Gippsland Times Tuesday 7 March 2023

WE WANT ANSWERS

National Australia Bank executives

Mil Kairouz and Krissie Jones face questioning from Senators at the Port of Sale during Thursday’s hearing.

Banking executives from NAB and Westpac were grilled over the closure of regional branches.

BANKING executives have been chastised for their lack of consultation and quizzed on local branch closures at a hearing in Sale.

The Senateinquiry into Bank Closures in Regional Australia held its first public hearing in the Port of Sale’s Wellington Room last Thursday, March 2.

Senators Matt Canavan (Queensland -LNP), Malcolm Roberts (Queensland -One Nation), Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania -Greens), Raff Ciccone (Victoria- Labor), RichardColbeck (Tasmania -Liberal) and Gerard Rennick (Queensland -LNP) were present for the hearing, withSenators SladeBrockman (Western Australia -Liberal) and Linda White (Victoria- Labor) engaging via teleconference.

Witnesses from Westpac Group were calledfirst,withthe ChiefCustomer Engagement Officer, Ross Miller, and theNational General Manager, Jason Green, both representing the company. Westpacrecentlyannounceditwould closeits Sale branch, but has since postponed the closure until further notice.

In an opening statement to the inquiry,

Mr Miller noted that 96 per cent of Westpac transactions are now done digitally; saying it was led by customer preference.

Mr Miller also acknowledged that “not everybody is ready”for digital banking, with a“smallminority” apprehensive about the change.

He further said thatthe decision to close abranch “is not made lightly”, with customer demographics and their proximity to other branches taken into consideration.

Under questioningfromthe chair, Senator Canavan, Mr Miller claimed that 95 per cent of Westpac’s customer transactions can be done through Bank@Post service, citingthat figure as areason for the Sale branch’s closure.

He also said that consultation with Wellington Shire Councilhad been done “in parallel” with Westpac customers, which was done via email.

The Gippsland Times understands that the Shire was informed through the Customer Action Request Service.

Mr Miller said Westpac would be changing that process to aconversation.

Meanwhile, Mr Green said that Westpac had only spoken directly to councilrepresentatives the morning

of the public hearing, whichwas later confirmed by theMayor, Ian Bye

SenatorRennick asked whether Westpac makes aprofit in Wellington, and if that was afactor in the Sale branch’s closure.

Mr Miller respondedbysaying: “We look at the way people bank with us.”

Westpac was also questioned about whathappens to staff once abranch closes.

Mr Miller said thatmost employees wouldeither work from home or relocate to another branch;heestimated that 28 per cent of affected employees look for work elsewhere,while 23 percentwere retrenched.

Senator Whish-Wilson asked if Westpac executivesreceivedbonuses for saving money by closing branches, to which Mr Millerresponded: “I’m remunerated to provide servicetoour customers.”

In his questioning of Westpac, Senator Colbeck took issue with the company’s claim that is consulted with thecommunity, saying: “The onlypeopleyou’re consulting with is yourselves.”

Mr Miller responded by saying that Westpac’s own data provides “incredibly strong insights”into howcustomers

use its branches, and that decisions are basedonthat same data.

Senator Colbeck responded by saying that process was “determining” rather than “consulting”.

Senator Rennickasked about the agreement Westpac had reached with Australia Post to providethe Bank@ Post service, requestingacopy of that same agreement.

Mr Miller denied the request, citing “commercial confidence”.

Finally, Senator Canavanasked about Indigenous customers, and whether Westpac knew how many Indigenous people lived in the Wellington Shire; neither Mr Miller nor Mr Green were able to answer.

SenatorCanavan revealedthe answer as 923, taken from Censusdata; he then asked why Westpac wasn’t aware of that figure, to the approval of at least one attendee.

Westpac’s questioning concluded at 11.05am -35minutes longer than scheduled -with Senator Canavan requesting alistofWestpac’s regional branches and planned closures.

Continued page 3

TomParry

Photo: Tom Parry

Feds back carbon capture

PhilipHopkins

THE federal government has strongly backed carbon capture and storage projects such as Victoria's CarbonNet to reach its net zero emissions target by 2050.

The Minister for Resourcesand Minister for Northern Australia,MadeleineKing,said by managing emissions from Australia’s oil and gas production, carbon capture presented an opportunity to decarbonise Australia’s energy exports, in particular gas processing, liquefied natural gas and potentially hydrogen.

"The use of CCUS(carbon capture,utilisationand storage) will allow us to become atop exporter of low-carbon intensity energy in our region," she said in aspeechinDarwin last week to the Australia and Southeast Asia Global CCS Institute forum.

"CCUS will also become essential if we are to manage emissions for industrial processesthat have no known technologicalalternatives, such as cement and some chemical manufacturing processes. The use of CCUS will allow us to become

atop exporter of low-carbonintensiveenergy in our region," she said. "We have legislated for net zero and there can be no doubting our resolve on this front."

CarbonNet, jointly fundedbythe stateand federal governments since2010,aimstocapture carbon dioxide released by industrial processes in the Latrobe Valley and Wellington Shire. The CO2 would be compressed, transported and pumped underground into depleted oil and gas reservoirs offshore in Bass Strait.

Ms King said Australiahad the abilitytobecome aworldleader in the emerging CCS industry,with large, stable geological formations for greenhouse gas storage.

The October Budget committed $141million over 10 years to implement anew carbon capture technologies program. "Australia has already entered into low emission partnershipagreements with the Republic of Korea, Japan and Singapore, which includes cooperation on carbon capture. Our collaboration with these countries on key policy, regulatory and technical matterswillfurther enhance and progress the development of this

essential technology," she said..

"We are alsoamember of the Japan-led Asia CarbonCaptureUse and StorageNetwork that seeks to supportdeployment of carbon capture through the Southeast Asia region.

"Collaborationincludes technicaland research workinmineralisation and carbonation technologies, syntheticaviationfuel, methanation and carbon dioxide storage monitoring injection and testing."

Ms King said Australia had ahugecapacity for geological storage of carbon dioxide in saline aquifers and depleted fields, bothonshoreand offshore.

"Geoscience Australiaisleadingwork in this field, identifying possible sites around Australia for storage. There are some 16 projects that are at various stages of development across Australia," she said.

While industry developed CCU, "the government's Offshore Greenhouse Gas Storage Release Program is akey mechanismtosupportthe sector", she said.

Five permits had been awarded -the first titles granted in offshore Australia outside the Victorian

Government's CarbonNet project.

Ms King warned: "Nationally and internationally, we have along way to go with carbon capture." She added thatachieving net zero would need more mining, not less. "Batteries, wind farms,solar panels –they all need minerals, and we will need gas to process the minerals to buildthem.Without athriving resources sector there will be no net zero. The road to net zero runs through the resources sector," Ms King said.

Construction dominates $55b renewables transition jobs

PhilipHopkins

THE state government's policy that the transition to renewable energy will create 59,000 jobs by 2035 is based on more than $55 billion in investment, according to areport by consultants pwc.

More than half this investment amount -$29.34 billion -will come from offshore wind, withthe bulk of the jobs, about 53,000, coming from the construction phase. Ongoing jobs in the operational phase by 2035 will total about 6000.

These are key figures from the report, 'Victorian electricity sector renewable energy transition', preparedbypwc forDELWP (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning).

Consultants pwc were hired by DELWP to assess theeconomicimpactofthe government's new renewable plans -arenewable energy target of 65 per cent by 2030 and 95 per cent by 2035. The analysis found that 95 per cent renewable

supply by 2035 would boost gross social product by $9.5 billion andgenerate an additional 59,214 jobs over that horizon. The GSP increase is basedon $7.1 billion from construction, while $2.3b relates to the impact of ongoing jobs. The GSP impact by 2030 is $5.32b -$4.4b in construction and $911 million in ongoing operations. Theanalysis uses energy modelling by Jacobs Australia and DELWP Withenergy accounting for 70 per centof Victoria's total greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, "the transition to 95 per cent renewable energy is essential in order for Victoria to achieveits legislated target of net zero emissions by 2050", pwc said. It claims the transition willmaintain supply reliability and affordable energy.

The transition is based on renewable energy investment, firm capacity and emerging dispatchable technologies such as hydrogen-based generation.Greater transmission, interstate interconnections, household solar, batteries and electric vehicles will complement this new build.

It assumesthe closureofall Latrobe Valley brown coal plants by mid-2035, the upgrade of the Kerang Link interconnector in mid-2031,completion of the Marinus Link interconnector to Tasmania in mid-2033 (stage 1) and mid-2035 (stage 2) and Victorian offshore wind targets of four gigawatts (4000 megawatts)by2035and 9GW (9000MW) by 2040.

The report found that the total undiscounted capitalcostofthis technology investment from 2023 to 2040 would be $55.5 billion.

The total is dominated by offshorewind ($29.344b)followed by onshore wind ($8.7b), rooftop solar ($4.9b), household batteries ($4.48b), utility batteries ($2.1b),PVNSGsolar -morethan 100 kilowatts and less than 30MW ($1.98b), pumped hydro ($1.85b), solar ($1.46b) and hydrogen ($614 million).

The estimated 53,019 two-yearconstructionjobs by 2035includes 28,549 directjobs, 13,873 indirect and 10,597 induced jobs. The 6195 operational

jobs includes 961 direct, 3254 indirect and 1980 induced jobs.

By 2030, two-year jobs created total 27,86925,996 in constructionand 1872 in the operational phase.

The estimated economic impact of the investment accelerates after 2032. The report includes tables showing the estimated investment in renewables and energy storage annually until 2040, showing the contribution of the various energy types.

Other tables show the undiscounted operating costs of the various technologies until 2040, with offshore wind well ahead at $8.1b, and also the economic impacts of the various technologies.

The pwc analysis does not include fuel costs withinthe modelling. As agreedwith DELWP, pwc assumed that pumped hydro systems have eight to 48 hours' storage capacity.

Following DELWP's instruction, battery storage systems are based on two-hour and four-hour storage capacity.

s Senate grills suits in Sale

From Page 1

WITNESSES from the National Australia Bank (NAB)werecalled next, represented by retail executives Krissie Jones and Mil Kairouz.

Ms Jones’ opening statement echoed that of Westpac’s, noting customers’ “preference” for digital banking,while adding that the closing of abank branch “is not done lightly”.

SenatorRennick opened the questioning, askingwhy NABhadn’t invested in regional Australia.

Ms Jonesresponded by sayingthat acombined $70millionhad been invested in the past three years at regional branches and banking centres.

Shefurther stated that branches had seen a66per cent reduction in foot traffic

On the subject of joblosses at

regionalbranches, Ms Jones said that NAB offers redeployment “in every instance”, and that 97 per cent of employees had been retained.

Under questioning from Senator Roberts, Ms Jones revealedthat $15 million was provided by NAB to AustraliaPostfor theircommunity banking services; as with Westpac, she refused to provide copy of agreement, citing commercial sensitivities

Senator Ciccone asked whether NAB consultswithgovernment figures regarding branch closures;Ms Jones responded by saying that local Members of Parliament are contacted the day prior to when customers are told, while local councilsare informed the same day as customers.

Towards the end of proceedings, SenatorCanavan questioned NAB on the permanent closure of its Maffra

branch, which was announced last month.

In response, Ms Jones and Mr Kairouz noted that the branch had faced “logistical and practical challenges”, such as an inability to employ staff and reduced hours, bothof which contributed to the decision to close.

NAB’squestions concluded at 11.45am, which was then followed by other witnesses.

Questions taken on-notice by Westpac and NAB are due back March 10, while the inquiry’s final report is due by December 1.

Women urged to be up-to-date with cervical screening

CANCER CouncilVictoriaisurgingwomen and people with acervix in regional Victoria to get up to date with cervical screening and protect themselves from cervical cancer.

Recent data from Cancer Council Victoria’s Victorian Cancer Registry, has revealed that females living in regional Victoria are 28 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer compared to those living in major cities. Head of screening, early detection and immunisation at Cancer CouncilVictoria, Kate Broun, urged residents to check if they are up to date with cervical screening and to book in for atest if they are due or overdue.

"A CervicalScreening Testisthe best way to prevent cervical cancer and needstobedone every five years by all women and people with acervix aged 25-74, even if they’ve had the HPV vaccine," Ms Broun said.

"Regularly participating in cervical screening can help to detect the virus called HPV that causes most cervical cancers. Cervicalscreeningcan help to find cancer early,orevenfindpre-cancerous cells that can be treated before acancer develops."

Australia recently marked five years since renewal of the National Cervical Screening Program, which included the introduction anewer more effective test and extension of time interval from two to five years.

In 2023, thousands of Victorians will receive an

invitation from the National Cervical Screening Programtoparticipate in cervical screeningfor the first time in half adecade.

Those who are due for aCervical Screening Test will now have the option to self-collect their test. Self-collection allows people to collect their own vaginalsample in aprivate space at the doctors or otherhealth setting using aswab. It's quick, easy and just as reliable as asample taken by adoctor or nurse using aspeculum.

Ms Brounencouraged anyonewho hasbeen putting off cervical screening to speak to their doctor or nurse about self-collection.

"In Australia, over 70 per cent of cervical cancers are found in peoplewho havenever screenedorare

overdue for screening," she said.

"Doing this one quick test every five years could save your life. Now that there's self-collection, you have achoiceinhow you protect yourself from cervical cancer."

Regional Nurse cervical screening provider, Emily Grant saidself-collection had openedadoor for those who havefaced barriers to accessing screening, including those living regionally or remotely.

"So often women and people with acervix opt out of screening for variousreasons; for those of us living regionally, there can be additional barriers to screening, like finding ahealth professional near you who you feel comfortable with”, she said.

"Self-collectionhelps to break down alot of these

barriers, by allowingpeopletochoosewhat’sright for them and to do this important testthemselves, in private,ifthey would prefer. It really is exciting."

If you are due for aCervical Screening Test, speak to your doctor or nurse about your options, including self-collection.

You can call Cancer Council Victoria’s experienced cancer nurses on 13 11 20 for further information and support.

Find out more about self-collectionatwww. cancervic.org.au/selfcollection, or search for alocal provider who suits your needs on Cancer Council Victoria’s Cervical Screening Directory.

More coverage on the Senate inquiry will be available in this Friday's issue of the Gippsland Times.

WestpacGroup representatives Jason Green (left) andRossMiller facing the Senate in Sale on Thursday.

Photos:Tom Parry

Senators RichardColbeck andGerard Rennick listen intentlytoWestpac’s witnesses.

Senators Malcolm Roberts, Peter Whish-WIlson and Raff Ciccone question NAB’s witnesses.

RAAF COLUMN

LAST monthweintroduced you to the new Senior ADF Officer for RAAF Base East Sale and this month we are pleased to introduce the new Base Manager, Mr Jim Sutton.

Local joinsdefence as new base manager

MR Jim Sutton was appointed as the new base managerinDecember 2022, andarrived new to Defence after an extensive background and leadership roles in education.

His last role wasnine years as the campus director at St Patrick’s CampusofCatholic College Sale

As base manager, Jim shares responsibility for whole-of base management with the Senior ADF Officer, Group Captain Brett Williams, and they work together with units and organisations on base to ensure base capability outcomes are achieved.The base manager role is responsible for coordination of enabling services, and has lead in areas such as base security, work health and safety, business continuity,environmental protection and sustainability, and bushfire management.

Having lived in Sale for 24 years, Jim brings a strong community focus to the role.

He loves living in Sale and ‘the Middle of Everywhere’withhis wife, Nicole, andthree teenage children, Waltley, Acacia and Remy, enjoy camping, fishing, mountain bike riding, skiing and bushwalking.

Jim also has akeen interest in community sport and is involved in committees, coaching and participating with the Collegians Cricket Club, College JuniorFootballClub, andSaleUmpires Association.

On his transition from education to defence, Jim says: “Having started at the end of last year, Ihave enjoyed the challenges and the variety that every day brings to this role. Ilook forward to building on the strong relationships that RAAF Base East Sale has with the many community groups across the Wellington Shire and broader Gippsland area."

RAAF BaseEastSale welcomes Mr Jim Sutton as the new base manager, to Defence and to the base.

East Sale Community Hub

THE EastSaleCommunity Hub (ESCH) hosted its annual Welcome Day event on Sunday, February 5.

It was held at RAAFBaseEastSaleand was focussed on bringing together Defence personnel and their families for afun-filled day out.

