Gippsland Times Wednesday 4th January 2023

vibes club

Stratfordboost

four-year-old children, and afive-to-15-hour program will be available to three-year-old children per week.

HUNDREDS of local families are well-versed in childcare and early learning inaccessibility, so young families in Stratford and the neighbouring regions will be relieved to learn that anew childcare facility is slated to open later this year.

Leading Edge Childcare is set to open its doors for children aged six weekstofive years at the endof 2023, with registrations of interest now available for local parents.

The new childcare facility is also recruitingstaff in all positions, including centre manager, assistant manager, early childhood teacher,centrecook, lead educators, educators and trainees.

As of this year, all Victorians are entitled to two yearsoffree kindergarten programsaspartofthe $9-billionEarly Childhood Educationand its Care (ECEC) reform program.

A15-hour per week program will be available to

The pending opening of Leading Edge Childcare’s Stratford facility is suretoofferrelief, that is,assuming they can recruit employees, given the ECEC program is now underway and local families still struggle to find available childcare.

The NationalSkillsCommission hasidentifieda nationwide shortage of early childhood educators, withfederaleducation department data revealinga 39-per-cent decline in Bachelor of Early Childhood Teaching enrolments between 2016 and 2020.

It also showed a24-per-cent decline in early childhood education and Care Diploma completion, suggesting employers’ continued difficultyrecruiting pre-primary school teachers.

Datafrom the Department of Education’s2020 Victorian Teacher Supplyand Demand Report revealed Gippsland has the second-lowest proportion of early childhood teachers in the state, with just 350.

Arecent study by Dr Peter Hurley from the Mitchell

Dr

A‘childcaredesert’ is ascenario in which more than three children aged four and under are vying for each childcare spot within a20-minute drive.

Between June2020 and June 2021, GippslandHealth Care reported a21per cent increaseinbirths,withthe highest surges in March and May 2021, nine months after Victoria’s second lockdown began in June 2020.

The COVID baby boomgenerated unprecedented growth in the numberofchildren needing care, adding another pressure, on top of the lack of early childhoodteachers and educators, to theGippsland ECEC industry.

Zoe Askew

Institute at VictoriaUniversity found that parents in regional Australia have the most developmentally vulnerable children, but the poorest access to childcare.

Hurley’s analysis revealed there are 3.49 children for every one early childhood education position in Gippsland, equating to 59.6 per cent of Gippsland families in a‘childcaredesert’.

Sale teenagers kick back in Seasprayover the New Year’s break.

Photo: Zoe Askew

Police hoping for safe season

THE Neighbourhood Policing team at the Sale Police Station wishes ahappy and safe festive season to all.

“It’s beenawonderfultimeinthe Neighbourhood Policingspacewith many great triumphs addressing local issues together,” wrote the Neighbourhood Policing team.

The NeighbourhoodPolicingteamreflected on the year justgone, with highlightsincluding International Day Of Persons with aDisabilityLaw Enforcement TorchWalk,Walking to Change the Story -Say No to Violence,McHappy Day, Community Safety Day and the Wellington Shire Youth Council Upswing Festival.

“Thank you for your support,” the team wrote.

“We look forward to continuing these important local partnerships to keep our communities safe in 2023.

“Until then,onbehalf of the Neighbourhood Policing team at the Sale Police Station, we’d like to wish you all ahappy and safe festive season.”

Impound in Maffra

MAFFRA Police intercepted aNissan Patrol 4x4 without registration plates on Knight Street, Maffra, at about 7:45pmonTuesday, December 20.

Police allegethe 21-year-old male driver did not have acurrent driver’s licence,refused a preliminary breath test, and that the Nissan 4x4 was not registered.

The 21-year-old male driver will be summonsed to appear in court at alater date, facing several traffic offences.

Police impounded the vehicle for 30 days; this is the secondtime this vehicle, driven by thesame 21-year-old male, has been impounded this year.

Maffra Police Station officerincharge, Sergeant AnthonyDessent, said police have zero tolerance for ‘hoon’ and traffic offending.

“Repeattraffic offending by asmall numberof young males in the town will not be tolerated,” Sergeant Dessent said.

“Police have been tasked to actively catch these offenders with azero tolerance to hoon and traffic offending.”

Police Beat

December 17 at about 12.30am.

The male had his vehicleimpounded andwas later released; the 21-year-old will be summonsed to appear in court at alater date.

Any witnesses to this incident and anyone with footage are encouraged to contact the Yarram Police on 03 5182 5033.

Yarram Policeofficer in charge,Sergeant Bainbridge, said the operation showed afantastic effortfrom the majority of the community, highlighting the great people in the area.

“For the minority that continue to offend on our roads –stop and think before you get behind the wheel,” Sergeant Bainbridge said.

“Our local Highway Patrol are the best in the state, and this isn’t the last operation you will see with Yarram Police combining forces with them.

“We don’t want to be delivering bad news to your family on any day, especially during this festive season.

“If you are not right to drive, then walk,get alift, or get ataxi. Stay safe.”

Three times legal limit

AN unlicensed Heyfield resident whomHeyfield Police intercepted at 4.15pm on Sunday, December 18, returned ablood alcoholreading more than three times the legal limit.

Police,who were conducting mobile patrol and traffic enforcement duties togetherwith Wellington Highway Patrol as part of Operation Roadwise 2022, impounded the vehicle for 30 days.

The 47-year-old Heyfield resident will be summonsed to appear in court at alater date.

Arrest warrant for missing man

VICTORIA Police are appealing for public help to find 26-year-old Jaye Wain, with warrants issued for the man’s arrest.

Police have described Jaye Wain as 165 cm tall, medium build, with black hair, blue eyesand “Jaidah” tattooed on his neck.

Anyone who sees Mr Wain is urged not to approach him and to call triple zero (000) immediately.

Policeurgeanyone with other information about his whereabouts to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or makeaconfidential report at www crimestoppersvic.com.au

Drink and drug testing targeted

AJOINT operation between Wellington Highway Patrol and the YarramPolice on December 16, which targeted drink and drug driving and focussed on road safety and reducing road trauma, resulted in the arrest of a21-year-old male fromthe surrounding Yarram area.

Police arrested the 21-year-old male for reckless conductendangering life in the Yarram CBD on

Road safety breath rest site

SALE Police and Wellington Highway Patrol conducted apreliminary breathtesting site on the Princes Highway, Sale as part of Operation Roadwise between 7.15am and 8.15amonTuesday, December 20.

One fully licenced driver returned apositive drug result, and one probationary licenced driver returned apositive result for alcohol and illicit drugs whilst driving an unregistered vehicle.

Police conducted 135 preliminary breath tests in total.

JayeWain is known to be violent andonrun from authorities.Hefrequentsthe WellingtonShire and Latrobe Valley areas and is also believed to have access to vehicles.

Recruiting Police Custody Officers

VICTORIA Policeare recruitingpolicecustody officers (PCO) across Bairnsdale, Morwelland Sale police stations.

Responsibilitiesofa PCO include overseeing the management of persons in the custody of Victoria Police and playingacrucial role in the management and welfare of people in custody.

PCOs mustbeavailable to be rostered on rotating shifts to perform day, afternoon and night shifts.

If this interests you, the next assessment day is scheduled for Saturday, February 18, 2023, in Sale.

Learn more about the recruitment process and download acopy of the PCO Assessment Booklet at www.police.vic.gov.au/pco-recruitment-process Applications close at midnight on January15, 2023 -apply now: http://bit.ly/3PS1WZW

VictoriaPolice areappealing for public assistance in locating 26-year-old Jaye Wain with warrants issued for the man’s arrest.

Police arrested the 21-year-oldmale from the surrounding Yarram area for reckless conduct endangering life in the Yarram CBD on December 17 at about12.30am.

Sale Police officers at the Wellington Shire Youth Council’s Upswing Mental Health Festival. Photos: Contributed

A47-year-oldHeyfield resident wasintercepted by police on Sunday, December 18;the unlicensed driver returned abloodalcoholreadingmorethanthree times the legal limit

MaffraPolice

Patrol

withoutregistrationplates on KnightStreet, Maffra.

Local

year.

with Zoe Askew

Operation Roadwise alarms Police

Zoe Askew

VICTORIA Police recorded atotal of 4803speeding offences -more than athird of offences detected -during Operation Roadwise, a12-day road operation targeting speed, impaireddrivingand distraction.

Of the total recorded speeding offences during the 12-day operation, spanning from 12:01am on Friday, December 16, until 11:59pm on Tuesday, December 27, 3753 motoristswere travelling 10km/h-25km/hover the speed limit, an extremely concerning figure for police.Researchshows travelling at such speeds greatly increases the risk of a collision causing serious injury or worse, by more than 40 per cent.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Justin Goldsmith,saidthe degree of speeding detected across Operation Roadwise“is simply unacceptable”.

“The fact such alarge proportion of these drivers

wereatleast 10km/h overthe limit showsthis isn’t just an inadvertentmistake,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Goldsmith said.

“It’s adeliberate,conscious decision,and one that dramatically increases the likelihood of road trauma.”

Victoria Police recorded seven deaths across the operation compared withninefatalities overthe same period in 2022.

Road fatalities in Victoria increased by 3.5% from 230 in 2021 to 238 in 2022, with 132 deaths occurring on rural roads. Seven people died on Wellington Shire roads in 2022.

Drug-driving and illegal phone use also proved cause for concern, with 375 drivers returning positive drug results, 511 drivers returning positive blood alcohol results and 783 motors detected for mobile phone offences.

As partofOperation Roadwise, Victoria Police performed 5122 roadside drug tests. With a2022 strike rate of one in 14, drug-driving statistics have climbed by nearly 21 per cent since 2021.

Drink-driving offences, on the other hand, declined in 2022, with 511motorists returning positive bloodalcohol results from 201,091preliminary breath tests, astrike rate of one in 394.

While these statistics were an improvement from last year’s operation, in whichone in every 270 motorists tested returned an illegal blood alcohol reading, Victoria Police stated that drink-driving offences remain higher than before the pandemic.

“Of some encouragement is the correction we’ve started to see in alcohol detections off the back of some really troubling impairment figures during the pandemic,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Goldsmith said.

“We’ll continue to strongly enforce in this area, as well as clamping down on drug drivers whose behaviour contributesenormousharmand heartache.”

Victoria police detected 783 drivers illegally using their phones across Opereration Roadwaise, 247 more than in 2021.

Using aphonewhile driving increases the risk

of acollision tenfold; if you use your mobile phone when driving, you also run the risk of being slapped with a$555fine and four demerit points.

Victoria Police’s road safety operations are now focusing on holiday hotspots, with an increased police presence on the roads expected to continue well into the New Year.

“As we head into the New Year, we’re appealing to drivers to reflect on theirhabits behind thewheel and use this period as an opportunity to reallyreset and commit to doing all they can to improve safety not only for themselves but all road users,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Goldsmith said.

“We’ll continue doing all we can, so expect to see police out on the roads and, in particular, those holiday hotspots where we know so many people have chosen to enjoy this summer period.”

For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads, visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.

Truckie escapes unscathed in rollover near Sale

ATRUCK driver was lucky to escape injury following arollover west of Sale.

The Toll B-double freighter rolled over at the Princes Hwy/Sale-Heyfield Rd roundabout on Tuesday, December 27 at around 10.40am.

The male driver was able to exit the cab unharmed and no other vehicles were involved in the incident.

Three CFA vehicles and two police cars attended the scene, with one westbound lane closed while the vehicle was righted and cleared from the intersection.

CFAcrews examine the rolled-overtruck.

The truck on its side at the Princes Hwy/SaleHeyfield Rd roundabout Photos: Tom Parry

Heath delivers maiden speech

AFTERbeing welcomed backinto the Liberal Party room by her colleagues, newly elected upper house MP,DrRenee Heath, delivered her maiden speech to the 60th parliament on Tuesday December 20, giving an insight into theissuesshe will push in the next four years.

Dr Heath is aSale-based chiropractor whose parents lead the City Builders Church, which was embroiled in controversy in November after reports by Nine Newspapers and 60 Minutes.The Church denied allegationsbroadcast that it wasan extremist organisation that practised gay conversion therapy,and Dr Heathsaid she did not have the same views as her parents

She told the Gippsland Times her position on abortion was “safe, legal and rare”. When asked if she considered herself amoderate or conservative, she said she was “pragmatic”.

It was also revealed in parliament by Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Georgia Crozier,that Dr Heath had beenappointed Secretary of the Parliamentary Liberal Party.

Dr Heath began her maiden speech by thanking the voters of the EasternVictoriaregion, the Liberal Party and her friends and family.

“I wasbornand raisedineastern Victoria, and to now represent thisregion in parliament -its people, families, communities, businessand industries –is the greatest privilege of my life,” she said.

“Eastern region is incredibly strategic to Victoria. It is home to awealth of natural resources and primary industries that provide water, power and timber to our states.”

Dr Heath addressed the controversy that surrounded her campaign, which resulted in thenopposition leader, Matthew Guy, saying she would not be part of the party room after she was linked to the City Builders Church. This was reversed a weeklater after the Liberals lostthe state election, and Dr Heath voted in the leadership contestwhere John Pesutto was elected party leader.

“I firstly want to saymyfaith does not hold anybody

else to account; my faith holds me to account. The second thing Iwant to say is every single person hasa worldview that has been developed by their experience, and Iamabsolutely no different to anybody else,“ she said.

“I want to say unequivocally that regardless of your belief you deserve political representation. You deserve the right to engage, debate,joinaparty and have avoice just like everybody else. Ihave come to this chamber to represent the people of Eastern Victoria Region.

“If you are aMuslim, if you are aChristian or a Jew, aBuddhistora Sikh, or whatever it is that youbelieve, if you are gay or if you are straight, if you are atraditionalist or if you are progressive, thereisa place for you and youdeserve political representation.”

Dr Heath said it concerned her that “despite record funding into education our standards are dropping”.

“We need to look at why this is occurring, and we need to correct it so that our children can have the best start in life. Schools should not be ahub of indoctrination, rather they should be acentre of education,” she said.

Asked by the Gippsland Times to clarify what she meantby“indoctrination” and to provideexamples, Dr Heath declined to give specifics and referred back to the speech.

“Students should not graduate as activists but rather as individuals that are equipped to become the scientists, the entrepreneurs and the thought leaders of tomorrow. Schools should teach facts, not narratives,” Dr Heath said in the speech.

“Students should be taught how to think and not what to think. Our young people are the future, and we need to give them the freedom and the resources to create that future.”

In the last partofher speech, Dr Heath spoke aboutreconciliation, and paidtribute to afriend, Robert Knight, an Aboriginal man who was taken from his family during the Stolen Generations.

