Gippsland Times Tuesday 30 May 2023

Ramahyuck’s Sorry Dayservice

RAMAHYUCK District Aboriginal Corporationhas acknowledged National Sorry Day with aservice of remembrance and morning tea.

Acrowd of over 50 people gathered at the Noel Yarram (Snr) Centre on Foster St, Sale for the event, which took place on Friday morning, May 26. Proceedings beganshortly after 10am withan introduction fromRamahyuckchairpersonSandra Nielson, whoexplainedthe significance of Sorry Day -toremember the past policies of forced child removal, and reflect on the storiesofthe Stolen Generations.

Ms Nielson spoke to the crowd about her personal experiences, noting that her sister was taken away from their familyasa two-year-oldand wasn’t reunited until she was an adult.

Following Ms Nielson’s remarks, Michelle Dow conductedaSmoking Ceremony in the Centre’s carpark, with attendees invited to approachasmall fire and cleanse the evil spirits from their bodies. It was the first time that Ramahyuck had performed aSmoking Ceremony at aSorry Day event.

Attention then turned to the three flagpoles, with

thenational, Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander flags all lowered the half-mast as amarkofrespect to all those impacted by child-removal policies.

Once all three flags had been lowered, students of Maffra Secondary College were invited forward to present ahibiscus mural to Ramahyuck staff.

The native hibiscus flower is the official symbol of Sorry Day, denoting survival, compassion and spiritual healing.

The school’s Career Liaison Officer and proud Gunaikurnai man, Dylan O’Shanassy told the Gippsland Times that the presentation came about via an informal telephone call with event organiser Niomi Tilley.

“Gift exchangeissomething really important in our culture, so Iwanted to share that with (Ramahyuck) and the Maffra kids as well,” Mr O’Shanassy said.

“It’s awesome, becauseit’sjust all about sharing culture and being able to be asupport.

“I’m Indigenous, so Iwant to be really supportive about these events; but having non-Indigenous kids coming with me, that’s what is really awesome.

“They want to supportand show how much they care about our people as well and how they want to do the best to make Australia more inclusive for

everyone, so it’s really great.”

Ms Nielsonsaidthe gesture was “very generous” and “very much appreciated”.

Following this exchange, attendees were then invited inside the Centre to hear stories from survivors of the Stolen Generations.

Their storieswere followed by abrief videoon intergenerational trauma, highlighting how the impacts of forced child removal, and other atrocities, can impact families and their descendants.

“A lot of it comes back to the Stolen Generationthat those people weren’ttaughttobeparents, and then they never taught their kids to be parents,” Ms Nielson explained.

National Sorry Day is an annual event observed on May 26.

The day coincideswiththe anniversaryofthe “Bringing Them Home” report being tabled in federal parliament, which documented the widespread, forced removal of First Nationschildren from their families.

That report was tabled in 1997.

It is also the anniversary of the Uluru Statement from the Heart being formally endorsed by the First Nations National Constitutional Convention, which occurred in 2017.

As ayounger member of the Gunaikurnai clan, Mr O’Shanassy believes thatSorry Dayisabout recognising Australia’s past.

“I’ve definitely had it alot easier than what my Aunties and Uncles and Nans and Pops have had it… they fought really hard so Ididn’t have to fight as hard,” he said.

He added that he was now fighting so the next generation didn’t have to fight as hard.

“So it’s just all about healing, and just showing, telling about, exploring and explainingwhatSorry Day means to all these other people as well,” Mr O’Shanassy said.

“It’s avery important date to me.”

Sorry Day also marks the beginning of National ReconciliationWeek, an annual event which aims to advance First Nations people and culture in Australia.

The theme of 2023’s Week is “Be aVoice for Generations” -using their power, their words and their actions to create abetter,more justAustralia for everybody.

National Reconciliation Week officially concludes on June 3.

Maffra Secondary College studentswiththe school’s Career Liaison Officer Dylan O’Shanassy, Ramahyuckchairperson Sandra Nielson andelder Maisie Hood.

MichelleDow lights the gum leaves for thesmoking ceremony

Photos: TomParry

TomParry

Bull,Bye slam One Gippsland

TomParry and StefanBradley

ONE Gippslandisonthe defensive following ascathingassessment fromthe Memberfor Gippsland East, Tim Bull.

In astatement released last Wednesday,MrBull lambasted the regional advocacy group for “cautiously” welcoming the 2023-24 Victorian Budget.

“The One Gippsland media release confirmed my suspicions that this entity is nonsense, and along way from the ‘peakadvocacybody for the Gippsland region’ that it claims to be,” Mr Bull said.

“They prepared awish list of projects, to my eye had none funded, and in addition to being ignored, the government cut funding streams important to the regions andannouncedthatone of our key industries is being destroyed with apaltry compensation package, with no forewarning to the impacted families, or consultation -and they welcomed it!

“It is agroup that appears to come together for opportunistic benefitand have abraindump of isolated local projects witha‘we willsupportyours

if you support ours’ mantra rather than develop a coherent regional strategy.”

Mr Bull’s comments come after the state government handed down the 2023-24 State Budget last Tuesday, May 23.

In its original statement, OneGippsland “cautiously welcomed” the budget, highlighting investments in the new West GippslandHospital, upgrades for the Wonthaggi Hospital,anew residential aged care service at Maffra and the establishment of aClean Energy Centre at TAFE Gippsland’s Morwell Campus.

But chair of One Gippsland and Mayor of East Gippsland Shire,CouncillorMark Reeves, did express his concernabout theend of native timber harvesting “10 years ahead of schedule”.

“One Gippsland will be seeking certainty from the government that impacted workers and the broader community will be adequately provided for with transition funds allocated in the budget,” Cr Reeves said.

“Ensuring this support sufficiently meets the need will be akey point of advocacy for One Gippsland in future meetings with the Government.”

Mr Bull -who represents The Nationals in state

parliament’s lower house -argues that the budget delivered none of One Gippsland’s key wish list priorities, submitted in March.

He claims that the budget instead cut roads maintenance, agriculture and regional development funding, while also “decimating” the local timber industry.

“All these negatives for our area, and there are plenty more, are ignored and instead One Gippsland plucks out examples of some statewide policies not specific to our region in its support of the State Budget,” Mr Bull said.

“It reads more like aLabor Government media release than that of aregional advocacy group.”

He concludedhis statement by saying: “I’dbemore than happy for my two councils -EastGippsland and Wellington-toleave this organisation as it clearly doesnot represent our best interestsin eastern Victoria and is not what it claims to be.”

When asked for comment regarding Mr Bull’s statement,Wellington Shire CouncilMayor Ian Bye said the original statement issued by One Gippsland was “disappointing”, adding: “itdoesnot support Council’s views on the state budget, one that lacks any kind of support for key projects or

Students encouraged to take alocal

MORE than 70 local school students from across Latrobe City,Baw Baw,Wellington, South Gippsland and Bass Coast took part in ahealth camp recently, to explore differentoptions and pathways for acareer in Gippsland’s health sector.

The Local Learning &Employment Network (LLEN) together with local business and health organisations supported the two-day event by facilitating walk-throughsofhospitals and clinics, and mentoring students with some of Gippsland’s health industry professionals.

LatrobeHealth Services chiefexecutive, Ian Whitehead, Gippsland’s not-for-profit health insurer and owner of Maryvale Private Hospital, said ongoing challenges in recruitment and

Forum for the people

ANEW initiative has been established to enable greater communicationbetween elected representatives and citizens of Gippsland.

Gippsland

The first meeting of the Forum will take place this Saturday, June 3inthe Carang CarangRoom at the Port of Sale,beginning at 11am and concluding at 1pm.

This meeting’s topic of discussion is “The Housing Crisis” -with prices of homes and cost of renting at an all-time high, and the number of affordable properties at an historic low, what can be done to rectify the situation?

Representativesfromlocal,state and federal levels of government have all been invited to participate.

To learn more about the event or register yourinterest,send an email to gippslandforum@gmail.comorvisit the official Facebook page at facebook.com/gippslandforum

retention of health professionals in Gippsland means engagement with local students is essential for the future of the health care workforce in Gippsland.

“Gippsland is not immune to the workforce shortages of health care professionalswesee more broadly across many regional communities,” he said.

“Engagingwith the studentsinour region today and supporting them to takeupcareersand options locallyisanimportant step for developing our workforce.”

LLEN Health Camp organiser, Lisa Pricesaid it is not always easy for students to be able to undertake awork placement in ahealth setting, so the health camp provided students with amix of hands-onactivities, industry visits and the opportunity to engage with health professionals over dinner.

“Our currentfocus is to strengthen the connection between schools and industry to help students develop apathway from school into further study or employment.

“We know thatthere is currently, and will be into the future, strong interest for people to work in the health sector across avariety of roles which is what we wanted to nurture,” she said.

“Havingalocally grown workforce means that people are more likely to stay in the region and so encouraging students to see opportunities for careers locally is very important.”

Thehealthcamp is apartnership between the BawBaw LatrobeLLEN, FederationUniversity and TAFE Gippsland and is sponsored by Latrobe

Health Assembly, West Gippsland Healthcare Group, Latrobe Health Services, Latrobe Valley Authority, GippslandPrimary Health Network, Monash Rural Health and Rural Workforce Agency Victoria. Latrobe Regional Hospital, West

maintenance programs throughout the Wellington region.”

“Wellington Shire Council does not plan to leave One Gippsland, acknowledging the importance of Gippsland councilsworking together to achieve ashared vision, encouraging investment and growth,” Cr Bye said.

“However,wedohope theorganisationbetter represents our community moving forward, and that our views are more adequately represented through future media and advocacy work.”

One Gippsland has itself responded to Mr Bull’s statement, saying it recognisesthat “Mr Bull’s role in Opposition involves puttingforward views that, where relevant, areatoddswith the government.”

“We share the deep concern across our region about early closure of native timber harvesting,” the statement read.

“One Gippsland’s immediatefocus is to ensure that no one is left behind in light of this decision.

“We would welcome acollaborative, not combative, future relationship with Mr Bull so we can leverage the best outcome for our communities.” East Gippsland Shire Council was contacted for comment.

Gippsland Hospital, Maryvale Private Hospital, DalkeithGardensAges Care, HeritageManor Aged Care, Fairview Village Aged Care and Ambulance Victoria hostedstudentsaspart of the industry visits.

Photo: Contributed

Heyfield reacts to timber axe

and we took over, and we've reallybeenconcentrating on four main things, that is people, really important, diversify our fibre input, diversify our manufacturing capability and diversifymarkets and we'vebeen really successful in doing that," Mr Hurley said.

"In November 2019, the government announced the progressive transition to close the industry, to close native forestry by 2030, and so we really ramped up our process, and until yesterday (Tuesday, May 23) we were working towards their plan, there was no indication the plan was going to change, that was the plan."

When the state government announced the phasing out of native forest logging in 2019, they extended existing forestry agreements until July 2024, after which native timber supply would be reduced before ending in 2030.

"We thought, 'Okay, that's okay, we've got time to work progressively through to find replacements for that fibre', and that's what we were doing," Mr Hurley said

Zoe Askew

HEYFIELD is rife withanger, uncertainty, distrust, and sadness in the aftermath of the state government's shock announcement last week to bring forward the cessation of native timber harvesting. Butthere is also hope.

Over the last decade, the Victorian timber industry has beenmet with persistenthindrances, from bushfires and environmental no-logging zones to aSupreme Court ruling againstVicForests' native forest logging program,limiting the supply available forharvesting every year.

In 2019, the state government announced native forest logging would be graduallyphasedout by 2030,immediately ceasing logging of old-growth forests under the plan to transition Victoria's timber industry to plantation-based supply.

Despite aslewofobstacles,Heyfield's mill, Australia's largest hardwood sawmill, and the mill's operator, AustralianSustainable Hardwoods (ASH), has endured.

ASH managingdirector,Vince Hurley was blindsided whenthe state government announced they were bringing forward the cessation of native timber logging to January 1, 2024, six years earlier than initially planned.

"In2017, we hadquite alarge volume reduction, and whatwedid, the largershareholder he left

"We bought asawmill in Tasmania; we are taking alot of plantation hardwood out of the Strzelecki’s andout of Tasmania as well, and we are also one of the largest importers of American Oak into the country as araw product because our main game here is manufacturing.

"Effectively logs turned into slabsturned into feedstock turned into amanufactured finished product, that's where most of our employment is, including alot of women in manufacturing."

The acceleratedcessation of native timber logging has been yet another hard pill to swallow for Mr Hurley.

"I did put anotice outtoour employees on Monday to let them know we've got this," he said.

"We've got to control what we can control, and what that means is we've got to try to find more alternative fibre, that we intended to, more quickly.

"My objective is to keep people's morale up and keep people focusedonwhatweare doing.Hope is an incredibly powerful thing, and we all have hope."

Mr Hurley is looking beyond the anger and frustration and focusing on the future, identifying the silver lining in this time of hardship and uncertainty.

Still,even the most optimisticperspectivescan't shake the hurt felt by those in the state's timber industry.

"We saved the business, really,bydoing what we did, by taking control, and our whole strategy has

Timber festival not going anywhere

Stefan Bradley

“CAN you imagine Heyfield without timber?”

These were the words that opened the Gippsland Times coverage of the 2023 Heyfield Timber Festival, which took place in February.

As we are all now aware, soon enough we won't need to leave it to our imaginationsonce2024comes around, with the state government announcing the early shutdown of the native timber industry. Last year, the festival was brought back 27 years after the lastevent to celebratenative harvesting. In 2023, the event saw wood chopping,stunts, a carnival, free kids activities, markets, atruck show, sausage sizzles, vintage displays, dog jumping, tug-of-war, bands, bars, aparade, food trucks and avigil at the Timber Workers Memorial.

Felicia Stevenson is president of the Heyfield Timber Festival Committee and the Forest&Wood Communities Australia Nationalmembership manager. She toldthe Gippsland Times the Timber Festival will continue.

“(The committee) had adiscussion (Tuesday, May 23) night. Obviously we can't get the logging trucks. We canhave trucks there,but it will be pine, more or less.”

“We’re goingtokeep going. We need to celebrate. We want to keep the timber towns alive in some way. We need to always have the timber in some way. Keep the memories alive.”

Ms Stevenson said almostthe entire town, including her family, had links to the timber industry.

“My grandad, my dad, aunt and uncles. As well as my husband and my boys. Iused to work in sawmills.”

Ms Stevenson in February explained why the event was important for the town.

“It brings the localcommunity together, it brings people to our town and it’s apart of Heyfield’s history,” she said.

“I grew up in Heyfield and remember going to the eventasachild,itwas ahugeevent. My involvement with the festival was to bring it back and create afamily fun day out, and to showcase the sustainability of the industry.”

been incredibly successful, [this is] just another kick in the guts, but you can't lay down too long; you've just got to get up and go," Mr Hurley said.

"If we hadn't had our big issue in 2017 and we were still 100 per cent reliant on Vic Forests wood, you wouldn't be speaking with me today; we'd be dead in the water.

"We had afortunate misfortune, and we always look for that silver cloud, but this is areal kick in the guts; Imean, if they said you've got ayear, we could've, we really could've tried, like okay, we've got ayear, lets really work hard around that, lets really work around that.

"It's not evensix months; it'stoday. Ihavespoken with Vic Forests this morning (Tuesday, May 24); they don't have anywhere to go because of the litigation."

Among the pallet of emotions, for Mr Hurley, it always comes back to hope.

