Primary School students jump for joytomark the opening of their newly renovated pool. Guthridge is one of the few public primary schools in the statethathas a swimming pool on-campus.
STORY PAGE 4
TomParry
JUST two weeks after publicly confirming it would close, Westpac Group has announced it will be postponing the closure of its Sale branch.
The announcement comes following the establishment of aFederal Senate inquiry into bankclosures in regional Australia on Wednesday, February 8.
In astatement delivered on Thursday, February16, aspokesperson for Westpac confirmed that Sale was one of eight Westpac and BankSA branches that would have their closures postponed.
“Westpac looks forward to working with the Senate References Committee Inquiry into regional banking services,” the spokesperson said.
“Westpac will postpone eightregional branch closures that were announcedin February 2023.
“No further decisions on regional closures will be made while we engage with the inquiry.”
Westpac was unable to confirm when the closure would be postponed to; the branch was initially scheduled to close on May 17. Federal Memberfor GippslandDarren Chester indicated his approval of the move in astatement on Friday.
“I certainly welcome the announcement by Westpac, particularlyin relation to the Sale branch which was scheduled for closure, but there’s alot more to be done and all the big four banks (Westpac, Commonwealth, NAB and ANZ) are culpable when it comes to abandoning regional communities,”
Mr Chester said.
“Hopefully this means the banks are going to finally start listening to customers in regional areas and developing solutions which work for them.
“It’s lazy to just shut branches when more innovativesolutions are available, which would mean the customers who need face-to-face bankingservices are treated with respect.”
Westpac’s latest announcement follows
that of rival institution Commonwealth Bank (CBA), with aspokesperson delivering asimilar statement on Monday, February 13
“Followingconsideration of arequest from the Senate Committee, CBA will not close any regional branches while the Inquiry is underway in 2023,” the spokesperson said.
“As an additional signofgoodfaith, while the Inquiry is underway in 2023, CBA will postpone the closure of two branches already announced.”
Those branches are located in Junee, New South Wales and Bright, Victoria.
“We continue to welcome constructive engagement with government, industry and communities -anapproach demonstrated by our recent work with all members of theRegional Banking Taskforce,” the spokesperson added.
“CBA looks forward to assisting the Inquiry, and continuing to engage with our customers and communities, as we collectivelyrespond to thedigitisation of theeconomy and banking services.”
In aFacebook postlastMonday, Mr Chester congratulatedCommonwealth Bankfor “makingthe first move”in announcing avoluntary moratorium on branch closures.
ANZ Bank, which has abranchon Raymond Street in Sale, has confirmed that it will also adhere to amoratorium on branch closures while the inquiry is underway.
“ANZ remains committed to engaging constructively with the committee, and will postpone announcing any further closures of regional branches until the conclusionofthe inquiryinDecember this year,” an ANZ spokesperson said.
“We believe that this is important to allow the committee to complete its work.
“Branch closures announced in 2022 and now in the final stages will proceed,givenwebelieve delaying these long-planned closures would be more disruptive to customers and staff.”
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THE National Australia Bank (NAB) has not committed to amoratorium on branch closures, the institution has confirmed that it will “work constructively with the Senate Committee Inquiry.”
“We will be continuing our branch reshaping process during the committee’s deliberations in 2023, which will include closures, consolidations and new investments to meet our customers’ needs,” NAB retail executive, Krissie Jones, said.
NAB publicly announced last week that it would be permanently closing its Maffra Agency on May 4. Its Sale branch, also located on Raymond St, will remain open.
The Senate inquiry will travel to Sale on March 2for apublichearing, which will allow customers and community groups achance to have their say about the impact of branch closures. Avenue for the public hearing is yet to be confirmed.
The Senate has until December 1toconduct its inquiry and submit areport.
TODAY is Shrove Tuesday and St. John’s Anglican Church, Thomson Street, Maffra will hold their annual Pancake tea beginning at 6pm. There will be anumberoftoppings including gluten free at asmall cost. All welcome.
MOSAICS with Jess will take place at Maffra Neighbourhood House tomorrowWednesday, February 22 -from1pm until 3pm at the cost of $45. Please call 0422 335 155 to book.
THE Maffra Football Netball Club will hold aStreet Stall in the Rotary caravan on Friday, February 24. Please support this Mardi Gras event.
THE annual World Day of Prayer service will be held on Friday, March 3, starting at 2pm in St. John’s Anglican Church, Thomson Street, Maffra. This year’s service was developed by the women of Taiwan, and the guest speaker will be Grace Hodges who has
lived in Taiwan. Afternoon tea will follow the service.
THE North Gippsland CWA group is seeking expressions of interest for craft stalls to be part of their 2023 Craft Exhibition to be
held on Saturday March 18, 2023. Stall cost is $20. To book please contact Jenny on 0422 941. 326.
MAFFRA Municipal Band will hold a Concert Band live performance in the Rotunda, Johnson Street, Maffra from 10.30am until 12.30pm. ABBQ and raffle will be available. There willbeaspecialappearance by theMaffra Training Band.
MAFFRA Neighbourhood House encourages anyone who has not applied for the current $250 power rebate payment should do so before the next round of rebates commences in March 2023. The new round will be available to all eligible Victorian households, including households that have already received a payment through previous rounds of the program. The eligibility will remain the same as previous rounds, so anyone who meets the following criteria can apply for the $250 bonus; the applicant must be aVictorian residential
energy consumer (i.e. have aresidential electricity account) the applicant must be the account holder, only one payment is available per household. Contact Maffra Neighbourhood House to book atime slot on 0422 335 155 for this current round of rebates.
MAFFRA Neighbourhood House is taking expressions of interest for the Needle Felting session to be held on Tuesday March 7. All materials supplied for the three hour session for a$15 fee.
SCRABBLE at the Neighbourhood House is now on Wednesday afternoons from 1pm until 3pm. Call to book aspot, gold coin donation each week. Donations of food, toiletries, cleaning products, pet food etc can now be dropped off and gratefully accepted by Maffra Neighbourhood House to assist households in need.
NEW adultwater safety classes are changinglives. As part of Wellington Shire council’s efforts to educate adults to be safe in and around the water, AquaEnergyLeisure CentreinSalehas introduced adult water safety and learn-to-swim lessons. It comes as the nation faces an on-going spike in drowning deaths, especially in older adults.
According to the Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report for 2022, 175 adults aged 25-64 yearsdrowned in Australiain2021/22,which is an 18 per cent rise on the 10-year average. Atotal of 94 people aged 65 years and over drowned in Australia in 2021/22, which is a57per cent increase on the 10-year average. The drowning reportalsoshowed that adultsneed to think carefully about their own health and fitness before getting into the water.
Aqua Energy trialledwater safety andlearn-toswim classes over the 2022/23 summer holidays, which have fast become alife-changing experience for many community members. Aqua Energy saw a largenumberofadults take up the classes, learning
THE Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has new leadership. Mr Peter Duncan AM is the new ARTCchair and Dr Collette Burke anon-executive director of the board. Both appointments for threeyear terms were announced by the federal government. ARTC plays avital role in managing the nation’s interstate freight rail network. ARTCisalsodelivering InlandRail enhancements, suchasthe PortBotany Duplicationand several other significant Government-funded infrastructure projects that aim to build the resilience and capability of Australian rail transport.
Mr Duncan replaces the Hon Warren Truss AC, who stepped down as chair of the ARTCboard on November30, 2022. Mr Duncan has more than40yearsexperience in government and infrastructure, working at local,state and national levels.
He is the current chair of WaterNSW, deputy chair and commissionerofthe NSW Independent Planning Commission and aboard member of the Office of Projects Victoria.MrDuncanisaformerchief executive of NSW Roads and Maritime Services, director-general of the NSW Department of Services Technologyand Administration, and managing director of ForestsNSW. He is aformer chair of InfraSol Group, the Australian Road ResearchBoard and Austroads.
Dr Burke is ahighly qualified and experienced engineer with more than25 years of experience in the infrastructure construction sector. She was the inaugural Victorian Chief Engineer and has astrong understanding of the rail industry. She also previously held various senior roles with Leighton Contractors and management positions with Thiess John Holland.
Dr Burkeisanon-executive director of Marinus Link Pty Ltd and VicTrack.
The appointments follow the recent independent review of the InlandRail project conducted by Dr Kerry Schott AO. Dr Schott’s report has been provided to the government. It reveals significant concerns aboutthe governance and delivery of Inland Rail. The Government intends to release Dr Schott’s reportand the Government’s response to its recommendations as soon as it has been fully considered.
how to swim, tread water in case of emergency and brush up on their water safety skills.
“Initially, what we found was that parents from a variety of backgrounds would come into the facility and drop off their children for swimming lessons, but many adultsdidn’t knowhow to swim, practice water safety,orhow to properlysupervise and educate their children around water,” Wellington ShireCouncil’s manager leisure services, Ross McWhirter said.
“We decided to introduce these classes after seeing ademand for it. There’s many people in our community who have slipped through the cracks when it comes to understanding the dangers of water, knowing their limitations, and learning to swim to save themselves and others.”
Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said this season’s drowning toll was again too high.
“We are lucky to have an abundance of swimming spots available on our doorstep, whetherthat be Ninety Mile Beach, local rivers and lakes, and evenbackyard pools.There’sa lottoloveabout spending time in the water, but there is also high risks involved. Providing water safety classes to those who need it is alifechangingpreventative measure,and I’d encourage those who are cautious aboutwatertosignupfor next term,” Cr Bye said.
Aqua Energy will be offeringadult water safety and learn to swim lessonsinthe 2023 Term 1 school holidays, with the aim to grow the offering throughout the year.
Classes are 30 minutes and cost $15 per person.
While there is no limit to the number of classes you can participate in throughout the holiday
period, classes will operate at the discretion of teacher availability.
Aqua Energy is acommunity service where all ages can learn to swim and be safer around water. Aqua Energyteach vital water safety skills and havewelcoming andinclusive stafftosupport learning, particularly if you are learning at alater stage in life.
Adults thinking about learningtoswimare encouraged to contact Aqua Energy on 5142 3700.
Poolusers are also encouraged to visitwww wellington.vic.gov.au/pools or follow the Aqua Energy Facebook page for more information.
THIS year, the Rotary Club of MaffraMardi Gras is offeringthe very first Arthur Watts Trophy for the best business float.
The Mardi Gras is afamily fun day, with entertainment, streetstalls as well as the parade. It attracts peoplefrom all over the shire and beyond, and could be an ideal way to promoteyour business.
The theme for this year is ‘The Circus’, and the trophywill be awarded to the best float embodying the spirit of the circus.The event is open to every business in Wellington Shire and entry is free.
In addition to the trophy, your business would be in the running for the Community BankMaffra and District cash prizes -$3000 forthe best float, $2000 secondprize and $1000third prize. Well worth getting your creative thinking caps on and starting to plan your float!
Forms are
Zoe Askew
THIRTY years since its inception, the swimming pool at Guthridge Primary School, Sale, received welcomed renovations recently, with aspecial opening drawing current and former students and teachers, alongside school council members, to mark themomentous occasion.
Guthridge Primary School was able to meet the costs of repairing and replacingthe building structure and pool surrounds, including refurbishing and re-tiling the pool shell and hob; building new change rooms; adding electric doors; and improving storage facilities and the equipment room, after asuccessfulapplicationfor aVictorian School Building Authority Minor Capital Works Grant at the end of 2021, and money contributed by Guthridge Primary School Council.
Aftereight months of construction, beginning Term 2, 2022,GuthridgePrimarySchoolstudents can once again reap the benefits of the school's swimming facilities in the snazzy refurbished pool
The newly-elected Guthridge Primary School student council sat patiently on the concrete seat encircling the perfectly 35-degree heated pool as guests rolled in for the opening, their first event as school leaders.
Eleven-year-oldTimmy Farnham,one of Guthridge PrimarySchool's sevenstudentcouncil members, could barely contain his excitement about opening the school's new swimming facilities, itching for his turn in the new pool.
"It's exciting; Ican't wait to get in and go for a swim," Timmy said.
Year 6students, Ollie Cockell, SummerFrancis, and Amelia Neilson shared similarsentiments about the pool'sreopening to their student council colleague Timmy.
"It seems exciting because the other one was old and wrinkly," Ollie said.
"Yeah, I'm excited to get into the pool;itactually looks pretty good."
"It looksreally good," Summer added.
"It's very exciting," Amelia said.
Withall thespecial guests accountedfor, Guthridge Primary School principal, Emily Streitberg, took her place behind the podium, introducing Timmy and Amelia to acknowledge the landbeing meton, that of the Gunaikurnai people, before starting official pool renovation opening proceedings.
Ms Streitberg welcomed the 2023 student representatives and guests in attendance:schoolcouncil president Lauren Munro; GuthridgePrimary School facilitiesmanagerSteve Cunningham; and Wendy Morgan, 'official unofficial' facilities manager, as well as former Guthridge Primary School principal Peter Dennison, and former Guthridge Primary School student Josh Tollner.
"Way back when this pool facility was first built on this site by abandofdedicated parents and overseen by then principal, Mr Peter Dennison, ayoung Josh Tollner happened to be picked as one of the very first people to christen this pool," Ms Streitberg said.
"Mr Dennison had called for volunteers to be the first to jump into the brand new pool many years ago, and Josh as ayoungboy in the assembly audience was the first to put up his hand and therefore got the gig.
"Today,Josh stands with his son Jesse and mum, Jullie Tollner, along-standing schoolcouncil member, seeing history about to repeat itself, as Josh and Jesse will jump in the pool along with our other studentrepresentatives to mark the official opening."
