Gippsland Times Tuesday 7 May 2024

& MAFFRA SPECTATOR Times

Enough is enough

o Community rallies to end domestic violence.

attended, noting the huge increase in attendance from about 20 people last year.

REPRESENTATIVES from family violence agencies, educators, Gippsland Women’s Health, Wellington Shire Council, alongwithmorethan 200 attendees gathered at the Sale Clocktower with candles in hand to observe the Annual Candlelight Vigil last Wednesday (May 1).

Beginning at 5.30pm as night fell on Domestic Violence Remembrance Day, speeches were given by Victoria Police SeniorConstable,AaronRatten; Wellington Shire MayorIan Bye; and Leanne Fairbrother,the Gendered Violence Prevention Health Promotion Officer at Gippsland Women’s Health.

Following the three addresses, aminute of silence for victims of family and domestic violence was observed. The vigil ended before 6pm. Constable Ratten spoke first. As part of the WellingtonFamily Violence Investigation Unit,he’s seen first-hand the impact of family and domestic violence. So far, in 2024, one woman has been lost to family violence every four days -and it’s only early May.

“That’s way too many,” Constable Rattensaid. He said that police continue to offer support services to allparties in domesticviolence incidents and engage with support services.

Cr Bye spoke next and thanked those who

“Each of you has come here tonight to paytribute and remember the lives losttofamily and domestic violence,” Cr Bye said.

“Like all of us, Ihave been deeply affected by recent events, and Iacknowledge that this year's Candlelight Vigil carries abiggersignificancethan ever before.

“Two in five women have experienced violence since the age of 15. Shockingly, women are more likely to faceviolence from someone they know than from astranger.”

In 2021, council endorsed the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan called Healthy Wellington, with Gender Equality as akey priority.

“Ending this violence demands acultural shift and collective commitment from all levels of government. Locally, we've taken significant steps in gender equality, guided by partners like Gippsland Free From Violence and our broader Gender Equality Partners," Cr Bye said.

Council is currently recruiting for aSocial Connection and Inclusion Officer for Free From Violence, who will spearhead primary prevention policies and work with community partners to raise awareness about family and domestic violence.

Ms Fairbrother then took the microphone.

“We come together tonight, not in atimeof

celebration, as we would hope after avery challengingyear, but rather as acommunity acknowledging the crisis facing Australian women and children and in fact women and children all over the world, from family violence,” she said.

“Family violence is any threatening, coercive, dominating or abusive behaviour that occurs between people in afamily, domestic or intimate relationship,orformer intimate relationship, that causes the person experiencing the behaviour to feel fear.

“Family violence can happen to anyone-regardless of country, religion, sexuality, gender, social background, socioeconomic status, age or culture, with much of it going unreported or unseen.”

Ms Fairbrother shared the disturbing fact that Wellington, Latrobe City and East Gippsland Shire are in the top eight of 79 local government areas (LGAs) in Victoriafor familyviolencereporting per 100,000 people.

“Shockingly, this equates to 50 per cent of Gippsland being in the top eight LGAs in the state for familyviolence reporting. In addition, up to 76 per cent of the affected family members in the reports identified as female, and up to 53 per cent of incidents had achild present,” she said.

“If we as acommunity do not take astand that family violence is unacceptable, openly challenge attitudes towards violence in the community that

continue to place women and children at risk, these statistics will continue to increase. Family violence and violence against women is preventable.”

“Tonight we remember, honour and grievefor the women and children who have been killed by family violence. Enough is enough.”

Across the nation,this sentiment capturedthe Australian consciousness at rallies and marches advocating for awareness and accountability; at nation-wide vigils as people gathered wearing purple or bearing lit candles;asa moment of silence was observed at weekend sports games, and as landmarks were awash in purple last Wednesday. However, tragically, there is asense of déjà vu. In 2015, gender-basedviolence was labelleda‘national crisis’ and an ‘epidemic’ by then Minister for Women and Minister for Employment, Michaelia Cash. Eight years later,the current Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, used the same rhetoric on Sunday,April 28, when he addressed thousands of protesters at Canberra’s No More:National Rallies Against Gender-Based Violence march. Mr Albanese responded to calls to declare the issue anational emergency, sayingsuch decrees wereashort-termlegal avenue for use in natural disasters. He did, however, describedomestic violence as a'national crisis' and scheduled an urgent cabinet meeting to discuss the issue.

Continued -Page5

ErikaAllen and StefanBradley

Photo: Contributed

Wellington Shire’s plans for the future

Mayor IanBye Comment

ACOUPLE of weeks ago, Wellington Shire Council released its 2024/25 draft budget for public feedback. Iwant to encourage everyone to have their say on this important document.

Thisdraftbudget forecastsayear of restraint, balancing substantial cost pressures with spending responsibly when it comes to the infrastructure, maintenance and services needed by our local community.

Whilewe’restill planning for Future Wellington, we’reextremely mindfulofexternal influences affectingcouncil’srevenue.Like mostcouncils, expenses have increased due to high inflation, however our income has been restrained by arate cap of 2.75 per cent (set by the state government’s Fair Go Rates System)and slowed government

grant funding. Simply put, everything is more expensive, but our incomeisn’t growingenough to cover it.

This means council has made some tough choices on what is delivered. Wellington Shire’s population of 45,600 is spread across 10,900 square kilometres; our Victorian metropolitan counterparts average more than 147,000 residents across 66 squarekilometres. This causes challenges when it comes to calculating how to continue funding more than 140 council services, whilemaintaining the geographically third-largest shire in Victoria.

It’s becoming harder to tenderfor big projects and infrastructure, because it's costing more than it ever has. That’swhy it wassoimportant this year we compiled aresponsible budget that returnedto delivering on core services.

Let’sstartwith roads.We’ve had atoughtime recently with 14 declared emergency events, like floods and bushfires, hitting us between March 2021 and February 2024. Last year alone, we had five big emergencies that set us back with unprecedented challenges.

These emergency events have resulted in an estimated$12 millionindamage to our infrastructure, including roads, drains and bridges, which led to more than 230 road closures across the shire. Abig focus in 2024/25 will be fixing roads, because it’s crucial for our communities that depend on roads for safe access and the economic flow-on benefits of industry and tourism.

This year we have budgeted $68.9million for capital works, with $45.8 million fundedfrom council operations and $20.1 million from external grants and contributions.

Atotal of $21.1 millionhas been allocated to road reseal and re-sheeting programs, $5.6 million for bridges and drainage, and afurther $7.8 million for rural areas and on regular roads maintenance programs, including roadside vegetationmanagement, fire breaks, rural road reseals and drainage, and gravel roads. Fixing and maintaining 3114km of roads remains ahugeexpense for council. We estimatemore than 250 roadswere directlyaffected by flooding over the past three years.

To really understand how much moneyisneeded, we’ve listed some key road projects earmarked for this financial year -these include:

 Duke Street, Yarram reconstruction -$1.25m;

 Velore Road, Kilmany reconstruction- $1.2m;

 Sale Toongabbie Road Stage 3reconstruction -$900k;

 Dargo Emergency Slip Rectification, Upper Dargo -$800k;

 Mills Street, Heyfield rehabilitation -$750k;

 Sale Cowwarr Road Stage 2 reconstruction -$600k;

 Glencairn Road, Licola Slip rehabilitation -$600k, and;

 Heyfield Seaton Road reconstruction -$600k

The draft budgetalsoprioritises the development of the Sale Integrated Centre for Childrenand FamiliesonGibsons Road, with $5.575 million allocated over two financial years for its construction. The new centre will provide acombined 122 new childcare and kindergarten places, multi-purpose consulting suites,and meeting and activity spaces for early childhood services and community use.

In preparation of this centre and the new Sale College, we are also planning to start construction of a$2.3 million roundabout at the intersection of Gibsons Road and Cobains Road in Sale.

We're moving full steam ahead with the redevelopment of the Aqua Energy Leisure Centre, setting aside $16.796 million of the $23 millionproject cost in this year’s budget for this major transformation This project is aturning point for our community in Wellington. When finished, it will feature anew, accessible 25m indoor pool, improved changing rooms, a24/7gym,and awater play area that the kids will love. This isn't just an upgrade; it's avital step forward in making our community abetter place to live, play and stay healthy. Our community facilities remain apriority and although we can’t fund every request, we’re happy to announcethat projects like the installation of LEDlightsatMaffra Lawn Tennis Club, costing $365k,and a$920k changeroomsupgradeat Maffra’s Cameron Sporting Complex will go ahead this year,dependentonsecuring external funding.

We’re setting aside $1.14 million to make improvements at Yarram Pool,including updating electrical systems, pumps andpipes, as well as systems that clean and filter the water. Our aim is to streamlineprogramming across the next summer swim season and we’re looking forward to working with the Yarram community on this work.

Dealing withwasteisa big deal too. We recently successfully introduced new kerbside bins across the shire, and this year we’ll be spending $1.5

million on expanding Cell 4atKilmany landfill. Renewable energy remainsakey focus for us.In line with our current council plan, we're working hard to support the local economy to deliver on our renewable energy priorities, unlocking the economic potential of renewable energy investments and advocatingfor employment and supply chain opportunitiesthat will benefit the entire Wellington community.

We'll keep pushing for more funding from state and federal governments. Our goal is to explore every opportunity for extra funding, to avoid extra costs for our residents.

We’re heading into an exciting time for Future Wellington. Our main goal for 2024/25 is to balance our core services while preserving our finances for thelong term. Ian Bye is Mayor of Wellington Shire.

Wellington ShireMayor,Ian Byehas laid out plans in the 2024/25 draftbudget

Photo:Contributed

Remembering the Jennings’

ST Paul’s Cathedralishosting aservice to celebrate the lives of the late Mavis Jennings and Bill Jennings OAM this Saturday (May 11) at 3pm.

Dean of the Cathedral, The Very Reverend Keren Terpstra encouragesall those who were touched by the lives of these two very special people to attend and celebratetheir very full livesofservice and generosity to the community of Sale and beyond. There will opportunities in the service for the differentservicegroups and organisations they belonged to, as well as individuals, to creatively celebrate them.

Duringafternoon tea,someofMavis’ artwork will be on display, and avariety of her incredible collection of arts and crafts, including her hats will be available to take for adonation. Donations will go towards stewardship and upkeep of Mavis's art collection and Mavis House.

Bill Jennings OAM (born 27/04/1926) lived avery long and fulfilling life, passing away aged 96.

He was aman of vision and leadership, aquiet achiever,and immersed himself in the community of Sale for which he made alasting impact.

He educated and enriched the lives of the district’s youth with many decades of teaching at the Sale Technical School, and in January 1988 was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to Education and Community. He was afounding board member of Ashleigh House incorporatingEastwood Parkand along serving member of Sale Rotary Club.

Bill was alife member of the Sale Golf Club and the Sale Bowling Club and was instrumental in the establishment of Crackerjack during the summer months, which has been amajor fundraiser at the clubfor more than adecade. Communitiesand clubs are enhanced by people such as Bill, who giveso muchback fromwhich alllocals benefit.

Mavis Jennings(born 28/08/1921) diedaged102, on April4,2024.

Afterstudying for her Diploma in Art (design and crafts), she worked as an art teacher at the School of Mines and Industries, Bendigo, and met and married Bill in 1948. They moved to Sale in 1957. Shedesigned their ranch style contemporary

home, distinctive for its horizontalityand use of cactusplantingand pebblepaving. Today,this is a significant element in Sale’s built heritage on the site of the Royal Oak Hotel.

She began along association with the Sale Technical School as asecondary school teacher and nightclasstutor for adults, andwas seconded as an education officer for the Sale Regional Art Centre. Sheestablished and coordinated acraft resource unitatthe Continuing EducationCentre,Sale, later known as ACES.

Mavis authored abook on crafts, 162 Ideas For Creative People;she was also Gippsland Times art reporterwith achattycolumn of bouquets and the occasional brickbat; and taught millinery at Gippsland TAFE. Mavis was honoured by the SaleRotary Club with the award of Paul Harris Fellow in 2004,the citationbeing ‘outstanding contribution to arts and crafts in apersonal career of over 60 years’.

Mavis was further honoured by the Gippsland Art Gallery with an exhibitionofher work Still Loving It. Fittinglyasanart and craft educator all her life, she is represented by three works in the permanent collection of the Gippsland Art Gallery. She will be remembered for her ‘crafty’ hats, for her conundrums, for her doggedness in acause, and for her familiar greeting of ‘Sugar’.

She will also be remembered for advocating ‘doit-yourself’ pastimes; promoting arts and crafts so effectively; herskill in sketching, some executed in thecar whilst Bill went bird watching; and the breadth of her knowledge, much of it acquired through her overseas study tours.

Mavis and Billwere verysupportiveofnumerous clubsand societies throughout the Saleregion, giving generously not only of their time but financially.

The Sale Golf club, Sale Bowls Club, Rotary, Central GippslandHospital, Anglicare and Seaspray Surf Club were all very appreciative recipients. Their philanthropyhas continued withthe Mavis and Bill Jennings Foundation.

Coach replacements currently in place on the Gippsland Line

COACHES will replace trains between Southern Cross, Traralgon and Bairnsdale for more than six weeks since last Friday, May 3, as works progress on the Gippsland Line upgrade.

Passengers are asked to allow 60 minutes extra for the journey by coach from now until the last service on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

Replacement coach services will not stop at Flinders Street, Richmond, Caulfield, Clayton, Dandenong and Berwick stations.

Shuttle buses will be available for passengers travelling between Caulfield, Dandenong and Pakenham, while the use of Metro Trains services at Pakenham or Southern Cross is recommended to connect with other metropolitan stations.

Atemporary timetable is available from the PTV and V/Line websites.

Passengers shouldbeaware that buses will replace metropolitan train services on sections of the Pakenham Line at timesduring thisperiod, due to Level Crossing Removal and Metro Tunnel works.

During May and June, crews on the Gippsland Line Upgrade will carry out complex signalling

work, safety testing and driver training. The works will also include completingthe new duplicated track at Bunyip Station and laying new track at Longwarry Station.

While trains aren’t running, V/Line crews will carry out stabling yard works at Bairnsdale Station.

The level crossing at KennedyStreet,Longwarry is closed to trafficand pedestrianssince last Saturday (May 4) to Monday, May 20. Local traffic can use the rail crossings at Bunyip, Garfield and Tynong, while heavy vehicles must use the Princes Highway, the crossing at Nar Nar Goon and Nar Goon-Longwarry Road.

These works will preparethe line for anew signal ling system which, in conjunction with completed track works and stationupgrades already deliver as part of the project, will enable more services help to future-proof the line.

Real-time trafficconditions are availabl traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au

The latest public transport information network status is available at ptv.vic.gov.au the PTV mobile app.

WELLINGTON Shire Council haswelcomed the announcement by the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, ChrisBowen, (as reportedonthe frontpage of last Friday's Gippsland Times)that the first feasibility licenses have been awarded to six offshore wind projects, which will initiate off Gippsland’s coast as Australia’s first declared offshorewind zone Councilsaidinamediarelease they havebeen "at the forefront of advocating for renewable energy investment in Gippsland, in order to securethe bestlong-termoutcomes forthe Wellington Shire community, businesses,and the broaderGippsland region".

WellingtonShire Mayor, Ian Bye, said he was excited for council to work together with the licence holders to secure investment that will benefit communities in Wellington and right across Gippsland.

The license holders are High Sea Wind, Gippsland Skies, Blue Mackerel North,KutWut Brataualung, Ørsted Offshore Australia

1, and Star of theSouth Wind Farm.

“We look forward to the federal government’s support to implement the plan to enable investment and allow every resident of Gippslandto thrive both now and in the future,” Cr Bye said Alignedwith the findings of the Wellington Renewable Energy Impact and Readiness Study, Wellington Shire Council, alongside South Gippsland Shire Council and akey partner, the Gunaikurnai Landand Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), have submitted ajointgrantfunding applicationvia the Federal Regional Precinct and Partnership Program. This initiative aims to develop a comprehensive land and infrastructure plan to ensurethe region is primed for future investments.

Council saysthat the funding application aligns with the federal government’s priorities and "showcasesarobust partnership-based approach, enjoyingwidespread support from regional stakeholders"

Late community stalwarts Bill Jennings OAMand Mavis Jennings will be honoured in aservice this Saturday.

Photo: Contributed

Stay safe from cyber criminals

THE state governmentmarked World Password Day by launching anew cyber safetycampaign to keep Victorianssafe online.

