Gippsland Times Tuesday 6 August 2024

Native forest report set to be tabled

CONSULTATIONhas now closed for the investigationbythe Victorian Environmental Assessment Council into the future of the native forests in the Central Highlands.

The Eminent Panel that has been assessing community feedback on the VEAC proposals is currently preparing its recommendations to government on the future use and management of these forests.

The panelhosted more than 60 targeted engagement sessions with organisations and community representatives frommore than 80 groups. More than 1000people attended nine open community drop-in sessions in Noojee, Healesville, Warburton, Yarra Junction, Gembrook,Wandong, Marysville, Drouin and Alexandra.

Dataisalsobeing collatedfromthe EngageVic website, with more than 60,000 unique page visitors and 14,000 unique survey responses.

The panel hasrequestedextra timeto complete its report to ensure that all voices areproperly heard and considered as part of its report to government.

VEAC will finalise its economic assessment of the panel’s recommendations and produce a final report, in line with its terms of reference, following the completionofthe panel’s report.

Therewill be further opportunities to contribute to conversations about the future use of state forests with the Great Outdoors Taskforce that is working in forests in North East Victoria and Gippsland.

Morebut less in Maffra

ErikaAllen

DEMANDfor residentialgrowthinMaffra is increasing, but there is aneed for more land.

lots is at astandstill because VicRoads took two years to approve the designs foranintersection onto Powers Court St.

“We’re stillwaiting on (a) memorandum of authority,” he said.

“Everywhere jobsare delayed because of VicRoads,” she said.

She said VicRoads are slow to approve proposals because they’re “severely under-resourced”.

MaffraisWellington Shire’s second-largest town by population -home to 5384 people according to the 2021 Census. However, ashortage of availableland to buildhousing hascompelled some prospective residents to relocate to nearby towns like Stratford.

Not only is therea shortage of land zoned for residential growth, according to Grant Warfe, a developer who has worked with the Wellington Shire since 2015, but lengthy approvals from necessary authorities delay construction.

Mr Warfe saidthe sale of lots within the Daly ParkEstate provehousing demand is strong in Maffra, with all 88 sold. The Daly Park Estate is locatedbetween Powerscourt Street and Boisdale St on land Mr Warfepurchased in 2021.

“Those88lots all got snapped up quick,”hesaid.

“In Stage 1, we developed 43 lots because the demand was obviously there (with) Maffra being landlocked.”

Throughoutthe estate,homes are in various stagesofdevelopment; some are complete and lived in, while others are under construction. However, weeds are the only growth within a fenced-off section.

Mr Warfe said the Stage3development of 22

For developers and eventual lot owners, time is money, and whilewading through red tape is a constant challenge for developers like Mr Warfe, the flow-on effects of slow approvals and delays affect land purchasers.

Mr Warfe said the lots were sold over two years (28 months) ago. Four purchasers have walked away from their contracts, with Mr Warfe citing that it became unviable financially.

“At the moment they’ve seen all their blocks are ready (and) there’s no intersection… they ask questions.”

As the developer, Mr Warfe said his work is complete, havinghad sewerage linesand electricity connection ready.

Narelle Hahn has worked in land development formorethan12years. She is the Eastern Region ManagerofEngineering for Beveridge Williams, aconsultancy service for project management, town planning,surveying and engineering. The Daly Park Estate is the second development she has consulted with Mr Warfe.

Within the eastern region-Warragul,Traralgon, and surrounds -MsHahn said there are examples of other developments halted by VicRoad’s slow approvals, notably in Sale and Rosedale.

“There’s essentially one engineerchecking plans for the eastern regions, like Warragul to the easternborder.Ifyou think aboutall the developments across theeastern region, it’stoo much for one person to be checking.”

The Gippsland Times asked VicRoads to confirm this and explain why the intersection’s approval was lengthy. AVicRoads response couldnot be provided before this issue went to print.

The intersection is an example of an asset developers foot the bill for, and Ms Hahn likened its $650,000 delivery cost to giving away two or three lots. Many of the lotswithin the estate have beensold for $225,000.

Finding away around the delays has led Mr Warfe to amend Stage 3sothatatleast 16 lots can proceed, while Stage 4will encompass six lots closesttoPowerscourt St.

“(For) developers in country areas, it’s (about) price point, we’vegot to try and matchthe market, butin-fill siteslike (Daly Park Estate) just become unviableinthe current climatetodevelop with the timelag.Itshould have been finished probably October last year, and we won’t be finished the way we’regoing this October,”MrWarfe said about the delays the intersection saga has caused.

-Page 5

Photo: AFL Galleries

Prospecting in forest future

PhilipHopkins

VICTORIA'S prospectorsand miners have highlighted the richness of the Central Highlands mineral wealth as the state government's eminent panel beginsits assessment of the community feedback to proposals about the future of the region's forests. The future includes the possible creation of aGreat Forest National Park that would stretch from Melbourne to north of the Latrobe Valley.

The president of the Prospectors and Miners Association (PMAV), Jason Cornish, said the latest report by the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council was a"punch in the throat" of all bush users.

"It seeks to changethe status of hundredsof thousandsofhectares of forestedpublic land to more parks and reserves," he said in the group's Eureka Echo newsletter.

"Sustainable, legal logging wasblamed as the cause of every environmental woe in Victoria and now that logging has been forcibly removed, what is the threat? Certainly not our activities."

PMAV has two ranches in Gippsland -Stratford and Drouin.

APMAV committee member, Dr Allan Rossiter, said there were many referencesonCentral Victorian topographic maps to tungsten, wolfram and tin.

"Known deposits of tungsten, molybdenum and tin are numerous, but production has only been small. There are tantalising references in the literature," he wrote in Eureka.

"Given the combination of deep soil, thick bush and poor access in the Central Highlands, it would not be surprising if important deposits have been overlooked. The maintungsten mineralpresent is scheelite, which is practically impossible to identify without an ultraviolet lamp."

Dr Rossiter said three of the four prospects lie in zones designed recently by VEAC as large areas of outstanding natural values and relatively low conflicting uses.

"This is despite input into the VEAC study from the Geological Survey of Victoria. Tungsten and molybdenum have recently been declared critical 'minerals' by Geoscience Australia," he said.

"Significant wealth could be denied future

Victorians if the proposed national parks in the CentralHighlands are not intelligently designed."

The NationalsMemberfor Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, has urged the state government to prioritise comprehensive geologicalassessments for goldand criticalminerals in the CentralHighlands during consideration of the Great Forest National Park debate

Speaking in stateparliament,MsBath, whoisthe ShadowParliamentarySecretary for Public Land Use, saidlarge tracts of land through the Central Highlands area had beenasource of mineral wealth and gold mining activities for over acentury.

Calling on the state government to conduct expert analysis and recognise the value of Victoria’s mining industry, Ms Bath said any move to lock up the region's mineral and metal wealth would be “a true sign of madness by the Allan Labor government”.

“Labor’s disastrous Great Forest National Park plan would block future mining access. Decisions made about public assets above the ground, must also consider valuable resources beneath the ground," she said.

“The Woods Point- WalhallaMineral Domain Belt region is rich in gold and metal resources including molybdenum, silver, antimony, tungsten, tin, platinum, and cobalt. These critical minerals areessential formanymodern technologies and renewable energy industries."

Ms Bath said modern underground mining poses negligible threat to biodiversity.

"Labor’s greenideology cannotbolt the door shut on Victoria’s future prosperity. There is minimal disturbance, which by law, licence and bond must be remediated and rehabilitated at conclusion of mining,” she said.

Ms Bath said it was imperative that all landuses be duly considered.

"Labor’s proposed Great Forest National Park cannot be another Allan Labor government fait accompli. Geological Survey Victoria estimates that there is ‘significant potential’ for gold and critical mineral deposits and with acrippling state deficit we must consider opportunities for wealth generation,” she said.

“The Nationals demand the Minister to recognise the value of our mining industry for the future prosperity of this state.”

Prospectors and MinersAssociation Victoria President,Jason Cornish.

Photo: Contributed

Knowing the signsthisStroke

WITHone Australian experiencing astroke every 19 minutes,people are being urged to learn asimple message which could save alifethis National Stroke Week.

The national awarenessweekrunsfromMonday, August 5until Sunday, August 11, and encourages thecommunity to know the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke so they know how to react if someone they love is impacted by stroke.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive, Dr Lisa Murphy said stroke can strike anyone at any time -even babies have strokes.

“Whenastroke strikes,brain cellsstart dyingata

frighteningrate of up to 1.9 million per minute, but prompt medical treatment can stop this damage,” Dr Murphy said.

“Our message is simple. The faster you can be treated for stroke, the more chance you have of making afull recovery. The vital first step in accessing these treatments is recognisingthe F.A.S.T signs and calling triple zero (000).

“We want someone in everyhome and workplace to know the acronym and to share it with your family, friends and colleagues”.

ThinkF.A.S.T and ask these questions if you suspect astroke:

Face-Checktheir face.Has their mouth drooped?

Arms -Can they lift both arms?

Speech -Istheir speech slurred? Do they understand you?

Time-Time is critical.Ifyou see any of these signs, call triple zero (000) straight away.

Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability.

More than 80 per cent of strokes display at least one of the F.A.S.T. signs.

“The good news is that stroke can be treated, and people can recover well but only if morepeoplecan

Celebrating the Great Southern Rail Trail

THE community is invited to celebrate the official opening of the 21-kilometre extension of the Great Southern Rail Trail, connecting Welshpool to Alberton.

The long-awaited extensioncompletes the trail’s impressive 129 kilometre stretch between Yarram and Nyora.

The officialopening willtakeplaceonFriday, August 16 at 2pm at the firstbridge crossing on Gellion Street in Alberton. The official ribbon cutting ceremony willbeattended by mayors and councillors fromboth Wellington and South GippslandShire Councils. TheMemberfor Eastern Victoria,Tom McIntosh, key industry stakeholders and the community will also be in attendance. Beforethe event's opening, the community is

invited to join abikeride from Yarram to Alberton and enter the draw to win aJamis bike. The ride will start at the Goods Shed at Yarram TarraTrail Reserve from 1pm and conclude at Gellion Street in Alberton, where the official opening willtakeplace. Thebike ride is expected to takebetween 30 and 40 minutes and is open to all members of the public.

In anticipation of the event, WellingtonShire Council Mayor, Cr Ian Bye, highlighted that the Great Southern Rail Trail offers the perfect opportunity to get outdoorsin'TheMiddle of Everywhere' andenjoythe beautiful sceneryofSouth Gippsland.

"With the trail now open, it will enhance visitor numbers to our region, attracting people of all ages and abilities from across the country. Both councils have done amagnificent job bringing this project

to life, and Ican't wait to use the trail myself,” Cr Bye said.

Final interpretiveand wayfindingsignage will be installed by the end of 2024, along with adedicated website for the Great Southern Rail Trail.

The extension for completion involved 18 months of dedicated construction work across both shires and was madepossiblethrough $6 million in Regional Infrastructure Grant funding from the Victorian Government, via the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.

For more information, visit www.themiddleofeverywhere.com.auorwww.visitsouthgippsland. com.au

East Gippsland andWellington RoadPolicing Advisor,LukeBanwell and Wellington LocalAreaCommander

units outinforce, targetingdrugdrivers aroundStratfordthis month.

Roadside drug testing in Stratfordarea

ROADSIDE drug testingbeganinStratford on August 1.

Police will have their sights set on drug drivers after an expansion of the force’s roadside testing regime.

The number of police stations and units equipped to conduct roadside drug testing across the state will double over the next 12 months.

Stratford has beenselected as part of the expansion, with local police to be trained and equipped to carry out drug testing at the roadside.

EastGippslandand WellingtonRoad Policing Adviser, Luke Banwell,saiddrugdriving was a major contributor to road trauma.

"We know particularly in regional areas there’s agreater perception that you’re unlikelytobe caught," he said.

“Putsimply, if you takedrugs and drive the chances of getting caught have never been greater. If you choose to drive on drugs, there is nowhere to hide -wecan be anywhere, anytime.”

Testing will occur at various days, times and

recognise the F.A.S.T message,” Dr Murphy said. “Some simple things you can do to reduce your risk include getting regular blood pressure checks, quitting smoking, eating abalanced diet, staying active and avoiding alcohol."

locations in the area as part of abroader ‘anywhere, anytime’ enforcement approach.

The increased capability means policewillbe able to detect and remove more drug drivers from Victorian roads than ever before.

Failing aroadside drug test carries a$593fine and six-month licence suspension for afirst offence, with repeatoffenders requiredtoattend court and face further penalties including significant fines and licence cancellation.

Victoria Police continues to maintain atargetof 150,000 roadside drug tests each year.

Inspector Mel McLennanhavetheir

Photo: Stefan Bradley

Quicker response times locally

PARAMEDICS and first responders across Victoria have faced the busiest quarter on record, with crews in Gippsland responding to 6132 Code1 emergencies.

AmbulanceVictoria(AV) GippslandRegional

Director, Ross Salathiel, said demand across Gippsland increased by 4.7 per cent -or273 more Code 1cases -compared with ayear ago.

“Theentirehealthsystem continues to be extremely busy due to seasonal illness such as flu, COVID-19and RSV circulating withinour communities and our workforce,” Mr Salathiel said.

“Our dedicated paramedics and first responders in Gippsland do an incrediblejob in the face of record-breaking demand, providing best care to our communities every day.

“It is important that everyone does their part. If your matter is not an emergency, consider using alternative care options and keep our highly skilled paramedics available for patients most in need.”

Mr Salathiel said April to June was AV’s busiest quarter ever, with more than 102,000 Code 1cases across Victoria- breaking the previous recordof 100,238 Code 1cases set in October to December 2022.

“That’s nearly 5000more ‘lights and sirens’ cases compared to same time last year and ahuge35.2 percentmore Code 1cases before the pandemic five years ago,” Mr Salathiel said.

From April to June 2024, paramedics across Victoria responded to 64.2 per cent of Code 1 cases within the state-wide target of 15 minutes. The state-wide average response time to Code 1 emergencies was 15 minutes and 37 seconds.

Performance against the 15-minutetargetfor Code 1cases improved in 55 of Victoria’s 79 Local

Government Areas (LGAs) compared with ayear ago. In the Gippsland Region, the biggest improvements were in the Wellington, East Gippsland, Latrobe and Baw Baw LGAs.

Regional highlights were:

-Overthe past year, Code 1response times decreased by two minutes and 21 seconds in the Wellington LGA, one minute and four seconds in the East GippslandLGA and 30 seconds in the Baw Baw LGA;

-In the Morwell major population centre, paramedics attended 88 per cent of Code1patients within 15 minutes -the best result in the state despite a10per cent increase in demand compared with ayear ago;

-Across the Latrobe LGA, paramedics attended 2003 Code 1cases betweenApril and June -anine per cent increaseincaseloads from ayear ago, and;

-Across the Latrobe LGA, paramedics attended 75.6 per cent of Code 1patients within 15 minutes, up from 71 per cent ayear earlier.Asa result, paramedics were arriving 40 seconds faster than ayear ago.

The Executive Director Regional Operations, Danielle North, said AV constantly monitored demandand ambulance availabilityinreal time and worked with hospitals to help transfer patients as promptly as possible, to ensure ambulances can get back on the road sooner.

“We also review and adjust the ambulance call taking and dispatch grid, based on research, clinical expertise and our large body of clinical data, to ensureitremains suitable for the Victorian environment,” Ms North said.

“We continuetowork with our partners at Triple Zero Victoria to supportthe call takingand dispatch

process, noting that about one in five calls to Triple Zero (000) do not need an emergency ambulance response.

“There are many alternative carepathways that people can access when they need timely medical care and health advice but not an emergency ambulance.

“You can connect directly with the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) at www. vved.org.au anywhere, anytime in the comfort of home and avoid atrip to hospital.

“Other options include your local Priority Primary Care Centre (PPCC), GP or pharmacist, or NurseOn-Callon1300606024.

“From ApriltoJune,41,704 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead

connected to more appropriate care by paramedics and nurses in AV’s Secondary Triage team.

“In 2023/24, paramedics referred more than 30,000 patients to the VVED and 9574 patients were referred to the VVED following assessment in Secondary Triage.

“Staying up to date with your yearly flu and COVID-19 vaccinations helps protect you, the people around you, and makes adifference reducing demandonour paramedics during this busy time.” For more information about routine winter vaccinationsorfinding your nearest PPCC, visit the Better Health website at www.betterhealth. vic.gov.au

State crisis demonstrated

COMMUNITY sector agencies and community groups across Victoria are seeking to fold 60,000 origami housestohighlight the scale of Victoria’s homelessness crisis.

The 60,000 houses represents the number of households who are on the Victorian Housing Register needing public or community housing immediately.

The 6000 origami houses (representing 10 per cent of the 60,000) was presentedatstateparliamentlastWednesday(July31),inpreparationfor Homelessness Week (August 5-11) in aHouses at Parliament campaign to demand more action to build more public and community housing.