The day gives Defence families that may be new to the area the opportunity to connect and network internally, and within the wider Sale community. Local businesses that showcased their services on the dayincluded Kiddo, Middle of Everywhere, NAB, Bunnings, Stay GroundedCoffee andthe

Wellington Toy Library. For thekids, therewas an icecream truck, face painting, jumping castle, obstacle course and lotsoffun interactive activities.

Nine-year-old,Adele Hopkins said “the welcome daywas an exciting and special day to meet other Defence kids. Iespecially loved helping out at the Bunnings stallwhere we got to make our own pot plants."

TheESCHisa not-for-profit organisationthat bringstogether Defence members and their families through events, social groups and other recreational activities.

We’re planning an exciting range of events in 2023 to connect members and their families who have recentlyposted to Sale with our existing members.

President of ESCH Sally Habersberger said “we have astrong focus on inclusion, diversity, sustainability and, where possible, we aim to support our local Sale/Gippsland community."

If you'reaDefence member, spouse or part of aDefence family and wouldliketoknow more, please emailusateastsalefamilygroup@gmail. com or follow us on FB or Instagram @eastsalehub

Northern Territory Air Force Cadets training visit

AIR Force Cadets from No 8Wing ,Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs, visited the RAAF Base East Sale on February 26-28 before heading off to RAAF Base Point Cook, and then on to the noise and excitement of the Avalon Air Show.

As part of their general service training, the cadets experienced life with the aviation training units on base, as well as learning about officer training conducted here at East Sale.

They were also provided an outline on life at No 1Recruit Training Unit at Wagga.

What's on at Dutson Range

DUTSON Training Area will be active during the periods listed for field training exercises. Some of these activities may involve demolition practices and, as such, explosions may be heard

between the hours of 9am and 4pm each day.

Publicrecreationalusage of Lake Wellington will not be affected by these exercises.

March 7- Survival Pyrotechnic Training;

March16-25 -Initial officer training including live fire activities, and;

March 28 -Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training.

While RAAFpersonnel strive to informthe public of all activitiesconduced at Dutson TrainingArea, explosions may be heard outside of the dateslisted above if dictated by operational requirements.

The range area is depictedonthe map below, and RAAF poster No 207, displayed on the range boundaries.

The public are reminded that it is an offence, under Section 89 and 89A of the Commonwealth Crimes Act, to trespass on Defence land, and to discharge firearms on or over Commonwealth land. For furtherinformation, phone Sergeant Nick Young on 0429 402 049.

Aircraft Operations at East Sale

APART from flyingtraining well underway for the year, RAAF Base East Sale has also provided supporttothe Avalon Airshow 2023, that was held last week.

If you are interested in learning more about the role of RAAF BaseEastSale, flyingoperations and flying areas, you can visit: www.defence.gov. au/aircraftnoise/EastSale

This includes alink the RAAF East Sale Noise Management Plan. The Defence approach to noise mitigation and Air Force fly neighbourly policy can alsobefound throughthe ‘Understanding Noise’ site.

General information

ANY enquiries relating to activities at RAAF Base, EastSale, should be directedtothe AirBase Command Post on 5169 9892, or via email to esl. abcp@defence.gov.au

Mr Jim Sutton,BaseManager,RAAF Base East Sale.

Staffand Cadets No 8Wing, Australian Air ForceCadets. Photos: Contributed Dutson Training Area Range Boundaries.

Outwiththe old, in withthe new

StefanBradley

THERE comes atime to make way for the new, and on Thursday the Sale NorthKindergarten staff, students and parents celebrated renaming Mark Avenue Park in Sale to Djambies Park with asweeping dance and new sign.

It was awonderful morning as 23 excited kindergartenstudentsgathered at Sale North Kindergarten on Marilyn Way. It’s afive-minute walk to the newly-named park, and for the occasion, the kids were joined by family members who were keen to see what was about to be unveiled. At the park, the childrenperformeda‘Making Way for the New’ dance led by Electra, an Indigenous woman. Electra’s granddaughter Janarlee Nelson took part in the dance as aspecial guest, and cut the ceremonial tape. Mark Avenue Park officially became Djambies Park.

“I’m very proud of my granddaughter,and I’m happythat she gota great opportunity,” Electra said According to Electra, the sweeping dance traditionally wasanAboriginal dance from avery long time ago.

“We used to sweep so we weren’t leaving tracks behind,” she said.

“So todayI’m justputting that in adifferent context. The children are young, they’re beautiful, they’re full of love…they’re sweeping to fling away the old and making the new.”

Janarlee will grow older, but what will remain timeless is the illustrationonthe sign. The sign itself was designed by the Wellington Shire, with the artwork drawn by Janarlee.

It depicts herself and two friends from when she was astudent at theSaleNorth Kindergarten in 2022.

Janarlee told the GippslandTimes she came up with the art by herself, and wanted to draw something that included her friends.

“I miss kinder,” Janarlee said.

Electra thanked kindergarten teacher Sue Lorenz for organising the day’s events, which were three years in the making.

In March2020, staff fromSaleNorth Kindergartenattended ECO Learning professional development training. The nature kindergarten

training packages are designed to assist and guide educators and services to establish place-based outdoorlearning programsinVictoria andare supportedbythe Department of Education and Training.

During this training, staff walkedtothe thennamed Mark Avenue Park Sue Lorenz said the facilitator of the professional development session suggested that the park could become alocation to commence the Nature Kinder program.

“Of course, later that March, Covid impacted those plans,” Ms Lorenz said.

The kindergarten contacted the Wellington Shire’s Parks department in August 2020 and discovered they had allocated funds for the redevelopment of the park. Ms Lorenz and other staff met with the members fromthe Shire’s Parks Departmentinlate

August and discussed the redevelopment, providing them with photos of nature spaces for children.

“At this time Iasked could we perhaps rename the park if we gained support from our Indigenous families and community,” Ms Lorenz said.

“We researched asuitable name discussing this with children and our families.

“We found the name Djambies, meaning friend ('dj' as in ‘jug’ and 'a' as in ‘but’) in the children’s book How Towera the FireWas Made,astory retold by Lynette Solomon-Dentand illustrated by Rachel Mullett.”

In December 2022 the name was approved and the sign was designed.

“We have been walking to Djambies Park since the redevelopment was completed in 2021,” Ms Lorenz said.

“Children are very excited each time we visit and our families and communitysupport this program as we regularly receive positive feedback.

“At Sale North Kindergarten we believe outdoor play is vitallyimportant for learning in early childhood and our visits to the park also provide opportunity for children to learnabout road safety and their nearby community.”

Djambies Parkispart of Wellington Shire Council’s Nature Play Bush KindergartenProject. It’s listed as amajor projectinCouncil’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan ‘Healthy Wellington 2021-2025’.

Quincy (left) andJanarlee Nelson

23 excited kindergarten students took partinasweeping dance at Djambies Park.

Photos: Stefan Bradley

At the park, the children performed a‘Making Wayfor the New’ dance led by Electra (in blue).

Electra (inblue) led thesweeping dance.

Residents suffer

Zoe Askew

TROUBLE continues at FutcherCourt, Sale following a unit fire earlier this year, which nearly claimed the life of afemale resident if not for the brave actions of 81-year-old, Kevin Tormey.

Aunitfire that incinerated aDepartment of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) residence on Monday, January 9, continues to cause issues for surrounding FutcherCourt denizens; the dilapidated, blackened structuresurrounded by temporary metal fencing remaininguntouched since the incident now emitting foul odours and disgorging dark soot, with several neighbouring residents falling seriously ill.

Joseph Lambourn, who lives in the unit alongside the burnt FutcherCourt property,the two residencesconjoined by ashared carport, is among residents who have taken ill since the fire earlier this year, sharing concernsthatthe remaining structure and piles of rubbish are to blame.

"No one has come to the unit since the fire," Mr Lambourn said.

"There are piles of junk, clothes, and mattresses strewn around the outside of the property getting rained on, now giving off arotten, bad smell.

"It already smelt bad after the fire, but thisis purely rotten, and now thereisanumberofus who have gotten sick."

Mr Lambourn presented to the emergency department at Sale Hospital on Monday, February 27, struggling to breathe.

"I have been staying at my partner's house alot because Ican't cope with the smell and all the muck coming inside my house from next door," he said.

"OnMondaynight,Iwas at home, and thesmell was so foulIwent fora walk; Ihad to get away from it; every time I breathed in, my lungs were burning.

"I got halfway down Stead Street and had to call an ambulance because Icouldn't breathe."

Mr Lambourn underwent scans and was prescribed antibiotics, amoxicillin and doxycycline, before being discharged and seeing his general practitioner on Wednesday, March 1.

Mr Lambourn is one of the five FutcherCourt residents who have fallen ill since the fire, all noting similar symptoms of atight chest, respiratory distress, headaches,nausea, dizziness, coughing andburning lungs.

"I have been coughing up blood every morning forweeks now," Mr Lambourn said.

In the days following his heroic act of bravery, Kevin Tormey's wife, Evelyn, took her husband to the emergency department at Sale Hospital after the pair woke to findbloodonMrTormey's pillow.

"Two days after,hewoke up, and there was blood on the pillowcase, so Itook him straight to the doctor," Mrs Tormey said.

"He had an x-ray, and they said in acouple of days, if it is too hard to breathe, he has got some very strong steroids to take to try and clear the lungs."

Two months on, Mr Tormey continues to suffer from respiratory issues.

Despite an Emergency Order under Section 102 of the Building Act1993issued to the DFFH by Wellington Shire Council on January 9, instructing theDepartment to erect asafety barrier around the property and ensure all access is prohibited, the incinerated residenceisdrawing late-nightvisitors, whomhavenoregardfor the temporaryfencing surrounding the property, disruptingthe otherwise quiet Sale street, adding to the list of issues.

Sick and tired, Futcher Court denizens approached the DFFH, expressingconcerns about the possible presence of asbestos, and searching for answers as to why the property has yet to be demolished.

"We are gettingtolddifferent things; housing says there is no asbestos, but CFA said that there is," Mr Lambourn said.

"Asbestos or not, it's ahealth hazard.

"We were told by housing that it hasn't been knocked down because it is still under investigation by the arson squad.

"We need answers."

CFA confirmed that their investigation into the structure fire on Futcher Court, Sale, hasbeen completedand deemednon-suspicious. Victoria Policealsoconfirmedthe investigationinto the unit fire on Futcher Court has been completedand deemed non-suspicious.

Exhausting all other avenues with no change, FutcherCourt residents approachedWellington Shire Council for help.

"Following afire at the Futcher Court property in January, Wellington Shire Council received correspondence from neighbouring residents regarding health effects from rubbish and debris, including contaminated furniture and clothing," aWellington Shire Council spokesperson said.

"Council officers contacted the Department

Residents have approached Council after reportedly complainingtothe Department of Families, Fairness and Housing about the debris scattered outside the burntFutcher Courtproperty

of Families,Fairness and Housingonbehalfof Futcher Court residents on February 21, 2023, to advise of the concerns and outline responsibilities of property owners to remedy nuisances.

"The Department of Families, Fairness and Housinghas made no further contactwith council regarding the complaint."

Homes Victoria says they are in the process of obtaining permits to undertake asafedemolition of the fire-damaged property and that all rubbish and other extraneous items external to the building will be cleared away and disposed of promptly.

"We are hoping to commence demolition as soon as possible; however, careful planning and consideration mustbeundertaken due to aconnecting carport and the closeness of other homes," aHomes Victoria spokesperson said.

"Testing for asbestos was completed in the days afterthe fire, and the results returned negative. A hazardous materials assessment will be undertaken in accordance with regulations and standards as part of the demolition process."

Mr Lambourn's doctor declined to comment on whether the burnt Futcher Court unit could be a potential cause of his current ill health.

Photo: Zoe Askew

The Futcher CourtUnitdaysfollowing the fire.

Photo:File

Police Beat

with Stefan Bradley

Maffra hit-and-run arrest

AMAN handed himself in to apolice station on Wednesday afternoon and was subsequently arrested after aMaffra man was killed in an alleged hit-and-run collisioninthe town on February 5this year. Fugitive Squad detectives on Tuesday had appealed for public assistance to locate 24-year-old Tyrone Mobourne,who is now assistingpolice with their inquiries. Local father-of-five, Corey Sullivan, (36) died in hospital after being hit by astolen car on Morrison Street in Maffra about 3.40am on Sunday, February 5. The driver is alleged to have fled the scene in the stolen Kia, which was then located on Roberts Court in Maffra about 6am later that morning.

The investigation into the death of Mr Sullivan is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit aconfidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.MrSullivan, husband to Ashlea, was well-known in the community and played cricket at the Heyfield Cricket Club.

Donations to Mr Sullivan’s family can be made at: https://gofund.me/4e7b2f2f

Vehicle impounded after high speed in Glengarry

ON WednesdayFebruary22atapproximately 6.40pm, Wellington Highway Patrol detected a vehicle travelling at 162km/h (160km/h alleged) along Cairnbrook Road, Glengarry.

The driver, aP1probationary driver, had their licence suspended on the spot and their vehicle impounded for aperiod of 30 days at a cost of $1005. The driver will be summonsed to appear at court over the matter.

Birdwatching opportunity

DO you like birds? Are you intrigued by their behaviours or their calls? Would you like to know more about them? Or are you just looking for something different to do on the Labor Day public holiday?

On WednesdayFebruary 22, amotorbike wasimpoundedbypolice, and two males will appearincourt over alleged offences.

cost of $1005. Both males will be summonsed to appear at court at alater date.

Rosedale Police Sergeant Mick Clapton thanked the members of the public for assisting in identifying both males and implored the public to contact 000when this sortof behaviour is occurring.

Firecracker blows up letter box

AS reported by TheBridge,between 10pm and 11pm on Saturday February 11, asuspicious vehicle approached an address in McLoughlin’s Beach and used afirecracker to blow up a resident's letterbox.

Yarram Policeare appealing to witnesses who may have heard or observed asuspicious vehicle and/or behaviour. Information can be passedtoLeading Senior Constable DanElliott at Yarram Police or via Crime Stoppers.

Sergeant charged with sexual assault

ASERGEANT from State Emergencies and SupportCommand has been charged following an internal investigation. The 51-year-old man has been charged with one count of sexual assault. The alleged offending occurred while the officer was off duty on 26 March, 2021. He has received asummons to appear before court at alater date.

Police appealing for witnesses after alleged Sale assault

On Monday, March 13, BirdLife East Gippsland will be hosting afree birdwatching walk at Old EaglePoint Road, Eagle Point. This free event is partofthe annual birdwatching program for BLEG and is open to the public. BirdLife memberswill act as guides for visitors.Alow level of fitness is all that is needed, as birders don'twalk fast and are always stopping to look and listen.

Starting at 9am and ending around 12.30pm, the morning will be broken into firstand secondsessions withmorningtea around 10.15am and the option to stay for lunch around midday. You will have agood chance of seeing the peregrine falcons that nest in the cliffs of The Bluff; other birds regularly seen

hereinclude Mistletoebird, Azure Kingfisher, Thornbilland Silvereye.

At every weekly walk, members record thebirdspecies seen at each site and uploadresults to Birddata, the BirdLife Australia database, whichhas builtup over the years to be the basis of Australian birddistribution maps, helping us gaininsight into our localbirds and protect them into the future.

If you would like to participate in this event, please meet members at thecar park at the end of Old Eagle Point Road. This road is not sign-posted.

You turnoff to the left before you crossthe flat to head up the hill towards Eagle Point and Paynesville. Look for the green sign reading "Paynesville/ EaglePoint/Newlands Arm straight ahead" and "No Through Road (Bicycle TrailOnly)" on the left. Take this leftturn and follow the road to the end, about 400 metres.

Bring ahat, sensible walking

shoes,water, sunscreen, insect repellent and acamera/binocularsifyou have them. Also, bring your own supplies -snack, tea, coffee,hot water, chairetc., for amid-morning tea break and lunch.

Vaccination is strongly recommended when attending any Birdlife activity.

with the Easter Bunny. Cost per photo is $10. Photos will be emailed to you during the appointment time. There will be after school and weekend time slots available. Bookings are essential on 0422 335 155. Donations of Easter eggs or other Easter items for agiant Easter raffle can be left at the neighbourhood house during office hours Monday to Friday 9am to 3.30pm.

 MAFFRA Golf Club will hold atrivia night at 13 Fulton Road, Maffra on Friday, March 10, beginning at 7pm. Cost $10 per person with tables of eight, bring your own nibbles, drinks at bar prices. To book, please phone the clubhouse on 5147 1884. Leave amessage if unattended.