“There has been so much talk of reconciliation and

Local and metropolitan rail disruptions throughout January

RAILpassengers heading into theCBD in Januaryare warned of significant changes to theirtravel,including extendedjourney times, with the City Loop closed for two weeks for upgrade works.

Flagstaff, Melbourne Central and Parliament stations are currentlyclosed until the lastserviceonSunday,January 15.

There will be no City Loop services and trains will be operating directly to and from Flinders Street or Southern Cross station.

Buses will be replacingtrains on the Hurstbridge Line between Parliament and Heidelberg on weekdays, and on the Alamein Line between Camberwell and Alamein on weekdays and weekends to allow the works to be completed safely.

Passengers who usuallyget off the train in the City Loop are encouraged to complete their journeys from FlindersStreetor Southern Cross stationsbywalkingortram.

Larger trams with extra capacity will be available to help people get around the CBD.

Directional signs will be installed and customer servicestaff will be on hand to help people get where they need to go.

During this time, crews will be working around theclock to upgrade smoke detection, extraction and sprinkler systems at Flagstaff, Melbourne Central and Parliament stations, as well as decommissioning existing infrastructure.

Passengers should visit ptv.vic.gov.au/ disruptions/city-loop-closure for more information and to plan their journey.

V/Line services on the Traralgon and Bairnsdale line will be replaced by road coachesfromWednesday, January 4, until the end of the month.

Thesituation comes as works on the Metro Tunnel Project, GippslandLine Upgrade and V/Line maintenance continue.

V/Line is also completing works along the Traralgon Line betweenTynong, Garfield, Bunyip, Drouin, Warragul, and Moe stations.

Due to the nature of theseworks, there will be additional light, noise,and dust present each dayfromJanuary 4to29, as well as each night between 7pm and 7am from January 18 to 23.

manyproposalstoachiev

reconciliation is not toke

Asked if she had astanc ment, Dr Heath said: “I a wife Julie Knight what right thing to do. They sa an insult within their com continue to have these co can be an accurate repre “I really believe thatthe reconciliationwas articu Dr Martin Luther King. spoken fromthe steps on memorial all those years sending vibrations thro world. That’sthe bench said.

Dr Heath clarified tha statementsrefer to both a avoice to parliament.

The Greens reintrod bill to raise the age of c responsibility from10 Premier Daniel Andrew he was hoping that there be anational process to r the age, but indicated government coulddoit their own if that doesn happen. Dr Heath said she needs time to consider the issue before making adecision.

The Liberals added anew shadow portfolio for criminal justice reform, with the Guardian reporting that Mr Pesutto said that “all angles” would be looked at for potential change.

veit, but the benchmark of enism,” she said. ceonthe voice to parliaasked Robert and his they believe is the aid that atreaty is mmunities. Iwill onversations so I esentation. e benchmarkfor ulated by Rev Those words n the Lincoln s ago are still oughoutthe hmark,” she atthe above treaty and duced a criminal to 14. wssaid would raise his on n’t d r g

Increaseincompliance risk

THE Victorian Building Authority’s (VBA)targeted inspection approach has seen an increase in the compliance risk documented on worksites across Victoria.

Analysis of quarter one data from the VBA’s Proactive Inspection Program (PIP), collected from July to September 2022, showed that noncompliant buildingand plumbing issues had increased state-wide, up by 14 per cent compared to the same time last year.

This was influenced by ashift in criteria targeting inspections of practitioners and sites of interest, so as to assess more sites that have progressed beyond early-stage work.

Acomplianceriskisany non-compliantitem observed in abuilding under construction that hasthe potentialtocause an adverse effect on safety or financial loss for future occupants or loss of structural integrity.

More than 2400 proactiveinspections of building and plumbingworkwereundertaken between July and September 2022.

The VBA’sstate buildingsurveyor, Andrew Cialini, said that the building and plumbing regulator was continuing to develop atargeted approach to look out for Victorians whomay be at the highest risk.

“The VBA proactive inspections team aims to identify areas of building and plumbing non-compliance beforethey become an issue for homeowners, which could create potential safety risks, stress, and add time and cost impacts to projects,” Mr Cialini said.

“Theinformation and intelligence gathered through PIP also enablesthe VBA to provide advice on building and plumbing standards and educationand traininginthe industrytoimprove future outcomes.”

Overall, in the first quarter of 2022-23, the VBA conducted 2406 inspections, comprising 1476 building and 930 plumbing inspections across the state.

Proactivesiteinspections were conducted in more than 58 municipalities, including the local government areasofGreater Geelong, Hume, Whittlesea and Wyndham.

Timber framing,waterproofingand unreinforced masonry were among the top non-compliant issues found by the VBA in domestic building work Non-compliance issues related to fire separation were particularly high in domestic dual-occupancy buildings.

In commercial building work, access for people with adisability, as well as damp andweatherproofing, were some of the biggest compliance issues.

Roofdrainage, gas installation, coldwater servicesand sanitaryplumbing systems werea few of the compliance riskshighlighted in domestic and commercial plumbing.

The builder and relevant building surveyor are notified when compliance risks are identified and are required to respond.

Upper House MP, Dr Renee Heath

Photo: File

Bullgetsbacktobusiness

NATIONALS Memberfor Gippsland East, Tim Bull, says he is “honoured” to be re-appointed to the Opposition Shadow Cabinet.

Mr Bullwillagainhavethe portfolios of Veterans’ Affairs and Racing as well as Disability and Aged Care, which includes carers.

“As partofanexpanded Nationalsteam that covers Victoria from border to border and the only party solely representing regional Victoria,

Ilook forward to my continued advocacy for East Gippsland,” Mr Bull said.

“It’s disappointing that the Liberals and Nationals are not in government and that we are not able to deliver on the policies that we took to the election, both locally and to get abetter deal for the regions more generally.

“Things like ourpolicyinitiativetocreatea$4 million social enterprise start up fundfor disability

enterprises, when the unemploymentrate for people living with disability is about three times higher than the averageunemploymentrate in Victoria.

“Or ourplan for improved supports for veterans, andareview of ourpublic sector-owned aged care facilities with afollow-up renewals and upgrades program.”

Mr Bull said for many years, residents of retirement villageshad been asking for an independent resolution process for disputes. “That’s why the Nationals and Liberals proposed to resource the

Dispute SettlementCentre of Victoria with this responsibility,” he said.

“Daniel Andrews saidhewould govern for all Victorians, and one way he can demonstrate his commitment to that is to take aserious look at the common-sense policy solutions we took to the election.”

Mr Bulladdedhewouldcontinue to pursue the deteriorating state of the local road network, the lack of social and affordable housing, and the “non-sensical” decision to shut down the native timber industry.

Hot carscan be life-threatening

HOT cars can kill, and that is why Ambulance Victoria is urging everyone to remember -never leave kids, older people or pets in aparked car.

The temperature can double in minutes; evenonamild day, the temperature inside a parked car can be 20 to 30 degrees hotter than the temperature outside.

Heat can cause illnesses such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion or lead to heatstroke, which is fatal in up to 80 per cent of cases –however, heatstroke is entirely preventative.

Those most at risk are older people, young children and people with amedical condition.

Achild’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s.

The latestdata on Ambulance Victoria callouts to people locked in cars shows:

 Paramedics were called to 1228 cases of people locked in cars from December 1, 2021 to November 30, 2022.

 Most of the callouts were in summer; 33.4 per cent –or410 cases–were between December 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022.

 December 2021 had the most cases (165), dropping to 75 cases in June 2022.

 Of concern, numbers are already rising with 113 cases last month.

 Of the 1228 call outs, paramedics treated 198 patients at the scene and transported just 15 to hospital.

 Children below the age of 13 (new-borns, pre-schoolers, schoolers and toddlers) represent 92.5 per cent of cases reported.

 Toddlers aged 1to3makeupthe most cases –or62.2per cent.

 For children under 13, 11am was the busiest time of the day for locked in car calls outs.

The top 10 busiest suburbs for callouts were: Pakenham –24cases, Epping 22, Frankston22, Craigieburn 21, Hoppers Crossing 20, Narre Warren19, Point Cook 19, Cranbourne 18, Werribee 18 cases and Tarneit, 15.

AmbulanceVictoriaurges peopletoremember that heatstroke is alife-threatening condition.

If you or someone else is experiencing seizures, confusion or stroke-like symptoms, collapsing or is unconscious, contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.

If you are feeling unwell, call NURSE-ONCALL on 1300 60 60 24, see your doctor or local pharmacist.

If you’ve got apre-existing health condition, take extra care. Make sure you keep up your regular health checks with your GP or specialist and that your medicines are up to date over summer.

For more information on staying safe in the heat, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Memberfor Gippsland East Tim Bull hasreturned to ShadowCabinet.

Photo: File

Eileen’s Wish continues on

OVER the past 10 years, asmall group of Heyfield residents has distributed Christmas presents and food hampers to children and families in need.

It all began at aRodaughan/Breed/Stubbe family gathering one Christmas Eve when the matriarch of the family, Eileen, said there were two young children who would not be getting anything for Christmas.

Their parents hadnomoney, alocal charity had nothing left to give them and Eileen wished something could be done to help.

Upset at the thought that the children wouldn’t receive gifts, her daughters quickly collected toys and chocolates and drove up and down the street looking for ablue house.

The parents wereoverwhelmed withthe gifts, and one can only imagine the look on the children’s faces in the morning.

More families were identified each year by St Vincent de Paul’s and local schools, andthe Rodaughan/Breed/Stubbefamilygave money to buy presents until the Rodaughan families could no longer provide for all of them.

Heyfield IGA was then approached and agreed to have aGiving Tree, and arranged with Mars to donate chocolate stockings.

Josie Stubbe took ahat around at the Heyfield Bowling Club Crackerjack nights to raise funds, while other kind locals donated directly to the cause.

In 2017, the Rodaughan family -with the help of Maud Beha, Sue and Bert Middelhuis, Karen

and Peter Leslie, and the generosity of the community -supported 38 families with toys and food through the Giving Tree.

Sadly, the number of children in need is increasing and charity groups are stretched to the limits The Rodaughans started the ball rolling and the HeyfieldCommunity banded together to look after theirown, their efforts applauded, encouraged and most appreciated.

Today,the family’scharitable endeavour is known as the HeyfieldCommunity Children’s Charity Fund or by its colloquial name: Eileen’s Wish.

In 2022, thefund was able to support 16 local families through the “extremely generous” donations of local businesses and community groups.

Up until the pandemic, fundraisingevents were held at the Heyfield Bowls Club to collect money forthe purchase of Christmas presents, as well as food hampers for families in-need.

Afteraprevious successful Bowlathon event, asix-hour fundraiser calledthe “Eileen’s Wish Bowlathon” is again planned.

The fundraiser promises to be afun day and will feature recorded and live music from Justin Rebecchi, spot prizes, raffles, food,drinks and novelty events.

Money raised will not only help with gifts and food hampers,but hopefully fundchildren’s participation in community programs.

TheBowlathon willbeheldatHeyfield Bowls Club on March 5, 2023.

Volunteers preparing hampers as part of “Eileen’s Wish” in thelead-up to Christmas2022.

Photo: Contributed

Christmas cheer from the port

CHILDREN threw fabricbean bagsinto cut-out holes on angled boards and kicked footys under the shade of towering trees, while others lined excitedly for the official face painter of the day to transform youthful skin into an artistic canvas. Some danced under the spotlight of the beaming hot sun as the John Gibson Trio performed on the temporary stage. Market stalls lined the footpath between The Wedge and The Wellington Centre;myriad items were on display, perfect for alast-minuteChristmas present. This was Christmas at thePort.

The PortofSale was bustling on Christmas Eve as hundreds of guests took part in the council festivities. Red-cheeked children ran enthusiastically across neatly trimmed grass, relishing in the manifold gamesand activities on offer; limbo, cornhole,connect four, naughts and crosses. Othersstood patiently under the “Middle of Everywhere” tent shade waiting for their turn to create festive pins and to paint ceramic Santa Clauses in vibrant colours.

Well-mannered dogs walkedonleads; Newfoundland Mabel even wore her Christmas attire to mark the special occasion, her red and white Santa hat sitting perfectly askew on top of her head.

Local makerserected stallsunder the welcomed shadeofcloth tents,dressing tables and shelves

with an array of locally made treasures; clothes, cement pots, jewellery, art, toys, photographs, book, knick-knacks and more.

Food and drink trucks sold twister potatoes, coffees,soft drinksand shakes,which manya guest enjoyed, sitting on picnic blankets under the sun or hidden beneath the shade.

After abit of tweaking here and there, sound techs ridding speakers of theirscreeching and finally getting the system right, sounds from the John Gibson Trio carried in the sporadic breeze Guests kicked off theirshoes, toestickled by lush green grass, as they danced together, the travelling music accompaniedbyjoyful laughs. Young EmilyGnoch also took the stage for abeautiful performance on the warm summer’s day.

There was ‘drag queen’ story time, encapsulating children of all ages before aspecial visit from Santa to the bustling Port of Sale.

As the clock struck 6pm, Christmas at the Port was over; guests, musicians and stallholders dispersed from the Borun and Tuk Walk, between The Wedge and Wellington Centre, off to their nextChristmasEve festivity, where everthat may be, home to watch CarolsbyCandlelight on broadcast TV? Perhaps afamily dinner before drivingthe streets of the WellingtonShire aimed to find the best Christmas lights in town.

Whilst each and every person celebrated the 2022 festive seasonintheir own special way, the spirit of Christmas was undeniable at the Port of Sale.

Emily

Quincy Balfour,8,gets flowerspainted on herface.

Eleanor,5,paints aceramic

Gnoch performs on stage.

Aria shows offher angle ornamentand colourful face paint.

Ronan wasn’t too happy about having his photo taken

Sam helps Elsie play connect four.

Sophia, 5, plays naughts andcrosses on the lawn.

SantaClause.

The Maddern family sattogether,listening to thelive music on stage.

The Nautafamilyenjoy their afternoon at Christmasat the Port

Dragstory time.

TheHouse family enjoy Christmasatthe Port on the lush green grass.

Zoe Askew

Mabel looking very festive in her ChristmasSantahat

Photos: Zoe Askew

Holidayers flock to Seaspray to celebrate the New Year

Zoe Askew

THICK fields of gumtrees gradually dissipate with every kilometre as you drive south-east along Seaspray Road; bright shades of white from sand dunes in the distance slowly but surely morph with the convoluted blur of green and brown outside the carwindow, creating an abstract artwork of bush meeting sea.

