Gippsland Times Tuesday October 8 2024

Pilot unscathed after Roulette incident

StefanBradley

ASTUDENTpilot has emerged unscathed from arunway accident at the RAAF Base East Sale on Thursday involving acrashed PC-21 plane.

The Department of Defence said the pilot underwent amedical assessment as aprecaution.

“A Royal Australian Air Force PC-21 aircraft has been involvedinalow-speed runway excursion after landing at RAAF Base East Sale,” aDepartment of Defence statement said.

“The student pilot exited the aircraft

unaided and, as aprecaution, was taken to the base medical centre for assessment.”

Federal Memberfor GippslandDarren Chester chimed in.

“I have been advised the pilot is ok and the incidentwillbefully investigated, which is normal protocol for the Australian Defence Force,” Mr Chester said.

“It’s areminder of the dangers our servicepersonnel face every day as they trainfor theirroles to keep our nation safe.

“My thoughtsare with the pilot, his colleagues and emergencyworkers who

dealt with this stressful situation.” Grant McKillop,a Sale photographer, took photos of the plane after it crashed, with his snaps attracting plenty of attention on social media.

Afriend had informed him thatan incident had occurred at the RAAF base.

“He must havedriven back past the incident back from wherever he was He told me to grab my camera and head up to the RAAF Base, (because) there was something happening up there that would make for agreat photo. So that’s what Idid” Mr McKillop said.

Mr McKillop took the photo from Cobains Rd in what he said was the

same place he’d taken all of his RAAF photos in the past, and said the incident was clearly visible from where he was standing.

“I was on apublic road, public property.I wasn’t on the base. If they didn’t want anyone to see, they could have put abarrier up to block between the road and the incident,” he said.

Mr McKillop specialises in family photos and car show photography. His rouletteplane imagesare agreat comeback for his photography career, after ashoulder injury put him out of action for months.

The student pilot wasable to exit the vehicle unharmed.

Photo: GrantMcKillop Photography

The Times area-changing

THE Gippsland Times willenter anew era of providing local news to our community.

The Gippsland Times will be merging the Tuesdayand Friday issues into one enlarged issue every week.

Soon,the Gippsland Times will becomeapaid paper which will bring amore comprehensive and informative platform for the people of the Wellington Shire.

The Gippsland Times is positioning this change as an investment in the future of localjournalism

So many regional communitieshave lost their local news voice and we are determined not to let this happen to our community.

Newly-appointed editor David Braithwaite said the team wascommittedtoproviding in-depthlocal coverage, investigative journalism, and aplatform for community voices.

In addition, the team is exploring partnerships with local businesses to provide exclusive content and promotions to subscribers,adding value to the new paid model.

The shift from afree to apaidnewspaper model is emblematic of alargertrend within the media industry.

Mr Braithwaitesaidthe GippslandTimes had

been apartofthe local community since 1861,and its commitmenttoinforming the Wellington Shire community wouldcontinue for many years to come.

“We are just as much apartofthe community as the community is part of the Gippsland Times,” he said.

“As the Gippsland Times navigates these challenging waters, we’re aiming not just to survive, but to thrive as avital sourceoflocal news and information.

“By prioritising sustainability and quality journalism, the paper hopes to engage its readers in away that reflects the community’s needs and values, ensuringthatitremainsacornerstoneoflocal media for years to come.”

An announcement about whenthe first Wednesdayissue will be publishedwill be made soon.

The Tuesdayand Fridayissues of the Gippsland Times will be combined into a single, weekly issue, butthe newspaper’s commitment to informingthe WellingtonShire community will not change.

Film societyscreening tomorrownight

ANOTHER eclectic picture is set to be showcased by the Sale Film Society for its October screening, happening tomorrow night.

British documentary My Old School is thetitle of choice, awell-received feature which premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.

Society presidentRob Ziffer saidthe filmwas are-enactment of atrue story and scandal that rocked Scotland in 1995.

“It saw aprevious student at an academy, Brian McKinnon returnasa30-year-oldand emulate himself when he was 15 years younger,” Dr Ziffer said.

“Jono McLeod, the director was one of McKinnon’s peers at the school, and his outing is learnt through aseries of interviewswith his classmates and

teachers, via animation and archival footage.

“McKinnonwas interviewed for the film but wouldn’t be filmed so an actor, Alan Cumming, takes his role and lip-syncs his story.”

My OldSchool screens tomorrow from 7.30pm at TheWedge.

Entry is freetosocietymembers and $10 to non-members.

As always, prospective attendeesare encouraged to arrive half an hour early to purchase adrink at Shirley’s Café and Bar, and mingle with their fellow movie-lovers.

Moreinformation aboutthe society, and its upcoming screenings can be found on the official webpage, salefilmsociety.wordpress.com

Local artist Maria Fitzgerald had the ideato enable all primary school children in Maffra to collaborate to make abeautiful piece to coincide with thisyear’s Asian themed food and entertainment court.

Individually,itisjust asimpleorigamibird, but together it can make an extraordinary sculpture that will hang in the middle of the dome.

Each child will be asked to write awish for the community of Maffra prior to making.

Children have free entry for this year's Maffra Show, on October 25 and 26.

“BrandonLee” (AlanCumming) in thedocumentary ‘MyOld School’. Image: Madman/Hopscotch Films

THE MaffraAgricultural Society committee is excited to announce anew art instillation under the dome at this year’s Maffra Show.

Littleproudtours the region

NATIONALS leaderDavidLittleproud has claimed Gippsland farmersare bearing the brunt of federal government policies that are increasing costs, reducing productivity and undermining the financial viability of agriculture.

Mr Littleproud and the federal Memberfor Gippsland Darren Chester conducted atwo-day tour across the region andreceiveddirectfeedback from farmers and industry representative groups.

“Agriculture forms the backbone of Gippsland, aregion renowned for high-quality agricultural products, but the Labor-Greens vendetta against the region is jeopardisingthe livelihoodsoffarming familiesasthey grapplewith workforcechallenges, food and water security, supermarket behaviour, excessive green tapeand anti-agribusiness policies,”

Mr Littleproud said.

“We need common sense in Canberra andarespect for the critical role our farmers play in feeding the nation and exporting to the world.”

Mr Chester claimed the region’s agriculture sector was under threat as the government continued to enforce policies that carry enormousconsequences.

“Gippsland is an agriculture powerhouse, with a $7 billion net worth, employing more than athird of the region’sworkforce,and proudly producing 22 per cent of the nation’s dairy, 25 per cent of the beef, wool, and prime lamb in Victoria, and 27 per cent of Victoria’s vegetables,” he said.

“But farmers’ voices are increasingly being drowned out by activists who want to shut down Australian farms, and our farmers know they aren’t getting afairgofromthe government.”

Mr Littleproud said the current government had ended the Agriculture Visa, despite the nation’s peak food industry bodies warning agriculture required an additional 172,000 workers,while changes to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme made it unworkable for farmers,compounding widespread workforce shortages.

TheNationalsleader also pointed to new fresh food taxbeingimposed on farmers to payfor the biosecurity risks of their internationalcompetitors,

the governmentcutting regional infrastructure and water,banning the livesheep export industry, introducing anew ute tax and enforcingwater buybacks.

Mr Littleproud said the government policies were hurting farming communities in Gippsland and across the countryand were being drivenbypeople who didn’t understand the sector.

“Our discussions with local farmers were all about listening to their concerns and helping us to shape policieswhich valueand respecttheir contribution to the nation,” he said.

“The anger and frustration of farmers is understandable and led to the recent rally in Canberra. Allour farmers want is afair go, and acoalition government will always stand up for the agricultural sector.”

Mr Littleproudsaidthe Nationals weredemandingthese policies be scrappedoramended.

In astatement to the Gippsland Times,Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said Mr Littleproud wasn’t beinghonest with farmers and had nothing positive to offer.

“Our government is delivering, supporting the agriculture sector to reach its ambitiousgoal of becoming a$100billion industry by 2030,” she said.

“We have beenworking hard and have made significantgains foragriculture in the areas of workforce, trade and biosecurity. Trade is the most diversified it’s ever been, we’ve invested over $1 billion to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity system, and we have made strides through our tripartite workforce working group

“As arepresentativeofsomanyincredible farmers in my own electorate, Iamcommitted to engaging and listening to and representing Australia’sfarmers in the Albanese Labor government.

“I will continue talking to farmers and producers across the country. Australia produces ahuge amount of food and fibre. We’re world-renowned for it, and Iwant to make sure we continue to do that and we continue to grow our exports.”

Ballot packs being sentout

VOTERS enrolledinWellington Shire should check the mail for their ballot packs for this month's local council election.

Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel has encouraged people to vote as early as possible.

"This election is postal, so it’s important to complete and return your ballot materialassoon as possible to make sure your vote counts," Mr Bluemmel said.

Ballot material must be in the mail or delivered to the electionofficeatFormer Fulham TAFE, 19 Lyon Crescent, Fulham by 6pm Friday October 25

Voters who haven’t received their ballot pack by next Tuesday, October 15, should go to vec.

vic.gov.au to complete an online replacement ballot pack form.

Candidates who have nominated for the election are listed in the ballot packs and on the Victorian Electoral Commission website. If candidates have provided them, there will also be candidate photos and statements in the packs, and answerstothe candidate questionnaire online.

Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled for this election by August 7. Voters who don’t vote may be fined.

Wellington Shire election candidate statements, pages 7-9.

From left, Nationals leader David Littleproud and federalMember forGippslandDarren Chester with Southern Rural Water managingdirector CameronFitzGerald.

Jailsentence a‘slap in the face’

Stefan Bradley

WARNING: This story deals with the distressing death of achild.

If you or anyone you know needs help,these services are available:

Lifeline 13 11 14

Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

Headspace 1800 650 890

THEmother of killed Heyfield girl Olivia Stevens saysher family are living theirlives as “broken souls”, more than three years after her death in abuggy crash.

Heyfield dentist Yana Stevens, slammed the sentence given to Rosedale man Damien Gibson as a“slap in the face” and calledfor harsher penalties for dangerousdriving in vehicles such as buggies “Withsuch aserious charge of the culpable, (the sentence) should have been way harsher than what it is. Not that any justice will really ease our pain, butwhenyou see the justice being served, it does help you with your grief,” Ms Stevens said. “It alsofeelslikethe life of the living matters and the life of the ones who got killed doesn’t matter anymore.”

Gibson took seven children, including six-yearold Gippsland Grammar student Olivia, on ajoy ride during aplaydate with family friends at his Rosedale farm on September 11, 2021. He did not seek permission from theStevens familybefore taking Olivia on the ride, and his actions during the drive were described in court as “gross negligence”. Oliviawas thrown from the all-terrain vehicle when it hit arut in theground and rolled. She was crushed under the vehicle’s roll bars and died while being flown to the Royal Children’s Hospital. The other children surived.

Gibson, 36, pleaded guiltytoculpable driving causing death, and last week was sentenced in the Melbourne County Court. He is also banned from driving for two years.

He had originallypleadednot guilty in late November 2022.

With 238 days already served, he will be eligible for paroleinDecember 2026. The charge of culpable driving causing death carries amandatory jail term in Victoria.

While the court case may be over, Ms Stevens detailed to the Gippsland Times the pain her family continues to go through three years later.

“We all still suffer badly. We all have nightmares every night, all of us,” Ms Stevens said.

“My five-year-old son screams hisnightmares. And Istill have nightmares every night. It’s very random, different things, and it’s always very dark. And Ineverused to sufferfrom this, and now every night, Iwakeupina cold sweat.

“My husband suffers mentally. He’s kind of closed in his own grief. Ithink alot of men just do that, and Iencouragemen to speakupmore, because having that dark terrible thought inside you isn’t good. You need to express your pain, your grief, everything you’re dealing with.”

Judge Richard Maidment said Gibson had developed post-traumatic stress disorder,anxiety,

major depressionand adjustmentdisorder, but had

“excellent” prospects of rehabilitation, and said his early guilty pleahad demonstratedremorse. He also hadnoprior convictions.

“But for your plea of guilty,I would have sentenced you to imprisonmentfor seven years, six months with anon-parole period of five years,” Judge Maidment said.

Ms Stevens didn’t agree Gibson showedremorse, and believedhedragged the caseout overanumber of years.

“Right at the end, just before the trial began, he decided to plead guilty (to avoid alonger sentence),” she said.

Ms Stevens said she had received few details from Gibson about the incident that killed Olivia, with most of the information coming fromthe investigation.

“Olivia was dropped off to play with her school friend in the pool as it wasa warm day. There was no mention about taking kids for aride on a buggy. Our kids don’t ride motorbikes. We don’t own buggies and are not farmers," Ms Stevens said.

“When Iasked Iwas told they use the buggy for wood delivery and that’s it. Twenty minutes after Ileft to pick up my son from abirthday party, she was killed.

“So imagine dropping your child off to play, and then never seeing your child alive again and never receiving any information about what happened.

“We neverfelt remorse in any way in the last

threeyears at all.There was never astatement from them, never acomment, not even astory apart fromatthe end,just before the plea. He says sorry and that’s it,” she said.

Gibson wrote an apology letter to the family and had offered to read it out in court in September, but followingdiscussionswith Ms Stevens, Gibson’s lawyer said they decided against it.

Ms Stevens said the details she read about Olivia’s last moments were so distressing she did not let her husband read it.

“Shedid notdeserve that. She did not deserve anyofthis,” she said.

“(Gibson)was talking about how he’s gotdepression, anxiety and everything else now. So what he suffers with is understandable, but it was his actions which caused the event.

“What about the victim'sfamily? We’ve got to live with this pain, as parents for the rest of our lives and he doesn’t have to live with this pain.

“He only has to serve five years in prison...he’s going to continue his life like before."

Ms Stevens wants harsher lawsfor driving dangerously on motor vehicles.

“We would like to make people aware of buggy safety and take it seriously, especially if kids are around.Wewould like to prevent the death of innocent children,” she said.

