Gippsland Times Tuesday 24 January 2023

WELLINGTON Shire Council is rolling out anew Kindergarten Central Registration Service to streamline the kindergarten registration process for parents and carersthroughout the municipality.

Council will manage the new Wellington Kindergarten Central Registration Service on behalf of participatingkindergartens throughout Wellington Shire.

This new service willsupport all eligible children to access akindergarten place, by providing parents and carers with asimplified registration process for state-government funded kindergarten.

The Kindergarten Central Registration Service will make registering children for kindergarten quick and easy,ensuring the allocation of kindergarten places is always fair and transparent for all

families across the Wellington region. Registrations for children to attend three or four-year-old kindergarten will be open from May 1toJune 30 each year.

While registrationsare closed,families are encouraged to submit an online expression of interest form via council’s website.

Families can expect to be notified the year before their child is due to start three or four-year-old kindergarten.

Expressions of interest are free to completeand can be submitted any time after achild is born. You do not need to wait until your child is kindergarten age to complete aform.

ExpressionsofInterest can be made any time at www.wellington.vic.gov.au/ community/early-years Kindergarten placesare allocated in accordance with criteria mandated

by the Department of Education, and agreed to by participatingkindergarten providers.

Followingsuccessfulregistration, families will be advised of allocation of akindergarten place.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Ian Bye, said that kindergarten was one of the most important experiences for all young children.

“I am proudofthisworkand am thrilled to be announcing that the new Wellington Kindergarten Central Registration Serviceisnow available for families to record their interest in kindergarten for 2024 and beyond,” Cr Bye said.

“We have been hearing from the community forquite some timehow cumbersome the previous process was, and Iamconfidentthat this new service

will be welcomed by local families, and easethe uncertainty that came with kindergarten registrations in previous years.”

Funded three andfour-year-old kindergarten is provided by the state government, and the Wellington municipality has various services available to local families.

Wellington Shire Council does not manage or coordinate kindergarten programs.

In Wellington Shire, kindergarten services are delivered by private and community-based committees of managementand early years managers. This new process is in place to improve the current registration process for parents and carers of children who are entering kindergartenin2024and beyond.

Photo:StefanBradley

Business camp

VICTORIAN young farmers looking to establish along and successful career in the agriculture industry can gain valuable skills through two-day Business Bootcamp events during February.

Agriculture Victoria will offer the two-day bootcamp sessions at SwanHill over February 9and 10, and in Maryborough over February 16 and23.

Participants will be takenthrough profit, loss and cash-flow budgeting, balance sheets and gross margins, risk management, and financial planning and analysis.

Agriculture Victoria Young Farmer project coordinator,Sarah Wallis, said the boot camp would help farmers develop skills to understand and manage business risk, develop abusiness plan to expand their business and connect with other young farmers from their region.

These boot camps are targeting young farmers affected by floods and storms as part of AgricultureVictoria’s technical and decision-making support program. The workshopswill help to build the resilience of young farm businesses and prepare them for the future.

“These fun and interactive bootcamps use aseries of farm case studiesasreal-life examples, providing participants with the skills to help them manage their farm business now, as well as planningfor their business into the future,” Ms Wallis said.

“This is also an opportunity for young and emerging farmers to connect with like-minded and motivated people.”

The boot campswill be deliveredbyPaul Blackshaw, farm business adviser with Meridian Agriculture.

Registrationsare limited, so to book aplace nowfor either boot camp session, register via https://forms.office.com/r/kB8TsC58T6.

For more information visit the Agriculture Victoria’s Young Farmer Business Bootcamps or contact Sarah Wallis, Agriculture Victoria on 0419 571 208 or sarah.wallis@agriculture vic.gov.au.

The Young Farmer Business Bootcamp is coordinated by Agriculture Victoria’s Young Farmer Network in collaboration with the Farm Business Resilience Program.

Hundreds diving into new swimming careers

THOUSANDS of Victorian children will be safer around the water this summer thanks to astate government program creating hundreds of new swim teacher roles.

Minister for Employment, Ben Carroll, visited the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre(MSAC) to see how SWIM,a$3.4million partnership between Jobs Victoria and SWIMCoaches & Teachers Australia, is delivering 280 inclusive employmentopportunities at pools and leisure centres around the state.

“We’re supporting people to gain new qualifications so they can find secure work and help the sectoraddress ashortage of skilledswim teachers,” he said.

“WithVictorians heading to our beaches, rivers,

lakesand pools this summer,thesejobs ensure everyone can safely enjoy the water.”

As well as boosting the number of children learning to swim,the program is giving Victorians looking for work the opportunity to begin anew and fulfilling career.

For 29-year-old Chloe Turner, the program has been lifechanging.

Born with dyspraxia, she had to undergo speech therapy as achild to be able to talk.

Through theprogram, she hasreceived free training and support to become aswim teacher and now works part-time at the Blue Fin Swim School and nearby MSAC in Port Melbourne.

This program complements aseparate $5.7 millionpartnership between the government

and Aquatics and Recreation Victoria, creating 300 roles for swim teachers, lifeguards and other pool staff.

Together,these programs provide 580 Victorians with secure work for 12 months,prioritising people aged18to25, people with adisability,women aged 45 and over, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Participants are paid while they complete preemployment training, including the nationally accredited Swim Australia Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety course, and traininginFirst Aid and CPR.

For more information visit jobs.vic.gov.au or call the Jobs Victoria hotline on 1300 208 575.

Recognising the contributions of our veterans

THE state governmentiscalling for organisations to apply for funding to commemorate the contributions of the veteran communityor improve facilities where veterans and their families gather to connect.

Programs include the Victoria Remembers Program, TheRestoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Program.

Ministerfor Veterans, Natalie Suleyman, encouragesVictorian organisationstoapply for the programmes, emphasising there is still time to submit proposals.

“These programs ensure that the sacrifices of veterans are remembered and understood across our state,through new projects or by restoring important existing memorials,” Ms Suleyman said “Supportisalsoavailable forbuildingprojects that will ensure organisations that serve our veterans havemodern and accessible spaces through which to do so.”

The Victoria Remembers program provides

grants of up to $30,000 for projects that allow Victorians to commemorate the service of veterans or educate about their experiences.

Previous recipientsofthis programinclude Seaworks Foundation, which received funding of more than $11,000in2021tocreate anew exhibition in Williamstown educating visitors about the Navy and how significant the dockyards have been for the local area.

The project included the installation of interactive touch screens and interpretative panels, along with adisplay cabinet for navy ship models, all of which can now be viewed by visitors.

VictorianVeterans Councilchair,GregYorke AM, CSC, said the projects supported by the Victoria Remembersgrant program play an important role in building understanding about the experience of veterans and their families.

The Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour program provide grants of up to $50,000for projectsthat restorecommunity war

memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour.

The City of Ballarat is amongprevious recipients of the program, receiving more than $15,000 in 2022 to restore two memorial avenues of treesknown as an Avenue of Honour -intheir region.

The Veterans Capital Works program provides up to $50,000 for projects that improve buildings and facilities for organisationsdelivering vital services to veterans and their families. These projects may include works to ensure buildings are more energy efficient, modern and accessible.

Applicationsfor thisprogram are assessed by the VictorianVeterans Council,anindependent body that provides advice to the government on issues affecting the community.

Applications close on January 31 across three grant rounds, which are focused on supporting and honouring Victoria’s veteran community.

To learn moreabout theseprograms or apply for agrant, visit vic.gov.au/ grants-support-and-commemorate-veterans.

Morewitnesses to give evidence

Great outlook for ducks, ‘opposition ideological’

COMMENT SaleField andGame

THE Eastern Australian Waterbird Survey (EAWS) is along-running annualsurvey, which is now overseenbythe UniversityofNew South Wales, and 2023 marksthe 41st year of continuous data gathering.

Importantly, the university identifies that: “This long-term data providesthe essential baseline information with which to assess changes and impactsonthe environment, particularly wetlandsand rivers. It also provides the only long-termobjectivedata on waterbird populations in Australia. This has proved particularly relevant in understanding the dynamics of environmental water needs for biodiversity purposes, especially as they relateto waterbirds and wetlands.Changes in waterbird numbers provides atangibleway of indicating andmeasuringchanges in the ecological health of river and wetland systems”.

The EAWS is an important and useful survey, howeverthe survey is not ameasure of waterbird (specifically game duck) abundance.

The survey draws no connection whatsoever between hunting and duck populations.

breeding they are generally scarce as far as being able to be counted from apassing aeroplane.

Anti-hunters though- presumably noneof whom have looked out awindow recently and observed this boom in duck habitat -have seized on their favourite pastime, which is cherrypicking data and scaremongering to push their ideological agenda. They are making claims that the low count numbers are indicative of populationdeclines,and that“only colonial birds are breeding” -again discounted by Kingsford himself, and the survey data which showed the measure of breeding birds (breeding indices) as being the second highest on record.

The RSPCA has even gone so far as to make the ridiculous claim that it is worried that the South Australian floods might have “decimated duck populations”. It seems to be completely unaware thatAustralian ducks float, can fly, are waterproof, and they breed in flood conditions.

REPORTING on the Russell Hill and Carol Clay murder case ahead of its trial was discussedduring Friday’s committal hearing, with the accused’s lawyerputting forward asubmissionfor asuppression order.

Police allege that on Friday, March 20 2020, Caroline Springs man Greg Lynn, 55, killed 75-year-old Russell Hill and 73-year-old Carol Clay. Lynn has been charged with their murders. He denies killing the pair. The five-day committal hearings began last week to determine if there is enough evidence to take the case to acriminaltrial in the Supreme Court.

The application for asuppression order put forward by the accused’s lawyer,DermotDann KC, is believedtobeinrelation to two items of evidence from police interviews, described by him as “potentially game-changing on how the trial will be run by the prosecution”.

The media have been informed that the “order is sought to prevent areal and substantial risk of prejudice to the proper administration of justice”. The prosecution does not oppose the suppression application.

Esso new deal on sea vessel

ESSO Australia has entered an agreement with HelixEnergy Solutionstocharter the Q7000 semisubmersible vessel.

The company’s growing fleet of mobile offshore assets nowincludes Rig 22,the HWT600, andthe DOFSubsea Multi-Purpose Support Vessel and soon the Helix Q7000.

Thelight well intervention vessel will support decommissioning activities in BassStraitfrom the end of 2023.

ExxonMobilAustraliachair, Dylan Pugh, was excited to announce this milestone in Esso Australia’s decommissioning progress.

“The Helix Q7000 is awelcome addition to our extensive fleet of vessels and rigs currently operating across the Gippsland Basin,” Mr Pugh said.

“Itisthe fourth mobile offshore asset we have added to our decommissioningfleet and marks the first time we will be using alightwellintervention vessel for subsea work locally.”

Rig 22 is currently executinga plug and abandonment campaign at Flounder, while the HWT600 rig is finalising plug and abandonment activities at Fortescue before it moves onto its next campaign at Bream.

The Multi-Purpose Support Vessel has completed amarinelifesurvey utilising its remote-operated vehicle equipment, which will be followed by decommissioning activities at Perch and Dolphin monotowers this year.

“We are committed to sourcing the right assets for the work we are completing, given the variety of fields we have operated for over 50 years. Our priority is to remain safe, whilstusing fit for purpose solutionswhich ensure we are meeting our decommissioning requirements,” Mr Pugh concluded.

Magistrate Brett Sonnet said he did not want a delay in the trial, and noted its high profile.

“Justice delayed, justice denied. The alleged murders occurred some time ago. There’s been asignificant delay. It’s in everyone’s interest for the parties that if atrial was to be heard, that it be heard as soon as possible,” he said.

Lawyers acting for some media organisations opposed aspects of the suppression order, telling the court that only parts of an interview with theaccused should be redacted,and the court should “suppress thebareminimumtoachieve its purpose”.

Mr Sonnet adjourned his decision on the applicationuntil the next hearingonthe morning of Monday, January 23. This is aboutthe sametime this newspaper goes to print, with threemore witnesses set to give evidence.

Russell Hill and Carol Clay vanished from theircampsiteinthe Wonnangatta Valleyin March 2020. Other campers found their burnt out campsite.

The human remains found near Dargoin November2021were confirmed by VictoriaPolice to be thatofMsClayand Mr Hill.Lynn was arrested without incident on November 22, 2021.

In fact, the survey’screator and Australian leader in wetlandscience, Dr Richard Kingsford, has previously stated: “The results are equivocal about the role of hunting in determining waterfowl abundance” (1) -meaning that, despite trying, Dr Kingsford has been unable to draw a distinct connection to populationand hunting impacts -leading him to further state that “duck hunting is not amajor conservation issue”. “It may have an impact on alocal area, but overall, migration dilutes out any of these effects.”

Adecrease in the number of duckscounted on the wetlands surveyed does not mean thereare fewer ducks in Australia. It only means there werefewerducksinthe wetlandsthe survey covered (which were limited) -orthat theducks that were in those wetlands could not be seen from an aeroplane flying overhead at more than 160km/h. Thiswouldbeparticularlytrue for ducks sitting on nests.

Dr Kingsford also made observations in his blogsduring the 2022 survey. Comments such as: “Waterbirds are spoilt for choice at the moment in terms of habitat across eastern Australia”; and, “There were relatively few waterbirds across the river red gum forest. But afew pairs of ducks probably indicated breeding, another common observation during this survey.” (2)

The lack of ducks in his count is indicative of a huge amount of available habitat this year that is notinthe survey area -and when ducks are

Ducks respond veryquickly to the ideal conditions created by flooding and spread out across the landscape to make themostofthe abundant food and good nesting habitat.Indry times, they concentrate back onto the waterways and are easiertocount -but this doesn’t mean there are more ducks in droughts than in floods -and the claim only works to destroy any credibility that these anti-hunters may have thought they had.They will literallysay anything to raise concern -without caring if there’s any semblance of truth in it.

The truth is that the last quarter of 2022 and the first month of 2023 have been ideal conditions for ducks in eastern Australia. The Murray-Darling Basin is full to overflowing, and ducks are breeding in numbers rarely seen. Not only will this result in increased duck numbers this year, it has historically been an indicator of greatnumbers of ducksfor several years to come.