Thereareanumberofwaysyoucanbeinvolved in the campaign.

demanding the government takeactionand step up to endhomelessness for good.

Victoria’s homelessness crisis is unacceptable, and local homelessnessagenciesare callingfor urgent solutions.

“The firststeptoending homelessness is ensuring people have access to housing they can afford. There needs to be acommitment to build apipelineofpublic and community housing,” Chris McNamara said.

Thethemeforthisyear’sNationalHomelessness Week is 'Homelessness ACTION NOW!'

To get involved or for more information on the Houses at Parliament campaign see vhn.org.au/ housesatparliament

Gippsland Family Practice

The Victorian Homelessness Network has campaign kits, akit developed for schools, social mediatiles, instructions on how to fold the paper housesand ideas for getting others involved Anyone can add to the tally of houses folded. There has been an increase in the number of people approaching local agencies for support due to homelessness.

Across the Gippsland region in the 2023/24 financial year, more than 3920 people accessed aHomelessness Entry Point seeking assistance and support.

In March, there was 7179 households on the Victorian Housing Register (VHR) that have chosen abroadband within the Gippsland region, 1108 in Wellington Shire.

These households are on the priority VHR and have demonstrated they are experiencing homelessness and/or family violence.

TheWellingtonShiremembersoftheGippsland Homelessness Network are holding an event at the Gippsland CentreSaleonthis Friday, (August 9) during National Homelessness Week in partnership with other local services.

The Gippsland Homelessness Network Co-ordinator, ChrisMcNamarasayscommunity support for the campaign shows Victorians are

Origamihouses at ParliamentHouse in Melbourne highlight housing and homelessness crisis

Photo: Contributed

Delaysinlocal housing target

From Page 1

THESE delays don’tbode well for Wellington’s draft housing target of 7600 homes built by 2051.

Wellington Shire Council told the Gippsland Times last month that it is “confident” it can meet the housing targets.

When asked if the targets were achievable, Mr Warfe said, “I’dhavetosay no in the current circumstances”.

“But if there was ashire that was going to do it, Wellington would be the one.”

Wellington Shire Council last month adopted an updatedversion of the MaffraStructure Plan2022, which Mayor IanBye said will ensure Maffra’s growth meets futuredemands. The structure plan is the firstmajor landuse policydirection for Maffra since 2003.Itissaidto"guide the growth of the town to 2042".

Deputy Mayor Gayle Mahersaidthe township is in “dire need” of the Structure Plan.

It outlines recommendations for managing development relating to residential expansion and how the physical landscape can be used to promote Maffra as a“self-sustaining town, leading in agribusiness, food production, and environmental sustainability”, Cr Bye said.

The PlanningSchemeAmendment C120 only makes minorchangesincluding arecommendation to remove the Development Plan Overlay (DPO1) fromcertainparcelsofland. Thepurpose of the DPO1 is to ‘minimise ad hoc development and allow for acoordinated approach to managing change’. Simply, this means that any houses built need to satisfy requirements of the DPO1. Removing the DPO1 doesn’t negate alandowner’s responsibility to enquire about permits. It is being removed for two reasons: landalready has approved Development Plans, or the land can’t be subdivided more than it already is.

This change is neither here nor there, but there are parcels of land that the Plan identifies as opportune to ‘unlock’ expansion. Aportion of land highlighted as having potential for rural residential subdivision is landMrWarfe said should be ready to developin2026.

“It’s notasifthey’re not trying the shire. The problem is, they’re playing catch up and you can never catch up because it takes so long to get land re-zoned,” Mr Warfe said.

“It’s going to be achallenge. These sites like I’ve got there in Maffra, they should be fast tracked.”

Mr Warfe has two prospective developments in Maffra.

About 70 acres of formerfarmland south of

Brewers Hill Rd up to the fringe of the township is closetorecreational facilities like the Maffra Golf Club and Cameron Sporting Complex. Mr Warfe saidtheseamenities will make landownership attractive for prospective residents, and he is also considering developing aretirement village.

Ms Hahn said they have been “negotiating” with the council to include the 70-acre parcel south of Brewers Hill Rd in their residential growth strategy in the Maffra Structure Plan. Mr Warfe submitted in June to include the land.

Mr Warfe said the timeframe for delivering strategic planning is bewildering, but Ms Hahn said it is necessary. Having the council consider the proposed changes, highlighting that developing small parcels of land would be unviable, Ms Hahn said, “We need large parcels of land that developers can realistically develop”.

Another parcel of land north of Sandy Creek Rd between Maffra-Briagolong Rd and Three Chain Rd has development potential according to the Structure Plan.

Mr Warfe said he intends to develop 64 1.5 acre lots here, which “lifestyle properties” will be built on. While it won’t cater to affordability given the lots will be attractive to build “choice homes” that could bring the land plus house cost within the range of $1 million, Mr Warfe said families that can afford these properties may move out of town, freeing up affordable housing.

Mr Warfe says the 64-lot development will be different from other developments. He said the development’s layout will be “more organic” with “meandering roads”. It intends to create amore “natural” looking development.

“This is not goingtoservice everyone’s needs because they’ll be relatively expensive and there’s only 64 of them.There’sprobably 20-odd (prospective buyers) on the list to buy them now and they’re not for sale,” Mr Warfe said.

Mr Warfe said construction could be underway by Spring 2026. In addition to these 64 lots, the 70-acres of land south of BrewersHillRdwill bring the total to 150 lots according to Mr Warfe.

Other land with development potential remains zoned as farmland, includingaparcelsouth of McCubbins Lane. The Structure Plan,however, does identify it as having the potential for ‘rural residential’ living,meaningitwouldalsoserve prospective buyers looking to build lifestyle properties on 1.5-acre lots.

With change already happening, locals may be opposedtomore, and Mr Warfe said it’s inevitable that people are wary of development.

Mr Hahn believes there is acommunity understanding that housing is needed but concedes that

peoplecan struggle withthe ideaofestates and major development when it’s happening on their doorstep.

“People understand that housing needs to happen but when construction is happening next door there’s abit of angst… but the developer is pretty much just delivering what council intended anyway,” she said.

“Council prepares the structure plans for the towns saying, ‘This is where we want growth, this is where we want it to happen,’ and the developer simply comes along and says, ‘I will develop that,’ and they have to developitinaccordancewith council’s Plan.

“They’re really limitedinwhatthey can do. They could maybe add embellishments; change light pole types, make fancy street signs, they could put in playgrounds, it’s their choice. But other than that, it’s notuptothe developer.”

Mr Warfe said aproject likethe Daly Park Estate is worth up to $80 million.

“The plasterer might go to the shops and get his

lunch, the uplift’s enormous onceyou sit down and crunch the numbers,” he said.

Ms Hahn said that 50 to 100 individuals are employed to bring aproject to fruition throughout its lifecycle.

Cr Bye assures that the Structure Plan aims to retain Maffra’s “unique character as an agricultural town."

It outlines how Maffra’s'small country town feel’ will be maintained and promoted. For example, the Planrecommends extending the existing Boisdale St ‘Green Spine’ northwardstoSandyCreekRdto encourage walking and cycling.

Council haverequested that the state government’s Ministerfor Planning authorise council, in its capacity as the Planning Authority for theWellingtonPlanning Scheme, to prepare Amendment C120well and proceed to aperiod of formal public exhibition. This means the community can assess the document and submit any opinions or questions they have.

Dr Emma Gaultwas born,raised, and trained in Gippsland.

Sheisproud to be workingtosupport her local community as ageneralpractitioner, providing qualityhealthcare.

Emma hasa special interest in Occupational Medicine andhas completed certificationin Occupational Medicine.She has alicense to conductOGUK/OEUK medicals and has extensive experience conductingPre EmploymentMedicals.

She alsohas aspecial interest in Elderly patients andChronic Disease Management–especiallydiabetes.

She enjoys thevariety of challengesthat come with regionalgeneralpracticeand endeavours to supporther patients with empathy, compassion, andpatience

Emma deeply values thelong-termrelationshipsshe formswithher patients andtheir families andtakes prideinthe opportunity to advocate fortheir well-being

On this parcel of land north of Sandy CreekRoad, 64 1.5acrelots will become home to “lifestyle properties” according to adeveloper

Behind thisgate, 22 homes shouldhavebeen built, but adelayed intersection hashalted development

Photos:Erika Allen

Dr Anam Rashad Dr Farshad Almasi Dr Shazia Usman

Sale studenthonoured with Premier’s award

StefanBradley

CATHOLIC College Sale are thrilled about the exceptional achievements of Ruby Fisher (DUX 2023),who has been honouredwith the prestigious Premier’s VCE Award for her outstanding academic performance in 2023.

Ruby’s unwaveringcommitment to excellenceand scholarly prowess has earned her this distinguished accolade in Psychology.

Psychology teacher, Andrea Simm said, "Ruby approached her Psychology studies withadiligent and focuseddetermination that allowed her natural aptitude and intelligence to shine through".

"Ruby knew that she wanted to study medicine at university and to achieve this goal, she approached her studies with resolute dedication. She asked pertinentquestions, offeredher unique point of view and sought feedback so as to consistentlyimprove her understanding

"Her study scoreof50placedher in the top nine

students in astate cohort of 18,745 Psychology students in 2023. Ruby's remarkable result is a testament to herexceptionalwork ethic and attitude. Sheisa role model for rural students to understand thatsuchachievementsare possible."

Ruby's parents Di Fisher and Damon Brewerare bursting with pride with Ruby's academicachievements and her sheer determination to pursueher dreams

"Ruby has alwaysbeen aself-motivated learner and is strongly committed and connected to her community,"Disaid

"We thank everyone who has played apartin supporting anddeveloping Ruby into the young womanshe has become and hope that they also celebratetheir role in her achievements

"Ruby has previously gaineda Queen's Scout Award during her time with SaleScout Association and aCGrade Badgeaccreditation with Sale Netball Association.

"These experienceshave taught her that she can achieve anythingshe sets her mindto. We strongly

believe thiswillcontinuethroughout her lifeinall the choices she makes."

Ruby saidshe wasgratefulfor the supportofher family and friends, "including and especially my teacherMsAndrea Simm".

"This recognition is pretty unreal, it shows you can do anything that you put your mind to," Ruby said.

The Premier’s VCE Awards celebrates the topperformingstudents in the state

This year, Ruby stands among 310 of Victoria’s top performing students, including three international students, six students who completed the VCE Vocational Major program with distinction, and 23 Top All-RoundVCE HighAchieverswho achieved

study scores of 46 or higher out of 50 in at least five VCE subjects

Amomentousoccasion,RubyjoinsSebastianMoore (Class of 2022) as the second student from Catholic College Sale to receive this prestigious honour. "Theentire Catholic College Salecommunity is extremely proud of Ruby, and we would like to congratulate her on being the recipient of such a prestigiousaward,"DeputyPrincipalCindyFoatsaid. "Currently pursuinga Bachelor of Medicine at Monash University, Ruby’s journey continues to be one of inspirationand promise. We wishher continuedsuccess in allher future endeavours." To view the complete Honour Roll, visit https:// www.vic.gov.au/premiers-vce-awards

Catholic College Sale teacher AndreaSimm andRuby Fisher (DUX2023)

Photo: Contributed Ruby Fisher with Premier JacintaAllan

Photo:AndrewHobbsPhotography

Graeme Dyer shares his story

CAITIE Richardson is alocal family photographerwho is passionate about capturing people of all ages and walks of life

As asidepassion, Caitie has been talking to and photographingthe older generation of the Gippsland community.

GRAEME Dyer was born in the Sale Hospital on August 1, 1938.

He was the second youngest of 11 children, and growing up at thistimecertainlywas not the easiest.

This is his story.

Graeme’s father Leo was one of six children who grew up on paddle steamers along the Murray River carrying and trading loads.

When Leo was 19, he headed to Melbourne to enlist in The Great War.

He landed in Gallipoli seven days after the first landing. Throughout the Gallipoli campaign, Leo was not only commended for his heroism but was awarded the Military Medal for bravery.

The award reads:

On one occasion when aparty was under heavy machinegun fire,Leo helped bring in the wounded andvolunteered to go out again after an officerhad given the order to discontinue.

Leo was ahumbleman, and believed his only heroic act in life was when he went out to No Mans Land to rescue afellow comradefrom the battlefield. Leo was wounded in France, and by the time he had recovered the war was over.

Leo then returned to Renmark, South Australia in January 1919 where he met and eventually married his wife Annie in 1924.

They welcomed seven children during their time workingand livinginRenmark,but tragicallyone of their daughters, Vonda died at 13-months-old. It was atough way of life back then, and at times Annie would tether the children to the paddle steamer so they wouldn’t accidentally fall into the Murray River while they worked.

In 1932, Leo, Annie and their now six children and two trucks left Renmark and moved to Sale.

Leo was searching for afresh start for his family andcommenced his own road transport business ‘WL Dyer Transport Services’.

He soon proved himself to be atrustworthy and hardworking man among the local community, helping him and his family to fit in nicely in their new township.

As Leo’schildren grew,they each played apartin the familybusiness. The DyersTransport business was then and is still today very much afamily owned and operated business.

The Dyer familywere able to be quite selfsufficient at home with eggs and meat from their chickens, milk from Milly their cow, and vegetables from Leo’s garden. Graeme feltlikehedrew the short straw with being the youngest as he was the one who had to be home to milkMilly, but admitted he did have asoft spot for her.

Most people during this era bartered items around town, so having their own cream and milk was ahuge advantage for their large family.

Having an air raid shelter (a brick lined well) in the front yard of their Lansdowne Street home was quite fascinating for the young siblings.

Graeme remembers playing in his family’s large backyard with the neighbouring kids and feeling very lucky. Their familyoutings included driving in Cloe (Leo’s truck) to collect and chop wood, andGraeme fondly remembers his father Leo bringing along his rifle to teach Graeme how to shoot.

With ashortage of most thingsduring that time, water for bathing was also rationed, with Graeme recalling he was only allowed one hot bath aweek. Any washes during the week would mean aquick cold wash with afacewasher.

By 1945 Leo and Anniehad alarge family of 11 children.

The year 1949 was one never to be forgotten by the Dyer family -ayear that still pains Graeme 75 years on.

In February of 1949, Leo and Annie’s eldest child passed away from Tuberculosis at the age of 24. Ashort time later Leo lost his soul mate Annie on his own birthday, leaving behind nine children,five of which were still young and dependent on Leo. These great losses took atremendous toll on the family, and Leo never truly recovered his heartache Graemewas 11-years-old at the time, and his younger sister was just four years of age.

Graemeloved his mother very muchand couldn’t fathom not havinghis mum by his side for awarm hug, to offer advice, or simply just to chat with. This is one thing Graeme has always missed

terribly, being able to chat to his mum and listen to her words of advice.

Graemehas always been adog lover and at that time their family dog became his greatest friend and councillor, sitting for hours together.

TwoofGraeme’s eldest sisterswerenurseswho stepped up to become mother figures to the siblings, which Graeme appreciated even though he said sometimes they were just plain bossy.

Everyday lifehad to keep on going even through immenseheartache.

The Dyer family had awidowed housekeeper,and her child came to live with them which provided huge help around the home while Leo was out working to keep money in the bank and food on the table. It was avery busy household, with many coming andgoingontop of the neighbouring children who wouldcome over to play.

Just like his older brothers, Graeme also learnt to drive atruck from avery young age.

So young that he struggled to see over the dashboard and had to stand on the floor of the truck to pull the heavy steering wheel around due to no power steering back in those days.

Graeme remembers beingaround 14-years-old andhaving the local policeman wait behind him while he reversed the truck into the yard.

The policeman would tell Graeme to at least take his school jumperoff while driving so he didn’t stand out as much. Graeme gained the fitting nickname of ‘Diesel Dyer’.

Overthe weekends,Graemewould be on his pushbike riding with his friends. They would ride for hours mostdays and often rode to the swing bridge to have aswim. Graeme has very fond memories of his group of friends and saysthey were agreat supportive bunch of boys.

Graeme enjoyedschool and attended 545 Primary School before going on to Tech School until Year 10.

Graeme then took over the family business finances once his older brother left.

Graeme’s love for maths and his people skills were pivotalindrawing more profits into the business. At the age of 16, Graeme was living in the shed of their MorwellDepot. From ayoung age he was givenalot of responsibility, and with his mother passing when he was only 11-years-old, he had to learn to grow up quickly. Graeme to this day is afirm believer that the younger you give achild responsibility, the more responsible they will become.

Cricket wasone of the sports Graemeenjoyed at school, but soon didn’t have time to play due to working six or seven days aweek.

Christmastime wasthe rare chance thatthe Dyerfamily got away togetherfor aholidayas their business customers would shut for abreak

The Dyer family holiday would involve heading to Seaspray for afew days with everyone piling in atruck with the children sitting on the tray.

Graeme looks backonthese days and smiles. He enjoyed his childhood andwas thankful he had great friends and wasclosewith hissiblings and father.