"One of the things we haven't done is really talk to the community yet, but there are 190 people whowork here, most of who live in and around Heyfield," Mr Hurley said.

"We sent an SMS gateway to all the employees, so everyone got an SMS gateway on Monday about what my response was, and it was really about hope, youknow, 'Okay,this is areallybad decision, it'snot justifiable but let's continue on ourpath, we'll justhave to speed it up'.

"We've done it before; we'veabsolutely proven that we are committed."

The anger felt by those working in the timber industryhas reverberated throughout the local community.

Heyfield Timber Festival organiser and lifetime resident Felicia Stevenson, was out of town when she received news of the government's shock decision to bringforward the cessation of native timber logging.

"I was at my grandson's school sports, and my husband rang me and told me, then it was email after email coming through," Ms Stevenson said.

"I was just dumbfounded like he's [Daniel Andrews] is putting himself up on apedal stool like 'I'm doing this, I'm taking pressure off these families', but he's putting more pressure on families

"It's not just guys and women in the [timber] industry; it's their partners, it's' their kids that are suffering, not just financially,but it's amental strain on them,and it's just wrong.

"Kids here [in Heyfield and surrounds] their dads work in the bush, drive log trucks, work up

at the timber mill, that all goes, they're going to have to rip them out of this school and take them somewhere else, what to New South Wales, take them away from their grandparents. It's wrong and he [Daniel Andrews] doesn't see that.None of the greenies sees that."

One Heyfield resident who works within the community emphasised the rippling effects of last week's timber industry announcement

"It's not just the timber mill that is going to be affected; it is the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker,their kids,their grandkids in smalltowns, and somesmalltowns are going justtodisappear," they said.

For many Heyfield residents,including Ms Stevenson, there is shared fear for when the next major fire engulfs the region.

"Who is going to fight our fires?" Ms Stevenson said.

"There is going to be another big fire; the question is when and where, and we aren't going to have the dozers and the machinery and the knowledge of these guys to go and help put it out and put the road lines in.

"We're screwed."

"One thingthatworriesthe hell out of allofusis whenwehavenextbig bushfire," another Heyfield resident said.

"All those businesses who have been put out of business, they're the ones who wentand fought the fires, who had the machinery, they're not going to have the machinery.

"They [the state government] talk about professional firefighters, our CFA guys here, they fight the fires because they want the fires to stop, but they're not professional firefighters, they're volunteers, and Melbourne is saying this is what you have to be, you have to be professional firefighters.

"It's achanging world, and Ican'tsee it's changing in the right direction."

While there is no denying the anger, uncertainty, distrust, andsadness within Heyfield following the state government's shock announcement lastweek to bring forward the cessation of native timber harvesting, the resilient community of Heyfield remain hopeful.

"We make things happen in Heyfield," one resident said.

"We'renot goingtofold up and die; neither is the timber mill; we are not going to let it."

Crowds line the streets to applaud those who have contributed to Heyfield’sthrivingtimber industry in 2022.

Photo: File

HeyfieldTimber Festival organiser and life-long resident Felicia Stevenson. Photo: Zoe Askew

Decision rocks timber industry

Liam Durkin

SHOCKWAVES reverberatedaroundthe community on Tuesday, May 23, after the state government announced native timber harvesting in Victoria wouldcome to aclose at the end of the year.

The closure date is now January 1, 2024 -six yearsaheadofthe original 2030 closuredate announced four years ago Timber towns such as Heyfield are remaining defiant after being blindsided by the announcement.

Minister for Agriculture,Gayle Tierney broke the news at asombre media conference in Morwell on the Tuesday.

"Today is avery difficult day, it's avery difficult day for the timber industry," she said.

"The government has needed to make adecision andthat decisionisabout thecessationof native timber from our state forests as of the 1st of January, 2024."

The state government pointed to ongoing litigation and bushfires for the early closure, claiming there was no alternative timber supply.

Nativetimber harvesting was putonhold in November last year after aSupreme Court ruling against VicForests.

The court ruled VicForests did not do enough to protect two possum species -greater and yellowbellied gliders.

Tuesday's announcement was met with condemnationbylocal NationalsMPs,aswellas Wellington Shire Mayor, Ian Bye.

"Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has devastatedthe futures of over 650 timber workers throughout Wellington Shire," Cr Bye said.

"I writetoday in responsetothe Premier's budget announcement,markingthe finalnail in the coffin for the state's native timber industry,one that feeds the families of hundreds of local timber workers.

"Devastation was felt instantly yesterday, after months living in fear of the worst possible outcome An outcome that has turned into anightmare for timber workers local to Wellington Shire."

Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester labelled it the most outrageous decisionbyagovernment in his more thandecade-long career in politics.

"In my 15 years as aMember of Parliament, I've

never been more disgusted with agovernment decision than today'sannouncement that Victoria will ban all nativetimber harvestingfromJanuary 1next year," he said.

"People and wildlife die in poorly managed forests and Victorian Premier Dan Andrews' plan to shutdown the native timber industry in 2024 is aplan to kill country towns, kill wildlife, and kill Australian jobs.

"Thisisa Dan-madedisaster which will devastate Gippsland communities and take us ageneration to recover from."

Fellow Nationals MPs were equally scathing in response to the announcement.

"Today is agrimday fortimber workers and their families who have been callously ignored -the AndrewsGovernment has flatly refused to sitatthe table and negotiate," Member for EasternVictoria Region, Melina Bath said.

"This government andthe Greens, who are in unity on this, have neverbeen able to explain where our hardwood timber -that is increasing in consumer demand -isgoingtocome from," Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull added.

"Thisannouncement will not only destroy the native timber industry but be devastating for many local communities and the families within them as well," Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien said in Parliament on Tuesday.

Mr O'Brien called on the state government to explain what actionitwilltaketoreplace the thousands of jobs cut from local communities by thedecision.

"Gippslanders are already facing job losses from Hazelwood, withYallourn to come, we've struggled through the shutdown of white paper manufacturing at Maryvale and now the timber industry will be shut down in less than six months," he said.

"What afarce. What adisgrace. And what better evidence that the Labor Party has turned its back on blue-collar workers in favour of inner-city green votes."

The state government has announced a$200 million support package, aimed at helping timber workers transition out of the industry.

The commitment brings the state government's support for forestry transition to more than $877 million.

At Tuesday'spress conference, Minister Tierney

said the decision would provide certainty to workers who have been off work since the Supreme Court ruling.

"Our focus is on workers and their families," she said.

"We absolutely do not take this lightly, but the uncertainty cannot continue.

"We will back local communities with the financial support, secure jobs and training, and one-on-one case management they need."

Specifically, the state government has announced aSupply Chain Resilience package to support business continuity, and will deliver aprogram of land management work to manage 1.8 million hectares of public land currently subject to the timber harvesting allocation order.

In addition,anadvisory panel will be established to considerand make recommendationstogovernment on the areas of forests that qualifyfor protection as National Parks, the areas of forests that would be suitable for recreation opportunities -including camping, hunting, hiking, mountain biking and four-wheel driving -and opportunities for management of public land by Traditional Owners.

Minister for Regional Development and Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing was joined by fellow Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh in Morwell at Tuesday's announcement, flanking Minister Tierney.

Ms Shing acknowledged the mentaltoll of the decision would be widespread.

"Today's announcementwillbeincredibly distressing and upsetting for many, many people across rural and regional Victoria," she said.

"Over the coming days we will be providing really intensive mental health support, and support for people that have been affected.

"We don't underestimate the impactthat this will have on communities, from Swifts Creek out to Beaufort (near Ballarat).

"We don't underestimate the challenges that this willcreate for workers, for theirfamilies, businesses and communities,who for generations have relied on timber harvesting to make aliving and to craft their own identities.

"We're not under any illusions abouthow difficult this will be but, ongoinglitigation and the impact of bushfires which decimated more than 1.5 million hectares aroundthe state,have left us withno

choice, and it would be irresponsible, disrespectful of us not to actually provide communities with the certainty they deserve."

The state government will be working with RegionalDevelopment Victoriaand the Latrobe Valley Authority as part of the transition,tolook at ways to provide skills and training in other spaces fortimber workers.

Redeployment into public land management has been identified as the most likely space.

Those most closely affected are trying to remain positive.

AustralianSustainable Hardwoods (ASH), Heyfieldand Radial Timber, Yarram are both looking at ways to innovate, allthe whiletrying to keep morale high among the workforce.

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Gippsland

ASHs plans for the 2030 closure have now been accelerated from six years to seven months. In apossible silver lining, it is understood both mills are determinednot to makeany redundancies. ASH managing director VinceHurleywith Member for Eastern Victoria Region, MelinaBath and

Knowing that the conveyancing andscape is fraught with complexities Tash offers efficient service, great communication and competitive pricing She holds a Diploma of Conveyancing and has put her studies to good use as a Conveyancer w th a local Solic tors firm for over 7 years and has worked within the Real Estate industry for the last 2 years

Tash ensures that each transaction is best suited to her client s individual needs whether buying or selling and can ass st with making the conveyancing journey as simple and professional as possible For an industry such as this, t’s good to know you’re in completely safe and reliable hands, to have all the tough questions answered and to have your mind put at ease throughout the whole process

Tash plans to operate from an office in Sale in the near future and to gain an extensive client base with the hope to becoming a larger firm in the coming years

Chester takes Albanese to task

FEDERALMember for Gippsland DarrenChester caused astirinParliament last Thursday, May 25 via afierce exchange with the Prime Minister.

Mr Chester used Question Time to raise the issue of Victoria’s native timber industry, during whichtimeheaccused the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese of “hating” forestry workers.

In his original question, Mr Chester referred to astatement made by Mr Albanese before the 2022 federal electionwhere he said: “Labor supports your industry, your family and your community.”

“Prime Minister, giventhe Victorian Labor government’s decision to ban all nativeharvesting of timber in just sixmonths, sacking thousands of workers, what support has the Prime Minister and his government actually provided for timber workers acrossAustralia, or is this justanother broken promise?” Mr Chester asked in Parliament.

Mr Albaneseresponded by saying: “The Victorian government has a$200million structural adjustment package in its budget …and Icertainly do support timber workers.”

Mr Chesterinterjected during this response,

resulting in aformal warning from the Speaker of the House, Dick Milton.

Mr Albanese continued: “And through the regional forestry agreements process, we (the Federal government) work with statesand territories to support Australia's forestry industry to operate under high standards for environmental management and sustainable harvesting.”

“We need timber products and we want sustainable forestry jobs,” Mr Albanese said.

“And that’s why we are investing…$300million to grow plantations, modernise our timber manufacturing infrastructure and build the skills of our forestry workforce.

“I note that throughthe National Reconstruction Fund, we specifically set aside funding to support the forestryindustry, but the Member forGippsland voted against it, and (the opposition) voted against it as well.”

At this point, Mr Albanese concluded his question, and Mr Chester rose to make apoint of order.

Mr Chester then asked the Prime Minister directly, “Why do you hate timber workers so

Announcement amassive blow for regional Victorian families

STRATFORD singer-songwriter and Forest &Wood Communities Australia director Mick Harrington has lashed out at the state government's decision to cease native timber harvestingbythe end of the year.

Mr Harrington, who is also alocal timber worker and was afinalist on TV show The Voice saidthe announcement came as acrippling blow to the industry.

“We have people already on the edge thanks to the 2019 announcementand the relentless assault on sustainable native forestry since then,” he said.

“These are people who have been caring for our forests and ensuring they continue to provide a renewable resource, but are now wondering how to feed their families and keep their homes.

“There has been zero credible scientific evidence to support this decision which comes when we need to embrace renewable resources.

“Internationally forestry is heralded as aclimate change solution. But in Australia, where we have the strictest policies governing native timber harvesting, it is derided by unaccountable activism which exists in our universities, media and Labor governments.

“This Andrewsgovernment has caved into extremism and academic activism with no thought for people who just want to work hard and support their families.”

It is estimated that native forestry provides5000 direct jobs and many more indirect jobs providing the lifeblood for regional communities such as Orbost, which stands to lose 37 per cent of its workers.

Forest &Wood Communities Australia is a not-for-profit association representing timber

communities and supporters of sustainable, worldcertified timber sector.

Mr Harrington also ran for the Nationals in the senate at last year's federal election.

much?” resulting in jeers from the government benches and the scorn of the Speaker.

“The Member for Gippsland knowswhathe’s just done there, whichiscompletely unparliamentary,” Mr Milton said.

Immediately after asking his question,Mr Chester proceeded to leave the chamber, but was motioned back to the despatch box by Mr Milton to formally withdraw hisquestion,towhich Mr Chester obliged.

In astatement released yesterday, Mr Chester said he had “no regrets” regarding his actions.

His outburst comes after the state government brought forward the endofnative timberharvesting in the state by six years to January 1, 2024.

Mr Chester, who represents the National Party, had voiced his criticismofthe measure in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 23.

He is currently on the opposition frontbench, handling the shadow portfolios of Local Government and Territories, Regional Education and Regional Development.

Mayor’s strong message

WELLINGTON Shire Mayor, Ian Bye penned thefollowing letter following last Tuesday in response to the state government's decision to ceasenativetimber harvestingbyend of the year.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has devastated the futures of over 650 timber workers throughout Wellington Shire.

Iwrite todayinresponsetothe Premier’s budget announcement, marking the final nail in the coffin for the state’s nativetimberindustry, one that feeds the familiesofhundredsoflocal timber workers.

Devastationwas felt instantlyyesterday, after months living in fear of the worst possible outcome. An outcome that has turned into anightmare for timber workers local to Wellington Shire.

The Premier’s announcement to end native timber harvesting in Victoria in 2024 is akick in the guts for timbercommunities, puttingon fulldisplaythe Premier’s disregardfor local people and apreference for policy and voters in inner Melbourne.

The announcement follows years of endless advocacyfromcouncil, includingthree years of formal Freedom of Information requests for the state government to produce the scientific evidencethey claimedunderpinned their decision to shut down the timber industry.

After three long years of being ignored and refused any proof or explanation, this announcement comes as complete shock and heartbreak to so many in our community.

As Iwrite to you today, Iamstill yet to receive any evidence that the Premier based his decision to phase out native timber harvesting by 2030 on any facts, even after council made its first request for this information in 2020.

While we never supported the state government’s decision to phase out timber harvesting by 2030,atleast this timeframe allowed our industries time to adjust.

Breaking this promise and ending it now showsacomplete lackoftransparencyand honesty.

Council, our major timber industries, and stakeholdersall learned of this decisionyesterday following media reports.

Victoria’s government simplyhas astrong aversion to any sort of consultationwith regional communities.

Ishare in our community’s disappointment. Those whose lives willbesoprofoundly impacted by thisdecision to not be included in any conversation or consultation, and to find out by watching the news or listening to the radio shows an utter lack of integrity or respect. And to the Premier who hid this announcement in the overall budget blitz,itisavery telling sign.

In threeyears, we haven’t seen any evidence or signthat the Premier ever had plansto deliver on his promises to support the native timber industry with new pine plantations or anyform of alternativesupply. Now the livelihoods of hundreds of locals are shattered in an instant without asingleword from the Premier or his government.

Iimplore the Premier to consider the future of our communities. Local workers can’t be expected to survive this blow following extensive drought, bushfires,and aglobal pandemic The Premier continues to tout transition assistance, but to thispointnot asingleongoing job has been created in Wellington. Today is adarkday for our community.

Gippsland MP Darren Chester wasbooted from Parliament for unparliamentary language.

