Gippsland Times Tuesday April 16 2024

Hundreds came to Tinamba on Sundayfor the town’s annual food and wine festival.Local vineyards sampled their best drops, and showcased some new ones as patrons revelled in the festivities.

MORE -PAGES 6-7

Locals lead new paths

RICKY Dent can’t stop smiling. He’s an environmental engineer who travels theworld in his job, and now he’sbackinhis old South Gippslandstamping ground doing what he loves: building an advanced engineering plant, at Radial TimberinYarram, thatisforging new horizonsin environmental managementand sustainability.

Ricky is an environmental technology specialist with Earth Systems, aPort Melbourne-based company that is in ajoint venture with aSouth Gippslandbioenergy company, Spiegel Energy, and Radial to build acontinuous pyrolysis biochar plant.

“I’m originally fromYanakie, went to FishCreek Primary School and Foster High School, then to the city to study environmental science at Monash University,” he told the Gippsland Times “I enteredthe workforce and have been designing these machine for the last seven years now. Itravel aroundworld, installing, commissioning, constantly improving the technology. I’m now back in South Gippy,atYarram; Iused to play footyatthe oval across the road.

“It’sreallygood. Yarram is one of the first places to have areal go at an installation likethis. Coming back to my roots, when the opportunity to come here came up, Iwas the first to put my hand up.” Story -Page4

Stefan Bradley

THE Department of Education (DOE) and MaffraSecondary College say they are working to build the school’s understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal histories and cultures after two Indigenous students experienced racial abuse and bullying.

The two Aboriginalgirls are aged 12 and 15 and have attended Maffra Secondary College since the start of the 2023 schoolyear. The two sisters (who won’t be named in this story) say they have enjoyed their time at the school for the most part, and made good friends.

The sisters’ grandfather, Dave, who first spoke to this reporter earlier this year, says the girls have experienced bullying -often raciallycharged -about adozen times, including at least one incident that led to aphysical fight.

Dave told the GippslandTimes he’s had numerous meetings with staff from

the DOE and the school. The bullies involved have also been reprimanded, which has included suspensions and handwritten apology notes, anumberof which have been seenbythe Gippsland Times.

Dave, however,feels not enough is being done.

“It’s not dealt with quickly enough, so even if they receive awritten apology from the students, it arrives afew days or weeks after the incident. I’d like to see the racism and bullying dealt with right away if it happens,” he said.

Dave believes the best way to prevent racism is education for staff and students alike. He says getting non-Indigenous students involved with Koorie cultural inclusion programs would be apositive step.

Dave said the Koorie cultural programs are run at the school every two weeks,but onlyKoorie students are taking part. It’s understood the school is lookingtoinvolve other students soon.

“It’s good for the other kids, no matter their background, to get involved with these Koori groups. They can show the other kids what their culture is all about,” he said.

ADOE spokesperson told the Gippsland Times they were working with all involved in these incidents. This includes ensuring thatMaffra Secondary College is making full use of programs and resources to address any instances of bullying and racism.

“Every Victorian student should feel safe and respected at school -and we haveazerotolerancefor any form of racism or bullying,” thespokesperson said.

“Maffra Secondary College takes any complaint or incident involving racism extremely seriously and has responded promptly -the school runs adedicated programtosupport Kooriestudentsand buildstudents’understanding of our rich Indigenous history.”

Dave said he wasn’t happy with the DOE’s statement.

“They say they’re doing something about it, but it’s not enough. We’d like them to expand on the Koorie groups, rather than just tick boxes to say they are doing something,” he said.

“I said to them, their strategies aren’t working. otherwise my grandkids wouldn’thave beenracially abused (numerous) times.

“I don’t think the local community knows the level of racismthat’s happening at the college. I’m sure it happens at other schools, but my grandkids go to Maffra, so that’s what I’m focusing on.”

Dave has welcomed some progress that has been made, which includesa student being suspended on the same day they used aracial slur against one of his granddaughters.

But he hopes the incidents can be prevented, rather than responded to.

Philip Hopkins

Photo: Zaida Glibanovic

Showingoff West Gippy at Gardivalia

GARDIVALIA will open this Saturday (April 20). Gippsland is abeautiful place to visit, especially in autumn, and the Gardivalia team is looking forward to showing off West Gippsland. Visit Tall Timbers at Piedmont, alarge garden in anatural bush setting, with plantings of many exotic trees and shrubsaround water features such as acreek, cascade and large ponds. Light refreshments by Neerim South CWA andMaranatha International will be provided.

Laurie Collins' sculpture garden in Jindivick has morethan60metal sculptures, amongthe

bedsand trees,aswell as the Red TreeGallery and demonstrations of plasma cutting of metal.

In Drouin West, patronscan visit the lovely rural garden of Killara, which features acottage style garden with many flowers, roses, proteas, succulents, hydrangeas, camellias, shady trees, lawn and avegetable garden.

In Copelands Road, Warragul, attendees can walk around Wrens Wood -afive acre garden with oaks, gums, maples, conifers, roses, buddlejas, rhododendrons,camellias, fruitand nut trees, avegetable and berry garden, aforest of vines and ferns, and orchids.

Tucked away at the end of along driveway is Jenny's Garden,35-year-old garden of mixed flowering plants and exotic trees that runs into asloping acreofmainlynative trees creating a smallforest for wildlife.Close by is Stonehaven,an ornamental garden with stone features, beautiful maples,natives,bulbsand roses. Nextdoor is Kirkdale, abeautiful gardenoffiveacres with 100-year-old trees,large lawn areas and lake built in the 1990s. Japanese maples, many oak trees, conifers and natives feature. At Trafalgar SouthisBellissimi Alberi,adelightful

Thousands pourinto pools in summer period

MORE than 5300 students from 29 local schools used Wellington Shire council's outdoor pools for swimming carnivals during the 2023/24 summer period. Outdoor pools at Sale, Maffra, Heyfield, Yarram andStratfordwere all used as part of the critical programmingfor Wellington’s rural and centralised schools.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, IanBye, emphasised the value local pools held for schools, as they teach studentstolearn life-long swimming skills and healthy water habits.

"Swimming carnivals are arite of passage for Australian school kids, and we were pleased to provide schools priority access of local facilities so that everyonehad afun,and safe day," Cr Bye said. "We acknowledge the difficulties this may have causedsome regular users while AquaEnergy’s

indoor pools are closed for redevelopment, but we assure the community the disruptions are shortterm pain, for long-term gain."

As the AquaEnergy redevelopment nears completion of stage one, council would like to thank the community for its patience so far.

The full redevelopment is due for completion in June2025and will feature anew 25-metre pool and hall with azero depth water play area, afully accessible single level pool deck for universal access, new changefacilities, aChangingPlaces facility, a new sauna, and adedicated Learn to Swim office and coordination space.

During winter, Aqua Energyisaimingtomaintain as many services as possible through programming at West Sale Indoor Pool. Hydrotherapy, swimming lessons,lap swimming and Aqua Circuit Classes will beavailableduringwinterprogrammingatWestSale.

While recreational swimming is not available at WestSale, councilisoffering an excitingnew activity at Gippsland Regional Sports Complex -giant inflatable indoor obstacles. Theinitiative launched on Friday, April 5, with the sports-themed equipment includinganobstacle run, giant dart board, jumping castle, slam dunk zone and aball pit. The inflatables will be availableonFridays, Saturdays,Sundays and Mondays during school holidays, and Sundays during the school term, allowing the whole family to enjoy physical activity, no matter the weather.

For more information regarding GRSC'snew inflatables, visit grscwellington.com.au/inflatables.

For more informationregarding AquaEnergy, its current opening hours or the redevelopment, visit aquaenergy.com.au

Taskforce cracking down on dodgyrentals

THE state government is raising awarenessof minimum standards in rentals as the renting taskforce startstoramp up -targeting andcracking down on dodgy rentals.

Ministerfor ConsumerAffairs Gabrielle Williams on Friday joined Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria Nicole Rich to remindrental providers, agents and renters of their rights and obligations ahead of the taskforce’s crackdown on rental law breaches -including breaches of the minimum standards. Astate-wide campaign has kicked off, aiming to provideeasytounderstand information to Victorian rental providers about theirobligations to delivera safer and secure home, and to renters about their rights while renting. The campaign will run across multiple platforms over the coming months and will be visible on key real estatewebsites. Translationswill also help get

Police Beat with Zaida Glibanovic

Sale burglary being investigated

POLICE are investigating following aburglary in Sale last month.

Investigatorshavebeen told unknown offender(s) gained entry to aresidencein Campbell Court on either March 19 or 20.

Anumberofitems including weapons were stolen from the home.

Anyonewith information is urgedtophone CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at crimestoppers.com.au

the message out to people who don’t speak English.

Rentalproperties in Victoria must meet minimum safety and quality standards and include things thatpeople would reasonably expect of ahome –like afunctional kitchen, lockable external doors, and being structurally sound and weatherproof. Letting anew renter move into arental property thatdoesn’t meet these standards is acriminal offence, with maximum penalties of more than $11,000for individuals and $57,000 for companies.

There has been an increase in reports of poorly maintained rentals -with repairs and maintenance in the top five issues that people contacted Consumer Affairs Victoria aboutlastfinancial year. The government recently announceda dedicated renting taskforce, backed by a$4millioninvestment -tocrack downonoffences like renting out properties thatdon’t meet the minimum standards. The renting taskforce builds on workbeing done

Trafalgar fatalcollision

Adriver and achild have died in an horrific crash in Trafalgar.

Just before 5.30pm Sunday atruck and acar collided on the Trafalgar-Willow Grove Road. Police say the car driver and the child died at the scene.

Thetruck driverwas taken to hospitalto be treated for their injuries.

Detectives from the MajorCollision Unitare investigating the circumstancessurrounding the collision.

Police are seeking more witnesses and drivers in the area with dashcam video footage who can assist their investigation into the tragedy.

throughthe government's HousingStatement, including banningall types of rental bidding, restricting rent increasesbetween successive fixed-term rental agreements, and extending the notice of rent increase and noticetovacateperiods to 90 days.

“We are delivering atargeted campaign across Victoria to ensure renters know their rightsand rental providers know their legal obligations,” Ms Williams said.

“Every Victorian renter has the right to live in a safe and secure home -that’s why we introduced the minimum standardsbackin2021and it’swhy we established the renting taskforce to crack down on rental law breaches.”Thegovernment is also establishingRental Dispute Resolution Victoria and delivering aRental Stress Support Package to supporttenants doing it tough.

Liam is missing

THE 16-year-old

Liam was last seen in Bairnsdale on March14.

Police have concerns for his welfare due to his age and the lengthof time he’s been missing.

Anyone with information on his current whereabouts is

RadialTimber taking on power

Philip Hopkins

RADIAL TimberinYarram, with astrategy alreadyinplacefor its mainstream timber operation, has embarked on anew approach to using its wood wastethat takesthe company deeper into the heart of the sustainable, circular economy.

Radial hasinstalledapilot plant that uses pyrolysis technology; organic material, in this case woodresidues, is burnt at high temperatures withoutoxygentoproducebiochar,astable solid that is rich in carbon and can fertilise and endure in soil for thousands of years.

“The plant can also produce heat and energy, and wood vinegar -aliquid, potentially usable in agriculture, also in cooking,” said Radial’s managing director, Chris McEvoy.

The heat will play acrucial role in running the timber mill, with apotential heating source for the local community.

The $1 millionpilot continuous biocharmaker is the result of three years’ research and development, and is ajoint venture between Radial; Earth Systems, which provides the technology; and Spiegel Bioenergy, aSouth Gippsland battery supplier owned by John and Linda Ballis.

“We have apure resource, most of the biochar plant around the worldare working with waste, plastic waste, arboreous waste-green leaves, different species and densities; the productthat comes out is not that uniform,” Chris said.

“Ourtimber is all dense class,one or two timbers, all exactlythe sameshape. First,it should go through well, and secondly,shouldbe areally high-value, consistent product.We’ve got plenty of resource, plenty of forestry residue. The beauty of thecontinuous charmaker is you can put through much largervolumes.Takethe biochar and put it into degraded soil’stoimprove it -Ilove this circular economy story.”

Earth Systems, the technology provider based in PortMelbourne, wasoriginallyanenvironmentalconsulting firm foundedin1993.

“Forabout adecade, we have been doing pyrolysis systems. We’re smallbut have offices all over the world for our consulting work, yet this side of the businessinthe last couple of yearshas

started to take off. There is alot more interest in biochar,” said Ricky Dent,Earth Systems’ environment technology specialist who is from South Gippsland and is loving being‘back home’ installing aplant in the region.

The companyalready runs aplant at Lysterfield in the Dandenong Ranges.

Ricky, running his hand through the feed stock -the mill’s sawdust residue -explained how the plant works.

“The residue will feed out to the first stage conveyor and go up into our shuttledrawer system. The purposeofthis system is to create an air-tight seal between the outside world and the pyrolysis happening inside,” he said.

“Because pyrolysis is heat in the absence of air -it’sthermal degradation, so we must keep as much air out of the process as possible. The job of our furnace is to spread the feedstock as widely as possible to maximise surface area so we get the maximum reaction in theshortest amount of time.

“The feedstockwillbethen conveyed along the length of the furnace, where it will convert from wood biomass to pure carbon, which is the biochar that comes out at the end. The gas travels in the opposite direction to the feedstock; in that way it is able to deposit its heat onto the incoming feedstock,making the whole system closed loop with very little emissions."

Ricky said in the chamber, the aim was to get the biochar to about 500 degrees Celsius, with the gases jumping right up to the potentially as high as 1300 deg C.

"Normally we try and keepthe temperature lower,but we’re talkingabout generating electricity from that process, so if you want to generate electricity, the higher the temperature we get, that generally means the higher efficiency," he said.

Ricky said themillitself needsheat and electricity.

“That will be the next stage to this project, deeming what’s most economic, what works out best for everyone. We will either capture additional heat from here to assist in their process or offset their energy use at that end, or we will aim for as much electricity generation as we can, whichwill go into the battery storage

on site and that can go out to feed the rest of the mill,” he said.

At this stage, the operation is looking at about 75 kilowattsofelectrical output mainly for internal use.

For external use, abiggerscale of plant, or amultiple of these plants, would be required.

“The big thing about thermaltechnology, it doesn’t scale in alinear fashion -it’s more exponential," Ricky said.

"Should anything go mildly wrong, the machine willshutitselfdown. We’venow runlong enough in Australiaand we have agood relationship withthe CFA; they even grant us permits to run on days of extreme fire danger. We’ve even got apermit to run on total fireban, but we choose not to.”

Chris McEvoy will assess how the biochar plant fits in with Radial’s current operation. Having lost access to VicForests’ native hardwood timber, Radial’s plan is to use its own hardwood plantations to make the business self-sufficient in the long term.

In the interim,inthe absenceoflargerlogs, Radial will concentrate on its new peeling plant. Asmall log line is part of the peeler plant, which can peel asmall log downinto veneer sheets, which are dried, glued and pressed. This engineered timber can theoretically be used to make mass panels.

“We could not run the peeling plant we want to run because of the requirementstoheat the logs before they are peeled. Once peeled, you must dry the veneers through this big dryer; doing thatongas and electricity, youwouldnever afford it," Chris said.

“We can’t put apeeling plant in without a bio-plant. If we put the full LVL plant in, we need alot of heat.”

That may require the use of technology called ROC -aRakin cycle engine that produces electricity off waste heat from the pyrolysis plant.

“What’s really exciting -solar is only good in summer or daylight; no sun -nosolar. The idea of the biochar plant and this ROC -Ibelieve no one in Australia is doing this -istohave asolar system and arenewable recharge system that is not solar. The idea there is -use the free energy from the sun,use the batteryand charge the

batteries at night with the biochar plant while you are producing biochar, which is closing that loop.That’show it’s connected.”

Chris said he was more interested in the heat and energy first -the project was ‘stacking up’ on energy -but then he also got excited by the bioproducts.