In 1961, Graeme married Carol and moved into ahouse on Raglan Street in Sale. They had three boys together -Scott, Greg and David. Unfortunately, Carol was taken with amental illness and moved out of their family home shortly after their youngest David was born.

From then, Graeme raised the three boys on his own but luckily had support from his sister-in-law

Gwen who is still agreat friend of his today.

In 1962, the Dyer family business purchased a new site -the Silver Lake Flour Mill -which anyone local to Sale will know and will still pass today on their way out of town towards the Swing Bridge.

Graeme’s three boys also spent alot of time running amok around the depot in their younger years learning to ride bikes and drive trucks with Graeme just like he did with his own father.

Being asole custodian of hischildren and abusy business owner certainly had its challenges.

Graeme’s threeactive boys would tear around the truck yard aggravating him, but Graeme would think back to when he was young doing the same thing and would cut them abit of slack.

Graeme designed Dyers’ firstcranein1960,which was used to put up the screen for Sale’s drive-in theatre.

Later, another job was to erect the largepalmtree outside the Star Hotel, which still stands tall today.

In 1970, Graeme tried his handatmany businessesincluding superspreading, owning aready-mix plant alongside the road transport business. He also bought into afarm with his brothersbut quickly realisedheknewnothing about farming at all.

Graeme’s father Leo sadly passed away in 1985 shortly after his 90th birthday. Graeme married Alida in the same year.

In 2011,Graeme had the honour of accepting an Order Of Australia medal for his service to the community.

For 53 years Graeme has beena part of the Rotary Club where he is still amember today. He remembers going out to Holey Plain Estate with others to cut wood for widowers.

In 2012,Graemewas inducted into the National Road Transport Hall Of Fame.

In 2013, Graeme was inducted in the Bendigo Bank Gippsland Business Award 'Hall Of Fame'.

If you can’t already tell, Graeme is aman who has achieved many things. There have been many triumphsthroughout his life with just as many failures, all of which have shaped him into the strong, wise man he is today.

When IchattoGraeme, Isee Leo. Although I will never get to meet him, Ican tell Graeme holds many qualities and similarities: sheer perseverance and undeniable loyalty.

Graeme said: “nothing comes easy, and you need to knowhow to workhard and appreciate what you have.”

Graeme still enjoys going into the family business head office most days, as well as getting out and catching up with old friends, and baking the odd cake not letting anything slow him down.

Family is very importanttoGraeme,and luckily, he is graced with grandchildren and in more recent years has been graced with great grandchildren.

There is nothing Graeme loves more thanspending quality time with them all.

Being aquietly spoken man and often not saying too much, there is acertain twinkle that comes to his eye when he speaksabout visiting his great grandchildren each week.

Keeping active is also very important to Graeme, and one of his favourite activities is his daily walk with his neighbour’s black Labrador -which she loves just as much.

Ithoroughly enjoyedmytimewith Graeme which was filled with many chats, laughs and words of wisdom.

It was wonderful hearing not only his story, but theincredible history of the Dyer family who have been an important part of Gippsland for more than 90 years.

Iwouldlike to thankGraeme for histimeand for his granddaughter Bess's valuable input.

If you would like to learn moreabout Dyers Transport and how it became what it is today, I highly recommend reading As Fate Would Have It -abook celebrating the Dyer’s family business written by ShaneCoats (available to loan from the Wellington Shire Library).

Ihope to continue to find locals that would like their stories told.

If you have someone in mind that would like to share their story with me, please email me at caitierichardsonphotography@gmail.com

Graeme Dyer withhis father’smilitary medals.

Local photographer CatieRichardson with Graeme Dyer Photos: Catie Richardson

New tools for Sale Men’s Shed

THE Sale Men's Shed has bolstered its tool arsenal and is on the hunt for new members to enjoy the benefits of gathering on aregularbasis to work on projects.

Theclub has just bought awet stone sharpening machine and arouter table, havingsecured funding throughthe federal government's 2023-24 Volunteer Grants program.

Federal Member for Gippsland, DarrenChester, metwithmembers to inspect the latest equipment

and congratulate the team on receiving $4920 in funding.

"The men's shed movement across Australia is incredibly important for the physical and mental wellbeing of men of all ages," Mr Chester said.

"Sale Men'sShed is acommunity-based, nonprofit,non-commercial organisation accessible to all men, which offers asafe, friendly and supportive environment where members can work on meaningful projects, at their own pace,

showsGippslandMPDarrenChesterthe Shed’s new

in their own time, in the company of others.

"Thanks to this funding, Sale Men's Shed was able to purchase equipment that helps with completing communityprojects,such as the shelving they are working on for Wurruk Community Centre.

"Volunteers devote alot of time to the community and undertake avarietyofactivities. Through the Volunteer Grants program, we can give them a helping hand and make their roles as volunteers easier and more enjoyable."

Mr Chester said the grants serve as asmall recognition of the dedication and effort put in by the local volunteers.

"While the work of our volunteers may be unpaid, it is not unrecognised," Mr Chester said.

"From fighting bushfires and caring for the environment to supporting people in our community and running local events, the value of the work done by our volunteers across Gippsland is immeasurable."

Preparing schools for upcoming fire season

THE stategovernment is making sure schools

across Victoria are well-prepared for the upcombushfire season by providing grants to slash vegetation growth and reduce the risk of fire.

Minister for Education Ben Carroll last week ounced 332 governmentschools across 348 campuses will share in morethan$8.4 million carry out essential maintenance work through Bushfire Preparedness (Vegetation) Program (BPVP).

“We knowhow devastating bushfires are and just

how long-lasting their impacts can be, and that’s why we’re continuing to support schools to be as fire-ready as possible,” Mr Carroll said.

“These grants will help more than 330 schools at risk of fire clear vegetation -toprotect their classrooms and facilities in the event of abushfire.”

The program was introduced in 2018 to help schools undertake essential vegetation clearance around school buildingsprior to the bushfire season and in accordance with municipal fire danger periods.

Schools receiving funds are listed on the Bushfire at Risk Register (BARR), with the work aimed at mitigatingthe risk of harm to the school’s community and buildings in the event of abushfire.

The BPVP also provides aSchool Support Program, where an accredited Bushfire Planning and Design consultant visits aschool twiceayear to help them prepare for the upcoming bushfire season while also making surethey complete a Vegetation Management Plan every three years.

Phillip Armstrong and Daryl WilsonshowFederal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester the Sale Men’sShed’s current community project- shelving for Wurruk Community Centre.

Sale Men’s Shed member Alan Huckell

router table.

Wetstone sharpening machine SaleMen’s Shedpurchased with funding secured through the 2023-24 Volunteer Grants program.

Photos: Contributed

Federal Memberfor Gippsland Darren Chester with SaleMen’s Shedmembers, AlanHuckell, Phillip Armstrong, President Ian Edgleyand Secretary Daryl Wilson.

Dr Greg Steele

Dr Reeha Nandha

WHAT'S on at Maffra Neighbourhood House.

 BUILDING awicking garden is happening this Friday (August 9) at Maffra Neighbourhood House.

Bunnings will be running this workshop from 10.30am.All are welcome to come along to observe, learn or assist.

 BOOKINGS are being taken for the Furky florist workshop on Wednesday, August 21, suitable for beginners, and for the Tapestry Weaving workshop on Tuesday, August 27, also suitable for beginners at Maffra Neighbourhood House. Phone 0422 335 155 to book or find out more details.

REDUCE, Reuse, Recycle.

 AFABRIC and Craft Supplies sale will be held in the Bundalaguah Hall (795 Maffra-Sale Road, Bundalaguah) this Sunday (August 11), open from 9am until 1pm. Cash only, bring your own bags. There will be acoffee van and light refreshmentsavailable.Gather your crafty friends together and grab abargain.

 THE George Gray Centre presents their Winter Wonderland Makers market at the George Gray Centre (24 Foster Street, Maffra) on Tuesday, August 13, beginning at 11am until 1pm. There will plants, craft, art, slices and asausage sizzle.

Cultural Flow, avisualcelebration

GUNAIKURNAI artist and proud Koori woman

Alice Pepper visitedGippsland Water's Traralgon office last week to present acopy of her artwork, ‘Cultural Flow’.

Gippsland Water Managing Director,Sarah Cumming met with Alice and shared the positive feedback theorganisationhas receivedabout the artwork,and the importance of celebrating Traditional Owners and their connection to water.

Gippsland Water commissioned artworks from Alice Pepper and MuttiMutti Bunurong artist Lakeisha Clayton to celebrateits ongoingpartnership with the Traditional Custodians of the land it operates on.

Alice's artwork has also been installedonsignage at facilities on Gunaikurnai Country, and will feature as amural on theStratford water tower.

Lakeisha's artwork, WaterConnection, is featured on signage at facilities on Bunurong Country.

To read aboutthe storyofthe artwork and findout more,visit www.gippswater.com.au/ traditionalownersandculturalheritage

Artist Alice Pepper (centre) presents Gippsland WaterHealthy Country Lead Daniel Rodaughan and managingdirector Sarah Cumming with acopy of her artwork

Contributed

Better focus on regional telecommunications

MEMBER for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien saidhehas campaigned fora better focuson regional telecommunications after previous revelations the ConnectingVictoriaprogram was subsidising innercity areas that are already well-served by commercial operators.

Mr O’Brien recently wrote to the Minister for Government Services, Gabrielle Williams, to seek atimeline for these important projects as afollow up to advice received in February 2023 that anew Optus tower would be delivered in Toongabbie.

“I have now received advice thatthe Toongabbie Optus tower is on track to be completed early 2025,” Mr O’Brien said.

“In addition to this Iamtold we can expect to see the rollout of afurther 98 mobile projects across Gippsland under this project.”

Mr O’Brien said anumberofthese projects will be in Gippsland South,including new Telstra towersinTarra Valley,Boolarra,Callignee, Jeeralang, Dumbalk, Flynn, Leongathaand Sale Northaswell as Optustowers in Sale, Sale East, Sandy Point, Toora and Yanakie South.

“These towersare allscheduled to be completed within the 2024-25 financial year and Iwill be keeping aclose eye on their progress," Mr O'Brien said.

“Many regional Victorians rely on reliable mobile coverage to access crucial services such as online education or telehealth and they deserve the same level of coverage as our city counterparts.”

For afull list of projects being delivered under the Connecting Victoria program,aswell as information of estimated completion dates, visit: www.vic.gov.au/find-a-project

‘TRUSTED PERSONAL CARE WHEN EXCELLENCECOUNTS’

M.B.B.S., Ph.D., F.R.A.C.S. SPECIALIST GENERAL SURGEON

• ALL GENERAL SURGICAL COMPLAINTS

• MELANOMA AND SKIN CANCERS

• CARPAL TUNNEL UNDER LOCAL

• GASTROSCOPY AND COLONOSCOPY

• GALLSTONE SURGERY

• BREAST LUMPS

• BOWEL CANCERS

• HERNIA REPAIRS

• HYDROCELES

• KEYHOLE SURGERY

• LIPOMAS

• DUPUYTREN’S HAND SURGERY

• TUMMY TUCKS

• THYROID SURGERY

• VARICOSE VEINS

• BREAST CANCER

• VASECTOMY

Your feedback will help us plan Victoria’sfuturerenewable energy infrastructure

Visit us at asession near you: Sale

PortofSale

WellingtonCentre(Level2), 70 Foster St,Sale.(Entry via either Foster St or Grand CanalDr)

Wednesday 7August, 4:00 pm –7:00pm

Thursday8August, 10:30 am –12:30 pm Korumburra KorumburraCommunity Hub 15 Little Commercial St,Korumburra Wednesday14August, 4:00 pm –7:00pm Thursday 15 August, 10:30 am –12:30 pm

At sessions,we’ll be talking through:

•how we willdevelop the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan

•the study area, which willshow partsofVictoria thatwe’ll investigate further,aswework with communities to find the best places to host future wind and solar generation.

•how community feedback will help refine the study area to proposed renewable energy zones.

If youcan’t attend asession directly,feel free to haveyour say on the study area right now at:engage.vic.gov.au/VicGrid

Photo:

Grammar centenary on two fronts

A100-YEAR-OLD Gippsland Grammar Old Scholar returned to Sale on Friday, July 26, to help the school celebrate its 100th birthday.

Gippsland Grammarwas foundedin1924, the same year its oldest Old Scholar, Dorothy Nolan, was born. She returned to St Anne’s Campus for St Anne’s Day festivities.

More than 130 former students of St Anne’s Church of England Girls’ Grammar School (which wasthe school's initial name) joined the St Anne’s Day party, which included afellowship service with currentstudents, the opening of apermanent historic photographic exhibition and acelebratory luncheon hosted by the Principal,Michele Wakeham, and the Head of St Anne’s Campus, Jie Van Berkel.

When Dorothy Nolan (nee Glover) attended the school in Sale from 1935-1941 (Year 7-12) she tolerated classes such as English and mathematics until she could get outsidefor her favouritelesson,sport, which she attributes to her longevity.

“I used to look out the window at the bigtree and wish Iwas outside playing tennis or basketball,” Mrs Nolan remembered.

Whenasked the secret of living alonglife she said it was being active.

“Well, Iplayed tennis twice aweek well into my 90s,” she said.

Mrs Nolan turned 100 in May. Back in the 1940s, her father Jack Glover owned the Regent Theatre in Saleand when she leftschool she worked in the theatrewith her auntEddieTrew.She also helped in the shop next to the Palais Theatre in Raymond Street, which was run by her grandmother Ellen Elizabeth Glover (nee Fox).

She went on to marry and have six children, who she proudly said “are all still alive”. She has 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

It is impressive to think about the changes that have occurred in 100 years.

GippslandGrammar wasestablished by the second Bishop of Gippsland, the Right Reverend George Cranswick, with just four students. Over the years, the school has incorporated five education institutions including the original Church of England Girls’ School Sale, St Anne’s Church of EnglandGirls’ Grammar School, Gippsland Grammar School, St Anne’s and Gippsland Grammar School (STAGGS) and Gippsland Grammar, that the region knows it as today, catering for more than 1150 students and employing 280 staff.

Mr Van Berkel said it was great to continue the school’s centenary celebrations.

“Former St Anne’s students, who attended the school from its origins until 1971, when the then girls’ school merged with the boys-only Gippsland Grammar School, return to St Anne’s Campus for St Anne’s Day each year,” Mr Van Berkel said.

“This is always one of my favourite days of the year.And to havesomanyofour eldest Old Scholars return this year and see them mingle and share stories with current students is precious, adds value to everyone’s learning and to their sense of belonging to this great school.”

The day included the official opening of ‘Centenary Walk’, avisual timeline showcasing asnapshot of theschool’shistory over the past 100 years. The photographicdisplay wasfunded by the current St Anne’s Campus Parents and Friends and former students and their families.

Mrs Nolan was thrilledtojoin currentcampus captains, Charlotte Greenwell and Charlie Strachan, to open ‘CentenaryWalk’. Shewas equallydelighted to meet one of the younger current students, Hannah Lafferty of Foundation, who is the third generation of herfamilytoalso attendthe school.

Mrs Nolan and Hannah cut the birthday cake and Hannah presented her predecessor abelated birthday gift of abouquet and acopy of Gippsland Grammar’s centenary book, Memories, stories from 100 years of Gippsland Grammar, authored by Ann Andrew (nee Gooch), who is also an Old Scholar.

Margaret Blandford (nee Stothers), amember of the Class of 1952, was guest speaker. She is the great-grandmother of current Early Learning Centre student Oscar Morrison.

To say the school is an important part of the family’s lives is an understatement. Oscar’s parents Leigh (Ting) and Tom Morrison were childhood sweethearts and met at school as members of the Class of 2005. His grandmother Lisa Morrison (nee Blandford)was in the Class of 1978 and grandfather Tim was in the Class of 1981.

“So much history to be proud of,” Mr Van Berkel said.

Gippsland Grammar's archivist, Tim Gibson, dusted off memorabilia for the occasion.

Manyofthe former students wore school badges to Friday’s event but one former student, Heather Baker (nee Cameron), astudent from 1953-1955, went one step furtherdonning herentire school uniform including the hat and gloves, which of course were compulsory items during that time.

Her sister-in-law, Yvonne Terechow,astudent from1961-1964, wasone of the many who travelled interstate.

Principal Michelle Wakeham said Gippsland Grammar has impacted many generations of students and is confident it will continue to make adifference for another 100 years.

“Gippsland Grammar is aleading independent day and boarding school with an impressive history,” Ms Wakeham said.

“Many stories, whichformtoday’s history, have been documented in Ann Andrew’s (book) Memories,stories from100 years of Gippsland Grammar,” Ms Wakeham said.

Copies of the centenary books are still available from each of the school’s campuses: St Anne’s Campus Raymond St, Sale: Garnsey Campus, Princes Highway, Sale: and Bairnsdale Campus, Bullumwaal Rd, Wy Yung.

about her school with Foundation student Hannah

beforetheycut thebirthdaycake and

presented her predecessor abirthday

Member of theClass of 1952 andguest speaker Margaret Blandford(middle) with generations of herfamilythatattended Gippsland Grammar Leigh

Gippsland GrammarYear 6student Eden White helpsserve lunch to St Anne’s HeadofCampus Jie VanBerkel and the school’s old scholars in theStAnne’s Campus library.The library was once the boarding housediningroom.

