifestyleteam have curated numerous events forAshleigh House residents in a bid to raise money for ABetter Life for Foster Kids and help bring joy to every child this Christmas.

“We had aday of cooking and then held abake stall,” Ms Pendlebury said.

“One of our residents hand-made akangaroo, which madeover $200; we’ve had raffles,lucky squares and amarket day.”

For some residents, atrip down the street is no easyfeat.With so manyAshleigh House residents devoted to giving to ABetter Life for Foster Kids this Christmas, Ms Pendlebury and the leisure and lifestyle team brought the street to them. Several local businesses descended upon the residential aged-care accommodation, erecting stalls blanketed in myriad toys and trinkets, clothing and games in what would conclude as a successful market day.

Residents scoured through barbies and bears, diggers and dinos, findingthe perfectgift they wished to donate to achild in foster care this Christmas.

Ashleigh

“The staff have been amazing,” Ms Pendlebury gushed.

“So much money, so many gifts and not just from residents and staff but the entire Sale community.”

Ms Pendlebury raised $1500 for ABetter Life for Foster Kids through aFacebook fundraiser, with donations from those across the Sale and broader community.

Collingwood’s longest-serving captain and Liza Pendlebury’s son, Scott Pendlebury, also donated a2010premiership guernsey signed by premiership captain Nick Maxwell and the Norm Smith Medallist -Scott Pendlebury himself.

The Collingwood jumper will be auctionedat ABetter Life for Foster Kids gala dinner early next year.

Fundraisingefforts fromAshleighHouse residents and staff raised more than $2500 for ABetter Life forFoster Kids,withthe number of toys, games, trinkets and gifts handed over on Tuesday, December 12, callingfor the charity van.

“Wehavehad to call in the van”, volunteers from ABetter Life for Foster Kids said. “Thereistoo much for our cars.

“It is absolutelyamazing; we can’t believe it. We are blown away; this is ahugedonation, the biggest this year.

“The entire Sale community is amazing; we really can’t believe it.”

House staff joinedingiving; overnight, Ms Pendlebury said bikes, toys, and money kept appearing unexpectedly.

Zoe Askew

leisure and lifestyle team congregated in the lounge,

Ashleigh House, Sale, donated morethan $2500 in toys, games, gifts andcashtoA Better Lifefor Foster Kids,handing over goods on Tuesday, December 12

Ashleigh House staffand residents with ABetterLife for Foster Kids volunteers in the Ashleigh House lounge.

Photos:Zoe Askew

Ashleigh House leisureand lifestyle team member Jenni Murphy helps loaddonations into the ABetter Life for Foster Kids van.

Ashleigh Houseleisure andlifestyleteam membersLiza Pendlebury and JenniMurphy

ABetter Lifefor Foster Kidsvolunteer Pat McDiarmid stands behindproud Ashleigh House donators GeorgeAdams and Jeanette Ellis.

Kirkwood calls

AFTER 50 years of service to Catholic education, Ms Maria Kirkwood, chief executive officer and director of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Sale, will retire on December 23.

Ms Kirkwood has held her current role with Diocese of SaleCatholic Education Ltd (DOSCEL) since 2012, leading 38 Catholic primary and five Catholic secondary schools in the Diocese, which spans from the outer Melbourne suburbs of Narre Warren and Cranbournethroughout Gippsland to Orbost.

Before this, Ms Kirkwood held various executive positions with the then Catholic Education Office Melbourne, now Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), as well as principalship, leadership and teaching positions at Catholic schools in Victoria.

A‘thank you’ Mass and dinner were held to bring together parish clergy, DOSCEL board directors, and education leaders to honour Ms Kirkwood, who has been achampionofinnovation and change in Catholic education.

Video messages from two formerBishops of Sale, Archbishop Christopher Prowse and Archbishop PatrickO’Regan,were played during the evening, along with messages frommany Catholicprimary and secondary schools.

Speaking at the dinner, the Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet, said Catholic school communitiesthroughoutthe Diocesehad benefitted enormously from Maria’s gifts as an educator, her competence as an administrator and her dynamism as afaith leader.

“Maria’s collaborationwith the previous Bishops of Sale, in preparing an innovative and creative way of governing Catholic education in theDiocese of Sale, has now been replicated in the other three Dioceses in Victoria. Her contribution to the process of incorporation and to ensuring that schools and their communities are appropriately funded and supported by the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV)isacknowledged and respected by the education community.”

DOSCEL board chair, Mr Garry McLean, said Maria Kirkwood’s vision to deliver the highest quality educational opportunities and outcomes for every student in every school in the Diocese was testimony to her deep commitment and dedication. Her commitment to Catholic education had

inspired colleagues,parish priests,clergy, staff of the Catholic Education office, school personnel and enriched the lives of all those with whom she had worked over many years, he said.

Reflecting on fivedecades in Catholic education, Ms Kirkwood said her time in the Diocese of Sale was the happiest personally, and the most fulfilling professionally.

“The role of director has been enormously supported and valued by the Bishop and clergy, our dynamic board of directors and committee members, and the many talented teams and individuals in our schoolsand Catholic Education office,” she said.

Ms Kirkwood said she had been asked numerous times over the years to talk about her ‘career’ but stated: “I don’t believe Ihave had acareer, what Ihave had is alifeinwhich my work was amajor part and the vast majority of that work has been with Catholic education and the Catholic Church more broadly.”

Reflecting on leadership opportunities over the years, Ms Kirkwood’s said she learned to ignore negative voicesabout what women can and cannot do, having beentoldseveraltimesnot to apply for positions to which she wasultimately appointed.

Ms Kirkwood saidithad beenagreat pleasure to work with so manypassionateand committed leaders and staff throughout herworking life

“My sincere thanks to everyoneIhavehad the privilege to work with. OurCatholic schools have such astrong and assuredfuture because of the passionateleaders and staff and the wonderful work they do every day,” she said.

Afterher last day on December 23, Mr Paul Veltenwill start in the role as chiefexecutive officer/director of Catholic Education, from December 24.

Paul Velten is known to many in the Diocese through his current workasa member of the DOSCELexecutiveteam in therole of chief finance, information &infrastructureofficer. He has held a number of roles within the Catholic Church and its agencies in the Diocese of Sale and the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Mr Velten is also amemberofseveralcommittees of the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) and aboard memberofthe Catholic Development Fund Archdiocese of Melbourne.

DOSCEL chief finance,informationand infrastructureofficer,Paul Velten, retiring DOSCEL chief executive anddirectorofCatholic Education, Maria Kirkwood, Catholic BishopofSale, Most Reverend Greg Bennetand DOSCEL boardchair,Garry McLean. Photo: Contributed

GAGnew season

SUMMER has arrived, and with it, anew season at the Gippsland Art Gallery.

Officially opened on Friday, December 9, the centrepiece of the latest season is Cosmos,an exhibition which seeks to tap into the cosmic energy that surrounds and connects all living beings.

The curation consists of artworks stored in the Gallery’s collection, as well as loaned pieces, such as Lee Darroch’s SpiralofLife - afloor installation consisting of sand, pebbles, shells and other natural marine objects.

As Gallery directorSimon Greggexplained to the Gippsland Times,MsDarroch’s work is making areturn, following her solo exhibitionlast year.

“It was ahugeshow running through two galleries, oversix weeks,” Mr Gregg said.

“About 50 people got to see it, because after the second day, we had to go into lockdown; and that was kind of devastating, because she spent two years working on that show.

“So Isaidtoher at the time, ‘Let’sstartrestaging parts of it afterwards’.”

The Gallery is also hostingseveral smaller exhibitions overSummer, curated to complement Cosmos andeach other.

“We’ve got the Wild Dogs of Gippsland exhibition… which is six artists all with very big ideas and these kind of big, noisy artworks, which is fantastic; but then you walk into Kevin Lincoln’s show, whichisabout the quietest exhibitionwe’ve ever had –very minimal, very stripped-back, stark landscapes of Gippsland,” Mr Gregg said.

He anticipates that Jan Learmonth’s Findings, an installation of 100 tiny objects located in the gallery’s main room, will draw the most interest among attendees.

“That was alockdown project for her –she lives down at Inverloch, just behind the beach, and everything in these 100 pieces shefound just on her property or on the beach, and she just assembled them and made little creatures.

“It has really capturedthe imagination of everybody that’s come in, and that’s the one that

people are spendinglongest with, so Ithink that’ll be the most popular. “

Other artists whose workisbeing exhibited include Jessica Page, and gallery-favourite Annemieke Mein.

The latest round of exhibitions comes following asuccessful Spring season for Mr Gregg and his team, which included the biennial John Leslie Art Prize.

“We had about12thousand peopleattend the John Leslie; well-over 100 people every day.

“Two years ago whenwedid it, we had to go into lockdown aweek after it started; to be able to do it again thisyear without any restrictions at all was just fantastic.

“The opening night, Ithink there was about 300 people here,and we had artists flying here from all around Australia.

“Just to be able to have abig art party like that again, which we haven’t done for such along time, was great.

“I think the exhibition itself was terrific… everybody has told me that the quality of art was the best they’d ever seen.”

Greg Wood took out the major prize for his artwork entitled V34 Reimagining,while Frank Mesaric won Best Gippsland Work for Velore Rd, Kilmany

People’sChoice wasawarded to Tractorinthe Hills,painted by Peter Baylor.

TomParry

LeeDarroch’s ‘SpiralofLife’ on thefloor of the gallery

Sam Leach’s ‘Sebeok on Safari’, consisting of 24 oil-and-resin paintings that resemble bathroom tiles.

Gippsland Art Gallerydirector SimonGregg alongside Kevin Mortensen’s painting ‘God Only Knows’.

New kindy slide

Stefan Bradley

CHILDREN at Gwenfa Hampton Kindergarten have been celebrating the end of 2022 by playing on their new slide.

Improvements were made to the fort and slide, after recommendations from aplayground audit –a new slide was purchased and the rungs and posts were modified.

Sale Combined Kindergartens Inc operations manager, Vickie Mavros, saidthis was made possible throughWellington Shire’s community assistance grants.

“We received $2643.45 fromcouncilaspartof its community assistance grants which Ibelieve are up to $5000,” Ms Mavros said.