On World PasswordDay last Thursday(May 2), Minister for Government Services, Gabrielle WilliamsencouragedVictorianstoheadtotheService Victoriaapptotestoutthenewpasswordsafetytools, including apassword strength tester and generator.

These tools have been created to help Victorians makestrongerpasswordsandkeeptheirinformation safe from cyber criminals.

Acyber criminal can hackaweak password in seconds, but hacking astrong password can take centuries.

The Will your password pass the test of time? campaign provides Victorians with both tools and advice on how to keep their information safe online.

The campaign promotessix simplesteps people can take to protect their information and be safer online, including:

 Use passphrases;

AN 80-year-old man has died in hospital following acollision in Yarram earlier this month.

 Use adifferent password for each account;

 Make your passwords harder to guess by avoiding predictable wordsuse;

 Apassword manager;

 Update your passwords when required, and;

 Turn on multi-factor authentication.

Thetools on the Service Victoria app can test the strength of apassword but also generate suggested strong passphrases, with each passphrasebeing unique and random.

Both tools are completely anonymous and secure, and no information is collected, tracked, or stored. Victorians can learn more about online safety by visiting the government’s new Stay Safe Online website.

The website has arange of information on passwords,multi-factorauthentication,updatingdevices, and online scam awareness.

For cyber safety information and advice on how to use the new tools, visit vic.gov.au/stay-safe-online

AToyota Hilux towing atrailercollided with aFord XT at theintersection of Woranga School Road and South Gippsland Highway at about 9am on April 23. The Ford driver, aYarram man, was taken to hospital but died on April 29.

The driver of the Toyota, a25-year-old from Maffra, and his passenger, a28-year-old man from Perry Bridge, were both uninjured. Police will prepare areport for the coroner. Anyone who witnessedthe collision,with CCTV, dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au

Firearms stolen in burglaries

WELLINGTON Crime Investigation Unit detectivesare investigating two burglariesatrural properties across Victoria’s East last month where firearms were stolen.

It is believed an unknown offender forced entry intoapropertyonThompson Lane in Seaton between 5.45am and 5pm on April 10.

Once inside the premises, police say the alleged thief forced entry to agun safe, stealing five firearms and ammunition.

Asecond burglary occurred insideashed on KellehersRoad, Glenmaggie between 12pmon April 20 and 12pm on April 30. Five firearms, a trailer, acar fridge and air compressor were all stolen. The incidents are believed to be linked at this stage.

Detectives are encouraging owners of firearms to ensure they are secure, and if they are away from their property for any period of time to store them at another location.

Investigators have released this image of the stolen trailer

Photo: Contirbuted

Preparing women for public office

StefanBradley

WOMEN for Election, an organisation that inspires and equipsmorewomen to run for public office in Australia across all levels of government, is bringingtheir free training session to Sale this Thursday.

As Australia struggles to reach gender equality in politics, and two billion people around the world head to the polls for the biggest global election year in history, Womenfor Election is calling on women to ‘Calculate Your CALIBRE’ and recognise their potential as future political candidates.

Designed by the not-for-profit organisation, the CALIBREmodel provides practical supportfor women seeking to enter politics, and asks women to assess their Community Aligned Leadership in Brave Representation of Everyone.

Lucia Heath, chiefexecutive of Womenfor Election, saidthat women across the country demonstrate CALIBRE every day in their communities, through their leadership rolesinschools, sports teams or in regional business.

“Researchconsistentlyshowsthat diverse groups of people lead to better, more inclusive policy outcomes. With so many state and territoryelections, including local government elections coming up in Australia in 2024, now is theperfect timefor women to think about running for political office,” Ms Heath said.

To support those interested in running, Women for Election is managing its first national EQUIP Roadshow,aimed at providing women with the vital skills they needtorun for office. Sessionswill focus

on providing ahighly practical and non-partisan workshop that speaks to how women can be the best candidate they can be at all levels of government.

“Women who attend our programs are there for a multitude of reasons. Some want to run for office, somewanttohelpanother womanget elected,and some want to understand more about Australia's political process,”MsHeath told the Gippsland Times

“They all leave feeling more confident and informed about how to get elected or how to engage more in Australia's democracy.

“Women represent morethan halfofour population and bring adifferent lived experience to problem-solving and decision-making. Their experienceisessential to strong policymaking, building thriving communities, and improving political culture and we’re thrilled to bring our training to the women of Sale.”

Ms Heath said that federal and state representation across the region was “stubbornly male dominated”.

“Whilst it's pleasing to see anumberofwomen on councils across the region, including in Wellington, Latrobe, East and South Gippsland and Baw Baw Council, we're only ever one election away from going backwards. We know that Australia's maleonly councils existinregional and rural areas only, and the majority of councils with only one woman councillor also tend to be in regional and rural Australia,” she said.

“Which is why Women for Election is focussed on ensuring women in regional parts of the country have access to our training events -wewant them

Moresupport for those fleeing violent partners

From Page 1

ACROSSAustralia, the No Morerallies, organised by the advocacy group What Were You Wearing(WWYW),drewpeople of all ages and genders who held signs advocating for an end to violence and greater accountability. In Canberra, people marched from Commonwealth Park to Parliament House, with Mr Albanese and Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher taking part.

“We are here today to demand that governments of alllevels mustdobetter, including my own, including every state and territory government,” Mr Albanese said in the speech.

“We’re here as well to say that society, and Australia, mustdobetter. And yes, people do needtobemadeaccountable. And I’ll be accountable for what my government does.”

On Wednesday, May 1, anational cabinet meeting washeld to addressthe crisis.The federal government announced nearly$1billion would go towards permanently establishing a program that victim-survivors of violence could access when fleeing aviolent partner.

Theinitiativeiscalled The Leaving Violence Program(LVP)and is funded with $925.2 million over five years. Those eligible will be able to access up to $5000 in financial support along with referral services, risk assessments and safety planning.

Someeligibilitycriteriaexistfor those who want to apply for the payment, including:

-Have left or have aplan to leaveanintimate partner violence relationship;

-Be18-years-old or over;

-Beresiding in Australia (asa citizen, permanent resident, or temporaryvisa holder);

-Beexperiencing financial stress (based on agreed principles including thataperson is unabletopay theircurrentbills or is at imminent risk of not being able to pay their current bills);

-Have experienced achangeinliving arrangement as aresult of theintimate partnerviolence in the past 12 weeks (includingleaving the residence or having the person using violence excluded from the residence), and;

-Not have received the payment in the past 12 months.

The federal government says eligible victim-survivors will be provided with an individualised financial supportpackageof up to $1500 in cash and up to $3500 in goods and services, as well as safety planning, risk assessment and referralstoother essential services for up to 12 weeks. The payment amount will be indexed annually to keep up with the rising cost of living.

The government is still determining the exact way the scheme works and is seekingtenderers for aservice provider to deliver the payments.

TheLeaving ViolenceProgram is modelled after the former federal government’s Escaping Violence Program, which was established as a pilot in October 2021.

The Escaping Violence Programallowed peopleleaving aviolentrelationship access to a one-off payment of up to $5000. This program is still running until the new permanentLeaving Violence Program is established in July 2025.

to see that the amazing work they already do in communities, often in avolunteer capacity, uses skillsets that are completed transferable to public office.

“Having trained over 3000 women in the last four years, we have had afront row seat watching women engage more in Australian politics! We’re looking forward to seeing more women on the ballot paper in the Victorian local government elections this October.”

The Sale event will run at Nakunbalook at the BotanicalGardens, Guthridge Parade, this

Support available

LocalCatholic Primary Schools

St.Michael’sHeyfield DavisStreet, HEYFIELD % 5148 2514 www.stmheyfield.catholic.edu.au

Principal: Mr Shane Fyfe principal@stmheyfield.catholic.edu.au

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www.stmarysale.catholic.edu.au

Principal: Mr BrettMorris principal@stmarysale.catholic.edu.au

St.Mary’sMaffra 4-12DukeStreet, MAFFRA % 5147 1334 www.stmmaffra.catholic.edu.au

Principal: Mr JulianBlackford principal@stmmaffra.catholic.edu.au

St.Patrick’s Stratford 2Merrick Street,STRATFORD % 5145 6463 www.stpstratford.catholic.edu.au

Principal:MrJoelBrayshaw principal@stpstratford.catholic.edu.au

St.Thomas’Sale GuthridgeParade,SALE % 5144 1332 www.sttsale.catholic.edu.au

Principal: MrsAnita Little principal@sttsale.catholic.edu.au

Photo: Contributed

Dear Gippslanders

It’s time for the ‘real men’ to stand up and help end the violence against women in our community

We can’t wait for moretalkfests in Canberra, our challenge is formen across Gippsland to listen, believe,and stand alongside women, as we find ourown local solutions.

Thank you to the men who arealready leading by example to supportour female leaderswho aremaking Gippsland an even better place to live. Please find the energy to keep working together to fight the wave of violence against women and girls.

We need to work together to build aculture wherewomen aresafe and treated equally,wherethey’re not objectified, and they’renot subjectedtopredatory behaviour,sexist jokes or remarks.

Iknow most men don’t commit violent acts, but the facts arealarming.

East Gippsland, Latrobe City and Wellington Shireare in the top 10 forthe regions with the worst rates of family violence in Victoria.

From the almost 6000 calls to Victoria Police for family violence assistance in Gippsland over the past 12 months,morethan70 percent werewomen seeking help.

In the overwhelming majority of cases, the perpetrator is known to thevictim, and too many Australian women arebeing killed or injured at the hands of their intimate partner

We have to do better across Gippsland. We can do better if we work together to build acultureofrespect and personal responsibility.

Iwanttolive in acommunity wheregirls and women aresafe and they aretreated with respect in their homes and in public. Ialso want to live in acommunitywhere boys andmen have positive role models, understand their responsibilities and don’t seek to use their power to bully or harass women. Isupport ashared vision whereall Gippslanders aresafe, thriving,and living free of family violence.

And that’s whyIbelieve we allneedtohave conversations with other menand boys aboutwhat’s acceptable behaviour,understanding the meaning of consent and pushing back on the violent porn industry, whichgives young men awarped and contaminated perspective of respectful relationships.

As men, we need to have the courage to tell our sons,brothers and mates when they arebeing disrespectful or behaving inappropriately.

We need to build communities wheregirls don’tworryifthey choosetoexercise on an unlitpath and know they will be listened to and receive support if they file acomplaint,not be victim-shamed or made feel guilty about their own behavioursomehow contributing to the offence.

Some of theconversations we need to have as men across Gippsland maybeextremely difficult andfeel awkward butit’s vastly better than continuing the current trend.

Who knows, it might save alife if we explain howreal men should behave?

Real men arerespectful andtake responsibility for their actions

Real men can manage their temper and their emotions.

Real men don’t need to control the women in their lives.

Real men don’t stalk, bully,harass or intimidate their partners.

Real men don’t hit women

Please tell your friends and family what a‘real man’looks like and have thedifficult conversations. I’m determined to keep working in partnership with our community to eliminate violence in Gippsland.

Yours sincerely

DARREN CHESTER

 MAFFRA Garden Club’s next meeting is at 12pm on Monday, May 13, at Deidre Relph’s 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.

 MAFFRA Bowls Club wishes to advise that their winter indoor bowls season is starting tomorrow, (Wednesday, May 8). Names are to be phoned through by 12.30pm for a1pm start. Phone Joy on 0438 456 875, or the club on 5147 1974. Cost is only $5 and afun afternoon is guaranteed. Everyone is welcome.

 APALETTE Knife Swipe workshop with Jess will be held on Wednesday, May 15 from 1pm until 3pm at Maffra Neighbourhood House. Create a personalised abstract masterpiece. Enjoy the step by step process and techniques of creating personal artwork to take home. All materials provided, relax and have fun, cost $55. Booking is essential.

Intermediate circuit workshop, designed for those who havecompleted the beginner workshop or know the basics and want to expand their knowledge.

Sessions will be held on Wednesday, May 15 and 29 from 7pm until 9pm.

Full cost is $50; bookings are essential.

To book for eitherofthese workshopscall Maffra Neighbourhood House on 0422 335 155.

 EASTERN Victorian Pleasure Harness club will host atwo course dinner and trivia fun night this Saturday (May 11) in the Function Centre at the Maffra Recreation Reserve, Maffra Newry Road, Maffra.

The night will commence with atwo course dinner, with achoiceofmains and dessert. Dinner commences at 6pm with trivia beginning at 7pm.

The trivia competition includes asilent auction and other activities, there willbe prizes for each member of the winning table.

The costs are $15 for dinner and $5 for the trivia competition.

All welcome.

Steppingtowards ahealthier future

PRIMARY school aged children across Australia will make those important steps towards ahealthier future by participating in National Walk Safely to School Day this Friday (May 10).

This year marks the 25th anniversary of National Walk Safely to School Day.

Championed by the Pedestrian Council Australia, the initiative aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking, or alternativeactive transport (especially to and from school) can provide for the long term wellbeing of children, not just on May 10, but every day.

Apart from the physical benefits, regular walking(or similar)alsohas afavourable impact on children's cognitive and academic performance.

Walk Safely to School Day also encourages positive environmental action, better use of public transport with reduced cardependency, and encourages parents and carers to walk more, reducing dangerous traffic congestion around schools.

Harold Scruby, chairman and chief executive of the Pedestrian Council of Australia said that "until they are 10, children must always holdthe hand of an adult when crossing the road”.

The national initiative also promotes healthy eating and encouragesschools to host ahealthy breakfast on the day.

"The extremely disturbing childhood obesity epidemiccontinues to affect oneinfour children at critical levels across Australia," Mr Scruby said.

"The best form of physical activity for all Australians is walking regularly. Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity aday. We should encourage them to take awalk before school, during and at end of their day."

Being active everyday, including walking to school, can help make adifference for many Australians. Whether you're aparent, teacher,orcarer-everyone has arole to play in helping children and young people lead active, healthy lives.

Equality for all: Pride in Ageing

KatrinaBrandon

AS the firstofits kind in Australia,the Ministerfor Equality, Harriet Shing, has announced a$4.5million pilotproject for Pride in Ageing,inpartnership with Gippsland Pride Initiative and Switchboard.

Pride in Ageing, one of Gippsland Pride Initiative’s top five priorities, is basedonequality, access, and partnership between communities to help discontinue discrimination, disadvantages, and exclusions for peoplewithinthe LGBTIQA+ community.

The four-yearprogram is aimed at people over 60-years-of-age who are experiencingrepetitive explanations of their identity and sexuality, negativity, and disadvantages when receiving aged care services and other later care.

“LGBTIQA+peopleexperience disadvantage, discrimination, and exclusion, particularly when accessing services, aged care, and affirming care later in life.This prevents people from fully participating and ensuring they are part of acommunity,”Ms Shing said.

“The Pride in Ageing initiative has $4.5 million for over fouryears to ensure that we can partnerwith organisations and communities across the stateto address those needs and concerns and ensurewhere peoplemight otherwise have to come out over and over again.

“It’s to make equality non-negotiable; it needs to include everybody, and this is what the Pride in Ageing pilot is about -the partnership with Switchboard and, of course,our regional communities, such as theGippsland PrideInitiative.”

According to the Switchboard website, Pride in Ageingwill hold co-design sessions with older LGBTIQA+ people acrossVictoriafrom July to September 2024. They are encouragingpeople to share what they would like to see in the future to help LGBTIQA+ people feel safe and welcome within local communities and LGBTIQA+ spaces.

“We want to ensure that people who want to access aged care can access organisations and support, whether aged care or medical servicesand that we have the right supports in place so thatpeoplefeel safe and able to access that careirrespective of gender identity or sexuality,” Ms Shingsaid.

At the launch of the project in thenewly established

Trafalgar GippslandPride Initiative Centre, Josie Davis,who is aretired nurse and part of the East Gippsland LGBTIQA+community, got the chance to speak about her experiences in Bairnsdale and surrounding areas, about how the LGBTIQA+ community is perceived and the regional challenges that beholdpeople in similar circumstances.

“I am aretired nursewith abackground in welfare and health. For 25 years, Iworked in mental health. Imoved to EastGippsland from

Jobs Fair at Gippsland Centre

Stefan

Bradley

HEADovertothe GippslandCentre in Sale for The MiddleofEverywhere Jobs Fair on Thursday, May 16,from 10am until 2pm

The centremanager,EmmaWaghorne, said jobseekerscan connect withtop employersfrom the region and exploreexcitingjob opportunities, apprenticeships,and careerpathways.

"We will have over 30 employers set up throughout thecentretomeet with potential jobseekers, plus jobseekerscan bring their resumes into our stores and meetwith staff and managersto discuss availablepositions," she said.