Former HeadofCampusGary Gray(left) YvonneTerechow and Heather Baker (neeCameron) visited St Anne’s Campus Year 2students, whohavehavebeen studying the school’s history.

Morrison (left),Lisa Morrison, TomMorrison, Tim Morrison and EarlyLearningCentrestudent in 2025 Zeke (front), and current ELCstudent Oscar.

Gippsland Grammar OldScholar Dorothy Nolan, who celebrated her 100thbirthday earlier in the year,shared stories

Lafferty

Hannah

bouquet.

Photos: Lisa Baker

Gippsland Grammar OldScholars AndrewRash, Judy Harris (nee Picken) and Cameron Rash catchingupin‘Centenary Walk’, aphotographic exhibition of theschool’shistory.

Winter Melodies at The Wedge

THE Maffra Municipal Band will perform 'WinterMelodies' at theWedge Performing Arts Centre on Sunday, August 25.

From one band of 12 members, the group have exploded to six groups and over 120 talented musicians.

Come along to see and hear what the buzz is all aboutasMaffraMunicipal Bandwagon lands at The Wedge.

Event organiserssay there’s amusical style and group to suit everyone’s taste, from the classics to now.

Performed by the band's six groups: Intermediate Concert, Senior Concert and StageBands, StringOrchestra,Ukestra and, new in 2024, their Choir.

Join an afternoon of pure entertainment and be amazed at the talent in our district.

The performance beginsat2pm on Sunday, August25atthe Wedge Performing Arts Centre, 100 Foster Street, Sale. It's run time is two hours, including an interval.

Learn more and get tickets at: thewedge. com.au/event/maffra-municipal-band/

The MaffraMunicipal Band areknown for playing at various community events. Earlier this year,the band ledMaffra’s AnzacDay Parade.

Celebrating creativity at market

GEORGE Gray Centre’s (GGC) second creative market is on next Tuesday, August 13 from 11am to 1pm.

This winter wonderland market willbeheld at the George Gray Centreat24Foster St, Maffra, which promises to be adelightful event celebrating the

These marketsfoster asense of accomplishment and community spiritamong participants.

creativity and talents of our community members.

The GGC Makers Market will feature avariety of handmade crafts, cosy beanies, scarves, winter themeddecorations, items from local businesses participants have hadworkexperience at and unique items perfect for the season.

Attendees will have theopportunity to browse through an array of stalls, meet thetalentedmakers, and purchase one-of-a-kind items that showcase the skills and creativity of our participants.

"This market is more than just ashopping event; it'sacelebration of our community's creativityand spirit," George Gray Centre Program Manager, Wendy McLaren said.

"We are thrilled to provide aplatform for our participants to showcase their talents and connect with the local community."

The event is open to the public, and everyone is encouragedtoattend. Bring your family and friends for amorning of fun,shopping, and supporting local artisans.

Coffee with a Cop returns

WELLINGTON Police will be holding a 'Coffee with aCop' on Thursday, August 29 at 10am in the Gippsland Centre. Coffee with aCop bringspolice officers and the community members whom they serve together, to have arelaxed chat over acup of coffee. This is agreat opportunity for people to ask questions, voice any concerns and get to know their local police members.

Aprevious GGC Makers Market Photos:Contributed

Photo: ErikaAllen

ONE POINTERS

1. What sport does Fred Flintstone play?

2. Who was the last host of Brain Strains in this paper?

3. Napolean was the political leader of what country?

4. John Denver died in what kind of tragedy?

TWOPOINTERS

5. What was Elvis Presley’smiddle name?

6. Where is the highest peak in Australia?

7. What is the name of the owner of Garfield the cat?

8. Matilda’sgoalkeeper,Teagan Micah, grew up in what Latrobe Valley town?

THREE POINTERS

9. Who was USA’s final torch bearer in the 2024 Olympics?

10 What musical group sung ‘Back In the U.S.S.R.’?

11. What manufacturer released the first folding smart phone in 2020

12 What is it called when multiple words in arow start with the same sound?

FOUR POINTERS

13 What German Scientist does Bryan Cranston’s character in Breaking Bad name himself after?

14 What countrywon the first Olympic gold medal in the 2024Paris games

FIVE POINTER

15.What potted plant did E.T.carry?

Howtoplay...

Using the 9letters in the grid, howmany wordsoffour letters or morecan you list? The centreletter must be included and each lettermay be used onlyonce No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural wordsending in ‘s’.

LLife on the land

OCATED on approximately 17 acres with no neighbours, agents say this homestead has been meticulously renovated to ahigh quality

The weatherboard home consists of four bedrooms plus astudy,formal lounge/sitting room with ared brick open fire place, north facing family room with wood heater and reverse cycle air-conditioner.There is also two bathrooms.

The kitchen includes stone bench tops, soft close drawers, dishwasher, gas cook top, electric oven and a walk-in pantry.The home is fitted with oak timber floorboards and carpets.

The house is surrounded with verandahs on atimber deck with an outdoor entertainment area that overlooks the surrounds. There is shedding which includes adouble carport, workshop/ machinery shed, hayshed, disused dairy,chook pen and stockyards.

The property has been subdivided into several paddocks all with fencing. Water supply is from several water tanks plus a17megalitre water right from Carters Creek. The property also overlooks the Macalister River flats and nearby mountains.

Brief details

Property: Homestead on 17 acres.

Address: 698 Maffra-Newry Road, Newry 3859.

Agent: Gippsland Real Estate.

Phone: Pat Weatherley (0412 435 644) or Brett Lanigan (0427 517 577).

Inspection: By appointment.

Auction: Saturday, August 17 at 10:30am on site.

Industrial workshopwith office space nowfor

AGENTS say that this property is an opportunity to own an industrial workshop and office space in Sale's bustling industrial area.

Originally designed for engineering works, this property is zoned Industrial 1.

The property features a302sqm(approx.) workshop featuring high roller door access that agents say could accommodate large machinery and equipment. It features multiple three-phase power outlets to support heavy-duty industrial activities. There is also an overheard travelling gantry (currently not functioning). Additionally, the mezzanine floor offers extra office and storage space. Inside, there is four officesand an

administration area, complete with reverse cycle air conditioning and essential amenities of toilets and showers.

Designed for truck access, agents say this property facilitates transportation and logistics operations. The entire property is surrounded by secure fencing.

Agents say this industrial shed and office spaceislocated in ahigh-demand area.

Alternatively,for investors, this property presents an opportunity to capitalize on the industrial market in Sale. With its strategic location, extensive facilities, and high demand for industrial spaces, it offers excellent potential for strong rental returns and long-term capital growth, according to agents.

Affordability in Maffra’s new estate

Elise Nat Cindy Jordan Cheyenne Emma Emma Bronwyn ChloeTanya

Kevin Tim Maleaha

Tony Chris Julian

Increased sodium found

CENTRAL Gippsland has recorded high groundwater levels for three consecutive years, the highest since records began in the 1990s.

As aresult, the risk of salinity damage to soil and crops has increased across the region.

AgricultureVictoria's regional manager irrigation, SarahKillury,said seasons 2022/23, and 2023/24 experienced record wet periods through the summer followed by an extremely dry January to July.

"Groundwater can contain high levels of salt, and as the groundwaterrecedes and the soil profile dries out, salt may be left behind," she said.

"We have seen soiltests come back with increased sodium and electrical conductivity,

impacting pasture composition and production on farms in the Macalister Irrigation District.

"We recommend farmers in the area talk to their agronomist and soil test areas that have been underperforming to see if salinity may be a contributing factor."

Liz Semmensfrom VastAgronomy has seen hard salt pans and scalding across paddocks.

"Salinity impacts are often observed in lowlying, waterlogged areas of paddocks but can be difficult to spot," said Ms Semmens.

"Signsincludepoor pasture production, leaves appearing smaller and darker than normal, salt-tolerantspecies beginning to dominate,

Making sense of stock

THE Victorian Farmers Federation says its livestock biosecurity and welfare initiative, Stock Sense, is experiencingrecord high attendance at Victorian eventsand workshops, reflecting agrowing appetite among producers and the community for its resources.

The VFF Livestock president, Scott Young, said the initiative had never been more important since launching in its current format in 2021.

“It’s beenfantastic to see the overwhelming turnout at some of our recent events. In some areas, we’veseeing attendances threetimes larger than what we’d typically expect,” he said.

“Stock Sense has now embedded itself as the go-to tool for education of livestock biosecurity and animal welfare, this has aripple effect of benefits to both the community and the state.”

Mr Young said Stock Senseevents draw on experts in the field to talk on topics ranging fromstock handling, fencing, andfeed, to general ownership, supply-chain, and everything in between, making it perfect for peri-urban and hobbyfarmers.

“The focus on biosecurity has arguably never been stronger,” he said.

“That’s why these projects are so vital now and moving forward.”

VFF Stock Sense has delivered 14 workshops and eventsthroughout Victoria in 2024 and encourages you to visit www.stocksense.org. au/ to learn more and access the resources on offer and see when Stock Sense is coming to a town near you.

vegetationdieback,and increased sodium and electrical conductivity in soil tests.

"Periods of prolonged waterlogging duetopoor drainage can also cause salinity issues

"With rising watertables, shallow bore water quality can varygreatly.Farmers using shallow bores for stock water and irrigation are encouraged to check salinity levels to ensureit’sstill fit for purpose. Saline drinking water can limit animal growth."

Free salinitywater tests to check that water is suitable for irrigation and stock water use are offered through the Agriculture Victoria Maffra office.

"When farms changeownershipinthe area,

newer farmers in the district may not be aware of salinityrisks and the various management strategies to reduce impacts and maintain production," Ms Killury said.

Ms Semmens said issues thathad previously been put down to poor paddock performance were related to the effects of increasing salinity. Areasinthe Macalister Irrigation District prone to high-water tables are Winnindoo, Nambrok, Denison, Bundalaguah, Airly, Fulham and Clydebank.

For more information on how to manage farms impacted by salinity, email Sarah Killury via sarah.m.killury@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Concerns overplanning guides ignoring farmers

THE VictorianFarmers Federation (VFF)has raisedserious concernsoverthe recently released planning guidelines for transmission infrastructure, saying the stategovernment continues to ignore critical farmer advice on planned transmission projects.

VFF President, Emma Germano, said that while the area targeted for infrastructure development would be further refined, the current approach was problematic.

"Since 2018, the VFF has called for astatewide planfor renewablesand transmission. We warned the government that releasing these guidelines in theircurrent form would only stoke confusion and fear in regional communities,” she said.

"We don’t want to see half-baked solutions. The key to having acceptance of this infrastructure in our backyard is to treatfarmers with fairness and respect. So far, we have seenthe complete opposite from the government and energy companies."

Ms Germano said vast swathes of Victorian farmland could be subject to development.

“We have previously seen the government produce areportsaying up to 70 per cent of Victorian farmland could be subject to infrastructure development. Despite the government removing these references, these guidelines indicate that number could be accurate,”she said.

Ms Germano stressed that food security must be at the heart of any plan.

"The VFF is seeking abalanced approach so we can protect strategic agricultural land while maintaining energy security.”

“We shouldn’t have to choose between eating and keeping the lights on.

“A statewide plan for renewables and transmission mustlook in-depth at theimpacton agricultural production.

"It is not appropriate to host this type of infrastructure on our best soils and irrigated country.Including thesedistrictsaspartof ‘areas of investigation’ in the government’s plan is unacceptable.

"We’ve seenhow fragile supplychains are recently. Poorly planned and inappropriate energy infrastructurethat’sinthe wrongplace will have an ongoing impact on our ability to produce and supply food.

"Every Victorian shouldbelookingatthis issue seriously as it goes to the heart of both the Victorian economy and the generational farmers on the land.

“If we want aprosperous Victoria, we need a prosperous agriculture industryand thriving regions.”

Groundwater is resulting in crop and soil damage across the region

Photo: iStock

Industry united against claims

CATTLE Australia (CA) has slammed the growing list of environmental non-governmental organisationsdeterminedtocherry-pick science or create their own for the purpose of attacking Australia’s beef industry.

CA's chief executive, Dr Chris Parker, said the current campaign by eNGOs was further proof these groups have no interest in engaging with the sector or broadening their understanding of the science that accurately reflects the important role of Australian beef production.

“Creatingoutrage is fundamental to the business model of these groups; that’s how they get money from donors. We understand they need to have an enemy to create this outrage, however the cattle industry is not that enemy,” Dr Parker said.

“We’ve tried engaging with these groups,however they’ve made it clear to us, and the supply chain, it is their way or the highway.

“Unlike eNGOs, who are intolerant to alternate views and seemingly cherry-pick science or create their own, the Australian beef industry is committed to continually demonstrating and improving its performance through evidence-based metrics, to ensure we remain aworld leader in this space.”

Dr Parker said the Australian beef industry plays an important role in food and nutritional security, contributes to the resilience of communitiesand nation, and as custodians of more than 50 per cent

of the country’s land mass, is proud to play apart in ensuring the sustainability and prosperityofthe environment for generations to come.

“It is disappointing to see, yet again, eNGOs are more interested in peddling idealisms and misinformationthan engaging in sensible and respectful discussions that will genuinely lead to greater outcomes for landscapes, animals, biodiversity,food security and communities throughout Australia and across the globe,” he said.

“Rather than waste time on the entirely unworkable ideologies purported by extreme groups, we would much prefer to engage in productive dialogue about the range of policies CA, and the wider industry, is working to implement.”

Dr Parker said well-managed and thriving natural resources and livestock production are not adversaries, but rather run hand-in-hand.

“There is awealth of data showcasing this intrinsic link between healthy environments and the prosperity of agricultural business, and these ‘scorecards’ by eNGOsproclaiming Australian agriculture is failingnature do not account for the specific nuances of our industry,” he said.

“The wilful ignorance from environmentalgroups serves their purposes well, but does little to help the environment, despite positioning themselves as its ‘protector’.”

Dr Parker said alook at Australia’s vegetation

management regulations, whichare some of the strictest in the world, showed evidence of the industry’s commitment to the environment.

“The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization ranks Australia as second in the world for reforestation withanaverage net gain in forest area between 2010-2020 of 446,000 hectares per year,” Dr Parker said.

“Research by the University of Queensland (UQ) has shown 95 per cent of Queensland’s koala population is found within beef cattle properties. This work clearly highlights that well managed landscapes contributetosustainable conservation and, in this specific case, productive agriculture coexists with and supports healthy koala populations.

“Land management activities are also critical to managingnatural disasters, as well as weeds, pests and diseases, to ensurethe ecological healthofour landscape and positive biodiversity outcomes.”

Most recently, independentdatafromthe Queensland government’s Statewide Landcover and Trees Study (SLATS) showedin2021/22 there was adecrease of seven per cent in overall woody vegetation clearing activity across the state compared with the previous year. They also reported a64per cent reductioninregulated vegetation clearing over afour-year period.

Softwoodplantations programunderway

PhilipHopkins

MOREthan one million softwood tree seedlings have been planted in Gippsland by HVP Plantations under the Gippsland Plantations Investment Program (GPIP).

GPIP, which aims to plant up to 16 million trees overthe nextdecade, is a$240million program that is designed to create asoftwood timberresourcethat will replace the hardwood native forest industry, whichwas closedbythe stategovernment this year.

The government has allocated $120 million for the program,with asimilar amount committed by HVP Plantations, which will grow the Radiata pine softwood timber on 14,450 ha of land. The trees are expected to be harvested in 25-30 years. The seedlings were planted across central Gippsland.

The government says the trees will sequester largeamounts of carbon as they grow, removing about 7.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over the next 25 years.

Land purchases and planning approvals began in 2022, with the first plantings starting in 2023.

HVP is required to buy the land, prepare the sites and plant and care for the trees.

GPIPstipulates that the land be bought over alarge geographic area and notbeconcentrated in just afew local government areas. There are restrictionsonacquisitionsinthe Macalister Irrigation District.

The land will consist of acombination of freehold land, which will be owned by HVP;leasehold land; and farmforestry. The emphasis will be on less productive freehold land, as it does not make commercial sense to acquire agricultural land for timber production.

HVP's chief executive, Melanie Cook, said that more than amilliontrees in the ground this winter showed the GPIP was well and truly under way.

"HVP Plantationsisexcited to be getting on with the job. This is astrong platform for our commitment to deliver asubstantial boost for Victoria’s timber supply, while creating aclimate-positive outcome andjobs and investment for the local communities in Gippsland,” she said.

TheMinisterfor Agriculture, Ros Spence, said that Victoria's timber industry based around

plantationswould provide jobs and supportthe state's wood product, construction and packaging product industries.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh, said in Victoria,there would be very strong demand for plantation timber products.

"These trees are providing new jobs and opportunitiesand will be the literal building blocks of ourfuture housing and infrastructure,” he said.