“The childrenlove being outside andanything new is always an attraction.

“Thus the slide, whichhas only recently been replaced, is abig hit!

“We would still like to do some extra concreting but the playground is safe to use.”

The four-year-old children had their end-of-year concert on Wednesday, December14, before starting their holidays.

Kindergarten will open2023enrolments in February.

Sale Combined Kindergartens Inc thanks the community, in particular Wellington Shire, for its support this year,wishes them aMerry Christmas. Any parents thinking of Kindergarten for 2023 are encouraged to phone 5144 1663.

Gwenfa Hampton Kindergarten is located at 127 Fitzroy St, Sale.

Esso community together

THE Esso Community Festival took place along Pearson Street, Sale on Saturday, December 10 DeliveredbyEssoAustralia in partnership with Gippsland Music &Sound, theevent welcomed more than 1500 attendees, spotlighting local vendors while showcasingthe latesttunes fromthe region’s home-grown talent.

Performersonthe day included Mick Harrington -who recently welcomed his third child -along with Harry Hook,AlexBlack and JoshCashman.Festivalgoers were also treated to avisit from Santa.

“The Esso Community Festival was awonderful way to kick-off the holiday season and provide some all-round family-friendly

fun to the Sale community,” Longfordplant manager, Clinton Gentle, said.

“It was great to seethe streets filled with cheer as we listened to some spectacular musical talent and indulged in some amazing food, alongside some enjoyable children’s entertainment programs.”

Commemorating 150years of public educationinVictoria

THE state government is commemorating the 150th anniversary of Victoria’s world-class public education system, ensuring future students and teachers can look back at how Victorians learnt and taught in 2022.

Minister for Education, NatalieHutchins, marked the milestone of the Education Act 1872 by sealing five time capsules -tobere-opened in 50 years from now in 2072.

On December 17, 150 years ago, Victoria was the first state in Australia -and one of the first in the world -tomakeeducation free, secular and compulsorytoall childrenfollowing the passing of the Education Act 1872.

The time capsules have each been designed andbuilt by Gippsland Tech School (Morwell), Ballarat Tech School, Quantam Victoria, and Geelong TechSchool for theirrespective regions.

Each capsule includes current and historical digitaland physical items including photos, videos, prep bags and learning curriculums.

Ms Hutchins said it was ahistoric occasion.

“Thisissuch aspecial milestone -marking 150 years of our world-class public education system through these time capsules, while also investing in the future to continue giving our students every opportunity they need to

succeed,” she said.

“We’re delivering better opportunities for all young Victorians and ensuring they have the best spaces to learn, can meet their potential, and are equipped with the skills they need to thrive at school and in life.”

The milestone has also been marked throughout the year with arange of activities designed to commemorate the past, present and imagine the future of education.

More than 7500 archive boxes have already been collected and digitalised from schools across Victoria.

Records collected from schools include enrolment registers and photographs, some dating back to the 1800s.

In the past eight years, thestate government has invested $12.8 billion in building new schools, and more than 1850 school upgrades, creating around 17,400 jobs in construction and associated industries.

The state governmentsaysitisalready ahead of schedule in opening100 newschools by 2026, which will ensure every student can access a great local education no matter where they live. Visit www.vic.gov.au for more information.

Whatbetter waytocelebrate the end of year at Gwenfa Hampton Kindergarten than by trying out its new slide? Photo: Contributed

Esso’s team gets asurprise visit from Santa at the EssoCommunity Festival Photo: Contributed

Comes

Family home -tick. Outdoor livingtick. Swimming pool -tick.

If you are looking for ahome with afamily-friendly floorplan to enjoy, but would also love to spend a majority of your time outside enjoying warm summer days and cosy winter nights, then this property is one you don’t want to miss.

The home will appeal to many,withample room inside and out. There are four goodsized bedrooms, the master with ensuite and walk-in robe.

There’splenty of living space, with open plan kitchen, dining and family area, plus a second large separate living room. Wood heating and asplit system provide year-round comfort.

The large family bathroom is being updated to asleek bathroom design with shower and free-standing bath, and modern fixtures and fittings throughout.

Outside, the large undercover decked alfresco provides the perfect spot to entertain and enjoy weekends, with an open

fireplace for winter months. This overlooks agreat-sized inground swimming pool which is sure to please the whole family Topping of this enticing package is ashed/ workshop with concrete floor and power, vehicle access to both the yard and shed, room for acaravan or boat, and adouble carport.

Situated in acourt location, this is ahome with all you could need, while still providing the opportunity to makeityour own.

Arenovated home, approximately 72 acres of land, and bitumen to your driveway -what else could you want?

This house provides plenty of space for afamily,with loads of storage and awarm, homely feel

With its North-facing aspects, pool and entertaining areas, there is plenty of space to enjoy

The shedding is very accessible, and well laid-out, allowing opportunity for an at-home business, or just to put the kids’ motorbikes or horse gear in.

An undercover orchard doubling as a chook pen allows those interested the opportunity for some self-sufficiency,asdo the grapevines.

The adjacent farm is well laid-out too, with solid cattle facilities and abig hay-shed. A central laneway accesses all the paddocks makethe shifting and handling of livestock easy

With town water to all the paddocks via trough systems, all the hard work is done for you.

Located just five minutes from the centre of Glengarry and 15 minutes from Traralgon, this property offers all there is to have from rural living, with suburban convenience.

Located in aquiet court, and only a short walk or drive to the Sale CBD shops and services, is this neat and tidy unit that will prove agreat buy for those wanting to downsize to low maintenance living.

The unit features two large bedrooms, both with built-in robes; aspacious open plan kitchen/living and dining with ceiling fanand gasheating; abathroomwith both bath and shower; and awell-equipped laundry

Outside, the courtyard catches plenty of sunlight -agreat spot forsome potted plants -plus there is agarden shed for storage.

The single carport has direct access into the home.

Agents say this is nothing short of agreat little package in agreat location. Move straightin or spend some time putting your own stamp on it.

spinachproducts

IN light of recent food recalls fromFood Standards Australia New Zealandrelating to asmall selection of spinach products, vegetable peak industry body AUSVEG is calling on consumers to follow the recall directionsand dispose the recalled products, and for thosewith concerns for their health to follow the advice of health departments and seek medical attention.

“The health and safety of our consumers is the top priority for our industry, so we urge consumers to follow the advice of the recall notices and to seek medicalattentionifyou have concerns for your health,” AUSVEG chief executive Michael Coote said.

“However, it is important to remember thatthere are only asmall number of products with recall notices, and our food safety and retailsector is removing affected products as soon as there is a concern for people’s health.

“This means that Australian consumers can have confidence in all other spinachand leafysalad products that are currently available for sale on retail shelves, which are unaffected by the recall.

“AUSVEG has had reports of growers who are notincluded in the recall, but haveexperienced reduced orders and drops in sales, adding to the pressures that they face during this time of year.

“Given the proximity to Christmasand the festive season -our industry’s busiest time of the year -this is both worrying and avoidable.

“Thepast 12-months have been the most difficult in recent times for our industry. While all growers have faced significant increases to costs of

“We call on all Aussie consumers to continue to buy plenty of fresh vegetables and leafy salads to support theirhard-working, dedicatedgrowers who are working day and night to ensure families have freshproduce for Christmas and the festive season.” Currently, the recalled products are:

 Rivera Farms baby spinach at Costco Wholesale in VIC, NSW, ACT with use by dates from December 16 2022 up to December 28 2022;

 Fresh Salad Co Fresh and Fast Stir Fry, at ALDI stores in VIC with use by date of December 24 2022;

 Woolworths Chicken Cobb Salad and Woolworths Chickpea Falafel Salad, at Woolworths stores in VIC, NSW, QLD, ACT;

 Woolworths Chicken Cobb salad 270g with use by date December 20;

 Woolworths Chickpea Falafel Salad 290g use by date December 20 and December 22, and;

 Eleven Coles Own Brand productscontaining spinach solid in Coles Supermarkets, Coles Local, Coles Express and through Coles Online in VIC, NSW, QLD, SA, NT, ACT with use by dates between December 17 2022 and December 23 2022.

AUSVEGcontinues to liaise withall relevant authorities and key stakeholders as the issues unfold.

Buy-a-bale fund relaunched

AUSTRALIANS havebeen urged nottoforget the families impacted by the most expensive flood in the nation’s history in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Trusted charity, Rural Aid, prepares to deploy assistance to the communities hardest hit by this catastrophe.

MuchofNSW, VIC and SA was subject to record rainfall between September and November, over 130 local government areas declareddisasterzones.

Morethan $5.5 billion in damageshavebeen recorded so far-more than any other floodin Australia’s history -asthe dire consequences for regional communities become aharsh reality.

The true cost is estimatedtobemuch higher, givenfarmers may not have been insured for many of the losses and there is limited information on the ongoing loss of income.

Rural Aid has relaunched its Buy-a-Bale fundraiserinresponse to thedisaster,and will team up withthe Rapid Relief Team to support aFarmer’s Community Connect event in Rochester.

Rural Aid chief executive John Walters said the event is achancefor farmers to come together for support.

“These floods have had unprecedentedimpact on ruralAustralians -families are losing their homes

and livelihoods and entire towns are being wiped out,” Mr Walters said.

“It is difficult to measure the true toll the floods aretaking, and will continue to take, on impacted farmersand communities.

“Ourimmediate concern is the mentalhealth and wellbeing of families... communities face a long and challenging road to recovery.”

Rural Aid’s registered mentalhealthcounsellors will be at the event,where farmers can registerfor free A-grade,feed-tested hay, with afree barbecue lunch and connect with local service providers.

Almost 500,000 hectares of farmland have been flooded -more than half the size of Melbourne, wiping millions of dollars from farm incomes and causing stress on rural families.

There is apossibility the flood event will be protracted and episodic, as the Bureau of Meteorology predicts above average rainfall from December to January in many of the impacted areas.

“This particular event poses auniquechallenge in that unlike the drought, where some farmers werebetter prepared or could takesteps to manage the impact, this has been sudden andwidespread,” Mr Walters said.

production, floodsand consistent rainand critical labour shortages this year, leafy salad and spinach growershavehad it particularly tough during this period.