“Havingamulti-faceted business plan, it’s great; it potentially covers any risk. The fact is you are getting all those products and using a waste resource,” he said.

Radial, having worked on the project for three years, aims to get the pilot plant up and running and “see where we go from here”.

“We will test the market with forestry, including our own plantations, agribusinesses, nurseries, even some value-added likegraphene (whichisused for batteries).When you have product, you can go out into the market with bulk examples,” Chris explained.

“We are goingtobring togetherpotentially interested parties in the bioproducts, get them involved in the journey of the pilot plant. LandCare Australia is very keen, and some of the agribusinessesare definitelykeen. They can set up their own Rand Dtrials, they can potentially become our sales agent.”

Chris said wood vinegar, aliquid product available from the pyrolysisplant, was potentially useable in agriculture.

“It’s an extract from pyrolysis oils used as an organic herbicide replacement for Roundup. It’s also used in cooking. This is the new bioeconomy -refining wood fibre products into other products,” he said.

While that’s happening, Chris said Radial would also test to see what sort of heat and energytheycouldget, how much product to “iron out the bugs”.

ARENA (the Australian Renewable Energy Agency),having funded batteries and solar, was looking at new renewables.

“They want some stuff that has not taken off and could be commercial and could have scale. We will bring them on that journey. They’ve got funding. We don’t need funding tomorrow, but that would be great in the future,” he said.

Ricky Dent hasreturned home to help headupanoperationturning wood waste into biochar Photos:Contributed

Unfurling the fabric of Annemieke Mein

WHILE you could reasonably expect an exhibition titled,‘ALife’sWork’,wouldfeaturequitealotofwork (200artworks actually, giveortake), it’s perhaps the glimpses of AnnemiekeMein’s life that gives her exhibitiondepthbeyondthethree-dimensionaltextiles.

Annemieke Mein:ALife’s Work -ARetrospective allowspatronstoweavetheirwaythroughtheartist’s life, as thoughAnnemieke herself has been stitched intothe exhibition.

In fact, theswatches of Annemieke that contribute to this deeplypersonal exhibit offer just as much as the artworksthemselves. TheDutch-bornartist immigratedtoAustraliawithherparents,arrivingin Melbournein1951 as achild. Marryingher husband Phillipin1968,thepairmovedtoSalein1971toraise their family. Yesterday, April 15, marked her 80th birthday.

Annemieke’shistoryispresentthroughoutthemany glass-boxed educational showcases on display -black andwhite photographs of relatives, hergreat,great grandmother’s sewing box, an heirloom ivory letter opener, crochet baby booties. Silkfloralembroideries, originally collected from Dutch cigar boxes, draw a tendersmile from Annemieke.

“I have about 300ofthem. My grandfather was a cigar smoker,and Iusedtoplay withthem as agirl. He’dlie on thecouch and I’d cover his wholebodyin them," she said

"One of my favourite toys. They’re so delicate, so intricate…aren’t they justbeautiful?”

Anook in the gallery permanently reservedfor Annemieke’s rotating display hasbeen transformed intoareplica of her studio, complete with herdesk, chair and views of Sale Water Tower.

You can’t help but visualise Annemieke deep in thought at herdesk, peeringthrough hermicroscope and tilting adragonfly specimen, observing the way thelightreflects off the wing,before trialling layering sheer fabricoverplastic to seeifitcaptures the same shimmer

Anotherwing of thegallery displaysearlyworks, including self-portraits, portraits of loved ones, her ownweddingdressandbridalheadpiecefrom55years agoandamaternitydresssewnwiththefoetalstages of her daughter,Joanne

“Phillip makesall my frames- you’llsee that all my works have the same frame. He’s made them since 1972,”she proudly points out.

Evenherlaternature-inspiredworksofferglimpses intoAnnemieke,particularlyherfondnessfortheplace she(andother“littlebeasties”)callhome-Gippsland “EverythingImakeisvirtuallyfromGippsland-our HighPlains,ourrivers,ourwetlands-it’smypassion.

Ilive here.It’s the best place on Earth for me,” she beams.

Her care and passion to bring attention to the plight of even to the smallest insect extends to saving minute details from decades ago, including rough sketches,stitchingtrials,colourexperimentsandfibre samples for each piece,justsoothers can learn how she perfected theartistryofthe stitch. Herfondnessforoftenoverlookedfaunaiscontagious, and each piecehas astory. Stopping in front of Face On(1992),Annemiekeexplainsthesubjectisafemale grass-blue butterfly, just hatchedout of itscasing “She’ssittingtheredryingherwingsbeforeshetakes off for flight,” she says. “In the backgroundare all the male butterflies,

because when shehatches, she lets off apheromone and every male for akilometre aroundwillwant to mateher.”

Afemale blue grass butterfly specimen is displayed as part of the adjoining educational showcase.

“Thisbutterflyisonly acentimetre long, but I’ve made it 50 centimetres long,” Annemieke says.

“I have amicroscope -Iliketobring out all these little details like the eyeshow they look almost crosshatched with little glittery points on them, and so under the microscope Ican see the high detail and portray that. Everything Iportray, I’ve seen in life. That means Ican have empathy with it, I understand it.”

Gippsland Art Gallery Director, Simon Gregg, says the purpose of the blockbuster event is thanking Annemieke for everything she’s done for the gallery, across more than 40 years.

“As afundraiser,asa donorasshe’s donated many artworks,asaboard member… she’s just been involved in so many levels and given so much of herself to the gallery, and really worked tirelessly on our behalf,” he gushes.

“She’s unstoppable.”

Awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 1988 for Services to the Arts, Annemieke’searly works were often misunderstood and dismissed by the art directorsascraft.Now,onher80thbirthday,anentire gallery isbrimmingwith herworld-renownedtextiles works, paintings, watercolour drawings, sculptures and garments, and bringing in record crowds to see this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition.

“It’s been totallyoverwhelming. It’s almost surreal Sometimes, Ifeel like Ishould pinch myself that I’m inadream.Seeing work that Imade60years agoand then to see work I’ve made in 2024… This is what is so surreal for me.”

Annemieke Mein: ALife’s Work -ARetrospective is on display at Gippsland Art Gallery until Sunday, May 26.

Face On (1992) depicts afemale grass-blue butterfly,just hatched from itscasing. Photos:Contributed

Annemieke Mein picturedinfront of her artist’s studio, replicated from theone housed in her home attic.

Renowned not only for herdetailed textiles, Annemieke Mein hasbrought conservation to the forefront of art observer’s minds.

Cheers to another Tinamba

Zaida Glibanovic

PEOPLE from far and wide experienced the perfect blend of fine wine and exquisite cuisine on apicturesque autumn day at the one-of-akind Tinamba Food and WineFestival last Sunday.

Organisers at Wine Gippsland said they had 570 ticketssoldbefore the day, with a few hundred patrons buying them at the door. This puts the suspected attendance numbers at around 700 to 800 people.

The sun shone brightly over Tinambaas patronsenjoyed the beats, blends and tastes of the region.

The ExecutiveOfficerofWineGippsland, Bernadine Phelan, said it was afantastic day.

“This is the 14th annual Tinamba Food and Wine Festival, so people (knew) it’s going to be afun dayout,” she said Pours from local wineries like Blue Gables, Carrajung Estate, Glenmaggie, Lightfoot, Narkoojee, NicholsonRiver, Wyanga Park and Xavier Goodridge were enjoyed by all.

Festivalgoers gave the event high praise, with

many recounting the fun they had over the course of the day.

“It’sverymuch acommunity event, so we get muchofthe communityinvolved.HeyfieldLions, Tinamba CFA, and the Tinamba Community Hall groups are all involved in setting up, logistics, and running the day,” Ms Phelan said.

Nobody was scared off from thefestival dueto the2023weather,asthe Sundayforecast was always set to be abeauty

“Nineyears out of 10, we get this sort of weather and it was justthat last year was freakishly torrential rain, but we still had a goodturn out lastyear,” Ms Phelan said.

Notonlydid people enjoy abitetoeat and a vintage to drink, the Hip Pockets, featuringsome of Gippsland's best-known musicians, rocked Tinamba Road. This 10-piece funk, soul, and R&B band, with their four-piece horn section and asetlist, gotpatrons up on their feet.

Parents brought the kids out to enjoy the many foodoptions, with the TinambaCFA’s gourmet sausagesizzle ahugesuccess.

Bairnsdale’s Kirsty Longwon the prizedraw valued at $1500

“I was in shock because Ihad no idea thatI

was in the competition,” shesaid.

Ms Long enjoyed VIP entry and will relax for two nights in the Georgian townhouse at exclusiveMansionRaymond in Sale, she will also enjoy achef's tasting dinnerfor two at hatted Tinamba Hotel, and amixedcaseofwine.

Ms Phelan saidthe festival wasimportantto celebratelocal industry.

“AsGippslanders, we are so used to being ‘the best kept secret’,and it's about timewestop being abest kept secret and start shouting about how greatweare already,” she said.

People from allcorners of Australiacame to Tinamba to experiencethe day.

Ballina’s, Shelley and Cameron Bell said the day hadbeen excellent.

“Welovecoming down to Victoria; the vibes at the festival have just been brilliant,” they said.

Ms Phelansaid the festivalwas ultimately for thecommunity'senjoyment.

“In an environment when lotsoffestivals are struggling or not goingahead because of thecost of living -we’ve kept the prices down deliberately, but also this is acommunity festival,” she said.

The many communitygroups that do help

outtake apercentageofthe day's proceeds, ensuringthat thegreat daythat Tinamba provides for wine is rewarded.

The Tinamba Foodand WineFestival is largely self-sufficient, but did receive some support from Wellington Shire Council in 2024.

With 50 wineries across Gippsland, eight East and Central Gippsland wineries were on display at the festival.

The co-owners of Carrajung Estate in Willung South, Ivy Huang and Adrian Critchlow said the day was afun celebration.

“It’s been such agood day”, Ms Huang said Ms Phelansaidthat when it comes to expansion, finding abalance between keepingthe event intimate and making it even bigger would be difficult.

“I guess it just depended on making the balance right between something that feels nice and intimate, and everyone feeling like they’re getting agood experience and they're not far from the band,” she said.

Cost-of-living pressures remain at the forefront of people's minds,and Ms Phelan said the Gippsland wine industry was no different. “Let face it, wine is anon-essential in life

The 14th annual Tinamba Food and Wine Festival was another success last Sunday. 10-piece R&B soulband, the HipPockets,onstage.

Therewas eight different local wineries at the festival.

Prize winner Kirsty Long of Bairnsdale with her son Jake, and Wine Gippsland executive officer Bernadine Phelan. Photos: ZaidaGlibanovic

Tinamba’s Bruce Allen and Annette Juleworkingwith Wendy andErrol Blanch from Coongulla.

Newry’s Jessie Hacketand Jess Hamil with Heyfield’s Shayla Heardand Maffra’s Deacon Williams

10 piece soul band Hip Pockets on stage

P i i Ki t L f B i d l ith h J k

Hacket and

Food and Wine Fest

when people are forced to choose their essential groceriesand will they buy another bottle of wine, they might not choose anice premium Gippsland Wine; they might choose somethingthat’s alot cheaperand not nearlyas nice,” she said.

“Everyone is going through similar struggles in the hospitality business, whetherit'snot getting enough people through the door because they aren’t spending as much at the moment or whether people aren’t travelling as much. There are alot of factors that make it really challenging.”

If running alocal winery wasn’t hard enough in this day and age, arecent ABC FourCorners report found evidence of Coles and Woolworthsselling phantom wines to compete against authentic wineries. Phantom brands are essentially home brands in disguise. They are created by supermarkets to give the impression of diversity and choice on their shelves.These corporate phantom brands with elaborate wine-making stories have beenundercutting real independentwinemakers for years.

Ms Phelan discussed the effect these big corporations’ tactics have on small winemakers.

“It is disheartening to see big corporates take on the authenticity thatwesmallerproducers can provide. Every single one of our guys and girls has areally genuine wineproducer story to tell, and they are boots on the ground, tools in hand winemakers, so it really is disheartening to see abig corporation use that kindofstory to mask something that isn't a small winery,” she said. Despite the wineindustry's challenges,with the weather

Agnes Frackowiak andRobertDomanski from Maffra

JohnValentinefromNewry enjoyed some beer with good mate Brian Fisher from Tynong North.

Kristy Hallet from Sale, Boisdale’s Raquel Harris and Sale’s Steph Jones loved thevibe.

Jack Keillorand Maddie Turner from Sale

John Valentine from Newry

Keillor and

The battle with endometriosis

Erika Allen

DIAGNOSES of endometriosis, achronic pain condition affecting women, girls, and people assigned female at birth, have increased in Australia. However, those in regional areas, whetherdiagnosed, awaiting diagnosis or grappling withother chronicpelvicpain, face challenges in accessing relief, which underscores the significanceofongoing support for women's health issues.

FROM the age of 14, Sale resident Jemma NesbitSackvillelived with debilitatingpain during her menstrual cycles.

Throughout her teens and twenties, she endured painful cramping, bloating and heavy bleeding, from which she developed an iron deficiency and required irontransfusions.She opted outofplaying sports and had to use sick leave from work due to menstrual and ovulation pain.

"When Iwas ateenager, endometriosis wasn't reallyspoken about. It wasn't somethingthat was putforward as an option (by GPs) if you had pelvic pain or pain with menstruation or ovulation," Ms Nesbit-Sackville said.

"That made me thinkthat whatI was experiencing was normal."

She thought: "Everyone went through what Iwas going through every month, and Iwas somehow weakerorless (than) becauseIcouldn't continue as if life wasnormal."

But debilitating pain associated with menstruation and ovulation is not normal, said Traralgon-based gynaecologist and specialist surgeon, Doctor Sherif Girgis.

"Severe pain is not normal. The pain which suggeststhatitisrelated to endometriosis is when

(women) get maximum painwith the maximum flow of blood during their period," he said.

Instead of being acondition of signs, endometriosis is acondition of symptoms: it is rarely diagnosed without invasive surgery, and the decision to seek help hinges on personal experiences of pain, further complicatedbysocietal norms thattrivialise female discomfort and normalise period pain.

Additionally,because endometriosis runs in families, familial patterns, including taking days off work or school due to severe pain and not seeking help, perpetuate the misconception that such suffering is typical. However, it's crucial to recognise thatperiodpain,whensevere,may signifyadeeper issue like endometriosis, challengingthe notion of 'normalcy'.

Whathappens insideaperson with endometriosis to cause this pain is related to the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue, similar to the lining of the womb(uterus), outsideitand in other parts of the body. These growthsare called implantsor lesions and have been found growing throughout every organ system. The bowel, fallopian tubes, ovaries, eyes and lungs are some places it has been identified.

While what causes this is debated, endometriosis is often described as an 'oestrogen-dependent condition' becauseendometrial tissue responds to higher oestrogen levels duringmenstruation, causing growthstothicken and bleed. With nowhere to escape the body, this can lead to painfulinflammation, the formation of scartissue,and adhesions that can join organs to one another.

Endometriosisisamong many chronic conditions afflicting female-born people thatisbeset by delayed diagnoses. The average delay between first having symptoms and getting diagnosed is six years.

It took 20 years for Ms Nesbit-Sackville to be diagnosed with endometriosis.

This occurred by chance at theage of 35 while undergoing alaparoscopy -aninvasive 'keyhole' surgery commonly used to examine and treat pelvic organ conditions, including endometriosis.

While the surgery was necessary to treat adifferent condition, other problems were identified.

Ms Nesbit-Sackville's rightovarywas found completely adhered to her uterus, and that endometriosis had developed on her bowel and was enveloping her left ovary.

Dr Anusch Yazdani, who is the Medical Director of Endometriosis Australia and afertility specialist, said that while conditions such as endometriosis have existed for along time,likeother women's health issues, it is "under-researched, underfunded (and) under-assessed".

As ateenager,MsNesbit-Sackvillewas told to use the contraceptive pill to manageher menstrual symptoms, asolution she said is used as a"catchall" by GPs. She added, in her experience, it was "uncommon to probe more into what might be causing (pelvic pain) with further testing".

