Gippsland Times Tuesday 17 January 2023

KEVIN Tormey hasbeen heralded ahero by his neighboursafter saving awoman’s life from her burning home.

Kevin Tormey stood bashing on the bedroom window of Unit 1, 5-7 Futcher Court, Sale, where inside, the female resident lay sleeping as thick black smoke inundated the home.

“Ev (wife) was the firstone who noticed the fire,” Mr Tormey said.

Standing at her kitchen sink at about 2.30pm on Monday, January 9, Eveyln Tormey suddenly caught awhiff of smoke.

“I came out here (outside), and it was out the back there, abig puff of black smoke,” Mrs Tormey said, pointing to the cindered unit.

“I called to Kevin and said ‘Kev,there’s afire’, that’s when he ran out.”

Mr Tormey alerted his surrounding neighbours, hastily making his way to the Unit 2bedroom window upon realising the female resident remained inside.

Flames lipped over the roof’s edge at the rear of the unit as the fire quickly spread, black smoke now pouring onto the street, blanketing neighbouring yards. Heat radiated from the property as flames devoured everything in their path.

Many would flee, their safety now jeopardised, but

not Mr Tormey. The 67-year-old neighbour frantically banged on the bedroom window until the female resident stumbled out of the front door with her dog. She was safe.

As Mr Tormey stepped away from the burning home, following the femaleresident,the bedroom window behind him, the bedroom window he had stood banging at to save the life inside, exploded, glass and searing heat violently spearing past him.

Aterrified Mrs Tormey watched her husband of 60 years, the father to their six children, grandfather to their 24 grandchildren and great-grandfather to their 42 great-grandchildren, as he risked his life to help another.

“Shehas come out withthe dog,half asleep, andjust ran out,” Mrs Tormey said.

“By the time he got her out, the whole back end of the house was on fire.

“If Kevin hadn’t done that, she would have died.

“I was yelling at Kev to comeaway, but he knew she was in there, so it’s only natural he would try and save her.”

Despite having lived through the Ash Wednesday bushfires, oneofAustralia’s worst bushfiresinhistory, Mr and Mrs Tormey had never seen smoke so black and so thick as they did at the Futcher Court unit fire last Monday afternoon.

“The blacksmoke; the smoke was the worst,” Mr Tormey said.

“I don’t know what was making it so black, but it was so thick you could hardly see.”

In the days following the fire, Mr Tormey presented to Sale Hospital after waking to blood on his pillowcase.

“Two days after, he wokeup, and there was bloodon the pillowcase, so Itook him straight to the doctor,” Mrs Tormey said.

“He has had an x-ray, and they said in acouple of days, if it is too hard to breathe, he has got some very strong steroids to take to try and clear the lungs.”

Unit 2resident Joe Lambourn, who has been there for more than 30 years; is among the Futcher Court residents hailing Mr Tormey ahero.

“He deserves to be recognised for what he did,” Mr Lambourn said.

“Kev, who should neverhavebeen put in this position, came and alerted me, alertedour other neighbour Kayleen before going to Unit 1toget her [the female resident] out.

“It was so scary; he risked his life; he was so bloody lucky, half asecond longer at that window, and who knows what would have happened?Itliterally exploded the second he stepped away.

“He then came over to help me with the fire.”

Mr Lambourn and Mr Tormeylaidonthe roof of Unit 2, 5-7 Futcher Court Sale with water hoses, attempting to prevent the blaze from reachingMrLambourn’s home of 32 years.

Zoe Askew

Photos: Zoe Askew

Applications now open for up to $6000 in Community Assistance Grant funding

APPLICATIONS are now open for the latest round of Community Assistance Grants, which offer funding between$2500 and $6000to eligible not-for-profit community groups.

The grants aim to build community capacity by encouraging participation and inclusion; growth in community partnerships; earning opportunities; social connectedness; and activation of community spaces such as parks, halls and other facilities.

Grantsare availablefor many community activities and projects that benefit the Wellington Shire community, such as local events and festivals,committee planning and initiatives, community facility infrastructure improvements and equipment needs.

As part of Wellington Shire Council’s August 2022Community Assistance Grants Scheme, councilallocatedmore than $146,676 to fund 26 different projects and events across the municipality.

In last year’s grants, funding went towards:

 Meerlieu public hall;

 Cricket club net replacement, Sale

Combined Kindergartens Inc;

 Playground improvements, Uniting –Gippsland, Sale;

 Community meals, Stratford Bowling Club;

 Facility Refresh, Tarra Festival Committee;

 The 2023 Tarra Festival and Heyfield &

District Vintage Machinery Group Inc;

 Heyfield Vintage Machinery Rally 2023.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Ian Bye, said Community AssistanceGrant’s continued to support community groups with the resources they needtodeliver events, projects, or improve facilities.

“We continue to be impressed by the applications received each year and Ireally encourage

our local community groups to take advantage of this funding opportunity,” Cr Bye said.

The Community Assistance Grant program is open between January 12 and March 1.

Community groups looking for funding help and wishing to apply should visit www. wellington.vic.gov.au/community/communityassistance-grants to view guidelines and assessment criteria and to access an application form.

Applicants who are unsure about navigating the grants process can also discusstheir idea with the council’s Grant Officer on 1300 366 244.

In conjunction with the current Community Assistance Grantsprogram, the council alsooffersthe following grantand rebate opportunities:

Quick Response Grants

QUICK Response Grants are open all year round and applicationsare made availablefor not-forprofit community groups looking for funding of up to $2500. Applications must be received 21 days before groups start their activity. Visit www.wellington.vic.gov.au/community/quickresponse-grants for more information.

Energy Audit Rebate

REBATES of up to $500 are available for community groupsand organisations (not-for-profit) who engage an external energy auditor to review their annual energy consumption and submit areport on their facility’sperformance. An energy audit can clarify energy consumption and identify areas for potential savings. Applications close on March 30. Visit www.wellington.vic gov.au/community/energy-audit-rebate for more information.

ImpoundinStratford

AT about 2.51pm on January 4, Maffra Police intercepted asilverHolden sedan on Wellsford Street, Stratford for alicence checkdue to the registered owner of the vehicle coming up with a disqualified P2 licence.

Police say the driver of the vehicle initially stated afalse name, however eventually confirmed she was the registered owner who was due to get her licence back in two days time.

The vehiclewas impounded for 30 daysata cost of $995. The 22-year-old female driver will be chargedonsummons to appear

Police Beat

Fishing reelsgone

ON October 22,police say amaleenteredastore in Sale andexited with two fishingreels and apair of sunglassesallegedlywithout paying for the items. Police would like to speak to the person depicted in thephotograph as he may be able to assist them with their enquiries.

If you have anyinformation in relation to the theft, please contact Constable Patterson at the Sale Police on 5142 2200 or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

Thefts across alarge area

POLICEare investigating thecircumstances surrounding aseries of offences between Melbourne and Orbost.

It is believed the offender broke into abusiness on NicholsonStreet, Orbost on February21, 2022. The offenderunsuccessfullyattempted to gain entry to an ATM within the business.

It is believed the offender was later seen on CCTV at aservice station in Cann River, where afurther theft was committed, before the vehicle drove along the Monaro Highway towards New South Wales.

Investigators have released an image of aperson who may be able to assist with enquiries. They have also released images of acar with licence plate BEG 117.

Maffra Policeintercepted this silver Holdensedan on Wellsford St earlier thismonth.

at the Sale Magistrates Court at alater date.

Police sayamaleentered astoreinSale and exited with two fishing reels andapairof sunglassesallegedly without paying for the items. Theywouldlike to speak to the person depicted. Photo: Contributed

with StefanBradley

Police urging caution

to deliver the sad and horrific news that your loved one has just been killed or seriously injured on the roads.

THERE have already been two road fatalities in the Wellingtonareainthe first two weeks of 2023, and policeare urgingmotorists to take care ahead of the Australia Day public holiday.

WellingtonLocal Area Commander Inspector, MelMcLennan, is calling on all motorists to be responsible when using the road network.

“Victoria Police are committed to keepingthe community safe, and we want the community to commit to keeping themselves and all other road users safeonour roads,” Inspector McLennan said.

“We don’t want to be knocking on any more doors

High heat timetables

EXTREME extreme heat timetables were putinplace for V/Line services on Friday and Saturday due to high temperatures.

As aprecaution, trains run at slower speeds on really hot days because the steel tracks expand in extreme heat.

To help passengers plan their journey with confidence, these service changes are reflected in the extreme heat timetables on the V/Line website.

Extreme heat timetables were not put in place on the Gippsland, Geelong and Warrnambool lines due to coaches replacing trains forall or partofthe journeywhile network upgrade works take place.

“Safety continues to be our number one priority and we thank passengers for their understanding over the summer months and encouragethem to take care when travelling during extreme weather,” actingMinister forPublic Transport, Melissa Horne, said.

“Extreme heat timetablescan be easily accessed from the V/Line website and passengers are encouraged to plan ahead before travelling on really hot days.”

On Friday, (January 13), afull extreme heat timetable was put in place for the Seymour and Shepparton lines.

Apartial extreme heat timetable was put in place on the Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill lines.

On Saturday, afull extreme heat timetable was put in placefor the Ballarat,Ararat, Maryborough, Bendigo, Swan Hill, Echuca, Seymour and Shepparton lines.

Drinkingwaterwas providedonthe trains and passengers were encouraged to travel with bottled water and wear cool clothing.

In the lead-up to summer,V/Line maintenance crews were out in forceimproving the overall reliability of assets on the network in preparation for the hot weather.

Vegetation management work also took place across the state, including grass slashing to manage bushfire risks in the rail reserve.

Passengers can download acopy of the extreme heat timetable for their line from vline.com.au, or ask for acopyfrom their nearest staffed station.

Passengers for theselines areencouraged to visit the V/Line website to download a copy of the temporary coach replacement timetable.

“During emergency events, we seethe best in small communities, rallying together to support each other. Adesire to reducing the instances of road trauma should be no different.”

The alert comes after two road fatalities in the Wellington regioninthe firsttwo weeksofthe year.

One was a25-year-old Sale man who died in a collision near Velore Rd, Kilmany on Thursday January 5.

The second was afemale motorcyclist who died after she crashedinto atree on Big TowerRd, Darriman on Saturday, January 7.

There have already been 14 lives lost on Victorian roads in 2023. For comparison, at the same time last year, there were 12 deaths on Victorianroads.

As the AustraliaDay public holidaydraws near, police are determinedtoavoid arepeatofthese concerningroad trauma trends, and are urging motorists to take extra care.

“It doesn’t matter what time of the year we are in, it is devastating for the families and friends that lose their lovedones on our roads. Those familieswill feel their loss forever more,” Inspector McLennan said.

“We urge our community to drive to the conditions, drive safely, manage your fatigue and put your mobile phone away while driving.

“Police will remain highly visible on the roads, and on the lookout for anyone engaging in high-risk behaviour including speeding and drink or drug driving.”

Detoxyour home for free in Sale

WELLINGTON Shire Councilisencouraging residents to safely dispose of free common household and garden chemicals at an event in Sale later this month.

Held in partnership with SustainabilityVictoria, the free ‘Detox your Home’ initiative encourages residents to drop-offany unwanted chemicals beginning to stockpile around the house or shed, suchasaerosol cans, drain cleaners, fertilisers, fuels, glues, herbicides, paint strippers, pool chemicals and more.

Wellington Shire’s Mayor, Ian Bye, said highly toxic items such as chemicals should never be put in rubbish bins, poured downthe drain, or left out on the nature strip during hard rubbish collections

“Household chemicals cannot be accepted at waste facilities due to the risk of fire or explosion.

“Detox your Home is licensed to accept toxic chemicals and staffed by trained specialists, and is agreat way to safely clearout the shed or under the sink,” Cr Bye said.

Toxic chemicalsdropped off to the Detox your Home team are immediately sorted by qualified chemists, placed in sealed drums and transported to aspecialist waste treatment facility.Everyeffort is made to recyclechemicalsoruse themfor other purposes.

Once the chemicals are collected, the chemists will recycle or reusethe dropped-off chemicals, with some even used to create energy. Last year’s event in Sale collected 175 items, spanning 16 different materials.

Detox your Home will take place at Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange, located on Saleyards RoadinSale, between9am and middayon Saturday, January 28.

Paintisnot accepted at Detox your Home events.

To register or for more information, search ‘Sale’ on eventbrite.com.au and select ‘Detox your Home –Sale’.

Detoxyour HomeAccepted items

 Cleaning acids and alkalis (including spirit of salt, bleach, vinegar and rust remover, hydrochloric acid, aerosol cans, ammonia-based cleaning agents -like oven, drain, shower and glass cleaners- detergents, disinfectants, floor-care products and waxes);  Cosmetics, make-up, nail polish and remover;  Fire extinguishers;  Fertiliser, herbicides, insect spray, pesticides, pool chemicals (such as liquid pool chlorine and pool salts), weed killers, rat poison;  Fuel (like petrol, diesel and kerosene), anti-freeze, brake fluid, car body filler, car wax, coolant, transmission fluid;  Turps, thinners and paint strippers;  Glues, including water-based and solvents;  Pharmaceuticals (medicines can also be disposed of safely at your local pharmacy through the Returned Unused Medicines project).

Items thatare NOT accepted

Ammunition,asbestos, batteries (household and car), chemicals used by businesses for industrial and commercial purposes, farm chemicals, fluorescent lights, gas cylinders, medical waste,motor oil, paint and printer cartridges. Dependingonthe waste, most of these items can be deposited at transferstations. Pleasecheck Wellington Shire Council’s website for the types of waste accepted.

Stefan Bradley

Wellington Local Area CommanderInspector Mel McLennan is urging extra careonthe roads, especiallyduringthe Australia Day public holiday. Therehavealready been two road fatalitiesinthe Wellington area in 2023

Photo: File

Sale resident savestheir neighbour from aburning unit

From Page 1

“HEdidn’thave to do what he did,” Mr Lambourn said.

“Kev is abloody hero.”

More than 10 Futcher Court residents,their partners and families gatheredaround Kevin in frontofwhatonce was Unit 1, 5-7 Futcher Court, Sale on Friday morning.

The smell emanatingfromthe blackened cinderedframe remained pungent;you could taste

the bitterness with each breath. Eyes stung as the fumes continued to discharge from the burnt remains of Unit 1.

Mr and Mrs Tormey moved to 5Futcher Court Sale in July last year.

The couple had previously lived in the court for four years, only moving because of the delinquent behaviours of the residents in Unit 1.

Futcher courtresidents, their partners, family and aformer local taxi driver detailed an extensive list of troubling behaviours from the former Unit 1

residents over the last four years, including drugs, violence, multiple fires and frequent visits from police.

Despite claims from one resident who allegedly saw the Unit 1resident walking around the residence with ajerrycan shortly before the blaze, and claims from multipleresidents who heard the male and female arguing loudly earlier in the morning, the fire is not being treated as suspicious.

Police said, “emergency services were called to a house fire in Sale on Monday, January 9”.

“The fire caused significant damage to the property when it caught alight just after 3pm. No one was injured.

“The causeofthe fire is being investigated however at this stage, it’s not being treatedas suspicious.

“Anyone who witnessedthe incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or onlineatwww.crimestoppersvic. com.au.”

