Gippsland Times Tuesday April 29 2024

Physical tests and fundraising

Beaufighter March

AVIATORSfrom No.30(CityofSale) Squadron completed a15kmor30km Pack MarchatDutson AirWeapons Range last month, designed to test their physical and mental toughness and raise money for charity. The Beaufighter Marchisnamed in recognition of the Squadron’s association with the Bristol Beaufighter Aircraft since the delivery of the first Beaufighter in June 1942.

The 30 SquadronBeaufighterswerepartof the Allies successful strikes on Japanese convoys during the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. Those participating were required to complete the march within aset time limit, with the route taking in most of the Dutson Air Weapons Range.

The Dutson Range was selected, noting its long history supporting gunnery, rocketry and both high explosive and practise bombing activities by aircraft including Canberras, Mirages, F111s and Skyhawks.

Dutson continues to be used today for all manner of ground training activities.

The inaugural 30 Squadron Beaufighter March was ahugesuccess, challengingall thosewho participated.

The Pack March provided an opportunity for individuals to test themselves individually against the clock, with threemembers completing the march underthree hours and 45 minutes, well inside the time limit for their respective age groups. All RAAF Base East Sale members will be given an opportunity to attempt the PackMarchlater this year.

What's on at Dutson Range

DUTSON Training Area will be active during the periods listed below for Field Training Exercises. Some of these activities may involve demolition practices and,assuch, explosions may be heard between the hours of 9am and 4pm each day. Publicrecreational usage of LakeWellington will not be affected by these exercises.

May 1-31, 2024:Military training including blank ammunition.

While RAAFpersonnel strivetoinform the public of all activities conducted at Dutson Training Area, explosions may be heard outside of the dates listed above if dictated by operational requirements.

Warning to hunters

IN the interestofpublic safety, notification is hereby given that access to Dutson Training Area is prohibited.

Dutson Training Area is still an active weapons range,and presents asignificant hazard to all persons within the range boundaries.

The hazard not only exists during range activation for weapons exercises, but also during times of inactivity. This is due to the very high levels of Unexploded Explosive Ordnance on this range, some dating back to World War 2, much of which is in an unstable condition.

Unmarked silted in bombcraterspresent another significant hazard.

You are reminded that it is an offence, under Section 89 and 89A of the Commonwealth Crimes Act to trespass on Defence land, and to discharge firearms on or over Commonwealth land.

The Dutson Range Boundaries are shown in the accompanying photograph (right).

For further information, phone Sergeant Nick Young on 0429 402 049.

Aircraft Operations at East Sale

IF you are interested in learning more about the role of RAAF Base East Sale, flying operations and flying areas,you can visit defence.gov.au/ aircraftnoise/EastSale

This includes alinkthe RAAF East Sale Noise Management Plan. The Defence approach to noise mitigationand Air Force fly neighbourly policy can also be found through the ‘Understanding Noise’ site.

General information

ANY enquiries relating to activities at RAAF Base, East Sale, should be directed to the Air Base Command Post on 5169 9892, or via email to esl. abcp@defence.gov.au Dutson TrainingAreaRange Boundaries.

Kindergarten registrations open 1May

Registrations for2025 kindergarten placesinWellington S opentomorrow,Wednesday 1May.Ifyour child will be att three or four year oldkindergarten in 2025, nowisthe time complete aregistrationform through the WellingtonShire Kindergarten Central RegistrationService. Registrations areopenuntil 30 June 2024and canbesubmitted viaour website at www.wellington.vic.gov.au/earlyyears or by scanniing g the e code provided There, you will find an easy y ‘how w to video’ explaining all the stepsonhow to registter r your child for kinndergarten. Parents who havvealreeady suubmitted an Expression of Interest form m online will also be contaactted directly by Council and reminnded to submiit regiistration beforethe 30 June deadline

Key Dates: 1 Mayto30June 2024

Registrations open July 2024

Waiting period d August 2024 Kindergaarten place offers and accepttance

Onnce your child has beee accceptedd, yoou will be co o with youur chhild’s kinderga te to o begin the enrolment process Foor more information,including information aboutparticipatinng kindergartten providersplease visit our website or contact our Early Yearsteam on 1300 366244 or emmail earlyyears@wellington.vic.gov.au

IMMUNISATIONSESSIONS

Wellington ShireCouncilinpartnership with GippslandWomen’sHealth arecalling on thelocal community to standtogether to remember and honourthe women and children whohavedevastatinglylost theirlives to domesticand family violence. We invite youtojoin us in acommunity CandlelightVigil tomorrow evening, Wednesday1May from 5.30pm to 6pm at theSaleClocktower. Followinga few short speeches, therewillbeamoment of silence. We encourageyou to bring your owncandle or phonetorch to take part

If you have any questions, please phoneGippsland Women’sHealth on 1800805 448orvisit www.gwhealth.asn.au.

COUNCIL MEETINGS

Photos: Contributed

FOLLOWING the Anzac Day Dawn Service at The Cenotaph at Memorial Park, the community of Stratford assembled at the corner of Tyers Street and BlackburnSt(near BP) for the ANZAC Commemorative March and Service.

The march included membersfrom the Stratford RSL Sub Branch, SES, RAAF, local schools (Stratford Primary Schooland St Patrick’s Primary School), Stratford Football-Netball Club and the CFA.

Beginning at 8.45am, an army jeep and the Sale City Band led the march on Tyers St back to Memorial Park, with hundreds watching from on the sidelines.

Secretary of Stratford RSLSub Branch, Terry King welcomed everyone to the service, thanking and acknowledgingall guest speakers, representatives, the Traditional Owners and those laying a wreath.

“We cannot forget the presence onceagain of the Sale City Band,who for many years have assistedthe Stratford Communityfor the ANZAC Commemorative Marchand Service,” he said.

Mr King asked all present to stand for the mounting of the Catafalque Party, which was led by Flying Officer Michell Paterson. The party was made up of Pilot Officers Ellis Williams, Jessica Edwards, Vanessa Huebner and Darcy Lahey.

Stratford RSL President, BenDavis was then invited to MC the service,and gave his own address thatpaid tribute to the lateReginald'Reg'Saunders MBE.

“This year we at the RSL are pleased that the Stratford Football-Netball Club have joined in the marchtoday in recognition of the many who have served both ourcountry and played football for our great club here in Stratford,” he said.

“One such person was a1955 premiership player Reg Saunders…awarded an MBE, Reg was the first Aboriginal Australian to be commissioned as an officer in the Australian Army.

“Reg served in the Second World War and the Korean War. Following the Korean War, Reg being asawmill worker moved to Maffra-Briag where he played for Stratford."

After the laying of the wreaths, hymns (‘O God Our Help in Ages Past’ and ‘Amazing Grace’) and the Lord’s Prayerled by The Reverend David Perryman of Holy Trinity Anglican,Squadron Leader Mitchell Brewis (from RAAF Base, East Sale) was invited to address the assembly and acknowledge those who have died in wars.

Anotherhymnwas sung (‘Onward Christian Soldiers'),and allpresentpaidtheir respects

through the 'RSL Ode','TheLast Post', the release of pigeons and the National Anthem. All remained standing for the dismountofthe Guard, and President Davies concludedthe ceremony, after which aRAAFflyover was seen and heard in an instant.

All attending were invited to visit the RSL Hall for refreshments.

President Davis told the Gippsland Times he was very pleased with the localsupport on the day “Especially theDawnService, it would be the biggest (turnout) I’ve seen here(in Stratford). I reckon about 300 people this morning, and 300 this afternoon” he said.

Referencingvariousongoing conflicts abroad, President Davis says that Anzac Day is “getting stronger and stronger”.

“I think it’s startingtomean more to people because it’s notlooking very good overseas,” he said.

Secretary King said the day wasimportant to remember our ancestors and thank them for the freedoms they’ve left.

“It’s very important to recognise service and the community spirit,” he said.

Adding to that, President Davis said he hoped those currently involved in service are supported by the public upon their return.

“When they come back, support them, because they need support,” he said.

“When the Vietnam vets came back, they were (treated like) maggots. I’d like for people to show respect for those doing the work.”

Sale, Maffra Anzac

-Pages 4-5

StefanBradley

Day Services

Maffra Secondary College School Captain, Jeremy Smyth lays awreath.

Photos:StefanBradley

Stratfordlocals NeilLett, Tommy Lett and Daniel Lett,with ThomasJackson (aged five).

StratfordPrimary School students paid theirrespects at the service.

Secretary of StratfordRSL Sub Branch,Terry King andPresident Ben Davis (right).

Wellington ShireCouncil wasrepresented by Northern Ward Councillor John Tatterson at the Stratfordservice.

BenMcArthur

SALE’S 6am dawn service is one of the town’s biggest community events, with thousands of people standing shoulder-to-shoulder at the Sale Cenotaph.

People startedarriving by 5.15am, and about 20 minutes later, the area outside the memorial was full.

To accommodate the extra people,the event was filmed by Tim Munckton and projected onto abig screen.

“I’ve had an interest in this (film) since back in primaryschool, whichhas just been developing, and it is good to come along and have an opportunity to use my interest,” he said.

The ceremony opened with aprayer by RAAF Chaplain, Tim Mannix.

“All of Australia gratefully remembers the courage andtheir sacrifice. They (the ANZACs) had the grace to liveina spiritofjustice, generosity and peace,” he said.

l i Sale will remember

Then came aspeech by Kylie Willmont, the Sale RSLPresident andPersonnel CapabilityOfficer for the Royal Australian Air Force, who has nearly 40 years of service.

Ms Willmont said Anzac Day is about more than just the soldiers who died in war;itserves to remember all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died during wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

“Anzac Day is abig moving beast and there’s alot of people who come every year to watch it happen and even though they all know what will happen, there’s always younger people who want to engage and wear their family medals,” she said.

“It’s important to remember those who came before us and remember our national history and those who had to die young.

“The day encompasses everyone who has served andisabout remembering that ANZAC spirit and notletting it die.”

In attendance were manyveterans, displaying medals,such as veteran Peter Lend, who served

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in Vietnam on a12-month tour in 1968.

“Australia at that time was not up to scratch, and alot of people lost their lives, not just because of what happened in Vietnam but the rejection that they felt when they got back, even by the politicians,” he said.

“How they (society) treated them (veterans) was not good. My belief is if you do something wrong in life, you have to accept the responsibility for it no matter what, and if you can’t do that, then don’t worry about being there.”

After the dawnservice, the WarCemetery Memorial began at 9am, followed by the day’smain event at 10.30am, the traditional AnzacDay Parade made its way down Raymond Street.

The MC wasSaleRSL VicePresident Ross Jackson, who was joined by Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester and adidgeridoo performance.

Mr Chester said the region has arich military history.

“Anzac Day is not about glorifying war or conflict,

quite the opposite,” Mr Chester said.

“It’s achancetopay our respects to the 102,000 people who have been killed wearing our nation’s uniform and protecting the freedoms we all enjoy today.

“At the same time, we remember those who have been injured physically or mentally, the families who supported them, and the Australian Defence Force personnel who continue to serve today.”

More than40groups andorganisationslaid a wreath upon the foot of the Sale Cenotaph. One of those laying awreathwas Craig Guthrie, who laid aKokoda wreath.

“I think that if it weren’t for our Australian men and women heroesand their sacrifices,wewouldn’t be living in afree country today,” he said.

“It’s important to learn and rememberabout our country’s history and what our soldiers went through and still go through.”

Following the lunch, Two-Up games took place at SaleRSL,with proceedsgoing to the ANZAC appeal.

PH: 5144 4869

Wreaths laid at theSale Cenotaph in remembrance.

Sale’s Salvation Army CorpsOfficer,Min-Hwan Oh laid a wreath.

Sale Dawn Service.

Photos:Ben McArthur

The Sale City Bandattended themarches in both Sale and Stratford.

Another strong crowdcamefor this year’s AnzacDay service in Sale

af ra a Maffra marches on

ErikaAllen

RECORD crowds attended Maffra’s Anzac Day commemorations.

Beforethesunrose,medalsofserviceadorningwarm jackets glinted under streetlights as one of Maffra’s largest dawnservicesgathered in remembrance People began assemblingatthe corner of Johnston Streetand Foster St as earlyas5.30am.When the dawnservicecommencedat6am,acrowdsurpassing 400 people hadamassed.

Richard Kors, president of the Maffra RSL SubBranch, officiated theday’s events.

At the dawn service, Mr Kors recounted that 109

years ago, and aboutanhour earlier than crowds gathered last Thursday,soldiers of the Australian andNewZealandArmyCorpslandedonthewestern coastlineoftheGallipoliPeninsulaat4.30amonApril 25, 1915.