The month is December, Christmas has been and gone, and the otherwise sleepy town of Seaspray was buzzing with visitors from all walks of life on apartlycloudy Thursday at about noon.

Seaspray Caravan Park, arather sparse, emptied lot in colder months, was notably filled; colourful beach towels hanging from makeshift clotheslines flapping in the wind.

Old couples sitting silently on wooden boarded decks, golden sunrays kissing stretched-out legs as newspaper pages are turned one by one.

Children and teens roamedthe streets, on foot, by bike, stretching far beyond the Seaspray Caravan Park boundary.

One group of holidayingteens congregated on the kerbside grass in front of the Seaspray General Store, slouchily lounging on top of lime-yellow bean bags, fingerspickingathot, fresh chips, mouths gulpingdown cold, sweet-flavoured milkshakes.

"We're from Sale," the group proudly declared.

"Here for the whole summer."

When the sky darkensand the temperature drops, after aday of adventuring, swimming and hanging with friends,the group of Sale teens retires to their summer home, some to the caravan park, others to holiday homes.

Holidayers strolled along the foreshore walk; big families, small families, old families, young families.

Mothers carried bags and drinks and hats and sunscreen as determined young ones mounted

bikes, legs pushing peddles as wobbly arms held handlebars steady.

Many stopped every10orsometres,sliding sunglasses down noses, before gazing at signboards arising from the ground, stories sharing the rich history of the coastal Gippsland town.

Officially unveiled on Saturday, November 12, 2022, Seaspray's historical signboard walk, stretchingfrom Seaspray Surf Life Saving Clubto thecaravan park, provides insight into the coastal town's kaleidoscopic history.

Thetwo-year project was co-organised by local historian and author Susan Kennedy and Seaspray Ratepayers Association president Kaylene Wheeler, and sponsored by Esso.

Between Foreshore Road, Seaspray and the gravelly foreshore walk path, grows beautifullykept, thick, emerald green grass.

Families balanced plastic cricket stumps on top blades of even-lengthened grass, thrown shoes lay wherever they land, and voices rise consistently louder with every over in the heightening stakes of a"backyard cricket" game.

Among the backyard cricketers, stretching across the sponge-likegrass,isagroup of three young Traralgon and Morwell families -the O'Neils, the Camerons and the Duncans.

"We came down on Boxing Day, spent Christmas at home," Mr O'Neil said.

Summer in Seaspray has been away of life for the three Latrobe Valley families since 2017.

"We have been coming down every year and staying at the caravan park since 2017," Mr O'Neil explained.

"It's agreat spot down here -welove it."

On the popular busy park, children squealed joyfully, hands gripping tightly to iron-swing chains, as little toes extended as far as they could go, determined young minds convinced that with every next push, they would finally reach the sky.

Clustersofmothers and fathers sat chatting

around the park's border, giving their respective offspring an overzealous "Wow" after every "Hey, look at this" or "Watch what Ican do".

Beyond the park and Seaspray General Store, you can't help but notice the unmistakable sound of the ocean's call.

First, you can hear it, the thunderous crashing of waves as the cold salty water smacks violently against the dampened sand.

Then you smell it, the fresh coastal breeze, and after aquickwalkupand over the dunes, the ocean you shall see.

Beachgoers walked dogs on leashes;others stood with feet slowly sinking into wet sand, throwing soggy tennisballs into white-lipped waves, watchingastheir canine companion charged into dark waters and navigated the ocean maze.

Some lay on top the warm white sand, lapping up the warmth of the sporadic golden sun, paperback book in hand.

Young Charlie and her step-dad Cuan, from the outer Melbourne suburb of Lakeside, boarded kayaks in thequieter waters, waitingpatiently for the rest of their party before setting out on a family fishing adventure.

"This is my first time in Seaspray," Charlie exclaimed.

"Actually, Ihave been here once before, but Iwas too little to remember."

The watchful eyes of lifeguards Clancy Chester and Tyson Brindley from Surf Life Saving Victoria, Lakes Entrance, gazed across the vastspanning ocean

Holidayers, unbothered by the less summery weather, dove and jumped into the salty crashing waves.

"Thereare afew people about today; it's never as busy if the weather isn't great, and it's not great today," Clancy said.

"Seaspray doesn't have enough lifeguards to have patrols on all the time, and neitherdoes Woodside,

so we come up from Lakes Entrance to help out.

"We stay in Sale and either come here to Seaspray for the day or go to Woodside. On weekends and public holidays, the beach is patrolled by Seaspray volunteer lifeguards."

Back at the Seaspray General Store, 40-year veteran Cheryl, tucked snuggly behind the dark wooden counter, was busy serving customers.

NumbersatSeaspray depended on the weather, Cheryl explained. "If it's nice weather, you get more people, all the Gippsland locals coming here for day trips," she said.

"It also depends on what day it is; aweekend or public holiday will always be busier."

The long-term Seaspray resident, who has witnessed four decades of Seaspray history from behind the general store counter, claims this year's Seaspray summer numbers are on par with those pre-COVID.

"It's nice that it has kind of gone back to normal after COVID," Cheryl said. "COVID was hard on Seaspray."

The sizzle of potatoes and battered fish frying in bubbly golden oil and the intense aroma of seasoned, cooked ground beefleaked through the open serving window at the Seaspray General Store.

Across the road, escaping sounds were muffled, barely awhisper in the wind, but the distinguishable flavours of salted, crunchy, golden potatoes travelled so far down Foreshore Road caravan park residents licked their lips as the now subtle aroma tantalised their senses.

New YearsEve saw many take to Seaspray Beach, astill night making it idyllic conditions to ring in the new year, and toast the one just gone.

Sun, sand, family, fish and chips and friends, ball games, beach games, and going home only once it's night again; this is what makes summers at Seaspray loved by everyone.

Surfers sit in silence on the white Seaspray sand, gazing into the distance of vast ocean land.

Photos:Zoe Askew

Charli from Lakeside donned her vibrantcoloured lifevest beforecarefullyboarding her stepdad’s kayak for an exciting fishing adventure

Clancy Chester and TysonBrindleyfromSurfLifeSaving Victoria, Lakes Entrance.

The Rice family from Murchison, Victoria, enjoyed their first-ever holidaygetaway in Seaspray.

The O’Neil family,Cameron family and Duncan family enjoyed amorning of backyardcricket on the grasses of Seasprayforeshore.

Lakeside holidayers Charlie and Cuanboard their kayak for aday of fishing

Spectacular Loch Sport

Zoe Askew

CARNIVAL and marketgoers braved the strong south-westerly winds rippingacross the foreshore on Wednesday, December 28, to attend the opening of The Loch Sport Spectacular Carnival and Twilight Market

Under greying clouds, market stalls, carnival ridesand foodvans were erected along Lake Streetforeshore spanning between Second Street and Barton Street. Sweet smells, bright colours and cheerful musicdrifted far beyond The Loch Sport Spectacular Carnival and Twilight Market boundaries.

Children climbed aboard the cup-and-saucer ride and slid downthe giant paw patrolslide as parents watched on from adistance, basking in the joyful squeals of their not-so-little infants.

Sisters Kelsey and Sophie, holidayers from Melbourne, wavedtotheir mum and dad from the fantastic Red Barron Plane Ride, giggling as the purple plane capsule lifted them high off the ground.

Just astone’s throw away, youngsters Isla and Wilbur, also from Melbourne and visiting their grandpa for Christmas, dunked white fabric nets in cool, clear water, scooping yellow rubber ducks as dad looked over their shoulders.

Forpeckishguests, hungry bellies were easily

filled with slinky potatoes, donuts, coffeeand more, plus the carnival show bags had chewy lollytreats galore.

Beyond the bright buzzing of the carnival rides and games, local merchants set up shop on the grassy ground of the Loch Sport foreshore, positioned side by side; with so much on display,there was something to catch everyone’s eye.

Tie-dyed clothing hung from wire coat hangers, flailing in the wind, next door rings and pots and bracelets drew all the women in, hands reaching to wallets succeeding gasps and awes and ‘isn’t this cute’.

The cheerful, booming voice of Moe local ‘Hughesy’ carried in the wind, and with the sweet smell of caramelisedtreenutsigniting passer-bys’ senses, almost every Loch Sport Spectacular Carnival andTwilight Market visitor proved completely defenceless. The man wearing afabric squirrel hat held out his metal scoop,sharing ataste of his mouth-watering ‘caramelised almonds with all’.

Just like aspider catching flies in its web, one taste, and it was over; Hughesy’s fresh, hot, caramelised, nutty snacks provedsodelectable guests couldn’t help but come back.

Day one of The Loch Sport SpectacularCarnival and Twilight Market proved agreat success,with the coastal extravaganzas concluding five days later but not before afantastic display of fireworks welcomed the new year.

Isla focused carefully as yellowducks swirled below, pausing to think which rubber duckcatching method would be the best waytogo.

Moe local Hughesy,owner of Hughesy’s Nuts About Caramel,handedout fresh hot taste testers in his fabric squirrel hat.

Photos: Zoe Askew

Sisters Kelseyand Sophie waved as theyraced around in circles on the Red Barron Plane Ride

MondayTucker’s Christmasasuccess

VOLUNTEERSatMonday Tuckerare feeling joyous following asuccessfulChristmas dinner.

The event, which took place on the evening of December 19, 2022, saw more than 90 meals served as part of afestive two-coursefeastinthe Sale Memorial Hall.

Diners were first entertained by the Veterans, Families and Friends MusicGroup, who performed from 4.30pm until 5.15pm, followed by local musician Harry Hook.

Followingdinner, none other than Father ChristmasarrivedinaPolice car, handing out toysand lolliestochildren.Hethen handed out 50 gift bagscontainingthree $20 gift vouchers,three bon-bons, alarge tin of biscuits, atinnedham and an assortment of other gifts.

Volunteersalsoprepared fourfood hampers as doorprizes.

Monday Tuckerwillresume in the Gippsland Veterans Centre activity room, Macalister Street, Sale from January 16.

January birdofthe month

LATHAM’S Snipe is among the37migratoryshorebirds which breed in Japan and eastern Russia, and fly south for the northern winter down what is known as the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Some of these species, including Greenshank and Grey Plover,get as far as East Gippsland, including the GippslandLakes and the surrounding marshy grasslands,wherethey feed up over summerafter theirlong flights.

The total worldpopulation of Latham’s Snipe spend the non-breedingseason in eastern and southern Australia, where they were shot for sport until the early 1980s but are now fully protected.

Latham’s Snipes feed on the seeds of rushes and reeds, plus insects,worms,and other invertebrates, and their preferred habitat is on the margins of fresh or brackish water, with adjacentdamp grassland for roosting by day.

Asurprisingly highproportion of birds are recorded from urban fringe wetlands. Tagging and radio-tracking has shown that individual birds are remarkably loyal to theirAustralianfeeding sites,withrecoveriesofmarkedbirds over several

years within afew hundred metres of their original tagging site.

Snipes are at risk from habitat destruction, at both ends of the flyway. The recent drought and the subsequent 2019-20 bushfires are believed to be responsible for a30-40 per cent decrease in snipe numbers in Japan, justifyingthe current ‘Near Threatened’ international risk status category.

Australia has international agreementswith Japan and other countries protecting thesespecies

The commonwealth’s Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Shorebirds (underthe Environmental Protectionand Biodiversity Conservation Act) aims to protect significant roosting and feeding sites from inappropriate development or destruction.

The GippslandLakesand fringing areas are protectedunder the internationalRamsaragreements, and future coastal and lakeshore developments need to take this into account.

Any modest-scale individual developmentcan always argue that the birds have other suitable areas to move to, but this is adeath by athousand

Summer by the Seareturns

SCHOOL holidays have started, and the popular Summer by the Sea program is back this January with the theme ‘Coastal Connections’.

With amixtureofin-person and onlineevents, everyone can connect with the coast, wherever they are across the state.

Victorians are encouraged to get online and check out the program over the summer holidays between January4and February5,2023.

Summer by the Sea is an annual program delivered by Coastcare Victoria with the support of providers, including government agencies, local experts and volunteer groups.

The 2023 program includessomething for everyone, including aboattour of the Gippsland Lakes, learning about the coastal dynamics of

InverlochSurfBeach and rock poolingand a geology walk at Walkerville.

Live online events cover topics such as great white shark ecology, places to go snorkelling thissummer, apanel on ways to help the coast, and more.

Summer by the Sea activities will be held on the Country of many traditional owners from across the state.

Videos will be presented with captions in English and several other languages.

Bookings for coastal walks and live online events are essential.

For more information and afull program of activities, visit http://www.summerbythesea. vic.gov.au

cuts,and as each area goes under the bulldozer, suitable habitat shrinks.

Latham’s Snipeshave been roosting andfeeding on the rough grassland on the edge of Point Fullarton reserve for many years. It is one of only eight sites in East Gippslandthat we know to hold

nationally significant numbers of the Snipe.

BirdLife East Gippsland meets weekly for Monday morning outings.

New members are always welcome.

Check the BirdLife East Gippsland Facebook page for more information.

Monday Tucker chair Michael Page andhead chef KerryMcMillan. Photo: File

Latham’sSnipe.

Photo: John Hutchison

Lifeblood back in Sale

CHRISTMAS may be over, but the gift of blood is needed all year round -itisestimated that one in everythreeAustralians will need ablooddonation in their lifetime.

Lifeblood’s Mobile Blood Donor Centre is back in Sale until January 13, and is calling on locals to roll up their sleeves and donate once again.

The centre will be parked at its usual location, within the confines of Sale Greyhound Club.

Walk-ins are welcome, but bookings are strongly encouraged.

Pre-book your spot via the Lifeblood app, visiting lifeblood.com.au or by calling 13 14 95.

Kindergarten art show thrives

LONGFORD

It was also awonderful opportunity to connect withfamilies and the wider community.

Kristin Kenwell from Uniting also visited and enjoyed her time with the children looking at the art.

Vernon guest speaker

On Thursday,December 8, the Vines put on adelicious two-course meal for people to enjoy, followed by motivationalguest speaker, Beau Vernon, and later, the Lovetones band entertained the happy crowd.

Mr Vernon spoke about his story, the challenges he initiallyfacedafter becoming aquadriplegic and how achangedmindset has seenhim achievemany life goals and continues to do so. His speech was motivational and inspired many to ask questions and leave the night with much positivity.

The Mobile Blood Donor CentreisbackinSale until January 13. Photo: File

Sue-Ellen, Kristin andchildrenfromLongfordKindergarten.

Photos: Contributed

Megand Georgie.

GIPPSLAND Disability Advocacyand Overcoming Obstacles collaboratedtoorganise adinner and dance at the Vines Winery in Maffra to celebrate International Day of Peoplewith Disabilities (IDPWD).