Victoria is Australia’slargest producerofplantationgrown timber, with an estateofmore than 380,000 hectares or 22 per cent of the national total. These are overwhelmingly softwood.

The government's closure of the native forest industry led to the loss of hundreds of jobs and the closureofmanyhardwood sawmills in Gippsland.

The plantings come as FederationUniversity in Churchill is conducting asurvey of Gippsland to gauge the community's attitudes towards plantations. The project is funded by the National Institute for Forest Product Innovation in partnership with HVP.

For more information on GPIP, visit deeca.vic. gov.au/forestry

Dr Parker said this report shows it is possible to strike the right balance between conservation and agricultural production,and supports the beef industry’s land management practices.

“Australian beef producers prioritise their responsibility to care for natural resources and we absolutely stand behind our sustainability credentials and commitment to continual improvement,asevidenced by the gains we consistently make across arangeofenvironmental measures,” Dr Parker said.

“We are committed to working with all stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcomes for environment, animals and people.

“If eNGOs truly want to fight for our climate and communities together,it’stimethey made the same commitment.”

Photo: istock

AGM

AGM

SALE ANGLING

And Sale Fly Fishing Club would like to invite anyone interested in attending a seminar with VFA on Black Bream in the Gippsland Lakeson 6-8-24 from 7pm to 9pm. Sale Club House, 1Punt Lane. Lite supper provided. Please RSVP to 0429 334 174. Numbers restricted to 50 people.

STRATFORD TENNIS

PLASTERER

Sale. Ideally someone with hospitality experience, great customer service and coffee experience (desirable). To submit interest, please send aresume to our email peopleandculture@aafcans.gov.au

CHILDCARE 2025

ROAD CLOSURES

Fitter and Turner /Valve Technician

Measurement Plus is actively seeking aFitter and Turner /Valve Technician to join their successful service team based in Wurruk.

The position will be workshop based, with the potential to work at various site locations and offshore upon completion of aprobationary period and all necessary training requirements.

We are looking for aself-starter, who can work well on their own, and also be part of ateam on larger, more complex jobs. The successful applicant will need to undergo apreemployment medical and must commit to supporting and complying with the company's quality and safety policies.

Experience in the repair and servicing of energy sector or process industry valving and associated equipment will be well regarded, with competitive rates available for the suitable candidate.

Please send aCVand cover letter to j.martens@measurement-plus.com.au

We are seeking committed and enthusiastic individuals to join our school in the following roles:

Teacher of French/Head of Dept.

● Position of responsibility attracting 0.14FTE time allowance and $12,816 annual monetary allowance in addition to part-time teaching load. Garnsey Campus, 2025 start.

Teacher of Mathematics

● Ongoing position Garnsey Campus 2025.

Instrument Music Tutor

● Casual string tutors required for aTerm4 start, or by negotiation.

Early Learning Centre Co-Educator

● Part-time ongoing role at St. Anne's Campus working 3days per week from Term 4.

CAMPER Trailer, off-road, water tank and pump, elec.

and 12v plugs, boat

for

0488 301 283.

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

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

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

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

FERGY TRACTOR

Petrol,

MOTORING DEAL

2010 Captiva, 7seats, diesel, s/roof, r.w.c., Feb. reg., 191,000km, low km for age. exc. s/hist., serv. this mth. 2AP-2SR, like

FORD Fairmont Sedan, '93, auto, cardinal red, garaged, reg. till 19 Jan 2025, FFM-088, 6cylinder, approx 125,000kms good cond. $6,500 ono. 0402 348 914.

HOLDEN HZ 1tonner, fully refurb., chassis repainted, new susp. inc. shockers, front/rear new coil springs, new brake/fuel lines, 4 barrel carby, Hitech extractors/twin exh., Supra gearbox, all rust removed, GTS dash rust free cab. $25,000. 0408 356 153.

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

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

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

RIP JH. Love James (Yogi) xoxox

HOOPER, John. 02.08.2024

Much loved uncle johnny to the Dugans. Many years of joy, laughter and tears. Will remember you with much affection and great stories that will become family fokelore. We love you Johnny Hooper. Cheryl and Graeme, Narelle and James, David and Kali, Ashleigh and Kahlia, and all the families attached.

xxxx

SALETA (nee Van Sloten), Lucy. Passed away peacefully at Laurina Lodge, Heyfield on August 2, 2024. Aged 80 years.

Dearly loved wife of Leo.

Beloved mother and mother-in-law of Deanna and Mike, Linda and Bowen.

Loved Grandma of Justin, Bronwyn and Luke. Great Grandma of Mia.

Stepmother of Paul, Mark, Jim and Tom. Step grandmother of nine and step great grandmother of four.

Please visit

Sadly missed. Fond memories. In Memoriam •

SUNDERLAND, Lyn. Passed away 02.08.2024 at Clifton waters Wy Yung. Muched loved and admired aunty to Julie Dyce, Val Leighton, Michael and Jenny O'Conner, Carol and Lionel Jones and Kathy O'Connor. You will be so missed aunty lovely.

BENNETT, Ollie. August 2, 2011. You may be gone from our sight,

But you are never gone from our hearts. Love Shane, Julie, Mitchell and Andrew.

BLAKE, Robyn (nee Thompson) Ten years have passed since you have left us, but the memories are strong and still bring smiles. Love Don.

PHILLIPS, Roy. August 6, 2016. 8years have passed. Loved and remembered everyday. Kay, sons and family.

LOUGHEED, John William. 25/12/1946 -17/7/2024

Kate, Warren and Meg and extended families together with Barbara and Kathleen would like to extend Avery special thank you to all who attended John's funeral. Together withFather Francis Otobo for the very special funeral mass. Julie Peavey; Organist and Brenda Bowden; Reader Along with Warren at Gipp sland Funeral Servi ces for the compassion, professional care and dedication he displayed. Please accept this as our personal thanks.

RICHARDSON, Betty Joan. Passed away 07/07/2024. Thank you to all the family and friends of betty for support and help. Alovely lady at rest. Love from Ken, Lyn and Terry.

brakes, 12v batt.

rack, erect trailer

tinny $5000 o.n.o. Ph

SALETA (nee Van Sloten). Agraveside service for Mrs Lucy Saleta will be held at the Heyfield Lawn Cemetery on FRIDAY (August 9, 2024) commencing at 11am.

our website for the livestream of Lucy's service.

Restoration underwayfor Rosedale Patrobasstatue

HOLD onto your hats, folks!

The beloved1915Melbourne Cup-winning Patrobas monument, acherished landmark at Rosedale's Prince Street Reserve, is set to embark on amuch-needed rest and relaxation session.

Like all treasured items, even Patrobas needs a refresh now and then Tomorrow (August 7) the historic figure will be carefully transported to aspecialist workshop for athorough restoration.

The process will include blasting, metal repairs, applying aprotective coating, and re-painting.

The original sculptor will be involved to ensure that themonument retainsits unique character anddurability.

Understanding the community's attachment to Patrobas, Wellington Shire Council says it is

committed to having the monument back in place before the 2024 spring racing carnival season starts.

This timeline ensures localsand visitors can enjoy Patrobas in all its restored glory during one of the year's most anticipated sporting events.

The Patrobas statue was erected as aresult of the dedication of the Rosedale Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is built from plate steel.

The statue was unveiled and dedicated by Peter Hall MLC in November 2007.

The Melbourne Cup trophy won by Patrobas is on display at the Port of Sale, Wellington Centre, in Sale.

In one of his earliest races, Patrobas ran second in atwo horse race at the old Rosedale racecourse, before making his way to Melbourne to be trained by Charlie Wheeler.

Theold Rosedaleracecourse was located around where the speedway is now, and interestingly,current and long-serving federal MP Kevin Andrews had acareer as arace caller at the Rosedale track.

Patrobas wasridden by Bobby Lewis during his Melbourne Cup win, and the jockey would eventually go down in history as one of only two men to ride four Melbourne Cup winners.

The horse also created history in 1915 -winning the Melbourne Cup, CaulfieldGuineas and the Victoria Derby, afeat unlikely ever to be seen in today’s world given horses are now trained to run as stayers or sprinters.

Patrobas was owned by Edith Widdis, in an era when horse racing was very much amaledominated sport.

Fittingly, exactly 100 years after Patrobas won

Sale City now almost unbackable

From Page 32

WARRAGUL cemented themselves as atop three sideaheadoffinals after adominant 66-45 win over Morwell in Round 16 of Gippsland League netball.

The Tigers showed their teeth early on with a four-goal lead after the first quarter, but the Gulls respondedtolead by agoal upon halftime.

The premiership third quarter would be on display as Warragul pump Morwell 21-7 through thatrespectivepassageofplaythatdetermined the result at Western Park.

Emma Ryde continued aphenomenal season with 60 goals for the Gulls, to add to her league-leading tallyof740

Warragul sit agame behind Drouin for secondplace and three games clear of fourth-placed Wonthaggi, while Morwell are now well and truly looking towards next season.

 FURTHER distance is being made between the best of the best in North Gippsland netball, as two rounds remain in the home-and-away season. Round 16 featured top-seeded Sale City taking apart third-place Churchill 58-38 at Stephenson Park, thatleaves manyconvinced the Bulldogs,

having not lost agame this season,are on their way to premiership glory.

Heyfield defeated Gormandale 71-37 at the Gormandale, that gives the Roogirls their 11th win for the year and keeps them second on the ladder.

Rosedale kept themselves in the hunt for finals after beating Cowwarr 70-35 in Rosedale.

TTU obliterated Yarram 70-33inSouth Gippsland to remain fifth on the ladder with eight wins and six losses.

Glengarry secured theirsixth win for the season afterdefeating YYN48-30 at home.

Woodside had the bye.

 JUST as the top four seemed to be settling in East Gippsland netball, upsets saw the ladder change after Round 15.

Boisdale-Briagolong were the underdog against Wy Yung for afew reasons; theTigers werecoming off four wins from five rounds while the Bombers had suffered three losses in the last five.Asthe second-placed team for most of the season, Wy Yung was also seven-goal winners of the teams’ only meeting in Round 6. Plus, the Tigers had a home court advantage.

Boisdale-Briagolong neededawin. And win they did, 50-39.

Playing brave and bold was how the visiting Bombers got over Wy Yung, with LinleyBertachinni feeding the centre pass to aspeedy Ash McDonough and Sarah Gardiner who backed up shooter, Mollie Huts, under the post.

The Tigersremainsecond on the ladderand look safe within the top four with two rounds to go.

Lucknow are clear at the top after notching up anotherwin against LakesEntrance, 58-46 by the sea.

Third, fourth and fifth places, however, are closer.

The Bombers sit third with abetter percentage than Orbost Snowy Rovers (fourth) and Stratford (fifth).

The most dramatic ladder change at the weekend was Stratford’s, dropping from third to fifth.

The travelling Swans were at the mercy of the Blues.

In aremarkable and albeit shocking result, OSR dismantled Stratford to win by 25 goals, 73-48.

Boisdale-Broagolong, OSR, and Stratford are equal on points (36), so the race to the finals will come down to the wire.

Stratford has ashot at redemption this weekend against the Bombers, while OSR should have an easier game against Lakes Entrance.

Netball scoreboard

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE -ROUND 16

AGRADE: Wonthaggi 45 def Bairnsdale 41, Leongatha 65 def Sale 49, Moe 82 def maffra 29, Warragul 66 def Morwell 45, Drouin 51 def Traralgon 42.

BGRADE:Wonthaggi 55 def Bairnsdale 35, Leongatha 68 def Sale 27,Moe 76 def Maffra 31,Warragul 56 def Morwell 46, Traralgon 59 def Drouin 48.

CGRADE:Wonthaggi 43 def Bairnsdale 30, Leongatha 38 def Sale25, Maffra 34 defMoe 20, Morwell 55 def Warragul 27,Drouin 35 def Traralgon 28.

17 ANDUNDER:Wonthaggi 41 def Bairnsdale 38, Sale 36 drew Leongatha 36, Maffra34def Moe 33, Morwell 40 def Warragul 28, Traralgon 55 def Drouin 28.

15 AND UNDER:Sale 46 def Leongatha 22, Moe 52 defMaffra 25, Morwell 28 def Warragul 23, Drouin38def Traralgon37, Bairnsdale55def Wonthaggi 24.

13 ANDUNDER:Leongatha 33 defSale 28, Maffra 35 def Moe 29, Morwell 28 def Warragul 11,Traralgon 49 def Drouin 12,Bairnsdale 36 def Wonthaggi 11

NORTH GIPPSLAND -ROUND 16

AGRADE: Glengarry 48 def YYN 30, Sale City 58 def Churchill 38, TTU70def Yarram 33, Heyfield 71 defGormandale 37,Rosedale 70 def Cowwarr 35, Woodside -BYE.

BGRADE:YYN 45 def Glengarry 27,Sale City 61 def Churchill 34, TTU59def Yarram 58, Gormandale 56 def Heyfield 43, Rosedale 47 defCowwarr 35, Woodside -BYE.

CGRADE:Glengarry35def YYN 32, Sale City 40 def Churchill 35, TTU46def Yarram 16,Gormandale 34 defHeyfield 28, Rosedale 46 def Cowwarr20, Woodside -BYE.

DGRADE:YYN 55 def Glengarry 29, SaleCity31def Churchill 30, TTU56def Yarram 12,Gormandale 34 defHeyfield 24, Cowwarr42def Rosedale 34, Woodside -BYE.

17 ANDUNDER:Glengarry 40 defYYN 27,Sale City 74 def Churchill 8, TTU64def Yarram 7, Heyfield 37 def Gormandale 31,Rosedale 85 def Cowwarr 11,Woodside -BYE.

15 AND UNDER:Glengarry 31 def YYN 13,Sale City 63 def Churchill 10,TTU 70 defYarram 14, Heyfield 41 def Gormandale 16,Rosedale 50 def Cowwarr 5, Woodside -BYE.

EAST GIPPSLAND -ROUND 15

AGRADE: Boisdale-Briagolong 50 def Wy Yung 39, Orbost SnowyRovers73def Stratford48, Lucknow 58 def LakesEntrance 46, Lindenow 80 def Paynesville 31

BGRADE:Boisdale-Briagolong 42 def Wy Yung 31,Lindenow 64 def Paynesville8,OSR 40 def Stratford30, Lakes Entrance 42 def Lucknow 29. CGRADE:Stratford 30 def OSR 24, Wy Yung 36 def Boisdale-Briagolong 33,Lucknow 38 def Lakes Entrance 18,Lindenow 57 def Paynesville 14

DGRADE:Boisdale-Briagolong 36 def Wy Yung 32, Stratford 30 def OSR 20, Lindenow 25 def Paynesville 9, Lakes Entrance 32 def Lucknow 23. 17 AND UNDER:Lakes Entrance 47 defLucknow 27,Paynesville10def Lindenow 0, OSR 33 def Stratford28, Boisdale-Briagolong 34 drew Wy Yung 34. 15 ANDUNDER:Stratford43def OSR 36, Lucknow 53 def Lakes Entrance 13,WyYung 39 def Boisdale-Briagolong 28, Lindenow 53 def Paynesville 25.

the Melbourne Cup, Michelle Payne did likewise onboard Prince of Penzance. Patrobas andPrince of Penzance carried the same Number 19 saddlecloth.

The Patrobas statue in Rosedaleisbeing restored.

Photo:Contributed

Swans leave top fourdoor open

Blake Metcalf-Holt

MANY eyebrowswouldhave been raised after Round 15 of the East GippslandFootball-Netball Leagueconcluded

Certain clubs celebrated ararewin and othersmadealast second sprint towards finals.

 ORBOST havegiven themselvesa chance.

TheBlues ticked the first of three boxes in their final stretch of thehome-and-away season after defeating Stratford at home, 10.17 (77) to 8.12 (60).

Both sides are still tussling for thefinal slot in the top four.

The opening half depicted acloser game than for all intents and purposes it should have been.

The Swans held alead of three points at each turn, but the storywas more of howthe Blues werefailing to capitalise on theiropportunities with all the stakes attached.