“By the end of thatday,over 16,000 soldiers had surged to shore, of which more than 2000 were dead or injured,”hesaid.

“These mendid not setout to be immortalised. But their conduct on that day and over the subsequent monthshasmadethemimmortal,securingtheirplace in the national subconscious.

“This morning,wepay ourrespectstothose who served at that time and to those that have followed in their footsteps.”

AAmong those paying their respects on Thursday was the No. 32 Squadron RAAF, based in East Sale,four of whom made up the Catafalque party.

Atradition that has become apart of Anzac Day, the Catafalque party stood approximatelytwo metresfromall four cornersofthe Cenotaph, facing outward as asign of respect.

FollowingKevin Christensen,vicepresident of the Maffra RSL Sub-Branch, who recited the ANZAC Requiem, Northern Ward Councillor Carolyn Crossley laid awreathonbehalfofthe Wellington Shire. At the same time, Mr Christensen and Wing Commander Marcus Watson, commanding officer of the No. 32 Squadron, also placed wreaths at the base of theCenotaph.

As the sun rose, illuminating aonce-darkened footpath outside the Maffra Library, attendees slowly dispersed. Some took their time acknowledging the flower wreathssurrounding the Cenotaph. Others ventured home or to the gunfire breakfast hosted by the Maffra RSL Sub-Branch.

The intermissionbetweencommemorative events was short, as by 8.30am, people had lined the service road parallel to Johnston St.

At 9am,parents wrangled kids running across the street, and conversations hushed as Maffra’s Municipal Band-led by Colin McQuillen -marched south along the service road between the rotunda and library.

No. 32 Squadron RAAF stationed at East Sale, localCFA,veterans and their familiesand students from Maffra Primary School and St. Mary’s Primary joined the procession. Avintage Willys Jeep followed them.

Convening around the Cenotaph, RAAF Wing Commander Watson and St Mary's Parish Priest, FatherEdwin Ogbuka, who reminded people to keep those livingwith the physical and mental scars of war in their thoughts, addressed the crowd.

When discussing Anzac Day with those unfamiliar with its history, Mr Kors explained how he is oftenasked whywecommemorateamilitary defeat.

“There are many ways to answer this question,” he said.

“The services that are held by Australianand New Zealand people over the world are not about glorifying war, but about acommitment by our nations to never forget the sacrifice of our people who fought for our freedom and for our way of life.”

“As the yearshave passed,this dayhas also become about the ANZACSpirit shown by our

brave men and women, who have followed in the footsteps of our firstANZACS,” Mr Kors saidas he addressedthe crowd.

“On this day, we now commemorate the lives of those who died in the Second World War, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, and in peacekeeping operations around the world.”

Speaking to the Gippsland Times afterthe service, Mr Kors was especially pleased with the crowds that attended Maffra’s dawn service.

“This morning, we had, Ibelieve, the largest turnout that we’ve ever had for adawnservice here in Maffra.”

“The people of Maffra just amaze me everysingle year.

“We’d have had easily 450 people here for the dawn service this morning. It was just amazing.”

He was delighted with the young locals he saw at both services.

“To have them coming down and learning about our history and learning about why we remember these people in our service and hopefully bearing fora future wherewedon’tneed to worry about anything like this again -that hope, that one day we can figure out in this world, how to live peacefully,” he said.

These sentiments were mirrored by Northern Ward Councillor, Carmel Ripper, who said Anzac Day was among the “most important days” councillors recognise in the year.

She was one of many attendees dressed for the occasion, wearing ahand-beaded vest depicting poppies her late sister had made.

Cr Ripper, like other service men and women, veterans and children, proudly wore service medals, including one recognising her 20 years of service, 11 of which she served in East Sale after joining the Women’s Royal Australian Airforce in 1975.

After attending alarge dawn service in Stratford, Cr Ripper said she believes the crowds grow each year.

“My thoughtsthis morninginStratford at the dawn service and here (at Maffra’s morning service), are that if every group on Anzac Day -every RSL - had two people, possibly a man or a woman, who trotted off to the recruitingcentreand applied to join the services of all Australia, Ithink I’d be very proud,” she said.

Maffra RSL sub-branch vice president Kevin Christensen, WellingtonShireNorthern Ward Councillor,CarmelRipper, RAAF Wing CommanderMarcus Watsonand Maffra RSLsub-branch President RichardKors. Photos:Erika Allen

Maffra PrimarySchool students KelseyHasler,Mason McLernon and Zara McKinnon preparetolay awreath.

Maffra RSL president RichardKors duringthe march. He

wearing aservice medal recognising

Different ways to take adip

WHILE the extended summer swim season at AquaEnergy’s Sale Outdoor Poolofficially ended on Sunday (April 28), Aqua Energy will offer several swimmingoptions throughoutwinter while its indoor facility undergoes amajor redevelopment. Lap swimming, hydrotherapy, deepwater running group fitness classes and swimming lessons will be availableatWest Sale Pool, while cold water lap swimming at Sale outdoor pool will be trialled during May.

Indoor lap swimming will be available at WestSale Pool in Fulhamuntil theSale OutdoorPool at Aqua Energy is reopened in September. Lap swimming opened on Monday (April 29), and will be available from Monday to Friday, between 6am to 7am, and 7pm to 9pm. Therewill be no lap swimming at West Sale on weekends or public holidays.

In response to community feedback, Aqua Energy will trial cold water lap swimming at Sale Outdoor Pool during May. Beginning today (Tuesday, April 30), cold water lap swimming will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6amto9am,and Sundays from 9am to 11am. Thepool will not be heated during this period, so this option is for dedicated swimmers. Aqua Energy will review attendance to determinefuture opportunities for cold water lap swimming.

To accommodate additional services at West Sale throughout winter, there has beensomeminor adjustments to hydrotherapy session times. From Monday (April 29), hydrotherapy will be available from Monday to Friday, from 7am to 9am and 2pm to 4pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 11am. Deep water running group fitness has transferred to West Sale Pool, as per the current timetable.

Unfortunately, Aqua Energy cannotoffer recreational swimming at West Sale due to the high volume of programming. Whilethere are no aquatic recreational activities available over the colder months, Gippsland Regional Sports Complex in Sale will host lots of family-friendly activities. GRSC’s inflatables will be available each Sunday duringschool terms, as well as Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays during school holidays. The cost is $15 per child for two hours, and no bookings are required. For more information, visit grscwellington.com.au/inflatables

To stay up to date withprogrammingatWestSale Pool, visit the 'Service Updates' section of the Aqua EnergyFacilityRedevelopment Portal, found at aquaenergy.com.au/redevelopment-portal

The West Sale Pool is 25 metres long and heated between 32 and 34 degrees Celcius. It is located on Lyon CrescentFulhaminthe West Sale precinct. Head towards Rosedale, turn right at Williams Drive (turning right at prison intersection), head over the railwaylines and follow the signs.

O’Brien’s community road trip

ISSUESincluding storm recovery, roads,environmental protection,nuclear energy,wilddog management, broiler farms and telecommunications were on the agenda earlierthis month as Member for GippslandSouth,DannyO’Brien, visited local communities to hear their concerns first hand.

Mr O’Brien visited Cowwarr, Nambrok, Toongabbie, Boolarra, Yinnar and Yinnar South for his regularmobile office appointments with local constituents.

“I believeitisimportant that Imakemyself available as often as possibletolocal people in theircommunity,not just in my office somewhere, so that Ican hear the issues that are affecting people and help them deal with state government problems," Mr O'Brien said.

"It was great to be able to meet with concerned

locals face-to-face and Inow have anumberof items that Iwill be following up.

“Thestorm damageand subsequent recovery was aparticularly hot topicinBoolarraSouth and Iwill continue to be vocal in my disappointment that the state government has not done more to financially assist impacted farmers."

Mr O’Briensaiditwas also goodtomeet with people whosimply had issuesthey wanted to make him aware of or share their views on with him. He thanked his hosts at Café 3869 in Yinnar for providing the venue for many of his appointments.

"Thisisa critical part of our democracy -to makesurethe local representative hearsfrom the people," he said.

“I will continuetoget out into local communities and make myself available to my constituents as often as Ican."

Chester questions King

ASERIES of road safety projects across Gippsland have stalleddue to alack of Commonwealth funding,accordingtothe federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, who says he “can't get astraight answer” from the Transport Minister, Catherine King, on the issue.

Mr Chester has accused MinisterKingof repeatedly ignoring requests for information on the Princes Highway corridor program,which was established under the previous Coalition government.

"It's been almost two years since Minister King took on this role, and she hasn't started asingle major road project in Gippsland during that time," Mr Chester said.

"The final stagesofthe duplication between Traralgon and Sale were fully funded by the previous government, and all other projects have been put on hold because this incompetent Minister can't make adecision.

"I have repeatedlyasked the Minister to provide an update on priority projects that were funded priortothe last election, but she simply ignores my letters."

Mr Chester said Victoria had been allocated $300

million in 2019 for priority Princes Highway works underthe corridor plan, with the state government required to provide 20 per cent additional funding to complete the work.

"When the Coalition left office, there was still more than $100 million in that funding program, but we can'tget astraightansweronwhenworks willstart on priority projects like theSalealternative route, McEacharn St roundabout in Bairnsdale and intersections in Lakes Entrance," he said.

"The Minister wasted more than 200 days on a review she claimed would take 90 days and has since announced that all future projects would require 50-50 funding,which is another cut for regional roads.

"The federal government has not provided any new money for capitalworks, so the Princes Highwayisfalling into adangerous state of disrepair.

"At atimewhenroad deaths and trauma are increasing acrossVictoria, it is staggeringthat we are not seeing afocus on improving the condition of the road network to save lives and reduce serious injuries."

THE Salvation Army in Gippsland is urging the local community to get involved in thisyear’s Red Shield Appeal,which will raise vital money to continue supporting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in the region.

Across the country,the Salvosare aiming to raise $38 million for the Red Shield Appeal, which is Australia’s largest and longest-running door-knock appeal.

This year, the Australian charity is celebrating 60 years of the Red Shield Appeal.

“Times are tough. We are seeing more people come through our doors every week, new families who have never done it this tough before, and people arefeeling the pinch. They are skipping meals, unable to afford utility bills or medication fortheirkids. This is why we need your support,” said The Salvation Army’s Major, Warren Elliot.

"Thereare many ways you can get involved -collections in shopping centres or other key

locations, door-knocking, online fundraising or organising acollection at your workplace, school or sporting event.

“There is no better way to supportyour community than through volunteering and we wouldlove to haveyou as part of our RedShield Appeal army this year. Grab amate, some work colleagues or the entire family and join us. We can’t do our workinthe community withoutyou.”

The Red Shield Appeal weekend is May 25 and 26, but there are many volunteering opportunities throughout May.

If you are able to give some of your time, reach out to your local Salvos by visiting salvationarmy. org.au/red-shield-appeal

To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal or if you need support from the Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.

Member forGippsland South, DannyO’Brien,picturedwith Margaret Groezinger from Boolarra South, assessingthe damage at her farm from the storm thatoccurred on February 13.

Photo: Contributed

Photo: File

Donate in Sale’s Mobile Centre

GOT abit of time next month?It's timetogive blood and change lives!

One in three people in Sale will need blood, and they need people to give it.

Lifeblood's Sale Mobile Donor Centre is rolling into town from May 14 to May 24, at the Sale Greyhound Racing Club.

Don’t forget to pre-bookyour spot at lifeblood. com.au, on the app or on 13 14 95.

Sale Greyhound Racing Club hours:

Tuesday, May14-11.15am -6.15pm

Wednesday, May15-10.30am -6.15pm

Thursday, May16-10.30am -6.15pm

Friday, May17-8.30am -4.15pm

Saturday, May18-8.30am -2pm

Tuesday, May21-10.30am -6.15pm

Wednesday, May22-10.30am -6.15pm

Thursday, May23-10.30am -6.15pm

Friday, May24-8.30am -3.15pm

One in three people in Sale willneed blood duringtheirlives Images:Contributed

 MAFFRA Maffra Garden Club’s next meeting will be held 12pm on Monday, May 13 at Deirdre Relphs Garden at Gibney Street, Maffra. Please bring lunch. The competition is the best Azalea. New members welcome. Phone Jeanette on 0438 456 491 for more information.

 THE Rotary Club of Maffra Community Market will be held on Sunday, May 5atthe Island Reserve, McMahon Drive, Maffra (at the back of Woolworths Car Park). From 9am until 12.30pm everyone welcome.

 ST Vincent de Paul monthly Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, May 4at the Jack Kelly store, 28 Laura Street, Maffra from 9am until 10.30am. Barbecue available.

