bo eo t d o e a e e e About 70 people attended the National Police Remembrance Dayservice at St Paul’s Cathedral, Sale, on Friday. The day, and service, honoured and remembered he 1 5 offi ers illed since icto ia Police was established in 1853. the 175officers killed Victoria wasestablished Story, page 9. Story,page9.
DavidBraithwaite and Erika Allen
MORE physicalactionisneeded to address erosion problems at Loch Sport insteadofstudies and designs, community members say.
State Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien said the state government had spent half amillion dollars on surveys, risk assessments, designs and funding agreementsfor the erosion problem at Loch Sport but delivered no physical action despite promising ‘immediate works’ more than two years ago.
Mr O’Brien said he had been working with the community for many yearstoget actiononerosion of the Lake Victoria foreshore and was frustrated at the government’s “dithering”.
In response to aquestion on notice in state parliament, Mr O’Brien has been advised $400,000 allocated by the government for works two years ago, had become $500,000 and had been fully expendedwith zero physical work actually undertaken.
“Thelocal community and Iare fed up with ongoing reports, surveys and consultancies when everybodyknows the solution to Loch Sport’s erosion problems is more groynes,” he said.
“The government was clearly told this in 2022
when it released akey report on the erosion problem.
“That it has taken another two years and it has still not actually done any works on the ground is adisgrace. Instead we seeitems like$43,000 spent on a‘landslide risk assessment’for one of thesanddunes.”
Mr O’Brien said the erosiononthe Lake Victoria foreshore hadnow got so bad the Seagull Drive boatramp car park was being eatenaway and a“hare-brained idea to relocatethe foreshore walking track has attracted scorn from locals”.
“Current Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos, has at least seen the problem firsthand and I’m optimistic he is trying to get action underway, but two years after former minister Lily D’Ambrosio announced the $400,000 to ‘undertake immediate works’ nothinghas been done,”hesaid.
“If we are to takethe government at itsword we now have multiple options, assessments and detailed designs, includingfor groynes in the Seagull Drive and High Dune Bluff area but we haven’t got the money for it to actually happen.
“The time for talk, surveys, consultation and the like is over. We need action.
“The governmenthas spent halfamillion dollars of taxpayers’ money and not done anything to fix
the problem. They now need to get on with it and address this issue once and for all.”
In his response to Mr O’Brien’squestion, Minister Dimopoulos said the government’s current focus was to implement the immediate and short-term actions outlined in the 2022 LochSport Foreshore CoastalProcessesand Options Assessment report.
“This report was releasedatacommunity consultation event in October 2022 and outlined immediate, short-term and medium-term recommendations,” the minister responded.
“Government priority is the implementation of the sand renourishment and groyne construction to mitigate immediate risks. Long-term adaption planning will be considered alongside community andland manager consultation.”
Frustrationaboutinaction can be seeninthe issue about the relocation of aforeshore walking path.
The Department of Energy, Environment and ClimateAction is replacingthe current path, which has been affected by erosion. The new pathisbeing constructed on top of anearby cliff.
Some residentsclaim the money would be better spent on dealingwith the erosion, insteadofa new path.
Continued page 5
RAAF Base East Sale will be holding an open day on Sunday, October 20, to showcase Base operations, and highlight some of the fantastic job roles that are available on abaselikeEastSale, and within Defence at large.
This will be afree event, with tickets becoming availableabout twoweeks before the openday throughEventbrite. Ticketnumbers will be limited.
The day will run from 9am to 1pm, showcasing land and aircraft static displays, aerobatics by PC-21 aircraft, virtual reality and PC-21 training simulators, ground combat displays and much more. Food and beverage willbeavailablefor purchase on the day.
For more information in the lead up to the open day email esl.aboc@defence.gov.au
Further details, including ticketing and event program, will be releasedclose to the event via Defence and local community social media avenues.
AVIATORSfrom No.30(CityofSale) Squadron completed a15or30kilometre pack march at the Dutson Air Weapons Range last month,designed to test their physical and mentaltoughness and raise money for charity.
The Beaufighter March is named in recognition of the squadron’s association withthe Bristol Beaufighter Aircraft since the delivery of the first Beaufighter in June 1942.
The 30Sqn Beaufighters were part of the Allies successful strikes on Japanese convoys during the Battle of the Bismarck Sea.
Those participating were required to complete the march within aset time limit, with the route taking in most of the Dutson Air Weapons Range.
The Dutson range was selected, noting its long history supporting gunner, rocketry and both high explosive and practice bombing activities by aircraft including Canberras, Mirages, F111s and Skyhawks.
Dutson continues to be used today for all manner of ground training activities.
Planned and run by the 30Sqn physical fitness instructors, the Beaufighter March was ahuge success,challenging all those who participated, and providing an opportunity for individuals to test themselves against the clock.
Members new to 30Sqn in 2025 will be given the opportunitytoattempt the pack march when it is conducted again in the new year.
MEMBERSofthe RAAFBase East SaleSergeants Mess raised $859 for Legacy over the courseofthe last 12 monthsthrough dining-in fundraisers for charities that assistthe welfare of past and present serving members families.
THE Dutson Training Area will be active from October 1to31for field training exercises.
These activitiesmay involve pyrotechnics, military explosives, live andblank ammunition. Explosions and gunfire may be heard.
Publicrecreational usage of LakeWellington will not be affected by these exercises.
IN the interestofpublic safety, notification is given that access to the Dutson Training Area is prohibited.
The Dutson Training Area is an active weapons range,and presents asignificant hazard to all people within the range boundaries.
The hazard not only exists during range activationfor weapons exercises,but also during timesof inactivity. This is due to high levels of unexploded ordnance; muchofwhich is in an unstablecondition.
Bombcratering belowthe waterline presents another significant hazard.
The Gippsland community has been reminded it is an offence under Section 89 and 89A of the Commonwealth Crimes Act to trespass on Defence land and to discharge firearms on or over Commonwealth land.
TheDutsonrangeboundariesare are depicted in theimage on the right.
For moreinformation phone Dutson range control on 0429 402 049.
409 (City of Sale) Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets are now recruiting for 2025.
If you’re turning12(and in year seven)to16years of age in 2025 and have an interest in aviation, STEM, leadership and personal development, bushcraft, or just want to make new friends, we’re keen to have you join our ranks.
409Sqn will be holding an open day on Tuesday, October 29, from 7pm to 8.30pm at RAAF Base East Sale. To register attendancevisit forms.office.com/r/ X13yvdRNfi
For more information about the Australian Air Force Cadets or submit an expression of interest to join, visit www.airforcecadets.gov.au
David Braithwaite
THE end of the duplication of the PrincesHighway between Sale and Traralgonisfinallyinsight,with another milestone recently reached.
Major Road Projects Victoriatold the Gippsland Times it wasontarget to have two lanes each way along the lengthofthe upgrademymid-November
The final traffic switch on the upgrade has been completed, with traffic flowing in both directions under the Kilmany Rail Bridge.
The Princes Highway upgrade has successfully moved traffic onto the final 1.2-kilometre section of the new eastbound lanes that run under the bridge.
"Thismarks the finaltrafficswitch forthe project, withvehicles now travelling on the newly-completed 12km of lanes built as part of the third and final stage of the Princes Highway East upgrade," the MRPV spokesperson said.
"Major works on the upgrade are nearing completion with crews focusing on final asphalting, line marking and landscaping. Drivers will notice more lanes open and speedincreases as sections are finished."
Following the switch, crews have been working to remove redundant sections of the old highway, and complete final asphalting, barrier works and line marking between Velore and Maffra-Rosedale Rds, including at the intersections.
To keep drivers and work crews safe, there will be short traffic holds, lane and speed reductions, and increased traffic management in place along sections of the Princes Highway until November.
Delays of up to 10 minutes may be experienced.
Access for emergency services and to residential properties will be maintained during these works.
The MRPV spokesperson said drainage throughoutthe Kilmany Rail Bridge underpass and across the project had been consistently monitored and addressed.
When the old rail underpass and embankments was demolishedinMay, crews discoveredthe area around the northernend of the new rail bridge was prone to flooding, due to the type of soil in the area,whichdidn't absorband disperse water well.
"We've since taken measures to rectify the situation, including installing additional drainage and strengthening the pavement and the ground underneath the new road," aMRPV spokesperson said "Thisisthe final stage of the Princes Highway East Upgrade, which has added 43km of additional lanes along Princes Highway East between Traralgon and Sale."
Switching of traffic at Kilmany is the latest milestone as duplication of the highway heads towards along-awaited conclusion. The first two stages of the project began in 2010 and were completed in 2017, with the third and final stages ongoing for the past three years.
Works at Kilmany, part of the third stage, have centred on a95-metre long, single-span steel arch rail bridge and aservice road for the small town.
David Braithwaite
THE number of criminal incidents in Wellington Shire rose 4.2 per cent for the year to June 30, the latest crime statistics has shown.
The data released last week showed Wellington recorded 3120 criminal incidents over the 2023-24 financial year, compared to 3251 for the previous 12 months.
Charges were laid in 40.7per cent(1322) of criminal incidents, 29.1 per cent (945) had no charges laid, while 30.3 per cent (384) were unsolved.
Most of the incidents occurredinSale, with 1678 during 2023-24 (up from 1540 in 2022-23), while there were 256 in Maffra (down from 286), 245 in Yarram (up from 232), 184 in Rosedale (down from 181) and 136 in Heyfield (up from 110).
The number of family violence orders breaches rose from 392 to 456, with 345 incidents of criminal damage(up from 288), 145 thefts from motor vehicles (up from 142), 220 other thefts (up from 202) and 208 common assaults (down from 211).
Sexual assault decreased from 164 in 2022-23 to 141 in 2023-24.
Wellington's rate of criminalincidents per 100,000 population is of 6996.5, above the state rate of 5885.5.
Latrobe and East Gippsland were also above the state rate. Latrobe recorded 8242 incidents in 2023-24, an 10.4 per cent increase, and East Gippsland 3438, an increase of 13.6 per cent.
Baw Baw recorded 3017 incidents (up 14.8 per cent), Bass Coast 2057 (up 14.2 per cent) and South Gippsland 1441 (up 8.5 per cent). All three of these local government areas were underthe state average.
The number of offences recorded in Wellington rose by 11 per cent to 4494 -53.8per cent (2682) resulted in an arrest or summons, where 21.8 per cent (1086) were unsolved.
Breach of family violence order offences rose from 778 to 1144, criminal damage offences increased from 363to448,drug possession offences were up from 131 to 196, while common assault offences were down from 231 to 228.
FEDERAL shadow Agriculture minister and Nationals leaderDavid Littleproudwill meet with farm leaders during this week’s two-day tour of Gippsland. Mr Littleproud was invited to the region by Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and will visit primary industry representatives in Maffra, Sale, Bairnsdale and the Latrobe Valley.
“As we form agriculture policies ahead of the next federal election, it’s agood opportunity to showcase our region’s strengths in the sector and highlight the concerns we have with the direction being taken by the Albanese government,” Mr Chester said.
“Our region has aproudhistoryasa provider of high-qualityfood and fibrebut we needthe government of theday to get the economic and regulatory settings right to ensure our farmingfamilies remainviable and have along-term future on the land.”
WOODSIDE, Seaspray, Lakes Entrance and surf
lifesaving culture enjoyed amajor showcase in the latest episode of Backroads,aired on the ABC last Tuesday. The series sees journalist and presenter Heather Ewart visit remote towns and regions and meet their communities.
The 90 Mile Beach-focused episode saw lifesavers talk about the friendships they make as well as their skills that are seen favourably by employers. And of course,there’s the carnivals and the Nippers.
But they also talk about the dangers with the storm surgesand high tides, with Woodside Beach Surf Life Saving Clubpresident Travis Dillow telling the ABC the lifeguards have had to do up to 15 “saves” in one day because of flash rips.
Ms Ewart said the surflifesaverwas an Aussie icon.
“And nowhere more so in the little towns all along 90 Mile Beach,” she said.