"This will be agreat day and we are looking forwardtosomegoodnumbers in centre."

"Businesses with current vacancies are invited to exhibit and feature theiropeningsonour dedicated jobs board -register as soon as you can!"

WithWellington's current worker shortage, this event offers the perfect opportunity to fill vacant positions and connectwith eager candidates looking for entry-levelwork.

If youcan't makeitonthe day, you can still advertise your vacant positions on the jobs wall.

To book, email Amy Pardoe at amyp@wellington.vic.gov.au

Melbournewithmythen-partner 25 years ago,” she said.

“While we were in the moving van, we were contacted by the local woman who wasthe primary contact person for lesbians in East Gippsland and whohad been invisibly networking for over 40 years.”

Duringher time in the East Gippsland region, she said that she has attended many events withupto60otherLGBTIQA+ people andthat the visibility in ruralcommunitiesand facilities was poor She said that while she acknowledges Indigenous health, awarenessisessential, there needs to be universal educationfor health workers about theLGBTIQA+ community

“Workers in health and community services rarely have the tools to discuss sexual orientation or to incorporate it into their care, and this means older lesbians have to 'come out' again and again to workers. If theylack anyconfidence, they will not experience care as a result,” she said

Ms Shing said the program would be in place to helpease anxiety andtoliftany shamethat someone would feel during the process without compromisingthe quality of life. The program is leaninginto the challenges and doing something about it

“This$4.5m overfouryears will meanthat we can providedignity and safetyfor people, that

homophobia, transphobia, discrimination, harassment andviolence are identified, are prevented and are acted upon for people often that have experiencedthis for their entire lives,” Ms Shing said.

Duringthe conference, MinisterShingexpressed admiration for the work that the president (chairperson) of Gippsland Pride Initiative, Caitlyn Grigsby, hasinvestedin, ensuring that those within the LGBTIQA+ community have asafe place to go andget the supportthey need

“Caitlynisaforce. Caitlyn has the extraordinary ability to meetpeoplewith the care andcompassionthey deserve. She has changed howwehave conversations within our communities,advocating forgovernments and breakingdown manylayered barriers we experience. Caitlyn’s work is rippling through generations and, more broadly, represents whatweare trying to do,” Ms Shing said.

The program coordinates regular fortnightly catch-ups for mutually enjoyableactivities or hobbies, suchaschattingoverthe phone,having coffee or tea at home or in acafe,goingfor walks, seeing filmsand attending LGBTIQA+ community events

For more informationonPride in Ageing,goto switchboard.org.au/prideinageing

Ministerfor Equality, Harriet Shing, announced fundingfor Switchboardtodeliver the Pride in Ageing program, created to help olderLGBTIQA+ Victorians to feel connected,safeand proud to live freely as theirauthentic selves.

Photo:Katrina Brandon

Dive into ‘High Country’

Stefan Bradley

In this Binge/Foxtel eight-part crime drama, AndieWhitford gets transferred to the High Country, where she is tasked with investigating the mysterious disappearances of five locals. All episodes are available to stream. IT’S certainly not the most original mystery drama out there, but new series High Country has manygreat qualities,especially its compelling lead, Sergeant Andie Whitford, playedbyLeah Purcell.

She’s brought her family to the town of Brokenridge for safety reasons, and they’re battlingtheir own struggles, just as Whitford is. She

partly copes by burying herself in her police work. Whitford has been in the game for along time, but some of her new colleagues and the locals in her newhigh country town aresuspicious of her,or don’t give her the respect she deserves. Obviously set in Victoria’s High Country, another veryimportant part of this series is location, location, location. Just like in the recent Aussie film Force of Nature: The Dry 2 and last year’s Disney+ series The Clearing,theVictorianlandscapeisitsowncharacter, as that cliché goes. There’s plenty of far away and closeupshotsofthebeautiful,butisolatedAustralian country. In fact, every scene, indoors and outdoors, looks incredible -this is no cheap looking series.

HighCountry,which wasfilmed in theVictorian regional town of Jamieson,aired its finale last week, andisavailable to stream on Binge. Image: Binge

New exhibition in Briag

'VANISHING Point',anexhibition of mixed media artworks by Annabel Nowlan and Maria Fitzgerald willopen this Saturday(May 11) at Briagolong Art Gallery.

The public are welcome to attend the opening from 3pm to 5pm.

The exhibition continues until June 16. BriagolongArt Gallery is located at the corner of Avon and Forbes Street,Briagolong.

Approaching Night,byMaria Fitzgerald will be exhibited at Briagolong Art Galley over the next few weeks. Photo: Contributed

FilmSociety goes back in time

SALE Film Society will host its latest monthly get-together this week to showcase yet another cinematic delight.

May’s picture of choice is the feature-length American drama Armageddon Time

“It is acoming-of-age story abouttwo schoolmates -one Jewish-American, the other African-American -and how their teenage lives intersect,” Society President Rob Ziffer says.

“Set in NewYork in 1980, at the time of Ronald Reagan’s accession to the Presidency,and with the formerboy at aprivateschoolsupported by Fred Trump, it has some connections with us all in 2024.”

Armageddon Time boasts avery talented cast that includes the likes of Academy AwardwinnersAnne Hathaway,Jessica Chastainand

Armageddon Time is a2022drama/ coming-of-age film.

Image: Universal Pictures/Focus Features

Whitford herself is clearly fascinated by this wilderness and is not afraid to exploreitonher own, even at night. But why is that? Is she trying to prove her strength to herself, her family, her colleagues or to the other locals? Maybe she’s just obsessed with her work, or tryingtokeep her mind off her home life, or exploring her relationship to country as an Indigenous woman. There’s many layerstoWhitford and her performance is riveting. The showdoesn’t turn her intoasuper cop, with her flaws on display both in her work and personal life -and she sure makes some shocking decisions. The other main characters have their own skeletons in the closets. It’s hard to know whattomakeofmurder suspect and apparent psychic Damien, with actor Henry Nixon keeping us guessing throughout with his odd behaviour.

The main knock against High Country is that thecentral crime that drives the series of events does not feel as personal for Whitford. The five murderedpeople are mainlyunseencharacters,so the other subplotsinthe story drive more emotion.

Witheight episodesrunningbetween 42-46 minutes, it’s agreat show you can binge fairly quickly, and its paced well, with enough reveals to keep it interesting up to the finale, which aired last Tuesday. It does feel like there’s more stories to tell, so I’d certainly welcome asecond season.

Imentioned Force of Nature before, which was sadly alet down compared to itspredecessor, The Dry.HighCountry actually feels like amuch superior version of Force of Nature, with better performances and character arcs. So if you’re a fan of those movies, this will scratch that itch.

Anthony Hopkins, alongside Jeremy Strong from TV’s Succession

The film was also named as one of 2022’s best Independent Films by America’s National Board of Review.

The Society will meet at its traditional home of The Wedge this Wednesday, May 8.

Those attending are encouraged to arrive at 7pm, with the screening at 7.30pm.

Entry is free to Society members and $10 to non-members with Shirley’s Baropen for drinks.

More information aboutthe Society can be found on its official webpage at salefilmsociety. wordpress.com

Asocialcup of coffeeisnot acrime

WE built the house we live in more than 32 years ago.

Paddocks quickly transformed into estates and grazing cows were replaced by fences and houses.

In that time we've seen neighbours come and go.

We’ve been spending the past eight months slowly transforming avintagecaravan intoamobile coffee van. We're working towards council compliance to allow us to trade wherever we are allowed. It’s been in the frontyard and has startedmany conversations with people passing on their daily walks. Some have admired it and others have asked what we are doing.

It's been aslowprocess doing what we can, when we can, but it’s been fun.

Howeverwehavebeen notified of complaints and investigated by Wellington Shire officials for supposedly operating abusiness in aresidential area. Not once, but twice!

It seems that having friendsaroundfor coffee, sitting outside at atable and enjoying the autumn weather is no longer allowed and seen as suspicious, unlicensed trading behaviour.

Thankfully the shire officer was incredibly professional while investigating these official complaints and we were able to squash any concerns.

Unfortunately her time was taken up needlessly, our time was spent trying to defendpublicly socialising and we’re left shaking our heads and wondering what has happened to our community when people make assumptions?

Yes agreed, this is so much 'a first world problem' and this letter in response is perhaps as petty as the unjustified complaints to the shire.

Just maybe we should all start talking to people who share our neighbourhood and get to know them better you never know, you might be offered a coffee!

Leanne Flaherty

Sale

Fortnightly issue

COLLECTION of fortnightly green waste would be appreciated, if made apriority!

I'm still not sure where my $1400 annually is going -Wellington Shire ratepayers are being let down.

Please note other shires have had it for years. Locals such as Ineed to speak up.

Hayden Nichol Sale

Random actofkindness

AT the supermarket checkout at Woolies in Sale recently, chatting to the lady behind me waiting for the checkout girl to finish scanning my items, the lady came up to me with her phone in hand and said "I will pay for that".

In the blink of an eye the EFTPOS machine clicked and it was all done.

Iwas so gobsmacked, all Icould say was "thank you".

Icouldnot believethe kindness and Idid not think this sort of kindness happened these days. May only good happen to her.

Thank you, so grateful.

Colleen Long Sale

Nominate your local Mental Health Champion

AS co-chairsofthe Australian Mental Health Prize, we're reaching out to Australian communities to encourage nominations for the 2024 Prize.

Recentevents have underscored the importanceof supporting one another during challenging times. It is also imperative thatwehave responsible conversations that challengestigma and misinformation surroundingmental health. Withalmost half of Australiansfacingmental health challenges in theirlifetime,it'sclearthat no communityis untouched by these issues.

Despite this, mental health funding remains disproportionately low, exacerbating service gaps and leaving marginalised individuals without essential support. The aftermath of COVID-19 has only intensifiedthese challenges, emphasising the interconnectedness of mental health with broader societal issues.

The Australian Mental Health Prizeservesas aplatform to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to mentalhealth advocacy and service provision.

Nominations for the 2024 prize are open until July 8, with winners announced on September 23. Categories include Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, lived experience, professional, and community hero.

We urge readers to nominate deserving candidates who have shown outstanding dedication to mental health in their communities.

To nominate, visit australianmentalhealthprize. org.au

Together,let's prioritise mental wellbeingand create more inclusive and supportive societies.

Lucy Brogden AM and Allan Fels AO

Australian MentalHealthPrize Advisory Group Co-Chairs

Bye for now

IAMsorry to advise readers Iamtaking abreak from Helga's Project for Kids due to personal reasons.

Iamconvenor of the project and Iwant to thank everyone who has contributed in the past 20 years.

The project has received knitted or crochet squares that have been madeupinto 5000 blankets, knitted hats, jumpers, etc, for kids in need.

Iwill be back sometime soon to continue Helga's Project for Kids.

Brenda Coughlan Sale

High on the agenda

MOST Aussies love the great outdoors. And why shouldn’twe? Our beautiful country offers so many fun and adventurous nature-based pursuits.

In Victoria, our Central Highlands regionisa mecca for horse riding, mountain biking, hiking, trail running, four wheel driving, skiing, camping, hunting and more.

The state government wants to hear from all Australians about our favourite forest places and hobbies.

Some folk envision aGreat Forest National Park with infrastructure for every outdoor activity. Others have different priorities. We can all have our say on the future of these beautiful places via the Engage Victoria website via engage.vic.gov.au/ central-highlands-forests

Amy Hiller

Kew

Pub test

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

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

Immediate action is crucial to protectthese cultural landmarks and support the dedicated

family businesses and the employees behind them, ensuring the prosperity of regional Victoria.

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

Businesses in Beechworth, Geelong and Maldon have suffered asimilar fate.

Labor's huge debtbecause of their financial mismanagement has led to higher taxes, now forcingmanyofour favourite hospitality venues to sadlyclose.

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

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

Peter Walsh Leader of The Nationals

THE GippslandTimes welcomesletters to the editor.

Preference will be given to brief, concise letters which address local issues.

The editor, Liam Durkin, reserves the righttoedit letters for reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publishany letter without explanation.

TheGippsland Timesdoes not publish lettersfromanonymous contributors. Letters must include aphone number or email address and the author's hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity. Readers are entitled to one right of reply to aletter directly solely at them.

The views expressed in letterstothe editor are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Gippsland Times management or staff. Email letters to: news@gippslandtimes.com.au

After reading about WellingtonShireCouncil’s draft budget,Saleresident,HaydenNichol,has written in urging afocus on green waste. Photo: Hayden Nichol

Gippsland Grammar

DO YOUthink aboutwhatyour child’s VCEexperience may look like when choosingthe right kindergarten for yourfamily?

Even though Year 12 mayfeel like world’s away from your three-year-old, there’s adirect linkbetween these two endsofthe education spectrumat GippslandGrammar, which welcomes three and four-year-olds into its Early Learning Centre (ELC) kindergarten programs and then offers aseamless transition forstudents who progress to Foundation at theStAnne’s Campus and then into Year 7atthe senior Garnsey Campus

GippslandGrammarstudents wearthe same uniform andhave the same year level cohortgroup fortheir 15-year journey from kindergarten to primaryschooland secondaryschool This is abig drawcardfor families consideringGippslandGrammar’s two ELCs in Sale andBairnsdale, ELC Director Lisa Burgess believes, who has been the heart-and-soul of the school’s ELC programs for thepast 20 years

“When our four-year-oldELC studentsmoveinto Foundation, they onlyhavetomove to theother sideof

theplaygroundfence,”Mrs Burgess said.

“Itgives both thefamiliesand the children themselvescomfortand security.

“Familiesalsochoose ourELC becausethey understand the importance of ourage-specificand smallclassgroups. And theprincipals of our early literacy programs have continuity,withthe same educational principalsalsotaught at ourjunior campuses.”

The St Anne’sELC three-year-old ‘Reception’program offers two full days on eitherMondayand Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday, while the four-year-old‘Transition’ programoffers three full days on either Monday, Wednesday andFridayor Tuesday,Thursday and Friday. For working families,after-school care is availablefromMondaystoFridays until6pm

To help the four-year-old ‘Transition’ students transition to primary school, they arepaired up witha Year 5 ‘buddy’ from St Anne’s, which allows each ELCstudent to buildastrong and caring relationship withanolder mentorwho will support them again as they move into Foundation the followingyear

“OurYear5 students provide wonderful role modelsfor their younger ‘buddies’, showingthemwhat it meanstobestudent at Gippsland Grammar,” MrsBurgess said ELCteachersworkclosely alongside theStAnne’seducators and specialist stafftofully utilisethe school’s resources, anddaily ELC programs integrate the arts, science, mathematicsand language,the development of thinking skills, growth mindset precepts andeducation about sustainability

Theselessonsare enriched by weeklyspecialistlessonsinMusic, Japanese and aPerceptualMotor Program (PMP).Children also attend thelibrarytoborrow books each week.

Thereare limitedplacesstill availableinthe three and four-year-old ELC programsfor 2025.

Interested familiescan explorethe St Anne’sELC first-handnext Monday (May 13)when Mrs Burgess invites families and their childrenintothe Centrefor a‘Tour andTea’from9am to 10.30am.

For moreinformation, call ELC Director LisaBurgesson51437123 or emailELC@gippslandgrammar.au

(Prep) return to their first campuses to reflectontheir 15-year school journey. Pictured is ELCDirector LisaBurgess with somemembers of the Class of 2023 at the St Anne’s ELCinOctoberlastyear.

Settingup studentsfor success

ELCDirector,LisaBurgess hasbeen the heart-and-soul of the school’s ELCprogramsfor the past 20 years.

Ahighlight of Gippsland Grammar’s ELCcalendar is the annual Easter HatParade, which seesthe ELCstudentsparade their Easter hats in front of their Year 5buddies. Pictured is ELC student,Ava Jones Photos: Contributed

One of Gippsland Grammar’s favourite annual traditions is when the Year 12 students whohavebeenpartofthe school communitysincekindergartenorFoundation

ELCstudent Alfred Madeleyshows off his Easter hatatGippslandGrammar’s ELCEasterHat Parade at theStAnne’s Campus in March.