Orbost Snowy Rovers converted one goal fromtheir first eight scoring shots in the first quarter, and the hosts went into halftime

SENIORS

BOISDALE BRIAGOLONG 2.1 5.6 9.7 12.9 (81)

(52)

2.2 4.3

GOALS: Boisdale Briagolong: TDessent 3JReeves 3T Bradshaw2 SBedggood JGlenane D Johnson RJohnson. Wy Yung: JNicholls AHanuera BDanielJ Anderson HKellowBAnderson MSavage BEST: Boisdale Briagolong:TJolly BMarshallA Quirk KPorterRMarshallJGlenane Wy Yung: JBroome BDaniel NBetts LEliaBAshwood JAnderson

ORBOST

1.7 4.11 9.16 10.17 (77)

5.8 5.9 8.12 (60)

GOALS: Orbost Snowy Rovers: TSmith 4HNettleton 3AJonkers MDignan SNippress. Stratford: RThatcher 2LChanning2 THawkins JBacon NFrench. BEST: Orbost Snowy Rovers: AJonkers CNettleton WWalker ZWebb CRobertson JNettleton. Stratford: L Channing JClohesy RO’keefeJ Rietschel RThatcher LBolton

(113)

(77)

GOALS: Lindenow: PHarrison 10 DAllen 3B Waddell 2RMaisey JThomas. Paynesville: JRay 2ACameron 2N Dean 2NGreavesO Pike AMcLaren BRadfordCMein LO’Connor BEST: Lindenow: PHarrison TAlexander DAllen DDonchiJ Gould AGould.Paynesville: OPike C Mein AMcLaren BHaslamBRadfordJRay

16.14 22.22 (154)

(14)

Lucknow: JGooch 6JSmith 4BFlinn4DSmith 2JKennedy 2J Mcnamara JGreen RHalford GPerkins.Lakes Entrance: OBrazzaleCRobertson. BEST: Lucknow: JGooch J Mcnamara ZSmith JSmith ANelsonSPark. Lakes Entrance: SEast JCullen JClarke WCantrill MBolleman SEtheridge

LADDER

LUCKNOW4.4 7.8 13.12 17.17 (119) LAKES

Lucknow: BSmith 6KCollins 3W Siania 2S

2MBommer 2T Johnstone J Sanford. Lakes Entrance: AStevens BEST: Lucknow: BSmith JSanford KMcNaughtonJ Carroll LCroucher DGledhill.Lakes Entrance: BPurnell AHatch OBrown RHooper BCampisi ZAmyn BOISDALE BRIAGOLONG 3.5 11.5 12.7 19.11 (125)

YUNG INTERMEDIATE 0.1 0.1 1.1 1.1 (7) GOALS: Boisdale Briagolong: DPratt 8T Ruthberg4TLeeds3J Osborn.WyYung Intermediate Men: WMaynard. BEST: Boisdale Briagolong: CBailey SBates RPeel DPratt NSellings. Wy Yung IntermediateMen: LPowell LPittman-mongta CEllett WMaynardB Trinder JWebb

STRATFORD6.2 12.7 15.10 21.13 (139) ORBOST SNOWYROVERS 2.0 2.0 2.2 3.2 (20)

GOALS: Stratford: BDekkers 5NBennett 4MBond 3BJohnson 3MManning 2C Wade 2C Higgins LToner. Orbost Snowy Rovers: SWaddell. BEST: Stratford: Details N/A. Orbost Snowy Rovers: TFindley JJoinerT GriebenowJ Sanna HMitchell SWaddell

LINDENOW 7.3 17.6 27.10 35.16 (226) PAYNESVILLE2.1 2.1 2.1 3.1 (19)

GOALS: Lindenow: BRitchie 8J Walker 5ZStewart 4BCampbell 4KHarrison3JMayes2 J Mohamad 2NHay 2CStewart LSaunders VLiavaa JHay.Paynesville: KHood ELong ZSmith. BEST: Lindenow: BRitchie JWalker KHarrisonHAquilina. Paynesville: KCook ZMcNaughton HWhartonR GarroM Braybon LWells

with ascore line of 4.11 (35) compared to Stratford’s 5.8 (38).

The Blues flicked the switch and began to dominate at all facets, holding the visitors to asingle pointinthe thirdterm to their 5.5 (35) thatblewthe marginout northoffivegoals with onequarter to spare.

The Swans weren’t about to go down without afight, and chipped away at their deficit.

Time was their enemy however, and OSR kept their season alive.

The Blues could have enjoyed ahealthy percentage booster if they kept their damaging waverolling over to the final siren,but four points will still do the trick.

Thomas Smith (four goals) and Hamish Nettleton (three) combined for over half of the OSR score.

Ashleigh Jonkerswas best-on-ground, followed by Curtley Nettleton, William Walker, Zach Webb, Cody Robertsonand Jarrah Nettleton.

OSR still have to make up one game, but with Lakes Entrance coming this weekend,expectasignificantwinning margintobeadded as they head into the final round against premier opponent Lucknow.

Meanwhile, Stratford will face top-seeded Boisdale-Briagalong in the coming round before an easy lead into finals (presumably) travelling to Paynesville.

 THE Bombers are now clear-cut flag favourites.

That’s the consensus after Boisdale-Briagalong defeated reigning premier Wy Yung at the weekend,12.9(81)to7.10 (52) in an inspiring road victory.

It was aback-and-forth contest through abulk of the opening half-an-hour of action, but as the Bombers came out of the huddle following the quarter time break, they had the look in their eye that they still had plenty to give and alot to prove through.

Boisdale-Briagalong enjoyed athree goal to two second term that gavethem anine-pointlead heading into halftime, before apremiership four goals to one third quarter ballooned the margin out to four goals with one quarter to play.

The Tigers returned to form but the Bombers were still equally as poised and weren’t about to let this one get close.

The Bombers had three players kick two or more goals, with Tim Dessent(three),Jim Reeves (three) and Thomas Bradshaw (two) that differed from the Tigers who had seven individual goal scorers.

Thomas Jolly, Billy Marshall, AndrewQuirk,Kel Porter,Ryan Marshall and JacksonGlenane werejudged best afield for the winners.

Wy Yung and Lucknow see aone-game separation between them and Boisdale-Briagalong, as the Bombers begin to strengthen themselves as the best team in it.

 LINDENOW have finished the job.

The Cats sangthe song forthe firsttimeall seasonafter acool 17.11 (113) to 12.5 (77) takedown of Paynesville.

After nearly upsettingfinalshopefulsOSR in Round 14, Lindenow rolled their recent form over to the weekend and saw amiraculous second half play out in their favour at AJ Freeman Reserve.

The Cats saw asmall lead after quarter time and then faced the music likethey had countless timesduring season 2024, and looked downafive-pointleadheading into halftimeagainstan equal opponent.

Lindenow would then chuck on five goals to open the second half, that saw them ahead almost three goals with aquarter still to play out. However, withnewfound confidence, the Cats kept it going and added afinal four goalstotheirtally compared to Paynesville’s seven minor points.

Lindenow celebrated their first victory since the final round of last season, almost ayear ago, which ironically, was against Paynesville Peter Harrison made himself mayor of Lindenowafter abeston-ground performancewith 10 goals, that was followed by Todd Alexander,Darren Allen(threegoals), David Donchi, Justin and Ashley Gould among the best contributors.

 LUCKNOW remained well and truly in the race for the minor premiership after a140-point slaughtering of Lakes Entrance, 22.22 (154) to 2.2 (14).

John Gooch booted six goals for the Magpies, followed by abag of four by both Brendan Finn and Jackson Smith on Lake Entrance's home deck.

In their last four matches, the Seagulls have been done by an average of over80points that included a93-point lossthe preceding game againstStratford

John Leslie Foundation to the rescue

ErikaAllen

AT grassrootslevel, communitysportsclubs nurture young talentand facilitatesocial activities.

The Longford Tennis Club has been doing this since as early as 1970.

When the club reformed in 2000, its membership grew, necessitating the extension of the community centre in 2016. While the growth was great for local tennis, it wasn’t all good news for the club.

Membership grew so much that its two courts could barely accommodate demand

“Before COVID 2020, we had alarge numberofsenior, twilight and junior teams -we had outgrown the courts,”former 18-year Longford Tennis Club President, Trevor Cawthan said.

The 12 twilight teams using the courts five nights aweek underscored the high demand.

Cawthan also noted that seniorteams were nearly at capacity pre-COVID, and fewer junior players thaninterestedcould represent Longford in the Wellington Gippsland Tennis Association summer pennant.

With fewer courts than in Sale but almost equivalent teams,Longford Tennis Club Secretary, Fiona Robinson said players weren’t getting afair go becausethey had to travel weekly.

“They weren’tgetting the fair play and having every second week at home, which

is anormal draw. That made it difficult for our players,” she said.

Enter the John Leslie Foundation, which donated$246,740tobuild an additional two Plexipave courts, plus lighting and fencing. This balance added to $48,060 that came directly from Longford Tennis Club.

The club requested funding in 2019, with work set to commence in 2020 during the offseason. However, COVID-19meant the upgrade was pushed back to August 2022.

Building costs had skyrocketed by about 30 per cent at this time and the club had to request additional funding.

Arecognition plaquewas installedinJune, finally marking completion of the project.

“Without the John Leslie Foundation, we were stagnant. We couldn’t go any further,” Cawthan said.

Robinson said that having four courts will be advantageous for teams because they’ll have equal home court time throughout the WGTA summer season.

The completion of the courts comes at atime when Longford Tennis Club are rebuilding following COVID-19, when manylocal clubs lost members.

“The amount of growth that’s in Longford as acommunity -there are so many young families moving out here -sonow that we’ve got the four courts, we can actually grow the club and benefit from that as well,” Robinson said.

“It’s nicetohave somewherethat you don’t

have to travel into town to (play tennis). They (the community) feel that there’s abit more ownership when it’s within your own community."

Local tennis coach Nicole Bower fromBionic Tennis can teach hordes of energetic players on weeknights, while social players can hit undisturbed at the other end of the precinct. Thecourtsare not locked, although security cameras monitor them, and there is aslot machine for the coin-operated lights.

“It gives real flexibility… so you can play anytime,” Robinson said.

Cawthan said there are even Thursday morning regulars who play at 6am under the lights before going to work.

The consensus is that the project would not have been possible without the John Leslie Foundation.

John LeslieFoundation trust members

Stephen Chalmer, Deirdre Relph, and Katy Dray saw the impactofthe donation as they watchedagroup of young players train on thenew courts last week.

Chalmer said the John Leslie Foundation is “happy to contribute”toprojects likeLongford TennisClub’snewcourtsbecauseitupholdsan aspectofJohn Leslie’s visionfor young people He emphasised that the committee was instructed to prioritise funding for community-based projects that support young children’s wellbeing.

“The (Longford) Tennis Club do afantastic job doing that,” Chalmer said.

As the Longford Tennis Club rebuilds its membership to pre-COVID levels,the impact of John Leslie’slegacy continues.The club is nowinthe process of rebuilding with 15 teams across juniors and seniors for the WGTA’sSaturday pennantand Mid-week Ladies and Twilight social competitions.

“We are expecting to build on this particularly withour junior teams forthe upcoming 2024/25 Saturday Pennant,” Robinson said. Anyone wishing to join the club can email the new President, Jac Hamilton via jaclyn. figas@bigpond.com

Anyone interested in lessons can phone coach Nicole Bower from BionicTennis on 0409 692 852.

‘Coach Nic’ offers arange of programs including Toddler Tennis, Hot Sots (three beginner levels) Junior Squad, All Abilities Coaching, #nolimits girls’ squad, Cardio Tennis,KidsCardio,Tennis4Teens, Hi Performance Squad, Ladies Squad and Private Coaching. Bower is on court in Longford on Monday and Tuesday morning and Fridays.

NORTH GIPPSLAND

SENIORS

TTU4.5 6.10 10.14 14.18 (102)

YARRAM 1.3 2.4 3.4 4.5 (29)

GOALS: TTU: JJacobsen 4J Neilson 3MJacobsen 2B White2 OAliotta 2FBrouns.Yarram: JSwift2JMackenzie DGarnham. BEST: TTU: FBrouns HWillatonQ Sinclair THourigan M Jacobsen GSinclair.Yarram: MClavarino DGarnham BMotton CBruns JMcfarland JDavis

ROSEDALE 4.8 6.10 12.17 17.19 (121)

COWWARR 1.0 2.1 5.2 7.5 (47)

GOALS: Rosedale: SFox 4BMcConnell2BSafstrom2R Diamond 2J DiamondDBarnett JPawleyH FoxMLazzaroCMacleod RAtlee.Cowwarr:KHughes 3JBrown KStamers A Saunders MLeicester BEST: Rosedale: BSafstromDBarnett HFox BMcConnellRDiamond R Atlee.Cowwarr:JBrown KHughes HHectorASaunders MJohnston RLuxford YYN4.6 7.15 10.19 18.28 (136) GLENGARRY1.0 1.1 1.4 2.4 (16)

GOALS: YYN: MLuck5DMacdonald 3JKeyhoe 2BClymo 2BBurnett 2RReid JMassese DBath LRees.Glengarry: DetailsN/A. BEST: YYN: MLuck JDeVirgilio DShellcot DBath J Massese DBentley.Glengarry: DMassaroB Truin CMitchell MRyanT Harris

HEYFIELD 5.8 12.9 21.14 27.23 (185) GORMANDALE 1.1 2.2 2.2 2.2 (14)

GOALS: Heyfield: KGraham 8JChristian 4JConway 3JBeha 3N Dinsdale 2B Woodland M Eastham RMcMillanT Birss SHumphreysT Graham MVan Der Zwart. Gormandale: ICopland JGreen BEST: Heyfield: KGraham BWoodland TMarchesiT Birss TGraham JChristian. Gormandale: KOwenW FlanaganFRoscoeMCarstein TSalerno CPotalej

6.6 9.8 12.16 (88)

2.2 5.5 8.8 8.12 (60)

GOALS: Sale City:KMartin 3LCarman 2MEvans 2JAllison 2J Schuback 2C Whitehill Churchill: KHolt 3ADiCiero 2S Whittle BWight BSkinner

Whitehill C Evans TBowman JAllison JWhitehill KMartin. Churchill: BSlaterC Williams ADiCiero KHolt JFenech TSevenson

Yarram dealt massive blow

TomHayes

IT will be tough to imagine the North Gippslandfootball ladderchanging much between now and the end of the home-andaway season.

Perhaps just one change, which should happen by next weekend, but other than that the top five looks set.

At the weekend, NorthGippslandpartnered withAGL Loy Yang and Mindfull Aus to promote Mental Health Round.

 YARRAM’S make or break game resulted in the latter.

Hosting top side Traralgon Tyers United, victory was unlikely yet needed.

The Demons were absolutely nowhere to be seen, failing to make an impression in what appeared to be one of its mostimportant fixtures in 2024, losing 14.18 (102) to 4.5 (29).

Goinginto the game, Yarrammust’ve been aware that defeat would be costlyinregardto their finals hopes. And if they weren’t aware beforehand, they well and truly would be now.

The Bombersgot out to a20-pointlead during the first term, kicking the exact score thatYarramwould concludeon. Littledid they know they wouldonly needanother point from that stage to win the game.

TTU continued to ascend, adding another 2.5 (17) to the Demons’ 1.1 (7). By this point at halftime, the Bombers’ lead had stretched to five goals.

Knowing that separation at the top of the ladder was in sight, TTU did not hesitate in continuing their run.

The Bombers added another 4.4 (28) to one straight goal in the third, bursting the gates wide open as the margin grew out of proportion.

Now out to 52 points, Yarram might’ve hoped that the margin wouldn’t get much worse, while TTU had other ideas.

TTU matched their third-quarter performance, with another 4.4 (28) in the final term to Yarram’s 1.1 (7) before the final siren blew.

to record a12.16 (88) to 8.12 (60) victory.

Sale City started withall of the momentum, kicking the first two goals of the game with some change, before alateswing in momentum dragged the Cougars back into the game with two goals in the final five minutes.

Despite this,the Bulldog’sbehinds had them slightly ahead by threepoints at the first break.

The home side edgedslightly further ahead in the second term, but they were by no means off to the races.

The four-goal to three quarter had the home sideupbyseven points at the halfway stage, and with plenty of football lefttoplay, the two sides were in for atough duel in the second half.

Churchill wereout of the blocks with haste, finding the lead soon after the conclusion of halftime, putting Sale City on the defensive.

The lead changed hands multipletimes before Sale City reclaimed it going into the final change. Withjust six points up their sleeve, the Bulldogs had led at every quarter, but Churchill’s had just proved they could make something out of nothing.

But SaleCityconfirmedwhy theyare a threat this season, putting anyhopes of a Churchill comeback to bed, kicking 3.8 (26) to four behinds,closingout acomfortable 28-point win in the end.

CooperWhitehill was namedbest-onground for the Bulldogs. Also highlighted was Chad Evans, Tom Bowman, Jayden Allison, Jaxsyn Whitehill,and Kane Martin (three goals).

Blake Slater was Churchill’s best in defence.Hewas assisted well by Chris Williams, Ashley Di Ciero, Kurt Holt (three goals), Jordan Fenech, and Tom Sevenson.

Tristan Salerno, and Chris Potalej. Heyfield jumped over YYN on the ladder into third, but they have the bye this week and will be vulnerabletobeovertaken again.

The Kangaroos will be rooting for Churchill to upset the Jets, which will allow them to hold onto third place.



THE Jets recorded a20-goal win.

The win came with relative ease, but they needed some more out of the win, after dropping to fourth despite it.

YYN were out of the gates best at Fred King Oval, kicking four goals to one in the first term, kicking nine more scores than their counterpartsasthey went intothe first break 24 points to the good.

Inaccuraciesbegan to show, but luckily for the Jets that didn’t matter, kicking 3.9 (27) to one behind.

The marginwas 50 points at halftime,with the triple digit margin on the radar, YYN had to get going.