Ms Ewart wanted to find out if the 90 Mile Beach “really was acommunity or just astring of towns”. “Is there anything that connects them beyond the surf and the sand?”
There are plenty of local legends featured. How manyfamous places-orfamous faces -can you spot in theepisode?
State Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien praised the episode.
“It was alovely snapshot of our beachtying Woodside, Seaspray and Lakes Entrance together via their surf clubs and the Nippers program and carnivals,” he said.
“As Backroads does, it highlighted the senseofcommunity in each of these locations and featured many familiar faces for those who frequent the beach!”
Watch the episode on ABC iView.
PhilipHopkins
GERMANtechnology and manufacturinggiant
Siemens is gearing up to take part in alarge electricity terminal and green hydrogenproject in Gippsland thatwould take power from the extensive wind farms planned offshore in Bass Strait.
The company described the project as “supporting the once-in-alifetime”energy transition in Gippsland.
Amassive parcel of landhas been set aside on the Gippsland coast to house the electricity terminal and ahydrogen plant that would process the power from the wind farms.
The idea is that when excess generation occurs, it would provide alow-cost solution for producing green hydrogen.
The companysaidelectricity accounted for about 70 per cent of the costs to produce green hydrogentoday. The hydrogencouldbeused to help de-carbonise hard-to-abate sectors such as transport in Gippsland.
Siemenshydrogen executive general manager Andrew McCluskey said hydrogen was one part of the future for the region, which he described as “exciting”.
“Therewill be billions of dollars’ worth of economic opportunities associated with the offshore wind farmscoming onshore,” he told the Gippsland Times
Mr McCluskey said the project signalleda continuation of its very long involvement with the Latrobe Valley.
“Overa century ago, in 1911, Siemens’ consulting engineers advised the state of Victoria that the Latrobe Valley in Gippsland should be the state’s electricity hub, including advising Sir John Monash on generation,” he said.
“Our technology has supported provided energy to the state since the beginning, but now it’s time to support the energy transition –that’s offshore wind, battery storage, hydrogen,low emissions transport and more. As the largest industrial software, automation and electrification company, our technologycan play asubstantive roleinsupporting the next stage of the region.”
Mr McCluskey said in Germany, the town of Wunsiedel was an example of aregion redefining itself in the energy transition withanindependent energy systembased exclusivelyonrenewables and hydrogen.
“Wunsiedel, in Bavaria, produces 100 per cent carbon-neutral power and heat, and has created jobs andposterity. The German town features almost theentireSiemens portfolio, ranging from digital software to medium and low voltage equipment, automation and controls, and arange of smartinfrastructure technologies, including fire alarms and extinguishing systems, charging infrastructure, andmore,” Mr McCluskey toldthe Gippsland Times
The Gippsland project –the terminal project,
the hydrogen facility -had yettobeconfirmed by VicGrid,but Siemens was keen to partner with developerstoprovide “best-in-class” technology, he said.
VicGridisnow finalising the routefor the75 kilometres of transmission lines that will link electricity from the onshore terminal to the power grid in the Latrobe Valley, and negotiating with affected farmers and landowners.
Mr McCluskey said the proposedhydrogenplant aimed to produce agreen molecule at low cost.
“There is apotential 26 gigawatts of generation offshore. At times the full 26GWwill not be required by the grid.Excess windenergy can potentiallybe used to charge large-scale energy storage systems and to create green hydrogeninstead of being switched off or sold to the grid for low and even negative costs,” he said.
“The stored energy then gives flexibility and stability and can be used for transport,even generating powerondemand through afuel cell or gas turbines that are running on 100 per cent hydrogen. This technology is available today.”
Mr McCluskey said there were many technological and energy opportunities in Gippsland. These included offshore wind, the terminal, battery energy storage, the waste-to-energy plant in the Latrobe Valley and even sustainable aviation fuel.
However, hydrogenalone wasnot the ‘silver bullet’.
“A hydrogen industry will be part of acomplimentary mix of outcomes,”MrMcCluskey said –a
catalyst, for example, forakelp industrythat could be developed offshore around these new offshore wind turbines. This could help with carbon offsets.
“Kelphelps reduce pollution by absorbing excess nutrients likenitrogenand phosphorous.Kelp forests also reduce coastal erosion by acting as naturalcoastal buffers by dissipatingwave energy,” he said.
“If we produce enough hydrogen at low enough cost by harnessing excess wind energy, we can start exporting it to countries like Japan and Korea,” Mr McCluskey said.
In September,the federal government launched Australia’s new national hydrogen strategyand signed anew bilateral auction agreement with Germany underthe H2Globalmechanismfor $660 million of shares investmentinAustraliahydrogen projects.
“Rotterdam will be the funnel for Europe, which has a40per cent deficit in their hydrogen needs today, let alone if they need it also for power generation and transport. Global demand for hydrogen is expected to grow by 63 per cent by 2030. Energy consumption is projected to tripleby2050,”Mr McCluskey said.
Mr McCluskey said Gippsland wasrich with resources, with great potential to contributetothis growing global demand for acleaner energy future.
“Gippsland was instrumental in electrifying the state of Victoria,” he said, adding the region was now “in the box seat”.
From page 1
Resident Eileen Patchell,aformer member of the foreshore committee, said the new path was “ridiculous”,and that the communityhad labelled it the “goattrack”aspeoplewould traverse it with “great difficulty”.
“No-one will use it,” Ms Patchell told the Gippsland Times
Ms Patchell recently walked the area planned forthe path with seven DEECA representatives, and provided them with local perspectives. Ms Patchell said the DEECAstaff wouldn’t listen, and are going ahead withthe project, despite some local opposition.
“DEECA are building apaththat could be washed away before doing anything to mitigate the erosion,” she said.
Ms Patchell said the erosion was ongoing and getting worse, and groynes, as amitigative solution, should have been in place for 20 years.
ADEECA spokesperson told the Gippsland Times designs for the walking track retreat were provided to theLochSport Foreshore Committee of Management in September 2023, which replicates the existing track.
“In response to safety concerns with the track’s currentlay-out, designs positionthe pathway further up the dune,” the spokesperson said.
“DEECA dedicated $30,000 to the committee in May 2024 based on the quotesthat were obtained.
“We will continue to work closely with the committee on the proposeddesign. However, if prevailing community sentiment is that the track is not viable, the use of the $30,000 can be revised.”
DEECAhas co-contributed $200,000 for sand nourishment at Seagull Drive via aVictorian Common Funding Agreement with Gippsland Ports which is currently undertaking planning for these works.
Since 2022,DEECA has investedmorethan $300,000 –including design worksfor the recommendationsinthe 2022 LochSport Coastal Processes Options Assessment, as well as the $200,000 co-contribution for Seagull Drive sand renourishment.
Daylight saving starts at 2amSundaymorning. Remember to turn your clocks and watches FORWARD an hour before going to bed on Saturdaynight
Daylight saving continues in Victoria until Sunday, April7.
THE state opposition is claiming the government is treating Victorians “like fools” by blaming the condition of our roads on “repeated flooding” and “unprecedented rainfall”.
Shadow roads and roadsafetyministerand Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien said roads were crumbling due to funding cuts and neglect –not freak weather events.
State budget papers indicate the area of road subject to resurfacing or rehabilitation had fallen from nine million square metres two years ago to three million this financial year.
That comes after the government undertook 343,000 square metres of works during the 2023-24 financial year. The opposition claims the roads maintenance budget is 16 per cent less now than it was in 2020.
Mr O’Brien said these figures contradicted the claim the weather was to blame forthe state of roads.
“Successive years of budget cuts have left our roads in adirestate and reductions in the resurfacing and rehabilitation program will only see our roads get worse in future,” he said.
“Re-sealing protects the road network against water penetration that causes potholes and damaged roads. By not doing thisessential preventive maintenance, Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister Melissa Horne are creating amaintenancetimebomb that will explode on
Victorians in comingyears.”
Mr O’Brien saidindependenttransport and infrastructureexpert Marion Terrill, put it best by
saying “it’s like if you don’t get afilling, you’regoing to need an expensive root canal down the line”.
“These figures just highlight the drastic budget cuts that have seen our roads deteriorate dramatically over the past few years to apoint where the government’s own survey last year revealed 91 per cent of roads were in poor or very poor condition,”
Mr O’Brien said.
“Notsurprisingly, the government has confirmed that almost 1200 Victorians have lodged claims for damagecaused by dodgy roads lastfinancial year alone.”
Agovernment spokespersonsaidrepeated flooding and above-average rainfall caused unprecedented damage to Victorian roads which meant the government’s maintenance program needed to focus on rebuilding damaged roads last year.
“Simply resurfacing these roads would not have preventedfurther degradation,” the spokesperson said.”
Now this work to rebuild our most flood-damaged roads is complete, resurfacing levels will significantly increase during the upcoming maintenance season.
“We’ll continuethis importantwork investing $964millionintomaintainingour roads in this year alone –far exceeding the yearly average of $493 million under the previous Liberal-National government.”
Resurfacing is considered the least intensive form
of road maintenance and is just one element of the broader program -these performance measures do not capture the primary focus of last year’s program, which was major patching. It focuses on replacing the surface layers of the road to both protectthe pavement from waterdamage and fix any surface defects -itdoes not fix the root cause of potholes and pavement deterioration belowthe surface.
As aresult, resurfacing targets were lower during the last financial year and efforts focused on rehabilitating flooded roads -including major repairs to 1437 kilometres of roads impacted by flooding.
Now strengthening works are complete, resurfacing levelswillsignificantly increase duringthe upcoming maintenanceseason, in addition to ongoing repairs to flood-damaged roads.
Maintenance experts from the Department of Transportand Planning are now finalising a program of works for the upcoming maintenance season, utilising the Victorian Budget 2024-25 investment of more than $964million towards maintaining Victoria’s road assets. The majority of this funding will go towards regional roads.
The government is investing $6.6 billion into the maintenance of road assets over 10 years, as part of amulti-year funding approach.
TEACHERSand schoolsare drowning in red tape, leaving students to suffer, according to state Member for Eastern Victoria Renee Heath.
In parliament last month, Dr Heath called on the Education Minister to take immediate action to reduce excessive compliance requirements and return to afocus on essential educational priorities —reading, writing, and arithmetic.
“Oneofthe reasons that teachers are leaving the workforce is they are being stretched beyond limits …excessive red tapeisone of the issues,” she said.
Dr Heath pointed out this was severely impacting the education system.
“Schoolsand students in our region of Eastern Victoria are suffering… They are faced with chronic teacher shortages and are unable to fill positions or cannoteven, at times, find relief teachers,”she said.
According to arecent article in the Herald Sun, 3468 education positions were advertised on the government’s job portal, highlighting the scale of the problem. The shortage affects all facets of school life, with schools often merging classes,having students’study in boardrooms under the principal’s supervision,orsending students homewhen relief teachers cannot be found.
Dr Heath highlighted concerns about the regulatory burden in schools that has reached
unprecedented levels.
“In my conversations, one principal with 25 yearsofexperience told me they’ve never seen this muchred tape in education. Schools are now more concerned about meeting compliance standards and navigating political ideologies than about delivering educational outcomes for children,” she said.
In rural and remoteareas likeGippsland, the impact on students is even more severe.
Research from theGrattan Instituteshows that one-in-four Victorian students cannot read properly, with that figure rising to 50 per cent in some rural areas.
“Thirty per cent of Victorian children are not meeting education standards. This is acrisis, and it’sour children who are payingthe price,” Dr Heath said.
Dr Heath hasurged the governmenttorelieve schools of unnecessary compliance measuresso teachers can focus on preparing students for their futures.
“We must get back to basics. We need to make sureteachersare teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic, not filling out forms. The government needs to act now to restore quality educationin our schools.”
StefanBradley
SENIOR paramedics are hopingAmbulance Victoria and the state governmenttake up their proposaltomerge Maffra and Heyfield’s branches to help deal with the “unsustainable” rosters they have beenworking under.