Photo:

Australian-first electro weeding trial under way

ANON-CHEMICAL weeding device that uses electricity to kill plants will be put through its paces in Western Australia to determine its suitability for primary production.

The recent Grains Research Updates 2022 virtual forum revealed the high-tech device, the Zasso Electroherb, was due to arrive in WA in late December.

The Department of PrimaryIndustries and Regional Development (DPIRD) will join with Case New Holland Industrial to test the technology’s suitabilitytocontrol weedsinAustralian dryland and irrigated agriculture.

It will also examine which weeds are easiest to control with electricity, the effects on soil, and the technology’s potential uses in Australian agriculture.

The project has support fromthe Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Wine Australia, WA consultants AHA Viticulture and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation.

The Swiss-made Zasso Electroherbmachine uses mechanical power to produce ahigh voltage current, which is applied directly to plants via a series of electrodes mounted behind or in front of the tractor.

The electro-weeding process works by passing electricity through aplant by touching it with an electrical applicator, which causes the plant cell walls to be destroyed -killingthe plant or supressing growth.

The technology has not been tested under Australian fieldconditions before, although it is used in Europe on asmall scale for horticulture and viticulture and for roadsides.

DPIRD research scientist, MirandaSlaven,told the forum that electric weed control could be part of an integrated solution to reduce dependence on chemical inputs and create more sustainable farming systems.

“Finding alternative weed control strategies to chemical measures is important in Australia, due to increasing rates of herbicide resistance and increasingly discerning market demands,” she said.

Apreliminary plottrialindicated volunteer crops and grass weeds could be the hardest to control, duetothe plants’ high surface area and extensive branchingofroots andshoots.

The device will initially be tested on its ability to control weeds on viticulture and horticulture properties and later along roadsides and fencelines,

as well as its use for fallow weed control at the department’sresearchfacilities in the Western Australian Grainbelt.

The research will target herbicide resistant weeds, like annual ryegrass and wild radish, and problematic agricultural weeds, suchasfeathertop Rhodes grass and fleabane, as well as perennial weeds, including kikuyu and wireweed.

Project lead, research scientist, Catherine Borger, said aliterature review and reports from Europe suggested soilhealth and soilbiota were not compromised by the technology.

“Our researchwill include an analysis of the technology’s effect on soil health, including soil microbial density and diversity, as well as soilroot pathogens, such as rhizoctonia,” Dr Borger said.

“We are also particularly interestedtoascertain whether there is apotential fire risk during Summer so thetrialswill be undertakenfollowing safety training using the utmost safety procedures.”

The two-year electro-weeding project findings will be shared with industry.

Charges laid over dumping at Woodside North

FOLLOWING an extensive investigation by the Environment Protection AuthorityVictoria(EPA), charges have been laid against aDandenong South company over amajor wastedumping incident in Gippsland in June 2021.

Company Renex Op Co Pty Ltd and its director Marinos Angelodemou,have been charged with 21 offences under the Environment Protection Act 1970.

Thecharges relatetothe dumping of industrial waste at Woodside North Quarry, Gippsland.

“As ever, it was the local community that were our best eyes and ears and they reported the dumping to us in June 2021,” said Gippsland regional manager Jess Bandiera.

“We monitored the situation closely to establish

the dumped substance did not pose ahealth threat to neighbouring property holders and took action to ensure it did not escape the site during heavy rain periods.

“The soil has been removed under an EPA notice.

“We remainedincontactwithcommunity members and council, their assistance was key to this investigation.”

Ms Bandiera said the investigation was complex and needed time to ensure the best possible chance of an outcome.

“We are determined to hold polluters to account and we have used our strong regulatory powers, working with local knowledge,tolay these charges.”

Report pollution to the EPA on 1300 372 842.

Abroadacre electric weed control trial is starting soon using technology similar to thisunit,which hasbeen used in vineyards.

Photo: DPIRD

BORDER COLLIE

BULLS

DASCHUNDS

APRICOTS

Christmas Trees

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

To

ENGLISH SPRINGER

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

CLOCKTOWER MEDICAL CENTRE PART-TIME VACANCY Medical Administration/Receptionist

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

The team member we are seeking needs tohave agood eye for detail and canworkwellunder pressure, in abusy environment.

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

All applicants will be considered.

Please forward your current curriculum vitae to: The Practice Manager

Clocktower Medical Centre P.O Box 838 Sale, 3853

Applications close Thursday, December 23, 2022

will be available from Thursday 19 January 2023. Refreshments will follow the meeting RSVP by Wednesday 18 January 2023 Executive Office, Latrobe Regional Hospital Phone: 5173 8835 or email enquiries@lrh.com.au

Don McRae Chief Executive

Heavy Diesel Mechanic/Fitter

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

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

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

The successful applicant will meet the following criteria:

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

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

● Strong Mechanical &Electrical Fault-finding skills.

RAFFLE RESULTS

RAY AND NANCY

● Knowledge of spare parts and ordering systems.

● Organised with Basic computer skills.

● Hold acurrent driver's license, HR preferred.

● Ability to Work ina team environment.

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

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

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

Attention: Kellie Geehman

Whelans Group Investments Pty Ltd, 103 Rupert Street, BAIRNSDALE, Vic, 3875

Or via e-mail: kellie@whelansgroup.com.au

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

Volunteer

Pantry

●

●

●

Village Manager

Full Time

Flexible Hours

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

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

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

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

HAIRDRESSER/RENT ACHAIR

Soft Touch Studio in Sale has vacancy for two hairdressers on arent-a-chair basis.

The salon is fully equipped with hair wash basins, colour station and the capacity to take four clients at one time.

Daily and weekly rates available.

Contact Sammy on 0466595702 info@softtouchstudio.com.au

Dental Assistant

Full Time Trainee

We are offering afull time dental assistant trainee position. This would be an opportunity to gain skills and experience to develop acareer in the dental profession.

We are dental specialists and have rooms in more than one location, avehicle and current driver's licence will be required.

This job requires: agood rapport with patients, pleasant manner and to be reliable and trustworthy.

To apply please email your resume with a covering letter addressing why you would like this position to bhookey1@hookey.com.au.

Cater Care Cook

Cater Care is looking for an enthusiastic Cook to join our team at Gippsland Grammar! Great workplace atmosphere and work/life flexibility. School terms only. Contact Maria at: Maria.Nagy@catercare.com.au 0424 190 569

DELIVERY DRIVER/ NURSERY HAND

Hillywood Tree Nursery is a production wholesale plant nursery located in Briagolong. We are looking for a motivated individual with good customer service skills to join the team in this part time role, commencing February 2023. The successful applicant must have their MR licence and also be interested in working in the nursery when not driving.

Deliveries are weekly into Melbourne, and around the local Gippsland area.

If this position sounds like it would suit you, please contact Ed for more information on 0409 547 960, or send your resume to: ed@hillywoodtreenursery.com.au

DRIVERS

Men and women over the age of 25

Would you like to earn some extra money?

Meet interesting people from all walks of life?

Work with great people?

How about becoming a Taxi Driver in the Sale and local district.

All you need is adriver's certificate, police check, full driver's licence and a friendly personality.

Want

some

Ashleigh

great professional development programs, employee support and opportunities to grow your career in Aged Care and Assisted Living.

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

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

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

SOLICITOR

EAST GIPPSLAND

Alarge progressive East Gippsland Law Firm is seeking the services of aLawyer. At least two years experience in the legal industry as a qualified practitioner is preferred but not essential. The successful applicant would have the opportunity to work in their preferred area of practice and gain exposure to awide range of work. The position provides the benefits of a relaxed country lifestyle and excellent conditions. Salary negotiable with prospects for advancement excellent for the right candidate.

Written applications, or enquiries, to:Office Manager Warren, Graham &Murphy PO Box 473 Bairnsdale, Victoria 3875 Phone (03) 51522661 Or via email to manager@wgm.com.au

ASSISTANT TREASURER Sale Showgrounds

BMW1200

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

Caravans

16 FT REGENT

Crusader 1952. 10 mth reg. Island bed, 4berth, tool boxes, 3way fridge, awning, 12V Sys, Solar panel, Elec brakes, camping gear goes with it. $13,000 ono.

COROMAL VAN '06

16ft., pop top, exc. cond., always shedded, easy to tow, many extras, $17,500 ono. Ph. 0447 456 036.

FIFTH WHEELER

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

GALAXY

Southern Cross 2003 20ft. cabin, QS bed, fridge /freezer, pull out annexe, ex. cond., $21,000. Phone 5147 3231.

Engagements •

IMPORTANT NOTICE

DEBNEY, John Fred. 20/7/1928 -7/12/2022

John Fred Debney passed away peacefully on 7th December 2022 aged 94 Years.

Son of Jack and Grace Debney, brother of Graeme (all dec).

Dearly devoted husband of Liz (dec).

Cherished father and father-in-law of Thomas and Jenny, Jennifer and Chris, and Richard.

Beloved Grandpa to William and James; Tho mas ,Benjam in Edward, Alex; and Tilly.

Great grandpa to Tavish and Florentine Carr; Henry and Harriet Carr; Frederic and Max Debney and Zephyr Carr.

Special friend to Abby, Jaclyn, Ellie, Jane, Micaela and Natasha.

Birthdays

Dearly loved and will be greatly missed, atrue gentleman. Forever in our hearts.

The family thank the staff at Stretton Park, Maffra for their care of John over the last 12 months.

In keeping with John's wishes aprivate funeral has been held.

Alife well lived, now at rest.

JACKSON, Rosina (Rose) Frances.

26/06/1922 -13/12/2022

Mum, thank you for the years of love and care, may you rest now that your long road has gone. Thank you for being there for me and my children in our times of need.

Ross, Melanie, Leigh, Lachlan, Emma, Simon (dec.).

JACKSON, Rosina Francis.

My beautiful mum. Alife well lived. Aspecial and courageous woman.

You gave me life You gave me love Forever and always you will be by my side.

Loved Mum of Helen and special son-in-law Ian. Treasured Nan to Simone and Joanne.

Loved friend to Gregor. Adored Rosie to Darby, Eliza and Olive.

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

You have been abig part of my life Mum. You brought so much love and happiness to my life and then your grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We will never forget you, you were the best Mum and Nanna and Great Nanna we could ever wish for.