"It is just accepted that women have heavy bleeding, women have low iron levels, and it's very uncommon for someone to want to explore that more," she said.

Other than using off-the-shelf pain relief like Nurofen and heat packs, Ms Nesbit-Sackville had little choice but to live in pain for two decades.

"You just grit yourteeth and bear it, unfortunately," she said.

This line of thinking, concerning as it is, reflects amore significant problemregarding how women's health issues are perceived.

Instances of medical misogyny undermine women's pain

"We know that women who present with pain are less likely to be taken seriously, are less likely to be investigated, (and) are less likely to receive treatment regardless of the gender of the person who's looking after them," Dr Yazdani said.

"Whetherafemale or amalepractitionerdoesn't make any difference. It's (referring to endometriosis)

just undervalued compared to other diseases."

The National Women's Advisory Council, established in 2022 to address thedismissal of women's health concerns, released the findings of its #EndGenderBias Survey in March.

Gender bias,particularly marked by alack of belief in women's accounts, was most prevalent in areas concerning sexual and reproductive health as well as chronic pain, according to reports from women, girls, and individuals assigned female at birth, as well as healthcare professionals.

More than 70 per cent reported encountering bias in thediagnosisand treatment of health conditions.

These statistics reflect how medical misogynythe disregard or discrimination of women's bodies and theircontrol over their health outcomes -exists within healthcare systems.

In Ms Nesbit-Sackville's experience, she was prescribed the contraceptivepill that would, in theory, stop the pain by halting menstruation and ovulation altogether.

However, after aperiod of using it, she discovered her body could not tolerate the contraceptive pill and that it gave her "physical pain".

"That was not something that GPs took seriously when IsaidthatI was having pelvic pain from taking it," she said.

Among other advice,she recalled:"Oneofthe GPs that Isaw through my 20s told me that Ishould have ababy to fix the symptoms."

Astudy by theUniversities of Adelaideand Sydney foundthat over half of agroup of 3000 medically diagnosed endometriosis patients had been advised to have ababyasa treatment. However, researchers said the advice could have negative effects on patients, including feelingstress or pressure over being too young to have ababy.

Additionally, while women with endometriosis can conceivechildren naturally, the conditionis reported to be asignificant cause of infertility.

Ms Nesbit-Sackville also said, "Often something that is alluded to when you are trying to seek a diagnosis is thatitcould just be amental situation that you're manifesting physically".

Not feeling believed or heardregarding their health issues was reported by more than 60

Associate Professor DoctorAnusch Yazdani said Endometriosis Australiaand The National Action Plan forEndometriosis have beenfundamental in raising awareness

per cent of the cohortwho participatedinthe #EndGenderBias Survey.

When womenare dismissed andmisdiagnosed with mental health issues, including anxiety and depression (both are symptoms of endometriosis), living with pain becomes the norm and only compounds diagnostic delay.

The#EndGenderBias Survey also reports that intersectional factors like gender identity,geographical isolation and race contribute to diagnostic delays.

Answers less accessibleinregional areas

"If you don'thave access to services, you can't know all the ways of managing your pain, so you just learn to adapt and live with that pain, which is not OK," Ms Nesbit-Sackville said.

When she was experiencing pelvic pain, Ms Nesbit-Sackville sought assistance at local women's health services in Gippsland. Confronted with a wait time of four months for an initialappointment with agynaecologist, she went elsewhere.

When she sought advice at Sale Hospital, the same issuepresented itself-she would havetowait 12 months before aspecialist who "does rounds at the hospital" could see her. She was then referred to awomen's health physio but faced another eight-month waiting period.

"We can't expect people to wait these periods of

time whilst trying to hold down their job, do all their life admin,look after their children or partner or pets -the pain that comes with endometriosis affects every aspect of your life, and it isn't just about acertain time of the month," she said.

Dr Yazdani said,"70 per cent of women who have endometriosis surgery do that in aprivately funded setting becausethey can't stayonthose two-three-year waiting periods that women are waiting for, so that's where Ithink awhole lot of these problems happen".

Dr Yazdani noted thatthere are some ways endometriosis can be diagnosed withoutinvolving invasiveprocedures like laparoscopic (keyhole) surgeries.

However, he said thatwhile ultrasoundscanners had improved their diagnostic abilities, they were not readily available or adequate in regional locations.

"Regional ultrasound is done by general radiologic clinics and general practitioners who are trying to work with the 90 per cent of other things. They're not specialised, so they're less likely to pick up things like endometriosis."

Women can be referred to public hospitals for surgery, determining theircondition. Still,Dr Yazdani said during keyhole surgeries, surgeons wereusually looking for one thing; it seems Ms Nesbit-Sackvillewas lucky her endometriosis was identified at all.

"If the (endometriosis) diagnosis is not made, that woman with pelvic pain is left without other treatment options," Dr Yazdani said.

That Ms Nesbit-Sackville'sspecialist surgeon was able to remove her endometriosis during the same surgery"was just pure luck", accordingto Ms Nesbit-Sackville.

Dr Girgis said therewere not enoughspecialists operating on endometriosis in the public system, and those specialised in removing severe adhesions between organs were especially rare.

"The average specialist in Australia are level 3 keyhole surgeons, but for advanced endometriosis (surgery), you need level 6keyhole surgeons, and there are not many of them available in Victoria," he said.

Dr Girgis explained that level six surgeons treat endometriosis in its fourth and most severe stage -characterised by widespread, deep implants and adhesions between organs.

Dr Girgis is alevel six keyhole surgeon, but he no longer works in the public system and instead operates his own private practice.

Despite being historically under-recognised, endometriosis is more commonthan people realise. Nearly one million Australians live with endometriosis at some point in their lives.

According to the Australian Institute of Health

and Welfare report, endometriosis hospitalisations where the condition is either the primary or secondary diagnosis have surged recently, with 40,500 admissions reported between 2021 and 2022.

Although most admissions occurred among women aged 35 to 39, the steepest risein endometriosis-related hospitalisations occurred in the 20 to 24 age group. Since 2011, admissions increased two-fold from 330 to 660 per 100,000 females.

Increased awareness and education are factors

Dr Yazdani believes are contributing to this.

In 2017 Endometriosis Australia lobbied for increased support for endometriosis in the federal parliament,which resulted in theNational Action Plan forEndometriosis (NAPE) in 2018.

The NAPE aims to improve:

 Public awareness of endometriosis;

 Patients' understanding of the condition;

 Treatment options, and;

 Research programs into endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain.

In 2022, the federal government announced a$58.3 millionpackagefor endometriosis and pelvic pain would be included in the 2022-23Budget.

Part of thesefundswereused to set up 22 pelvic pain clinics across Australia, including three in regional Victoria in Bendigo, Warrnambool and Geelong (Belmont).

The closest painclinic to Gippslandisthe EACH PracticeinRingwoodEast, Melbourne.

Sincebeing diagnosed, Ms Nesbit-Sackville has implemented atreatment plan with the help of aspecialised team,including awomen's health physiotherapist, agynaecologist, and aspecialist she sees for 40-minute appointments every two months

However, whether it's Ms Nesbit-Sackville or, on days when she's undergoing surgery or experiencing particularly challenging symptoms,afriend or loved one, the journeytoattendthose appointments spans 220 kilometres.

"That'saninconvenience because Ican'taccess those services locally," shesaid Sheisnot alone. Vanessa, preferring nottoreveal her surname, said she was referred to atertiary hospital, atwo-hour drive from where she lives in the Latrobe Valley, when she was seeking surgery.

BeforeVanessa wastold endometriosis could be an issue for her in 2022, she saidnoGPever connectedher lowironlevelsfor whichshe has taken supplements for25years,tothe conditioncausing her abdominal pain

"Instead of seeing specialists, Iwas seen by a junior doctor who had to leave the room twice to check with his senior. This gives the patient zero confidence,"she said

"I was then given areferral to have an MRI, which meant another day off work to travel to the hospital as we don't have MRI operators anywhere in Gippsland that havethe skills required to obtain endometriosis images, or so Iwas told," she said.

Opting to wait12months for private health coverage instead of enduring atwo to three-year wait in the public systemfor surgery, Vanessa emphasized the importance of being able to choose her surgeon. “The first gynaecologist Iwas referred to in public health booked me for asurgery and then cancelled on the day after reviewing my scans and realising it was acomplicated surgery and out of theirscope. My takeaway fromthisexperience is that patients need adeep infiltrating endometriosis scan and/ or MRI prior to surgery and surgery should only be conducted by alevel six laparoscopic excision specialist surgeon.”

On top of travel and accommodation expenses to receive surgery in Melbourne, Vanessa said the procedure set her back$9000.

Vanessa said she would like to seemorespecialised services, including doctors, available in Gippsland.

"If regionalVictoria had access to specialist scans like aCOGU scan and MRI, it would alleviate the burden of travellingtothese clinics, alongwiththe costsoftravel, petrol, meals for the day and the day off work eating up personal leave that could be used for (endometriosis) surgeries."

Ms Nesbit-Sackville said she is lucky to afford specialist treatment but has experienced challenges in "all sides of the healthcare system".

"Trying to workthrough the systems, the specialists, the costs, the scheduling and all of the things that come with having awomen's health issue, I saw that there were alot of disconnects, and alot of people told me that they weren't able to help," she said.

Ms Nesbit-Sackville's advice to women is to "Push harder for testing, ask for the laparoscopic procedure to see if you do have endometriosis, and getthe referrals to gynaecologists".

"As women, we often accept less, especially when it comes to things that we might need to allow time andspace forourselves to have -could be travel, it could be making sure that we're able to get to appointments around things to do with our children," she said.

"We often put ourselves second and we accept that we live with pain. Idon't think that is OK. Not in Australia, not in acountry that has healthcare that should be able to take care of all our needs, including women's health."

If you are suffering from pelvic pain, it is recommended you seek theadvice of aGP as afirst point of call.

Jemma Nesbit-Sackville said prior to her diagnosis shehad to plan her life according to her endometriosis pain.Her previous job requiredher to work outside and in rural locations but left her wondering “Would Ibein the middle of nowhere? Would Ihaveaccess to facilities?”. Photo: Contributed

Fuel prices consistentlyhigh

IINVITE all local petrol station managers to please offer an explanation as to why the priceoffuel around the township of Sale has for quite some time been10cents more per litre than at Traralgon and Bairnsdale.

Andrew Jones Sale

Thanks for the festivities

ON behalf of the Sale Music Festival held at the Port of Sale on March 10, I’d like to thank the community and that assisted in so many ways to onceagainmakethis freecommunity event for the whole family agreat success.

Without the financialsponsorship of the WellingtonShire, the JohnLeslie Foundation, Exxon Mobil, Graeme Dyer and Bond Street Event Centre, this event would not be possible.

Many thanks also for the support of the Sale Girl Guides, Rotary Club of Sale, the staff at the Sale Library, and Bug Blitz Trust environmental educationgroup. The10th Sale Music Festival

would not have been the greatday out for the whole family without their participation.

Muchappreciation goestoboththe Sale Greyhound Club and the Sale TurfClubfor providing fabulous shade umbrellas for public use due to the very hot weather that was forecast for the day of the festival.

Huge thanks to TRFM and Gippsland’s Gold General Manager, Mat Cummins,for his fine skill as Master of Ceremonies for the day. Mat is certainly agreat contributortohis local community. And what afine cross section of musical talent was enjoyed on the day! From wonderful local Gippsland artists to the incredibly talented and entertaining Amber Lawrence, who performed two sets for the day, one for children and later in the day for the general audience.

May Ialsothankmost sincerelythe wider Gippsland community for its supportfor the event andIcertainly hope this will continue for the 11th event to be held on the Sunday of the long weekend, March, 2025.

Finally, Iwould like to most sincerely thank the Sale Music Festival Committee that has voluntarily committed so much time,effort andenthusiasm into the planning, organisation and implementation of this much loved event.

Twelvemonths of work goes into the planningby: KerryMcMillan, Heather Harrington, Mike Smith, RossJackson, ColinAdams and Rowan Churchill.

We are already looking forward to the 2025 Sale Music Festival.

David Harrington

Chairman, Sale Music Festival Inc

Struggling hospitality venues closing

THE closure of cherished regional pubs, bars, restaurants, and cafés in regional Victoria reflects the daunting economic challenges faced by hospitality business owners and their staff.

Rising costs, higher energycosts, increased land tax, soaring rents and mounting WorkCover premiumsthreaten their survival, includingtaxes on liquorlicences, powerhikes and dwindling revenue threatening businesses’ survival.

Immediate action is crucial to protectthese cultural landmarks and support the dedicated family businesses and the employees behind them, ensuring the prosperity of regional Victoria.

These closures are felt in areas such as Premier Jacinta Allan’s home seat of Bendigo,where the Kangaroo Flat Hotel has sadly closed.

The Forge, aprominent pizzeria in Ballarat, recently went into administration due to mounting cost pressures, including increased taxes and interest rates.

Frank and Connie’sKitchen,amuch-lovedvenue in Hepburn Springs, has closed its doors. Labor’s financial mismanagement has led to higher taxes and is now forcing many of our favourite hospitality venues to sadly close.

But it doesn’t stop there. TheLabor government’s restriction on gas supply has pushed prices up and nowthey’reproposing to ban new gas connections, forcing restaurants to use more expensive options to cook and heat their venues.

Under aLiberals and Nationalsgovernment, we will not ban gas. Labor can’t manage money and Victorians are paying the price.

Peter Walsh Leader of the Nationals

Unsociable behaviour

IT wouldappear we have chronic, unacceptable social behaviourissuesthroughoutour country …perpetrated by ‘children’ under 18 years of age.

Regrettably, we can attribute alarge amount of that behaviour to boredom, resulting from

unemployment and loss of workplace opportunity.

However, perhapsit’stimefor our federal government to seriously consider re-introducing National Serviceasapractical means of simultaneously solving the problems of diminished numbers of ADF personnel, out of control social disorder and how to equip our youth with meaningful, employable life skills.

Given these current issues, perhaps it’s also worth investinginanaltered recruitmentmodel, designed to welcome ‘persistent offenders’ from age 16. No exemptions for any person(regardless of gender) born in Australia, or for any immigrant, under the age of 16 who has resided in Australia for at least the past five years.

Trevor Tucker Sale

Photo: StefanBradley

In memoryofCathy

IN memory of their friend, Cathy Waller-Wolf Trembath, Sale Art Circle held a‘have ago’ with pastels day. Sadly, Cathy lost her battle with cancer last year.

Cathy was atalented artist who worked with pastels as well as other mediums. When Cathy became sick she donatedher art equipmentto Sale Art Circle.

The group said it was bittersweet using Cathy’s pastels, but believed she would have been very pleased. Theexperienced members were happy to share their knowledge and skill with the group.

Sale Art Circle will be holding an open day on Wednesday, April24for anyone who wouldlike to see what happens there. Head down for alook or bring your own equipment and lunch and stay for the whole day from 10.30am until 3pm.

Sale ArtCirclemeetsevery Wednesday in the school term at the Committee Room of the Sale Showgrounds. Enter via the greyhounds gate on the Sale Maffra Road. Usual times are from 10am until 3pm.

Small business workshop this week

SMALL businesses across Wellington Shire will have the opportunity to take part in afree online workshop, on Thursday, April 18, designed to helpthem strategically plan digital initiatives, identify and respond to business risks and implement resilience strategies. The initiative, aimed at supporting some of the 800,000+ small businesses across the country, is being rolled out by Optus, together with business training experts Dynamic Uplift with theone-day workshopavailableonline to ensure access for all regional small businesses. Emma Jensen, Vice President Small Business at Optus said: “Through listening to our customers across Victoria, we know that digital capabilityand keeping up to date as it rapidly changes -is one of the key issues that small businesses face. We felt there was areal opportunity for Optus to add value by offering asolution to help educate small businesses and reimagine their own digital strategy.”