Only one-in-foursmall businesses has a disaster plan,saysreport

NATURAL disasters can be devastating for small and family businesses, yet only one-in-four small businesses has acurrentbusinesscontinuity plan, according to the Australian SmallBusiness and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.

“In the aftermath of natural disasters, we typically see massive and heart-breaking clean-upefforts,a lengthy and hard-going recovery, questions asked about how smalland family businesses and the communities they are apartofand service will bounce back and what, if anything, couldhavebeen done to better prepare,” Mr Billson said.

Last year the Ombudsman conducted an inquiry at the request of the federal government after the rolling disasters of bushfires, drought and floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.

TheOmbudsman visited 36 communities across Australia to directly hearfrom small and family businesses affected by natural disasters.

In addition, an online survey attracted more than 2000 respondents.

The Small Business Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Inquiryreport included 16 recommendations.

“Itisclearfrom ourwork thatpreparation is key to smalland family businesses building resilience and coming through natural disasters in the best possible shape,” Mr Billson said.

“It is equally clear that small and family business owners cannot do this on their own and require clarity and certainty of the support available.”

The report found that governments at all levels and the business community together have acrucial role to play in ensuring small and family business owners have all the information and support they need to manage risks.

“As acountry we put an enormous amountof effort and resources into the clean-up. Some 97 per cent of money spent by governments on disasters is after the event and onlythreeper centison

preparedness,” Mr Billson said.

“Whatbecameabundantly clearduring our inquiry is that astrongsenseofcommunity connectedness, includingcollegiate business relationships -whatwehave called ‘socio-commercial capital’ -leads to more resilient and unified communities that learn from and support eachother to work together to preparefor, and respondto, natural disasters.”

Among the recommendations and findings, the report says:

-There shouldbea“certainty of response”for small business owners, so they are automatically elevatedand front of mind in disaster response,

recovery and funding arrangements -including indirectly affected businesses;

-There should be “certainty of support” by establishing abusiness hub after adisaster as a single point to seek help from federal, state, and local government and non-government agencies to provide support;

-A “tell-us-once” triagesystem should be adopted to save small business owners the trauma and time associated with repeating their story;

-An opt-in “My Business Record” should be createdtoallow asmall business to digitally store all relevant government-held and other vital information it might need after adisaster;

-Infrastructure grants should be provided to ensurecriticalinfrastructure relied upon during adisaster is fit-for-purpose, remains intact and functioning;

-The federal governmentshould implement a “goodneighbour” program and mitigaterisks on land it owns;

-A government subsidy should be available when workers in asmall business are called out for volunteer work for an extended period, or abusiness is required to scale backoperations becauseof volunteer activities;

-Whenasmall businessreceivesafederal government grant, an additional amount should be made availablesix to ninemonthslaterfor a “businesshealth check” and to support any necessary adjustments;

-In many cases, small business owners are operatinguninsured, underinsured, or with excesses payablethat prohibit them making aclaim, due to extreme difficulty in accessing affordable insurance. In some communities, insurance is simply not available. More must be done to address this complex market dysfunction;

-Calls for an integratedresponse to disasterrisk management for identified disaster prone areas

thatincorporates priority access to mitigation expenditure,co-ordinated planningacross levels of government, infrastructure hardening, interestfree loans for asset and activity protection and relocation schemes, and possible use of adedicated reinsurance vehicle, and;

-Numerous examples of inequity or inconsistency of support created asenseofresentment that some businesses that purchased expensive insurance and had adisaster plan were denied support, while othersthat gave far less attention, time, and effort to protecttheir own economic interests were helped.

Mr Billson said the experiences of many hundreds of small and family businesses showed having a plan will help them be more able to bounce back after anatural disaster.

“As we have sadly seen too often, natural disasters can cause lasting harmtoour enterprising women and men,” he said.

“Small businesscreatesvitality in our communities, employstwo outofevery five people witha private sector job, andcontributesone-third of our GDP, so it is absolutely worth building its resilience

“Simple steps to be ready include ensuring record keeping is up to date, business processes and critical information are, where possible, digitised, and payments to relevant bodies such as the ATO, lenders, and insurers are up to date.”

Mr Billson paid tribute to the countless selfless and committed individuals and community agencies and advocates playing avital role to support small and family businesses in the immediate period following anatural disaster and in supporting the long and challenging road many faced.

The Small Business Natural Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Inquiry report is available at www.asbfeo.gov.au where there are also checklists and resources to help smallbusiness prepare for adisaster and,ifneeded, to recover after one.

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.

Photo:Contributed

The unit sufferedextensive damage.

Photos: Zoe Askew The remains of the Sale unit.

Chester hits out at health cuts

Mr Chester said the previous federal government introduced 10 additional sessions to support Australiansafter atumultuouscouple of years.

“At atimeofincreasing need due to natural disasters and the pandemic,it’sextraordinary that Labor would cut people’s access to mental health professionals,” Mr Chester said.

“The previous federal government increased the Better Access Initiative from 10 sessions to 20 sessions to support the community facing the impacts of major traumatic events.

“As aregion we are still dealing withthe impacts of the Black Summer bushfires, coronavirus pandemic, storms, floods and now the increasing cost of living crisis.

“Access to mentalhealth support is criticalright now for all Gippslanders who are struggling, and this decision will see those needing support going without.

“I urge the Labor Government to reconsider and reinstate the additional 10 subsidised sessions so Gippslanders can access the psychological support they need.”

In response,Minister for Health, Mark Butler said Better Access had failed people at acritical stage.

“The scheme is called Better Access, but the additional sessions made access worse,” he said.

“The number of people getting treatment fell, with people from lower income households, those living in regional or rural areas and aged care residents missing out.

“In light of these outcomes, the Australian

government will not extend the temporary COVID measure beyond the former government’s expiration date of December 31. The government recognises the complexity and fragmentation of the mental health and suicide prevention system, and is committedtoimplementing ongoing system reforms to make areal difference to Australians’ mental health.

“In early 2023, the government will convene a forum of key experts and people with lived experience of mental illness to provide advice on how to improve Better Access, so all Australians have access to the same level of evidence-based care.

“Theevaluation reinforces the importance, going forward, of making sure that there is more equitable access to this important program.

“The government’s goal is to develop and implement amore equitable and sustainable Better Access programand broader mentalhealthsystem -one based on the evidence -and that ensures no one is left behind.

“The evaluation recommended making the additional 10 sessions available to those with complex mental health needs, however the evaluation was not conclusive around how this could be targeted.

“It noted anuanced andstepped approached was needed, for this reason we’re promptly convening aforum to assess reform options with the sector.

“Many Better Access providers are currently at capacity, limiting access to supply.

“The Australian Government is committed to expanding the range and supply of psychological services for everyone, but this ultimatelywill involve building the mental health workforce and developing new digital and direct models of service.’

In the October 2022 Budget, the government

provided an additional $114 millionfor mental health services, including $47.7 million to restore Medicare-subsidisedonline psychiatry consultations for rural and regional patients.

Priority populations and groups with unique needs, including people with complex comorbidities, can accessmultidisciplinary support withouta referral, prior appointment or fees in Adult Mental Health Centres.

Peoplewithseveremental illnessand in need

of non-clinical, functional support may also be eligible for assistance through theCommonwealth Psychosocial Support Program.

Thegovernmentalso funds arangeofservices including Lifeline, Beyond Blue and Kids Helpline that provide free support 24/7 to people in crisis.

For any Gippslanders strugglingwith mental health issues, support is available via Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Northe committal adjourned

THE committal mention relating to misconduct charges against former Member for Morwell, Russell Northe, has been adjourned.

Anew date of Friday, March 10 2023 was set out in LatrobeValley Magistrates Court on Friday.

Mr Northe did not appear in person or via video link.

He was represented by his lawyer Mark Woods.

The court heard that Mr Northe had been engagingwitha privateforensic psychiatrist, who in their opinion believed the accused was not fit to stand trial.

It is believed Mr Northe is battling severe mental health problems.

Mr Northe has kept avery low profile after retiring from politicsand electing not to recontest the seat at state election last year.

Aformal report from the psychiatrist will be obtained by the defence, with apossible time frame of seven weeks given.

An application for adjournment was then taken for March 10.

The mention openedat10.10amand closed 18 minutes later.

Russell John Northe is facing45charges relating to falsifying documents between 2018 and 2020 in his term as Member for the Legislative Assembly.

The charges include wilful misconduct for

expenditure returns to the Victorian Electoral Commission based on false information.

The charges include several false documents over an office rental property at 42 Kay Street in Traralgon.

There are also astring of charges relating to falsedocuments for rates for the provision of an administrative assistant and analystofamounts from $19,500 and $43,000.

There is also achargeover afalse document relating to a$5800 office printer.

This is not the first time the former MP has become embroiled in controversy.

After first winning the seat of Morwell in 2006 as aNationalscandidate, Mr Northe quit the party in 2017 amid revelations he had racked up significant gambling debts.

Mr Northe took aleave of absence that same year as he battled mental health.

He then ran as an independent in the2018 state election, holding the seat closely after receiving 19.56 per cent of first preferencevotes against Labor candidate Mark Richards, who received 34.19 per cent.

Mr Northe, however, took the seat due to preferences narrowly fallinghis way:20,808 votes to 19,334.

Now, his successor, Nationals MP Martin Cameron, has moved into the vacated office.

Signage has been changed on the George Street, Morwell premises,withMrCameron moving in yesterday.

Morewellbeing hubs opening

MENTAL health organisation Mind Australia will continue to support people in Gippsland experiencing mental healthand wellbeingconcerns thanks to afunding extension for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs in Cowes, Traralgon and Wonthaggi.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs, funded by the Victorian government in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, act as a‘front door’ service to the mental health system. The Hubs in Gippsland havebeen fundeduntil at least June 2023.

Mind mentalhealth practitionershave provided more than 1000 hours of support to more than 50 peopleexperiencingmentalhealthand wellbeing concernsacrossBaw Baw, Bass Coast, East Gippsland, South Gippsland and Wellingtonshires, as well as the City of Latrobe.

Research from Mind shows the Hubs are helping people reduce psychological distress and feel significantly less sad, nervous and restless.

MindHubsservice manager, RebeccaMatheson Omondi, said Hub staff were helping people in Gippsland strugglingwith their mental health for a variety of reasons, including housing insecurity and cost of living pressures (including financial stress and inability to purchase food).

Staff have also been supporting students during the school holidays who are currentlyunable to access school-based welfare teams.

“The Hubs are making areal difference in the

community, and are removing alot of the barriers to avery complex system,” Ms Matheson Omondi said.

“People can self-refer and there is no eligibility criteria. Youdon’tneed areferral from your GP -you can ring up and be connected to aMind support worker.”

Mind Australia chief executive, Gill Callister, said the Victorian government was to be commended for recognising the value of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs in providing the communitywithfast and flexible support. “Accessible community-based support like this can make all thedifference in helping people address problems before they reach crisis point and hospitalisation,” Ms Callister said.

Mind is the largestservice provider of the Hubs, managing 13 of the 30 Hubs across Victoria, including the Hub in Gippsland.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs are availabletoVictoriansofall ages who have any mental health or wellbeing concerns. The Hubs act as a‘front door’ service to the mental health system. People can get support without any eligibility criteria or areferral from their GP. Mind-managed Hubs provide ablend of face-to-face supportinthe community and at operationalhubsand telehealth, in line with client preferences. To access Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs services call 1300 375 330 or visit the Mind website.

FEDERAL Memberfor Gippsland, Darren Chester, has condemned Labor’s decision to cut additional Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions.

Federal Member forGippslandDarren Chesterisurging the federal governmenttoreinstate additional Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions.

Photo: File

Stefan Bradleyand Liam Durkin

Tenthings to do this summer

ZoeAskew

SUMMER has arrived in Gippsland; puffer jackets, thick woollensocks, and thermal underlayers have been replaced with singlets,shorts and thongs. Coastal hotspots are bustling with visitorsfrom near and far, and warm sunrays kiss the face of gleeful schoolchildren as they walk the streets in droves or playgames on colourful playgrounds, relishing the freedom of summer holidays.

Regardless of whether you are aGippsland local or avisitor from far and wide, the Gippsland Times has hunted for 10 must-do things this summer to help you make the most of your time.

1. Woodside Pub

THEWoodside BeachHotel, also knownasthe WoodsidePub, also known as the ‘Woody’, was erected roadside of the South Gippsland Highway in the 1850s, quickly becoming the beating heart of the 53-person township.

to 267, and the Woodside Pub was unwavering in itstest of time, remaining the epicentre, the true blue beating heart of the small regional town.

The Wellington Shire municipal town was devastatedbythe deadly 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, which incinerated the Woodside Post Office, with another blaze burning down the Woodside General Store later in the year, leaving little more than blackened cindered frames.

Despite suffering so much devastation, Woodside began rebuilding with hope and optimism, but reality was not so kind, and in 2016, the Woodside Pub closed its doors after 170 years.

In November 2021, an 11-personsyndicate, including director Clint Hillas, Redd Catt Sale owner Matt Raidal, star player of the Western Bulldogs Josh Dunkley, and aclandestine Financial Review Rich-Lister, signed the ownership contract to the Woodside Pub.

The Woodside Beach Hotel reopened in mid-2022, following significant renovations that virtually gutted and rebuiltthe historic,well-known, beloved pub.

Walking into the light, farmhouse chic establishment, the smell of Gippsland steak, red wine jus, five-spice crispy calamari and golden brown chicken schnitzels topped with melted mozzarella, Neapolitan sauce and shavedchampagne ham waft from the sparkingly new,state-of-the-art commercial kitchen.

Behind the tantalising smells is UK chef Robert Paget who joinedthe WoodsideBeach Hotel team afterspending the last 17 years in Sydney, making aname for himself in the culinary industry, heading some of the best kitchens in the region, including Gazebo, The Winery and The Bellevue Hotel.

Since Woodside Beach Hotel’s grand reopening last July, hundreds of diners have flocked to the renownedestablishment each weekfor schooners of cold poured beers and ataste of Mr Paget’s culinary creations; all made with locally-sourced produce.

In 2006 the population of Woodside had grown

Woodside Beach Hotel boasts some of the best food, drinks and service in the region and is just a stone’s throw away fromsomeofGippsland’smost soughthotspots, includingNinety MileBeach, Port Albert, Tarra BulgaNational Park and Wilsons Promontory.

2. Blue Pools

HIDDENbetween towering gumtrees, 30 minutes north of Sale, Briagolong’s Blue Pools was once awell-kept secret; today, the plunging watering hole is apopular swimming destination for locals and tourists alike.

As you drivenorth along the orangedirt FreestoneCreekRoad, asteepdriveway appears on yourleft-handshoulder, revealing asmall clearing, arusted-tinged dirt car park.

Agrassygroundtrailwith the occasional treeroot protruding from the earth leads Blue Pool goers on ashort adventure under the shade of towering gums; the recognisable smell of the Australian

bush overcomes nasal senses.

Thick trees diminish, revealing an entrance to the final destination. Adark-coloured waterhole plunges deep into the earth in the middle of alarge, scenic clearing encompassed by magnificent rock structures and brown-green foliage.

The water’s edgeislined by thousands of colourful rocks, each one different from the next; the BluePoolswaterhole startsshallowbut quickly becomes deep.

Coolwater laps at anklesasswimmers take the plunge as other visitors remain on the rocky shores, lapping up the sun.