Thereisnoscientificreasonfor the callsto end duck hunting in Victoria; the argument is purely ideological.

Peoplewho avoidany meatoranimal products only constitute one per cent of the population (3) -leaving the other 99 per cent of the population to make their own choices on where their meat comes from.

Harvestinga naturally sustainable,renewable, free-range source of meat, which was raised on land otherwise unsuitable for agriculture or food production, and which benefits the wider ecosystem as awhole, seems like the bestchoice to duck hunters.

Stefan Bradley

Acommittalhearing regarding the murder case of Russell Hill andCarol Claywas heardlast Friday. Photo: File

Ahome forAboriginalhealing

PhilipHopkins

IN SouthGippsland, the first steps have been taken in atraditional owner project that has the potential to help transformthe lives of the region’s Aboriginal people and become asymbol of Indigenous culture.

‘Warrigunya’, it’s called. Run by anot-for-profit Indigenous corporation, it aims to provide safe and affordable housing for men exiting prison -akey need identified by Aboriginal people as away for freed inmates to transition back to the community. Recidivism ratesare high in theIndigenous community due to lack of housing, job and opportunities.

Once basic needs are met, the concept is for the men to heal, reconnect with their families and culture, and learn skills to empower them to take anew path in life.

The Aboriginal men in Fulham Correction Centre in Sale, who will use the Warrigunya centre, were consulted and made key decisions about the name of the project and the overalldesign of the building.

Warrigunya is based on self-determination. Akey directorofthe group is Uncle Alan Coe,who in 2019 received two significant awards: the Department of Justice and Community Safety’s Elder of the Year Award, and the Aboriginals Justice Committee’s East Gippsland Elder of the Year Award.

“It is time we as apeople have the opportunity to control ourdestinywithoutthe constructs of misunderstanding and control,” he says.

Over the pasttwo years,localAboriginal and non-Aboriginal volunteers haveput in hundreds of hours,pro bono,onthe project.

One of those is Chris McEvoy, managing director of Radial Timber in Yarram.

“The group was told that they could potentially get agrantfor such aproject, but they needed to get land. No grant allowed for the purchase of land,” he said.

That’s where Mr McEvoy came in.

As an owner of plantations that will eventually be the feedstock for his sawmill, he wasableto split off 20 acres (eighthectares) from his estate for the site of Warrigunya.

“Pre-COVID in 2019, we startedlooking. The first we came to was on the South Gippsland Highway at the cornerofGifford Rd, Darriman. Alan,the elder, as soon as we got there, noticed we had four emus just walk across and come together, kangaroos were jumpingand awedge-tailed eagle was over

head. Mr McEvoy noted, he regarded thoseasa sign.

“No, we won’t look at the other sites,” Uncle Alan said. “The environment is telling us this is where it needs to be.”

“We had our land,” said Mr McEvoy, who gifted the property on a50-year,peppercorn lease -$1a year for 50 years.

Also, the land chosen is at the headwaters of Warrigal River, the site of an infamous massacre in the 19th Century -“aterrible thing, the worst massacre of Aboriginal people in Gippsland”, he said.

“All the people we have spoken to, traditional ownersboth involved in projectand others, all feel that this is apart of the healing process.”

With land in hand, the Warrigunya group was able to secure a$3million grant from Homes Victoria,and achieve allthe necessary permits and approvals, and abuilding contract.

For the design, the traditional inmatesofFulham decidedthatthe house should have the shapeof the pelican Boran,which is themaintotem of the GunaiKurnai people.

NSWbees can shift to Vic

FROM Monday 23 January,beekeepers with Victorianregistered hives have been ableto apply for apermit to move their hives fromNew South Wales (NSW) into Victoria.

In amilestone forthe national varroamite eradication response, there is now national acceptance that the state of NSW is free from the pest, apartfrom those areas within a25km radius of an infected hive.

Acting Chief Plant Health Officer, Dr Stephen Dibley, said this national decision had been madeafterextensive surveillance showing with 99.99 per cent confidence that varroa mite is not present in the NSW ‘blue zone’.

“Victoria welcomes this announcement, and we can nowbegin assessingpermitapplications to move hivesfrom NSWintoVictoria thatwere unable to cross the border prior to the national acceptance of area freedom in NSW’s blue zone,” Dr Dibley said.

“Initially,only Victorianregisteredhives in the blue zonethat can demonstratecompliance with testing and traceability requirementswill be able to be moved.”

In the coming weeks, non-Victorian registered

hives will also be able to apply for apermit to enter Victoria.“While hives in the bluezone are of low risk, Victoria is maintaining acautious and staged approach to welcoming hives from NSW to ensurethat biosecurity risks can be appropriately managed,” Dr Dibley said.

“Therewill also be an increased testing regime required for all hives moving into Victoria.”

It is every beekeeper’s responsibility to ensure they are up to date with current movement requirements before moving their bees and related items.

All movementrequests willbesubject to strict permit conditions and active compliance checks.

Beekeepers are reminded that ahealth certificate must be obtained for all movements of bees, beeproducts and usedfittings(beekeeping equipment) into Victoria.

For more detailed eligibility criteria,information, and applications, visit the permit application page on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Please visit the NSWDepartmentofPrimary Industries website for more information about the area of freedom announcement.

There will be eight self-contained unitshoused under the wings of the pelican-shaped home. There will be enoughspace for16men, two per unit, or even singles, with aminimum of eight people. Thecentralbodywill have an arts and reception area

“The men can catch their breath, have housing for six to 12 months, start to reconnect with society and familiesand with their community, and hopefully help withemployment and any mental health issues, and intergenerationalPTSD problems which run through their psyche like blood runs through their veins,” Mr McEvoy said.

Aworkshop will be set up on site, with woodworking equipment, including woodwork training and areas where people, for example, can paint.

Fast forwardayear-and-a- half -after long delays withbuildingand planning permits, COVID-19, price increases for materials and fire surveys -“the budget they gave was nowhere near sufficient”, Mr McEvoy said. Warrigunya is $1.5 million short to complete the project.

“We finallystarted -the slab is down -but we only have enough money for one wing,” he said.

“We’ve got aone-wing pelican at the moment. “It’s abit of aslap in the face.

“We’ve already spokentothe guys in jail, who almost see it as an insult.”

As Uncle Alan Coe put it: “It’slike building a church without the stain glass windows or altar. Our needsand requirements as per our visionhave

not been met and this is very detrimental for the men we are seeking to help at Warrigunya”.

Alocal builder is using an Indigenous crew doing the groundwork on the car park and the road-making;acrew of Aboriginal workers is doing the fencing.

“The builder is trying to use as much Indigenous labouraswecan for the project,” Mr McEvoy said.

“This is not awhite colonial projectwhere everyoneismakingmoney, we’retrying to get local community involvement. Broadly, unless you get cultural leadership for the whole concept, it is not accepted otherwise.”

Help has come from one ‘neighbour’ -the Star of the South windfarmproject,which has donated money for works.

An operational planfor Warrigunya has been prepared by an experienced Aboriginal project consultant.

“Weknow how it will be run, but that part needs to be financed too. It’s too important aproject not to be funded,” he said.

As a24-hour operation, it will require $1million ayear to run.

“The immediate need is to try and getthe project finishedunder itsoriginal vision. In the middle of nowhere, apelican surrounded by plantations, it willbequite aspectacular thing, something everyone can be proud of.”

More information is available at www.warrigunya.com

Warrigunya under construction.

Photos: Contributed

An artist’s impression of Warrigunya, whichaims to provide safe and affordable housing for Aboriginalmen exiting prison.

bushfireimpact’

Prof KevinTolhurst Prof Jerry Vanclay

SOME ecologists and conservationists, opposed to timber harvesting, are tryingtouse bushfire disastersasalever to stop native forest harvesting, but their case is based on opinion, beliefs and selective science.

A2016study of over 1millionhectares burnt by wildfire in the 2003 fires in Victoria, showed that fire severity across the landscape was driven by weather conditions, slope aspect, fuel levels, atmospheric stability, and the scaleofthe fires. Therewas no discernible impact of timber harvesting on fire severity at the landscape scale.

Scientists suggesting that timber harvesting leads to more severe fires are basing their conclusions on selective, local-scale observations where the only variable being considered is the time since harvesting.This is poor science as it is well establishedthat several factors lead to fire severity

Alandscape scale study of fire severity published in 2014 based on an analysis of over 2million hectares burnt in Victoria in 2003 and 2007, shows that thereisnosignificant difference between fire severity in parks compared with forests (including timber harvesting areas).

Fire severity does change with time aftertimberharvesting (both up and down), but if the whole harvested landscape is considered rather than justisolatedlocal areas, then the conclusion that timber harvesting increasesbushfire risk and severity cannot be supported by the evidence.

Science differs from opinion in that it relies on an objectiveprocedure

informed by ahypothesis confirmed with reliable evidence, often in the form of experimental data. It is not possible to conduct wildfire experiments at alandscapescale, so we rely on opportunistic eventsand trytoaccount for therange of all contributing factors.

Some literature reviews attempt to draw conclusions frompublished reports, but suchreviews can be problematic -firstly because some of the publications cited may only be marginally relevant; and secondly, because reviews may be prone to inadvertent bias (i.e. asearch for “logging and fire” will not locate reportswhere alogging was not followed by afire, or where fire occurred in the absence of logging).

The problem is further compounded whenreviews attempt to synthesise from adiverse rangeofforests which vary greatly in their flammability and their response to disturbance.

These three issues mean that most reviews of possible links between harvesting and flammability are unreliable,and the conclusions drawn may not accurately reflect the evidence.

Science progresses by setting and testing hypotheses. So what factors can guide the formulation of useful hypotheses? Harvesting createsroads, and in some developingcountries these roads enable access for squatters to clear land by burning -but this is notevidentinAustralia,where roads mayassistfire-fighting efforts.

Harvesting creates woody debris, and could contribute to fuel levels in the short term, but the effect is localised and seems unlikely to influence the behaviour of major fires.

Harvesting changes the age structure of aforest, but so too does high severity fires.

Rather than focussing on timber harvesting as acause of severebushfires, we would be better served by looking

at the long-term fire management in forested landscapes in parks, forests and private land.

We should also be looking at the impacts of climate change on increasing fire severity. And we should be looking at how to increase aworkforce withbush skillsand knowledge to manageour forestsand rangelands in aprofessional way.

For decades, the timber industry has provided an important sources of bush skills and knowledge as people’s livelihood has depended on good and sustainable management.

Timber harvesting fromnative eucalypt forests in Australia comes from avery smallpercentage of the landscape: Australia has 101 million ha of native eucalypt forest, of which 5million hectares is zoned for timber harvesting, and 78,000haisharvested in any year (about 0.1 per cent of the total and two per cent of the harvestable area; (https://www.agriculture.

gov.au/abares/forestsaustralia/ australias-forests.)

Harvesting fromthis small area supports asignificant proportion of the bushfire fighting workforce and fire management resources.

Closingdown native forest timber harvesting is likely to have amuch greater impact on increasing bushfire severity and extent across the landscape than the increase in local fire severity claimed by the opponents of timber harvesting.

Aholistic, long-term and professional view of forest and fire management is needed rather than short-termed, single-issue perspectives.

Honorary Associate ProfessorKevin Tolhurst AM, Fire Ecology and Management, University of Melbourne and Professor Jerry Vanclay, Sustainable Forestry, Southern Cross University

Comment

Professor JerryVanclay.Professor Kevin Tolhurst

Photos: Contributed

Meetthe bats

ANEW display in Sale aims to educate people on awidely misunderstoodspecies,the Grey-headed Flying Fox, which has again taken roost around Wellington Shire,including along the shores of Sale’s Lake Guthridge and Lake Guyatt.

The exhibit,whichisnow showingat Nakunbalook Environmental and Cultural Education Centre, next to Seed Community Garden, centres on Australia’s largest native bat andthe crucial role it plays in the healthofthe bush as amajor pollinator.

Between 11am and 1pm each day until Friday February 3, Lynne and Chris from Moonshadow Flying Fox Rescue will be at Nakunbalooktoshare stories and answer any questions.

Afree ‘Meet the Bats’ session will also be held at Nakunbalook on MondayJanuary 23 from 7.30pm Attendees shouldmeet at Nakunbalookfor ashort presentation, followed by ashort walk to Lake Guthridge to see the bats skim the lake to collect water on their fur before heading out to feed for the evening.

Aday session will be held on Wednesday January 25, from 11am. No booking is required for either session.

Bats are foragers and will travel to where food is available,which meansthatthey will likely move on when resources diminish.

Council doesnot have adefinitive time frame for how and when this might occur.

Grey-headed Flying Foxes are protected under the WildlifeAct 1975 as they are anationally threatened species. Penalties apply for harassing or disturbing them. The bats are sensitive to noise, so it is in their best interests to minimise noise when near them.

Grey-headed Flying Foxes pose no risk to humans

when they are flying overhead or roosting. It is very important, however, that flying foxes are not handled because asmall percentage may carry Australian bat lyssavirus or Hendra virus. Neither droppings or urine can spread these viruses, so it is not dangerous to have acolony sited nearby.

If you see abat on the ground or low in trees, this indicates it may need help. Do not touch the bat.Alertawildlifecarerbyphoning Moonshadow FlyingFox Rescue on 0429 930 138 or The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action as the responsible authority on 136 186.

 ABUY,swap and sell market will be held at the Glenmaggie Hall this Saturday (January 28) from 9am until 1pm. Sites available for $20, anything can be sold except take-away food or alcohol. Stall holders to arrive for set up at 8am. Please phone Lee on 0418 108 691 to register and for further information.

 COONGULLA Boat Rally 2023. The annual fundraiser for the Coongulla CFA

will be held this Saturday (January 28), at Wootens Cove, Coongulla.$20 entryper team boat or car, rally theme is rainbow bright and colourful. For details and to register your team join the Facebook page Coongulla Boat Rally. There will be activities, prizes, raffles andfood available.