“The FutureFitworkshopswillenable small businesses in Victoria to betterunderstand and leverage technology such as AI, social media, digital marketing tools and websitedevelopment, with the goal of making their business more resilient in adigital age.”

The workshops run by Dynamic Uplifttake agamified approach, incorporating interactive canvases and cards as well as user-friendly apps to simplifycomplex processes and meet the needs of small businesses regardless of their digital maturity stage.The workshops will cover anumber of topics including:

 Putting digital in context -understanding why it’s critical for every business;

 How to better leverage artificial intelligence and the right apps;

 Understanding what ‘digital’ could mean for your business, customers, and partners;

 Evaluating your current digital capability and competitive position, and;

 Planning and implementing your digital strategy.

Robert Kinkade, Director, SouthPacific Digital at Dynamic Uplift said: “Australia is well progressed on the shift to the digital age, and no business is immune to the impacts of digital disruption, regardless of size.”

The FutureFitworkshopwillbeheldonThursday, 18 April from 10am to 4pm. Small businesses who are interested in attending are invited to register via optus.com.au/business/futurefit

2024 Creative Arts

April 2024

The group wasestablished by four friends, all fellowartists, in February 2021withaviewto re-establishsocial connections in the wake of the pandemic.

Sale Art Circle memberand friend Cathy Waller-Wolf Trembath died last year Photos: Contributed

The Sale ArtCircle offersa weekly social outlet for Gippsland’s creatively-minded souls.

ONE POINTERS

1. Which singer wanted to have abeerwith Duncan?

2. What year did Apollo 11 land on the moon?

3. In the TV sitcom ‘I dream of Jeannie’ what was the name of Jennie’sastronaut master?

4. What is the name of the Musical currently playing in Melbourne based on the witches from The WizardofOz?

which extinct ancient animal?

FOUR POINTERS

13. Which famous wall was built by the Romans in NorthernBritain around AD 122?

14. If Iwas visiting the Australian town of TomPrice,whatstate/ territory would Ibein?

FIVE POINTER

15. Guess the celebrity? One point for each correct answer

‘Fading’ into the Bundy Hall

NICK Barker is one of Australia’s most-loved artists and one of Australia’s finest songwriters, having written songs with Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes,Mick Thomas, Tim Rogers and Felicity Urquhart. Exoskeleton -which comes 35 years after Barker’s first single with the Reptiles -is his first solo album in 14 years, following two albums with The Heartache State. It’s acollectionofsongs aboutpeoplewho have hard outer layers but are soft inside, love and loss, death and family, and scars that never heal.

Yep, you need atough shell to survive in this business. But not only has Nick Barker survived, he’s delivered one of the finest albums of his career.

With anew band, anew album and aset list gathered from 35 years of songs and stories, Nick

Barker and the Fading Lights are pleased to be playing aone-off show at the highly regarded Live at The Bundy.

In support in one man blues show Jungle Jim Smith. Armedwith athree-stringcigar box guitar, atrusty six-string and shed-built foot drums, Jimisaone-man-stompin’-boogie-bluesband with arock’n’roll heart.

Details:

Bring your own drinks

-tickets $45

-https://www.trybooking.com/CORCN

Saturday April 20

6pm -Community BBQ (Cash Only)

7pm -Doors

7.30pm -Jungle Jim Smith

8.30pm -Nick Barker &The Fading Lights

Robbie Williams tribute show

For thepasttwo decades, Tony has been turning heads and wowing audiences across the globe with his portrayal of Britain's greatest entertainer, Robbie Williams.

Organisers said the resemblance is so uncanny that Tony has appeared for numerous promotional campaigns and tv shows

on occasion

Robbie's

in aseries

Tickets are $69.

Gippy Grammar catching show

Principal Michele Wakeham congratulated the cast, crew, orchestra and production team on another fabulously inspiringexhibition of studenttalent.

CatchMeIfYou Can leans on the vibe of the 1960s, the widespread popularity of television, and music that evokes the post-war period and points to amore contemporary future. GippslandGrammar’s talented actors, singers, musicians and dancers will tell the storyoflives, relationships and emotions through their artistry and the vibrant characters they will bring to life ‘inLiving Colour’ before your eyes.

The show journey commenced withauditions and pre-rehearsals in Term 4, 2023,and there have been rehearsals Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, many lunchtimes, andsome Sundays

Mrs Wakeham said productions demanded the investment of time, commitment and energy.

“We love being witness to the student growth an experience like thiscreates,”she said

This year, we farewella strong cohortofYear12 students who have enjoyedthe opportunitytobe members and leadersofproduction teams from the junior school and through secondaryschool.

Schoolcaptain AndrewCrawfordisone such student. The Year 12 student is aperformer with morethana decade’sexperience

He has recently completed his Grade 7AMEB Singing for MusicalTheatre, while also working on his VCE Music Performance andTheatre Studies. Throughouthis timeatGippsland Grammar, he has appeared in TheLion King (Ensemble), AladdinJr (Jafar), LegallyBlonde (Aaron Schultz), Matilda -The Musical (Mr. Wormwood), Chicago -High School Edition (Billy Flynn), and Annie (Warbucks).

Outside of school he recently appeared as Prince EricinSale TheatreCompany's The LittleMermaid and in other local productionssuchasMamma Mia! and JesusChristSuperstar.

Andrew will step into ‘Someone Else’s Skin’ as Frank Jr He welcomedeveryoneto“catch”one of this week’s performances

Catch Me If You Can -The Musical will be performed in Gippsland Grammar’s Garnsey Hall, McGhee Sreet Sale, Thursday, April 18 at 7pm, Friday, April19, 7pm and Saturday,April 20 at 2pmand 7pm.

Tickets ($15-$25) are available by visiting Trybooking.com.au/COATP

TONY Lewis performs as Robbie Williams at TheWedge Performing Arts Centre

throughout Europe, appearing

as

double including playing the singer

of official shortfilmsfor the album, Rudebox Tony has also helped Comic Relief, when he’s stood in for Williams. The show is anticipated to take viewers on a journey of the old favourites, ahint of swing, right up to date with the modern classics and even incorporates acertain boyband.

The curtains will be drawn on stage at 8pm on Wednesday, May 1.

Tony Lewishas beensoclosely resembled to Robbie Williams,hehas even doubled forthe man himself. Photo: Contributed

Ayoung Andrew plays Jafar in Gippsland Grammar’s 2018 performance of Aladdin Jr Photo:Conributed

GIPPSLAND Grammar’s upcoming season of Catch Me If You Can -The Musical is sure to wow audiences.

T Thursday,AApril 18 - Sunday,55th May

“Doesnot ourlivesconsistofthe fourelements?”

Twelfth Night Act II sc3

THE Stratford Shakespeare Festival is upon once more,with threefull weeks of events

After some greatcommunity feedback at our pitch meeting in August 2023, the theme for this year’s festivalsprangupquite quickly as we madly tried to fit in allthe elements that peoplewant from this communityarts festival. We trust there will be something for everyone.

An earlier startthis Thursday, April 18, kicks off thewholefestivalwith atraditional awards evening anda sneak peek at whatisin store for audiences. Then Groundwork Youth Theatrewilloncemoreput itsown take on one of the Bard’s plays. Inspiredbythis year’s theme-the elements thatsignal theapocalypse willbeintertwined with thetragedy of Titus Andronicus to bringusTitusApocalypse There are three shows only at TheStratford

Courthouse Theatre April 18-21, come support theseyoungperformers tackle what is known as Shakespeare’s bloodiest play.

In partnership with “Films at the Bundy”, event organiserspresent afilmunder thestars.Embracethe elements as we join together to enjoy afree screeningof Shakespeare in Love underthe starsatthe creative hub, the ArtCOLT,onFriday, April 19, at 7pm.BYO beanbags/picnic rugsand favourite moviesnacks.

The Bard’s Banquet on Saturday,April 20 will feature the StratfordMechanics Hall transformed intoanenchantingworld forthe Elements of Shakespeare. Join us fora grand garden partyhosted by themischievous Puck, the gracefulTitania, and theregal Oberon. We are partneringwiththe team fromAvon RiverFarmhouse for adelicious three-course meal. TheBard’sBar willbeopen serving

locallycrafted beer,cider andwines, with a soundtrack providedbylocalDJextraordinaire Cara Schaefer.Come dressed to impressin yourbest, as we feast and dancethe night away. Bookearly for an event that is alwaysa festivalhighlight, tickets $70.

Evensong is held on Sunday, April 21, at 4.30pm at the Holy Trinity Church, to commemorateWilliam Shakespeare’sbirth/ death day.ItisaStratfordShakespeare Festivaltraditionthat welcomeseveryoneto hear aguest speaker at the service and then stay for supper. Come along andcelebratethis ecumenical service. It's afreeevent with no bookingrequired.

The CommunityPlay is the heart of ourfestival.Having run since 1996, it is achance for local performers to taketothe stage in afulllength Shakespearean production. As everyone lovesa comedy, this year The Community

Players present The MerryWives of Windsor, which followsthe misadventuresofthe lovable rogue Sir John Falstaff as he attempts to woo not one, but twoclever and resourceful wives. Be entertained as thewomen turn the tablesonFalstaff,creatinga hilariousweb of misunderstandings and uproarioussituations. Whether you'rea Shakespeare enthusiast or afirst-time theatregoer, this play's universal elements of love, jealousy,and trickerywill resonatewith audiences of all ages. All shows performed at theStratford CourthouseTheatre April 26 -May 4.

Stratfords’ own CourthouseKidswill again take to thefestival stage with theirproduction of ShakespeareinTherapy -for one night only Monday, April 29 at 5.30. This is afree show but get in early tobook your seat.

Featuring the Grade 6students of Stratford Primary and St Patrick’s Primary School

KidsPlay. Children have fun. Live out medieval dreams. FaireDay Photos: Lisa Hayman

BardsBanquet- come dressed to impress in your bestfor afeast and dance the night away

Stratford,the combined schools'production has been apart of our festivalfor more than 25years.It's awonderfulcoming together of young people that has nowbeen shared by generations of Stratford locals.

Thestudentspresentanoriginalscript inspired by TheBardand written by local teacher MissBel of GROOV3MENTDanceand Theatre school.Three shows only of O-Dayat Stratford High May1-3 at TheMechanics Hall. Faire daywillwrap up all thesefestivities on Sunday, May5,10am-3pm. In addition toour local stallholders,foodvans,musical performersand lost trade demonstrations, therewill be snippetsfrom localdramaschools and theMaffraSecondary College production of Pyramus &Thisbetosee. Don’tforgetthe children'sgames on the VillageGreen -a chancetosupportGroundworkYouth Theatre to raisesome much needed funds. Plus

therewillbesword-making, mediaeval war demonstrationsand the chance foreveryoneto dress up.Let us trustthe elements will be kind to us this year.

Following traditional Faire Day celebrations, we present -Elemental Nights.Stayon after thefairetoenjoy musicand feastingbythe fire at the ArtCOLT with performancesby The SingersSongwritersStorytellers of Stratford 3pm-7pm with alicensed barand food trucks serving til dark. There is no entrycharge. As always -for tickets and allthings

Shakespeare visit -www.stratfordshakespeare. com.au

TheShakespeare On TheRiver

Festival is sponsored by The Wellington Shire Council through aCommunity Assistance Grant, the festival gratefully acknowledges this support.

ELEMENTSOFSHAKESPEARE -April 18 -May 5, 2024

WELCOME to theheart of Stratford on the riverAvon, where the world of Shakespeare is notmerely astage buta vibrant tapestry wovenfrom the veryelements of life and the forces ofthe naturalworld. Immerse yourself in afestival thatseamlessly blends thealchemy of chemical elements,the magic of timeless tales, and the beauty of nature;promisinga spectacle that transcendsall elements of tragedy,history andcomedy

Opening Night

OUR officiallaunchatThe Stratford Courthouse Theatre. Featuring live performances, announcement of the winners in the SheilaMalady Shortstory competition,and our annual festival awards

Evensong

EVENSONG at theHolyTrinity Church is a Shakespeare on the River Festival tradition. Comealong and celebrate this ecumenical service withus.

Community Players present The Merry Wives of Windsor

FOLLOW themisadventures of the lovable

rogue Falstaff as he attempts to woo two clever andresourcefulwives. The women turn the tables onFalstaff,creating ahilarious web of misunderstandingsand uproarious situations. Aplay ofjest, love, jealousy, andtrickery.

Directed by Emma Barber

Groundwork Youth Theatre-Titus

Apocalypse

AMONGSTall thehorrorsand carnage of Shakespeare’sbloodiest playapocalyptic elements begin to arise… Watchasthe four horsemen of the apocalypse are brought to the stagetoinfluencethe warringcharacters in our Youth Theatre'srendition of Titus Andronicus.

Written andDirected by JeremySmyth. Combined Primary School’s Production -“O” DayatStratfordHigh. THE play unfoldsasthe currentyear6 Stratford Primary students visit Stratford High for orientation day. They willsoon discoverthis is aschoolwhere the classes are notyour usual three “R’s”.Who knewthe Elements of Shakespeare could still teachus so much?

Written andDirected by Miss Bel.

The Bard’s Banquet -Elements

STEPinto theenchanting world of the Elements of Shakespeare at the grand garden party hosted by themischievous Puck, the graceful Titania, and the regalOberon. Amidst the fragrantblooms and twinklingfairy lights, guests aretransported to arealmof magic and merrimentinspiredbythe Bard's timeless tales. As lovers'quarrels unfold, jestersentertain with wittyreparteeand fairiesflitabout spreading joy andmischief Join us foranevening of revelrywhere dreams and reality intertwine in adelightfulfusion of Shakespeareaneleganceand otherworldly charm.

Sheila Malady Short Story Competition

THE Sheila MaladyShort Story competitionis on again.Now in its tenth year,organisers are keen to hear from writers. This year our short story theme is ELEMENTS.Writers are free to interpret the theme in any way they choose. Send us your bestoriginal work of fiction. Entries must be 2000 words or less. Winners will be announced at the opening night of thefestival at The Stratford Courthouse Theatre on Thursday, April 18.

Avon Village Faire&Market Day IN 2024 therewill be agrandvarietyof traditional arts andcrafts,foodand beverages, fresh produce,together with exhibitions and displays.

Featuresofthe day:

•Children’s games on the “Village Green

•Local stalls, food vans

•Losttrade andcrafting demonstrations at The ArtCOLT

•Street performers, exhibitions, and buskers

•Instrumental andvocal ensembles

•Mediaevalreenactmentand sworddisplays

Sunday 5th May10am-3pm on the Stratford Village Green,Cnr Dixon St & Railway Reserve Rd

Fair turns to Dark with our Elemental Nights from 3pm

MUSICand feasting by the fire atthe ArtCOLT with performances by The Singers Songwriters Storytellers of Stratford.Food trucks and licenced bar available.