Our LocalKindergartens Local Kindergartens

StefanBradley

BRIAGOLONG Primary School,Maffra

SecondaryCollege, Rosedale Primary School andSaleCollegeare set to benefitfrom the latest round of thefederalgovernment's SchoolsUpgrade Fund

Therecently announced fund allocates $48 millionininfrastructure projectsfor 67 Victorian public schools, including nine in Gippsland

The successful projects include upgrading classrooms, installing new playground equipment, andresurfacing and upgrading sportingfacilities

The four projects in Wellington to build or upgrade infrastructure and their dollar amount are:

•$810,233 to refurbish thetoiletsatSale College;

•$799,249 to demolish and replacethe studenttoilets andrelocatethe hydraulics system at Maffra Secondary College;

•$422,735toreplace the hardcourt, and

build an additional hardcourt andnew accessrampatBriagolong Primary School,and;

•$349,759 to replace the playgroundat RosedalePrimary School.

VictorianSenator, Raff Cicconesaid the upgrades wouldbenefit teachers and students alike.

“The Albanese government’s Schools Upgrade Fund is making areal difference to schools, teachers andstudents in my duty electorate of Gippsland and across Victoria," he said.

“Everyone wins when local schools get more support so teachers andstudents can enjoy better facilities.”

Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester welcomedmorefunding for Gippsland schools, saying the announcement wasa win for hard-working school communities

“Thisisa great resultfor theparents and teachersonschool councils who havebeen working hardtosecure fundingfor projects,

Wednesday15thMay from 10:30am-12pm

Come in andhavea lookaround, meetthe educators and discuss your optionsfor 2025 NatureKinder experiences are incorporatedintoour funded 15 ours per week educational program

Four Wellington schools to get fundingfor upgrades

often ignored by thestate government, which is primarily responsible for public school funding," Mr Chestersaid

“Our Gippsland school communities have been neglected by the state government and I’m looking forward to theseprojects beingdeliveredinatimely manner.

"Wewill see everything from toilet blocks to playground upgrades fromone end of Gippsland to theother.

“Hopefully,there willbelocal tradespeople employedtoundertake theworktodeliver additionaleconomicbenefits to local communities.”

Publicschoolswith thegreatest need have been prioritised,including schools with high numbers of students from alow socioeconomic backgrounds,First Nations Students,and students with a disability. Public schoolswhich haven’t received significant capital funding in thelast twoyears were also prioritised

Round 2was open to all public schools, and applicationsclosed in February. Schools

submitted their projects to their relevant state andterritory education departments which made recommendationstothe federal government.

Federal Education Minister,Jason Clare saidhewanted allstudents to getaccessto quality education and facilities.

“From upgrading art rooms and tech rooms to newoutdoorequipmentand replacing demountables, thisfunding will deliver upgrades to public schools that need it the most," he said.

The state minister foreducation, Ben Carroll welcomedthe federal government's investment.

“We’ve invested billionsintoupgrading thousands of schools across Victoria and it’s great to have apartner in Canberranow doingthe same -helpingensure ourschools have the infrastructure they needtohelp studentssucceed,” he said.

More information on the Schools Upgrade Fund is available at education.gov.au/ schools-upgrade-fund

In 2025, Kath Foley will offer 15 hours of funded 3s and 4s kindergarteninseparateprograms that are fully integrated intolong daycare

We provide the sameapprovedprogram delivered by an early childhood teacher with some unique advantages Our staff areherefor everychild and family in asmaller group setting.

To seeour programs in action,contact us on Phone:51447188

Victorian Senator,RaffCiccone.

Photo: Contributed

THE state governmenthas supported more than 23,000 government school students through the Affordable SchoolUniforms Program, backing familieswith the costof schoolingwhenthey’redoingittough.

The programaims to make everyVictorian student feelvaluedand includedatschool, regardless of their circumstances, by making suretheyhave afulluniform to wear to school.

Global cost-of-livingpressures have seena significant growth in applications forthe first quarter of 2024,up21per centcomparedto thistime last year

Since 2015, thestate government has investedmorethan $75 millioninthe program, supporting morethan540,000 students,withmorethan 1.9millionuniforms and other essential school items Short-term crisisand long-termchronic needs are the primaryqualifyingcriteria for support-with eligible families including

Our Local Kindergartens

those experiencingacute financialhardship and those with refugee status, experiencing homelessness,family violence, housefire, natural disaster,illness or emergency.

TheVictorian Budget2023/24 includedan investment of $32.9 million for theprogram, addingtothe state government’s other cost-of-livingsupport forfamilies at schools.

Thegovernment’s Camps,Sportsand Excursions Fund also helpsensure kidsdoing it tough don’t miss out on theschool events and activities that make Victorian education so great– supporting them to take part in extracurricular activities and keep them active.

TheVictorian Budget2023/24 included $168.7 millionfor the Camps, Sportsand Excursions Fund,giving morethan190,000 government and non-governmentstudents fromlower-income families the opportunity to participate in camps,sports andexcursions each year.

Makingschool more inclusive

Education Minister,Ben Carroll said the state was investinginall facets of education.

“With thecostofliving continuing to rise,we understand how important programs like these are for families who are worries aboutbeing able to afford aschool uniformfor their child.”

“School uniforms help create asenseof community and belonging for students -and every child deservestofeel valued and included at school, regardlessoftheir background or circumstances.

StateEducation Minister,Ben Carroll.

Photo:Contributed

4.

7.

9.

Muzza

11. Howmanywives did King Henry VIII have?

12. What flowering plant does vanilla flavour come from?

FOUR POINTERS

13. Who is the Deputy Premier of Victoria?

14. What is ailurophobia?

FIVE POINTER

15. I’ll give you five movie synopsis and you give me the movie? One point for each correct answer

1. In Vietnam in 1970, Captain Willardtakes aperilous and increasingly hallucinatory journey upriver to find and terminate Colonel Kurtz.

2. Ayoung couple, on anight out, get aflat tyre. Seeking help, they walk to acastletouse their phone wheretheymeet the mad scientist owner and ahouse full of wild characters.

3. When aprostitute is disfigured by apair of cowboys, her fellow brothel workers post arewardfor their murder.Two groups of gunfighters come to collect the reward,clashing with each other and the sheriff.

4. Abrilliant and gifted young man bornintoagreat destiny,must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensurethe futureof his family and his people.

5. Doug and three friends drive to Las Vegas for awild and memorable stag party.Whenthe three groomsmen wake up the next morning, they can’tremember athing; nor can they find Doug.

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.

Local hotspotneeds afamily

AGENTS say this house is filled to the brim with character and charm, nestled in aprime location boasting views over LakeGuthridge.

The residence offers ablend of comfort, convenience, and tranquillity,with close proximity to the Botanical Gardens, swimming pool/gym, hospital, sporting facilities, and all the LakeGuthridge precinct has to offer.

As prospective buyers step through the entry hall, agents say they will be greeted by the homes elegant features of high ceilings, feature cornices, and timber picture rails.

The formal living area at the front of the home has windows to takeinthe view of LakeGuthridge, with adoor to the balcony where prospective buyers can savour amorning coffeeorevening drink. Adjacent to the living area is aformal

Briefdetails fdetails

Property: Character home overlooking Lake Guthridge

Address: 181FosterStreet,Sale

Price: Auction on site -May 18,2024 at 11am

Contact: Tony Kiss 0419 526637

dining space, seamlessly connected to awell-equipped timber kitchen boasting ample storage and generous bench space.

Opposite is amodern laundry with toilet. This residence features three large bedrooms, each offering its own unique charm, agents add. One bedroom includes built-in robes and direct access to the central bathroom, while another bedroom can double as ahome office.

The master bedroom situated at the back of the house offers ultimate privacy agents say,featuring awalk-in robe and ensuite.

The north-facing light-filled family room overlooks established gardens with apaved courtyard area, providing nice settings for gatherings and relaxation.

There is agarden shed with atoilet as well as asmall potting shed. There are also ceiling fans andsplit systems throughout with central gas heating.

The home has a6.5kw solar system, heat pump for hot water supply and has been extensively insulated to maximise comfort.

External blinds offerprivacy,further insulation and security Underneath the home is asmall-sized garage which adds to the plentiful off-street parking, providing easy access and convenience.

Spacciious

Spacious opening

THIS well-presented family home offers, what agents call a perfect blend of tranquility and convenience, privately positioned with stunning rural views, yet just ashort drive to the CBD.

Spread across aspacious 1033 sqm block, this residence is designed for family living both inside and out, boasting aversatile layout to suit avariety of buyers and lifestyles, agents say

The home features an open plan kitchen/ dining and living area, featuring awellequipped modern kitchen with ample bench and storage space.

Adjacent to this is aformal dining and lounge space, illuminated by large windows that invite natural light to flood the room.

The home has year-round comfort with amenities such as awood heater with ducts to upstairs, split system heating/cooling,

ceiling fans, and gas heating.

The ground floor hosts amaster bedroom with ensuite and built-in robes, along with three additional bedrooms, all featuring built-in robes.

Acentral family bathroom with vanity, shower,and bath, as well as aseparate toilet and laundry with storage space, cater to the needs of family living, agents say.Additional storage under the stairs and alinen cupboard also provide practical solutions for organisation.

Upstairs, prospective buyers can discover aversatile space that could serve as a second master suite/parents retreat, rumpus room for the kids or accommodation for guests. This floor features aliving room, a bedroom with walk-in robe, and abathroom boasting avanity,toilet, shower,and spa bath. Sliding doors from both the bedroom and the living space open up onto abalcony Outside, prospective buyers can entertain guests effortlessly in the undercover entertaining area, where memories are to be made over barbecues and gatherings. The home also features asalt-chlorinated inground pool, which agents say is perfect for cooling offonhot summer days. Agents say the secure backyard will offerpeace of mindfor families while the double garage provides ample space for vehicles and storage.

SITUATED on the edge of Sale is this property,which agents describe as an attractive lifestyle property perfect for the buyer looking for irrigation land close to Sale's CBD

Theland parcel is around eight hectares, and is complimented by abrick veneer residence, shedding and improved land.

The residence is afour bedroom home, renovated from its original decor creating a functional floorplan and updated interior

An open plan kitchen and dining space adjoins the lounge with wood heater.The bathroom includes aseparate shower,spa bath and vanity and is complimented with two separate toilets.

Agents say the outdoor entertaining area provides agreat space all year round for prospective buyers to enjoy with family and friends, as it utilises the north facing aspect. There is ample car space with adouble garage with remote entry along with plenty offoutdoor parking.

The large shed handles all the machinery and workshop supply storage, needed for the land, and is conveniently located next to the stockyards.

There is also other sundry shedding for even more storage of items.

Other features include:

 Underground bore supplying water for stock via agravity tank;

 Stock and domestic pump from the Southern Rural Waterchannel for the gardens;

 Six tanks storing 111,000 litres of water for the home;

 5kw Solar system;

 26.5 Megalitres of High Reliability Water Share;

 12.5 Megalitres of Low Reliability Water Share, and;

 Aconsiderable portion of the land is laser graded. Land used in recent times has been predominately for beef production.

Rural town beef-farmavailable

Longfordtwo-story home forsale

Strengthening ruralcommunities

StefanBradley

MAFFRA Golf Club, Wollangarra Outdoor EducationCentre (Licola) and Warrigunya Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation (Darriman) are among 129 community groups across remote, rural and regional Australia sharing nearly $1.4 million in grants throughFRRR’s (Foundation for Rural &Regional Renewal) flagshipStrengtheningRuralCommunities (SRC)

program, in its 20th round of funding. Awarded via threestreams of funding for this round, SRC grants support small and vital projects, like upgrades to the community pool in Cummins, South Australia; COVID recovery projects, such as creating of an arts and cultural precinct in the remote community of Tully, Queensland; and disaster preparedness or recovery initiatives, like providingculturally informed, trauma-responsive community healing days for the flood-affected community of Lismore, New SouthWales.InVictoria, more than $340,000 is beingshared by 32 groups.

As part of the 'Small &Vital'stream, $10,000 will be given to Maffra Golf Club for the renovation of its clubroom,which FRRR says will"boost opportunities for social connection in acommunity meeting space by upgrading furniture and re-painting a function room hired for training activities, functions, and events".

The WarrigunyaAboriginaland TorresStrait IslanderCorporation in Darriman workstowards buildingculturally connected and stronger Aboriginal communities by providing stable housing and on-site support for men to deal withissuesand connect themtotraining and employment opportunities. Theorganisation as part of the 'Prepare &Recover -2019/2020 Bushfire Recovery' stream will receive $24,700 to protect the region against potential bushfire threats. The money will be used to purchase a tractorand slasher to maintaingrassland and improve disaster preparedness and support skill development.

Licola-based Wollangarra Inc has been awarded $10,000 from the 'Rebuilding Regional Communities -Micro' stream for more training for

the Youth Outdoor Education Centre's volunteers by restarting aprogram that will boost "organisational capacity throughtraining activities to increase volunteers’ knowledge and skills".

FRRR received arecord 450 applications for this roundofSRC funding, requesting more than $4.5 million in grants for projects valued at more than $19 million. Theteam, according to FRRR has worked hard to shortenthe time between applying andawarding SRC grants, with these grants being awarded just nine weeks after the round closed.

Jill Karena, FRRR’s Place Portfolio Lead, says that there is an increasing need forFRRRtofill gaps in areas that may have previously relied on funding from government incentives or programs or support from local businesses.

“The SRC program is flexible and open year-round, meaning it can lean in when government and other agenciesleanout. This access to continued funding opportunities is especiallyvital in communities that are moving beyond the immediate threatsand response to natural disasters andother shocks,"

Ms Karena said

“This round, we have seen increased applications from the organisers of community events, such as local agricultural shows, as some local governments are reducing their annual funding support. We also saw increased funding requests from smaller more remote communities that are aseeking to boost the local economy by developing activities and events to encourageovernight staysfrom visitors who would otherwise pass through.

"We also noticed an increase in applications from fringe metro areas and inner rural communities, which seems to indicatethat they too are facing diminishing funding opportunities.”

However, unmet need continues in small communities.Inaddition to the 129 initiatives awarded grants, there were afurther 85 funding-readyprojects, requesting more than $900,000, that FRRR did not have the funds to support. This highlights the importance of small grants to remote, rural and regional community groups and is why FRRR is seeking new partners so that the Foundation can fund more projects in the future.

“Given the uncertainty of the current financial landscape, groups have told us that they value having access to timely secured fundingtosupport medium to long term goals, as well as initiatives that respond to present needs and priorities,” Ms Karena said.

“These are the projects that create asense of place and identity, andthe peopleand organisations that make these inspiring projects happenneed our support. SRC grants provide leverage as they demonstrate to other funders that the projects have value and are supported. But to be able to fund more of them, we need to bring in additional collaborative funders. So we invite all those who want to see athriving remote, rural and regional Australia to join us to support local initiatives. They really do make adifference.”

The SRC program is collaboratively supported by donors, ranging from private individuals to larger foundations.

FRRRalwaysaccepts applications to this program, which awards funds around four times ayear. Local not-for-profit organisations and community groups are encouragedtoreview the program guidelines and apply. More information about the SRCprogram and afull list of grant recipients is available at frrr.org.au

Gettinghands-on at SGLNfarm fieldday

SOUTH Gippsland Landcare Network (SGLN) wrapped up its highly successful Green Dams Project withanon-farm field day that featured an interesting mix of research and practical experience. SGLN has just released ashort video (sgln. net.au, click on ‘News’) for those who couldn’t make it on the day to learn about the project. The project,whichwas funded by Food and Fibre Gippsland through the Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub and from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, exploreddifferent ways of managing farm dams for drought resilience, productivity and biodiversity.

Field day host, Jillian Staton, said that excluding or restricting stock from dams had delivered significant benefits to the farm business she runs with her husband,Bruce. Top of the list was removing the risk of dam failure caused by erosion, followed by better grazing and stock management. Added bonuses were the increaseinbirds, frogs andother wildlife, and the fact that researchers considered each of the managed dams suitable to release endangered native fish for conservation.

Monitoringcarried out by Deakin University (also apartner in the Vic Hub) SeniorLecturer,Ty Matthews, and students Balin Branch-Spence and Jasper Davis, revealed that the managed dams had higher water quality than the dam that was completely open to stock. Their research also showed far greater diversity of macroinvertebrate,bird and frog activity in the managed dams compared with the completely open dam. Interestingly, the Deakinresearchers found that each of the managed dams supported adifferent range of species. Ecologist David Carew linked those differencestothe profile of each damand the types of vegetation able to survive within that profile.

Mr Carew and fellowpresenter Matt Bowler from the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authorityboth stressed that dams need to be designed to meet the landholder’s needs. However, there are clear advantages for water quality and biodiversity whendam margins are shallowenough to accommodate aquatic vegetation, which is ideally 30cm below the high-water mark.