Motivational guest speaker,Beau Vernon.

Gippsland Disability Advocacy and Overcoming Obstacles andthe Vines Winery in Maffra collaborated to celebrate International DayofPeoplewith Disabilities with adinnerand dance.

Photos:Contributed

Kindergarten recently hosted an artshow, celebrating children’s creativity andshowcasingthe importance of art for achild’s overall development.

The art show reflected Longford Kindergarten’s commitment to caringfor and spending time in nature and its Japanese Language Program.

Meg Bye and Georgie Granville from the Gippsland Art Gallery were special guests visiting the art show.

Longford Kindergarten children created the artwork on display with Meg and Georgie at the art gallery and at bush kinder.

ONE POINTERS

What is the name of the Australian band that released the song ‘Treaty’ in 1991?

Which Disney princess lost her shoe?

What is the name of the bridge in San Francisco?

Who started his speech with “I have adream...”?

TWO POINTERS

Who is the lead singer of the band the Foo Fighters?

Which female tennis player won six consecutive Wimbledon titles in the 1980’s?

What fruit wedges inspired the design of the Sydney Opera House?

Who plays the lead character role of Wednesday Addams in the Netflix show ‘Wednesday’?

THREE POINTERS

What animals name translates as water horse?

Norman Bates was acharacter from which horror/thriller movie?

What American singer/songwriter recently played a‘One Night Only’ concert at the MCG?

The Sturt’sDesert Pea is the floral emblem for which Australian state? FOUR POINTERS

In ancient Greece, what form of racing would you see at The Hippodrome?

What was discovered in 1922 by HowardCarter? FIVE POINTER

I’ll give you the name of 5sports persons and you give me the sport they areknown for: Samantha (Sam) Kerr,Mick Fanning,

Target Time No.0139

Howtoplay.

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or morecan you list? The centrelettermustbe included and each letter may be used only once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in ‘s’ Solution page 26

R M I S E E M E S

Maffra Mardi Gras is returning soon

THE RotaryClubofMaffra

of the longest runningevents in the Wellington Shire. It started in 1957 when agroup of Maffra businessmen wanted to raise money for the Maffra Hospital.They were ArthurWatts,Ken Davies, Lex Leslie, Athol Ralph, Harry Van der Mewe and Max Jennings.

Thatfirst year, they had ‘penny votes’. Thewinnerwas the person who received the most votes, and therefore the most pennies, with all proceeds going to the hospital. This was so successful that it was decided to continue the fundraiser the following year as the Maffra Mardi Gras.

New this year is an award for the best business float in the parade, named after Arthur Watts, one of the inaugural committee members. Arthur served as president of the Rotary Club of Maffra in 1958 and was the foundation chairman of both the Maffra Mardi Gras (21 years) and the Maffra Chamber of Commerce. Ron Bates and Susan Hewlitt were secretaries for the Mardi Gras for many years.

In 1958, the format was begun of raising money overasix-weekperiodleading up to the event, with the person raising the most money announced on the evening of the Mardi Gras as ‘Miss Maffra Mardi Gras’. This has been changed to ‘Winner of the Maffra Mardi Gras’ as there are nowboth men and women taking part as contestants.

While the format has essentially remained the same -afamily fun evening with aparade-over the years there have been train rides for children in Johnson Street and acycle race, as well as the carnival rides, street stalls and floats, as we know it today.

The Rotary Club of Maffra took over the Mardi Gras in 2009 because of their commitment to the local community as well as insurance requirements. The Maffra MardiGrashas raised about $4 millionfor differentcommunity groups throughout Wellington Shire.

The words ‘Mardi Gras’ literally mean ‘fat Tuesday’. It originated as amedieval practice of eating rich, fattyfoods before fasting forlent, also known as Pancake Tuesday. It was often athreeday festival,still held in manyparts of Europe, and became asecular carnivalwith street parades and elaborate costumes when it reached America, and eventually Australia.

Comeand help celebrate the Maffra Mardi Gras on March18, 2023. Register to haveafloat, as the CommunityBankMaffra and District is awarding large cash prizes for the best three floats! Or justwalk withyour club to raise awarenessof what you do. Stall holders also welcome! Further informationand entryformsare availablefrom rcmafframardigras@gmail.com

MardiGrasisone

2013 Mardi Grasentrants Kirsty Patterson, Janelle Reeves, Jemma Lambourn, Nicholl Sandison, Beth Ripper and Stephanie Cameron. The winner thatyearwas Stephanie Cameron, raising moneyfor Maffra Primary School Photos: Contributed

Arthur Wattsand PatCameronatthe Maffra MardiGrasin2009.

Family film is enjoyable view

DREAMWORKS Animation’s latest blockbuster, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish has landed in theatres for the school holidays. Our resident film buffs Tom Parry and Stefan Bradley went to check it out.

TP: There’s alot to unpack here. This is a sequel to the first Puss in Boots,which itself is aspin-off of the Shrek franchise -the title character having been introduced in Shrek 2 Critics have been raving about it for weeks, with some even hailing it the best animated movie of the year, and you know what? I’m inclined to agree with them. What are your immediate thoughts, Stefan?

SB: First of all, I’d say yes: believe the hype. This was abreathoffresh air for the Shrek franchise, and better than the first Puss in Boots,which is agood movie, but not necessarily one Iwant to revisit. Probably the biggest compliment Ican provide is this: we only saw The Last Wish afew minutes before we had this conversation, and already Iwant to watch it again. It was very creative -lots of great ideas, great characters, great voice-acting, a new animation style and agood soundtrack. I feel like it had everything.

TP: It really did. I’m glad you touched on the voice acting, because all of the performers do a fantastic job bringing their characters to life. We’ve got thespians returning to their roles, as well as Oscar winners, little-known personalities, and somebody who sounds like James Corden but isn’t actually James Corden.

SB: With regard to the plot, it sees our hero, Puss (Antonio Banderas) learn that he has lost eight of his nine lives, and goes on aquest to locate afabled wishing star to grant them back. Along the way, he encounters abig,bad wolf (voiced by Wagner Moura), anameless stray dog (Harvey Guillén), Goldilocks (Florence Pugh) and the three bears, Big Jack Horner (John Mulaney), and his old flame, Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek).

TP: Do you believe the story improves upon the first movie?

SB: Yes, Ido. The premise is rather cheesy, but having all these characters with differing motivations makes the story really interesting. Iappreciate how they’ve taken asupporting character from Shrek 2 andgiven him layers -he’s no longer just asword-fighting kitty who looks at enemies with cute eyes; he’s now a nuanced, relatable personality. Ithought the story was compelling anditwent in alot of different directions thanks to the inclusion of the various fairy-tale characters.

TP: That’s right. Iwill say, as somebody who very much enjoys the first movie, the different animation styles did throw me abit TheLast Wish utilises the same animation software as The Bad Guys,which was DreamWorks Animation’s other 2022 release, and a

technique it calls DigiMatte which allows its films to look like adrawing or oil painting

SB: Yes, but it’sstill reminiscent of the Shrek style, and it wasn’t just utilised for the sake of it -DigiMatte allows for certain objects to pop-out or cool effects insomesequences.

TP: But they also utilise it totoy with different art styles, and occasionally drop the frame-rate to showcase those styles, much like Sony Pictures Animation’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.Part of me appreciates that, but another part says that it’s just another example of DreamWorks stealing ideas from other studios.

SB: Butatleast they’re trying something new -dowereally want another mid-2000s era DreamWorks movie, or do we want something that moves with the times? I’m glad they’re not continuing with that realistic style of animation we’re accustomed to seeing -itmade The Last Wish more fun and engaging. After all, it’s an animated film, and you want the visuals to be at least alittle bit out-there.

TP: That’s afair point. Imustadd, Iwas really surprised by how nuanced and grown-up the morals of the film were, especially for what is, ostensibly, afamily movie. Alot of them will go over children’s heads, but for adults, the narrative is asmart, engaging discussion about mortality

SB: Agreed -Puss fears death, and he feels vulnerable in that state after feeling invincible for so long. Ithought they handled the subject in aquite mature and interesting way. And they did so without skimping on the action!

TP: There’s not just alot of action, there’s alot of every genre. There’s elements of comedy, fantasy, romance, westerns -itreally has everything. In terms of criticisms, the principal antagonist, Jack Horner was far too cartoonish for my liking, but Iappreciate how they heavily leaned into it, to the point where he himself becomes the joke.

SB: The first two Shrek movies in particular were so creative and inspired, and The Last Wish stands tall with them, possibly even higher. You can watch all those movies and the first Puss in Boots on Netflix, but Iwouldn’t say they’re required viewings, as The Last Wish works wellonits own. It’s just agreat family movie.

TP: Absolutely. I’m so glad we can end the cinematic year in agreement with each other!

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is rated PG for mild themes, animated violence, coarse language and scary scenes, and is currently showing at Sale Cinema.

Images: Universal Pictures/DreamWorks Animation

Coming up at Bond St,Sale

Small StageSessions

Friday, January 6

7pm -10pm

SMALL Stage Sessions is Bond StreetEvent Centre’s Open Mic Night for musicians, poets and filmmakers.

Theseevenings offer up-and-coming performers the opportunity to test their skills on areceptive crowd of like-minded creatives.

In order to offer each performer adequate stage time, the format for musical acts willbesolos, duos or trios performing 15-minutesets only. The Centrewill be providing PA equipment and asound technician; drum kits are not permitted.

Filmmakerswho would liketoshowcase their creationswill be givena10-minutescreening, and areasked to bringa copy of their filmtothe venue by 6.20pm on the night. Poets will also be given a10-minute set to perform their written works.

To secure aspotonthe night, ablackboard will be at the front of the stage and performers will be allocated aset time on afirst-in-first-servedbasis.

If you are interestedinlocal musicians, poets and filmmakers, please come along and be apart of an encouraging and supportive audience. Note this particular event is for ages 16-plus and minors must be accompanied by aguardian.

The bar will be open and alight supper will be provided.

Entryis$10 at the door and goes towards the continued running of these events.

Arts Sunday Sunday, January 15 12pm -6pm

Come andjoinarelaxed and informalatmosphere. Sit outside under the veranda or inside in air-conditioned comfort, and check out the latest art exhibitions,poetry performances or listen to

Region evoked through painting

THIS summer, Gippsland Art Gallery is presenting Evoking Gippsland,an exhibition of paintings and drawings from 1981 to 2022 by one of Australia’s most respected and accomplished artists, Kevin Lincoln.

Lincoln emerged as an artist of note in the mid-1960s and has astrongconnection to the Gallery -one of hisworks, depicting arocky shoreline executed in watercolour and ink, was one of the very first artworks acquired for the Gallery’s collection in 1965, when the NGV’s Curator of Australian Art, Brian Finemore, recommended it to John Leslie OBE.

57 years later, Lincoln has built an astounding legacy of landscape art, much of which has its basis in Gippsland.

of landscape, permeated by strange and silent presences that strip his scenes of superfluous detail to the point of near abstraction.

Gippsland is the starting point for these paintings and drawings, with inspiration drawn from locations such as Wilsons Promontory, Tenby Point, Wattle Point, Lindenow, Kilcunda, and Grantville, and natural features like the Mitchell River, Powlett River, and the rolling hills of South Gippsland.

Lincoln records impressions at each site, which become the basis for studio paintings where time, distance and memory come into play. The artworktitles are simple, unelaborated place nameswith the exception of the telling Kilcunda Memory (2021).

Several works here rate among Lincoln’s most visionary, such as the elemental and elegiac Thatcher’s Lane (2021, pictured).

Poetry

Night Wednesday, January 18 7pm -10pm

Monthly poetry nights are back better than ever. These events are popular with people old and new, from young performers to seasoned writers, and providea great opportunity for budding poets to test their poetry on afriendly and supportive crowd.

These nights also provide people who are new to poetry with valuable performance experience, and the chancetomeet with other like-mindedpeople.

Anyone interested in poetry is invited to come along and be apart of the supportiveaudience, or to bring their works and perform on stage.

A$5entry fee covers alight supper and supports the continued running of these events.

Bond Street Event Centre is located at 10 Bond St, Sale, and is an independent social enterprise with astrong focus on community

Evoking Gippsland draws together artworks spanning large-scale painting to intimate drawings bound in the artist’s travel books, created over aperiod of more than 40 years. In many ways aminimalist -though he has carved his own path without affiliations with any groups or collectives -Lincoln’s artworks are less a literal description of aspecific place, than ahypnotic veil of breaths and whispers. He provides only the basic elements

Kevin Lincoln: Evoking Gippsland— Paintings &Drawings, 1981-2022 has been curated by the Gallery’s Associate Curator, Dr Sheridan Palmer, and will be shown until February 19, 2023.

Bond St Event Centre. Photo:File

Image courtesy of Gippsland Art Gallery/ Kevin Lincoln

Peak property body urgesgovtfocus

THE Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) is urging the re-elected state government to renew its focus on the real estate sector

REIV chief executive, Quentin Kilian, has congratulated Danny Pearson, the state member for Essendon and assistant treasurer,onbeing appointed as the Minister responsible for real estate matters under his Consumer Affairs portfolio. He was previously the Minister for Housing.

With arange of critical market forces and industry issues currently surrounding and influencing the sector,MrKilian said now is time for government to put genuine focus on good property sector policy

“While we have been calling for the property sector to have adedicated ministerial portfolio, we look forward to working with Minister (Danny) Pearson on alist of important issues, none more important than an update to the state’stired tax regime,” Mr Kilian said.

“Despite the sector’srapid recent evolution and asignificant shift in market conditions, Victorian property participants are still dealing with archaic stamp duty that does nothing but inhibit aspiring homeowners, deter downsizers, and cripple investors, all which compounds our current housing supply crisis.

“In Victoria,stamp duty equates to approximately 22 per cent of state and local government revenue, so the question of removing stamp duty really centres around what to replace it with, and how to makethe transition -this is where politics has the potential to interfere with good outcomes.

“Other states are seeing the light on this antiquated tax and REIV invites the state government into adiscussion with industry leaders and experts as we seek abetter approach.”

The REIV’sseven keyarguments to remove stamp duty are the:  Reduced purchase costs;  Enhanced mobility of skilled people via the reduction of transfer costs that in turn assists better economic outcomes;  Likelihood of olderpeople moving to more appropriate accommodation and thereby releasing suitable housing stock for younger families;  Increase in taxation transparency;

Improved housing affordability through decreased purchase costs and greater housing liquidity (supply of existing house stock);  Increased availability of funds to meet social and affordable housing needs, with appropriate measures and intent by governments, and;

 Greater stability in tax revenue modelling for governments.