Water Week poster competition

GIPPSLAND WATER is inviting local primary, kindergarten and early learning students to enter its National Water Week poster competition.

Students are encouraged to design, draw or paint aposter that reflectsthis year’s theme,'Waterfor all, inspiring action', which acknowledges the importance of water and everyone’s role in using watersustainably now and into the future.

Categories are open for early learning, kindergarten and primary school students.

Students who enter are eligible to win avoucher from alocal business and each school/centre with astudent submission will beincludedinarandomdrawtowin$500for asustainability project or STEM resources.

Local winners will automatically be enteredinto the statecompetition, with winnersannouncedinNational Water Week (October 21-27).

Last year, Gippsland Waterreceived hundredsofcolourfulentriesfromlocalschool childrenandearlylearningcentres,withtwo students going on to win state prizes.

ActingManagingDirector,SimonAquilina saidtheannualcompetitiondeliveredseveral benefits.

“It’s aterrific opportunity for studentsto learnabout the value of water in afun and engaging way,” Mr Aquilina said. Entries close at 5pm on Friday, September6,2024.

Artwork by Oscar,a2023National Water Week Poster Competition winner forGippsland Waterand Year 3/4 third place recipient in the State competition. Photo: Contributed

Donate bloodinMay at the Sale Greyhound Racing Club, Maffra-Sale Rd.

West Sale Air Show snaps

Urgent search for missing Point Cook woman

POLICE are currently searchingand appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Point Cook woman, Samantha.

Police have been told the 33-year-old’s grey Kia Sportage broke down on the Princes Highway in Tamboon (near Cann River) at about 8.15am on Friday, April 26. It is believed apasser-by stopped to assist Samantha and she has not been seen since.

Policeand familyhaveconcerns for Samantha’s welfare duetoa medicalconditionand it is out of character.

Samantha was last seen wearinga blue/grey fleece top, jeans and runners. Investigators believe Samantha was attempting to travel to Melbourne and may have been hitchhiking along the Princes Highway. Police have released images of Samantha in the hope that someone can provide information on her current whereabouts.

Sinking the Seadragon

Stefan Bradley

FLOTATION Energy's offshore wind project Seadragon willnot go ahead,after the federal government did not grant the Japanese-backed company afeasibility licencetoconstruct an offshore windfarm in waters off thecoast of Ninety Mile Beach, connecting to Victoria’s electricity network.

The project proposed building up to 150 wind turbines and anetwork of subsea cables,withan indicative generationcapacityof1.5 gigawatts.

This rejection of the licence comes despitethe government granting Seadragon 'Major Project Status' lastyear, predicting it had acapitalexpenditureof$6.5billionand would createaround 1600 construction jobs and 200 ongoing jobs over35years.

Major ProjectStatus is federal recognition of the national significanceofalarge-scale (worth over$50 million) project for economic growth, employment, or for regional Australia, as well as its need for support to navigatecomplexregulatory approval

Atotal of 37 applications for licences were consideredbythe federal government, who calledthe process very competitive. Those successful havenot beenofficially announced.

CarolynSanders, Executive Director of Flotation Energy confirmed the news earlier this month.

"We’re obviously very surprised and disappointed. We’vebeen working on Seadragon since 2019, and it’s an excellent project," Ms Sanders said.

"The federal government thought so too. That’s why they awarded us Major Project Status last year. We haveanextremelystrong teamonthe groundinGippsland and excellent dataover the project area. Our effort and engagement has been unparalleled.

awiderange of stakeholders to design acarefully considered project and help create the opportunity for an offshore wind industry in Gippsland.

"We’ve engaged closely over the last five years with thelocal community,traditional owners and

"We’ll have aclose look at the government’s decision. We’re committed to helpingAustralia make its energy transition, so we’ll work closely with the government to make sure our application for the Bunbury zone (in Western Australia) is a success.”

Amplifying queervoices

Q-LIT: Queer Victorian FestivalofWords is coming to Sale.

Q-Lit is Victoria’s first state-wide queer writers’ festival. It is supported by Midsumma, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation, the City of Casey and the City of Dandenong.All events are freetoattend.

The aim is to build and connect creative communities across Victoria, withaparticular focus on regional townsand areas.

Q-Litamplifies the voices of LGBTQIASB+ creatives -writers,poets, playwrights, comedians, children’s authors, singer-songwriters, mixed-media artists and more. The focusisonproviding exciting and inclusive opportunitiesfor wordsmiths of all kinds to come together with readers and audiences andcelebratequeerwords and art. They offer full day programs at regional libraries and relaxed evening showcase eventsinart galleries, cafes and bars.

The event is on thisSaturday (May 4) from 10am to 4pmatthe Sale Library, and Shirley’s Bar and Café, 6pm-10pm Day program includes an in-conversation with multi-award-winningGunaikurnai author,Veronica Gorrie and writer-activist Laura McConnell Conti. Creative writing workshops will be held with Bri Hassett(creativewritingfor all ages), Louise Purcell (unlockingcreativity),and award-winning Gippsland author, Amy Espeseth (creating charactersand plotvia weather)

An in-conversation will go aheadwith Amy Espeseth and Laura McConnellConti on the ethics of testimonies and trauma narratives.

Eveningshowcase opens with music from singersongwriter Dane Nichols followedbyreadings by Gaby Kruithof, AlushkaRajaram, Jemimah Brewster, Madison Whitmondand Bri Hassett Free bookings are available at trybooking.com/ events/landing/1203084?

Liam Durkin

Photo: File

Air ForceRoulettes Flight Lieutenant Peter Brewster,Flight LieutenantJustin Hayter, Flight LieutenantJames Dutschke, FlightLieutenant Ben Hepworth, Flight Lieutenant Steven Heriban, Flight Lieutenant Kris Sieczkowski and Squadron Leader Lachie Hazeldine at the West Sale Air Show.

Crowds in their thousands flocked to theSale West Airportoverthe weekend. Afull wrap of the airshowwill featureinFriday’s issue of the Gippsland Times Photos:ErikaAllen

Anyonewho sightsSamantha is urged to contactBairnsdalePoliceStation on (03) 5150 2600.

Photo: Victoria Police

“No detailed analysis”

From Page 1

THE interim VEAC report into the forests of the Central Highlands, based largely on desktop assessment of previous research and talks with experts, emphasised thatforest values were particularly threatened by climate change -heatwaves, floods, highertemperatures, declinesinannualrainfall, and increased bushfire frequency and severity.

Other threats were invasive plants and animals, such as blackberry and deer,and loss and fragmentation of habitat. Melbourne's growing population was also placing more pressure on the forests for recreation and other uses.

Native timberharvesting, now closed,isa legacy use.

"In spite of having had significant impacts (disturbance) on these forests, it can no longer be viewed as an ongoing threat," VEAC said.

VEAC said it had identified large areasof high quality natural values with relatively low conflicting uses that could be protected in anational park, and that link the existing parks in the region. The taskforce's community engagement process and more detailedinformation were needed where national park values and other uses were in conflict, VEAC said.

The reported noted that alarge national park could be created from three large areas in the north and south of the RFA area would link the existing Yarra Ranges, Kinglake, Lake Eildon and Baw Baw national parks and the Bunyip, Cathedral Range and Moondarra state parks.

"There are relatively few uses that would conflictwiththe nationalpark designation, although this is an area that the EPCE should explore further with the community during its engagement period," VEAC said.

"The upper Thomson catchment also contains outstandingnatural values commensuratewith anational park designation, and would link to the Yarra Ranges National Park to the west. More detailed consideration is needed however as there are potentially high value usessuch as mineral extraction that would conflictwith such adesignation."

The VEAC reportsaidthere is significant

potential for gold in the state forests in the east of the Central Highlands RFA area.

"GSV foundthat areas near Erica and east of Warburton, in particular, exhibit very high potential for critical minerals (including copper, nickel, tin, tungsten, antimony, zinc, rare earth elements, platinum group elementsancobalt), gold and extractives (including limestone and sedimentary hard rock)," the report said.

VEAC noted there are recreational uses of the forests, including camping, fishing and water-based activities, four-wheeldriving, mountain biking, horse riding, trailbike riding,bushwalking, birdwatching, recreational

prospecting, deer hunting and scenic driving

Given the threats to the forest, VEAC said: "For all public land categories, sufficient management resources are required for active and adaptive management to restoreand maintain values and build healthy forests."

The state government says the end of native timber harvesting creates new opportunities to improve forest management, balancing recreationand tourism for Victorianstoenjoy outdoors, while protectingthe environmentand supporting Traditional owner self-determination. The taskforce,however, has been strongly criticised for lacking expertise in bushfire policy

Coaches to replace trains on Gippsland line due to Vic Big Build

BECAUSE of Victoria's Big Build works, coaches replace trains on the GippslandLine from this Friday night (May3)until last service on Tuesday, June 18.

The works includeupgrading the Gippsland Line to carry out complex signalling work and adding two dedicated tracks at East Pakenhamtoallow V/Line trainsto bypass metropolitan trains, making travel more reliable.

Works will be carried out between Pakenham and Traralgon while trains are not running.

During this time, coaches will not stop at Flinders Street, Richmond, Clayton and Berwick stations. Shuttle bus services will be available for passengers travelling between Caulfield, Dandenong and Pakenham.

Some worksmay be cancelled or postponed closer to start times due to changing weather conditions.

More information about major transport projects is available at bigbuild.vic.gov.au. Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au.

The latestpublictransportinformation and network status is available at ptv.vic. gov.au or in the PTV mobile app.

Be sure to check the real-time timetables or speak to astaff member at astationbefore you travel.

Photo: File

Hatching young ideasinSale

SALE North Kindergarten have announced that over the past four weeks, their Spiny Stick Insect eggs that were laid in June last year have hatched, and they have been able to provide many kindergartens in the area with their own insects. The small creatures have gone to Hyland, Gwenfa Hampton, Longford, Gormandale, Briagolong, and East Sale kindergartens, and also to Little Saints Childcare Centre, Maffra where children can watch them grow.Theywill also gettoholdthe insects when they are little bigger.

At Sale North Kindergarten, children have been helping to care for the insects; changing the leaves each week and spraying them with misted water each day. By observing and interactingwith insects, children can learn about biologyand ecology.They can also develop research skills, as well as observation, classification, and experimentation skills.

Sale Combined Kindergartenswill be holding their Open DayonThursday,May 16, where families can visit Sale North, Hyland and Gwenfa Hampton Kindergartens from 9am-1pm to find out about their three- and four-year-old groups.

Sale Linen Service is seeking aLaundryhand to work at the Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS) Linen Room from 6.30am -2pm every Thursday and Friday

If you can work unsupervised, can follow set daily schedules and areagreat communicator, we’d love to hear from you. Applyvia our website before 17 May.

Families canattend the SaleCombined Kindergarten’s Open DayonThursday,May 16.

Shaving for acause

FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLDJessica Monck from Sale raised $1048 in aid of The World’s Greatest Shave.

The World’s Greatest Shave is awell-known charity which raises money to support people living with blood cancers.

On Tuesday, April 2, Jessica’suncle,DavidMonck of Hair New York, shaved all her hair off in front of asmall supportive crowd of family and friends.

Jessica enjoyed the experience sayingthat it felt “quite refreshing” to shave all her hair off and has retained her locks to donate them for making awig.

Jessica sincerely thanks all the people who donated to her and supported her during her fundraising efforts, with aspecial acknowledgement to her uncle David for shaving her hair off.

David shaves off Jessica’s hair

Jessica MonckfromSale, 14,raised $1048 for The World’s Greatest Shave.

Eucalyptus (gum) leaves areeaten by all phasmid species and they drink dropletsfrom the leaves when watered usingamisting spray bottle.

Sale North Kindergarten students learning about insects. Photos: Contributed

Stick insectsorphasmids eatleaves and theymakeagreat additiontoany classroom or

Walk and Talk for mental health

BenMcArthur

THIS time last year, Callan Coleman said to himselfafterorganising an event that raisednearly $20,000 for the Black Dog Institute, "I want to do it again next year".

But his planschangedafterawork incident when apiece of steel landed on his boots in February, fracturing his foot.

He hasn't returned to work since being diagnosed, but he said the free time has helpedhim make this year's ‘Walk and Talk’ better.

Mr Coleman is an organiserfor the 20km Walk in

the Bush fromStratfordtoBriagolong, something he says is "for agood cause".

The money goes to the Black Dog Institute, which is anot-for-profit facility for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.

"Honestly, it (the break) has been good, like in the last two years, I've had afulltime job and kids, so it's been full on. I've been spending more time with my kids, and also to focus on this event fulltime andput more effort into it," he said.