Photo: File

Stratfordsinger-songwriter and timber worker Mick Hartington.

Photo: File

Native timber saga “not surprising”

Comment

Dan Caffrey

THE decision to end native timberharvesting from our state forestsisnot surprising, evenifthe timing was some years sooner than expected.

The sight of alpine mountainsides looking like ploughed paddocks fromabove,and mud-filled streams from logging coupes, alarmed the Victorian publictothe extent that the majority nowsupport the forest action groups who have prevented further logging by court injunctions.

The state government had to act, especially where this activity occurred in the habitats of critically endangered species such as the lead-beaters possum, the greater and yellow-bellied gliders, five species of owl and birds of prey and many other bird and reptile species.

Forestry practices like this have simply lost their social licence.

But forestryhad not always beenthis destructive.

Up until the late 1960’s timber harvesting was performed by gangs of contractors who would fell only the trees that were wanted for timber. The quality saw-logs would be snigged,dragged out to aclearing and loaded onto the timber jinkers. The understory was largely left intact as were the old habitat trees.

One couldargue that this form of loggingmay haveaided biodiversityassome branches of the remaining trees were inadvertentlyknocked off as the desired trees fell to earth. This created hollows that were good habitat for many creatures.

After afew years the forest returned to ahealthy state with the biodiversity still intact.

This type of forestry was sustainable.

Contrast this to whathas occurredsince the 1970’s as the loggingindustrybecamemore mechanised. With big machines to help do the work, the Forestry Commission -later to morph into VicForests, startedclear-fellingvast areasofforest.

Large coupes of natural mixedspecies were cleared and the useable timber was carted to sawmills or ended up at the APM (now OPAL) for pulp.

The rest -the branches, tree-ferns, wattles and other understorey species, were bull-dozed into windrows and burnt. The area wouldbeaerialseeded with seeds of valuable timber species like mountain ash or alpine ash. Large acreages of mono-species saplings would spring up and compete for light. The slower growing individuals died off over time and the hope was that in 40 to 70 years, you wouldhave adense monocultureofharvestable timber without the “rubbish” understory.

The “plantation-type” forests would allow bigger harvesting machines, reducing many labour units, reducing the cost of harvesting.

Mostwould agree that ayounger, less diverse forest would support less wildlife,but you wouldbe forgiven for thinking that on the plus side, logging wouldreduce fire risk by lessening the fuel load. However, scientific studies show that the opposite is actually the case.

Clear-fell logging dries forest soils for decades after cutting. Moisture-maintaining plants like tree ferns are lostfromlogged forest. Lyre birds whose activity in turning over cubic metres of soil

and burying leaf litter are killed off and do not return. Younger trees also provide alarger surface area over which afire can burn. There’s more mass inside amaturethick tree trunk that isn’t exposed directlytothe fire. Whereas if you get atwig,you’ve got afar greater surface area compared to that mass …sothe heat of the fire is able to ignite it more rapidly, and you get that explosive flare-up.

Mature forests resist fire to amuch greater extent and help to prevent the burntbarrengroundthat a regenerated logging coupebecomes aftersuccumbing to wildfire. Often these Alpine and Mountain Ash areas are too costly to remediate andthey become scrubby heathland, such as the area on the west side of Mt Hotham or on Mt Selma near Connors Plains.

There is no natural succession by Indigenous mixed species that enables revegetation of the land, so whole areas were wiped out by successive alpine fires in 1997, 2003, 2006 and in the Black Saturday fires of 2009. Therehas been several large alpine fires since then, including the devastating 2019/20 summer.

For those of us old enough to remember back to the 1960’s, the forestslookedvastly different to how they look today.

There are few reallylarge trees now, lesswildlife and many of the forestsare severely degraded Biodiversity is destroyed when large tracts of our scarce highlands are flattened and treated like a tree farm. Forests have acertain “carrying capacity” of native animals. Animals cannot migrate from afelled area to one nearby as there is not enough foodand shelter forthem there, as it is already occupied to its fullest extent.

Treating our precious and beautiful natural estate like agiant plantation has been aterrible mistake and has left our highland areas badly degraded and less productive overall. We need the carbon storage of healthy mature forests to take carbon dioxide outofthe atmosphere and for the rain-attracting transpiration they provide.

We also need high density timber for building and in producing high value wood products, such as those made at the ASH mill in Heyfield. Timber,especially dense hardwoodsequesters carbon from the atmosphere, which is the reason for its low embodied energy and hence low carbon footprint.

Using timber and having standing, mature forests are bothways of fightingclimate change,except that from now on, our sawn timber must come from plantations. Governments need to initiate and manage this effort as private companies are loathe to invest in projects that will take 40 yearstoproduce areturn.

These hardwood plantations could use climatechange-ready species such as spotted gum, the timber of which is agood substitute for mountain ash and grows well in lowland settings and even with irrigation.

Asustainable plantation industry will produce many jobs forthe future,providing there is long term planning at the highest levels now.This needs to start today.

Logging disables anative forest’s ability to produce water, store carbon, nurture biodiversity and support tourism.

CFMEU leader resigns

Liam Durkin

THE fallout from the state government's decision to end native timber harvesting in six month's time was felt before the decision was even made. National secretary for the Manufacturing for the Construction,Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), Michael O'Connor resigned from

the VictorianForestry Plan Advisory Committee.

In ablunt email, forwarded to media from the CFMEU's manufacturing division two days after beingsent, Mr O'Connor simplystated:

"Please consider this as my resignation from the committee.

"The government hasnointerest in the views of the union or the employers in the industry."

Afuture free fromnative forest logging could see the development of alarge workforce trained to buildnew tourism infrastructureinour forests, tacklethe problem of introduced,pest flora and fauna, restoredamaged waterwaysand develop skilled fire-fighting crewstohelpmakerural

communities safe, potentially using First Nations knowledge of land management.

These are the things the Latrobe Valley Sustainability Group will be strongly arguing for.

Dan Caffrey is president of Latrobe Valley Sustainability Group

Photo: File

PROUDLYBROUGHT TO YOUBYTHESE PARTICIPATINGLOCAL BUSINESSES

Crossword Puzzle No.8536

with Muzza

ONE POINTERS

1. Which Russian town suffered an infamous nuclear disaster in 1986?

2. What is the name of the song that Queen Elsa sings as she builds her ice castle in the movie Frozen?

3. Who directed the 1975 movie ‘Jaws’?

4. Apache, Chinook and Black Hawk aretypes of what military vehicle?

TWO POINTERS

5. What Australian state is the town of Strahan in?

6. “Check out Guitar George, he knows all the chords…” These arelyrics from which 1970s rock song?

7. True or false. Google was initially called Backrub?

8. How many players in total take the court in basketball?

THREE POINTERS

9. What is the name of the Royal family’scastle in Scotland?

10. Who is Ashton Kutcher married to?

11. Which famous scientist formulated the theory of relativity?

12. Whose assassination led to the beginning of WorldWar One?

FOUR POINTERS

13. Who was the first person to run amile in under four minutes?

14. What do you call awordthatreads the same both forwards and backwards?

FIVE POINTER

15. Name the logos. One point for each correct answer

Target Time No.0160

Howtoplay.

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

of the Month Babies

Woodside Beach Hotel, which wasbrought back to life last year,has beenrecognisedfor its redevelopment in the Australian Hotel Association StateAwardsfor Excellence.

Woodside Beach Hotel claims statepub award

Zoe Askew

WOODSIDE Beach Hotel has been named aBest Redeveloped Food and BeverageHotel and Heart of the Community finalist in the Australian Hotels Association(Vic)2023State Awards for Excellence

"The AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence is acelebration of the accomplishments of Victoria's pubs and hotels, where we come together to recognise outstanding hospitality service and delivery," Paddy O'Sullivan, CEO of the Australian Hotels Association (Vic), said.

"We also express gratitude to the dedicated pub and hotel staff for their invaluable contributions to ensure the success of our industry."

On Monday, May 15, more than 1200 guests gathered at Melbourne's Crown Palladiumtocelebrate this year's State Awards for Excellence, which honoureda variedrange of venues and prominent personalities in Victoria's hospitality sector.

The Woodside Beach Hotel was honouredfor its achievements in two of the40State Awards for Excellence categories: Best Redeveloped Food and Beverage Hotel and Heart of the Community.

In November 2021, an 11-person syndicate, director Clint Hillas, Redd Catt Sale cafe owner Matt Raidal, star playerofthe Brisbane Lions Josh Dunkley and aclandestine Financial Review Rich-Lister, signed the ownership contract to the Woodside Beach Hotel.

Behindits beautiful facade, theWoodsideBeach Hotel was alifeless cavity that needed attention.

Replacingthe old leaky roof, installing new flooring, bathrooms and commercial kitchen, afresh coat of paint, and erectinga 16-metre L-shaped bar, the former derelict Woodside Pub is now unrecognisable from its former state.

Today the smellofGippsland steak,red wine jus, five-spice crispy calamari and golden brown chicken schnitzels topped with melted mozzarella, Neapolitan sauce and shavedchampagne ham, waft from the new state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, the establishment serving more than 30,000 dinerssince its reopening nine months ago.

For Woodside BeachHotelmanager Braden Anderson, beingnamed BestRedeveloped Food

and Beverage Hotel and Heart of the Community finalist in the Australian Hotels Association (Vic) 2023State Awards for Excellence is atruehonour

"It's humbling," Mr Anderson said.

"The competition we were up against in both categories was pretty remarkable, normallythe Hub of the Community Award will be for aSporting Legends or Sale Greyhounds style committee, essentially anot-for-profit that donated tens of thousands of dollarstothe community, so to be in that as alittle pub in the middle of nowhere is pretty extraordinary.

"We were by far the David's vs Goliath's in the Best Redeveloped Food and Beverage Hotel category, so that was amazing to be finalists in that."

Mr Anderson has been blown away by the public response to the Woodside Beach Hotel and believes the resurgence of the historic establishment has been received as asymbol of hope by those in the Woodside and surrounding communities.

"We've comfortably had over 30,000 people who have dined with us at least, drinkers and visitors on top of that in the nine [months] we've been reopenedand ourfollowingand interaction on socials is pretty insane to go along with that," he said.

"Other than the interest from acouple of notablepeople in the ownership group, Ithink it has just been the optimism of daring to reopen adilapidated pub in the middle of nowhere in country Vic, particularly aregion that hasbeen devastated by drought and fires and everything, the loggingindustryshuttingdown, Ithinkpeople have just enjoyed thatoptimism of daring to believe in hospitality."

Good food, cold beer, tasty local wine and soon the WoodsideBeach Hotel will addaccommodation to its list of offerings.

"We've got accommodationopening verysoon, which will add abow to the strings, so to speak," Mr Anderson said.

"Plus, we are continuing to be abit of ahub for small-scale events and live music as we have since opening."

Find out more about the Woodside Beach Hotel at https://woodsidebeachhotel.com/thepub

Photo: Contributed

MaxMichael Allman born 9pounds 10 ounces at 12.26am on March 20, 2023, to proud Maffra parents Maggie andBeau Allman. A little brother for Tillie andAngus

Photo: Contributed

Mylah Elizabeth Warren born8 pounds,4 ouncesat6.47am on May11, 2023, to proud Stratford parents Carinaand James Warren.

Photo: Zoe Askew

Dexter William Royborn 5pounds, 6ounces at 3.07am on May7,2023, to proud Sale parents KeishaLangshaw andDarin Roy.

Photo:Zoe Askew

Ladies night Fridayfundraiser

CORPORAL (CPL) Rach Hopkins of RAAF Base East Sale, along with her fellow RAAF volunteers, facilitated aLadies Night Fundraiser at Sale Cinema on Friday, May 19, raising $15,000 for the Newborn Intensive Care Foundation (NICF).

Founder and chairman of the NICF, Peter Cursley, was blownaway by the outstanding work of “Rach Hopkins and her dream team”.

“It was afantastic night,” Mr Cursley said. “Rach and her dream team did an incredible job organising the event, raising amassive $15,000, whichhas allowed us to purchase an isolettefor theSaleHospital.”

The money raised from Ladies Night have also funded anew breast pump, waterless milk warmer and specialist baby scalesfor the SaleHospital, with the remaining funding set aside for reclining sofa beds -the target for NICFs 2023 Bake for Babies campaign. The sold-out event, screening Magic Mike: Last Dance in Sale Cinema’s newly renovated Cinema 3, aimed to raise $5,000 for the NICF, with CPL Hopkins and the volunteers well surpassing the set target.

Mr Cursley and his partner Di Van den Broek joined the 200 ticket holders on Friday, May 19, at Sale Cinema with notable guests SADFO representative WGCDR Garry McKee,Central

Bakefor babies… and beds!

Gippsland HealthCEO Mark Dykgraaf,Nurse Unit

Manager Kim Costin and many midwives from the Women’s and Children’s Unit also in attendance.

“The idea for the event stemmed from wanting to strengthen ties between the RAAF community and local Sale Community,” CPL Hopkins said.

“Many RAAF families, including myself, have or will utilise the Women and Children’s Unit at Sale Hospital, so whenImet Peter Cursley, Iknew NICF was the right fit.

“Mr Cursley shared the emotional story of the lossofhis newborn daughter Hanna,30years ago, the reason he started the foundation.

“There was silent auctions, raffles, toy giveaways, giftbags, aphoto walland lucky door prizes.Local

businessesfrom the Gippsland region kindly donated over $8,000 in prizes.

“The evening was more successful than we ever anticipated. It was so positive, powerful and uplifting to see what asmall communitycan do for such aworthy cause.”

Sincecommencing operations in Sale in July 2019,the NICF has facilitated more than $250,000 worth of medical equipment for Sale Hospital’s Special Care Nursery.

The NICF Bake for Babies fundraiser officially commences on June 1.

For more information about the NICF or Bake for Babies, go to newborn.org.au/

Help and donate your doonas

FORmany of us, the cooler weathersignals the need to bring out our winter doonas, turn up the heating or buy anew jacket to stay warm and dry Sadly for manypeople, these simple comforts are out of reach.

That’s why Uniting Vic.Tas is again calling for the support of people across the Gippsland to help bring some much-needed warmth to the most vulnerable in our community.

As part of this year’s Gippsland Winter Local Appeal, United is calling on people to dig deep and donate -just $30 is enough to buy anew blanket or jacket for someone doing it tough.

The crippling cost of living pressures are contributingtoa growing number of people becoming homeless, with many more at risk of becoming in the coming months.

We want to keepasmanypeople as we can rugged up and sheltered this winter.

Uniting Vic.Tas Gippsland executive officer Di Fisher said the appealwould not only helppeople

The Newborn Intensive CareFoundation’s (NICF) annual Bakefor Babies fundraiser is running from June to August and the goal is to raiseenough moneytopurchase 10 newchairs for the Women’s and Children’s Unit at Sale Hospital.

Can you help?

The chairs can be converted to beds to provide aplace for partners or the birthing mother’s support person to stay overnight.

Formoreinformation about the NICF and Bakefor Babies, visit www.newborn.org.au.

living on the streets but also support children and families living in poverty and in need.

“Thisisatimeofgreat uncertainty.Costs are rising, people are really battling to make ends meet, and we know it’s always the most disadvantaged people in our community who are hardest hit, especially during the colder months,” she said.

“There are more people living on the streets, in cars and in poverty having to make impossible choices between the basics such as paying the rent and putting food on the table.

“We’re asking people to contribute what they can.Yourdonations willmakea real difference to children andfamilies that are really struggling.”