 MAFFRA Golf Club will host an evening with Dr Ben Robbins, clinical psychologist and headofmental health and wellbeing at St Kilda Football Club. The event is at the golf club, 13 Fulton Road, Maffra, on Wednesday, March14, beginning at 5.30pm for a6pm start. Cost is $15 per person and includes finger food. Bookings are essential, phone Janon 0409 531 803 to book. This is aunique event and an opportunity to learn ways to positively impact mental health.

Photos:Contributed

Wurruk row

ON Monday February 20 2023atapproximately 11:30am, police received anumberofcalls in relation to amaleand female arguing on the side of the road on Princes Highway and Fisk Street roundabout in Wurruk.

The parties wereina silver VE Holden Commodore wagon. There was an allegation of an assault.Ifanyone has any dashcamof the incident or witnessed the incident, phone SeniorConstable FisheratSale Police on 5142 2200.

Motorbike impounded in Rosedale

ON Wednesday February 22, policesay a17-year-oldmaleand 20-year-old male wereinterviewedfor Unlicensed driving, Unregistered motorcycle and Failtowear motorbike helmet.

The unregistered motorbike was subsequently impounded by police for aperiod 30 days at a

ON Sunday January 22 at approximately 12.55am, Police were called to the corner of MacAlister Street and Raymond Street, Sale in relation to an incident where a20-year-old male was rendered unconscious as the result of being assaulted by unknown persons.

Any person with information about the incident, or who may have witnessed the assault are asked to please come forward.

If anyone has any information in relation to this incident, please phone Senior Constable Mutsch at the Heyfield Police Station on 5148 2202 or Crime Stoppers.

 MAFFRA Football-Netball Club will host a Coffee Morning and stroll through the garden at Homelea, Maffra Tinamba Road, Maffra, tomorrow Wednesday, March 8. Entry cost $10 includes morning tea. There will be a trading table, raffles, door prizes and games. For more information, please phone Elaine on 0419 389 553.

 MAFFRA Neighbourhood House is running Easter fundraisers. Book now to have afun Easter photo of family and or pets taken

 NORTH Gippsland CWA Group is seeking expressions of interest for craft stalls to be part of their 2023 craft exhibition to be held on Saturday, March 18. Stall cost is $20. To book, please text Jenny on 0422 941 326.

 MAFFRA Football-Netball Club will play a practice match under lights against Sale City Football-Netball Club on Thursday, March 9atthe Maffra Recreation Reserve, Maffra Newry Road, Maffra beginning at 6pm. Bar and barbecue will be available.

9:00am-3:00pm

SKEEN PAVILLION

Sale Show Grounds, Sale-MaffraRd, Sale ENTRY: Adults $2 /ChildrenFree STALLS, DEMONSTRATIONS &FOOD GP1654024

If any of these stories hasaffected you, Lifeline is available 24 hours aday on 13 11 14

Wellington HighwayPatrolsuspended a probationary driver for allegedspeeding.

Male peregrinefalcon.

Photo: John Hutchison

Shaving the locks for agood cause

Zoe Askew

AFTER five years of growing her hair long, Janine Browne is shaving it all off in abid to raise money for cancer.

The year 1998 marked the first official World's Greatest Shave event, knownasShavefor aCure, until it was inducted intothe Guinness Book of

World Records for most heads shaved in 2003, with 1700 brave Aussies parting with their locks, raising $1.85 million for the Leukaemia Foundation.

In its 25th year, joining more than two million participants, Maffra resident Janine Browne will shaveoff her waist-length curlsinone of the country's longest-running and most iconic fundraisers.

"Apart from the obvious reason, raising money for the Leukemia Foundation, my daughter (Cassandra) did it years ago, when she was 18, and I kept sayingIwould do it one day," Ms Brownesaid.

"So I've been purposely growing my hair for the last five years; it's nearly down to my backside!"

Ms Browne, who serves on the Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre committee, has become a familiar face at the Maffra Neighbourhood House since moving to the area eight months ago, and is also involved with the Briagolong Community House.

Ms Browne will undergo the big shave at 2pm on Thursday, March 16, at the Maffra Neighbourhood House, hoping to raise more than $1000.

"I'm not nervous at all; I'm excited," she said.

"With the length of my hair, we have to tie it up the top, plat it right to the bottom, then chop just above the first hair tie; then Ican send it off to become awig.

"I'vealwaysloved helping people; at Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre, our craft ladies, we were doing what wascalled 'Knitted Knockers' for women who had breasts removed because of cancer, so they had something to fill in their bra.

"So yeah, Ihave always sort of helped people where Ican."

Today, 53 people in Australia will be diagnosed with blood cancer, and 16 people will die from the disease. Blood cancer claiming the lives of more than 5950 people each year.

Unlike manyother cancers,bloodcancer has no screening programmes, and symptoms can be subtle or similar to other conditions, such as avirus or COVID-19, making it asilent disease that can be difficult to catch.

Janine Browne is sheering her long, dark locks on Thursday, March16, as part of the 25th annualWorld’s Greatest Shave.

The Leukaemia Foundation has found that blood cancers combined are the second highest cause of cancer-related deaths in the country, making it one of the nation's most deadly cancers; one in three Australians diagnosed with blood cancer will not survive five years after their diagnosis.

With the incidence of blood cancer continuing to grow, Leukaemia Foundation chief executive Chris Tanti saidwecannot afford to sit by and

allow this cancer to increasingly wreak havoc on families across Australia.

"There has never been amore vital time to get behind World's Greatest Shave and raise muchneeded funds to support Australians impacted by blood cancer," Mr Tanti said.

"By signing up, you are ensuringbloodcancer patients have access to the right information, support and care they need to fight the disease, as well as someone to turn to every step of the way.

"More than two million people have sacrificed their hair or donated to someone who has, over the last 25 years. We've seenheads shaved in all sorts of places across Australia, including in helicopters, in state parliament, in shearing sheds, while rock climbing; one brave shaver even did it at the top of Mount Everest!"

"The Leukaemia Foundationisona mission to raise awareness of blood cancer and beat the

disease; together with our brave and big-hearted shavers, we believe it is possible to achieve our goal of zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035."

"People with blood cancer need us now more than ever, and we can't delay taking action together. I urge all Australians to join us and make it their mission in 2023 to support the growing number of people diagnosed with blood cancer every day by signing up to World's Greatest Shave."

Ms Browne has raised $405 for the Leukaemia Foundation ahead of shave day.

If you would like to donate and help Ms Browne reach her target of $1000 to help beat blood cancer, go to http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org au/janinebrowne

Alternatively, donations can be made in person at the Maffra Neighbourhood House.

Canine spectacular show arrives in Yarram

THE Labour Day weekend marksthe return of Gippsland's largest dog spectacular to Yarram.

Now in its fourth year, the Yarram &District CanineClub'sAnnual Championship Dog Show has become one of the largest canine events in regional Victoria.

President of the Yarram& DistrictCanine Club, Trever Powell, said that three dog shows will be hosted on the Saturday and Sunday of the Labour Day public holiday weekend at the Yarram Recreational Reserve.

"Theshows are open to all purebred dogs registered with the Australian National Kennel Council, the nation's peakcanine accreditation body, and will represent over 110 recognised breeds," Mr Powell said.

The highlightofthe weekend will be the Elaine Powell Memorial Championship Show, which will be held on Saturday.

Tragicallylost to the club three years ago,

Elaine Powell was ahighly regarded member of the Victorian Dog Community and foundation secretary.

"Bringing dog shows to regionalareas provides adouble benefit," Mr Powell said.

"Firstly, they allow the public to come and talk to exhibitors and get to meet and familiarise themselves with different breeds, and we look forwardtoseeing as manylocal people as possible.

"Secondly,exhibitors bring tourist dollarsinto the local community, where they stay in local motels, shop in local stores and eat either at local hotels, cafes and takeaways."

The event will be afully catered, and there will be local vendors selling dog treats and other dog-related items.

Further information can be found on the club's Facebook page.

Golden Beach Energy StorageProject Drilling Update

Upcoming Events in March/April 2023

As ongoing preparation forGBEnergy’s20-daydrillingprogram to be undertaken in May, anumber of drop-in community sessionsatGolden Beach have been planned. These aimtoprovide updates on the GB-2 drilling and the overall project to anyinterested party.

-Thursday9th March Golden Beach CommunityCentre16:30-18:30

-Thursday23rdMarch Golden Beach CommunityCentre 16:30 -18:30

-Thursday6th AprilGoldenBeachCommunityCentre 16:30 -18:30

We welcome your attendance

Further Information

Please feel free to contactGBEnergy about anyquestions youmight have in relation to the project or the drilling operationthroughany of the following:

Website: gbenergy.com.au

Phone: 1800 423637

Email: info@gbenergy.com.au

Photo: Contributed

Women’s sport thriving in some areas, but still someway to go

Zoe Askew

TODAY, with the exception of Afghan women have been banned from playing sport under new Talibangovernment, equality for women sport is historically the best it has ever been.

The state government’s Office for Women in Sport and Recreation (OWSR), established in 2017, vers awide range of policies andprograms level the playing field for women and girls.

Initiatives include improving facilities and access, supporting leadership positions and careers in sport, backing research to help break down barriers to participation, such as promoting amore flexible uniform policy, training the next generation women broadcasters,and recognising media coverage of women’s sport.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, SteveDimopoulos, said every Victorian should be to participate in the sport they love.

“That’s why we’ve invested almost $200 million professional women’s sport since 2018 to help level the playing field from grassroots through to leadership roles,” he said.

“Our investment is amassive boost to support continued growth of women in sport, and we’ll keep backing women and girls across the state, delivering the sporting infrastructure and programs local communities need to create the next generation of sporting greats.”

Since 2018,more than $70 millionhas been invested in the Female Friendly Facilities Fund, resultinginmore than 230 projects thatbenefit female participation.

Morethan$18 million has been committedto pursuit gender equality in sport through policies such as the Fair Access Policy Roadmap, an initiative to ensure women and girls have equal access to community sports infrastructure across the state, andprograms like Change Our Game, workingto level the playing field for women and girls in sport and active recreation.

Yet despite therecentadvancement of women in sport and landmarks in gender equality, discrimination remains rife both on and off the field,

in which the Australian media plays abig role.

Media coverage of women in high-performance sport has progressively improved in recent years; still, women’s sport seldom tops 10 per cent of overall sports coverage on any one day in Australia and four per cent globally.

Recent Deakin University research reveals alink between poor media coverage of women’s sport and low female participation rates at grassroots level. This finding is no surprise to Sale City FootballNetballClubA Grade netball coach and committee member, Jae Evans.

“Due to thelackofmedia coverage, female sport is suffering,” Evans said.

“Media coverage has the chance to improve the overall quality and health of sport; by increasing the visibility of female sports, it can directly increasethe sport’s popularity, thereforeincreasing participation levels.”

Former Women’s National Premier League playerand Sale UnitedFootballClub’shead men’s coach, Anouk Meereboer, says women need role models

“One of the things Tom Breakspear [Sale United Football Club president] and Iare doing at the moment is the ChangeMakersProgram, and that’s all aboutwomen’sparticipation in sport,” Meereboer said.

“Part of that is focused on how much you are promoting women, how much do you post about women on Facebook, how many articles are you writing about your females.

“Coverage is definitely needed; you need those female role models in sport. Not only to improve participation rates of women in sport also in other sporting roles like coaching and umpiring.”

Arecent study found thatwomen’s sport was severely underrepresented in television news and online media coverage, revealing 95 per cent of TV coverage focused on men’s sports in 2019.

Coveragedevoted to women’s sport in the study’s sample of dailyonline newsletterswas 8.7 per cent, eight of the 93 newsletters analysed led with a story about women’s sports, and social posts from publishers on Twitter were 10.2 per cent.

When the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final between Australia and India was played in front of arecord-breaking crowd at the MCG on International Women’s Day 2020, less than onethird (31.5 per cent) of Australian sportmedia coverage that day was devoted to women’s sport.

DespiteAustralian female athletes outperforming their male counterparts at theOlympics in three of the past four Games, 2008, 2012, and 2020, accordingtoRepucom and the Australian Sports Commission, Australia recorded no increase in broadcast hours dedicated to women’s sports after the Beijing and London Olympics;television andprint coverage of female sports news actually decreased after boththe 2008and 2012 games.

Gippsland is not exempt from this trendof unequal coverage of women in sport.

“TRFM radio during football season has a radio program ‘Balls and All’ based on football in Gippsland;while it does afantastic job at discussing and promoting football in the area, it only briefly mentions netball for the smallest segment with little to no detail,” Evans said.

The Sale City AGrade coach also called out a gender bias in the Gippsland Times’ coverage of sports, saying it is “predominantly football or cricket.”

“It was great to see additional media coverage of netball in the Gippsland Times lastyear; we had an extremely successful season, whichwas promoted in the paperthroughout the season with

great articles and photos, and previously this has notbeenrepresented in the media, so this is an area we are keen to continue,” Evans said. For former Women’s National Premier League player Madelaine Breakspear and Sale United FootballClub’shead women’s coach, she has seen thedisparityofmedia coverage at both grassroots and professional levels.

“It’s obviously lacking alot,” Breakspear said. “[Here] it is atypical country town whenyou open up the paper, and it’s just all footy, but you notice the same in the Herald Sun, you open the paper, and it’s just all footy, all men’s footy. You might get alittle bit on AFLW, and there might be half apage on the ALeague, and there’s nothing on the ALeagueWomen; so it’snot only just locally.”

On December 27, 2022,apreviewofthe Australian Open mixed doubles was the only women’s sportsstory that could be found when opening the Herald Sun and Daily Telegraph mobile news app.

“We need people to be invested in women’s sport; you can’t be what you can’tsee,” Breakspear said. Media coverage, or the lackthereof, is notthe sole issue at hand.

The focus and tone of media coverage on female athletes and sports are frequently significantly different from that on male athletesand sports, with agreater emphasis on physical attractiveness, femininity, and sexuality rather than athletic talents.

“I feel women are judged quite alot when it comes to sport,” Breakspear said.

“All the comments online on female games, female sporting athlete posts, and the way they are reported on in the media is either very sexualised or about how they look; they’re either really masculine or really sexy like you can’t just look at them like they’re an athlete.”

Despite the challenges faced on andoff the field, women’s sport and femaleathletes are now indelibly ingrained in Australiansociety.

 Emma McKeon is the greatest Australian Olympian of alltime.

 Sam Kerr was named Australia’s most influential athletebyESPN in 2022.

 The Matildas are now Australia’s fourth favourite national sportingteam.

 Cathy Freeman, LaurenJackson, Ellyse Parry, Ariarne Titmus,Betty Cuthbert, Dawn Fraser, andMargaretCourt are among Australia’s most recognised athletes.

The Australianwomen’s cricket teamiscurrently on a15-game winning streak in ODI cricket, and a 28-game undefeated streak in T20 internationals; they have not lost aTest in almost adecade and have won 113 from 134 completedWorld Cup games since 2000,awin record of more than 84 per cent.

Not that they should have had to, but our nationsleading female sporting stars sure have proventheir right to be acknowledged, celebrated and respectedinthe sameway as their male counterparts.

It is time for everyone, from grassroots sporting clubs to leading news organisations and everyone in between, to changedeep-seated societal patriarchal assumptions and foster an equitable environment for women in sport.

Gippsland Times journalist Zoe Askew hastaken adeeper look at women’ssport coverage in media

Photo: File

New screening open to all

TomParry

AFILM screening is being hosted next week for the benefit of current and exservice personnel.

The Defence &Veterans Legal Service (D&VLS) and Victorian Veteran Family Services arejointly presenting the event, which is being run to promote and provide support regarding the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

D&VLS solicitorStevenBaras-Miller is helping publicise the event, and spoke to the Gippsland Times about its importance.

“One of the roles of Defence and Veterans Legal Service is community education about the Royal Commission, and the support we provide to current and former membersofthe ADF and theirfamilies (to) engage with the Royal Commission,” Mr Baras-Miller said.

“Nobodywants to come to hear a lawyer make aPowerPoint presentationabout any subject, let alone mental health and aRoyal Commission.

“We wanted an event that would bring the community together and something people would actually want to go to, so afilmnight with apresentation that was more like aconversation with the community seemed like agood way of goingabout it.”

The movie chosen for the screening is the 2022 British drama Living

Based on Akira Kurosawa’s famed 1952 film Ikuru,ittells of alifelong bureaucrat coming to terms with his cancer diagnosis.

Mr Baras-Miller describes Living as “the perfect film at the perfect time”. “It does not contain anything about war or the military, but has an underlying theme about finding away to live a productive life in the face of traumaand illness,” he said.