The Victorian Ambulance Union (VAU), Ambulance Victoria (AV)and United Workers Union (UWU) last week agreed in-principle on a new enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA), but MICA paramedic andSalestation health and safety representative Glenn Lazzaro told the Gippsland Times last Tuesday that while the new deal was welcomed, it didn’t solve rostering issues affecting Gippsland ambulance response times.
“If the deal gets amajority vote, then we’ll be done as far as the EBA goes, but we’llstill be pushing (discussions) with Ambulance Victoria,” Mr Lazzarosaid
“For better health and safety and better resourcing and better public sort of outcome. Ithinkwe’re all in thesame boat there. It’s just as far as AV government and health and safety reps, we’ve just got to keep working together and hopefully get on the same page.”
Mr Lazzaro made it clear he supported the new pay deal.
“I was looking through the finer points of it, and it looks reallypromising,and Iwould be expecting that we will vote it up,” he said.
In aletter published by the Gippsland Times last month, the Maffra branch proposed asolution for the state government and Ambulance Victoria to mitigatewhatthey callthe “regionalambulance crisis” in East Gippsland.
At the moment, much of the Heyfield branch is staffed by Ambulance Community Officers (ACO), who are not fully qualified paramedics.
Heyfield usually has afully qualified paramedic during the day, with the ACOs helping out at other times.
ACOsare trained to provide advancedfirst aid in rural and remote communitieswhere the ambulance caseloadislow, the Heyfield branch is not staffed on afull-time basis or where the paramedic is not generally rostered to work with asecond paramedic.
The Maffra branchhas proposed combining with the Heyfield branchtoform ablended roster, giving the region an extra qualifiedafternoon shift to ease
the workload.
“The cost of this upgrade is well worth the investment. It would provideextra resources to relieve the pressure and improve response timesin Gippsland, provide extra resources to move patients from rural hospitals to specialist care in Melbourne, and provideasaferroster to protect the public and paramedics from the dangers of fatigue, allowing them to make it home after serving the Gippsland community. It would also double the paramedic coverage working out of the Heyfield AV branch,” the Maffra branch said.
The Maffra ambulance branch’s paramedics currentlywork a10/14 roster(two x10-hour day shifts followed two x14-hour night shifts).
AV have been moving away from this roster to ablended 10/10/12/14 pattern (two 10-hour day shifts, one 12-hour afternoon shift and one 14-hour
night shift).
Almost every other branch in Gippsland works ablended roster and the Maffra branch says “the majority of paramedics enjoy this shift pattern”.
“Maffra are happy to work a14-hour nightshift, but with the 30 per cent increase in workload and enormous distances they cover at night, it is not sustainable to continue with the two consecutive 14-hour nightshifts, with only 10 hours break in-between,” the Maffra branch said.
“There have been multiple reports from Maffra crews of fatigue and near misses in AV’s health and safety reporting system.”
Ambulance Victoria told the Gippsland Times its rosteringteam was continuing to meet with representatives of the Maffra branch and managers withinthe WellingtonShire to discuss their concerns and rostering options.
“Thewellbeing of our peopleand patientsis our highest priority, and we acknowledge the concerns raised by paramedics in theMaffrateam and will continue to work with them to address these concerns,” Gippsland regional director Ross Salathiel said.
“We have been working to design rosters that maximise ambulance availability to meet the needs of the community and minimise incidental overtime and fatigue impacts on our crews.”
AV said recently reached in-principle enterprise agreement includes improved end-of-shift management and protections to allowparamedics to finish on time and improve their experience at work.
Furthermore,AVsaiditwould continue to prioritise addressing the high levels of incidental overtime, fatigue and rostering challenges.
Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull told the Gippsland Times paramedics had corresponded with him on the rostering challenges faced in and around Maffra for along time.
“Itisa case of those in decision making positions taking note of the views of peopleonthe ground at thefront line and Iwould encourage Ambulance Victoria to take on boardthis feedback, because at the end of the day our local paramedics have our best communityhealth outcomes at heart,” Mr Bull said.
In astatement, aspokesperson for the state government said, “We value the dedicationand hard work that our paramedics do every day and we thank them for their service to the state”.
“Whilespecificoperational arrangements are amatter for Ambulance Victoria, we’re pleased Ambulance Victoria and the VAU have been able to reach an in-principle agreement that recognises the challenges our paramedics are facing including end-of-shift management,” the spokesperson said.
Providing furtherbackground, the stategovernment said that AmbulanceVictoriacontinuously reviewed its coverage across rural Victoria to ensure it is best meeting the health needs of the community by delivering more ambulance branches and doubling the size of the paramedic workforce.
The government said in rural Victoria, 15 ambulance branches were upgraded from single to dual crewing. This means two paramedics are rostered on each shift to respond to critical medical emergencies, increasing the capacity of these branches to respond to critical medical emergencies in atimely manner.
THERE’S “gold” in afeature floral art section at this year’s Sale Show, blending with the show feature focus, Gippsland gold fields.
Sale and District Agricultural Society secretary Vanessa Telfer announced that the high class floral art section would include a special blue ribbon class themed “Goldrush” with first prize $125 and second $75.
The schedule, now available, devotes six pages as an historical keepsake dedicated to the goldfields, the show featuring atactile and activegold seekers display including panning, using mining detectors, gold smelting and much more.
Family passes to Walhallla’s Long Tunnel goldmineand ridesonthe Wahalla Goldfields Railway will be given away to lucky fossickers participating in ahands-on “discovery” segment.
Prospectors and Miners Association, East Gippsland branch is organising the attraction, which runs through Friday, November 1, from 9am to 8pm and Saturday November 2until 2pm.
Associationpresident John Munn encouraged show-goers to visit the “working” goldfields exhibition in the Maclachlan Pavilion, association members ready to answer questions.
Mr Munn said his branch had 100 members and regularlyheldprospecting outingsin bothGippslandand northern Victoriaand members at the display welcomed questions about fossicking, with meetings on the last Thursday of the month at StratfordRSL Hall
Included in the schedule are twopages of Sale’s goldfields role by local historian Peter Synan, who writes,thatconsumedbydreams of wealth, the town’s population quadrupled to more than 2000 in adecade as Sale, spurred by gold discoveries, supported new shops, coach work,banks,and transport teams of horses and bullocks and most astonishing of all, ten new hotels adding to the existent Turf, Club and Royal Exchange.
THE official launch of anew initiative, in which volunteersprovide free trishawbikerides to those who are unable to cycle by themselves, edges ever closer as Cycling Without Age Gippsland reaches another milestone.
Fromhumblebeginnings in Denmark to an international phenomenon operating in more than 40 countries, Cycling Without Age is bringing joy, onetrishaw bike ride at atime.
Since arriving in Australia in 2016, the charity thataddresses social isolation and community engagement for the elderly and those with limited mobilityhas grown to more than45chapters nationwide.
Cycling Without Age Gippsland is Australia’s newest chapter,with local federal MP Darren Chester leading the initiative as honorary president.
“Takinginspiration from aworldwide movement, agroup of locals has formed the new Cycling Without Age chapter,and Ihave been elected
as the inaugural chair of Cycling Without Age Gippsland and given the responsibility to help trial the concept,” Mr Chester said.
“It’s anot-for-profit charity that providesacommunity service by connecting thosenolonger able to ride for themselves with their community and the outdoors by giving them free rides on trishaw e-bikes, piloted by volunteer cyclists.
“The state-of-the-art trishaws are purpose-built for thesafetransportationofpassengers,and this is the first opportunity to bring this program to towns across Gippsland.”
Cycling WithoutAge Gippsland is on trackto develop amobile service for Sale, Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance before the end of this year, having successfully acquired its first trishaw, with aplan to purchaseanother trishaw and acustom-built trailer.
Most recently, Cycling Without Age Gippsland committee members treasurer-secretaryCarolynne Rankcom and Zoe Askew underwent trishawpilot
trainingwith the team at Cycling Without Age Westernport.
“Obviously, safety is our number one priority, and we will be training all our volunteers to make sure our passengershave the bestpossibleexperience,” Ms Rankcom said.
“Just seeing the smiles on the faces of the passengersatthe Westernport service has inspired us even further, and we are increasing our fundraising efforts.”
The group has already raised in excess of $35,000 with the support of local businesses and community groups and is encouraging locals to make acontribution through acommunity fundraising initiative.
To donate visit chuffe d.or g/ project/112484-cwa-gippsland
Anyone interested in registering to train as a volunteer pilotcan email Cycling Without Age Gippsland at cwagippsland@gmail.com
Stefan Bradley
THERE wasa sombre mood at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Sale for theNational Police Remembrance Day service on Friday morning.
All stood as the Police colors were paraded into the church, which was attended by about 70 people.
After an introduction by Police Reverend Kate Campbell, Acting Superintendent Matt Gleeson welcomed everyone,and paid tributetoformer Western Australian policecommissioner Brian Bull AO APM.Commissioner Bull, who diedin 2021, said the following in 1998, which was read out by Inspector Gleeson:
“Law enforcement is auniqueprofession that should promote pride in service and dedication to duty, fostering asenseofcamaraderie among police officers throughout Australasia, the South-West Pacific and beyond.
“A National Police Remembrance Day for police officers killed in the line of duty encourages police officers andtheir families to honour the memory
of colleagueswho have given their lives in the service of community. It focuses public attention on the officesofpolice forces throughout Australia, whose responsibility are to engage public peace and good order.
“It reminds us of all the difficulties they face in bearing these responsibilities.”
After Rev Campbell’s prayer, the policemembers in the cathedral stood and said the Prayer of Commitment together:
“Help us to be apersonalexample of thehonesty, the goodness and the justice which is our duty to maintain,and grant thatyour actions will inspire in our community,confidence in its Police Officers,” the commitment said, in part.
WellingtonLocal Area Commander, Inspector Mel McLennan took the stand for the first Bible reading -aselected reading from Psalm 37.
Senior Sergeant Paula Linford was very emotional and struggled to get through the Police Ode -atruly sombre occasion clearly struck achord.
“We will remember “We will remember
“Hasten the dawn.”
Acting Inspector Wayne Rothwell read the Roll of Honour, which was the names of police members who had diedin-service, including14Victoria Police members since September 19, 2023. Then, Sergeant Rod Gillow read ‘I Am (Remembrance)’
All were invited to light acandle in memory of those who have died in service. Wreaths were then laid at the foot of thealtar by fourpolice members: InspectorGleeson on behalf of the Chief Commissioner of Police, Senior Sergeant Jason Benbow on behalf of current serving police members, Inspector Robert Wallace on behalf of past serving police, and Senior Sergeant Eamon Leahy on behalf of the Police Association.
All remained standing as the colors marched out. The service had ended, but adjacenttothe church, everyone came together in Delbridge Hall to enjoy morning tea and light refreshments, and reflect on this special day.
The first National Police Remembrance Day for Australian policewas heldonSeptember 29, 1989
THREEevents will be held to mark30years since amajor upgrade at Maffra Memorial Hall. Before the works, the hall was considered a second-rate, run-down and unloved facility. Now, it’s astate-of-the-art, widely used,community facility.
The family-friendly Dr Hubble’s Bubble Show will be on Saturday, October 12, from 2pm. To access free tickets visit www.trybooking.com/CVSRJ
See andhear Professor Hurdy Gurdy’s Music Machine on Saturday, October 19, from 2pm. Afamily-friendly freeevent part of Children Week, Professor Hurdy Gurdy willbejoined by the Maffra Senior ConcertBandfor amusical journey. For tickets visit www.trybooking.com/CVSRN
The MaffraSeniorConcert Bandwill presents anotherexciting dance party with aHalloween theme and music to match on Sunday, October 27, from 2pm.
Come along in your fanciest, spookiest, fancydress. Trick or treat goody bags for all.
Entry is $6 entryper person, with ticketsat www.trybooking.com/CTYHB
Maffra Memorial Hall can accommodate any event -large,small and anything in between -and welcomes long-term hirers.