Some may prefer to explore the surrounding region before taking a swim, and with several walks, each at various lengths, this little slice of heaven has something for everyone.

The Bluff is asteep five-minute climbwith fantasticviewsover the BluePool area and the Peregrine Lookout Trail,which takes about an hour return, and is perfect for visitors who fancy abit more of astroll.

3. Wilsons Promontory National Park

WILSONS Promontory National Park -alittle

in the natural splendour of Wilsons Prom might consider the Northern or Southern Overnight Hikes. Darby River to Tongue Point, Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk and the Instagram-famous Mount Oberon Summit hikes are perfect for those preferring day trips.

With so many adventures waiting to be had, from four-wheel driving, scuba diving, canoeing and kayaking to horseriding, hiking,mountain bikeriding, rockclimbing, andsomuchmore, Wilsons Promontory National Park is amust-do this summer.

4. Long Tunnel Mine Tour

slice of heaven on earth at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, in an Aboriginal cultural landscape.

Wilsons Prom offers endless opportunities for everyone, whether you are lookingtogoonafamily weekend camping trip, aday hike with friends or a week-long scenicadventure with someone special.

Tidal River is WilsonsPromontoryNational Park’s mainvisitor hub offering arangeof accommodation optionswith484 camping and caravansites,award-winningwildernessretreats andlodge-style accommodations, perfect for large groups.

With so many site options, TidalRiver Campgrounds boasts endless possibilities for Wilson Prom visitors, with the choice to set up camp along the banks of Tidal River or nestled in the tea trees, astone’s throw away from Norman Beach.

For those who love adventure, Parks Victoria offersavariety of hiking tours venturing across the 505 km² of Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Visitors who want to fully immerse themselves

THE Walhalla Gold Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour, which operates every day of the year, located an hour and 15 minutes north-west of Sale, is afantastic day expedition to add to your 2023 summer schedule.

The Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Touroffers three sessions on weekends, public holidays and through school holidays, beginningatnoon,1.30pm and 3pm. Every otherday, one tour is available at 1.30pm.

Visitors are led about 260 metres underground into alarge machinery chamber hewn of solid rock from about 150 years ago. Tour guides share mining methods and history as you explore aworld below the surface.

The Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour takes about 50 minutes, with tour numbers typically limited to about 20 people to ensure a more personal experience.

Family tickets for two adults and up to four children cost $60, adults $25, seniors and concession card holders $20,childrenunder the ageof 16 $20 and children under the age of six are free. Group tours for groups of 12 or more are available upon arrangement. Tickets are sold at the mine office or over the phone.

The Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour is an interactive, entertaining, informative and captivating deepdive intoasmall portionof Gippsland’s rich history. With tours, wheelchair and pram accessible, the mineadequately lit, well-ventilated and with flat walking surfaces, the Walhalla Gold Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour is an activity for everyone.

For more information about the Walhalla Gold Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine Tour visit https:// www.walhallaboard.org.au/

5. Buchan Caves

ON Krauatungalung Country, an hour and 40 minutes northeast of Sale, is Buchan Caves Reserve, where underneath picnic-perfect landscape and popular campsites lie Victoria’s largest cavesystem. Almost 400 million years ago, an underground river carved a warren of breathtaking limestone formations stretching up to four kilometres long. Today, the Buchan Caves are an ever-popular adventure waiting to be had.

Through guided tours, visitors can descend into the Fairy Cave and Royal Cavesectionstocatch a glimpse of the spectacularstalactiteand stalagmite forms. Bask in the beautyofthe earth-formed pillars,rim pools, vast open caverns and an ancient flowing stream.

Woodside expanded with rich opportunities for cropping and livestock grazing predominating, increasing the town’s population.

Woodside Beach Hotel.

Photo:Contributed

Blue Pools,Briagalong. Photo: Contributed

BuchanCaves.

Photo: Contributed

Long TunnelMineTour Photo: Contributed

Wilsons Prom from thetop of Mount Oberon.

PhotoZoe Askew

in and around Wellington Shire

Above the honeycomb of limestone formations, the Buchan Caves Reserve boasts a stunning natural habitat on the earth’s surface; towering gumtrees, burgeoning shrubs and lush green grass attract myriad Australian wildlife

Enjoy a family picnic, take a walk on the walking tracks or make a weekend of it, set up camp under the stars or stay in the Caves House Ample opportunities are awaiting you at Buchan Cave Reserve, whether you’re searching for your next family day trip, a special date night or a weekend with the girls

Cave tour tickets must be purchased 24 hours in advance To book Buchan Cave tour tickets visit https://bookings parks vic gov au/ buchan-caves-tours

6. Tarra Bulga National Park

ON Brataualung Country, about an hour southwest of Sale, Tarra-Bulga National Park has some of the best examples of original cool temperate rainforests of the Strzelecki Ranges

Tarra-Buluga, known for its giant Mountain Ash trees, beautiful fern gullies and ancient myrtle beeches, offers spectacular picnic settings and magnificent nature walks

With several tracks to choose from, visitors of all ages and abilities can experience the breathtaking wildlife and nature Tarra-Bulga NationalPark has to offer

Take a stroll to the Corrigan Suspension Bridge, which spans the rainforest canopy and provides stunning views of the thick fern valley on the forest floor below

Wander through a rainforest gully and across trickling mountain streams to Cyathea Falls on the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk, or tackle the Forest Track winding through Mountain Ash forest, a rainforest gully and an unusual thicket of Hazel Pomaderris

Enjoy a day of immersive nature and learn about Tarra-Bulga National Park heritage, a land highly significant to Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners due to its remarkable Aboriginal cultural heritage Don’t forget your walking shoes, hat and backpack as you trek through the thick green rainforests on your chosen walking track

For more information about Tarra-Bulga National Park visit https://www parks vic gov au/places-to-see/parks/tarra-bulga-national-park

7. Agnes Falls

AN hour and 15 minutes southwest of Sale at 59 metres, Agnes Falls, hidden within the green, rolling hills of the Strzelecki Ranges, is the highest single-span falls in Victoria, just a 200-metre journey from the car park along the walking track After the short expedition, surrounded by diverse vegetation, perch yourself on permanently installed seating and watch the white waters plummet into the gorge below

Take your dog, partner, parents or kids and bask in the natural falling water beauty of Agnes Falls; this hidden patch of serenity near the Gippsland coastline is well worth the drive

10. Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club

ALONG the sandy white shore of 90 Mile Beach, overlooking the vast blue-green ocean, the sound of thunderous waves crashing against millions of golden grains of sand below catches in the wind, a mere whisper as it reaches diners on the Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club patio Summers at Seaspray have been a long tradition for many families from far and wide, generations returning without fail each year to uphold their family’s centenary-long tradition

Since April 2, 1955, the Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) has been a part of that tradition, a significant feature in countless memories, with many a change over the years

This all changed in 2022 when 25-year-old Olivia Sclater took on the challenge to reignite the magic at the SSLSC, accepting the general manager position

English chefs Sam Valentine and Kevin Douglass Ortega, who Ms Sclater met on a recent international venture, were appointed head chefs, with the SSLSC kitchen officially opening on September 23, serving 210 meals in the first weekend

The SSLSC has since returned to its former glory, the place to be, drawing folks from far and wide, helping transform the streets of Seaspray into a bustling coastal getaway

8.

Maffco Brewery and Taphouse

MAFFCO Brewery and Taphouse, which officially opened in December 2022, is the new place to be in Maffra

What was once an old milk factory on Railway Place, Maffra, is now a stunning modern-industrialstyled brewery, boasting incredible spaces indoors and outdoors, featuring a taphouse, working brewery, dining and separate function area, all adding to a unique craft brewing experience

Every week, this popular new hospitality venue hosts Sunday sippers; with the amazing outdoor space at Maffco Brewery and Taphouse, it is the perfect place to enjoy a Sunday afternoon soaking in the warm golden sun while sipping on freshly poured, ice-cold beers

Enjoy a glass of wine, nibble on eye-catching, mouth-watering cheese platters, or enjoy dinner with friends before taking the dance floor as local artists belt out the tunes

Opening hours, food service, and live music are subject to change, so make sure to check the Maffco Brewery and Taphouse Facebook page for all the up-to-date information; https://www facebook com/ maffcobrewery

9. East Gippsland Rail Trail

Today, sitting tall on the hill dividing Seaspray town and 90 Mile Beach, the SLSC is a must-do this summer The beers are cold, the food is good, the service is friendly, and the views are breathtaking Following a spout of misfortune, the SLSC went from the place to be, drawing folks from far and wide, helping transform the streets of Seaspray into a bustling coastal getaway, to a desolate space on top a sandy, grassy hill

With summer well and truly here, the SSLSC has introduced Sunday sippers, adding to its list of reasons to go Feel the ocean breeze brushing through your hair as you listen to local artists performing at the picturesque venue as you sip on local wines and tap-poured beers A watchful eye is easily kept on children running wild on the spanning dunes in the not-too-far distance, returning only for a gulp of their fizzy raspberry drink

The SSLSC is the place to be for the summer of 2023

of the Mitchell River in Bairnsdale, the East Gippsland Rail Trail spans almost 94 kilometres through bush, forest and farmland to Newmerella, a small township five kilometres west of Orbost In 2022, National Geographic named the East Gippsland Rail Trail one of their top three favourite rides in Victoria, describing Gippsland as the patriarch of rail trails in Australia and the East Gippsland Rail Trail as the prime track among the dozen converted railways zipping across the lush region

The track consists primarily of hard-packed gravel, with a 10-kilometre portion between Bairnsdale and Nicholson cemented asphalt, and relatively gentle slopes, making the East Gippsland Rail Trail an ideal ride for cyclists of all abilities

The East Gippsland Rail Trail is not only for peddling-pushing enthusiasts; this stunning nature experience can and is utilised by all adventurers, from cyclists to hikers to horse riders

There are several access points along the nearly 100 kilometres long East Gippsland Rail Trail at Bairnsdale, Nicholson, Bruthen, Nowa Nowa, Newmerella and Orbost

With each section of the East Gippsland Rail trail varying in length, nine kilometres between Bairnsdale and Nicholson, 21 kilometres between Nicholson and Bruthen, 28 kilometres between Bruthen and Nowa Nowa and 38 kilometres from Nowa Nowa to Orbost, this trail offers multitudes of opportunities to challenge yourself in the new year

Smash your 2023 fitness goals and aim to ride, run, hike or horse ride a different section every weekend, or take it a little slower and aim for one section a month - the opportunities are endless

To find out more and download trail maps, go to https://www visitgippsland com au/do-and-see/ outdoor-activities/cycling/east-gippsland-rail-trail

BEGINNING at Howitt Park on the east bank

Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club

Photo: John Morgan

Tarra Bulga National Park.

Photo: Contributed

Agnes

Maffco Brewery and Taphouse

Photo: Contributed

East Gippsland Rail Trail Photo: Contributed

Opalworkers face uncertainty

ANOTHER 14 workers at Opal Australia Paper’s Maryvale Mill are set to be temporarily stood down tomorrow as aresultofalackofhardwood fibrefor the mill’s white copy paper production.

The stand-down of the 14 workers from the deinking production team follows the stand-down of 35 workers from the direct productionM5team from January 1. The M5 machine produces white paper.

Aspokesmanfor Opal said no decisions around further stand-downs had been made at this stage.

“Until mid-February, Opal team members who may be stood down will receive full pay,” he said. This outcome was aresult of talks with the state government and unions.

“This is intended to providecertainty forOpal teammembers while the company and the Victorian government progress discussions on any further support for the mill’s future operations.”

The Maryvale mill,with more than 800 workers, is the Latrobe Valley’s biggest employer, ran out of hardwood fibre to make white sheets of paper on December 23.

The lack of fibre is aresult of aSupreme Court decision in November, which found that VicForests was not doing enough to protect two species -greater gliders and yellow-bellied gliders.

As aresult, VicForestswas ordered to scale back its timber harvesting in the state’s native forest. The state government body supplies hardwood pulpwood to the MaryvaleMill for white paper production.

VicForests hasappealed against theSupreme Court decision. Ahearing is expected in March.

The Opal spokesman said AP had been working to address the current shortfall in VicForests’ supply.

“To be viable, the alternativesupplies must match arange of strict criteria, including species, availability, volume, cost, logistics and long-term supply,” he said.

“To date we have been unable to identify viable

alternative sources of wood.”

In addition to Opal’s employee assistanceprogram, the state government has set up aworker support service.

The Opal spokesmansaidthis service would help workers“affected by potential stand-downs andoperational changes as may be required as a consequenceofapossible future scaling-down of white side manufacturing, one scenario currently being considered”.

“Opalcontinues to consider anumber of different operational scenarios for the longer term, in case possiblealternative wood sources arebelow the volumes required or are not commercially feasible,”

he said.

“This is acomplex situation and no longer-term decisions on operational changes have been made at thisstage.Whilethe current situation is difficult for everyone, Opal remains committed to keeping our teammembers, customersand key stakeholders updated on further developments.”

Giventhe supplyshortfall from VicForests, Opal has been using plantation eucalypt volumes to produce packaging papers. Proportionsoffibre inputs differ across the packaging range, which includes bag paper, sack paper, liner board, fluting medium and industrial papers.

Opal’s 2022 Sustainability Report noted that Opal

was committed to the long-term transition of its Maryvaleoperation to 100 per cent plantation wood and recycled fibre. About 18 percent is supplied from state native forests and four per cent from hardwood sawmill residues.

Maryvale has been losing pulpwood supply from stateforests for more than adecade.

Under the government’s 1996 agreement with AP, it wasobliged to supplyabout one third (a minimum of 350,000 cubic metres) of the pulp for Maryvale’s manufacturing of copy paper, with two-thirds coming from hardwood plantations. This agreement expires in 2030, when native forestry is scheduled to end under the state government’s forestry plan.

In the interim, large bushfires, resource cutbacks and litigationfrom environmentalgroups have severely curtailed pulpwood supply to Maryvale.

Thegovernment acknowledged in parliament last yearthatafter the 2009 bushfires, government supply of pulpwood from mountain and alpine ash fell to 265,000 cubic metres.

This further fell to now just 50,000 cubic metres of mixed species pulpwood under the agreement.

In June2020, the agreement was varied to allow silvertop ash to be substituted for mountain forest pulp log. Silvertop ash is classified as ‘mixed species’ timber.

The government said the variation provided for up to 40,000 cubic metres of mountain forest pulpwood to be substituted withsilvertop ash from 2019-21and 2023-24inclusive. Other causesinthe agreement also allow variations.

Green groups in recent yearshave strongly criticised AP’s use of native timber for copy paper production, and have put pressureonretail outlets not to stock it.

In the interim,APhas been strengthening its packaging division to take advantage of the growth in parcels as online retailing continues to grow as apercentage of retail sales. At the same time, copy paper is under long-term threat from the use of information sent increasingly via the internet.

Mill has confidence it can meet government demand

PhilipHopkins

OPAL Australian Paper is confident that the Maryvale Mill will be able to meet the demands of the federal government’s intensified climate policy.

Maryvale is included in the federal Laborgovernment’s upgraded ‘safeguard mechanism’ policy, which is an integral partofits broaderclimate action.

Created in 2016 by the former Coalition government,the safeguard mechanism gives the federal government powers to enforce caps on the nation’s 215biggest emitters of carbon dioxide The benchmark is industrial sites that emit more than 100,000 tonnes of CO2 ayear.