“These are issues at the core of many of ourclients’ lived experience, and this film provides an excellent opportunity to

explore them without re-traumatising people.”

D&VLS has hosted similar events in recentweeks, including at Melbourne’s Cinema Nova.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of previous screenings has been hearing frompeople abouthow they saw their own experiencereflected in the film,”

Mr Baras-Miller said.

“Because we are involving arange of different groups, not just our own service, it has meant that people offering differentservices have been able to meet and collaborate.

“We have had people who specialise in equine therapymeet peoplewho offer art therapy at our screenings.

“They are now looking at combining their work and finding new ways to support veterans and their families.”

The Sale screening shall be preceded by adiscussion from afive-member

panel,all representatives from organisations which assist veteran and their families.

Following the film, attendees have the opportunity to put questions toward andspeak with thoses representatives aboutwhatsup and services they can offer.

Mr Baras-Miller added that screening is open to all.

“This is not an event just for veterans or current service people. It is for whole community, because the issu at the centre of the RoyalCommis effect everybody,” he said. The event will take place next Wednesday, March 15 from 6.30pm at Sale Cinema.

Tickets for the event can be purchased through the venue’s box-office or online: www.salecinema.com.au

More information about the D&VLS is available via defenceveteranslegalservice.org.au

Bill Nighy stars in Living

Photo: Film4/TransmissionFilms

with Muzza

ONE POINTERS

1. In the game TwoUp, what objects gets throw into the air?

2. Michael Hutchence was the lead singer of which Australian band?

3. Superstition states that it will bring you good luck if you find what item and hang it over adoor?

4. What is the name of the coffee shop in the sitcom ‘Friends’?

TWO POINTERS

5. What is the name of ascrewdriver with afour pointed pattern?

6. Which popular video game franchise has released games with the subtitles WorldAtWar and Black Ops?

7. What tennis grand slam is played on aclay surface?

8. What’slonger, anautical mile or amile?

THREE POINTERS

9. What does YMCA stand for?

10. What mythological creaturelends itsname to aUScityand a HarryPotter novel?

PROUDLYBROUGHT TO YOUBYTHESE PARTICIPATINGLOCAL BUSINESSES Sudoku

11. Which two country singers famously sang together on the 1983 song ‘Islands In The Stream’?

12. What is the capital of Papua New Guinea?

FOUR POINTERS

13. What would you be studying if you saw arches, whorls and loops?

14. Which Stephen King novel takes place mostly in the fictional Overlook Hotel?

FIVE POINTER

15. I’ll give 5clues and you give me the name of the plant for each clue. Q1. Part of an eye Q2. Aussie female singer Iggy’slast name Q3. Body part of an animal indigenous to Australia Q4. First name of the female cousin to Bo and Luke Duke from ‘The Dukes of Hazard’ Q5 The first name of the princess from Walk Disney’s ‘Aladdin’

HOW DID YOU FARE?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 23-29: Well done; 15-22: Solid effort; 9-14: Room for improvement; 0-8: Hit the books.

Crossword Puzzle No.8524

Target Time No.0148

Howtoplay.

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

Howtoplay...

Fill

MAFFRA MUSIC M MA A AF F FF F FR R RA A MUUSSIC

Sale Music Fest at Port of Sale this Sunday

THE SaleMusic Festival-also known as Picnic On the Green -isafree annual community event for the whole family. Normally heldinthe Sale Botanic Gardens, 2023's festival will take place at the Port of Sale precinct on Sunday, March 12.

Commencing at 11am, a fabulous line-upofamazing musicians is being promised, takingtothe stage to provide entertainment until 7pm.

Harry Hook startsthe ball rolling, followed by Matt Peter Fry, SweetLip, the Davidson Brothers, Danny Spencerand

the Todd CookBand,finishing up with Cara Schaefer& the John Gibson Band -music to suit everyone's tastes.

Bring your ownpicnicor choose from aselection of food available, including abarbeque, devonshireteas, icecreamsand drinks, milkshakes and coffee.

Picnic hampers can be preordered at Padula’s, Raymond St, Sale.

Pack your chairs and picnic rugs, and be prepared to settle in for the day.

There will be plentyof activities for the kids, including storytelling, makingmusical instruments, and ‘Bug Blitz’ once again.

The laid-back atmosphere won’t disappoint, overlooking the magnificent Port.

You may even want to take aride alongthe canal in the Rubeena!

MUSICAL entertainment has been announced for the Maffra Mardi Gras, taking place on Saturday March 18.

Maffra StageBand areal community act

THE Maffra Stage Bandispart of theMaffra Municipal Band, which has been part of the Maffra community since 1895.

The band consists of 16 musiciansplaying saxophones, trumpets and trombones with a rhythm section of bass guitar, drums, percussion and keyboard. They play avariety of musical styles from jazz standards to pop-rock, blues and swing. Whether they are classic big band tunes from Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and Maynard Ferguson to more modern pop tunes from The Beatles, Stevie Wonder,Van Morrisonand Bruno Mars,the band hasadistinctive sound thatis unmistakably recognised as the ‘BigBandSound’. The Director, Kristian Hunter, is an experienced musical director and performer, having played in various groups from brass bands to orchestras. He is the founder and musical director (MD) of the Ole Skool Big Band and was MD for the Latrobe Theatre Companyproduction of We WillRock

You in 2020. The Stage Band was formed in 2019 underthe direction of Rob Woodhouse from the firstaltosaxophone chair. As the band progressed and Kristian joined, it was decided that he should direct the band

Since then, the band has become amore cohesive whole, has learnt amassive amount of new repertoire and becomeatop performance band, playing

at the Maffra Show, all the Maffra Memorial Hall band concerts,atMaffco Brewery and Distillery and the Maffra Rotunda.

Members of the band range in age from 15 to 76, including people young and old who are still having lessons, and past professional players. It is areal community band for and of the Maffra and Districts community.

Maffra Stage Band will be playing in front of the stage at the Mardi Gras from 4.30pm to 5.30pm and after the parade until the presentation.

Tayla Clavarino brings the country passion

TAYLA Clavarino is a23-year-old Americana/ Country singer-songwriterfromGippslandwho hasapassion for music and sharing stories for people of all ages to enjoy. Ms Clavarinohas an array of accolades including the 2022 Pioneer Valley Country MusicSenior Overall Winner, The 2020 CCMA Senior Performer of the Year and many more. Ms Clavarino is a2019graduateofthe CMAA Academy of Country Music. She has played alongside artists such as Carter and Carter, Lyn Bowtell, AdamHarvey,Jayne Denham, Catherine Britt,MichaelWaugh,KaseyChambers and many more.

Ms Clavarino will be playing on stage at the Maffra Mardi Gras from 5.30pm to 6pm.

Film Society meets tonight at The Wedge

AMINOR changehas been madetotonight's Sale Film Society screening.

The Spanish comedy Official Competition will be

showing, replacing the picture originally scheduled for March: The Godmother Committee members have cited the latter film's lack of availability as reasonfor the change. It will now be shown in August.

Starring Hollywoodsuperstars Antonio Banderas and Penélope Cruz, Official Competition follows three thespians as they attempt to make afilm at the behestofaneccentric philanthropist, Humberto Suárez (José Luis Gómez).

The film has been well-received by critics, and recently won Best Comedy Filmasthe Feroz Awards -Spain's equivalent of the Oscars.

The screening begins at 7.30pm at The Wedge. Prospective attendees are encouraged to arrive at 7pm to purchasedrinks and mingle with fellow movie buffs.

Entryisfree for Society members and $10 for guests.

Formoreinformation on the Society and itsupcoming screenings, head to salefilmsociety.wordpress.com

The Soultanasperform at last year’s Sale Music Festival/PicnicOnthe Green.

Photo: Stefan Bradley

Gippsland singer-songwriter Tayla Clavarino will be on stageatthe Maffra Mardi Grasfrom 5.30 to 6pm.

Photo: Contributed

The stars of ‘Official Competition’: Antonio Banderas, Penélope Cruz and Oscar Martinez. Image: Madman Entertainment

The Maffra StageBandtoperform at Maffra Mardi GrasonSaturdayMarch 18

Photo: Contributed.

Ideal first home or investment

AGENTS say this three bedroom, brick veneer home with good shedding and well-established, manageable yard is ideal for investment or first home.

Built in the late 1990s this light filled home with acountry stylefeel with timber dado’s, veranda’sand patterned coloured concrete includes atwo-way bathroom, spacious kitchen and acomfortable open plan living area with agas heater set on the brick hearth.

Agents say the shedding is the perfect addition to the property with alockupgarage and carport offthe front making storage of towable items easy This property is currently rented to August 17, 2023.

Briefdetails fdetails

Property: Countryfeel ty: yfeel

Address: 152PowerscourtStreet, 152Pow tStr

Maffra

Bedrooms: 3

Bathroom: 1

Car: 2

Price: $460,000

Agent: Kevin Read0488 411026 KevinRead0 41

Modern family living

Goldenticket in Golden Beach

THIS modern contemporary designed property is located in the coastal town of Golden Beach and is just minutes from the beach.

If you're looking for the perfect weekender,short-term rental, or simply a slower pace of life, this property is for you, according to the agents.

The home features alarge open plan living and dining area, awell-designed kitchen with split system air conditioning, apull out bed built into the closet, an undercover deck at the back of the property,and an external shed.

Agents expect this property,located less than 30 minutes from Sale and on the doorstep of Ninety Mile Beach, to sell quickly

Briefdetails fdetails

Property: Coastal living

Address: 6WaveCap Court, Golden Beach

Agent: Declan Patten 0499 949292

Largehome and block Large home on the edge of Stratford edge S

Welcome to 11 Galway Drive, afamily home situated on a large 4170sqm block in the township of Stratford.

Agents say this property offers huge amounts of space both inside and out, and will tick many boxes for prospective buyers with awell laid-out family friendly floor plan, ahuge amount of outdoor space with ample shedding -ideal for caravan and boat owners -plus many other additional features and add-ons throughout that are sure to please. For prospective buyers wanting room to move, while still being close enough to town for the kids to ride their bikes to schools, shops and sporting facilities, this is one not to miss.

Property features include:

•Generous master suite, complete with walk-through robes and ensuite;

•Afurther three bedrooms plus study,all agreat size and with built-in storage;

•Separate formal lounge;

•Anopenplan space consisting of family room, dining and kitchen -large windows surround this space, providing natural light and views to the yard;

•Well-equipped kitchen with ample bench and storage space;

•Ducted vacuum system, wood heater, split system heating/cooling plus ceiling fans throughout, solar back to grid and

Briefdetails fdetails

Property: Four bedroom home

Address: 11 Galway Drive, Stratford

Price: $830,000

Agent: Tony Kiss, Wellington Real Estate, 0419 526 637

double-glazed windows for energy efficiency;

•Enclosed, decked alfresco entertaining area -perfect forentertaining year-round;

•Established gardens trees, plants and shrubs, fruit trees plus plenty of lawn for the kids to run around on, and;

•Gas-boosted solar hot water -the property is on town water,plus the bonus of two 5000-gallon water tanks plumbed to the house. Plus, shedding is taken care of with an eight metre by nine metre Colorbond shed with roller door,and asecondlock-up workshop/ garage of nine metres by 15 metres with additional space for acaravan or boat.

AUCTION: TUESDAY

Everything about this newly renovated property is designed to impress.

According to agents, the home is almost completely new,withfresh plaster,paint,plumbing, electrics, kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, carpet, window furnishings, lighting and more.

The open plan living and kitchen/meals area is situated at the front of thehome, along with aversatile room that could be utilised as abedroom, home office or sitting room.

The sleek, well-designed kitchen features soft-close doors and drawers, stone benchtops and high-end appliances.

Privately located, the master bedroom enjoys built-in robes and astunning ensuite, complete with floor to ceiling tiles, dual shower heads and shower ledge.

The additional two bedrooms are spacious, have built-in robes and share alarge modern bathroom and separate powder room.

Awell-appointed laundry boasting stone benchtops, high ceilings, art decoelements, gas log heater,split system air conditioning and feature wall panelling all add to the appeal of this home.

Situated near the end of aquiet court on awell-maintained, easy-care allotment and with entertaining in mind, there's anorthfacing decked alfresco with steps from the meals area.

There is rear-yard access through the large double garage, with space for acamper/small boat/trailer; plus, the secure yardwith new fencing makes for agreat spacefor children and pets.

With all the hard work done on this modern home, agents say all you need to do is move in and enjoy

Those who hesitate will miss out, so arrange an inspection today Briefdetails

New soil sampling unit available for the local farming community

FARM owners across Wellington Shire will be offered the opportunity to model abrand-new daybreak trailer mounted soil sampler, recently acquiredbythe GippslandAgricultural Group Purchased in June 2022, the Australian-made unitisthe first of its kind to be publicly owned in the Gippslandregion.

Wellington ShireCouncilcontributed $35,000 towards the unit,which will be housed at Gippsland Agricultural Group headquarters in Bairnsdale and available for local farm owners to use from mid-2023.

Theinvestmentallows farmers to better understand the capacity and limitations of their topsoil and subsoils-saving time and money by improving and maintaining their farmland. Unlike most soil samplers,the petroldriven hydraulic unit cantake a1.5m deep soil core from all soil types.

Soil sampling involves the analysis of asoil sample to give clear informationabout the soil -identifying its nutrientcontent, composition and other characteristics that are important to soil health, such as acidity and pH level and detrimental contaminants.

Without soil testing, it is difficult for farmers to ensure the right applicationoffertilisersfor the land are being used in order to achievean optimum yield.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Ian Bye, said

that the new soil sampler is astrategic investment for the region, and one that will have areal impact across the farming community.

“Collectively, farm owners will be able to come together, share their ideas and knowledge about different soil types and use the sampler at afraction of the price typically required for testing soil. It’s no doubt awin-win situation for everyone” he said.

Buybackscreating debate

AUSTRALIAN Dairy Farmers(ADF) is disappointedbythe way the federalgovernment recommenced water buybacks recently.

The government announced the buybacks on Wednesday, February 22, just days out from a meetingofstate and federal waterministers, without consulting those who are most affected.

ADF president Rick Gladigausaysthe move undermines transparency and stymies collaborative decision making on the Basin Plan.

“Dairy farmers have investedheavily to improve on-farm water use efficiency. It’s in farmers’ best interests to use water efficiently,” Mr Gladigau said.

“There are innovative projects whichwill enable more efficientuse of watertoachieve environmental outcomes, without the need to take more water from the consumptive pool.”

ADF is concernedthat reducingthe poolofwater available to irrigators will affect the price and reliability of water, which in turn influences the viability of farms.

“Dairy farms in the Basinhave already done the heavy lifting and paid the price with reduced milk production from the Murray dairy region and higher average water costs,” Mr Gladigau said. “A further reduction in the consumptive pool will impact food security, not only on the eastern seaboard, but also to our international trading partners.

“Buybacks are not atargeted solution and create poor outcomesfor rural communities.This announcement has created stress and uncertainty in irrigation dependent communities.”

Irrigated dairyinthe Basinisa $1.67billion industry that provides more than 8400 jobs in regional communities.

“Almost 21 gigalitres of water have been recovered for the environment already. This

water has been put to good use with significant environmental gains having been made already.

“But alackoffocus on complementary environmental works across the Basin has in many cases hampered overall environmental improvements.

“When it comes to the environment, adding morewater isn’t the only waytoachievebetter environmental outcomes.

“Thedairyindustry would liketoworkwith government to develop innovative projects and use the most up-to-date science to improve environmental outcomes,rather than steadfastlyfocusing on the blunt instrument of a volumetric target of water for the Basin.”

GippslandAgricultural Group will enter a period of training and development withkey staff members, and in mid-2023, will be able to offer servicing to individual farms to take soil cores.

To stay up to date, farm owners are encouraged to email Landcare networksand the Gippsland Agricultural Group via administration@gippslandag.com.au

Wellington Shire Council MayorIan Byewith Gippsland Agricultural Groupchairman Trevor Caithness with thebrand new soil coring unit.

Photo:Wellington Shire Council

Heifers an added bonus at Kelly Angus autumn offering

EXCITING sons of one of the world’s most popular Angus bulls, plus the first offering from the stud of registered females, arebig draw cards to this year’s Kelly Angus Autumn Bull and Heifer sale. But according to stud manager Patrick Joyce, it’s the total offerings' consistency of type which is the main attraction for commercial producers.