 MAFFRA Ukulele group led by Julie Bradley will commence on Wednesday, February 8, 2023at9am until 10.30am at the Maffra Band rooms, Function Centre, Maffra Recreation Reserve, 6Maffra NewryRoad, Maffra. This group is for those who enjoy playing their ukulele and have one of their own. For more information please visit www.maffraband.com.

 AROYALChildren’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal Market stall and GarageSale fundraiser will be held on Saturday, January 28, from 8am until 1pm at 14 Nerrigundah Drive, Glenmaggie (entry off Licola Road, opposite Lake Glenmaggie Caravan Parks camping ground. There will be many and various stalls, raffles, asausage sizzle and cold drinks. Everyone mostwelcome.

Grey-headed Flying Foxesatthe Sale Botanic Gardens.

Nakunbalook Exhibition on the Grey-headed Flying Fox.

Chrisand Lynne from MoonshadowFlying FoxRescue and Rehabilitation Centrewith Wellington ShireCouncil’ssustainabilityeducation officer,Sharon Ray. Photos: Contributed

60 years strong

SALE’S newest Diamond Jubilee couple are Mary and Les Jackson, both 84-years-old, who will celebrate 60 years of marriage this Thursday, January 26.

What’s the secret to along happy marriage? For Mr and Mrs Jackson, born the same month in August 1938, it simplyboils down to enjoyingactivities together.

“I believe you’ve got to have shared interests,” Les says.

“We’ve done alot of things. Whether that be playing golf, playing bowls, enjoying travel.

“Or working in the garden. But that’sanexception, because I’m not too keen on that one,” Les laughed.

Mary saidtheywere verylucky to enjoy going out and staying active at their age.

“We did alot of bike riding in the past. We did abikeride through Vietnam, China and Burma,” she said.

“We ran the hospitalbike ride (Central Gippsland Health Bike Ride) for17years, and raisedover $100,000 for the hospital.”

“We lived in Nepal for five months as volunteers... we decided that if we were to do anything in our lives to give back to ahuman being, we’d go there. They’re very gentle people and they care.

“Lestaughtsmall kidscomputer and English skills, and Iworked in the nearby hospital as anurse in Kathmandu.

“And also, we walkedtoEverestbase camp.Welike to travel andhave seen alot of the world. We’ve beenreally lucky.”

Mary and Les have another amazing memory: carrying the 2006

Commonwealth Games baton in Melbourne.

“One of my staff at work recommendedustocarrytheCommonwealth Games baton, and we both did,” Mary said.

“Shejust said she’dput us down, Ithink because of our service in the community and overseas, and Isaid ‘you’ve got to be joking’. Anyhow, we got to do it.”

Les carried the baton and gave it to Mary, who gave it to the priest. There’s aduplicate of the baton in the couple’s home.

Les used to be acarpenter,and then became atradeteacher in atech system. He retired in 1997. ButMary loved beinganurse so much -she kept working until 2009.

Mary was born in the Victorian town of Corryong, and Les in Myrtleford. They first met at adance in Wangaratta, where Mary was doing her general nurse training.

It’s averylong time ago, but Les said he believed the year was 1960, when he was stillliving in Myrtleford.

“We used to play footballatvarious places around the north east(of Victoria). And then we’dusually come back to Wangaratta and go to the dancethatnight. And that’swhere we met,” Les said.

“I went to another dance, achurch dance, during the next week Ithink it was. Itook Mary home from there and was pretty keen on her, ever after.”

Many married couples can recall the momentthe proposal was made and accepted. Les said there was no formal propositionfor the engagement in 1962.Hedoesn’t think thatwas common in Australian culture at the time.

“I didn’t get down on one knee or anythinglike that.Wejusttalked

about getting married,” Les said.

“Mary was in Melbourne doing her midwiferycertificateatthat time. And Iwas down in Melbourne, and we just went and bought the ring from ajeweller.

“Probably cost me afew weeks wages at the time,” Les said with asmile.

Aftergettingengaged in 1962on January 26, the pairwere married exactly one year later on January 26, 1963 at St David’s Church in Albury.

The Jacksons had two kids, Michelle (1966) and Anthony (1975), and three grandchildren. Anthonyworksat Jetstar. Their daughter Michelle made her parents very proud, as she worked hard to get alaw degree with honours from Melbourne University. Tragically, Michelle died in askiing accident in 1995, aged 28.

Mary said it was avery tough time for them as parents,but they had each other to help get through it.

“It was horrible for Anthony, and it was horrible for Michelle’s husband too,” Mary said.

“Michelle was asolicitor. It was one of our joys in life that she got into Melbourne Law School. She became asenior associate very young.”

Les and Marycelebrated January 26 as their anniversary decadesbefore it was officially declared Australia Day in 1994. They will be saving the big party for the weekend, with about 80 peopleatthe Sale BowlsClubs,where Mary is on the executive committee.

Aftermorethan 50 years living in thetown, there’s plenty to reminisce about.

“We only intendedtostayinSale for two years,” Mary said.

“We stayedinSalebecause we loved the area. We loved the mountain and we loved the sea. It was good for the kids to be educated here.

“Someoneaskedwhen Iretired if we were going somewhere else. And Isaidno, because we’ve lived most of our lives here,sowe’llalways be here.”

Les said the sporting facilities in the town have always been great.

“They’ve putalot of money into things like the gym and swimming pool, and sporting fields,” he said.

“We’ve been pleased to live in the Sale communityfor 55 years.”

Mary doesn’tthink the area has changed that much over the five decades.

“It’s stillacountry area.The people are very supportive of one another If you lived in Melbourne... you don’t really get to know your next door neighbour,” she said.

“In acommunity like this, you know

alot of people, or we know alot of people. Ithink we’re really lucky.

“If someone asks you to go somewhere or do something, just do it. I think it’s very important to be part of the community.”

During the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/20, Mary and Les kindly took in fireevacueesinto their home, demonstratingtheir dedicationto community and kindness.

And today, Mary and Les are happy to be involved with the Sale Hospital, Sale Bowls Club, RedCross,Rotary Club and the Ambulance Auxiliary to keep themselves busy.

There will be even more memories to reflect on during theirPlatinum Jubilee in 10 years time.

Progress updateonthe abandonmentplans forEsso Australia’sGudgeon-1 andTerakihi-1 exploration wells in theGippsland Basin

CommunityConsultation Session

As operator of some of Australia’s oldestoil and gas fields Esso Australia is committedto decommissioning our BassStrait offshorefacilities safely and effectively

We have substantial experience in safely and effectively decommissioning facilities toachieve positive outcomes across the globe, and we are excited to be part of Australia’s growing decommissioning industry

As partofour decommissioning activities,EssoAustralia is planning to undertakeoffshorework to plug and abandon (P&A) twoexploration wells,Gudgeon-1 and Terakihi-1,which arelocated approximately 85 kilometres offthe Gippsland coastline in water depths of approximately 300-400 metres

The proposed plan will see P&A well activities undertaken by the Helix Q7000 LightWell Intervention Vessel, which operates naccordance with currentinternational safetyand environmental standard. No seismic activitywill be required.

The wells are notlocated within any established orproposed Commonwealth or State Marine Protected Areas,Crit cal Habitats or Threatened Ecological Communities

It isrecognised thatthe proposed activities will overlap with existing fisheries withthe establishmentofa 500-metre

Petroleum SafetyZone (PSZ) around both Gudgeon-1 and Terakihi-1 subsea wells

This work is imperative to our decommissioning efforts, as it will eliminate the potential risk of lossofhydrocarbon containmentand will remove obstructions and snag points for fishing and futureusers of the sea.

Esso Australiahas evaluated potential impacts and riskstothe marine environmentoccurring from proposed activities.You can read ourcontrol measures in our Exploration Well Plug and Abandonmentbulletin, which can be found here: https:// www.exxonmobil.com.au/-/media/australia/files/energy-andenvironment/upstream-operations/gudgeon-1-and-terakihi1-fact-sheet.pdf

Prior to commencing and throughout our decommissioning activities,wehavecontinued to identify and actively engage with keystakeholders acrossthe Gippsland region. This ongoing consultation has played an essential role in how we align our approach and ensurethe essential work thatweare undertaking meetsthe community’sneeds and expectations

If youwould like to learn moreabout our decommissioning processand the approach we areconsidering forthe plug and abandonment ofGudgeon-1 and Terakihi-1,we welcome you to come along to one of ourtwo communityinformation sessions we arehosting in Sale,Victoria. Please see details below

Session 1 Date Wednesday

February 15,2023, Time: 12pm –1pm

Location TheDrawing Room at TheCriterion (90 Macalister Street,SaleVictoria 3850)

Session 2 Date Wednesday February 15,2023 Time: 5:30pm –6:30pm

Location: The Drawing Room at TheCriterion (90 Macalister Street,SaleVictoria 3850)

Stefan Bradley

Mary and Les Jackson got married on January 26 1963 Photo: Contributed

InauguralGippy Pride Festival

Zoe Askew

GIPPSLAND is hosting its first-ever pride festival, with events well and truly underway.

Gippsland Pride Initiative has officially launched one of Victoria’s largest pride festivals,geographically and logistically, with 21 low and no-cost events for LGBTQIA+ Gippslanders, families and communitiesacross four weeks, six shires and a few thousand kilometres.

TheGippsland Pride Festival was launched at the GippslandPerforming Arts Centre on January 12 by LatrobeCityMayor, Kellie O’Callaghan, who was joined by Latrobe City Crs Dan Clancy and TracieLund,Latrobe CityCitizenofthe Year, Dean Sutton,and Latrobe City youth officer Rebecca Fenton.

“It was my pleasuretoprovide the Mayoral Welcome at the official launch of the Gippsland Pride Festival,” Cr O’Callaghan said.

“Not only is the festival afirst for the region, it is also one of Victoria’s largest pride festivalsrunning across the six Gippsland councils with 21 low or no-cost events being held over four weeks.

“Gippsland Pride Initiative has done awonderful job putting together the festival, and we are looking forward to everything that is on offer over the coming month.”

On Friday, January 13, the Queer Cuisine CommunityDinner at Classique Café in Bairnsdale inaugurated ajammed-packed month of activities as part of Gippsland’s first-ever pride festival.

Queer Cuisine brought together the LGBTQIA+ community of East Gippsland for adelicious multicourse dinner.

GippslandPride Initiativecouldn’thavebeen happier than to start Gippsland Pride Festival with asold-out event.

“The Classique team put on an absolute treat for everyone,” the Gippsland Pride Initiative Initiative wrote on social media.

“Beautiful fresh antipasto and fruit, incredible rice paper rolls with chicken and prawns, and an alternate main of teriyaki chicken and an amazing meat and noodle salad combo that was divine.

“Whata greatway to kick off the Gippsland Pride Festival.”

Events five, six, seven, eight and nine were hosted over the weekend,includingDragKaraoke Bar

withFrockHudson; Rainbow Community Lunchat BaromiPark, MirbooNorth; SplishSplash -Queer Pool Party,Pride Bus to Midsumma Carnival; and Gippsland Pride at Midsumma Carnival.

Midsumma Festival is Victoria’s premier LGBTQIA+cultural festival, bringing together adiverse mix of LGBTQIA+ artists, performers, communities and audiencesfor three weeks of queer events that centre around hidden and mainstream queer culture.

Midsumma Carnival is alandmark full-day outdoor extravaganza dedicated to launching the three-week-long festival,the annualqueer-day-out, to kick off the 23-day Midsumma Festival.

In aGippsland Times article written last year, voices fromGippsland’s LGBTQIA+ community shared thatalackofeducation, representation, medical servicesand support services accentuates feelings of beingstigmatised and unequal.

Pride in our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ strategy 2022-2032 –Victoria’s long-term plan to drive LGBTIQ+equality and combatdiscrimination –was released in February 2022. It committed all parts of the Victorian governmenttomakelaws,

policies and services safer and more inclusive for LGBTIQ+Victorians

The state government has also committed $15 milliontostrengthen the health, wellbeing, and social and economic outcomes of LGBTQIA+ Victorians in the 2022/23 Budget.

Despite taking steps towards equality, systemic discriminationand marginalisationofthe LGBTIQ+ community persist,especially in regional Victoria LGBTIQ+ Victorians face greater levels of discrimination, stigma and exclusion and even more so for Gippsland’s queer community, where much fewer inclusive supports are available.

However, the launch of the inaugural Gippsland Pride Festival is evidence thatthings are changing.

“All the effort, blood, sweat and tears are slowly making achange, andweare feeling renewed hope goinginto 2023,” Gippsland Pride Initiativewrote on social media.

“We know there’s work to do, maybe more importantly than ever, and it begins here -Gippsland’s 1st Pride Festival .”

Cr O’Callagahn said Latrobe City Council was committed to celebrating the contribution of its

LGBTQIA+ community and ensuring their safety in the community.

“We know that celebrating pride events such as thisfestival,along with flying the rainbowflag for IDAHOBIT Day, has adirect impact on the health and wellbeingofour LGBTQIA+ community members,” she said.

“We look forward to working with Gippsland Pride Initiative this year to further this work.”

Gippsland PrideFestivalismakingits way to Sale for aspecial day in the Community Garden.

On Saturday,February 4, from 10.30am until 2.30 pm LGBTQIA+ individuals, Rainbow Families and allies are invited to join in arange of activities at Sale Seed Garden. People can get their hands dirty, enjoy awood-fired pizza lunch, live music, and much more.

This is asecure event, spacesare strictly limited andregistration is required.

All adults are to individually complete the form found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F AIpQLSe2RRAF1ty7P77njEVvFEpfQ7iHOQkd hyyv-lR2mYSf6WM-Vw/viewform

Gippsland Performing Arts Centrehostedthe Gippsland Pride Festival launch.

Photos:Contributed Latrobe City Mayor,KellieO’Callaghan, speaks at theGippslandPride Festival launch.

Powerwalking forgreat cause

ZoeAskew

THIS timelastyear, CallanColeman saidtohimself,“Iwant to do something different”; he wanted to venture outside the limitations of hiscomfortzone. This venture would lead him on a20-kilometre walk from Stratford to Briagolong, raising more than $11,000 for the Black Dog Institute.