MR Bruce Ellen, the managing director of the Latrobe Valley Express and Gippsland Times, passed away recently after a long battle with cancer

He was 65

A prominent Latrobe Valley businessman he was also a major figure in country and regional newspapers

BruceEllen

Before his passing, Mr Ellen was the longest-serving current board member of the Victorian Country Press Association (VCPA)

More recently, Mr Ellen served as President of Country Press Australia He led CPA during the organisation’s most significant period, working day, night and over weekends to help CPA through some of its most challenging times

At the same time as his relentless activity advocating for the industry, Mr Ellen was involved in establishing a range of newspapers in South Australia and Queensland and a print site in Rockhampton

He was a director of a number of regional newspaper companies in Queensland and in Mount Gambier

He is survived by his wife and two children

Mr Ellen was farewelled from this life on

Friday April 5 in Morwell

A packed congregation came to pay their respects, with many local business and newspaper industry figures present

Tib d condolences

The Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia community has lost one of its finest champions, with the untimely passing of Bruce Ellen to prostate cancer

Together with his good friend, the late Chris McPherson, Bruce helped to establish Biggest Ever Blokes’ Lunches in regional Victoria, raising significant funds for worldleading research, life-changing nurses, and locally attune awareness

He dedicated countless hours to the PCFA mission determined to ensure that high quality prostate cancer care was accessible to men and families in the Latrobe Valley and surrounding regions

Following his own diagnosis, Bruce’s remarkable contribution grew even further, fuelled by his desire to give men in the community every chance of detecting prostate cancer early His actions no doubt saved the lives of many Bruce will be forever remembered by the PCFA community as a fierce advocate, a local pioneer, a loving family man, and a friend to all

We convey our heartfelt condolences to his wife Chris, his children Nick and Ashleigh, his mother Dorothy and brothers Graeme and Tim Anne Savage, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEP

Heartfelt condolences to Bruce’s family

Bruce was always firm but fair and you could have a robust discussion, air your point of view with him, and he with you and move on

His dedication and commitment to the local area are one of the main reasons I think that so many smaller papers lasted the length of time they did and that the LV Express is still a free publication

He was a fair person and that’s why the LVE had so many long-serving staff members RIP Bruce Brendan Blackshaw (Latrobe Valley businessman)

Recent years have been brutal for newspapers (particularly COVID) and Bruce had to steer through these difficult times, often working the jobs of three people

I found him to be fair in his dealings with me as an employee and with the public He was good at listening and taking people’s views on board, but willing to make tough decisions when required Bruce was passionate about retaining local newspapers in regional communities, and advocated relentlessly at all levels of government

The team from TRFM would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Bruce’s immediate family and friends

Through his dedication to bringing local news to the Valley in print and online, Bruce played an important role in keeping our community informed

More than just reporting on the news, Bruce took a hands-on role with efforts to help locals in need

Very sad ne

Bruc h

Bruce had a long association with Traralgon Centre Plaza

He was a fabulous businessman and a wonderful supporter of town and community events

Deepest condolences to Bruce’s familyTraralgon Centre Plaza

Over many years, the TRFM team enjoyed working side-by-side with Bruce on projects that benefited our local community A dedicated advocate for our region, we will remember Bruce for his efforts in recent years to raise money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation

Whilst we are saddened to lose a passionate Gippslander, we know that Bruce leaves behind a wonderful legacy for the region

TRFM

This sad loss will bring a flood of memories for former and current Gippsland Times and Latrobe Valley Express staff members

Rest in peace, Bruce Julianne Langshaw (former Gippsland Times Editor)

Vale Bruce

Our sincere condolences to family, friends and collegues from the Triple M Gippsland Team

Triple M Gippsland

Saddened to hear this news Condolences to Bruce’s family and the entire Express team at this tough time Gregor Mactaggart (former Gippsland Times/LVE Editor)

Charactermeets modern convenience

WELCOMEto40ElginStreet, a homenestledona generous 981 square metre block.

Thisproperty shares acourt location,closetoschools, sporting facilities, health services, andthe LakeGuthridgeprecinct

Astepinto the wide entry hall,prospective buyers aregreeted by ablend of original charm and modernupdates,seamlessly merging warmthwith functionality, agents say Theformal living room, adornedwith an imitationgas logfire, invites relaxation, while theadjacent formaldining-living roomoffers space for lifestyle needs and also features an imitationgas log fire for comfort.

Agents say theheart of thishomeisthe expansive modern kitchenand dining area. With naturallight streaming through askylightand with vaulted ceilings,this culinary havenisdescribedasa symphony of style andfunctionality

Agenerous stone islandbench beckons, while amplestorage,including awalk-in butler’s pantry,ensures ample storage. Asplit system adds atouch of climate control, ensuring comfort allyear round

This residenceoffers three spacious bedrooms for the needs of futureowners, withthe master boastinga walk-in-robe and ensuite.

There is acentral bathroom andawellequipped laundry with abundantstorage. Outside, theexpansive decked undercover entertainingareaisadorned with automatic roll-down blinds, aceiling fan, and awood heater, creating the perfect ambiance for gatherings year-round, agents say The solar-heatedautomatedsaltwater inground pool will give future ownersa haven of relaxation, agents say Adjacent to thepool alargegarage beckons with itspromiseofstorage and convenience, complete withpower, plumbing for atoilet,and aseparate mancave, games room or pool house withsplit system

Thehomealso features acarport,fully secure yard,automaticfrontgatesand vehicleaccess to the garagethroughthe gateatthe rear of thecarport, providing ample spacefor acaravan or boat. Security cameras offerpeace of mind, while thesolarpanelsensuring energy efficiencywiththe Teslabattery having 13.5kw storagecapacity

Thehome’slocation, charging port and the solar panelsofferflexibility for future buyers

Briefdetails ails

Allegationsfacing ‘forest wars’

Book review

By Mark Poynter

THE author of the book, The Forest Wars,Professor David Lindenmayer, is an ANU ecologist who, according to the blurb, is a‘world-leading forest expert’.

Over the past 15-years, he has been privileged witha media platform for frequent, forthright, and oftensensationalist commentary on forestry issues that generally fit apopulist, anti-timber industry narrative. It is pertinent to acknowledge here that there are also numerous, albeit rarely heard, expert voices who strongly contest the veracity of many of his assertions.

The ForestWars purports to portray the‘ugly truth’ about what happensinwood production forests -specifically Victoria’s tall wet forests where the author has concentrated much of his research. Giventhat wood production in Victoria has now ceased -albeitthat the author can’t quite believe it -the book is now asomewhatacademic exercise. Presumably, it’s purpose is to maintain outrage that can aid campaigns that are now focused on ending timber production in NSW and Tasmanian native forests. Perhaps this is why the book appears to have been put together with some urgency.

Nevertheless, it is easily readable in ashort, sharp,but often simplisticmyth-bustingstyle

Unfortunately, it lacks an index which would make it easier to find particular areas of interest. The writingexudes astrident, ‘I’m-the-expert’ tone. While this may be appropriate to areas of the book that address the author’s primary fields of expertise,itcan fall flat when the book strays onto topics of which the author has an obviously limited practical understanding. Such topics include fire management, forest carbon, timberharvesting, resource economics, plantations, timber imports, and eco-tourism.

In places,the writing is loosewith cheap putdowns, dismissals and inaccuraciesinrelation to perceived opponents. This somewhat weakens the authority of its arguments. Some examples are throw-away lines such as “the loss-making pulp-and-woodchip-driven industry”; and “Industry powerbrokers keeponlobbying governmentsto ensure the cheques and favours keep rolling in.”

The worst is the book’s blatant misrepresentation of Forestry Australia(formerly the Instituteof Foresters) as atimber industry body and ‘cheer squad’ when it is in fact aprofessional association for the nation’s forest scientists, who are collectively the foremost experts on practical forest management. An equivalent errorwould be describing the AustralianMedical Association (the AMA) as a body that represents the pharmaceutical industry. Irrespective of such misconceptions, any book authored by aprominent scientist will -deservedly or not -beautomatically anointed with ahigh level of credibility and trust. However,inthis case, any readersexpecting ascholarly,balanced and objectively-considered analysis are likely to be somewhat disappointed.

Instead, the book primarilyreads as an exercise in finding arguments to justify the author’s

long-standing belief that native forest wood production is exceedingly damaging, unviable, unnecessary, and must end.

The book is comprised of 12 chapters, of which eight are specifically devoted to “busting the myths peddledbyindustry”. Within these eight chapters, atotal of 37 “myths” have been nominated, briefly described, and summarily debunked, leading to a short “reality” statement.

The problem withthis myth-bustingapproach is that it often ignores important context and dumbs-downthe subject matter leading to simple, absolutist ‘realities’ that takenoaccount of the complexities and nuances inherenttonative forest management. Unfortunately, many of the book’s so-called “industry myths” are cleverly-worded inventionsperhaps designedtodivert attention away from important areas of discussion.

For example, Myth 33: The best way to tackle climate change is to cut down forests and regrow them. As written, it is indeed amyth. But it is also an invention becauseno-one haseversaid that harvesting and regenerating forests is the best way to tackle climate change. Instead, what has been said often, including by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), is that sustainably producing wood products from a proportion of native forestsplays an important role in mitigating climate change. This is an important distinction that actually vindicates continued timber production.

Others among these “industry myths” are bizarre. Indeed, from the perspective of my 45-year career in forest science and field forestry, Ican only accept that acouple of the 37 so-called “myths” actually fit that label, and find that the book’s supposedly myth-busting statements of “reality” are more often the real myths.

Some notable examples of the book’s wrong or spurious ‘realities’ are: Logging increases the risk of high severity fire; Thinning has no effect or may even make fires worse; Only four per cent of the biomass in alogged native forest ends up as sawn timber; Native forest logging is value subtracting; Logging is aloss maker; Numbers of jobs in native forest loggingare small;and Breaches of Australian logging laws can be widespread.

All of thesecan be shown to be eitherfalse, largely false or highly contestable. Largely they have a basis in flawed research featuring the omission of important context, areliance on wrong or misplaced assumptions, selectiveuse of evidence,ormisinterpretationofsourcereferences. For example, on the topic of sawn timber percentage, initial errors from early papers have cascaded to deliver afigure that is wrong by at least amagnitude of four. Indeed, some flawed foundationpapers have been asubject of formal complaint to the author’s home institution, the ANU Fenner School, as far back as 2015.

Unfortunately, countering the book’sglaring deficiencies in these areas is beyond abrief book review.Suffice to say that there are rational explanations, including peer-reviewed science, thatcan counter or cast doubt on virtuallyall of the book’s manyallegations

This includes recollections from intimately involved foresters that are at odds with some of the author’s personal anecdotes thatdemonise timberproduction, including in relation to the multiple, concurrent activist-led court cases that have crippled the Victorian native forestry sector in recent years. To cite just one example, the book’sfrequent allegation that“native forest logging” is financially unviable is based only on the accounts of the government agency that sells logs and the numbers of forestry contractors working to harvest and haulthose logs. It inexplicablyignores that this in-forest activity leads to at least 10 times as many jobs outside the forest in log processing and wood products manufacture, and the substantial revenue that this generates.

In 2015, when Victoria’sCentral Highlands native timber industry was operating with far less interference from eco-activist legal challenges, Deloitte Access Economics valued the whole industry at $570 million per annum. Hardly a“loss making” activity.

In keeping with most vilification of ‘native forest logging’, thebookcredits it with dire environmental consequences thatare way out-of-step with the small proportion of public forestthat is actually used for timber production.Allegations, such as extinction threats or water yield reduction, must by their nature, be strongly correlated with the extent to which forests and their valuesare directly exposed to logging. Yet, the book provides no specific details of proportional forest use, even though such information is easily obtainable.

As if keenly aware of the potential for this major omission to be levelled against it, the book dances arounditbysuggesting thatlogging’s impacts are “about more thansimplythe proportionofthe total forest estatethat is logged It matterswhat is beinglogged… placestargeted for logging areoften the most productive parts of the landscape”. While thereiscertainly some truth in that, the book’s reluctance to disclose exactly how much forest is designated forwood production smacks of afear thatitwouldexpose the level of grossexaggeration that has long been rife amongst critics of timber production.

For the record,inVictoria beforethe 2019 government announcement of aphased industry closure,the netarea of public forest designated for aperpetual long-term cycle of timber harvest and regeneration comprised just six per cent of the state’s total area of public forests and woodlands.

As aproportionofonly the potentiallyharvestable

forest types, the designated wood production zones stillonly comprised around 12 per cent widely dispersed across eastern Victoria.

In the most productiveparts of the landscape, such as the state’sMountain Ash forests, only about 15 per cent had been designated for timber production since the Otway’s industry closure 20-years ago, including about 25 per cent of those in the Central Highlands at the time its industry was closed.

Clearly the vast majority of Victoria’s forests, including its highest value landscapes, have been undisturbedbiodiversitypreserves for decades.In viewofthis reality, the manycomments in the book which imply otherwise, such as “Iamconfident our native forests will also recoverifwestoplogging them…”can only be regarded as disingenuous.

Amongst the book’s Acknowledgements, the author thanks his “manyopponents in debates over the years”, citing alist of politicians, journalists and government administrators to whom“Ihavelistened to, and thought deeply about, their opinions”.

Amongst the book’sAcknowledgements, the author thanks his “manyopponentsindebates over the years”, citing alist of politicians, journalists and government administrators to whom “I havelistened to, and thoughtdeeply about, their opinions”. That no scientists are listed among his ‘opponents in debates’ is interesting giventhe concerns regularly raised by forest scientists in relation to research by him and his ANU associates. Arguably, the book’s doubling-down on some obvious misconceptions and errors reflects atendency to ignore or dismiss valid(and moreadvanced) forest science research,knowledge and advice, especially in relation to assumptions and concepts. Books like this largely “preach to the converted” and so, despiteits many shortcomings, it will likelyplease the majority of its readershipwho already support the anti-forestry agenda and are seeking brief, ostensibly accurate scientific facts to confirm, reinforce or enhance their preconceived beliefs. Generally, these true believers aren’t much interested in the alternative arguments or rational explanations that would challenge their self-righteous certainty.

Forestry is not and has never been perfect. Like any natural resource use that has evolved over a lengthy period -around 130 years in Australia –it hasbeen shaped by both practical knowledge and pragmaticsocietal demands while enduring its share of mistakes,trials and tribulations which haveprovided the lessons forits progress into a sophisticated scientific discipline. It will be tragic if the true history of Australian native forestry is obscured in the public record by the polemic accounts of arms-length critics.

Mark Poynter, aretired forester after a45-year career, was born in Morwell and lived and worked for several years in East Gippsland. He is afellow of the Institute of Foresters of Australia (now Forestry Australia), and has written two books on the community and political conflictover native forest management.

Forestry expert Mark Poynter hasdisputed many claims made by Professor David Lindenmayer Photo: Contributed

Renewable swap mayforce price sore

PhilipHopkins

THE head of Alinta Energy, whichownsLoy Yang Bpower station, has warned that people may face higher energy bills due to the struggle to replace coal and the high cost of green renewables and transmission.

Alinta Chief Executive, Jeff Dimery, said energy stakeholders mustbehonest with the public about the cost of the transition, The Australian newspaper reported last week.

“Whether we pay through our taxes or pay the upfront costs of an electric vehicle, or batteriesand solar or we’re payingmore for electricity from thegrid- we’ll all paymoreinthe aggregate,” he said in Canberra

Mr Dimery said some relief from wholesale electricityprices would come over the next year or two, “but Ithink that will be short-lived”. There werebig inhibitors to new renewableenergy being

built, and even if they wereovercome, the electricity produced would far exceed current prices, he said.

The capacity of industry to invest substantial amounts in renewableenergy had been severely diminished by low marginsand the rising cost of building new green energy.

“I spoke at aconference two years ago and said thatitwould cost $8 billiontohypothetically replace our brown coal-fired power station, Loy Yang B, withpumped hydro and offshore wind,” he said “Well, that’s more likely $10bn today with movements in various cost components.”

Mr Dimery said without coal power replacements, the country riskedhigher prices or blackouts. He expected Victoria, with the most ambitious transition plans, would have to rely on fossil fuels for longer than the state government’s scheduled 2032 timetable.

The Australian reported that Mr Dimery was cautious on the Coalition’s plans to develop nuclear energy on retiring coal power sites.

“This means maintaining clear publicpolicy,and not getting distracted with new ideas without afirm socialmandate,” he said. The Latrobe Valley may be aregion the Coalition will target for nuclear power.

His comments came as an opinion pollinthe Australian Financial Review found that just over half of Australians back Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’splans for nuclear energy, but support drops when asked about aplant in their region.

New RedBridge polling found of the 2590 voters surveyed, 52 per cent supported or strongly supported nuclear compared, with 22 per cent opposed or strongly opposed, 26 per cent were unsure.

Atotal of 44 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that nuclear wold be cheaper for consumers than renewables, while17per cent disagreed, or strongly disagreed, while 39 per cent did not know.

When asked whether nuclear should be built in specific regional areas, supportfell to 41 per cent in Victoria, 42 per cent in NSW and 39 per cent in WA.

TheAFR also reported that the visiting European

New strategy to achieve net zero Exploring UV-C light radiation

GIPPSLANDWater has released its new Climate ChangeStrategy, detailing how it aims to achieve ambitious net zero targets and manage the impacts of climate change.