“Thisyear’sbulls standupwell and will blend in seamlessly to any commercial operation,” Mr Joyce said.

“There’sbullsinthe cataloguetotickmost boxes, and everyone can get ajob done with them.”

The sale, to be heldonThursday 23 March at the stud’shome base in Yea, will feature the first sons of GAR Hometown to be offered at Kelly Angus up for grabs.

GAR Hometown ranked number one in the US for breed registrations in 2022, and Mr Joyce said his sons would be frontrunners in the sale.

Knowla NoblemanN127isanotherbull with progenyinthe salethat Mr Joyce describes as “pretty exciting”.

Used as an AI sire, Nobleman has Estimated Breeding Values in the topthree percentfor Calving EaseDirect and bothSelectionIndexes, and the top1%for docility. He also sits in the top seven per cent for Intramuscular Fat (IMF).

The first sons of the $108,000 Texas Powerplay to be offered at Kelly will also be in the line-up. Live calves on the ground for their clients and themselvesremains key at Kelly Angus, with

moderate birthweight and calving ease abig focus.

“We want everyonetohaveapositive journey with their calving, and get an article that will do what they want at the end for whatever market they aretargeting,” Mr Joyce said.

“That said, we are very focused on carcase qualities as well, with ahigh emphasis on that, and we likekeeping our fingeronthe pulse of the most recent genetics.”

After offering commercial females in their Autumn 2022 sale, selling three pens of heifers to atop of $3500 and average of $2950, this year Kelly will put forward registered heifers.

“It should create some interest and add another element to the sale,” Mr Joyce said.

“If people want to buy them and keepthem registered, they can, otherwise they will just have areally superior commercial product.

“There will be amixture of sire lines in there,but definitely some Powerplay daughters.”

The heiferswill be either 18 months or 14 months old,and pregnancytested empty for buyers to join as they like.

After avery wet winter and spring, including some flooding, Mr Joyce said their property had fared well in the end and they had plenty of feed going into summer.

“The bulls had aprettytoughwinter…it was hard going on all the stock, but they’ve got to hold up well to all conditions or they don’t get retained in the stud, so the bulls have all done agood job."

The March23sale, interfacedwith AuctionsPlus,

will be just the fourth on-property auction for the stud,which has beeninoperation just shy of a decade,but it has already builtupa loyal client base.

Last autumn, they sold 48 bulls at auction to an average of $9836, topping at $26,000.

Mr Joyce said while bulls travelled across three states, about two thirds of the lots stayed local to Yea.

This was obvious at this year’s Yea weaner calf sales, where plenty of Kelly Angus sired penswere on offer.

“The weaner sales dipped abit from last year’s record highs, but there was still alot of positivity there, and everyone was still pretty happy, the cattle have stood up exceptionally well,” Mr Joyce said.

“Quality animals always sell, there is no doubt in that, and that has shonethrough in the weaner

sales as well; if they are top quality everyone wants them.

“It was acredittothe vendors that got the extra weight and got them blooming, they are certainly getting rewarded.”

Mr Joyce predicts bull prices will reflect what is happeninginthe commercial market, and bidders at his sale won’t be disappointed with the value for money.

“Quality matters more than ever, so stick with a breeder you get along with and that has the same breeding objective, and you will do well.”

The annual auction gets underway at 1pm on Thursday March 23 at the Yea property, and will be live online through AuctionsPlus.

Forthe latest news and sale updates, visit www kellyangus.com.auorKelly Angus Facebook and Instagram pages.

help for pig owners

helpfor pigowners

AGRICULURE Victoria animal healthand welfare staff areprovidinghands-onhelptopig ownersto develop an on-farm biosecurity plan

Implementing an effective biosecurity plan is the key to reducing risks to pig health, including emergency animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever.

Abiosecurity plan helps pig owners to identify risks to the health of their pigs and the steps to take to reduce these risks.

It is an importanttool that pig producers can use to reduce the risk of emergency animal diseases entering their property.

Along with help developing abiosecurity plan, AgricultureVictoriastaff will also undertake free worm testing for pig herds.

While the service is being targeted at peoplewho haveasmall or medium-sized herd, or justa couple

of pigs, the team is keen to hear from anyone with pigs, including commercial owners.

As part of the program, staff will visitthe property to assist pig ownerswith setting up their biosecurity plan and undertaketestingfor roundworm and whipworm.

Results will be sent to the owner with information about treatments and how to manage worms. Thesewormscan cause illness and weight loss in pigs. Pigs are usually infected through other pigs or pig faeces such as off adirty truck or livestock transport. Dirty gear, such as feeders from other pig properties, can also be asource of infection. To obtain help withdeveloping abiosecurity plan and take part in the free testing contact pig. biosecurity@agriculture.vic.gov.au

For further informationabout the program,visit Agriculture Victoria's webpage on Pigs.

The annual Kelly Angus Autumn Bull and Heifer sale will be heldMarch 23. Photo: Contributed

Keymarket importance

THE liquid ‘drinking’ milk market remains of key importance to Australia’s dairy sector -with improveddomesticretail pricing and opportunities for further export growth -Rabobanksaysina newly-released industry report.

In ‘Australia’s DrinkingMilk Markets: from Loss LeadertoImprovingPerformer’,the specialist agribusiness bank says the liquid milk category -which in recent years had struggled witha number of challenges including discounting by retailers -isa major “pillar” for Australia’s dairy sector, accounting for 30 per cent of milkproduction and generating more than A$4 billion in revenue annually.

And thisisimportant not only for revenue generation, but also strategically for supply chain efficiency, helpingtosupport the Australian “dairy valuechain andleadtostable farmgatemilk prices over multiple seasons for milk suppliers servicing thedrinking milk market, the report says.

“Drinking milk, being astaple product in the consumer basket, will remain alarge and important category for Australian milk utilisation.”

The Rabobank report says Australia’s domestic drinking milk market is, however, “very mature” with falling domestic consumption. But this is beingoffsetbygrowingexports of liquid milk, according to report author, Rabobank senior dairy analyst Michael Harvey.

Domestic milk market, Mr Harvey said “as we begin2023, the marketisexperiencing astructural increase in consumerprices across the dairy aisle, led by drinking milk in particular”.

This has been driven by dairy processorspassing through record-highfarmgate milk pricesand higher supply chain costs, along with tight supply due to declining Australian milk production.

“An extended period of industry-related disruption and low margins is slowly coming to an end,” Mr Harvey said.

“For dairy farmers, higher consumer prices for milk and dairyproducts across supermarket aisles is welcome news. It will solidify the end of frustrations over the discountingofdrinking milk

“Additionally, it will ensure higherand more stable returns for the marketand mitigatethe potential volatility in returns in other channels –both onshore and offshore –for those with access to the drinking milk market.”

Mr Harvey said domestic consumption of drinking

milkwas asignificant market for Australia’s dairy industry,“hence the health and performance of the category still has an important role to play in the industry’s profit pool”.

In 2021-22,according to Dairy Australia, Australians consumed more than 2.5 billion litresofdrinking milk, about 30 per cent of the estimated8.554billion litres of raw milkproduced in Australiafor that year, with the remainder going into manufacturing of dairy products and ingredients for the domestic and export markets.

Big ‘drinkers’ Australians are big consumers of drinking milk, the Rabobank report said, with Australia’s per capita consumption ranking among the highest in the world.

“The averageAustralian consumesalarge volume of drinking milk, ranking only behind Ireland, Finlandand NewZealand according to the International Dairy Federation,” Mr Harvey said.

“In2021-22, Australianper capita consumption of milk stood at 93 litresper person for the year, whichequals just over 250 millilitres per day.”

Full cream milk is “category king”, equatingto 56 per cent of all drinking milk sold in the country. However, the report said, the drinking milk market in Australia was “extremely mature” and domestic consumption was trending lower as dietary habits shift, atrend that is expected to continue into the medium term.

Dairy Australia figures indicate domestic milk consumption peaked in 2012-13 at 106.7 litres per person and has since fallen by 13 per cent. And in 2021-22, total drinking milk consumption in Australia contracted by 1.1 per cent or 36 million litres.

“This is not astory unique to Australia, however,” Mr Harvey said.“In many westernised economies, consumption of drinking milk showsasimilar trajectory.”

Cost-of-living pressures and food price inflation are also providing some near-term headwinds globally, even though the consumption of dairy, including drinking milk, was “relatively inelastic”.

“There are signs of consumers trading down, resulting in declinesindrinking milk consumption in grocery retail and out-of-home sales channels,” the report says.

The“long-term dynamics of the drinking milk category” in Australia will be difficult to reverse, Rabobanksays. However, it’s not all bad news

for domestic dairy consumption, with consumers simply consuming dairy in different forms.

“While fluid milk consumptionisdeclining,other categories–such as cheese –continue to grow,” Mr Harvey said, Growing export volumes of Australianliquid/ drinking milk have also been growing, the report says, with the totalvolume exportedincreasing by more than 200 million litres annually over the past decade.

“TheAustralian liquid milk export sector has continued to perform strongly in recent years, despite dwindling milk supply,” Mr Harvey said. In 2021-22, Australian exported more than 380 million litres of packaged milk to offshore markets.

Between 2012 and 2022,Australia’sexports of liquid milk grew by an average of 17 per cent each year. The ‘Greater China’ markets –ofmainland China,Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan –have underpinned this export growth, the report says, with China itself the “clear stand out”.

Total volumesofliquidmilk to Greater China have expanded by an average of 25 per cent each year over the past decades. “And while not growing at the same pace as China, export volumes to Southeast Asia have been increasing on average by double digits overthe same period,” Mr Harvey said.

“There hasbeen broad-based growth across Southeast Asia, but Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia have been stand-outperformersfor Australian dairy exporters in theregion.”

Looking forward, he said, therewas still plenty of “runway” left for export volumes in these markets, supported by positive“demandand trade settings” in their economies.

These included an increasing appetite for sustainable nutrition, limitations in local dairy supply capacity, cost competitiveness of imported milk and consumer preferences for imported brands.

Key to long-term export success in these markets will be the ability to grow export volumes despite limited growth in Australian milk production, while also maintaining acompetitive price point, the report said.

Podcast offerspractical look at farming

VIC Hub’s new podcast series is apractical look at farming innovation. Innovation AG, the new podcastseriesfrom theVictoria Drought Resilience Adoptionand InnovationHub, picksthe brightest minds, examines the latest research and mapsout astep-by-step process to help farmers implement change to build drought resilience. Food &Fibre Gippsland is one five regional node leads within the Victoria Drought hub.

Sabine Tausz-Posch, associate director –innovation at Vic Hub, said the new podcast series was created as aguide forfarmers who are deciding whether to invest in newAgTech, changepractice or are trying to fund or future-proof their next project to build aclimate-resilient business.

Dr Tausz-Posch said Innovation AG was also for those who want to value-add to their agricultural businesses,oreven just keep up with industry changes.

“Hear from farmers, scientists, technologists and ag industry leaders, who are all working towards innovation, improved sustainability and new opportunities in agriculture,” she said. “This podcast draws out the practical lessons, so farmers can apply them on farm, in industry or research.”

Hosted by Vic Hub knowledge-broker and former ABC radio and televisionjournalist, Kirsten Diprose, the free 10-part seriesissupportedby funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Ms Diprose said she was very excited to launch this new podcast. “Innovation AG is intended to actasa ‘guide book’ to innovation on-farm and for the broader agriculture industry. While there’s no perfect playbook for innovation, throughoutthe series we’re drawing on the latest research from universities, farmers and industry to help those on the land navigate what can be amessy journey of changing practices,” she said. “We also share the ‘fails’too, because no innovation happens without theodd misstep along the way.”

The experienced broadcaster and rural storyteller said the Vic Hub podcastseries brings together the best advice from farmers, academics and science.

“We ask questions such as ‘What motivates people to innovate?’ and ‘How can you make the right decisionwhenthinking of introducinga new innovation?’ And –the big one –‘Howdoyou fund it?’, said Ms Diprose.

“Innovation AG is differenttoother farming podcasts; we incorporate the latest research as

well as farmers and rural communities. Iliveon afarm and Iwork in academic research, so Iget that these two worlds don’t always sit down for a chat. But they do on this podcast!

“There are so many bright mindswehave interviewed for this series and Ifeel so privileged to be hosting, with the series brought to life by the Vic Hub’s talented producer Rachael Thompson, who has worked on many podcasts and films over the years.”

Available podcast episodes include:

 Episode 1: What is innovation and what motivates people to do it?

 Episode 2: Innovation and Decision Making -How do you implement change, without betting the farm?

 Episode 3: Finding Funding &Building Networks

Futureepisodesofthe podcast willsharestories of innovationfrom across the $7.14 billion Gippsland food and fibre value chain. Innovation AG is available from standard podcast platforms.

BULLS

For hire or sale. Angus, Limousin, Hereford, Jersey and Friesian. Very quiet. Ph. 0447 331

FOR PRIVATE SALE

22 Friesian and Friesian Cross cows P.T.I.C to calve March/April

To top A.I. New Zealand Friesian sires

3-5 Calvers, excellent condition

Kevin Morgan 0419 917 510 Nutrien SGL

Oaten &Vetch Hay Call Emily at Hay Australia 0427705726

SALE

The Vintage Tropicale, (back by popular demand). 4Grevillia Crt, Sale. Sat 11th Mar 8.30am-4pm. Sun 12th Mar 8.30am-2pm. Books, cookbooks, vintage fabric and clothing 1960's-2000. Hawaiian shirts, costume jewelry and accessories, bric-a-brac. Most items under $5.

-$130.00 Call Platinum Plumbing Plus Sale 5144 7644 Maffra 51472828

Back

SHED CLEAN OUT

Saturday, March 11 from 8am -Strictly No early birds will be allowed in gate. 116 Sellings Lane, Maffra. Yamaha Ag bike, Fishing rods and reels, Camping gear, Pressure washer, brand new panel heaters, electrical appliances, furniture, books, collectables, bulk pre-loved clothing and lots more!

MAFFRA MARDI GRAS

The Rotary Club of Maffra presents the Maffra Mardi Gras! Saturday March 18, 4pm-9pm, Parade at 6pm Johnson Street, Maffra. FREE. Kids' corner, street and food stalls, music and lots more! Enquiries 0408 036 627

Preliminary

Saturday March 18, 10am

Heyfield Acc P. Coles Full commercial kitchen and sundries. Full details in Gippsland Times March 14. AHeyfield Lions Project. Enquiries Damian 0427 451 286

COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM

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

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

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

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

To be eligible to apply local organizations must:

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

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

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

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

● Applicants must detail how the project will be funded and delivered.

Round 1isnow open.

Applications will close 31st March 2023 at 5pm. Successful applicants will be advised in April 2023.

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

JMS PAINTING

TRADE COUNTER ASSISTANT AND DELIVERY DRIVER

We are seeking and reliable customer focussed individual with apassion for delivering both essential supplies to various locations and excellent service to our customers.

PAINTER

Local tradesman, 15 yrs experience. New houses and repaints, no job too big or too small. Phone Steve 0499 345 384.

Situations

Vacant •

APPRENTICE

Plumber required. Heating and cooling company. Please email resumes to info@gippslandair.com.au

BAKER PASTRY COOK

Must

CLIENT ADVISOR

Do YOU have aflair for Community Care? If so, join our Gippsland team based at our Traralgon office and start helping our clients to enhance and live their best lives.

What is the role?

Benetas is hiring a Client Advisor to manage Home Care Package recipients and other Benetas clients. The role will be responsible in creating apositive client experience in collaboration with the client services coordinator.

Contact Naomi on 03 5177 8343 or Naomi.Campbelle@benetas.com.au

Apply now at www.benetas.com.au/careers

In addition you can expect to handle over the counter retail sales, loading and unloading the delivery vehicle, and undertake stick control activities. Manual license required and industry experience not essential, training is provided.

Please submit your resume to: Platinum Plumbing Plus Sale 232 York Street, Sale

Bairnsdale Regional Health Service

Admin Assistant

Family business looking for afull-time office all rounder. Flexible hours available for the right candidate.

Servicing the Gippsland area with 17 years experience. Interior and exterior, new or old. For aprompt and reliable service contact Joe for anoobligation free quote. Phone 0477 232 706. AVAN Aspire Poptop 2013 lightweight 17ft, dble bed, sleeps up to 4, toilet /shwr combo, 3-way fridge, gas cooktop, m/wave, annexe, a/c, loads more $30,000. Ph

Essential: People skills, Microsoft Office proficiency, and admin experience.