The Coalition argued that technology was the best way to cut emissions and thusdid not set emissionreductiontargets. However, the changes announced last week by the Climate Change and Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, mean that from July 1, the biggest emitters will have to cut their carbon footprint 30 per cent by 2030.

In Victoria, 18 industrial enterprises are affected.

In Gippsland, apart from Maryvale, this includes ExxonMobil’s Gippsland Basin gas project -the state’s heaviest emitter-and BlueScope’s Western Port steelworks.

An Opal spokesman said the Maryvale site had beencovered underthe safeguardmechanism since it came into effect in 2016.

“Opal is alignedwiththe Australian government’s emission targets,” he said.

“As abusiness, we’re focussed on progressively reducing our environmental footprint, with a greenhouse gas emissions reductiontargetof45 per cent by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2050.”

Thespokesman said Opalwas focussed on the principles of the circular economy.

“We are committed to reduce waste through reuse and recycling. We will also continue to transition our energy use to renewable resources,” he said.

At Maryvale, 20,205 tonnes of brown recycled fibre produced 17,004 tonnes of recycled brown pulp, while 37,456 tonnes of white recycled fibre produced 18,571 tonnes of recycled white deinked pulp, the company’s figures show.

The spokesman said packaging was an integral part of its sustainabilitytargets. Thisapproach included 100 per cent reusable,recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025; and 60 per cent of average recycled content, as defined by FSC and PEFC certifications, to be included in fibre-based packaging by 2025.

Also, the aim was to minimise problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging by 2025, he said.

Opal’s research team was aiming to eliminate, redesign and/or replace single-use plastic with fibre-based packaging.

In 2022, Opal and JBS Foods created a100 per cent recyclable corrugated carboard dunnage solution that won gold in the Sustainable Packaging Design of the Year industrial subcategory at the 2022Australian Packaging and Innovation Design Awards.

ThespokesmansaidOpal already procured 26 per cent of itselectricity from theLal Lal wind farm in Moorabool Shire near Ballarat.

“Opal operatesthe largestbaseload renewable electricity generator in Victoria, powered by biomass,” he said, as well as abiogasgenerator in NSW.

Maryvale’sbaseload energy is produced through its kraft pulping process, which produces black liquor as arenewable energy resource. In 2021, the Maryvale site produced 567,177 tonnesofblack liquor for steam production, meeting 56 per cent of the mill’s thermal energy needs.

Of the total Opal Group’s electricity usage of about 900,000 megawatt hours, 52 percentwas generated from renewable resources -26per cent from the wind farmsand 26 per cent from renewable biomass fuels onsite.

“Opal is investigatingmultiple green energy projects to form partofOpal’s electricity supply solution into the future,” the spokesman said.

Energy intensity in fibrepackaginghad fallen by 5-10 per cent since 2017.

“With atargetofone per cent efficiency

improvement year on year to 2030.

Opal’s 2022 Sustainability Report noted that 92 per cent of the company’s wood and fibre products camefrom suppliers certified by the world’s two main certification bodies -PEFC and FSC.

The report said in 2021, 78 per cent of the Maryvale and Botany inputs were plantation wood and recycled fibre

Fifty-fourper cent plantation and 24 percent recycled.

Of the rest, 18 per cent was fromstate forests and four per cent hardwood sawmill residues.

“Opaliscommitted to the long-term transition of its Maryvale operation to 100 per cent plantation wood and recycled fibre supply,” the report said.

The sustainability report emphasised the importance of Maryvale’s Energy from Waste project. The $600 millionplant aims to create jobs in the Latrobe Valley and secure the mill’s future energy needs. It will divert about 325,000 tonnes of nonrecyclable waste fromlandfill and reuseitto generate steam and electricity to replace natural gas and coal-fired electricity.

The plant will reduce Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions by about 270,00 tonnesper annum, which would give anet energy benefit of gas and electricity to power more than50,000homes, the reportsays.

PhilipHopkins

Another 14 workers at Opal Australia’s Paper’sMaryvale Mill areset to be temporarily stood down today

Photo:File

Water safety Minister taken to task

Zoe Askew

NATIONALS member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath, questioned the Minister of Agriculture, Gayle Tierney, in parliament on December20over future job security for Opal Maryvale Mill employees.

In 2019, the Labor government announced plans to phase out native forest logging by 2030, pledging $120m in financial assistance to the sector for workers for training programs, employment assistance and top-ups to redundancy payments.

Ms Bath said Ms Tierney refused to provide aguarantee on the futuresecurityofthe 200 Maryvale Mill jobs in question.

“Instead of guaranteeing job security, Minister Tierney spruiked aworkers support service scheme it had ‘rapidly activated’ for mill workers that included employment and mental health support services,” Ms Bath said.

“These are activities that would not be needed if workers were not facing the real prospect of permanent redundancy -they’re cold comfortto the workers who have been stood down.

“Labor just don’t get it -Latrobe Valley locals are not satisfied with Labor’s response of ‘minimising jobimpacts’; they want long term job security.”

While Ms Bath’s compassion for Opal Maryvale Mill employees is evident, industry closures have been forthcoming for upward of three years under Victoria’s transition away from native timber harvesting.

Labor has reiterated its dedicationtosupporting timber workers, and has provided continued support to sawmills and forest contractors to ensure workers are retained and paid.

In astatement released on December 13, Ms Tierney confirmed Opal had assured the government there would be no immediate job losses before Christmas.

“We are currently exploring with Opal pathways to defer any potential stand downs and redundancies for as long as possible beyond Christmas to give workers additional certainty,” the statement read.

“We are getting on with the job of delivering the Victorian Forestry Plan with more than $200 million in transition and investment support to timber businesses, workers and communities.”

The Victorian Forestry Plan includes more than $85 million in funding for local strategies,

community development, and business transition andinnovation,and a$120million investment for anew plantation estate in Gippsland to support the sustainable future of forestry.

The Nationals reiterated earlier demands that Laborstep up and protectlocaltimber manufacturing jobs at Opal long term.

Ms Bath said where there is awill, there is away to secure the future of jobs at the Maryvale Mill, claiming there is no will from Labor.

“The Andrews government has failed to source any additional timber supplies to get Latrobe Valley Opal workers back to work and recommence local manufacturing of Australia’s flagship copy paper,”MsBath said.

“It’s no secret that VicForests as astate government owned authority is constrained by the Andrews government’s ongoing refusal to close the loopholes in the Timber Code of Practice that enablesactivists to takeout legal injunctions to halt legal logging activities.

“Labor is only interested in pursuing its green ideology.

“It continually fails to stand up for our Latrobe Valley industries and workers.”

VicForests has appealed the recent Supreme Courtdecision and commissioned independent advice on asurvey method to comply with Court Orders to enable timber harvesting to resume.

Third party litigationagainst VicForests is occurring through the jurisdiction of the Victorian Supreme Court and cannot be removed by parliament.

“As Imadeclearinparliament, the Victorian government is supporting affected timber workers,” Ms Tierney told the Gippsland Times “We are actively engagingwith Opal on pathways to give workers additional certainty.”

Opal Maryvale Millworkers can access dedicated support services right away by calling 1800 177 001.

AFTER aspate of sixfatal drownings since Christmas Day, Life Saving Victoria (LSV) is reminding parents to watch around water, as children aged between five and 14 are at highest risk of drowning in January.

Of the 38 children within this age group who have drowned in the past decade, 34 per cent have been in January.

This has sparked an urgent warning from LSV manager of research and evaluation, Dr Hannah Calverley, for parents and guardians to keep an eye on their little ones.

“With January marking school holidays, many families will head away to the coast or river to enjoy arelaxingbreak, but the one thing you can never relax on is water safety,” Dr Calverley said.

“It takes just 20 seconds for achild to drown in as little as afew centimetres of water, so to avoidtragedy theseholidays, please actively supervise children at all times, which means under-fives in arm’s reach and under 10s in your constant and direct eyeline.”

Dr Calverley said another important thing to consider was ‘who is doing the supervising’.

“If you are celebrating or holidaying with a large group of people, it can be easy to assume that someone else is watching the kids when in fact, nobody is,” she said.

“Thisiswhy LSVencourages you to have designated adult supervisors whose role it is to actively watch the kids. You can rotate this rolethroughout the day,soeveryone getsa chance to relax and enjoy themselves.

“The designated supervisor should also be above the age of 16, and preparedand capable to enter the water in an emergency.”

Kidsafe Victoria general manager, Jason Chambers, also encouraged parents to learn CPR and first aid so they havethe skillsto respond should the worst happen.

“Nobody wants to think about the worst happening, but KidsafeVictoria encourages all parents and carers to enrol in aCPR and first aid course and update their skills regularly,” Mr Chambers said.

“Hopefully, these are skills you will never havetouse, but if you do, it could be the difference between life and death.”

Atotal of 27 people have fatally drowned in Victoria since July 1, 2022.

Minister of Agriculture, GayleTierney.

Photo: Stefan Bradley

Free meals to help families and kids over the holidays

THE state government has providedthousands of Victorian students with food packs to ensure they can get healthy meals over the school holiday period.

Ministerfor Education, Natalie Hutchins, recently visited the Brooklyn distribution warehouse used by Foodbank Victoria to pack and deliverSchool Breakfast Clubs products to school communities doing it toughoverthe holidayperiod, at atimewhenthe cost of living is rising for many families.

Almost 6000 holiday food packs were delivered to families for the summer break, while more than 28 million free, healthy meals have been provided to students in Victorian schools as part of the state government’s School Breakfast Clubs program.

“We’re making sureVictorian students -especiallythose whose families are doing it tough -are still getting access to healthy meals during the school holiday period,” Ms Hutchins said.

“We understand that programs like the School Breakfast Club provide many students and their familieswith ahelping hand and that’s why providing holiday food packs over the summer break is so important.

“The program has already made ahuge difference to students who need abit of extra support to haveanutritious, delicious meal every morning and we’re proud to support the School Breakfast Club all year round.”

The program, which is delivered in partnership with Foodbank Victoria, provides free healthy food for students at 1000 government schools.

The stategovernment has invested more than $71 million in the program since its establishment in 2016.

It will returnagain in schoolsacrossthe state when Term 1begins later this month.

Under the program, healthy breakfasts are available to all students, with lunches and home food supplies, including food products for holiday periods provided to studentsrequiring additional support.

Interactive cooking classes focused on healthy and accessible meal choices are afeature of the program,and offered to familiesin100 disadvantaged school communities.

Foodbank Victoria alsooperates mobile supermarket buses that visit schools around Victoria to provide healthy and nutritious food to families in need.

Feedback from schools has shown the School Breakfast Club program has delivered benefits beyondmaking students happier andhealthier

It has also fostered asense of connection for students and the school community, improved student engagement and concentration, strengthened staff-student relationships, enhanced social skills and improved academic performance.

Jerseycalendar

FARMERS around the region have been enjoying the 2023 Gippsland Jersey yearly calendar, which contains photos and stories from dairy farmers to encourage conversations around mental health.

The 2023 calendar is the fifth thatdairycompany Gippsland Jersey has released, featuring tales of strengthand resilience from theregion’s dairy farmers for each month. Sale, Kilmany, Denison and Meerlieu are among the towns represented by the participants.

Gippsland Jersey co-founder and director, Sallie Jones, said she was grateful to the dairy farmers who opened their hearts out.

“Each year it is ablessing to be welcomed into these farmers’ lives, and onto their farms, and to hear theirstories. Iabsolutely love puttingthis calendar together.Wehope to do more in the next calendar…(the farmers) look forward to it every year,” she said.

“And it has savedlives,ithas led to peer support with farmers reaching out to other farmers who have shared their stories.

“I think the conversations about mental health have definitely changed in our region. My dad became asuicide statistic in 2016, and Ifelt that no-one was talking about mental health then. And Ithink that the needle has shifted since then.

“Gippsland Jersey are committed to creating social change in mental health.”

Ms Jones said one of GippslandJersey’s business pillarswas better rural wellnessas“8.6 Australians die every day by suicide”. “That’s more than double the road toll,” she said, citing 2022 data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

“Seventy-five per cent of those who take their ownlife are male. Beyond the tragic loss of the person, the impact of asuicide death is felt by up to 135 people, that includesfamilymembers, work colleagues, friends, and first responders.

“Many of the stories in this calendar talk about how the most simplistic act of someone showing up for them when things are hardwas the best medicine.

“Don’t hide behind atext message;make an effort and knock on someone’s door, look that person in the eye and really ask them how they’re going. Hold space for them. We cannot rely on government programs or medical professionals to fix all the problems.Weall must play an active role in looking after one another. Talking about my experience of my dad’s death has helped heal my heart.”

Last year Ms Jones was featured in This Man’s Worth, asuicide prevention advocacy filmavailable to stream on SBS on Demand.

“For me, there’s no shame in dad’s death; mental health is areal health problem, and the statistics of suicide, and its ripple effect in our communities, are enormous,” she said.

The calendar is available forfree fromthe Gippsland Jersey website. Ms Jonesthanked Gippsland Lakes Complete Health, East Gippsland CommunityFoundation, Royal Flying Doctors Service, Orbost Regional Health, counsellor Sheree Breaden and her business partner Steve Ronalds for their help in making the calendar possible.

Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis support service is available 24 hours aday.

CFA will commence the final phase of its rollout to deliver 50 new replacement tankers to brigades across Victoria, in aboost that ensures volunteer firefighters are well equippedtoprotect their communities.

The next 28 brigades to receive the new heavy tankers as part of the rollout were recently announced, and include Maffra, Rosedale and Morwell.

The new appliances have been funded through the state government’s $126mCFA Capability Funding package, announced in June 2020.

The fleet of new dual-cab appliances includes 48 heavy tankers and two light tankers, all of which replace single-cab tankers and allow afull crew to sitwithin the cabin.

CFA chief officer, JasonHeffernan, said tankers are avital part of CFA’s fleet, with more than 1900 across the state.

“These new tankers are state-of-the-art firefighting vehicles,” Mr Heffernan said.

“The heavy tankersfeaturea15-tonnecrew-cab chassis with a4000-litre water tank, while their 4x4 capability and automatic transmissionwill help crews access fires in difficult terrain.

“They also include features such as electronic monitors and electric rewind hose reels, as well as using ahigher percentage of recyclable build materials.”

Last year,CFA announcedthe first 20 heavy tankers as part of the rollout package will be allocated to the following brigades: Inglewood, Shoreham, Dunkeld,Buninyong, Mansfield, Merbein, Poowong, Penshurst, Ballan,Wangaratta,

The final28heavytankers thathave been announced will be delivered to selected brigades, and the full rollout will be complete by late-2023.

Theheavy tankers alsohavea1200l/min diesel engine-drivenfire-fightingpump, crew/vehicle roll over andburn-overprotection, and full equipment stowage cache.

Manufacturing on the 48 heavy tankers began in September 2021 at SunshineNorth manufacturer R.A Bell &Co., with the final vehicles expected to be complete in September 2023.

Construction of the two light tankers will commence at alater date.

Stefan Bradley

Touristsand locals in Lakes Entranceenjoying Gippsland Jerseymilkshakes in hot weather duringJanuary Photo:StefanBradley

Gippsland Jerseyco-founder and director Sallie Jones.