Your loving son Les, Barbara, Mal, Zac, Zali, Gordon and Emily Re-united with all your family.

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

Mum, Ijust can't say how much or what Iwant to say. But you have left a great hole in my life, you were truly amazing. Forever in my heart. Remember mine is bigger.

Yourloving daughter Cheryl and your granddaughters and your little man Mack. We had such aspecial bond as big as a tease like your father "Home safe"

MUIR (nee Blacker), Nancy.

31/5/1935 -9/12/2022

We were blessed to have the most wonderful kind and unconditionally loving Nanna. We'll love and miss her always. LeeAnn, Amy and Emma

PHEFLEY (Harrington), Anne. 17/11/1945 -13/12/2022

Our beautiful, beautiful mum! Thank you for being you! We will luff you and miss you forever!

Missy and Roesty and Sean

"All that we are, or ever hope to be, we owe to you"

Mum (Nannan), the world was amuchbetter place having you in it, it will be so much lesser now that you're not. Iwill never stop loving and missing you.

RIP the greatest and most giving person I've ever known!

Love Buck

To our angel Nannan, Words cannot express how much it hurts losing you. We know it hurts this much, because you loved us so much. You are the foundation of this family and have shaped us into the people we are today. We promise to continue having 2dessert days, dancing to Elvis and singing along to the Christmas village. But it's not goodbye, it's we'll see you soon. Rest easy Nannan, we love you forever -Tarsha, Nathan and Abbey xoxo

STEVENS, Philip Alan.

Late of Loch Sport. Passed away suddenly on December 6, 2022.

Aged 70 years. Loved friend of Sue. Keep punching.

Privately Cremated. Nielsen Funerals 5623 2771

STONE, Raymond John. "Rocky" Of Sale, Gippsland formerly of Heyfield. Passed away December 15, 2022 aged 69 years.

Father of Renee; grandfather of Leo. Beloved friend of Edith.

STONE, Raymond. (Rocky) We'll remember that "happy go lucky smile" Alove of classic cars and shopping too...

Have acuppa with Dad for me.

Sympathy to Renae, Edith and families.

Janette, Mike, James and Sam.

MACDONALD

The funeral of Mr Bruce Macdonald is appointed to leave Our Chapel, 5 Queen St., Maffra after a service commencing at 1pm on THURSDAY (December 22, 2022) for the Maffra Lawn Cemetery.

THEXTON, Lorna.

It is agreat sadness that one of our members has passed away. Lorna Thexton was aLife Member, Captain, and long-standing member at the golf club. Our sincere condolences to the Thexton family.

HUNT, Matthew Julian. 5/4/1975 -12/12/2022

Deaths •

ANDREW, George Hampton. 4/12/1928 -17/12/2022.

Passed away peacefully in Sydney.

Loved husband of Fairlie. Loving father of Barbara and Mark.

Father-in-law of Neil and Kylie.

Adored Grandfather of Elise, Cate and Tara.

Youngest son of Harry (Bert) and Alice Andrew (both dec.),"Rozel" Longford.

Much loved brother of Doris, Ray, Bert, Keith, Anne (all dec.) and Thelma.

JAYCO SPRITE

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

Phone 0408 574 961.

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

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

Dearly loved by all his nieces and nephews. Please see Ann Wilson Funerals, Dee Why, for funeral arrangements.

BENSON, John. Members of Stratford Men's Shed were saddened to learn of the loss of foundation member and past president John. Deepest sympathies to Ros and family at this sad time.

Son of Colin and Karen (dec.), friend to Liz. Husband of Belinda, father of Joshua and Haylee. Brother of Anthony and Sue, Samantha, Jessica and Hamish and Emily. Uncle of Rachel, Alex, Tom and Madeleine and Finn, Sam and Jazz.

Matt It has been aprivilege to watch you grow into the fine man you became. A man who cared for his family with devotion, love and affection and who served his community with dedication and honour. We love you and will miss you son.

Dad.

Matt To the big brother I idolisedand always wanted to be like. We were supposed to have another half alifetime together. Time to chat over drinks, give each other ahard time and compare notes on parenting and firefighting. It's inescapably cruel that you were taken from us so early, but Iwill be forever grateful that Igot to spend your final week with you. Words cannot describe how much I'll miss you.

Love Jess.

Matt Abrother, an uncle, a friend to us all. Greatly missed already. Someone very special taken from us way to soon. Love you always.

Anthony, Sue, Thomas, Medeleine, Finn, Sam and Jazz.

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

TOYOTA L/cruiser s/wag. '98, 1HZdiesel eng., b/bar, 367,000km, 12,000lb winch, side steps, dr lights, t/wind, d/batts, REG-420, r.w.c. $18,000. 0428 554 649.

JACKSON (nee Davies), Rosina Frances (Rose). Passed away 13/12/2022 at Ashleigh House. Aged 100 years. Wife of William (Bill) Jackson.

Mother of Helen, Ross, Gail and Bill Jackson.

JACKSON, Rose. 26/6/1942 -2022

Loving mother of Gail, son-in-law Columb, grandchildren Emma and husband James. Great grandchildren Ruby, Martha and Theodore. Grandson David and great grandson Billy. Loved and remembered always.

MACDONALD, Bruce David 30/9/1948 -17/12/2022.

Adored father of Karen, Susan and Kylie, Kyle and Skye, Benji and Boom.

Dearly loved son of Avon and Doris (both dec.). Much loved brother of Ray (dec.), Jeanne (dec.), Faye and Mick, Danny and Jell, Jimmy and Debbie and families. xoxo

Finally resting peacefully

Our Wonderful Dad, It broke our hearts to lose you, but to know you are now at peace and no more suffering is all we have ever wanted for you. Thanks for being the best Dad ever.

Love you and miss you forever.

Karen and Adrian, Bree, Craig and Savy, Zac, Tash, Finn and Tanner, Susan, Sam, Kayla, Micheal, Willow and Jasper, Chelsea, Erich and Abagail, Tiesh, Declan,Tyson and Gracie, Kylie, Neil and Mitchell, Kyle and Skye. xoxo

MACDONALD, Bruce.

Pop, we are so sad you are gone, but so glad our kids got to know you. Thank you for everything you have done for us over the years. You were so special.

Love always, Bree, Zac, Craig, Tash and your great grand kids.

MUIR (nee Blacker), Nancy. 31/5/1935 -9/12/2022 Nanna, having you in my life was atrue blessing. Thank you for all your love and guidance that has helped shape me into the woman that Iamtoday. You will be truly missed and will always be held in our hearts.

Love your granddaughter Karen, Geoff, Trai, Taylor, Darcy and Dyson

MUIR (nee Blacker), Nancy.

31/5/1935 -9/12/2022 Aunty Nancy, we will all hold you in our hearts forever as you were so very special to all of us. You were our favourite hello and our hardest goodbye. Linda, Ken, Lauren, Pauline and Kerry.

PHEFLEY, Anne. 17/11/1945 -13/12/2022.

On Anne, where do I start? How do Isay goodbye to asister, lifelong companion and best friend, so I won't Iwill speak to you each day because you will always be with me. Margaret Joan. See you later Auntie Planne -Step.

Our beautiful sister Anne, The bond of family is a tough thing to mourn, you are forever in our hearts our beautiful sister. Love you. We will miss her forever, 'til we meet again Biddy, your brothers David, Kevin (dec.), Peter and Phillip.

PHEFLEY, Anne. Icalled you "Auntie" Anne, but you loved and cared for me like aMum and for that Iwill be eternally grateful.

Ithank you for being such abig part of my life for 52 years and for showing us the true joy of simple things like dancing and singing to celebrate a2 dessert day. We all love you so so much Nanan. You will be missed every single day.

Lorna was an outstanding club person.

-Sale Golf Club.

Funerals •

ALBERT. Afuneral service for Mrs Anthea Albert WAS HELD on THURSDAY (December 15, 2022).

PHEFLEY. The funeral of Mrs Anne Marie Phefley will leave our GeoffRossetti Memorial Chapel, 1390 Maffra Road, Sale after a service commencing at 11am on WEDNESDAY (December 21, 2022) for the adjoining Sale Lawn Cemetery.For those unable to attend, a "Youtube" broadcast of the service will take place, please check our website or facebook page for details.

SHINGLES. In accordance with Judy's wishes aprivate funeral service will be held.

COOPER. Afuneral service for Mr Glenn Robert Cooper WAS HELD on FRIDAY (December 16, 2022).

HUNT.

Aservice to celebrate the life of Mr Matthew Julian Hunt will be held at the Mining Exchange, 16 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat on THURSDAY (December 22, 2022) at 2.30pm.

STONE. The funeral service for Mr Raymond John Stone will be held at St. James Anglican Church, Temple Street, Heyfield at 2pm on THURSDAY (December 22, 2022), followed by burial at the Heyfield Cemetery.

PHEFLEY (Harrington), Anne. 17/11/1945 -13/12/2022

Loved wife of 55 years to Terry.

Adored mum to Sean, Janine (Missy) and Roesty and Brett.

Precious Nannan to Tarsha and Josh, Nathan and Katie and Abbey and Dylan.

Special Great Nannan to Maggie.

Loved sister of David and Margot, Kevin (dec.), Peter and Larraine, Margaret and Phillip and Lindsay.

Special Aunty, Aunty Plan and Nannan to Sharon, Stephen, Craig, Ellie, Taylor and all her nieces and nephews.

Her family was her life and to her family, she was their world!

"If we had aflower for every time you made us laugh or smile, we'd have agarden to walk on forever."

Sharon, Anthony, Ellie, Matt and Ollie, Taylor, Daniel and Leo.

PIEFKE, Ted. Passed away on 10 December 2022. You went so quickly it was such ashock. Did not even get the chance to say goodbye and tell you that Iloved you. Rest in peace with our son Ben 'til we all are together again.

Your wife Therese

SHINGLES, Judith Jean (Judy). Died peacefully at home on 16th December 2022

Loving wife of Mick (dec.) Loved mother of Wendy, Vicki, Brian (dec.) and Gaile.

Aloved mother-in-law, Nan and Old Nan.

Reunited with Mick and Brian.