“I was goingtodothe run for kids,but awalk, and then COVID was still happening, so Iwasn’t sure if it was going to get canned or not,” Mr Coleman said

“Then Iwas going to do apub crawl from Stratty pub to Briag pub, just on my own; Itold abloke at work what I wanted to do, and he asked what for; I said just for something different, and he said, ‘Why don’t you do it for mental health?’.

“So Icontacted the Black Dog Institute, and it just snowballed from there; it was just awesome.”

Mr Coleman had no intention of recruiting volunteers,donors, or participants in hismental health walkand was shocked by how many people joined him on Saturday, May 14 2022.

More than 100 people joined him for the 20-kilometre venture fromStratford to Briagolong, in addition to roughly 20 volunteers who helped on the day.

“Absolutelyblown away; it was ahuge success,” Mr Coleman said.

“To come up with the idea in my head as to what it was on the day, Ididn’t expect to raise that much money or have all those people there, and it was all different ages,” he said.

“There was this old lady, andwewere trying to keep up with her like we were hammering it; we were walking pretty quick.

“We finisheditinthree and ahalf hours; the only time Istopped was halfway to fill up my camel pack again. We had drink stations every five kilometres; anyone could have started at any of them, so they didn’thave to do the full thing; they could walk, ride, run, whatever they wanted to do.”

Not only was Mr Coleman astounded by the amount of people who accompanied him on the walkbut also by the number of local businesses that donated to his cause.

“Once Ihad the ideainmyhead, it was amatter of trying to find out the public liability, and they said ‘try your Lions Club’, so Stratford Lions Club, I wentthrough them, signed up that day, became amember,” Mr Coleman said.

“Theyknew people for the cars that drive along with flashing lights, they done all that, all they said to me was do your advertising and go from there.

“We sold over $6000 worth of raffle tickets in seven days;Inever planned on selling raffle ticketsatall.I made up flyers to put in people’s shop windows just to get it out and about. The next thing they were handing out vouchers from $20 vouchers for meat trays from butchers to Heath Curtis Gym over in Stratford, who donateda 12-month gym membership valued at over $600.

“Yeah, absolutely blown away; we had more stuff at home than we did at Christmas time; it was crazy.”

Mr Coleman’s employer, Rotafab,gave $1000, Colmac Homes donated $1000,

each walker contributed aminimum of $15, and numerous other local businesses offered their time or products for the day.

“For anyone who wanted to walk, we just said a$15 entry fee, and that was all youhad to do, donate to the Black Dog Institute,” Mr Coleman said.

“But you could do whatever you wanted,like people were donating $100, $300, $500, yeah, it was amazing.”

There were over2,000individual fundraisers hosted for the Black Dog Institute in 2022, including the one organised by Mr Coleman, with all funds raised supporting BlackDog Institute’s mental health research, education programs and support services.

Black Dog Institute is the only Medical Research InstituteinAustralia to investigate mental health; they aim to create amentally healthier world for everyone.

“Together, we can make areal differenceinthe lives of people touched

by mental illness and suicide,” Black Dog Institute spokespersonNatasha McNamara said.

“The Black Dog Institute acknowledges not everyone is getting the help they need and that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

“Therefore, it is important for the BlackDog Institute to continuously investigatehow mental health can be improved so we can ultimately help as many people as possible.

“Through research and evaluation, we try and find new and better ways of doing things.”

A$50 donation to the Black Dog Institute can help facilitate acommunity webinar on the signs and symptoms of mental illness.$100can educate health professionals on the latest researchand clinical evidence, and $500 can empower young peopletomanage their mental health by training one youth presenter to deliver highschool education programs

With $15,000, the Black Dog Insitute can better equip students, teachers, parents and carers to manage their mental health and wellbeing by educating2,400 young people and their families. $50,000 can help health professionals care for more rural Australians by educating 150 health professionalsonthe latestmental health research and clinical evidence.

“At the Black Dog Institute, we carry out research to learn how best to offer mental health support,” Ms McNamara said.

“We then translate that research into programsand services which can help so many people, wherever they are based in Australia.

“There tend to be fewer mental health supportservices in ruraland regional Australiathan there are in major cities -especiallyspecialists, and where there are specialists, the wait times are often long,” she said.

“Using funds raised from people like Mr Coleman, we train community presenters basedinrural communities, so they can help othersintheir own community. They give tips on learning the warning signs to look out for to help each other, toolstohelp start their support journey and show them where to go for further help.

“Mr Coleman walked 20km from his town Stratfordtothe next townover Briagolong going oval to oval. In total, he raised $11,369.

“Mr Coleman is planning to organise an even bigger and better walk for mental health this year.”

This year Mr Coleman aims to double the funds raised in 2022, setting himself atargetof$20,000.

“We have got some bigger and better plans,” Mr Coleman said.

“I wasn’t going to do it again this year, it was just going to be aone-off thing, andthat was it.”

Mr Colemanquickly changed his mind after getting aflood of encouraging feedback and is now finalising the specifics of Cal’s Walk for Mental Health 2023.

“Straight after that day, people were

saying, ‘I’m looking forward to next year’,” Mr Coleman said.

“I putupapostthe other day [January 11] about doing it again this year and all the volunteers [from last year]messaged me straight away, and all these other people messaged me, wanting to help out.

“So, once we know exactly what we are going to do, we will put out flyers so we can start sellingraffle tickets alot earlier, and yeah, there are afew other plans we want to do.

“I’m thinking live music, food vans, like making it afull-day event with jumping castles, face painting and still keeping the walk,” he said.

“The only plan so far is the date, Saturday, May 13, and we will be doing aBBQ; 100 per cent of every snag sold will be going to Black Dog Institute.I was on the phone with food vans, coffee vans, jumping castle and face-painting people last night (Thursday,January 19) and am emailing Briag CricketClub (possible venue).”

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 686 suspected suicide deathswerereported in Victoria between January 1and November 30, 2022.

TheNational Study of Mental Health and Wellbeingconducted in 2021 found thatanestimated1in5Australians aged 16–85 experienced amental disorder in the previous 12 months, and more than2 in 5had experienced amental disorder during their lifetime.

Sixty per cent of these people won’t seek help.

“Mental health is so important,” Mr Coleman said.

“After the walk, Igot allemotional because Ilooked around,and there were all these people there, and Ireckon everyone there had astory.

“I went through abad patch about 10 years ago now, and we’ve lost mates to suicide; just in the last 12 months, all this stuff has happened, and it has given me motivationtojust go crazy this yearand raise money any way possible,” he said.

“It affects everyone; that’s why Ipicked mental health. Icould have done [a fundraiser] for cancer, but you think thatone person has got cancer, which not only affects their own mental health but the mental health of their family and friends.

“It’s unreal how far things have come in thelast10years; theawarenessnow for mental health is just amazing.

“Hopefully, we can keep getting biggerand bigger and continue making a difference in mentalhealth research, education programs and support services.”

ThisAustralia Day, the Wellington Shire Council and Lions Club of Stratford will present Mr Coleman with an award in recognition and honour of his outstanding achievement, raising more than$11,000 for mentalhealth walking 20 kilometres from Stratford to Briagolong.

Interested in participating in this year’s event? Save the date, Saturday, May 13, and keep your eyes peeled for Cal Coleman’s 2023 Walkfor Mental Health flyers online and in local stores.

After raising

for mental health in 2022, CalColeman aims

Black DogInstitute this year by walking 20 kilometresfromStratford to Braigolong.

Photo:Zoe Askew

Cal Coleman at the end of his 20-kilometrewalk from StratfordtoBriagolong. Photo taken at Briagolong Recreation Reserve.

Photo: Contributed

up

THE inaugural Day @The Porteventiscoming to Sale on Saturday, February 4, bringing with it ajam-packedprogram of free, family-friendly entertainment.

The festival-like event will welcome visitors of all ages and abilities for ahugeday of entertainment, culminating in afree performance from popular Melbournefunk band Vaudeville Smash, and The Middle of Everywhere fireworks display at 9.30pm Day @The Portisprimedtobea massive drawcard for Wellington andexpected to bring thousands of visitors fromall throughout Gippsland to the Port of Sale precinct.

The event will include free carnival rides, live music, theatre performances of the popular Wind in the Willows stage show, 15 food trucks,and the popular Art Bar is making acomeback. There will also be interactive play spaces and games, a makers’ market, face painting, movie screenings, and kids’ crafts and activities.

Day @The Port will begin at 10.30am with the first free performance of Wind in the Willows and wrapping up at 9.30pm after 11 hours of wallto-wall action.All activities and entertainment will take place at the Port of Sale precinct in Sale.

Temporary road closures will be in place along Grand Canal Drive in Sale on the day before, and for the duration of the event.

Wellington Shire CouncilMayor Ian Bye said he couldn’t be happier with the community support that has been received for Day @The Port.

“Events like Day @The Port offer afantasticcommunity atmosphere and it is also so wonderful to see peoplecoming together to support our fantastic community facilities,” Cr Bye said.

“This event is agreat example of what can be achievedwiththe community at the forefront of the work we do. The Wedge, Sale library, Gippsland Art Gallery and The Middle of Everywhere have worked hard to plan and launch Day @The Port.

“It is an event that Ihope to see grow from year to year right in the heart of The Middle of Everywhere.”

Visitors will be spoilt for choice with live music from local artists Matt Peter Fry, Erin Billings and Cara Shaefer,Ryan Lestrange, The Soultanas, and Danny Spencer, as well as Melbourne’s Vaudeville Smash.

Festival highlights will include:

 Art Bar (10.30am to 9.30pm) -Apop-up licensed bar located on Grand Canal Drive.

 Amusement rides (midday to 9.30pm)

-Dodgem cars, giant slide, flying wild chair and jumping castles.

 Sale Library (10.30am –9.30pm) -Craft activities, table-top games, wooden boat-making and more.

 Lawn games and face painting (10.30am –9.30pm) -Located on the Borun Tuk Walk between the Port of Sale and The Wedge Performing Arts Centre.

 Port of Sale (2.30pm –9.30pm) -Indoor family and kids movie screenings on the bleachers.

 Free theatre production (10.30am and 3.00pm) -The Australian Shakespeare Company will perform their critically acclaimed theatre show The Wind in the Willows,ashow not to be missed.

 Gippsland Art Gallery (10.30am –9.30pm) -The Gallery will be open all day featuring an artist talk, ‘Talking Kevin Lincoln: aconversation’ at 10.30am.

 Food Trucks (10.30am –9.30pm) -Slinky Spuds, Duarts Catering, Dypsy Gypsy Ice Creams, Grab &Go, Rosedale Thai, Big Bear Donuts, Stay Grounded Coffee, Wun hung lo dumpling, Charlie’s Barbecue, Lalulalang Indonesian street food, 5ive Canarys, Gippsland Jersey, The Mystery Ice Cream Machine and much more.

 Makers Market (10.30am –8.00pm)Windsong Farm, Lotje McDonald Photography, Chris Guthleben, Float for Body &Soul, Soul Stories, Sticks &Stones, Kate Billingsley, Chloe

Hollonds, Debbie May, Jordan Elliott -You and Your Bar, Love in aJar -Rosalie, Sol SistersAishah, Sue Towers, Night Babe -Elle and more still to be announced.

The community is encouraged to come along and enjoy agreat day out which promises something for everyone.

Further information is available via The Wedge website at www.thewedge.com.au.

To stay up to date with all that’s happening at Day @The Port, visit Wellington Shire Council’s Facebook page (facebook.com/wellingtonshirecouncil) and view the event page.

Day @The Port is proudly presented by The Wedge Performing Arts Centre, Gippsland Art Gallery, Sale library andThe Middle of Everywhere.

Leading public health organisations back AMA’s call for sugary drinks levy

THE leading public health organisations engaged with Rethink Sugary Drink are standing in solidarity with the Australian Medical Association (AMA), who has renewed its call for Australia to introduce a health levy on sugary drinks in anew report.

AMA’s Why tax sugary drinks? report highlights that Australia is lagging behind 85 countries and jurisdictions across the globe that already have ahealth levy in place, as well as the evidence which shows the policy can effectively reduce demand for and consumption of sugary drinks.

Craig Sinclair, director of prevention at Cancer Council Victoria, said that introducing alevy on sugary drinks can help improve Australian’s oral health and reduce obesity -amajor risk factor for chronic diseases like Type 2diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.

“Australians drink more than 2.4 billion litres of sugary drinks every year. Ahealth levy on sugary drinks could hit two birds with one stone -itsends aprice signal to consumers that the product is unhealthy while encouraging manufacturers to reduce the amount of sugar packed into their products,” Mr Sinclair said.

“Australian research estimates that a 20 per cent health levy on sugary drinks would result in 16,000 fewer cases of Type 2 diabetes, 4400 fewer cases of heart disease and 1100 fewer cases of stroke over a25-year period.”

In addition to helping prevent chronic disease and promote better oral health, evidence shows that ahealth levy on sugary drinks would also be supported widely by the community.

“Year on year, we see the processed food companies spend millions pushing these sugary drinks onto consumers. They prioritise their profits above the community’s health,” Mr Sinclair said.

“Yet we know more than three in four people (77 per cent) would support asugary

drink levy if funds raised were reinvested into obesity prevention efforts.”

Countries that have successfully implemented the levy abroad include Mexico, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. In Mexico, alevy introduced in 2014 led to a37 per cent reduction inthe number of sugar sweetened beverages purchased in2016.

Alevy introduced in the UK in 2018 led to many brands reformulating the amount of added sugar in their products.

MrSinclair said that in the Australian context, alevy would particularly benefit teenagers and young adults, especially men, who are currently the biggest cohort of sugary drink consumers

“Some young people consume as much as 1.5 litres of sugary drinks per day. This price-sensitive audience would be especially responsive to alevy and their health will be better off in the long-run because of it,” he said.

“With estimates suggesting that a20 per cent health levy could generate $814 million annually, there are clear health and economic benefits that we can no longer ignore.

“It’s awin-win. Government must take action now to protect the health of all Australians.”

Rethink Sugary Drink is apartnership between 20 leading public health organisations across Australia, including Cancer Council Victoria and the Australian Medical Association, who are all committed to tackling the overconsumption of sugary drinks.