Ms Stevens said she wanted Olivia to be remembered as ahappy and sassy girlwho was so full of life.

“She taught me to be abetter person.She told me not to judge others,” she said.

“She was bigger than life and people loved being around her. She made them feel good about themselves.”

This includes Olivia's classmates, who miss their beloved friend.

Astatueofone of Olivia's favourite animals, a pink flamingo, will soon be unveiled at Gippsland Grammar St Anne's Campus in Sale.

Fatalbuggy crash in East Gld

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding afatalbuggy crash in Tubbut (about two hours north of Orbost) at the weekend. Emergency services werecalled to reports of a buggy rollover at aproperty in Gippsland's far east just before 11pm on Saturday.

The adult driver, a47-year-old man from New South Wales and a13-year-oldgirlfrom

5KGCooked

Nicholson, werelocated at the scenedeceased. A12-year-old boy from New South Wales was transportedtohospital with non-life-threatening injuries and a47-year-old man who was also from Nicholson was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Police are investigating what led to thebuggy rolling over.

From left, Scott, Thomas, Olivia, Kobi and Yana Stevens.

Photos: Contributed

Olivia with herbrother Thomas.

Strong demand drives up rent

StefanBradley

RENTS rose by $20 per week in the past year across regional Victoria, with strong demand driving rents higher throughout Gippsland, according to anew PropTrack report.

Data in the PropTrack Market Insight Report released last week shows the Latrobe-Gippsland statistical area level four (SA4) saw rents increase by 7.3 per centoverthe pastyear (2.3 per cent quarterly) to $440 per week, which was up from growth of 2.5 per cent at the same time last year.

“This region (Latrobe-Gippsland) is still seeing strong demand, whichhas drivenrentshigher,” PropTrackdirector of economic research Cameron

Meeting to save Seaspray school

SEASPRAY Primary School has invited families of school aged children, who could become enrolled students, to acommunity meeting to determine the future of the school, which had no enrolments in 2024, and was made “non-operational”.

The meeting will take place this Friday from noon at Seaspray Primary School.

State Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Briensaidatthe time of the effective temporary closureofthe school late last year that he hoped that it would eventually reopen.

“It’salwaysdisappointingtolose aprimary school, even if it is technically only going to a“nonoperational” status,” Mr O’Brien said at the time.

Kusher told the Gippsland Times

The Latrobe-Gippslandstatistical area level fourincludes all six GippslandLGAs,including Wellington. It’s ageographicalarea the Australian BureauofStatistics uses to classify different regions.

The median rent in regional Victoria heldsteady at $450 over the past quarter to be 4.7 per cent higher than in September 2023.

Regional Victoria unit rentsrose5.6 per cent over the year to sit at $380 per week, outperforming house rent growth of 4.4 per cent over the year to sit at $470 per week.

Mr Kusher said regional Victoria’s rental market was comparable to the situations in other states.

“Overall, regional Victoria continues to see rental price growth decelerate, whichissimilar across regional rental markets in other states,” he said.

For the rest of the country, the key message of the report was that there were “positive signs for Australia’srentersaspricegrowthslows and more homes become available to rent”.

“While the cost of renting remains higher than ayear ago, the pace of price growth has slowed. This reflects an easing of rental market pressures, which we expect to continue.

“With more stock available for rent, and the costof renting rising at apace above inflation over recent years, the capacity to pay rent is now impacting demand,” Mr Kusher said.

“Perhaps surprising to many would be the fact that the median advertised rent in Melbourne, at $570 per week, was cheaper than all other capital cities except Hobart.

“Although the pace of rental growth is slowing and more stock is available for rent,supply remains low. However, we anticipate more balanced conditions in the coming months.”

Asked whether apotential interest rate cut this year or early next year by the Reserve Bank of Australia, Mr Kushersaid, “A rate cut will improve borrowingcapacity,whichcouldpotentiallylead to more investorand first home buyeractivity in the market”.

“This could result in lessdemand and ahigher supply of available rental properties.”

SeasprayPrimarySchool taking partinGippsland’s Biggest PJ Dayin2022.

Photo: Contributed

David Braithwaite

WITHthe mail-outofballot packs for the localgovernment elections underway, the Gippsland Times has today published statements from each of the 16 candidates vying for nine spots on Wellington Shire Council. You can read these statements on the next three pages. Each of the candidates was asked to submit amaximum300-word statement, outlining why we should vote for them. We are pleased to report all 16 candidates have sent us statements,which havebeenpublished in the order they were drawn on the ballot papers.

On top of publishing these statements, the Gippsland Times will continue to offerthe opportunity for candidates to provide media release. Publication of thesewill be at our discretion, taking fairness into consideration.

As has been the case the previous two elections, Wellington Shirewillbesplitinto three wards, but areview this year has seen changes to the boundaries.

The size of the Coastal Ward has increased to ensure abetter balance of voters between

Voting to get underway Vo underwa

the wards. The Coastal Ward, which includes Yarram and the 90 Mile Beach, now as Longford, which has been moved from the Central Ward, as well as Rosedale, Fulham and Denison, which were in the Northern Ward.

The Central Ward will continue to include Sale, Wurruk, Bundalaguah, PerryBridge and Meerlieu.

Maffra, Heyfield, Stratford andthe High Country are in the Northern Ward.

Wellington Shire will haveatleastfour new councillors, with current mayor Ian Bye (Central Ward), deputy mayor Gayle Maher (Coastal), Jill Wood (Central) and Carolyn Crossley (Northern) not seeking re-election.

Voting in the Wellington Shire election is by post only.

Ballot packs willcontain aballot paper, candidate statements, aballot paper envelope to place the vote in and areply-paid envelope for your ballot paper envelope to go in.

Voters who are blind or have low vision can phone 131 832 for assistance.

Voters who did not receive their ballot pack by next Tuesday, October 15, should visit vec.vic.gov.au to complete an online

replacement form or phone 131 832 to arrange areplacement.

When voting, follow the instructions in the ballot pack, and make sure the vote is posted or dropped off at the election office before6pm on Friday, October 25.

Peoplewho will be away from home between October 7and 25 may still be able to vote. Voters can ask for aballot pack to be sent to an alternative address or they may be able to vote at the election office.

For more information visit the Wellington Shire election office, whichislocated at the former TAFE Gippsland Fulham campus at 19 Lyon Crescent.

People on the electoral roll who do not vote risk receiving afine.

All postal votes to be received by the VEC by noon on Friday, November 1, with results of the election to be declaredonFriday, November 15.

Members of the new council will take their oath or affirmation of office and elect anew mayor and deputy mayor during aspecial council meeting on Monday, November18. The first ordinary meeting of the new council will be held the following day.

CGH to welcome surgical training

CENTRAL Gippsland Health (CGH) will become asurgical training facility after being selected for training of candidates by the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (RACS).

The hospital will train candidates for the college’s Surgical Education and Training (SET)with the first trainees starting their rotation at CGH from February 2025.

CGH chief executive Mark Dykgraaf welcomed the selection of the service for the training.

“It elevates our hospital to asurgical training facility and we will be working closely with the RACS in its endeavour towards excellence in surgical training,” he said.

“It is also arecognitionofour surgical department, the wide spectrum of procedures we undertakeatCGH and the excellent training we provide to our trainees.”

The SET trainees will complement the four current surgical trainees and two interns who provide caretothe community with guidance and support from four

consultant surgeons.

CGHisthe majorproviderofextensive surgical services in the Wellington Shire.

“Our skilled team of local surgeons are supported by amultidisciplinary team to provide the best service possible for our community,” Mr Dykgraaf said.

“We strivetodeliver quality care to our patients and this recognition from the RACS is atribute to the teamworkand dedication of allour clinicians and managers.”

Another boost for local trout numbers Council Elections

Wellington Shireissplit into three wards.

After areview this year,Longfordand Rosedale arenow in the CoastalWard, along with localities aroundYarram and along the 90 Mile Beach.

The Central Ward takes in Sale,Wurruk andnorthern side of Lake Wellington, whileMaffra,Stratford, Heyfield and the High Country areinthe Northern Ward Image: VEC

LAKEGuthridge andHeyfieldRacecourse Wetlandshad their rainbow trout numbers boosted by the state government for recreational fishing, alongside about 70 other lakes across the state.

Lastmonth, 35,000 rainbow trout were released across the state, with 300 released at the Heyfield Racecourse Wetlands, and 250 at Lake Guthridge, Sale. The same amountswere released in those lakes during the June-July school holidays.

The rainbow troutstockedare advanced yearlings and are suitable to be caught immediately. Rainbow trout are agood option for children or those trying fishing for the first time, because they are relatively easy to catch and take a

more than all other states and territories combined”.

EdwardLowe

MY nameisEdward Lowe, and Iamexcited to announce my nominationfor the upcoming council election.

With apassion for farming, shooting, fishing, football, cricket, camping, and golf, I bring adiverse set of interests to the table.

As a35-year-old electrician, father of two, and lifelong residentof Gippsland, Iamdeeply invested in our community.

Council Elections Northern Ward

Iama passionate and dedicated individual with astrong work ethic.

Itakepride in standing up for rights and advocating for fairness and justice.

Iamcommitted to improving community safety for our children and loweringcouncil rates and other expenses to ease the cost of livingfor our constituents. In addition, reducing local government regulations, promotingcommunity involvement, and aspiring to grow into aleadership role are key priorities for me

Iamcommitted to supporting the local community and preserving jobs.

The timberindustry has been severelyimpacted, and we must take everypossiblesteptohelp protect local livelihoods.

Withyour support, Iaim to contribute to the betterment of our community.

Christos Iliopoulos

ICAMEtoMaffra fromWilliamstown to supervise my social enterprise project: disability housing.

Iintended to return within ayear —after eight years, Iamstill here.

Ihave taken the opportunity to teach -as acasual reliefteacher -atvarious secondary schools -government and church -across Gippsland.

Ialsocontinued running my business as an enterprise advocate, and philosophical counsellor. For several years, Icoordinatedthe Maffra Association of Philosophy, and delivered monthly philosophical seminars, at various venues in Maffra and across Wellington.

Having immersed myself in the wonderful community of Maffra, Isoon realisedthat we live in an extraordinarily beautiful and productive part of Victoria.

Wellington boasts just about everything anyone wouldwant. Yes, it is definitely in the middle of everything.

My life's journey, saw me departing, at age six from my parents’ wheat farm, and my rural school in Greece, and arriving at aVictorian-era rental property in Brunswick, and straight intograde one at Moreland Primary School.

My ‘English teacher' was afellow student, who was askedtosit by me and provideinstruction. She did afantastic job.Withinmonths, Iwas fluent in English.

In Melbourne, Igained experience in enterprise through my senior management positions in the freight and passenger transport industries. Iwas also involved in variouscommunityorganisations, and was elected to the first municipalcouncilof Moreland -responsible for 150,000 people -where Iheld the portfolio of education, and the portfolio of economic development.

Iwas also the chairperson of the planning committee and the Moreland Forum.

Ialsotaughtatsecondary schools, at TAFE, and at La Trobe University.

Currently, my passion is to do all Ican, to make Wellington the most desirable place in Australia, in which to live and raise afamily.

Carmel Ripper

MY name is Carmel Ripper, acurrent Wellington Shire councillor representing the Northern Ward.

Iamretired and live in Stratford and can often be spotted at community events.

Iamapproachable, shop locally and invite the people of the northern ward to engage with me. Iamgenerous with my time and listen to people’s concerns.

Listening is key, Ihave an unwavering belief that engagement with all sectors of society is vital -be it farmers,businessowners, mums or dads, people who haveretired or children goingtoschoolin the shire.

To properly reflect people’s needs Iconvey your concerns to council. No matter where you live town or country —Ivowed to continue lobbying council to provide community spaces for all.

Ibelieve while council physically provides recreation reserves, halls, tennis courts and the like, it’s the peoplewho make the spaces work, and volunteers should be saluted and celebrated. If elected, Ivow to continuelobbying forupgrades to council infrastructure.

Iappreciate simplethings —suchasphysical access —makeahugedifference, empowering people of all abilities to grow and prosper.

Ibelieve everyone who lives in the shire deserves input into making Wellington great.

Iunderstand public money must attract premium results and in atransparent manner fitting of our community.

Local government is awork in progress and Iurge people to get involved in how and why decisions are made.Government works best when everyone is involved

The key to any organisation is involvementcouncil needs feedback from you and Iamthe listening post.

Talk to me and then Ican take your aspirations to council and get betterdecisions that make more sense to you.

Kevin Christensen

IHAVE spent much of hisworking life in the ADF, including as asubmariner and more recently the last 30 years as an air trafficcontroller. In between were some Antarctic adventures with the Australian government.

Ihave been aresident of Wellington Shire for most of the last 30 years, including the last 19 years in Maffra. Ihave been an active volunteer withvarious organisations, including on the committee of management with the Maffra Football-Netball Club, Maffra Recreation Reserve and Maffra RSL Sub-branch.

Ihave lived in various places around the country and Ichoose Maffra as my home. Iwant to see future generations enjoy the same lifestyle and opportunities that my two adult daughters have enjoyed.

Acouple of things in particular are that our volunteer organisations are supported to the greatest extent (with information, assistance with re-tape and financial), it is those organisation that make life in the country enjoyable.

Iwould like to see arejig of the dog leash laws through the shire to ensure the safety of our residents and pets.

As time and finances permit there are footpaths and roadways to be improved.

Ihave the skillstonegotiate,compromise and prioritiseprojects withother councillors so that as many projects as possible, within the financial constraints, across the shire are achieved.

The onlypromises Ican make are that Iwill make myself available to listen to residents and provide solutions where possible, or to take their concerns to the appropriate forum for discussion/action.

Iwill also provide feedback to anyone who engages with me.

Iaminterested in being involved in exciting future power generation developments while being aware of protecting current agricultural industries.

Avote for me gets Maffra on the inside for the first time in awhile, but Iammindful that I do represent every resident across the shire.