The Acting Managing Director, Simon Aquilina, said the organisation was taking awhole-of-business approach to managing the impacts of climate change current and future generations.

“As the climate changes, we will continue to be innovative in the way we think, plan and engineer,” Mr Aquilina said.

“Our strategy focuses on areas including renewable energy investment, environmental stewardship and infrastructure upgrades to increase resilience.”

Mr Aquilinasaid upgrading Gippsland Water’s infrastructure was amajor priority, starting with assets most at risk of being affected by extreme weather events.

“Continuing to protect the plants and animals who rely on the waterways we manage and need ahealthy environment to thrive is another,” Mr Aquilina said.

“For example, we are actively involved in the protection of several vulnerable species, including the Pookila, Wellington Mint Bush and Filmy Maidenhair fern.”

Mr Aquilina said Gippsland Water had already made great progress in moving to renewable energy sources.

“A significant amount of our power already comes from renewables and we are continuing to invest in new energy sources,” Mr Aquilina said.

“We have nearly 6000solar panels running across eightofour sites as well as biogas and hydroelectric generators.Between 2017 and 2022 we almost doubled our renewable energy production,and now we produce 5451 megawatts in renewable energy each year,” he said.

“Using renewable energy sources also reduces our operating costs and puts downward pressure on customer bills. We’ve got alot to do in the next six years, but if we continue alongour current trajectory, I’m confident we’ll hit our targets.”

To view Gippsland Water’s Climate Change Strategy, visit gippswater.com.au/ climate-change-strategy

FEDERATION University Australiahas partnered with SouthernRural Water(SRW) in co-designing UV-Cradiationtechnology to efficiently combat submersed aquatic weeds in the Macalister Irrigation District.

Federation University MSc by researchstudent, Dian Udugamasuriyage, is exploring the feasibility of using UV-C light radiation to kill aquatic weeds, which will help to manage efficiencyofwater flow in irrigation channels.

Mr Udugamasuriyage’s research has been made possible by an industry-funded Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) grant, which is an integral part of Federation’s Co-op model.

Federation’s Co-op gets students work and world ready, throughdirectconnection to employers, paid placements, career preparation and workplace skill development,supportedbyaleader in student

support, skills development and social equity.

“Currently,Iamchecking the cellular level changes that effect on aquatic plant leaves from UV-C radiation. This will give us conclusive evidence that aquatic weeds can be killed using thisradiation.After that, an application willbe designed as an apparatus to be used in the field,” Mr Udugamasuriyage said.

Maintenance supervisor at SRW, Peter Miller, saysthe industry will benefit from removal of dangerous chemicaluse by introducingthis technology.

“Not having to use chemicals will be the winner. Currently we have to stop irrigation during the season to treat weeds. We are alsousingdangerous chemicals, which is not ideal,” Mr Miller said.

“Additionally,the technology will create amore environmentally solution than using chemicals.”

Mr Udugamasuriyagesaysthat conducting the research in partnership with industry means the focus is not only on the academic outcome of the project, butthat tangible solutions are being found.

“From this co-op placement Ihad the opportunity to engage with employees of Southern Rural Water.Iwas able to gather knowledge on the operations, and how agricultural water demand is handled,” he said.

Federation University’s Associate Professor in Mechatronics, Gayan Kahandawa Appuhamillage, said the study pioneers the exploration of UV-C light for managing aquatic weeds, which has the potentialtorevolutionise management of our waterways. “There hasn’t been any comprehensive research conducted on this subject until now, highlighting the novelty and importance of this work,” he said.

“Collaboratingwiththe local industry is gratifying, especially when observing the direct impact of ourefforts in enhancingsafety for everyone involved.”

AFederationUniversity lecturer in Environmental Sciences, Dr KushanTennakoon, said this was aclassic instance of one of our collaborative industry research partnersproviding an opportunity for apost-grad student to engageina real-world research project co-designed with them.

“Weenvisagethat resultsofthis novel investigation will help reduce the chemicalpollution caused by synthetic herbicides currently used to control aquatic weeds in our irrigation channels,” she said. “We expect to further investigatethe potentialof integrated use of UV-Ctreatment withother ecofriendlymanagement actionssuchasbioherbicides as along-term solution over traditional synthetic herbicide applications.”

Union’s Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, in aspeechtothe NationalPress Club, highlighted the benefitsofsmall nuclear reactors. She said in partsofEuropewherethe fissiontechnology and renewables set market prices, consumers and businesses “enjoy more affordable” energy bills than “the ones where gas and coal are needed”.

Ms Simson said Europe had a“growing sense that we need to be pragmatic and fully leverage the potential” of all lowcarbon technologies, including small reactors. “Theycan help bring the priceof electricity down,” she said.

“They can produce heat for industrial processes and urban districts. they can also provide stable power for producing low-carbon hydrogen and for powering cleandistrict heating and cooling solutions. They can generate power for balancing the grid.”

The Maffra

are qualified and exp erienced horticulturalists. We are the garden renovators and we love what we do. Call Mike 0478 636 088. TOW PACK hayman reece as new and weight measure. $350 ph 0447 527 532.

seeking a Ring Master for our arena events. For further information contact the secretary Ph 0457 000 270 or email info@maffrashow.org.au.

CSSD Technician Trainee

Fixed Term Full Time

CGHS is currently seeking aCSSD Technician Trainees to join our dynamic and friendly team, and support the team through Cleaning, disinfecting, packaging, sterilisation and maintenance of all reusable medical and surgical equipment. This trainee position offers robust support from internal staff and external education resources, given its crucial role in daily surgical procedures; therefore, meticulous attention to detail is essential.

Previous experience in the healthcare industry would be advantageous, and astrong dedication to delivering excellence and maintaining open communication is required.

To apply for the role or for further information, go to https://centralgippslandhealth.mercury .com.au or contact Perioperative Nurse Unit Manager, Mauricio Yanez, 03 5143 8182 or mauricio.yanez@cghs.com.au.

APPRENTICES REQUIRED

Carpet Country is seeking apprentice flooring installers for our Sale store. We are seeking highly motivated individuals who want to join an industry leader.

We place no limits on applicants and encourage anyone to register their interest. However, this is a physically demanding job, and prospective applicants should consider this prior to applying. Successful applicants will be subject to a3-month trial period, prior to commencing the 4-year apprenticeship.

Please email your resume and acover letter to: davidw@carpetcountry.com.au

● Excellent presentation and people skills ● Excellent phone and personal communication skills ● Ability to work quickly, and take direction ● High

Aged Care Services Manager- Stretton Park

Permanent Full Time

CGHS is currently seeking an Aged Care Services Manager to join our dynamic and friendly team, to provide leadership and operational management and create aculture where people feel supported and appreciated to ensure high-quality customer service to residents and families.

Experience in Aged Care with proven leadership ability is essential, together with understanding of accreditation, aged and residential care. Registration with AHPRA is required, and astrong commitment to excellence and continuous quality improvement is amust.

To apply for the role or for further information, go to https:/centralgippslandhealth.mercury.c om.au or contact Caron Mallet, Director Aged Care Services on 03 51438701

This school community promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children.

Teaching Position:

Yr1/2 Classroom Teacher

FIXED TERM JOB SHARE TEACHING

POSITION -(0.5FTE)

Alternating days: Week A- 2days; Week B3 days, i.e. 5days per fortnight.

Applications are invited from suitably experienced persons for the above position.

Starting date is to be negotiated, however, we are hoping as soon as possible as we enter the start of the second school term, 2024.The fixed term position will cease on January 27th ,2025.

This role is aposition under the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited Schools and Secretariat Agreement 2022.

The successful applicants will have a demonstrated commitment to Catholic education and to the safety and wellbeing of children. They will possess the skills and abilities to provide students with arich and rewarding educational experience and will embrace acollegial, team-based approach to teaching and learning. The successful teaching applicant will hold current Victorian Institute of Teaching Registration. For further information regarding this position please email reception@sttsale.catholic.edu.au

Acover letter and resume can be forwarded to Mrs Anita Little Email: principal@sttsale.catholic.edu.au

Applications close Friday, April 26th at 4.00pm.

Please note that the interview process may begin prior to the closing date. If asuitable applicant is found, the role may close early. We would encourage applications to be received as soon as possible toavoid disappointment.

Contracts Manager

Are you looking for achallenging opportunity in anewly created role to take overall responsibility for contract management?

Pilatus Training Solutions Australia Pty Ltd (PilTSA) is awholly owned subsidiary of Pilatus Aircraft Limited of Switzerland and is responsible for support and growth of the Pilatus family of aircraft in Australia. PilTSA is seeking to employ aprofessional, motivated and enthusiastic and experienced Contracts Manager. The position is located at our Australian Head Office in Sale, Victoria.

Pilatus can offer acompetitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience to attract the right candidate. We are seeking adynamic team member, with the following keyattributes:

● Graduate degree in Commerce or Business (or Law/Commercial Law) or relevant equivalent qualifications and/or experience relatable to this field.

● Minimum 5years' experience in relevant contract management position, preferably in a government, defense, or aviation environment.

● Experience in contract negotiation and working with Performance Based Contracts.

● Experience with contract administration processes and procedures

● Experience working within the Australian Defence Contracting (ASDEFCON) environment.

● Ateam player, ready to perform in the military aviation sector and keen to work in acohesive, customer focused,teamenvironment.

You will have overall responsibility for the Contract Management activities of PilTSA reporting directly to the Business Manager.

Tasks Include:

● Establish and maintain all aspects of contract management processes and procedures for extant and new contracts throughout PilTSA.

● Actively monitor contract performance, risks and identify appropriate strategies to achieve contract outcomes.

● Participate in annual, quarterly, and monthly contract performance reviews, as required.

● Ensure contract reporting and submission comply with contract scope and conditions.

● Maintain good working relationships with contract partners and other program stakeholders.

● Provide commercial support for all contracts:

● Management of contract performance and risks.

● Liaise with Pilatus Group commercial, legal, accounting, corporate finance, export control and insurance, as required.

● Provide contract advice and guidance to PilTSA Manager's on the execution of the contract terms and condition and participate in contract negotiations, as required.

It is expected that you will also satisfy the following Personal Requirements and Characteristics:

● Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentation).

● Proven leadership and interpersonal skills.

● Able to multi-task, work under pressure and accept irregular working hours.

● Able to work independently under own initiative with strong work ethic.

● Strong organisational skills with ability to manage time and multiple priorities through to completion.

● Ability to listen to customers and business partners and understand their specific requirements.

● Able to work effectively within ateam environment.

Applicants must be able to hold an Australian Government Baseline security clearance.

Employment may be contingent on satisfactory background screening. The contract is long term on afull-time basis following afour-month probationary period. Further information is available through queries sent to: recruitpiltsa.au@pilatus-aircraft.com

Applications may be sent to the same e-mail address or submitted on www.seek.com.au but must be received no later than 27th April 2024.

NursingTeacher

● 8.30am-4.30pm Wed, Thu and Fri (22.8 hours per week)

● Ongoing permanent role with no shift work

● Hourly rate from $50.43 -$54.47 (wage rates currently under negotiation)

● Flexible hybrid working arrangements

● Financial support and time allocation to gain Certificate IV TAE

● Based at our Bairnsdale Campus (relocation expenses covered up to $5k)

● Job Reference No. 2442.

About Us

As the 2023 Large Training Provider of the Year(Victorian Training Awards), TAFE Gippsland is setting the benchmark for the delivery of accessible, quality vocational education and training in the region. We have campuses throughout eastern Victoria, from Warragul and Leongatha to Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance, offering adiverse range of training programs.

About the Role

TAFE Gippsland is seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced Registered Nurse to join an innovative and supportive teaching team of highly experienced professional nurses. In the role of Nursing Teacher you will be responsible for developing up to date industry course materials, delivering high quality training and assessment, and handling educational administration tasks.

As aNursing Teacher you will be required to undertake the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122). The successful applicant will receive financial support and paid study time within rostered weekly hours to complete the teaching qualification, along with one-on-one mentoring support.

For this teaching role there is arequirement to attend the work location for up to 18 hours per week, up to 42 weeks ayear, with the balance of hours worked flexibly from home.

About you You have apassion for sharing your knowledge, skills and experience with others, and for maintaining your own professional practice. You have agenuine commitment toshapingthe nursing workforce of tomorrow and for inspiring students to achieve their best. You are passionate about influencing the quality of individuals embarking on their nursing career and for ensuring the demands and expectations of industry are met. You have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to establish collaborative relationships with students and colleagues.

Mandatory Requirements

● Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent

● Registered Nurse with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)

● Current industry knowledge and experience

How to apply To apply for this position please visit the TAFE Gippsland website: www.tafegippsland.edu.au /about/careers.

For aconfidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact Heather Redmond, Program Manager Nursing &First Aid on 0437 302 767. For assistance with the application process please contact Jenna Langley from our People &Culture Team on 0459 023 510. Applications close 2pm on Friday 3rd May 2024.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Birthdays

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Jean Bombroff

Love from all your family.

•

ANDERSON (Glover)

Joyce Margaret born April 27, 1939 passed away April 8, aged 84 years at Sale hospital. Dearly loved and treasured wife of Lindsay for almost 65 years. Loved mother and mother-in-law of Peter and Karen. Loved and cherished Grandma of Claire and Matthew (Wellins) and Scott and Emily.

Dear Mum, with tears we saw you suffer as we watched you fade away, Our hearts were almost broken as you fought so hard to stay, We knew you had to leave us, but you never went alone, For part of us went with you the day you left for home.

Thank you for being you and the wonderful memories we hold close in our hearts.

Peter and Karen.

Grandma, you were an amazing person who loved sharing her knowledge with everyone. You are the reason Ihave this obsession with most animals. You especially loved sharing your passion for chooks and horses with us. We will miss our animal adventures together, miss you terribly.

Love Claire and Matt.

DANISCHEWSKI Wladyslaw "Danny". Sept. 15 1922 -March 10, 2024

Died peacefully in Brisbane, March 10, 2024, aged 101 years.

Loving husband of Brunhilde Danischewski deceased (Sept. 1, 1924Jan. 3, 2010) and dedicated loving father of Peter, Marianne, Renate and Alex. Grandfather and Great Grandfather.

Aproud resident of Maffra from 1952 to 2010.

Along-time member of the Nestle's Maffra team from 1954 to 1984.

HOLMES, Christopher John entered this world on June 14, 1964 in Wangaratta to Bernard and Kathleen.

Proud father to Mark, Clare and Nicholas.

Grampa Chris to Owen, Jacob and Tarlia. Fur-dad to Timothy, Lachie and Baylee. Loving partner to Bron. Brother to Tess, Paul, Danny, Jamie, Helen and Ali. Friend to many.

SCOTT. David Victor. 9/12/1935 -30/3/2024.

Passed away at Sale Hospital. Loved husband of Margaret andson Shannon. Daughter-in-law Leanne, grandsons Joshua and Nathan.

My heart is broken but so full of lovely memories, we will miss your funny jokes, coffee time chats, all the lovely things we were involved in over the years. You're now at peace, no more suffering my darling. Keep up your Sunday night hook up on the radios.

Your loving wife Margaret xx

Iwas your pet, Isit on your bed and look out the window and you don't come in, Imiss you terribly. Your cat Possum.

SCOTT

David Victor Eldest son of Keith and Evelyn (both dec.). Loved brother of Betty (dec.), Shirley (dec.), John and Raymond. You were my big brother who Iadmired and always looked up to. Side be side we worked together for over 35 years.

-John Respected Uncle of Tony and Trent.

WELLINS, Michael Patrick. Maffra RSL Sub Branch deeply regrets the passing of long-standing member "Mick Wellins". Lest We Forget

O'CONNOR. Afuneral service for Mrs Joyce Maud O'Connor of Foster WAS HELD on Friday (April 5, 2024).

SCOTT.

GP1669228

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS (size 1column

Grandma, we can't thank you enough for everything you have done for us and all the incr edibl e memories we have shared together. We hope you are resting peacefully now.