Desirable: MYOB, Warehousing, OH&S Administration, bookkeeping and banking experience.

Please submit your resume to luke@maffrapoly.com.au

Practice Manager

Coaching for Doctors is seeking aVirtual Practice Manager -flexible 25 hours/wk, collaborative team environment, opportunity to have apositive impact on healthcare.

The right person will:

● be agile, with amindset that is excited about working virtually in astartup environment.

● be able to listen with care and commitment, and then consistently and reliably deliver.

● have experience in financial management and people management, with exceptional communication skills.

● be ateam player and love ourmission Request position description from Sharee Johnson, Executive Director at sharee@coachingfordoctors.net.au

This position is available immediately.

Applications close as soon as asuitable applicant is found.

Motoring Deal

Atotal of 12 issues over amonth!

CAMPER TRAILER

Mechanic

GRS Automotive &Exhaust

We are looking for an experienced mechanic to join our team.

The role will consist of awide variety of mechanical repairs and exhaust work, as well as customer service.

If you are interested please forward your resume to GRS Automotive & Exhaust, 5Sale Rd Maffra, email gippslandstreet @gmail.com or call Brett on 5147 1603

On Site Caretaker(s) of Sale Showgrounds and Caravan Park Manager(s)

Are you experienced and versatile Caretaker(s)/Caravan Park Manager(s) seeking alifestyle or career change? If you are keen to take on awide range of duties and enjoy promoting the city of Sale and Sale Showgrounds and Caravan Park, then this is your opportunity. The Caravan Park is run by a volunteer Committee, Sale &District Agricultural Society Inc, aNot for Profit Organisation.

About the role:

We are seeking applications from prospective people interested in managing the day to day running of the park and caretaker for the entire showgrounds, ideally suited to acouple.

Duties and responsibilities:

● Managing all operational and infrastructure requirements of up to 50 -100 vans /motorhomes/campers.

● Manage the office and records using an online reservation/booking system.

● General maintenance and cleaning of the grounds and amenities.

● Provide 24 hour security by residing on the property and making sure gates are opened and closed where required for events.

● You will be required to assist the Society with events throughout the year. Eg. Sale Show.

Your skills and Experience:

● Preferably previous Caravan Park Management experience. Passion for delivering outstanding customer service with people/community focused mind.

● Good computer skills.

● Cash handling and banking.

● General day to day office duties.

● Understanding workplace health and safety and Covid safe procedures.

● Police Clearance &Working with Children

Check required.

Want to earn

● First Aid Certificate beneficial.

● Handy person and maintenance skills.

● Facilitate access for all users of the showgrounds.

Benefits:

● Attractive remuneration.

● 18 month old three bedroom residence.

● Fantastic Gippsland location only 2hours east of Melbourne in the "Middle of Everywhere", between the mountains and the sea. https://themiddleofeverywhere.com.au/en

For information pack please email: booking@saleshow.com.au or call Vanessa on 0412 966 063.

To apply:

Email acover letter and copy of your CV to the Secretary at booking@saleshow.com.au

Applications close: 16th March 2023

DIESEL MECHANIC

Cash or credit card, through

PARAMOUNT

Signature series pop top 19.5ft. Vwell maintained. Selling with all cooking, cleaning, bedding. Reg. to Oct 2023. Inspections welcome. Located Boisdale. Ph: 0498 132 393

GP1654862

The Dyson Group of Companies is afamily owned organisation providing quality coach and bus services across Australia.

We are currently looking for aqualified diesel mechanic to join the team at our Sale Depot.

Primary responsibilities will include the regular servicing program of buses and coaches as well as day to day maintenance and repairs.

Reporting to the Workshop Supervisor, the successful applicant will be comfortable with Computer systems and be able to meet the company's accreditation requirements.

The successful applicant will be trade qualified and experienced (preferably in the bus industry but not essential). You will need aHeavy Rigid license (or be willing to obtain one) and be flexible with work hours to meet operational needs.

This is afantastic opportunity to work in ateam of likeminded professionals.

To apply, please forward your application to: Human Resources, Dyson Group of Companies, 121 McKimmies Road, Bundoora 3083. Email: careers@dysongroup.com.au

2005 TERRITORY

2015 VX Landcruiser, red arc, crash cam., UHF, CB, elec. brakes, tow mirrors, LED lightbar, oil catch can, 2nd fuel filter, King drawers, r.w.c. 1WX-3OW $84,000 o.n.o. Ph 0427 257 550.

2016 ISUZU

DMax high ride auto ute. 2 by 43ltr turbo diesel, space cab, fold down rear seats. Only 75,556kms. Rego to 13/9/23. Reg IUK-7MJ. $31,000. Ph: 03 5145 6004.

If youdon't havedeliverytoyour home, Tuesday's paper is nowavailable free online at http://www.gippslandtimes.com.au/ digital-editions/

MERCEDES-BENZ

2002 S320 4D gold sedan 298,468km Reg to Nov 2023. One owner $8,000 ONO. Ph: 0418 507 375

Nissan Pintara

1992, hatchback, good cond, EWJ 250 $3000.

Phone 0408 540 225.

HYUNDAI S/WAGON

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Deaths

BENSON, Phyllis Lorraine.

11/4/1940 -4/3/2023

Aged 82 years.

Loved and cherished wife of Frank.

Loved Mum of Dean, Cheryl-Ann, and Scott.

Treasured mother-in-law of Jenny, Kevin, and Tania.

Loved Nan of Sam, Emily, Jake (dec.), Josh, Lexie, Darcy, Grace, Lachlan, and Mason.

Loved Great Nan of Rosie, Georgie, and Ella.

Aloved and devoted mother to Dean, motherin-law to Jenny.

Adored Nanny to Emily, Josh, Grace and partners James and Jess.

Great Nan to Georgie and Ella. She was strong and resilient 'til the end.'

We love you and we will miss you.

Dearly loved Mum and Nan, We share alifetime of love and treasured memories.

Forever in our hearts.

Poss, Kevin, Sam, Jake, (dec.), and Lexie.

Rest in peace Mum, In the comfort of our love.

Forever in our hearts, Scott, Tania, Darcy, Jade, Rosie, Lachi, Mason, and Jordan xoxo

BENSON, Phyllis.

Aremarkable lady, adored by all that knew her. Her support and contribution as alife member of the Sale Cricket Club is immeasurable. Deepest sympathy to Frank and the entire Benson family. Phyllis will be truly missed. The committee, players and members of Sale Cricket Club, past and present.

CLISSOLD (Kemp), Kay.

Of Valencia Creek.

Passed away at Sale Hospital on March 2, 2023.

Wife to Barrie.

Sister to John and Bruce Kemp. Mother to Tessa, and mother-in-law to Bradden. Nanny Kay to Sidney. Devoted to her family, friends and community.

Educating generations of children at Guthridge and Boisdale. Always cooking more food than was required. We will miss you.

Private cremation ceremony and mourning.

GILES (Henderson), Jean. Perth, formerly Maffra.

Passed away 28/2/23. Aged 83 years.

Loved wife of Ken (dec.).

Sister to Don and Betty. Sister-in-law to Kay, Stan (dec.). Now at Peace

LAURIER (nee Jarman), Janet Mary. "Jan"

21/11/1942 -28/2/2023

At the Sale Hospital.

Aged 80 years. Twin sister of Douglas (UK).

Much loved wife ofAlbert (Al).

HALL, Garry. 22/12/1956 -2/3/2023

Passed away March 2, 2023, in Stratford. Aged 66 years. Loved father of Sam and Taylor. Son of Eileen and Peter. Brother of Pauline, Peter and Jennie. Garry will be loved and missed by many.

"My father didn't tell me how to live; He lived and let me watch him do it."

HIGGINS, Justin Gregory. 29/06/1972 -25/02/2023

Late of Canberra

Passed away peacefully after ashort battle with cancer. Devoted and adored husband of Colleen, father of Madeleine and Quentin, much loved son of Maria and Greg Higgins Jr. (dec.), stepfather Warren Lewis and brother Nick and family. Loved by all who knew him.

Rest Peacefully Justin.

JACOBS, Ray.

Dear friend to Margot and Col Butcher and family. We will miss your cuppa visits and chats. Avery kind gentleman. Always remembered.

JACOBS, Ray.

With ashared love of farming, family and football (both Maffra and Sydney Swans) and community, we have had a long and happy friendship. Iamgoing to miss our frequent chats and the texts after aSwannies game. You have lived agreat life, meeting challenges along the way but always with good humour, asmile and empathy for others. You will be missed. The Bourke family.

JACOBS, Ray.

Sincere and true long-time friend of Brian (Tubby), Jenny, Heath and Amber. Thank you for your kindness, help and encouragement over the years.

Go Swans

BENSON. For funeral arrangements for Mrs Phyllis Lorraine Benson please check our website or phone:

Mother ofJohn Howard Laurier (partner Grace), FionaLee Straffon (husband Peter). Grandmother of James, Lily, Michael and Speedy (on the way). Alady loved by all who knew her.

MORLEY, Raymond Stephen.

"Ray"

21/2/1944 -1/3/2023

Loved husband of Pam.

Adored father of Chantal.

Father-in-law of Brendan (BC) and much-loved Poppy of Ava.

MORLEY, Raymond Stephen.

21/2/1944 -1/3/2023.

Aged 79 years.

Dearly loved brother of Shirley, brother-in-law of Alan (dec.).

Loved uncle of Michael and CherylCaldwell, Mand ya nd Chr is McMillan, Craig and Gerardene Caldwell and their children and grandchildren.

Now at Peace

Will miss you Ray

Deepest sympathy and love to Pam, Chantal, Brendan and Ava.

Loved and respected brother of Phyllis and Kevin (dec.) Woodland, Shirley and Alan (dec.) Caldwell; Ian and Fay (dec.) Chesney; Gary and Joyce Morley.

Uncle to their children and grandchildren. The first link in our family chain to be broken. Loving memories are forever ours

NENER, Jonathon Keith. March 1, 2023 Aged 80 years.

Formerly of Woolgoolga, Tamworth and Gippsland, Victoria

Survived by Dianne, Debbie and Grant Flett, Graeme and Jo-anne Nener, Kim and Craig Kelly along with their families

To be privately cremated. Memorial Services will be held for Jon in Tamworth and Maffra at dates to be advised.

READ, Thomas Raphael Joseph. Mot 7/3/1950 -2/3/2023

MORLEY

In accordance with his wishes, aprivate burial for Mr Raymond Stephen "Ray" Morley will be held.

CLISSOLD. For funeral arrangements for Mrs Kay Frances Clissold please visit our website or contact:-

READ. For funeral arrangements for Mr Thomas Raphael Joseph "Mot" Read, please check our website or phone:

MaffraAmateur Basketball Association teams -Sale tournament

HALL.

The funeral service for Mr Garry Hall will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street, Sale at 12 noon on FRIDAY (March 10, 2023), followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Please see our website for livestream details.

LAURIER (nee Jarman)

The funeral service for Mrs Janet Mary "Jan" Laurier will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street, Sale at 11am on THURSDAY (March 9, 2023), followed by aprivate cremation.

Honour your loved ones and share their story

When you lose someone close to you, it can be hard to put your thoughts and feelings into words

All notices placed in print also go in our digital edition Apersonal message in the Gippsland Times can say so much For friendly advice on how to place a message contact The Classifieds Department 5143 9333

Maffra Eagles 18 Boys (runners-up).

Maffra Eagles 14 Girls. Photos: Contributed

Maffra Eagles 18 Girls (finished fourth).

Maffra Eagles 10 Boys.

Maffra Eagles 10AGirls (runners-up).

Maffra Eagles 16BBoys (semi-finalists).

JACOBS, Ray. The MFNC would like to acknowledge the passing of Ray Jacobs. Ray was apassionate supporter of our club and atireless worker. No job was too big or small and he will be missed.

President, committee and supporters of the MFNC.

Passed away at home aged 72 years.

Son of Francis and Frances Pearl Read (both dec.). Brother to Francis and Pushpa, Joseph (dec.) and Lorraine, Mary (dec.) and Bob, John, Dianne (dec.) and Carmel, Patrick (dec.) and Maureen (dec.), Terrence and May (dec.), Bernard and Lorris (dec.), Gerard (dec.), Rosemary and Chris.

Now you're in the greatest cathedral of all, You can make sure all the pews are in line.

Always in our hearts now in God's care

Maffra Eagles 16ABoys(ADivision winners).

Maffra Eagles 12 Boys (both teams finalists).

Maffra Eagles 10BBoys(semi finalistsB Division).

Maffra Eagles 10ABoys(semi finalistsA Division).

Maffra Eagles 12BGirls (runners-up).

Maffra Eagles 10BGirls (runners-up).

Sale United’s Cooper Coleman wasa workhorse in the midfield at the weekend when the Swans took on FC Clifton Hill in Round 3ofthe Australia Cup

SUFCprogress in Nike Cup

SALE United Football Clubturned their attention to their women’s side as they travelled to Morwell for Round1ofthe NikeFCCup, where they faced physical LVSL rivals Fortuna 60. Sale United knew they would have to bring it all to advance to Round 2ofthe NikeFC Cup afterbeingpipped at the postbylocal opponents for second place on the 2022ladder, and with Fortuna 60 knownfor their physical style of play. The 35-degree heat added an extra challenge.

The Swanettesentered the field, droplets of sweat already forming on brows as players took their starting positions.

In the game’s openingminutes,Soreti Anderson,Anouk Meereboer, and Dani Wilson showed glimpses of agoal for Sale but struggled to find the back of the net; the Swanettes’ defensive line denied Fortuna 60 an opportunity for ashot on goal, working hard against their aggressive attackers.

Afterreceiving afantastic throughballfrom Meerboer on the halfway line, Sale’s right winger Zoe Askew scoredthe opening goal in the 14th minute, netting the ball from just outside the 18-yard box.

Fortuna 60 evened the score but not for long; the Swanettes regained their lead before the break; an own goal off acorner kick from Meerboer saw Sale retire to the shade leading 2-1.

Dani Wilson scored Sale United’s third goal, putting the Swanettes up 3-1 25 minutes into the second half.

Fortunafound the backofthe net in the final 10 minutes to close Sale’slead3-2, but with two minutes remaining, it was afinal goal from midfielder Rebecca Stobbie who sealed the Swanettes’4-2 victory over Fortuna in the first ever NikeFCCup matchinthe club’s history. The victory at the weekend means Sale United women have advanced to Round 2 of the NikeFCCup and willplay National Premier League 1sideStAlbans Saints at home this weekend.

Betterlatethan never

Liam Durkin

IT’S hard to keep up with all theseStratfordflags

The Redbacks added another premiership to the collection recently, taking out the Gippsland Cricket League Kookaburra Cup.

In what was an odd premiershipvictory, Stratford played for the trophy nearly three years afterqualifyingfor it.

With the Kookaburra Cup an annual contest between the top-two premiership winning sides across the six Gippsland regions (Sale-Maffra, Bairnsdale,Latrobe Valley,Leongatha, Traralgon, Warragul) from the previous season, and with COVIDpostponing the 2021/22instalment, the Redbackswere finallyabletotaketothe field to play amatch that was certainly some time in the making.

Stratford qualified for the 2021/22 Kookaburra Cup after winning the SMCA premiership in 2020/21.

Calculations for the Kookaburra Cup are based on form and percentage from the season in which asidewins the premiership in their respective association.

A10-win, four-loss record in 2020/21 was enough to see the Redbacks earn the right to play Bairnsdale Cricket Association club Wy Yung.

Taking to StratfordRecreationReserve on Friday, February 10, the Redbackselected to bowl first upon winning the tossinthe twenty20 fixture. Adding to the oddness of the occasion, only six of Stratford’spremiership 12 from the 2020/21 Grand Final played in the Kookaburra Cup.

Wy Yung got away to adecent start, and had 50 on the board by the seventh over.

However, once fielding restrictions lifted, the Redbackswere able to controlthe tempo of the match.

Stratford took boundary options away from Wy Yung, and with men patrolling the fence, happily let their opponents take singles either down the ground or square.

Wy Yungonlyhit one boundary (a sixinthe last over)after the seventh over.

Wy Yung opener Daniel Gledhill top-scored with 41 off 43 balls, in atotal that read 8/106 at compulsory close.

Stratford bowlers all chimed in with wickets.

Seb Pendergast nabbed 2/17 from his four overs, while Jack Rietschel took 2/20 from just as many.

In reply, a66-runstand forthe second wicket between Lachlan Channing and Rietschel put the Redbacks on the cusp of victory.