John Tatterson

THANK you to all who voted for me at the last election. It has been aprivilege to serve as aWellington councillor, and Ihope to continue to provide you apositive voiceoncouncil for residents.

It is important for councillors to understand the challenging financial times being faced by so many that they ensure council focus on key services and work to reduce cost and keep rates as low as possible.

Isupportinvestment in our paths, local roads, communityand recreational facilities and parks to enhance our area and makeour townsmore accessible and vibrant.

Iwill continue to seek greater council investment in our footpaths, our residents in older areas of our towns deserve footpaths to provide better access to theirhomes.

Iplan to advocate for increased hours for the pools in Maffra, Stratford and Heyfield. They should be

open more often and accessible for residents. Our volunteers continue to be asked to do more. If elected Iwill advocatefor improvedcouncil planningand support for recreationand community facilities to assist our many volunteers.

Ifeel astrongconnection to the community having grown up on adairy farm in Kilmany and moved to Stratford when my parents tookover the newsagency.

Ihavelived in the area all my life. My wife Sue and Ihave twoadult children and five grandchildren who all live in the area. My family andIcontinuetobeinvolved and support many community organisations in the Northern Ward. Let’s ensure all our towns remain fantastic places to live and do business.

Cameron 'Jamie' Hogan

MY name is Dr Cameron “Jamie” Hogan and Ihave nominatedinNorthern Ward in the Wellington Shire council elections. The ward covers many different communities and Ilive in Stratford which is one of these.

Iamsemi-retiredand havechildrenand grandchildren living, working and going to school in the Northern Ward.

Ihave lived in Wellington almost 12 years which Idon’t thinkqualifies me as alocal but Wellington and Stratford are where Icall home.

Ibelieve council should get back to basics and the three R’s of local government, “roads, rates and rubbish”.

Iamconcerned about the outlying areas in the Northern Ward and will advocate for rate reductions and quicker responses for the communities and farmers affectedbydisasters such as fire, floods and droughts.

Iwill address the lack of proper facilities at skate parks. Young peopledeserve to be treatedwith dignity and need toiletsatthe Maffraand Stratford Skate parks.

Coming from the community services industry working in youth work and training community services workers for 40 years, Iserve on the National Board of Youth Workers Australia as national treasurer and chair of course accreditations. In addition, Ihold professional membership of several other associations.

Iama member of the Gippsland Vehicle Collection in Maffra, akeen supporter and gold member of the Stratford Football-Netball Club, a hobby photographer and akeen fisherman. When visiting the numerous communitiesinthe Northern Ward Ihear the same message, people just want afair go. Ithink that in remote parts of the Wellington Shire people feel forgotten.

Iwilllistenand maketheir concerns my concern whilst continuing to assist young people and people sufferingsuffering withmental health issues advocating on their behalf where needed.

John Tatterson

Kevin Christensen

Carmel Ripper

EdwardLowe

Cameron ‘Jamie’ Hogan

Christos Iliopoulos

Robin Sidebotham

THE reason

Iamrunning for council is very simple: Iwant to represent the people of the Coastal Ward. Iwant to make sure our concerns are heard.

Ia ma lifelong Gippsland resident andIhave lived and worked across the region. Ihave worked in the public and private sectors and Ihave run my own aviation business. Ihave also been afull-time carer.

Iknow the frustrations people in our ward experience when having to deal with the shire council.

In recent years we have seen huge increases in our rates, but this has only beenmatched by an increaseinthe number of potholesinour local roads, notanimprovement in services.

While the councilannounces its multimillion dollar projects, we struggle for the most basic services for the youngest to the oldest members of our community.

As many of you know, we are in fact losingour communityfacilities when we should be trying to strengthen our communities.

The shire council and its management must be accountable to all residents and ratepayers.

We need afairgofor everyone.

The wellbeing of our communities mustbeparamount. We must protect and enhance the environments where we live and work, from the natural environmenttoour farms and ourtowns

Our Coastal Ward extends from Bass Straight to the High Plains. Thecouncil needstoshow equal consideration for the distant and isolated communities across the shire and in our ward.

Most communities are withoutany public transport to Sale to see where our rates are spent.

There are so many things that could be and should be improved. My promise to the peopleofthe Coastal Wardissimple: Iamone of you and if elected, Iwill be your voice.

Garry Stephens

Ihavehas been proud to represent the people of the Coastal Ward for the last eight years.Iam seeking the supportof the voters to serve another term as their representative on council.

During the current term, Ihave advocatedfor local people on over250 single

Council Elections Coastal Ward

issues, with the success rate standing about 70 per cent.

Ahighlight of the current term has beenobtaining the warmer pool for Yarram together with his coastal ward colleagues. Seeing the completion of the Great Southern Rail Trail has been another major economic benefit for the district.

Ihave supported the construction and upgrade of roads, streets, bridges and footpaths.

Amajor project for next year is work in Duke St, Yarram.

Support for the Port Albert special charge schemehas been another important project for the benefit of the community.

The community shouldnever stop advocating for agoodoutcome for a project. After many years of advocacyto the state government for replacement of the McLoughlins Beach jetty this project was funded in 2023.

Mrs Lesley Joyce and local member DannyO’Brienwere vital parts of the advocacy. It was importanttowork closelywith both our statemember Danny and also Darren Chester, our federal representative.

On apersonal note, being involved in the Heesco Mural Project and supporting the council in providing financial assistance for maps and booklets to the project has led to very positiveoutcomes for tourism and local businesses.

Another project thathas been great for Yarramand districthas been the expansion of the child care centre and kindergarten. Not only has the service met needs for extra places, it is providing anumberofjobs for local people.

If re-elected, Iwill be able to advocate for more positive outcomes in the local area. One project thatisvital to our community is to get more residential and industrial land opened up to supportdevelopment and growth in the community.

Another major focus for the area is to support offshore wind projects over the next four years. Council will continue to work hard to attract investment and jobs for our district.

Working with South Gippsland Shire to make sure thatBarry Beach will be the centre of operations and maintenance for offshore wind is vitally important.

Issues over climate change are starting to become amajor concern for coastal communities and council willneed strong advocacy to get the best possible outcomes for those affected.

Iask foryour support so that we can get the job done in our local area.

Catherine Bannerman

MY name is Catherine Bannerman and Iamaresident of Rosedale, mother of four adult daughters, aqualified highschoolteacher, and currently serving as the chairman of the committee for the Rosedale Neighbourhood House.

My husband and Ichose to move to Rosedale seven years ago, when as an Air Force family we received our third posting to RAAF East Sale.

After achange of career for him we have settled into Rosedale for good in

ordertoenjoy the beautiful town and friendly, communityminded people.

Ibelieve that times are tough and aboutto get tougher;I am committed to being your eyes and ears to ensure your rate-payer dollar is being stretched as far as possible.

The 3Rsoflocal government, rates, roads and rubbishare primarilywhat councils needtofocus on

"Rates, roads,and rubbish" is ashorthand way of saying that councils need to minimise unnecessary bureaucracy, both red and green tape, to focus on the areasinwhich they can be directly useful to us all as acommunity, rather than wasting timeand money on pointless gestures.

Iamalready actively involved in our community through the Rosedale NeighbourhoodHouse and want to listen to your views and values, and to be able to take your voice into the council.

Iwant us to be able to come together as an inter-connected community, utilising the strengths and opportunities from within our local resources to create solutions thatallow every person, small business, and local industry to thrive, solutions that work for everyone.

Iappreciate yoursupport and look forward to servingour communityon the Wellington Shire Council.

Cindy Madeley

HI, I’m Cindy Madeley, a long-term resident of Longford.

I’maproud mother of two energetic young children, and wife to Steve, adedicated small business owner.

Together, we share a deep love for our community and work hard to raise our family in this wonderful region.

I’ve livedand workedacross Sale, Maffra, and now Longford,and I’m proud to call this area my home.

Over the past decade, I’ve been heavily involved in community work. I’ve volunteered with local groupslike the Sale Rotary Club, Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club, and the Seed Community Garden, where Ihave held aboard position for the last two years.

I’ve been part of projects like Monday Tucker and the Sale MusicFestival, which havebrought realbenefitsto our region.

With more than 10 years of experience as asecondary school teacher and

through my current role as aspeech therapy assistant, I’ve developed strong skills in listening, understanding, and supporting individuals and families.

As acommitted community member, I’m well-connected with local groups and deeply understand what’simportant to residents. I’ll bring afresh, diverse perspectivetothe council if elected.I will focus on strengthening community connections, protecting our natural environment, and ensuring abright future for Wellington Shire.

Through my recent community engagement events, I’ve been actively listening to the concerns and ideas of local residents. These conversations are shaping my understanding of the issues that matter most to people, from local infrastructure to environmental sustainability.

If elected, I’m committed to listening to you, understanding your concerns, and making informeddecisions that benefit ourentire community. I’m ready to represent our communitywith compassion and integrity.

Marcus McKenzie

MY name is Marcus McKenzie, and I’m excitedtobe running as a candidate in the upcoming council elections.

The expanded Coastal Wardisa true gem, withunspoilt beaches, pristine rainforests, and vibrant communities deeply connected to agriculture, nature and tourism.

With over 35 years of experiencein senior managementand consultancy, I've assisted Australian corporations in establishing successful operations both locally and overseas.

Currently, Iserve as the chairperson of the Small Business Mentoring Service, supporting small business entrepreneurs during challenging times.

My wife Cherrie and Ihave astrong affection for this area, and we’re proud to call Wellington home. Overthe pastfouryears, our world has changed significantly, and so has our region.

I’m committed to advocating for several key initiatives, including however not limit to:

 Making domestic and gender-based violence along with youth programs a top priority in the 2025–2029 Council Wellbeing Plan.

 Ensuring farm rates remain competitive for our producers within Wellington.

 Prioritising council expenditure and maintenance for community assets.

 Continue to advocate for Lake Victoria erosion solutions to the federal and state governments.

 Engaging the community on infrastructure projects and council decisions.

 Revitalizing towns through councilsupported programs and activating

under-utilised council commercial assets.

Business development to entice new business to our region.

 Corporate or state-funded 12-month bus service trial from Port Albert to Sale.

 Supporting renewable energy projects that benefit the community.

 Supporting underground Vabove ground transmission of offshore wind.

As asitting councillor for the Coastal Ward shouldIbere-elected, Iwill continuetobethe voice forall towns and communities within our newly expanded ward.

Paul Mayer

MY name is Paul Mayer. Iliverurally, off-grid in Carrajung in the remote Grand Ridge area of Wellington Shire.

Ihave a Bachelor of Business degree in government and administrative management,with aproven specialty in delivering change management in government, as well as examining policies and procedures to deliver better efficiencies and community outcomes.

Having worked in senior and executive management roles in both the Queensland and Victorian state governments, Ihave made and implemented critical decisions that havebenefitted wider communities. Whilstmypast workhas beenin widelydiverse roles such as transport and logistics, real estate, auctioneering and paralegal roles,myspecial interest is in mental health and disability services, and the delivery of equal inclusiveness for all citizens.

Iamheavily involved in my diverse, remote local community, as treasurer of Carrajung Community Group and a representative on council’s combined halls committee.

My candidacy is based on addressing the disparity of council services that are accessible by urban ratepayers and thosenot easily accessible by rural, and particularly remote, ratepayers. Rural, remote residents occupyahugearea of WellingtonShire, are clearly service disadvantaged, and require anew voice to address anomalies and service gaps. Iamafirst-time candidate, totally independent, and funding my own campaign. Iamnot politically aligned, and will not accept any donations whatsoever. Ipromise to critically examine and deliver meaningful outcomes by looking at council through afresh perspective

My community has seen my delivery on promises in action.

Iappearlastonyour ballot paper. If my candidacy matches your needs and objectives in relation to your concerns aboutcouncil, please give me your first preference vote.

Ilook forward to representing you and delivering outcomes for you over the next four years.

Robin Sidebotham

Garry Stephens

CatherineBannerman

Paul Mayer

Cindy Madeley

Marcus McKenzie

Dr Greg Steele

Dr Reeha Nandha

ScottRossetti

BORN and raise di n Wellington Sh ire, I have always put the community first through hardwork and passion for positive outcomes.

My extensive participation in local activities and community issues ensured Iwas the first Wellington Shire mayor to ever be elected for three terms.

My community firstattitude has reapedenormous benefitsfor locals with great results emanating from his mayoraland councillor actions, such as the redevelopment of the Gippsland ArtGallery and Library. Ihave made it an imperative to listen to the opinions expressed by the public to ensure a highlevel of community engagement and support.

Taking the time to listen carefullyand follow through is part and parcel of my everyday work as afuneral director. It’s natural for me to bring thisattitude and style to my council work.

This approach has led to ahugebody of winsfor the Wellington Shire community, including:

-Support for RAAF Basic Flight Training being brought to East Sale;

-Support of rate capping and calling for it to be extended to other levels of government, and

-Leadership in thefight to defeat meaningless “cancelculture”around

Council Elections Central Ward

historic monuments.

Ihaveincredibly strongbusiness credentials including beingproprietorof Gippsland Funeral Services, abusiness established for 90 years, beginning with my grandfather.

Managing Wellington Shire requires adiverse range of skills from its councillors.I believe thatmyexperiences across manyareas enable me to serve the ratepayers of Wellington well.

My credoof“If Ican’t fix aproblem, I’ll find out how it can be fixed” has led me to building an incredibly diverse set of educational qualifications and skills.

Ihold acollection of tertiary qualifications, includingaBachelor of Business, aMaster of eBusiness,aGradDipA, and am also an Agrade electrician. My work experience includes stints at atop tier international accounting firm, roles within aglobal tech giant and hosting my own radio show in Melbourne.

Iammarried to Caroline and have three children, Samantha, Charlie and Stephanie.