While the government has not pledged to remove stamp duty altogether,itdoes currently have exemptions and concessions in place for first home buyers on certain properties.

First home buyers who purchase a property for $600,000 or less are exempt from paying stamp duty,and are eligible for areduced stamp duty feeonproperties purchased for $750,000 or less.

The opposition took asimilar policy to the state election in November 2022, pledging that stamp duty would be cut for all first home buyers on properties worth less than $1 million for 12 months.

In other matters, Mr Kilian said that the 2021 changes to the Residential Tenancies Act and the early-2022 (but not yet released) Property Market Review also need to be immediate priorities for the government.

“On behalf of 8000 plus REIV members who employ more than 15,000 Victorians, we look forward to engaging with the returned state government, and work towards renewing policy impacting one of Victoria’smostimportant sectors,” he said.

LATROBE

have

“The

According

Latrobe

“This

“Weunderstand

Community members interested in accessing the survey can visit www latrobe.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay

Hard copies are also available at Traralgon and Morwell libraries, or via post on request.

The survey will close on Friday,January 20.

Photo:

Partnershipopens thedoor to home ownership forthousands

VICTORIANS looking to buy ahome have been encouraged to consider agovernmentbacked scheme that has helped thousands of people by drastically reducing the up-front purchase costs.

The state government’s$1.6 billion Victorian Homebuyer Fund contributes up to 25 per cent of ahome’spurchase price, reduces the required deposit to just five per cent, and eliminates the need for buyers to pay costly premiums for lender’smortgage insurance.

The fund contribution means that on average buyers backed by the scheme pay a deposit of $35,000 on a$630,000 property, while the fund contributes more than $155,000.

The fund contribution on ahomevalued at the maximum $950,000 would be up to $237,500.

“The Homebuyer Fund means families, couples and single people who may have been priced out of the market can get afoot in thedoor quicker,backedbythe state,” treasurer TimPallas said.

“This initiative makes areal difference, and combined with first-home buyer supports, it means more Victorians are realising their dreams of owning their own home.”

More than 2500 Victorian families and individuals have taken possession of the keys to their new home since the fund was launched in October 2021, including Carnegie resident VickiStegink.

Ms Stegink realised her goal of owning her own home when she settled on a$641,000 apartment, paying afive per cent deposit and receiving a25per cent Victorian Homebuyer

Fund equity contribution. Because of the fund’scontribution, Ms Stegink did not pay lender’smortgage insurance, saving about $20,000, and as a

Victoriancouncil rate cap set for next

ANEW rate cap of 3.5 per cent has been set for all councils for the 2023/24 financial year

The cap has been introduced to protect Victorians from uncontrolled rate hikes, while ensuring local governments remain financially sustainable.

Minister forLocal Government, Melissa Horne, announcedthe capon Thursday, December 29, under the state government’s Fair Go Rates System.

“The rate capfor the nextfinancial year takes into account higher inflation and the need to protect Victorians from uncontrolled rate hikes, while ensuring councils can continue to deliver vital community services,” she said.

“Each council is responsible forsetting rates within the rate capbased on the needs of their community

“Community members have the chance to engage with their local councils as they makedecisions about rate rises through their budget process each year.”

The Fair GoRates System was introduced in 2016 to ease cost of living pressures on Victorians and encourage sound financial management bylocal governments.

In the decade before the system was introduced, council rates increased by an average of six per cent every year

The decision onthe rate cap forthe next financial year was guided byindependent advice from the Essential Services Commission (ESC) recommending acap of four per cent -inline with the Consumer Price Index.

The government set the rate cap 0.5per cent below the ESC’s recommendation, taking into account cost ofliving pressures facingrate payers.

The rate caplimits the amount acouncil canincrease its total revenue from general rates and municipal charges for thatyear Councils set rates for their residents and use the revenue to fund essential community services and infrastructure likelocal parks, libraries, community centres, roads, kindergartens, waste collection and sports grounds.

Rates are setindividually by councils for their municipalities every year through their budget process, and must consult with their communities ondecisions relating to budgets, rates and other charges.

Under the LocalGovernment Legislative Amendment (Rating and Other Matters) Act 2022, Victorian councils have the power to defer or waive rates, charges and interest to rate payers experiencing financial hardship.

To learn more about how council rates are set, visit localgovernment.vic.gov.au/ council-rates-and-charges

first home buyer she also benefitted from a $24,000 stamp duty concession.

Separate to the Homebuyer Fund, the state government provides grants and stamp duty rebates and concessions for tens of thousands of first-home buyers each year In 2021, this support topped $1 billion.

More than half of the people who have purchased ahome through the fund are first-time home buyers.

The government recently boosted the homebuyer fund by $1.1 billion, creating the capacity to support 10,000 people.

Some 1200 Victorians are looking for a home withpre-approval from the fund, which means there are thousands of positions still available.

Participants in the scheme can buy back the government’sshare in the property over time.

Applicants can earn up to $128,000 individually or $204,000 as acouple, while the maximum purchase price is $950,000 in metropolitan Melbourne and Geelong, and $600,000 in other parts of regional Victoria.

To provide agreater level of support to the Indigenous community,Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Victorians only require a3.5 per cent deposit, and are eligible for a35per cent shared equity contribution.

For more information about the fund, visit sro.vic.gov.au/homebuyer

Statetreasurer Tim Pallassaysmoreyoung peoplewill be able to owntheir ownhomethrough the government’s HomebuyerFund.

Photo: Contributed

Ministerfor Local Government,Melissa Horne.

Photo:

Women

dairy industry

DAIRY

The Women in Dairydiscussiongroups across Gippslandcame together to celebratethe industry at the Traralgon Vineyard in mid-December.

The event- organised by discussion group members and GippsDairy -provided Gippsland ladies with an opportunity to meet, network, and hear from inspirational women.

“We put acall out to see if women would like to come and network togetherand meetnew women thatall dairy farm in Gippsland- and we had over 140 responses,” Sarah O’Brien, Macalister IrrigationDistrict dairy farmer and Women in Dairy discussion group member, said.

Celebrating the dairy industry was the key theme to the Women in Dairy Ladies Lunch.

Attendees heardfrom apanel of four local dairy farming ladies, including Nicole Saunders, aMacalister Irrigation District dairy farmer who is diversifying her dairy business; Emily Pendlebury, anew dairy entrant who recently completedher Certificate 3inAgriculture; Amy Cosby, aSouth Gippslanddairy farmerand Associate Professor in AgriculturalEducation and Extension at CQUniversity;and Rosemary

The panel session was facilitated by consultant and South Gippsland dairy farmer, Gillian Hayman.

According to organisers, the aim of the ladies lunch was to shinealight on dairying women in Gippsland, celebrate theirsuccessesand to acknowledgethe hard work they do to produce quality milk.

“I think it is really important for women to know thatthey’renot just doing what they do every day by themselves in isolation, we’re all in this together,” Ms O’Brien said.

The amazing generosity of the industry was a standout on the day, with sponsorship and also gift donations.

Local businesses and dairy farming ladies donated many lucky door prizes, hampers,and gifts, ensuring no-one left empty handed.

“It was awonderful event today -wehad alot of fun and there were really great, inspirational dairy farmerspeakers,” attendee and dairy farmer, Lucy Young, said.

Giventhe “great success” of the booked-out lunch, GippsDairy hopetomake this celebration of women in dairy an annual event.

farmers from across Gippsland enjoyed a celebratory lunch and saw out the year in style at arecent GippsDairy event.

Atherton, aWest Gippslanddairy farmer and 2022 Dairy Ambassador,ensuring agreat variety of discussion.

Femalefarmers from across thewider Gippslandregion attendedthe event at Traralgon Vineyard.

Photos: Contributed

Gillian Hayman facilitating a panel discussion at the Women in Dairy luncheon

Extreme weather challenges farmers

also that it has the high country to get the cattle and livestock away from those river flats when it does flood”.

WEATHER extremes such as heavy rainfall and extreme heat are achallenge for any farmer, but with such events tipped to become increasingly frequent and their duration prolonged under official climate change scenarios, Gippslandfarmersbear the brunt of these extreme weather effects.

Angus Zilm is an owner-operator of agrass-fed beef farming business in Gippsland, with along family farming connection in the region.

Havingmanaged hisbusiness across multiple properties around Stratford and Sale for the past 10 years, the local beef producer strongly attests to the increasing climate extremes.

“We ownaproperty on the Latrobe River near Sale, and for the last so many years, we have had no problem using the river flat country,but just recently, in the last two years, we have just been hounded with floods,” Mr Zilm said.

“In my experience,theseevents have become more extreme. Ithink, the droughts in America and China that we’re seeing and at the same time in Australia we are being hounded by floods; it’s got to be atrend.

“There has got to be acorrelation between the two as we come out of drought; they’re going into drought.

“So as farmers, we are tryingtopreparefor more extremes, more drought, more flood, more heavy rain, stronger winds, allthosesorts of different things.”

Like many other local farmers, Mr Zilm has had to adapt to the persistent weather extremes in order to survive.

“We were predominately farming dry land for the first few years, and we couldn’t do it,” Mr Zilm said.

“We neededirrigationtosupportour business to giveusthatreliabilityofbeing able to grow grass, so we sought out irrigation land as aprimary backbone of our business.

“Sincethat,wehavestrategically sought to acquire land with undulation and different topography as well as environmental benefits -so shade,ashelter for cattle, hills to prevent flooding, open country as well as low country.”

Mr Zilm said that way, “we do get the benefit in adry season that we get some river country, but

“It definitely wasn’t something that was apriority; it wasn’t something that was at the forefront of our minds that we were incrementally going to have to look for differentproperties, or property, with all these attributes; it was like people have been farming thisway forever, why can’twecontinue to farm this way,” he said.

“Now it’s more like survival, adapt and survive or don’t survive. Theadapting partissimply us saying ‘We are going to look to have all thesebolt-ons and diversitywithin the business’;that way, we can survive when we go into drought or floods or whatever conditions arise.”

Local beekeepers, Amrita and Andrew Bradley, are also among Gippsland farmers affected by the increasingly frequent weather extremes.

“The seasons have changed, there is no doubt,” Ms Bradley said.

“Summer seems to be shorter and wetter, and there is alot of extra rain around and humidity.

“How that affects honey production is, when we collect honey, we encourage the bees to build up whatthey need, but then we alsomanipulate them, in anice way, to make extra honey, and we take the extra. We always have to leave enough honey for the bees, or else they will die basically.”

With the current weather, Ms Bradley said there was not alot of extra honey.“They are only just makingenough for themselves to survive,” she said.

“To give you an example, last year, last honey season, we calculated we would get about 500 kilos of honey from our hives; we got about 152 at astretch.”

Large percentages of pollen are washed away, with increased rainfall leaving minuscule amounts remaining on flowers for the beestoforage, resulting in decreased honey production.

“When we go to the hives, we know the honey is ready because the bees have capped it; when the bees have the got the water and the sugar content of the honey right, they put awax layeroverit, that’s called acap,” Ms Bradley said.

“Withthe humidity, they aren’tcapping it because they can’tget the sugar andwater right, they aren’t capping it.

“They aren’t capping it; we can’t take it. So that is what is happening with us from an environmental point of view.

“Thereisnodoubt that thingsare changing; just by looking around and seeing either the trees blossoming early, the plants and the weeds that come up at certaintimes of the year, that is all changing.”

Victoria’s year-to-date rainfall total for January to November was around 829 millimetres, 35 per cent above average and the highest since 1974, withthe state documenting the highest spring rainfall on recordand maximum temperatures the sixth-lowest on record and lowest since 1992.

During La Niña eventsin2021-22, eastern Australia experienced oneofits most significant flood periods everobserved.

For the Windsong Farm Providore beekeepers, the increasedweather extremes, warranting unprecedented rainfall, and slowing down honey production have undoubtedly affected their business.

“There are alot of local businesses wanting to support, stock and supply local honey, and we can’t meet demand,” Ms Bradley said.

“We have had to diversify into other products and modify our business to survive.”

The CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology recent biannual State of the Climate report drew on the latest climate monitoring, science and projection information to detail Australia’s current and future changing climate.

The reportshowed that heavy rainfall events are becoming more intense, with the number of short-duration heavyrainfall events expected to increase.

The director of CSIRO’s Climate Science Centre, Dr Jaci Brown, said the reportdocumented the continuingacidification of the oceans around Australia, which have also warmed by more than one degree since 1900.

“The concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are continuing to rise, and this is causing Australia’s climate to warm,” Dr Brown said.

“The warming of our oceans is contributing to longer and more frequent marine heatwaves, and this trend is expected to continue into the future.

“Therateofsea level rise varies around

Australia’s coastlines,but the north and south-east have experienced the most significant increases.”

The Bureau of Meteorology’s manager of climate environmental prediction services, Dr Karl Braganza, said the report projected increases in air temperatures, more heat extremes and fewer cold extremes in coming decades.

“Australia’s climate has warmed on average by 1.47 degrees since 1910,” he said.

Dr Braganza said the length of fire seasons had increased across the country in recent decades, with longer fire seasons in the south and east expected in the future and an increase in the numberof dangerous fire weather days.

Keep mosquitoes away in summer

MORE than 275 species of mosquitoes are found in Australia; fortunately, only afew species bite humans, and fewer still are vectors of human diseases.

In Victoria, the most common viruses transmitted from mosquitoes to humans are Ross River and Barmah Forest virus.

Infections caused by Japanese encephalitis virus, Murray Valley encephalitisvirus and Kunjin virus are rare, but do have the potential to cause severe disease.

The most effective way to reduce your risk of mosquito-borne diseasesisbyavoiding mosquito bites and removing mosquito breeding sites around your home.

Cover up, userepellent, clean up stillwater around your home and campsite, and use fly spray when eating or gathering outdoors.

Visit the Department of Health website, www.health.vic.gov.au, for more information on mosquito borne diseases.

Zoe Askew

The CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology recently released the latest biannual State of the Climate report, with findings rendering concern as concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continue to rise

Photo: Zoe Askew

Old Port Poultry Farm

MAFFRA LIONS

Raffle Results. 1st Prize trailer and goods, ticket No. 0392 VTeder. 2nd Prize Evans fuel voucher No. 3156 L. Harrington. 3rd Prize Fever voucher No. 3079 S. Reaves.

"Maffra Money" Vouchers ticket No. 0568 K. Regan. No. 0941 J. Allman. No. 5112 I. Manson No. 4174 J. Osborn. No. 0438 W. Gellie.

The Maffra Lions sincerely thank the Maffra community for their continued support.