Mr Dennison addressed the audience, recounting Guthridge Primary School's history and the original construction of the swimming pool, one of only afew swimming facilities at apublic school in the state.
"When workbegan 30 years ago,wehad an official site opening for where the pool was to be built," Mr Dennison said.
Mr Dennison explained that it is customary for someone in authority to dig the first hole on the site before construction begins, and as principal, he was assigned the role.
"I can't remember who the student was," Mr Dennison recounted.
"It might have been Josh, actually, but after I had dug the hole, astudent came up to me and said, 'geez, Mr Dennison,you'vestill got along way to go'."
With formalities done, it was time for Josh and Jesse Tollner and GuthridgePrimary School student representatives to make asplash, jumping intothe pooltomarkthe officialopeningofthe Guthridge Primary School pool.
"With that big splash, we declare the Guthridge Primary School Pool officially open for instruction," Ms Streitberg announced.
"I warmly welcome and introduce representatives from Baw Baw Swim School, Paul Myers, Emily and Chelsea, as our 2023swimminginstructors in adebut partnership with Guthridge Primary School, to provide all of our student's 30-minute swimming lessonsweekly for two terms of the year, in our wonderful, newly-renovated heated indoor pool facility.
"Ourswimmingprogramisavital part of our school curriculum here at Guthridge Primary School,and it is not only afavourite lesson but could ultimately save alife."
Student council members Summer Francis and Andii Quinn emphasised the importance of learning to swim, highlighting its significanceinAustralia, surrounded by the ocean with abundant swimmable waterways.
"It is important to learn how to swim so if you fall into the water, you know how to get out," Summer said
"Learning to swim is important, so we don't drown," Andii added.
With Ms Rickie-J Sanders' Grade 1/2 class on theirway for the first swimming lessoninthe newly renovatedpool, playtime was over for the 2023 student representatives and Josh.
Switching his boardshortsand bare feet for cargo shorts and work boots, Josh gushed over the opportunitytoopen the pool with his five-year-old son before saying goodbye, water still trickling down his brown curls and onto his shoulders.
"It brought backa lotofmemories;itwas real good," Josh said.
"When Emily rang me yesterday, Ijumpedat the chance to do it again, especially with my son; yeah, it was awesome."
Having doneswimminglessons at the same school 30 years ago, Josh is grateful his son Jessewill also have that same opportunity.
"I definitely benefited from swimming lessonsat school;ittaught me alot of things, how to swim, how to survive in the water," Josh said.
"It's oneofthe life skills you need when you're in theocean or the river or wherever, just so that you can protect yourself."
BETTER Place Australia launched its new children’s contact service (CCS) for families living in Sale and Gippsland last month.
The Sale centre, which opened on January 9, is its second children’s contactcentre, in addition to wider family services offeredinGippsland throughthe Traralgon Family Relationship Centre.
Thecentre, co-located at the Sale Neighbourhood House, expands on CCS services currently being delivered by Better Place Australia at the Narre Warren location,and complements existingservicesoffered in Morwell and Bairnsdale.
Funded by the federal AttorneyGeneral’sdepartment, theCCS supports children to maintain their relationship with their parents and family members in asafe, supportive and child-focused environment.
Sale Children’s Contact Service Manager, Helen Skinner, saidthe centre had spent the past month setting up and publicisingthe service.
“We’ve had anumberofpeople contact us and anumberoffamilies are already engaging with the service,” she said.
“Better Place Australia is really
excited to have opened thiscentre in Sale. We think it’s going to be a valuableservicetofamiliesinthe area.”
Ms Skinner said that it was critical for familiesinregional areas to be able to access family services that are local and affordable.
“Separation and relationship breakdown can be astressfulexperience, and for familiesfacing complex
parenting arrangements,thereare greater challenges,” she said.
“Thechildren’scontact service supports children to have supervised visitsand facilitated changeovers withparents and family members following separation.
“For children, adjustment can be especially difficult,and the service can really help. We provide asafe, fun and neutral environment where
children can spend timewith the parent they no longer live with. We don’t take sides.”
Drawing from more than 35 years of experience providing family meditation and counselling services at Better Place Australia, families will also be able to access avariety of wraparound servicesthat include mental health support andparenting programs.
Better Place Australia chief executive, SergeSardo, said strongand healthy relationships play avital role in building the ongoing health and wellbeingofindividuals, families, and the broader local community.
“The ability to access services that remain close to where they live and work cannot be understated,” he said.
“Currently, manyfamilies do not have access to achild contact centre in their area, and wait times in others further afield sees them waiting long periods to see their children.
“This vital service for families living in the Sale and Gippsland area will enable families and caregivers to connect with their children safely, securely and locally.”
Families wanting to use the service can phone Better Place Australia on 1800 639 523 or visit betterplaceaustralia.com.au
THE state government'sLGBTIQ+ Organisational Development Grants 2023 are now taking applicants.
The grants are designed to strengthen Victoria's LGBTIQ+ communities by supporting LGBTIQ+ organisations andgroups to grow their crucial work.
Eligible organisations and groups are invited to apply for grants of up to $25,000 under Stream 1, or grantsofupto$50,000 under Stream 2tobuild their capacity, including through staff training and development opportunities; better serve diverse LGBTIQ+ communities across Victoria; and fortify theirlong-term viability by planning for the future.
Organisations andgroups funded to deliver activities through this program must demonstrate how theypositively affect thelives of Victoria's diverse LGBTIQ+ communities and intend to deliver against at least one of the five program objectives -accessibility and inclusion, capacity building, expansion, governance, sustainability.
Accessibility and inclusion
SUPPORT for LGBTIQ+ organisations to improve inclusive practices that engagediverse LGBTIQ+
people. Funding will be prioritised for LGBTIQ+ organisations that focus on working with people with disability, Aboriginal people and regional/ rural communities.
BUILD the knowledge, skills,processes and resources of organisations and their people, equipping them to provideservices and support to LGBTIQ+Victorians.
ENABLE the growth of core operations into regional and rural communities and improve processes to supportmeaningful engagementwith intersectional LGBTIQ+ communities.
STRENGTHEN organisational governanceto make sure organisations are stable and secure to respond to the needs of LGBTIQ+ communities. This includes the structure of aboard or management committee.
SUPPORT strategicplanningbyLGBTIQ+
organisations and groups. This includes support to form partnerships with like-minded organisations to achieve mutual goals, promote long-term viability, reduce relianceonexternal funding and increase ongoing capacity.
To apply for LGBTIQ+ Organisational Development Grants 2023 or for more information, go to https://www.vic.gov.au/ lgbtiq-organisational-development-grants
GIPPSLANDTimes is reviving new-bornbaby photos at Sale Hospital.
Starting Tuesday,February21, newparents can takethe opportunity to show off their newest family member by getting aphoto with their new born to be featured in the paper.
EveryTuesday, from 11am until 12pm, Gippsland Times journalist Zoe Askewwill be at Sale Hospital Women’s and Children’s Unit to snap apic of the newestaddition to the local community.
While we would lovetoinclude the entire family,these photos are reserved for new-born babies and parents only.
If you wouldlike to share the arrival of your newest family member, meet Gippsland Times journalistZoe Askew between 11am and 12pm on Tuesday at Sale Hospital Women’s and Children’s Unit.
Fillout aconsentformonarrival, snap a pic and see your new born featured in the Gippsland Times
SATURDAY
18 MARCH 2023
9:00am-3:00pm
SKEEN PAVILLION
Sale Show Grounds, Sale-MaffraRd, Sale ENTRY: Adults $2 /ChildrenFree STALLS, DEMONSTRATIONS &FOOD
LASTweekwas End Youth Suicide Week (Monday, February 13 to Friday, February 17), an initiative supported by peer-led youth intervention organisation Youth Insearch, who support young people in Gippsland, Goulburn and Greater Melbourne.
The week encourages Australians to defy the stigma associated with mental health, and to openly talk about suicide with their friends, families and communities.
Oneyoung person living in the Wellington Shire who has overcome adversity is Youth Insearch trainee peer worker, Kaara Jackson-Watson.
The 20-year-old had avery tough time growing up.
“I experienced sexual assault, drug and alcohol abuse and toxic relationships,” she said.
“My grades slipped and Iwas told, “school isn’t for everyone”. My anger spiked, and Icaused constant arguments and was told it was just my time of the month. Imade asuicide attempt and later went to therapy.
"When that didn’t help after only acouple of sessions, Igot 'why do Ieven pay for therapy if it’s not working?'"
Ms Jackson-Watson moved out of home after she turned 17.
“I workedeveryday and when Igot home, Iused drugs to drownout the silenceand filluphow empty Ifelt,” she said.
“I spent along time just trying to push my emotions to the bottom of the deep, black bag of issues Iwas carrying around with me everywhere."
AYouthInsearch support worker cametoMs Jackson-Watson’s high school when she was 14.
After Ms Jackson-Watson explained to them that she wasstruggling,they referred her to more help from the organisation.
“I came to Youth Insearch for my depression, I thought Icould find something that would help me that wasn’t relying on atinypill every morning,” she said.
“I realisedvery quickly that Ihad more issues than Iwas acknowledging. Imademyfirst disclosure at Youth Insearch, and my support worker fought tooth-and-nail to get me into counselling.
“YouthInsearch didn’t hold my hand and tell me everything was going to be alright, but they were honest,and they held my hand whenIdidn’t know
what Ineeded.”
Now, Ms Jackson-Watson is able to give back to the community by supporting other young people as part of Youth Insearch.
“My job is to support my caseloadofyoung people going through things like depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation,” she said.
“I usually catch-up with them once aweek, but depending on how often they need me, Imay catch up with them more. And Itouch base with any new referrals and get them involved.”
Ms Jackson-Watson said she hoped that the
community understands that at-risk youth don’t want to take their own lives.
“They don’t want to (die by suicide). They’lldo everything they can to ask for help before it gets to that point,” she said.
“Theydon’twant to make everyone else’s lives difficult, whether it’sfriends or family. They aren’t trying to act out deliberately. Whennobody’s listening to them, they think it’s their last resort.
“When they finally feel thatsomebody’s listening, they take adeep breathand say‘Idon’tneedto resort to that’. And they’re all incredibly eager to
help themselves and get out their issues and their trauma, and make themselves better.
“We’re not acrisisline, we’re here so when they do ask for help they can get it. We advocatefor them to go to therapy.”
Ms Jackson-Watson is glad that she found help and was able to fight off her demons.
“I managed to pull myself out of drug and alcohol addiction and moved myself to abetter job that I loved doing,” she said.
“From there, everything got easier. Ifound a guy that Iadore and got engaged. We now have a beautiful 10-month-old daughter that is the light of our lives.
“I wouldn’t ever say that I’m cured, becauseeven after acknowledgingmyproblems andtraumas, it still hurts.
“But knowing I’ve got asupport network Ican fall back on when things get tough, makes it easier.”
The theme of End Suicide Week this year is from 'trauma to triumph' and acknowledges the 402 young people who lost their lives to suicide in 2021, 80 of whom were under 17-years-old.
These young people have been referred to as the 'missing middle', though YouthInsearch prefers to refer to them as the 'forgotten middle'.
Youth Insearch says that young peoplewho fit into this category are not missing. They have always beenpresent though they have been ‘forgotten’ by the mainstream medical solution approach currently in place, to address youth mental health andsuicide rates.
All Australians deserve the very best chance for ahealthy, rewarding and satisfying life. However, despitemorethan $11 billion invested by government, businessand private providers each year, suicide remains the leadingcause of death in young Australians, and many young people are not receiving the support they need. There is an estimated $22 billion per year loss to the Australian economy from the impact of youth suicide.
To find out more about Youth Insearch or to download the Forgotten Middle report, visit youthinsearch.org.au or eysw.com.au
If you need immediate assistance, call crisis services Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
If your life is in danger, please call 000.
For non-crisis support, call Youth Insearch on 1800 805 635.
communities; Pilates and yoga classes; atree walk and tour; communitymarkets in Maffra and Teddy Bears’ Picnic in Rosedale; an outdoor movie night thanks to the Woodside Beach Surf LifeSaving Club; and various free outdoor activities for kids.
Wellington Libraries is againhosting the popular Teddy Bears Picnic at the Port of Sale on Saturday, March 11, and it promisestobefullofstories, songs, rhymes and teddy bear themedcrafts. If you don’t have time to make it to astorytime session during the school term, you are encouragedto take advantage of this free session with the Sale Library team.
Due to populardemand, Nakunbalook Environmental and Education Centre at the Sale Botanic Gardens will host afree Grey-headed Flying Fox presentation and guided walk on Wednesday, March 8at7pm.
WELLINGTON ShireCouncil’s popularParks
Weekwillreturnbetween Saturday, March4 and Sunday, March 12, with apacked program of family-friendly events happening throughout the municipality.
Parks Week is acouncil-ledinitiative, celebrating the many wonderful local parks and open spaces in Wellington.
Parks Week encourages the community to spend time outdoors in The Middle of Everywhere, with free activities for all ages and abilities to enjoy.
Council’s popularand much-loved Baby’s Day
Out and Kids Day Out events are happening in Saleand Yarram respectively and are alwaysa major drawcard for local families.
Parks Week will begin with events including a family forest therapy walk,SaleParkrun, skate jam at Rosedaleskate park, and Kids DayOut -raising money for the Good Friday Appeal.
The week will culminate with Pedal 2Parks in Cowwarr and Heyfield, andthe Sale Music Festival at the Port of Sale precinct.
Other activitiesonoffer include skatepark activations to keep young people engaged in their
Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye,encourages the public to get out and about during Parks Week, and enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces in Wellington “Parks Week delivers an excellent program of activities and events for all the community to get involved with," Cr Bye said.