Visit www.rethinksugarydrink.org.au for more information, as well as facts, tips and resources to help you or someone you know cut back on theirsugar consumption.

The Port of Saleisexpected to come alivefor theinaugural ‘Day@ The Port’event

Photo: John Morgan

Sale welccomes the show

MEAT Loaf’s landmark 1977 debutrecord Bat Out of Hell is oneofthe best-selling albums in history. Australian rock band Chocolate Starfish have been performing it in full across the country, and are bringing the show to The Wedge in Sale.

The exhilarating show features the full Bat Out Of Hell album, plusclassic songs by songwriter Jim Steinman, then capped off with Chocolate Starfish hits and other surprises. ‘I’d Do Anything for Love (But IWon’t Do That)’ off the Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell record will also be included.

Chocolate Starfish singer Adam Thompson says that in revisiting the full album show, he hopes to sharethe impact the BatOut Of Hellalbum had on him with audiences.

“The firsttimeIheard BatOut Of Hell, Iwas 13 and had little musical influence outside aconservative regional radio station,” he said.

“Bat Out Of Hell songs and Meat Loaf’s voice transported me out of that country isolation and into afantasy world of sonic ear candy Ididn’t know existed. Soaring hook-laden melodies, and adjective-filled lyrics aroundlife,death, girls, cars and motorbikes, was everything atrapped teenaged boy could imagine outside his small world.

“On top of that, each song was an epic of dynamic proportions, and it shaped the theatrical and dynamic way Ilooked at songwriting and performance ever since.”

Mr Thompson said the most difficult aspects of performingsongs from the albumwere its complex arrangements and the vocal range.

“I have to really be on my game with the band to deliver this with integrity because it is such a special album in the hearts of many rock and roll

fans, so it’s important for me to give it the kudos it deserves,” Mr Thompson said.

Mr Thompson said he was looking forward to performing for Gippslandaudiencesonce again, afterpaying tribute to Queen last time.

“I performed Bohemian Rhapsody early 2020 at The Wedge in Sale to asold-out audience, so Iam glad to be back in the Gippsland heartland again, to offer ashow that Iknow willleave alasting memory on all who attend,” he said.

The late Jim Steinman wrote the Bat Out of Hell record and collaborated with the late singer Meat Loaffor decades. Mr Steinman diedin2021,as did Meat Loaf the following year.

Mr Thompson said he was deeply affected by Mr Steinman and Meat Loaf’s deaths.

“Personally it hit me hard when (Meatloaf) passedinparticular,”hesaid.“We hadseveral

physical interactions over the years andthisalbum shaped much of who Ibecame as aperformer so it is like your mentor passing.”

ChocolateStarfish powered on to the Australian music scene in the early 1990s and quickly established themselves as an influential force with their cover of CarlySimon’s “You’reSoVain”,original hit “Mountain” and perennial favourite “Four Letter Word”. With anew album in tow and plenty of fuel in the tank, the ‘Fishshow no signs of slowing down.

The Bat Out Of Hell Tourpromises audiences whatthey knowand loveabout aChocolate Starfish show -pure, unadulterated entertainment…and, as always, afew surprises.

The show is on next Friday, February 3atThe Wedge.

Exhibition coming to Bond Street soon

THE

Barry Dickinsisanartist, teacher, actor, writer and poet hailing from Reservoir. Dickins’ exhibition will include aseries of his

large charcoal works, inspired by his deep interest in the Bronte sisters.

Theworks will be accompanied by video footage of poems read by the artist.

Additionally,his exhibitionwillinclude brilliantly-coloured whimsical gouache works and

large theatrical coloured acrylic on canvas works, plus pen and ink drawings.

Videos will also be shown, which will include Dickins discussing his works in detail. Many of the artworks are for sale.

The exhibition’s openingishappening on Sunday, February 5from 1pm until 5pm.

Entry to the opening is $15, or what you can afford; donations are encouraged.

The Bar will be open, light snacks provided and live background music will be featured.

Once launched, Barry Dickins’exhibition will be open for viewing on the following days: -Monday, February 6toThursday,February 9, 9am to 5pm. -Friday, February10toSaturday, February 11, 12pm to 5pm.

Entry for viewing the exhibition during these hours is $10, or what you can afford.

For more information, please call David on 5182 8770.

The search is on for Charlie

MAFFRA Dramatic Society are busy preparing for their next major musical production, and are currently on the look-out for Charlie.

Afterasell-out season of Mamma Mia!in March 2022, the volunteer-based theatre company is set to perform Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in August 2023.

Based on the classic children’s book, which itselfspawnedtwo successful filmadaptations, this musical adaptation follows the wellknown and beloved story of Charlie Bucket, aboy from apoor family who wants nothing more than achancetowin the experience of alifetime -atour of the mysterious Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

The musical features an original and exciting toe-tapping score, along with some well-known songs from the original film, such as “The Candy Man”, “I’ve Got aGolden Ticket” and “Pure Imagination”.

Director Grantvan Brummelen has expressed his excitement about the upcoming project.

“It’s the story that everyone knows and loves, and it’ssuch afun and charismatic story too,” Mr van Brummelen said.

“There are no normal characters in the show, everycharacteriseccentric and unique in their own special way.

“I really can’t waittostart creating this wonderful world of Willy Wonka.”

The upcoming production will mark the first MDS musicalinrecent years to feature achild in the leading role.

The role of Charlie Bucket will be cast as a boy aged 8to 12, while the remainder of the roleswill be cast to auditionees of any gender from age14and over.

An information night will be held for Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Wednesday, February 1at7pm at the Sale Showgrounds Committee Room (firstleft from Sale Greyhounds Club entrance on Sale-Maffra Road).

Auditions will follow on February 18 and 19. For more information, go to www.maffradramatics.com.au

Stefan Bradley

Chocolate Starfish.

Photo: Martin Philbey

Bond Street Event Centre will be presenting the works of Melbourne-basedBarry Dickinsnext month.

Artist Barry Dickins will have work to see at Bond St next month. Photo: Contributed

Airport upgrade ‘a fantastic result’

fromthe latestround of funding, whichtotals $27.9 million.

BAIRNSDALE Airport is set to benefitfrom a million-dollar improvement to its Air Ambulance service.

The federal governmentannounced on Friday, (January 20) that the facility would receive $1,546,379 as part of the Regional Airports Program.

The funding will go towards the construction of an ambulance patienttransfer facility, plusa dedicated taxiway and apron for Medevac aircraft.

Figures from across the political spectrum have warmly receivedthe announcement, including East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor, Mark Reeves.

“East Gippsland Shire Council is pleased to receive funding to construct an ambulance patient transferfacility at Bairnsdale Airport,” Cr Reeves said.

“It is very important to council,and East Gippsland residents, that emergency services have appropriate facilities to enable them to support our community.

“The patient transfer facility for Air Ambulance Victoria is part of the airport’s masterplan, and will significantly improve the patient experience at Bairnsdale Airport.

“It will provide patient privacy; protection from the weather; and aplace to care for the patient while waiting for the aircraft, particularly when patients condition requires urgentevacuation or deterioration prior to aircraft arrival.”

State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, called the announcement “a fantastic result” for the region.

“My office was more than happy to support the East GippslandShire’s application for this funding, and that was on the basis that our airport here at Bairnsdale has the highest number of fixed-wing aeromedical retrievals in regionalVictoria,”Mr Bull said.

“When this work is done, this facility will ensure that those patients can be treated in… amore private and an undercover area while waiting for their medical transfer from road ambulance to fixed wing.

“So it’s asignificant upgrade, andanimportant one.

“This sortoffacility does go along way to

improving health outcomes for those who need it when emergency situations arise.”

The latest roundoffunding comes after the airport received $9.9 million as part of the Bushfire Recovery Grants Program, also provided by the federal government.

“Ifyou addthis (latest) funding onto the other, it willsee an across-the-board upgrade to theairport, obviously not only for medical patients, but to the airport more generally,” Mr Bull said.

“Hopefully after these significant upgrades,

we’ll be able to landlarger aircraft, and it also opens up in the future for the possibility of having acommercial air service operating in and out of Bairnsdale.”

Establishedin2019bythe previous Coalition government, the Regional AirportsProgram is a competitivegrantsprogram that provides federal fundingfor safety and infrastructureupgrades at aviation facilities across the country.

Bairnsdale Airport is one of 44 airports and aerodromes across regional Australia to benefit

Other Victorian airports to have received funding in the latest round include those at Echuca, Mildura, Nhill,Bacchus Marsh, Edenhope, Maryborough and Bendigo.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that investing in regional airports is critical to supporting theoperational requirements of aeromedical and other emergency services.

“The Regional Airports Program delivers significant benefits for regional aviationand communities, including increasing safety for aircraft, operators and passengers,” Ms King said in astatement.

“These projects are also an investment in the improved delivery of goodsand services, including healthcare and passenger air services.”

Australian Airports Association chief executive, JamesGoodwin, has welcomed thelatest round of funding from the government.

“This is good news for regionalairports andwill go along way to assist them to upgrade much needed airfield infrastructure,” Mr Goodwin said.

But,headdedthatmoreneeds to be doneto help secure the future sustainability of Australia’s regional airport network.

“We lookforward to workingwiththe government to develop new programs to ensure regional and remote communities can continue to have access to essentialservices and be able to stay connected to family and friends through asafe and secure aviation network,” Mr Goodwin said.

Mr Bull indicated his desire for similarprograms to be initiated in the future.

“They obviously make abig difference -programs like this, that service areas of rural and regional Victoria thatare often neglected,are very, very important,” Mr Bull said.

“To get an outcome like this is obviously very pleasing, but it’s very important that we continue to havefunding programs that are specific to areas of rural and regional Victoria, and this Regional Airport Program is one of those.

“We need to makesure that theycontinue because our regions are criticallyimportant to our whole nation’s economy, and we need to look after rural and regionalcommunities equally as well as we look after our city folk.”

TomParry

StateMember for Gippsland East Tim Bull haswelcomed the federal government’s $1.5 million investment to upgrade theBairnsdaleAirport.

Photo:File

Located in the popular Woondella Estate and only ashort drive to Sale’sCBD, this neat, tidy modern home presents agreat opportunity to purchase awell-performing investment property,oralow-maintenance future family home.

Features include:

 Master suite with ensuite and walk-in robe;

 Afurther three good-sized bedrooms with built-in robes;

 Bright and spacious open plan kitchen/ dining and living area;

 Well-equipped kitchen with good bench and cupboard space;

 Modern family bathroom with bath, shower and vanity;

 Secure, low-maintenance backyard, but with the bonus of aplayground and park directly opposite the home, and;

 Double lock-up garage with remote entry and direct access into the rear yard.

This property is currently leased until March 2023, with good rental return.

Semi-rural living simply doesn’t get any better than this, with approximately 2.5 acres enjoying exceptional views of the Gippsland Lakes, Ninety Mile Beach and the Seaspray township.

Ideally situated on the property to take advantage of the rural vista is this architecturally designed homestead of generous proportions.

Comprising anumber of living zones including the substantial open plan living, dining, kitchen area, which incorporates an additional sitting or meals area

and features astriking stone fireplace and extensive windows for an uninterrupted outlook.

Afurther living area is located to the rear of the home and is a versatile space that would be an ideal private rumpus, pool room or even home office.

The master suite also makes the most of the magnificent views and enjoys alarge ensuite and walk-in robe, while the further two bedrooms are generous in size, fitted with built-in robes and share alarge main bathroom with aseparate toilet.

Additional highlights include beautiful, polished timber floors,

feature ceilings, awell-appointed laundry and great storage throughout.

Outdoor living is exceptional, with an expansive and enclosed decked alfresco which leads onto the open deck boasting afull-sized outdoor swim spa, all overlooking the beautifully landscaped gardens.

There is an oversized garage with direct internal access, plus alarge three-bay vehicle/machinery shed providing great storage and two large water tanks. Act now and you can start living your very own country dream.

Ifyou are in the market for aquality townhouse in atop-notch location, then look no further

Privately situated at the back of a four-unit complex in aquiet street and only ashort distance to Sale’sCBD, this well-maintained residence features two large bedrooms -each with built-in-robes, a generously sized, sun-filled living room with adjoining meals area and well-appointed modern kitchen with great cupboard and

bench space.

There’sagood-sized laundry and main bathroom with access from the master bedroom. Further features include split system air conditioner,plentyofstorage throughout and direct internal access from the single lock-up garage

Outside there is aneat and tidy,lowmaintenance courtyard and undercover frontporch.

The property is currently rented for $390 per week to agreat tenant who would love to stay on. We suggest you arrange an inspection of this quality piece of real estate in a fantastic neighbourhood.

Pig owners receive hands-on help

AGRICULTURE Victoria animal health and welfare

staff are providing hands-on help to pig owners to develop an on-farm biosecurity plan. Implementing an effective biosecurity plan is

the key to reducing risks to pig health, including emergency animaldiseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever.

These diseases are not present in Australia.

South-east senior veterinary officer, Dr Dianne Phillips, said abiosecurity plan helps pig owners to identify risks to the health of their pigs and the steps to take to reduce these risks.

“A biosecurity plan is an important toolpig producers can use to reduce the risk of emergency animaldiseases entering their property,” Dr Phillips said.

“A biosecurity plan should address the range of potential disease pathways and highlight areas to improve biosecurity.”

Along with help developing abiosecurity plan, Agriculture Victoriastaff will also undertake free worm testing for pig herds.

While the service is being targeted at people who have asmall or medium-sizedherd,orjustacouple of pigs, the team is keen to hear fromanyone with pigs,including commercial owners.

As partofthe program, staff will visit the propertytoassist pig owners withsettingup their biosecurity planand undertake testingfor roundworm andwhipworm.

Results will be sent to the owner with information about treatments and how to manage worms.

These worms can cause illness and weight loss in pigs.

Pigs are usually infected through other pigs or pig faeces such as off adirty truck or livestock transport. Dirty gear, such as feeders from other pig properties, can also be asource of infection.

Dr Phillips said in large herds where pigs were going to slaughter, the parasite was detected by the abattoirs.