AND NANCY

closing from 1st January 23 until further notice.

Quality hay being unavailable has caused this decision. Thankyou to all our loyal customers!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CLOSURE

Gippsland Ports wishes to advise its customers and the public of the following office and depot closures over the Christmas -New Year period.

Head Office Bairnsdale

Close: 11.30 am Thursday 22 December 2022

Reopen: Tuesday 3January 2023

Boatyard -Paynesville Close: 10.30 am Thursday 22 December 2022

Reopen: Monday 9January 2023

Boatyard -Bullock Island Close: 11.30 am Thursday 22 December 2022

Reopen: Monday 9January 2023

Depot -Lakes Entrance Close: 11.30 am Thursday 22 December 2022

Reopen: Monday 9January 2023

Depot -Port Welshpool Close: 4.30 pm Thursday 22 December 2022 Reopen: Monday 16 January 2023

DELIVERY DRIVER/ NURSERY HAND

Hillywood Tree Nursery is aproduction wholesale plant nursery located in Briagolong. We are looking for amotivated individual with good customer service skills to join the team in this part time role, commencing February 2023. The successful applicant must have their MR licence and also be interested in working in the nursery when not driving.

Deliveries are weekly into Melbourne, and around the local Gippsland area.

If this position sounds like it would suit you, please contact Ed for more information on 0409 547 960, or send your resume to:

ed@hillywoodtreenursery.com.au

Business Administration and Accounts Manager

The Maffra Gymnastics Club has the availability for aBusiness Administration and Accounts Manager to work with our team supporting overall management of our gymnastics club to start in Term 12023.

The position will be permanent part time 25hrs per week. Hours are flexible however aminimum of 2evenings per week during the school term will be required.

Duties will include managing HR and payroll, overseeing accounts payable/receivable, preparing BAS and financial reports, cash flow management, and assisting with the daily workflow of the office administration to ensure efficiency and accuracy.

Please forward your resume along with acover letter to operations@maffragymnastics.org.au All applications are confidential and close on 11th January 2022.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Acuity Eyecare Sale is hiring!

We are looking for an Optical Dispenser to join our team. Immediate start is available for the right applicant. Experience is desirable but not essential.

Enjoy all the benefits of anewly refurbished store that is fit out with the latest technology. There is also the opportunity to work alongside an optometrist with 20+ years of experience that enjoys awide scope of practice.

Asuitable applicant should:

● Be willing and available to greet patients and visitors in abright friendly manner;

● Enjoy delivering exceptional customer service over the phone and face-to-face;

● Enjoy working with families and children to assist with their eye care needs;

● Have asound knowledge of optical products, or the desire to learn;

● Have an eye for fashion, and be able to assist in choosing appropriate spectacle frames and sunglasses.

Acuity Eyecare will be offering to cover the cost of aCertificate 4Traineeship in Optical Dispensing for the successful applicant if they are unqualified -experience is desirable but not essential!

If interested, please forward cover letter and full CV, or contact us for further information at: sale@acuityeyecare.com.au

Caravans

BRIDESON, Ray.

Brother in law to Pat and Reg (both dec.). Uncle to Terry, Janice, Glen (dec.) and families. Resting in peace. Reunited with Mona.

BRIDESON, Ray. Passed away peacefully at Sale Hospital after a short illness. At rest with your beloved Mona. Much loved brother-in-law to Gavin and Val (dec.).

Loved uncle of Pete, Wendy, and Mitch and their families. Will miss our weekly chats. "Go Boisdale"

CHAPMAN, David Lloyd of Stratford (formerly of Dubbo, NSW). 03/05/1942 -2/1/2023 (died on his 41st wedding anniversary to Sheila (dec).

Father and father-in-law to Leanne and Steven Dugan, Annette and Brett Brown, Darren and Sara Chapman.

Grandfather-in-law to Darcy, Tahlia, Shakira, Castelle, Lacey, Tom, Mitchell, Ashley, Madison, Rhys, Jack, Mya, Issac, Alesha, Jordan and Kassi. GG to Bohdi, Jobe and Tex.

No more rides on the scooter, no more trips to the bakery, no more Friday Cheers.

An unassuming man, with agentle heart, patience and agreat listening ear. Reunited with Sheila in just 9months.

COCHRANE, Allan Lloyd (Nipper) 29/10/1943 -21/12/2022 Aged 79 years. Passed away peacefully at his home in Shoreline Drive, Golden Beach, on December 21, 2022 in the presence of his daughter and granddaughter. Beloved father to Allan, Chrissieand Neil Cochrane.

Long time resident of Loch Sport, passed away aged 80 at Laurina Lodge, Heyfield. Cherished husband of Carole (dec.). Loved Dad of Samantha (dec.), Jamie, Gary, Debbie, Justin and Chantelle, and Terrence and Nadine. Adored Pa of Jade, Mark (dec.) and Jennifer, Alyssa, Joshua, Elijah and Jordan, and Isobel, Rohan, Penelope, Terrence and Eleanor.

Great grandfather to Hayley, Tyson and Willow. Reunited with his love Carole.

It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us father and daughter. You may not be with me anymore, but my love for you will never die. Imiss you Dad. Love Always, Deb.

Dad, Iwant to thank you for making me who Iam today, Ionly hope Ican be half the Dad you were. I wish there was time for one more beer and bullshit for the road, guess I'll have to hold the stories close to my heart and raise astubbie without you. Love you mate, Juddy.

John, Icouldn't have asked for a better father in law. Awonderful dad and amazing Pa to our tribe. Thank you for all your love and support, you will be forever loved and missed, even though Ihave to live in ahousefull of Collingwood supporters. Love Always, Chantelle.

Cherished

Loved

Mother-in-law of Jane, Lindsay and Les.

Adored Nanna of 15 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Resting peacefully in God's arms.

To my darling Mary, thank you for all the cherished years we have spent together. You have taken ahuge part of my heart with you and my world is very empty without you now. Your loving husband, Bill.

Thekindest most gorgeous soul that lived for her family. Mum you were just a treasure, always thinking of others before yourself.

Rest peacefully our beautiful Mum /Nan. We all love you, Danny and Jane. Jack and Tara. Whil and Tiles. Jess and Liv. And your 3beautiful great grand babies, Nate, Rudy and Tanisha.

Much loved and loving sister, aunty, and great aunt.

Laid to rest in aprivate service at Carol's request.

Forever in our hearts.

SMOLENAARS, John Gerard.

Passed away at CGH Sale on 31/12/2022.

Loved and loving husband of Kerry.

Proud and devoted father and friend of Jason, Misty and Dave (Malone), Jenna and Dale (Robbins).

Proud Poppy of six grandchildren. Husban d, father, grandfather, brother uncle, friend.

Loving memories are ours to keep.

VAN DER VELDEN, Jack Raymond. Passed away peacefully at Sale Hospital on December 27th 2022.

Aged 71 years. Loved husband of Jennifer.

Father of Nigel, Raymond and Leonard.

Grandad to nine. Much loved brother of 11.

Resting in Peace

WARFORD, Clive Charles. Charlie 2/12/1935 -25/12/2022 Aloving son and brother. Father of Geoff. Friend to the Rule family, Peg and Bill (both dec.), Pam, Alison, Dianne, and Len. Fond Memories

WARFORD, Clive Charles. Charlie 2/12/1935 -25/12/2022 Passed away Christmas Day at Freemasons Sale. Long-time family friend of Peg and Bill Rule (both dec.) and their family of Stratford. Well known through the area for his willingness to give a helping hand. Will be sadly missed.

Heavy Diesel Mechanic/Fitter

We are looking for an experienced Diesel Mechanic to join our Maintenance and Repair Team.

The role consists of awide variety of repair, diagnostic and preventative maintenance works across our Earthmoving, Road Maintenance, Quarry, and Heavy Haulage divisions.

The Fleet consists of predominantly modern Kenworth and Caterpillar machinery with around 90 Caterpillar machines, 60 Kenworth and Isuzu Truck and trailer combinations as well as afleet of Light Vehicles and small engines.

The successful applicant will meet the following criteria:

● Aqualification or equivalent essential for at least one of the listed requirements with a minimum of 3years' experience post qualifications.

● Previous Road Transport and/or Heavy Plant maintenance experience.

● Strong Mechanical &Electrical Fault-finding skills.

● Knowledge of spare parts and ordering systems.

● Organised with Basic computer skills.

● Hold acurrent driver's license, HR preferred.

● Ability to Work in ateam environment.

Experience in maintenance repair works, a background in heavy road transport or earthmoving/constructionmaintenanceand repairs will be an advantage.

Successful applicants will be based out of the companies Bairnsdale Depot with onsite works required as needed.

Resumes detailing qualifications, experience, current licences, accreditations and including names and phone no's of three current employment referees may be forwarded to;

Attention: Kellie Geehman Whelans Group Investments Pty Ltd, 103 Rupert Street, BAIRNSDALE, Vic, 3875 Or via e-mail: kellie@whelansgroup.com.au For more information on Whelans visit: www.whelansgroup.com.au or contact us (03) 5152 2844.

KUDU

Beloved grandfather to eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

CUMMING, Judith Margaret. 21/5/1937 -19/12/2022

Beloved wife of Donald (dec.) and mother of Warren, Howard, David, Peter and Graeme.

Dearly lovedsister, mother-in-law, grandma of 14 and great-grandma of 26.

With beautiful memories, will be missed and loved always. Now reunited with Don.

DELANEY, John Bernard. 1/9/1931 -1/1/2023

Loving brother of Dorothy (June) (dec.), Wanda, Michael (dec.), Mary (dec.), Kathleen (dec.), and Nancy.

Rest in Peace Always Remembered

Motoring Deal

Atotal of 12 issues over amonth!

Cash

Pa, Ilove you so much, you are the best Pa I could ever have asked for. I'm going to miss watching the footy and going to the beach collecting shells with you. You're back with Nanny now. Love, Lyssy.

Pa, Ilove you and I'm going to miss you so much, especially listening to Elvis and Johnny Cash. The times we went out on the boat fishing, we caught nothing because I never shut up long enough to catch anything. I'm going to miss you but you're with Cash, Presley and Nanny. You're one of the legends now. Love, Josh.

To Pa, Ilove you alot and I'm going to miss making memories with you. Imiss staying over at your house. Lots of Love, Eli.

Pa was agoodman. He helped me get through a lot of hard times. Iwill always love him and miss him. Love, Jordy.

Dad, We love you so much and will miss you everyday as you've left aholethatcan never be filled, but the memories and life you gifted us with over the years will last forever. Rest easy now mate, we'll meet down the road and share some beers and laughs again.

Love Tez, Nadine, Izzy, Rohan, Penny, TJ and Eleanor.

To our gorgeous, brave, witty, beautiful Mum and Nanna our hearts are breaking and we cannot believe we have lost you, our world will be forever changed. You have gained your angel wings to see all your loved ones in heaven.

Love always and forever Sue, Lindsay, Sandi, Kerralyn and Coby and eight of your beautiful great grandchildren. XX

To Mum (Nanna) You were my rock, my bestfriend. heaven musthavebeenshort of angels because they took you from us, you weren't ready. Iwill miss your beautiful smile the most, my heart will never be the same, until we meet again. Rest in peace.

Your loving daughter Julie and Family Xoxo

Dear Mum/Nana, Life will never be the same without you, Iwill miss our time together in Lakes where Indi and Jay loved to come and visit Nanna Mary and Pa Bill. There are so many memories with you mum that will keep my heart full. Rest easy beautiful lady, till we meet again.

Love always Kaz, Les and all your beautiful grandbabies xoxo

So blessed Iwas to have amother like you and I love that you are still with me every day. Love you always mum. Ray and family xoxo

WILSON, Lydia Elizabeth. Passed away peacefully in the early hours of the 27th of December 2022 at the Sale Hospital aged 93. Widow of David Wilson (dec. March 21). Loved mother of Ian and Sharon, mother-in-law to Terry and Jim.

Loved and adored Nana to Renee, Bryce, Maddy, Tegan and Bronte. Forever in our hearts.

Honour your loved ones and share their story

When

All notices placed in print also go in our digital edition Apersonal message in the Gippsland Times can say so much For friendly advice on how to place a message contact

ROYAL Flair Comet 2003 caravan, 17'6'', v.g. cond. inside and out, rollout awning, reverse camera, rev./cycle air cond., TV, 6 mths reg., lift up dble bed

•

LIPMAN (nee O'Callaghan), Ellen Rosemary 'Mary' 7/9/1942 -30/12/2022

wife of Bill.

Mother of Danny, Sue, Julie, Karen and Ray.

GREENING, John Malcolm Wretham. 1/7/1942 -30/12/2022

O'CONNELL, Carol Ann.

Passed away peacefully after ashort illness.

LETT, Ivan William. On 26/12/2022

Loved cousin of Stuart and Ruby (both dec.), Neil, Fiona and Lurline Happy memories of days gone by. Our love to May, Gavin, Tracey and Jordy and Darrell.

BRIDGER, Gerald Robert.

Born 20/08/1930Died 23/07/2020 Past resident of Munro, ValenciaCreekand Bairnsdale.

Due to Covid we are only now able to have a service to recognise Gerald's life with all of his children (Andrew, Sian an dJ aso n) and grandchildren(Nicole, Shayna and Tahlia) being able to be present.

Thanks to the generosity of the current owners of the farm property in Valencia Creek, aservice to scatter his ashes with his beloved late wife Freada will be held on SATURDAY (January 7, 2023) at 3pm at the Valencia Creek property.

For further information please contact Andrew on 0478 814 909

COCHRANE.

The funeral service for Mr Allan Lloyd Cochrane will be held at Geoff Rossetti Memorial Chapel, 1390 Maffra Road Sale (next to Sale Cemetery) on FRIDAY (January 13, 2023) commencing at 11am.

Aprivate cremation will follow

LIPMAN (nee O'Callaghan). Funeral prayers for Mrs Ellen Rosemary 'Mary' Lipman will be offered at St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Pearson Street Sale at 1pm on FRIDAY (January 6, 2023) followed by burial at the Rosedale Cemetery.

Please see our website for Livestream details.

WARFORD.

The funeral service for Mr Clive Charles 'Charlie' Warford will be held at Holy TrinityAnglican Church, McFarlane Street Stratford at 1pm on WEDNESDAY (January 11, 2023) followed by burial at the Stratford Lawn Cemetery.

CUMMING.

Afuneral service for Mrs Judith Margaret Cumming WAS HE LD on THURSDAY (December 29, 2022). The private service was attended by family and friends

SMOLENAARS.

The funeral service for Mr John Gerard Smolenaars will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street Sale at 11am on MONDAY (January 9, 2023) followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery.