Photo: File

Ministerfor Education, NatalieHutchins

Photo: Contributed

CarolineSprings, Hastings, Noorat, Creswick, Seymour, Junortoun, Moorooduc, Beaufort, Wallan and Irymple.

Maffra and

aretwo of threelocal brigades thatwillreceiveaheavy tanker

Photo: Contributed

TP: LAST YEAR was ahugeyear for cinema -there were many films that the two of us enjoyed -and 2023 looks even more promising. What are you most looking forward to in the coming months, Stefan?

SB: Well,whenIlookatthe listofupcoming releases- gee, thereare many franchises and sequels. Butfor anybodywho knowsme, my pickisobvious: TheSuperMario Bros. Movie I’m beenwaiting my entire life to see the Super Mario franchise adapted into an animatedfilm, andthe trailers are suggesting afun time. AntMan and TheWasp: Quantumania looksgreat, as does Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse;the Mission: Impossible movies haven’t missed these past few years, so I’m sure the newchapter - Dead Reckoning, Part One - will deliver.

as the title character, who is leading an American feature for the first time.

SB: Elsewhere, Ithink Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 will be top-notch, but Iamfeeling abit of franchise fatiguewiththese superhero movies. Marvel’s blockbusters have alwaysbeen comfort food to me, but in 2022 they went overboard with the amount of stuffthey putout. That includes the Disney+ shows. I’m hopingfor more original projects in 2023.

going to make nearly as much money as they once did. But, Ithink streaming has peaked, because now the services and providers -think Netflix, Stan,Disney+ and the like -are competing with each other, and Ithink people are tired of having four,five or even six different services to subscribe to. What do you think?

TP: Iagree with you -Iknowoffriends who have cancelled their streaming subscriptions because they have too many services which they never

utilise. As for Sanity going exclusively online,I think people have been devaluing physical media for several years now, and theclosure of storeslike Sanity’s is just another nail in that coffin. But on the plus side, Ithink this move will reinvigorate people’s interest in the cinema, because if they’re unable to watch afilm at home on DVD or Blu-Ray and it’s not available on streaming yet, then they may be more more inclined to view it in atheatre.

SB: In short: cinema is back!

TP: As for me, the movie I’m most anticipating this year is Christopher Nolan’s new blockbuster: Oppenheimer.This is abiographicaldramacentred on Robert J. Oppenheimer, who is more or less known as the father of the atomic bomb. Ateaser trailer for the film has been released, which doesn’t give too much away; but, this beinga Nolan picture, you can expectplenty of incredible visuals and practical effects- it’sbeen reported that Nolan simulated an atomic bomb explosion especially for the film. He’s also got collaborators like composer Ludwig Göransson and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema on board, who both did excellent work in his last film, Tenet.Yet the most exciting aspect formeisthe inclusion of CillianMurphy

TP: If it’s originality you’re after, Elemental might be more to your tastes. This comes from PixarAnimation Studios,and it’s acompletely original screenplaynot based on an existing franchise or property. It’s based in aworld where all the elements -water, earth, fire, air, heart, all thefavourites- are personified, with its two lead characters being complete opposites who find themselves attracted to each other.

SB: Coming back to the topic of superheroes, it looks as though DC Studios are taking adifferent direction in 2023, and their extended universe in its current form comes to an end - Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom might be the last time Jason Momoa plays Aquaman/Arthur Curry, but we’ll see. In terms of trends, we learnt recently that Sanity is closingits brick-and-mortarstores in the coming weeks -they’re going to be an online retailer only, which meansthatasasociety,we’re one step closer to going completely digital. With DVDs and Blu-Rays continuing to decline,thesemovies aren’t

Stefan &Tom’s films to watchin2023

M3GAN (out now -review coming this Friday)

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania (February 16)

Cocaine Bear (February 23)

Creed III (March 2)

-Shazam! Fury of the Gods (March 16)

John Wick: Chapter 4 (March 23)

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (March 30)

Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3 (May 4)

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (June 1)

Elemental (June 15)

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (June 29)

Mission: Impossible -Dead Reckoning, Part One (July 13)

Oppenheimer (July 20)

The Marvels (July 27)

Blue Beetle (August 17)

Next Goal Wins (September 21)

Dune: Part Two (November 2)

- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (Boxing Day)

Our resident film buffs Tom Parry and Stefan Bradley discuss which blockbusters they’re most looking forward to over the next 12 months.

Stefan

Image: Universal Pictures/Nintendo

Cillian Murphy playsthe lead in Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’, coming to cinemas in July Image: UniversalPictures

Pixar’s upcoming film ‘Elemental’ hasgot our critics excited. Image: Disney/Pixar

What is the name of the Collingwood player who recently stepped down as captain for the 2023 season?

What is the name of the artificial 82km waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean and divides North and South America?

In the original ‘Home Alone’ movie, wheredid Kevin’sfamily go for their vacation when they left him behind?

POINTERS

Who wrote ‘Oliver Twist’?

What science deals with the motion of projectiles?

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

Property market experiencedeight interest rate rises in 2022

ALONGSIDE the usual peaks and troughs, in 2022 the Victorian property market experienced eight interest rate rises and aconfluence of pressures from the rental market. Despite this, property in regional Victoria continues its strong performance.

The REIV’sDecember Quarterly Median Report reveals that regional Victorian house prices grew 8.0 per cent over the year to $610,000 while the annual median for Units and Apartments rose 6.5 per cent to $425,000.

Although the house prices in Metropolitan Melbourne saw a3.3 per cent drop in the annual median (to $1,040,000), there are plenty of areas that continue to show value, with pockets of growth across the outer ring of the city Metropolitan Melbourne’sannual house price still sits above the million-dollar mark, but the quarterly price data shows opportunity for buyers as the median dipped to $974,500 (down 1.6 per cent) alongside Units and Apartments which sawa2.6 per cent drop ($627,500).

House prices in Outer Melbourne grew 1.8 per cent to

$830,000 over the 12-month period (up $14,500).

From the fledgling western suburbs, Cobblebank reported one of the highest annual growths across the state -with an 18.5 per cent increase in median house price to $635,000.

Other suburbs in the west that recorded outstanding growth were Harkness, up 17.8 per cent ($625,000), Melton (up 11.5 per cent to $470,000) and Weir Views(10.8 per cent increase to $537,000) -remaining within the affordable bracket yet showing great investment potential for homeowners.

The standout regional suburbs for quarterly growth were Kyneton -which added an impressive $100,000 to its median house price (topping out at $1,040,000) and the historic town of Stawell, growing 8.7 per cent this quarter and 21 per cent annually (to $375,000).

The most affordable areas for hopeful house-hunters looking to lock down aUnit this quarter,resided in areas such as Carlton, down 30.7 per cent to $297,250, Dandenong (17.0 per cent drop to $357,000) and St Kilda East which

sawa12.2 per cent decrease, yet remained above the half a million mark ($511,600).

REIV President Andrew Meehan said the December data demonstrates good buying opportunities for Victorians anda resilient real estate market across the state.

“The drop we’ve seen in the median prices in Metro Melbourne must be seen in the context of the rapid price growth Victoria hasrecorded over the past two years”, Mr Meehan said.

“Property prices still remain higher than they were in December 2020 -the post-COVID real estate boom has placed Victorian property in astrongerposition than ever before, a trend we continue to see across numerous suburbs in metro Melbourne and our regional areas.

“Now,asweenter the new year and the immigration levels return, we will no doubt see continuous demand in the market as Melbourne’spopulation grows and investors see strong potential for growth in our state”.

Borrowers arefeelingundervalued, Mortgage Choice research

NEW research commissioned by Mortgage Choice has revealed that many Australian borrowers feel undervalued by their current lenders and will consider switching to anew lender if their loyalty isn’t rewarded.

The research, conducted by Honeycomb Strategy,is based on asurvey of more than 1000 Australian home loan customers.

More than half (52 per cent) said they either knew they weren’t receiving the best interest rate offered by their lender or they weren’t sure they were receiving the best rate available.

Mortgage Choice chief executive, Anthony Waldron, said, “Unfortunately,manylenders don’trewardtheir customers for loyalty.Inarising rate environment, it pays to shop

around for abetter deal and not be complacent with your home loan.”

The research revealed that 71 per cent of borrowers would be very likely or somewhat likely to switch lenders if they felt they were no longer getting the best rate available.

However,68per cent of respondents said they would prefer lenders to offerthe same rates to new and existing customers so they didn’t need to switch lenders to secure abetter rate.

“Borrowers are telling us they want pricing parity between new and existing customers,” said Mr Waldron.

“They believe they should be rewarded for their proven repayment history and for choosing to stay with their current lender instead of switching.”

As interest rates continue to rise, the gap between interest rates paid by new and existing home loan customers is widening.

While most lenders have been passing on the RBA’s interest rate increases in full to existing customers, many have been cutting their introductory rates to remain competitive.

Mr Waldronsaid, “Unless Australian lenders begin offering the same rates to new and existing customers rather than focusing on low introductory rates and cashback offers, it will pay to regularly review your home loan. Your broker can help you compare awide range of products and lenders, and offerexpert guidance on the best options for your situation. That way,you’ll know with certainty that you’re getting the best loan for your needs”.

Policy is needed to address rising costpressures in housing

INFLATION figuresreleased by the Australia Bureau of Statistics has confirmed rising cost pressures in housing with urgent policy action is needed, Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn says.

Inflation accelerated to 7.3 per cent during November, meaning that prices are now rising at their fastestpace since 1990.

“However,while monetary policy using interest rate rises is starting to show fruits in putting downward pressure on the demand side, more needs to be done to tackle the supply side bottlenecks relating to material, labour and housing supply," Ms Wawn said.

“Weacknowledge that the RBA has adifficult balancing approach to takeincurbing inflation, but at the same

time, not getting too ahead of the realised impact of their decisions.

“However,the most sustainable solution to the inflationary problem lies on the supply side, through bringing down the cost of doing business. The requires issues likelabour shortages, materials costs and the regulatory burden to be dealt with in afocussed and urgent manner."

Over the year to November,the cost of buying anewly-built home rose by 17.9 per cent.

“Housing continues to be the inflationary canary in the coal mine, with figuresreflecting huge increases in the cost of building materials, as well as continued shortages of key construction trade workers,” Ms Wawn said Rentsare also accelerating and are up to 3.6 per cent over

the past year

“Growing pressures in the rental market are being exacerbated by persistently low building volumes in the higher density part of the housing market.

“Labour shortages can best be addressed over the short and medium term by making it easier for migrants to work in Australia.

"The bottlenecks in our migration system need to be addressed as amatter of priority

“The continued ramping up of the regulatory burden on our industry is making it much more costly for building businesses to do their work, contributing to housing inflation."

House pricesinOuter Melbournegrew1.8 percentto$830,000 over 12 months in 2022.

Photo: Contributed

For investors on the look out for the next property to add to their portfolio, this one’sfor you!

Located in apopular Estate close to the Sale CBD, this property has asecure lease in place until 2025, and with acurrent rental amount of $1739 per calendar month with annual rent reviews in place, it proves to be the perfect investment you have been looking for

The modern home features three goodsized bedrooms all with built-in robes, the master with ensuite and walk-in robe.

There is open plan kitchen/living and dining, agreat spacewith plenty of natural light.

The second living area is perfect as a formal lounge or theatre room, although would suit avariety of uses.

The central bathroom is well equipped with full bath, separate shower and vanity The home has aBraemer heating and cooling system that controls the temperature throughout the home.

There is side access to the rear yard through double gates; the yard is secure and low maintenance, and the double car garage has internal access to the house.

Inspection is strictly by appointment only by contacting the agent

This extensively updated home sits atop ahill, overlooking the beach side town Seaspray and the iconic Ninety Mile Beach.

Set on just over one acre (4018sqm) in aquiet location less than three kilometres to the beach and general store, this beautiful forever or holiday home could be yours.

On entry to this lovely home is aspacious entrance with hidden study nook or room for storage.

The open plan dining, living and sunken loungeroom offers plenty of room with

high ceilings, split system for heating and cooling, wood fire, and bay windows taking in the rural and ocean views.

The kitchen is modern and functional with plenty of bench and cupboard space, natural light and 900mm gas cooking.

This home also features four good-sized bedrooms, the main bedroom offering plenty of space with ahigh ceiling, ceiling fan, Nobo heating, walk-through robe, and ensuite with double shower,vanity,and toilet.

The second and third bedrooms both have built-in robes -one currently set up as a

theatre room -while the fourth offers asmall ensuite with shower,vanity,and toilet.

This immaculate living space is finished offwith alarge bathroom boasting shower, vanity,bay window and aluxurious freestanding bath.

There is nothing to be done but makeit your own with new floor coverings and fresh paint throughout.

Outside, the property offers extensive decking on two levels, partly covered with spa bath and ocean views

Entertaining areas boast picnic table seating, afire pit area and aquiet, decked sitting space.

Also included are two large sheds -with electric roller doors, power,parking, workshop and storage space, and toiletalongside agarden shed, 16 solar panels, new secure fencing, plus vegetable/garden patch and water tanks.

Don’t miss the opportunity to view this property by private inspection.

Scholarship applications open

THE AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship, developed in collaboration withseveral industry sponsors, is an initiativetosupportthe next generation of leaders who will drivethe future successofAustralia’s rural industries and communities.

This scholarship provides students with a$10,000 bursaryover the finaltwo yearsoftheir undergraduate degree and opportunities to build leadership skills and collaborate across rural industries.

Throughout the program, scholars attend an annualfour-dayprofessional development workshop, completetwo weeksofindustry work placement and are exposed to arange of industry networks gaining vital skills and insight across traditional and emerging areas of Australian agriculture.

AccordingtoJohn Harvey, Managing Director of AgriFuturesAustralia, it is critical to attract and retain askilledand passionate workforce, including future leaders, to establish prosperous and sustainable rural industries.

“Buildingthe capacity, knowledge and skills of Australia’sfuture workforce is vital to the growth of Australian agriculture and apriority right across our rural industries,” Mr Harvey said.

“This scholarship provides students with aplatformfor networking,forward-thinkingand idea creation needed to forge acareer in the industry.”

The Horizon Scholarshipoffering has been broadened to include STEM degrees with relevant majors that align with agriculture. This shift recognises theimportance of amultidisciplinary approach to support the future prosperity of rural industries.

“The AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship attracts students who are diverse, passionate and progressive, with the capability to be future leaders of the Australian agricultural workforce,” Mr Harvey said

“Providing these students withthe opportunity to come together in the sameroom creates aplatform for collaboration which is invaluable for both the scholars and rural industries more broadly.

“I thank all of the industry sponsors who make

this possible and share our commitment to developing our future leaders.”

To be eligible for the 2023 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship, students must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, be studying an undergraduate degree at an Australian university and be entering the final twoyears of their degree in 2023.

Eligible degrees include but are not limitedto traditional agriculture degrees such as rural science, animal science and agribusiness, along with Science, Technology, EngineeringorMaths (STEM) degrees with major studies and subject selections relevant to, and aligned with, agriculture.

Studentspassionate about Australian agriculture’s future are encouraged to apply.

Scholarshiprecipients will be selected based on theircommitment to acareer in agriculture,

as well as their leadership potential and tertiary academic record to date.

To apply for the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship or more information, visit www.agrifutures.com. au/horizon.

Shortlisted applicants will be required to participate in atelephone interview in February 2023.