“We’re focussing on smaller herds because they may not have the connection with the abattoirtesting program,” she said.

The testing across the state willhelpAgriculture Victoriagather dataabout the extent of roundworm and whipworm in Victoria’s pig herds.

Agriculture Victoria is also providing support for producers affected by floods and storms.

Farmers who need support should call the Agriculture Victoria Ag Recovery Team on 0427 694 185 or emailrecovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

More information is also available at agriculture. vic.gov.au/floods

To obtain help with developing abiosecurity plan and take part in the free testing,email Dr Phillips at pigbiosecurity@agriculture.vic.gov.au

For more information about the program, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/pigs

AgriFutures grant recipients named

ALICE Bennett from Crystal Brook, South Australia, TheaWalker, (Jardee, Western Australia),Nadine Holgate, (Kialla, Victoria), Emma Goodall, (Clunes,Victoria), Leanne Kruss, (Dimbulah, Queensland),KateWebster, (Muttama, New South Wales) and Sara McCarthy, (Narromine, New SouthWales)have been named recipients of the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant.

Bennett, Brook, Walker, Holgate, Goodall, Kruss, Webster and McCarthysuccessfully pitched their ideas, rangingfrom health chats,value-addice cream and pasturesunder horse grazing,toa braininjurysummit, Australian fibreapparel rental, classroom resources about agriculture, and delivering medication with adrone.

The Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant was launchedin2021,and is designed to foster growth and development in women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities.

Managingdirector of AgriFutures Australia, John Harvey, said the organisation was thrilled to be offering these seven rural women the leadership and development opportunities they need to make real and tangible impacts in their industries and communities.

“The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant is an important programasitprovidesa vehicle for women acrossthe nation to realisetheir

potential. It will nurture the development of new andexciting ideas,and we encouragethe successfulapplicants to apply for the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award in the future,” Mr Harvey said.

Each of the seven women will receive alearningand development bursary of up to $7000 for professional development, to enable them to bring their idea, cause, or vision to life.

Experiencedcommercialagronomist,MsGoodall, is excited that her concept of establishing agronomically sound pastures for the equine industry is now more than adream.

“Being awarded the grant will quite literally ‘accelerate’ the opportunity to pursue an idea that is on the to do list, but until now lacked areal timeline-and fit the cliché of agoalwithout a plan,” Ms Goodall said.

Ice-cream extraordinaire, Ms Walker, has developed asustainable ice-creambyutilising blemished or mis-shaped avocadosfromher family’s avocado farm. Thea aims to turn her ice-cream idea into a commercial business through the grant.

“I aim to expand my business, marketing and networking skillstocreateaproductthat encourages collaboration with farmers, provides an opportunity to reduce food waste,and educates the consumer about the agricultural industry,” Ms Walker explained.

From behindthe counter to the skies, pharmacist Ms McCarthy’s rural drone delivery ideastems from the recent increaseindemand for health services and the lack of accessibility to pharmacy medication for rural communities.

“I am hoping to improve patient health outcomes of our rural families by improving access to medications by increasing convenience, reducing time limitations and eliminate geographical distance and naturaldisastersasbarrierstoaccess,”Ms McCarthy said.

Occupationaltherapist, Ms Holgate, is excited to be asuccessful applicant,asthe grant will help achieve her aim of improving outcomes for rural and regional Australians with abrain injury “Too often there is inequityinhealthcare resources for rural and regional providers compared to metropolitan colleagues.Health providers

like me need to be able to build skills and networks to provide an equitable service to rural clients,” Ms Holgate said.

Ms Webster’s vision was born out of the concerning statistics around children’s lack of knowledge of where their food comes from. Ms Webster aims to provide afulleducational packagewhich is ready to be picked up and used in the classroom with options for students of all ages.

“I hope the program reachesstudentsfrom all walks of lifeand aids in growing the future generations’ understanding of notonly wherefood comes from, but the importance of agriculture as awhole,” Ms Webster said.

Dr Bennett is agastroenterologist, based in the mid-north of South Australia, and looks forward to accessing mentorship to structure her project ‘Hats off for Health Chats’. Theproject is designed to deliver regular, health-related discussions to rural men and women.

“The grant will also aid in the delivery of each of the three pilot events, assisting in creating a relaxed, welcoming and enjoyableatmosphere,” Dr Bennett said.

Staying true to her early Merino roots, Ms Kruss is embarking on asustainable, value-add paddock to podium Australian fibre apparelrental concept.

“I’m hoping to take my identified concept that is designed to support acceleration of consumer adoption of Australian food and fibre and make asignificant contribution to aproblem Ihave identifiedonmyown professional journey,” Ms Kruss said.

With the support of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant, all seven women will be undertaking arange of learning and development opportunities throughout 2023, equipping them with the skillsand knowledge to advance their project from idea to reality.

Applicationsfor the 2024AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant willopenin September 2023.

To find out more about thegrant, visit agrifutures.com.au/acceleration-grant

AgricultureVictoriaanimalhealthand welfare staffare providing hands-on help to pig owners to develop an on-farm biosecurity plan. Photo: Contributed

New chairpersonappointed

CATHY McGowan AO, has been appointed chairpersonofthe AgriFutures Australia Board and has already started in her new role.

The announcementofher appointment was made by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Mr Murray Watt

Ms McGowanisa sixth-generation farmer from north-east Victoria and has held various leadership roles of rural and regional organisations, including as president of Australian Women in Agriculture.

Shewas awarded the Officerofthe Order of Australia in 2004 and was electedand served in the Australian Parliament as the independent Federal Member for Indi from 2013 to 2019.

AgriFutures Australia managing director,John Harvey,welcomed Ms McGowan to the chair role at AgriFutures Australia.

“Ms McGowan joins AgriFutures Australia at an exciting time,” Mr Harvey said.

“We are six months into ournew research and innovation strategic plan and have ajam-packedagenda ahead of us.

“Ms McGowan’s knowledge of agriculture, rural communities, and leadership experience will be invaluable as we commence this next phase of the AgriFutures Australia journey.”

Ms McGowan said she was excited to be joining the organisation and looks forward to working with the board/and team to continue to grow the long-term prosperity and sustainability of Australian rural industries.

“I hope my previous experience and understanding of the agriculture sector will add value to this unique, regionally-based research development corporation,” said Ms

McGowan.

Ms McGowanwillreplace Mrs Kay Hull AO, who served as the AgriFutures Australia chair from 2016 to 2022.

On behalf of AgriFuturesAustralia, Mr Harvey thanked Mrs Hull for her outstanding dedication and service and wished her well in retirement.

“Under the guidance of Mrs Hull, AgriFutures Australia has continually strived to ensure the best possible futureofall ourlevy-payersand other stakeholders,” said Mr Harvey.

“Mrs Hull worked tirelessly, and I thank her for the passion and energy she bought to AgriFutures Australia every single day.”

Furtherinformation about AgriFuturesAustralia is available via the website: https://agrifutures. com.au/

THIRTY-FOUR projects willsharein more than $288,000 in federal funding through the second round of the Strengthening RuralCommunities -Rebuilding Regional Communities (RRC) Program.

The federal government has partnered with Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal(FRRR) to deliver the program,recognising the continuing impacts of COVID-19 on remote, ruraland regional communities.

Under the program,community groups and not-for-profit organisations receive micro-grants of up to $10,000, or larger grants of up to $50,000,todeliver initiatives that benefitregional,rural and remote areas recovering fromthe impacts of COVID-19.

The government has committed $5 million, from 2022 to 2024, to the RRC stream.

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional

Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King, said the government was committed to backing regional, rural and remote communities, which continue to face challenges from the pandemic.

“That’s why we’ve invested $5 million towardsthis vitalprogram, which is alreadysupporting some incredible community-led initiatives that are making areal difference in their regions,” Ms King said.

“I look forward to seeing the benefitsflow from this next round of projects.”

Federal RegionalDevelopment, Local Government and Territories Minister, Kristy McBain, said the investment in FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities program not only helps make community-led projects areality, it supports local jobs and economic stimulus at atimeit’s needed most.

“Previous projectstoreceive funding have included wellbeing workshopsinSouth Australia’s Murray Bridgetosupport communityresilience, establishing anew community nursery and garden in Tasmania’s Queenstown, and mental health programsfor school-aged childreninVictoria’sYarra Ranges,” Ms McBain said.

“These sorts of initiatives deliver remarkable outcomes for their communitieswhile boosting local morale, making for an even bigger impact in the region.”

Afull list of grant recipients and more information about the RRC program, including futurerounds, are availableathttps://frrr.org. au/blog/2023/01/18/rural-groupsawarded-nearly-1-45-million/

Protects crops from Queenslandfruitfly

HOME gardeners are urged to act now to protect fruit andvegetablesfrom Queensland fruit fly (QFF) this summer, and help safeguard Victoria’s valuable horticultural industry.

The wet spring created the perfect breeding conditions for the pest, which is most active now through to May.

AgricultureVictoriaStatewide Fruit Fly coordinator, Cathy Mansfield, said QFF are attracted to ripening fruit and vegetables.

“Maintaining good biosecurity practices starts in your home garden -and it’s vital to limit fruit fly population growth and halt its spread to neighbours, nearby orchards or farms,” Ms Mansfield said.

“The best waytoprotect your fruit and vegetables is to use insect-proof netting during the growing season.”

Continuously flowering vegetable and berry crops should be coveredwhendeveloping fruit are very small.

If you’re unable to net your trees, monitor for fruitfly and use other preventativemethods such as baiting,and insecticides,trapsand removeany unwanted ripe or dropped fruit.

QFFattacks awide range of fruit and vegetables includingtomatoes, apricots,figs, peaches, nectarines, cherries, and berries.

Home gardeners can keep watch for fruit fly sting marks on developing fruit and vegetables -they’re only tiny and easily missed but affected produce can rot from the inside.

Fruit fly maggotsare often found in the centre of produce, ranging in size from, 5to10millimetres long and creamy-white in colour.

If you do find active fruit fly, it’simportant to let neighbouring properties know and encourage people to check their own produce for damage.

“Leaveyour homegrown produce behind if you’re going away this summer to ensure you’re not accidentally bringing QFF into other regions,” Ms Mansfield said.

“Somestates will not allow fruitorvegetables to be taken across state borders so check before you travel.”

For more information, including lists of common host plants, howtocontrol fruit fly in your garden andnetting tips, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/qff

New chairperson of the AgriFutures AustraliaBoard, Cathy McGowan AO.

Photo: Contributed

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister,Catherine King Photo: Contributed

Life-threatening disease spotted

VICTORIANS livingorholidayinginnorthern parts of the state are being warned of acurrent and active risk of contracting Murray Valley encephalitis,following further detections of this virus in trapped mosquitoes in additional locations.

Murray Valley encephalitis has been detected in the local government areasof Loddon, Indigo and Mildura.

This follows detections reported lastweek in Bendigoand Mildura -which were the first detections of Murray Valley encephalitis in more than10years through mosquito surveillance programs.

“While thereare currently no cases in humans, these detections mean there is an imminentrisk to humanhealth, so we are urging people in northern Victoria to take immediate steps to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes,” Victoria’s deputy chief health officer associate Professor Deborah Friedman said.

“Avoid beingoutdoors, especially at dusk and dawn, cover up with light-coloured, long-sleeved, loose-fitting clothing, regularly applyinsectrepellent, and get rid of water that mosquitoes breed in around your home.”

Most peopleinfected withMurray Valley encephalitisdonot havesymptoms, however, in asmall number of people, alife-threatening infection can result.

If symptoms develop, they typically start seven to 12 days after exposure, but mayoccur anywhere from five to 28 days after exposure.

Symptoms includefever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches, yet in rarecases, people can developmeningitis or encephalitis andhavesymptoms of severe headache, neck stiffness, sensitivity to bright lights, drowsiness, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness or coma.

Serious illness can result in death or longterm neurological complications.

There is no vaccine currently available for Murray Valley encephalitis virus.

Additionalinformation about Murray Valley encephalitis and tips on protecting yourself from mosquito-borne diseases are available at https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

Reminder to pool owners

VICTORIANS should make sure their swimming poolorspa is installedbyaregistered building practitioner and has acompliant safety fence, to avoid tragedy this summer.

The Victorian BuildingAuthority (VBA) is reminding homeowners to check that practitioners are registered when looking to install pools and pool fencing.

With arise in unregistered peopleadvertising theirservices through online marketplaces and apps, the VBA’s executive director of regulatory operations,David Brockman, said consumersmust check that the person they are hiring is registered.

In Victoria, all swimming pools capable of holding water more than 300 millimetres deep must have acompliantsafetybarrier to restrict access to the pool area by young children

“Making surea registered building practitioner has installed your pool or pool fence is vital, don’t let just anyone be responsible for the safety of your family,” Mr Brockman said.

“Justone drowning death is too many,and in Victoria in the last two decades, 20 children have drowned in cases where anon-compliant safety barrier has been afactor.”

In Victoria, the design, construction and installationofnew swimmingpools,spasand safety

barriers is subject to strict requirements to maximise safety.

The requirements include being constructed by abuilder registered in an appropriate category or class.

Peopleproposing to install apool will needa building permit before works start. They may also need aplanning permitorother permit, so should checkwith their council about any relevant local laws or any exemptions that may apply.

The safety barriers must include self-latching

and self-closing pool gates. The standards indicate an outdoor pool or spa area must not be directly accessible via abuilding.

“Individuals andfamiliesneedtomakesure they have compliant safety barriers installed this summer,” Mr Brockman said.

“With travel returning to normal following the pandemic,there are increasingnumbers of people congregating in Victorian homes and pool owners must ensure that anyone using their pool can do so safely.”

SinceNovember 2020, Victorians must register their pool or spa with their local council.

The Victoriangovernment extended the deadline for lodging compliance certificatesfor owners who had aswimming pool constructed before November 2020.

For swimming pools constructed afterNovember 2020, the first certificate of barrier compliance must be lodged within 30 days of the date of issue of the certificate.

The VBA has created checklists that owners can use to seeiftheirbarriersmeetthe standards Visitthe VBA website for more information on pool and spa safety.

For more information about water safety, check the KidSafe website.