For more information visit www.mafframemorialhall.com.au or the hall’s Facebook page, or phone 5147 1366.
GIPPSLAND Grammar performing arts students are thriving as they prepare to present yet another 2024 show, 42nd Street It comes on the back of the school’s junior performanceof Moana andits senior season of Catch Me If You Can.Itisthe first time in history, Gippsland Grammar has takenonthree seasonsinone year
Gippsland Grammar performing arts director
Dr Kevin Cameron said the exciting new venture
offered more opportunities for older students and enhanced the connection between students.
“It has allowed us to build the skills, capacities and profiles of awider rangeofstudentsatdifferent points on their creative journeys,” he said.
“And from the considerable number of students expressing interest in both on-stage and off-stage roles, we have assembled acommitted andtalented teamofstudents from yearsseven to nine to bring 42nd Street to life.”
Dr Cameronsaiditwas also greathavingsenior studentsmentor and assist with choreography, directing and technical support.
Year 11 student Connor Rogalsky is supporting the production in the role of student assistant director and said he had relished the opportunity on the back of performing in CatchMeIfYou Can “42nd Street has allowed myself as an upcoming director to engage in and give back to the school,” Connor said. “And in doingsodevelop communicative and leadership skills that Ican incorporatein other theatre and external programs.”
Gippsland Grammar dance captains, year 12 students AlannaMageeand SiennaHill have also joined forces as the show’s choreographers.
“The opportunity to work on choreography has been an unforgettable experience,” Alanna said. “Dancing with younger students from the school community each week puts asmile on my face. I have loved getting to know the talented cast and cannot wait to see them shine on stage.”
Dr Cameron said he had also enjoyed working alongsideyear 11 student Kenny Goncharowwho wasoffering additional directing support. The rich experiences musical productions offer Gippsland Grammarstudents acrossthe whole school –from foundation to year 12 –far outweighs the hard work and commitment it takes to get to opening night, according to Dr Cameron. The Tony Award-winning musical 42nd Street will transport audiences to the glitz and glamour of 1930s New York. Featuring captivating tap dances,show-stopping performances, and iconicnumbers like We’re in the Money and Lullaby of Broadway,the production of 42nd Street boasts more than 45 year seven to nine students and will be shown in the senior schoolGarnsey Campus Hall on October 10 and 11. Tickets are still availablethrough Gippsland Grammar. Everyone welcome.
BRACE yourselvesfor an exhilarating and otherworldlymusical odyssey, as Australia’s acclaimed world music sensation, MZAZA, unveils its spectacular production, The Birth and Death of Stars
This breathtaking showcase is poised to break boundaries and plunge audiences into an unparalleled fusion of music, history, and culture.
MZAZA, celebrated for its mesmerizing vocals in three languages, electrifying live music, and innovative collage animation, invites all to embark on an awe-inspiring cosmicvoyage, led by some of the nation’s most diverse and gifted musicians and composers.
Blurring the boundaries between music and theatre, The Birth andDeathofStars is a
testament to the boundless creativity forged by directorBenjamin Knapton, Finnish animator Laura Matikainen, the ingenious writer Pauline Maudy, and the visionary designer, Alison Ross. Guided by enchanting French vocalist Maudy, aremarkable ensemble of musicians and songwriters hailing from diverse corners of the globe will ensnare your senses with their spellbinding performances. Brace yourself for an exquisite fusion of accordion, violin, shah kaman, percussion,double-bass, and guitar, as these virtuosos mesmerize and transport you to arealm beyond the ordinary.
MZAZA presents The Birth and Death of Stars at The Wedge, Sale,this Thursdayfrom 8pm.
Tickets cost $53 for adults, and are availableat www.thewedge.com.au
GORD Bamford is oneofCanada’s most awarded country music artists with atotal of 26 CCMA Awards.
BorninTraralgon, Gord movedtoCanada with his mum at five yearsofage following the breakdown of his parent’s marriage.
Raised in Alberta and growing up listening to his country music idols on the radio Gord set his sights on acareerincountry music.
Next year will mark his 25th year in the industry.
During that time he has released 10 studio albums and has had 28 top 10 singles, one platinumalbum, two gold albums, one platinum single and seven gold singles in Canada.
Gordhas achieved in excess of 100 million streams in 179 countries andfive billionglobal audience impressions at radio and he remains to this day one of Canada’s hardest working touring artists, performingbetween 100and 200shows per year pending his album release cycle.
He nowregularly tours Europe as wella Australia.
Gordwillbeperforming at the Morwell Hotel on Thursday, October 24, from 7pm as part if
Just Gettin’ Started Australian tour.
“Bringing my new music to Australia has been sitting at the top of my wish list for along time,” he said.
“I am so happy and excitedtonow have opportunity to tour and to connect with Australian audiences again. To be able to visit the country of my birthand to play my music is agift thatmeans so much to me.
“The showsin2023wereall amazing and Ican’t wait to come back down under in October 2024.”
Also performingatthe MorwellHotel will be Golden Guitar award winner for best new talent Max Jackson. For tickets visit www.gordbamford.com
STEP into the world of musicroyalty withelectrifying Michael Jackson show, Moonwalker This thrilling spectacle pays homage to the King of Pop Michael Jackson,capturing the essence of his legendary career and iconic dance moves. The show is amesmerizing journey through his greatest hits, with the incredible Paul Rizzo.
Rizzo was namedinthe world’s top five Jackson tributes in 2002byAmerican network BET (Black Entertainment Television) before attaining thetop position.
Moonwalker is anostalgic celebration that transports audiences back to the era of the “Gloved One”, reminding us all why Michael Jackson will forever be the King of Pop.
Moonwalker willbeperformed at The Wedge, Sale, on Thursday, October 17, from 8pm.
Tickets cost $53 for adults, and are available at www.thewedge.com.au
ONE POINTERS
1. What nationality is the singer Rihanna?
2. What is the name of the main primate in the Planet ofthe Apes reboot series?
3. Apolygraph is informally known as what?
4. In which film does Bruce Willis’ character say the catch phrase ‘yippie ki-yay’?
TWOPOINTERS
5. Warsaw is the capital of what country?
6. What is the largest countryonEarth?
7. What Musical group was Robbie Williams once a member of?
8. What is the callsign for ‘H’ in the phonetic alphabet? THREE POINTERS
9. Who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars Trilogy?
10 What is Rupert Murdoch’sgiven first name?
11. What American state does not see the sun for around 2months each year
12 What was Indiana Jone’sfirst name? FOUR POINTERS
13 What action-movie actor became the governor of California in 2003
14. What part of awine bottle is the punt? FIVE POINTER
15 I’ll give you the landmark, and you give me the city it is found in? One point for each answer 1. Statue of Liberty 2. The Leaning Tower 3. The Kremlin 4. Golden Gate Bridge 5. Christ the Redeemer
Howtoplay... Using the 9letters in the grid, howmany wordsoffour letters or morecan you list? The centreletter must be included and each lettermay be used onlyonce No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural wordsending in ‘s’. Solution page31
WITH Rural Road Safety Month coming to an end, the latest road toll data has raised alarm bells for families hitting the roads these school holidays.
Thisyear's road tolltodatehas risen by eight per cent.
Tragically,the number of children aged up to seven years who havebeen lost to road trauma has more than doubled, with 15 fatalities in 2024 so farcompared to seven in 2023.Mostofthese fatalities occurred in regional areas, and 12 of the 15 were passengers.
Following a33per cent increase in fatal crashes on Victorian rural roads last year, the Australian RoadSafetyFoundation (ARSF) has released research to help drive downthe heightenedrisk in regional areas.
Conductedaspart of the launchofthisyear’s Rural Road Safety Month, the new ARSF data has shown an alarming trifecta of individual attitudes towards risk, consequence and overall lack of rural road safety resilience may be fuelling fataland serious incidents.
Despite being less populated areas, almost sixin-10(59 per cent) fatalitiesrecorded in Victoria last year (175 deaths) occurred on regional roads, reaffirming the ARSF’s stance that rural road safety is acause for state concern, no matter where drivers may call home.
According to the latest ARSF research, more than nine-in-10 Victoriandrivers (95 per cent) have used theregional, ruraland remote road network within the past 12 months and asimilar number (89 per cent) plan to over the coming year.
The ARSF’sresearchconfirmed almosthalfof Victorians (49 per cent) admit to unsafe driving
practices on rural roads. Nearly half (45 per cent) admitted to speeding on country roads, 21 per cent acknowledgeddrivingdespite feeling fatigued, and 16 per cent are guilty of using amobile phone behind the wheel.
Melbourne-based drivers are more likely to disregardrural road safety, with athird(33 per cent)admitting that they are lessvigilant about road safety in regional areas (compared to 31 per cent of local rural drivers).
Theprimary reason Victorian drivers are breakinglawsonregional roads is that they believe it’s safe (36 per cent) but distraction (26 per cent) and not getting caught(9per cent) are also key factors.
The ARSF research has also shed light on alackof preparedness for regional road risks with astartling 86 per cent of Victorian drivers failing to check safety guidance before road trips. Additionally, many neglect essential preparations, with 66 per cent not carrying emergency supplies, 56 per cent failing to plan rest stops, and 51 per cent not checking the weather forecast.
ARSF founder and chairman Russell White said these dishearteningstatisticsarounddangerous driverattitudes,behaviourand lackofroad safety resilience underscored the critical need for enhanced safety measures.
"We are urging all Victorians to prioritise safety, especially during Rural Road Safety Month. By choosing to put safety first and undertakingsimple actions, such as planning routes, taking rest breaks, and avoiding distractions, we can prevent death or serious injury on the road," Mr White said.
“Thatsaid, our research also unveiled encouragingnewsfor ourmission to enhanceroad safety in
GIPPSLAND Water is asking customers to make sure their contact details are up-to-date for emergencies.
Managing director Sarah Cumming said recent weatherevents had highlighted the importance of being able to reach customers as quickly as possible.
“During the wild weather in early September, some of our services were interrupted and we needed people to know what was happening,” she said.
“One of theways we can do this is with text messagesand we know that not all of our customers have registered their mobile phone numbers with us.
“We’ve recentlyupdated our process to make it easier and quicker on our end and now we are askingcustomers to jump online and make sure their details are up to date. They can also call our customercare team on 1800 050 500, who can make the update for them."
Ms Cummingsaidtext messages notifications were available for several important messages.
“There are times where we need to let customers know aboutservice interruptionsorconvey important public health and safety messages,” she said.
“While we use other channels likeradio, TV, social media and our website, SMS is one of the mostinstant and effective methodswehave of reaching people.”
Contact details can be updated by visiting www. gippswater.com.au/update-your-details
regional areasbyconfirming the positive impact campaigns such as Rural Road Safety Month have on behaviour and attitudes,” he said.
Almost half (45 per cent) of Victorians recognise their role as individual road users and half (50 per cent) believe that road safety messaging and
campaigns can change road safety outcomes. In fact, when it comes to improving their own individual behaviour, eight-in-10 Victorians(80 per cent) say road safety messaging makes them abetter road user.
THE Maffra Show is delighted to have some new acts at this year’s night carnival on Saturday, October 26.
As the lights go down, Gippsland's Wacky Wombat will perform his mesmorising fire show. Also new to this year’s show will be the high speedlawnmower rally, organised by local Nick McNally. Band Three ChainRdwill be playing until7pm under the dome in the food and entertainment court.
Favouriteevents will again run,with the return of the wood chopping competition, Shetlandderby,novelty events, Maffra Mile, Kidz Zone,dog high jumpsmash up derbybefore finishing with the fireworks. Entry for children will be free.
THE Anglican Parish of Avon willhost a 'Blessingofthe Pets'service,inhonourofSt Francis of Assisi, this Sunday from10amat Holy Trinity, Stratford. Everyoneiswelcomewiththeirpets,both great and small.
Dr Steve Postlethwaite will be the guest speaker. The servicewill be followedbymorningtea with treats for pets. For more information phone Reverand Dave Perryman on 0401 035 379.