It was again asomewhat quiet term from the visitors, only adding another 3.4 (22) to Glengarry’s three behinds.

At 69 points in front, the Jets were home and hosed, but they needed more for percentage, as Heyfield were bound to win big against Gormandale.

The quarter they had asking for finally arrived,asYYN kicked8.9 (57) to one straight goal, seeing the margin stop growing once it hit 120 points, thanks to the final siren. Mitchell Luck kicked five goals and claimed best-on-groundhonours. He was joined by JamesDeVirgilio,Darcy Shellcot,Dylan Bath, Jai Massese, and Dylan Bentley as the most prominent.

LLittle. BEST: Cowwarr:J Hurrell DWebsdale DErdely LHegarty DCooper SMclean. Rosedale: LLossbergCBeaverW MurrayLLewisNO’Connor HFox

8.5 11.6

Sale City:CJohnson 4LMooney 3AHeatherington 2H Tollner WBrady B Cunningham SDean. Churchill: LBrereton2J Tactor 2W Towers BMogfordMRiley N Johnson JEffenberg. BEST: Sale City:T Oreilly DBirdCO’SheaT Lindrea HTollner CJohnson. Churchill: LBreretonBMogfordJEffenbergJ Tactor NJohnson YYN7.6

(12)

GOALS: YYN: JRedman 5AAnderson 5MGore3 LSummersgill 3E De Carli DSmith H Paulet LJikow OBudge.Glengarry: EKocaali NPeel BEST: YYN: EDeCarli JRedman L JikowAAndersonDSmith DPotts.Glengarry: CSchmidt DBalfour NPeel CPeck LNoble

TTU claimed their 13th win of the season in the 73-point smashing, which helped lock the top five in it’s place.

Frazar Brouns was named best-on for the Bombers.Alsomentionedwas Hayden Willaton,Quinn Sinclair, TrentHourigan, Michael Jacobsen, and Guy Sinclair.

James Jacobsen and captain Jye Neilson combined for seven goals, the former scoring four.

Matt Clavarino, Dylan Garnham, coach Boadie Motton, Chris Bruns, Jake McFarland, and Jacob Daviswere within Yarram’s best for the day. Josh Swift could only add two goals to his tally for the season.

The win puts the Bombers clear on top of theladder, with awin-loss recordof13-1. As Woodside had the bye, they remain at 12-2. TTU now have apercentage of seven more than the Wildcats.

As for Yarram, is it season over? It certainly looks that way.

The Demons haven’t gotten close to atop five team in the second half of the season, only beating Glengarry and Gormandale since the second half of the home-and-away season resumed.

That run has seen them lose to two sides outsidethe topfiveaswell, droppingfrom fourth down to sixth (currently) on the ladder.

The Demons are now agame behind Sale City in fifth, and are still to play the Bulldogs (thisweekend) andthird-placed Yallourn Yallourn North.

As previously mentioned, Sale City are now agame clear of Yarraminsixth,and considering their run home of Yarram and Gormandale, only needingtowin oneto confirmtheir progression, you’d say that fifth spot is theirs. Churchill got close, but not close enough, and such aloss all but mathematically confirmed that they are out of the finals race for 2024.

 HEYFIELD hammered Gormandale. Fighting for third spot on the ladder, the Kangaroos made the leap, following their 27.23(185) to 2.2 (14) beat down of the Tigers.

It was always going to be amatter of how much when Heyfield travelledtoThe Boneyard at the weekend.

With achance to putsome pressure on YYN, Heyfield had no hesitations when it came to taking third place for the time being.

The Kangaroos went up by 31 points at quartertime,alreadysetting up amargin exceeding 100 points.

Anotherseven goals to oneinthe second term had things out of control at 67 points with awhole half of football to play.

Gormandale had managed to score2.2 (14) up until this stage,but thatwould be the last of it.

Heyfield only got better.Inthe third quarter, the visitors piled on 9.5 (59) to nothing, almost doubling their margin in the space of about 30 minutes.

Ahead by 126 points, they still needed a big last quarter to steal third spot, knowing that YYN would also win big against secondbottom placed Glengarry.

They delivered just that, kicking another 6.9 (45) to nothing in the final term, seeing the margin out to 171 points when the siren sounded.

Leading goal scorer of the NGFNL, Dean Macdonald added three goalstohis tally. He is now 10 goals clear of Yarram’s Swift in second.

Declan Massaro, Benjamin Truin, Callum Mitchell, Michael Ryan, and Thomas Harris were stand-outs for the Magpies. The day was full of celebration for the Magpies despiteresults not going their way. Scott Pendlebury wasn’tthe onlyplayer in black and white to play game 400 last Saturday, as Glengarry celebrated Corey Peck’s 400th game in the reserves earlier.  PLAYING for pride, Rosedale got the chocolates.

With both sides seemingly out of the finals race, there was essentially nothing on the line between the Blues and their visitors, Cowwarr.

Rosedale won easily,kicking17.19 (121) to 7.5 (47).

It was theirs to lose fromthe beginning. The Blues were higher on the ladder and had good form against sides lower. Kicking 4.8 (32) to one straight goal in the opening termwas the perfect start. Another 2.2 (14) to 1.1 (7) grew Rosedale’s margin out t33points by halftime.

The floodgates finallyburst open for the Blues, who added 6.7 (43) in the third quarter. But Cowwarr frequently found their own goals, kicking 3.2 (19) before three quarter time. Nonetheless, the margin was 57 points, and well out of the Saints’ reach.

Rosedaleonly made it worse for their visitors, kicking 5.2 (32) to 2.3 (15) in the final term to closeout the 74-pointsmashing Blake Safstrom was outstanding for the Blues, assistedbyDeclan Barnett, Harper Fox, Brandon McConnell, Rohan Diamond, andcaptain RileyAtlee. Spencer Fox kicked four goals.

Heyfield: JHanratty5EDavies 3LDwyer JReid CRonan BManson. Gormandale: TKanara 4. BEST: Heyfield: JMcdiarmid BMansonE Davies LDwyer JReid KHewish. Gormandale: TKanara JCochrane JParsons MCropley GJenkins JWhitney ROSEDALE 6.4 14.5 20.6 26.11 (167)

COWWARR 0.1 1.1 1.2 2.3 (15)

GOALS: Rosedale: HRowley 8CMissen 5J Reid 4L Speairs 4HPettie 2HBerry2JCampbell. Cowwarr: CMitchell JWall BEST: Rosedale:JMurrayHRowleyJ BruceJReid DTulloch N Heathcote. Cowwarr:BEenjes CBass BCooper ADomaille TDavison JWall

GLENGARRY5.5 10.10 14.13 22.17 (149)

YYN1.1 3.1 4.3 5.3 (33)

GOALS: Glengarry: DSmith 7SDarby 7ARigby4 CBickerton LTaylorO CliftonFRowley. YYN: JKaschke 2GRuey DAshman. BEST: Glengarry: DSmith CWhitehead LTaylorC BickertonARigbyE Jones.YYN:J Kaschke GRuey JWeiir JBoyesAPheeney LLaidlaw

CHURCHILL 1.2 5.7 6.12 8.14 (62)

SALECITY2.0

Consideringtheir percentage, they will need to win both to break back into the top five, and considering their form,that appears highly unlikely.

 SALE City survived ascare at Stephenson Park.

The Bulldogs fought off aspiritedChurchill side, breaking the shackles in the final term

KyleGrahamwas massive for Heyfield booting eight goals, earning himbest-onground honours. Also in the Kangaroos best was Brayden Woodland, Thomas Marchesi, Tyson Birss, Tyson Graham,and Jack Christian (four goals).

Kodie Owen was best for Gormandale in his150th game. He was joined by William Flanagan, Flynn Roscoe, Matthew Carstein,

Jake Brown,Keenan Hughes (threegoals), Haydn Hector, Alex Saunders, Matt Johnson, and Rhys Luxford were admirable in defeat. Rosedaleare also mathematically out of the finals race after Sale City’s win. The Blues only have one game left with the bye in Round 18, and they now sit two games outside the top five.

 WOODSIDE had the bye.

The North GippslandFootball-Netball League partnered with MindfullAus and AGLLoy Yang at the weekendfor Mental Health Round. Photo: Contributed Times-Spectator,Tuesday, 6August, 2024 –Page 27

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

SENIORS

(89)

SALE0.6 1.8 2.10 7.11 (53)

GOALS: Leongatha: COlden 3J Garnham 2J Ginnane 2J Walker CMaskell KDrewW Littlejohn TMarriott. Sale: DEggmolesse-Smith BJones MDowse SLange JLeslieBDessent JJohnstone BEST: Leongatha: CMaskell JGarnham TSauvarinB Willis JWalker KDrew. Sale: JFreeman HHolmes DEggmolesse-Smith WLeslie JLeslie JMcGuiness

(94)

(49)

GOALS: Morwell: CCampbell 3CMacdonald 3BMcDonald 3T Brown2BBailey TSmith R Loprese.Warragul: SMasterson 2V Caia LWardCMcintosh KMacLean BEST: Morwell: B McauliffeZAnderson JLeak BMacfarlane BCouling TBrown.Warragul: LCarterL Ward B HeffordJ Lewsey MSmart SMasterson WONTHAGGI

2.27.5 11.6 17.10 (112) BAIRNSDALE 1.2 1.2 1.6 4.9 (33)

GOALS: Wonthaggi: CMcInnes 5JBlair 2K Patterson 2J Thomas 2M Hayes2 NAnderson JBates.Bairnsdale: BMcCarrey 2LAustin MCorbett. BEST: Wonthaggi: JThomasI Chugg C McInnes JGilmour JSchulz RSparkes.Bairnsdale: HLongbottom LCloak CHarveyE East B McCarrey TRees

MOE 4.46.7 11.13 13.18 (96)

11.5 (71)

MAFFRA4.2 6.3

GOALS: Moe: NProwse4DKeilty2JBalfour 2BDaniher TBlackshawT Baldi HSim RBaldi. Maffra: SSmith 3NChristy3B Harrington JMcQuillen JRead AWattBMonk. BEST: Moe: JBalfour BSmith TBaldi HSim RBaldi MHeywood.Maffra: ZFelsbourgACarr JKilloranS Smith TScott SRobbins

(139)

TRARALGON 6.2 15.3 20.5

DROUIN 4.1 10.2 11.3 18.5 (113)

GOALS: Traralgon: DMcKenna 5HNeocleous 5SHallyburton3 DLoprese2 KRuyters 2 ALovison LWillaton JHamiltonCDoultreeLD’Angelo.Drouin: SAmoroso 4EMorris 3JMarshall2CFleming 2JSandman 2KQuirk 2T Johnstone THancock AQuirk BEST: Traralgon: JScholtes SHallyburtonD McKenna JCunico DLopreseJ McMahon. Drouin: S Amoroso EMorris JSandman KQuirk JKingiDClebney

Magpies down but not out

Liam Durkin

REALISTS and optimists will be at loggerheads as the Gippsland League gets closer to the end of the regular season.

While incredibly, seven teams still remain amathematical chance of changingpositions before the final five is sorted, the sheer fact thatthere is only two rounds left in the regular season means that in actuality, it is down to three teams for two spots.

Morwell holds fourth by half-a-game from Wonthaggi and Sale, with Bairnsdale another game behind.

Unfortunatelyfor the Redlegs,their decade-long finalsdrought looks set to continue. However, Bairnsdale will still play some part in the post-regular season, albeit for adifferent reason.

BairnsdaleCityOval is hosting the Elimination Final, which throws another complexity into the mix for the trio of Latrobe Valley teams.

There might only be half-a-game between fourth and sixth, but there is also only a game-and-a-half between Moe (insecond), Traralgon (third) and Morwell.

As Bairnsdale is the hardest road trip in the league, the Lions, Maroons and Tigers will be out to avoid playing acutthroat final in Bairnsdale at all costs.

The Gippsland League has its final leaguewide bye this week, which has worked out perfectly to allowafree weekend for an important event.

 SALE lost, but live to fight another day.

The Magpies were well beaten by Leongatha, 12.17 (89) to 7.11 (53).

Afast start from the visiting Parrots saw them register 5.3 (33) in the opening term, fromwhichtimeSalenevermanaged to recover.

Another five goals in the second blew the margin out to 54 points at the main break.

MAnnear

GOALS: Traralgon: RAdams5CBrown 4CRuyters 3G Wood 2JMudita 2J Twite2 LHahn 2F Watts MScholtes JMacumber PAkram NAddison.Drouin: EBracken. BEST Traralgon: RAdams CBrown BHutton CRuyters LHahnT Anderson. Drouin: EBracken LLenders D FrombergBHoult BGregg JSmart

0.33.7 5.8 8.10 (58)

2.35.4 7.5 8.6 (54)

GOALS: Bairnsdale: BFroud 2J Bills 2J Waddell 2MNeate RBlandford. Wonthaggi: TMurray 3ABusana2RMorescoODawson BCornelis BEST: Bairnsdale: FDostineDO’Connor JDore JBills BFroud JWaddell.Wonthaggi: CMagro KYann TMurrayH Dawson CDawson JJoske

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1.2 2.5 2.6 4.7 (31)

GOALS: Warragul: MCahill 3lFinnegan 2JCurtisC Williamson. Morwell: TGray2MBlewett EPorigneaux. BEST: Warragul: NWhitten MCahillJOrlickiJNeville DRidgway TDavine Morwell: LPatterson SGissaraNGiardinaC WhiteDMakepeaceB Williams

MAFFRA4.3 9.6 13.10 17.15 (117)

MOE 0.00.0 0.1 0.2 (2)

GOALS: Maffra: MGravener 5RPhelan 4BJohnson 2D O’Brien 2HBurgiel SPendergast J Bristow JOldham. BEST: Maffra: BDowsett MGravener JKelly MHuts RPhelan DO’Brien. Moe: LRock WLuke LWeir WHester LDurkin LEar LADDER PW LD FA %Pts

Leongatha 16 16 00 1549 343 451.6 64

Maffra16132 01165 457 254.92 52

Bairnsdale 16 13 30 1045 558 187.28 52

4781247 38.33 16

LEONGATHA 4.3 9.3 12.7 16.12 (108) SALE1.1 2.6 4.6 4.6 (30)

Leongatha: MCroatto4HBowler3 WBrown 2JGarnham HGill TGannon ZLamers BMcRae JCallahan FDonohue.Sale: TRonchi 3CNew BEST: Leongatha: HBowlerT Gannon KBerryman JCallahan HGill JFixter. Sale: JCantwell CJohnson TDobsonT Ronchi WMoon KSchoenmaekers

1.2 6.3 10.4 12.5 (77)

6.2 6.3 9.3 11.4 (70)

GOALS: Traralgon: BBurrows 3W Ambler 2JBalcombe Matters2R Rutter 2O Haberl HPirie BHagley. Drouin: KSmith 5LMcdonald 2JHuston MWilliames CStone KGregg BEST: Traralgon: WAmblerERoscoe OHaberl JZappulla BBurrows GRuach. Drouin: TMapleson K Smith ZMcmillan WBrewerF Lockwood WYoung

WARRAGUL 7.4 15.6 20.12 27.16 (178)

MORWELL 0.1 0.1 0.1 1.2 (8)

GOALS: Warragul: KBoi 4T O’Leary4 JSimpson 3HJinks 3SHeenan 2LMoore 2S Grummisch 2JCurtis 2CMacLean BRainford DPaul BSmith IKittelty.Morwell: MBlewett. BEST: Warragul: TO’LearyH Hodge CMacLean JCurtis JSimpson SHeenan. Morwell: T Shankland OKalan JBeath SOling JMooney CRuach

Maffra: WRuthberg6AStobie

Sale readjusted in the sheds, and were able to keep Leongatha to 1.5 (11) in thethird term, but by then the damage had well and truly been done.

Magpies assistant coachPeter Morrison lamented the poor second quarter as the deciding factor.

“When you don’t score early it puts enormous pressure on,” he said.

“They dominated the game in the second quarter and took the game right away from us.”

Jarrod Freeman battledhard for the home side, as did Hudson Holmes, Derek Eggmolesse-Smith, Will Leslie, Jack Leslie and Jonty McGuiness.

While the margin was perhaps alarming for Sale, the collateral affect wasn’t totally damaging.

The Magpies are still equal-fifth on the ladder, and now have their destiny in their own hands withgames against Morwell and Bairnsdale to finish.

Reliable and familiar faces were among the top performersfor Leongatha, who could once again be hitting their peak justasfinals approach.

Looking at the list, the Parrots were still without Tallin Brill, Nick Argento and senior games record holder Sean Westaway.

Cade Maskell was best, followed by Jenson Garnham, Ben Willis, Jay Walker, Kim Drew and Tim Sauvarin.

Sauvarin has not been disturbed by an absence from seniorfooty. He hasplayed justfivegames this year, and played just the one reserves game last year.

Good players are just always good aren’t they?

 MOE took astepcloser to securing a double-chance.

The Lions defeated Maffrainafairly non-descript game by 25 points at Ted Summerton Reserve.