WILSON. The funeral service and committal for cremation for Mrs Lydia Elizabeth Wilson will be held at Our Chapel, 5Queen St Maffra on THURSDAY (January 5th, 2023) commencing at 1pm.

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

STYLES. Amemorial service for Mr Daryl Dennington Styles will be held at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1497 Sale-Maffra Road, Sale at 1.30pm on SATURDAY (January 7, 2023). Privately cremated.

In Memoriam •

CUNNINGHAM. Afuneral service for Mrs Elsie Muriel Cunningham WAS HELD on FRIDAY (December 23, 2022).

VAN DER VELDEN

Funeral prayers for Mr Jack Raymond van der Velden will be offered at St Mary's Catholic Church, cnr Church and McMillan St Maffra on TUESDAY (January 10, 2023) commencing at 11am. Aprivate cremation will follow.

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

COLEMAN, Betty Joyce. 3/1/1933 -2/1/2021 65 and ahalf years of deepest love. Darling, the loss never stops hurting, but my love for you just keeps getting stronger and as every day passes it means we are that day closer to the greatest time of our lives. I miss those beautiful hugs and kisses, I'll get with you as quick as possible. Sleep peacefully sweetheart. George xxx

McLAUGHLIN, Ron. 4/1/2022 Twelve months missing you and remembering you everyday with loving memories. Love Mard and Rod.

PERRY, Troy. 31/12/86 to 31/12/2012

DELANEY. For funeral arrangements for Mr John Bernard Delaney, please check our website or phone:

GREENING. The funeral service for Mr Joh nM al col m Wretham Greening will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street Sale at 1.30pm on TUESDAY (January 10, 2023) followed by a private cremation.

Funeral Directors

Troy, it has been 10 years since you left us. We think about you always, We talk about you too, We have so many memories, But we wish we still had you. Love from all your family. Happy Birthday Troy. Love you lots.

Barry &Annette Lett

Honour your loved ones and share their story

When you lose someone close to you, it can be hard to put your thoughts and feelings into words.

HENNIG. Afuneral service for Mrs Grete Hennig WAS HELD on TUESDAY (December 27, 2022).

Second half of the season awaits

wickets) having played in seven of the eight rounds and Jack Tatterson (15 wickets) havingplayed in just six.

WITH Christmas over and the New Year passed, cricketers are reflecting, resetting and looking forward to the remainder of the 2022/23 season.

The halfway point has been reached in the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association’s first-grade competition, giving the clearest indication yet as to where teams stand, and their chances of making finals in two months’ time.

Here’s our analysis of alleight teams heading into the season’s resumption this weekend.

Collegians (seven wins, one loss)

CURRENTLY atop the First XI ladder, Collegians haveaffirmed their position as title favouriteswith just the one loss across eight rounds.

Their players have excelled on all fronts, accumulating more runs (1673) and taking more wickets (95) than any other team.

Opening batsman and captain Zac Hurley is the top run-scorer for both his side and the competition: 340 runs at an average of 42.5.

His fellow opener,Tom Morrison is narrowly behind with 332 runs and an average of 41.5.

Henry Anderson, following his 59 against Bundalaguah, sits just outside the competition’s top 10 highest scorers with 211 runs, averaging 30.14.

Their bowling attack is just as strong, with Hurley’s younger brother Noah being the top wicket-taker among his teammates and his firstgrade peers.Hehas 30 wickets in-all, including four five-wicket hauls.

Next on the list is Jake Durnell with 17 wickets, placing him at equal-sixthinthe competition overall; and Nathan Whitford with16, good enough for equal-eighth.

If their form can continue -and it surely will -the Collegeboys have more than afair shot of reaching the Grand Final come March 18.

Of concernisthat Collegians’sole defeathas come at home against Stratford -the reigning first-grade champions, and the team they’re most likely to face should they reach the decider.

Stratford(seven wins, oneloss)

IN second place is Stratford, who are well-poised to claim their third premiership in arow.

While their number of victories is equal with Collegians, the Redbacks have concededmore runs and thus find themselves behind on percentage1.709 versus 2.345.

But, they have lost the least wickets of any side at 60.

Opener Chris Aurisch is their leading run-maker (296, averaging 49.33) and is third overall in the competition, despite asuccession of low totals in recent weeks.

All-rounder and captain Jack Rietschel has also done well with the bat (228 runs,averaging32.57) yetisdoing even better with the ball.

Rietschel has taken 17 wickets, more than any other Redback, to place him within the top five wicket-takers in the competition.

In fairness, he has played more games than his fellow bowlers, with the likes of Zane Waixel (14

Thereare some worries for the side,namely third-placed Sale, ateam they lost to in Round 7-they’ll face-off again at Sale Oval in Round 11 later this month.

Additionally, they yielded 156 runs to eighthplaced Boisdale-Briagolong last round, the latter’s best innings total in either one or two-day format this season.

Could this be asignofhard times ahead for Stratford?

Sale (six wins, two losses)

FOLLOWING an unremarkablestart to their season,Saleare presently third-placed on the ladder.

The Swans have two defeats to their name, both of which occurred within the first three rounds of the season.

Their first came in Round 2against Collegians, who are at present the leader-leaders; the second in Round 3versus Bundalaguah, who sit fifth on the ladder.

Importantly, they have not puta foot wrong since.

Much of their success is owed to South African imports Coenie Nel and GarrethWolmarans, both of whom have been effused about consistently by this reporter in recent weeks.

The former has made 264 runs and taken 16 wickets; the latter, in just five rounds, is averaging 43 with the bat and9.27 withthe ball with 11 wickets.

Don’t be surprised if they get abelated Test call-up from the Proteas.

Other key performers include Nathan Massey (299 runs, averaging 59.8), bowler Matt Raidal (12 wickets, bestfigures 3/25)and all-rounder Ben Jones (207 runs, 18 wickets).

Avictory over Stratford in the seventh round saw Sale dubbed the “real deal” by our editor and cricket tragic, Liam Durkin, who at the time believed they had the potential to go all the way.

We’ll know for certain when the Swans meet Collegians again come Round 13 in February.

Rosedale-Kilmany (four wins, three losses, one draw)

WHILE some are citing Sale as the dark horse of the 2022/23 competition, in thisreporter’s eye, that title belongs to the Warriors.

As with the Swans, Rosedale-Kilmany’s season began in unassuming fashion; but afterthree consecutive victories -including akey win over Maffra -they now find themselves comfortably seated in fourth.

That position has been bolstered by them conceding the least runs of any first-grade team -1061, which is 50 less than Collegians’ 1111 and a remarkable 171 less than Stratford’s 1232.

They’ve also participated in the season’s only draw, whichsaw play abandoned due to unfavourable conditions at their home ground.

RohanDiamond has been RK’s best with the bat, making 274 runs -including88lastround against Longford -atanaverage of 34.25.

Yet it is the bowlers who have truly shone for the

Warriors, withall-rounder and captain IsaacLove having snared 13 victims,and Nathan Hangan claiming 18 scalps across six innings.

While they are presently in agood position, RK have ahard road ahead if they are to become the 2022/23 premiers.

The squad’s three lossessofar have all come against the top three teams, and they’ll need to beat at leastone of those teams to cement their place in the finals.

That is, provided one of the teams below doesn’t cause an upset.

Bundalaguah (three wins, four losses, onedraw)

HEADINGinto the lower rungs of the ladder is Bundalaguah, whose First XI have had more than their fair share of ups and downs.

Victories early in the season, including atriumph overSaleinRound3,saw the Bulls etched into the top four, before adrawn match against RosedaleKilmany in Round4sent them plummeting to sixth position.

Bundy has reclaimedsomeground since then, thanks to awin against Boisdale-Briagolong and Maffra’s seventh-round misfortune, yet will need everything to fall in their favour over the next month if they are to make finals.

Such ascenario is not outside the realms of possibility, and they havethe talent to make it happen.

SteveSpoljaric has led the charge for muchofthis season, amassing 295 runs and 17 wickets -the best of any Bull, and the fifth-best in the competition overall in both regards.

Behind himisfellow all-rounder Kshitiz Sharma, who has posted the highest score of any first-grade cricketer so far -112 against Maffra in Round 5 -and snared 13 wickets, including afive-wicket haul against Collegians in Round 6.

Other heavy-hitters to keep an eye on in the weeks ahead include captain Jason Langshaw (50 made against Sale in Round 3) and Gayashan Munasinghe (nine wickets, best figures 3/40).

Maffra (three wins, five losses)

IT’S unlikely that anybody saw this coming, least of all the team in question.

Gloryfor Maffra hasbeen elusive, with calamity outweighing success -they’ve beentrounced by their competitors on no less than five occasions, and done the trouncing in two others.

The Eagles’ only conceivably ‘close’ game came against Bundalaguah in Round 5, where they won on first-innings by amarginof11runs.

If there is some consolation for the side, it’s that they’re at no risk of beingthe wooden-spooners-the gulf between Maffra and the bottom-two clubs, in terms of points and percentage, is considerable.

Additionally, with 12 points between them and Rosedale-Kilmany, and just two separating them from Bundalaguah, the Eagles are still in contention for afinals berth.

In terms of their stars, Dylan Freitag has been Maffra’s unsung hero for much of the season.

The paceman has collected 13 wickets in seven innings for the club, but has also proven handy with the bat -112 runs,averaging 22.4, with a high score of 33 not out against Sale.

Other bowlers who have impressed are Andrew McKenzie (12 wickets, best 5/11 versus Longford) andJakePendrick (11 wickets,best 4/23versus Sale).

The Eagles’ best batsman, meanwhile, has been their captain Lee Hopkins with 250 runs, followed by wicket-keeper Nathan Hibbins with 161.

Longford(one win, seven losses)

REMARKABLY, the long-suffering Lizards are not at the bottom of the first-grade ladder.

Longford are instead in seventh place which, for ateamthathas won just two gamesinthe past three seasons, is asignificant feat.

The arrival of Jordan Price has undoubtedly lifted the team’s standing -since joining Longford in Round 5, the British import has risen to become their most-prolific wicket-taker (13 victims so far) and strongest batsman(152 runs in eightinnings).

He was also key in their sole victory of the season, takingfivewickets and making 44 runs in the secondinnings of theirclash against Boisdale-Briagolong.

Jake Wynd is another strong, consistent performer for the club, collecting more runs (165) than any other batter, and posting the highest individual score (72 not out versus Rosedale-Kilmany).

Though they have shown promise, Longford’s collective statistics are nothing to brag about.

The Lizards have posted the leastamount of runs (1074), lost the most batsmen (114) and taken the leastwickets (64)ofthe eight First XI squads,and also havethe lowest percentage.

Unless they can defeat Boisdale-Briagolong for asecond time in Round 9, Longford risk demoting themselves to the wooden spoon once again.

Boisdale-Briagolong (zerowins, eight losses)

PLACED in the unenviable position of last is Boisdale-Briagolong.

For asidewith exactly zero victories to boast this season, one would expect the Saints’ figures and scorecards to make for dismal reading.

Blessedly for allinvolved, there are some rays of light within.

The B-Doubles (as nobody is calling them, save for yours truly) are second in terms of wickets lost (101), but fifth in terms of wickets taken (74) in the season so far.

They have the most runs scored against them (1503), yet arefourth in regardtorunsaccumulated (1307).

Theyalsopossessabetter percentage than seventh-placed Longford -0.637 versus the Lizards’ 0.418.

Skipper and all-rounder Dylan Bolton is by far and away their best player, his 270 runs -including two half-centuries -makinghim the seventhhighest scorer in the competition.

Hisbowling has also impressed, with 26 wickets (secondonlytoCollegians’ Noah Hurley) and two ‘five-fas’.

With figureslikethat, it’s no wonder Bolton is also captaining the Sale-Maffra representative side.

Steve Spoljaric is averaging 59 with the batfor Bundalaguah Photos: File

Stratfordcaptain Jack Rietschel hasmade 228 runs andtaken 17 wickets forhis side

Boisdale-Briagolong skipper Dylan Boltonhas 270runs and 26 wickets to hisname.

Collegians captain ZacHurleyhas moreruns than anyother first-grade player,with 340 across eight innings.

DylanFreitag hasbeen aquiet achiever for Maffra with theball and bat.

Rosedale-Kilmanycaptain IsaacLove has amassed 135runsand 13 wickets across eight rounds.

Sale’s Coenie Nel celebrates the successful appeal of awicket.The SouthAfricanimport hasmade264 runs and taken 16 wickets for the Swans.

All-rounder Jordan Price hasprovenavaluable addition to Longford’s ranks

TomParry

New faces patrolling the surf

IF you go to Seaspray this summer, you could encounter some new faces patrolling the beach; they are among the newly qualified surf lifesavers and cadet surf lifesavers across Victoria who’ll be helping to keep swimmers and beachgoers safe

Those who completed their Bronze Medallion at Seaspray this month were Luca Centra, Devon Hug, Jas Stewart, Violet Harris, Luke Dwyer, Mitch Stevens, Hagen Cook, Jimmy Greenwood, Kayd Richardson, Ieesha Abdalla, Tayli Dimarco, Meg Slattery, Katie Robinson, Stella Whitford and Charlotte Stephenson

Some completed their Bronze Medallion during a five-day camp, others through Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) over three days to gain the skills and knowledge they need to participate in surf life-saving patrol operations

Seaspray’s Chief instructor, James Robbins, said he was impressed by the commitment shown by the young participants

“It was wet and windy at the beach during the courses, but the groups showed impressive resilience and commitment to what they set out to achieve,” Mr Robbins said

“As a club, we are proud of these two groups and looking forward to seeing them on patrol alongside our experienced surf life savers

“The community should be proud of them, too, for giving up their free time over the school holidays

to gain new skills and volunteer to safeguard beachgoers over the busy summer season ”

These new Bronze and Surf Rescue Certificate awardees are now on the patrol roster at Seaspray for this season, which continues through until April 25

Volunteer patrol hours from Boxing Day until the end of January are from 1pm until 5pm on Saturdays, and 9am to 5pm on Sundays and public holidays

Paid lifeguards will be on duty on weekdays and Saturday mornings until the end of January For detailed patrol information, go to beachsafe org au/beach/vic/wellington/seaspray/seaspray

The Bronze Medallion is the core award required to be a surf lifesaver in Australia It provides training in radio communications, surf rescue techniques, first aid and CPR Participants need to be at least 15-years-old

The SRC provides an introduction to the skills and knowledge in aquatic rescue operations, surf awareness and basic first aid and CPR Participants, who must be at least 13 years old, learn how to use surf life-saving equipment The program enables young members to take part in patrols

Those who successfully complete their SRC continue their learning alongside more experienced patrol members

Local ladies progress to final

SALE Bowls Club pair Pam Carter and Julie Simic won the State Ladies Pairs 2022/2023

GippslandRegion

Final to progressto the State Final, which is contested by the 16 winners of each state region.