SHINGLES, Judy. Loved sister-in-law and Auntie of Jenny, Tubby, Adam (in heaven), Heath and Amber. Always fun loving and kind hearted. The life of any party. Re-united with Mick and Brian.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association: sarcoma.org.au

At the conclusion of the service aburial will be taking place at the Ballarat New Cemetery, 1250 Doveton St Nth, Ballarat Central.

For those wishing to view the service via live stream and if you wish to leave atribute for the family, pleasevisit www.harrisonfunerals.com

JACKSON (nee Davies). The funeral service for Mrs RosinaFrances "Rose" Jackson will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street Sale TODAY (Tuesday December 20, 2022) at 1pm followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

Please see our website for Livestream details.

GLASS, David John.

28/9/1937 -19/12/2019

GOODWIN, John.

21/12/2021.

Hard to believe it's been twelve months.

Sixty-five years together.

Lots of special memories.

Love Gwen.

Dorry, Twelve months gone, miss you every day.

Always in our thoughts, in our hearts you will always stay.

Love you more.

Karen, Mickayla and Grunt.

MORRIS, Jason.

17/12/22

It's hard to believe it is 20 years. Imiss you every day.

Iwish Icould see your smiling face, hear your voice and be able to give you ahug and akiss. You are always in my thoughts and forever in my heart. Lots of love MumXX

Bereavement

GAUDION, Enid (nee Luxford).

We would like to thank the team at Opal Aged Care for your wonderful care and support.

AlsoLettsFuneral Services together with Celebrant Julie Duffy and David Luxford who wrote and delivered abeautiful story of Enid's life.

Thanks to everyone who sent flowers, cards and attended her funeral. The Irving family.

GRIFFITHS, Ken.

Mal, Bloss and Dazz, Kez and Jamie and Jen would like to thank the following:Dr. Nandha for his care of Ken and family over many years.

The dedicated staff of Sale Gardens during Kens short stay there.

Friends and family for their support and food deliveries during this difficult time.

Brad Lett and Annette at Letts Funeral for their guidance and care in organising afitting send off for Ken.

Aspecial thanks to celebrant Peter Centra for conducting alovely service.

To the Loch Sport CFA for the guard of honour. Thanks to those people who donated to Dementia Australia. Please accept this as our personal thank you.

KENDELL, Lyn.

On behalf of the Kendell family, we would like to offer our thanks to the many friends and families who sent messages of condolence, phone calls, cards and those who attended the funeral. Abig thanks to the staff at Ashleigh House for their marvellous loving and professional care towards Lyn. Thanks to Letts Funeral Services and Julie Duffy who assisted our family to organise a great send off for Lyn. The family thanks Dr Yousuf Amed for the care he gave her. Our apreciation to you all Ian, Brett, Trudi and families.

MITCHELL, Steven. Jan, Michael and Tracey Mitchell and family would like to thank the specialist doctors and nursing staff of the Epworth Hospital, Richmond; St Vincent's, Fitztoy; Central Gippsland Health Services, Sale, for the wonderful care they provided Steven over the last number of years. To Peter Centra; Letts Funeral Services -Brad, Annette and Steven for the beautiful service. And for the lovely flowers and cards we received on the passing of Steven, our son, brother, brother-inlaw and uncle. December 1st 2022.

Sport

Dove and Morton win single titles at Sale BC

THE Sale BowlsClubSingles Finals wereplayed in front of alarge crowdonFriday evening (December 16).

ShaneDove took out the men’s title, defeating Stephen Chalmer with ascore of 25-19.

Jan Morton came first in the ladies’ competition, overcoming Janelle Abraham 25-9.

IN other bowls news, part one of the club’s Crackerjack season concluded earlier this month.

Atotal of 28 teams played in three sections across

seven weeks of competition, with the top-two teams in each section playing in Grand Finals on Tuesday, December 6.

Nomads were the victorious team in Section 1, Beer &Snags in Section2and Greased Lightning in Section 3. Teams comprised local businesses and social groups.

Crackerjack Season 2will commence on Tuesday, January 31.

New teams are invited to enter as there will be

more capacity next year.

Play is between 6pm and 7.30pm.

There is abarbecueand great raffleprizes. Bowls are provided.

Prospective players are encouraged to wear flat shoes or go barefoot to protect the greens.

Enter for next season by phoning Shane Dove on 0407 446 700.

Seeking informationonold rugbyclubs

GIPPSLAND

The

In 1957, Saleentered ateam in the MetroUnion, playing through to 1971 when they were beaten by Laverton in the Grand Final 17-2.

From there, we jump to 1982 when Sale was admittedtoState League2(Union) along with the Morwell Tigers.

Mentioned players included Wridgeway, Campbell, Sheppard, Mark Wilson, Vogan and Hughson.

Morwell took Sale apart in the opening match of 1983,winning 69-3.

It seems that Sale folded after this but Williams has picked up threadsin1991whenthe Sale Razorbacks fielded ateam in the newly formed Gippsland Rugby League Association, along with the Traralgon Panthers, Hazelwood Eels and the East Gippsland Brumbies.

In 1992, the Maffra Bulldogs enteredthe fray and information regarding them would help in the compilation of the history.

Sale had atremendous season, making it to the Grand Final,but weretaken down by the Traralgon Panthers 26-22.

Best for the Razorbacks was Don Wales (who ended up winning the association’s best and fairest award), PGray, SSauer, AMcMullens and AMcLure.

Maffra pulledout in 1994, but many of their players joined with RAAF players to form the Wurruk Warriors in 1994.

Sale improved on their previousseason, winning thepremiership with a28-22victoryover the Morwell Tigers.

Wurruk only lasted one season, pullingout in 1995.

Sale continuedtheir good form,winning in 1995 with a44-18 victory overthe Churchill Gladiators.

By 1997 the competition had reduced to five clubs, with Sale being the dominantone, winning the

flag over Traralgon 29-24 and in 1998 the Morwell Magpies folded but joinedwiththe Hazelwood Eels to form the Morwell Miners.

Sale continuedin1999and 2000 but due to shortage of players had to merged with East Gippsland midway through the season to be known as SEG. Any further information regarding players, photos,newspaper articles and scores of the Sale teams, Maffra and Wurruk teams would be appreciated.

Williams can be reached at lauriefooty@hotmail. com.

Funeral Directors

Greased Lightning, winnersofSection3

Sale Bowls Clubsingles winners Shane Dove and Jan Morton.

Nomads, winners of Section1inCrackerjack’s first season.

Photos:Contributed

Sale Bowls Club Crackerjack Section 2winners Beer &Snags.

sports historian Laurie Williams is on the trail of Gippsland Rugby clubs, especially teamsfromthe RAAF and theSale Razorbacks, Maffra Bulldogs and Wurruk Warriors for anew book on the history of rugby played in Gippsland.

RAAF entered teams in the metro competitions in league and union around the 1960s, and any information regarding them would be helpful.

Local historian Laurie Williams is seeking informationonthe oldSale Razorbacks rugby team.

My Little Morty’s win Go Sevens

AWAVE of silenceblanketed the Sale United Football Club grounds last Thursday as Bayside Astronauts andMyLittle Morty’s metfor asecond time. Players waited in anticipation for the whistle’s first blow,each one as determined as theother to prove their side was the greatest Go Sevens team of 2022.

The clock read 6.34pm, and the high-pitched squeal of Hung (Tony) Nguyen’swhistle marked the beginning of theend as My Little Morty’skicked-off in the 2022 1v2 Go Sevens Grand Final.

Bayside Astronautshad everything to prove, having progressed throughthe Go Sevens summer soccer competition undefeated until the week before the Grand Final when My Little Morty’s unsuspectingly knocked the ladder-leading team off top position.

Having never played together before until Round 1ofthe Go Sevens competition, in which they lost their only game of the short season to Pink Bits, My Little Morty’s headed into the match hell-bent on maintainingtheir spot as rightful champions. Nerves were in abundance in the lead-up to the Grand Final due to the competition’s last game.

My Little Morty’s asserted their dominance quickly with agoal for Murray Casella putting the team in yellow ahead 1-0.

The round winners didn’t stop there,with another goal from My Little Morty’s Zoe Askew minutes later, furthering their lead, 2-0.

Simultaneous to the leadingteam dropping focus, Bayside Astronautsrammed into gear. Callum Campbell exercised his fancy footwork, bypassing My Little Morty’s defence before rocketing the ball into the back of the net to close the score 2-1.

My Little Morty’s maintained the lead heading into the break.

The final 20 minutes, one more half; this is still anyone’s game.

Bayside Astronauts had the kick-off, and aposition change saw Campbell switch with Brennan McGill as goalkeeper.

As quickly as Casella put My Little Morty’s on the scoreboard in the first half, Josh Deschepper furthered his team’s leadinthe second,his goal bringing the score to 3-1.

My Little Morty’ssat tight, keepingBayside Astronauts out of their attacking half. Although, on the odd occasion, Bayside Astronauts penetrated the leading team’s defence, nothing was making it past goalkeeper Ryan Brown.

Brown’s performancewas nothing short of incredible.

As secondsturned into minutes and time shaved away, Bayside Astronauts faced imminent defeat

Agoal from youngster Dani Wilson cemented My Little Morty’s victory, with the team in yellow left with nothing more to do than hold the score, 4-1, for the game’s final minutes, and hold they did.

Nguyen blew his whistle marking the end of the game;the Draw A2022GoSevens 1v2 Grand Final was over.

Brown wasnamedbest-on-ground, with other votes going to Jondahl and Askew.

Jondahl took outPlayer Of The Tournament, amassing 12 votes, with Jacob Godde fromThe Special One’s runner-up on 10 votes.

Pink Bits’ AnoukMeereboer won the female player of the tournament with eight votes, while My Little Morty’sDani Wilson took out runner-up on sixvotes.

The tournament’s leading goal scorer went to Jondahl in the men, and for the women, there was athree-way tie, between Pink Bits’ Abby Kemp and PurpleCobrasMadelaineBreakspear and Caitlin Richardson.

TheDrawBGrand Final was incredibly tight, with Misfits claiming the championship title in a1-0 win thanks to asolitary goal from Russell Ashton.