In short, Maffra were good, but Moe was better, and won 13.18 (96) to 11.5 (71).

The Eagles were more than competitive throughout the day, and trailedbyonly four points at halftime.

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE THE RUN HOME

Leongatha (first, 52 points, 165.01 per cent)

To come:Bairnsdale (A), Drouin (H)

Prediction: Win both.

VERDICT:1ST

Moe (second, 44 points, 112.57)

To come:Warragul (H), Wonthaggi (A)

Moe however kicked five goals to two in the third term to ensure they controlled the game from there on.

For ateam coming last, Maffra still displayed adecentstyle,and looked to keep the game moving by foot and locating free players.

While history might not showitwhen the final ladder is sorted, the Eagles are a much-improved team from last year.

In the corresponding fixture against Moe last season, Maffra at one stage dropped eight players behind the balltostopthe scoreboard blowing out.

There was none of that at the weekend.

Noah Christy kicked threegoals for the visitors, wearingthe Number 77 made famous by Adrian Burgiel (does always get me why aplayer that good wore anumber that high).

Zac Felsbourg was Maffra’s best, followed by Alex Carr, Jett Killoran, Seth Smith, Tom Scottand Sam Robbins,who was engaged in some on-fieldbanter with Moe’sMatt Heywood.

Heywood was among the Lions best, and came outofthe contest with adecent scar on his neck, the result of afew dustups in thesecond term as tempers flared.

JacobBalfourwas best for the winners, and received good support fromBrock Smith, Trent Baldi, Harri Sim and Riley Baldi.

 HERE they come.

Wonthaggi surged into the top five for the first time this season, and possibly ended thecampaignofawould-be challenger in the process.

The Power demolished Bairnsdale, 17.10 (112) to 4.9 (33).

The 79-point win increased Wonthaggi’s percentage by 8.35, and took them from seventh to fifth on the ladder.

With two rounds to go, the signs appears very ominous.

Everything is working and just about everyone is fearful.

RyanSparkes is qualifiedand Collingwood won’t play VFL finals.

The Powerhavewon six of their last seven games, and still have players to come back.

The sight of Rod Tack in the reserves from earlier in the season, (showing just how short they were) seems like alifetime ago.

Sparkes played his fourth game for his home club at the weekend (qualifying him for finals), while the names Jakeb Thomas, Isaac Chugg, Cooper McInnes (five goals), Jye Gilmour and Josh Schulz did asound job.

Hugh Longbottom, Lachlan Cloak, Cooper Harvey,Ethan East,BraydenMcCarrey and Tyran Rees were best for the Redlegs. Bairnsdale’s season looks set to end in disappointing fashion.

Having put themselvesina reasonable position with awin-loss record of 5-4 at the halfwaymark, theRedlegs havewon just three games since.

Losses to Traralgon, Morwell and Moe by single figure margins have proven costly.

By contrast, Wonthaggihas turnedaround ahorrendous start to the season (1-4), to now have every finals-bound team on edge.

Assuming they qualify, thebiggest hurdle for the Powerwill be getting past the elimination final.

With the double-chance out of reach, Wonthaggihas no choice but to take the long road in finals -literally, as the elimination final is in Bairnsdale.

If the Powercan overcome the longest road trip in Country Victoria,they will likely play either Moe or Traralgon in the sudden death semi. Wonthaggi has beaten theMaroons and still has to play the Lions before the regular season is out.

That gamelooms as one that could have huge psychological ramifications.

Should Wonthaggi make it all the way to apreliminary final, they will absolutely be a genuine chance of stepping into the decider.

Remember what happenedinthe ’99 prelim. Carlton lost 11 games that year, Essendon lost just four.

The Power have their own miraclepreliminary final to reference,and fittinglyit

Prediction: Win at least one. Wonthaggi away will be verytough. Finishingsecond or third doesn’t really matter

VERDICT:3RD

Traralgon (third, 42 points, 119.35)

To come: Maffra (A), Morwell (H)

Prediction: BeatMaffra,think they get Morwell at homeinthe last round. Potentially huge advantage with ahome preliminaryfinal.

VERDICT:2ND

Morwell (fourth,38 points, 103.14)

To come: Sale (H), Traralgon (A)

happened adecadeago. Wonthaggi came back from 45 points down at three quarter time on that dayin2014tomakethe Grand Final.

Thereare afew survivors from that team still playing today:Aiden Lindsay,Shannon Bray, Toma Huther and Jack Blair.  THE best form of defence is offence.

Traralgon and Drouin opened the floodgates at Terry Hunter Oval, throwing back to abygone era when games were virtually glorified versions of markers-up.

In all, 40 goals were kicked between the two sides as they both went well past the ton. As entertaining as it was, there still had to be awinner, and the points went to the Maroons 22.7 (139) to 18.5 (113).

Sharp-shooting at either end kept the goal umpires busy, whilethe Hawks weresurely pleasedtoplay in such amannerafter weeks of slogging it out in the mud on their home ground.

Drouin showed their adaptabilitytoplay an exciting brand, which has been ahallmark of their styleunderBrent Clinnick, who has two games left before handing over the reins. Seb Amoroso and Ed Morris kicked seven goals between them, and were helped out by Jacob Sandman, Kye Quirk, Jordan Kingi andDan Clebney.

Despite six players scoring multiple goals for the Hawks, they wereactually never really in the hunt.

Traralgon had 15 goals and nearly 100 points on the board at halftime, and led by 56 points at the final change.

Taking aleaf out of former Australian Test cricketer Geoff Marsh’s handbook, the Maroons just kept scoring.

Marsh, who was not known to talk much, perhaps showedwhy when he reportedly got up in ateam meeting once and said: “if we score more runs than them we’ll win."

Dan McKenna and Harvey Neocelous led the goal-kickersfor the winners,each nabbing five.

McKennahas come out of retirement in the second half of the season to help plug ahole created by an injury to captainTye Hourigan If both are to play in the same team come finals, it might prove to be amasterstroke for Traralgon.

Joel Scholtes continued his red-hot and possibly best-and-fairest form with another strong showing, while SammyHallyburton, Jordan Cunico, Dylan Loprese and Jackson McMahon all contributed.

Loprese recently played his 150th senior game, and was joined in the 100 club at the weekend by Tate Marsh, who will now get his name on the locker as is Traralgon tradition.  MORWELL won their virtual elimination final.

TheTigershad no other option but to beat Warragul, and they did just that, winning 14.10(94) to 6.13 (49) at Western Park.

For agame that endedina45-point victory, there remained every chance Morwell was going to get rolled for three quarters.

The visitors only led by two points at halftime, and only eight at three quarter time.

Whatever was said at the last change did not fall on deaf ears, as Morwell kicked eight goals to two and skipped away. While the margin was under the 10 point thresholdthathas become synonymous with Morwell in the last three years, it kept the heartrate going all the same.

Cohen Campbell, CodyMacdonald and Brandon McDonald kickedthree goals each for the Tigers, while Tyler Brown slotted two and was among the best players. Brandon Mcauliffe got the main accolades, andwas followed by Zac Anderson, Burkeley Macfarlane, Blake Couling and Judah Leak. Macfarlane is enjoying arguably his breakout season, while Leak might have just secured his spot in the team at the most important stage of the year.

For the third year in arow, the Tigers are facing ascenario where they will not know their finals fate until late in the season.

Lucas Carter was best for Warragul. Lane Ward, Brad Hefford, JackLewsey, Mitch Smart and Sean Masterson also played well.

Prediction: Tough run home. Unfortunately someone is going to have to miss out. Leongatha willbeverypleased if Morwell is that team.

VERDICT:6TH

Wonthaggi (fifth, 36 points, 114.50)

To come: Drouin (A), Moe (H)

Prediction: Beat Drouin, and will then be in serious form when theyplayMoe at home. Make no mistake, they can win it.

VERDICT:4TH

Sale (sixth, 36 points, 99.20)

To come: Morwell (A), Bairnsdale (H)

Prediction: Win this week and they should playfinals. Therewill be no restingplayers against Morwellthis time around.

VERDICT:5TH

Bairnsdale (seventh, 32, 99.91)

To come: Leongatha (H), Sale (A)

Prediction: Can’t see them winning either

VERDICT:7TH

-compiled by Liam Durkin

6August, 2024

Script goes perfect for Pendles

TomHayes

SALE'S Scott Pendlebury walkedout for game number 400 at the weekend, ending his night as a winner in a12.12 (84) to 11.15 (81) thriller. It was also the 202ndtimeheplayed on the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The occasion would be marked in one of the biggest occasions of the year, Collingwood versus Carlton, in front of apacked-out MCG crowd.

More than 85,000 fans filled the seats,toobserve just the sixth player in V/AFL history to play 400 games.

The electricity of the crowd was non-stop, and the noise was deafening at times, especially when goals were scored for either side.

Collingwood were fighting to keep their season alive, while the Blues were out to spoil the party and keep their top four hopes intact.

Neither side had entered the game with good form, but of thetwo, Collingwood had justcome off the back of awin the week prior. Carlton had plenty of the ball in the opening term, but many of theirs shots on goals were rushed over for minor scores.

Collingwood kicked the first major of the game through the returning Jordan De Goey, and assumed the lead in the process.

More behinds from the Blues levelled the scores again, before Nick Daicos put the Magpies up by agoal. Alatedribbling goal from the boundary off the boot of Carlton's Harry McKay saw the sides go into quarter time on 14 points apiece.

Final moved to Maffra

THE Gippsland League will enter the second year of its community finals seriesthis year. In 2023, the league's BoardofManagement decided to implement this series overtwo seasons.

The goal of the ‘Community System’ is to highlight member clubs and their facilities throughout Gippsland and to promote the GippslandLeague’skey events across the five local government areas it covers. This shiftedfrom acentralised system.

Theonlychange to the original schedule willbethe Qualifying Final,which has been moved from Drouin to Maffra due to the recent announcement regarding the upgrade to Drouin Recreation Reserve and the proposed commencement date of the works clashing with the original schedule.

All other finals are as scheduled.

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

FINALS VENUES 2024

Qualifying Final (Saturday,August 31) -MaffraRecreation Reserve

Elimination Final (Sunday, September 1) -Bairnsdale Recreation Reserve

Second Semi Final (Saturday, September 7) -Leongatha Recreation Reserve

First Semi Final (Sunday, September 8) -Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe

Preliminary Final (Saturday, September 14) -Traralgon Recreation Reserve

Grand Final (Saturday, September 21) -Morwell Recreation Reserve

Collingwoodbroke the shackles in the second term, adding 4.4 (28) to 2.3 (15), taking a13-point lead into the main break.

They continued to score in the second half, almost like they were waiting for the Blues to come back.

Butafter threequarters, theMagpies continued to surge further ahead. Collingwood added five goals to three in the third quarter, going ahead by 25 points as they entered the final quarter.

The first two scores wentthe way of the Magpies, abehind, then agoal, pushing their lead out to 32 points early in the final quarter.

Then in came Carlton.

The Blues kicked five unansweredgoals to see themselvesbehind by just four points with time ticking down.

Jamie Elliot had the chancetoseal thegamebut missed, sending Carlton the other way.

Apassage that included stoppages galore finally founditself on Carlton's forward flank. Agrabout of the ruck from Marc Pittonet saw him scramble akick forwardinto avacant hole in the Blues' forward 50. Adive, amark, to Mitch McGovern.

The Blues defender found himself in the most unlikelyofsituations as he walkedbacktohis mark. Siren.

He had kicked agoal after the siren previously against the Magpies when playingfor Adelaide. That goal was on much less of an angle, less distance and was to draw the game. This one had much more on the line, to win the game, against Carlton's biggest rivals.

He lined up and in an attempt to get the ball across the line, he sprayed the kicked out on the full, giving Collingwood the win in Pendlebury's 400th.

Playersswamped Pendleburyasifhehad kicked the winning goal himself.

Speaking on Pendlebury, what agame he had.

His night included 27 disposals, six tackles and nine clearances. There were plenty of other good performances on the night, but the fact that the Magpies won, and he had such an impact, and the occasionsitself, he mightjust poll Brownlow votes.

Betalhashootsand scores golfingace

ErikaAllen

"THAT was so much easier than puttingI should just try to get the ball in one shot every time."

SCENES on the 12th hole at Maffra Golf Club were similar to Happy Gilmore on July 21 when Sonny Batalha shot ahole in one.

The 16-year-old golfer pulled off quite thefeat during the Maffra Golf Club’s Sunday competition.

The 12th hole is 155 metres long and is lauded as the second hardest Par 3onthe course. It’s surrounded by bunkers, making it imperative to hit the green.

GregMeldrum,Maffra GolfClub’s club captain, said Sonny is aregularfaceand thathis timespent on the course has well an truly paid off.

Starting with ahigh handicap about 12 months ago, Sonny currently plays off an impressive eight.

Sonny is aMaffra local, son of Maffra FootballNetball Club veteran Ben Batalha.

He has been swinging agolf club since he was two-years-old and has been amember of Maffra Golf club since 2020.

While hole in ones aren’t unicorns, only three to four are hit each year at the Maffra Golf Club.

Neill Tacey sunk ahole in one on the 12th four months ago, so there can't be many left for the year.

Meldrum said Sonny’s lucky ball has been

mounted and will soonbepresented to him as congratulations for the rare feat.

ScottPendlebury (centre) flanked by theother membersofthe 400-game club. From left: Michael Tuck, Shaun Burgoyne, Dustin Fletcher, and Brent Harvey. Kevin Bartlettwas absent

Photos:

Galleries

SonnyBatalha, 16,hit aholeinone on the 12th at Maffra Golf Club. Photo: Contributed

Longford Tennis Club has unveiled new courts, made possible by the John Leslie Foundation. The club now has four courts, which has evened the playing field for the club’s WGTA junior and senior teams.

STORY -PAGE26

Photo: Erika Allen

Finals just around the corner in local netball Advantage Longford

Blake Metcalf-Holt andErika Allen

ROUND16ofGippsland League netball finally saw some separation from the top five squads in the competition.

As all Gippsland League sides await aleague bye this weekend, the final two rounds of the homeand-away season will determine where each will be situated come finals time.

Sale and Maffra again endured tough times. Leongatha continued to givethemselves afighting chancefor afinalsberth after defeating the Magpies in aconvincing 65 to 49 contest.

TheParrots damage was done early after a20 goal to nine first term that then turned into 12-goal lead by halftime at Sale Oval.

If the Magpies thought they could claw back into the game, they thought wrong, as Leongatha added three goals to theirleadthrough the third term that made the result clear as day.

Mikaeli Hilliar was the defining player for

Leongatha with 40 goals to go along with 22 from teammate Kate Browne.

Kate Van der Voort had 33 goals for Sale.

Premiership favouriteMoe won apredictably one-sided game against astrugglingMaffra side, which turned into areal bloodbath.

The Lions defeatedthe Eaglestothe tuneof 53 goals in an 82-29 contest at Ted Summerton Reserve.

Moe devoured everyopportunity Maffra thought they had at any given moment, and held the Eagles to under 10 goals in each of the four quarters while the Lions produced three quarters of north of 20 goals.

Ramayer Gourley dropped amonster 73 goals for the winners thatmore than doubled Maffra’sscore

The Lions (15 wins, one draw) hold atwo-game edgeoverDrouinwho sitsecond on the ladder, while the Eagles have two games to go to try and get at least one win on the board

Drouindefeated Traralgon, 51-42, bringingabout their 13th win in 2024.

It was astrongstart forthe Maroons, who got

out to an early 11-8 lead after the first quarter on theirhome deck, before Drouinprovided one of their best responses for the season when they nailed 20 goals and kept Traralgon to just eight through the second term.

The Maroons weren’t done fighting as they chipped the margin back down to fivegoals by three quarter time, but the Hawks did what was necessary to conclude, converting on some timely shots to keep the hosts at bay.

Drouin’sApril Bethune rose to the occasionasshe was thrown into Goal Attack and scored 20 goals, to go along with sharpshooter CharlizeTraumanis with 21.

Despite the loss, the Maroons still sit within the top five thanks to two draws throughout the season that leaves them still six premiership points clear of sixth-placed Bairnsdale despite only aone win advantage.

Bairnsdale made it tricky for Wonthaggi as both eyed afinals cementation.

The Power however proved slightly superior in

their homeland, finishing 45-41 winners.

The Redlegs, hoping to bridge the gap between fifth-placed Trarlagon, had the spark in their eye that saw them lead 14-12 after quarter time. It was an equally good second term for Wonthaggi, who tied the game up 26-allbythe halftime break. Scoringbegan to deteriorate at bothendsbut began to favour the style that the Power wanted to play with.

Holding Bairnsdale to just15goals in the second half despite only 19 goals from Wonthaggi still got thejob done.

The Power’s Chelsea Bowman and Courtney Brann put on ashow with 24 and 21 goals respectively to combat the efforts of Anna Mooney with 25. Wonthaggimoved to clear fourth position with a win-loss record of 9-7, while the Redlegs will have to remain perfect through the last two rounds and pray for other results to go their way.

Continued -Page25