"It’s both fun and educational, and is agreat reminder of the benefits that open space and outdoor recreation plays in our daily lives.
"We are very fortunate to have such awide range of parks, gardens, and community spaces to choose from.
"If you can’t make it to aParks Week event,
consider simply exploringyour neighbourhood
There are many wonderful pockets of open space scattered throughout TheMiddleofEverywhere.”
WhilesomeParks Week events require physical activity suchaswalking, running, riding or exercise, most of council’s open spaces are accessible for all people, including people with limited mobility or anyone living with adisability.
Highlights will include:
-Baby's DayOut at Sale’sBrennanPark on Monday, March 6from10amto1pm. This is afree event, suitable for children 0-4 years. Children will be entertainedwithajumping castle,face painting, balloon twisting, interactive train and petting zoo. FairyJulianne will host songs and dances, and Wacky Wombat will provide roving entertainment, including giant bubbles,stilt walkingand juggling Bring your own seat or blanket. Coffee and ice cream will be available for purchase on the day.
-Kids’ Day Out at Yarram Memorial Park on Wednesday,March 8, 10am to 1pm. This is a free event, suitable for children aged 0-6 years. Activities include ajumping castle, face painting and petting zoo. Fairy Julianne will host songs and dances, and children are encouraged to join in. Coffee and ice creamwill be availablefor purchase on the day.
Find the full program of events, including locations, dates and times at www.wellington.vic.gov. au/parks-week
Swap whitebread for wholegrain bread
Swap chips for wholegrain crackers
Swap low-fibre cereal for highfibre cereal
Swap plain yoghurt for probiotic yoghurt
Swap biscuits and pastries for a piece of fresh fruit
Swap sandwich meats like ham or salami for alegume-based dip likehummus
Quick and easy gut-loving meal ideas:
Wholegrain bread with avocado and tomato
Asmoothie made of milk, probiotic yoghurt and fresh fruit
Wholegrain crackers with tzatziki and vegetable sticks
High-fibre cereal with milk and fresh fruit
WITH Februarybeing Gut Health Month, locals are being encouraged to put the health of their gut first.
Statistics aren’t good -one in two Aussies have gut-health problems.
Further, the Bowel Cancer Foundation says one in 15 people are likely to develop bowel cancer in their lifetime, and 15 to 40 percentofthe population currently have bowel polyps (that can be pre-cancer).
Age increases the risk of bowel cancer, especially for people over 50 years old.
But most importantly, 99 per cent of cancers are preventable if treated early.
Some other gut issues include, but are not limited to, constipation -the Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) estimates one in five adults have it -diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, coeliacdiseaseand lactose intolerance. GESA states that 15 per cent of people of European ancestry suffer from this, rising to 90 per cent in those with African and Asian ancestry.
On the positive side, more evidence is becoming available of the lifestyle factors that improve gut health.
Some of these factors include good sleep, low stress and daily movement, but most integral is a high-fibre diet and regular bowel motions (two to three times per week minimum; formed, sausage shaped and soft).
Other ways to optimise gut health is to minimise gut irritants, such as excessive alcohol and caffeine, lowfibre/highly processed foods, or ahighsaturated fat diet from animal sources -that is, the fat is solid at room temperature,suchasskinonchicken, lard,
dripping or full fat dairy.
Ideally, drinking at least two litresofwater a day, and aplant-based diet is optimal. Advancesinthe gut microbiome continueand knowledge of pre-, pro- and post-bioticsisgrowing by the day, not to mentiondirectslinkswiththe gut and brainvia the vagus nerve.
There is now moreevidencethan ever that food affects ourmood, withmanypeople talking about being 'hangry' or 'seedy' and lethargic after abig nightout on the grog, or after bingeing on sweetrefined, highly-processed, saturated fatty foods.
Gut Health Month is agreat opportunity to include more gut-loving foods in your diet and improve your overall wellbeing.
Accredited dietitian, Simone Godde, will be hosting two free events about gut health this month, which locals are being encouraged to attend.
Thefirst will be held at Sale Medical Centre this Thursday (February 23) from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. For bookings to this session, call the centre on 5144 5766 or send an email to info@salemedical. com.au
The second will take place at The Nutrition Pod on Saturday,February 25 from 1.15pm to 2.30pm.
To book for this event, call 5143 1809 or send an email to thewholistic.hub142@gmail.com
NEW datareveals ninein10Australians want government action to stop Australia’s escalating e-cigarette crisis.
Anew Cancer CouncilVictoria reportshows growing public support for policy action to limit the availability and use of e-cigarettes. Almost nineinten Australianadults(87 per cent) want government action to stop anew generation of Australians from becoming addicted to nicotine.
Other statistics from the report include Australian adults’ agreement with the following statements:
*E-cigarettesshould be carefully regulatedtostop anew generationofAustralians from becoming addicted to nicotine (87 per cent).
*E-cigarettes are highly addictive (81 per cent).
The report was prepared by the Cancer Council Victoria’s Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer (CBRC)withdatafor collected through the Social Research Centre’s probability based-panel, Life in Australia.
The new data comes just weeksafter the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) received public submissions on proposedreforms to the
regulation of nicotine vaping products, urging immediate action on nicotine vaping products.
In these submissions, CancerCouncil Victoria and Quit called for strict border controls on the importation of all vaping products, to support enforcement by Victorian agencies and stop illegal sales.
“Weneed to improve regulation and the enforcement of vaping productstoprotect Australians from the manyimmediate and future healthimpactsof vaping. The lawsthat are in place are insufficient and theyare beingblatantly disregarded”, said the director of Quit, Matthew Scanlon.
The2022Victorian Smoking and Health Survey showed that77,200Victorians who had previously never smoked, had used e-cigarettes in the past year,triplingtheir risk of smoking uptake.The vaping epidemic threatens to undo five decades of world-leading tobacco control in Victoria.
Quit is jointly funded by Department of Health and VicHealth, as aprogramofCancerCouncil Victoria.VicHealthchief executive, Dr Sandro Demaio, has joined public health experts calling foraction.
NATIONALS MP for GippslandEast, Tim Bull, has called for more investment into public dental from the state governmentasthe sector suffers the worst delays in dental care this decade, with the averagewait time for public dental care in Victoria increasing to 26.7 months.
“It is disappointing, but not surprising, the wait times have blown out after the Andrews government cut funds to its public dental allocation in last year’s budget, which is there for all to see,” Mr Bull said.
“What would you thinkthe outcome of this action to be? That is why we made avery significant preelectioncommitment to increasefunds to the service to help address the problem.
“The Andrews government remained silent in this area,but it is aproblem they can ignore no longer."
Mr Bull said the average wait at Central Gippsland Health Service was 18.9 months
"There is no dentistatBairnsdaleRegional Health Service currently, which is adding to the burden and worseninghealth outcomes of patients needing treatment," he said.
“In some cases, we have heard from constituents who have been provided with vouchers to access to private dental services for urgent work, but there is no requirementfor these vouchers to be accepted and, in some cases, they have been refused, leaving the patient with adental dilemma."
“Australians are clearly concerned about these products andtheir effects on health. E-cigarettes can contain hundreds of toxic chemicalswhich shouldn’t be inhaled deep into our lungs,” Dr Demaio said.
“The vaping industry continues to exploit the next generationofyoung people through loopholesthat enablee-cigarettes to be illegallymarketed and sold withoutaprescription. With support across the country recognising this escalating public health challenge, we need urgent government action before it’s too late.”
The CBRC report, commissioned by Cancer Council and Quit, also shows that an increasing number of Australians understand the dangers of e-cigarettes. In 2022, morethan eightinten Australians (81 per cent) agreed that e-cigarettes are highlyaddictive; asignificant increase from 70 per cent in 2021.
“Interestingly,this new datashows thatthe overwhelming majority (83 per cent)of18to 24-year-olds agree that e-cigarettes are ‘highly addictive,” said Libby Jardine, chair of Cancer
Council’s tobacco issues committee.
Data from the 2019 NationalDrugStrategy Household Survey indicated that more than a quarter (26.1 per cent) of Australians aged 18 to 24 have ever used e-cigarettes -the highest usage rate across all age groups. Despite high usage, this age group is just as likely to support stronger policy action (86 per cent) as any other age group.
“Manufacturersand retailers are deliberately mislabelling e-cigarettes, claiming they don’t contain nicotine, to avoid getting caught importing or selling products illegally. Young peopletry them wrongly thinkingthey’renot goingtoget addicted,” Ms Scanlon said.
Many of the flavours (such as “strawberrymilk”, “fruitloops” and “colaice”) are deliberately appealing to youngpeople who are being unfairly targeted by an unscrupulous industry attempting to hook them on ahighly addictive substance.
For support to quit smoking or vaping, contact Quitline (13 7848).
Mr Bull said the government must greatly increase its public dental allocation in this year’s budget to reverse the cuts of last year and provide an improved service across the state. Wait times
OVER acouple of weeks, aseries of mostly orange outlines have become anew street art mural to be enjoyed by Gippslanders diningnexttoawonderful seaside view.
Local café TheGeneral,atLake Tyers Beach, commissionednotable Melbourne streetartist Kaff-eine to transform their large wall with an image that reflects the character of the area.
Kaff-eine is one of the official Silo Art Trail artists;she hasalsopainted publicmurals around Australia,and throughoutEurope, the USA, Philippines, and Mexico.
The mural,titled Lakeside Serenade,was started by Kaff on Thursday, January5,and completed on Sunday, January 22.
Kaff relished the ocean breeze, the sun and good coffee over thoseweeks -aperfect start to 2023.
“Lakeside Serenadeisapeaceful mural that combines my ownmemoryofrelaxingonthe warmsandatLakeTyers Beach, with an homage to Borun (pelican) the Tuk (musk duck), the parents of the five Gunnaikurnai clans,” Kaff told the Gippsland Times
“The image was one of aboutsix drafts Idrew for my dear friends Steven and Rommel, who (own) The General cafe. Theychose the imagebecauseof the warm trustingrelationship between sunbathing adults and the pelicans and ducks, who rest nearby listening to alazyukulele.
“They chose the right image! It’s aquiet way to publicly honour the Gunnaikurnai people, given the history of the area; and beachgoers here really do chillout for hours quietly on the sand bar, sometimes in exactly the same bright yellow
straw hats as the one Ipainted!" Husbands Steve Franklin and Rommel Canoy, owners of The General Lake Tyers beach café, gave Kaff free rein to design amural that would speak to locals and visitors.
“From when we first saw that wall when walking by the beach two years ago, we knew it needed a special mural and because Kaff-eine is afriend we knew it had to be her,” Mr Canoy said.
“It seemed like along shot back then, but all we could do was put it out there and we could say the universe aligned magnificently for us."
Mr Canoy said Kaff’s mural was a“completion of avision” they had for the café.
“Steve and Iare elated about what she’s created. We feel she has trulyembodied LakeTyersBeach’s past and present charm through her street art," he said
“Every local and extendedlocals from far down Traralgon have expressed how great the mural is and expect LakeTyersBeachtotruly become a landmark destination.”
Kaff is no stranger to painting in Gippsland, with acouple of muralscompleted on Toora’s sports centre last year. For one of these, she received help from Leongatha-based artist Melanie Caple as Kaff was on crutches and “hadn’t re-learned to walk” yet after an accident 15 months ago.
“I also painted apoignant mural inside Berry Street’s Morwell facility in early 2014, for our collaborative coffee table ‘Heartcore’ book,” Kaff said.
wetlands and swamps with dense aquatic vegetation. Theycan be seen locallyatMacleod Morass or the Lakes Entrancesewage pond, whereit is thought they seek the rich invertebrate life they offer.
DESPITE being named the Blue-billed Duck, only the males have the distinctive sky-blue bill.
Asmall and compact duck, during the breeding season the male’s bill turns bright blue. They are wholly aquatic, seldom seen on land, swimming low in the water along the edge of dense cover. If they do go onto land, they walk like apenguin, but in water they are known to be excellent and speedy swimmers.Ifdisturbed, they will dive deep underwater to escape danger, rather than flying away.
Theyfeed in waterbydivingbelow the surface and foraging for food in the mud. Their diverse diet includes seeds, buds, stems, leaves, fruit and small aquatic insects such as the larvae of midges, beetles and dragonflies. Foundinsouth-easternand south-western Australia, they preferwater in largepermanent
They sometimes congregate in large flocks of a thousand birds, but during the breeding season, they are solitary nesters and bonds between breeding pairs is short term. They prefer secluded locations making their nests in cumbungi beds found over the water, or in flattened vegetation of sedges or rushes.
Breeding from August to November, they build abowl-shaped nestfrom reedy materialand line it down. The male takes no part in either nest building or incubation. Acommon clutch size is five or six.
The Blue-billed Duck is currently listed as endangered in Victoria. Habitat destruction and modification such as clearing, croppingorburninghas contributed to this endangered status. BirdLife East Gippsland meetweekly for Monday morning outings. New members are always welcome. For more information, visit the official Facebook group.
THOSE who passedthe Sale Showgrounds earlier this month may have noticedapeculiar site within its confines: avintage double-decker bus.
The bus in question is a1949Leyland Titan that once serviced Sydney’s public transport network; but these days,itservesboth as amobile coffee shop, and home to apairofkeen adventurers.
Lawrence “Lorie” Norton first sightedthe bus several years ago while working as ahigh-voltage glove and barrierlinesman near Griffith,New South Wales.
“I drovepast aquarry, and Ilooked downinto the quarry and saw this big old, looming, double decker bus sitting down there,” Mr Norton explained.