The Mac Rappersgave it their all and

attacked frequently, but the Misfits’ defence was inpenetrable.

Tynan Eldred from Misfits received the best-onground,with other votes going to Mac Rappers Adam King and Ashton.

Luca Dicorleto from Dico’s Demons was named Draw B’s male player of the tournament with 15 votes, and Stefan Gouws from Mac Rappers was runner-up, amassing 13 votes.

Jade Duve from Raglan Street Blues took out the female player of the tournament; Hollie Ryan was runner-up.

MisfitsTynan Eldred was Draw B’s leading goal scorer,while Ryan andDuVewere female equal leadinggoal scorers.

Hung (Tony) Nguyen was awarded referee of the tournament.

Zoe Askew

My Little Morty’s celebratevictory with Pickle Rick.

Photo: TomParry

My Little Morty’s, DrawA2022GoSevens champions Photo: TomParry

Misfits, Draw B2022 Go Sevens champions.

Photo: Brian Hamer

My Little Morty’s and the Gippsland Times’ ownZoe Askew during the final.

Photo: TomParry

My Little Morty’s Ryan Brownmaking one of his massive saves in the DrawA,2022GoSevens GrandFinal.

Photo:Tom Parry

Hung (Tony)Nguyen, refereeofthe tournament. Photo: Brian Hamer

Misfits’ Damon Locker,warmsupbeforethe DrawB 1v2 Grand Final. Photo: TomParry

Braithe Campbell, Bayside Astronauts sends the ball long. Photo: TomParry

Collegians on top at halfway

to themiddle, contributing 24 runs between them until the latter was deemed leg-before in the 36th over.

WITH less than aweek to go until the big day, the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association snuck-in afinal round of one dayers to close out the year.

Players were metwith moist conditions and green pitches across all grounds -though they weren’t quite as green as the Gabba’s deck -with rays of sun occasionally poking through the clouds, providing some warmth and relief for all involved.

While the dampnessdid favourthe bowlers, the shorter format meant batsman were able still went for plenty of fours and sixes.

There was no surprises in the first-grade results, withthe fourtop-placed clubsall recording victories,though two matcheswere closer than anticipated.

While cricketers are done for 2022, their season is not -they’ll resume following athree-week hiatus, with Round 9onJanuary 7, 2023.

StratfordvBoisdale-Briag

AMINOR scare was seen at Stratford Recreation Reserve, where last-placed Boisdale-Briagolong almost caused an upset.

TheSaintswon the toss, batted firstand started well, making 19 runs off the first four overs courtesy of aquick-hitting Nick Pang.

Unfortunately, his efforts were aflashinthe pan -hewas caught in the fifth overfor 15;this was followed by the lossesConnor Hughes (for two) and Steve Noble (14).

It wasduring the fourth-wicket that things smoothed over for the B-doubles, with Dylan Bolton and Toby Leeds partnering to make 44 runs across the next 13 overs.

Bolton wasthe one to fall, his wicketbeing a family affair -caught by Jack Tatterson, bowled by Harry.

Leeds continued on with Michael Roberts as his back-up,the pair addinganother 42 runs off11 overs before the latter was caught for 22.

Ryan Marshall came and went,leaving Leeds and LiamHursttofinish-off the innings with a 21-run seventh-wicket partnership.

Leeds leftthe field unbeaten on 47 with

Boisdale-Briagolong’s score at 6/156-their highest total of the season so far.

Stratford began even more impressivelythan the visitors did, as openers Chris Aurisch and Lewis Bolton made 46 runs off the first 10 overs.

The family affairs continued,asshortly after, Bolton was stumped for 13 off the bowling of his brother, Dylan.

That wicket triggeredamini-collapse in the Stratford’s ranks, with Aurisch(31), Jack Tatterson (nought)and DeanDevisser(7) allgoneinthe space of five overs.

Stability returned when Lachlan Channing entered the scene, joining captain Jack Rietschel for a50-run stand in the proceeding 10 overs.

When both batsmen fell within afew balls of each other,Stratford found themselves at 6/117 with 12 overs remaining.

Bohdi Walker and Harry Tatterson then came

SMCA SCOREBOARD

The situation was now tenser than ever -16runs to make off five overs, with three wickets in-hand.

Walker stepped-up to the challenge with keeper Ben Dinning offering asteady hand at the opposite end, the former hitting the winning runs with a boundary in the third-to-last over.

As per usual, Dylan Boltonwas the pick of Boisdale-Briagolong’s bowlers, finishing his eight overs with 3/19.

Rietschel top-scored for Stratford with 33, while young spinnerZane Waixel boastedthe Redbacks’ best figures with the ball -2/17 off six overs.

Sale vMaffra

ANOTHER closegametook place at Sale Oval between the competition’s namesakes.

The home side won the toss and, unusually, opted to let Maffra set atotal with the bat.

Ben Slyand HeathShinglesonceagainopened for the Eagles and appeared to still be in red-ball mode, posting 41 runs in their 14 overs together -that’s arun-rate of 2.93.

After Slywas caughton18, Nick Wozniakarrived at the crease to fire-up the innings, with 23 runs made alongside Shingles.

Then, the wickets began tumbling.

Shingles wasfirst to go, run outatthe end of the 18th over.

Nextwas Wozniak, then Ben Harrington, and not lot after, Miller Eastham.

All of this happened in the space of seven overs, with just adozen runs added to the Eagles’ total.

Calm prevailed after that,with Dylan Freitag and Danny Butcher contributing 31 runs for the seventh wicket -a stand as impressive as it was brief, lasting only six overs.

Freitag stayedinthe middleashis remaining batting partnerswere all dismissed for single figures -Cal Henning beingthe finalwicket to fall in the 40th over.

Sale was dealt ablowearly in their innings with the loss of Matt Jackson, followed by the consecutive wickets of Hayden Gloverand BenJones -all within the opening nine overs.

With the dismissal of Coenie Nel at 4/51 in the

By the time Massey was bowled on 49 in the 31st over, his side was just 11 runs short of victory.

The losses of Wolmarans for 36 and Matt Raidal gaveMaffrasomehope, but it wasn’t enoughMichael O’Brienand Raaghav Sudan survived the remainder of the innings to secure the win in the 37th over.

Ben Durrant claimed four of the Eagles’ seven wickets, but at acost -hewas the most expensive bowler for Maffra, having conceded 37 runs in his eight overs.

Meanwhile, Freitag backed-up his good batting performancewith season-best bowling figures of 3/13

Collegians vBundalaguah

NAMES such as Hurley or Morrison usually grace our pages in the wake of aCollegians victory; this round though, it was adifferent pairofheroes who took the limelight.

Following his century against Longford last round, there was an expectation that opener Tom Morrison would continue his red-hot form with the bat and again be the star for his team.

Instead, Morrison wasbowledbyBundalaguah’s Steve Spoljaric in the third over of the match.

Next most-likely to be the hero was captain Zac Hurley, who did add44runsinsix overswith Tom’s brother, Charlie at the opposite end; but Hurley stumbled too, caught for 18.

WhenCharlie losthis wicket in the samemanner as his brother- bowled Steve Spoljaric -Collegians found themselves in an usual position of 3/73.

The batsmentostep-forwardwereAdrian Burgiel and Henry Anderson,who more or less salvaged the innings to put their team in acompetitiveposition Burgiel (64) deliveredabatting masterclass, taking on every ball and playing every stroke in thebook.

He was supported well by Anderson (59), who looked equally confident in his stroke-play.

Bundy’s Kanishka Bannak Ralalagewas the bowler who broke the partnership, but not until the 31st over, by which time the fourth-wicket duo had amassed 102 runs.

A24-runstand betweenAndersonand Tim Dessent in the next five overs nudged Collegians’ totaltoward 200, with another 30 added by Dessent and Noah Hurley after that, setting the Bulls a target of 235 to beat.

FIRST GRADE-ROUND 8

SALE DEFEATED MAFFRA

Maffra innings

BSly cGloverb Jones 18

HShingles runout (Raidal) 24 NWozniak cMasseyb Nel. 20 JDavis cMasseyb Raidal 1 BHarrington. c&b Raidal 4

DFreitag not out 33

MEastham cMasseyb Raidal 0

DButcher bNel 19

JPendrick. bBDobson 3 BDurrant cSudan bBDobson 4 CHennig runout (Sudan) 1 Extras (nb 0, w7,b0,lb1). 8 Overs. 39.1

Total. 135

Sale bowling:G Wolmarans 5-1-0-10,H Glover 4-1-0-13,T Dobson3-0-0-15, BJones7-0-1-31, MRaidal 8-1-2-24, B Dobson 4.1-0-2-12

Saleinnings

HGlover. cPendrickb Freitag 3 MJackson cHarrington bFreitag 16 CNel cDavis bDurrant 12 BJones bFreitag 0 NMassey. bDurrant 49 GWolmarans c&b Durrant 36 MRaidal cHarrington bDurrant 0 MO’Brien not out 6 RSudan not out 3

Extras (nb 1, w4,b0,lb6)......................11 Overs. 36.4 Total. 7/136

Maffrabowling:D Freitag 8-3-3-13, AMcKenzie 8-1-0-23, B Durrant8-0-4-37,J Pendrick4-0-0-18, JDavis 6.4-1-0-22, C Hennig 2-0-0-17

STRATFORD DEFEATED BOISDALE-BRIAGOLONG

Boisdale-Briagolong innings

NPang cL Bolton bWaixel 15

SNoble bChanning 14 CHughes cBolton bWaixel 2 DBolton. cJ Tatterson bH Tatterson 37 TLeeds not out 47

MRoberts cChanning bRietschel 22 RMarshall bJ Tatterson 2 LHurst not out 6

Extras (nb 0, w5,b1,lb5)......................11

Overs. 40 Total. 6/156(cc)

Stratford bowling: ZWaixel 6-1-2-17, SPendergast 3-0-0-26, LChanning 5-0-1-21, JRietschel 8-2-1-23,J Tatterson 8-0-1-27,S Anstee 7-0-0-23, HTatterson 3-0-1-13