Jacob Veldhuizen

of reason and restraint, ensuring that ratepayers' money is spent wisely. Council funds belong to ratepayers, so to better inform where the council spends our money, we need more community engagement andconsultation. The latest councilsatisfactionsurvey follows the previous years downward trend with adecade-low index score for council direction of 45, and 57 per cent of residents preferring cuts in council services to keep rates at the same level. While the survey provides valuable insights, its limitations suggest we need more comprehensive data to better understand and address community concerns.

What is clear, is that ratepayers deserve value for money, and we need to do what we can, to reduce rates and fees by becomingmore efficient and reducing ineffective spending.Weneed data and community feedback to findtheseareas where our money can be spent better.

of experience, commitment, and an understanding of our region’s needs.

Ih av e spent my entire life in Sale and my husband, Mattand I havebeen fortunate and proud to raise our children hereinthe Wellington Shire, where we’ve experienced first hand the warmth and strength of our community.

With25yearsofexperience as a primary school teacher, Ihave seen the transformative power of quality education and understand the importance of nurturing our future generation.

Geoff Wells

IH AV E lived in the Wellington Shi re for 28 years. I love giving back to the community by being involved with boards and committees within local business and sporting communities which has given me valuable knowledge and experience in the workings of the Wellington Shire. Iamhappily married to my wife Susie and have threewonderful children Josh, Ryan and Jessika.

AS alifelong resident of Wellington Shire, Iam committed to ensuring that our council focuses on the issues thatmatter most to our community. With the rising cost of living affecting many residents,I will be avoice

Another priority of mine is to make the council more transparent and inform residents betterabout council activities by providing easily accessible data so interested residentscan come to the sameconclusion and understand why the council has made that decision.

Iamproudtobeendorsed by the Libertarian Party; Iadvocate for lower rates and less red tape.

If elected as your councillor, Iwill be easily accessible and find the answers to your questions. My aim is to keep all residents of Wellington Shire informed and engaged in our community's future.

Liz Foat

AS alifelong resident of Sale, Iam passionate about our community and committed to its future. Ioffer ablend

As co-owners of asmall business in Sale,myhusband andIemploy locals and provide apprenticeships, supporting young people’s career development.I believe small businesses are the heartbeat of our community, and it’s essential that we all commit to supporting local initiatives to ensure our town remains vibrant and economicallyhealthy. Iam also passionateabout boosting local tourism and capturing the essenceof ‘The Middle of Everywhere,’ showcasing what makes our region unique.

My involvement in committees and volunteering with community organisations reflects my commitment to making ameaningful difference in our area.

Iwill be adedicated advocate for the Wellington Shire, working to enhance and buildonour community's successes.

We owned and operated JSM Embroidery, Workwear andSafetyin Sale for 13 yearsjustrecently sellingthis business, so Iunderstand how important small business is to theWellington Shire and our future generations. Ihave also been heavily involved in the sporting community throughout the Wellington Shire and will continue to support all sporting activity growth for all our families health and wellbeing. With the change in various industries and the new possibilities of the renewable energy jobs in the Gippsland region we need to focus on creating new jobs locally in the WellingtonShirewhich will be astrong focus.

If elected Iwill use all my experience to help our Shire grow and prosper for our future generations to enjoy.

ScottRossetti

Jacob Veldhuizen

Liz Foat

Geoff Wells

Maffra hall marks milestone

THREEevents will be held to mark30years since amajor upgrade at Maffra Memorial Hall. Before the works, the hall was considered asecond-rate, run-down and unloved facility.Now, it'sastate-of-the-art, widely used,

community facility.

The family-friendly Dr Hubble's Bubble Show will be this Saturday from 2pm. To access free tickets visit www.trybooking.com/CVSRJ

Seeand hear Professor Hurdy Gurdy’sMusic Machine on Saturday, October 19, from 2pm.

Afamily-friendly freeevent part of Children Week, Professor Hurdy Gurdy willbejoined by the

 THE Maffra Garden Club’s next meeting will be held next Monday, October 14, in Debbie and Peter Jackson’s garden at Clydebank. BYO lunch, cup and chair. The competition will be acut of natives. For more information phone Jeanette on: 0438 456 491.

Maffra Senior ConcertBandfor amusical journey. For tickets visit www.trybooking.com/CVSRN

The MaffraSeniorConcertBandwill 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.

 MAFFRA Neighbourhood House has reopened for term four.

Bookings are now being taken for all activities and regular groups have returned.

 GIPPSLAND Community Legal Service will be hosting afree information session on Wednesday, October 16, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. The topic for the session will be “family violence, family advocacy support service information”.

Phone 0422 335 155 if wishing to attend.

 THERE are limited vacancies available for the gluten free sour dough workshop, to be held on Wednesday, October 16.

Cost will be $55. To book phone the house on 0422 335 155.

 MAINLY Music will begin for term four this Thursday at 9.30am.

The organising team is looking forward to

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.

welcoming everyone back again and to meeting any new parents and preschool children. Mainly Music is held in the GeoffWebster Centre, ThomsonSt, opposite the Maffra Primary School, and beginsat9.30am each Thursday morning during the school term. The cost is $4 per session. Fruit for children and morning tea for the parents and carers will be served after each session.

 THE Avon Anglican Family Fun Fair and Pet Show will be held on Saturday at 28 McFarlane St, Stratford, from 10am until 2pm.

Registrations for the petshow will be from 10.15am for a10.30am start.

Entry and all children’s activities are free. There will lots of fun for all the family, all welcome.

Moonwalker at The Wedge

STEP into the worldofmusic royalty with electrifyingMichael Jackson show, Moonwalker

This thrilling spectacle payshomage to the King of Pop Michael Jackson, capturingthe essence of his legendary career and iconicdance moves. The show is amesmerizing journey through his greatest hits, with the incredible Paul Rizzo.

Rizzo was named in the world’s top five Jackson tributes in 2002 by American network

BET (Black Entertainment Television) before attaining the top position. Moonwalker is anostalgic celebration that transports audiences back to the era of the "Gloved One", remindingusall whyMichael Jackson will forever be the King of Pop. Moonwalker willbeperformed at The Wedge, Sale, on Thursday, October17, from 8pm.Tickets cost $53 for adults, and are available at www. thewedge.com.au

This year marks 30 years since amajor upgrade of Maffra Memorial Hall.

Dr Hubble’s Bubble Showwill be at the Maffra Memorial Hall thisSaturday.

The Maffra Senior Concert Bandwill present adance party with aHalloween theme on October27. Photos: Contributed

Looking back on 2024

SALE City Band will perform aspectacular “Year in Concert” at The Wedge this Sunday from 2pm. The show is aculminationofbrass band tradition, local talent andvibrant themesbased on the events of 2024 with everyone’s tastes catered for as the full sound of the versatile 25-piece band showcases an amazing range of music.

Melodic nature sounds will reflectlocal artist Annemeike Mein’samazing exhibition, vibrant fanfare will honour Australia’s olympic champions and the audience will be toe-tapping along to the swing and rock sounds of impressiveresident singer Izzie Wicks, joined by local broadcaster Jonathon Kendall.

Under the direction of musical director Tom

Cousin, the band has had abusy 2024 and this concertwillpresent the best of its eisteddfod-winning musicaswell as other popular favourites ranging from classical music to pieces from Billy Joel, Sam Smith, Etta James, A-Ha and Otis Redding.

Ahighlight will be aspecial rendition of The Prayer featuringvocalist Izzie Wicks and principal cornet Glen Morriss in an amazing duet accompanied by the band.

It’s sure to be an emotional performance leaving the listener with hairsstanding on thebackof their necks.

Tickets are available at www.thewedge.com. au,byvisiting the box office or phoning 5143 3200.

Symphonic Mastersatthe Wedge

EXPERIENCE the magic of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet Suite,amasterpiece that tellsthe most famous love story of all time.

The Gippsland Symphony Orchestra will present auniqueperformance, combining pieces from both the orchestral suites,offering afresh perspective on this beloved work.

Brahms’ final symphony, the fourth, is a masterpiece that captures the full spectrum of orchestral colours, crafted in the classical style while also ushering in the Romantic era. With sweeping, vivid musical strokes and unforgettable melodies, this symphony stands as atestament to Brahms’ genius.

Sergei Prokofiev’s Romeoand Juliet is aballet composed in 1935 and 1936 based on William Shakespeare’s play of thesamename. Prokofiev also arranged three orchestral suites and a set of ten pieces for piano from the music for the ballet.

The GSO has selected from suite oneand two for this performance: Montaguesand Capulets, Madrigal, Minuet,Masks, Death of Tybalt, Friar Laurence, Romeo at Juliet’s Tomb. Prokofiev’s suites are someofthe most memorable and dramatic moments from the ballet, capturing the essenceofhis powerful and evocative compositional style. The suites are often performedinconcert and have become popular pieces in the orchestral repertoire.

In 1901, American saxophonist Elise Hall had requested Claude Debussy to compose apiece for the saxophone, however he didn’t take the

commission seriously and looked scornfully on the abilitiesofHall as asaxophonist and as such did not work on the commission for some time. Hall made manytrips to Paris to meet with Debussy and he eventually began to work on the piece and sent the score for saxophone and piano to Hall in 1911.

Rhapsody for Saxophone and Orchestra was subsequently arranged for orchestra by Jean Roger-Ducasse in 1919.

Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 4, Op. 98 is amonumental work in the symphonic repertoire, composed in 1884 and1885. This highly-regard symphony explores emotional depth,structural coherence, and symphonic innovation, making it acornerstone of Romantic symphonic repertoire.

After its premiereperformancethe symphony received mixed reviews. Listeners were challenged by the dense, rich textural colours and the complexity of its structures.

It is now viewed as the work of agenius and rightly celebratedasone of the great symphonic achievements, awork that combines Romantic intellectualism and emotional expressionism.

The fourthsymphony by Brahms and one that places him at the vanguard of symphonic composers, arightful heir to Beethoven’scrown Symphonic Masters with the GSO will be performedatThe Wedge, Sale, on Sunday, October 27, from 2pm. Tickets cost $23 for adults, and are available from www.thewedge.com.au

Trio of songbirds

MELISSA Fraser, Raychel Stone and Clare Quinnpresent Wildflowers -acelebration of the songs of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris.

This production is acollaboration by prominent, local and independent Queensland artists. Fraser,Stone and Quinn have collectively contributed over 60 years of music and performance to Australia’s thriving musicscene. The trio of treasuredlocal songbirds have come together to celebrate harmony and connection through the sharingofsongs by theincrediblewomen who have inspired their own musical journeys, with amodern interpretation of the classic songs featured on the ‘Trio’ records, providing acrossgenerational musical experience.

Check out Wildflowers at TheWedge, Sale, on Saturday, October 26 -tickets available from thewedge.com.au

The SaleCity Band will perform its ‘Year in Concert’ thisSunday.

Atrio of treasuredsongbirds arecoming together to celebrateharmony and connection!

Melissa Fraser,Raychel Stone andClare Quinnwill perform Wildflowers at The Wedge. Images: Contributed

ONE POINTERS

1. What was the bestselling car in Australia for 15 consecutive years?

2. Whatanimal is the mascot of the paddle pop brand? 3. Black Russian’ is arare variety of what fruit?

4. Who played The Cat in the Hat in the 2003 film adaptation?

TWOPOINTERS

5. WhatAmerican city was rapper Eminem raised in?

6. What was the name of the island Jaws was set in?

7. Which US cereal claims to be ‘The breakfast of champions’?

8. Which is aslang word for cheap wine beginning with ‘p’?

THREE POINTER

9. Which colour M&M chocolate does NOT have a character associated with it?

10. Which novel is Irish writer Bram Stoker most remembered for?

11. Which London building was Guy Fawkes trying to blowupin1605?

12. What type of famine struck Ireland in the 1840s, killing up to one million people?

FOUR POINTER

13. What did Audrey Hepburn have at Tiffany’s?

14. What artists recorded two of their bestselling albums while they were behind bars?

FIVE POINTER

15. I’ll give you five famousfilms, and you name the director? One point for each answer.1.Jaws

2. Avatar 3. Dunkirk 4. The Shining 5. Taxi Driver

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 wordsendingin‘s’ Solution page30

0230

Podcasting at Airly Primary

STUDENTS fromAirly Primary School have been learning the art of podcasting in time to interview guests at the school’s centenary celebrations on Saturday.

Snippetsoftheir conversations willbeturned into episodes fora podcast celebrating the rich

historical narrative of the school.

Episode onefeatures students interviewing family members and proud Monaro Ngaro women Kath Fennell and Lynne Solomon Dent.

The sisters helped students to visualise what the place was like pre-European settlement when

Family fun fair in Stratford

THE Avon Anglican Family Fun Fair will be one of the highlights on the Stratford community’s calendar again this year.

Organisers hope this year's fair will be bigger and better than ever.

The fairwillbeheld on Saturday at the Holy Trinity precinct, Stratford, between 10am and 2pm. All welcome.

Entry and all children’s activities will be free. There will be atrackless train, jumping castles, face painting, animal petting, music, bubbles, clown and fruit boxes, bottles of water, lollies and popcorn, fairy floss, giveaway books, lucky dips and wooden toys, stalls for plants and cakes for sale, barbecuewith food for $1 (including gluten-free and vegetarian options), and tea and coffee.

The children’s family pet show will be taking place in the morning.Owners and petsare encouragedtoregister early (by 10.15amonthe day). Judging will be by alocal vet, with prizes and certificates awarded.

Gail Wager of the Avon Parish FamilyFun Fair committee said the planning committee was hoping for good weather and another successful community event.

the Brayakaulung people hunted and gathered yams, kangaroo, fishes, berries, birds, eels, swan eggs, crabs and mussels according to the seasons. They discuss alandscape with many more gum and wattle trees and ‘not thosepine trees’that were introduced.

Petblessings this Sunday

PET Sunday, celebrating the life of St Francis of Assisi, will be held at St Matthew's Soldiers Memorial Church, Tinamba, this Sunday from 3pm.

Everyone is welcome to bring their pets, largeand small, to be blessed.

Afternoontea will follow the blessing.

For more information phone the Rev. Judith Lake on 0432 321 471.