VICTORIANS planning acamping or hiking getaway in the coming weeks, are reminded by Ambulance Victoria paramedicstobe preparedtoavoid needing an emergency response.
Thewarmerweather and school holidays mean manywill be dusting off the camping gear or stepping into hiking boots for the first time in months, and AV emergency management manager Ian Hunt said it was important people did these activities within their abilities and take preparation seriously.
“Before you hit the road, ask yourselfif you’ve prepared for if something goes wrong,” he said.
“Consider learning basic first aid and CPR as emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time.
“There are many parks and remotebushland locations across Victoria where people can enjoy hiking, mountain bike riding, 4WDing or camping, but we want people to be safe.”
Mr Hunt said checking the weatherand being prepared for conditions to change is vital if you’re spending time in remote or unfamiliar locations.
“It’s easy to become lost or disorientated in remotebushland, especiallyinunpredictable weather conditions,” he said.
“Make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the conditions and bringenough water,food, matches,a torch and sunscreen withyou
“Forhikers, be sure to consider the 10 essentials –navigation, light, sun protection, first aid, knife, fire, shelter, food, water and clothing.”
Alwaystell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return,and if you’re with someone use the ‘buddy system’ to check each other for warning signs of hypothermia or heatstroke.
It can be difficulttorecognise yourown symptoms of hypothermia or heatstroke.
Mr Hunt saidemergencies can happen any time and particularlyinremote or unfamiliar environments, so be sure to familiarise yourself with the resources you may need to call Triple Zero (000).
“Anyone travelling to aremote location should download the EmergencyPlus app, which uses your phone’s GPS function to provide locationdetails to the calltaker,” he said.
“The app hasthe ‘What3Words’ function which works offline so it can be used in remote areas with poor data connection and can confirm your exact location quickly and accurately using three words.
“You may also consider aPersonal Locator Beacon (PLB) which, when activated, sends an emergencysignalvia satellite to emergency services.”
Downloadthe VicEmergency app or visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au to be notified
KatrinaBrandon
TRARALGON specialty business Confidence Academy (Lashes and Beauty) has added acouple of distinguished frames to its walls.
Confidence Lashes and Beauty was named a state winner in the Australian Achiever Awards, and afinalist in theAustralian Women’sSmall Business Champions Awards for 2024.
Businesses owner MadelynMinter-Barnes, originally from Stratford, said the accoladescame as asurprise.
“We were really happy with it. We didn’t expect at all to take it out winners,” she said.
“We were hoping it would be areally good reflection of our business and give us the weak points of where we needed to improve, but then the results came back and they were really good.”
With an almost perfect score of 97.66 out of 100 in the service achieverawards, Ms Minter-Barnes toldthe Gippsland Times the judgeslooked at uniforms, time management, staff behaviours, education, and communication before making their decision.
Ms Minter-Barnes said when she got the points back, one of the key areas for improvement was uniforms. At the time, she said the business didn’t have uniforms, but have since brought them in.
“We implemented the uniform fairly recently in the last couple of months, and Ithink next year, moving forward,might be thenext coupleofpoints that bring our score higher,” she said.
“We were justhoping for some feedback, so when we saw it, we got really excited and had abit of ahappydance. When the certificatearrivedthe next day, we opened it as agroup.
“We actively look for areasofimprovement within the business, and the best way Ifindto get valued feedback and areas of improvement is to find category-specific awards.”
According to Ms Minter-Barnes, it is hard to find category-specific awards for her business since they are aluxury brand, but she is always looking for ways to improve or up-skill her employees.
ConfidenceAcademy(Lashes and Beauty) started in 2019 when Ms Minter-Barnes worked out of her home as alash artist in Stratford.
In 2020,the businessmoved to Traralgon and gotits first commercial salon on Breed St in 2022. Now on Argyle St, Ms Minter-Barnes has been able to expand her business and services.
Confidence Academy (Lashes andBeauty) owner Madelyn Minter-Barnesproudly displays herbusiness awards.
Photo: Contributed
LANDCAREisagrassroots organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable landmanagement practices,biodiversity conservation, and environmental education.
Through partnerships with local landowners, farmers, schools, and volunteers, the Maffra and Districts Landcare Network works to protect natural landscapes,restore habitats,and foster alovefor the environment across the community.
MDLN will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, October 9, bringing together local communities, environmental enthusiasts,and conservation professionals to celebrate and reflect the year’s achievements in land management, diversity
This year’s event, to be held at Nakunbalook, next to the Seed Community Garden in Sale from 6.30pm, will includeapresentation by renowned bird enthusiast and conservationist JackWinterbottom on the topic of migratorybirds and the Gippsland Lakes.
community, and the network encourages anyone interested in environmental protection and land stewardship to participate.
The board has vacancies available, and prizes are up for grabs in this year’s membership draw. Alight dinner will be provided, with all MDLN members eatingfreeofcharge.Amembership can be paid for on the night.
The talk will highlightthe journeysofmigratory bird species, the importance of their habitats and the critical role we allplay in protectingthese natural wonders. The event will provide attendees an opportunity to gain insights into conservation strategies, volunteer initiatives, and collaborative projectsthat supportsustainable landuse and wildlife preservation.
The meeting will be open to all members of the
To register for the meeting visit www.trybooking.com/CUNFC by 4.30pm on the day. For more information about the meeting, registration or Landcare’s work phone Bonnie Reeves on 0484 002 296, email bonnier@mdln.com.au or visit www.mdln.com.au
BUSHWALKING Victoria is encouraging people who may be curious aboutbushwalkingtoget involved in alocal club, particularlyduring November.
Ben Cruachan Walking Club are encouraging those keen to experience LatrobeValley’s best-kept secret, the Wirilda Walking Track through the Tyers Gorge.
Ben Cruachan Walking Club is afriendly club which welcomes visitors and new members. It has members aged from children to 80-plusfrom Lakes Entrance to Trafalgar and Heyfield to Yarram.
Described as a“bushwalker’s delight”, there is muchtoexperience on the Wirilda Walking Track as it winds its way through the Tyers Gorge.
Naturelovers will enjoy the bird song, varied vegetation, wildflowers and the chance to spot a platypus.The conglomerate rock formationstower high abovethe river. There will be the opportunity to inspect remnants of an early water supply wooden pipelineand enjoy the serenity of the bush as hikers take aleisurely stroll along the track. This walk requires areasonable level of fitness and agility but does not require previousbushwalking experience. This walkisfor anyone who wants abushwalking experience along abush track in the company of experienced walkers. It willbeanopportunity to walk withaclub and meet some Ben Cruachan WalkingClubmembers.
PET Sunday, celebrating the life of St Francis of Assisi, will be held at St Matthew’s Soldiers Memorial Church, Tinamba, on Sunday, October 13, from 3pm.
Everyone is welcome to bring their pets, large and small, to be blessed.
Afternoon tea will follow the blessing.
For more information phone the Rev. Judith Lake on 0432 321 471.
The walk is on aformed track with some short steep sections and steps. The track is narrow in places with steep drops off the side and has afew short rocky sections.
The pace of the walk will be steady with frequent stops. Participants may wish to not walk the whole distance andturnaroundbefore therivercrossing
Starting fromthe Wirilda Environment Park at the Gippsland Water Pumping Station, the
walk follows up the Tyers River through the Tyers Gorge, meandering along to the Pipe Bridge,before returning to the start point.
The walk will take place on Saturday, November 23, meeting at 9.30am. Taking some four to five hours to complete the 10 kilometre ‘out and back’ route, to register for the walk visit the ‘upcoming walks’ section on the Ben CruachanWalking Club website, www.bcwc.com.au
SALE CityBand willbeperforming amini concert at the Sale Clocktower this Saturday from 11am.
Listentothe band, together with vocalists IzzieWicks and Jonathon Kendall, as they hone their skills in preparation for their coming annual concert at The Wedge.
The free performance will includeold favourites with adifferenttwistthat will be showcased at The Wedge on Sunday, October 12.
HEYFIELDCommunity Market will be held on Saturday from 8am at John Graves Memorial
Park, Temple St, opposite Heyfield Primary School.
Cakes, baked goods, Devonshireteas, barbecued food,books and clothes will be among the variety of goods available to buy.
New stallholders are welcome.
For more information phone Ray on 5148 3408.
AUTE show and shine will be held at the Rotary Club of Maffra Community Market this Sunday.
Utes need to be registered by emailing sherrell_m@hotmail.com
There are prizes for the bestutes, or just come along and admire them all.
The usual market stalls will be there too, with various food options and the Rotary Community Barbecue run by StratfordPrimary School grade six graduation team. The event will be held from 9am to 12.30pm at the Island Reserve behind Woolworths in Maffra. Utes drive in from McMahon Drive.
ST Paul’sAnglican Cathedral Giant Book Fair, Sale,isbeing held early January. Theyare now accepting all types of good quality books DVDs and CDs. These can be droppedoff at any time, preferably to the back of the CathedralHall via MarleyStinto the carpark.
For more informationphone the office on 5144 2020.
If youare acommunity group and have anynews items you need publicised, feel free to email us at news@gippslandtimes. com.au.
Details must be submitted at least two weeks before an event.
Situated just ashort drive from Sale's vibrant CBD, 11 Ruthberg Drive offers low-maintenance living on a586sqm block, agents say This property presents afantastic investment opportunity with asecure lease in place until July 2025, making it ideal for those seeking asolid return.
Step inside to discover alight-filled, open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space. The kitchen is well-appointed with ample storage, abuilt-in pantry,and abreakfast bar for casual dining. Comfort is assured year-round with ducted centralgas heating and asplit system.
The master suite is alocated at the front of the home and features amodern ensuite, walk-in robe, and an additional split system for added comfort. The further three bedrooms are all generously sized, complete with built-in robes and serviced by acentral family bathroom with ashower,bath, and vanity
Additional features include aseparate laundry and ahandy linen press for extra storage. Outside, enjoy the undercover
and convenience. Agents say whether you're looking to invest or settle into afuture home with minimal upkeep, 11Ruthberg Drive ticks all the boxes with its practical layout, modern comforts, and close proximity to Sale's amenities.
fdetails
Nestled in the heart of Sale's CBD, agents say this spacious and well-maintained unit offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.
Whether you're afirst home buyer, downsizer,orinvestor,this property provides an ideal opportunity to enjoy everything the town center has to offerright at your fingertips.
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Featuring three generously-sized bedrooms, each with built-in robes, this unit provides ample space for living and relaxation.
Aspacious living area is filled with natural light and is equipped with gas heating and reverse cycle air conditioning, ensuring year-round comfort.
The well-equipped kitchen boasts plenty of bench and cupboard space, making meal preparation abreeze.
Enjoy an updated bathroom offering a modern design with asleek vanity,walk-in shower,and arelaxing bathtub, providing both style and functionality for your
estled in the foothills of the Boisdale landscape, agents say this stunning mudbrick home sitting on 11.02 hectres embodies rustic charm and sustainable living. With earthy tones and natural textures, the property blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, offering aharmonious connection to nature. The home boasts hand-crafted mudbrick
providing excellent insulation plus wood heating and ceiling fans provide year-round comfort.
High timber-beamed ceilings and expansive windows flood the open-plan living space with natural light, creating acosy, inviting atmosphere. There are four good-sized bedrooms, the master bedroom with walk in robe. These are serviced by acentral family bathroom, recently renovated complete with vanity, shower and separate bath. There is aseparate study perfect for a home office.
The kitchen is well-equipped with good storage and large bench space, ideal for those who love to cook and entertain. Multiple living areas provide ample room for families, both opening up to aspacious outdoor area, ideal for enjoying your rural lifestyle.
Continuing outside features, expansive shedding consists of five-bay machinery shed, three-bay garage and is well set-up for horses with existing wash bay and secure fencing.
The property offers ample land, perfect for those looking to grow theirown produce, keep animals, or simply enjoy the wide-open spaces.