Stratfordinnings

CAurisch lbw bDBolton 31

LBolton st Stewartb DBolton. 13

JRietschel cPang bDBolton. 33

JTatterson bHurst 0

DDevisser runout (D Bolton) 7

LChanning c&b Pang 23

BWalker not out 29 HTatterson lbw bHughes..................................6 BDinning not out 3 Extras (nb 1, w10, b0,lb1)....................12 Overs. 37.2 Total. 7/157

Boisdale-Briagolong bowling: CHughes 8-0-1-32,RMarshall 3-0-0-14,LHurst 8-0-1-35, DBolton 8-0-3-19, NSutton 3-0-0-18, NPang 7.2-0-1-28

COLLEGIANS DEFEATED BUNDALAGUAH Collegians innings

ZHurley. cLay bSpoljaric 18 TMorrison bSpoljaric 5 CMorrison bSpoljaric 30 ABurgiel cMunasinghe bBannak Ralalage..64 HAnderson cSmith bMunasinghe 59 TDessent not out 20 NHurley. bGMunasinghe 15 ZRussel not out 1 Extras (nb 0w15, b4,lb3).....................22 Overs. 40 Total. 6/234(cc)

Bundalaguah bowling: SSpoljaric8-2-3-26,L Wrigglesworth 5-0-0-38, GMunasinghe8-0-2-42,C Lay6-0-0-43, BSmith 7-0-0-43,K Bannak Ralalage6-0-1-35

Bundalaguah innings

JLangshaw. cMalone bNHurley. 1 LWrigglesworth.cDessent bWhitford. 15 CLay cCMorrison bH Anderson 14 CSmart. lbw bWhitford. 0 SSpoljaric bT Morrison 9 STudor cMalone bH Anderson 1 JDimarco cBurgiel bS Anderson 14 HWrigglesworthb HAnderson 0 KBannak Ralalage cCMorrison bJDurnell 2 GMunasinghe not out 0 Brad Smith not out 0

Collegians bowling:N Hurley 4-0-1-18,N Whitford5-0-2-11, TMorrison 6-3-1-12, HAnderson7-1-3-10, SAnderson 3.5-1-1-14, JDurnell1-0-1-2

ROSEDALE-KILMANYDEFEATED LONGFORD

Rosedale-Kilmany innings

BMcDonad lbw bFloyd 8 LFreshwater runout (Hedger/McMaster) 12 RDiamond cMcMaster bHedger 88 BScott. cLucas-Laws bWynd 3 CFreshwater cRuss bFloyd 3 ILove. cDean bFloyd 45 ADiamond bWalker 1 DRowley. cSidhu bFloyd 18 NHangan not out 8 MWalkers. not out 4 Extras (nb 2w10, b0,lb2).....................14 Overs. 40 Total.

8/204(cc)

Longfordbowling:J Price 8-0-0-36,RSidhu 5-0-0-28,L Floyd8-0-4-41, JWynd 8-0-1-33, LHedger6-1-1-28,N Walker 5-0-1-30

Longfordinnings

BRuss cMcDonald bScott. 11 AVogt. lbw bHangan 7 JWynd bHangan 19 LHedger bMcDonald 6 JPrice cScottbHangan 3 SLucas-Laws bHangan. 0 LFloyd cMcDonald bA Diamond 22 BMcMaster lbw bMcDonald 1 LKnight (run out RDiamond) 6 SDean not out 3 RSidhu cRDiamond bFreshwater 0 Extras (nb 2, w5,b1,lb1). .....................9 Overs. 31.4 Total. 87

Rosedale-Kilmany bowling:B Scott 5-0-1-23,N Hangan 8-3-4-12,BMcDonald 6-1-2-18, IFreshwater 7.4-0-1-18,D Rowley 4-0-0-13,A Diamond 1-0-1-1

SecondGrade: Stratford 3/70 (B Channing 21, B Wilkinson 21*) defMaffra67(JSekhon27, EAlbrecht 5/13, TBoyd2/6); Collegians 8/118(cc) (N Giove 23, AMcGuiness 22,M Grattan20, HAnderson 5/11)def Bundalaguah 94 (M Templeton23, HAnderson 23, JMcGuiness3/22); Rosedale-Kilmany 8/173(cc) (S Fox 45, TLove44*)def Sale 135(W McKenzie 48,SFox 3/33).

Third Grade: Bundalaguah 9/179(cc) (B Bailey 50,P Brady 30) defRosedale-Kilmany8/72(HMcCann 25,B Gieschen3/12); Maffra 3/131(BFlynn 38*, MMcMaster 2/24)def Longford 9/128(cc) (P Love 30*, BFlynn 3/15,B Lanigan 3/20); Heyfield 8/170(cc) (K Amiet76*, DMurphy 2/28) def Boisdale-Briagolong 62 (A Spence 21,DDe Silva 4/11,JKeane4/21);Wurruk5/59 (L Vander Velden 32,N Thomas2/19) defStratford 57 (BLight 3/3, NTourtoulas 3/10,L Tourtoulas3/11); Nambrok2/125(HRussell 53*, A Robinson44*, HSingh 2/19)def Sale 6/124(cc) (A Jackson 42*,D Oldham2/12, RKnowles 2/12); Collegians bye

Fourth Grade: Longford5/165 (L Holmes 46,M Alexander 43*,C New42*, JPearson3/30)def Heyfield 163(R Winter 59*, DStokes 41, JKerton3/19);Bundalaguah Yaks 159(JAbrahall87*,ZKnight 6/17, ABegbie 3/30) def BundalaguahBulls 8/147 (Z Knight52, MWrigglesworth 3/24);Rosedale-Kilmany 3/79(CLowe32*,W Fry2/20) def Sale White9/76(JHampson51*,A Moss 3/16,JReid3/25); Stratford113 (B Foster 31) d/w WurrukToads 6/113(cc) (M Shaw2/13); Maffra 129(AHiggins 36, RWhelan 33, Scott Breddels 2/11,Shane Breddels 2/16)def WurrukToads 5/102(cc) (W Breddels 34, ScottBreddels 32*, SCordias 2/8); Collegiansbye

Under 16: Collegians 9/161 (MStobie73, KBottrell 3/35, RDonohue3/47)def Sale 7/58(cc) (M Stobie 2/4) &3/36; Longford 4/182(MMcMaster47*,J Bruce 36)def RosedaleKilmany6/153(cc) (A Wright 73, BNicholls 44*); Stratford 86 (J McQuillen 35*, HRowley3/16)&92 (M Pendergast 24*) vBundalaguah 122(CMorris 51, JHare34) &3/25,result unknown; Maffrabye Under 14: Collegians 2/139(cc) (E Braden34, XAdam 30) def Bundalaguah 3/109(cc) (L Powell 23); Sale 3/137(cc) (JDuffield 31,L Wood 2/12) def Longford9/53(JGibb16); Wurruk/Maffra9/88(BRowley35, MShaw2/6) def Stratford 9/74(cc) (B Cottrell 25, CKelly 2/6,J Bransdon 2/12); Heyfield RK bye

Given they chased down 208 in another one-day game against Sale earlierinthe season, there was some expectation that Bundy would mount a fightback; alas, the opposite was true.

The Bulls were absolutely hapless with the bat against the might of Collegians, scoringjust 68 runs in reply to suffer the biggest defeat of the round. Again, much of the damage was inflicted by an unlikely source -not NoahHurley, the competition’s leading wicket-taker,but Henry Anderson,who finished with figures of 3/10

Lachlan Wrigglesworth was Bundy’s highest scorer with 15. Spoljaric their best with the ball3/26 off eight overs, includingthe only two maidens of the first innings.

LongfordvRosedale-Kilmany

SUCCESS continues for the Warriors, who recorded their third win in arow.

Having won the toss and chosen to bat at Stephenson Park, Rosedale-Kilmany got off to an unassuming start, being 4/76 by the 17th over.

Ashift in momentum camewiththe arrival of captain Isaac Love, uniting with Rohan Diamond for astand of 78 across 13 overs.

Diamond, who joined the contest in the sixth over, ended his innings as RK’s top run-earner -88off an even 88 balls, nine of them boundaries.

He was proceeded by sibling Adam Diamond, who lasted three overs before Longford youngster Nick Walker clipped his stumps.

Dylan Rowley was next in, combining with Love with 26 for the seventh wicket.

Thelatter appearedwell on the way to making a half-century until he went out attempting alofted straight drive, with Sam Dean running-in from long-off to take an impressive lunging catch.

Another 19 runs wereaddedbyinnings’ end, the scorecard reading 8/204.

The reply from Longford, to put it mildly, could have been better.

First, openers Ben Russ and Ash Vogt went cheaply;then, the Lizardslost three wicketsin two overs; and two more batsmen were lost before the 20-over mark, the score reading 7/53.

Then, 34 runs, 12 overs and three wickets later, it was all-over for Longford, 117 runs shy of their target.

The Warriors’ NathanHanganwreaked havoc with the ball, finishing with figures of 4/12 including three maidens. Brandon McDonald was next-best with 2/18 off six overs.

Lachlan Floyd led the way once more for the Lizards, taking 4/41 as bowler and top-scoring as batsman with 22 runs.

The victory means that Rosedale-Kilmany are well-and-truly cemented in fourth place at the season’shalfway mark, 10 points and half-a-percentage clear of Bundalaguah in fifth.

TomParry

14th, the Swans looked to be in-trouble. Those fears were soon alleviated, as Nathan Massey and Garreth Wolmarans combined for a 75-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Henry Anderson scored 59 in Collegians’ win over Bundalaguah Photo: TomParry

Historic night for Little Apples

THE distinguishable screeching of rubber sole shoes on wooden floorboards echoed inside the four walls of Gippsland Regional Sports Complex on Wednesday night, as Little Apples Basketball League’stop teams met on centre court for the Season 7Grand Final.

Finishing Season 7intop position, losing just one game, Avon Timber entered the Grand Final favourites. Their opponents, Sale Greyhound Club, entered with everything to prove.

After anail-biting, hair-pulling, gasp-inducing match, Sale Greyhound Club proved victorious in one of the best Grand Finals in Little Apples Basketball League’s short history -fitting as the game marked the endofthe Little Apples Basketball League.

Living up to expectations, Avon Timber started likea bull out of the gate, with big man Mitch Leeds pullingdownevery rebound on offer, quickly finding the ring or passing offtosomeonewho could. There were no answers from the underdogs; SaleGreyhoundscouldn’t buyabucket,and by half-time, Avon led by 20 points, 25 to 5.