Evenbetter outcomes are achieved when the margins are allowed to dry out in summer and refill in winter or spring as this promotes germination.

Mr Bowler’s presentation also highlightedthe potentialfor farmers to reconstruct chains of ponds to reduce the devastating impacts of heavy rain events. He noted that these areas can be grazed for short periods in summer when other fodder sources are low, giving farmers extrafeed security.

As aresult of this project, SGLN is excited about

thepotential for farmdamsacross the regiontobe enhanced to deliver productivity and environmental benefits, particularly in the face of climate change. SGLN will also put together acase study about different management strategies to assist farmers considering their own project. If you’re interested in learningmore about enhancing farmdams,contact Cassie, SGLN Projects and Education Coordinator via email at cassie@sgln.net.au, or phone 0448 739 559.

Representatives from SGLN, Deakin

National cattle market “inbalance”, but price still has upside potential

AUSTRALIA'S cattle market is sitting in a“state of balance” -with improvedbeef production waiting on an increase in demand -but an upsideinprices is expected toward the end of the year, according to Rabobank in itsAustralian Beef Seasonal Outlook 2024.

The current absence of any strong demand -along with ahigher herd inventory, with no real liquidation or rebuilding urgency -means cattle pricesare more exposedtochanges in producer sentiment, the agribusiness banking specialist says. And this, in turn, is highly dependent on seasonal conditions.

However, as the year progresses, according to report author, RaboResearch senior animal protein analyst, Angus Gidley-Baird, “we feel global beef demand,led by the US market, will starttohave a stronger influence on the Australiancattle market, providing upside to cattle prices”.

Mr Gidley-Baird said there are, though, “a couple of ‘known unknowns’ to watch”, which could weigh on the market.

“With aheavily producer-influenced market, any negative seasonal change could see producer sentiment fall and prices drop accordingly,” he said.

“We saw this happen last year with the declaration of El Niño-every dry month, we saw cattle prices dropasproducerslost confidence in the market.

“Furthermore, if demand recovery in Australia’s keyAsian beef markets fails, our growing production may cause prices to fall.”

The rebuild of the Australian breeding herd over the past “couple of years” is now generating increased numbers of slaughter-age cattle, the report said.

“We believe Australian cattle slaughter will rise about 15 per cent in 2024 to be close to eight million head,” Mr Gidley-Baird said.

“Increases in processing capacity with increased labour will also support the rise in slaughter numbers. Eight million head is slightly higher than the 10-year average from 2014 to 2023 and we believe is more reflective of a‘normal’ slaughter volume for Australia.”

Mr Gidley-Baird said while domestic consumption of beef is forecast to drop slightly, Australian beef exports in 2024 are expected to rise by 10 per cent off the back of increased production.

“More challenging economic conditions domestically lead us to expect domestic per capita consumption will drop slightly from 23.7kg/capita in 2023 to 23.4kg/capita in 2024,” he said.

“Although commentary suggests consumers may be trading down to cheaper cuts, data indicates thatthey are not trading out of beef. With total domestic consumption almost static, all the increasedproduction willbesent to the export market, leading exports to increase by almost 10 per cent to 1.2 million tonnes cwt, the highest volume of exports since 2019.”

The Rabobank report said demand in key Asian markets, although soft,isexpectedtoimprove in 2024.

Mr Gidley-Baird said declining US exports to Asian markets will support increased Australian volumes to these destinations, but Australian exports will need to compete with increased volumes from South American suppliers.

“The US is also expected to be astrong importer of Australian beef in 2024,” he said.

“Following an 84 per cent lift in exports in 2023, we are expecting afurther increase in Australian volumes to the US in 2024.”

Rabobank also said global beef markets are running at two speeds -with astrong US market outperforming softer demand in Asian markets.

Mr Gidley-Baird saidglobal beef production is down slightly, but demand is slowly improving.

“We expect global beefproductiontodecline very slightly in 2024 with contractionsand growth across various regions almost balancing themselves out,” he said.

The report said the US is expected to see the largest contraction in production, down3.5 per cent (around400,000 tonnes) while Brazil, Australia and China will see the largest growth -up1.5 per cent (110,000 tonnes), 7.8 percent(169,000tonnes)and 2.5 per cent (180,000 tonnes) respectively.

“After import growth rates slowed in 2023, we

Mr Gidley-Bairdsaidwiththe increased slaughter number, beefproductionisset to increase of 10 per cent to 2.4 million tonnes cwt (carcase weight) for 2024. This is slightly higher than the 10-year average of 2.2 million tonnes.

expect key Asian markets will improve and imports increase slowly through the course of 2024,” Mr Gidley-Baird said.

“The US market, withits decliningproduction and economic outlook, is expected to retain fairly steady demand which is forecast to see US imports increase with room for price upside. Meanwhile export volumes from South American countries are set to increase, adding competitive pressure to Australian beef in Asian markets.”

The bank expects amore bullish cattle market in the year ahead, but that will still be subject to producer sentiment.

Rabobank projects the EYCI (Eastern States Young Cattle Indicator) will be relatively stablein 2024 -trading in abandbetween 600 to 750c/kg cwt.

Mr Gidley-Baird said with no strong restocker or liquidation pressures in the system, the increased livestocknumbers are expectedtobebalanced by the recovery in global demand.

“After the larger-than-expected drop in the EYCI in 2023, projected prices suggest the EYCI should be 20 per cent higher on average in 2024 and potentially finishing the year 40 per cent higher than where it finished in 2023,” he said.

Mr Gidley-Baird said without strong demand, producer sentiment will drive the market.

“While we expect beefdemand to improve, thismay notoccur until the second half of the year. Withoutthe improvementindemand,the increasing cattle supplies means producer buying and selling activities will continue to have alarge impact on cattle prices,” he said.

“We saw this in 2023 and into 2024, where cattle price movement followed producer sentiment and seasonal conditions.”

Mr Gidley-Baird said dry seasonal conditions in the monthsofFebruary, May,August, September and October2023 saw cattleprices drop, while wetter months of November 2023 and January 2024 saw upward movements in prices.

“The Bureau of Meteorology has declared the El Niño weather event of 2023-24 to be over, and seasonal conditions to be averageinthe coming months. Therefore,weare expecting prices to remain steady,” he said.

Volunteerskept busy during fireseason

VICTORIA'S fire season, which featured early fires at Briagolong, Loch Sport and Rawson, officially closed last week when final fire restrictions were lifted.

The summer featured big bushfires in the west of the state, butthe firstday of Catastrophic firedanger (Tuesday, February 13) since the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System was introduced made for aturbulent few weeks for CFA volunteers.

The three main fires that took off in Briagalong, Rawson and Loch Sport in late September made for an early start to the season for firefighters,with more than 16,000 hectares burnt.

More recently throughout February and March, thousands of firefighters came fromacross Victoria to fight the devastating bushfires that hit the Grampians, Staffordshire, Bayindeen and Dereel, whichburnt more than 30,500 hectares.

During this time, work was also undertaken by CFA volunteers to help clean up the impact of the devastatingstormsthatwentthrough south-west Gippsland in Mirboo North. CFA volunteers also worked tirelessly to support VICSES in flood

recovery efforts in January across the North East and around 40 CFA members and staff were deployed to Helensvale in Queensland to support local emergency services with floodand storm response.

The CFA Deputy Chief Officer, GarryCook, thanked every CFA member, volunteer, and staff, for their responseoverthe lastfew months,whether that was near or far from home.

“I want to take thisopportunitytothank everyone who was in involved in ourdeployments both across Victoria and interstate, but also to those who remained close to home to continue protecting our local communities,” Mr Cook said.

“Each day, we continue to demonstrate that we are flexible, agile, committed and well-equipped to assist those in need at any given time, and it is admirable and appreciated.The prolonged response showcased the commitment of CFA brigadesacross the region, withmany working multiple days in challenging circumstances.”

Bushfireintensityheightened this summer, as did the amount of incidents CFA volunteers responded to, with more than 14,600 across

December to March, up from 10,200 last year. CFA volunteers assisted other agencies afurther 426 times compared to 2022/23 and while vegetation firesdeclined, structure fires and fires involving electrical equipment both rose by 108 respectively.

The areas within Bass Coast, South Gippsland, Greater Dandenong, Mornington Peninsula, Baw Baw, Latrobe and surrounding regions were the final municipalitiesinVictoria to end the Fire Danger Period at 1am last Wednesday.

Landowners now have the opportunity to burn-off again, however it is important that residents check that local conditions are safe before undertaking these activities.

“Residentsmust stillregister their burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws and regulation,” Mr Cook said.

“Registering your burn-off ensures that if smoke or fire is reported, the incident is cross-checked with our register, which prevents firefighters from unnecessarily responding.”

Landowners can register their burn-off online at firepermits.vic.gov.au or call 1800 668 511.

RaboResearch senior animal protein analyst, Angus Gidley-Baird. Photo: Contributed

Poultry

In accordance with a local law itroduced by the State Government on January 1, 2012, For more information please visit

Engagements •

BLASIUS, Peter. 5/8/1952 -2/5/2024

Passed away peacefully at home, aged 71 years. Loving husband of Susanna. Dad of Nicky and Jim. Father-in-law to Mick. Epic Opa to Ashleigh, Bailey, Lochlon, Chloe and Scarlett.

Birthdays •

Peter words can't express my loss.

'Til we meet again. Love Sue.

Dad, My heart is so broken. I'm glad you're now at peace. Keep the beers cold and enjoy the fishing. Nicky.

Dad, The best Dad ever. Miss you mate. Jim.

My loving Opa, Imiss you so much. Love you, Bailey.

My awesome Opa, Ilove you so much. We will always miss you! You meant so much to me and we will meet again. Lots of love, Ashleigh.

JENNINGS. Aservice to celebrate the lives of Mavis Jennings and Bill Jennings OAM will be held at St Paul's Cathedral 149 Cunninghame St Sale on Saturday May the 11th at 3pm. Display of Mavis' art in the foyer. All welcome.

SALETA. Josef of Glenmaggie

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at the Victorian Heart Hospital on May 1st, 2024. Aged 81 years.

Loved father and father-in-law of Nicole and Dirk, Kate and Trav, and Ben. Loved Poppy of Tahlia, Declan, Dayne, Kurt, Tara, and Bobby.

"Thank your Mother for the rabbits"

SALETA, Joe. 5/3/1943 -1/5/2024. Brother, brother-in-law and uncle to Alex and Alana (dec.), Rodney, Joanne, Alexandra, William. Born in Europe during the War, Australia became his home. Proud to be called Australian. Loved football and the bush and being in it. Farewell brother, Ihope your flight landed well.

WEBSTER, Elaine "Lainey". Formally of Maffra. 13/06/48 -20/04/24. Daughter of Geoffrey and Dorothy Webster (Both Dec.). Loving wife of Barry (Dec.). Sister to Di and Peter (both Dec.). Sister-in-law to Pat. Wonderful friend to many. BIRTHDAY GREETINGS (size

BYRNE (nee Barton), Nancy Pamela. 16/11/1937 -03/05/2024

Cherished wife of George (dec.). Adored stepmother to Jane,Martin,and Rosemary. Loved Aunty to Terry and Barbara. Sister to Mary Rowley (dec.) and daughter of Chris (dec.) and Percy Barton (dec.). Grandmother to Matthew and Oliver Thearle, and Kathleen and Meaghan Wilson.

Missed by all her friends and family.

Now in God's Care.

BYRNE, Nancy. To my best friend. Sadly Iwill miss her. Good friend to Janeane and Denis Robertson. Sympathy to all the family and Barbara.

FELMINGHAM, Ian 'Bluey' 11/03/1932 -03/05/2024

Passed away at Sale Hospital, aged 92 years.

Loved Husband of Irene (dec.).

Much loved father and father-in-Law of Maureen and Geoff, Trish and Peter, Pauline and David, Julie and John.

Adored Grandfather and Mate of Daniel and Marney, Rebecca and James, Bridie, Justin and Olivia, Liam and Nat, Joel, and Jake. Gone Fishing

SALETA. Agraveside service for Mr Josef Saleta will be held at the Heyfield Lawn Cemetery on FRIDAY (May 10th 2024) commencing at 1pm

In Memoriam •

HAIG, Robyn Gail. 24/5/1959 -5/5/2019

It has been five years since Rob grew her rainbow wings and soared into the sky to watch and look after us. Amazing teacher and wonderful lady. Missed and loved by all who knew her. Shine brightly Alpha Centauri. Pete, Buddy and Molly.

WOOD, Joyce Margaret (scalli) 11/04/1942 -26/04/2024

Loved and loving sister and sister-in-law of Gladys and Ken Watts. Auntie to all out families. Achieved her dream arriving in Ballarat with husband David from Adelaide to be with their daugh ter and grandch ildr en, a mammoth journey. Courageous, afighter having Polio at 8years old becoming amother a teacherand family supporter with calipers, crutches and fierce determination

and Ken.

with his wishes, Mr Peter Blasius will

BYRNE (nee Barton). For funeral arrangements for Mrs Nancy Pamela Byrne, please check our website or phone:

FELMINGHAM, The funeral service for Mr Ian 'Bluey' Felmingham will be held at the Heyfield Wetlands Centre, MacFarlane Street, Heyfield at 1pm on Thursday (May 9, 2024) followed by burial at the Heyfield Lawn Cemetery. Please see our website for Livestream details.

SHINGLES, Freddie. Passed away 04/05/2023

Every new day brings with it the realization of how unprepared iamtolive with out you. There were amillion things ihad left to say "goodbye wasn't one of them" luv you, Shortie and Cocoa, Miss you xo

Shingles, Fred. Rememberin gy ou dad/pop its 12 months on Saturday 04/05/24 since you left us miss you, love Sarah and grandfur baby Arnie xx

TREW, Robert John. 02/05/1994. What would Igive to clasp his hand, his happy face to see, to hear his voice and to see his smile that meant so much to me. The rolling stream of life rolls on, but still the vacant chair recalls the love, the voice, the smile of my dad who once sat there. love and loving dad and pa of Jenni, Kristopher, Nicholas, and Katie.

Joyce. The family of the late Joyce Anderson would like to thank everyone that attended her funeral, sent messages/calls of support, cards, flowers and prepared food. Thank you to Dr Chris O'Kane for years of wonderful care of Joyce, the Central Sale hospital and all Oncology staff at Sale and Traralgon Hospital. Thank you to Jacks Bakery Sale for your wonderful contribution as tribute it was very much apricated. Aspecial thank you to Scott Rossetti of Gippsland Funeral Service for his kind, compassionate care shown to our family and for the lovely service celebrating her life. Please accept this as our sincere, personal thank you to everyone for there kindness. Lindsay, peter, Karen, Claire, Mathew, Scott and Emily.

Anlezark selected for Victoria ahead of 2024/25season

BOISDALE-BRIAGOLONG

cricketer AustinAnlezark has earnt arookie contract with Victoria for season 2024/25.

Anlezark was named in the state squad last week, continuing his recent rise among cricket ranks. The express bowler, aligned with Victorian Premier Cricketside Richmond, has already represented AustraliainUnder19Tests and One Day Internationals. He will be joined by some huge names in the Victorian squad, includingmodern daymarvel Glenn Maxwell, as well as fellow Gippslanderand fastbowlerPeter Siddle

Siddle, from Morwell, took more than 200 Test wickets for Australia before retiring, but is still going around the first class scene.

As he approaches the age of 40 this year, Siddle will surely be one of Anlezark's mentors over the next summer.

Victoria will enter the 2024/25 campaign with a28-player squad that it says boasts an exciting blend of homegrown youth and world-class international experience.

Maxwell is one of four Cricket Australia-contracted players in the squad, along with Matthew Short, Todd Murphy and Scott Boland.

Opening batsman Will Pucovski has also been offered aplaying contract, as he deals with repeated concussions.

"Understandably there will be a lot of interest in Will Pucovski and what the future holds," Cricket Victoria General Manager, Cricket Performance, and one-time Test wicketkeeper, Graham Manou said.

"The most important part of this process is Will and his health and wellbeing.

Shield andMarsh Cup (One Day) campaigns.

Cricket Victoria has alsoconfirmed the re-signing of bowlers Mitch Perry and Cameron McClure and all-rounderWillSutherland, who will captain Victoria in the Marsh Sheffield Shield for the second consecutive season.

Meanwhile, reigning BBL championand renowned power-hitter Josh Brown will move to Melbourne, bolstering Victoria’s batting stocks. Brown signed atwo-year contract with the Melbourne Renegades earlier this month.