"It breaks me that Iwon't be walking this year, but I've got amatewho's gonna give me a(farm) buggy to cruise along with."

Mr Coleman invites people to jointhe walk, addingthatlast year's event was amassive success.

He was "blownaway" by the feedback and success of the event, saying he didn't believe it would raise so much money for the Black Dog Institute.

"I chosethem because Iheard alot of goodthings about them, and lots of friends say when they went through mental health troubles, the first thing they think of is Black Dog (Institute)," he said.

The idea came to him two years ago when he told afriend that he wanted to do apub crawl from Stratford to Briagolong, but then aworkmate suggested he do it for mental health.

"I asked amatehow far it was from the Stratty (Stratford)pub to the Briag (Briagolong) pub. And he said. 'I don't know'. And Isaid, 'I wanna walk it,' and Iwent to another mate, and he said, 'Why not do it for mental health?' he said.

"That's whenIcontacted the BlackDog Institute, which said they loved theidea butcouldn't promote alcohol. So, Isaidwecould change it to the footy oval, and they said it was alovely idea."

Last year, 130 locals were volunteering, 53 local businesses donated raffle prizes,and more than 40 kilograms of sausages were donated.

"Well, last year, Iwent around to four of the local butchers in the area, and they all agreed to donate 10 kilos of sausages each, so everything is adonation even if you buy asnag. The same thing happened this year," Mr Coleman said.

Since then, Mr Coleman has received awards from the Wellington Shire Council and Lions Club of Stratford.

This year's eventwill take place this Saturday (May 4), and will leave Pine Lodge in Stratford at 8am to travel to Briagolongwith drinkstations every five kilometres.

Mr Coleman believesthe walk should take about four hours, and said walkers should sign up via the QR code on his flyertomakethe day smoother. He also said donations can be made via the QR code. There is also merchandise for sale on Mr Coleman's Facebook page.

Awaitingthe walkers at the Briagolong Recreation Reserve is an afterparty with food trucks, asausage sizzle, drinks, live music,ajumping castle, face painting, and more.

"It does get people talking and hear the stories of whythey're there. It'sagood family day outand fundraising for agood cause," Mr Coleman said.

If you want to participate in this year's Walk and Talk for Mental Health alongside Cal or make a donation, go to teamblackdog.org.au/fundraisers/ CallanColeman to register.

If you or someone you know needs help, call: Lifeline -131114; Kids Helpline -1800 55 1800, or; Beyond Blue -1300 224 636.

Golden BeachEnergyStorageProject

April Newsletter &Offshore Geotechnical Survey

GB Energy are planningtoundertake an offshore geotechnical investigationin2024, offthe coast of Golden Beach, Victoria. We areseeking feedback from ourrelevant stakeholdersonthe proposed investigationto informthe EnvironmentPlan(EP) currentlyinpreparationfor thiscampaign. Specific consultation and feedback on theplanned geotechnical investigations will closeonthe 24th May2024, to allow incorporation into the EP submission to Resources Victoria forassessment.

Information is available on ourApril newsletterand via ourwebsite

UpcomingInformationSessionsinMay 2024

• Wednesday 8th May: Port of Sale, Wellington CentreLibrary, 13:30 –15:00

• Thursday 9th May:Golden Beach Community Centre, 17:30– 19:30

Additionalevents will be scheduled throughoutthe year,withdetails on our website.

Further Information

Please feel free to contact GB Energyabout anyquestionsyou might have in relation to theproject or the drilling operationthrough any of the following:

Website: www.gbenergy.com.au

Phone: 1800 423 637

Email: info@gbenergy.com.au

Stratford’s Callan Coleman is readytohost another charity walk, although he won’t be able to participate thisyear,due to afoot injury Photo: Ben McArthur Leonie Orgill (Callan’s mum), Callan,Tegan and Mason Coleman at Briagolong Recreation Reserveafter last year’s walk.

Photo: File

with Muzza

Crossword Puzzle No.8584

ONE POINTERS

1. What was the character name of the butler from the Addams Family show?

2. Who wrote and sings the song ‘Riptide’?

3. If Iwas visiting the town of Dumbalk, what state/territory would Ibein?

4. What is the name of the Galaxy we live in?

TWO POINTERS

5. What movie won best pictureatthe 2024 Acadamy Awards?

6. In Rugby,whatisthe term for an equivalent of atouch down in American Football?

7. What was the original name for the band Queen beforethey changed it? a) Starfish b) Bad Boys c) Smile

8. What chain of museums features wax figures of celebrities?

THREE POINTERS

9. Which famous graffiti artist comes from Bristol?

10. The ninth month of the Islamic calender know for fasting and prayer is known as what?

11. How many countries arethereinthe United Kingdom?

12. Which spice is derived from the crocus flower?

FOUR POINTERS

13. What is the name of the style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels?

14. In the phonetic alphabet, what wordrepresents the letter N?

FIVE POINTER

15. I’ll give you five questions and you tell me if the answers are true or false? One point for each correct answer

1. Fish cannot blink?

2. Queen Elizabeth II was the second-longest-reigning British monarch?

3. Thereare two parts of the body that can’theal themselves?

4. Australia is wider than the moon?

5. Agolf ball is the fastest-recorded object in sports?

HOW DID YOU FARE?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 23-29: Well done;

15-22: Solid effort; 9-14: Room for improvement;

0-8: Hit the books.

Howtoplay...

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or morecan youlist? The centreletter must be included and each letter may be used only once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in ‘s’. Solutionpage 30

S W N R I T

Bringing it back to whereitall began

BenMcArthur

THE Raging Hormones, arock band from Gippsland, will be comingbackhome to the Gippsland Hotel, bringing the Melbourne band, Fan Girl, with them.

Vocalist Lucy Rash said their experiences in Melbourne have been agreat learningexperience.

"We'vebeen learning alot and playing with some cool people, and it was great to immerse ourselves in that scene," she said.

"But this year, we're trying to get back more in regional communities because we are all abunch

Auditions to bring La Bohème to life

CALLING All YoungSingersfor an enchanting operaexperience.Gippsland RegionalArts, Sale and the Australian Opera are thrilled to invite children aged nine to 14 to jointhe children'schorus for the upcomingproductionofPuccini's La Bohème This heartwarming opera will be staged in Sale on Saturday, July 27, offeringyoung talents a chancetoshine in aprofessional setting. They are lookingfor enthusiastic youngsingers to bring the vibrant and emotional story of La Bohème to life.Rehearsals will be conducted every Monday night under the expert guidance of choir leader ClaireMartin. An audition for interested children will be held on Monday,May 13 at the Sale Band

Hall at 5.30pm. This is afantasticopportunity for young singers to experience the thrill of opera and perform in amajor production. La Bohème captures the essence of youthful exuberance and romantic encounters on acold Christmas Eve. Directed by awardwinning DeanBryant,this production promises to be avisually captivating and emotionally stirring experience. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to be part of aclassicopera!

For more detailscontact Darren McCubbin at 0419 587 572. Experience the magic of opera and make memories that will last alifetime with Australian Opera's La Bohème. Let your talent soar!

Anew startfor Ella Hooper

ELLA

Triple

she was just 13, Ella scored her first Number 1with the single ‘Mascara’ on her 17th birthday.

After releasing three hit albums with Killing Heidi, Ella embarked on asolo career.

Her forthcoming album, Small Town Temple -written in her hometown of Violet Town -has beenhailedasa new beginning, showcasingElla’s deeply personal songwriting.

After amultitude of gold and platinum records and four ARIA Awards, Ella remains committed to her craft, as she sings on Small Town Temple: “Still strong, still on amission”.

EllaHooper will perform at The Wedge on Friday, May 17.

Head to The Wedge website for tickets and more information.

Ella Hooper willbeperforming in Salenext month.

Photo: Contributed

of country kids, and it's whereall of our skills and passions began, and we want to have some slowness in our lives because the music industry at the moment is very fast-paced.

"It makes you appreciate home abit more."

One of the thingsMsRashsaid she misses about home was the sense of community.

"I think we're in aperiod in our lives when we're getting older, not that we consider ourselves old, but we can admit that as we moveinto our 30s, we are more grateful for the people who supported us growing up."

Some of those people Ms Rash remembers who supported her was the current East Gippsland Art Gallery Director Crystal Stubbs, who inspired her to learnthe violin.

"I was four years old then, and Iwas shopping with mum, and there was this girl called Crystal Stubbs who was busking outside of the Safeway, and that's how Ifell in love with the violin,the

first instrument Ilearned," she said.

"I always wanted to play music with other people. Iwas at schoolwith (band member) Dave, and Nick we had some interactions at school. Iwas very much into classical music at the time, but when (high) school finished, we kind of rekindledthe friendship and met up and started aband, whichiswhere I always wanted to go."

Nearlyall the bandmembers went to Bairnsdale Secondary School, and Ms Rash said playing with people she hadknownmost of herlife madethe musicmuch more fun.

"There is an organic sense of trust in the band, and it means that on stage, you can take more healthy risks," she said.

"Andthat'ssohard to get elsewhere. Somebands getthat from playing together for years and years, but for us, it's just there; you can't buy that."

The Raging Hormones will perform at the Gippsland Hotel, Sale on Saturday, May 4.

Proudlysupporting local business and localjobs

The Raging Hormones will be coming to Sale on Saturday, May4 Photo: Contributed

Hooper wasstill ateenager when she burst onto the Australian music scene. Unearthed by

Jwhen

AGENTS are encouraging prospective buyers to purchase this home on 44 King Street in Maffra. The home has retained many of its features, including verandas, high ceilings, fireplaces, decorative ceiling roses and cornices combined with modernday conveniences.

The home is set on ahalf-acre block (around 2200m2) and comprises five bedrooms, north facing lounge room overlooking the back yard, arenovated kitchen including stone bench tops, integrated dishwasher,900mm oven, walk-in-pantry, soft close drawers and bench and cupboard space.

The dining/family room are part of the open plan living area and include awoodheater set in an exposed brick chimney.

The home has been re-roofed, re-stumped, and re-wired. It also features a6.6KW Solar Power System.

The property features an undercover outdoor area complete with concrete bench top and built-in beer and wine fridges. Agents say the second outdoor entertainment area is brick paved and ideal for afire pit.

The shed measures 13m x9mcomplete with separate man cave, pot belly heater and double garage along with some additional sundry shedding.

There is agreywater tank with apump to keep gardens green all year round. The home is in walking distance to schools, the bowls club and Maffra’smain street.

Inspection is strictly by appointment. The home will be sold by auction on Saturday, May 11 at 10.30am on-site.

Briefdetails fdetails

Renovated fivebedroom home in Maffra.

Address: 44 King Street,Maffra

Terms of sale:10per cent deposit, balance 60 days

Contact: BrettLanigan 0427 517577 or PatWeatherley0412435644, Gippsland Real Estate

Warm andcosyMaffrahome

THIS East Sale home, located in the LakeGuthridge Precinct, is awaiting prospective buyers. The house has three bedrooms, two of which have built-in robes. The master also has an ensuite. Acentral family bathroom services the other bedrooms, with avanity and ashower over the bath.

The house features aseparateliving room with awood heater

The kitchen and the adjacent dining area are equipped with asplitsystem, ceiling fan, and gas heating, ensuring year-round comfort.

Agents say the rear enclosed sunroom/ alfresco area provides aspace that can be utilised according to prospective home buyer’spreferences.

The backyard has established trees and gardens that require little maintenance. The property also offers asingle carport with undercover access to the house and double gate access into the yard and shed. The property features a double garage and or workshop with an adjacent second carport for multiple vehicles. Additionally,there is alsoa garden shed for extra storage.

Briefdetails fdetails

44 KING STREET, MAFFRA

AUCTION

CHARACTER HOME ON HUGEBLOCK

•Set on ahugeblock measuring approx.2200m2

•5bedrooms

•Delightful north facing lounge room overlooking back yard

•Stunningly renovated kitchen including stone bench tops, integrated dishwasher,900mm oven and

walk-in-pantry

•Dining/family room with wood heater

•Restumped and reroofed

•6.6kw solar power system

•2outdoor entertainment areas

•Superb 13mx9mshed plus sundry shedding

AUCTION -SATURDAY 11TH MAYAT10:30AMONSITE

INCLUSIVEPROPERTY

AUCTION

18

POTENTIAL PLUS

•3bedroom Brick Veneer Home

•Spacious lounge with gas heater and reverse cycle air-conditioning

•Open plan kitchen/dining area

•Renovated bathroom with walk-in shower

•2toilets

•North facing outdoor undercover timber deck area

•Single garage

•6mx7mshed withconcretefloor and adjoining carport/apron

•Solid home with loads of potential

AUCTION -SATURDAY 11TH MAYAT11:30AMONSITE

24 CHARLES STREET,MAFFRA

116BOISDALE STREET,MAFFRA

FOR SALE $1,750,000

www.gippslandrealestate.com

GEORGE STREET,MAFFRA

1GLEN CAMPBELL COURT,SALE

254 GIBSONS ROAD,

Accomadating all-year comfort

AGENTS are welcoming prospective buyers to 29 Buckley Street.