Railwaymuseum to open Sunday

THE Sale Railway Museum will have aspecial opening thisSunday to celebratethe visit of asteam train travelling from Melbourne to Bairnsdale.

Steamrail Victoria will be runningthe steam excursiontrainona day returntrip to Bairnsdale and is scheduled to arriveatthe destination at 12.38pm.

The steam trainwill be picking up passengers in Melbourne and the journey is being advertised as the first ever “R Class” day trip to Bairnsdale.

The railway museum, locatedinthe former Sale railway signal box on ReeveSt, will be open from 10am till 12.30pm for anyone wishing to view railway memorabilia andsee howrailway

signaling operated in the past.

The steam trainisscheduled to depart Bairnsdale on its return trip to Melbourne at 3.55pm and everyone will have achanceto see the steam train again as it goes through stations.

No arrival or departure times have been advertised for the train journey as it travels throughGippsland, on eitherthe forward or return journey.

The Sale Railway Museum is part of the Sale Museums and Family Research Group, formerly theSaleHistoricalSociety,and aims to preserve the districts’ railway history for the future. For more information phone 0427 443 351.

Student also learned about the importance of dance, listening, shelter, tools and culture. Kath’s dancegroup, Cultural Connect, will present at the centenary celebrations, which will also feature historical displays, lots of discussion, an Auslan display, old fashioned games, plaque unveiling, cake cutting, Lions club sausage sizzle and most importantly, community.

The event will be held between 11am and 3pm at the school, 226 Airly Estate Rd. The day will be followed up with an afternoon at the Airly Hall, which is celebrating 120 years.

Standing up for vulnerable children

LIFE Impact International is an organisationthat workstoprevent, rescue and heal trafficked and exploited children in Thailand, Myanmar and Brazil.

Life Impact Australia exists to raise awareness, fundraise and responsibly steward those finances to aid all aspects of the work carried out on the ground by Life Impact International.

After arecent trip to Thailandwith Lana Vasquez, the founder of Life Impact International, agroup of local supporters became acutely aware of the role the sex tourism trade played in financing prostitution, drugs, clubs, trafficking and exploitation in areas such as the infamous Red Light District in Bangkok.

Life Impact Australia director Kathleen McIvor said the sheer number of western males present within this district was eye opening.

“There appeared to be little to no thought of where thesegirlshave comefrom,why they are there, how old they are or if they have been trafficked,” she said.

“What gripped at my heart about these girls and women was not their scant clothing or the visible signsofdrugabuse. It was that every single one of them was numbered.

“Education is key and though it would be easy to say ‘notour problem’ Ihave seen with my own eyes that it very much is our problem. Ialsoknow there are good men within ourcommunities, willingtotakea stand against the exploitation of vulnerable young girls and women.”

Man Up Gippsland,the Compadres Christian Motorcyle Club and Life Impact Australia will host an event in the Sale Mall on Saturday,October19, between 10am and noon.

The vision is to see as many men as possible, gather together with their families and the local community in ashow of solidarity and in an effort to shine alightonthe issues They will do so with the mantra “My Child. My Fight”.

The morning will consist of livemusic, activities for the kids, amotorbike display withinvited guests the CompadresMotorcyle Club, several short and inspirational speeches from key partners and plenty of information about LifeImpact and the work it is doing.

Lynne Solomon Dent wears her kangaroos skin. Jaydenand Andrea.

Peggy and Eli study an eel net Photos:Contributed

There will be plenty for thechildren at the Avon Anglican Family FunDay Photo: Contributed

SOLDOUT

S onsorship packages are available across three levels:

•Patron•Major Sponsor •Sponsor t ble

PatSponsorship & table enquiries

Ian Bye 0400 332 431

Friday Octob FridayOctober 11 at Sale MemorialHall 11am to 4.30pm

Wellington’s Biggest Ever Blokes BBQ will help raise awareness and provide funding to assist research, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Guest Speakers: GuestSpeakers:

Heaps of entertainment including fundraising auctions, raffles and much, much more.

David Rhys-Jones

Marty Fields

Jeff Thomson

STEP into the lifestyle you’ve always envisioned —this house is anew home that has never been lived in, offering exceptional quality, prestige, and space.

Agents say it is designed to meet the evolving needs of your growing family,agents say this stunning property delivers aperfect blend of style, comfort, and practicality

As you approach, the modern façade,with an established lawn and garden, sets the tone for the exceptional design and quality that awaits.

Inside, the neutral palette and premium finishes create asense of timeless elegance.

The large entry foyer introduces the generous central living zone, which serves as the heart of the home. With its high ceilings, abundant natural light, and aceramic stone gas heater with feature tiling, this space is both inviting and functional.

For more intimate gatherings or relaxation, the separate formal lounge can be closed off with abarn-style sliding door

The kitchen is adream come true for home chefs, boasting Caesarstone benchtops, quality Westinghouse appliances and an island bench that serves as acentrepiece for meal preparation or casual dining. The large inbuilt pantry provides ample storage, while the adjoining butler’spantry,complete with asink, storage, and adishwasher,ensures you have all the space you need for seamless entertaining and daily living.

The master suite, located at the rear for ultimate privacy,isatrueretreat and sanctuary you can unwind in after along day.Spacious and serene, it boasts awalk-in robe and aluxurious ensuite with alarge vanity with double sinks and LED touch mirrors, awalk-in shower,and aseparatebath. Stacker doors open onto acourtyard, an idea spot for enjoying your morning coffee.

The additional three bedrooms, each with built-in robes, provide plenty of room for family or guests, complemented by a thoughtfully designed family bathroom with vanity,shower,and bath, plus a separate toilet and powder room for added functionality

Aseparate laundry rounds out the interior, catering to everyday convenience.

Outdoor living is abreeze, with an undercover alfresco area accessible from one side of the living zone and sliding doors leading to acourtyard on the other,ideal for year-round entertaining.

Additional features include an alarm system, double-glazed windows, and central heating and cooling to ensure comfort throughout the year

The garage is currently converted into aversatile space that can be used as ahome office, rumpus room, guest room, or any purpose your family requires.

Briefdetails et

Address: 46 Dyer Avenue, Sale

Price: $945,000

Bed: Four

Bath: Two

Car: Two

Open forinspection: Saturday, October 12,noon to 12:30pm.

Agent: Tony Kiss 0419 526 637 , Wellington Real Estate

Alifestyle of prestige and comfort

Privately positioned unit in prime location

additional storage.

AGENTS say astute buyers find it hard to come across properties of this calibre, as it’sona quarter-acre block, ashort walk to the Sale CBD.

This charming, well-renovated four-bedroom home (or three, plus study) features polished wood floorboards and painted neutral colour walls throughout.

The large lounge has reverse cycle air conditioning, ceiling fanand largecorner windows to absorb the morning sun from its east-facing position.

The brightly painted kitchen has substantial cupboards, pantry,gas upright stove and inviting breakfast bench. The space is complimented with an open and cosy dining area, leading to views of the front garden of the property

The four bedrooms comprise newlycarpeted and recently-installed roller blinds. The large master bedroom consists wall-to-wall built-in robes.

The bathroom is modern and completely renovated with Tastic heating light.

According to agents, the laundry is spacious, and there is asecond separate toilet adjoining the laundry

There is the potential for unit development or subdivision (subject to council approval).

The first stage plan for two new units is included in the sale. Following stages are available for perusal.

There is afixed term residential lease until June 2025, with impressive rental return

per week) and great tenants.

Large family home on 100acres

THIS property offers more than aplace to call home, it oozes lifestyle, agents say This 100-acre lifestyle property offers views of the Avon Wilderness to the north, while overlooking the fertile flatsofthe Macalister Irrigation District to the south.

Alarge family home is the center piece of this property,with an emphasis on entertaining and comfort.

The complete offgrid living is not only modern but practical.

The five bedrooms are led with the large master suite including awalk-in robe and en-suite. The remaining bedrooms are generously sized, with three of the four built-in robes.

According to agents, the kitchen in the heart of the home is amodern open plan living/dining area with all the mod cons including awalk-in pantry

The three living areas give that busy family life aplace to escape and relax.

Outside features include, but not limited to:

 Complete offgrid solar and battery system with new batteries;

 82,000-liter water tanks;

 Large three-bay shed;  100 acres approx;

 Well-fenced into multiple paddocks;

 Cattle yards with crush, loading race and sheep yards, and

 Stock water includes dams, troughs with header tank.

Enjoy unparalleled sunsets and sunrises while embracing the peace and privacy that comes with such aremarkable setting. Don't miss your opportunity to own this ultimate lifestyle property Briefdetails

Highlighting farmers’ mentalhealth issues

KatrinaBrandon

JUST afarmer, some people say.

They are the ones putting food on our tables. But, they are people who are spending multiple hours aday workingjust to make the bare minimum.

The recently releasedfilm, Just aFarmer, serves as apowerfultool to shed light on the mental health challenges faced by farmers.

Gippsland Jersey hosted two free screenings of Just aFarmer at Lardner Park. The start of the film shows ahappy family of four on alarge cattle and sheep farm before disaster strikes and the overwhelming stress of the farm gets to thefather.

The film’s narrative, initially jumping between different aspects of the family’s lives, eventually settles into arhythm, showcasing themother’s resilience as she navigates her new struggles and the importance of seeking help whenneeded.

After the movie, Gippsland Jerseyowner Sallie Jones shared not only was the film relatable to farmers in the area, but mental health in farmers as people was crucial.

While thereare acresoflandbetweenfarmers, she urged the crowd to reach services if they ever need to talk to someone if they are struggling.

For more information on Just aFarmer and for mental health providers, go to www. justafarmermovie.com

Solid results continue for Victorian dairy industry

ANEW report has found Victorian dairy farm profits in 2023–24 wereabove the long-term average for the fifth consecutive year.

The 2023–24 Dairy Farm Monitor is an annual survey tracking 80 dairy farm businessesstatewide.

In 2023–2024, average profit wasstrongat $629,000 or $2.64 per kilograms of milk solids.

The varied seasonal conditions across the state for 2023-24 influenced performanceand costs among the regions.

Average milk price fell slightly to $9.64 per kilogram milk solids –aone per cent decrease on the previous year’svery high price–whiletotal costs for the 2023–24 period remained stable.

Agriculture Victoria farm business economists program manager ClaireWaterman said Dairy Farm Monitor participants produced more milk across the state and increased homegrown feed production for theirherds, despitesomechallenges including dry seasonal conditions in the south-west and aslightlylower milk price than last year.

Dairy Farm Monitorisa partnership with Dairy Australia, collecting and analysing financial and production data from dryland and irrigated dairy

farmsinsouth-westernVictoria, Gippsland and northern Victoria.

Dairy Australia general manager research and innovation Greg Jarman said the project provided vital insight into the factors affecting the profitability and sustainability of dairy farms.

"The data and insights gained from the project assist farmers and service providers in decision making and support Dairy Australia and the Victorian government by providing independent and reliable information to inform investment and resource allocation to priorityareas," he said

"This ensureswemaintainour focus on the projects and activities that will have the greatest impact on the long-term profitability and sustainability of the dairy industry."

The 80 project participants represented adistribution of farm size, feeding systems and herd sizes.

There were about 2768 dairy farm businesses in Victoria that produced5.3 billion litresor63 percent of Australia’s national milk production in 2023–24.

Anew film aims to shine alight on mentalhealthfor farming families. Photo: Contributed

Field dayfocus on production

SOILS, pastures, livestock, grains and fodder, thefive four research pillars of the Gippsland AgriculturalGroup (GAgG) will be covered in detail at the upcoming SpringField Day, whichincludes presenters fromlocal farmers to industry experts.

The eventwill be held at the Gippsland Research Farm, near the Bairnsdale Airport.

GAgG general manager Jen Smith said this year’s Spring Field Day would have something for everyone.

“Producers largeand small,industry representatives, and those with akeen interest in agriculture in ourregion are welcome and encouraged to come to the Gippsland Research Farm,” she said.

“Results from our projects are published in February each year, but spring is agreat time to come and see, feel, and experience for yourself what’s happening.I challenge people to come along with an open mind to examine for themselves the input and activities we are testing and demonstrating and the results that are coming out.

“In most instances, we are looking for what’s commercially viable, and often thatmeans we test several designs, and some fail. They fail because there is not enough return on the investment, require too much labour or simply don’t work.”

Ms Smith said failure was agreat teacher, and every mistake, especially on afarm had alesson to offer.

“However, it’s even better when you can learn from the failures of others. Failure and success lookverydifferent to every farmer, sizeoffarm, equity, access to capital, all may render what is applicable for one irrelevant to another,” she said.

“Winston Churchill said ‘Success is not final,

Gippsland AgricultureGroup Chief Executive Trevor Caithness in apaddock of faba beans in July.Thereare severalsites across Gippsland growing faba beans as part of alargerMeatand Livestock Australia demonstration, which willformpart of the discussion in thenitrogen fixation session at the SpringField Day. Photos: Contributed

failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts’.

“So come along and check out what’s happening here and find something to courageously try in your farming system. There are 10 sessions across four timesslots, which means you can choose your own adventureand what’s relevant for you in your farming systems right now.”

The bane of many farmers’ existence, African lovegrass, will be in thespotlight with stories of burning infested paddocks and resowing them,

plus the top three and worst three control options for the pervasive weed.

Wally Notmanwill speak about agro-forestry on farm, Richard Shepard, alocal consultantwith over 25 years experience, will share on artificial insemination in beef herds, and Agriculture Victoria’s Fiona Baker will conduct afertiliser budgeting master class.

GAgG’s Alister Micallef will speak about the ovastim demonstration and lamb survival percentages, and local farmer Dave Caldwell, along with

Emily Cook, will speak on the Growing Pastures in aVariable Climate demonstration, perennials versus annuals.

Nitrogen fixation in farming systems will be covered by research agronomist Richard Prusa, including species like faba beans, vetch and clovers, while BenMorris from Field AppliedResearch Australia will talk about fungicide use to manage diseases in cerealcrops andcereal variety performance.