Whether you're seeking apeaceful retreat or asustainable rural lifestyle, this unique mudbrickhomeoffers the perfect blend of comfort, warmth, and natural beauty
Agents urged prospective owners to experience the serenity of country
MicheleJolliffe Agriculture Victoriadairy extension officer
CROPS that faildue to frost, moisturestressor other limiting factors may be cut for silage or hay as an economically viable option.
The following key points should be considered as part of your decision-making process. Often moisture-stressed crops have insufficient dry matter before flowering to cut for hay. Making a timelydecisiontocut hay can prevent poor quality hay.
Cereal growth stages
The optimal balance between yield and quality comes when cutting acereal crop at the boot stage.
Feed quality declines after plants become reproductive and produce more head and stem material, which is less digestible. Metabolisable energy (ME) and protein generally decline after flowering.
The quantity of feed increases until early grain fill.
Cereals tend to produce higher hay yields than canola, particularly after flowering.
Canola growth stages
The optimal balance between yield and quality comes when cutting canola at late flowering.
Metabolisable energy (ME) and protein generally decline after flowering, although ME can rise slightly in canola after flowering.
Canola can lose leaf and pod material faster
than cereals. It doesn’t retain leaves as well as cereals later in the season.
While canola can produce higher quality feed than cereals, it produces lower hay yield after flowering.
Determine soil moisture levels via tools and soil moisture models. These include soil probe data, SoilWater App, Agriculture Victoria’s soil moisture dashboard and cropping reports. Alternatively, soil sample to identify plant available water and estimate grain yield potential in line with short term weather forecasts. This will allow you to compare likely gross margins from hay or grain and help you decide if it is feasible to cut agrain crop for hay.
If you need additional support in making the decision, consult with your agronomist.
Before cutting or grazing afailed crop, check chemical labels to ensure any applicable withholding periods have expired.
Ensure the crop hasn’t been sprayed with a chemical carrying alabel warning or prohibitive statement that treated crops are not to be grazed or fed to livestock.
Record information and be prepared for requests or declarations about chemical history to prospective buyers.
If you have livestock, it is more cost effective to
directly graze the crop in atargeted and planned way, rather than cut it for hay.
The risk of soil loss from erosion increases when ground cover falls below 50 per cent. Grazing can also increase the risk of erosion.
Ideally, hay crops need at least 2.5 tonnes per hectare (t/ha) of dry matter (DM) to avoid excessive hay harvest losses. This is the measurement for dry matter at ground level, not cutting height.
Asimple dry mater calculator is on the Agriculture Victoria website and can be used to
determine dry matter.
The less dry matter, the more hay is lost during baling. For example, aNSW study showed 45 per cent of canola hay was lost during harvest at 1.5 t/ha of DM but this dropped to 19 per cent lost at 3.5 t/ha of DM. Hay baling losses will also vary with machinery and experience.
If acrop is unsuitable for baling, it can still provide ahigh-quality grazing opportunity, as livestock will selectively graze the high-quality parts of the plant.
Asimple hay yield calculator is on the Agriculture Victoria website and can be used to compare potential hay yield with grain yield. For more information about managing during dry seasonal conditionsvisit agriculture.vic.gov.au or phone136 186.
THE reduced pasture heights for much of Victoria are increasing the susceptibility of sheep (and cattle) to internal parasites, says an Agriculture Victoria media release.
Grazing below apasture heightoffour centimetres willincrease theingestion of infective larvae. While most egg contamination occurs in the summer-autumn period, up to 40 per cent can come from eggs deposited during late spring and early summer.
Typically, in spring there is an abundance of qualitypasture which allowsyoursheep to cope with the worms they have.
However, given the challenging season this may not be the case Farmers who are early weaning due to low feed availability need to prioritise worm control as weaners are the most susceptible livestock class to internal parasites.
Livestock that are in poorer condition and potentially on restricted nutritioncan have areduced resistance and resilience to internal parasites.
Agriculture Victoria said it was crucial to assess worm burdens during high-risk conditions, which in the current seasonal conditions could include lighter stock grazing shorter and highly contaminated pastures.
It’s also important to have worm-free paddocks
set up for weaners. Ideally, paddocks that weaners are put into will have only been grazed by sheep who received an effective summer drench. The best paddocks to put weaners into may be ones that have been haypaddocks, are new pastures or paddocks that have been grazed by mature cattle.
Sheepthatare infected with worms may show signs of scours, weight loss or evendeath. It is essential to monitor worm burdens using Wormtest fourtosix weeks after the weaningand treatbased on results.
Summer drenching is the key to minimising this worm carryover into next year -bymaking sure there are few worms in your sheep getting afree ride to autumn. Management of internalparasitesisessentialfor animal production and welfare, especially during high-risk times when stock are in light condition.
AgricultureVictoria said farmersshould seek advice from their animal health professional such as aveterinarianorconsultanttoassist with developing aworm management strategy. For more information about managing in dry seasonalconditionsvisit agriculture.vic.gov. au or phone 136 186.
THE firsthalf of 2024 was stronger than had beenexpected in global beef markets,with record production, export and import volumes in certain key countries, according to Rabobank in its recently-released Global Beef Quarterly. Meanwhile, Australian beef production has remained highand exports hit new records as cattle prices have started to lift, the agribusiness bankingspecialist says in the quarter three report.
Report lead author, RaboResearch senior animal proteins analyst Angus Gidley-Baird said beef markets had seen record production and exports in Brazil in quarter two, while China had arecord volume of imports in the first halfofthe year Production volumes in the UnitedStateswere higher than expected and prices in Europe had remained “remarkably strong”.
Looking forward, the report says, beef markets are waiting for signals of what is expected to unfold –most significantlyacontraction in US production, improvedcattle prices in Brazil and apossible reductioninconsumption in the US following both the end of summer grilling season and persistent high beef prices.
Cattle prices continue on different trajectories acrossmarkets, with North American prices remaining at elevated levels and southern hemisphere prices– while stillatsignificantlylower levels than the US –showingsome signsoflife, although Brazil’s prices have drifted lower.
Globalbeefproduction looks set to liftslightly in quarter four compared with quarter three, before falling into 2025, Rabobank said.
“Year-on-year though,higher productionvolumes in Australia expected in quarter four 2024 (up four per cent on quarter three 2023) do not offset declines in Europe (oneper cent), New Zealand (sevenper cent), Brazil (threeper cent),the US (five per cent) and China (two per cent),” Mr Gidley-Baird said.
Notwithstanding these declines, global beef production in quarter four is still expected to be 3.8 per cent higher than the 10-year average.
“We then expect it will contract, mainly due to lower production volumes in the US and Brazil,”
Mr Gidley-Baird said.
China –the world’s largest beefimporter, taking 34.6 per cent of total global trade in 2023 –has dominated global markets for the past five years, the reportsaid. But now, slowing economic growth and adeclining population is seeing changing consumer trends in China whichare impacting the beef product mix.
Mr Gidley-Baird said while Chinese consumer markets showed aclear trend for pursuing value for money, consumptionofbeefwas still growing, “albeit soft prices suggest more sensitivity to expensive cuts”.
“Risingbeef consumption volumes, despite slower income growth in China, show consumers there
are continuing to seek higher-quality proteins, but at reasonable prices,” he said.
The report saidChina imported awide range of beef products from numerous countries, which aredistributed through avariety of channelsto different markets.
Thecurrent trend for ‘value for money’ in China gave South American beef suppliers aclear competitive advantage in low to medium-end markets, while products from Australia and the US held a position in medium to high-end markets, he said, although all producers werecurrently seeing lower prices than ayear ago.
Production volumes and exports remain strong for Australian beef.
Seasonal conditions continue to be favourable in most cattle-producing areas of the country, Mr Gidley-Baird said.
“Dry conditions in southern areas in the first halfofthe year have limited the numbers of heavy finished grass-fed cattle, but good seasonal conditions in the north continue to support high slaughter numbers,” he said. “Weekly Australian cattle slaughter numbers remain around 140,000 headper week, up 20 percentonthe five-year average.
"Given our expectations for the number of cattle in the system, we believe slaughter numbers will continue at these rates into the latter part of the year.”
The report said Australian beef export volumes in July this year(of 129,998 metric tonnes swt) were the largest volumes ever exported, passing previous peaks in 2019 and 2015.
Mr Gidley-Baird saidAustralian beef export volumes to the US for July 2024 were the highest since December 2015 and to Japan, the highest since March2020. However volumes to China were down.
The report said Australian cattle prices rose sharply in July, particularly finished steer and cowprices, which lifted 15 per cent and 32 per cent respectively in the month.
Email: classifieds@ gippslandtimes.com.au
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BARNFIELD, Glenice. 15/1/1958 -8/8/2024
Beloved wife of Tony (Barny). Cherished motherof Melissa, Tennille, and Brendon, and adored Nan to Jack, Georgie, Connor, Max, and Violet. After ashort illness Glenice passed away peacefully at 8pm on August 8, 2024, surrounded by love.
HVP Plantations (HVP) is seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced contractors to provide services as follows:
Location: Gippsland and North East Victoria (Kinglake, Narbethong, Benalla, Ovens Valley and Upper Murray).
Tasks: Construction, upgrades and maintenance of plantation roads Drill, blast and crush quarrying services Multiple contracts are available. Commencement: 1July 2025. Term: Up to 3years Foradditional information, parties must register their interest by Friday 11 October 2024 via email: rory.hazeldine@hvp.com.au
ANDRAWARTHA (nee Peynenborg) Johanna Elizabeth (Anne) of Heyfield. Passed away suddenly on September 20, 2024. Aged 88 years. Loved wife of Peter (dec.). Loved mother of Shane and Bruce. Loved Nan of Jessica, Jackson and Ashleigh. Loved Great Grandma of Grace. Resting now in peace Forever remembered.
their spouses, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Aprivate service will be held at alater date to honour her memory.
PARLICKI (nee Kopec), Katarzyna 'Kathy'. 30/3/1927 -25/9/2024
Passed away peacefully. Aged 97.
Loved wife of Boleslaw (dec.).
Dearly loved mother of Jozef (dec.), John, and Maria (dec.).
Much loved grandmother of Anthony, Jacqueline, Kathryn, Stephanie, Mark and Melissa.
Loved great grandmother of Evelyn, Callum, Jennaya, Aliyah, Imogen, and Cora.
Reunitedwith your husband, eldest son, and daughter. Forever in our hearts and minds.
RUTHBERG (nee Hamilton), Saloma May.
19/7/1919 -23/9/2024
Dearly loved wife of Charles Francis (dec.).
Loved mother of Maureen and Bill Henebery, Kay and Ambrose Christian (both dec.), Leonie and Jean-Paul Tregeur, Charles and Christine.
Devoted Grandmother of 17.
Great Grandmother of 41. Great Great Grandmother of 11.
Along life has now ended. Rest in Peace
RUTHBERG, Saloma
May 19/7/1919 -23/9/2024. Loving mother of Charles and his wife Chris.
Loved and loving grandmother of Dan, Kylie and Ben. Much loved great grandmother of Kayla, Ty and Wil.
Thank you for our wonderful years together.
RUTHBERG, Saloma May.
Our beautiful Nanny Omahpassedaway peacefully on September 23, 2024. Aged an amazing 105 years.
Deeply loved Nan of Marcelle.
Cherished Great Nan of Rhiannonand Andy, Alycia and Richard, Michaela and Trent, and Shevonne and Corey.
Adored Great Great Nan of Grace, William, Thomas and Katelyn; Maddison and Ellie; Little Bubba; and Harper May.
"We'll love you forever, We'll love you for always, For all of eternity, Our Nanny you'll be".
RUTHBERG, Omah. Wonderful friend of our family for over 70 years. You always shared our special occasions and we also shared yours. We will miss our laughs and phone calls together. Always lovedand remembered. Margot and Collie Butcher and family.