Donations of new blankets, swags, tents, bedding includingpillows, doonas, winter clothes, thermal flasks andnon-perishable food can be made at Uniting’s Sale, Bairnsdale and Leongatha.

To donate onlineorfor more information on how you can help, go to unitingvictas.org.au/ local-winter

Demands for social housing

CALLSfor more socialand affordable housing come as new research reveals that regional Victorians are paying thousands of dollars more per year in rent than they were three years ago.

Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) Victoria has analysed the SQM Research Weekly Rents Index for the postcodes proposed to playhosttoathletes’ villagesduring the Commonwealth Games 2026.

Since May 2020, median rents for combined units and homes have surged between 21 per cent and 42 per cent across the postcodes of the proposed village locations. It means renters living in those postcodes are now paying between $69 and $100 extrainrent per week comparedtothe early days of the pandemic.

For Gippslanders living in Morwell, the May 2023 asking rent was $337, aweekly rental increase of $100 (42 per cent) since May 2020, with CHIA reporting the Latrobe Valley totals an unmet housing need of 7,300.

CHIA Vic acting chief executive, Jason Perdriau said last week the data highlights the urgent need for the state government to invest in more social and affordable housing in this month’s budget.

“Rents have soared across Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelongand Gippslandover the past threeyears. We can’t allow thesame thingtohappen with no solutions over the next three years ahead of the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“We also wait in anticipation on the next steps for the construction of the athletes’ villagesacross regional Victoria. We hope the government will partnerwithcommunityhousing organisations to guarantee the accommodation is suitable and affordable for Victorians in housing need after the Games.

“The Commonwealth Games athletes’ villages should be used to make an ambitious contribution to social housing in these regional areas that are becoming more unaffordable for more people.

“Repurposing the villages intoamixed tenure model of social, affordable and market rentals, alongside shared equity and market sale homes, wouldprovide hundredsofVictorians with ahome, encourage further investment in these areas, and demonstrate the value of rolling out these kinds of developments acrossVictoria.”

Ellis Mitchell and Rach Hopkins.

NewbornIntensive Care Foundation founderand chairman Peter Cursley with partner Di Vanden Broek at Ladies Night Photos: Contributed

Zoe Askew

Famous art in Gippsland

TomParry

THERE’S apiece in the Gippsland Art Gallery which has caused quite astir these past three months.

The piece in question is titled “A Masked Alert”, an oil-on-canvas work painted by Australian surrealist James Gleeson.

Since March, Gleeson’s painting has taken up residence in the John Leslie Gallery, promoted as a“Proposed Acquisition”. Its staunchestproponent, arguably, is Gallery director SimonGregg,who admits to having a “personal attachment” to Gleeson’s work.

“When Iwas studying painting, Iwas about ready to give up -Ididn’t know what to do, and Ihit a dead-end,” Mr Gregg told the Gippsland Times.

“And Isaw aGleeson retrospective at the National Gallery (of Victoria)inMelbourne, andmyjaw just hit the floor.

“I couldn’t believewhathe’d done with paint -completely blew me away and inspired me for years after that to keep painting.

“I no longer paint now, but at that time… it was completely transformational.”

Mr Gregg describes Gleeson as the “best-known

Australian surrealist”, likening his work to acclaimed 20th-century artists such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso, as well as English romanticist William Turner.

He argues that with Gleeson, “you might not knowwhathe’spainting, but he’spainting it really well -whatever it is he’s painting.”

In the instance of “A MaskedAlert”, it evokes images of the beach: “You’ve got things washed up, coming out of the ocean; there’s akind of crustacean feel to some of these shapes.”

The artwork is being offered for purchaseby the Charles Nodrum Gallery in Richmond, which represents Gleeson’s estate -hepassed away in 2008 amonth shy of his 93rd birthday.

Mr Greggiskeen on making the work part of the Gippsland Art Gallery’s collection, and not just because he appreciates Gleeson’s artistry.

“Increasingly, we’re trying to look at… artists which would bringpeopleinto the region,”Mr Gregg said.

“We’d attract people from Melbourne and further afield if they know we’ve got amajor Gleeson work; but it means that people in our community have first-hand access to this level of work as well.”

Theonly problem is, the artwork is being offered for$75,000 -well beyond the Gallery’s budget.

For that reason,“AMasked Alert” is currently being loaned to the Gallery for six months, and Mr Gregg is using this time to “test the waters” and see whether attendees are receptive to the artwork.

The response so far has been mixed.

“What I’m hearing about the Gleesonisthat people either absolutely love it, or it just leaves them abit cold,” Mr Gregg said.

“So it’s kind of dividing people abit,which has been interesting.”

He added that younger attendees were being drawn to the work, and he was “not too surprised” by the divided reaction.

Afundraising drive is currently underway to raise the $75,000 for the artwork’s purchase.

Theinitiativefollows asimilar drive last year, when the community successfully raised $40,000 for the purchase of two 19th-century paintings by John G. Sutherland.

Both artworks took pride of place in the Gallery’s Gifted 2 exhibition throughout autumn.

While the Gallery is currently short of its monetary target, Mr Gregg holds out hope that it will be able to purchase James Gleeson’s work before its loan concludes in September.

“Therecould be waysand means, you never quite know,” he said.

“If we are able to keep it, it’ll certainly havea central place in the Gallery’s collection. “We’ve got anumberofpieces that are vaguely surrealist, but nothing as outwardly surrealist as this, so it would take the collection in aslightly new direction, Isuppose.”

Gippsland Art Gallery will be launching its Winter Season this Friday, June 2.

It will also be hosting atalkbyone of its featured artists, Rohan Hutchinson this Saturday, June 3. For more information about both events, head to gippslandartgallery.com/events

Raging Hormones returning to Saleinrelease of EP

TomParry

THEY gottheir start in Gippsland; now they’re coming home, and excited to inspire the next generation of musicians.

Collectively, they’re known as RagingHormones, afive-piece band founded by Nick Manuell.

The band consists of Manuell as lead vocalist, guitaristand principal songwriter; LucyRash on vocals and keys; Dave Williams on vocals and guitar; Adrian Van Bloom on drums, and Jon Grace on bass.

Although based in Melbourne, Raging Hormones has strong links to Gippsland -Manuell, Rash and Williams all attended school in Bairnsdale, while Van Bloom hails from Erica.

According to Manuell, it was during the pandemicinduced lockdowns that the band “reallykicked-off”.

“I started writing the songs on my own as away to cheer myself up, and away to cheer up my partner,”

Manuell told the Gippsland Times.

“The whole band (idea) really came from this ridiculous pair of sunglasses that Ihad found, and felt likethey had like apersona attached to them, so Ikind of built this band and wrote all these songs to… legitimise becoming this person when you put these sunglasses on.”

The sunglassesinquestionare largeand square with silver rims, and have since been incorporated into the band’s logo.

Manuell likens the sound of Raging Hormones to “proto-punk” music, citing The Jam and The Stoogesasinfluences, but notes they are also “a pretty romantic band”.

“All of the songs are meant to… take all of the issues in your life and kind of help you clear out all the junk from your head and just be happy,” Manuell explained.

“I like the idea of calling the band ‘Ranging Hormones’(as though) it was some sort of outof-control thing that …you weren’t in control of -it’sjust this guttural thing that comes from deep within you.”

Having released singles and music videos online, Raging Hormones is now preparing to release their first-ever EP: Public Fun -Part 1.

“It was originally an album, but we’ve decided

to split it into two EPs and kind of drip-feed it out into the world,” Manuell said.

In recognition of their roots, the band will be launchingthe EP witha gig at the Gippsland Hotel in Sale, taking place next Friday, June 9. Their appearance at “The Gippy”was made possible throughtheir association with local musician, producer and promoter Brett Glover, whoinrecent monthshas been securing acts for “Live at the Bundy”.

“All the stuff that those guys are doing with the Bundalaguah Hall hasbeen exciting,” Manuell said.

“We have wanted to be involved with thatfor some time; but you’vegot to tie these things into a releaseand make it all worthwhile… build atour and a reason to be down there, things like that.

“We haven’t been able to do it reallyuntil this point, and unfortunately The BlackSorrows, Ithink, Ihad beaten us to the Bundy Hall for the weekend.”

Hence, Raging Hormones was able to land aspot at the hotel instead.

Manuell also said that it had been “exciting” to see what’shappening withthe live musicscene in Gippsland.

“Really, Ileft thatarea becausetherewas no music scene... Iwas in Bairnsdale at the time and we putona couple of shows, but it was really hard to getanythinggoing,” he lamented.

“All of the clubs and pubs in town just wanted the old jukebox blaring away or… electronic club-style music.

“It feltlikethere was bighole in my lifestyle

there, that Ineeded to move to Melbourne to fill.

“It’s really exciting now that there’s venues popping up, like The Gippy and the Bundy Hall, that are allowing us to comehome and do thisthing that we’ve loved for so long.

“I think I’veonly ever come backonce to do a gig in Bairnsdale at Snap Alley, and that was probably six years ago now.”

Not only does Manuell believe that there’s a strong future for live music in Gippsland; he also believes it’s anecessity for the area’s youth.

“Rural areas -not that Sale’s all that rural anymore,but the further you go out of the city, the more live music has an importance, Ibelieve,” he said.

“I think that youngerpeople need things to do, to be entertained, and also to be given opportunities, and to feel less alone.”

He noted arecent youth-oriented eventhe

performed at in South Australia -the Caltowie Chilled Out and Fired Up Music Festival -asan example.

“Thatkindofthing is really important -showing people all the beautiful colours of life, thatexist beyond the town that you’re in, can be super beneficial to people’s mentalhealth,” Manuell explained.

As part of their visit to Gippsland, Raging Hormones will also be conducting aworkshop for young people at the Bundy Hall the following Saturday, called “Ready, Set, Rock: How to Launch Your Band in 5DIY Steps”.

“We’re going to talk aboutsong-writingideas and creativity ideas, which is really about you becominggood at yourcraft; and then on top of that, we’re going to talk about to run your band like abusiness,” Manuell said of the event.

“We’re acompletely self-sufficient, DIY-style band –wedon’t rely on outside stuff, which means we write our own songs, we make our own video clips, we do our own pitching…

“We’ve got so many different people from different walks of lifeinour band; everybody’s got adifferent role other than just playing their instrument.”

For more information about the “Ready, Set, Rock” workshoponSaturday, June 10, head to liveatthebundy.com.au and follow the prompts.

For more information about Raging Hormones’ gig at the Gippsland Hotel, head to facebook.com/ thegippslandhotel/events

Raging Hormonesmembers (from left) Dave Williams, Jon Grace, Nick Manuell, Adrian Van Bloom andLucy Rash.

Photo:Contributed

Gippsland Art Gallery director SimonGregg

Photos: TomParry

Character andcharm

TUCKEDaway on aprivatecorner block witheasyaccess offPalmerston Street, and well-located near shops, schools, recreationalfacilities and health services, this charming property offers loads of appeal both inside and out, agents say

The weatherboard home has an inviting front façade, set among established trees and gardens with alarge timber deck, providing a great spot for amorning cuppa.

Once inside,you will be impressed by the spacious andlight-filledinterior.The home has been fully renovated in recent times, seamlesslyentwining originalfeatures with modern updates.

This property presents as the whole package -good location, alovely home with great outdoor entertaining space plusidealshedding.

Property features include:

■ Four generous bedrooms, all with built-in robes;

■ Spacious North-facing formal living area -a great space full of natural light and with split system for year-round comfort;

■ Modern, well-equipped kitchen withgood benchspace, plentyofcupboardsand drawers,with adjacent diningarea for family meals;

■ Superb family bathroom with double vanity, large shower,separatebath and toilet;

■ Well set-up laundry with plenty of storage space, plus separate second toilet;

Briefdetails

Property:Four-bedroom home ty: Four-bedroom

Address: 216Raglan Street, Sale ess: Street,Sale

Price: $539,000

Con ta ct: Chris tine Ha ylock , Chr ist ine Wellington Real Estate, 0417 007 336 0417007

■ Ultimate undercoveroutdoorentertaining area, complete withbuilt-in benches, cupboards and BBQ, well-protected from all types of weather for year-round entertaining;

■ Well-fenced and secure backyard, with plenty of established low-maintenance landscaping;

■ Private driveway access to the two cargarage/ workshop and the single carport, both with remote garage roller doors, and;

■ 11.8 x5.6sqm garage/workshop with great storage, bench space and plenty of in-built shelving.

Thisisone you canmovestraight into and enjoy.Don’t miss out on an inspection.

A perfect family home

HERE’sone for those looking for amodern home with loads of room for the family,while also being close to some of Maffra’s most popular facilities -such as the Maffra Recreation Reserve, Maffra Lawn Tennis courts, wetlands walking track and swimming pool.

The layout flows perfectly,agentssay,with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, dual living zones, astudy nook and large entertaining space under-roof, and entry via the remote double garage.

The open plan includes astylish kitchen with walk-in pantry and 900mm oven, along with the Caesarstone island bench in a striking black colour,which blends both the dining and entertaining space together beautifully

Built by local reputable builders, the home’squality fixtures and fittings highlight the taste and décor that comes with a quality build.

Set well on the spacious 817sqm block, the home blends well in the contour of the land with alarge shed at the rear easily accessed for storage of all your items.

Features of the property include:

 Stylish ensuite and bathroom;

 Robes in all the bedrooms with awalk-in to the master;

 Gas ducted heating;

 Reverse cycle unit;

 Solar system, plus solar hot water,and;  Shed with sliding door access, storage, workshop, and entertaining space.

Rd,Namrok $1,850,000-$1,900,000 61.92 ha

•153 acreFarm

•A solid 3bedroom, 1bathroom weatherboard andironhome has hadsome internal modernizations

•There aretwo good machinerysheds as well as asolidhay shed,and railway iron cattle facilities

•120 Megalitregroundwaterlicense,93Megalitre channel waterlicense

•Close to the highway, and withtwo road frontages,it presentsgreat opportunity.

Jarryd Sutton 0457 034 111Max O’Doherty0419 286 920

•Unique home setamongst115 acres of trees

•This hidden gem has copious amounts of characterand charm from themoment youturn intothe driveway

•The solid brickhome is madeupofover70,000 bricks out of the old Boarding House on Foster Street Sale

•The bedrooms areofgenerous sizewith the master including WIRand ensuite, the open plan kitchendining family room areinthe heartofthe home witha second livingand dining locatedjust off thiswith abeautiful open fireplace as the center piece

Agents:Aaron Ralph 0456 215087 Glen Synnott 0467 550 904

Once in alifetime opportunity

IT’S not very often that aproperty of this nature becomes available, according to agents. This generational family home is now available, overlooking the Macalister River and not farfromLake Glenmaggie. The home is set very privately from the road and neighbours, and presents as acountry home should. Afull-length verandah takes in the spectacular view of the river and onto the mountain ranges beyond. Spacious throughout, the entire home does not have any small spaces; at its heart is alarge kitchen, dining and lounge area.

Aparents’ retreat sits at the northern end, with walk-in robe and ensuite, and also asmall room alongside -perfect as anursery or awork-from-home office. The other two bedrooms are in the south end of the house; they have built-in robes and easy access to the family bathroom. Outside is alarge orchid nursery,a further deck entertaining area and a huge carport. Ample further shedding allows for aman cave, machinery/hay shed and aworkshop with afurther toilet.

The property also features awater right and agrazing right. Inspection is strictly by appointment.