Love Scott and Emily.

BARYCZKA (Beyrich)

Bev.

Sympathy to Stephen on the loss of your wife and friend. Condolences to Bev's extended family. From Julie and Scott, James and Cassie, Anna and Darcy.

BARYZCKA (Beyrich)

Bev. Thinking of you at this sad timeStephen,our thoughts are with you. From Margaret, Chris and Family.

Park Ranger and leader with Parks Victoria for 37 years and logistics officer throughout the fire season. Achampion of our environment, atalented photographer and a passionate motor enthusiast.

JENNINGS, Mavis. Central Gippsland Health acknowledges with sadness the passing of Mrs. Mavis Jennings. Mavis and her husband Bill (a former president of the hospital Board) have been strong supporters of the health service ever since they moved to Sale in 1958. Mavis was akind and generous contributor to our community and will be very much missed.

JONGEBLOED, Shaun Anthony. Passed away suddenly aged 32. AdoredGrandson of Coral, Kevin (dec.) and Daryl. Loved nephew of Biddy and Murray. Cousin of Lauren, Liam, Jemma, Jarrod, Kristie, Nick, Jake and families. Now at peace.

SCOTT, David, Our deepest sympathy to Marg, Shannon, Leanne, Josh and Nathan, in your sad loss. We will always remember David for his quick wit and gentle ways. Love and caring thoughts are with you all. Di, Keg and family.

WARFORD, Ann-Maree, In Loving Memory

September 11, 1967

April 11, 2024

Aged 56 Years

Ann-Maree, cherished daughter of Margaret and Ian, sister to Sheri and Kathryn, auntie to Callum, Cory, Sharna, Rachelle, and Alana, as well as their families.

Cherished long time friend of Mick.

She will also be fondly remembered by her extended family members Lee (dec.), Michael (dec.) and Charmaine, Jarrod, Doug, Min, Josh, and Shannon. We invite all who knew and loved her to join us in celebrating her life.

For details regarding the funeral arrangements, please contact Gippsland Funeral Services.

Merle

her, especially her family.

Funeral delayed to adate to be advised due to family illness. Please check website listed below or contact: Funerals •

ANDERSON. Joyce Margaret NOT AS PREVIOUSLY ADVERTISED

WELLINS.

BIGGS. (nee Guest)

The funeral service for Mrs Merle Hilma Biggs will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street Sale 1pm on THURSDAY (April 18, 2024), followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

DANISCHEWSKI. Amemorial service for Mr Wladyslaw "Danny" Danischewski will be held at St Marys' Catholic Church, cnr Church and McMillan St Maffra NEXT TUESDAY (April 23, 2024) commencing at 2PM, interment of ashes will follow at the Maffra Lawn Cemetery.

The funeral service and committal for cremation for Mr Michael Patrick (Mick) Wellins will be held at Our Chapel, 5 Queen St., Maffra on THURSDAY (April 18, 2024) commencing at 11am.

All members of the RSL are invited to attend.

Please visit our website for the livestream of Mick's service.

Bereavement Thanks •

HEYWOOD, (nee Beecher) Jean. We would like to thank all those who attended the celebration of Jean's life and for the kind messages, cards, and flowers. Thank you also to Brad and Letts Funeral Staff, Dr Nicolson, and Wilson Lodge staff. Please take this as our personal thanks. Keith, Russell, Jenny, Trevor, and families.

Stratfordclean sweeps Paynesville

From Page 36

STRATFORD emergedasthe standout netball team of the weekend, showcasing dominance across all divisions in East Gippsland. Their comprehensive victories were achieved with comfortable margins in each game, highlighting their depth of talent and strategic prowess. This impressive feat solidified their position as aforce to be reckoned with and instilled confidence in their supporters for the challenges to come throughout the season. Stratford, who madethe BGrade Grand Final last season, also made aflying start to 2024, defeatingPaynesville 33-19. CGrade also had a convincing win, 46-12.

Thered and white continued to reign supreme in DGrade,where the Swans prevailed 36-16.

Meanwhile, the juniors also found success, as the 17 and Under side clinched victory 47-3. The 15 and Under side was triumphant in atighter game, winning 26-21.

AS 2023 premiership defenders, BoisdaleBriagolong'sBGrade netball team will havea target on their backs this season.

But the weight on their shoulders will be lighter after stamping their authority early on by defeating Lindenow 28-16 at the weekend.

Throughoutthe first half of the game, Lindenow kept pace with the Bombers, and with both teams locked on 12 goals each, the stage was set for an

intense second-half showdown. Boisdale-Briagolong BGrade captainand 17 andUnder coach, Zara Flynn, was in accurate goal shooting form. Her precision only improved as thematch played out -she more than doubled her first and second-quarter tally in the second half, making her awinning asset. Boisdale-Briagolong showcasedpace and fluidity in their movement up and down the court, with experienced midcourt player and junior BoisdaleBriagolong coach, Linsday Coridasaclear standout from the first centre pass.

Speaking of high work rates, BGrade playingcoach, Chloe Orchard was everywhere. Orchard's unwavering on-court work ethic was

key to the Bombers' success. The defender made numerous interceptionsand applied relentless pressure.

Lindenow was held to one goal in the third quarter, atestament to the Bombers' relentless pressure.

The writing was on the wall for Lindenow, who was overpowered and outplayed by Boisdale-Briagolong. Lindenow’s netballers had success in the 15 and Under age group, but were outplayed most of the day by Boisdale-Briagolong’s CGrade,DGrade and 17 and Under teams,all of whom won their matches.

EastGippsland Netball Scoreboard Round 1

AGRADE:Boisdale-Briagolong 52 def Lindenow 46, Wy Yung 51 def Lakes Entrance 26, Lucknow 44 def Orbost SnowyRovers40, Stratford62def Paynesville 10

BGRADE:OrbostSnowy Rovers 37 def Lucknow 35, Wy Yung 33 def Lakes Entrance 23, BoisdaleBriagolong 28 def Lindenow 16,Stratford33def Paynesville 19

CGRADE:WyYung33def Lakes Entrance 22, Boisdale-Briagolong 50 def Lindenow 29, Lucknow 38 def Orbost SnowyRovers32, Stratford 46 def Paynesville12.

DGRADE:WyYung38def Lakes Entrance 18, Boisdale-Briagolong 35 def Lindenow 21,Stratford 36 def Paynesville16, Lucknow drew Orbost SnowyRovers20-20.

17 AND UNDER:Lakes Entrance 28 def Wy Yung 26, Boisdale-Briagolong 10 def Lindenow 0, Lucknow 37 def Orbost SnowyRovers36, Stratford 47 def Paynesville3

15 AND UNDER:Stratford26def Paynesville 21, Wy Yung 34 def Lakes Entrance 12,Lucknow 51 def Orbost SnowyRovers22, Lindenow 34 def Boisdale-Briagolong 15

Woodsideknock off reigningpremier

IT'S showtime.

TomHayes

The 2024 North Gippsland Football-Netball season is now underway, after an enthralling opening round.

UNDEFEATED no more.

TTU suffered their first loss sincethe 2022 season,outdone by last year’sGrand Final opponent, Woodside.

It was on from the very first quarter, as 2023’s GrandFinalists went toe-to-toe to assert their dominanceinthe new season.

Both sides tallied 3.1 (19) in the first quarter, the close nature of the game mimicking that of the Grand Final itself. In an end-to-end quarter, both teams had their fair share of the football.

But someone had to break the chain, and it was Woodside whokicked away, with five goals to one in the second term to hold a22-point advantage at the main break.

Given the nature of games these two playedin last year, 22 points was amassive margin,but Woodside could not discount the side that is the reigning premier.

So, they simply carried on.

Another three goals were added to Woodside’s tally,while chances went amiss at the other end, which had massiverepercussions for the Bombers.

TTU kicked 2.10 (22) in the third quarter, which, if things had have gone their way, could have blown the game out of the water.

“(In the) third quarter (TTU) really stepped up and gave everything and got within 14 points at three-quarter time,”Woodside seniorcoach, Michael Stockdale said.

“They really took it up to us, with 15 more inside 50s -whichwedefended well.Theydid miss some opportunities in front of goal.”

Adisheartened TTU entered thefinalterm with some catching up to do, down by three straight kicks.

Despitethe amount of effort exerted,the Bombers couldn’t handlethe wrath of the Wildcats, who went on to have six scoring shots, returning 3.3 (21).

What did TTU have in response? Four behinds. They were held goalless as last year’s runner-up soonbecame the favourite forthe flag after a 31-point win.

Woodside claimed the four points, 13.6 (84) to TTU’s 6.17 (53).

“Both sides played agood brand of footy. They were missing some key players which will make them onlystronger,” Stockdale noted.

Mark Collison, Ryan Foat, Lee Stockdale, Jai Williams (four goals), Thomas King, and Adam Janssen were highlights for the Wildcats.

In defeat,TTU’s ZachKilgower, Flynn Shields, Oscar Aliotta, Trent Hourigan, Jake Cashmore, and Nicholas Fox played admirably.

WITH two milestones being played at Yarram Recreation Reserve, both Yarram and Churchill had something other thanpremiership points to play for.

The Demons were celebrating 300 club games of Josh Swift, while the Cougars were doing it for Chris ‘Squid’ Williams, who brought up 200 senior games.

Churchillgot the early jump,making the most of the wind by taking anine-point lead into the first break.

In afast-paced, high-scoring second term, the Cougarswere able to remainwithin reach kicking against the breeze.

Yarram kicked seven goals to five to regainthe lead and essentially hold the upper hand at the main break by three points.

The momentum stayedwith the Demonsinthe third term, which was vital as Churchill had their second chance kicking with the wind.

Yarram's structures overpowered that of the Cougars in the penultimate quarter, as the Demons disabled the ability of Churchill to use the corridor.

Churchill did kick threegoals, including a specialbanana from the boundary off the foot of Ben Kearns, but they were outdone by Yarram who posted four themselves.

Still,only two kicks separated the sidesasthey entered the last quarter.

Churchill was hoping to display some magic, like they did in their last visit to Yarram Recreation Reserve. No, it wasn’tagainst Yarram,but it was afinal quarter comeback with significance, as they knocked over Yallourn Yallourn North in last year’s Elimination Final.

Both sides could barely get going in the final stanza.Yarram slowed down the playand congested the footy, ultimately halting any sort of comeback from Churchill.

Yarramclosed outthe openinground win, defeating the Cougars, 15.11 (101) to 13.13 (91).

“I’m really proud of our boys. Churchill are a quality opposition and are ateam that always keeps on coming and never seem to back down,”

Yarram senior playing-coachBoadie Motton said.

“So, for us to be able to play aconsistent four quarters of team football and stick to ours structureand moral was areally good sight to see.

“We have implemented andworked on arange of new things over the offseason, and to mostly execute that in the opening game, will drive a bit of confidence amongst the playing group.”

DylanGarnham,Matt Clavarino, Josh Swift (six goals),Griffin Underwood, Motton, and Jake McFarland were the best for the Demons.

Nick Celima, Ben Kearns (five goals), Jordan Fenech, Nathan McRae, Chris Williams, and Brendan Holt were the drivers for the Cougars. SALECITY capped off theround with aclassy victory over Cowwarr.

The Saints hope to be one of the big improvers in 2024, with the massive signingofKeenan Hughes from YYN.

Despite his efforts in front of goal, Cowwarr was unable to disable thepower of the Bulldogs. Sale City wentfroma27-point quartertime lead, to a32-point halftime lead. Yet still within reach, they would soon break the shackles and let loose on Cowwarr.

Adding 37 points to their score in thethird term, the Bulldogs put themselves in acommanding position, with Cowwarr only adding three majors.

With the margin getting out of hand, the Bulldogs only made it worse for the Saints, kicking five final quarter goals to the Saints’ two. Thefourpoints went the way of the home team at Stephenson Park, 18.11 (119) to 7.7 (49).

Jacob Schuback hit the ground runningfor the Bulldogs with six majors. Also in their best was Jaxsyn Whitehill, Kane Martin (four goals), Daine McGuiness, Ostin Waugh, and Lachlan Carman.

Cowwarr was led by Alex Saunders, Hughes, Nick Twomey, Connor Cook, Ben Coffey, and Kyle Stamers.

HEYFIELD aren’t going anywhere.

With the expected rise of the likes of Rosedale, Sale City and Yarram, the Kangaroos would be put to the test when they hosted the Blues to open their season.

And atest it was, as atrying Rosedale outfit would not let up for the majority of the game, and at some points looked like the favourites to take home the four points.

The two teams were hard to separate in the opening stanza, with the scores tied at 4.3 (27) apiece at quarter time.

The congested natureofthe game continued

well into the second term up until halftime, which saw Rosedale take the advantage,kicking two goalstotwo behinds.

It was acompletely different contest in the second half,asHeyfield appeared to take the deficit personally.

Heyfield displayed the dominance they did in the back half of the 2023 season, kicking seven goals to one in the third term, completely blowing Rosedale out of the water.

Still, their lead was only 23 points, and by no meanswas Heyfield allowedtoassumethat would be enough to close out the game.

So,they made sure of victory, sealingthe game by kicking another 6.4 (40) to Rosedale’s sole behind,claiminga 62-pointwin, 17.9 (111) to 7.7 (49),but by no means did they do it the easy way “It was nice to startthe season off on apositive note. In agame littered with young players on both sides, it was atight contest in the first half and the game opened up after halftime,” Heyfield coach, Leigh Brown said.

The players of difference for the Kangaroos were Thomas Marchesi, Max Van Der Zwart, Robert McMillan, Brayden Woodland, Kyle Graham, and Tyson Birss. Mitchell Bennett led the way in front of goal for Heyfield with six majors. Luke Stuckey, Blake Safstrom, Will Logan, Oscar Smith, BaileyReid,and Caleb Barnett were valiant in defeat for Rosedale.

GLENGARRY are off to the beststart possible. Some had their doubts about the Magpies going into the new season, after finishingthe previous year toward the footend of the ladder.

It was questioned whether Gormandale may be able to cash in on what looked to be aweakened Glengarry outfit, who reportedlymadenomajor changestotheir 2023 squad.

For the Tigers, it was up to them to cause ashock and surprise the Magpies, while for Glengarry, the pressure was on them to collect the four points.

Glengarry appeared to handle that pressure expertly, winning 17.12 (114) to 4.5 (29).

Jack Burgess,LukeHealy, Spencer Poulton (five goals), Jesse Lee, Thomas Harris and Callum Mitchell werethe mostinfluential for the Magpies.

For Gormandale, the standouts were Jai Foulkes, Jet Krimhand, Hayden Richards, Isaac Copland, Kodie Owen, and Matt Anderson. YYN had the bye.

BrittCoridas (GD) celebrates with her Boisdale-Briagolong teammates after their Round 1win against Lindenow. Photo: ErikaAllen

Bombers start season on ahigh

Erika Allen

APRIL 13 was D-Day –where the ‘d’ stoodfor debut at the Boisdale Recreation Reserve,asBoisdaleBriagolong’sseniorfootball team defeatedeastern rivals Lindenow in the opening round of the East Gippsland season.

Round 1saw the returnof100-gameBomber, JacksonGlenane, who rejoined the club aftera stint with Sale. Additionally,club newcomer Jesse Bedggood, aformer Heyfield player, showedhis goal-kicking prowess will be an asset in season ‘24, bagging three on Saturday and bolstering his impressive 480-plus career total.

Saturday saw more than justplayers making their debuts; Boisdale-Briagolongalsoinaugurated

its new electronic scoreboard, which displayed the day’s end result in vivid technicolour -BoisdaleBriagolong 17.6 (108) to Lindenow 10.6 (66).

Heading into halftime, the match was tightly contested. The first quarter concluded with Lindenow holding aslender two-pointlead, while the second quarter saw the teams deadlocked at 39 points each.