Make suretoslide on shades this summer

THE Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is calling on the community to ‘slide’ on their shadesasthe country braces for seasonal high temperatures and conditions.

Sunprotection measures are recommended when the Ultraviolet(UV)Index is three and above, but most of mainland Australia is currently experiencing seasonal indexeswithin the ‘extreme’ range of 11-15.

ASO vice president, Associate Professor Dr Ashish Agar, said it comes as no surprise that Australia has some of the highest UV ratings in the world.

“It’s an Australian childhood rite of passage to learn to ‘slip, slop, slap, seek and slide’, especially when the call of summer arrives,” Dr Agar said.

“A very important part of the message often gets overlooked, and that concerns our eye health.”

As an eye surgeon, Dr Bill Glasson sees and treats patients whose repeated or excessive sun exposure has led to seriousconditions such as pinguecula and pterygium, and cataracts, among others.

Although lesscommon, he said Australians should be wary of not only developing melanoma on their skin this summer, but the risks associated with ocular melanoma -the most common form of eye cancer.

“Each year125-150 peoplewillbediagnosed with ocular melanoma around the country,” Dr Glasson said.

This was the case when then 37-year-old mother of two, Susan Vine, booked in to see an optometrist for an assessment for glasses after experiencing frequent headaches.

Ms Vine was immediately referred to Dr Glasson,

who has aspecial interest and expertise in ocular oncology.

Within two weeks of an initial eye test, she had been diagnosed with aform of ocular melanoma and had undergone enucleationsurgery -the complete removal of her affected eye.

Seventeen years on from her diagnosis, Ms Vine has becomeanadvocate for others by establishing an online support group for Australian and New Zealand patients, family, and carers -OcuMel Australia and New Zealand.

The ASOsaidrisk factors to be awareofincluded havingpale or fair complexion, light eye colour, and family history of melanoma.

Dr Agar said the bestmethod of eye health protection was to ensure you and the ones you love ‘slide’ on UV-blocking eyewear this summer and ‘slap’ on broad-brimmed headwear.

Pool safety is in the spotlight Photo: Contributed

MOBILTY SCOOTER

Shoprider.

HORSES WANTED

Ph. Dave 0418 202 202

Wellington Shire Council has impounded two (2) goats, one (1) male, one (1) female, no NLIS or other identification tags, from Mawleys Road, Cobains on 4January 2023.

If not claimed within 7 days from the date of this advertisement, the goats will be offered for sale by tender.

Tenders must be written and as well as the tendered price show all the tenderer's contact details and PIC number and placed in the Tender Box at the Wellington Shire Council offices, 18 Desailly St, Sale by 12 noon Wednesday 25 January 2023.

Forenquiries please contact our Local Laws Department on 1300 366 244.

Garage Sales

SALE

31 Relph Avenue, Sat 28th 8am to 11am. Gen household items.

SALE RACECOURSE

Reserve Committee Of Management.

Notice is given of apublic meeting to be held at the Greenwattle Racecourse, Maffra Rd, Sale, on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, commencing at 5pm.

The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three (3) or more than nine (9) persons as a Committee Of Management for the Sale Racecourse Reserve for aterm of three years.

The current committee's term will expire on March 9, 2023.

All positions will be declared open and nominations will be accepted prior to or at the meeting.

Further information, nomination forms and nominee declaration forms may be obtained from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning or at the meeting.

For further enquiries please contact the Chairman on 0408 132 956.

B.P. Gray, Chairman Sale Racecourse Reserve Com mitt ee of Management.

Public Notices

DRUM /GUITAR

AT HOME TUITION

Fun and patient. Get results. Sale Maffra area. Ph: Mick 0412 941 114

HATHA YOGA

Weekly

resume next week.

apeaceful

Public Notices

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

Advertising ConsultantSales

The Gippsland Times is your local newspaper, distributing our publications throughout the Wellington Shire and beyond.

Aposition has become available for asales consultant in our advertising department. The department is responsible for managing and exceeding set targets set out by management, maintaining astrong client base throughout the local community and through the print and online medium, working to strengthen and promote local businesses.

We are seeking an individual with the following positive attributes:

● Must work as part of ateam.

● Organised and able to work to deadlines.

● Be motivated as well as goal orientated.

● Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

● The ability to work unsupervised. For acopy of the position description, please email Advertising Manager, Matthew Fitzgerald: mfitzgerald@gippslandtimes.com.au or phone 5143 9309.

Applications addressing the positive attributes along with the names and contact details of three referees should be forwarded to:

The Advertising Manager Gippsland Times 74 Macalister Street, Sale 3850

Or via email: mfitzgerald@gippslandtimes.com.au

Applications close 5pm, Friday February 10, 2023.

24 Hunt Place Wurruk /Sale

Employment opportunities for Gate House Officer

Rotafab are seeking hard working &enthusiastic team members for the position of Gate House Officer.

Permanent Part Time positions available. 6.00am -11.00am M-T 5.00am-10.00am Fri

Duties include, but are not limited to: -

● Conducting vehicle/personnel inspections.

● Granting access to authorised staff, visitors, and contractors.

● Maintaining electronic records of access to site.

● Receiving deliveries as appropriate.

Please apply via info@rotafab.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

ENTREPRENEURIAL GRAPHIC DESIGNER

wanted for the middle of everywhere, working in Wellington. The suitable person requires are asound knowledge of Adobe &Quark design programs as well as an understanding of printing processes from offset, wide formatand digital.

If aposition in print communication, working independently and dealing directly with clients and production teams holds interest please email your details to: zig@jamesyeates.com.au

ABEL, Hilary. Our Bingo Buddy/dear friend Hilary.

Memories of laughs and good times shared, we will hold dear May the angels keep you close until we meet again.

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

LEGAL SECRETARY /CONVEYANCING CLERK

We seek adedicated and enthusiastic Legal Secretary/Conveyancing Clerk to join our team.

Required hours can be flexible by agreement, and will be discussed on application.

The Role:

● To liaise with clients and take instructions for conveyancing and general transactions.

● To draw legal documentation.

● Liaise with Financial Institutions, Real Estate Agents and other Law Firms.

● Arrange conveyancing settlements with support as required by aSolicitor.

The successful applicant should ideally possess:

● Experience in conveyancing/law firm (preferred but not essential).

● Excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to work in ateam environment.

● An attention to detail and ability to work to a deadline.

● Experience with PEXA, Microsoft Office and Microsoft Outlook (preferred but not essential).

● Experience with LEAP legal software would be an advantage.

Applications including aletter of introduction and CV should be addressed to our Principal Partner, Ryan Crawford, Crawford &Smart Pty Ltd, PO Box 493, Maffra Vic 3860 Phone 03 5147 3177 or email admin@crawfordsmart.com.au

Applications close: 5pm on February 10th 2023.

Engagements •

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Birthdays

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Love, Helen, Toni and Janette..

Sympathies to Reg, Ethan and family.

ABEL, Hilary.

To our beautiful Hil, Memories of love and friendship are treasures to carry with us forever.

Love always, Pete and Di, Samantha, Troy, Mark and families.

CONWAY (nee Pratt), Lorraine May. 'Lorri' 30/3/1930 -11/1/2023

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, Isobel. The Stratford Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary are saddened by the passing of life member Isobel.

Isobel was always a willing worker and enjoyed the fun times we had.

In her later years she still donated food which was very much appreciated. Agood friend to us all. Our deepest sympathy to Isobel's family.

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 brother of Debbie.

Gone to meet his beloved Marg.

R.I.P

ROBINSON, Roma Joy. 16/05/1952 -19/02/2023

Passed away Peacefully at Ashleigh house.

Dearly loved partner, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.

WRIGGLESWORTH, Neil.

Very much loved brotherin-law to Evelyn and Bruiser.

So many happy memories and so pleased to share your 50th Wedding Anniversary cruising Fiji.

You were one of the most favorite uncles to Jason, Holly, Brendan, Abbey, Nick and families.

Condolences to Marion and family.

Rest peacefully Neil. XXX. Ev and Bruiser.

WRIGGLESWORTH, Neil.

Much loved cousin of Helen and Uncle Neil to Peter, Andrew, Carol and Kay.

Iwill miss your Xmas visits to Seaspray so much Neil.

Our sympathy to all the family.

The Stevos.

WRIGGLESWORTH Neil.

Lifelong friend of the Grant family.

Dear friend of Jenny (Grant), Mick and Grant Hawryluk, Kim, Craig, Ollie and Tom Rowley.

WRIGGLESWORTH, Neil.

VALE Neil Wrigglesworth It is with great sadness we learn of the passing of Neil Wrigglesworth. Neil was held in the highest regard in the Gippsland cricket community across the Gippsland region. Neil was agreat contributor to Gippsland cricket over an extensive period of time, as an administrator, coach and player. Sincere condolences to wife Marion, sons Greg and Trevor and the Wrigglesworth family. Agentleman of cricket RIP.

Gippsland Cricket Region 7Executive and Board. George Munro, President Kristen Webber, Secretary Neil Purdy, Treasurer Andrew McCreery, BCA Russell Mathews, LDCA Wayne Mills, LVDCL Ross McMillan, SMCA Steve Kay, TDCA Michael O'Neill, WDCA

Deaths •

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

Passed away peacefully, his loving family by his side.

Loving and very loved husband of Shirley for 65 years. What will Idowithout you? Rest peacefully now, forever yours. Blossom xx.

Dad, We will miss you dearly, the way your eyes lit up whenever one of the great grandchildren came to see you.

You were aman that fitted so much into his life but your family was your greatest joy.

Hope your legs now carry you first across every finishing line and all your runs are made in warm sunshine.

Love you always Dad. Mick and Cheryl.

You will always be in our memories Pa.

We'll always remember you brought us music, laughs, travel and a beautiful extended family. 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.

O'DOHERTY, David. (Browny)

We will missyour mandolin, your stories and the laughter. From Steve and Julie, Liz and David, and Tom and Sandy.

Devoted mother to Wayne and Rodney, loving mother-in-law to Kate and Nicole, adoring nanny to Shannon, Cassidy, Ashley, Peta and Taya. 2nd nanny to Ashley, Caleb, Courtney and Chelsea.

Now we know why you always told us to be strong. You knew that one day we would need strength to bear your loss.

Mum, You sacrificed so much to make us who we are today and we will be forever grateful. Please continue to guide us from above as you have by our sides through life. How proud we are to have called you mother. Your absence is like the sky, spread over everything. All our love, Wayne, and Rodney xx.

Many great times spent at cricket and badminton always up for alaugh.

Our thoughts are with Marion and the boys and their families at this sad time.

Keep the Bundy Boys Up

WRIGGLESWORTH, Neil.

VALE Neil Wrigglesworth

My Friend

My Captain My Coach My Mentor.

In 1967 Neil, with brother Barrie, initiated the expansion of the club from the existing A-Grade team to the introduction of ajunior team we just played social games that 67-68 season, thus started my cricket journey. Come 68-69 we were in the SMJCA U16 section B, and we had asecond senior team in C-grade.

Neil was secretary of the club then and he simply made things work he was our guiding light.

Neil's efforts forged the way to what the club has achieved and what it is today.

Thank you Neil.

WRIGGLESWORTH, Neil. The Longford Cricket Club (LCC) are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Neil Wrigglesworth. Neil was a gentleman and an outstanding ambassador for local cricket. His influence over local cricket and cricketers extends well beyond his beloved Bundalaguah CC. On behalf of the President, committee and members of the LCC, we pass on our sincere condolences to Marion and Neil's extensive extended local families.

RIP Neil.

WRIGGLESWORTH, Neil.

ABEL (nee Jarvis), Hilary Lynne.

9/3/1947 -15/1/2023

Adored wife of Reg for 53 years.

Loved mother of Michael (dec.).

Cherished grandma of Ethan.

God saw that you were getting tired acure was not to be.

So he put his arms around you and whispered "Come with me"

Brendanand Katie, Natalie and Ben, Heidi and James, Dean and Gautam. Adored Grandpa of Alice, Violet, Charles, Zoe, Lenny and Angus.

Much loved Dad of Mandy and Chris McMillan.

Pa of Azz and Nat, Crystal and Shane, Trent and Amy.

Grandpa of Skylah and Stevie.

Abeautiful Dad who has left us with so many wonderful memories of a life well lived.

Youwill never be forgotten.

In our hearts forever. Sleep peacefully now Dad.

YOUR RACE IS RUN.

Devoted and loved Dad to Craig and Gerardene (Ged).

Dad, you were an inspiration to us all and always there for us.

Whether it was ataxi service for the children, returning the dog when he escaped, mowing lawns or just lending ahand.

O'DOHERTY, David (Brownie).

AMate, atrusted and loyal employee, just a really good bloke gone too soon. Thanks for all the good times Brownie,hope there's aJam session going on up there. Pete and Noreen.

WRIGGLESWORTH, Neil Daryl. 14/3/1939 -17/1/2023

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday 17th January at CGHS Sale. Aged 83.

Dearly loved Husband of Marian for 55 years.

Loving father and fatherin-law of Gregory and Dianne, Trevor and Greer, Jeffrey and Emma.

Much loved Pa of Lachlan and Darci, Megen and Robert; Grace, Abby and Hayden; Laura and Juliet.

Great Old Pa to Spencer and Jimmy.

Alife well lived. Loved by all.

Rest in peace my darling.

WRIGGLESWORTH, Neil

Daryl.

ABEL, Hilary.

Loved sis ter and sister-in-law of Kel and Kaye. Adored aunty of Brodie, Michelle and Scott, Kimberly and Luke. Great aunt of Alex, Eve, Gabby and Ella.

ABEL, Hilary.

Much loved and respected friend of Moira and Ken (dec.) Gibbons. Treasured memories of awonderful lady.

Nothing was ever too much trouble, we will miss the cuppas, the chats and the horse racing reviews, forever in our hearts you will never be forgotten.

Hoo Roo Georgie.

Pa, You filled our lives with love, laughterand wisdom.

May the runs be endless and the tv's locked on the racing channel.

Forever in our hearts.

Ben and Georgia, Claudia and Ed, Neeve and Jordan.