“I stopped the ute, and one of the guys is like… ‘What are you going to do with it?’
“And I’m like, ‘I’m going to do acharity drive around Australian in it.’”
What followed was three years of restoring the bus,fiveyears of “not wanting to lookatit” and then 18 months of finishing the fit-out in Melbourne.
The interior was stripped of its seating and repurposedasa café, complete with kitchenette, drawersand cupboards, much of which is recycled from hardrubbish collections.
Meanwhile, the top floor of the bus was transformed into aliving quarters, with an adjoining, enclosed balcony to overlook the sceneryatthe rear.
Awooden ladder connects the two decks, while abathroomfor the owners is hidden behind the kitchenette.
Mr Norton debuted the bus and his business at the Tiny House Festival in Bendigoin2019,before embarking on anationwide tour of Australia.
“I went all the way up the east coast, down through the centre -King’s Canyon, Uluru, Alice Springs- down to Adelaide, and that’s whenI blew aradiator coming out of Cooper Pedy,” Mr Norton said.
Once the bus was repaired, Mr Norton continued on, before his journey ground to ahalt again due to the onset of the pandemic.
“When COVID first hit, Iended up in the Indigenous communities up in the Kimberley, driving the school bus and as partofthat, Iran barista training for all of the high school students within the community,” he said.
“And then Iended up down in Perth…at a maximumsecurity prison as abarista trainer,
which was pretty interesting.”
After startinghis journey alone,without any hospitality experience, nor formal training as a barista, Mr Nortonfoundsomebody to share his journey with in Brooke Lumsden.
“We are part of ameditation group in Melbourne, and had known each other through aWhatsApp group for afair while -Ithinktwo years,” Mr Norton said.
He was invited to operate at anotherTiny House Festival in Bendigo,but after his experiences at thefirst event, Mr Norton said, “I had a30-metre lineout thedoor.” He then realised that he needed assistance.
“So Iput the call outtothe meditation community and Iwas like,‘Does someone have café experience that they wouldn’t mind donating in pay to come and help me?’
“And Brooke reached out and said, ‘I’d love to.’”
Mr Nortondescribes meeting Ms Lumsden as the highlight of his journey, along with the other people he has encountered along the way.
“That’s definitely where it’s at for me - like, talking to everyone and finding out their experiences of life, and finding out their biggest lessons that they’velearnt in life,” he said.
It’s that same passion, and acuriosity about other people’s stories, that Ms Lumsden enjoys most.
“You never knowwho you’regoingtomeet… you can have aconversation with someone and you just never know where your day’s going to weave or where you’re going to end up next,” she said.
“We live alot in mystery.”
The refurbishedbus has beenchristened Corazón -Spanish for “heart” -and trades under the business name Twice as Nice Gallery Café.
Wherever it goes, the bus is met with friendliness and generosity.
G’day Parks and Big 4Holiday Parks have been “huge supporters” of Mr Norton’s cause, allowing him to stayatany of their parks or resorts for a discount.
And for itslocal visit,the buswas allowedto stay free of charge at the Showgrounds as part of an agreement with the Sale Show committee -a fellow non-profit organisation -for which Mr Norton expressed his gratitude.
Mostwho come to visit thebus will stayfor a coffee or, if the weather is warm, acup of homemade kombucha; others willpurchaseacrocheted cupcake, made with love by Mr Norton’s mum, or buy apaintingcrafted by Mr Norton himself with
coffee waste -anidea that came to him when the bus broke down in Cooper Pedy, and ablack fluid leaked onto apiece of paper.
By selling the artworksMrNorton is, in his words, “painting my way back out of debt”.
“It’s the waste coffee that’s funding the charity drive with all of its fuel, money and everything, so that Ican do the coffee for charity, so that Ican get the waste product to paint with, so that Ican do the charity drive, and we close the loop,” Mr Norton explained.
The charity element sees profits going towards Muscular Dystrophy Australia, with an estimated $60,000 raised thus far.
Additionally, Corazónalsoservesasa monument to Sydney’s public transport history -the bus is painted the same colours as it originally wore, while the interior is adorned with aconductor’s hat and ticket dispenser,similar to that usedin decades gone by.
Mr Norton also possesses photos of the very same bus in service -heknows this because the original number plateisetchedinto the front window, and the chassis rail at the front.
“Commonwealth Engineering Co. would build a bus, and as they werebuilding it… one boilermaker was just building that bus, so he would make all of theparts to fit whatever bus it was… You couldn’t take your driver’s door off this bus and go and put it on that bus,” Mr Norton said.
Much of the history has been sourced through the SydneyBus Museum,and acollector, who generously donated many of his photos and wares to Mr Norton and Ms Lumsden.
As of such, Mr Norton is now considered a“bus nut”
“If there’s anyone out there that does have an old double-decker bus and they want to get in contact with me, Ican normally rustle-up some photos of their original bus in service and start connecting
the history of the buses,” he said.
Withtheir stay in Sale having concluded, Mr Norton and Ms Lumsden plan on travelling north along the east coast of Australia, and returning to Victoria along the same route.
With the bus limited to atop speed of 45 kilometres an hour, the journey will be aslowone,and Mr Norton will go to great lengths to ensure that other motorists are not inconvenienced.
“Most of the time Ican getoff the road and get traffic past,” he said.
“If there’s asection of road that Ican’t,then I’ll either get off theroadand wait untilit’sstupido’clock in the morningand no-one else is on the road.
“Or, if Idoget stuck on asection of road, Ijust pull up and go home and have asleep -we’re home, so if traffic gets bad and we can’t get the traffic past, we’ll just hop off the road.”
Mr Nortongivesahesitant response when asked if he’lldoafullloop of the country:“I’ve done the big trips acrossthe deserts before, and at 45 kilometres an hour it’s along drive.”
He does, though, have abig-picture vision for Corazón’s future: “At some stage, Ireally want to just find somewhere with abig shed, and build a big land-basedcommunity café out of it;havesome community gardenswith somedisability access in the gardens around it, maybe abit of acamp ground, and continue to run it as acharity-based café where the profits are still going to charity, or the profits are going to people with disabilities.”
Those interested in learning more about Mr Norton and Ms Lumsden’s journey, or to donate to theircause, are encouraged to follow their handle on social media (@twiceasnicegallerycafe) or visit their official website: www.twiceasnice.com.au
ONE POINTERS
1. What product does the company Ray-Ban manufacture?
2. What is the name of the artist who won ‘Album of the Year’ at this year’sGrammy Awards?
3. Oxfordand Cambridge arefamousuniversities in which country?
4. Agambling token shares its name with which food?
TWO POINTERS
5. In the ‘Harry Potter’ novels, who is Harry’sgodfather?
6. Which flower is the national symbol of England?
7. If Iwas standing in front of the Big Banana, what state would Ibein?
8. Which poisonous plant is associated with kissing and Christmas?
THREE POINTERS
9. Hugh Jackman’scharacter In the movie ‘The Greatest Showman’, was based on what real life person?
10 Which count is used to specify quality of bed linen?
11. Cartoon character Fred Flintstone plays which sport?
12. Who is the lead singer of Led Zeppelin?
FOUR POINTERS
13. What is the legal term for telling lies under oath?
14. Classic sci-fi novel ‘The Time Machine’ was writen by which author?
FIVE POINTER
15. Name these five car logos. One point each.
Howtoplay.
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or morecan you list? The centrelettermustbe included and each letter may be used only once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns,
Howtoplay...
Fill
MARVEL Studios’ latest blockbuster, AntMan and The Wasp: Quantumania has graced theatres. Our resident film buffs Tom Parry and Stefan Bradley went to check it out.
TP: Thisisthe 31st entryinthe Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), and the third chapter of the AntMan franchise. Iwas slightlynervous headinginto this instalment, because it did received mediocre reviews in the lead-up to its release, but thankfully Ifound myself enjoying it. What do you makeof the film,Stefan?
SB: Ilikeditaswell.I’veseen reactions suggesting that this is one of the worst MCU movies to date, but in my opinion there’s no way Quantumania is worse than the likes of Eternals, Iron Man 2 or Thor: The Dark World.Tobeclear, Idon’t think any of those movies are bad, but they ain’t that great either. I’d say Quantumania is on par with the previous Ant-Man films, or maybe slightly worse.It’s mid-tier -hardly aground-breaking blockbuster, but Ihad fun with it!
TP: The plot sees our hero, Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) sucked into asubatomic world known as the Quantum Realm, alongsidehis teenage daughter Cassie (Kathryn Newton), his girlfriend Hope/The Wasp (Evangeline Lilly) and her parents, Hank (Michael Douglas) and Janet (Michelle Pfeiffer). The group become separated, and must use all their wits to find their way home.
SB: Trouble is, there’s somebody that stands in their way: Kang the Conqueror(Jonathan Majors), the autocratic leader and all-powerful being who rules over the Quantum Realm. Kang is an amazing villain, and superbly portrayed by Majors.
TP: Majors is incredible-wesee so manyshades
and nuancesinhis performance, being eccentric and menacing in equal measure.
SB: And he’s not the typical quirky, quip-filled Marvel villaineither -heplaysitall with astraight face.
TP: Idon’t think it’s aspoiler to say that Quantumania is setting Kanguptobethe next ‘Big Bad’ of the Avengers movies, so this film provides the perfect teaser as to what he’s capable of, and what Ant-Man and hisfellow heroescan expect to face in the upcoming films. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing more of him.
SB: Likewise. On another matter, it was surprising to see Michelle Pfeiffer’s character have such an active role in the story, especially in comparison to EvangelineLilly and Michael Douglas, who do very little when comparedtotheir previous appearances. Ithink The Wasp may need her own
moviebecauseinthis sequel, it seems like she has no room to grow as acharacter. The main criticism Ihave is the familydynamic of the protagonists never feelsunder threat, and their relationships never tested.
TP: Iwould argue Quantumania is almost Michelle Pfeiffer’s movie, which Ireally appreciated; the family dynamic stuff never interested me. Less impressive for me was the visual effects -there’s plenty of ethereal, otherworldly designs throughout the Quantum Realm which look cool, but other times the backgroundsand environments look cheap and unpolished. Did you have the same problem?
SB: Not really. Overall, Ithought the visual effects were quite impressive, and they look even better if you see the film in 3D, as we both did. I loved the alien sci-fi creatures encountered in this
world-the weirdertheylooked, the better!
TP: Iwasn’ttoo keen on the 3D, though -as with The Way of Water,Idon’t feel it made the experience any more or less enjoyable,and at timesIcouldn’t eventell if the 3D effects were being utilised. Another aspect Ididn’t appreciateis how disconnected Quantumania is from the other two Ant-Man movies, seeming closer in tone to a Guardians of the Galaxy or a Doctor Strange film. It’s also adarker and more violent picture than its predecessors -where the last two were rated PG, this one is rated M.
SB: Theshift in tone didn’t bother me.The main cast do agreat job, especially Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man -he’s just as funny as ever, although there’s less humour in this film overall. In summary, while Quantumania isn’t the strongest entry in the MCU, it is worth seeing.
TP: Quantumania is aflawed movie, especially in the visual department,but it is an enjoyable one. If you’veenjoyed the Marvel movies up until now, you’lllikethis onejustasmuch; if you’re jumping onboard just now, you probably won’t find much appeal in it.Asyou say though, Stefan,it’sall about the villain, and Kang is asuperb one!
Ant-Manand The Wasp: Quantumania is rated Mfor violence, and is currently screeningatSaleCinema.
FILMS at the Bundy (formerly the Court FilmSociety)will be launching the first half of its 2023 season tomorrow evening (February 22) with ascreening of Franklin
Directed by Kasimir Burgessand narrated by Hugo Weaving, Franklin is afeaturelength documentary that follows Oliver Cassidy as he journeys along Tasmania’s Franklin River -following in the footsteps of his father, the late environmental activist Mike Cassidy.
Oliver’sjourney is intercut with rare archival footage of, and interviews with, the figureswho successfullyimpeded construction of the controversial Franklin Dam. The screening will take placeatthe Bundalaguah-Myrtlebank Hall on SaleMaffra Rd from 7.30pm, with doors opening at 7pm.
Memberships for the new season can be obtained via trybooking.com/CFAHJ
Season passes and come-and-try passes will also be available at the dooronthe night. Films at the Bundy is run by agroup of movie buffs who seek to showcase indie, arthouseand new-release films in the heart of Gippsland.
Screenings are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month.
Members are grantedaccess to all screeningsand free rentals from the group’s entire back catalogue of DVDs.
For more information, head to the group’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ filmsatthebundy
Property:Four bedroom home ty: Four bedr
Address: 42A Hobson Street, eet, Stratford
Price: $539,000
Agent: Tony Kiss, Wellington Real To Estate, 0419 526 637
Located close to schools, parks and playgrounds and only ashort walk to the shops and services of Stratford’smain street, this modern and spacious family home has plenty to offer.
Awell-designed floor plan provides ample room for the whole family,including large bedrooms and plenty of living space, plus agenerous backyard for the kids with plenty of lawn, well-established trees and landscaping.
Features of the home include:
Master suite with walk-in wardrobe and stylish ensuite with double vanity,shower and toilet;
Afurther 3large bedrooms, all with built-in robes;
Fabulous open plan kitchen/living/dining space for the family to gather;
Modern kitchen and appliances, ample cupboard and bench space; plus walk-in pantry;
Central family bathroom with bath plus shower;
Covered outdoor entertaining area, plus courtyard -ideal for year-round entertaining and the perfect spot to catch the afternoon sun;
Private and secure backyard, with many established plants and trees creating privacy;
Double remote garage with internal house access, and access into rear yard.