Fuelled by an impassioned peptalkfrom playingcoachSam Bedggood at three-quarter time,the Bombers stormed home in the fourth quarter. Bedggood, alead-by-example type of player, followed Bombers captain Jim Reeves’ goal with aback-to-back score, marking the team’s 15th goal, as he flaunted the effectiveness of his personal trainingduring the preseason after breaking away from Lindenow defenders for agoal on the run.

Ruffled feathersonthe courts

Zaida Glibanovic

MAFFRA and Sale suffered defeat in Round 2 of Gippsland League netball.

Drouin thumped the Eagles 65-17 at home.

Maffra’s young juniors were no match for the full force of the Hawks.

Despitethe loss, Maffra’s MatildaPendergast, Krystal Craft and Maddy Dalton played well.

The Magpies were undone by Warragul, and more specifically, Emma Ryde.

Ryde shot amassive 56 goals in their 33 goal win.

Warragul were certainly not fazed by the travel, coming out of the gates firing, piling on goal-after-goal.

Renee Cook, Sienna Green and Jamie Rollinson were huge in facilitating scores for the visitors, while Kristy Glover, Kate Van der Voort and Ashleigh Keefe were notable in the loss for Sale.

In other games, Wonthaggi had aconvincing win overLeongatha 43-25, Moe defeated Traralgon 58-37 and Bairnsdale caused a boilover, knocking off Morwell 40-31.

NORTH GIPPSLAND opened its 2024 season

with ahugeupset. Reigning premier, Woodside took atumble against TTU, losing by six goals.

Though a40-34 TTU win was asurprise, perhaps havingWildcat premiership stars, Caitlin Ponton and coachElizabeth Nicol missingfrom the side contributed to aweaker Woodside.

Sale City’s new mid-court recruit, Isla McCarthy, was sensational in the team’s 65-25 goal win over Cowwarr. The Bulldogs really showed their bite, not holding anything back when the Saints showed up at Stephenson Park.

Expect Sale City to be areal contender this year.

In the biggest winning margin for the round, the young team at Yarram could not ward off Churchill, going down by 45 goals.

Churchill was too strong, maintaining possession with atight defence to win 60-15.

Heyfield is building something special.

The Kangaroos got the job done against a fellow 2023 finalists in Rosedale.

The young Roosshowedtheircomposure to win 39-34.

Sarah Schellen wouldhavebeen happy to secure her first win as the new AGrade coach.

Glengarry defeated Gormandale 53-39.

Show offiswhatthe Bombers did. But onlyafter one of Lindenow’s best players for the day, Darren Allen, dribbled atight goal from the right forward pocket just as the final quarter got underway.

Boisdale-Briagolongansweredwiththeir own, and then some.

Goals flew off the boots of Trayvon Stretch, getting theBombers to an 18-point lead, as well as Brandon Rimmington, whose goal nudged them past the 100-point mark.

The high-scoring precision of the game transformed it into aspectacle for spectators, as each goal was met with asymphony of car horns and thunderous claps against the metal signs around the ground, electrifying the atmosphere.

Another straight kick from one of the day’s bestons, Nicholas Marshall, was the “icing on the cake”, according to one observer in the crowd.

Cal Egan, Matthew Wilkinson, who was aforce in the ruck, Marshall, Rhys Johnson,Matthew Roberts, and Jim Reeves who steered four goals home, werenamedbestonground for the Bombers.

Best forthe Cats were Todd Alexander, Brett Waddell, Kevin Bongers, Josh Onley, Darren Allen and Peter Harrison.

FOR Stratford, it was all Tim Hawkins at

Paynesville’s AJ Freeman Reserve, as the Swans thrashed the home side 16.17 (113) to 4.8 (32).

Hawkinswas an easy pickfor best on, having kicked eight goals straight and just one behind in the Swan’s 81 point victory.

Paynesville led into quarter time by threepoints after kicking 2.4 (16) to 2.1 (13). However, they were held to naught in the second term as the Swans hittheir stride.

By three quarter time, Stratford had added five goals to their halftime tally.

Atouch of inaccuracy did not affectthe Swans getting out to aconvincing 56-point lead going into the final term.

Joining Hawkins as best players for the day were Ethan Albrecht, Alex Morcom, Kobi Taylor and Jack Bacon.

Paynesville’s best were Oscar Pike, Brayden Radford, Nathan Dean, Mitchell Willmott, Caleb Crofts and Charles Mein.

In other games, Lucknowdefeated Orbost Snowy Rovers by 12 points, and Wy Yung did anumber on Lakes Entrance, winning by 69 points.

Scoreboards for East Gippsland, North Gippsland andGippsland League willappear in Friday’s issue.

Boisdale-Briagolong Football-Netball Club finally hasanelectronic scoreboard. The new scoreboardrecorded the first of what theBombers hope will be many winsthis East Gippsland season at theweekend. Photo: ErikaAllen

Sale unbeaten afterfirst two rounds

MORE questions than answers remain after two rounds in the Gippsland League. While time has not yet allowed the competition to fully unfold, results so far have left queries on anumberofteams.

Have Warragul improvedalot? Have Morwell in fact not improved at all? Are things starting to click for Bairnsdale?

What of Wonthaggi? The Powerhas already lost as many home and away games this year as they did for the whole season in 2023. WhenisMaffra’s first win coming?And how can Moe kicksix goals in the last quarter after only managing four in the first three?

SALE held off apersistent Warragul.

The Magpies kicked five goals to two in the final term, to win 16.13 (109) to 12.10 (82).

In amatch describedas“highlyentertaining”, spectators crammed the Past Players Hill at Sale Oval to see the home side prevail.

Not much separated combatants in the first three quarters, althoughSale was able to give itself some breathingspace at halftimeafter kicking five goals to one in the second term.

The Guls however hit back, taking advantage of the scoring end to nail four goals of their own in thethird to make it aseven-point ballgame at the final change.

There was to be no upset however, as Sale players likeShannen Lange, Hudson Holmes andJack Leslie made sure the Magpies kept their unbeaten start to the season intact.

Former Richmond player Derek EggmolesseSmithalsofeatured in thebest, as did Jonty McGuiness and Josh Butcher.

Agreat story to come out of the day was Sale junior graduate Kane Cutler, who enjoyed adream debut in senior colours -kicking amatch-high four goals

In agame decided by 27 points, his efforts were certainly appreciated by all wearing the black and white.

Cutler was one to rate amention fromSale chairman of selectors,Peter Morrison postgame, who stoodinassenior assistant coach in the absence of Shane Fyfe.

“Kane Cutler in for his first game, couldn’t of (donebetter), to kick fourgoals, was very lively around forward,” Morrison said.

“Young DannyByronshowed someimproved form around the footy, Jonty McGuiness and Jake Hutchins and the young defenders …reward for what the football club is trying to do goingforward, see our young players play areally good game.

“Story coming out of Warragullastweek was they were quite big and powerful, and that was certainlythe case today, they brought agood style of footy, it wasareally, reallygood game of footy.”

Riley Senini, LukeGarner (threegoals), Lucas Carter, Isaac Wallace, Patrick Carpenter and Sean

Masterson were best for Warragul.

Saturday proved to be asuccessful day all round at TheNest, with Sale winning all bar one game of football and netball.

Morrison said it was pleasing to see preparation paying off in the early stages of the season.

“You put alot of work in and get the result you hope for,” he said.

“Good feel around the jointand we’lllook forward to playing Moe right across the board next week.”

The Magpies make their first road trip outside WellingtonShire for the season this weekend, taking on the Lions at Ted Summerton Reserve.

The day is shaping as one that will seetwo senior sides with very strong top liners go head-to-head, while some interesting subplots might emerge elsewhere, as both lists were heavily targeted by North Gippsland clubs in the offseason -Saleby Sale City,and Moe by Yallourn Yallourn North.

Of course my 150th had to fall on the week Moe plays Sale.

MAFFRA is still searching for its first win of the season.

The Eagleswere well beaten by Drouin at the weekend, going down by 66 points. Maffra was neverreally in thehuntafter quarter time at Drouin Recreation Reserve, with the final scoreboard reading 16.18 (114) to 6.12 (48).

Justseven pointswas themargin at quarter time, before the Hawks broke away, kicking five goals to one to take a33-point lead into the sheds.

The margin was virtuallythe same at three quartertime, with Maffra only able to shave three points offthe previous deficit.

Drouin finished very strongly, adding five goals in the final term. Conversely, the Eagles showed characteristics of an inexperienced sidestruggling to run games out, managing just asingle behind.

The more senior players in the Maffra line-up were judgedbest afield, with JamesRead,Alex Carr and Kade Renooy getting those honours.

Youngsters Zac O’Keefe, Henry Anderson and Noah Christywerealso able to hold their heads high.

Kye Quirkkicked four goals for the winners, while Joe Collins nabbed three.

The pairwerelisted as the mostprominent,along with Mitch Cotter, Ed Morris, Jarrod Marshall and Tim Hancock.

Things do not get easier for Maffra, who take on reigning premier Leongatha this weekend.

The Eagles then make the tough road trip to Bairnsdale, meaning if results go as predicted, Maffra’s first win might not come until Round 5 againstMorwell.

IN other games, wins went to Leongatha over Wonthaggi in the Grand Final rematch, Bairnsdale overaMorwell teamthat faded badly in the second half, and Traralgon in afive-point thriller over Moe.

The Powerlook verythin at the moment, with only 11 players from its Grand Final team suiting up at the weekendjustgone.

Super sub Sam Berry saves Crows from 0-5 start

TomHayes

THREE locals were in action during Round 5ofthe AFL at the weekend, bouncing back to the norm after aweek in the City of Churches.

Although some parts of the AFL ladder look to be taking shape, there is still anumberofteams finding their feet, which could begin to have some effect as the season progresses.

MAFFRA’S SamBerry was the hero for the

Adelaide Crows at the weekend, coming off the bench as the substitute.

It was atopsy-turvy game between Carlton and the Crows at Marvel Stadium, as more than 10 lead changes played out across the four quarters.

The Blues kicked back into favour to lead by seven pointsatquarter time. Adelaide chipped back, but onlyever-so-slightly, to reduce Carlton’s margin to six points at the main break.

Chances would go amiss for the Blues in the third term. Carlton went from 8.2 (50) to 11.9 (75), as

anumberofopportunitieswere touched on the line or rushed behind. In the meantime, Adelaide kicked 5.1 (31),tojoin Carltonon75points apiece.

Enterthe game,Sam Berry. Berrywas clutchfor the Crows in the final term, injecting pace, pressure and in the end, amajor, to drag Adelaide over the line.

Berry had nine touches, four score involvements, two tackles and aclearance, on top of his matchwinning goal in the quarter-long cameo.

Carlton led by as much as 16 points in the final term, before the Crows replied quickly with two majors to bring the match back to within akick.

In the 30thminuteofthe final quarter, with about 90 seconds remaining on the clock, Berry shrugged atackleand snapped truly from 35 metres, giving the Crows atwo-point advantage.

Carlton had majority of possession after that, but could not muster ascore, allowing the Crows to snap their losing streak, ultimately ending Carlton’s unbeaten start to the season, 16.4 (100) to 14.14 (98).

The Crowsreturn to Adelaide Oval this weekend, when they host Essendon under the Friday night lights.

ELSEWHERE, Sale’sCharlie Comben was strong again for North Melbourne, but was unable to stop the wrath of Geelong.

Standingatfullback, therewas not muchhe could do, as Geelong pretty much had everything go their way, as they sailed to a75-point victory. Comben was coming off the back of astrong showing against Brisbane during Gather Round, where he had 25 touches, eight marks and five tackles. This time around he had 14 disposals, nine marks and atackle.

Josh Dunkley was important for Brisbane, as they found victory over Melbourne at the MCG.

It was ameaningful game for the Lions who were celebrating the 250th game of two-time Brownlow Medallist, Lachie Neale. Dunkley, from Yarram, was Brisbane’s

highest-rankedplayer on the ground,with30 disposals,nine marks,fourtackles and three clearances.

Scott Pendlebury and Collingwood had the bye at the weekend.

The Sale local may miss some footy, with arib injury he suffered during Gather Round. Withnoupdateprovided at the time of print, it is unknown if he will be available to face Port Adelaide this Saturday at the MCG.

Sale’sCharlieCombenhas impressed in his return from ahorrific leginjury. Photo: AFL Galleries

Liam Durkin

Thatcountry boycan play.

Maffra’s SamBerry wasthe hero for Adelaide on Saturdaynight, after kicking the winning goal to give the Crowstheir first win of the AFL season.

Winning netballstartsfor Bombers, Swans Clutch Berry

Erika Allen

ECHOES of excitement filled the air as whistles, car horns, and sirensjoined the livelycrowds at local football grounds and netball courts for the East Gippsland Football-Netball League’santicipated Round 1onSaturday.

Rarely is the blood rule invoked in agameof netball; rather, its occurrence is more frequently observed on afooty field.

However,lateinto the second quarter of BoisdaleBriagolong’s AGrade netball clash at home against Lindenow,starBombers defenderElly Weatherley emerged with battle scars in what was ahighintensity game from first whistle to last. True to their dynamic brand of play, the Bombers made afast start.

Sharpshooter Rachel Weatherley provedpivotal in the first-quarter dominance, sinking 14 goals with pinpointaccuracy out of the team’simpressive total of 18.

Lindenow remained in close pursuit as the highflying Bombers maintained afive-point lead going

into the second quarter, with the score at 18-13 in Boisdale-Briagolong’s favour.

Fresh legs and the excitement of Round 1seemed to energiseboth teams, as the intensity of play from the first quarter continued unabated throughout the game.

Boisdale-Briagolong’s mid-court menaces, wing defender Emily Porter and centre Linley Bertacchini, epitomisedthis unwavering energy as they moved effortlessly down the court.

At times, the pace of the game was too fast -calls made from the sidelines as well as on the court urged players to “take abreath” and “slow it down”. Did players heed that advice? No. In fact, the second half was the liveliest.

Entering the third quarter, the Bombers surged to their largest lead of the game, leaving Lindenow with an 11-point deficit to overcome.

In the fourthquarter,pride wasonthe line as Lindenow tried to reduce the deficit.

From the firstcentre pass, Lindenowgot to work, converting agoal in agame marked by intercepts and turnovers that played havoc for both teams, frustrated coaches, and entertained spectators.

Still, the Bombers found the answers.

Until suddenly, like aperceptible change in the wind, the atmosphere aroundthe court intensified, and the Lindenow cheer squad perked up.

Their players had narrowed down an 11-point deficit to amere four-pointmargin. Catsshooters, Claire Brown and BrookePerrett, had well and truly stepped up.

As desperation mounted, the game descended into scrappyplay, marked by unexpected turnovers and tense mistakes. Shots Weatherley and Huts had been confidently making throughoutthe game suddenly went astray.

However, as aplaying-coach should, BoisdaleBriagolong’s goal attack, Sarah Gardiner, held her ship steady. Not only did she exhibit precision shooting, but she also demonstrated her astuteness by strategically blocking an out-of-play opponent from securing aclear rebound in caseher shot missed. Yet, Gardiner needed no such secondchance rebound, sinking the ball into the net.

Some players were so focused on the ball that in fast pursuit of it, Porter almost took out an umpire late in the fourth quarter.

With spectators on the edges of their seats and time dwindling, collective relief for the home side prevailed as they managed to keep Lindenow at bay, winning52-46. Boisdale’sA Grade team exhibitsaunique quality: the absenceofasingular standout performer. Instead, every player fulfils their role with versatilityand adaptability. Playerrotations were frequentthroughout the quarters, with MollieHuts seamlessly substituting for Rachel Weatherlyin the goalswhile Weatherley adeptly transitioned to thewingattack position.

AWAY from home, Stratford’s AGrade netball team commencedthe defence of their 2023 premiership title against Paynesville. Paynesville’s home-court advantage did nothing to intimidatethe soaring Swans.

The Swans’ commanding performance culminated in aresounding 52-goal victory -perhaps apreview of acompetitive season to come. Stratford wasthe only East Gippsland club to win all grades of netball at the weekend. Comfortably too.

Continued -Page31