Returning for quarter three, an opportunity for Sale Greyhounds to get back into the game arose; Leeds was on the bench.

The underdogs well and truly capitalised on the opportunity, with swift play from Glen Gocotano and Dylan O’Shanassy quicklyclosing Avon’s lead to 15 points.

Quarter number four, the last dash, the final battle; started with abang.

Like dogs pursuing amechanical rabbit around an enclosed track, Sale Greyhounds were hot off the mark, leaving Avon Timber dazed after ashooting spree saw the underdogs close the margin to six points in theopening minutes.

Did it just get hot in here?

Teams turned up the heat, and team captains Ross Bennell (Sale Greyhounds), and Andrew Quirk (Avon Timber), collected tech fouls as tempers flared.

After nine attempts, Sale GreyhoundsRiley Cottrell finally drained a3-pointer, closing the margin, the lead now within two points.

With a3-pointer from Gocotano, Sale Greyhounds wereinthe leadfor the first time, leading Avon by onewithjustminutes remaining.

Spectators roared, cheers reverberating against

the GRSC glass windows, echoing briefly before disappearing into the next wave of deafening roars.

Heads followed play, left to right, back and forth, back and forth.

Spectators took to their feet; others found their nails between their teeth.

Alatefoul to Avon Timber awarded Brad Trease two free throws; virtually no time remaining, two chances to win the game.

Breaker shoots; he misses.

On and off the court, tension brewed like molten rock inside aready-to-erupt volcano.

Breaker shoots; he misses. That’s the game.

SaleGreyhounds bewildered opponentsand spectatorsalike, claimingthe premiership title, an extra memorablewin for captain Ross Bennell, beingone of theleague founders.

It was the winning team’s DylanO’Shanassy who was named Grand Final MVP, collecting a totalof12votes. Quirk and Leedsfollowed with seven and five votes.

Jherson Rullen from team Turnbull Toyota was crowned winner of the ‘Randy Sanchez Sauce Co. three-point comp’, sinking eight out of 15 shots.

Reflecting on its history, LittleApples Basketball

League founder Cameron Churchill says the seventh and final season had been his favourite.

“There was no clearfavourite for the flag, abattle to make finals, and Inearly hit athree,” Churchill said.

“It was the most competitive season we have had, there are agood nine to 10 blokes in contentionfor the MVPaward, and my favourite player, Hayden John, showed the league he is the boss!”

While Little Apples Basketball League has come to an end, Churchill and Bennell are not yet done with basketball, amalgamating their league with the SaleAmateur Basketball Association in the coming year.

“The best part of the Little Apples has been playing competitive games of basketball, amongst awide range of blokes, and the friendships and bonds it has createdbetween people who would have never met before,” Churchill said.

“What Itake away most from Little Apples Basketball is how positive team sport can play in the battle againstmental health in men. Thesocial interaction it creates and the way the league was structured to include people from all walks of life has been so great to see.”

Netball participationisonthe rise

COMMUNITYnetballisthriving, with participation levels exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to AusPlay data.

Recent data released by the Australian Sports Commission collected betweenJuly 2021 and June 2022 reveals 964,100 people are playing netball.

The figure is an increase from the past two-yearly data collection points, when Australian sport and participation was significantlyaffected by the global coronavirus pandemic.

The data collected in FY19-20 and FY20-21 shows 934,900and 875,400 people playingnetball respectively.

Internal registration datafrom Netball Australia shows anine per cent increase in registrations for junior and senior competitions in 2022 compared to 2019.

It marks the highest registration data reported by Netball Australia since AusPlay records began in 2015

The latestparticipation figures show the strength and passionofthe grassroots and community netball network.

AusPlay dataalsorevealsnetball has kept its

place as the most popular team sport for women and girls, with atotal of 838,478 women and girls participating, 397,385 more participants than the next sport.

Netball ranks fourth overall for team sports.

Netball Australiachief executive, KellyRyan, said netball was defying participation trends.

“These numbers are acredit to our member organisations, netball clubs, associations and volunteers,” Ryan said.

“Netball has long been known for its far reaching and passionate grassroots community, that is the heartbeat of our great game.

“Despite increasing economic considerations, the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic and other headwinds, theserecent results show that netball continues to be one of Australia’s most loved sports.

“This year was history makingfor netball in Australia, when the Australian Men’s Team played against New Zealand and England for the first time. Seeing men play on the international stage will no doubt have apositive impact on men and boys’ participation moving forward.”

Community netball numbers arestrong, according to new data.Pictured is SaleCity’s Indigo Waughduringthe most recent North Gippsland Football-Netball League season.

Photo: Zoe Askew

Zoe Askew

Jherson Rullen from team Turnbull Toyotawas crowned winnerofthe ‘Randy Sanchez Sauce Co. three-point comp’. Photos: Zoe Askew

Andew Quirk in action forAvon Timber in the Little Appels Basketball League Grand Final

Mitch Leeds moves the balldowncourt

Milestones galoreinthe SMCA

Liam Durkin

ANUMBER of playersacross theSale-Maffra Cricket Association reachedplaying milestones at the weekend.

The most notablecame in the form of Ian Freshwater, whohas now played an incredible 450 senior games for Rosedale-Kilmany.

Freshwater, the Warriors games record holder, has virtuallydoneitall at RK, captaining, coaching, and playing in multiple premierships.

It was an extra-specialoccasion for Freshwater on Saturday, as he brought up the milestone playing in the firsts alongside his two sons, Cameron and Leigh.

The milestone man took the winning wicket in the Warriors’ victory over Longford, ending with figures of 1/18 off 7.4 overs.

Milestones kept coming at RK, with Michael Waltersplaying his 200th senior matchinthe same game.

Nicknamed ‘SOS’, Walters has been an outstanding role player for the Warriors AGrade sidein recent seasons, and also contributed greatly off the field, mainly as an astute treasurer.

There wouldn’t be too many pennies coming in andout of Rosedale CC for the best part of the last decade Walters hasn’t known about.

BOISDALE-BRIAGOLONG’S Dylan Bolton also reached amilestone at the weekend.

The Saints’ first grade captain played his 150th game in the top flight.

Bolton is now one of only four people to reach the 150 mark for Boisdale-Briagolong in AGrade,and has been described as arguably the Saints’ most accomplished player.

AT Nambrok Cricket Club, there were acouple of reasons to celebrate.

Al Robinson played his 350 senior match for the Hawks, while Dan Cormack played game number 200.

The former has been at the club for 30 years, and the latter for 15.

In terms of aperfect day, it couldn’t have gone much better -the pair were able to celebrate their

milestones in the same team, at home, and with awin.

Robinson scored an unbeaten 44 and Cormack took 1/8, as Nambrok defeated Sale in third grade.

Fittingly, Robinson was the one who introduced Cormack to Nambrok CC all those years ago.

Little was anyone to know it would be the start of a15-year association.

ALTHOUGH not last weekend, another milestone recently achieved was Sam Anstee playing his 300th senior match for Stratford. Most of those 300 havebeen in AGrade,and

there has been no shortage of awards, especially premierships, in that time.

In terms of ‘doing it all’, the man known as Nugget well and truly fits this bill -bowling leg spin, opening the batting, even wicket-keeping, curating and administrating during his tenure with the Redbacks.

Author’s note: Congratulations to all players on achieving milestones, amazing to see so many across one weekend. All are worthy of separate stories, which Iwill endeavour to get to in time.

Sale Golf Club

Saturday, December 10;Men’s Monthly Medal: A Grade: DAdamson 69, runner-up: RDonaldson 72;B

Grade:CRumoul 68, runner-up: BShingles 68. DTL: IDoggett 69, JAitken 70,CPurry 72,MDurrant73, J Pollard73, DSalerman 73,R Walker 73,D Gaskilic 73 NTP: 3rdDGaskill, 6th IGlover,14th CRintoul. Monthly medal: CRuntoul.Scr: RDonaldson. Nett: CRontoul/B Shingles. Women’s: JO’Neill 39. NTP: 6th JO’Neill, 11th JO’Neill, 14th SMcDonald.

Wednesday, December14; Stableford: AGrade: C Rintoul 37,runner-up: RSchuback 35. DTL: JBall 35, JAitken34, ASmith 34, SSimmonds 34, RHayman 32, MKrusic 33, DGaskill 33. NTP: 3rdGAngel,6th I Glover,14th MHurst

Saturday, December 17;Men’s Stableford: AGrade: PCousins 40,runner-up:DShan37; BGrade: GAngel; 37,runner-up:RHumphrey 36. DTL: RDonaldson 37 , MHurst 37,S Harrap 37,PHullard36, JThomas35, I Glover 35, GCarrol 35, KCurtis 35, LDowsett 35. NTP: 3rdMHurst, 6th SHarrap, 11th RDonaldson, 14th C Rintoul. Women’s competition: MJones 35, runner-up: JSimmons 31

Sale Bridge Club

Monday, December 5: 1D& VBrahan, 2CVaLier/D Hudson, 3DBennett/H Porter

Wednesday, December 7: 1RZiffer/F Sunderman, 2 KTierney/P Lonie, 3DBraham/J Page.

Thursday, December 8: N/S: 1CJenkins/W Smits, 2 DBennett/D D’arcy,3 MCastle/J Foster.E/W 1D &V Braham, 2CVan Lier/J Page, 3RHides/C Forcadela.

Monday, December 12: 1D&VBraham, 2RGault/S Baldwin, 3C Jenkins/LBjorksen.

Wednesday, December 14: 1CVan Lier/K Tierney, 2 GCampbell/D Hudson, 3MZarb/W Smits.

Thursday, December 15: 1DD’arcy, JFoster,2A De Witt/L Bjorksten, 3TMcNally/J Sherrin.

Ian Freshwater played his450th senior game for Rosedale-Kilmanyatthe weekend.

Dylan Bolton, Boisdale-Briagolong,150 A Grade games.

Michael Walters, Rosedale-Kilmany,200 senior games.

Al Robinson, Nambrok, 350 senior games.

Dan Cormack, Nambrok, 200senior games.

Photos: Contributed