Briefdetails fdetails
Property:Two houses, plus adjoin- ty: Twohouses, ing dairyfarm on 345 acres(139 dairy farm hectares)
Address: 363 Nambrok Hall Road, ess: Nambr Nambrok
Contact: Aaron Ralph and Declan Patten, AlexScott and Staff, Ale co f, 0456215087 or 0499949292 04562 087
Ifyou’re looking for an extremely well set-up dairy farm in the heart of the Macalister Irrigation District, then look no further!
All the hard work has been done, and all that is left to do is to move your family in and continue to farm.
In the expression of interest process, you as the buyer have the option to purchase this farm as awhole -with or without the current herd -orpurchase an individual lot.
Individual lot details as follows:
192 acres, laser graded
216 Meg High, 102 Meg Low water reliability Padman stop irrigation system
27 unit herringbone dairy with 450 cow yard capacity
Allflex monitoring with heat detection, collars and drafting gate
10,000 ltr Vat
30kva solar system on the dairy
70 ton &20ton silos
Extensive laneway system connecting the whole farm
Drainage water license
2re-use dams, 1diesel pump, 1electric pump
95% of the farm runs into re-use dams
7bay calf, machinery,hay shed
4bay machinery/workshop shed
The adjoining home is asolid brick veneer house with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an office,plus outdoor area, secure back yard and 10kva solar system.
153 acres, laser graded
186 Meg High and 88 Meg Low
Padman stop irrigation system
2re-use dams, both including diesel pumps
18m by 9m, three-bay hay shed
24m by 8m, five-bay machinery shed
50 ton silo
The solid brick veneer home consists of three bedrooms, one bathroom, atwo-car garage, undercover entertaining area and 5kva solar system.
Expressions of interest close Friday,March 3at4pm. Inspection by appointment only
This light and bright, wellpresented home is located in a quiet, sought-after location close to LakeGuthridge, the Fauna Park, Aqua Energy and Lakeside Bowls Club.
It has instant appeal, with fabulous exposed timber beams to the ceilings and the neutral, modern colour palette flows throughout, creating asense of style, comfort and tranquillity
The sun-drenched, large living room with split system air conditioner leads to the modern, stunning kitchen with stone benchtops, quality appliances and large breakfast bench, and adjoins the meals area and sitting room featuring awood heater -a cosy spot for those cold winter evenings. The master suite is situated at the front of the home and enjoys alarge ensuite and walk-in robe, while the additional three bedrooms (with built-in robes) are located at the opposite end of the house with the main bathroom and new laundry
The large yard is fully fenced, beautifully landscaped and is an ideal space for entertaining and perfect for the kids and pets to play.There is agardenshedplus double carport for the vehicles. Makeanappointment today to see this beautiful home -itwon’t last long!
Briefdetails
INTERESTED partiesare invited to aworkshop to help develop Victoria’s new Biosecurity Strategy.
The new BiosecurityStrategy willoutline the priorities for improving how biosecurity issues are managed across Victoria.
Join Agriculture Victoria to help identifythe
specific ways we can strengthen the biosecurity system.
It is critical that we have input from people across community, government and industry.
Where and when: Clifton Creek (15 minutes from Bairnsdale), 12pm to 4pm, Monday, March 20.
Space in the workshopislimited, so register via Eventbribe.
The workshop aims to help develop the new biosecuritystrategy, for releasein2023. The
strategy is the next stepfollowingthe state government’s recent endorsementofVictoria’s Biosecurity Statement.
With the statement providing ashared ambition for biosecurity in Victoria, the focus is now on turning those broad aspirations into tangible priorities.
It is crucial thatthe strategyisinformedby diverseexpertise and experience-whether you are afarmer, operating at acorporate or peak body level, caring for country with your local community, managing asmall number of livestock on your land,
or taking care of the backyard garden.
This workshop willbring awide rangeofvoices to the conversation about how we can strengthen the system to protect our land, waters, communities, culture, and economy. Should you have any questions, email svbsprogram@agriculture.vic.gov.au
TheBiosecurityStrategyDevelopment Project is part of the state government’s Strengthening Victoria’s Biosecurity System (SVBS) Program.
LANDOWNERS seeking ways to improve their farm productivityare beinginvited on athree-day, interstate tour.
Maffra and Districts Landcare Networkhas organised atrip to The Mulloon Institute -located an hour's drive east of Canberra -toassistwith solutions to more sustainable farm practices.
Leaving on Monday, March 13 and returning on Wednesday, March 15, this multi-day tour will focus on reducingthe risk associated with natural
disasters such as fire, flood and drought. Agricultural LandcareFacilitator, BonnieReeves, says that the tour will showcasemethods of water retention managementand reducing negative environmental effects.
The tour has been heavily subsided, with costs of
just $150 per person.
Thoseinterested are urged to reserve their place by next Wednesday (March 1). For further information and bookings, contact Bonnie via email at bonnier@mdln.com.au or via telephoneon0484002 296, Tuesdays to Thursdays.
KARLAWilliamsisthe new AgVic apiary officer.
Based in Wodonga, Ms Williams' role includes supporting Victorian beekeeping and pollination industries and working closely with them to protectagainst diseases and pestssuch as Varroa mite.
Ms Williams was the Tasmanian bee biosecurity officer, assisting beekeepers with management of endemic pests and diseases.
She also coordinated Tasmania’s exotic bee and bee pest surveillance and trained local
beekeepers to test hives at ports for exotic pests.
The depth of knowledgeand experience Ms Williams has gained from working at BiosecurityTasmaniaand the Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre (MDFRC) at La Trobe University, will be avaluableasset in the AgVic team.
For information about beekeeping, either commercial or hobbyist, visit the honey bee pages on the Agriculture Victoria website.
EIGHT camper trailers from four states were put through their paces in the foothills of the Dargo High Plainsearly this month, to vie for the coveted Camper Australia Camper Trailer of the Year Award for 2023.
The anticipated annual event washeld from February 1-5, withcampertrailers represented from South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
AdventuresGroup Holdings head of partnerships and sales, Dominic O’Brien, said the competition among the entrants was as tough as the terrain on which they were tested during the fivedays of judging.
“We are looking forward to announcing the winners,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Keep an eye outfor the amazing way these camper trailersperformed on Dargo's 4WD tracks, which offers some of the world's most challenging terrain.
“We were very excited to bring this industry signature event to Dargo, in partnership with Destination Gippsland, and showcase Australia's leading campertrailersinstunningcountry.Each camper went through arange of testing and judging and the winners will be announced at the end of March.”
Now in its 14th year, Camper Trailer of the Year has grown to become Australia's most respected camper trailer awards.
The judging team is chosen to reflect awide range of industry skill sets, typically comprising specialist outdoor 4WD journalists and trade-skilled individuals who are passionate long-time camper owners, to outback off-grid, off-road remote touring experts.
This year’s entrants were:
Opus Camper Trailers;
Ultimate Off Road Campers;
BLUEWATER Campers;
Market Direct Campers;
Far Horizon Campers;
New Age Caravans;
Track Trailer, and;
Signature Camper Trailers
They were judged on anumberofcriteria including fit for intended purpose; innovation, self-sufficiency, off-road ability, ease of use and value for money.
The awardsculminatedina freepublic showcase day on Saturday, February 4atthe Dargo Cricket Ground, which attracted around 400 people from the local community.
Dargo was selected as the location for this year’s awards as Camper Australia was looking to support acommunity that is re-building after the bushfires.
“Dargo offered us afantastic, internationallyrenowned backdrop to really showcase Australia's
WORKS are now complete on abridge on the Omeo Highway in East Gippsland, using solar technology that protects local aquaculture and provides a stronger and safer crossing.
The new Bingo-Munjie Creek bridge replaces the aging timber structure with stronger concrete culverts installed as part of a$2.228million state government investment.
To protect local aquaculture, acustomisedfish passage was incorporatedinto the design of the new bridge,ensuring there is sufficient light to support biodiversity of the creek.
Regional director (Gippsland), Beth Liley, said this was the first time that solar tubes had been used in this type of culvert design in Gippsland.
“We’re always looking at ways to introduce new technology and initiatives into our road projects,” Ms Liley said.
“In afirst for our region, solar tubes were incorporated as part of the final design, so that native fish like Mountain Galaxia and Blackfish can safely continue their journey along the creek.
“This new crossing on the Omeo Highway provides abetter and saferlinktosome of Gippsland’s most populartourist hotspots including Anglers Rest,Mount Wills and Mitta Mitta.
“The new bridge not only benefits farmers and freight- native fishwill also be able to cross safely beneath the bridge thanks to its innovativedesign.”
THE Dyson Group of Companies, incorporating the Cobb &Cobrand, has launchedthe next round of the Dysons Community Grants.
This program has been establishedtoprovide grants in support of the many sporting, welfare and community groups around Victoria and to date, about 60 grants have been distributed.
Program manager, Grant Deacon, said the program aims to support arange of communitybased organisations at grassroots level.
“We are very pleased to be able to help so many groups around Victoria," Mr Deacon said.
"The grants aim to provide support with projects that makea difference to the community. We hope thatour contribution makes adifference to the recipients.”
There are two rounds of grants annually, each with $10,000 available (maximum grant $1000).
Eligible organisations include pre-schools, primary and secondary schools,sportingclubs, not-for-profit groups, charities, welfare agencies, local societies and emergency services.
"Weare inspired by the work these groups do to make their communitiesabetter placeand loveto hear theirstories about what their fundedprojects aim to achieve," Mr Deacon said.
"We are pleased to be able to assist them.”
This next round of grants opens on March 1and closes on March 31, 2023.
All details, including terms and conditions and an online application form, can be found at http:// dysongroup.com.au/about/community-grants
leading camper trailers,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The hospitality we received from the local community wastruly amazing andwethank them for hosting us.”
Meetings •
All SNA Members and Life Members are invited to attend the Sale Netball Association Annual General Meeting
Wednesday March 29, 2023 to be held at GRSC, Sale
Please arrive by 6:45pm for a7pm start SNA requests the following to attend the AGM:
● One representative from each registered Monday night competition team
● One representative from school and club teams who have aminimum of 2teams in the Saturday competition
All SNA committee positions are open for nominations for the 2023/24 SNA Committee. Please email salenetball@gmail.com with any queries or for anomination form. Nomination forms will be available on Facebook.
Landscape
Maffra and Districts Landcare Network is hosting a3-day bus tour to the Mulloon Institute, Bungendore NSW. If you're alandholder wanting to expand your knowledge in regenerative agriculture and learn about natural sequence farming, then this opportunity is for you.
The Mulloon Institute is well known for its work in establishing leaky wires and increasing water holding capacity within the natural landscape. This project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy, and Resources.
This isanawareness and capacity building project to reduce risk of natural disasters such as fire, flood, and drought by using regenerative land management techniques to increase retention of water within the landscape and reduce the environmental effects of erosion.
Total Cost for attendees is
Situations Vacant • Situations Vacant • Situations Vacant • Situations Vacant •
Various shifts available Email your resume to info@reddcatt.net.au or drop into 192 Raymond St, Sale 3850. GP1654060 Want to earn some pocket money? $$$ Newspaper Deliverers required for Templeton St Part Alexandra Av Overend Cr Campbell Crt Part McCole St area once aweek Please phone Sue 0403 00 6347 VR GP REQUIRED Fulltime/Partime positions available in asmall family clinic located in Maffra. Modern facilities with afull-time practice nurse. For information regarding the position please
GP1654023 Situations Vacant •
Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) is a privately owned advanced timber manufacturer, located in Heyfield employing over 170 people. We are the largest vertically integrated hardwood manufacturer in Australia. ASH is going through aperiod of dynamic growth and as aresult we are looking for an Administration Officer to join our team.
The position is full-time based in Heyfield. This is an excellent opportunity to join asuccessful business. Reporting to the Finance Manager you will enjoy avaried role, providing operational support to other administration staff and learning tasks such as:
● Accounts Payable.
● Accounts Receivableand contract reconciliation
● Inventory reconciliation
● Coordinating imports and exports
To be successful in this role you will:
● Have aminimum 2years' experience in similar roles
● Need excellent computer and Microsoft Office skills
● Have good communication skills both written and verbal
● Be organised and have ahigh level of attention to detail
● Have agood work ethic and willingness to help
● Be able to work well autonomously and with others
The position has an attractive salary and additional superannuation contribution. There are opportunities for growth and development in the Administration team.
For more information about the role please email ian.jones@ash.com.au
To apply please email your CV and cover letter to hr@ash.com.au
Education Support Staff
Expressions of interest in completing casual replacement positions are also available. Please contact reception at the school for further information. 5144 5644
Bookkeeper/Accounts &General Administration
Office all rounder required for small Aviation business located West Sale Airport. Casual 1to2days aweek.
Reckon accounts hosted exp preferred. Please email resume with cover letter to: admin@southernaircraft.com.au
Measurement Plus is actively seeking aFitter and Turner/Valve Technician to join their successful service team based in Wurruk.
Experience in the repair and servicing of energy sector or process industry valving and associated equipment will be well regarded, with competitive rates available for the suitable candidate.
Please send aCVand cover letter to service@measurement-plus.com.au
Hec Whykes Automotive is abusy family owned and run business in Sale. An opportunity exists for afull time fully qualified mechanic to join our dynamic team.
If you have apassion for the automotive industry with the below Skills/Attributes we would love to hear from you.
Skills and Abilities:
● Completed certificate III in Automotive -Light vehicle mechanic.
● Current drivers licence.
● Minimum 3years' experience since qualifying.
● Strong diagnostic capabilities.
● LVT is desirable but not essential.
Attributes:
● Honest and reliable.
● The ability to work in ateam environment and independently.