GAgGagronomist Casey Willis anddrought adoption officer Rick Blackshaw will conduct the ‘Fail Fast –Resow quickly’ session about growing lucerneinwet conditions and variety performance. Attendees need to book for each session online to secure aspotasthe session groups will be limited in size.

The fifth annual GAgG SpringField Day will take place on Thursday, October 24, from 8.30am to 3.30pm.

Rick Blackshawand John Waller at the GippslandResearch Farm, pictured in winter. Theewes weregiven ovistim as part of ademonstration and needed their nutrition increased through the colder months. The results of the program, including lamb survival percentages, will be coveredatthe SpringField DayonOctober 24.

HORSES WANTED

AGM

Gippsland Specialist Services

Aposition has become available at our Specialist Medical Practice in Sale for aMedical Receptionist. This is aParttime position and requires experience in aMedical Clinic. The applicant must have sound computer knowledge and skills in medical software, ability to use initiative, work independently, and have excellent time management and communication skills.

For more information, please conta ct receptio n @georgegray.org.au.

SALE GOLF CLUB

Adaptability and Flexibility are qualities we are looking for. The hours maybe negotiable. Enquiries may be made by ringing the Director on 5144 4666 (Tues-Fri). Written applications must be marked confidential and mailed to: The Director, PO Box 142, Sale Victoria 3850 by 5.00pm on Friday 25th October 2024 or emailed to gippslandspecialistservices @gmail.com

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

and NORTH EAST VICTORIA

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

Deaths

ARVIDSON, Glenn Alexander. After acourageous battle passed away peacefully on 27/9/2024.

Aged 66 Son of Ray and Norma Arvidson (both dec.).

Loved husband of Raelene, treasured dad of Brad and Justine. Adored brother of Joy, Lyn, Rose, Vikki, Rikki and Warren. Our hearts are broken.

From all your family. Lynne and Don and families.

CAMPBELL (nee Grimes), Letitia Jane 23/11/26 -4/10/24 Died peacefully in her home at Ashleigh House. Loved wife of Arthur (dec.). Loved motherand mother-in-law of Laura (Laurie) and Terry Bouloukos, Jacqueline (Jackie) and John Cheeseman, Darrell and Leeanne (dec.) Campbell, and Kathleen(Kate) Campbell. Proud Nana to 11 grandchildren, George, John, Letitia, Brian, Paul, Susan, Barbara, Christ opher, Amy, Matthew, and Ian and proud Great Nana to 24 great grandchildren.

COWELL, Ivan Stanley. Passe da way at Rumbalara Aged Care Shepparton on Sep. 29, 2024.

Beloved partner of Florence (dec.).

Loved father of Darlene, Robert and Belinda and Foster dad of Denise and Daisy. Loving pop to many. Re-united with his dear Florence (Bessie).

COLLIER, Len. It is with great sadness we extend our condolences to the family of Len Collier on his passing on September 26, 2024. Alife so beautifully lived should be beautifully remembered. Much love from all at Ashleigh House.

GIBSON, Edward George Of Bairnsdale. Dean of St Paul's Anglican Cathedral, Sale (1978-1985), Archdeacon /Rector of St. John's Anglican Church Bairnsdale (1985-1994).

Manager Placement Support Planningand Kinship Gippsland

•Division/Branch/Team: South Division, Division Wide Service Operations, CareServices Strategic and Operations Support

• Work location: Morwell (Flexible-Hybrid)

•Classification: CYF 6

•Salary Range: $134,593 -$157,354 pa.

•Employment status: Full time ongoing (76 hours per fortnight).

•Position reports to: Mara Long, Manager CareServices Strategic and Operations Support, South Division

The Manager of the Placement and Support Planning unit provides team leadership and management oversight to dual area wide placement planning and complementary support services in the Inner Gippsland and Outer Gippsland Areas, including:

•managing placement referrals for children and young people in need of out of home care. Trouble shoot and problem solving any issues that arise in the operational environment.

•managing alternative placements for children or young people already in out-of-home care

•monitoringand supporting existing placements to ensureoptimum placement planning

•Ensuring that the supportive work provided by Flexible Packaging Team, Health and Education Assessment Coordinator,Kinship Enhancement workers and the Specialist Disability Practice Advisor enhance the experience and maximise the options for children in Out of Home Care.

•building and sustaining partnerships within the department and across the service system.

Contact for further information: Helen Kennedy -ActingManager CareServices Strategic and Operations Support, 0439 992 681 or helen.d.kennedy@dffh.vic.gov.au

Reference number: DFFH/COPL/539610

Applications close: 14th October 2024

For moreinformation about this opportunity,please go to https://jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/jobs/VG-DFFH-COPL-539610Aand download aposition description to view departmental information, the selection criteria, our preemployment screening requirements and our Diversity and Inclusion commitments.

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

WALKER Trevor William.

23/12/1940 -29/9/2024. Passed away peacefully at Central Gippsland Hospital. Husband of Marie (dec.). Father to Julie, Brian, Cheryl, Trevor and Alison. Father-in-law to Peter, Kim, Garry, Sandy and Craig.

Pop to Melissah, Lauren, Emma, Jayden, Maddie, Britt, Ebony, Ady, Tom, Robert, Belinda, Rebecca, Matt, Toni, Dave, Jack, Courtney, Chloe and Dylan.

Died peacefully at Opal ParklandsBairnsdale, September 30, 2024, in his 90th year.

Big Pop to 25 great grandchildren. Now resting peacefully with Marie after alife well lived

Loved husband of Annabel, father of Mark (Bendigo), Tim (Bairnsdale), and Michael (Edinburgh, Scotland). Father-in-law of Kay. Grandfatherof Hayley.

WATSON (nee Baker) Annabel Edith. 21/9/1942 -30/9/2024. Aged 82 Years.

HEALY (nee Pollock)

Jan Elizabeth. Aged 72. Daughter of Iris Olivette and Jack Andrew Verdun Pollock. Wife of Gavan (46 years).

Loving Mother of Susan, Belinda and Amanda. Mother-in-law of Josh and Rob.

Proud nanny of Aria, Maya, Otis and Luna Oakes, Jarvis and Astrid Leary and Sacha Healy Iordanov. Sister of Robyn PollockJones, Jude Williams and Jill Pollock.

Sister-in-law to Margaret Masson, Nella Stephenson, Shelia Mclnnes and Kate Barling.

Wonderful friends to many far and wide. Will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, you may make adonation to Pancare Foundation.

JOOST, Steve. Passed away 2/10/24. Adear friend at rest. June.

PARLICKI, 'Kathy'. My friend Mary's dear mother. You were always fondly known to me as Mrs Parlicki. You always welcomed me into your home with a lovely smile and awarm hug. Now re-united wth Mary in heaven. R.I.P. dear lady Wendy and Jack.

WATSON, Annabel. Vale Annabel from your friends at Sale Sing Australia. Avalued member of our group for many years. We will miss your lovely face and sweet voice on Tuesday nights. R.I.P. from all of us.

WINTERTON Geoffrey Norman Passed away peacefully at his home in Rosedale on October 4, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Aged 67 Years. Dearly loved and loving husband of Suzie. Much loved father and father-in-law of Renee and Andrew, Mark and Theresa, Jay and Steve. Adored Poppy to Walter, Paddy, Asha, Tilly, Maggie and Edie. Brother of Peter (Dec.), Joan, Shirley, Don, Terri, John, and twin sister Judy and uncle Geoff to their families.

Funerals

ARVIDSON. Amemorial service for Mr Glenn Alexander Arvidson will be held at Geoff Rossetti Memorial Chapel, 1390 Maffra Road, Sale (next to Sale Cemetery) on FRIDAY (Oct. 11, 2024) commencing at 2pm. For those unable to attend the service, it will be livestreamed.Please check our website or facebook page for details.

CAMPBELL (nee Grimes). The funeral service for Mrs Letitia Jane Campbell will be held at St. Paul's AnglicanCathedral Cunninghame Street, Sale at 2pm on MONDAY (October 14, 2024), followed by aprivate cremation.

Please see our website for livestream details

Loving wife of Harry (dec.). Loving mother of Sean and Micha el and stepmother of Mark, Gary and Andrew.

Respected and loved mother-in-law, aunt and grandmother. Adear friend to many. Rest in Peace.

WATSON, Annabel. You were my lovely friend, and we shared alove of many things; music and singing, agood book, a nice drink (or two) of good wine, going to the movies to see anything sci-fi or Marvel and eating Maltesers (who will go with me now?) lunch at legends and singing to our community. Iwill miss you and your friendship Annabel. Singing in heaven with Toby. Love from Wendy and Jack (who fondly called you Jinglebells).

WATSON, Andrea. Mourning the loss of our respected collegue and friend. Our thoughts are with Chelsea, Paige, Alex and famlies. Rest In Peace From your Sale College family.

Amemorial service for Miss Robyn Maree Wain will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street, Sale at 2pm on FRIDAY (October 11, 2024).

WALKER. Agraveside service for Mr Trevor William Walker will be held at the Maffra Lawn Cemetery TOMORROW (Wednesday October 9, 2024) commencing at 1pm. Please visit our website for the livestream of Trevor's service.

WATSON (nee Baker)

The funeral service for Mrs Annabel Watson will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street, Sale at 11am on MONDAY (October 14, 2024) followed by a private cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia Foundation.

JOHNS, Ivan. Thank you to everyone who cared for Ivan especially Sale Gardens. Thanks for all of the flowers and cards. And ahuge thank you to my family. Coleen Johns.

COWELL. The funeral of Stanley Cowell will our GeoffR Memorial Chapel, Maffra Road, Sale after a service commencing at 2pm on THURSDAY (October 10, 2024), for the adjoining Sale Lawn Cemetery.

GIBSON. The funeral service of ArchdeaconEdward George 'Ted' Gibson of Bairnsdale, will be held at St. John'sAnglican Church, Bairnsdale, on THURSDAY (OCTOBER 10, 2024), at 11am. Private Cremation. Please see Ted's funeral notice at stephen baggs.com.au for alink to the livestream.

Stephen Baggs Funeral Directors Bairnsdale 5153 2150

GUY. Afuneral service for Mr Andrew John Guy of Toora WAS HELD on Monday, September 30, 2024.

Situations Vacant •

JAYCO Starcraft, 1998, 20' overall, 205L fridge, single beds, full gas stove, TV, full annex, floor, with shade cloth and extras.

ARVIDSON, Glenn. To our brother, it was a sad goodbye, you shall be missed.

ROMA Poptop, caravan. 1999, electric roof lifter, electric brakes, as new, stove, m/wave, rollout awning, twin

WAIN, Robyn Maree. Passed away suddenly at home.

Moving experience for Airly Hall piano

LOCALS have organised for the return of the originalAirly-Clydebank Hallpiano in anovel way -itwas transported on the front of atractor.

Hall committee members said, with alittle dust offand clean, it would will be lovely to have such asignificant part of the hall’s history back after more than 25 years, when it was purchased by Airly resident Wayne Goddard.

Consideringthe hall is celebrating the 120th birthday this year, Mr Goddard thought it might be time the piano was returned.

ThisSaturday,the hall will host abirthday celebration from 3pm to 6pm.

Everyone is welcome to pop along for an afternoon catch-up, celebrating the past, present and the future. Reminisce the past 120 years of ahall which has stood the test of time.

Afternoon tea provided by the Cobains CWA, and there will be music and dance by the Briagolong BushBandand Stratford singer Emily Nock. There will also be aphotographic historic display.

For more information email airlycbhall@gmail. com or phone Beth on 0427 456 094. The hall committeeisgatheringstories and memories,asitprepares for the birthday celebrations.

Anyone who has astory or memory aboutthe hall canvisit https://forms.gle/ ybRMwUDLWKLQpoje8

Anyone who has old photos taken at the hall can email them to airlycbhall@gmail.com

Rosesings at Borneo memorial

LOCAL musician Garry Rose recently was asked to sing asong he wrote at the annual Sandakan Memorial Day in Sabah, Borneo. Sandakan Day, on August 15, commemorates the over 2400 Australian and British prisoners of war who died on the infamous Sandakan-Ranau forced death marches in 1945.Itremains thesingle largest atrocity committed against Australians in warwithonlysix men surviving to tell the tale. In amoving ceremony in the memorial park at the site of the prisoncamp, Mr Rosesang Sandakan The Last March and asong written by one of the six survivorsNelson Short, Dreaming of Australia Aguard of honour was providedbythe Australian Army.

Tributes were given by the Australian and British high commissioners, Malaysian government and armed servicesofficials, local groups and descendants of the lost soldiers.

Mr Rose said it was agreat honour to be asked to be part of the ceremony and areturn visit was requested for the 80th anniversary next year.

Mr Rose alsosaidhis songabout thelittle known tragedy, included on his latest album, was sparked after reading abook aboutthe march, written by Don Wall which he purchased at aused book market at theMaldon Folk Festivalseveral years ago. It’sa song that highlights the inhumanity of war and honours the soldiers who were sacrificed in the hope that they wont be forgotten.

Frocktock fundraiser

AN event at Glenmaggie Wines will support Frocktober, Australia’s most fashionable fundraiser.

People have been encouraged to dress up and have fun, while raising money for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

With afive-year survival rate of just 49 per cent, ovarian cancerisAustralia’s most lethal gynecological cancer.

OCRF is Australia’s leading independent funder of ovarian cancer research, funding research into early detection,improved treatments, managing recurrence and prevention, to move closer to aworld where ovarian cancer is no longer asilent killer.

The event, to held at the Glenmaggie Wines cellar door on Sunday, October 20, between noon and 5pm, includes alunch of constant finger food from the new kitchen.

Tickets costs $65 per person,withgroup bookingsencouraged, and are available at Trybooking, www.trybooking.com/CWALF

Numbers are cappedat140,sopeople have been urgedtoget their tickets early LivemusicwillbeprovidedbyLovechild and Jam Tree, while there will be araffle of goods and services.