As arookie, Anlezark will be looking to followinthe footstepsofLiam Blackford(Geelong),Dylan Brasher (Footscray) and Douglas Warren (MelbourneUniversity) who have all been elevated to fullcontracts this season.

Departuresare veteran Nic Maddinson, who has returned home to Sydney for family reasons, and Tom O’Donnell (son of former Test cricketer Simon), Wil Parker, Travis Dean and Matt Fotia.

Victoria willbelooking to consolidate on an impressive past three seasons, which has included consecutive Sheffield Shield Final appearances in 2021/22 and 2022/23, and anail-bitingend to last season's first-class campaign.

Cricket Victoria Head of Male Cricket, David Hussey said he was looking forward to buildingonthe growth over the last three seasons.

“We’re pleased with how our squad is looking for next season,” he said.

“While we didn’t clinch titles last season, thereweresomerealpositives for us.

"Cricket Victoria is working closely with Cricket Australia and the expert medicalpanel that is duetomeet soontoreview Will's history.We'll takethe advice from that panel on the appropriate way forward this season."

Among other headlines in this year's squad is reigning Bill Lawry and Dean Jones medallist, Fergus O’Neill, who has celebrated an outstanding 2023/24 campaignby re-committingtoCricket Victoria for the next three years.

O’Neill enjoyed abreakout summer for his home state, with the 23-yearold seamer capturing acombined 52 wicketsinlastyear’s Sheffield

“We’re also looking forwardto welcoming some new talent into the squad from Premier Cricket and Australia Under 19 representation -a testament to the workthat has been achieved in our talent pathways."

Anlezark grew up in Briagolong and played junior and senior cricket for Boisdale-Briagolong Cricket Club.

He was ahighly-touted junior, featuring regularly in Sale-Maffra Cricket Association Country Week and GippslandCricket League teams. He was also Player of the Match for his home club in their Under 14 premiership of 2018/19. He made aone-off appearance for his old club last season in the SMCA Twenty20 competition.

More to come.

ANDERSON,

Bereavement Thanks •

Boisdale-Briagolong cricketer Austin Anlezark hasearnt arookie contract withVictoria for next season. He hasbeen described as a “new version of JhyeRichardson”

Photo: Contributed

Festival of womens football

Zaida Glibanovic

FEMALE Football Gippsland’s festivaloffooty was ahit last Sunday, as all teams descended on Morwell Recreation Reserve for the leagues Gather Round.

Round3action started at 10am with Youth Girls games.

In the Division 1match,Traralgon played Sale City on the main oval.

The Maroon Youth Girls started with abang, as Steevie McClements snagged the first major in the first five minutes following an earlier rushed behind.

It was atough contestinthe middle, butthe Maroons werewinning the clearances, which allowedfor repeat entriesdeep into their 50. Traralgon kicked three points before finally taking advantage of theirtimeinpossession as Ashlyn Murtagh kicked abeauty, followed by Oliva Ambler who added amajor of her own.

Traralgon led 3.4 (22) to no score by the first break.

The Maroons continued to build their lead, with Murtagh and Ambleradding one each to their tally. Murtagh missed an opportunity late in the secondterm,and the Bulldogs were forcedtorush through apoint right on halftime.

The third quarter was an arm wrestle, as neither team could get the ball out from the middle. Somehow,the Bulldogs gained possession, sending it down into their forward line, butonly managing a

behind after agoodbuild-up of offensive transition

Some relief came for Sale City when Brooke Kelly secured the Bulldogs first major.

Sale City couldn’t celebrate for long, as Traralgon, too strong out of the midfield, secured another goal from Hannah Muhlberg.

The last quarter saw Traralgon put the foot down, lockingthe ball in their offensive 50. Murtagh and Ambler added another goal each, going home with six goals between them and an 8.10 (58) to 1.2(8) win.

The Maroons' midfieldwas integral to the win, with ZaliBudd, Charley Patience, Emerald Briggs,Emily Carney, AvaPickard-Millier and Joci Heenan named best-on.

For Sale City, Brooke Kelly, Cienna Searle, Lucy Hannah, Phoenix Anderson, Isabelle Elson and Emma Feltis were good despite the loss.

At the same time, Youth Girls Division 2played on the KeeganStreet cricket oval. Morwell and Dalystonplayedafast game on the small field, but it was the Dalyston Magpies who won. Final scores were 8.8 (56) to 3.4 (22).

At 11.30am,the main stagebecameaBairnsdale Youth Girls clinic. The Redlegs dominated BoisdaleBriagolong to win by 46 points. Final scores read 6.16 (52) to 1.0 (6).

Lara Healey withagoaland heaps of theball, Keira Gibbs, Lucy Carrol with agoal, Jessica Grimsted, Indie Chapman and Sara Melrose were best forthe Redlegs.

Mercadies Gorfine with agoal, Summer Harbour, Lara Dowsett, Susie Colemanand Lily Rouse were

good for the Bombers.

By 1pm, it was time for the seniorwomen's reigning premier to shine, as Boisdale-Briagolong took on Drouin.

It was most certainly one-sided play, as the Bombers dominated allaspects on thefield, winning 17.15 (117) to 0.1 (1).

For the Bombers, Meg Graham, Laura Jonston, Chellce Ward, Amanda Hancock, Olivia Marshall and Ashley Chester were impressive.

Graham kicked abag of four goals, alongside vice captain Johnston.

Mea Perkins, Emily Porter and Stacey McKinley had two each, while Megan Lee, Marshall,and Cassandra Herdman also hit the scoreboard.

The Bombers dominant performance puts them as flag favourites for season 2024.

Moe Newborough Allies were far from the best as they fell short to Lindenow South 1.2 (8) to 6.5 (41).

The Allies started hot, getting on the scoreboard thanks to the work of Maneesha Nambirajan, but the Swampies came backhardtoget 19 points in frontbyhalftime.

Despite the effortsofthe Allies’ Jacinta Davis, Kaylah Thorburn, Kaelee Paltridge, Eryka Amarant, Lily Brown and Amber Davis, the Swampies were too strong.

Lindenow South’s Siarra Peters, Amy Dunn, Brianna Foster, Liesel Nunn, Tayah McNaughton, and Brodi Harris were instrumental in their sides win. Captain Harris led by example with agamehigh three goals of her own.

In other matches, Newborough Youth Girls

Summer Harbourcharges towards goal for Boisdale-Briagolong senior women. Important to note the player is wearing amouthguard, which should be thefirst thing any player packs beforeagame.

defeated Bunyip, 5.9 (39) to 2.1 (13) in Division 1. In Youth Girls Division 2, Woodside was victorious with a41-point win over Phillip Island.. No matter the results, the Female Football Gippsland Gather Round wasanotherhuge success, facilitating aprofessional environment for young women who just love their footy.

Bomberskeeppesky Seagulls at bay

Liam Durkin

BOISDALE-BRIAGOLONG took their early season ledger to three-wins, one-loss (by one point) in East Gippsland football at the weekend.

The Bombers won their Round 4match against LakesEntranceasexpected, although the final margin of 22 points madefor somewhat surprising reading.

Admittedly, inaccurate kicking for goal did not help the visitors, who returned an effort of 11.17 (83) to 9.7 (61) at fulltime.

That Boisdale-Briagolonghad almost twiceas manyscoring shotsastheiropponents and only won by less than four goals perhaps indicated the only team in danger of beating the Bombers was themselves.

Thankfully for their sake, they did not leave the door too far ajar for the Seagulls.

After kicking fivegoals in theopeningterm, Boisdale-Briagolong might have been entertaining thoughts of putting up ascore around the 120 mark, but had to settle for their eventual lot.

The secondterm could havebeen much more productive hadthe visitors notkicked 3.7 (25) Compounding the inaccuracy at one end was the fact Lakes Entrance hardly missed at the other. In thesecond term, the home side outscored their opponents, nailing 4.2 (26).

As ateam not expected to do much this season, the Seagulls may have subconsciously rested on their laurels at halftime, and they scored only three behinds in the third term.

Boisdale-Briagolong meanwhile had most of the play, and despite further inaccuracy (one goal, six behinds) held enough sway to securevictoryfor the ride home.

Bombers coachSam Bedggood slotted four goals, while Trayvon Stretch kicked three.

Bedggood was among the best, along with Billy Marshall, Tim Dessent, Nick Marshall, Tom Jolly and Brandon Rimington.

Tom Hudson won't need goal-kicking practice at Lakes Entrance, after sending five through the big sticks. He was well supported by Angus McKenzie, Liam Carroll, John Hooper, Tim Sinclair and Jordan Clarke.

The win sees Boisdale-Briagolong equal-first in terms of wins, but four points behind Wy Yung and Lucknow, who each had the bye at the weekend.

Stratfordalso had the bye, and will be back in action this weekend, taking on Wy Yung.

TheTigers got up in agood game against Orbost SnowyRovers,beating the Blues 12.11 (83) to 7.7 (49) at Lochiel Street Reserve.

Margins of eight, oneand eight points was all that separated the sides at each break, before Wy Yung showed their class, kicking five goals to one in the final term.

Goals were shared for the winners, which would have been pleasing for the coaching staff given go-to forward Brodie Andersonwas absent, presumably flying out to play cricket overseas.

Bayden Ashwood kicked three goals, as did Aaron Hanuera, who were both listed in the best.

Others to attract votes for the Tigers were Nate Somerville,Joel Waters, Tom Stephenson and Dylan Doecke.

ClancyBennett, Gus Rogers, BraedenRoss, Andrew Malcolm, Will Walker and Mitch Dignan were best for the Blues.

Despitethe loss, OrbostSnowy Rovers are loomingasevery bitthe danger side for season 2024.

The Blues have now pushed the reigning premier for the best part of three quarters, and only lost to premiership fancies Lucknow by 12 points.

From a Gippsland Times perspective, if Stratford is to make finals, it couldwell be aquestion of who

do theygenuinely get in ahead of in the top four?

Although the season is still in its early stages, right now you wouldsay gamesagainst Lakes Entrance, Lindenow and Paynesville are the only ones identified as games the Swans 'should' win.

Beating those teams however won't be enough, so Stratford will likely need to pick up points against the likes of Lucknow and Orbost Snowy Rovers, while the rivalry games against BoisdaleBriagolong often sees the formbook thrown out completely.

EAST GIPPSLAND -ROUND 4

Seniors

Lakes Entrance

2.1, 6.3, 6.6, 9.7 (61)

Boisale-Briagolong 5.1, 8.8. 9.14, 11.17 (83)

Lakes Entrance

Goals: THudson 5, LAllen, JCullen, AMcKenzie, BRotheram

Best: AMcKenzie, LCarroll,THudson, JHooper, TSinclair, JClarke.

Bois-Briag

Goals: SBedggood, TStretch, WBrunt, TJolly, BRimington.

Best: BMarshall, TDessent, NMarshall, S Bedggood, TJolly, BRimington

OSR 3.2, 5.5, 6.6, 7.7 (49)

Wy Yung 3.4, 5.6, 7.8, 12.11 (83) Orbost Snowy Rovers

Goals: BRoss 3, WRussell 3, MFenner. Best: CBennett, GRogers, BRoss, AMalcolm, WWalker, MDignan

Wy Yung

Goals: BAshwood 3, AHanuera 3, JBetts 2, B Daniel 2, HKellow, TStephenson.

Best: NSomerville, JWaters, BAshwood, A Hanuera, TStephenson, DDoecke. Stratford, Lindenow,Paynesville, Lucknow-Bye

Reserves

Bois-Briag 3.7, 8.15, 15.17, 23.19 def Lakes Entrance 0.2, 1.2, 1.6, 2.7 (19)

Bois-Briag

Goals: DPratt 5, SWain4,JOsborn 3, CBailey 2, DGrinstead-Jones 2, LPratt 2, QBates, JLangshaw, PLee, ROrchard, T Ruthberg.

Best: SWain, TRuthberg, DPratt, BHudson, CBailey, JOsborn

Lakes Entrance

Goals: KGrabham, ARimmer.

Best: WCantrill, BDaley,BBrown, A Rimmer, CParfrey, WForrester

OSR 16.14 (110) def Wy Yung 6.7 (43)

Under 17.5

Lakes Entrance 1.4, 3.5, 4.10, 5.14 (44) def Bois-Briag 1.0, 3.1, 3.3, 4.4 (28) Lakes Entrance Goals: BBuck-McKimmie, JDaly, HDavis, CO’Donnell, AStevens. Best: CGrabham, C Goold, HDavis,C O’Donnell, KGrabham,C Ferris.

Bois-Briag

Goals: ZConnolly 2, MAustin, HJohnson. Best: SJones, JStewart, ZConnolly, THunt,P Lee, LKennedy.

OSR vs WyYung- no game (Wy Yung not fielding 17.5s)

Photo: ErikaAllen

Netball Scoreboard

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE -ROUND 5

AGRADE - Drouin 64 dSale 21,Warragul 60 dLeongatha 52, Wonthaggi 45 dTraralgon 38, Moe 77 dBairnsdale 29, Morwell 83 dMaffra 13 BGRADE -Drouin 46 dSale 34, Leongatha 57 d Warragul 36, Traralgon 47 dWonthaggi 32, Moe 63 dBairnsdale 35, Morwell 59 dMaffra 26. CGRADE - Drouin 52 dSale 24, Leongatha 34 dWarragul 24, Wonthaggi 45 dTraralgon 33, Bairnsdale 30 dMoe 27,Morwell 36 dMaffra 34. 17 ANDUNDER - Sale38d Drouin 22, Leongatha 59 dWarragul 13,Traralgon 46 dWonthaggi 29, Bairnsdale46d Moe 19,Maffra 44 dMorwell 24. 15 AND UNDER - Sale 47 dDrouin 19,Leongatha 34 dWarragul 32, Traralgon 58 dWonthaggi 18, Bairnsdale 35 dMoe 33, Maffra 41 dMorwell 30. 13 AND UNDER- Sale 34 dDrouin 20,Leongatha 54 dWarragul 4, Traralgon 52 dWonthaggi 2, Moe 37 dBairnsdale 11,Maffra 57 dMorwell 7.

NORTH GIPPSLAND -ROUND 4

AGRADE - Woodside 61 dCowwarr 39, Heyfield 54 dYarram9,Churchill 46 dTraralgonTyersUnited 36, Sale City 47 dGlengarry 36, Rosedale 33 d Yallourn Yallourn North 24, Gormandale bye.

BGRADE - Woodside 66 dCowwarr 29, Heyfield 48 dYarram31, Churchill 47 dTTU 36, Sale City 57 dGlengarry 24, YYN 40 dRosedale 27,Gormandale bye.

CGRADE - Woodside 48 dCowwarr 12,Yarram 33 dHeyfield 15,Churchill 39 draw TTU39, Sale City 32 dGlengarry 22, YYN 32 dRosedale 28, Gormandale bye.

DGRADE - Woodside 35 dCowwarr 17,Heyfield 23 dYarram21, Churchill 33 dTTU 29, Sale City 40 dGlengarry 12,Rosedale 38 dYYN 35, Gormandale bye.

17 AND UNDER- Woodside 49 dCowwarr 9, Heyfield 48 dYarram 8, TTU32d Churchill 12 Sale City 50 dGlengarry 18,Rosedale 42 dYYN 15,Gormandale bye.

15 ANDUNDER - Woodside 35 dCowwarr 2, Heyfield 77 dYarram1,TTU 65 dChurchill 10 Sale City 31 dGlengarry 16,Rosedale 33 dYYN 14,Gormandale bye.

EAST GIPPSLAND -ROUND 4

AGRADE: Boisdale-Briagolong 59 dLakes Entrance 47,Orbost SnowyRovers70dWyYung 44, Lindenow,Stratford,Lucknow and Paynesville bye.

BGRADE: Boisdale-Briagolong 54 dLakes Entrance 30, Wy Yung 39 dOrbost SnowyRovers 34

CGRADE: Boisdale-Briagolong 36 dLakes Entrance 16,WyYung 39 dOrbost SnowyRovers 32

DGRADE: Boisdale-Briagolong 49 dLakes Entrance 18,WyYung 56 dOrbost SnowyRovers 14

17 AND UNDER: Boisdale-Briagolong 46 dLakes Entrance 27,WyYung dOrbost SnowyRovers33.

15 AND UNDER: Boisdale-Briagolong 41 dLakes Entrance 13,Orbost SnowyRovers36dWyYung

Sale City the team to beat

ZaidaGlibanovic andErika Allen

DROUIN was just too strong for Sale in Round 5ofGippsland League netball, and defeated the Magpies 64 to 21.