The homes front façade, tucked behind established gardens decorates the exterior,invinting prospective buyer’sinto the formal living area. The home is complete with asplit system and ceiling fan, providing acosy sanctuary for relaxation and gatherings.

The home unfolds into the kitchen, dining, and family area.

The kitchen features bench and storage space, complemented by natural light streaming through large windows. Awood heater and additional split system provide year-round comfort. The master suite, positioned at the front of the home for privacy,features awalk-in robe and aensuite featuring atoilet, shower,and vanity with dual sinks. Three further bedrooms, all equipped with built-in robes, will offeraccommodation for future

family or guests. Acentral family bathroom with avanity,shower, and bath also caters to the future needs of the household. Agents say for entertaining, there is an undercover area, featuring ceiling fans. The rear yard has an established gardens with trees and lawn. The home also has asingle 4.0 x6.0m2 lock-up garage with roller door,accompanied by a garden shed for outdoor storage. Side gate access into the yard is also available.

Additioanlly,the home features adouble carport and there is offstreet parking space available.

Located within walking distance to the Knob reserve and the Avon River,aswellas nearby parks and playgrounds, agents say this home is an opportunity not to be missed.

Briefdetails fdetails

Modern home featuring four bedrooms, twobathrooms and room fortwo cars.

Address: 29 BuckleyStreet,Stratford Price: $565,000

Have you got the grit?

Stefan Bradley

WELLINGTON will soon host one of the country's roughest and toughest obstacle courses -adventure tourism that is atruetest of one's grit.

TrueGrit, Australia’s locally ownedand operated military-inspired obstacle course race, is set to make its debut right in our own rural backyard of Glenmaggie, marking abig milestone in regional tourism development.

Renowned for itschallengingcourses and commitment to physical and mental resilience, True Grit willbring attention to Glenmaggie and Gippsland as awhole

Originallyscheduled for June 15 and 16, True Grit VIChas rescheduled this anticipated event to be held on November 16 and 17, and promises participants athrilling experience amidst Glenmaggie's scenic beauty. Surrounded by state forests and sprawling farmland, the course offers auniqueopportunity for adventurers to test their

limits in an awe-inspiring natural setting.

In collaboration with tourist centre The Middle of Everywhere, True Gritwill showcasethe liveability of the Glenmaggie region along with the attributes that make the town apopular tourist destination, with local businesses set to benefit.

Partnering with the Montana Campground, True Grit offers participants the opportunity to indulge in aweekend getaway complete with live entertainment, local wines, gourmetcuisine, and, of course, the thrilling challenge of theobstacle course.

Notingthat the Glenmaggie region boasts a wealth of natural attractions, including beautifulcoastlines, tranquilrivers, lush forests, and much more, True Grit's Chief Executive and Race Director, Tom Gilmartin, says the town holds "immense potential as atourist hotspot".

"Our inaugural event in Victoria signifiesour commitmenttopromoting adventure tourism in regional Australia, and we look forward to welcoming participants from near and far to experiencethe true essence of Glenmaggie," Mr Gilmartin said.

Mr Gilmartin told the GippslandTimes that True Grit for years heard requests to come to Victoria, and said the MontanaCampground was the perfect property to promote adventure tourism.

“We pride ourselves for being the only OCR (obstacle course racing) company that designs our obstaclecourses to integrate seamlessly with each property'snatural terrain, and the Glenmaggie campground, surrounded by forests and farmland, offers the perfect backdrop for such an approach,” he said.

“What makes the Glenmaggie site special for an obstacle course is its pristine natural setting. With forests and rolling farmland around, it's aunique spotfor such an event, adding to the challenge and excitement.”

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Ian Bye, hopes that residents, businesses and visitors make the most of True Grit coming to town.

“Our region is brimming with exciting events, fantastic local businesses, and activities for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or interests," Cr Bye said.

"I encourage visitorstosecure event tickets early and plan their stay using The Middle of Everywhere website or app. We can’t wait to welcome the True Grit experience to Gippsland in its inaugural Victorian year, and as the first Victorian host of this iconic event, we are looking forward to embracing locals and visitors to experience the True Grit atmosphere in November.”

After years of requests, the True Gritobstacle course is coming to Victoria, with Glenmaggie set to host.

"Whilst local businesses are not only keen for the initial benefit of the event, they are also proud that Wellington, The Middle of Everywhere, has been selected to host the inaugural Victorian True Grit event. This is an incredible opportunity to showcase the exceptional resourcesand diverse landscapes we have on offer and know that those involvedinthe event will return to explore further in the future."

True Grit Events, established in 2013, has promoted physical fitness, mental resilience, and community engagement through its unique obstacle course challenges, and Cr Bye expects thattocarry over to Wellington.

"The Middle of Everywhere welcomes and supports all events that showcase our region and bring awider economic benefit to our area and with the ever-growing rise of the fitness and wellbeing industry, we are equally as thrilled to support events focused on healthy andactive lifestyles," he said.

Tickets to takepart in True Grit Victoria are now available, with early bookings recommended. Spectators can watch for freeand don’tneeda ticket.

For further information and registration, visit truegrit.com.au or email support@truegrit.com.au

True Grit obstacle course at Kooralbyn in Queensland

2023. Photos:Contributed

Place to live over power supply

DEVELOPMENTof"choicehomes"on64,five-acrelots along the Maffra-Briagolong Road will begin in 2025.

Grant Wharfe, ahousing developer based in Bairnsdale, operating withinthe Wellington Shire, says the land between Three Chain Road andMaffra-Briagolong Roadiszoned to develop 64 five-acre lifestyle properties beginning in 2025.

Planning for an additional64lots in the same area to the boundary of McCubbins Rd is also an ambition of the lifestyle housing development.

Mr Wharfe told the Gippsland Times:"We're zoned to develop that (first 64 lots) now, we're just changing our schedule."

He said five-acre lots, estimated to cost between $400,000 and$500,000, will become"lifestyle properties" and "choice homes".

"So, they'll (buyers) have assets in there (worth) about $1 million," he said.

"Whatitwilllook likeismeanderingroads and a couple of wetlands -one near the (Maffra) cemetery (on Three ChainRdand SandyCreek Rd) and one on the corner (of McCubbins Rd)."

The March 1, 2024, issue of the Gippsland Times covered the controversy surrounding the Maffra Solar Project, highlighting the appeal against the decision to issue aplanning permit, which unfolded in the Victorian Civiland AdministrativeTribunal (VCAT) last month.

Mr Wharfe objected to the proposed solar farm, whichhesaidwould be located opposite the housing development.

Forcontext, the proposed Maffra Solar Project beingdeveloped by BNRG Leeson is a15-hectare, 9400 solarpanel facility on the Maffra-Briagolong Rd between Boisdale andMaffra.

Thecompany does not own the land; rather, it would be leased to BNRG Leeson from the existing property owner.

Thus far, objectionsraised in relation to the

proposalincludeloss of arable agricultural land, cultural and heritage impacts related to the site's proximity to the heritage-listed Boisdale Estate and ancient Gunnaikurnai grinding stones, visual impressionofanindustrial site, and defence of the democratic process concerning (lack of) community consultation.

These objectionswerebroughttoVCATby Andrew and Sophie Paterson, the neighbouring landowners adjoining the solarsite's boundary between March 18 and 21.

Aperceived loss of house price value can be added to the list of objections.

Mr Wharfe said the 15-hectare solar farm is in the "wrong spot" -opposite the proposed "$30 to $60 million development."

As such, he submitted aletter to VCAT in early March, raising his objections.

However, given that the Notice of Decision period had elapsed -during which time appeals to planning permits issued or denied by the state governmentand the Department of Planning can be made within a28-day period of the notice being issued -VCATdid not pick up Mr Wharfe's submission in time.

"We've got to safeguard our future investment. If we develop and people thatwere unaware of the solarfarmthat suddenly popped up, they (home buyers) would want to hold us accountable,"Mr Wharfe said.

Given the objections fromnearby residents regarding the solar farm project, Mr Wharfe was askedifheanticipates objections to the housing development.

He responded: "Some people will object, most likely, but Ibelieve minimal."

Adding, "Maffra's got alandshortage."

Mr Wharfe said his company is close to completing

an 88-lot housing development between Powers Court Street and Boisdale St in Maffra. He saysthe demandfor housingisstrong "because the majority of them (88 lots) are sold".

On the one hand, the shift to renewable energy in the region seems inevitable with the advent of proposals like the Maffra Solar Project, the likes of whichare proposed to be developed in other areas, including Stradbroke and wind farms, including Synergy Wind's Gelliondale Wind Farm.

Moreover,these proposals are deemedacceptable if they are found consistent with the intention to "Assist community to transition to alow carbon economy via adoption of sustainable practices and renewable energy"asper the 'Environmentand ClimateChange' sectionofthe Wellington Shire Council Plan.

This is caveatedbythe stipulation that when developers plan and develop projects, they conduct appropriate community consultation -ensuring their concerns are addressed.

On the other hand, demandfor housing is increasing, which inherently necessitates greater energy production.

Despite the demand for 'green' sustainable housing estates, Mr Wharfe remains sceptical about the long-term viability of solar farms.

"In 10 years time, in 15 years time, is it just going to be an eyesore in apaddock that doesn't work?" he asked.

Mr Wharfe said: "I can appreciate climate change if it is such athing; however, I'm asceptic because I've grown up in the power industry."

However, he did suggest installing solar panels on the roofs of homes and sheds once they are built could "counteract the farm".

ErikaAllen

Bairnsdale developer,Grant Wharfe intends to develop afurther64lots on landabuttingthe already zoned farmlandthatboundaries Maffra-Briagolong Road,McCubbinsRd, andThree Chain Rd.

Friday’s

SALE

BABY'S COT

POOCHON

PUPPIES

PUPS

FIREWOOD

HORSES WANTED

NOTICE OF WURUNDJERI

WOI-WURRUNG NATIVE TITLE

COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSION

When: Sunday, May 5, 2024

Where: The Hub Bairnsdale, 27 Dalmahoy St., Bairnsdale VIC

Time: 12.30pm -3pm

What this meeting is about: In January 2023

Monthly Support Group East Gippsland

Tuesday’s paper before9:30amMonday

MAGIC MAID

WATER

Elders of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people in Melbourne resolved to support apossible native title application on behalf the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People. Slater and Gordon Lawyers are undertaking preliminary work in relation to apossible Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung native title claim. The purpose of this meeting is to inform Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung community members based in the broader Gippsland area about the possible native title claim. The meeting will include a presentation from barristers Peter Willis SC and Anne Sheehan and lawyers from Slater and Gordon.

The meeting is open to all Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung community members. It is proposed that the meeting be an information session and not adecision-making forum. Proof of descent is not required toattend.

Lunch and afternoon tea will provided Indication of attendance is requested: To manage catering and seating requirements, attendees are requested to register their attendance by Monday 29 April 2024. To register your attendance, please contact Julijana Todorovic on 0403 743 985 or julijana.todorovic@slatergordon.com.au

For those who have lost aloved one to suicide

This is asupport group providing asafespaceto connect with othersbereaved by suicide who understand andcare.

Meets first Tuesday of each month

At The Star Hotel, in The Sails Function Room. Private entry via the car park at the rear of the hotel 7pm -9pm

Next meeting: 7May

GARDEN RENOS

We weed, trim, prune, remove and replant, fertilize, spray, fix, tidy, clean-up, mulch and of course we can mow and edge your lawns. We also repair and renovate decking, fix fences and gates and we repair and install watering systems and more. We are qualified and experienced horticulturalists. We are the garden renovators and we love what we do. Call

JMS PAINTING

Technician. Full Time.

to growth we have agreat opportunity to

FOCUS SPORT

applications to: luke@maffrapoly.com.au

Poly Welder/ Labourer

Full Time

Due to growth we have agreat opportunity to join our Poly and Irrigation business, duties include poly welding, PCP and poly pipe installation. Driver's licence essential, experience in irrigation preferred, medium heavy rigid licence and excavator experience looked at favorably. For further information call Luke on 5141 1648. Please send application to: luke@maffrapoly.com.au

FORD.