Sponsors of the Program include Australian Eggs, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), Co-operative Research Centre for DevelopingNorthernAustralia (CRCNA), Dairy Australia,GrainsResearch and Development Corporation(GRDC), Meat &Livestock Australia (MLA), Hort Innovation, Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), FMCAustralasia, AgriProve, Kalyx and the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses, Rice, Honeybee and Pollination, Agrifood Innovation and Emerging Industries Programs.

Hear from internaional expert

GIPPSLAND dairy farmers have the rare opportunity to hearfrom an internationally recognised leader in the field of calf and cattle welfare, when Professor Nina von Kerselingk visits Leongatha next month.

Professor von KeyserlingkisaDirector of the National Farm Animal Health and Welfare Council of Canada, as well as being the co-director of the AnimalWelfare Program at the University of British Columbia, Canada.

She is the guest of regional dairy body GippsDairy and will be speaking in Gippsland before attending the Australian Dairy Conference in Hobart.

“Thisisa great opportunity for local farmers to get the latest in research and trends from an industry expert. We hope they will take advantage of this opportunity,” GippsDairy executive officer Karen McLennan said.

“Ninawill be lookingatthe challenges and opportunities around calf rearing, an issue which can prove problematic in the dairy landscape.”

“I know one of the issues Professor von Keyserlingkwill be speakingaboutisthe opportunity that exists in calf rearing for the dairy industry in particular around acceleratednutrition,surplus calves and cow-calf separation.”

Professor von Keyserlingk combines research in both the social science and animal science fields, working to find practical opportunities to produce food in ways that work for the farm business, protect social license and improve animal welfare.

Ms McLennanwillbeinLeongatha on Thursday, February 9.

Details on the event can be found at gippsdairy. com.au

AgriFutures Horizon Scholars at the annual AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship Workshop.

Photo: Contributed

AN international consortium of scientists has received a$34 million grantfrom the Bill & Melinda GatesAgricultural Innovations (Gates Ag One) fund to improve crop productivity and food security in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Leading agriculture researchersfromAustralia’s national science agency, CSIRO are part of the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE)project, an internationalcollaboration with the University of Illinois, the University of California, Berkeley, Lancaster University, the University of Cambridge, the University of Essex in the UK, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.

The project aims to end hunger worldwide by improving the complex process of photosynthesis to increase crop production.

With the demand for protein set to double in places like Africa by 2050, CSIRO scientist Jose Barrero said the focus is now on improving staple food crops, including cowpea, in some of the most disadvantaged and harsh landscapes on the planet.

“Cowpea is an important vegetable food source for smallholder farmers in Africa where it is amajor source of protein,” Dr Barrero said.

CSIRO scientistTJHiggins saidthe goal is to develop new improved cowpea varieties that provide better yield, and that help deliver global food securityinlight of the expected population growth in West Africa and the challenging impacts of climate change.

“Existing work by CSIRO and partners on improving outcomes for crops in Africa has already led to the development and commercial release of the world’sfirst geneticallymodified cowpea in Nigeria,” Dr Higgins said.

“This new cowpea variety is resistant to an important insect pest, the Maruca pod-borer.

“We have already seen major improvements in crop productivity in field trials conducted by the RIPEproject. Thisnew research as part of the RIPE project will have an additional impacton reducing hunger and rural poverty.”

RIPE Project Director Steven Long said the work beingdone by CSIROand the RIPE teamwas world-leading,and would haveprofoundimplications for small-scale agriculture in developing countries.

“This is where science can make areal difference

to human outcomes, unlocking improvements in productivity without requiring more inputs from farmers with limited resources”, Dr Long said.

The RIPE project was started in 2012 by the Bill &Melinda GatesFoundation, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and the U.S. Foundationfor Food and Agriculture Research.

The ongoing work is now being supported by Gates Ag One, anot-for-profit subsidiary of the Gates Foundation, created to leverage global crop sciencetomeet the needs of smallholder farmers.

Teaching excellent horse careand ownership

RSPCA Victoria is inviting new and future horse owners to attend anew course to promote excellent horse care and responsible ownership onsite at RSPCA Burwood on Saturday, February 18.

Many Victoriansleft the city and their suburban lifestyles behind duringthe pandemicand took up hobby farming as part of their new lives. The new course will teach the essential skills every horse owner needs to provide appropriate care for horses.

“We are delighted so manyVictorians are interested in takingcare of larger animals and, in this case,being responsiblehorse owners,”said Education &TrainingManager at RSPCA Victoria Belinda Marchbank.

“Theycan bringsuch auniquejoy into our lives, but new horse owners may not realise exactly what their equine companion needs to live ahealthy and happy life.”

Similar to RSPCA Victoria’sWeBought a Farmlet short course on farm animal care,Equine Excellence is designed for current and prospective horse owners alike.

Equine Excellence is filled with practical skills and knowledge for every horse owner and aims to promote best-practice responsible horse care in Victoria.

Participants willreceivecomprehensive information regarding horse and pony ownership to optimise their animal’s health and welfare from the moment of purchase.

RSPCA Victoria is providing apanel of three experienced experts who will outline practical ways of providing for ahorse and pony’sneeds and how to keep happy and healthy animals.

Attendees will discuss the specific needs of horses and ponies while engaging in hands-on activities designed to illustrate and teach appropriate equine animal care. Classes are kept small to encourage questions and enhance participants’learning experience during the course.

Attendees will learn:

to consider when purchasing or adopting ahorse or pony.

to identify signs of good health and welfare

What to do if your horse’s ‘normal’ begins to change

What to include in abasic first aid kit for horses.

Participants must be 14 years or older and will receive acertificate upon their completion of the course.

Placesforthecoursecanbebookedbycalling039224 2286oronline at https://rspcavictoria.weteachme. com/classes/1042105-equine-excellence.

Andy Moore, Jenny Gibson, Javier Atayde, TJ Higgins, Luch Hac, Lisa Molving and team leader Jose Barreroare looking at ways to improve crop productivity

Photo: Contributed

HORSES WANTED

Assistant (Medical Imaging)

Permanent Full-Time

https:/centralgippslandhealth.mercury.com.au or contact Simon Waixel, Medical Imaging Manager on (03) 5147 8374.

Home Care Packages Coordinator

Permanent Part Time to Full Time CGHS is currently seeking aperson with excellent communication skills to work positively with clients, family members and suppliers as part of our Home Care Packages Team. The Care CoOrdinator -Home Care Packages (HCP) is responsible for developing and delivering CGH Home Care Package services. This role involves marketing of the service to, and engaging with prospective clients, as well as being the key point of contact for new enquires from clients, family and general community. If you possess excellent customer service, administrative skills and high attention to detail apply now!

To apply for the role or for further information, go to https:/centralgippslandhealth.mercury.com.au or contact Chris Tipa, Home Care Packages Case Manager on (03) 5147 0112.

is our people.

What's it pay? Well that depends on your experience. Why don't you talk to us, what have you got to lose? Send

Anthony Cefala

anthony@wmgsale.com.au

Administration Assistant

Due to growth in Business Ausure Insurance Brokers is seeking amotivated and enthusiastic candidate to join the team at our Sale office.

We are along-standing business that has been servicing the diverse needs of our clients throughout the Gippsland region and beyond.

Duties include:

Assisting with general enquiries both phone and in person, computer data entry, emails and general administration work and assisting brokers prepare submissions.

This is afull-time position which requires:

● Knowledge of computer programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook.

● Good communication skills and presentation.

● Accuracy and close attention to detail.

● The ability to work to deadlines.

● Reliable and punctual attendance to all duties.

● Motivation and apositive can-do attitude. Training will be provided for specialist system operations.

To apply, please forward your resume to: james.stevens@ausure.com.au and brad.silver@ausure.com.au

Administration Assistant

Warren, Graham &Murphy, abusy, well established practice in East Gippsland, requires the services of an Administration Assistant for their Sale office.

The Position will involve work in the Conveyancing area and the successful applicant will be exposed to awide and interesting mix of work.

Aproperty/conveyancing background would be helpful but not essential.

Asound knowledge of Microsoft products is essential.

Written applications or enquiries to:Office Manager

Warren, Graham &Murphy PO Box473 Bairnsdale, Victoria 3875 Phone (03) 5152 2661

Traditional Owners Engagement –Senior Liaison Officer

(Designated Aboriginal Position)

Location: Flexible within Victoria

Salary: $103,920 to $125,735 +super Position No: 50946196

Be partofVictoria’sonce-in-a generation energy transition! As the State’sageing coal-fired powerstations retire in the coming decades,theyare being replacedwith renewables. Our electricity system must also change to carry energy from where it is generated to where it is needed.

Shifting to renewable energy will deliver affordable,reliableand secure electricity.Itwill also help us deal with climatechange by reducingour emissions.

To achieve thesegoals,VicGrid is coordinating the overarching planning and development of the following renewable energy zones (REZ) in Victoria. As partofthis,VicGrid is building a newProject Delivery branch to support the development and delivery of transmission infrastructure projects (ornon-network alternatives)withinthe REZs.

The Traditional OwnersEngagement –Senior Liaison Officer, ProjectDelivery is responsible fordeveloping and implementing abest practice strategy and framework to engagewith Traditional Owner groupsontransmission projects in the development and delivery phase.The positionworksacross DEECA to establish apartnership approachtoengagementwith Traditional Ownersand Aboriginal Victorians,consistent with the objectives forcommunity and stakeholderengagement in the Preliminary Victorian Transmission Investment Framework (VTIF).

The Traditional OwnersEngagement –Senior Liaison Officer, Project Delivery is responsible for working with relevant teams within DEECA to buildingmeaningful relationships with Traditional Owner groupsthroughoutthe transmission project development lifecycle

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

•Relevant tertiary qualifications.

•Experience engaging with Traditional Owners and/or First Peoples communities.

•Knowledge of Victorian Aboriginal cultures and societies and demonstrated ability to work andcommunicateeffectively with Aboriginal people to advancetheir interests

This is afixedterm position available until30June2025.

The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available

To be considered for this position, applicants areencouraged to submit aresume and coverletter (no longer than 2pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience

Forthisparticular vacancy,priority consideration applies to Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the Jobsand Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs boardplatform).

Applications close at midnight on Monday,23January 2023.

Forfurther information includingthe position description, key selection criteria and to apply visit www.careers.vic.gov.au R30656

Facilities Manager

We are looking for aPartime/Fulltime (negotiable) Facilities Manager.

If you have the experience and skills to maintain the College facilities on aday to day basis we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume, addressing key selection criteria, along with contact details of two referees and covering letter detailing your suitability for the role, to: Maffra.sc@education.vic.gov.au by Monday 23 January, 2023.

Or alternatively applications can be made online at https:/edupay.eduweb.vic.gov.au/

Position Description Key Selection Criteria can be obtained from website above.

For further information, please contact the Business Manager on 0429 63 79 79.

in Child Protection

Advanced Child Protection Practitioner CPP4

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

The Advanced Child Protection Practitionerreceives andassesses reports of alleged abuse and neglect of children andyoung people. They undertake investigations anddevelop plans to bring about the changes necessary to ensurethe safety, stabilityand development of children and young people and to promote the achievement of case planobjectives within specified timeframes.Thismay include taking matters to court. Mandatory qualificationsorrequirements for this opportunity include:

Arecognised Social Work degreeorasimilar welfareorbehaviouralrelated degree which includes aprimary focus on child development, human behaviour,familydynamicsand/or impacts of trauma; and preferably a practical component such as counselling or case work practiceor

Arecognised Diploma of Community Services Work,orsimilar qualification which is studied over aminimumoftwo academic years of full-time study (or parttimeequivalent) and includes aprimary focus onchild development, human behaviour, family dynamics and/or impacts of trauma;and preferably apractical componentsuch as counselling or case work practice and Avalid driver’slicence.

Pauline Somerville, Deputy Area Operations Manager Pauline.Somerville@dffh.vic.gov.au

DFFH/COPL/382919 Sunday 22 January 2023

For more information aboutthisopportunity,please goto and download apositiondescription to view departmental information, the selection criteria, our pre-employment screening requirements and ourDiversity and Inclusion commitments.

GP1652679

Registered Nurse -Critical Care Unit

Various Tenure Available

Applications are invited from Registered Nurses who have appropriate qualifications and experience in Critical Care Nursing or who have an interest in gaining exposure to the Critical Care environment.

The Critical Care Unit is an 8-bed unit supported by Alfred ICU. Capacity for two ventilated/haem ofiltered patients, HDU and Coronary Care. The position scope is to provide clinical care to patients across all acute settings within CGHS whilst achieving and maintaining high standards of quality care and service, reliability and safety, upholding and fulfilling the organization's vision, mission and values.

If you're interested in achallenging yet rewarding environment apply now!

To apply for the role or for further information, go to https:/centralgippslandhealth.mercury.com.au or contact Jenny Dennett, Nurse Unit Manager Critical Care Unit/Cardiology/Oncology/Dialysis on (03) 5143 8752.

Bairnsdale Regional Health Service

Positions Available

Cooks &Kitchen Hands

Casual and Permanent Part Time

Flexible Hours

Ashleigh House is committed to being an employer of choice. We do this by offering above award remuneration, flexible working arrangements, great professional development programs, employee support and opportunity to grow your career in Aged Care and Assisted Living.

If you are an empathetic, community minded person who is motivated to work with the elderly and vulnerable, then you may wish to consider a career with Ashleigh House.

The successful candidate will be areliable, passionate, hard-working person who works well in ateam environment.

The successful candidate will require aclear NDIS worker screening check and up to date COVID19 vaccinations prior to commencement.

Application via our website www.secvinc.com.au

Positions Available Nurses (RN, EN &PCA)

Casual and Permanent Part Time

Flexible Hours

Ashleigh House is committed to being an employer of choice. We do this by offering above award remuneration, flexible working arrangements, great professional development programs, employee support and opportunity to grow your career in Aged Care and Assisted Living.

If you are an empathetic, community minded person who is motivated to work with the elderly and vulnerable, then you may wish to consider a career with Ashleigh House.

The successful candidate will be areliable, passionate, hard-working person who works well in ateam environment. Experience is preferred but not essential.

The successful candidate will require aclear NDIS worker screening check.

Application via our website www.secvinc.com.au

After School Aged Care Assistant

The position would ideally suit someone looking at acareer in Aged Care/Health services. Traineeships can be offered to the right candidates.

Ashleigh House is committed to being an employer of choice. We do this by offering above award remuneration, flexible working arrangements, great professional development programs, employee support and opportunity to grow your career in Aged Care and Assisted Living.

Job Description: After School hours/weekends.

Assisting with meal service, light cleaning. Offering companionship for residents including walks and activities.

If you are an empathetic, community minded person who is motivated to work with the elderly and vulnerable, then you may wish to consider a career with Ashleigh House.

The successful candidate will require aclear NDIS worker screening check and up to date COVID19 vaccinations prior to commencement.

Applications via www.secvinc.com.au

Senior Regional Engagement Officer –4positions (Gippsland, Barwon South West &Loddon

Location: Various

Mallee x2)

Salary: $103,920 to $125,735 +super.

Position No:50946220,50946221,50946222 and 50946223

Be partofVictoria’sonce-in-a generation energy transition! As the State’s ageing coal-fired powerstations retire in the coming decades,theyare being replaced with renewables. Ourelectricity system mustalsochange to carry energyfrom whereitisgenerated to where it is needed.