There will be OCRF merchandise for purchase along with other donated smaller items.

Twentyper centofall winesales on the day will be donated to OCRF.

Three simple steps to save lives

AMBULANCE Victoria(AV) haslaunched its life-saving annual campaign Shocktober, which calls on the Gippslandcommunity to learn the three simple steps to improve cardiac arrest survival rates –call, push, shock.

Around 21 Victorians suffer acardiac arrest every day and only one in 10 survive, which is why it’s crucial people know what to do.

Bystander intervention has the greatest impact on improving someone’s chance of survivinga cardiacarrest– for every minute that CPR is delayed, survival decreases by 10 per cent.

Shocktober is amonth-long cardiac arrest awareness campaign to highlight the importance of learningCPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

AV Gippsland regional director Ross Salathiel

saidpeople didn't havetobeaparamedic to be alifesaver –it’saseasy as calling000, pushing hard andfast in the middle of the person's chest and if available, using an AED to deliver ashock.

“Every minute matters in acardiac arrest and when apatient receives CPR and ashock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles,” he said.

“Last year, paramedicsrespondedtoarecord 7,830 cardiac arrest patients but there was also a record amount of bystander intervention.

“Anyone can perform CPR and use an AED –you don’t need training or to be qualified.

“If someone is in cardiac arrest and an AED is available, simply open it and follow the instructions.”

AV will be out and about hosting community

engagement sessions across the region.

Last October, AV organised 340 Shocktober events which reached more than 6700 Victorians.

While Victoria has the best cardiac arrest survival rates in Australia, and among the best in the world,

Mr Salathiel said there’s more to be done and we need your help.

“There are anumberofthings you can do to help contribute to better cardiac arrest survival rates in Victoria,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to sign up as aGoodSAM responder–it’s asmartphone app that connects patients in cardiac arrestwithmembers of the community who are willing to start CPRinthe critical minutes before paramedics arrive.

“We have around 16,000 GoodSAM responders across the state, but we always need more.

“You don’t have to be first aid qualified, you just

have to be willing to perform hands-only CPR and be over 18 years old.

“Last Shocktober, we saw more than 600 people sign up as GoodSAM responders, so this October, please join the cause and register.”

Businesses, shop owners and sports clubs are also encouraged to ensure their AEDs are registered with the AV website and made publicly accessible, so 000 call takers can directpeople to it in an emergency. Currently, more than 13,000 AEDs are registered with AV across Victoria. For more information about Shocktober, the GoodSAM app and how to perform CPR and use an AED, visit www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/ shocktober To register apublicly accessible AED, visit registermyaed.ambulance.vic.gov.au

Atractor wasusedtoreturn the Airly-Clydebank Hall’s original pianotothe hall. Photos: Contributed

Garry Rose performed at the annual Sandakan Memorial DayinBorneo.

Photo: Contributed

Glenmaggie Wineswillhosta Frocktober event,raising moneyfor theOvarian Cancer Research Foundation.

Tennis season hits off

THE 2024-25 Wellington Gippsland Tennis Association seasontennis got underway on Saturday.

In section one, it was a“derby” withSaleDahlsens facing off against Sale The York.

Amber Archer and Lisa Harrison got The York of to agood start with a8-6 win over Reggie Virgo and Charlotte Board.

Dahlsens had its revenge in the next set with Virgoand Emma Best defeating Archer and Di Arnot 8-5.

In the final women’s set, The York’s Lisa Harrison and Arnot defeated Charlotte Board and Best 8-3

In the opening men’s set it was asimilar story, withJosh Barbetti and Cordell Vollemaere winning 8-5 over Nick Board and Louis Lazzaro.

The York’s Josh Barbetti and Lachlan Reynolds then defeated Nick and Dylan Board 8-3, before Dahlsens struck back with Lazzaro and Dylan

Board defeating Vollemeare and Reynolds 8-5.

In the mixed,inwhatwould prove to be the highlight of the day, Dahlsens’ Nick Board and Virgomanaged to edge out The York’s Barbetti and Archer 9-7. The remaining two sets went to The York,8-5 and 8-1, giving The York a65games to 48 victory on the day.

WGTA round one results:

Senior:

Sectionone: SaleThe York 6-65dSale Dahlsens 3-48,Maffra CSC 5-58 dLongford2-29,Stratford6-62dMaffra Bendigo 3-55; ladder: Maffra CSC8(165.52 per cent), Sale The York 8(135.42), Stratford8 (112.73), Maffra Bendigo 3(88.71), Sale Dahlsens 3(73.85), Longford3 (60.42).

Section two: Stratford6-68dBriagolong 3-54, Heyfield 5-49 dMaffra Wheelers1-35, Maffra GRE 6-55 dSale Findex2-48, Maffra WRE 8-65 dMaffra O’Briens 1-48, Sale Aussie bye; ladder: Maffra WRE 10,Stratford8,Heyfield7.5 (140), Maffra GRE 7.5(114.58), Sale Aussie 6, Sale Findex3.5 (87.27), Maffra Wheelers3.5 (71.63), Briagolong 3, Maffra O’Briens 1.

Sale Dahlsens’ Reggie Virgonails aforehand from behind thebaseline.

Photos:Robin Lowe

Sale Dahlsens’ Charlotte Boardleans into a two-handed backhand.

Sale The York’s Cordelle Vollemaereisboth feet off the ground as he receives serve.

Sale The York’s Di Arnot gets aforehand right out of the middle of the racquet

Sale TheYork’s Lachlan Reynolds hits astrong forehand.

Sale Dahlsens’ Dylan Boardstretches forward to pick up alow forehand.

Sale Dahlsens’ Louis Lazzarostretches wide for abackhand.

Sale The York’s Lisa Harrison showsshe has lost noneofher touch over the off season middlingastrong forehand.

Sale The York’s Josh Barbetti plays aperfect one-handed backhand.

Sale TheYork’s Amber Archer puts everything into abackhand from behind the baseline

Sale Dahlsens’ Emma Best playsabackhand drive.

Sport round-up

All abilities basketball

FOLLOWING asuccessful debut last month, the Wildcats Masters BasketballClubwill host another all abilities basketball tournament at the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, Sale, on Saturday, December 3.

The Wildcatswill be hostingthe event, which coincides with International Day of Persons with aDisabilities, in partnership withGeorge Gray Centre. It will take place from 10am to 2pm.

There will be two divisions -hooper and hooper assist.

The first all abilities was held during the Valley Hoopla masters tournament, and was considered the highlight of the weekend.

Cost will be $5 per player.

For more information or to register email Steve at steve.saynor@bigpond.com.au or phone 0407 323 396.

Heyfield golf

October 3, 12-hole stableford: Agrade:D McDonald 28, B grade: PGarrett 31;DTL: BMcIlfatrick 29, RFitzgerald 29; NTP: 3rdB Tippet, 9th BMcIlfatrick, 11th PGarrett

October 5, 18-hole stroke: Masters: BMcIlfatrick 72,runner-up NInnes 74cb; junior championships, roundone:DLeggo 67 , TLeggo 76,CGell76, MEastham 76,S Smith88; monthly

medal, Agrade: JTurner 74cb, runner-up TMissen74; Bgrade: DLeggo 67 (medal), runner-up BTippet 71;DTL: BMcIlfatrick 72,NInnes74, PHinds 75,JSunderman75; NTP: 3rdJ Whelan, 9th HBarnes, 15th GKrutli, 18th BMcIlfatrick.

Sale golf

October 5, men's stableford: Agrade: BShingles 39, runner-up BWood 37; Bgrade:MBenfield 37, runner-up GSchaper 35cb; Cgrade:WVan Sambeek 36cb, runner-up GKing36; DTL: APatten 36, RDonaldson 36, A Gaskill 36, PCousin 35, ATaylor35, IFreeman 35; NTP: 3rd DHudson, 6th BShingles.,11th RDowsett, 14th CSchuback; women's: SBedggood 35; DTL: SMcDonald 34, TPotter 34.

Maffra golf

October 5, men's stableford: Agrade: SBatalha 41,B grade: LHarrington 40, Cgrade:AJohnson 38; DTL: NTacey40, P Dowton 40, LBatalha 39, BDay 38, GHoward37, AKilleen 37,MBain 37,JGray37; NTP: 2nd SAllman, 7th MMcQuillen, 11th MMcQuillen, 12th GDowd, 16th LSmalley.

Sale bridge

September 26: 1st LRobinson-J Sherrin, 2nd MZiffer-R Ziffer, 3rdMCastle-C Halse. September 30, north-south:1st LRobinson-J Sherrin, 2nd D Love-M Castle, 3rdCZarb-F Sunderman; east-west: 1st CVan Lier-D Hudson, 2nd ISherrin-M Salse, 3rdRHides-EThomson.

October2: 1stJSherrin-D Krusic, 2nd RHides-R Ziffer,3rd DLove-M Castle.

Social pickleball games in Sale

SOCIAL games of pickleball are playedSunday andTuesday mornings from 9am to 11am at the Sale-Maffra badminton stadium, corner of Gibson and Cobains Rds, Sale

Cost is $5. Equipment is supplied.

Pickleball is aspot that involves hittingahollow plastic ball with apaddle over an 86-centimetre high net. The playing area is 13.4 by 6.1 metres. For more information phone Sandy on 0402 638 851.

Come and try croquet

SALE Croquet Club will host acome and try day this Saturday as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival.

The club will introduce visitors to the popular golf-croquet version of the game between10am and 3.30pm.

Club president Colin Coomber said whilethe open daywas part of the seniors festival,croquet was agame for all ages and so the club would welcome everyone to try out the sport.

Newcomerswillbepartneredwith experienced players who would guide them through games, explaining the rules and tactics.

Coomber said people should allow themselves

acouple of hours so they could have acouple of games. Afree sausage sizzle will also being held at lunchtime.

The croquet club is located at the south end of GuthridgeParadebetween the botanic gardens and Stephenson Park.

Coomber said if the date of the open day did not suit,visitors werewelcome to attend normal social croquet which was held on Thursdayand Saturdayafternoons. They should arrive about 12.50pm for a1pm start.

Moreinformation is available by phoning Coomber on 0490 816 349 or club secretary Jean Phillips on 0408 775 609.

WELLINGTON Athletic Club will be hosting the Maffra Mile and children’s footraces, which will be run at the Maffra Show night carnival on Saturday, October 26. Runners fromacross Gippslandwillcome together to compete forashareofthe $1500 prizepool.There will be children’s footraces (12 years and under), with medals for the top three place-getters.

In addition to the thrilling Maffra Mile race, beginning at 7pm, there will also be avariety of funactivities for the wholefamilytoenjoy, especiallythe spectacular fireworks show afterward.

Anyone interested in participating in the Maffra Mile or wanting more information phone race co-ordinator Denis Huffer on 0428 501 487.

Photo: Contributed

Photos:Contributed

Photo: Contributed

Merimbula success for LVSL under 12s

SALE United Football Club had alarge contingent of members as part of the Latrobe Valley Soccer League’sunder 12 representativeteam that competedinthe Karl PosseltCup in Merimbula over the weekend.

The team was successful, going through undefeated and winning the grand final 2-0 over Gippsland United.

Coached by Sale’s Andrew Olijnyk, the players from Sale were Henri Duggan, Mitchell Hankel, Ted Crouch,Trystan Wakeham and Alexander

Olijnyk, who was team captain.

The LVSLdefeated FarSouth Coast 3-1, Shoalhaven District 5-1 and Eurobodallah 3-1 on the way to the grand final.

The team's next tournament is Football Victoria’s Boys &Girls FC being held at Traralgon on October 19 and 20.

SMCA fifth grade

Rosedale-Kilmany 5-193cc (O Drummond 53*, IFreshwater 50*, GKinnish,HMowt 2-30) dNambrok 7-43 (K Hahn 4-6, HLeeson 2-12); Heyfield 4-185cc (S Johns 51*, BStanley51* PHancock 33, KPitchett2-18) vWurruk 1-55 (abandoned); Sale dBundalaguah (forfeit).

Rain hits SMCA round one

Pendergast picked for national U19titles

STRATFORD’S Tillie Pendergasthas been selected in the VictoriaCountry squad for the under 19 female national cricket championships.

Currently playing club cricket for Prahan in the Women’s Premier competition, Pendergast played for Vic Countryinlastseason’s under 19 championships,taking fourwickets in fivematches.

This year’s championships will be held in Perth from December2to9,with players vying for spots in the Australian squad for the Under 19 Women’s World Cup, to be played in Malaysia in January.

SMCA LADDERS

First grade: Stratford6(1.69), Sale6 (1.034), Maffra 2(1.99), Collegians 2(1.046), Rosedale-Kilmany 2 (0.955), Longford 2(0.502), Bundalaguah 0(0.966), Boisdale-Briagolong 0(0.51), Yarram 0(0).

Second grade: Bundalaguah 6(3.369), Collegians 6(2.687), Sale 2(0), Yarram 2(0), Maffra 0(0.372), Heyfield 0(0.296), Stratford0(0).

Third grade: Wurruk6 (2.552),Sale 6(1.627), Maffra 6(1.87), Nambrok2(0.826),Longford2 (1.21), Boisdale-Briagolong 0(0.534), Bundalaguah 0(0.614), Rosedale-Kilmany 0(0.391).

Fourth grade: Longford6(+0.949), Maffra 6 (+0.244), Stratford2 (+1.98), Yarram 2(-1.98), Bundalaguah 0(-0.244), Collegians 0(-0.949). Fifth grade: Rosedale-Kilmany 6(+2.727), Sale 6(0), Heyfield2(+0.041), Wurruk 0(-0.041), Bundalaguah 0(0), Nambrok 0(-2.727).

From page 32

Ulrichtvan Duyker top-scoredfor Longford with 30, while Mitch McMaster scored 25. James Hawkins took 3-14 for the Eagles and Josh Davis 2-20.