Sale was forced to drivedown the Princes Highway to face afull-strength Hawks side with little chance of beating them.

The Magpies' start was slow, as they went down by nine goals in the first term. Hawks Kym Diston, Karina Proctor and Ruby Pritchett were on their A-game, making it hard for the Magpies to score.

Sale’s Kate Van der Voort once again made the most of the Magpies scoring opportunities, scoring 16 of their total but it just wasn’t Sale’s day. Kristy Glover and Hannah Abdalla were also impressive despite the loss.

Maffra had no luck on Saturday, falling to Morwell 83-19.

The Tigers wanted to prove they’re still in finals contention, andafter awin of thismagnitude, showed they may well be.

Morwell travelled to Maffra and quickly got out to a23-goal lead by the first break.

First-year Morwell shooter, Tiffany Boatman put in the work, facilitating plays from goal attack, shooting37goals. Coach CourtneyGarth led by example in defence, limiting theEagles to an average of just under five goals aquarter.

TigerSeish Boyd-Thomas was also good in the win.

The Eagles' scores were hard to come by, but they perseveredand celebrated all the small wins.

Krystal Craft, Chloe Felsbourg and Jana Hennig performed well.

In other games, Moe humbled Bairnsdale, winning 77-29 at home.

The Lions, on afast and flying start to their premiership defence, againshowed the competition that they are the real deal.

Moe midcourterCharlize Bird returned from injury, quickly getting back into the swingofthings and securing aspotinthe best. Alex Moody was exceptional, as wascoach Ramayer Gourley in a dominant shooting display.

Ruby Dunkley,Anna Mooney and Sally Deller were notable in defeat for the Redlegs.

Wonthaggi escaped ascare as Traralgon narrowly went down to the Power 45-38.

While it wasn’t another fairy-tale ending for the Maroons, Traralgon hasmanypositive signs for the future.

The match wasalmost neck-and-neck,but Wonthaggicapitalised on every opportunity to win away from home.

Power shooter Cassidy Bowman was too strong under the post, while midcourtersAlana McRae and Ellie Bates were impressive.

Despite the loss, Traralgon’s young guns are showing some real fight. The exciting midcourt combination of Milly Murphy, Ashlyn Pavey and Montanna Styles workedbrilliantly, earning each of themamention in the best.

In herAGrade debut season,GraceVan Tilburg has been aforce to be reckoned with for Traralgon, shooting very effectively. Van Tilburg will be one to watch in the upcoming years.

Warragul got the job done on the road, beating Leongatha 60-52.

The Parrots started well, lingeringwithin one goal by the first break, but Warragul managed to hold them at bay.

TheGulls welcomed back former Suncorp Super Netballshooter Emma Ryde, who put on adominantshow underthe post,shooting 55 of the 60 goals. Warragul’s Becky Dixon and Sienna Green were also good.

The Parrots really pushed astrongWarragul side, and would be happy with their performance.

Leongatha’s Jayde Hall, Nicola Marriott and former Mirboo North star Mikaeli Hilliar were named in the best for their team.

SALE CITY is theteam to beat this season in North Gippsland.

The Bulldogs continue to dominate, with Glengarry being their latest victim at the weekend in a47-36 scoreline.The Bulldogs don’tmind playing away from home, and came away with a convincing 11-goal victory.

Woodside had no qualms welcoming Cowwarr, in what would be an inevitable defeat for the Saints.

TheWildcats maintainedasolidperformance to win 61-39.

Heyfield was another team that held their own even on theroad, travelling to Yarram to hand the Demonettes an eye-watering 54-9 loss.

Rosedale held off Yallourn Yallourn North with a33-24 victory, while Churchill got the best of Traralgon Tyers United, 46-36.

Gormandale had the bye.

OUT of thefour teamsthat took to courts in Round4 of East Gippsland netball, BoisdaleBriagolong proved they are aclub to watchthis season.

PlayinginLakes Entrance, the Bombers’ AGrade team capped off avictorious day for the club, which included the 15 and Under side who claimed their first victory for the season.

Away from home, the Bombers’ AGrade netballerswere infallible, winning 59-47.

Boisdale-Briagolong AGrade playing-coach, SarahGardiner continued to lead by example, earning aspotinthe best. Alongside her, Ash McDonough, aversatile midcourt player proficient at centre, wing attack, and wing defence,isproving Gardiner’s preseason predictionthat she is “one to watch this season”, following another standout performance last weekend.

In the absence of mid-court workhorseLinley Bertacchini, McDonough played afull four-quarter game in centre. McDonough deftly fed the ball to Gardiner, who played in wing attack in the first half; the mid-court pair were key in delivering the ball into the Bombers’ goal third.

Despite her youth, McDonough has honed her skillsthrough the junior ranks at BoisdaleBriagolong, building netball intelligence,speed, andagility to achieveAGrade playerstatusfor the second consecutive year.

Gardiner backed up aphysical first half in the mid-court as she stepped into goal attack, where she used speed and agility to drive her body into the ring, proving she steps it up in close games. Despite being the better of the two sidesinrecent history, Boisdale-Briagolong was challenged by Lakes Entrance, which kept up with the Bombers’ notoriously fast-paced brand of play, evident in the high-scoring result. Still, Boisdale-Briagolong triumphed by 12 goals.

Elsewhere, Orbost Snowy Rovers triumphedover Wy Yung with adominant 26-goal victory, 70-44. Stratford, Lucknow, Lindenow and Paynesville all had the bye.

Time

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. Target: Average–25, Good -32, Excellent -40+

Stratfordnetballers, pictured at the recent unveiling of their 2023 flag, got to puttheirfeetupat the weekend with abye in the East Gippsland Football-Netball League. Photo: ErikaAllen

CHEYENNE

vs.PortAdelaide(AO)(N)

Carltonvs.Collingwood(MCG)(N) Saturday,May4 SydneySwansvs.GWSGIANTS(SCG) StKildavs.NorthMelbourne(MRVL)(T) Melbournevs.GeelongCats(MCG)(N) WestCoastEaglesvs Essendon(OS)(N) Sunday,May5 Richmondvs Fremantle(MCG) WesternBulldogsvs.Hawthorn(MRVL)(T)

First real shock goes to Yarram

TomHayes

JUST another twist in the tale.

How many more will 2024 have in store?

After four rounds we are still left looking for answers in the North Gippsland football competition.

Only Woodside andYarramremain undefeated, and my guess is no onehad bothofthese teams leading the way on their bingo card.

Lastyear’sgrand finalist in Woodside haveshuffled along to awin-loss record of 4-0, whilethe Demons are thesurprise packet, sitting third at 3-0. Meanwhileonthe opposite end of things, Churchill find themselves 1-3 afterfour rounds, something they wouldn’t have experiencedinquite along time, if not, ever.

Everything in between might as well be decided with the toss of acoin,that’s how unpredictable things are at this stage.

SOMEONE had to have their first taste of defeat.

Thatsidewas Heyfield, as they fell to Yarram on their home deck at the weekend, 11.12 (78) to 7.12 (54).

There was plenty to play for, which has appeared to be aconstant theme in the NGFNL this year, as no game is considered a‘gimme’.

The Kangaroos did what they do best, putting a score on the board early. They forced the Demons to make areply, after taking an eight-point lead at the end of the first quarter.

But just as Yarramhas shown previously this season, they can work their way back into any game, and that’s what they set out doing.

During the second quarter, they didn’t just halt the Kangaroos from kicking away, but the Demons forced their hand by taking the lead at the half.

Essentially four goals to two in the second term saw the Demons lead at the main change, nonetheless, the gamewas very muchinthe air–just three points in it.

Justwhen Heyfieldneeded aresponse,they weren’t able to supply one,asthe Yarram train continued to steam straight ahead.

Another four massive goals in the third term made things difficult for Heyfield, despite them kicking two of their own.

Just 13 points separated the sides at the final break, with Yarram still in command. But as we have seen so far this season, Heyfield can change the game with the click of afinger.

Most would’ve have expected Heyfield to launch their attack in the final quarter. They did, but it wasn’t effective at all.

Both sides had at least five scoring shots in the final term, enoughtoflipthe script–yet it remained the same.

Yarram kicked 2.4 (16), but Heyfield was just as wasteful, kicking 0.5 (5).

Kayleb Pearce, Levi Munns, Matt Clavarino, captain Griffin Underwood, Thomas Sheedy and Jake McFarland were highlights for the winning side.

Brandan Manson, Liam Heasley, Rob McMillan, Dylan Patmore, Tyson Birss and Kail Hole were impressive for Heyfield.

Yarram face atough opponent to keep their season flawless this weekend, travelling to Tyers to face reigning premier Traralgon Tyers United.

The Kangarooswill surely bounce back this weekend, when they host Gormandale.

AWELL-FOUGHT fight was had in Woodside.

Sure,the Wildcats movedto4-0, but it wasn’t without atussle against Cowwarr first, winning 16.19(115) to 11.10 (76).

The Saints were up for the fight early, taking advantage of Woodside’s sometimes slow starts.

Cowwarrhad the early advantage, scoring4.4 (28) to 2.3 (15) in the opening term to force areply from the home side.

Areply is exactly what came next, as Woodside worked their way back intothe game with relative ease.

Amonster 7.6 (48) was added to the Wildcats’ total in the second term, while the Saints managed 1.2 (8), losing their lead, going down by 27 points at the main break.

There were no shortages of scoresmovinginto the secondhalf, with both sides addingtothe board consistently.

Cowwarrwon the thirdterm, kicking 3.3.(21) to Woodside’s 2.7 (19), but ultimately the margin remained above four kicks out of reach.

Woodside put the gamebeyonddoubt in the final quarter, kicking fivemajors to three to take another four points, home by 39 points.

MattDyke, Daniel Farmer (five goals), Josh Morgan, Mark Collison, Ryan Foat and Thomas King all contributed to the Wildcats win.

Cowwarr’s Haydn Hector, Connor Cook, Ben Coffey, Jackson Davison,Nick Twomey and Brady Hood were valiant in defeat.

Woodside are one of three teams to have the bye this weekend. Cowwarr will look to get on the winner’s list for the first time in 2024 when they host Rosedale.

SALE CITY are back on track.

The Bulldogs recovered their woes of last week, pumping Glengarry 14.19 (103) to 4.6 (30).

Afree-flowing first term saw eight goals, six of whichwentthe way of the visitors, as Sale City held a27-point quarter time lead.

The Bulldogs kept the Magpies goalless on their home deck either side of halftime.Inthe meantime, Sale City went from a47-point halftime lead to a 75-point three quarter time advantage.

With the foot coming off the pedal in the last quarter, the Magpies won the quarter, kicking 2.1 (13) to 1.5 (11), to reduce the margin ever so slightly to 73 points

For the visitors, Hudson Tollner, Kaden McCulloch, Abe Schuback, Declan Scriven and Rudy Wilson helped the Bulldogs over the line in vice captain Mitch Evans' 200th game.

Glengarry’s best was Ben Truin, Jordan Thomas, Callum Mitchell, Declan Massaro, Jesse Lee and Bobby Lever-Makin.

Sale City move to 2-2 and up into the top five, while Glengarry’spercentage dipped below 50 per cent

The Bulldogswill join Woodside and Churchill with the bye in Round 5, while Glengarry travels to Yallourn North to take on theJets

THE Crocka Cup belongs to TTU.

The Bombers put on aclassydisplayatGaskin Park to send the Cougars into aspiraltostart the 2024 season, winning16.19 (115) to 8.8 (56)

Withthe added servicesofex-AFL footballers Heath Shaw and Stephen Milne, their efforts weren’t enough to dragthe home side over the line TTU was back to their best by putting Churchill to the sword in the opening term, kicking 6.5 (41) to 1.2 (8).

The Crocka Cup means so much to Churchill, as the clubs remember the lives of David ‘Crocka’ Williams, the 259-game Churchill legend, and father of seven-time Churchillbest-and-fairest, Chris ‘Squid’ Williams.

Churchill mounted their comeback, and weren’t going to go down without afight, kicking 5.3 (33) of theirown to TTU’s 2.4 (16), leaving the Cougars down by just 16 points at the half.

We had agameonour hands.

TTU had their chance once again to add to their advantage after halftime, adding fourgoals to two, seeing the margin past five goals as the third term came to aclose.

Churchill were unable to get agriponthe match in the final quarter, as the Bombers kicked four goals, keeping the Cougars goalless to stretch the margin out to 59 points by the final siren.

An all-round performancebythe Bombers saw 12 playerskickamajor. Flynn Shields (two goals), Michael Jacobsen, Hayden Willaton, Jake

Cashmore, Mitchell Mustoe and Stuart Goddard were thebestfor the Crocka Cup holders.

For Churchill, Chris ’Squid’ Williams did his dad proud, alongside Bailey Flanigan, Shaw, Brendan Holt,Jordan Fenech and Ryan Lowrie. Milne kicked two goals in his first game of the year. He visited the Gippsland region last year, playing aone-off game for Yarragon in the Ellinbank and District Football-Netball League. As for Shaw, he has made himself aregular for East Keilor in the Essendon and District Football League. He has lined up for them since 2021, but has not yet done so in 2024.

Thetwo ex-AFL players stuck around at Gaskin Park that night for asportsman night, hosted by Sale Greyhound Club's RobPopplestone. Those at the club's function rooms were treated to some great stories from the two, including a Q&A portion and auctions of signed memorabilia. TTU host Yarram this weekend, which is shaping up as an all-important fixture, while Churchill rest with their first bye of the season.

THE Jets found away

Yallourn Yallourn North registered their second win of the season, seeing off Rosedale,12.7(79) to 8.10 (58).

Both sides had their fair share of momentum in the opening half, with YYN up by nine points at quartertime. Rosedale then launched acomeback to lead by twopoints at the half.

Rosedale was fresh off the high after scoring their firstwin of the season overSaleCitylast weekend, but they were unable to keep up with the Jets for the entire four quarters in this encounter.

YYN put on another five goals to two in the third quartertoestablish a17-point bufferatthree quarter time.

The final term had some added ferocity, making it harder to score for either side. Rosedale kicked another,but the Jets kicked two, to close out 21-point winners.

For YYN, DeanMacdonald (seven goals), Ben Morrow, Dylan Bath, Lachlan Rees, Josh Keyhoe and Dylan Bentley provided the winning touch.

Rosedale’s best was SpencerFox, RileyBoyle, Luke Stuckey,Mitchell Caruana, as well as Jay and Rohan Diamond.

YYN will lookfor back-to-back wins thisweekend, hosting Glengarry –who’s only win has come against Gormandale.

Rosedale will travel to Cowwarr hoping to retur to the winner’s list.

GORMANDALE had the bye.

NORTH GIPPSLAND FOOTBALL-NETBALL LEAGUE (ROUND 4) SENIORS

ROSEDALE 1.35.5

GOALS:Rosedale:S Fox5,C Barnett 2, LSpeairs YYN: DMacdonald 7, LRees 2, DBath, MLuck,A Young

BEST: Rosedale:SFox,R Boyle,LStuckey,M Caruana, JDiamond,RDiamond YYN: DMacdonald,B Morrow,DBath, LRees, JKeyhoe,DBentley

GLENGARRY2.0 2.3 2.5 4.6 (30)

SALECITY6.3 9.8 13.14 14.19 (109)

GOALS:Glengarry:JHodges,J Thomas,R Turner,T Wilson. Sale City: RWilson 3, DScriven2,J White2,J Whitehill 2, LCarman, MEvans,O Waugh. BEST:Glengarry:B Truin, JThomas,CMitchell, DMassaro, JLee BLever-Makin Sale City: HTollner,KMcCulloch, ASchuback,DScriven, RWilson.

CHURCHILL 1.2 6.5 8.5 8.8 (56)

TTU6.5 8.9 12.14 16.19 (115)

GOALS:Churchill:B Holt 5, Stephen Milne 2, KHolt. TTU: FBrouns 2, JJacobsen 2, CMichie 2, FShields 2, Z Bastin,ZKilgower, CMacreadie,MMustoe,JNeilson, BWhite, HWillaton, JWilliams. BEST: Churchill:Chris ‘Squid’Williams,BFlanigan, Heath Shaw, BHolt, JFenech, RLowrie TTU: FShields,MJacobsen, HWillaton, JCashmore, MMustoe,SGoddard.