Briefdetails

Property:Four-bedroom home ty: Four-bedroom on sevenhectares (17acres) ares

Address: Available on request, request, Glenmaggie

Price: $2,000,000 $2,000,000

Contact: Glen Synnott,Alex t: Scott and Staff, 0467 550 904 tt aff,

SOLDPRIORTOAUCTION

Spacious and peaceful home

LOCATED in aquiet court, this quality property is perfect for buyers wanting substantial space in aprivate setting, but with the convenience of the Sale CBD only minutes away

According to agents, the large 4341sqm block provides ample room for families and their hobbies, complete with an undulating rural outlook that is sure to impress. The home has been designed for modern family living with an extensive floor plan, inclusive of five bedrooms and multiple living spaces.

One not to miss if you are looking for a lifestyle change.

Property features include:

 Generous master suite with walk-in robe

and ensuite with double vanity,shower and separate toilet;

 Afurther four large bedrooms, all with built-in robes;

 Separate formal living area;

 Open plan dining and living space -a fabulous space with large windows letting in plenty of natural light;

 Well-equipped kitchen with large island bench, plenty of cupboards and drawers plus walk-in pantry;

 Air conditioning and ducted gas heating for year-round comfort;

 Covered outdoor entertaining -agreat spot to sit, relax and takeinrural views, and;

 Double remote garage with internal access into the home.

Ascending avacados

THE globalavocado tradewill continuetogrowin the next few years, but the market will be more competitive, forcing operators to be not only more efficient, but also increasingly sustainable, accordingtoanew report by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank.

In thereport, Global Avocado Growth Far From Over, Rabobank says world avocado production expanded by acompoundannual growth rate (CAGR) of around seven per cent over the past decade.

For Australia, the report says, avocado production grew at aCAGRofnine per cent overthe same period.

Theprimary drivers of expansion in key regions over this period were “attractive prices and returns”, according to Rabobank global strategist Fresh Produce, Farm Inputs, Cindy van Rijswick, with the “health halo” of avocados amajor drawcard for consumers around the world.

“As anutrient-dense fruit,avocados are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and monounsaturated fats,” the report says.

“The significantgrowth in trade comes as no surprise given thatavocados are also an incredibly versatilesuperfood that are used in many different cuisines.”

The report says production in Mexico -the world’s largest avocado producer which currently accounts for 30 per cent of global avocado supply -grewby aCAGRofapproximately six per cent over the past decade.

In Colombia (which accounts for 12 per cent of globalavocadoproduction),Peru(nine per cent) andKenya (six per cent), production increased by aCAGRofaround 15 per cent, 12 per cent and 11 per cent respectively over the same period.

On the other hand, the report says, the US, which was still among the world’s largest avocadoproducing countries in 2012, dropped afew places in the ranking and is no longer atop 10 global producer.

“Increased avocado production in countries with complementary harvesting seasons hasallowed year-round availability in key markets, including the US, the EU and somemarkets in Asia,"the report says.

“While production in Mexico extends year round, it reaches aseasonal low in June and July, when production peaks in the US (California) and Peru, providing asteady supply to the US market.”

Ms van Rijswick said Mexico, with its avocado exports increasing at an average annual growth rate of around eight per cent overthe past decade, reaffirmed its place as the largest avocadoexporting countryinthe world,surpassing one million metric tons in 2022. The report says the primary destination for Mexican avocado exports is, by far, the US market, whereproductversatility and promotional campaigns have helped to create demand for avocados in retail and foodservice channels.

Globally, the US remains the largest market destination for avocados overall, with imports increasing by acompound annual growth rate of approximately eight per cent from 2012 to 2022.

Among the next-largestavocado exporters, Peru,Spain andKenya exports expanded by a CAGR of 22 per cent, six per cent and 15 per cent respectively between 2012 and 2022.

These countries mainly supply the European market.Behind theUS, the largest avocado importers between 2012 and 2020 were the Netherlands, Spain and France, Rabobank says.

Over thisperiod,importvolumes into these countries increased by aCAGRof14per cent, 20 per cent and eight per cent respectively.

The report says the estimated global commercial market value of fresh avocados was approximately USD 18 billion in 2022 and the bankseessubstantial opportunity for further growth.

“We believe there is room for significant growth in several markets around the world, as percapita

consumption is highly variable,” Ms van Rijswick said. In terms of per capita ‘avocado availability’ (which is usedasanindicatorofconsumption), Mexico leads, the report says, with aglobal record of some nine kilograms of fresh avocados per personper year,followed by Chile withalmost eight kilograms.

Australia and the US are also towards the top of the list of countries consuming the most avocados per person -with both recording ‘consumption’ of more than four kilograms per capita per year.

The report says sustainability concerns remain on the agenda for avocado producers around the globe, with water usage the main issue.

Partly because of this, avocado growers have been investing in advanced irrigation systems to improve water efficiency, it says.

For Australia, the report says, there was a35 per centincreaseinexport volumes of avocados in 2022, rising to more than 11,000 metric tonnes.

This was evident in key exportregions, according to Rabobank associateanalyst Pia Piggott,where Australiaincreased market share in Singapore to 73 per cent, Hong Kong to 25 per cent and Malaysia to 62 per cent.

“The weaker Australian dollar also supported Australia’s competitiveness against its peers, with prices rising six per cent to aFOB (free on board) export price of AUD 5.02 per kilogram,” she said.

Ms Piggott said this export market growth had comeatatimewhen theAustralian avocadoindustry had been experiencing local oversupply, with domestic retail pricesin2022averagingAUD 1.61 apiece, 32 per cent below the five-year average.

“The Australian avocado industry has been experiencing aperiod of volatility as it learns to cope with the growing pains of increased supply in the market,” she said.

Ms Piggott saidretail prices for avocadosin Australia had started out more strongly in 2023, with production from WesternAustralia lower due to ‘alternate bearing’ (the tendency of crops to producelarger amounts in alternate years).

“Howeverpriceshavesince come down,coinciding withthe beginning of the Shepardvariety avocado season,” she said.

“And, with the Hass seasonbeginningagainthis month, we expect increases in supplytofurther weigh on domestic prices.”

Ms Piggott said withplentyofproduction growth in Australian avocados expected in the next few years,“maintaining market share in key countries and developing new market access will be priorities to ensure sustainable returns for growers”.

6PEARSON STREET,MAFFRA

*One of Maffra’s iconic landmark properties

CORIO -CIRCA 1897

*Old world features which include large verandahs, high ceilings, wine cellar,open fireplaces, decorative ceiling roses and cornices

*4bedrooms, 2bathrooms

*Formal study or library

*Huge formal dining room with open fireplace

*Family room with wood heating and reverse cycle air-conditioning

*Timber kitchen with large stove and abundance of cupboard space

*Delightfulnorth facing outdoor entertainment area which has direct access from the family room

*6mx9mgarage with concretefloor andpower

AUCTION: SATURDAY 3RD JUNE AT 10:30AMONSITE

11 JOHN STREET,MAFFRA

QUALITY HOME IN SUPERB LOCATION

*A rare opportunity to purchase this quality built home

*3bedrooms, 2bathrooms

*2living areas

*Kitchen with loads of cupboardspace, gas cook top, electric oven, dishwasher,and walk in pantry

*North facingsunroom

*Large outdoor undercover entertainment area

*Carport,garage and superb 3bay shed/mancave

*Fantastic

AUCTION: SATURDAY 17TH JUNE AT 10:30AMONSITE

Victoria

Avocado trade is expected to grow.

Photo:File

Working for locals

Workers from Jaydohelping with constructionofSouthernRural Water’sNewry pipeline

SOUTHERN Rural Water’s Newrypipeline project is securing benefits for the local economy and community in Gippsland’s Macalister Irrigation District.

There are 25 peopledirectly employedonthe Newry Pipeline project, and 90 per cent of those people live locally.

The pipeline is beingbuiltbySouthern Rural Water’sconstruction partnerJaydo as part of Phase 2ofthe $159.7 million MacalisterIrrigation District modernisation program.

ManagingDirector CameronFitzGeraldsaid SouthernRural Water’s investment would boost the local economy.

“We are delighted to be employing local people and usinglocal suppliers on our project,”Mr FitzGerald said.

“There are also 35 subcontractors employed by the project and 90 per cent of them are local businesses.”

Maffra local JulieFoat is also benefittingfrom the Newry Pipeline,and is proud to work for aproject that will help local farmers be more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

“My familyisdirectly involved in agriculture as beef producers and this pipeline is essential to future proof farms like ours,” Ms Foat said.

“I have aprofessional background in health, safety and compliance and love applying these skills on ajob that’s going to leave such apositive legacy in my community.”

Jaydo’sKaylaAucote, abarista-turned-labourer, said the project helped her switch industries and begin her Certificate 3inCivil Construction.

“I’ve always wanted to work in construction.

Jaydo has taken me on as an apprentice for this project and is supportingmyeducation withformal training and on-the-job learning,” Ms Aucote said.

“There’s so much infrastructure investment happening in Victoria. Ifeel this project is setting me up to make the most of the career opportunities in the region and across the state.”

Melbourne-based project engineer Jaydon McLeod proactively asked to live and work in the region during the weekbecausehe’s passionate about supporting the local community.

“I’ve got to knowalot of locals and it’s rewarding to know they support the work I’m doing,” Mc McLeod said.

“Thisproject is so important to the economic and social fabric of the community. Iknow most of the team value doing rewarding work that’s on their doorstep.”

Mr FitzGerald said irrigation water is critical for food production and entire regions are supported by this infrastructure.

“This once-in-a-generation investment in modernising infrastructure will support the region’s agricultural businesses to become more efficient, productive and resilient,” he said.

“We are proud to be investing in local skills and people who are directly employed on this project will leave the community with apositive lasting legacy.”

The modernisation of the Macalister Irrigation District is jointly funded by the stategovernment, federal government through the National Water Grid Fund, and is delivered in partnership with Southern Rural Water.

Photo: Contributed

Dairy Aus Board seekingfarmers

THE Dairy Australia Board is seeking directors to fill upcoming vacancies and to be appointed at the November 2023Annual General Meeting(AGM)

Two of the four vacant positions are for farmers with milkproducer skills, one is for adirectorwith agribusiness, innovation and adoption skills, and another for adirectorwithdairy supplychain and product promotion skills.

Farmers and those with the relevant skills and experience are encouraged to stand for one of the board director positions and to play arole

in governance and strategic direction of Dairy Australia.

It’s an important time as Dairy Australia works towards shaping aprofitableand sustainable industry by providing servicesthatbenefit and advance dairy farm businesses and the industry. These services deliver value by enhancing farm business management, supporting employment andpeopledevelopment, drivingherd and feed innovation, managing climate and environment, promoting Australian dairy and the commitment

Awell-deserved retirement

ONE of AgricultureVictoria’s most respected researchers, Dr Joe Panozzo, recently retired after more than 35 years of service.

In the eyesofhis former colleagues,DrJoe Panozzo remainsanincrediblyhumble and approachable person despite all of his achievements in agricultural research.

Commencing with grower-funded Victorian WheatInstitute as awheat quality scientistin the 1980s, Dr Panozzo worked closely with three wheat breeding programs to determine quality traits in the early generations of the breeds.

Afriend and mentor to many, he has supervised 11 PhD students during theirstudies at Horsham and continues to instil his passion for agricultural research as an honorary supervisoratthe University of Melbourne.

Dr Simone Warner, head of Agriculture Victoria Researchthanked Dr Panozzo for his serviceto Victorian agriculture.

“Dr Panozzo is recognised globally for his vast experience in grains research,” Dr Warner said.

“He has led research and development projects in wheat breeding, pulses, oilseedsand ruminantfeed nutrition that many organisationshave benefitted from.

“The significance of his scientific contributions is evident in the 140-plus publications that bear his name, and his team’s research findings have been cited more than 4,300 times.

“Agriculture Victoria is very thankful to Joe for his contributions that have been such abenefit to our organisation and Victoria.”

Acting Research Director and Horsham SmartFarm site manager, Dr Garry Rosewarne, said Dr Panozzo has been agreat colleague and friend to many.

“I worked withJoe first-hand in our pulse breeding programs, and he has revolutionised how we assess quality in such away that it goes hand in hand with our genomics capabilities,” Dr Rosewarne said.

“His wealth of knowledge and experience will be sorely missed.”

Dr Panozzo said he wouldlook backathis time at AgricultureVictoriawith fondness, and the Horsham site as atruly wonderful place to undertakeagricultural-based research that had clear economic benefits for Victoria.

At the height of his career, Dr Panozzo was awarded the FarrerMedal, whichperpetuates the achievements of Australia’s first wheat breeder, William Farrer and the prestigious Australasian Grain Science Association FB Guthrie Medal for ‘outstanding scientificachievement and contribution to knowledge in the field of grain science.

VFF announce new leader

VICTORIAN Farmers Federation (VFF) has announced that Brendan Tatham has been formally appointed as its chief executive to lead the state’s peak agricultural advocacy organisation.

Mr Tathamjoined the organisation as VFF interim chiefexecutive in November2022 and was successfulfollowing an extensive recruitment process which attracted alarge pool of applicants conducted by Pacific Search Partners.

VFF President, Emma Germano said she was delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Tatham and the significant experience and knowledge that he would continue to share with the organisation.

“Brendan brings over 25 years of experience to the VFFfromhis extensive background in public health, agri-food and emergency management, having held senior leadership positions at the VictorianDepartment of Environmentand Primary Industries and as chief executive officer at PrimeSafe,” Ms Germano said.

“Sincetaking the reigns as VFFinterim chief

executiveinlate2022, he hashelped fast-track the transformation of the VFF. His permanent appointment will better enable the organisation to deliverthe best possible resultsfor farmers; exactly what we need to do.”

Mr Tatham said he was eager to continue the work that has been started to allow the organisation to embrace the opportunities of the future.

“I’m thrilled and honoured to be asked to lead the VFF. I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to work withthe board, staff and members to make adifference for Victoria’s agricultural industries, farmers and regional communities.

“Farmers are at the core of everything we do, and Ilook forward to transforming our member’s needs into outcomes by utilising the fast-moving media, technology and political cycles that make up today’s modern advocacy environment.”

The VFF would like to acknowledge and thank all who undertook the process and encourages them to continue to contribute to the VFF and the farmingcommunity into the future.

to sustainability,supportinginternationaldairy markets, contributing to policy development, and responding to critical issues and events.

Dairy Australia’s board comprises eight nonexecutive directors and the managing director. At

least four directors must be farmers or those with milk producer skills. Aboard skills matrix specifies the mix of skills required by directors and is aligned with DairyAustralia’s funding agreement withthe federal government.

Dr Joe Panozzo recently retired after more than 35 years of service with Agriculture Victoria. Photo: Contributed

DACHSUND

953010000642833-

HORSES WANTED

TINY SMALL PUPS

Micro. 953010006586356/6457/6458/6460/

6461/6645577/5578/5579. Source No. MB146897, $1500.

Jan Crawford, Longford 0401 230 900.

HORSES WANTED

SITTER

Gippsland Hire

WURRUK

83 The Ridge, Sunday, June 4, 10am-2pm. Everything must go. Make an offer.

MOVING INTERSTATE

Everything must go!

14 Hardie Place, Stratford, 8am Sat., June 3. Clothes and costumes, kitchen and household tools, garden supplies, books and DVDs, furniture, Pop Culture collectables, photography prints, candle making kit, camping and snow gear and more. Items priced to sell and negotiable.

COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM

The Fingerboards project is aproject of major significance for the local region that will support economic growth and local jobs for many years.

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the local community, Gippsland Critical Minerals Pty Ltd is launching aCommunity Grants Program to support community initiatives that enhance the quality of life, heritage, recreation, and cultural opportunities and provide long lasting benefits to the widercommunity.

Grant funding is available for projects within the Educational, Recreational, Environmental and Social aspects of the community.

Atotal of $40,000 annually will be provided, consisting of five $2000 grants each quarter. These grants must have adirect positive outcome for the local community, adding to a project in apositive and sustainable manner

To be eligible to apply local organizations must:

● Be an organization that provides benefit to the broader community.

● The Project must be completed within six months of receipt of funds. This may be extended upon written approval from the committee should extenuating circumstances arise.

● Organizations must agree to expend grant monies only in accordance with the successful grant project application.

● The project must be based within the East Gippsland and Wellington communities.

● Applicants must detail how the project will be funded anddelivered.

Round 2isnow open.

Applications will close 2nd June 2023 at 5pm. Successful applicants will be advised in June 2023.

For further information please visit our website at https:/www.gippslandcriticalminerals.com

CGH is currently seeking afriendly and dynamic Blood Transfusion Trainer to join the team. In this role you will educate nurses, midwives, medical and other staff involved in the transfusion process, in the safe and appropriate use of blood and blood components/products, in accordance with national and international guidelines while supporting the Vision, Values and Objectives of Central Gippsland Health Service. If you are aregistered nurse with a minimum of three years post registration and have had recent experience in transfusion practice, we want to hear fromyou. Apply now!

To apply for the role or for further information, go to: https:/centralgippslandhealth.mercury.com.au or contact Jenny Dennett, Nurse Unit Manager Critical Care Unit/Cardiology/Oncology/Dialysis on (03) 5143 8752.

Permanent full time Early Childhood Educator

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

Kath Foley Children's Centre and Kindergarten Inc. is anot for profit, community-based centre providing long day care, 3's and 4's kindergarten. We are looking to employ someone who wants a rewarding career in Early Childhood Education and Care. Above award pay and conditions apply.

Ideally the successful applicant will possess a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. However, there is opportunity to study while you work to attain acertificate 3orDiploma qualification with support and mentoring from qualified and highly experienced educators. We are achild safe andequal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our workplace and encourage applications from people of all cultural backgrounds and ages.

Resumes and inquiriesby11/6/23 to: director@kathfoleycentre.com.au or contact Robyn on 51447188.

Applications for part time employment will also be considered.

Magpies out of superleague

Liam Durkin

HERE’S three words you never thought you’d hear -Collingwood has folded.

Well, the netball sideofCollingwood has anyway. After speculation surrounding their future in the Super League,the Magpies officially announced last week they would be stepping down.

“Netball Australia has today (Thursday) received notification from Collingwood that it will not be renewing its Suncorp Super Netball team licence for the 2024season,” Netball Australia chiefexecutive, Kelly Ryan said.

“Negotiations are already underway with interested partiesfor an eighth teamlicence for the 2024-2026 seasons.

“While we are disappointed by Collingwood’s decision, we thank them for their participation in the Suncorp Super Netball competition.

“In recenttimes it had become clearthat Collingwood’s prioritieshad shiftedaway from netball to focus on its core business of football. “We are understandingoftheimpact Collingwood’s decision has on its current players and staff, and we will support them during this time.

“Weare currently talking to interested parties and look forward to communicating the next steps as thisprocess unfolds.

“The growth of netballinAustralia is strong, with more thanone million participants across the country. We are proudofthe SuncorpSuper Netballcompetition, and it remains the number one professional netball league in the world.” SuperNetballmust fieldeight teams to fulfil its broadcastdealwithFox.

The situation meansthree-time Gippsland League best-and-fairest winner Montana Holmes,

Maffra

Collingwood netballer andthree-time Gippsland League best-and-fairest winner and former Sale and Maffra player,Montana Holmes,will needto find another club next season, after the Magpiesannounced they werewithdrawingfromthe super league.

who has had stints with Moe, Sale and Maffra, will need to find anew club next year.

Holmes is currently atraining partner with the Magpies.

The writing appeared to be on the wall for Collingwood following poor on-court performance and low attendances.

The Magpies are currentlylast on the ladder

with a2-9 record and still three rounds to play. Aligning itself with the AFL-powerhouse has also createdproblems, as mostresources havegone toward the football department.

local Schuback in the mix at AFLmidseason rookie draft

Liam Durkin

ANUMBER of local players have nominated for the AFL midseason rookie draft.

The lives of so many couldchange forever tomorrow night when names are read out.

AFL clubs takingpart in the midseason draft must have aspotavailable on their list, brought about through someone being placed on the longterm injury list or retirement.

Richmond made avacancyonits list earlier in the year after the shock retirement of JasonCastagna.

Among the hopefuls is Drouin’s Ryan Maric, who is touted to go in the top 10.

Maric hasbeen interviewed by 11 AFL clubs, after impressive stints withGippslandPowerand Box Hillinthe VFL.

WestCoastlooks agoodchance of pickinghim up, and given the Eagles’ shockingform and injury list, he could well make his AFL debut before the season is out.

Lett

It looms as atrue turnaround story, as only two years ago Maric weighed almost 110 kilograms. Should Maric get drafted, it may draw comparisons to Shane Mumford, who grew up in the same neck of the woods in nearby Bunyip.

Before going on to play more than 200 games across stints at Geelong, Sydney and GWS, Mumford was aman-mountain playing country footy in the Ellinbank District league.Hefamously once ate 25 sausages at amate’s barbecue.

Closer to home, Morwell’s Tristen Waack and Traralgon’s Harvey Howe have both nominated.

Waack made his VFL debut for Box Hill earlier in the year, while Howe has played afew games for Gippsland Power and three for his home club in the Gippsland League.

Both are key position players and have height on their side. Howe stands over 200 centimetres, while Waack came of age last season as Morwell’s first choice ruckman with an ability to move around the ground with ease.

AnotherGippsland player has nominated, albeit from another state.

Jonti Schuback, currently with South Adelaide in the SANFL, has put himself in the mix.

Schuback, from Maffra, is the son of former Adelaide player and Sale City Football-Netball Club senior coach Jacob.

South Adelaide is currentlythe home of Moe brothers Sam and Joe Skinner. The former played ahandful of games for the Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide.

In aluckless AFL career, Skinner played the last of his five games across seven years last season.

As aparent who has gone through the draft process, Sam’sdad and current Newborough FNC senior coach, Craig Skinner, said emotions would be high over the coming days for those involved.

“AFL is an emotional rollercoaster,” he said.

“The hardest partisprobablygetting drafted, but after that, there is alot of luck involved, you’ve got to get opportunity, you’ve got to get things going your way.

“There’sjust as many footballers that don’t get to play at an AFL level consistently that are playingin the minor leagues that justdidn’t get their chance If you get achance, you’ve just got to take it, and grab it with both hands.”

While it is hoped all Gippslanders find AFL clubs tonight, those that don’tneednot be disheartened. Perhaps they can take aleaf out of Sam Skinner’s book.

Afterbeing axed by the Lions, he trained with North Melbourne, and was unable to get aspoton their list for the 2021 season. Not to be defeated, he moved to South Adelaideinthe hopes of getting arecall,and did so aftershining in that year’s SANFL competition.

He was thrown alifeline by Port Adelaide, who signed him as adelisted free agent in late 2021. There is always apathway.

Even Adrian Burgiel was drafted without ever playing for Gippsland Power.

FOOTBALL NETBALLEASTGIPPSLAND

Photo:File

SeaspraySLSCrecognised

Zoe Askew

SEASPRAYSurfLife SavingClubhas setthe benchmark for local sporting clubs purging deepseated societal patriarchal assumptions and fostering an equitable environment for women in sport, receiving the 2022 Gippstar Club of the Year Award and LifeSaving Victoria'sOutstanding Achievement Award for theirdedication to gender equality.

The recent combined success of Seaspray SLSC female athletes,the only Seaspray SLSC athletes to bring home medals from the 2023 Surf Lifesaving StateChampionships,totalling20medals since 2021, two female athletes finishing top ten at the Australian Championships Beach Flags and two femaleathletes receivingspots in the Sporting Excellence Program, just to name afew, is undeniable evidence of the power of fostering an equitable environment for women in sport.

In continuing to findways to supportfemale athletes at their club and across the region, Seaspray SLSC will play hosttotwo KaMana workshops led by Ironwomen HarrietBrown and LizzieWelborn on Friday, June 2and Saturday, June 3.

Through led discussions on topics such as body image, nutrition,self-confidence,menstrualcycles and performance,the KaMana workshop provides an opportunity for young female athletes, 12 years and older,tobuildconfidence,feel empoweredand reach their potential.

Harriet Brownisone of the most successful ironwomen currently competing, winning the Ironwoman Series twice, with aWorld Ironwoman titleand aWorld Board Race titlealsotoher name.

Brown has won the 52km Molokai 2Oahu Paddleboard Championships three times,isthe current record holder, and captained the winning AustralianLifesaving Teaminthe 2018 World Championships.

Harbouring apassion for sport, particularly women's sport, and havinglearnt alot through her time as aprofessional Ironwoman as well as her work as an ExercisePhysiologist, Brown gains tremendous satisfaction from passingonher knowledge and learnings to the next generation.

Lizzie Welborn was one of the youngest competitors to ever qualify for the professional Ironwoman series at just 16 years old.

Now 24, Welborn has become acoveted athlete placing third in the professional Ironwoman series in 2020 and 2021, second in the 2023 professional ironwoman series and the sport's new Summer of Surf series and hasrepresented Australia on numerous occasions.

Welborn also competed in the 52km Molokai 2Oahu World Paddleboard Championships in Hawaii, placing second to Harriet three years in arow.

Transitioning to being an open competitor and matching it with the more experienced women from being one of the most accomplished youth athletes surf sports has ever seen was achallenge for Welborn.

Today Welborn strives to equip the next generation of female athletes with the necessary tools to

understand the burden of expectation, manage insecurities about body image and the importance of fuelling correctly.

Seaspray SLSC directoroflifesaving, beach captain and successful athlete Jess Jackson comprehends the need and importance of addressing body positivityand menstrual health among female athletes and is looking forward to the upcoming KaMana workshop.

"It's definitely something that gets swept under the rug abit with female athletes," Jackson said.

"Being in asport wherewewear bathers and wetsuits and we have alot of younger girls going through puberty, it is good to discuss body health and bodypositivity because going through acertain age, everyone gets abit insecure, especially when you are wearing bathers around all different types of people, so it's definitely important for the younger girls as well as the older girls."

Jackson and fellow Seaspray SLSC athlete Zahli

Gallagher, were recently selected for Life Saving Victoria's Elite AthletesCamp, whichwill be hosted in Lorne across the Kings Birthday long weekend. Gallagher was alsonamedthe MarchJunior Gippstar Award winner.

Junior athletes Mahli Stothers and Lily Canfield are also looking forwardtothe club's upcoming workshop, with 15-year-oldCanfield sayingthat the KaMana workshop is not only agreat learning experience for female athletes but also for male athletes and coaches.

"If they understand what's going on, what we are going through, thenitcan help us better physically, when we train, but also be understanding that there is judgement and we do feel that," Canfield said.

"Particularly because we train around men a lot of the time, understanding why we mightbe feeling the way we feel is abig step [to gender equality in sport]."

Stothersand Canfield are among Seaspray SLSC athletes whoweresuccessfulinthis year's Surf Lifesaving State Championships.

Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien. who has adaughter and is involved with Seaspray Nippers, says the KaMana workshop is agreat initiative of the surf cluband an opportunity for women,young and older, to be inspired by some of thebest.

"While it's great to get some training in the competitiveaspects of sport, it's arare opportunity for local women to also understand better their bodies, their mindsand learn performancetipsfor their future athletic endeavours," Mr O'Brien said.

"Surf lifesaving is so much more than sport -it involves communityservice, teamwork, discipline and commitment, and it's agreat credit to Sue-Ellen Jackson and the club that they're organising this event to help empower local women."

On Friday, June 2, Brown and Welborn will lead the KaMana Body Positivity workshop at Seaspray SLSCfrom6.30pm until 8pm andthe KaMana Performance Mindset and Habits workshop on Saturday, June 3, from 8.15am until 9.45am. Tickets to workshops cost $30 per person. Call or text Seaspray SLSC director of programs and developmentand life memberSue-Ellen on 0487 213 536 to book your place.

WIldcats suffer first loss, Cougarspounce

Zoe Askew

THE giants have been slain.

Rosedale defeated Woodside 48 to 42 in Round 8 of the North Gippsland Football-Netball League, ending the Wildcats' undefeated title.

Playing coach, Sarah Mayman was best on court for Rosedale.

The Blues'win at the weekend comes as arather shock result, with the Wildcats tipped to win the match,sittingcomfortablyontop of the ladder prior to Round 8with six wins from as many games.

Rosedale entered the game sitting mid-table.

Woodside still holds the number one spot on the NGFNL ladder, only by percentage.

Churchill is hotonthe 2022 NGFNL flag winner's tail, with littleover10percentage points separating the competitive outfits following the Cougars' 82-24 thumping of Gormandale.

Rainbow protective padding covered netball posts at Stephenson Park, with Sale City contesting Heyfield forthe 2023 NGFNL Pride Cup at the weekend.

AstrongSaleCityoutfit defeated Heyfield, 40 to 39, with the Bulldogs concluding Round 8with aclean sweep, finding victories across all netball

grades that took to the court for the pride game.

Sale City BGrade defeated Heyfield 46 to 38.

AstrongSale City CGrade was too good for Heyfield, claiming a54to17win, while Sale City D Grade was far too strong for Heyfield, the Bulldogs beating the Kangaroos 65 to 11.

Sale City Under 17s defeated Heyfield 47 to 15, while the Bulldogs Under 15s outfit claimed a48 to 27 win over the Kangaroos Under 15s side.

Glengarry also concluded Round 8with aclean sweep, the Magpies defeatingCowwarr 59 to 44 in the AGrade competition.

Megan Garlick was awarded best-on-court for Glengarry.

TTU claimed their second win of the season at the weekend, defeating YYN 58 to 37.

Yarram had the bye.

THE East Gippsland game everyone was awaiting, Stratford versus Wy Yung, was played at the weekend.

Previousyear’sgrand finalists, Wy Yung haveset the bar in the competition for some time,losingjust one game last season and remainingundefeated in the2023 season until now.

An undefeated Stratford outfit was more than adequate opposition, as they took hosting duty.

With Stratford failing to make the 2022 Grand Final and Wy Yung losing the 2022 EGFNL flag to rivals Boisdale-Briagolong, thetwo competitive outfitshave aclear agenda this season -towin.

The Swans have had an outstanding starttothe 2023 season, sealing comfortable wins over their opponents since Round 1.

Similarly, Wy Yung proved athreat early on, with the Tigers and the Swans asserting themselves as thetoughestteams in the competition.

While there is no arguing Wy Yung is aformidable side this season, Stratford well and truly stamped their dominance on the competition, with the Swans defeating the Tigers 46 to 41 at the weekend.

Emmy Williams was best-on-courtfor Stratford.

Boisdale-Briagolong claimed a49to37win over Lindenow,keepingthe Bombers within reachof the top three outfits.

Orbost Snowy Rovershad abig winoverLucknow, defeating the travelling opponents 59 to 28.