Shifting to renewableenergy willdeliver affordable,reliable and secureelectricity. It willalso help us deal with climate change by reducing our emissions.

To achieve these goals, VicGrid is coordinatingthe overarching planning and development of sixrenewableenergy zones(REZ) in Victoria. As partofthis,VicGrid is buildinganew Project Delivery branch to supportthe development and delivery of transmissioninfrastructure projects (ornon-network alternatives)within the REZs

The Senior Regional Engagement Officer –Project Delivery positions areresponsible forimplementing abestpractice strategy andframework for regionalcommunity and stakeholder engagementfor transmission projects being developed in the Gippsland, South West and Murray River REZs.

These positionsare based within the Gippsland,BarwonSouth West and Loddon Mallee regions,with an immediatefocus on locations wheretransmission projects arebeing developed to coordinateoffshorewind, and where the KerangLink interconnector between Victoria and NewSouth Walesisbeing developed. This local approach is designed to enable earlier and deeperengagementwith communities and buildeffectivesocial licence,consistent with the objectives in the Preliminary Victorian Transmission Investment Framework(VTIF).

The Senior Regional Engagement Officer –Project Delivery positions workwithin aregional engagement team to implement tailored engagement strategies for abroad rangeofstakeholders (including local communities andlandholders),build relationships with Traditional Owners, develop collateraltosupport engagement strategies,and liaise with proponents during project delivery to implement the strategiesas required throughout the projectlifecycle.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

•Tertiary qualifications in stakeholder engagement,media, or public relations.

•Strong experience in stakeholder engagement,with experience on complexmajor projects orexperience engaging with regional communities highly valued.

•Experienceindeveloping promotional and communication materials.

•Knowledge of thecommunities and local economies in the Gippsland, Barwon South West andLoddon Mallee regions. There are4 fixed term positionsavailable until30June2025. The work location forthese positions is Gippsland (1), Barwon South West (1) and Loddon Mallee (2) Regions respectively,with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for thesepositions,applicants areencouraged to submitaresume and coverletter (nolonger than 2pages) summarising their skills andrelevant experience.Please reference your desired locationaspartofyour application.

Forthese particular vacancies,priority consideration applies to Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs boardplatform.

Applicationsclose at midnight on Monday,23January 2023.

Forfurther information including the positiondescription,key selection criteria andtoapply visit www.careers.vic.gov.au R30655

2014 SUBARU

Impreza. White hatchback 123,000km. Manual. Excel cond. One female owner. Serviced regularly. $13000 ONO. Ph: 0458 592 394

Caravans

•

JAYCO SWAN

Camper trailer. 2009. Inc annex and accessories. Always garaged, exc cond. $19,000 ONO. Ph: 0406 659 920.

CALDWELL, Alan George. 5/8/1929 -15/1/2023

Passed away peacefully on Sunday January 15 at Ashleigh House, aged 93 years.

Dearly loved husband of Shirley for 65 years.

Adored father of Michael and Cheryl, Mandy and Chris (McMillan), Craig and Ged.

Cherished Pa of Brendan, Natalie, Heidi, Dean, Aaron, Crystal, Trent, Ben, Claudia, Neeve and partners.

Great Grand Pa to Skylah, Alice, Violet, Charles, Zoe, Lenny, Angus, and Stevie.

CAMP, Ronda. Nan, You filled our lives with so much fun, love, laughter and wisdom. We love you, we miss you and we will forever cherish the memories we have made. Rest peacefully, Sarah and Anthony

CONWAY (nee Pratt), Lorraine May. "Lorri" March 30, 1930. Passed January 11, 2023. Loved and loving mother of Lesley, Geoff, and Phil. Wife of Frank (dec.). Grandmother of Emma, Robert, Huw,Susie, Laura, Julia, and Michael. Aloved and cherished friend to many.

HAMLYN

(nee McLachlan), Isobel Margaret 29/6/1922 -13/1/2023 Passed away at Royal Freemasons, Sale. Aged 100 years.

HURLEY, John Daniel of Dargo. 16/12/1938 -8/1/2023

Loved eldest son of Austin and Jessie (both dec.)

Big brother to Bernie (Bombala) and Gladys, Noellie Hodge (Buchan) and Geoff, David (Dargo) and Leonie.

Much loved husband of Joy (nee Laity).

Devoted father, father-inlaw and friend of Jason and Joanne, Jenny and Matt, Chris and Rhonda.

O'DOHERTY, David Browne

Loved son of Blue and Nell /Alan and Nance.

Much loved brother of Brian, Judy (dec.)

Maureen, Ken, Terry (dec.), twin brother of Dennis, and Debbie. Gone to meet his beloved Marg.

R.I.P

We'll always remember you brought us music, laughs, travel and abeautiful extendedfamily

We'll miss sitting around the table sharing stories and what music we're going to "try" and learn next.

You're now reunited with mum. Give her abig hug from all of us. We will miss you. Rest in peace.

Melissa, Darren, Baylee, Payge; Belinda, Zach, and Mason.

CAMP.

The funeral of Mrs Ronda Lillian Camp will leave our Geoff Rossetti Memorial Chapel, 1390 Maffra Road, Sale after aservice commencing at 11am on FRIDAY (January 20, 2023) for the adjoining Sale Lawn Cemetery. For those unable to attend, aYoutube broadcast of the service will take place. Please check our website.

Motoring

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 $17,500. 0417 545 145.

"A life well lived, So sadly missed, Gone to run marathons in the sky, forever in our hearts"

Loved wife of Geoff (dec.). Loving mother and Grandma of Margaret and Dave, David, Colin and Sally, Gayle, Robert, Bryony, Eric, Judy, Stacey, Tegan, Kirby, and Michael.

Loved Great Grandma to all her great grandchildren.

Resting Peacefully

HAMLYN, Isobel. 29/6/1922 -13/1/2023

GRANDMA Passed away peacefully with family by her side.

Loved Grandma of Stacey, Tegan and Matt, Kirby and Brenton, Michael and Erin. Adored old Grandma of Keeley, Max and Grayson. Fondly remembered and missed by all.

Cherished Pa of Daniel and Bianca, Matthew and Ame,Jackie, Josie, Hannah, Jamo, Archie and Hugh.

GreatPaJohn to Savannah, Harley, Logan, Ellie, Colt and Wyatt.

HURLEY,John Daniel. Words are few, thoughts are deep, memories of you are ours to keep. You left us, and yet you stayed, you will walk beside us every day. Today, tomorrow, our whole life through, we will always remember you.

O'DOHERTY, David Browne.

Much loved twin brother of Dennis, brother-in-law to Helen. Proud uncle of Darryn, Liz and Ella Rose; Shane, Erika, Lach and Evie.

Alifetime of memories, we've laughed and cried together. Rest in Peace with your beautiful Marg.

O'DOHERTY, David.

CONWAY (nee Pratt). For funeral arrangements for Mrs Lorraine May "Lorri" Conway please check our website or phone:

CAMP, Ronda Lillian. Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at CGHS Sale on January 14, 2023.

Aged 77. Adored wife of Brian for over 59 years.

Loving mum of Mark, Debbie, Dianne, Joanne, Brett and their partners. Cherished nan of 14 and great nan of 19.

Treasured memories, never to be forgotten.

Loved mother-in-law to Judy and great mate of Jarrod and families of Jason,Rebecca and Joshua. We will miss all the footy banter. Rest easy, you've earned it. Go Hawks Old Grandma, we will miss you.

Love Keeley and Max. XX

HAMLYN, Isobel. Our friend for many years. God bless. John, Wyda and families.

So suddenly you were taken, we could not say goodbye. All we have are memories that will never die. Close to our hearts you will always stay loved and remembered every day. Lots of love forever and always.

Eldest son Jason, wife Joanne, grandchildren Daniel and Bianca, Matt and Ame, great grandchildren Savannah and Harley, Logan, Ellie, Colt and Wyatt.

Loved brother of Ken, brother-in-law to Suzanne and Shirley (dec.). Gone too soon, never got to have our last jam. Gone but never forgotten.

RIP MATE

O'DOHERTY/BROWNE, David.

Loved brother of Deb and brother-in-law of Jim. Uncle of Ben and Ange Emily and Darcy. Stacey and Jeff, Chloe and Lilly and Luke and Tam. You are going to be very missed Dave. Forever in our hearts. Rest easy. XXX.

O'DOHERTY/BROWNE, David.

HAMLYN (nee McLachlan). The funeral service for Mrs Isobel Margaret Hamlyn will be held at Holy TrinityAnglican Church, McFarlane Street, Stratford at 11am TOMORROW (Wednesday, January18, 2023), followed by burial at the Stratford Lawn Cemetery.

Please see our website for livestream details.

Birthdays •

CAMP, Ronda. Mum, Our words can not express how much we love you. We will cherish our many memories; beach holidays, bingo, and our crowded family events. You struggled for so long but now get to rest easily. We love you so much and miss you already.

Love Debbie and Darran

My loving wife, We have been together for 60 years. Iwas looking forward to another 60, but it just wasn't meant to be. All my love, Brian.

CAMP, Ronda.

Loved sister of Gwenda. Sister-in-law of Jim Millar (dec.). Aunty to Kevin, Christeen, Jenny, Linda, Bernadette, and Leonie. Rest in peace.

CAMP, Ronda.

Nan, You showed us strength and the warmth of unconditional love, you will forever be in our hearts.

Rest Peacefully. Corina, Jy, Jax, Oscar and Madelyn.

CAMP, Ronda.

Nan, Your stature might have been small, but your fight and love for all your family was enormous.

Rest easy now, love you forever and always.

Jodie, James, Parker, Nova and Ryder.

HURLEY,John Daniel.

Much loved father of Jenny.

'Your legacy will live on.' Cherished Pa of Jackie, Josie and Jamo Elliott. 'Your bark was worse than your bite'

HURLEY,John Daniel. Rest in peace Dad (Pa John). You may have left our lives, but you will never leave our hearts. In loving memory, -Chris, Rhonda, Hannah, Archie and Hugh.

NASH, Paul Raymond. 4/7/1937 -8/1/2023 Beloved Husband of Joy for 62 years.

Father of Robyn Gras, Raymond, Neil, Julie McInnes, and Morris. Grandpa of 18, and great grandpa of two. Amuch loved gentleman.

Loved brother of Maureen and friend of Marion. Dave, you may be gone but won't be forgotten. Love ya, Maude.

R.I.P.

O'DOHERTY, David. "Browne" Browne,your gentle caring nature always shone through and we will miss you. Give Marg abig hug for us.

Much loved friend of Tony and Annette, Shannon and Jess, BJ and Laura, Max and Julia, Lucy, Harvey and Alfie. Thanks for the music.

HURLEY. The funeral service for Mr John Daniel Hurley will be held at the Dargo Public Hall on FRIDAY (January 20, 2023) commencing at 2pm, followed by burial at the Dargo Cemetery.

Please visit our website for the livestream of John's Service.

SWASBRICK, Barry William. 16/4/1949 -9/1/2023

Late of Dallarnil, Qld. Formerly of Bundalaguah. Father of Kelly, Shane and David.

Loved and loving partner of Karen.

Loving son of Perry and Nell.

Loved brother of Neville (dec.), Gwenda, Peter (dec.), Alby, Maree (dec.), Janine and their partners.

Privately cremated

Keep on truckin' Baz

NASH. Agraveside service for Mr Paul Raymond Nash will be held at the Briagolong Cemetery on SATURDAY (January 21, 2023) at 10.30am. All members of the RSL are respectfully invited to attend.

Please wear colourful clothing.

Please visit our website for the livestream of Paul's service

O'DOHERTY. For funeral arrangements for Mr David Browne O'Doherty please check our website or phone:

CALDWELL. For funeral arrangements for Mr Alan George Caldwell please check our website or phone:

NASH.

Agraveside service for Mr Paul Raymond Nash will be held at the Briagolong Cemetery on SATURDAY (January 21, 2023) at 10.30am.

All members of the RSL are respectfully invited to attend. Please wear colourful clothing. Please visit our website for the livestream of Paul's service

O'DOHERTY.

For funeral arrangements for Mr David Browne O'Doherty please check our website or phone:

LITTLE, Elizabeth (nee Linaker) passed away 9th December 2022.

Don, Kaye, Ken, Graeme and families would like to thank family and friends for their support and love following the passing of Liz, Lizzy, Tots, Mum, Nan, Great Nan. We would especially like to thank Pal, Brad and staff at Semmens Funerals for their guidance and support

Proud captain reflects on watershed victory

LONGFORD stunned the local cricket fraternity on Saturday.

The club triumphed over Stratford by two wickets in Round 10 of the SaleMaffraCricket Association’s First Grade competition.

The win was just their third in three seasons.

Speaking to the Gippsland Times after the match, captain Lachlan Floyd said he was “rapt” with the result.

For him, the result was especially pleasing, and surprising, given that Stratford were the top-ranked team going into the match, while the Lizardsoccupied last spot on the ladder.

“Even though they (Stratford)had a coupleofplayers out, they’vegot so much depth -they’re areally good side,” he said.

“Personally, Ithink they’re the flag favourites.

“To do that -you wouldn’t even dream about it!”

Longford’s victory was secured through the efforts of two players, the first being Andrew Tyson, who took five wickets in the first innings.

In the wordsofFloyd, Tyson“bowled out of his skin”.

CARTER, Jean.

Where you now rest I lovingly place flowers and stop to chat awhile.

Then with aheavy heart I say goodbye until Ivisit you again.

Although it's been 23 years, Imiss you like it was only yesterday.

With love Mum.

Julie.

GLEESON, Jack.

Itreasure the memories we made together. We are always in my thoughts and in my heart. Continue to stay close to me Jack. Love you forever.

Julie.

Hi Pop, Well year five this year Pop, Shahana Year 12 and Aaron continues on with his education. Clancy is on medication and injections now for pain in his hind legs. He is very well looked after and loved. My veggie patch is coming along nicely and the strawberries are yummy.

Ted says to say hello and he has been told I'm getting big now so he can't come to the classroom like he used to.

Say hello to Auntie Margaret and Leigh for me, also all my relatives who are with you now.

Love and hugs. Your mate Jenso.

KENNEDY, Jyden Thomas.

17/8/1997 -18/1/2004.

This year is different Jyden, Pop is with you now to give you abig hug from all of us.

We love and miss you so much.

You left us with wonderful memories that we will cherish forever.

Love Mum, Rick, Brady, Jack, Molly and Nan.

XOXO.

TROUP, Pamela Mavis.

14/07/1942 -17/01/2022

Rememberingyou is easy.Missing you is the heartache that never goes away.

Remembering you one year on. Our love always, Eddie, Elizabeth and family, Anthony and family.

WITTS, Justine Mary.

7/2/1981- 16/1/2004

Jus you are always with us, through the good times and the bad we feel your presence. You are missed every day, will be loved, and cherished forever.

Love Mum, Dad, Libby, Lauren and Phil, Olivia, Henry and Lucy xxx

“It’sshaken up the league, and that’s sort of whatweplanned to do after Christmas…try and upset acouple of teams, and it’s paid off,” Floyd said.

Floyd believes that the Round 10 victory putsthe club in agoodposition for the remainder of the season.

“I think it’s good for us in the terms of… knowing that when we do play our best cricket, we bring our best attitude, we can achieve good things,” Floyd said.