Maffra’s chase began brightly with Brett Lanigan and BenSly scoring28and 20 respectively, but bothweredismissed with team total on 52. The match lasted only three overs more, avictim of the rain.

THE match between Collegians and RosedaleKilmany was also abandoned becauseofrain. The Warriors were 3-45 in the 14th over in reply to the home side’s 157. Rohan Diamondtook5-21and Ben Hughes 3-31 as the Warriors reinedinapositive start to the Collegians innings. From 2-115, Collegians lost wickets at regular intervals. CaptainZac Hurleytopscored with 40, Charlie Morrison scored 39 and Finn Stoneman 22.

Collegians may have fancied its chances after claiming the wickets of Jay Diamond and Rohan Sharma, both for 15, shortlybefore the game was abandoned.

REIGNING premier Yarram had the bye.

Sale United players Trystan Wakeham, AlexanderOlijnyk, Mitchell Hankel and Henri Duggan werepart of the LVSL team which won the under 12scompetition at the Merimbulatournament

Another Sale player,Ted Crouch, wasalso partofthe successful team.

Photo:Contributed

The LVSL team which won the under 12s competition at the Merimbula tournament

Nathan Magnuson batting forthe Maffraseconds against Collegians.

Photo:David Braithwaite

SALE AND MAFFRACRICKETASSOCIATION

bM Raidal...............................................................................3

LWrigglesworth cHGloverbM Raidal 19

ZKnight bT Dobson..............................................................................7

BDowsettcD Padula bBJones ................................1

HAnderson not out...............................................................................3

MHinks not out.......................................................................................3

JDavis not out.........................................................................................3

Sundries (3w 0nb 1lb 0b) 4

TOTAL 2wickets for 58 (17.2 Overs) LONGFORD BOWLING

N/A 8-0-37-1, MFernando 8-0-41-1, LHurst 8-2-37-2, D Bolton 8-0-80-0, SDiBartolomeo 8-0-48-2,

19

N/A bJRietschel.....................................................................................2

ABurgiel st N/A bEAlbrecht ...7

DBolton run out 25

MFernando not out 42

LHurst cBChanningbB White. ........0

JOuthartcB Cottrell bNBennett 27

MLobley not out ....................................................................................2

Sundries (0b2lb 13w 3nb) 18

TOTAL 7wickets for150 (40 overs) STRATFORD BOWLING

BCottrell 4-0-17-0, JRietschel 8-2-17-2, RSmith 4-0-10-0, B White4-0-16-1, NBennett 4-0-24-2, MPendergast 6-0-45-0, J Tatterson 2-0-3-0, EAlbrecht 8-2-16-1, STRATFORD WONBY102 RUNS

SALEVBUNDALAGUAH at Sale Oval

SALEBATTING

LMowat cJLangshawb LWrigglesworth 27 JDuffieldlbw FMostert.......................................................................1

RSudan cPHoran bF Mostert..........................................................2

CNel bL Wrigglesworth ......................................................................2

MRaidal cKO???Reilly bBDowsett .....4

DPadula bL Wrigglesworth...............................................................0

BJones cN/A bL Wrigglesworth......................................................3

HGlovercJ Langshawb BDowsett 10

TDobson cJLangshawb BDowsett ...............................0

ADuffieldrun out PHoran .....2

BDobson not out...................................................................................0

Sundries (4b2lb 1w 2nb) 9

TOTAL 10 wickets for60(21.3 overs)

BUNDALAGUAHBOWLING

HAnderson 2-0-6-0, BDowsett 3-0-5-3, SSpoljaric 1-0-1-0, ZKnight 3-0-19-0, FMostert6-2-12-2, LWrigglesworth 6.33-11-4, BUNDALAGUAH BATTING

JLangshawlbw HGlover.....................................................................0

JRead lbwM

Sundries (0b 0lb 0w 0nb)0

TOTAL 10 wickets for58 (21.2 overs) Sale 1st Grade1st InningsBowling

BJones 4-0-18-1, HGlover7-1-23-4, TDobson 2.2-0-7-1, M Raidal 8-4-10-4, SALEWON BY 2RUNS

COLLEGIANS VROSEDALE-KILMANY at Catholic College Sale Playing Fields

COLLEGIANSBATTING

ZHurley cB McConnellb BReid 40

FStoneman cM Walters bRDiamond 22

CMorrison cB McConnellb BHughes. 39

ZRussell cDRowley bBHughes ............................8

SAnderson c&b RDiamond ...........2

JMalone cR Sharma bRDiamond .................................................2

BGlenn c&b RDiamond ......................................................................0

FLuttonc RharmabRDiamond......................................................0

JBurns not out 11

SGardinercM Waltersb BHughes.................................................7

KVealcJDiamond bR Sharma........................................................2

Sundries (7w 6nb3lb 3b) 24

TOTAL 10 wickets for157 (40 Overs)

ROSEDALE-KILMANYBOWLING

DRowley5-1-16-0, RSharma 5-1-13-1, BScott 8-1-25-0, B Reid 8-0-34-1, BHughes 5-0-31-3, RDiamond 8-0-21-5,N/A 1-0-6-0

ROSEDALE-KILMANYBATTING

RSharma lbwS Anderson 15

MWalters cJ Malone bFLutton ......................................................5

JDiamond bFStoneman. 15

BScott not out.........................................................................................3

RDiamond not out ................................................................................2

Sundries (3w 1nb0lb 1b) 5

TOTAL 3wickets for45(13.5 Overs)

COLLEGIANS BOWLING

CMorrison 4-0-17-0,F Lutton 4-0-15-1, SAnderson 3-0-8-1, F

Stoneman 2.5-1-4-1

MATCHABANDONED

LONGFORDV MAFFRA at Stephenson Park

LONGFORD BATTING

LFloyd cA Kuizenga bJ Hawkins ....................................................7

WSuttoncB Durrant bJHawkins ...................................................0

c: BDurrant bMHinks .........................................................................1

Ulricht van Duyker b: JDavis 30

CHughescB Lanigan bJ Hawkins ..................................................7

MMcMasterc&b JDavis 25

JHeywood bSPendergast 10

SDean not out.........................................................................................3

DMichie not out.....................................................................................6

Sundries (6w 2nb 4lb 1b) 13

TOTAL 7wickets for102 (40 Overs)

MAFFRA BOWLING

JHawkins 6-0-14-3, MHinks 5-2-6-1, AKuizenga 5-0-17-0, BDurrant 8-3-5-0, BRowley6-0-24-0, JDavis 6-0-20-2, S

Pendergast 4-0-11-1

MAFFRA BATTING

BSly c&b: Ulricht van Duyker 20

BLanigan cDMichie bC Hughes 28

DMichie 2-1-4-0, JTaylor2-0-20-0, LFloyd 3-0-13-0, Ulricht van Duyker 6.2-2-10-1 CHughes 4-0-10-1

MAFFRA BATTING

BSly c&b: Ulricht van Duyker 20

BLanigan cD Michie bCHughes 28

MHinksnot out.......................................................................................3

JDavis not out.........................................................................................3

Sundries (3w 0nb 1lb 0b) 4

TOTAL 2wickets for58(17 2Overs) LONGFORD BOWLING

DMichie 2-1-4-0, JTaylor 2-0-20-0, LFloyd 3-0-13-0, Ulricht van Duyker 6.2-2-10-1, CHughes4-0-10-1 MATCHABANDONED

GRADE ONE-DAY GAMES

BUNDALAGUAHV HEYFIELD at ColWrigglesworth Oval -Turf HEYFIELD BATTING

KBerryman cAPadula bJ Flint .......3

TChessum bJFlint 23

SDonahoe run out 11

JBurtonrun out. 13

N/A cA Padula bM Templeton..........................................................0

DPatmore cW Moon bM Templeton.............................................0

TPritchett cN/A bM Templeton.......................................................2

CRonan lbwA Tilley 13

JZdrazil cN/A bE Aponso 10

TGreening cJ LenehanbE Aponso 2

N/A not out...............................................................................................5

Sundries (0b 0lb 6w 3nb) 9

TOTAL 10 wickets for91(34.4 overs)

BUNDALAGUAHBOWLING

JFlint 5-0-20-2, ATilley 8-1-19-1, EAponso 4.4-0-12-2, M Templeton 6-1-18-3, JLenehan 4-2-7-0, WMoon 3-1-6-0, C Moncrieff 4-0-9-0, BUNDALAGUAH BATTING

NSellings c&b N/A 15

HSavage cN/A bC Ronan 46

EAponso not out 25

ALynch bN/A..........................................................................................1

CMoncrieff not out ...............................................................................2

Sundries (0b 3lb 0w 0nb) 3

TOTAL 3wicketsfor 92 (21.2 overs)

HEYFIELD BOWLING

N/A 4-3-8-2, N/A 5-0-29-0, DPatmore1-0-6-0, KBerryman 1.2-1-2-0, CRonan 4-0-18-1,JZdrazil 6-0-26-0

BUNDALAGUAHWON BY 7WICKETS

MAFFRAV COLLEGIANS SENIOR at Cameron Sporting Complex, Oval 1

MAFFRA BATTING

NMagnuson cC Malone bCLett 60

ZConnolly bR Wells..............................................................................7

RPhelanc

WONBY7 WICKETS

YARRAM &DISTRICTV SALE at Yarram Recreation Reserve YARRAM &DISTRICT BATTING PGriffiths cJ Maymanb ANicholas ...............................................0 c: AJackson bM Mayman.

BOWLING

JSharma4-0-13-0, MMayman 6-2-10-1, RDonohue 5-0-30-0, JMayman 7-2-16-2, DWynn3-0-19-0 MATCHABANDONED

THIRD GRADE ONE-DAY GAMES

Maffra5-132 (A Sellings 54 not out SMcLaverty25; D Krouwer 2-33 JAnnear1-21) dBoisdale-Briagolong 9-127 (LFulford40P Croker 23, BLanigan5-6 MPhelan2-33) Sale 9-180 (W Hector 75 not out TReid 40; AJohnston 3-28 WBrady 2-17) dBundalaguah 7-86 (STilley 36 not out WFry 30 not out, FHaig 2-13C Hudson 1-6) Wurruk 4-49 (T Young 14 LVan derVelden 11; ELogan 2-4 C Whiteoak 1-10) dRosedale-Kilmany3rd XI 48 (RKnowles 15 not out HMcCann10, NTourtoulas 3-8 TYoung 2-7) Nambrok vLongford (Abandoned) FOURTH GRADE ONE-DAY GAMES

Longford7-164 (B Fontyn 50 MAlexander

Returning to the courts

The Wellington Gippsland Tennis Association season began on Saturday, with a Sale Tennis Club derby in section one among the highlights. Pictured is Sale Dahlsens’ Nick Board is very watchful as he plays a backhand during the match against Sale The York. Details, page 28.

Rain hits opening round

David Braithwaite

IT has been said, “if you want rain, start cricket season”.

Rain affected most matches as the Sale-Maffra CricketAssociation season got underway on Saturday.

Twoofthe three first grade matches played in Salewereabandoned, while notmuchtime was required to complete the other.

Sale successfully defendedwhatlooked like a meagre total against Bundalaguah.

Sent into bat at Sale Oval, the Swans were bowled out for just 60, but ended the day two runs ahead.

Lucas Mowat top-scored for Sale batsmen, reaching 27 runs before becoming one of Lachlan Wrigglesworth’s four wickets.

When Mowatt was dismissed,Salewas 4-43, but that became 6-43 when Wrigglesworth struck again and Bayden Dowsett claimed the first his three

wickets. Wrigglesworthfinished with 4-11 from 6.3 overs and Dowsett 3-5 from three.

RecruitFrankie Mostert dismissed the Sale opening batsmen to begin what looked like being agood day for the Bulls.

Hayden Glover scored what turned out to be a vital 10 runs at the end of the innings.

TheSale innings ended in the 22nd over, with Bundalaguah’s aballshorter.

The signs weren’t good for the Bulls,whencaptain Jason Langshaw was trapped in front of his stumps by Glover on the first ball of the Bulls’ chase.

In hissecond over, Gloverclaimed the key wickets of Steve Spoljaricand Mostert to have the Bulls 3-4. They were 5-16 after two wickets from MattRaidal.

Kyle O’Reilly looked the most likely to be rock Bundalaguahneeded, but he was caught by Raidal off Glover’s bowling for 18.

Wrigglesworth took up the challenge, lifting the run rate, scoring 19 from 15 balls, including three fours. His stay in the middle ended when caught

by Glover off Raidal’s bowling.

From 8-51, the Bulls added seven runs before their innings came to aclose.

The Bundalaguah batsmen found it hard to get away the bowling of Raidal, who send down eight overs, finishing with 4-10, while Glover took 4-23 from seven.

Redbacks too good

IN the day’s only over completed match, Stratford was too good for Boisdale-Briagolong.

The Redbacks amassed an imposing 6-252 from their 40 overs, with Max Welsh and captain Jack Rietschel both scoring 71.

Welsh and Jackson Tatterson, who scored 46, set the tone with their 108-run opening stand. After the openers did their work, Rietschel took up the mantle and set-up Stratford’s winning score. Recruit Stefano Di Bartolomeo and captain Dylan Bolton both took apairofwickets for the Saints,

whose chase finished 102 runs short for Stratford’s score. TheSaintsstruggled to get going. Steve Noble providedsolid batting until hisdismissal for 19, and when Adrian Burgiel was stumped of Ethan Albrecht’s bowling, the visitors were 4-41. Madupa Fernando was unbeaten on 42, Jonathon Outhartscored27and Bolton 25 as BoisdaleBriagolong made 7-150 fromits 40 overs. Rietschel and NoahBennett each claimed two wickets for the Redbacks, who find themselves on top of the ladder. No result at Stephenson MAFFRA hadthe edgeofLongford before rain ended proceedings at Stephenson Park. Afterrestricting the Lizards to 7-102, Maffra was 2-58 when play was abandonedinthe 18th over, just short of the minimum number required to constitute amatch.

Continued page 30

Photo: Robin Lowe