Stratford went at asimilar tempo to Wy Yung, howeverthe main difference wasthe Redback turned more ones into twos.

The home side also managed to get a‘big over’ away, with Rietschel taking 12 runs off the 12th.

From there, they were essentiallyabletoplaythe gameout withminimal risk and coastover the line in the 18th over for an eight wicket win.

Channing remainednot out on 42 from 44 balls, andRietschel 41 off 30.

In previous years, the winnerofthe Kookaburra Cup earnt the right to representGippsland in the Cricket Victoria Regional Big Bash, although this competitionhas not run since the 2019/20 season

Therewas another Kookaburra Cup played two weekslater, on Sunday, February 26

This time, it wasfor thecurrent season.

WarragulDistrict club Ellinbankwon the title after beating Traralgon District club Ex Students.

In what was afair anti-climax, the Sharks were

only in the final because Leongatha District club Phillip Island pulled out.

Phillip Island had originally been the secondranked team on qualifying calculations, while Ellinbank was first.

As it turned out, Ex Students jumped from third andinto the deciderfollowing PhillipIsland’sexit.

Somewhat ironically, the final wasplayed on ahard deck, on which Ellinbank closed at 8/152 from their allotted overs.

The Sharksdidn’t offer much in terms of areply, and were bowled out for 64 in less than 15 overs. Backtothe Redback’s, the KookaburraCup ticked off another premiership for the team wearing red andwhite in recent years.

Withlocal SMCAfinalsstarting this week, Stratford will be looking to add to the list.

It’s not abad list either just quietly.

 Back-to-back SMCA AGrade flags (2020/21, 2021/22);

 Kookaburra Cup 2021/22;

 Gippsland T20 Smash 2021/22, and;

 Fischer Cup 2022/23.

Aus helps Aus defeat the Poms

BernadinePhelan

BRIAGOLONG’S Austin Anlezark, 17,has had awhirlwind summer of cricket, culminating in a call-up to play in the Australia Under 19 side in theTestand one-day international(ODI) series againstEngland in Brisbane last month.

Australia defeated England 4-2 in the series.

The right-armed fast-medium paceman opened the bowling in the second Test, taking the crucial first wicket of England’s opening bat, and following with two more wickets over the four-day Test.

He also opened the bowlinginthe first ODI, taking awicket in each of his first two overs.

Regularly bowling over 135km/h, Anlezark has been described as the fastest Under 19 seamer in Victoria, with afluidstyle similar to Australian pacemen Pat Cummins and Jhye Richardson.

Anlezark had his own cheer squad in Brisbane: his parents Sharn and Corey Anlezark,sister Maiceyand grandfather Russell Wain were on the boundary every day in support.

His former Boisdale-Briagolong and now Richmond CC clubmate, Ed Phelan-Penson, also flew up for the Test.

Theywere joined at the grounds by former Maffra resident and former Richmond CC clubmate, Bayden Dowsett.

Dowsett’s family, Tash and Matt -who now live in Brisbane -added their support.

Anlezark’s parents say it has been an incredible roller-coaster for the teenager.

Justoverayear ago, he was selected in the Victoria Country squad to train for potential selectiontoplayinthe national championships in Adelaide in December 2022.

His cousin, Shaymus Wain and Phelan-Penson headed to Adelaide to watch that competition.

While Anlezark acquitted himself well in the nationals, his mother Sharn said they were still surprised when he got the call-up into the Australia side to play England.

“We’re so proud of everything he’s achievinghe’s certainly put in the hard work, but he’s very humble and reckons he has been lucky,” she said.

“We’re still pinching ourselves.”

The next steps will be to train with Cricket Victoria over the off-season, with the chance of being named in the squad to head to England in August for the remaining games in the series.

For the past two seasons, Anlezarkhas been playing with Premier Cricket side Richmond, alongwith fellow former-Boisdale-Briagolong teammates, Mason Annear and Ed Phelan-Penson,

as well as Austin Bauer from Longford.

Training and playing Premier Cricket, along with his Victorian squad commitments, has meant travelling more than 1500 kilometres aweek.

“We don’tmindthe timeand travelwhen it’s something the boys are so passionate about,” Austin’s mother said.

The grouphas beenquitesuccessful overthe years- the threeplayers won an Under 14 premiershipwith Boisdale-Briagolong and, with Austin Bauer, have played together at representativelevel for Sale-Maffra Cricket Association.

Togetherthey won Under 14 and Under 15 Junior CountryWeek titles in their last representative games as juniors, winning the Gippsland Cricket League Under 18 series, captained by Annear. Anlezark played one match in that series, but was understandably excused when the call-up came to join Australia.

Anlezarkhas returned from Brisbaneand since re-joined his Year 12 classmates at Maffra Secondary College.

ZoeAskew

Sale’s Alan Harris slidingintoblock Clifton Hill player’sshot on goal

Photos: Zoe Askew

Stratfordcelebrates

avery belated

Kookaburra Cup win.

Photo: Contributed

Briagolong teenager Austin Anlezark (back row, farleft) and his Australian Under 19 teammates defeated England 4-2 in arecent international series. Photos: Cricket Australia

Boisdale-Briagolong’s Austin Anlezark in action forthe Australian Under 19s.

Topfourwarms up for finals

TomParry

ANOTHER home-and-away season of localcricket is done and dusted.

Last Saturday was the final weekend of regular games in the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association, as players were met with yet another afternoon of heat and humidity.

Round 14 of the firstgrade’s 2022/23 season ended with something of awhimper -three games saw teams bowl their opponents out to sealfirst-innings victories, while the fourth concludedinunremarkable fashion.

Attention now turns to the finals, which begin this Saturday for the seniorgradesand are already underway in the junior divisions.

RK vStratford

AS predicted, it wasa closely-foughtcontestat Rosedale Recreation Reserve, one which saw the Redbacks emerge victorious.

Stratfordresumedits innings at 3/26 and suffered adouble blow within the firstfourovers, losing Jack Rietschel for eight and Lewis Bolton for two.

Bohdi Walker arrived in themiddle next, combining with Jack Tatterson for afruitful partnership. Together, the two batsmen combined for 79 runs across 21 overs, placing Stratty back in contention and just 31 short of Rosedale-Kilmany’s first innings total.

The Warriors eventually broke the partnership in the37th over,first by dismissing Tatterson (caught at long-on) and then Walker (caught at square-leg) to put the score at 7/118.

Brief yet valuable contributions from Chris Aurisch(eightruns) and Ethan Albrecht (six) narrowed the margin even further, allowing Ben Dinning to surpass RK’s score in the 47th over of their innings.

Having attained the target of 149 for afirstinnings win, the Redbacks declared and -possibly with an eye on an outright victory -sent RK into bat again.

Stratty’s bowlers ensured the wickets fell regularly and the run rate kept low, but ultimately,the Warriors survived the remainder of the day’s play to be 9/89 at stumps.

Just two of their batsmen reached double-digits in the second innings, being Isaac Love (28 off 35 deliveries) and Spencer Fox (18 off 51).

Tatterson snagged three wickets and arun out, while Walker claimed figures of 2/14 off nineovers.

Meanwhile, RK’s best bowling figures belonged

to Brad Scott (3/41 off 14 overs) and Brandon McDonald (2/8 off four).

The result means that Stratford remainsthird on the ladder heading into the finals, and RosedaleKilmany fourth.

Bundalaguah vSale

ASTELLAR knock from Kshitiz Sharma was the highlightatColin Wrigglesworth Oval,but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Swans.

Requiring 262 runs for victory, Bundalaguah suffered the early losses of Jason Langshaw and Steve Spoljaric as they began their chase, leaving Lachlan Wrigglesworth to lay the foundations; he was bowled for 31 in the 13th over.

Ten overs later, Hayden Wrigglesworth departed for 15, the scorecard reading 4/52.

The Bulls’innings eventually gained momentum during the fifth wicket, which saw Sharma collaborate with James Read for an alliance that lasted

22 overs, their 72-run stand coming to an end when the latter was bowled on 42.

Sharmacontinued on,forming apartnership with CharlieMorris that added 41 runs;and again with Mitch Templeton, adding 21.

With Hamish Anderson as his partner, Sharma took Bundy’s score past 200, and looked certain to make his third century of the season.

But, just two runs short of the milestone, he was runout in the75thover.

The very next ball, Anderson was caught, bringing the innings to aclose at 220 -42runsshortoftheir target -tohandSale the win.

Ben Jones and Coenie Nel collected three wickets each, while Matt Raidal finished with two scalps.

The Swans’ triumph keeps them on top of the First XI ladder, and thus the hosting rights to a semi-final.

Bundalaguah stay in fifth position.

Boisdale-BriagvCollegians

FORM has returned to Collegians,who recorded a 174-run first-innings win at BriagolongRecreation Reserve.

Resuming at 2/18, Boisdale-Briagolong were slow to start, not adding to their total until the fourth over of the day -and with asingleatthat, off the bat of Ned Sutton.

The low scoring rate continued, even as Toby Leeds attempted to add some fire to proceedings -one over saw him hit two sixes off the bowling of Mark Nicholls.

Sutton’s wicket in the 26th over, and then Jonathon Outhart’sinthe 31st,broughtNickPang to the crease, who emulated Leeds’ example with some quick hitting -flamboyance that saw him caught for 17 after just eight overs.

Troubles continued for the B-Doubles when Leeds (bowled on 40), Liam Hurst(run out for adiamond duck) and Michael Roberts(caughtand bowled for nought) were dismissed in successive overs -all by the hand of College captain Zac Hurley -putting the score at just 8/79.

An eighth-wicket partnership between Ryan Marshall andKallan Randle carried theSaints’ totalto100,only for the latter to be caught and bowled -this time by Jake Durnell.

Four overs and four runs later,Marshall was bowled by Noah Hurley for 22, bringing the chase to an end.

Durnell took three wickets in the innings, while the Hurleys walked away with two each.

With the game having been won and several overs still left in the day, Collegians opted to bat for a

SALE-MAFFRACRICKET ASSOCIATION SCOREBOARD

second time, sending tail-enders Henry Anderson and Nathan Giove in to build upon their team’s surplus of runs.

The duo accumulated 49 runs before Anderson was stumped on 28; Durnell added two before the match was proclaimed over.

The victory is Collegians’ firstsince January, and allows them to retain second position on the ladder -equal on points with Stratford, but ahead on percentage.

Boisdale-Briagolong also keep their spot in the first grade competition: Dead last.

Maffra vLongford

FOR the second time this season, the Eagles have lodgedacomprehensive victory againstthe Lizards -and awin at home.

Longford, denied the opportunity to bat the week prior,wereput on the backfoot early by the wickets of Sam Dean, Jack Heywood and star all-rounder Jordan Price, all falling in the first eight overs -and with 284 runs still to chase.

That left opener Walt Sutton to form astand with captain Lachlan Floyd, combiningfor 47 runs in the process.

Theirpartnership was broken after17overs, when Sutton was caught on 14.

The very next over, Floyd was trapped on his pads by spinner Ben Durrant for 35; immediately after, Angus Heywood was caught behind for a golden duck.

Upon Jake Taylor’s run out in the 31st over, Longford’s score was 7/58.

Following that, Liam Knight teamed with Nicholas Walker for astand that ultimately lasted nine overs, with the latter caught for 11.

Three overs later, Knight fell in similar circumstances to Angus Heywood -caught by the keeper off the bowling of Durrant.

Ben Walker was the 10th and final batsman to be dismissed in the next over, by which point the Lizards had amassed just 86 runs, placing them awhopping203 runs in arrears.

Despite another 37 overs being allotted in the day’s play, the match was deemed over there and then.

Durrantand Dylan Freitag were Maffra’s best bowlers, each garnering three wickets. The result did nothing to change the standings of either club on the First XI ladder -Maffra finish the season in sixth position, and Longford seventh.

1. Sale (W11, L3, 66 points)

2. Collegians (W10, L4, 64 pts)

3. Stratford(W10,L4, 64 pts)

4. Rosedale-Kilmany (W8, L5, D1, 54pts) ****************************************

5. Bundalaguah (W6,L6, D1, 41pts)

6. Maffra (W6, L7, 39pts)

7. Longford(W2,L12, 12pts)

8. Boisdale-Briagolong (W1,L13,6pts)

Second Grade: Maffra7/214(cc) (H Shingles50, CHennig 50) def Sale 45 (J Kelly5/12, JBeaumont 3/4); Stratford6/312 (Z Waixel 96,S Williams 61*) def Bundalaguah 9/265(CSmart107,NBennett2/34); Collegians123 (B Reid 4/27) &74(ZRussell 35) def Rosedale-Kilmany93(DMcGuiness 5/25) &2/32.

BScott14-4-3-41, ILove10-0-0-49, B

DFreitag cBMcMaster bPrice 25 BDurrant bPrice 79 MEastham lbw bFloyd 21 JDavis not out 100 NHibbins bSutton2

LHopkins cHeywood bFloyd 25 DButcher bFloyd 22

BHarrington not out 4 Extras (nb 1, w2,b0,lb8)11

Longfordbowling: NWalker 13-3-0-49, BWalker 8-1-0-26, JPrice 29-8-2-90, LFloyd 21-3-3-82, LKnight 3-1-0-9, WSutton5-1-1-16,JHeywood 1-0-0-9

Longfordfirst innings

WSutton. cHarrington bDavis 14

ThirdGrade: Stratford5/234(cc) (N Thomas 69, TLight 63) def Sale 70 (J Tatlow5/20) &0/40(cc); Boisdale Briagolong 195(THarms 55) defWurruk 56 (J Annear 4/8) &130 (L Vander Velden 76,MLeeds 5/21); Nambrok 8/183(cc)(BBarnett54, PShields 53) def Maffra130 (B Cordias54, SHettiarachchige 5/51); Bundalaguah 3/119 (dec)(BFuller 75*) &0/24 def Longford 54 (J Matthews 4/9) &85(JFlint 3/17); Collegians7/211 (dec) (G Wells85*,RMaidorn56*, A Moss 5/50) defRosedale-Kilmany146 (A Henry78, C Malone 5/35) &5/72;Heyfield -bye

Fourth Grade: Bundalaguah Yaks 3/177(cc) (G Hickey 50, SHoward 50) defLongford9/173 (P Love 53); Collegians2/121 (C Paterson 50, CMcGregor 46) def Bundalaguah Bulls 7/118(cc) (O Sullivan 3/15); Sale White7/157 (R Jones 51, TReid 50) def Maffra 155(JParker53, WFry 3/22); Wurruk Toads 173(J Morris 37) def Rosedale-Kilmany 106(KDonaldson 27, BLight 3/32); Stratford0/69(TRussell46*) def Wurruk Windies62(B Dekkers3/9); Heyfield -bye

Under-16 Semi Finals: Bundalaguah 9/164(cc) (C Morris 52*,H Wrigglesworth47*, JLove2/25) vLongford 2/28;Collegians8/130(cc)(XHurley30*, MStobie 30, J Brickley2/18, TBoyd2/19) vStratford(yettobat)

Under-14 Semi Finals: Wurruk/Maffra4/71(B Rowley 28) def Stratford6/69(cc) (B Rowley2/11, R Giescgen 2/12, TYoung2/15); Sale 1/55 (S Fernando 28*) def Heyfield RK 54 (J Hampson2/4).

BradScotttookthree wickets forRosedaleKilmany in the final home-and-awayround. The Warriors lost athriller to Stratfordbyone wicket

Photo: TomParry

Marlay Point race on Saturday

THE 55th Marlay Point Overnight Race is on again this Saturday, March 11 at Marlay Point near Clydebank. There will be afternoonactivitiesfrom12pm, including food from Grab nGoand Maffra Lions, plus acoffee van.

Lots of children activities are also on offer, with WellingtonLibrary Giant Games, quoits and Tie This Knot

Lake Wellington Yacht Club’s website has hyperlinks to acolouring-in pictureand

Sale Golf Club

Find-the-Word competition,winners of which will be announced on the day.

The historic shirt display is back, along with classic cars from the Gippsland Vehicle Collection and adisplayfrom the Gippsland Climate Change Network.

Further information is available at www. lakewellingtonyachtclub.org

More information on the race itself can be found at www.mponr.com

Scoreboard

3rd MMalcom, 14th BJohnson. Feb winner: KMcDonald.

Maiden victory

Laurie Smyth

IN last Wednesday night’s Touch, Mustangs defeated Zohan’s to record their first win of the season, with six tries to five.

Mustangs has recorded 11 players taking the field this season, of which seven have only played one game.