● Strong communication skills. We can offer agreat work environment with above award wages which is negotiable for the right candidate. Send resumes to: admin@hecwhykesauto.com.au
We are acommercial salad company looking for Harvest Team Leader to join our fast paced team located in Boisdale. Position will be full time and duties will include, but will not be limited to:
● Assist with cutting and loading of produce into cartons and bins.
● Leading and supervising ateam harvesting produce whether manually or mechanically.
● Staff training, harvesting, weeding, planting.
● Responsible for quality control of produce and all related procedures.
● Loading of cartons of produce onto pallets.
● Tracking and reporting on all field and variety assessments to the executive team and make recommendations based on the assessment results.
● Providing harvest volume estimates to Harvesting Coordinator.
● Folding of boxes and making them available to the harvesters so that the harvesting can be carried out efficiently.
● Cutting and packing of produce.
● Coordinate and motivate harvesting teams to achieve targets.
Requirements
● Understanding of Quality Produce and how to achieve it.
● Relevant qualifications and/or farming experience. Please email all resumes through to hr@tripodfarmers.com.au
GP1653945
Auscott Electrical are hiring!
We are seeking reliable people to join our team for an immediate start in the following roles:
AGrade Electrician
Responsibilities include but not limited to; wiring and fitting off new homes, residential renovations, underground power and switch board upgrades.
The successful applicant will need to be reliable, have excellent time management skills, work well in ateam environment, have agood work ethic, be punctual, hardworking and hold avalid driver's license.
Responsibilities of an apprentice electrician include assisting with wiring and fitting off new homes, residential renovations, underground power, tiding up work sites and generally helping out where needed.
We are searching for areliable person who is eager to learn, must have good work ethic, be punctual, prepared to put in agood day's work, works well in ateam environment, follows instruction and has avalid driver's license or has access to transport.
Send all enquiries to: auscottec@bigpond.com
11 Blackburn Street Stratford Vic 3860
Closing date: Friday 3rd March 2023
WELLINGTONSHIRE COUNCIL CONTRACTNO2023-057
WellingtonShireCouncil invitessuitably qualified contractorstotenderfor the demolition of existing toiletand construction of newtoiletblock at the Stratford Memorial Park Practical completion date:15th September 2023.
All tenderersmust register with Council and obtain the tender documents, which areavailable from eProcure website(www.eprocure.com.au/ wellingtonshirecouncil). Tenders •
GP1654126
If youdon't have deliverytoyour home, Tuesday's paper is nowavailable free online at http://www.gippslandtimes.com.au/ digital-editions/
Deaths • Stock Agents • Funerals • Birthday Memoriam •
MALLOWS, Irene Erna. Passed away February 16, 2023, aged 96.
GP1654127
Cars
• Deaths • GP1654133
HDJ-79-RV.155,000km. Reg till 26-10-23, ULS 559. Full service record.
M.F.I. Canopy specialised fit-out. 3.5 ton towing and camping vehicle. One owner. R.W.C. Ex. cond. $80,000. Ph 0416 261 513.
MAZDA BT-50
CAMPER
extras
also,
HODGES, Barry Vincent. "Bazz"
Passed away 15/2/2023 at the Alfred Hospital Melbourne, aged 82. Cherished, devoted husband of Val. Beloved father of Darren, Mark, and Kerrilyn. Father-in-law to Grace and Martin. Fantastic Grandpa to Erin. We are truly blessed to have shared our lives with you. Thank you for being ours. Love you!
LEWIS, Raymond. 8/11/1924 -14/02/2023
Warrant Officer 436412
RAAF. Passed away peacefully at Stretton Park, Maffra surrounded by family after awell-lived 98 years. Devoted husbandto Kathleen Joyce Lewis (nee Bryant) (dec.). Loving father to David and Brian Lewis, and grandfather to Rowenna, Rhiannon Rae (dec.), Evan Lewis, and Bradley, Tyler and Timothy Lewis (USA).
Born in Collie (WA), Raymond relocated to train at East Sale RAAF Base in 1944 and served from May 1944 to January 1945 in No. Six Squadron Bristol Beaufort, Goodenough Island (PNG) as aWireless Air Gunner. After his discharge, Ray worked in telecommunications manufacturing and repair, and still enjoyed repairing WWII radios in his retirement.
Raymond was awelllovedneighbour and unofficial member of the CWA alongside Kathleen, formingclose bonds in Melbourne from 1947-1997 and Ararat in 1997-2007, where he felt most at home, then Maffra in 2007 with David and family.
EVERNEW, 16ft pop-top.
Royal Flair Pop Top 2003, single beds, full annexe, TV, m/wave, etc. always garaged $17,000. Ph 0413 300 655.
4WD •
SCHRAPE, Barry. 2/9/1944 -16/2/2023
Aged 78 years. Passed away peacefully in Byford WA, formerly of Nambrok. Much loved husband of Vida and loving father to sons David, Andrew and Brendan. Grandfather to Ollie, Harry, Piper, William and Isla. Born in Richmond, Victoria, Barry grew up as an only child going to school in Murrumbeena and Caufield Grammar before completing his communications Engineering degree at RMIT. He married Vida in 1969 and then moved to Sale in 1973 where he worked as an engineer with Telecom.
In 1982 when all engineer roles with Telecom were mo vi ng back to Melbourne, Barry made the big decision to switch to dairy farming in Nambrok as ameans to maintain the country lifestyle that he enjoyed greatly and wanted to continue for his three young sons. In about 2007 Barry finished milking and sold the majority of his farm but kept the house lot where Barry and Vida quietly lived out their retirement until recently. Throughout his life Barry maintained his love of all things science, communications and technology and was involved in Amateur Radio (VK3SW) and also the CB community later in life. He also really enjoyed designing and building equipment to assist in "fox hunts".
Barry lived alifetime of quiet happiness with his family at his farm at Nambrok and is now at peace after declining over recent years with dementia. Forever in our hearts and memories.
SCHRAPE
Aprivate memorial service for Mr Barry Schrape will be held in Perth NEXT FRIDAY (March 3, 2023).
If anyone wishes to pass on their condolences, this can be done by emailing andrewschrape@outlook .com or via Simplicity Funerals, Kelmscott.
BAKKER, Nickolas. Happy 21st Birthday February 18, 2002 21 this week and we miss you so much
We should be celebrating you turning 21, and here we are missing you every day. We can only imagine what you would be doing, probably gaming (I win'd), just like your brothers, and we know your brothers would look up to you. We are so proud of you and wish you were here to celebrate your turning 21. Miss you beyond words. Love Mum, Samuel, Lukas, Kaiden, Nanna, Poppy and aunty Jenna.
Bereavement Thanks •
DUCK, Lorraine.
February 19, 2022.
Forever in our blue hearts. Missing you every day. With love, Rob. Deb, Rob, Tim and Suz, partners and grandchildren. XXXX
ABEL, Hilary. Reg and Ethan would like to thank family and friends particularly over the last few difficult months of Hilary's life. We appreciate everything you have done for us. Your support, kind words, visits, phone calls and attendance at her funeral. Avery special thanks to Bradley Lett and his team and the Sale Oncology team. Also thanks for the donations to the local cancer unit.
•
Barry &Annette Lett
NISSAN Patrol GU 1999, 2.8 turbo, recon. injector pump, new glow plugs, great towing, b/bar, snorkel, CB, dash and reverse cameras, PNA-966 $11,500 o.n.o. 0427 740 727.
TOYOTA Fortuner GXL, 2016, solar panel, roof-rack, duel battery, fridge/drawer system, exc. cond., r.w.c. 147,000kms, 1IT-3AJ. $46,000. 0409 436 578.
Raymond devoted his years to his family and home life, doting on Kathleen and his children, then later his beloved grandchildren who he adored having close-by to stir up mischief!
Raymondcommitted himself to aquiet and wholesome life devoted to family, self-sufficiency and friendship, kind and gentle hearted to all that crossed his path, which we will greatly miss but forever carry with us in our hearts.
HODGES. The funeral service for Mr Barry Vincent "Bazz" Hodges will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street, Sale at 1pm on THURSDAY (February 23, 2023), followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery.
LEWIS. The funeral service and committal for cremation for Mr Raymond Lewis will be held at Our Chapel, 5Queen Street, Maffra TOMORROW (Wednesday, February 22, 2023) commencing at 2pm.
please call:
5143 9333
For friendly advice on how to place a personal message to a loved one or email: classifieds@gippslandtimes.com.au
ONE thing was inevitable when the Sale United Men awoke on Saturday morning; history would soon be made. The Swans met Swinburne University Football Club at 6pm on home turf for their first-ever Australia Cup match in the club’s history.
Swinburne, Victorian Metro 4side, had caused what may havebeen the biggest upset of the Australia Cup 2023 in Round 1; it defeated State League 4opposition, Lyndale United, aclub five tiers above them, 5-3 on penalties, and advanced to Round 2onahigh.
Australia Cup debutants Sale, having had abye in Round 1, knew they were in for aformidable encounter on Saturday night as they prepared to face their Victorian Metro 52022league champion opponents in the national knockout tournament.
As time until kick-off grew closer, more than a hundred Sale United Football Club supporters filed through the club gates; juniors who would walk out the Swansdonned their green kits, players and SUFC members modelled club colours, joined by friends and family to bare witness club history in the making.
An admittedlynervous AnoukMeereboer walked with her team as they entered the field in front of the roaringcrowd- surely an unexpectedscene for Swinburne,whoseclubpresident Thomas Burchsmith told Football Victoria in the lead-up to the match they had to “plugSaleinto Google Maps” to find out where it was.
Sale’sstarting 11 took their positions, the match bursting to life from the whistle’sblow, Swans pressing hard and fast down the right side with the blistering paceofJake Jeong and Dave Durning, a brilliant link up, terrorising Swinburne’s defence.
Holding possession, denyingSwinburne little time in theirattackinghalf,SaleUnited dominated the game.
Mace Irvine, at centre back, found Sale forward Charlie Cockell. Cockell looked wide, finding Marrien van den Heuvel in the right of the midfield.
Aquick give-and-gosaw vanden Heuvel return the ball to Cockell, chipping it forward, met by Jeong, who headed toward the box’s edge.
Enter Isaak Jondahl.
Reading playremarkably, Sale’s left winger stepped in-field as the ball made its way through the centre, Jondahl patiently waitingfor his chance to strike. As the ball bounced towards the box, Jondahl marauded towards goal,evading a charging Swinburnekeeper, finding the back of the net to give Sale an early lead.
The Swans swiftly squandered their advantage, with Swinburne retaliating and scoring an equaliser in less than 60 seconds, taking full advantage of adazedSale, scoring theirsecond goal in two minutes to take the lead.
Adetermined Sale would not be so easily defeated, Swinburne’s shock lead propelling the Swans into top gear with outstanding performances from midfielder Jude Taylor, Durningatright back, Cockellupfront and Jeongand Jondahl on the wings.
At 2-1down,Salehungeredfor an equaliser, applying relentless pressure on Swinburne’s defence but struggled to find the back of the net.
Thirty minutes into the first half, the game’s physicality increased, aSwinburne playersending Jeong and van dan Heuvel flying as he charged downfield. Swinburne’sonly other effort on goal was blocked by Irvine, withthe Swans denying their opponents any time in their attacking half.
With10minutes to go, asublime cross from Taylor to the centre of the box lookedasiftobe Sale’s equaliser, but in ajaw-dropping turn of events, Cockell missed asitter, diminishingSale’s
chancesofbalancing the score.
Agreat runfrom Sale left back Brennen McGill, starting with aclass slide tackle, winning aoneon-one directly after, before adirect cross into the box, was the Swans’ final chance to even the score before the break.
Despite Sale’s sheer dominance of the game, the Australia Cup debutants couldn’t find the back of the net and would head into the second half 2-1 down, ascore not reflective of the match at play.
After the break, teams returned to the field, Swinburne hoping to hold their lead, Sale hell-bent on coming out on top.
Finishing the first half in style, McGill continued his class display of football, rocketingdown the left side, no match for Swinburne’s defence.
McGill sent adirect cross to Cockell at the top of the box, who headed the ball into the back of the net, equalising the score less than two minutes into the second half.
The second half saw an excellent display of skill fromexperienced playersJake Richardson and van den Heuvel, ascertaining their prominence and significance within the team.
Despitehis unwaveringtenacity and evident hunger for agoal, van den Heuvelwouldn’t find the back of the net in Round 2ofthe Australia Cup.
Fifteen minutes into the second half, Meereboer made her first substitution, replacing Jeong with Sale’s fancy footwork forward Ot Khamchom.
Khamchom did what Khamchom does; the Swans fresh-legged wing flummoxed Swinburne’s defence quickly,earning Sale numerous goal opportunities and corner kicks.
It was acorner from Taylor, 20 minutes into the second half, that found the feet of Khamchom, flicking the ball fumbled by Swinburnegoalkeeper into the back of the net, regaining Sale’s lead.
The Swans overran atiring Swinburne, the team performing exceptionallyinfront of their home crowd, manoeuvred the ball effortlessly across the park, boasting apro-like fluidity as they tore a stretched Swinburne to shreds.
Richardson, Sale’s captain,madeafantasticrun in the final 15 minutes of the game, taking on three playersbefore playingwide to Kamchom, whocrossed the ball back to vanden Heuvel in thebox, the Dutch player striking the ball with his head, clippingthe top of the crossbar in an unbelieve goal attempt.
Cooper Coleman, aworkhorse in Sale’smidfield, continuedhis role as aplaymaker, attributing to the Swans’ countless shots on goal in the final five minutes.