SILBY, Darren John (Snoopy). 17/9/1965 -22/9/2024
Loved husband and best mate of Melissa. Father to Tammy and Duane, Zachary and Taylor. Poppy to Elara and Oliver. Loved to the moon and back by all in his world, a cherished mentor to so many as well. Will miss you and love you always and forever.
STEDMAN, James Allee. Peacefully at home in Sale on (Sep. 25, 2024) Aged 92 years. Surrounded by love and family.
Dearly loved husband of Audrey (dec.) and partner of Patricia. Loving father and father-in-law of Barry, Geoffrey and Cathy, Don and Chrissy. Grandfather to Nadine, Kate, Zane, Jessica and Cody. Great grandfather to Carter and Kingsley.
WAIN, Robyn Maree
Passed away suddenly at home. Aged 64.
Dearly loved daughter of Tom and Heather (both dec.).
Sister of Alan and Peter. Sister-in-law of Lisa and Kim.
Aunt of Nick, Sam, and Chelsea.
Great Aunt to Fletcher. Gone But Never Forgotten Rest In Peace
COLLIER. The funeral service for Mr Leonard Alfred Collier (LEN) will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street Sale at 2pm on FRIDAY (October 4, 2024), followed by a private cremation.
Please see our website for livestream details
PARLICKI (nee Kopec).
Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs Katarzyna 'Kathy' Parlicki will be offered at St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral, PearsonStreet, Sale at 1pm on MONDAY (October 7, 2024), followed by burial at the Sale Monumental Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Council.
STEDMAN. The funeral service for Mr James Allee Stedman will be held in our Geoff Rossetti Memorial Chapel, 1390 Maffra Road, Sale (next to Sale Cemetery) on FRIDAY (Oct. 4, 2024) commencing at 11am.
APrivate Cremation will follow.
For those unable to attend; a"Youtube" broadcast of the service will take place -details on website below.
WAIN. For funeral arrangements for Robyn Maree Wain, please check our website or phone:
ANDERSON. The funeral service for Mr Neville Ralph Anderson will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street, Sale at 11am on FRIDAY (October 4, 2024) followed by a private cremation. Please see our website for livestream details.
ANDRAWARTHA. (nee Peynenborg). The funeral of Mrs Johanna Elizabeth (Anne) Andrawartha is appointed to leave St James Anglican Church, Temple St, Heyfield after aservice commencing at 11am on THURSDAY (October 3, 2024) for the Maffra Lawn Cemetery.
RUTHBERG (nee Hamilton). Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs Saloma May Ruthberg will be offered at St. Mary's Catholic Church, cnr Church and McMillan Sts., Maffra NEXT TUESDAY (October 8, 2024) commencing at 11am. At the conclusion of mass the cortege will leave the church for the Maffra Lawn Cemetery.
SILBY Agraveside service for Mr Darren John (Snoopy) Silby will be held at the Heyfield Lawn Cemetery on FRIDAY (Oct. 4, 2024), at 11am.
GALBRAITH, Christine. 13/3/57 -28/9/014
It's hard to believe it's ten years since you went away. Ihave thought about you and missed you every day over those years. Iwill never forget the 39 wonderful years we had together. You were the loveliest person Ihave ever known. "And I'd choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I'd find you and I'd choose you." David Crouch.
NIEUWENHUIZEN, Keith. Perhaps you sent alovely floral arrangement or a card or text. Or perhaps you called in to offer support and care. Or perhaps you just thought of us, we thank you so much for what ever part. Keith will sadly missed by us all, he would not want us to be sad, just to move on with life. Many thanks in particular to Ashleigh house and the wonderful staff for their care and support to Keith. Veronica and family.
GP1673239 Funeral Directors • JACKSON, William 'John' 5/10/1933 -20/10/2023 Norma9/3/1933 -25/8/2020 Neil24/9/1959 -24/7/1961 Together in the arms of angels. In our hearts you will stay, Loved and remembered every day. Your lovingfamily, Heather. Lauren, John, Sam, Henry. Jayne, Matt, Harry, Elise.
1390 Ma fra Road Sale 03 5143 2477
JOHNS, Robert. Rob, It is hard to believe that it has been 20 years since the day we all had to say goodbye. Miss you every day. Lots of love Jen and family. Weve been helping Gippslanders with care and respect for over 125 years
67 Macarthur Street, Sale Phone 5143 1232 GP1673240
28 -Times-Spectator, Tuesday, 1October, 2024
THE Country Basketball League season begins this weekend.
Local rivals Sale and Maffra will clash on Saturday night at the Gippsland Regional SportsComplex, Sale. The women’s match willtip-off at 5pm, followed by the men from 7pm. The Sale men willback-up on Sunday, whenthey play away to Traralgon from 2pm.
The men’s competition has 11 teams, from Pakenham in the west to Lakes Entrance in the east. Nine teams will contest the women’s competition.
The regular season will be played across nineweekend, with the finals to be played in December.
Men’s
Coach: Josh Backway
“We’re looking to continue the development of afairly young squad that have afew more mature players coming into the ranks this season, so we’re hoping to push to middle of the table at least (and) get afew more wins that last couple of years.
We’ve got some good young players coming through; Bailey Harrison -he’s coming into his third season with the CBL team and he’s been named co-vice captain showing great leadership and he’s developed real well.”
Squad:
Toby Goss
Jordan Grabham
Matt Kennewell
WHITE, Clyde Henry. 21/3/25 -30/9/92 Treasured memories. Forever remembered. Never forgotten. Love Mona and family.
SHINGLES, Clement, Mick
19/9/1936 -5/10/2014. Ten years since you went away, we still miss you every day. Ican't wait for the day we see you again. Looking forward, looking back. You did us proud. Hey True Blue With lights on the hill. Go Demons Love you dad, Wendy Vicki, Gaile and families.
Flynn Materia
Nick Mckenzie
Jack Rawlings
Byron Walker
Jay Walker
Joel Winderlich
In: TafaraChiri, Jaysun Smith, Mark Cordon, Ronnel Sanchez
Last year’s finish: 10th (1-9)
Coach: James Whelan
“We’ll be hoping to be somewhere around the top threeorfour teams pushing towards finals again. Last year we missed finals, we were sitting equal top and then Sam (Whelan) got injured and missed the last four
gamesand we ended up just missing finalsbypercentage.With afull year of being healthy and hopefully we’ll be pushing those top sides again and hopefully making finalsand seeing what happens then.”
Squad:
James Allman
Elijh Berry
Steven Battista
Judd Burgiel
MarcusCope
Mark Antony Cordon
Brodie Johnson
Jayson Mandilag
Ethan McIntyre
Jack McQuillen
Marcus Proud
AndrewQuirk
Byron Sandeman
Thomas Scott
James Whelan
Samuel Whelan
Last year’sfinish: 5th (7-3)
Women’s team profiles
Sale Sonics
Coach: Ryan Fraser
Squad:
Bree Alexander
Jemma Birss
Emma Callahan
Matilda Courtney
Chloe Felsbourg
Brooke Kelly
Grace Larkins
Chloe Rees
Mahli Stothers
Lola Wilson
Out: Ash Centra (AFLW).
Last year’s finish: 9th (2-6)
Maffra Eagles
Coach: Ron Crawford
Squad:
Chelsea Allman
Faith Biddle
Paige Biddle
Tanna Boyle
Emerson Connolly
Mel Dean
Julie Foat
Alex Gallatly
Breanna Kerton
Sienna Wynd
Last year’s finish: 6th (6-4)
StefanBradley
CUE the annual eight-ball competition, the Gippy Cup.
Running for 12 years -with numbers growing since it began in 2012 -the tournament is one of the largest social8-ball tournamentsinthe country. Thisyearitran over threedays- September 20 to 22 -atthe Gippsland Regional Sports Complex (GRSC), with about hundreds of attendees each day from across the state and around the country. Thirty-three pool tables were set up for 60 teams across four divisions over the three days. It’s not just about the eight-ball -the organisers pulledout all the stops forthe event,withrefreshments, meals, abar and live music for all to enjoy.
The Friday Night Knockout saw 200 people enter between two divisions. The ultimate winner at the end of the night was Sean Dempsey.
Saturday and Sunday had more than 600 people in the GRSC consisting of 60 teams with players and supporters.
Gippy Cup tournament director and Sale local Ash Vogt said the organisers outdid themselves this year.
“It’sgoing to be very hard for other tournaments to top. It was an absolutely incredible vibe. It’s pretty impressivewhat we accomplished thisweek,” he said.
“All our volunteers are incredible, and all our kitchenstaffand all ourtable helpersare the reason why we are so successful.”
LEON LETT MEMORIAL KNOCKOUT:
Winner: Sean Dempsey.
DIVISION ONE:
Winner: Jamo Who ?(Anthony West, Mark Owens, Steve Jamieson, Scott Fraser, Shane O’Brien, Temijun Dixon and Amol Abdagiri); runner-up: Pool Hub (Lochlan Courtney, Terry Shiells, Decoda Cook, Logan Brann, Rhys Godden, Jack Green and Joseph Evans).
DIVISION TWO:
Winner: Club Azure (Michael Taylor, Chris Wallace, David England Jr, Matt Baker, Aaron McGregor, Chris Johnson and SteveKane); runner-up: NSPL (Richard Dempsey, Ciarau Dempsey, Kent Beaumont,SeanDempsey, Tony Denino, Glen O’Connell, Gavin McGrath, and Fran McKedwin).
DIVISION THREE:
Winner: Go Go Go (GerryGrbavac, Trent Reinheimer, BrettCook, Kevin Harvie, Velo Dulic, Danny Lee and “Deadly”); runner-up: Castlemaniacs (Graham Gribbin, ZachFlanders, Craig Stephens,CraigWatkins, Danny Sepac, Ben Hall and Andrew Austin).
DIVISION FOUR:
Winner: Designated Drinkers (Chris P., Aaron Johnstone, Cody M, Josh J, Stevo, Aaron M, and Tahnia B); runner-up: Gippy Cup Juniors (Ashlyn, Campbell,Deakin, Jordy,Kayde, Makenna and Jezza).
Vogt gave aspecial shout-out to his mother Leanne Chester, whohas workedonthe Gippy Cup from the very beginning.
Gillian Weldon, oneofthe eventorganisers, also thanked everyone who made the event possible.
“We couldn’t do this without our band of volunteers that help set up and pull down all the pool tables, cook and serve wonderful food, and generally justlend ahand whenever and whereverrequired,”
Weldon said.
“A special thanks to Leanne who organises and looks after the kitchen, we couldn’t do it without you.
“ThankstoJezzafor looking afterand playing pool all weekend with our Juniors, they are the future of our sport and you did an amazing job.
“I am honoured to have been apart of not only helping to organise but also playing in the tournament.Ash, the tournament is acredittoyou.” Vogt said it was “a massive feat in itself” for the Gippy Cup Juniors to make the division four grand final.
“The Gippy Cup actuallysponsored the Juniors… so for them to get to where they got to grow their skills is just unbelievable,” he said.
“And then you go up to division one, where you’ve got state players, world champions…it’s quite a strong competition. When you get up to that level, you play against some of the best in the country.
“You play some of the best in the state, that’s for sure. And sometimes you’re lucky enough to come up against aworld champion as well.”
From page 32
Dunkley was seeninthe aftermathofthe trophy presentations lying on the ground making snow angles in the confetti that had laced the MCG’s surface, basking in the fact he was now atwo-time premiership player (firstly with the Bulldogs in 2016 in his first year of AFL).
The lockdown midfielder was akey recruit for the Lions going back to the 2022 trade period and has now played in four grand finalsincluding three out of the past four years. Dunkley finished with 21 disposals and agame-high 11 tackles on the day. One of the headlining stories heading into the grand final involvedLions’ key forwardJoe Daniher and the possibility of aretirement following the big dance.
If it’s true, Daniher can ride off into the sunset proudly, knowing he was a key part of the Lions’ two-yearrun -possibly Brisbane’sbest player in the 2023 grand final loss to Collingwood and booting two goals in their blow-out premiership victory. Thereisaquestion to be ask how he’ll actuallygo about looking back and reminiscing on his team’s success if he trades in his boots for slippers, given the fact that he doesn’t actually own aTVathis house, near Sydney ironically and strangely.