Territory, 234ks, Vin

WANTED

BIRTHDAY

Deaths •

HUDSON, Robert Andrew 28/6/1946 -21/4/2024 Aged 77 years Passed away in Sale, late of Golden Beach. Loved husband of Gwenda (dec.) and extended family. Dearly loved son of Alan and Ida Hudson (both dec.). Brother of Tom (dec.) and of Brenda and Barry Jones. Much loved Uncle Robert to Leanne and Mick Masterson (Sydney), Ross and Heather Jones, Kammi and baby Miri.

CAMPER TRAILER

Resting Peacefully, no more pain and suffering.

HUDSON, Robert Andrew 28/6/1946 -21/4/2024

Loved Stepfather to Lyn, Dennis, Trevor, Ray (dec.), Brian (dec.) and Julie. Loved Pop to Andrew, Nathan, Wayne, Jade, Mandy, Kyra, Melissa, Jaden, Mathew, Tanya, Jake and Shane.

You were one of the best. Gone but never forgotten.

with your love

May you RIP.

OGILVIE (Coombes), Edna Daisy Lorraine. 14/09/1924 -25/04/2024

Aged 99 years.

Adored wife of Vic (dec.).

Much loved Mum of Geoff, Daryl and Neale. Mother-in-law of Lynette and Heather.

Treasured Nan to Lisa, Matthew, Michelle and Brenton, Christopher and Jade and Kate.

Cherished Great Nan of Noah, Teddy, Immy, Jackson and Reagan.

Passed away peacefully at Maffra Hospital, surrounded by family. At peace.

Forever in our hearts.

Mum, akind, caring and gentle soul who gave so much love to all her family.

You have received your angel wings now to go and be with Dad, and to watch over us all.

Now cheering on your beloved "Magpies" from above.

Forever you will remain, our guiding light and shining star.

Now at peace.

Cherished memories will always remain in our hearts, for all eternity, all the days of our lives.

Love Geoff and Lynette.

Nan, we will miss your beautiful smile and heart of gold.

Thank you for passing on the many treasured family recipes.

Now in God's care and reunited with Pa. Forever 99 years young. Wherever abeautiful soul has been, there is atrail of beautiful memories.

Always in our hearts.

Love Lisa and Matt. X.

Nan/Great Nanny, Thanks for all the choccy frogs, Sunday roasts, sponge cakes and bargain shopping tips!

Rest Peacefully with Pa.

Love from Shelle, Diesel, Noah, Ted and Immy. XX.

You were awonderful Mum to both of us and now you are reunited with Dad again. May you rest in peace.

Love Daryl and Heather.

Mum, you are now at peace with the angels and forever reunited with Dad.

In God's care.

Love Neale.

Nan, we miss you. We love you.

We remember you. Always and forever.

Love Chris and Jade, Jackson, Reagan and Kate.

Loving sister of Dorothy Pocknall (dec.) and beloved Aunt of Heather Pocknall. Will be sadly missed.

GRIFFIN, Kenneth Gordon. 7/6/1956 -24/4/2024

Formerly of Welshpool and Darwin.

Son of Lorna and Gordon (both dec.).

Ken passed away peacefully at Traralgon hospital after battling cancer.

Amuchloved and respected big brother to Dave and Shirl, uncle to Matt and Stacey, Michelle, Tom and Sophie, Renee and Nick, Johannah, Tori and Tom.

Great uncle to Ollie, Artie, Ralph, Aluna and River.

Good mate to many

Funerals

GRIFFIN

The funeral service and committal for cremation for Mr Kenneth Gordon Griffin will be held at Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium Chapel, Cemetery Dr., Traralgon TOMORROW Wednesday (May 1, 2024) commencing at 11am.

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

HUDSON

The funeral service for Mr Robert Andrew Hudson will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street, Sale at 2pm on THURSDAY (May 2, 2024), followed by aprivate cremation.

Please see our website for livestream details

OGILVIE (nee Coombes).

John's

Sts.,

Please

SCOTT, David.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone for their kind thoughts, phone calls, cards, flowers,and attendance at David's funeral.

We would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Sale Hospital, especially the Oncology department for their care of David. Thanks also to Semmens Funerals.

Your kindness has been a great comfort to us all. -Margaret, Shannon and family

WARFORD, Ann-Maree.

We are deeply grateful for your outpouring of love, support, and sympathy during this profound time of loss. Your kindness has been a great comfort to us all. Special thanks to Dr. Nick and the entire Oncology department in Sale for their compassionate care.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mel and the dedicated staff of the Maffra and Sale Medical wards. Your unwave ring dedication made adifficult time more bearable. Thank you once again for your thoughtfulness and support.

Your kindness has truly touched our hearts. With warm regards, the Warford family.

The funeral of Mrs Edna Daisy Lorraine Ogilvie is appointed to leave St.

Anglican Church, cnr Church and Thomson

Maffra after aservice commencing at 1pm on FRIDAY (May 3, 2024) for the Maffra

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

ROUND 4

SENIORS

NORTH GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

FOOTBALL NETBALL EAST GIPPSLAND

LADDER

LADDER

RESERVES

RESERVES

LADDER

LADDER

LADDER

U18THIRDS

THIRDS

LADDER

Sale seals fifth consecutive statetitle

SALE Polocrosse Club's AGrade team took its dominance of Victorian Polocrosse to anew level recently, after securing the state title for arecord fifth consecutive time.

Victory came at the Victorian Polocrosse Championships held at the clubs grounds on the Princes Highway, Wurruk over the weekend of April 20-21.

With perfect weather, thecrowd was entertained by ahighly skilled and fairlyfought contestbetween the top two seeds, Sale and Casterton.

The home team got off to agood start, with Harry Semmens, Ryan Bradley and Lance Anderson shooting three goals to two over Casterton’s first section of Ricky Smith, Bowes Kelly and Hamish Carlin.

In the secondsections, it wasSale Polocrosse Club captain and president, Corey Buys in the goal shooting position, with youngster Brady Wilms in the numbertwo position, and hisuncle, veteran Sale player Michael Semmens playing defence, For Casterton, it was Harry Boyle, Justin Carlin and former Sale player Andrew VonLossberg, who had been amember of Sale's previous three winning championship teams.

The second chukka saw both teams shoot three goals each.

The game was very even through the middle part, but in thefifth and second lastchukka,Harry Semmens, Bradley and Anderson put six goals to one on the board to take the game out of reach for the team from Western Victoria.

Sale produced when it mattered most, the first time aVictorian club hadgone winless in the top grade throughout the season but managed to win the big one.

The win also madeitfive AGrade Victorian championship wins in arow for the team from Gippsland. The last team to do that was Trafalgar (1987-1991).

In the individual awards, Sale's ace goal-thrower Harry Semmens picked up the 'Bones'Anthony Coridas Memorial Perpetual Trophy for Best No 1inAGrade,aswell as the Gerard Watt Trophy as the best intermediate player (Under 21).

Sale's number three and defence player Anderson took home the Brian Coridas Memorial Best No 3 in AGrade award, and was also judged to be the best and fairest player in AGrade,receiving the coveted Pip Wilson Perpetual Trophy.

Anderson'shorse Hvirfs London, owned by former Sale player Ike Murray and strapped by Ike's mother Heidi Murray, won the Best Overall Horse of the championships.

The big grey gelding has had astellar year -his majestic style and strikingnear white appearance have made him afan favourite wherever he goes. He has been ridden by anumberoftop players in recent times but his pairingwith Anderson has been amatch made in heaven for the Sale team.

In other grade finals, Sale finished runner-up to a powerful Corio side in the BGrade.Playing for Sale was Harley Kenney, Jessica Angell, Noel Morris, Mark Semmens, Tom Wilms and Isabel Morris.

Sale's talented midfielder, Tom Wilms won the Best No 2inthe BGrade

TheC Grade final was all Sale, as they were too good for Ballarat. Playing for Sale was Jed Murray, Vicki Semmens, Hannah Wilms, Rick Buys, Catie Buys and RhymeAnderson.

Sale swept theawards in CGrade,with Jed Murray Best No 1, Vicki Semmens Best No 2and

Hannah Wilms Best No 3. Wilms also took home best Junior Female and her horseRoseridgeDawn won the best horse in CGrade.Jed Murray was awarded Best Junior Male.

The DGrade was the only final not to feature Sale, with Ballangetting up in acliff-hanger against Corio.

In the EGrade,itwas Sale who got Sunday's finalsoff to agreatstart for the club,providing

thefirst of the three championship wins for the day whenthey defeatedthe Pool team. Sale's team was: Darcy McNamara, Bailey McNamara, Katrina Murray, Ray Smith, Dakota Semmens and Steve Smith. In the individual awards, Sale's BaileyMcNamara received Best No 2and Steve Smith won Best No 3. It was avery successful state championships hosted by the Sale club, and after being washed

out on the Sunday with torrential rain last year, the state awarded Sale are-run.

In abold new move, the club will now be applying the host the next two Victorian Polocrosse Championships with agoal of becoming the permanent home of the premier polocrosse event on the state's calendar.

The clubwill also be celebrating its 70th Anniversaryin2025,soa big year is beingplanned.

Local talent on display at Sale Turf Club meet

TomHayes

SALETurf Club hosted an eight-race meetlast Tuesday (April 23), on asolid Good 3track.

The weather held up for the most part, with small drizzles of rain falling through the clouds on occasion.

Sale trainer AndrewPerdon continued his great recent form, winning the Race 6Mac Waste Handicap over 1000 metres.

The sprint saw Dummy Spit, who was amazingly paying $7.50 for the win, salute, as three horses shared aprice of around $3 for favouritism.

Dummy Spit came from second-last, alongside Mr Magnus, who was last, as both charged to the front of the field.

Dummy Spit hadthe edge to win,only just,bya nosefromMrMagnus, while Our Malyshkacame third, only half of alength behind second.

Pindari Point for Sale’s Paul Worthington came fourth but was over three lengths from the lead.

Perdon added this win to his recentvictoryatthe Bairnsdale Cup with Starspangled Baby.

THE Race 3Gipps Widi Maiden Plate (1400m) sawanotherGippslandwinner,whenRicky Runsfor Moe’sPaulandTraceyTempletonfoundthelinefirst.

Ricky Runs stayed within reaching distance of the leaders at the defining momentsofthe race, bursting to the outside for abetter line.

As they came towards the line, the three-year-old gelding lunged in front, claiming his first career win from two starts, pinching the win by half-a-length.

The Race 2SaleSigntorque MaidenPlate (1400m) was taken out by De Venus for Mark Webb.

After staying in closequarters with the race leader, De Venus took the lead as they rounded the bend onto the straight, riding out to athreeand-a-half length lead. Paying $8.50, it would’ve paid dividends if you backed him.

Race 4’s Benson Group Contractors Maiden Plate (1717m) went to Tarvue for Ballarat’s John Sadler. The $2.80favouriteran the perfect race, taking the lead when needed to, running away by just over four lengths.

ARIZONA Activist for Ben and Will Hayes did it easy in Race 7’sKwikTip Bins Handicap(1200m).

After holding amidfieldposition, Arizona Activist burst through the pack around the bend, going wide to open up an angle.

From there, Arizona Activist climbed outtoa lead over alength to claim victory.

TO conclude the meet,QueenOfTuscanyfor Cranbourne’s RobbieGriffiths and Mathew de Kock claimed victory by three quarters of alength in the Race 8Ladbroke It! Handicap (1400m).

RACE 5’s Ladbrokes Racing Club Handicap (1717m) was atwo-horse race.

Gerladine’s Jewel for Dubbo’s ReeceGoodwin managedtohold on at the line,but waspushed by afast finishing Magadan.

Belongingtothe Gelagotis stables based in Moe, Magadancamefromasfar back as eighth.

Paying $21, it was an outstanding win for the local, who will now test the waters of harder competition.

Although comingclose, Magadan claimed second, agonisingly just ahead’s lengthbehind the eventual winner.

IN other races, Mrs Supergrass for Cranbourne’s Gavin Bedggood picked up her first win in Race 1’s Programmed Property Services Maiden Plate (1100m). The $1.60 favourite displayed her jump out talent, winning by nearly five lengths.

Bothfrontrunners came from amileback, sitting ninth and 10th at the 400-metre mark.

Leading the way at that stage was HazardA Guess for Moe’s Daryl Blackshaw.

Despite not falling completely off the face of the track, Hazard AGuess continued astrongrace to claim aplace in third, just two-and-a-half lengths from the leader.

Dummy Spitfor Sale’s Andrew Perdon pinched the Race 6right at the line duringlastTuesday’s meeting.

Photo: ScottBarbour/Racing Photos

Sale Polocrosse Club with the Victorian Polocrosse AGrade championship.The team is BradyWilms,RyanBradley,Lance Anderson, Michael Semmens (front) HarrySemmensand Corey Buys

Action during the AGrade final between Sale and Casterton at Sale Polocrosse Grounds.