Sale United Football Club erupted in thunderous cheers as the final whistle sounded.
Golden light from the setting sun bled onto the field, kissing the faces of Sale United players as if the universe itself was spotlighting the Australia Cup Round 2winners.
Sale United Football Club retired to the change rooms, where the sound of the club songwouldsoon
erupt in deafening style,ringing across the reserve, champions,defeating Swinburne University FootballClub3-2 in the first Australia Cup match in club history.
Aonce nervous head coach percolated with pride, her team now through to Round 3ofthe Australia Cup 2023.
“The boys played awesome,” Meereboer said.
“Firstreal game, and they were just trying to find each other, and for 80, 90 per cent were in their half, we just couldn’t put our chances away, but otherwise, they played good. It was awesome.
“We have been trying to play at training in that formationand it’s good that they were putting that together and just their workload,” she said.
“Eventhe playerswho didn’t play,like people, put off going to concerts and didn’t playthatmany minutes, there were subs who didn’t get on at all, buttheywereall there,and it wasawesome to see everyone supporting eachother and being there for each other.”
SaleUnited FootballClubpresidentTom Breakspear shared in Meereboer’s pride as the Swans yielded awin.
“The boys played fantastically today; allthe work they have been putting in throughout pre-season has really paid off,” Breakspear said.
“It’s asignofgreat things to come for Sale United this season; Ican’t wait to see who we get in the next round.”
It all makes sense as to why they call him ‘The “Flying Dutchmamn’.
sent flyingasSwinburne
WEATHER is usually agood indicatorofhow a cricket team will fare.
If the days are warm and sunny in the lead-up to amatch,then grounds will be dry and ideal for batting; if those same days are cool or rainy, surfaces will be moist and green.
Yet this is not always the case, as the weekend’s resultsinthe Sale-Maffra Cricket Association proved.
Contrary to last Friday’s predictions by yours truly,the heat that was felt on Thursday and Friday had anegligibleimpact on playingsurfaces -it appears that bowlers, rather than batsmen, had theadvantage across the district.
As such, there were some rather surprising resultsinthe first grade competitiononSaturday.
TheconclusionofRound 13 brought with it the defeats of two premiership contenders, atenacious display from alosing side, and anew leader in the pack of eight.
All four games were won on first innings.
ANEW favourite for the flag has surfaced following the result at College Oval.
Chasing212,Collegians had an ominous start to their first innings when captain and opener Zac Hurley was out for afour-ball duck.
Then, JedMalone wascaught by his Sale contemporary, Nathan Massey on 10.
The Morrison brothers, Charlie and Tom were next to go, followed by Henry Anderson on one -all in the first 24 overs of the day.
With the score at an unfathomable 5/32, Noah Hurley partnered with Nathan Giove to stabilise the innings.
But their efforts only lasted so long -after17 overs and with 33 runs added, Giove was trapped on his pads by Sale’s Coenie Nel for eight.
The young Hurley then combined with another Nathan, thisone being Whitford,for apartnership of 21, before Nel struck again by bowling Hurley for 31.
Mark Nicholls then joined Whitford to add 32 runsinaneighth-wicket,22-over stand, before Whitford too was bowled by Nel at the end of the 61st over on 28.
Three ballslater, JakeDurnellwas out leg-before for agolden duck, leaving College 9/119.
Despite having used 10 of their 11 batsmen, Collegians’ innings concluded there and then, 93 runs short of their target, to hand Sale six points.
Nel finished with figures of 4/52, while paceman MattRaidal wasthe Swans’ next-best bowler with 3/20 off 10, including five maidens.
The win, coupled with the result of the game at Stratford(see below) sees Sale leap to the top of the First XI ladder, relegating Collegians to second StratfordvMaffra
ANOTHER shock loss was suffered by the Redbacks, this time on their home ground at the hands of sixth-placed Maffra.
Starting the day at 16 runs withoutloss, Stratford
suffered early with the fall of four batsmen in the opening 10 overs.
Two of those four wickets were Jack Tatterson and Jack Rietschel, both of whomdeparted without scoring.
Dean Devisser lasted another five overs before he was caught for 11, the Redbacks’ score at 5/34.
Ben Dinning and Ethan Albrechthad better fortune, forming apartnership that lasted16overs, yet yielded just 18 runs, ending with the former’s dismissal on nine.
Albrecht was out exactly one over later, caught for 15.
After Sam Anstee was bowledfor aduck in the 48thover, Zane Waixel and Seb Pendergast attempted to launch afightback, withsome success -the tail-endersamassed 24 runs across 13 overs, the most productive stand of the innings. But it toocame to aprematureend when Pendergast was caught for 14 in the 61st over.
Stratford’s inningsendedfiveoverslater with the wicket of Chris Aurisch, leaving Waixel as the top-scorer on an unbeaten 19.
Josh Davis claimed four scalps for Maffra, while Ben Durrant, Jack Kelly and Dylan Freitag each snagged two.
With alead of 43 runs, the Eagles began their second innings and did so worryingly, losing their first four wickets -three of them offTatterson’s bowling -inthe space of five overs, and with just 10 runs added.
JoshDavis and Nathan Hibbins soon rectified the situation, amassing 73 runs between them in the proceeding 16 overs.
Davis’ wicket saw Maffra declare their innings at 5/83, giving them alead of 126.
The Redbacks were given the briefest of opportunities to reply, making 12 runs in three overs before the match was brought to aclose.
While the outcome does zilch for Maffra’s finals chances, it does have ramifications for Stratford, which has slipped to third on the ladder.
IT’S official: the Warriors are bound for the finals.
Their place in the top four has been cemented thanks to adecisive victory against BoisdaleBriagolong at Rosedale Recreation Reserve.
The Saints resumed their first innings at 0/3, losing opener Steve Noble within three balls, followed by Michael Roberts in the 11th and then Toby Leeds in the 19th -all caught behind by Cam Freshwater.
In the next 25 overs, Mark Lobley and Dylan Bolton made a44-runstand before the latter was bowled by fellow all-rounder Isaac Love for 21.
Nick Pangwas next to arrive, combining with Lobley for 32 runs -13ofwhich came off just one over.
Their stand lasted just eight overs before Pang was caught for 25.
By this point, the B-Doubleswere sitting on 5/118 after 51 overs -halfway to their target, but with just 30 overs to reach it.
Theloss of Jonathon Outhart for eight, and then Lobley for43put adent in those chances.
This left Liam Hurst and Taj Threadgoldto
salvage the innings,althoughnothing substanital wasmade.
The pair only managed acollaboration of 24 runs in six overs, Hurst being the one to fall in the 72nd.
Threadgold and Kallan Randle lost their wickets in the five oversthat followed, bringing the Saints’ innings to an end at 10/168.
Captain Love took the most wickets for RosedaleKilmany with four from27overs, while Dylan Rowley finished with two.
With their spot in the top four secure, all the Warriors need to do now is wait and see who their opponent will be in the semi-finals.
CONVERSELY, the Bulls’ hopes of reaching the finals have been dashed, despite being victorious at Stephenson Park.
Bundalaguah began the day at 1/63, needing 86 runs for afirst-innings win.
Hayden Wrigglesworth wasbowled in the second over of the day without adding to his score, paving the way for Kshitiz Sharma, wholastedseven overs and left the middle on two.
Chris Smart was out for 31 in the 43rd over, his wicket followed swiftlybythe departures of Charlie Morris and Nick French for single digits.
Upon the latter’s fall in the 48th over, Bundy’s score was 6/95.
James Read was next to the crease,who stuck aroundfor seven overs and contributed threeruns to astand of 17 with Steve Spoljaric.
It was the eighth and subsequently finalpartnership that proved most fruitful for the Bulls, with Spoljaricand MitchTempleton together making 37 runs to surpass Longford’s total of 148 within 15 overs.
Having acquired the six points, Bundy declared their innings and sent Longford in to bat for a second time.
The Lizards started benignly but soon fired, with openers Walt Suttonand SamDean posting 47 runs between them by the end of the 13th over.
The wickets of both men resulted in the quick losses of batsmen in the 20 overs that followed, with all but one -JackHeywood -departing for single figures.
Even so,Longfordconcluded their innings on arespectable 131, giving them aprofit of runs to atone for being the losing team.
Heywood -who arrived seventh in the orderwould be the last Lizard to fall, his 48 runs coming off 36 deliveries.
Bulls captain Jason Langshaw ended the innings with four wickets, as did Chris Smart.
Meanwhile,Longford’s key bowlers were Andrew Tyson and his captain, Lachlan Floyd, who collected two wickets each.
With just one round of the 2022/23 season to go, Bundy are currently fifth place on the first grade ladder and 13 points outside the top four.
Even if they win outright in Round 14, they’ll still be three points short, at best, of aplace in the semis.
Miller 3/8) &6/88 (ANicholas 34, JMayman 32*, JH Rietschel 4/34)
JPrice 18-7-1-40,J Taylor 10-1-1-26,A
15-8-2-16, LFloyd 14-8-2-18, NWalker6-1-1-18, N Singh6-1-0-11, MMcMaster3-1-0-7 Longfordsecond innings
cL WrigglesworthbLangshaw. 23
SDean. bLangshaw. 24
MMcMaster cL WrigglesworthbSmart. 4 NWalker runout (Anderson)
NSingh lbw bSmart
JTaylor. cFrench bSmart. 3
JHeywood .c Read bLangshaw. 48
LFloyd runout (Templeton) 0
JPrice cMorrisbSmart. 1
ATyson st Morris bLangshaw.
BMcMaster not out
w0,b 5, lb 1)
Total. 131
Bundalaguah bowling:G Munasinghe 3-1-0-7,H Anderson 3-1-0-3, KSharma 3-0-0-8, JRead2-0-0-18, JLangshaw 11.5-1-4-44,M Templeton 2-0-0-10, CSmart 9-1-4-35
SecondGrade: Collegians 141(ZRussel 73, M Murphy6/35) &183 (Z Russell 43, TDessent 40, T O’Reilly3/35, EAponso 3/48) def Bundalaguah 96 (J Powell 40, LGiove 4/2, JMcGuiness 4/39) & 0/12; Maffra2/90(dec) (J Sekhon 40) &3/10(B Reid 3/3) def Rosedale-Kilmany87 (J Beaumont 5/23, W Robinson 4/24) &10(JPendrick 4/5, CHennig 4/5); Stratford 6/222 (dec) (BChanning 86, JH Rietschel 60, ANicholas 3/39) def Sale 65 (H Tatterson 4/3, T
Third Grade: Maffra9/171 (B Cordias 42*, R Donohue 3/39) def Sale 8/168(cc) (R Crause 49, B Rowley 3/39); Longford9/181 (A Vogt 51, COsborne 48*, JWells 3/43) def Collegians 9/175(dec) (B Hurley55, COsborne 4/30, AVogt3/23); Heyfield 2/278 (dec) (T Pritchett104*,JBurton100*) defRosedale-Kilmany103 (J Reid 50) &1/33; Bundalaguah 6/208 (P Brady 98, STudor 43) def Nambrok 86 (W Gray 4/29); Stratford5/94(dec) (N Thomas 42) &2/33 def Boisdale-Briagolong 44 (J Woodward3/11) &81(NThomas4/26, JWilliams 3/13); Wurruk -bye
Fourth Grade: Heyfield 6/182(cc) (R Winter 53, JKeane 36) def Bundalaguah Yaks 6/144(cc) (G Abrahall 50, JScicluna 31*); Rosedale-Kilmany 7/193(cc) JReid 50, LGoodwin 50, JTatlow 3/28) def Stratford9/157(cc) (J Devisser 51, RAllred 37,J Reid 4/26); Wurruk Toafs 8/184(cc) (J Morris 52, MKlein 42, VVb3/51) def Maffra106 (D Rowley45, WCooke3/5); Collegians 2/127 (C Paterson 51, J Sullivan 42) def Longford126 (L Knight 39, SFyfe 3/30); Sale White8/174 (A Clissold 52, CHudson 32, SBreddels 3/17) def WurrukWindies 8/170(cc) (L Dabkowski 50, WBreddels 35*); Bundalaguah Bulls -bye
Under16: Collegians 145(RWilson64*, MStobie 53, NWalker3/22) vLongford1/8;Bundalaguah 3/200 (HWrigglesworth68*, CMorris44*) v Rosedale-Kilmany(yettobat); Maffra58(OShaw2/7 JWilliams 2/10) vStratford 1/5; BYE- Sale
Under 14:Wurruk/Maffra103 (B Rowley 35, C Richardson 3/4) def Sale 8/67(cc) (Z Svenson 3/10); Heyfield 124(LHenry 35*) def Collegians 5/115(cc) (X Hurley33, MWinter 3/4); Bundalaguah 1/159(cc) (L Gentle 38, JLenehan 35) def Longford3/92(cc) (J Gibb32, LMcMaster 28, LGentle 2/11); Stratford -bye
MAFFRA Basketball’s Under 16 boys and girls’ teams headed to Bendigo over the weekendto compete in the 2023 Division 1and 2Junior Country Championships.
After monthsoftrainingand playing in local tournaments, the teams took to the courts against the top 16 teams in country Victoria.
Day 1was all about qualifying for the top eight (Division 1) and with two wins, the Eagle girls put themselves through in second place in their group.
The boys’ side had to win their third game on Saturday by four or moretomakeitthroughtoDivision 1.
Aterrific performance against Bellarinewent the way of the Eagles, who came up victors by seven points, pushing them through to the top level in the state.
Sunday’squalifying finals saw Maffra take on Geelong in both the girls’ and boys’ competitions.
Unfortunately, the strength of Geelong was too much for the Maffragirls, and saw them go down 25-52.