YARRAM 2.0 5.6 9.8 11.12 (78)

HEYFIELD 3.2 5.3 7.7 7.12 (54)

GOALS:Yarram:JoshSwift 3, AGreen, KGriffiths,BMotton, KPearce,KSutherland Heyfield: NDinsdale 2, TGraham 2, LBrown,KGraham, BManson. BEST:Yarram:K Pearce,LMunns,M Clavarino,GUnderwood,T Sheedy,JMcfarland Heyfield: BManson, LHeasley,R McMillan, DPatmore, TBirss,KHole

WOODSIDE 2.3 9.9 11.16 16.19 (115)

COWWARR 4.4 5.6 8.9 11.10 (79)

GOALS:Woodside:DFarmer5,J Williams 3, MCollison 2, LHard, TKing,LLeeson, JMorgan, LStockdale

CWhiteoak Cowwarr: LBourke 3, KHughes 3, HHector, MJohnston, TJohnston, JKirk, KStamers BEST: Woodside:M Dyke,DFarmer,J Morgan,MCollison, RFoat, TKing. Cowwarr: HHector, CCook,BCoffey,J Davison, NTwomey,BHood

RESERVES

GOALS:Rosedale:J Reid 3,WGaudion, DMaxwell YYN:TPhillips6,SSimpson 2, Jayden Mathison,H Paulet, JRedman, LRuach. BEST: Rosedale:SCallahan, AMitchell, MLazzaro, CJanssen,B Anderson, CMacleod YYN: LJikow, GPearson, SSimpson, Jayden Mathison, DWalshe, BMetcalf-Holt.

GOALS:Glengarry:CBartley,SLangley,AMay,T May, LNoble Sale City: BSandeman2,J Sandeman 2, JClarke,CJohnson, MReid BEST: Glengarry:J Bassi, MTulloch, JKesper,H Bishop,CPeck, A Russell Sale City JClarke,BSandeman, CJohnson, JJones,DBird, TLock

GOALS: Churchill:J Whykes 3, BWight 2, DBlair,MCameron, SWhittle TTU: Not supplied BEST: Churchill:S Whittle,B Wykes,B Wight, JWykes,MPonton, Chris ‘Willow’Williams TTU: WCurtain, R Massaro, TBusch, RMurdoch, BPoel

GOAL:Yarram:Lucas Farley Heyfield: BDinsdale 3, SHumphreys3,I Wheeler 2, MCasella, LHewish, JKuhnell,EPhelan-Penson BEST:Yarram:J McDonald,SHarvey, ALucas,MMcMahon, JJames,L Farley Heyfield: EPhelan-Penson, SHumphreys, IWheeler,DBriggs,BDinsdale,SDonahoe

GOALS:Woodside:Z Richards 10, BAskew 2, CHanning 2, EHaynes2,D Mckean 2, BCrockford, KHanning,HMcLeod, BReed, Chris Whiteoak Cowwarr: CFarley,LMeany,J Moon, HZee-verner BEST:Woodside:Z Richards,K Hanning,R Pepper,E Haynes,HMcLeod,Chris Whiteoak Cowwarr: L Meany, DCooper,JMoon, NFarley,JPryde,T Paulet.

GOALS:Rosedale:BSyme7,H

KDoble,NHeathcote, ELogan, DRoss,B Waller YYN:

: NHeathcote, HRowley,BSyme,JMurray, HBerry, KDoble YYN: JKaschke, TWhite, O Janes,H King,J Weir,JBiliew

(31)

Glengarry:E Roscoe 2, LGreenhill,AHawkins

NRand 3, LKnight BEST:Glengarry:C Whitehead,SDarby, HYoung,JMoloney,LGreenhill,F Blizzard. Sale City: BWilson,L Knight, JReid,N Wilson, DCrowson, NRand

(27)

2, JStimson 2, NWasalski2,H Whateley 2, JColaciello,S Moon, MNoble,B Selwyn, T Tangi. BEST:Churchill:T Dicorato, JGina, MGrimes,HBerechree,LHecker,W Towers TTU: TCrosby, NLeslie, TTangi, SMoon, TCooper,H Whateley

GOALS: Yarram:L Crawford, unknown. Heyfield: JMcDiarmid 6, JPettigrew Hughes 5, CRonan 3, JChristian 2, CDwyer,LDwyer,J Hanratty, BMeli. BEST:Yarram:N Daldy, CEarles,LRobers,W Brunton, FEdwards,JSheedy Heyfield: JHanratty, JChristian, E Davies,CRonan, JPettigrewHughes,JMcDiarmid WOODSIDE 7.410.917.11

COWWARR

Woodside:J Vanderveen 5, DHarrison 4, TCoulthard 2, THall 2, TBatters,C Goldman, JMattern, MMattern. BEST:Woodside:D

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

ROUND 4 SENIORS

DROUIN 2.1

SALE5.5

Saleholds

(70)

(95)

DROUIN:Goals KHermansen 4, AQuirk 2, KQuirk 2, THancock,W Papley BEST:K Quirk WPapley, AQuirk,E Morris,KHermansen,J Sandman. SALE Goals: WLeslie,T Campbell 3, B Walker 3, SLange 2, CByron, JFreeman,J Johnstone BEST: HHolmes,SLange,B Walker,D Eggmolese-Smith, WLeslie,JLeslie

MAFFRA0.6 1.8 4.11 6.17 (53)

MORWELL 1.5 5.7 7.11 8.14 (66)

GOALS MAFFRA: JMcQuillen 2, JButcher,B Tohara, AWatt, AWright. BEST: AWright, J Read,ACarr, LAllman, JBoyd, JKilloran. MORWELL Goals: BMcDonald3,BoydBailey 2, MBlewett, CMacdonald,E Smith. BEST: ZAnderson, Boyd Bailey,T Brown, AQuigley,B McDonad,T Gray.

LEONGATHA 2.2 5.4 9.6 14.8 (92)

WARRAGUL 0.4 2.6 4.7 4.7 (31)

GOALS: Leongatha:J Garnham 3, NArgento2,T Brill 2, CAlger,SForrester,W Littlejohn, T Marriott, JSchelling,A Turton, Jvan der Plight. BEST: CMaskell,A Turton, Jvan derPlight, NArgento, TMarriott, BWillis GOALS Warragul: TCrole,LGarner, CRaso,L Serong BEST: J Lewsey,T Hobbs, CRaso,I Wallace, MSmart,L Moore.

TRARALGON 0.3 3.4 5.7 10.9 (69)

WONTHAGGI 2.1 4.3 4.6 6.6 (42)

GOALS: Traralgon:JHamilton 3, DLoprese 2, CDoultree,T Marsh, KRuyters,JScholtes, J VanIwaarden. BEST: LD’Angelo,J Scholtes,J Hamilton, CLittle, CDoultree, JVan Iwaarden. GOALSWonthaggi: JThomas,NAnderson, BDuve, FO’Connor BEST: FO’Connor,Jack Blair JGilmour,ALindsay, JBates,JSchulz.

MOE 4.16.4 9.5 12.7 (79)

BAIRNSDALE 5.35.4 7.6 11.7 (73)

GOALS: Moe:H Pepper 4, NProwse3,JBalfour,JMakepeace,L McGrath, JMorrow, J Wood BEST: DKeilty, NProwse, RBaldi,H Sim, BCollings,LMulqueen Bairnsdale Goals: BMcCarrey 4, LByrne-Jones 2, JWalker 2, TBlenheim, LCloack, MEast. BEST: WMitchell,K Vickery, EEast, RStewart,T Blenheim,CHarvey.

LADDER

GOALS:Drouin:CCaddy, JDepasquale,CFleming,JKleeven, JWalsh

Fraser,NRogers,JClerks,J

CLaverty, TGlenn, ZRussell,JSweeney,SFyfe, JWestman.

SALE: MMalone,T Miller,KSchoenmaekers,J Westland

CJohnson, LCentra, STreglow, JAnnear,MMcMaster,JCantwell

: HarryBurgiel 3, WRuthberg3,JAndrews 2, EBerry2,CFelmingham, TPhillips,SRichards,T Scott, EStables BEST: TPhillips,EBerry, CHenry, HarryBurgiel,J Andrews, SRichards

Liam Durkin

SALE recordedamuch-needed win in Round 5ofthe Gippsland League.

The Magpies made the trip to Drouin and returned with all they wanted -awin, no matter how ugly.

The match was everybit adanger game for Sale, who entered with twoconsecutive lossesunder their belt, against an opposition that is traditionallyvery hard to beat at home.

Drouin showed exactly that in the first half,asboth teams wentinto the sheds withsix goals on the board, separated by only three points.

Sale put the foot down in the third quarter, adding nearly as many goalsastheir firsthalf effort.

Having established a20-point lead at three quarter time, the match had the makings of one that could go down one of three paths: Drouin rally home, Sale kick away, or nothing much changes.

With two of those options working to the benefit of the visitors, they selected the last one, and led by virtually the same amount at fulltime as they had 30 minutes earlier.

Goals were shared by the winners, withWill Leslie kicking four, Tom Campbell three, and Bohdi Walker three.

Walker, Will Leslie and Jack Leslie,who willplayhis 50th senior game when he next takes the field, were listed in the best. Hudson Holmes and Shannen Lange also playedwell,asdid Derek Eggmolesse-Smith.

As football has away of keeping yougrounded,that connotation might have been seen in Eggmolesse-Smith. Just threeyears ago he was playing for Richmond on the MCG, last Saturday he was having akick on good old Drouin Rec Reserve. Drouin’s best were Kye Quirk, WillPapley, Aden Quirk, Ed Morris, Kaleb Hermansen and Jacob Sandman, an ironic twist perhaps given the same initials and very similar sounding name of former Sale 100-gamer Jordan Sandeman.

MAFFRA narrowly missed recording their first win of the season.

By contrast,their Morwell opponents breathed abig sigh of relief after the game, after getting up 8.14 (62) to 6.17 (53) at the Eagles’ nest. In agame described as entertaining despite the inaccuracy on display, Morwellstavedoff asecond halfonslaught from Maffra to win by nine points. It appeared howfar Morwell when the Tigers had five goals to one on the board at the main break,however, Maffrawas able to claw their way back into the contest.

The Eagles certainly had their chances to win as well.

The home sideflipped the script in the second half, getting their running game going, all the while forcing Morwell to take aslow and timid approach.

Only three goals separated the sides at the last change, and for most of the final term, the Tigers defencewas well and trulyunder siege.

Maffracamehard, and agoal to John Butcher grabbing the ball out of the ruck at the 10 minute mark reduced the margin to 12 points.

Alongrange effortfrom Brodie Tohara breaking clear from stoppage ashort time later made it just one goal the difference, before Butcheragainfound himself with ascoringopportunity at the 15 minute mark after accepting a pass from Alex Carr on aslight angle on the netball court side.

Taking his time, the former Port Adelaide forwardsent a trademark wobbly punt on its way, but it hit the post halfway up. By this stage, Morwellhad not scoreda goal since the five minute mark of thethird quarter, and when their leading forward Brandon McDonald wasmet frontonbyMaffra hard nut Danny Butcher as the clock nearedred time, the Tigers’ avenue to goal became seemingly harder.

Morwell benefitedfroma reversed decision at the 18 minute mark, which was crucial as Maffra captain Daniel Bedggood had just taken amarkoncentre wing.

The resultant play saw the Tigers takethe ball forward, where playing-coach Boyd Bailey found himself with space inside 50.

His kick went wide of the goal face, but an ever-alertMcDonald had the presence of mindtotake aslidingmark before it wentout of bounds.

Having just been met by the Butcher freight train, McDonald showed tremendous composure to snap aclutch goal on his left foot to give Morwellbreathing space by way of 11 points.

The Tigerslived lifeonthe edge from thereasthe Eaglesthrew every punch they could, but the visitors were able to force enough stoppages to kill crucial seconds off the clock, whicheventually sounded inside 27 minutes.

Zac Anderson and Boyd Bailey were named best-on for the winners. Tyler Brown was also industrious, as was captain Aidan Quigleyand Tom Gray, while McDonald kickedthree goals.

Maffrawas well-served by Ashton Wright, James Read, Alex Carr, Lachlan Allman, Jonathan Boyd and Jett Killoran, who has strung anumberofgood weeks together.

THE importance of being able to kick on your left foot was never more evident than in the game between Moe and Bairnsdale.

The last three goals of the match were slotted by players using the superior foot, the last of which saw Moe cling on to win by one solid goal, 12.7 (79) to 11.7 (73).

Ahigh-scoring opening term saw nine goals kicked, much to the credit of thoseinvolvedas the startofthe match was played out with atricky south-westerly breeze blowing across Ted Summerton Reserve.

Things tightened up from there, so much so the visiting Redlegs only managed one behind for the second term. Moe held some ascendancy during the third, and wentinto the last change with ahandy 11-point lead in the context of the game.

The Lions kicked three goals in the last quarter, but had to dig deep to find them. So deep in fact, they didn’t come until well into red time, and after Bairnsdale had hit the front.

Asquaring ball from Tom Blenheim found Jonah Walker, who juggled acontested mark 16 minutes into the last. The set shot, from 40 metres out straight in front at the scoreboardend was true, and saw the visitors ahead by one point.

TheLions responded through Harri Sim,who got the ball from astoppage inside 50, and showcasing expert vision, handed it off to Jacob Balfour who slotted agoal on his left from closerange to hand Moe back the lead.

Bairnsdale however did not let up, and responded themselves ashort time later in similar circumstances when Blenheim barged his way through astoppage and found enough space to mongrel the ball through on his left.

Fromthe next centrebounce, Moe wasable to force the ball forward, and kept doing so right to the goal line.

Ashot fromBalfour, (thistime on his right) looked on target in the Can Bar pocket, but the ball dropped literally on top of the packofplayersformed almost on the goal line.

That the ball actuallystayed in play was aminor miracle, but opportunisticforward Harry Pepper was awake to the situation,snappingthe ball through after it had come to ground for his fourth of the afternoon.

The Lions then took enough minutes off the clock, before the siren sounded at 31 minutes.

Moe playing-coachDeclan Keilty was again acolossus down back,and had LukeMulqueen for company. Prowse kicked threegoals, while leaders Sim and Riley Baldi were prominent. WingerBryce Collings also rated amention.

Will Mitchell, Kieran Vickery,

Ethan East, RandallStewart, Blenheim and CooperHarvey were best for Bairnsdale. TRARALGON made it three wins in arow. The Maroons overcame a determined Wonthaggi, getting the points in asomewhat dour 10.9 (69) to 6.6 (42) encounter. Amazingly, last Saturday was Traralgon’s first day game at Terry Hunter Oval for the season.

The Maroons may have taken time to adjust to the red four piece, as they kicked as many goals in the last quarter as they had in the preceding three. The five goals that did come in the final term allowed the home side to break away and eventually win by 27 points. Up until then howeverithad been an arm wrestle, with just 10, five and seven points separating the sides at each break.

Traralgonwas the superior side in the second half all things considered, evidencedbyaseven goal to two showing.

Josh Hamilton kicked three goalsand was among the best for the winners, as was Luis D’Angelo, Joel Scholtes, Conor Little, Chance Doultree and Jacob Van Iwaarden. Wonthaggi, who started the season withthree straight losses comingoff the back of a GrandFinal appearancelast year, might slowly be starting to come good.

Despite acurrent win-loss recordof1-4, the Powerhave welcomedbackafew handy players the last few weeks, and beaten aSale side that carries arguablythe strongest top six players in the competition.

Tim Knowles played his first game at the weekend and playing-coachJarrydBlair has now strungthreegamestogether, while Tom Davey is at least one player still to come back in. Fergus O’Connor,JackBlair, Jye Gilmour, Aiden Lindsay, Josh Bates and Josh Schulz were named best for Wonthaggi. THE ma tch between Leongatha and Warragulwent largely as expected.

The only small surprise to come out of the Parrots’ victory was thefinal margin, which sat at 61 points, 14.8 (92) to 4.7 (31). Leongatha’swin maintained their unbeaten record in 2024, and on current form, it is hard to see them losing agame before the halfwaymarkofthe season. Usual suspectsCadeMaskell, Tom Marriottand Ben Willis were best, along with Aaron Turton, Jake van der Plight and Nicholas Argento. Warragul found winners in Jack Lewsey, Tom Hobbs, Chris Raso, Isaac Wallace, Mitch Smart and Levi Moore.

G Gaatthheer r R Roouunnd d Gather Ga Round

Boisdale-Briagolong players Amanda Hancock, Klaudia Miller and Chellce Ward took part in the Female Football Gippsland festival of footy last Sunday. Women’s teams from across Gippsland came to Morwell for the carnival, held on the same weekend AFL players and officials stood in solidarity opposing violence against women. STORY - PAGE 26

Photo: Erika Allen