Sale’s acegoal-thrower Harry Semmens. Photos: Contributed

Sale’s Lance Anderson andstrapper Heidi Murraywith Hvirfs London, who wasnamed best overall horse at the championships.

NATHAN

PETER

CHRIS &JED

CHEYENNE

SCOTT KERRAN

TEGAN&KRISTIN

DURKS

GAIL

JAMES

ROUND 6

Wednesday,April24

Richmondvs.Melbourne(MCG)

Thursday,April25

Essendonvs.Collingwood(MCG)

GWSGIANTSvs.BrisbaneLions(MO)(N)

Friday,April26

PortAdelaidevs.StKilda(AO)(N)

Saturday,April27

NorthMelbournevs.AdelaideCrows(BA)

GeelongCatsvs.Carlton(MCG)(T)

Fremantlevs.WesternBulldogs(OS)(N)

Sunday,April28

GoldCoastSUNSvs.WestCoastEagles (HBS)

THIS

Hawthornvs.SydneySwans(MCG)(T)

Wildcats, Demonstrucking along

TomHayes

WHAT aseason this is shaping up to be in the North Gippsland Football-Netball League.

Nothingisa givenasanother week of results has left us in astate we haven’t seen in some time

JUST when Sale City thought they could break the mould, in steps Rosedale.

The Blues were able to hold on after aconfident start, winning 8.7 (57) to 4.8. (32).

The Bulldogs were storming through their fixture withimpressiveperformances,despite their1-1 win-loss record. After their tight loss to 2023 Grand Finalist, Woodside, it was asmall wininthe scheme of things. Rosedale meanwhile was 0-2 after big losses to premiershipcontenders Heyfieldand Traralgon Tyers United.

Yet on their travels to Stephenson Park, the Blues were off to aflyer, setting the tone for the rest of the match.

The low scoring nature of thematchmade it difficultfor either sidetoget on the scoreboard, but Rosedale made the most of their opportunities. Rosedalekickedthreegoals in theopeningtermto Sale City’s one. Both sides displayed their ability to start with speed last year, so when the two locked horns it was sure to be aspicy contest.

Just when the Bulldogs needed aresponse, the Blues kicked away. The Bulldogs were unable to keepupwith the visitors, who caught them by surprise kicking 5.3 (33) to one behind.

All of asudden, Rosedale had amassive sevengoal lead at the main break. But in the third term, play wasmuch tighter.

The script had flipped, but nottothe same extent Sale City fought back with agoal of their own, but it could’ve been more.

Kicking 1.3 (9) to one behind, the Bulldogs brought the margin back down to 34 points, which would warrant one hell of afightback in the final term. The matchgot interesting in the final term, as the leading Blues only managed two behinds, leaving the dooropenfor the home side. But Sale Citycould only muster 2.1 (13) in the final quarter, falling short by 23 points.

Jay Diamond, Luke Stuckey, Caleb Barnett,Riley Boyle, Will Murray and Jake Suter were among thebest for the Blues.

In defeat, Abe Schuback, Hudson Tollner, Troy Carstairs, Tom Bowman,Flynn Read and Mitchell Evans were admirable.

WOODSIDE keep trucking along.

The Wildcatsimproved to 3-0afterdefeating Yallourn Yallourn North, 14.14 (98) to 10.7 (67).

In aslowstart,Yallourn Yallourn North got the jump on the Wildcats at home, starting out with a10-point lead at the first break.

With both sides in early premiership contention going into the contest, there was plenty on the line for either team to gain the four points.

Woodside weren’t going to go away anytime soon, and they made their presence known, kicking 5.3 (33)tothe Jets’2.1 (13), takingthe lead at the main break, completing a20-point turnaround.

After the halftime break, Woodside grew from strength to strengthand continuedtoput YYN to thesword, adding another 5.3 (33), this time keeping the Jets goalless, adding just two points to their score. As the two sides entered the final break, Woodside had aclear advantage of 41 points, exactly double the score of the Jets.

YYN gave it their all in the final term, but it was toughtoovercome that disadvantage.

Woodside added two more goals, despite being outscored by YYN, who kicked fourthemselves. It wasn't enough, as the Wildcats rounded out a 31-point win.

Brody Stainer, Michael O'Sullivan, Liam Leeson, Lee Stockdale, Mark Collison and Liam Hard werestand-outsfor the victors. Daniel Farmer established himself in front of the big sticks with five goals.

For the Jets, Dylan Brooks, Dylan Bentley, Rowan Duguid, Dylan Bath, Jai Massese and Josh Hall were highlights in defeat.

Only three undefeated teams remain following this game, and as recent records show, losing two games in aseason makes it very difficult to win the flag.

HEYFIELD are as damaging as ever.

The Kangaroos dismantled theChurchill side thatvisited Gordon StreetReserveatthe weekend, not only boosting their premiership hopes, but leaving the Cougars rattled in the process, 18.16 (124) to 6.3 (39).

The home side continued their domination of Churchill, whichstarted in themiddle of last year.

To startthe 2023season, Churchill stamped themselves as ateamtobeat, beating the Kangaroos by 70-odd points. Yet in their next two meetings, Heyfield would right their wrongs and trump the Cougars on both occasions, one of those being asemi-final.

GIPPSLAND

4

Afterthreegamesin2024, the Kangaroos are top of the ladder, and by some margin too. Alongside them is Woodside on three wins, yet Heyfield’s percentage boasts253 per cent,tothe Wildcats’ 137. Heyfieldhad the upper hand over Churchill from the very first quarter, bursting out to a16-point lead, before alateCougars goal brought the margin to within two kicks.

Churchillcouldonly manage the solemajor in the second, unable to reply to the ferocity of Heyfield, who piled on 10.4 (64).

The Cougars showed they wouldn’t go down without afight, and despite the score, kept in touch with Heyfield during the third term, both scoring 2.2 (14), as the margin remained at 68 points.

Withthe gamefar beyondreach,Heyfield continued to power through, despite the Cougars’ efforts,kicking three goals to two in the final term to runhome85-point winners.

Heyfield's ThomasMarchesi was among the best for the home side, as was Robert McMillan, Kail Hole, Mitchell Bennett (four goals), Max Van Der Zwart and Liam Heasley. Playing-coach and former Collingwood premiershipplayer, Leigh Brown kicked agame-high six majors.

For the Cougars, their best were Bailey Flanigan, Brendan Holt, Marcus Sbaglia-Smith, Chris Williams, Jordan Fenech and Patrick Kearns. The absence of Ben Kearns up front left their forward line thin, with no one to assist Blake Slater until the second half when Holt went forward.

The youthful Heyfieldoutfitdisplayed their damaging run and carry. While some clubs may seetheir youth as aweakness, they are using it to theiradvantage to go from strength to strength, week-to-week.

As for the Cougars, they are now in adifficult position of one win and two losses, and it doesn’t get any easier for them next week with reigning premier TTU coming to Gaskin Park.

Skill errors were the main talking point, as the season lies within the playing group’s hands to get better and grow as the season progresses.

Churchill doesn’t like to lose at home, and their chances will be boosted next week with the arrival of former AFL players, Heath Shaw and Stephen Milne for the one-off game.

Heyfield willfaceanalso undefeated Yarramside who are too beaming with confidence.

THE thirdand final team to remain undefeated.

Yarram took atrip downthe road to Gormandale, smoking the Tigers after being granted aRound 2

Netball Scoreboard

NORTH GIPPSLAND -ROUND 3

AGRADE - Woodside 53 dYYN 26, Sale City 60 d

Rosedale 34, Glengarry 46 dTTU 40, Heyfield 33 d

dYarram 28, Cowwarr bye.

55 d

bye, sealing the four points, 20.19 (139) to 1.0 (6).

The Demons flexed their muscles, keeping Gormandale scoreless for the first three quarters. Duringthat time, Yarramkicked15goals; scoring five in each quarter as they progressively dismantled the Tigers as the game grew old.

The lead extended past 100 points by three quarter time, reading 15.15 (105) to nothing.

Gormandale finally got on the scoreboard in the final term as the game begun to wind down, registering their only scoreofthe game.

Meanwhile, Yarram addedanother five goalsina consistent display, running out 133-point winners. Kayleb Pearce, Josh Swift (eight goals), Dylan Garnham (three goals), Liam Bentley, Luke Hunter andGriffin Underwood were stand outs for Yarram.

When Gormandale neededsomeone to step up, Nicholas Millington, Kodie Owens, Caleb Isherwood, Tristan Salerno, Blake Hearn and Jet Krimhand were there to do so, earning themselves aplace in their best.

TTU have put their Round 1jitters to bed.

The Bombers made their four points certain, defeating Glengarry at home, 31.22 (208) to 1.2 (8).

In adisplay of complete and utter dominance, TTU had 50 more scoring shots than theMagpies, going on to win by amonster 200 points.

The game was nearly over before it started, as the Bombers got out to a41-point leadatquarter time.

It went from bad to worse in the second quarter, as TTUkeptGlengarry scoreless, going onto score 9.6(60)beforethe halftime siren, as the lead stretched past 100 points.

TTU continued to get more devastating as the game continued, kicking another 10.4 (64) to one behind, seeing the lead pass 150, to 164 points.

With a. percentage boost on their mind, TTU reached the 200-point margin in the final term, with the margin remaining the same as the lead as the final siren blew.

Michael Jacobsen, Beau White (five goals), Liam Michie, Mitchell Mustoe (three goals), Zach Kilgower and James Jacobsen hada day out for the Bombers.CaptainJye Neilson also kickedfive goals, while Caleb Michie kicked four snags.

Ben Truin,Callum Mitchell,Lachlan Martin, Jack Burgess, Cassidy Bartleyand Tahi Wilson were the shining lights for Glengarry.

Apercentage boost it was, with the Bombers now holding the highestpercentage in the NGFNL, with 258 per cent.

COWWARR had the bye.

EAST GIPPSLAND -ROUND 3

AGRADE: Lucknow 38 def Boisdale-Briag 35, Stratford 46 def Lindenow 41,Lakes Entrance 61 def Paynesville 23, Orbost SnowyRoversand Wy Yung -BYE.

BGRADE: Boisdale-Briag38def Lucknow29, Lindenow 35 def Stratford 29,Lakes Entrance 50 def Paynesville 14,OrbostSnowy Rovers and Wy Yung -BYE.

W5143 9333 classifieds@gippslandtimes.com.au

Traralgon

dWarragul 17

3, Drouin 37 dMorwell 17,Leongatha

dMoe 28, Traralgon 52 dWarragul 2.

Churchill 33, Gormandale 64 dYarram 46, Cowwarr bye.

CGRADE - Woodside 38 dYYN 32, Sale City 53 d

Rosedale 25, TTU38d Glengarry 35, Churchill 41 d

Heyfield 20, Yarram 30 dGormandale 27,Cowwarr bye.

DGRADE - Woodside 39 dYYN 21,Sale City 38 d

Rosedale 40, TTU44dGlengarry 31,Heyfield 28 d Churchill 24, Gormandale 37 dYarram 22, Cowwarr bye.

17 ANDUNDER - Woodside24d YYN 13,Sale City 39

dRosedale 30, TTU43dGlengarry 14,Heyfield 26 d

Churchill25, Gormandale 41 dYarram 9, Cowwarr bye.

15 AND UNDER - Woodside 43 dYYN 10,Sale City 30

dRosedale 20, TTU55dGlengarry 6, Heyfield 48 d Churchill 13,Gormandale 62 dYarram 2, Cowwarr bye.

CGRADE: Boisdale-Briag38def Lucknow 35, Lindenow 35 def Stratford27, LakesEntrance 40 def Paynseville 16,Orbost Snowy Rovers and Wy Yung -BYE.

DGRADE: Boisdale-Briag 42 def Lucknow 20, Stratford33def Lindenow 30, Lakes Entrance 31 def Paynesville 15,Orbost SnowyRoversand Wy Yung -BYE.

17 AND UNDER: Boisdale-Briagg 38 def Lucknow 26, Stratford10def Lindenow 0, Lakes Entrance 48 def Paynesville 10,Orbost Snowy Roversand Wy Yung -BYE.

15 AND UNDER: Lucknow 37 def Boisdale-Briag 8, Stratford 38 def Lindenow 31,Paynesville 49 defLakes Entrance 12,Orbost SnowyRoversand Wy Yung -BYE.