Lakes Entrance drew with Paynesville 51 to 51. MOE continued to prove themselves as athreat this season following a61to41win over Leongatha at the weekend.

Georgia Moody, Ramayer Gourley and Olivia Barnett were Moe's best on court.

Leongatha's best were Hannah Flanders, Kate Browne and Nicola Marriott.

The Lions’ Round 7victory over the Parrots has positioned Moe comfortably at second on the GippslandLeague ladder, four points ahead of third-place Leongatha and two points behind first-place Morwell.

Aformidable Morwelloutfit retained their undefeated status beating Sale 62 to 41 at the weekend.

Claire Marks, Chloe Radford and Tanya Budge were best-on-court for Morwell.

Sale's best was Sienna Wynd, Dee Dee Lambert and Isla McCarthy.

Drouin squandered Maffra's chances of their first win of the season, defeating their hosts 57 to 38.

Lucy McKellar, Kelly Mills and Ella Henderson were best-on-court for Droiun.

Young TalyiDimarco, whowas recently selected for theUnder 17 Women's national representative basketballteam, the Sapphires, was best-on-court for Maffra.

Traralgon defeated Bairnsdale55to37, while Warragulovercame Wonthaggi48to42tosee our Round 7ofthe GippslandLeague.

Australian Ironwomen competitorHarriet Brown.

Photo: Contributed

Australian Ironwomen competitorLizzie Welborn.

Photo: Contributed

SeaspraySurf LifeSaingClub athletes Mahli Stothers, Jess Jackson and Lily Canfieldrecently competed in the 2023SurfLifesavingState Championships.

Photo:Zoe Askew

Pies, Eagles fly after importanthome wins

Liam

Durkin

SALE andMaffra each enjoyed wins during Round7ofthe Gippsland League.

The Magpies and Eagles made it back-toback victories, returning from the bye on a positive note.

The biggest talking point out of the round was Moe handing Leongatha its first loss in more than two years.

Muchasthiswriterwouldlovetodedicate an entire page to that game, we best focus attention on the fortunes of the two local teams.

THEY are getting some players back Sale.

The Magpies moved into the top-five at the weekend, after holding offafast-finishing Morwell 8.10 (58) to 8.6 (54).

The match was predicted to be close, and was befitting of agame that saw two teams enter on not only the same number of premiership points, but exactly the same percentage.

Only adraw would have meant Sale and Morwell remained separated on the ladder by only the alphabet, and amazingly, it was only four points off staying that way.

The Magpies however will take the win, which they had in their keeping for most of the clash at Sale Oval.

Despite the margin never extending beyond 13 points at any of the breaks, the home side always found themselves with enough breathing space.

Some late goals from the visitors gave Sale ascare, but in the end, they were able to get atimelywin on the board,and take their record to 3-4.

Will Leslie was best on for the winners, and received good support from Jack McLaren, JaydenAllison,NathanWhitford, Jarrod Freeman and Daine McGuiness, who would have to be just about the most improved player in the comp.

Zac Anderson played well for Morwell, as did Brandon Bailey, Riley Loprese, Brandon Mcauliffe, Max Linton and playing-coach Boyd Bailey.

With Morwellnow 2-5 and facing an uphill battle to remaininthe finalsrace, first-year coach Bailey could be feeling the heat.

In fairness, his situation has not been helped in recent weeks due to players booking in holidays and weddingsduring the season. Having taken over from an old-school authoritarian coachinDenis Knight, it is unlikely that sort of thing would have happened in the previous regime.

From here, Morwell will more than likely need to win eight of their remaining 11 home-and-away games to even be achance of playing finals.

Thatisnot an easytaskwhen you consider the Tigers still have to play Wonthaggi over there before the fixture reverts back to the start.

Sale meanwhile is half-a-game clearin fifth,and will look to consolidateaspotin the top half of the ladder now that it has some key players back.

Pat Tainsh andBrad Dessentare both back in the seniors, while Bohdi Walker, Brad McKay and JordanDessent are on the comeback trail, and all played reserves at the weekend.

While Salehas someground to make up to get into the top-three, it is looking like it will be avery even top-five.

Leongatha, Moe and Traralgon are all equal on pointsatthe top, while Wonthaggi is only agame behind in fourth.

As four into three won’t go, and with Sale continuing to get quality players back, there could honestly be five very good teams in the finals this year.

Could this be the year someone does the unheard of and wins agrannyfrom fifth?

MAFFRA recorded ameritorious win over Drouin.

While it might sound stupid to label victory overateam that hasn’twon agame as being one full of merit, the Hawks have shown plenty in season2023tosuggest they are agood side.

There was enough there last Saturday as well, when Drouin was only 20 points down at halftime.

The Eagles however, put the foot down in the third term at home, kicking six goals to two to take an unassailable lead heading into the last.

Both teamsonly managed one goal in the last quarter, but that was fine as far as Maffra was concerned, as they kicked the ton to win 15.17 (107) to 8.12 (60).

Eagles captain Daniel Bedggood led the way with sixgoals in adominant display.

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

Others to play well were Brayden Monk, Kieran Jones, Nathan Pollard, Kade Renooy and John Butcher, who helped himself to four goals.

HugoBirks continuestotakethe Gippsland League by storm, and not just for his name. Birkskicked four goals at the weekend, taking his season tally to 20.

Shae Harvey, Clayton Kingi, Joe Collins, Jarrod Marshall and Noah Glen were other shinning lights for the Hawks.

As they say,aweekisalong time in football, and Maffra has gone from equal last to only two points out of the top-five in the space of three weeks.

The Eagleshave played ahostofyoungsters so far this season, and they welcomed their eighth seniordebutant in Bailey Carubia on Saturday.

Another Maffrayoungster operating in another state will be hoping for adebut of a different sort tomorrow night.

Jonti Schuback, son of former Adelaide player and Sale City coach, Jacob, has nominated for the AFL midseason rookie draft. Schuback is currently playing with South Adelaide in the SANFL.

Drouin could have afuture AFL player of their own in Ryan Maric.

Maric has been interviewed by 11 AFL clubs and is expected to go in the top 10.

IF it bleeds, you can kill it.

Moe did what no Gippsland League side had done in 769 days -defeat Leongatha. And they did it on the Parrot’s home turf as well.

The Lions prevailed 12.5 (77) to 6.14(50) to highlight Round 7ofthe Gippsland League.

In what was atrue team effort, the Lions found contributions right across the board to end the Parrots’ 34-game winning streak. There wasn’tany magical formula. Everyone just simply played their role.

Astrong south-easterly breeze across the groundtoward the entrance playedsome havoc with kicking skills early in the piece, and presented asizeableadvantage to whoever kicked with it.

Leongatha had that luxury in the first quarter, and there was ominous signs when the Parrotshad ashot on goal in the first 30 seconds.

The home side wasplaguedbypoorconversion however, and at quarter time the score was 2.1 (13) to 0.7 (7) in Moe’s favour.

Thevisitors then had their turnatkicking with the breeze, and made the most of their opportunities, adding four goals.

Former Western Bulldogs player Billy Gowers was on debut for Moe,and slotted

anice goal from 20 out deep in the pocket.

Up the other end, the Parrotscontinued to register scores, but only minor ones, and at halftime,they had1.12 (18) to 6.3 (39) on the board.

As promising as Moe’s position was, with 13 scoring shots to nine, the threat of Leongatha taking the game awaykicking with the wind in the third quarter hung over their head.

In fairness,alot of the Parrots’ behinds were due to the work of the Lion’s defenders, who forced Leongatha into positions where they had to take shots wide.

The Parrots did make some running in the third, adding four goals, but Moe was equal to the task, kicking three themselves.

At the last change, Moe was ahead by 16 points. With ahandy but by no means safe lead,coachDeclan Keilty toldhis teamto keep playing to win the game, not save it.

The finalterm started withperhaps the firstsignthe home team was seriously fearful of losing their first game in more than two years. With the ball spilling from congestion in the middle of the ground, aLeongatha player looked indecisive about whether or not to attack the loose ball or wait for it to arrive to him.

The situation became alot harder for the home side after Grady Cocksedge walked out of astoppage in the forward pocket and snapped through agoal at the four minute mark, extending the lead beyond 20 points.

The Parrots threw caution to the wind, and started going for everything. Their day perhaps summed up when Jack Ginnane, usually adeadeye in front of goal, had aset shot from a45degree angleand kicked it out on the full.

Moe however could not be denied. Play of the day was saved for the six minute mark, when the Lions went coast-to-coast through Harri Sim, Cocksedge and Jacob Wood, who kicked the ball long inside 50 to Harry Pepper.

Pepper engaged in aone-on-one,and worked his opponent under the ball, getting out the back and running into an open goal.

Cocksedge was voted best-on-ground, followed by Keilty, Blaser, Brock Smith, Gowers (five goals) and Daniher.

Best for Leongatha was Cade Maskell, Cam Olden, Ben Willis in his 150th game, Guy Dickson, Hume and Kim Drew. OTHER games went as expected.

Traralgon won its sixthgame in arow, defeating Bairnsdale 11.16 (82) to 6.7 (43), while Wonthaggi murdered Warragul by 138 points.

Maffra captain Daniel Bedggood ledfromthe front at the weekend, kicking six goals in the Eagles’win over Drouin

Photo:File

RESERVES

Big battles and blowouts galore

RDenovan 4R

Payne MDeering BEST: Glengarry: NWasalskiHCarmanH Whateley SBurgess DBalfour J

Hodges.TTU: AWilbraham DMorrison RDenovan MDeering NPoel DLongmore

TomHayes

WINNERS were those of great proportionat the weekend during Round 8ofthe North Gippsland Football-Netball League.

One sidegot payback in the rematch of last year’s decider,while anew teamentered the finals race by leaping over the reigning premier.

TRARALGON Tyers United aremiles ahead of the competition.

They continued their undefeated start to theseason by overcoming the despair of last season to defeat Yallourn Yallourn North.

Like they have done so many times this season,TTU created an early buffer and madesuretheiropponent couldn’t make their way back into the contest.

A 4.3 (27) to 1.0 (6) first term gave them that buffer that theydesired, before consistently going on their waytoaneighthstraight win.

They extendedthe lead at half timeand threequarter time,going intothe final quarter with a25point lead.

YYN weren’t done with yet, but didn’thave thefirepower to claw back the entire margin, falling 17 point short, 10.14 (74) to 8.9 (57).

Captain Jye Neilson led from the front with three majors, but in the best for TTU was Liam Willaton,Michael Jacobsen,Liam Michie, Thomas Fleming, Rickey Cochrane and Zach Kilgower.

In avaliant effort, YYN’s standout players were Campbell MacInnes, Dylan Bath, Cambell Staff, Lachlan Little, Dylan Bentley and Jai Massese upon his return from aknee injury. TTU remain two games clear of Woodside and Churchill, who hold 6-1 records.

It was another Grand Finalrematch in the twos, in which YYN also defeated the reigning premier by 40 points.

SALE City hosted Heyfield in the annual AGL Pride Cup.

Funnily enough it was Heyfield’ssecond game in Sale in as many weeks, after their Round 7fixture against Cowwarr was moved there, when they played at the home of the Gippsland League’s Sale Magpies.

Sale City celebratedJamie Campbell’s 250th senior game on the day. Campbell is the currenttwos coach and was club captain during their 2012and 2016 premiership winning sides.

Maybe they have alikingtoSale, because the away ground disadvantage didn’t prove to be too costly.

Heyfield doubled Sale City’s score in the opening term, before kicking 3.1 (19) to 0.5 (5), to extend their lead to 23 points at the main change.

Sale didn’t make it easy to run away with in the third quarter, cutting the marginback to 20 points with aquarter to play. The final term was freer flowing,as10 goals were scored between the two sides, but it was Heyfield that kicked seven of those.

By the time of the siren, Heyfield held a 50-point lead, 14.17 (101) to 7.9 (51).

The win moves them into fifthand ahead of YYN, not only on points, but also percentage. Heyfield are also only now six per cent behind fourth-placed Yarram.

For the home side, Lachlan Carman, Kaden McCulloch, Matthew Walker, Jai Nelson, Blake Safstrom and Troy Carstairs were impressive in defeat.

For the Roos, Kodie and BraydenWoodland, Kail Hole, Robert McMillan, Tyson Graham and Thomas Marchesi were in the best, while Mitchell Steven led in attack with four goals SaleCitywalked away with the Pride Cup at the end of the day, with their netballers able to get them over the line after Heyfield won in every footballing grade.

GLENGARRY have nowwon two on the trot. The Pies travelled down to Cowwarr after beating Gormandale at home the week prior, and proved their resilience.

Throughout the year, Glengarry haven’t been as fortunate when it comes to wins, and Ifeel the ladder doesn’t truly reflect their season.

But, Ithink this win does.

Cowwarr got the jumponGlengarry,kicking six goals in the first term to establish a 34-point margin.

Thethenheldthat lead up until half time, despiteitbeing dragged back to 23 points. Glengarry lookedacompletely different side in the second half, as they proved just how good they can be.

TheMagpies kicked 12 goals to four in the second half, starting with 5.6 (36) to nothing in the third term,taking the leadby13points going into the final break.

They flipped the game on its head kicking seven goals to four in the final term, to walk away as 30-point winners, improving their record to 2-5.

Glengarry jump up two spots on the ladder, leaping over Rosedale at the Saints into eighth place.

In the comeback win, Jack Burgess, Lachlan Martin, Lachlan Patterson, Lachlan Jewell, Alex Birmingham and Spencer Poulton were in fine form.

Jake Brown, Nick Twomey, Jordan Anderson, James Chalmers, Brady Hood and Lee Bourke were prominent for the home side despite the loss.

THE Cougars were back to their best with arampant win on the road.

Travellingtothe Boneyard, Churchillmade surethey wouldget back on the winners’ list, after suffering their first loss of the season to TTU last week.

Since2018, Churchill and Gormandale has battled it out for the Ken Rohde Perpetual MemorialCup, remembering ‘Bubbles’ -a prominent figure at each club serving as a player and president.

For the Cougars, they unveiled anew debutant, Andrew Rooney who played across half back in his first seniors gig. Churchillpiled on around50pointsper quarter, while Gormandale did enough to keep their scoreboardticking in each quarter.

A41-point quarter time lead turned into a 98-point one at the half time break, thanks to 18 goals in theopeninghalf from the visitors.

Eight more were added in the third term, extending the lead out to 147 points, before aquieter final term put the game to bed.

The Cougars left with ahaul of 50 scoring shots,ontheir way to winningby169 points, 31.19 (205) to 5.6 (36).

Chris Williamsreturned to thesideinstyle with seven goals, he was in the best with Ryan Lowrie, Jarrod Henderson,BillyWight, Bailey Flanigan and Tyson Leys -who kicked five goals himself.

For the home side,Tristan Salerno, William Flanagan,Trent Baldwin, Flynn Roscoe, Isaac Copland and Hayden Richards were standouts.

WOODSIDE made light work of Rosedale.

The Blues welcomed three debutants into the side for their road trip match; Sam Callahan, Charlie Pritchett and Ned Heathcote.

Despite aslower-than-usual start, the Wildcats did the brunt of the damage in the second and third quarters, before easing in the last.

It was just afour-goal margin at the first break, but Woodside kept Rosedale quiet in the second term, kicking10.7(67) to four behinds to register an 87-point margin.

Rosedale kicked their first major in the thirdterm, but Woodside kicked another 8.3 (51) to take the lead past three figures.