To win the event, they defeated teams from Sale, Paynesville and Bai rns dal e before defeating the composite team of Jan Morton (Sale) and Gail McKenzie (WestSale) by three shots in the final.

The state finals will be played later this year.

Scoreboard

Sale Golf Club

Saturday, December 31 2022, Par: JPollano +9, P Ray +6. DTL: DGaskiell +4, RHumphrey+4, RSmalley +2, RBurns +3,DHudson+3, GAngel +3,EDowsett +2, GKing +2, RGough +2, PValentine+2, JAiken +2. NTP: 6th DShaw, AGaskiell, 14th GAngel Women’s competition: KCashman40, runner-up: MJohns 37 , NTP: 11th KManze.

Wednesday, December 28 2022, Stableford: R Schuback 37,runner-up: SWilliams 37.DTL: JAitken 36, DGaskiell 36, RHumphrey35, MJones 35, L Dimarco 34, GAngel 32. NTP: 3rdEDowsett, 6th D Shaw,11th JAitken, 14th RSchuback.

WednesdayDecember212022, 4BBB competition: R. Mahon, N. Kline 49. Runner-up: R. Schuback, R. Stephenson 46. DTL: J. Houson, M. Durrant 45, R. Smalley, I. Dogget 45, M. Krusic, G. Moulton 43. NTP 3rd: R. Donaldson, 6th: R. Stephenson.

Sale Bridge Club

Monday, December 19: 1D&V Braham, 2B&R Castles 3CVan Lier/D Hudson.

Wednesday, December 21: 1D& VBraham, 2M Zarb &W Smits, 3RZiffer &MCastle.

Thursday, December 22: 1DD’arcy&DBennett, 2 ADeWit &LBjorksten, 3WSmits &JSherrin.

PamCarter and Julie Simic celebratetheir StateLadies Pair win.

Photo: Contributed

Seaspray SLSC Bronze Awardees 2022-223 John Robbins (trainer), Luca Centra, Devon Hug, Jas Stewart, Violet Harris, Luke Dwyer, Mitch Stevens, Hagen Cook and James Robbins (trainer) (front) Jimmy Greenwood, Kayd Richardson, Ieesha Abdalla, Tayli Dimarco, Meg Slattery, Katie Robinson, Stella Whitford and Charlotte Stephenson

Centr De

The Nightwatchman

with Liam Durkin

Cricket gathering

ANOTHER great Boxing Day Test for the spectator, even if it was alopsided contest.

Patriotism aside, when you put aworld-class Australian attack up against abatting order that all average 30, chances are they are only going to be able to resist for so long.

Apart from a20-minute patch from Usman Khawaja, the Aussies were brilliant in the field, especially Marnus Labuschagne. His direct hit and diving catch in the ring showed just how good they do it at aprofessional level.

In the greatest respect to players from aprevious era, Iamofthe belief there is no wayknownfielding was anywhere near the standard it is today.

The tributetoShane Warne before play wasvery well done. It was great to see players from both sides wearing floppy hats during the service.

Is it justmeoristhere stillanelement of disbelief about Shane Warne? During the tribute Icouldn’t help butthink ‘Warnie’s not dead. he can’tbe’.

Sights and sounds

THE 7am train from Traralgon seemed to be the one most local fans were on, and the carriages werealmost cleared outuponarrival at Richmond.

With Boxing Day, Itry to take in as much as I can,soIusually get to the MCG agood 90 minutes before play.

Ilike to watchthe players warm up, and also scour the wallsofthe MCC memberstosee if there

SMCAFirst XI leaders

Batting aggregate:1.Zac Hurley(Collegians) 340 runs; 2. TomMorrison (Collegians) 332; 3. Nathan Massey(Sale) 299; 4. Chris Aurisch (Stratford) 296; 5. SteveSpoljaric (Bundalaguah)295; 6. Rohan Diamond (Rosedale-Kilmany) 274; 7. Dylan Bolton (BoisdaleBriagolong) 270; 8. Coenie Nel (Sale)264; 9. Lee Hopkins (Maffra) 250; 10.Jack Rietschel (Stratford) 228. Bowlingaggregate:1.NoahHurley(Collegians) 30 wickets; 2. Dylan Bolton (Boisdale-Briagolong) 26; =3. Nathan Hangan (Rosedale-Kilmany) 18;=3. Ben Jones (Sale) 18;=5. Jack Rietschel (Stratford) 17;=5. Steve Spoljaric (Bundalaguah) 17;=5. Jake Durnell (Collegians) 17;=8. Nathan Whitford(Collegians)16; =8.Coenie Nel (Sale) 16;10. Jack Tatterson (Stratford) 15

ROUND 9: First Grade schedule

All games begin 1pm this Saturday, January 7

StratfordvCollegians:(StratfordRecreation Reserve)

Rosedale-Kilmany vSale:(Rosedale Recreation Reserve)

Maffra vBundalaguah:(Cameron Sporting Complex, Maffra)

Boisdale-Briagolong vLongford:(Briagolong Recreation Reserve)

SMCA half-yearly review -PAGE25

has been any new additions.

The MCC has aquaint little library offeringa greatspace to browse. WhileIwas in there, Icame across abiography of Bart King, the little-known American cricketerinstrumental in developing the art of swing bowling. Fascinating to read of the similarities between his techniques and those employed by James Anderson.

Back in the stands, the warm-ups of both teams were in full swing. It is equally fascinating to see players at the top level doing the same drills and using the same equipment we use in the bush. The difference Ithink is in the speed. Whenwepractise bowling alongside the square pregame, the keeper might be five metres back; there, the keeper is a good 15-20 metres back.

Andjust like park cricket, you could draw parallels with the international players.

David Warner made 200 on Day 2, and was out first ball the next day.

Does that not just sum up cricket.

Spotted

PLENTY of familiar faces on Boxing Day.

Walking to the ground,there was Glenn McGrath outside the stadium generously posing for selfies.

Alittle while later Isaw Trent Copeland walking amongthe congregation during abreak from commentary commitments.

Afamous Heyfield name was also spotted. Having afew beers with guys from my local club in general

admin, Ihad to glance quickly when one of them asked ‘is that Leigh Brown?’ Sure enough, it was. Amazing how quickly time flies; only 11 years ago he was the one out there playing on the MCG. Backthen you could only get drinks in plastic cups at the G’, but at least now they let you take cansout into the stands;eveninthe members you can now drink in the stands. It was once the worst thingabout being in the members, by the time you went to the bar and got back you’d miss five overs or the start of the next quarterduring footyseason.

Icaught up with our own Phil Hopkins toward the end of Day 1aswell.

Phil is areal cricket lover, and went to the first three days. Fair play to him getting through Day 2whenitwas touching 40 degrees.

Gippsland Times reporter Tom Parry is another who loves his cricket, and gets to as many SMCA games as he can every week.

The three of us have been trying to teach fellow journalists Stefan Bradley and Zoe Askew about the game.

So far they knowwhatanoveris, andthat Twenty20 is aformat of the game, not just a measure of how good your vision is.

Wheretonow

WITH the thirdand final Testcurrently underway, and withthe seriesalreadywon, Australiaprobably has one eye turned to the four-test series in India next month.

Fromthere, Australia has an Ashes series in England, before heading back to India for the World Cup in October.

Australia virtuallyhas one foot in the door to the ICC World Test Championship Final as well, as it currently sits first, with India second, and the cycle ends in June this year.

That said, and as much as the media talks about ‘thisgreat Australian team’, their inability to win away from home continues to be ablemish.

Even though Australia retained the Ashes the last time they were in England, the scoreline was still 2-2, so you could argue they didn’t really ‘win’ the series. (I for one think there should be adeciding Test when that happens).

However, now that they finally seem to know whoisintheir best XI, the year aheadappears Australia’s bestchance to achieve highly in places that loom as very much legacy-defining for alot of players.

Regardless of how results play out, Imust say, I have come backaround to supporting the national team.

I’lladmit to going offthemfor aperiod under Lehmann’s coaching, and even Paine carried on too much, but under Cummins, they are playing the game in the right manner.

It is just pleasing to see players focussed on playingand notworryingabout giving peoplesend offs or beating their chest every time they get awicket.

Busy January for Badminton buffs

KIDS home from school and bored?

Have aNew Year resolution to get fit?

Wanting to try something new?

Sale-Maffra Badminton Association is encouraging everybody to give theirsportagothroughout January.

This Friday, January 6, the association will host aCome &Try day in the Gippsland Centre, Sale from 10am to 2pm.

On Saturday, January7,the club will host a Family &Friends day in the pedestrian mall, near the south-eastentrance to the Gippsland Centre, from 11am to 1pm.

There willalsobetraining sessionsheld on Wednesdaysatthe Mick Mundy Stadium, on the corner of Cobains and Gibsons Road.

These sessions will run on January 11, 18 and 25 during themorning (10am until Noon) and evening (7pm to 8pm).

Racquets and shuttles will be supplied for all events.

Localsare being encouraged to trybadminton this year

Photo: Contributed

Back-to-back Jarick

NOTeveninclement

A1750-strong

TRFM Sale Cup over650 metres, claiming back-to-back victories in the onlyCountryCup in Victoria that

Jarick

Trained byMarkDelbridge,

‘black’ trap (Box7)toscorea

In the lead-in to the final, Delbridgecouldn’t ‘split’his dynamic duo:“I think theycan both win it they’re much of amuchness.The only difference is that Jarick Bale is proven over650m, whileYachiBaleisthe up-and-comer”

The Warragul Cup is up next, on FridayJanuary13, and GaryAblett Jr will be backontrack to meet and greet locals.

Locals runnersonshow at Stony Creek meeting

but in the meantime, the Race 2MeeniyanIGA Plus Liquor Maiden Plate (1700m) was taken out by Abrupt for Leon and Troy Corstens.

STONY Creek Racing Club was host to an eightrace card for its PublicHoliday Races meeton Tuesday, December 27.

The track’s grade began at aGood 4until halfway throughthe meet,where it wasupgradedtoa Good 3.

Local success was spread throughout the meet, however unfortunately, none were eventual winners.

In the first race of the day, the Race 1Ladbrokes Mates Mode Maiden Plate over 2100 metres, Botched won for Lloyd Kennewell.

The four-yearold mare steamed home after sitting at the backofthe packfor the majorityofthe race.

Redskin Jimmy for Sale’s Troy and John Kilgower snuckinto third by anose to Irish Knight at the line.

Despite never winninga race,Redskin Jimmyhas always been close as of late; four of her last seven races have resulted in aplace-finish.

But,the favourite was too good for the rest, Botched won by alength to second-placed Rayza Warrior in astormingvictory

We wouldn’t see any local success until race six,

The three-year-old gelding burst from last to first in amatter of seconds, catching the leaders napping beforestretchingout to athree-length lead.

He held on climbing down the straight to win by alength to the favourite -Shark Island

The Race 3Fish CreekHotel Maiden Plate (1000m) waswon comfortably by Songaa for Mornington’s Rory Hunter.

Just the fifth race for the four-year-old gelding, Songaa had never placed in his career.

Songaa led the pack from the jump, before stretching out to atwo-length lead on the run into the line.

The Brill Building for Phillip Stokes took out the Race 4Meeniyan Hotel 3YO Maiden Plate (1100m), in atightly contested three-way battle.

Khalida (second) and Extravagant Choice (third) finishedwithinalength of the maidenthree-yearoldwinner.

In just hissecond race, TheBrill Building looks to continue his good form, with athird-place finish in his first race,now backed-up by awin in his second outing.

The Race 5Ray White Leongatha BM58 Handicap

(1100m) was the final race of the meet that had no local success, as the comfortable favourite Miss Middle Park won for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.

Miss Middle Parksat off-pace for majority of the sprint, before opening out onto the outside and taking alengths lead.

The three-year-old mare held off awall of incominghorses, but managed to hang on for her second career win, andher first since January 2022.

Tametomo incredibly led from start to finish, holding off alatecharge from Bucks, to win the Race 6O’Connell Motors BM58 Handicap (2100m).

It wasn’t all smooth sailing, as Bucks, for Sale’s Damien Walkley, closed in after spending the majority of the race at the rear of the pack.

Only half ahead separated the two at the line, as Bucks continues his great run of form -seven consecutive races within the top four, which should give punters confidence for the year ahead.

Tametomoclaims his first victory since April 2021, which only included one placing in between wins, coming in November 2022, at Geelong.

The Race 7Ladbrokes EasyForm Class1 Handicap (1600m) waswon by theodds-on favourite Zoutellus.

Zoutellus claimed the second win of his career and his first since February 2021, despite having decent form throughout, including six placing in betweenvictories.

The final race of the meet was won by Poleaxed for Ken and Kasey Keys, who was followed by two locals.

Race 8’s Brandt Leongatha BM58 Handicap (1700m) had two locals in the top three; Little Brother for Moe’sDarryl Blackshaw and Delightful Hustler for Moe’s Christine Sexton.

Any of the top four could have taken winning honours in atightly-contested finish, only 0.8 lengths separating the top four.

Agreat finish wasprovided in the final race of the meet, as Poleaxed won by anose to afast-finishing Little Brother, while asteady-paced Delightful

claimed the final placing position.

TomHayes

Margaret’s Banter for Moe’s Peter Gelagotis led for the entire race until the home straight, where the four-year-old mare seemingly gassed out. The local hung on to aplace-finish, coming home in third behind Albanian Eagle, the two still over five lengths behind the eventual winner.

Hustler

Jarick Bale with Mark and Lisa Delridge after winning the Sale Cup Photo: Contributed

weathercould dampen the excitement surrounding the firstofthe Gippsland Festival of Racing’strilogyofCountryCups, the Group 1Sale Cup, on Boxing Day.

crowdenjoyedlivemusic, food trucks, the PartyPaddockand an appearance from AFL great Gary AblettJrwho socialised with the large crowd, having photos taken and signing autographs with those on track. Balliang’s‘Team Delbridge’ juggernaut rolled on when middle-distance marvelJarickBalesteamrolling his rivals in the featurerace,the $120,335 Group 1

carries Group 1status.

Bale became onlythe second greyhound to securesuccessiveSale Cups, joining Wylie Boy (1995-96).

JarickBaleaccelerated quicklyfromthe

commanding 4.4-length win overDookie Devil with his kennelmate, Group 1Melbourne CupwinnerYachi Bale.