Target Time No.0208

grew,newt,sewing, sewn, sinew, slew,slewing, stew,stewing, strew, strewing, strewn,swig, swine, swing, swingle, swirl, twig, twin, twine, twiner,twinge, twirl, weir, welt,welting, went, wert,west, westing, wiglet,wile, wilt,wine, wing,winger,winglet, winter,wire, wise, wisent,wiser,wist, wren, wrest,WRESTLING, wresting, wriest,wring, wrist,writ,write.

LEAGUE -ROUND

No joylastweekend

repeat itself, as it strives to get its win-loss ledger into the positive.

Bombersright in the hunt, Swans back on winnerslist

TomHayes

ANZAC Roundofthe East Gippsland FootballNetballLeague gave us atop-of-the-ladder thriller, which saw two Grand Final fancies hard to be separated.

Stratford continue to find their feet, while Paynesville got off the mark.

BOISDALE-BRIAGOLONG andLucknow almost couldn't be separated after four quarters, in what was aback-and-forth match. Lucknow prevailed by apoint, 10.11 (71) to 10.10 (70).

The Magpies edgedout the Bombers in theopeningterm, before Boisdale-Briagolong laid down the law with five goals to one before halftime to take a21-point lead into the main break.

The third term saw each side handed the same amount of opportunities, landing eitherside1.4 (10). If one or the other was able to capitalise on their situation, it could have changed the outcome drastically.

With the upper hand, the Bombers sat back on their cushion, nailing two final quarter goals. But the Magpies weren't to be stopped, kicking five of their own to bring it down to the wire.

The final sirenrungaround Boisdale Recreation Reserve, much to the disappointment of the home side, as they were done by the barest of margins.

STRATFORD foundtheir second win of the season, bouncing back from their loss to the Bombers last week.

The Swans came froma15-pointhalftime deficit to storm home and win by 20 points, 13.11 (89) to 11.3 (69) against Lindenow.

Stratford started strong before the Cats kicked six goals to two in the second quarter to hold the halftime advantage.

Afive-goal effort in the third term handed the lead Stratford's way, as they kept the home side scoreless.

TheSwans broughtall four points home in an even final quarter display, which saw them reach the final siren with a20-point buffer up their sleeve PAYNESVILLE claimed their fourfour pointsof the season in a19-point win overLakesEntrance. Both sides entered the weekend without awin, ensuring someonewould end theweekend on a positive note.

That team was the Seagulls, winning 11.12 (78) to 8.11 (59).

Orbost Snowy Rovers and Wy Yung had the bye.

WOULD you be slightly concerned if you were Sale?

While it is only Round 4ofthe Gippsland League, the Magpies lost at the weekend to atravelling Wonthaggi side who entered the match with a 0-3 win-loss record.

Granted the Power played off in the GrandFinal last year, and were due to come good at some stage, butconsidering the side that ran out for Wonthaggi at the weekend was exactly the same as the one that lost the previous week to ayoung Morwell team, there could be early alarm bells ringing in the Magpies nest.

The Power led at every change to record agritty 9.12 (66) to 9.5 (59) win on Sale Oval.

Themarginateach of the breaks was onlynine, 12 and one point respectively, although the visitors could have extended their halftime lead had it not been for areturn of 5.9 (39).

Sale worked their way back into the contest in thethird quarter, kicking four goals to two, but then only managed one in the last as they lost by seven points.

Jack Leslie played astrongcaptain’s game for the Magpies, and was supported by Jonty McGuiness, who is arguably in career best form at centre half back.

Theever-reliable ShannenLange also featured, as did risingstar Harry Tatterson across half-back, while Jake Hutchins and Tom Campbell were two who could hold their heads high.

Speakingpostgame, SaleassistantcoachShane Fyfe said it was adisappointing outcome.

“It was an arm wrestle all day, we just couldn’t quite get in front, momentum shifted afew times for both teams,itwas an even amountofinside 50s but they probably justconverted alittle bit better,” he said.

“Alwaystoughtoplay againstWonthaggi, they’ve had atough start to the season, so we knew they were going to come.”

Josh Schulz, Isaac Chugg, MitchHayes,Noah Anderson, Kaj Patterson and Jack Blair stood out forthe winners.

The result pins Sale to a2-2 record, and while far from panicstations, could be agamethat is looked back on as one that got away.

The Magpies dropped asimilar gameto Bairnsdale at home last season in Round 2, from which time they never seemed to fully recover on their way to afirst-week finals exit.

Sale of this year will be hoping history does not

IT could honestly be Round 9before Maffra wins agame.

If you were to go on current form, the Eagles probably won’t start even-money until they play Warragul at the halfway mark.

Given that game is still more than two months away, Maffra can ill-afford to look too far ahead, but will have some reason to be confident all the same that awin is just around the corner, after puttinginarelatively good performance against Bairnsdale at the weekend.

While the Eagles lost 13.9 (87) to 9.12 (66), they were right in the contest up until three quarter time at Bairnsdale City Oval.

Thevisitors overcameasluggish start, in which they kicked three goals to nine in the first half, to rattle home four goals to one in the third to only be 13 points down at the last change.

The Redlegs however finished the stronger of the two sides, adding 3.4 (22) to 2.2 (14) in the final term to stave off apotential upset.

Brayden McCarrey kicked four goals for Bairnsdale, continuinghis solid start to the season. The goal-sneak already has 12 goals to his name, and hasfeatured in the bestinall three games he has played.

Cooper Harvey was also industrious,aswas Will Mitchell, Randall Stewart, Link Mckenna and Tyran Rees, who may now have some competition for Goal of theYear fromLeongatha’s Tallin Brill AlexCarrand DannyButcher were best for Maffra, while the next generation of Jett Killoran, Ashton Wright, Zac Felsbourg and Archer Watt (three goals) continued to show signs of what the Eagles' future looks like.

Watt mayhave had extra incentive to play well, having joined Maffra from Bairnsdale this season.

Although awinless start to the seasonisless than ideal, it is perhaps little surprise to see the Eagles in the current position they are in.

It is loomingasboys against men for large parts of the season for Maffra. The Eagles team at the weekend featured 10 players in their first year out of under 18s, and afurther two justout of under 16s.

IN other games, Leongathamaintained their unbeatenstart to the season, defeating Moe, while Valley sides Morwell and Traralgon beat western teams Drouin and Warragulrespectively.

Scoreboards for the Gippsland League, North Gippsland and East Gippsland leagues can be found on Page 26.

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Liam Durkin

Andrew Cunningham wasinthe bestfor Stratfordatthe weekend, during the Swans victory over Lindenow.

Photo: Erika Allen

Danny Butcher wasamong thebest players for Maffra at theweekend Photo: File (very old)

Five figures

at 12 13 (85) apiece at the final siren

The moment

ScottPendlebury (left) collected his 10,000th career disposal. The Sale local reached the magical mark during the first quarter of the AnzacDay clash last Thursday.

IN a world of his own Sale’s Scott Pendlebury is quite literally creating new ground, becoming the first V/AFL footballer to reach 10,000 disposals

During the first quarter of the traditional Anzac Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon last Thursday, Pendlebury racked up his fourth possession of the game, surpassing the five-figure mark for career disposals

The magical milestone was a sneaky handball inside defensive 50, crafted out after a trademark Pendlebury head spin, poise, and give (cue 'basketball background' commentary)

The 90,000 strong crowd applauded the landmark, although Pendlebury himself had little time to acknowledge the feat, as the Magpies were 27 points down following a blistering four-goal start by the Bombers

Pendlebury ended the drawn game with 23 disposals, as scores were locked

It was just the second Anzac Day match to result in a tie, coming 29 years after the first, and previously, last one in 1995

Keeping his sense of humour, the veteran enquired if there could be "extra time" when speaking to Chanel 7 boundary rider Abbey Holmes post-match Pendlebury's new record comes a year after he broke Robert Harvey’s disposal record in a match against the Western Bulldogs, a record which stood at 9656 disposals

But now, he is in a league of his own The only player to have 10,000 or more disposals to their name

To put this into perspective, Pendlebury has been playing consistent football for the Magpies since his debut in Round 10, 2006

The almost 400-gamer (390 games) now has 10,019 disposals to his name, which creates an average of 25 69 disposals per game, over the last 18 years Not only would it take incredible consistency to break this record ever again, but that player who wishes to

become the new disposals record holder will almost certainly need to play around 400 games too

For the above average player, the average career span is around seven to eight years Let’s say that player plays every game during those eight years, they would play 184 games, or thereabouts

If the average player averages 25 69 disposals per game, they would only tally 4726 disposals throughout their career Thus, going to show how incredible this feat of Pendlebury’s actually is Pendlebury is set to become just the sixth player in V/AFL history to join the 400-club, joining Brent Harvey (432 games), Michael Tuck (426), Shaun Burgoyne (407), Kevin Bartlett (403), and Dustin Fletcher (400)

Without missing a game, the veteran is set to play his 400th game in Round 18, against the currently undefeated Geelong Not bad for a kid from Sale

Sale City’s strong start to the season continues

Zaida Glibanovic andErika Allen

SALE and Maffra suffered tough days at the office in Round 4ofGippsland League netball.

The Magpies lacked the power to get through Wonthaggi, going down 54-23.

Wonthaggi surged the home team, going 10 goals up in the first quarter. Sale didn’t have any answers to combatthe power of the McRae sisters, Hannah and Alanna.

Sale’s Kate Van der Voort shot brilliantly when given the opportunity, and Lola Wilson’s midcourt defence was notable alongside the centre work of Lara Van der Voort.

Maffra also saw no luckover the weekend,as they suffereda53-26loss to Bairnsdaleonthe road.

The Redlegs are among this season’s highest flyers and showed the Eagles no mercy. It was a slow start for Maffra, quickly finding themselves down by eight goals by the first break.

Bairnsdale was in no mood to take the pedal off theaccelerator, and continued to pile on goal after goal inundating the young Maffra side.

Despite the loss, Matilda Pendergast,Maddy

Dalton and Zali Wheatley were best on court for the Eagles.

For the Redlegs, VNL player with the Gippsland Stars,AlisonDwyer,alongside Sally Dellerand Tayla Falconer were influential in the win.

Morwellsuffered aslightfall from grace from their premiership contention, falling short of Drouin 52-45, while reigning premier Moe absolutely dominated Leongatha 78-46.

In Round 4’s night match, Traralgon celebrated Cassidy Smith’s 100th senior game with abig win over aformidable Warragul side.

The Gulls however were without formerSuncorp Super Netballer Emma Ryde, gun defender Ella Reesand midcourter Sienna Green.

IN NorthGippslandFootball-NetballLeague action,reigningpremier Woodside finallygot their firstwin of the season when they stormed through Yallourn Yallourn North, winning 53-26 at George Bates Reserve.

Sale City also had abig winagainst an undermanned Rosedale side who could only manage 34 goals to the Bulldogs’ 60.

Sale City was sitting comfortably playing at home, taking advantage of the Blues in the second quarter,

outscoring them to lead 29-17. The Bulldogs were ferocious in attack and applied strong defensive pressure,making it hard for the Bluestofightback and ultimately secured them the win.

Heyfield got their revenge over Churchill, coming from behind to beat the Cougars 33-31. Churchill was in control of the game early on, finding themselves with ahealthy seven goal lead in the first quarter. The Kangaroos refused to roll over and came back from anine-goal deficit in the last quarter to secure awin that meant so much, with the Cougars having gotten the best of them on three separate occasions last year.

Gormandale wouldhave celebratedhard on Saturday night after they defeated Yarram 62-28 at home.

Glengarry handed Traralgon Tyers UnitedUnited their first loss of the season in avery hard-fought match. The scores see-sawed but the Magpies managed to get the job done on the road.

Cowwarr had the bye.

IN aword, tense, encapsulated the atmosphere around local courts in Round 3ofEastGippsland netball.

Reigning premier, Stratford returned to the

winners listwithahard-fought five-goal victory over Lindenow.

The stakes were high for the visiting Swans, facing the prospect of atwo to one win-loss record heading into abye week in Round 4.

This win was especially significant for playing coach Ash Higgins and the Swans, who had their feathers ruffledintheir last round defeat againsta dominant Bombers outfit. Saturday’s win,reinstating momentum in Stratford'spremiershipdefence.

Meanwhile, Boisdale-Briagolong's clash with Lucknow at home ended in suspense, withthe outcome decided by three goals.

Both teams entered the matchup undefeated, but only Lucknow emerged with aperfect record intact after anarrow 38-35 win.

The result will surely sting for the Bombers, who were riding high following acommanding victory over Stratford the previous Saturday.

However, suchclose contestsare part of the game, and Boisdale-Briagolong will look to regroup for their Round 4encounter against Lakes Entrance this Saturday.

NETBALL SCOREBOARD -PAGE30

Tom Hayes

Photo: AFL Galleries