On the other hand, Zohan’s have played 13 players with only two that have played just one game.

At half time Zohan’s led three to two;inthe secondhalfthe Mustangs madefour tries while keepingZohan’s to just two.

Emily McGovern made three tries in her first game for the season.

SATURDAY,February18 -men’s par; A

Grade: RGough +4, runner-up: DShaw+3. B

Grade: AEudred +8, runner-up: RStephenson

+1. DTL: JCollins +3, PNeligan +3, DAdamson

+1, LDowsett +1, PCounahan +1,WVan

Sahbeck 0, LDimarco 0, GCarroll 0. NTP: 3rd:

RGough, 6th LDimarco, 14th DAdamson.

Women’s competition: JO’Neill-1. DTL: KManze

-2. NTP: 3rd: KManze, 11th KManze.

Tuesday,February 21 -women’s stableford;

Division 1: JO’Neill 38, runner-up: RQuirk 37

Division 2: JTilley 36,runner-up: KHudson 35.

DTL: MWhite 36, LForeman 36, HGerrand 35.

NTP: 3rd HWood, 11th JO’Neill.

Wednesday, February 22 -men’s stabl-

eford; AGrade:J Tatterson 40,runner-up: D

Adamson 38. BGrade:T Gillet 39, runner-up:

FSimmonds39. DTL: PHulland 38, LDimarco

37,DFitzgibbon36, ATaylor 36, PCounahan

36, JSimic 36, TGraham36, BCashman 36, C

French 36,FJohns 36.NTP:3rd JTatterson, 6th LFrench,11thD Adamson, 14th TGraham.

Tuesday, February 28 -women’s par;

Division 1: LForeman +7, runner-up: MWhite

+3. Division 2: KHudson +4, runner-up: J

Simmonds -1. DTL: JBallinger +2, RQuirk -1.

NTP: 3rd JBallinger, 11th RQuirk.9Hole Par;

WMoulton -1. Saturday winner: JO’Neil35.

Wednesday, March 1 - men’s stableford; A

Grade: GMoulton 39, CMarkovic 39. BGrade

CCarroll 38, runner-up: RMahon 36. DTL: R

Walker 38, IGlover 37, PJellis 36, FJohns 36, WBrownlee 36, PNsligan 36, ASmith36. NTP:

Maffra Golf Club

THURSDAY, February 23 - ladies stableford; Division 1: LReynolds 43. Division 2: L Dunsmuir 37. DTL: KKemp 39, CMunday38, KGallagher 38, SMarsden 36, SHorsford 35. NTP: 2nd LReynolds, 7th LReynolds, 12th C Munday, 16th LDunsmuir.

Sale Bridge Club

MONDAY,February13: 1.D Love/M Castle, 2. D&V Braham, 3. HCantwell/ AHensen.

Wednesday,February 15: 1. FSunderman/R Ziffer, 2. JPage/C Van Leir, 3. CCheyne/F Kaminski.

Thursday, February16: 1. DD’Arcy/D Bennett, 2.CForcadela/L Thomson, 3.B Robinson/R Gault.

Monday, February 20: 1. H&R Gault, 2. M Castle/C Van Lier, 3. CHolman/J Leggat.

Wednesday, February 22: 1. CVan Lier/J

Page, 2. RZiffer/F Sunderman, 3. KTierney/P

Lonie.

Thursday,February 23: 1. M&R Ziffer, 2. CForcadela/L Thomson, 3. WSmit/C Jenkins.

Monday, February 27: 1. H&R Gault, 2.

RHides/L Thomson, 3. HCantwell/A Hensen.

Wednesday, March 1: 1. CCheyne/F

Kaminski,2.MZarb/W Smit,3.RZiffer/F

Sunderman.

Thursday, March 2: 1. DD’Arcy/D Bennett, 2. MCastle/V Hudson, 3. CJenkins/W Smit

Other scorers for the Mustangs were Brodie Cullen,Antonio Keedle-Grandezaand Dylan Kremarov with one each.

Henry Ellis top scored for Zohan’s with two tries in the first half.

Zoe Curran, ChrisLuttrell and Callum Park each made one.

Best players were Park, Ellis, Cullen, Curran and McGovern.

Porky’s just got over the line to win with seven tries to Phoenix’s six.

Albert and Mia Van de Vyverplayed agreat

gamefor Porky’s having scored in each game that they haveplayed.

Albert top scoredwith three tries.

AndieSchofield madetwo withone each to Mia Van de Vyver andDeclan Jones.

Carl Muir top scored for Phoenix with three tries; Mick Elliottmadetwo, while Stewart Kyung made one.

Best players were Albert and Mia Van de Vyver, Muir, Elliott and Schofield, with Miranda Laskowski winning the encouragement award.

In the final game, Kitchen Sink showed their class with a13tothree win over Hussey.

TomKitcher andMichael Sullivan each made three tries.

Mark Chantachak, Marcus Sbaglia-Smith and HarveySteele and Connor Edwardseach made two.

Hefer Reghard top scored for Hussey with two, while Kaidyn Hall made one, taking his season tally to four.

Best players were Kitcher, Hall, Edwards, Mandy Purdon and Macey Zielke, as Harvey Steele won the encouragement award.

Tomorrow night at 6.30pm, Kitchen Sink plays Porky’s and Long Drop play Mustangs.

At 7.20pm Hussey play Phoenix.

Zohan’s has the bye.

Wellington Gippsland Tennis Association Scoreboard

Maffra 0def by Sale Saville 8

Sale Duckworth 8def Bairnsdale Cawley0

Division 3

Sale Popyrin 1def by StratfordSwans 7

Sale Hon 6def Longford 2

Sale Kokkinkakis 1def by Maffra 7 Heyfield vBairnsdale Rafter (not played)

Division 4 Bairnsdale Laver 3def by Sale Fourlis 5

Maffra Eagles 5def Maffra Falcons 3

StratfordMagpies 6def Bairnsdale Barty 2

Sale Sharma 2def by Sale Kubler 6

Division 5 Longford 4def Sale Thompson 2

StratfordKookaburras 1def by Sale Gadecki 5

Maffra vBairnsdale Stosur (no scoresupplied)

Sale Millman vSale Cabrera (no scoresupplied)

Division 6

Bairnsdale Hewitt 4def Sale Vukic 2

StratfordKingfishers5 def StratfordCockatoos 1

Kyrgios 3

Maffra 2def by LongfordSale Tomljanovic 6

Division 1Ladder: Sale de Minaur 108points; LongfordSale

Tomljanovic 107; Maffra 69; Bairnsdale Cash 66; Longford 34; Sale Kyrgios 27

Division 2

Sale Inglis 6def Briagolong 2

Heyfield 3drewwith Maffra 3

Briagolong 5def Sale Rodionova1

Division 7

StratfordGalahs 0def by Maffra 6

Sale Mendez 5def Heyfield 0

Bairnsdale Alcott -bye

Maffra’s Tayla Goode leans into her forehand returnduring Junior Section 5.

Maffra CSC’s JarrodBence steps into across court backhand drive. Photos: Sam Crothers

Stratford celebrates

STRATFORDBowls Club has had asuccessful season on and off the green.

With many improvementstothe clubrooms, including anew gatheringarea, stronger bonds developed betweenthe players, reflected in the success on the green, three minor premierships in Saturday Division 1and Division 3, and Tuesday Division 3.

However, none of these teams converted their season top-of-the-ladder efforts into aflag.

TheTuesday Division2team, whofinished in second place, went on to take out the area Grand Final in an exciting game against West Sale. At the end of the 21 ends, the scores were tied. In an extra-endplay-off it came down to the last bowl of theday

After two rinks finished, it was tied again. Luckily the skipper of the third rink, Mick Dee, held his nerve and trailed the kitty to give Stratford the winning shots.

Aweek later,onthe Bairnsdale green, the Division 2team won all three rinks to defeat Lakes Entrance and claim the Gippsland Bowls Region flag in Division 2.

Stratford Division3 Saturdayteam. Carmel Boyd, June Richardson, Alan Boyd, GordonKeddie, Keith Sargison, Des Phillips,Joy Nowak andAnne Renehan.

StratfordDivision 2Tuesdayteam. Ivan Cartledge,Ray Potter,Col Russell, Ian Johns, Wayne Marsden, Jason White, RitaPotter,Mick Dee, JohnMarshall (front) Leonie Flynn, Anne Renehan andMargRobbins.

Division 3TuesdayGrand Final team.JohnSpencer,Des Phillips, (front) JoyNowak,Mick Benson, June Richardson, Helen Akers, Kathy Hiscock and DenisDowney.

StratfordDivision 1Saturdayteam. KirstieWhite, Ivan Cartledge, Ray Potter,Jason White, JoeDare, Col Russell, Tim Dare, Robert Grant,(front) Leonie Flynn, John Marshall, Ian Johns, Mick Dee. Photos: Contributed

Ben Robbins back in Maffra for special talk

MAFFRA Golf Club is inviting members of sporting bodies and other interested people to an evening with clinical psychologist Dr Ben Robbins, who is currently head of mental health and well-being at St Kilda Football Club and the Danny Frawley Centre.

Robbins is aformer Maffra resident who excelledatfootball and cricket, playing 97 AFL games for Brisbane Bears/Brisbane Lions and North Melbourne.

His father, Graham Robbins, coached Maffra Football-Netball Club to multiple senior premierships, while cousin Anthony Robbins is the current Eagles senior coach

BenRobbins completed aPhD in clinical psychology, withresearch investigating the psychological wellbeing of professional athletes.

He has experience acrossawide range of corporate and educational environments, and consults anumberofprofessional sportsmen and sportswomen.

This talk can help those looking to elevate their golfing performance, learn psychological

skills to perform under pressure, or like ideas to help maintain mental health.

This talk draws on evidence-based psychological science and insights from Robbins’ work with AFL clubs and Olympic athletes to help better understand how the mind works, especially under pressure. It is designed for athletes, coaches, parents or anyone else interested in performing and living better.

Robbins believes strongly in the impact that mindfulness can have on both mentalhealth and performance.

The evening is afundraising event for the club’s Mardi Gras entrant, Jan Robbins.

Date: Wednesday March 15 at 6pm

Cost: $15per person with fingerfood supplied.

Contact: Julie Vardy 0409 953 017

Bookings essential

Former Maffra resident, AFL footballer and clinical psychologist Ben Robbins will hold a talk at Maffra Golf Club next month.

Photo: Contributed

No sheep stations involved for local sport

LET them play or watch them walk away.

It’s amessage that should be front of mind for us all as we gear up for an exciting new season of winter community sport, particularly when it comes to volunteers, match officials andyoung participants.

Declining numbers in those areas is not unique to our region -orany particular sport- but is a reason for concern.

Last year, GippSport’s Gippsland Community SportCensus foundthat community sport wasfinding it difficult to retain and recruit new volunteers, as well as umpires and referees.

Whenitcomes to youth participation, the reflexive response is often to blame technology as the main causeofdecline, but local research tells us it’s more complicated.

The Latrobe Health Assembly-funded Increasing Access to Sport project identified arange of barriers were at play, including time constraints, travel requirements and participation costs.

Importantly, though, it found the community sporting club environment was highly influential in youth participation and retention.

Social andperformance-related pressuresfigured heavily in the reasons as to why youngpeoplequit sport, and data shows that once they disengage, it’s incredibly difficult to get them back.

The good news is we can do something about it.

The evenbetter news is one key shift in mentality could turn the tide for all three cohorts -let them play.

Incidents of poor sideline behaviour have been reported in Gippsland over the past 12 months, with coaches, parents and supporters amongthose to have crossed the line and made community sport lessenjoyable and rewarding for participants and volunteers.GippSport is highlighting this issue with anew campaign which shares stories and insights from members of the local sports community, particularly young people.

The ‘Let Us Play’ campaign aims to encourage

Local clubs to play praccy

MAFFRAFootball-Netball Club will playa practice match under lights against Sale City Football-NetballClubonThursday (March 9) at the MaffraRecreation Reserve, Maffra NewryRoad,Maffra beginning at 6pm. Bar and barbecue will be available. Elsewhere, Maffra FNC will host aCoffee Morning and stroll through the garden at Homelea,MaffraTinamba Road, Maffra, tomorrow (Wednesday, March 8). Entry cost $10 includes morningtea. There will be a trading table, raffles, door prizes and games. For more information, pleasephoneElaine on 0419 389 553.

amore positive and safe local sport environment for everyone, regardless of ability, needs and motivations.

So what does that look like?

Here are some tips for being apositive presence on the sideline:

 Support the process, not the outcome;

 Control your emotions, including your body language;

 Support everyone involved in the game;

 Let the coaches coach;

 Respect the decisions of umpires or referees;

 Understand that sport participation is a choice, and;

 Be present -watch friendsand family play.

So this season, please remember, it’s not the AFL, it’s not the World Cup; it’s community sport, let them play.

For moreinformation on the ‘Let Us Play’ campaign, visit www.gippsport.com.au

Shooting stars Shoootting s sttaar r rs s

Fifteen-year-old Morgen Visser (pictured right) and 13-year-old Darcee Young attended the Melbourne International Shooting Club last month to compete in the Victorian State Small Bore Championships.

The competition began on Saturday, February 25, with Darcee placing second in her three-round shoot and Morgen placing third.

On Sunday, Morgen placed first in the state championship and walked away withthe Victorian State Champion title for 50 metre bench rest for juniors and sub-juniors, while Darcee placed third.

Their success comes despite having only taken upthe sport within the past two years -Darcee has been shooting for the past 18 months, and Morgen for the past 14 months.

Additionally, Darcee is also the reigning Gippsland under-21 champion.

Both girls represented the local rifle club well and have done the organisation, and their parents, proud.

Sale United compete in Australia Cup action

Zoe Askew

THE men’s and women’s teams of Sale United FootballClubplayedintwo of the biggest games in the club’s history over the weekend, with the men facing State League One team FC Clifton Hill in Round 3ofthe Australia Cup, and the womenfacing Latrobe Valley SoccerLeague rivals Fortuna 60 in Round 1ofthe NikeFCCup.

Both Swans’ sides entered the field determined to seal awin,players laying bare their hearts and souls to advance to thenext roundoftheir respective knockout cupcompetition

Onlyone Saleteamhowevremerged victorious

Who would have thought Sale United’s men’s team would ever have something in common with English Premier League club Manchester United, even if that something is a7-0 loss over the weekend?

Despite Sale conceding aparticularly high number of goals at the Godfrey Baldwin Reserve on Saturday night, the Swans exertedafiery tenacity from the first whistle’s blow, asuperb showing of unrelentingdetermination from the defensive line with left and right fullbacks Brennan McGill and Dave Durning continuing to produce stellar performances.

It was always going to be achallenging game for Sale United, stepping up to rivals five tiers above their class.

The Swans held their own in thefirst half despite the early loss of experiencedplayer Jake Richardson to injury,retiring to the locker room only 2-0 down.

Replacing Richardson, Alan Harris caused astiramong Clifton Hill’s attackingline, his brutish physicality and numerous slide tackles enraging the Melbourne side both on and off

the field, so much so that the visitingteam’s substitute goalkeeper was red-carded in the second half for abusing the linesman and referee.

The large crowd congregating at the SUFC grounds to witness the fiercely aggressive battle between Sale United and Clifton Hill were certainly kept from being bored as bodies were thrown to theground, limbs flailing in alldirections, yellowcards were handed to both sides as tempers flared, and young Sale keeper, Damon Stephensproduced anumberofjaw-dropping saves.

While Sale appropriated zero time in their attacking half in the first 45 minutes, with Swan forwards acquiring limited touches on the ball, in the secondhalf the Swans earned themselves achance to score, their firstreal opportunity coming off afantastic cross from Jude Taylor to tall centre forward Josh Deschepper.

Severalchances to find the backofthe net followed, with Cooper Coleman rocketinga shot towards goal, theballgoingwide, and Deschepper struggling to find the net with his head or feet.

As the game reached 60 minutes, Clifton Hill knocked in two quick goals, furthering their lead 4-0.

Sale kept their heads up; the Swans’ defensive line of Mace Irvine, Harris, Durning and McGill and midfielder Coleman indefatigable as they held up terrorising attack from Clifton Hill.

With freshlegs on the park, the Melbournebased rivals netted three more goals in the remaining 15 minutes, bringing them to a7-0 victoryover Sale United, ending the Swans’ Australia Cup campaign.

Women’s Nike FC Cup -Page 28

TWO young guns from the SaleSmall Bore Rifle Club have outshone the best junior shooters in the state.