The Daniher family is arenowned name in the football world most notably with his father Anthony and his three brothers at Essendon.
Joe’s cousin Ben currently plays for Moe in the Gippsland League and is the son of the legendary and ever-inspiring Neale Daniher. It willbeatough pill to swallow for Sydney, seemingly aware of their fate well before the final siren rung -bowing out in spectacular fashion in two of the past three grand finals.
Sale
Se pte mb er 28 ,m en ’s st abl efor d: LMcKeever 37cb, runner-up JHowson 37cb; DTL: APatten 37,R Gough 37,D Shaw 35, MBenfield 35, GMoulton 35, GKing 35, RReiner 35, LSchuback 34, PJellis 33, W Brownlee 33, IGlover 33; NTP: 3rdFJohns,6th PJohn, 1lth APatten, 14th DSalerman.
September 26, 12-hole stableford: Agrade: NInnes 26cb; Bgrade:GDavis 30;DTL:GPearson 26, PColeman 25, D McDonald 25; NTP: 3rdKEvelyn, 18th GDavis September 27,18-hole stableford: Agrade: JTurner38,
Bgrade: ALindsay39; DTL: RLeworthy 36, JButler 34, A Girvan 34; NTP: 3rdRLeworthy,15thJ Sherrin, 18th JTurner September 28, 18-hole stableford: winner JSunderman 41cb, runner-up PColeman 41;DTL: JTurner 39, JSherrin 36cb,PBerryman 36cb; NTP: 3rdAGirvan, 11th CGell, 15th DWright, 18th GPearson.
September 27,men's stableford: winner CGreenwood 39; DTL: PLeahy 35, DRead 34, SGoodman 34, JMcMaster 34, GMeldrum 34, BBatalha 33, NTacey33, MMcQuillen 33; NTP: 2nd JMcQuillen, 12th TGibson; women's: winner C Munday 36; DTL: MDurrant 34,L Templeton 33; NTP: 2nd CLovi, 16th (second shot) DLanigan.
AS the new cricket season approaches rapidly, the GippslandGoannas veterans are dusting off their equipment.
The clubwillagain field three teamsinthe Veterans CricketVictoria competitions, over 50s, 60s and 70s.
As aprelude,the Goannas recentlyheld their annual meeting, with Neil Meredith re-elected president, Ray Floyd vice-president, Ian Gibson secretary and Ray Smithtreasurer. PeterAnton has been elected to the committee, with arep from the over 50s team to also be appointed.
One of the first tasks of the new committee will be to appoint captains for each of these teams.
All players willhave to re-registerwith PlayHQ before the season begins.
The first game for the season will be on Sunday, October 6, with the over 70s team due to travel to Geelong.
The over 60s competition will begin the following Sunday with an away game against the new Baw Baw team.
The over 50s fixture has yet to be finalised.
Coach John Longmire does hold the mantra as 2012premiershipcoach but additionally has been on the receiving end of some major grand final blows, losing his last four by an average margin of 56 points.
Liam Durkin
IS it honestly just culture?
Whilethere are oftenconvenientbuzzwords and phrases used to describe performance in sport (and in life generally), watching Traralgon win the Gippsland League senior premiership certainly emphasised just how powerful ‘good’ culture can be.
Granted, the Maroons still had to play well on the day, kick the goals when they had to and execute the skillsinthe moment, but there had to be much more in the make-up of what turned out to be an upset grand final victory over Leongatha.
Amightyupsetitwas, becausethe Parrotswere going for three flags in arow, playing in their eighth grand final in succession and had beaten Traralgon in every one of their last 10 meetings.
On paper at least, Leongatha had aformidable team consisting of accomplished veterans and rising stars entering their prime. TheMaroons had ateam of kids averaging just 21 years-of-age.
On the sidelines,the Parrotshad half-a-dozen coaches all spread out, using AirPods to communicate. Traralgon had one coach, his offsider, and akid holding an iPad.
Not many resources, but then again, this is a club that has become accustomedtomaking do with what it has.
The Maroons haven’t even had proper functioning changerooms for more than three years. Just imagine how Traralgon has gone trying to entice potential recruits saying “by the way, you will be getting changed in rooms that have been declared unsafe”.
Equally, howmanyclubswould cry foulifput in the samesituation?Orpoint to it as areason for not winning games? Clearly not the Maroons Changerooms or no changerooms, it appears once Traralgon players step onto Terry Hunter Oval, it is an excuse-free zone.
North Melbourne was one of themostsuccessful AFL clubs during the 1990s. The most successful, but also the one with the most ramshackle facilities imaginable.
So rundown was ArdenStreet,buckets were used to catch leaks when it rained, and industrial heaters had to be wheeled into conference rooms as there was no heating installed. It was said the bench press would even sink into the floorboards of the gym. But as far as Kangaroos players were concerned, 100 kilograms on abar still weighed the same as it would if it was in amulti-million dollar gym. They didn’t complain; if anything it actually galvanised the club.
Asimilar effect might have inadvertently taken placeatTraralgon overtheir changerooms debacle.
Asigninthosechangerooms quips“I’m going to dedicate this game to my maroons jumper. Although it cannot speak or act for itself, Iwill do its speaking and acting for it.”
Dare Isay thatspeaks volumes of culture?Or more explanatorily, ‘the behaviours we accept’, which has been used to describe what culture actually is.
This piece isn’t setting out to paint Traralgon in elitist fashion (although there are many who share this view), but one does have to admire the way in which they have simply gone out and delivered. That’s not to say Traralgon is the only local club with strong culture either.
Maffrademandssimilarexcellence from its players.
Like the Maroons, there is asigninthe Eagles changerooms listing all Maffra premierships which reads: “Be proud of your club history. Be proud of yourred and black jumper. Past players havemade this history, now it’s your turn.” Withstrongculture comes respect. Maffra might have claimed the wooden spoon this season, but you
would be hard pressed to find anyone in Gippsland League circles who would label them as a‘struggling’ football-netball club.
Exploring the conceptfurther is an intriguing exercise.
Are cultures engrained? Possibly.
With37premierships, Port Adelaideisthe most successful club in the history of Australian rules football. That only one of those flags has come at AFL level doeslittletochangethe expectations most Port supporters have every year.
Most people know St Kilda has only won one premiership in its entire history.
But the Saints also lost their first 48 games as aV/AFL club, and have the most wooden spoons in the league’s history by a considerable distance (27) -nearly twiceasmany as the clubwith the second-most (North Melbourne on 15).
Surely this can’t just be attributed to acontinued run of misfortune or one unlucky bounce in a moment in time.
Stan Alves played in apremiership forNorth Melbourne and coached St Kilda to agrand final.
Writing on the culture of the two clubs in his book Sacked Coach,Alves observed: “At North Melbourne we made conflict work, at St Kilda we didn’t, which was our biggest failing”.
The question then might be: can culture be changed? History would suggest yes.
Sydneyand Brisbaneplayed off in theAFL Grand Final at the weekend. It is probably inconceivable for the current generationtofathom, but the Swans were actually the whipping boys of the competition 30 years ago.
Meanwhile Brisbane,asthe Brisbane Bears, weren’t faring much better either.
Only Sydney and Brisbane claimed the wooden
spoon every year from 1990 to 1994 (Brisbane 1990-91, Sydney 92-94).
Culturally, the situation at both clubs was a shambles.
Brisbane had players who were toldthey couldn’t be dropped, while in Sydney, newly-appointed chief executive Ron Joseph walkedinto aclub whose staff would start packing their bags at 4.55pm and leave not one second after 5pm.
Joseph,who had been acutthroat operator at North Melbourne when the Kangaroos won multipleflags in the 1970s under Ron Barassi, could hardlybelievewhat he wasseeing. He got BarassiuptoSydneytocoach in 1993.The Swans played in agrand final three years later, and have missedfinals just five times since.
At the sametime, Barassi was laying down the law in Sydney, Robert Walls was doing likewise up north. Walls departed the Bears in 1995, but his workpaved the way for Leigh Matthews to take the Lions to their famed three-peat from 2001-03.
In more recent years, Brisbane finished last in 2017,but climbed to second on the home-and-away ladderafter Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge joined the club.
Hodge,Matthews, Walls, Barassi… thereisa recurring theme here: tough, disciplined and driven. Comparatively, there is perhaps no greater contrast in culture when looking at what has happened to Carlton in the AFL and Melbourne Storm in the NRL since events of the 2000s.
The Blues lost draft picks for cheating the salary cap. Storm was stripped of two premierships for thesamecrime.
Sincebeing caught in 2002, Carlton has taken out the wooden spoon four times and played in just six finals series (five on their own merit).
Stormhas missed finals just once afterbeing
stripped of its 2009 flag, and has goneontowin two premierships and playinfour grand finals in five years (2016-18, 2020).
Theremight be areasonwhy culture has become such an annoying cliché. Because it’sthe mostcommon traitamong all successful sporting organisations, industries, businesses and workplaces.
Blake Metcalf-Holt
WHAT away to finish such atight season.
Righting theirwrongs from lastyear’s tight grand final loss, the Brisbane Lions shocked all football fans by emphatically defeating the minor premiers Sydney Swanstoraise their firstAFL premiership cup aloft since 2003.
Among the starsfor the Lions wasYarram’s Josh Dunkley, who added asecond premiership to the onehewon with the Western Bulldogs in his2016 rookie season.
An anticipated grand final to say the least began quite strongly with the two interstate sides trading blows –both out to redeemthemselvesaslosers of the last two grandfinals.
It was two goalsfromthe Swans to begin proceedings from the likes of Will Hayward and Bunyip star small forward Tom Papley despite the Lions controlling possession early with ahandful of
opportunities missed.
The Kai Lohmann show then erupted at the MCG with the Lions young forward booting two goals in quicksuccessionand in spectacular fashion to tie the game back up. Goals continued to be traded between the two before Lions star Charlie Cameron nailed an around the corner shot from the boundary line to give Brisbane an eight-point lead as quarter-time arrived.
Many in the crowd and watching around the country would have expected the back-and-forth natureofthe matchtocontinue between the two top sides of the competition -however,that did not go to plan.
The Lions wereona relentlessattack thatbegan to show cracks in theSwans artillery which began withLohmann kicking his third goalnot even halfway through the game.
Sydney wouldrespond quickly from the likes of Robbie Fox, but as far as how the rest of the
evening played out, that was the closest it would ever be again.
Brisbanefollowedwiththe next seven goals through from the second quarter into the third term ripping the game open and solidifying themselves as premiers of theAFL prettymuch thereand then.
Young gun Will Ashcroft was runningamuck across the ground and ended up booting an impressivegoalthrough traffic,Callum Ah Chee continued an unexpected finals run booting four goals until the end of the day, and captain and dual-Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale led admirably.
While the Swans pressedlateinto the fourth quarter with Luke Parker booting three goals in the term, all was too late and the game was well beyond out of reach.
Lions’ players were celebrating and embracing on the ground as the ball was 20-to-30 metres away in play with still ahandful of minutes remaining knowing their moment had arrived.
It was aspecial wingiven where the club was at
and had been following its monumental success at the turn of the century -winning three flags in arow with possibly the best team the game’s ever seen. Players like former captain Dayne Zorko had seen it all including awooden spoon in 2017 and apartofaclub in dire straits.
Coach Chris Fagan joined the club in 2017 from Hawthorn under Alistair Clarkson and as akey figure in the Hawks’ four premierships from 2008 to 2015. Fagan now becomesthe first premiership coachtohave never played at football’s top level (AFL/VFL) and is now the oldest to have reached the mountaintop at age 63. On the opposite spectrum, some have made the come up quickly. Darcy Wilmot has played in every game for the Lions after debuting in their 2022 elimination final against Richmond and is now the fastest to 10 finals surpassing Wonthaggi’s Jarryd Blair.