The Wildcats kicked the only two goals of the final quarter to claim another percentageboosting win, 24.14 (158) to 1.7 (13).

Woodside hold onto second on the ladder, now boasting apercentageof318.66, nearly 70 per cent more than league leaders, TTU.

For the winning side, Michael O'Sullivan, Thomas Mann, Matt Dyke, Daniel Farmer, JoshuaKennedy and Jai Williams made the best.

While Declan Barnett, Will Logan, Thomas Northe, Joel Bristow, Luke Stuckeyand Heathcote on debut were bold in defeat.

YARRAM had the bye.

Heyfield and Sale City go at it forthe 2023Pride Cup.

Photo: Contributed

Zoe’s netball scoreboard

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE -ROUND 7

AGRADE - Traralgon55dBairnsdale 37,Morwell

62 dSale 41,Warragul 48 dWonthaggi42,

Moe 61 dLeongatha 41,Drouin 57 dMaffra 38.

BGRADE - Sale 46 dMorwell 42, Wonthaggi 52

dWarragul 31,Moe 50 dLeongatha 48, Drouin

56 dMaffra 48, Bairnsdale bye, Traralgon bye.

CGRADE - Bairnsdale 36 dTraralgon 30, Morwell

40 dSale 24, Wonthaggi 31 dWarragul 23,

Leongatha 44 dMoe 25,Drouin 45 dMaffra 41

17 ANDUNDER - Sale 42 dMorwell 27,

Wonthaggi 62 dWarragul 11,Leongatha 63 d

Moe 2, Maffra 54 dDrouin 29, Traralgon 40 d

Bairnsdale 30.

15 ANDUNDER - Traralgon 41 dBairnsdale

35, Sale 60 dMorwell 13,Wonthaggi 32 d

Warragul 26, Leongatha 33 dMoe 25,Maffra

41 dDrouin 16

13 AND UNDER- Traralgon 50 dBairnsdale13, Sale 52 dMorwell 2, Wonthaggi 13 dWarragul 9,

Moe 29 dLeongatha 28, Maffra 30 dDrouin23.

NORTH GIPPSLAND -ROUND 8

AGRADE - SaleCity 40 dHeyfield 39, Rosedale

48 dWoodside 42,Glengarry 59 dCowwarr 44, Churchill82dGormandale24, TTU58dYYN

37,Yarram bye.

BGRADE - SaleCity46dHeyfield 38,

Gormandale 51 dChurchill32, YYN 35 dTTU

25, Woodside 59 dRosedale 33, Glengarry 65

dCowwarr 38, Yarram bye.

CGRADE - Sale City 54 dHeyfield 17,Woodside

45 dRosedale 21,Glengarry 33 dCowwarr 17 ,

Gormandale 39 dChurchill33, YYN 33 dTTU

28,Yarram bye.

DGRADE - SaleCity65dHeyfield 11,Woodside

27 dRosedale 19,Glengarry 42 dCowwarr 22, Churchill36dGormandale28, TTU57dYYN

30, Yarram bye.

17 ANDUNDER - SaleCity 47 dHeyfield 15, Woodside 21 drew Rosedale 21,Glengarry 46

dCorraww 10,Gormandale 43 dChurchill 21, TTU45dYYN 15,Yarram bye.

15 ANDUNDER - Sale City48d Heyfield27, Woodside 36 dRosedale 27,Glengarry 53 d

Cowwarr 4, Churchill 19 dGormandale 17,TTU

83 dYYN 1, Yarram bye.

EAST GIPPSLAND -ROUND 7

AGRADE - Lakes Entrance 51 drew Paynesville

51,Boisdale-Briagolong49d Lindenow 37, Stratford46d Wy Yung 41,Orbost 59 dLucknow

28.

BGRADE - Lakes Entrance 35 dPaynesville 16, Boisdale-Briagolong 51 dLindenow 26, Orbost

24 dLucknow 22, Wy Yung 33 dStratford 30

CGRADE - Lakes Entrance 30 dPaynesville 20,

Boisdale-Briagolong 38 dLindenow 21,Stratford

35 dWyYung 29, Lucknow 26 dOrbost 24.

DGRADE - Paynesville 10 dLakes Entrance 0, Boisdale-Briagolong 27 dLindenow 20, Stratford

37 drew Wy Yung 37,Lucknow 34 dOrbost 10

17 AND UNDER - Lakes Entrance 52 d Paynesville 7, Boisdale-Briagolong 54 dLindenow 24, Stratford28dWyYung 23, Lucknow 67 d Orbost 6.

15 ANDUNDER - Lakes Entrance 39 dPaynesville

6, Boisdale-Briagolong 25 dLindenow 20, Wy Yung 27 dStratford 18,Lucknow 38 dOrbost 32.

Stratford’s thirds team tasted premiership success in 2003.

STRATFORD Football-Netball Club is preparing to commemorate the 20-year milestone of not one, but two grand final victories.

This Saturday (June 3), the club will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Stratford senior and thirds sides winning the 2003 Rivera Football-Netball League Premierships. The Grand Final ended up being the last ever Riviera League game,asthe competition was dissolved duringthe off-season and forced clubs into other leagues for the 2004 season.

Festivities willcommence with aluncheonatthe Avon Hotel from 12pm, and will continue later on at the Stratford versus Boisdale-Briagolong game at Stratford Recreation Reserve.

The public are being invited to participate in the celebrations.

The 2003 senior Grand Final was between

Paul Nichols

WHILE Wy Yung has all but cemented top spot half way through the East Gippsland season, the battlefor whofinishes where in the rest of the top-four is hotly contested, making for an exciting second half of the season.

Wy Yung answered theirfinal test in strong fashionatthe weekend,easily accounting for Stratford, 13.11 (89) to 6.8 (44) in Round 7action.

There weresigns in the first quarter thatthis was going to be aclose game, with the first goal taking 15 minutes to kick, coming from Bradley Daniel, who would go on to slot six for the day.

Stratford responded just aminutelater, but it was tough for the home side from there on.

Wy Yung controlled play in avery contested first quarter, taking a16point lead early on thanks to Daniel up forward and Harry Kellow controlling themidfield. TheSwanswelcomed back premiershipgoal-kickingforward, Haydyn Erfurth,but noteven his elite mark inside 50 could stem the flow for Stratford.

Wy Yung was able to convert inside 50 whereas Stratfordstruggled,extending the lead to 41-points by the main break.

From here, it was going to be tough for Stratford to remain competitive.

The message at halftimefromStratfordassistant coach, Luke Clohesy was to focus on playing proactive football. The tackle pressure was good but the play wasreactive with too many easy possessions.

Wy Yung coach,Rod Bills,wanted his players to continue to pressure and push wide.

An eventhird term saw Wy Yung only extending their lead by three points, before finishing 54 point victors at the end of the fourth quarter.

StratfordFootball Netball Club’spremiership-winning 2003 seniors

Stratford and Nambrok. Stratford were looking for back-to-back premierships; Nambrok was looking for its first premiership since the club's heyday in 1985.

Nambrok went into recess in 2000 and came back to the Riviera League in 2001; they were runners-up in its first year in 2001, and trying to go one better in 2003.

Stratfordwas coached by Michael Clapton, afull forward who was recruited from Sale City the year prior. Mick was going for two premiership in two years as Stratford coach.

Ben 'Banger' Dowsett wasNambrok’s captaincoach, having asuccessful playing career with anumberofclubs, including Sale City and Boisdale-Briagolong.

Nambrok was quick off the mark with accurate goal-kicking and went out to afive-goal lead

halfway through the second quarter.

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Wy Yung has proven they are the benchmark in the competition with their pace, ability to run out the game and pushing the ball wide. They’ll be hard to beat in 2023.

AS expected, Boisdale-Briagolongmadelight work of Lindenow, winning by 71 points, 10.6(66) to 21.11(137).

In positive signs for the Bombers, Andrew Quirk returned to the field after an incident against Orbost which saw Hamish Nettleton suspended, and Jim Reeves back from aconcussion in the same game. With a24point lead after the first term, it was always goingtobea tough day for Lindenow, seemingly having no answer for the forward prowess of Caleb Calwyn as he booted eight for the day. Extending their lead at every break, the visiting Bombers were never troubled.

It was afine effortbythe Bombers in winningby 71 points, with no bench as Ben Wilkinson, Billy Marshall and Nathan Flint all received injuries in either the first or early second term.

With atough game comingupagainst Stratford in the Battleofthe Avon, the Bombers will need to rely on their depth yet again this season, as they have done successfully in the past. Boisdale-Briagolong jumped to second on the ladder, thanks to an upset with OrbostSnowy Roversdefeating Lucknow, while Stratfordhas dropped to fourth followingtheir twolosses in consecutive weeks

AS mentioned, Orbost Snowy Rovers caused a boil over when they defeated Lucknow 9.3(57) to 6.18(54), Lakes Entrance was too good for Paynesville, winning 12.9(81) to 9.9(63).

EAST GIPPY SCOREBOARD -PAGE 25

Stratford started to get their game together and kicked acouple of goals before halftime, reducing Nambrok’s lead to acouple of goals.

Stratford then kicked six goals in the third quarter to lead by 20 points at three-quarter time, then dominated the rest of the game to win by 57 points.

The 2003 win was the club's 13th senior premiership. Best players were Brett Cooke, Adrian Crosier (five goals), Brett Johnson and Mark Nicholls.

Matt Johnson won the umpires' award as best player on the field.

Stratford's thirds got off to aflying start,leading by five goals at quarter time in their Grand Final; Boisdale-Briagolong fought back in second term to trail by 10 points at halftime.

Boisdale then kicked two goals in the third quarter and kept Stratford goalless; Stratford went into the final quarter leading by apoint.

The final term was atight struggle,with both sides kicking two goals. As the final siren sounded, Stratford were four points in front -just enough to secure the silverware.

It was agreat day for Stratford thirds coach Clint Gartung,who also tastedpremiership success as a player in the senior grand final, chipping in with four goals.

STRATFORD FNC will be very busy this weekend, as Chris Dixon is expected to complete aremarkablerun from Melbourne to Stratford, raising money for mental health awareness.

Full story in Friday’s issue

CLINTON

JULIAN

ROUND 11

Friday, May 26

SydneySwans vs.Carlton (SCG) (N)

Saturday, May 27

St Kilda vs Hawthorn (MRVL)

Melbourne vs Fremantle (MCG)

Geelong Cats vs GWSGIANTS (GMHBA) (T)

Gold CoastSUNS vs.Western Bulldogs (TIO) (N)

West CoastEagles vs Essendon (OS) (N)

Sunday, May 28

Richmond vs Port Adelaide (MCG)

Collingwood vs.North Melbourne (MRVL)

vs.Brisbane

Each tipster has nominated acommunitygroup to promote throughout this year’s season

E UNBEATEN T STILL

"I TRULYbelieve I'm betterthan Max,and Ibelieve I'm going to get through Max"; swallow your words, Jayde Mitchell.

Super middleweight boxer Max Reeves remained unbeaten and moved to number two in Australia after ending seasoned opponentJayde Mitchell with aRound 2TKO (technical knockout) at Margaret Court Arena on Wednesday night.

Mitchell was aclear favourite ahead of last week's fight, boasting 21 wins, and two losses with 10 KOs (knockouts), while Stratford's 22-year-old boxing sensation, Mad Max Reeves, enteredthe ring with arecord of seven wins, one draw and five KOs.

Reeves, atrue vision of coach Paul 'Turk' Carrol and RUFit gym's motto "be humble and let your handsdothe talking" was tight-lipped in the leadup to the fight, unlike 37-year-old Mitchell, who was brazen in revealing he believed the Stratford boxer was beneath him.

"We are all on the same page [at RUFit] that Australia needs some humble sporting stars to look up to and role models," Turk said.

Turk has no doubt that Max Reeves embodies those values.

"Max is just adriven, quiet, humble kid," he said.

"He is family-orientated and honest as the day; he's got alot of good people around him too, which Ireckon help keep him that way.

"His parents are brilliant; they've always been supportive. It's not easy to come to Bairnsdale and train from Stratty when you're akid, especially if you are doing it afew times aweek.

"Now he's gotthe support of his boss, who is really good at working around and giving him the time to go and spar; we were in Sydney sparring with Tim Tyzu and Nakita Tyzu prior to last week's fight."

In an unprofessional chainofevents, Mitchell failed to make weight, initially set for 76.2 kilograms.

"They came back and said he [Mitchell] can't make it, so we said we would agree to 77.5 kilograms," Turk said.

"They said he wouldn't take it, so we went to 78.5 kilograms catchweight, and he agreed to that, and he weighed in at 79.55 kilograms."

In Round1,the fighters wereneck-and-neck, with Reeves proving himself aworthy challenger contrary to Mitchell's preconceptions.

Before the conclusion of Round 2, Reeves' hands were raised, winner by TKO.

Mitchell's vociferous social media presence continued following last week's fight,with the 37-year-old claiming an accidentalhead clash caused ableeding cut, which rendered him unable to see, ultimately ending the bout.

Reeves' coach remainsunconvinced, sayinghe believed Mitchell was looking for away out.

"I said to the boys in the corner, Isaid‘He's cut, Mitchell'scut on the eye, so we need to work on

that’, and then Max hit him with another two left hooks right on exactly the same spot and that's where the bloodwas coming from into his eye," Turk said.

"He was just looking for an out; Ireckon he quit.

"If the boot were on the other foot, Max would have said ‘I'm fine, I'm good to go’ and would have got to the corner and tried to get patched up and go again."

While Reeves was admittedly nervousinthe lead-uptohis fightagainst Mitchell, the localboxer was eager to make his opponent swallow his words

"With all the stuff he [Mitchell] was saying, put abit of extra fire in the belly," Reeves said.

"I really wanted to shut him up.

"He's even still vocal now, trying to get it overruled and whatnot, but Ireckonhequit in the ring

"I don't think he even wanted to be there, really, and everyoneelse thinks the same thing unless they’re mates with him; they say different."

For Reeves, enteringthe ring as the underdog and putting his opponent in his place after weeks of slander was not as satisfying as he had hoped.

"I was satisfied alittle bit, but Iwas disappointed by the way it had to end cause Iwas sort of just getting started," Reeves said.

"Obviously, it was just super early, and Ihave trained so hard, and you want to get rounds out if youcan,but sometimes it just goes that way."

While both fighterand trainer would have preferred more time in the ring, Turk couldn't be

prouder of the 22-year-old from little-old Stratford.

"His composure was unbelievable," Turk said.

"He was nervous during the day, but once he got into the actual venue and his feet hitthe ground,he was really calm and ready to go, so his composure was brilliant, considering it was such abig stage.

"I'm super proud; he is just adedicated kid who hasn't changed abit,and I'm super excited for what his next adventure is, but we are not going to overshoot it.

"To get into No Limit Boxing, they are the biggest promoters in Australia, so we will continue to work with them; they want to work with Max, and they were delighted with how we handled ourselves as agroup."

Reeves will take afew weeks off after defeating Mitchell in less than two rounds, retaining his undefeated title, and earning Australia's number two super middleweight ranking.

Max Reeves is on his way to becoming Australia's next most covetedboxer, with the unwavering support of thosearound him and Turk in his corner, who believes that the young talented fighter has the ability and attitude to ascend to the top of the international ranks.

"There are big plansfor him [Reeves]," Turksaid.

"He is 22; if he wants to stay in it and continue to work and develop, he is going to reach his peak later on, afairfew years down the track.

"Max has the potential to be aworld champion."

Zoe Askew

Photo: Contributed