The boys’ game wasback-andforth, and while the Eagles took the lead early in the fourthquarter, Geelong pulled away to finish the game and won 52-44.
TheEagle girls finished in sixth position, while the boys finishedthe weekend in eighth.
Whenlooking across the competition, the difference in population sizeswhencompared to other teams in the Division 1competitions is most noticeable.
Maffra’s population, sitting at around 5000, was by far and away the smallest on both sides of the draw.
Facilitators of the Eagles say to have teams finish in the top eight in thestate is agreat credit to their athletes, coaches and parents for countless of hours of dedication to their sport and association.
Maffra
The Maffra Eagles Under 16 boys team at the junior country championships. Lachie Harrington, Archer Stobie, JaylenHenry, Asher Higgins, Phoenix Cox, Kelly Burgiel (coach) (front) WillBurgiel, Marcus Proud, Darcy Scottand Judd Burgiel.
Photos: Contributed
SALE SwimmingClub, in conjunction with GippslandSwimming Incorporated, are looking forward to hosting the Gippsland Championships this weekend.
The two-and-a-half-dayevent is beingheld at AquaEnergyLeisure Centre, and will bringmore than 800swimmersand spectators to Sale.
The Gippsland Championships are the pinnacle swimming event of the year for the Gippsland area
The event begins at 5.30pm this Friday, February 24, and continues through to Sunday afternoon. It promises to be an action-packed weekend, with some of the best swimmers in Victoria competing
across the 120 events being swam over the three days.
Joining Sale at the Gippsland Championships willbeTraralgon, South Gippsland Bass, Morwell, Moe, Warragul and East Gippsland Water Dragons swimming clubs.
The competition gives local swimmers the chance to experience and compete at achampionship level, and encourages participation from all club members.
Sale Swimming Club and Gippsland Swimming would like to acknowledgethe supportfrom the major sponsors of the event, Loy Yang Band Wellington Shire Council.
MAFFRAAnd District CarClubwill hold Round 1ofthe 2023 BoisdaleHillclimb Series this Sunday.
Theopening roundwill be along track event, with alarge field of cars expected to be racing against the clock on the gravel hillclimb track.
Fromstandard road cars to sports sedans and purpose built buggies, spectators are promised to be entertained throughout the day. Racing will commence at 10am at the Boisdale
HillclimbTrack, located at 239Boisdale-Newry Road, Boisdale.
As with all MADCC events, there willbefree entry to all spectators.
Akiosk will be operating during the meeting, and aplayground to keep the kids amused. Further information about the Maffra And District Car Club and the Boisdale Hillclimb is available at www.madcc.com.au or by phoning Adrian Britton on 0418 561 053.
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WHETHER you’ve gotthe knees of someonedouble your age or are searching to try something new, walking netball might just be the sport for you. Bad knees, ankles, hips or backs, common ailments amongplayers, won’tstopSale’snewest sporting group from enjoying the game they have grown with and love; owing to aminor modification -you can’t run.
Initiatedand ledbySaleNetball Association (SNA) president Pam Sellings, walking netball, a sport that has proven popular across the country in recentyears, has madeits waytoSaleand, after two successfultrial sessionsatthe end of last year, is here to stay.
“The life members and some of the really active members of our association really gave us the idea,” Sellings said.
“It’s aprogram that Netball Victoria developed; it just means thatthesepeople who love netball can umpire and play again where [in astandard game] they physically may not be able to anymore.” Walking netball offers numerous benefits for players, many returning to the field after alengthy absence, including social, physical,and mental health benefits; it is also achancefor former netball umpires to return to agamethey love.
Having been forced to stop umpiring due to injury, former AGrade netball umpire andthe highest qualified netball umpire in the Wellington Shire region,Rosemary Johnston,SNA umpire/ coordinator,dusted off her whistle,returningto the court for the first official SNA walking netball gameonWednesday at the Gippsland Regional Sporting Complex.
“It is just fantastic,” Johnston exclaimed.
“For someone like me, having had two knee reconstructions, getting back out there and being apartofthe game is just amazing.”
The clock read 1.40pm when Johnston blew her
whistle to start the inaugural SNA walking netball game; the game was abundant with smiles and laughter, joyfulsoundsreverberating within the white walls of the GRSC.
As the game’s final quarter played out, Sale local participantMajella Campbelltook her well-earned rest on the sideline.
“There were acouple of [trial] sessions last year; Iloved it,it’sbeen along time since Ihave been on the court, and whenthey said they were starting it up again, Ithought I’d give it ago,” Campbell said.
Campbell, like manyothers, finds not running the most challenging aspect of the game,
understandable after years of playing competitive netball, running for every ball as if your life depended on it.
“The social aspect [is the best thing];it’sjust, it’s good fun, it’s really good fun,” Campbell said.
“I used to play and umpire along, long time ago, and thereare peoplehere who I’ve never met before, people that Ihaveknown for along time; it’s just agood community thing.
“The association put it on for us, and we are all just loving it.”
Maffra local Dot Rowley is another walking netball player, praising the inception of the new
iteration of the state’s much-loved sport.
“For me, the best thing is just getting out and doing exercise that’s not feeling like you’re exercising,” Rowley said.
“I playednetballand have been involved in netball for 50 more years, so Ijust love it anyway, and now I’ve met up again withladies that Iplayed against when we were in our 40s.
“This is just awesome, likefor those who can’t play because of their physical [restrictions], they can just come and do this and have fun.
“It really is awesome; now, Wednesday afternoon is mine,” Rowley declared.
“AsmuchasI love being able to pick up the kids, Wednesday afternoon is mine; this is for me. I just love it.”
Fun. The word ‘fun’ frequently emerges in the player’sdescriptionofSNA’s newest program, which, according to Sale local Gemma Barned, is what netball should be.
“It’s just fun, which is what netball should be,” Barned said.
“It really is; it’sjust fun; youget alittlebit of exercise, no one gives as*** whether you miss, stuff it up or drop the ball, and there is absolutely no pressure.
“So it’s just; you get to meet people, and it really is; it’s just fun.
“Too many things aren’t done for fun anymore, and that’s what Ilove about it.”
In collaboration withthe GippslandRegional Sporting Complex, Sale Netball Association will host five walking netball games per school term.
“It will be on Wednesdays at 1.30pm, but it’s not going to be every week; we will be advertising [sessions] as we go,” Sellings said.
For information about walking netball and upcoming sessions, head to the Sale Netball Association’sFacebook Page -https://www. facebook.com/SaleNetballAssociation -oremail salenetball@gmail.com.
EVERY year, home-grown sporting stars and legends are recognised and honoured for their achievements and exceptional contributionsto sportinVictoria at theVictorian Sport Awards (VSAs), dubbed ‘the night of nights’ for the state’s athletic community.
The VSAs acknowledge the whole gamut of Victorian sport, from grassroots heroes to highperformance athleteswho competed nationally and internationally,including individual athletes, sportingteams, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, media personnel and sport initiatives.
Of the 20 awards to be won, 19 will be available for nominations via the Vicsport website until Friday, March 3.
Withawards suchasVictorianLocal Government Initiative of the Year, Victorian Community Sporting Event of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, VictorianCommunity Coach of the Year, Victorian CommunityOfficial of theYear, and Victorian Community Sporting Clubofthe Year up for grabs, now is the time to nominate aGippslandlocal who has made exceptional contributions to sport in the region.
Vicsportchief executive, Lisa Hasker, said it was crucial to recognise and celebratesporting successes across the state, especially in regional areas,having faced consistent hardships from fires to COVID to floods.
“We’ve got alot of athletes, volunteers, administrators, coaches, that work tirelessly in sport to make it asuccess and awonderful place for people to be, and we want to make sure that each year we are recognising and highlighting all that work,” she said.
“Whether that be from acoaching side, administration side, officiating, umpiring or whatever that might be, so we encourage people to stay in sportand to help in buildingsport as awelcoming placefor people to come along.
“Particularly in regional towns,sport is one thing that brings the community together, and it relies on the volunteers to keep the club going, which is building the communityconnectedness at the club, so it’s really vital to rewardthose people who are putting in the hours and hours and hours to keep sport goingbecause without our officials, coaches, and all the restofour volunteers, we wouldn’t have sport.”
Alongside local legends recognised for their commitment and contribution to sport, the VSAs haverecognisedsomeofAustralia’s biggest names in sport, including Cathy Freeman, Leisel Jones, Meg Lanning, DylanAlcott, Cadel Evans, and the late Shane Warne, bringing together all facets of Victorian sport.
“Most award things just award the top, the person who won amedal at the Olympics, or the Commonwealth Games, or something like that, but we wanted to makesurethat the local president of afooty club in asmall town that has been putting in for 50 years is also someone who is awarded for
all theireffortbecause it is just as much as an elite athlete to keep that club rollingalong, particularly in tricky times,” Hasker said. “So it’s very much afocus having awards available to everyone right through the Victorian sporting system.”
Vicsport receives afew hundred nominations for the Victorian Sport Awards each year, which are presented to aseries of judging panels that select four finalists in each category.
The 2022 Victorian Sport Awards finalists will be announced in April before the winnersfrom each category are revealed on Wednesday, June 7atMarvelStadium.
Vicsportchair,Ritchie Hinton, urges all Victorians to submit their nominations to ensure their sport is well represented on the night.
“The premierevent on the Victorian sporting calendar, Vicsport is delighted to once again recognise and celebrate the wonderful achievements of our state’ssport and recreationcommunity through theVictorian Sport Awards,” Hinton said.
“Theseawards provide an opportunity to honour the grassroots heroes who keep our sport and recreation sectorthriving,aswellasthe professional athletes who starred on the world stage in 2022 at events such as the Commonwealth Games and Winter Olympics. Iurgeall Victorians to submit their nominations to ensure their sport is well represented on the night.”
More information on the 2022 Victorian Sport Awards can be found at https://vicsport.com. au/2022-victorian-sport-awards
Sale United played in its first ever Australia Cup match at the weekend.
Jake Richardson (pictured in green) had the honour of leading the Swans for the historic moment.
FULL STORY - PAGE 28
David Anderson
SALE-MAFFRAhad ahighly successful Melbourne Country Week, despite not making the final.
This year was the 100th anniversary edition of the tournament. The tournament sees seniormen’s cricket representative teams fromacross the state converge on the city, to play matches against fellow country cricket associations.
The Sharks returned home with three wins and aloss.
Five teams had those same results, the others being Geelong,Leongatha,Mornington Peninsula and Ferntree Gully.
The latter two got to play in the final thanks to bonus points and net run rates; Ferntree Gully was the ultimate winner.
On Monday, Sale-Maffra took on Bairnsdale. Bairnsdale batted first and scored acreditable 199.JackRietschel led the bowlerswiththree wickets.
The Sharks chased this score down for the loss of six wickets.JackTatterson (77 not out) and Ben Jones (30) were the best with the bat.
Tuesday saw Sale-Maffra come up against Bendigo.
Batting first, the Sharks were able to accumulate
8/269 off 50 overs. Openers Zac Hurley (104) and Tom Morrison (69)put on 150 for the opening stand Tatterson with 53 put up his second half-century in as many outings.
Bendigo foundthe going rough early, being 6/91, but the tail added afurther 127 to get the team total to 218.
Rietschel with four wickets againled the bowlers; SteveSpoljaricand Dylan Bolton lent support with two each.
Day 3, Wednesday proved to be similartoDay 2, but in reverse.
Mornington Peninsula,batting first, reached 7/272 after being 6/203 off 43 overs.
The 70 runs conceded off thelast seven overs were to provecostly.Tatterson’s three wickets were the best return.
In reply,Sale-Maffraslumped to 6/79;Hurley with28was the onlytop-four batsman to reach double figures. Amiddle-order recovery, led by Ben Jones (54) and Brad Scott (66) lifted the final score to 213 all out.
Needing somethingresembling amiracle on Thursday to make the final, Sale-Maffra took on Traralgon, ateam that had convincingly defeated the locals in the Gippsland Cricket League (GCL) final just afew weeks earlier.
The Sale-Maffra team got amodicum of revenge
when they amassed their best score for the week (279) and then dismissed their rivals for 201.
Hurley with 91 capped off agood week. Tatterson, Jones, Adrian Burgiel and Rietschel all scored 29 or better in quick time to post the second-best total ever achieved against Traralgon.
Scott, Bolton and Spoljaric all returned two wickets in the 78-run victory.
Sale-Maffra ended up second in the Blue pool.
Hurley, with 242 runs at 60.5, ended as the tournament’s highest run-scorer (final excluded).
Tatterson wassixth and Jones 12th in that same list.
Rietschelended with nine wickets, equal third in thebowlers list; Tatterson with seven wickets was equal fifth, to earn an unofficial ‘leading allrounder’ title.
Sale-Maffra wicket keeper Jed Malone was third-best in the keeping dismissals list.
Tatterson’s efforts with the ball brought his senior representative wicket tally to 104,only the fifth Sale-Maffra bowler to go past 100 senior wickets (Country Week and senior GCL combined).
Bolton and Rietschel would seem destined to join thatexclusivelist next season, having brought their personal totals to 98 and 94,respectively, overthe course of the representative season
Sale-Maffra Cricket Association Country Week representatives 2022/23
Dylan Bolton (C)
Jack Tatterson (VC)
Adrian Burgiel
ZacHurley
BenJones
Isaac Love
Brad Scott
Steve Spoljaric
Jack Rietschel
Jed Malone
TomMorrison
Nathan Whitford
Garreth Wolmarans. Support personnel
John Mayman -manager
Michael Walters-scorer
Andrew Magnuson -driver
Chris Francis -physio