“By no meansdowethink that we’re just going to go out and beat teams every week or gettoo far ahead of ourselveswe’ll be pulled back into line during the week, no doubt;but yeah, (this win) gives us agood bit of confidence that if we do the right things, we will get the reward, whether that’s winning or being really competitive with good sides.”

He singled out praise for British import Jordan Price, who has been apositive influence on the club.

“Jordan’s obviously awealth of knowledge, and he’s just come into our cluband improved all of our juniors out of sight,” Floyd explained.

“He’s just ahugeinfluence on what we’re doing here, so abig thing for him is to (come) back next year and keep driving us forward to be better.”

“Some boys at the other end were toiling away bowlingdot balls for him, and he (Tyson) managed to get the rewards,” Floyd said.

The second player who helped guarantee the win was Jake Wynd, who scored 83 -after running his captain out.

“After (Wynd) burnt me, he had to go get someruns, and he just hit everythingout of the middle,” Floyd explained, smiling.

“It didn’t matter where they pitched it, he was just clearing the fence.

“Whether it was… leg side, off side, long boundary, short boundary, he didn’t care today.

“And when he gets in that mood, he just destroys bowling line-ups.”

Wynd admitted to feeling“prettytired”

after his knock, but was nonetheless pleased with his efforts and that of the team.

“Stratty are areally good side and (have) got alot of depth… had afew (players) out, but it’s awesometoget the win, especially in the heat with ayoung side, and all the young fellas have done really well,” Wynd said.

Thewin comes amid atrying few years forLongford Cricket Club.

Until the weekend, their only victory for the season had come against BoisdaleBriagolong in Round 5.

The result not only took Longford from eighth to seventh on the First XI ladder; it also relegated Stratford -the defending First Grade champions -tosecond place.

Coincidentally, the weekend’s game also served as Wynd’s last for Longford, who is moving to Queensland this week to live with his sister.

Wynd got his start in club cricketat Bundalaguah, earning vice-captaincy of the Under 14 side in 2014, then became captain of the Under 16 side before moving into their First Grade team.

He made the move across to Longford for the 2021/22 season,and has remained there until now.

“They were very successful, Bundy, and coming here (to Longford) was abit more of achallenge, but Ilove it… love achallenge, and it’s such agreat family club,” Wynd said.

“I couldn’t ask for abetter place to play cricket. It’s awesome.”

TomParry

Longfordcaptain LachlanFloyd enjoys awell-earned beer in the Stephenson Park clubrooms following his side’s two-wicket win against Stratford.

Photo: TomParry

Jake Wynd, seen herebowling forLongford earlier in theseason.

Photo: File

Askew

SALE UnitedFootball Club’s 2023 season kicked-off on Sunday, with the Swans travelling to Leongatha for apre-seasonmeet against the Leongatha Football Club Knights.

On the ovalsofMary Mackillop Catholic Regional College, SUFC met Leongatha FC, each side fronting three teams with an Under 18s side the first to welcome the beginning of the 2023 season.

Whileneither team has an Under 18s side throughoutthe standardseason, SUFC in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League and Leongatha FC in the Gippsland Soccer League, played an Under 18 fixture for the practice game.

Sale United took an early lead, dominating play from the first whistle’s blow.

CooperColeman, the 2022seniormen’s best and fairest, senior men’s defender Mace Irvine, reserves players Mitchell Lumis and Luke Wilson, and second division players Tynan Eldred and MilanMitrevski delivered standoutperformances against theKnights.

Former Sale footballerCharlie Cockell,who now plays for Gippsland Football Club, joined the Swans for their match against the Knights on Sunday, also producing astellar performance.

At halftime, Sale led 4-0, returninginthe second half to score another four goals.

Wilson, referred to around the club as Weasley, walked away with ahat-trick plus one, with the youngster scoring his fourthgoal late in the second half, just two minutes after claiming his third.

Second

Thesenior men were next to take the pitch, with theSwans slow off the mark in stark contrast to the last game.

The Knights were awarded acouple of early chances in the game’s opening minutes, ashock reality check shakingthe Swans fromtheir sluggish state.

For amoment, avery composed Sale showed their class, dominating play with fantastic movement from the defensive line through the midfield to their attacking front line.

Marrien van den Heuvel established himself as an influential player early in the game; his movement through the midfield and strategic passing, creating space and opportunities, clearlyindicated his amassed football experience.

Leongatha’s speedy leftwing madea break, tearing down the field as Sale’s Jake Jeong chased behind, nipping at his heels, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Knights player fromfinding alone striker at the top of the goal box.

The Knights player faced Sale goalkeeper Cameron Churchill; both players positioned dead centre betweenthe goals. As Churchillstepped towards the Leongatha striker, he took his shot, missingasitter, much to the reliefofSale

Sale United retaliated quickly, pressing forwards; Ot Kampchongshowed off his fancy footworkinthe midfield, taking on two, three, four players before finding Isaak Jondahl on the right wing.

Jondahl was quick to score, but Sale was yet to make their markonthe scoreboard,anoffside call disallowing the goal.

Leongatha continued to challenge the Swans, taking advantage of Sale’s lack of communication before claiming the game’s first goal.

AnothershocktoSale’s system; the Swans recomposed, earning themselves multiple opportunities to even the score, but were unable to convert.

The Knights’ frontline pace proved adangerous threat, which was cemented by Leonagatha’s second goal.

Just before the break, Jondahl found the back of the net to put Sale on the board; the score 2-1 to Leongatha as teams retired to the change rooms.

The final half of the game saw asignificant lift in energy, physicality and drive as both teams pushed to claim the win.

Aswitch in goalsaw Christopher Kelsey replace Churchill, with the youngster pulling out several breath-taking saves in the final 45 minutes.

Fouls are to be expected as physicality increases; goalkeepers pray they are made outside the box.

Van den Heuvel made abreak down the right side of the field, tracking aclear path toward the goal, only to be unorthodoxly stopped by Leongatha.

Van den Heuvel was awarded apenalty, scoring Sale’s second goal of the game; the score now 2-2.

Amuch more confident-lookingSale followed dan van Heuvel’sequaliser as the Swans exercised some class football.

Coleman, who joined the senior men for the end of the second half, sent afantastic through ball

across the field to Jondahlonthe left wing, adding asecond goal to his game sheet and setting Sale in the lead.

Asecondgoalfromvan den Heuvel minutes before the final whistle’s blow added afourth goal to the scoreboard.

Following aslowstart and the early lead going to the Knights, at 90 minutes, Sale United was in front; the Swans defeated Leongatha 4-2.

Sale United cemented aclean sweepsealing a 6-1 win over Leongatha in the reserves.

Josh Deschepper put away four goals, his third goal astrongearly contender for goal of the year, with the 6’5 man diving headfirst toward the goal as across ball rocketed in from the right wing, colliding perfectly with his forehead and into the back of the white net.

Two goals from Sale’s Tom Dyer added to Sale’s six-goal total.

Sale United senior men’s coach, Anouk Meereboer, said it was great to seethreeteams up-and-running so earlier into pre-season.

“I think the day went prettywell,” Meereboer said, “There are still alot of people away on holidays, but to have three teams going was great to see.

“The main focus of Sunday was to get the legs going, increase the fitness level and start finding your teammates, especially looking at the Under 18s squad who played really well and were able to find each other easily,which is great for the future of Sale.

“The seniors gotbehind, but we’reabletoput some more fight into the game and get back on top.

HOTand humidweather aside, it was aperfect weekend for cricket.

Players in the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association were greeted with the finest pitches seensofar this season -hard surfaces covered with dry grass provided even bounce, serving as an ideal deck for batsmen.

Thunderstorms from the north did threaten to halt play; thankfully, nonedid, with the grey cloudsinsteadskirting the grounds and travelling eastward

Among the four one-dayers in the First Grade competition were two thumpings, one tight contest in Bundalaguah, and one of the biggest upsetsever witnesses in SMCA history.

LongfordvStratford

STEPHENSON Parkpaidwitnesstoaresult nobodysaw coming, as theLizards toppled the premiership favourites.

Stratfordcameinto the gamesanstheir key all-rounders, Jack Tatterson and Jack Rietschel, with the latter’s captaincy duties assumed by Chris Aurisch.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Aurisch andfellow opener Lewis Bolton got Stratford off to ahealthy start, posting 38 runs in the first eight overs.

At this point, everything looked to be going the visitors’way, until adevastating spell from Longford’s Andrew Tyson turned the game on its head.

Tyson took five wickets across his eight overs, three of which were taken across two overs without arun conceded.

By the time he’d finished in the 22nd over, the Redbacks were 5/68.

Dean Devisser, who arrived first drop, managed to survive Tyson’s onslaught and set about resurrecting Stratford’s innings with wicket-keeper Ben Dinning.

The pair amassed 47 runs in their 10 over partnership, ending when Dinning was caught for 25.

Sam Anstee lasted just 10 balls before he too was caught, leaving Devisser and Jake Rietschel -promotedfrom Second Grade in the absence of hisnephew -toconclude the innings.

Rietschel scored aquick 28 runs off 21 balls, providing amuch-needed boost to Stratford’s total, while Devisser was run out on the second-to-last

ball of the innings, two runs shy of ahalf-ton. Set 165 to win, Longfordbegan theirchase formidably, with Jack Heywoodmaking 20 runs in thefirst three overs.

He and Tyson, who also opened the batting, were dismissednot long after, bringing Walt Sutton and Jordan Price to the middle.

In their third-wicket stand, Sutton and Price compiled 38 runs to put the Lizards in avery strong position -bythe 12th over, the scoreboard was reading 2/60.

Then, Longford suffered one of their infamous collapses, losing four batsmen in the space of six overs to find themselves 6/72.

The match was suddenly back in Stratford’s favour.

And then it wasn’t, with Longford’s Jake Wynd launching an almighty fightback with the bat.

Wynd struck five fours and seven sixes over the next 10 overs to put his side back in the contest; by thetimehis wicket fell, the Lizards needed just eightrunsfor victory.

Clint Osborne was the man lucky enough to hit the winning runs, doing so with aglancetofine leg.

Longford won by two wicketswith 11 overs to spare -animpressive effort by anyone’s standards.

In addition to making 83 off 44 balls, Wynd also took twowickets, solidifying his Man of the Match status

The game was also Wynd’s last appearance for the Lizards, as he’ll be making along-planned move to Queensland this week.

With thatinmind, theresult doublyserves as theperfect send-off.

Bundalaguah v Rosedale-Kilmany

NO encounter in Round 10 was closer than that played at ColinWrigglesworthOval, where the home side triumphed with seven balls to spare.

Rosedale-Kilmany won thetossand batted first, yet struggled to capitalise on the perfect conditions -bythe 20 overmark,their score wasan unassuming 2/59.

It wasn’t until Cameron Freshwater arrived at the crease in the 25th over that things started to fire for the Warriors.

Over the next six overs, he and Rohan Diamond added 30 runs before the latter was bowled by Gayashan Munasinghe.

Afterward, Freshwaterforged apartnership with another Diamond, Adam to add afurther 61 runs

to the Warriors’total, their innings concluding at 6/167.

Reaching that score wasn’t easyfor RK’s men, for they contended with clean bowling and great fielding from Bundalaguah -for instance, Steve Spoljarictook two catches of his owndeliveries, keeper Jos Dimarcohad to run forward to collecta sky-high ball, and Kshitiz Sharma’squickreflexes saw him give Rohan Diamond ascare

In reply, Spoljaric and captain Jason Langshaw laid the foundations for Bundy with their 38-run stand, the score sitting at 2/70 by the halfwaypoint.

Nick French was the one who provided spice for Bundy, collaborating with Spoljaric for 73 runs in the fourth wicket.

By the time Spoljaric departed in the 36th over, the Bulls were only 15 runs short of victory.

The late wickets of James Read and Sam Tudor gave the Warriors some hope, but it wasn’t enough to stymie the efforts of French, who hit aboundary to win the game.

In all, French struck 10 boundaries for his score of 59, but it was Spoljaric who once again proved best for the Bullswith 63 runs as batsman and three scalps as bowler.

Freshwater top-scored for RK with 44 not out, while Dylan Rowley and Nathan Hangan claimed two wickets each.

Theresult is asetbackfor the Warriors, albeit onethatshouldn’t trouble them too much. They retain fourth place on the First XI ladder, with a comfortable gap of 13 points between themselves and fifth-placed Bundy.

Collegians vMaffra

ZAC Hurley’s team is back to its winning ways after aconvincing eight-wicket victory at home.

The visiting side, Maffra, opted to bat first at the toss, giving them the opportunitytoadvertisetheir latest opening pair: Ben Sly and Dylan Freitag. Freitag was gone withinfive overs for seven; his captain, Lee Hopkins didn’t fare much better, caught for aduck the very next over.

Sly (18)was next to fall, followedbyBen Harrington (one), Miller Eastham (one again) and Josh Davis(24), alllost within the first 20 overs.

Theseventh-wicket alliance of Jai Allmanand David Griffiths helped to salvage Maffra’s innings, adding 48 runs to the total before the latter was bowled in the 35th over.

Afurther 26 runs were added in the final five overs, for the loss of two batsmen, allowing the Eagles to finish at 9/127.

That target proved acakewalkfor the College boys, who achieved victory in the 27th over of their innings.

Opener Tom Morrison led Collegians’ response, attacking hard and early -inthe seventh over, he hit three consecutive boundaries off the bowling of Freitag.

Morrison finishedhis innings unbeaten on 65, aknock that included a63-runpartnership with brother Charlie during the second wicket.

As for their bowlers, Stuart Anderson and Jake Durnellwerebest, finishing with three wickets each.

The win, coupled with Stratford’s loss, places Collegians on top of the ladder once again.

Sale vBoisdale-Briagolong

ANOTHER straightforward victory was recorded at Sale Oval, where the Swans were too strong for their opponents.

Batting first, Sale looked solid virtually from the outset, scoring at arun aballfor the majority of their innings.

Every man in their top order posted scores of at least 20, Ben Jones doing best with 57 -hebelted 13 runs off aDylan Boltonovertobring up his half-century.

Despitelosing eightwickets,Saleconcludedtheir 40 overs with 210 runs on the board.

Liam Hurst was the pick of Boisdale-Briagolong’s attack with figures of 3/39.

The Saints were slow to reply, scoring at half the rate that was required of them.

Nick Pang, who arrived following the third wicket, was the first batsman to offer resistance, scoring 16 runs off Michael O’Brien’sbowling in the 21stover.

Unfortunately, Pang was lost two overs later, but his efforts did seem to inspire Toby Leeds, who followed suit with asimilarly quick-scoring knock.

In afifth-wicket partnership with Michael Roberts,Leedsmade 25 of the 46 runstooffer some hope to the B-Doubles.

Thathope diminished after eight overs, at which time Leeds was caught.

Just 20 runs were addedfollowing his departure, the Saints all out for 148 in the 37th over.

Roberts carried his batthrough the innings to finish on 57, making him the third Saint to reach ahalf-ton this season.

Sale’s Jones proved bestwiththe ball, taking 5/36 including the final two wickets.

Think fiva-fa and 57 will get Jones the three votes.

FULL SCOREBOARD IN FRIDAY’S PAPER

TomParry

Zoe

division player Luka Harron added two goals to Sale’s total, with Cockell and Coleman each scoring one, bringing the final score to 8-0.

Longford

Cricket Association.