Fond brother and brother-in-law of Barrie and Lorice. Uncle to Ian, Stuart, Emily and Katharine and our 11 granchildren.

Our heartfelt sympathy to Marian and her boys. My brother, my friend, so many memories. Alife well lived.

The pinnacle of achievement for Neil Ibelieve was when in 2014-15 the club won all 4senior SMCA premierships; this was Neil's ultimate goal.

The joy and pride on Neil and Marion's faces that day holding all four premiership cups was priceless.

Iwill miss you Neil, my friend and confidante.

Condolences to Marion, Greg, Trevor and the Wrigglesworth family.

RIP to agentleman and a champion.

Neil Purdy

The Committeeand Players of the Sale Maffra BadmintonAssociation express their sadness at the passing of Neil Wrigglesworth.

Neil was instrumental to the founding of the Association and served as an inaugural committee member, later serving as President of the association between 1969 and 1971. His services were recognised with life membership in 1979. Neil was apremiership player with the Bundalaguah Badminton Cluband served this club in many roles. His generosity of time and friendship will be remembered and appreciated by many. Our sympathies to Marion, Greg, Trevor and families.

WRIGGLESWORTH, Neil.

WRIGGLESWORTH, Neil, Sale Football Netball Club

Past Players and Officials Association mourns the pas sing of Ne il Wrigglesworth, afine Gippsland sportsman. Neil is best remembered at Sale Football Club as a footballer who played in Sale's 1957 and 1958

Seconds premiership teams and the 1959 Senior premiership team. Sincere sympathies to the Wrigglesworth family. Rest in peace Neil.

TheExecutive and Committee of the Sale Maffra Cricket Association are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our esteemed life member Neil Wrigglesworth. Neil had a20+ year senior representative playing career with over 100 matches to his credit. Over more than four decades he held and excelled in many off field roles, including Junior Association President and Vice President, Senior Assoc iation Vice President and general committee member, GCL/ Country Week coach, manager and selector. On behalf of the wider cricketing fraternity, we wish to acknowledge his contribution to the development of cricket in the Sale-Maffra region and pass on our best wishes to his family.

ABEL (nee Jarvis).

The funeral service for Mrs Hilary Lynne Abel will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street Sale at 1pm on MONDAY (January 30, 2023) followed by burial at the Sale Monumental Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Council.

Please see our website for livestream details

BUTCHER, Greg (Bugsy). 29/11/1961 -21/1/2022.

Twelvemonths have passed since we lost you.

We cannot bring the old days back, When we were all together, The family chain has been broken, But we will remember you forever.

Not aday goes by that we don't shed atear, Always wishing you were still here.

We love and miss you so much, Memories will always be shared with love.

PIEFKE, Ted. Affectionately known as Grumps. Passed away 10/12/2022.

Therese and Jon would like to thank all our family, friends, and neighbours for their continued support and love during the passing of Ted. Thank you for all the beautiful flowers and cards with messages that were very touching. Thank you to Letts Funerals for their simple but very touching service, Ted would have approved.

RONALDS, Alishia. 1976 -2022

CONWAY (nee Pratt).

The funeral service for Mrs Lorraine May 'Lorri' Conway will be held at St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral, Cunninghame Street Sale at 1pm NEXT TUESDAY (January 31, 2023) followed by burial at the Heyfield Cemetery at 3.30pm.

Garden flowers only.

Please see our website for livestream details.

Mum and Dad. Geoff and Helen, Pam and Colin, Wayne and Sue and families.

HAHN, Beverley. 15/12/48 -26/1/22 HAHN, David. 19/10/45-28/1/99 Gone but not forgotten, Gone but ever here. No longer living in this world, But always and ever near. Love always and forever. Your daughter, Justeen.

HAHN, Beverley Anne (Bev). 16/12/1948 -26/1/2022

There are not enough words to express our heartfelt thanks for the sympathy, love and support shown to us following the sudden passing of Alishia.

Special thanks to Pal and Brad Semmens for their guidance and support. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. RIP

Gemma, Brody, Callum, Sally, Wendy, Sharon, Kaye, Catherine, Colin and families.

Honour

O'DOHERTY

The funeral service for Mr David Browne O'Doherty will be held at the Sale Baptist Church, Princes Highway Sale at 1pm TOMORROW Wednesday (January 25, 2023) followed by aprivate cremation.

In our hearts, We thought of you today, But that is nothing new, We thought about you yesterday and days before that too. We think of you in silence, we often speak your name. We have so many memories but we wish we still had you. Loved and remembered always. Karyn, Eddy, Tracey, Cheryl, Tanya and families♥

ROBINSON.

For funeral arrangements for Mrs Roma Robinson please check website listed below or contact:

WRIGGLESWORTH.

The funeral service for Mr Neil Daryl Wrigglesworth will be held at the Bundalaguah Cricket Club, 316 Montgomery Road Bundalaguah at 1pm TODAY (Tuesday January 24, 2023) followed by burial at the Stratford Lawn Cemetery.

Please see our website for livestream details.

For friendly advice on how to place a personal message to a loved one or email: classifieds@gippslandtimes com au

Funeral Directors

please call: 5143 9333

Victorious Veterans

GIPPSLAND GippslandGoannas Over 60 cricket team played at Hurlingham Park in Brighton for the Veterans Cricket Victoria match againstthe Bayside Over 60 team on Sunday.

Rino Metlikovec won the toss and decided the Goannas would bat first.

The two Ray’s, Smith and Floyd, again opened the innings, and after their30balls apiecehad retired, for 24 and 25 respectively.

Col Carmody and Ken Bailey were the next two, with Carmody bowled for five when the score was 68 in the 13th over 13.

The skipper then joined KB, but was run out for 11. The score was then 2/109.

Remembering a cricketing great of Bundalaguah

BEFORE the second grade match between Maffra and Rosedale-Kilmany at the Morrison Street Complex last weekend, Iwas given the privilege of saying afew words, culminating in the bestowing of aminutes silence for the passing of Neil Wrigglesworth, alocal (Bundalaguah) cricket stalwart.

What Isaid was, that I’d been umpiring SaleMaffra Cricket Association matches for (at least) thepast 15 years, and on anumberofoccasions in that time had, at the Neil Wrigglesworth Reserve/Col Wrigglesworth (his father’s) Oval at Bundalaguah, the pleasure of interacting with Neil and had foundhim to be agenuine ‘gentle man’. He had agenuine interest in all facets of the game of cricket, including umpiring. That in itself for me, said alot of the man.

Icould elaborate (a lot) on past generations, but just to say that my father had afascination with Neil, his brother Barry and their ‘off spring’ and, as youngsters at Briagolong, myself and my three brothers heard allabout theircricketing exploits -every Monday night!

Ipersonally and if they choose to, on behalf of the current SMCA Umpires Panel, wish to extend to Marion, Greg, Trevor, their families and to the Bundalaguah Cricket Club generally, my and my (deceased fathers), condolences on the passing of Neil. We have lost alegend of the game, at least locally!

If not elsewhere, he will certainly will be missed within the local cricket fraternity and particularlyat the ‘Neil Wrigglesworth Reserve/ColWrigglesworth Oval’ by visiting Clubs and officials of the SMCA.

Bailey retired soon afterfor ahard-hitting40 from 23 balls.

Kevin Lanigan made 20 and Murray Moore 22 (both retired) and Bernie Symonswas the third wicket to fall LBW, for 20 in the 32nd over, to make it 3/182.

Contributions from Neil Meredith, Ian Southall (21) Ian Gibson (16) and Barrie Nunn took the score to 215 in the 38th over, allowingFloyd to return. He made 10 more and was bowled for 35. Smith returned and made two more to be 26 not out at the end of the 40th over, and the Goannas final tally was 7/235.

The Bayside innings started with Southall bowling two maidens, and Ray Smith taking the first wicket in his third over when the score was 23.

Southall took two wickets in his sixth over, as Meredith took overfromSmith, and Nunn also entered the fray.

At drinks,Bayside were 5/78.Meredith took two wickets. Moore replacedhim,and Symons replaced Nunn, and took two wickets in his first two overs to have Bayside reeling at 7/113 after 27 overs.

Bailey (1/12),Floyd, Gibsonand Carmody all bowled and the score reached 8/158 after the 40th over.

Southall (2/12 from six), Smith (1/17 from four),

Meredith (2/16 from six) and Symons (2/6 from six) were the other wicket takers.

Catches were taken by Meredith, Symons (two), Gibson (two), Smith and Metlikovec.

The Goannas Over 50 game against Geelong did not go ahead, and they will play ahome game against the Coburg Over 50 team this Sunday.

The Over 60s play South Gippsland at home, also on Sunday, while the Over 70 team will not play till February 13.

Practicecontinues at Glengarry on Wednesdays from 4.45pm.

Around theSMCA grounds, Sale vs Stratford

RexMurray

Tribute

Ray Floyd during his man-ofthe-match performance for the Gippsland Goannas Photo: Contributed

LachlanChanning top-scored forStratfordwith 48 in alosing effort against Sale at the weekend. Photos:Tom Parry

Ben Jones snapped up two wickets in Sale’swin against Stratford. Sale’s win Stratford

Coenie Nel wasthe herofor Sale once again, taking three wickets and scoring 66. was the hero for again

Salewell-represented at champs

SALE was hot to go, when they had 12 swimmers head off to the Victorian Sprint Championships held at MSAC, Melbourne last weekend.

The weather was hot, the stands were full, the Sale swimmers were focused, as the swimmers were warming up for one very hot day of swimming.

Swimmers were focused and swamvery well, coming home with some fantastic results.

Saturday saw 10 Sale swimmers take to the pool.

All swimmers prepared well leading up to the event.

Just to qualifyisa huge achievement and somethingthatthe club was very proud of. Everyone of these swimmers represented Sale Swimming Club extremely well.

SwimmersincludedAdelaide, Ellie, Lily, Aliesha, Molly, Toby, Zayden and Riley, swimming in the morning sessions. Collectively these eight swimmers swam in atotal of 17 events and amixed relay event. Out of these 17 events, Sale came out of it with agreat 13 personal best times. Almost every swimmer came home swimming at least one PB.

When swimming 50-metre swims, and already having already swam qualifying times, to achieve aPBisahuge achievement.

Session2had Sophie and Maddieswimming 50m freestyle events.Both swam very well and both swam PB times.

Sunday saw Max and Mackenzie swimming in the multi-class swim events.

Max swam well in all four strokes. Max showed some brilliant workfromthe start, having someof

the fastest reaction recorded times fromthe start.

Mackenzie swam in the breaststroke.Mackenzie was very pleasedswimming ahugePB. This resulted in Mackenziebringing home ahugesmile, excitement,and abronzemedal. Congratulations Mackenzie.The reaction when your name was announced was priceless.

This weekend, Sale Swimming Club has 17 swimmers heading are off to Wangaratta to complete in 2023 Victoria LC Country Championships.

Come and try soccer at the Swans

SALE United Football Club is hosting its annual

Come and Try Day on Saturday, February 4. Do you have achild who loves soccer, just can’t get enough of it? Maybe you have achild who participated in SUFC’s2022TwilightSoccer Tournament and has expressed interestinplaying? Or maybe you have achild who doesn’t know what sport they like yet.

SUFC’s Come and Try Day is the perfect opportunity for children aged six to 16, wherever they fall on the spectrum.

Come and Try Day 2023 will begin at 10.30am, with participants divided into age groups before proceeding to one of the various activity areas set up across the Sale United Football Club grounds. Activities at each station will focus on adifferent

skill, withvariantseasilyadaptable to suit all ability levels.

SUFC willhostabarbecue lunch for participants and their families to enjoy from 12pm.

Come and Try Day 2023 is afantastic opportunity for childrenofall ability levels, whether they want to hone their skills under instruction from Sale United’s award-winning coaches, have acrack at anew sport, or make new friends.

To register for Come and Try Day2023, go to https://rb.gy/zi6lfa

For further information, callortextSUFC junior coordinator Laurel Irvine at 0409 144 757, or SUFC coach Paul McGrath at 0410 811 733.

Alternatively, email lozirvine@gmail.com or p.mcgrath2006@yahoo.ie

Sale Golf Club

KylieWatson Sale Swimming Club President

Mackenzie Gibbs with her bronze medal.

Photos: Contributed

Sale Swimming Club’s Mackenzie Gibbs, coach Debbie Taylor and MaxBassett at the Victorian Sprint Championships

Photo: Zoe Askew

From Page 32

AWHISKER, figuratively speaking,isall that separated Rosedaleand Maffra when these two sidesintheir encounter at Rosedale Recreation Reserve.

The Warriors opted to bat first after winning the toss, adecision that paid handsomely -they made 60 runs without loss within the first 17 overs.

Not long after, the tables turned as openers Brandon McDonald and Leigh Freshwater both fell to Maffra’sBen Durrant, leaving RosedaleKilmany at 2/63 just before the drinks break.

Rohan Diamond and BradScott appeared to steadythe innings,making 19 off the nextfive overs.

From there on, things went dramatically south for RK as they suffered an almighty collapse -the subsequent15overs saw eight wickets fallwith just 36 runs added to the Warriors’ total.

Or, to put it another way, one Warrior was lost every four-and-a-half runs.

In those final overs, the most fruitful stand was alast-gasp effort from Dylan Rowley and Michael ‘SOS’ Walters which saw 11 runs made, before Rowley was stumped on the second-to-last ball of the innings.

Maffra’s Josh Davis took three wickets in a dizzying spell; Durrant also finished with three, while Alex Kuizenga and captain Lee Hopkins both collected two.

Set amodest sum of 119 to win, the Eagles only needed to move at three runs an over to do just that.

Alow scoring-rate and the demise of theirtop order put adent in those plans -bythe halfway mark, Maffra were 4/53.

Wicket-keeperNathanHibbins offeredsome relief, building partnerships with Hopkins (15 runs made between them), Davis (26), Ben Harrington (15)and Dylan Freitag (17) before eventually fallinginthe 29th over for 43.

Despite alatefightback from Durrant and David Griffiths, Maffra soon became overwhelmed by their opponents, losing their 10th and final batsman in the 36th over.

The Warriors hadsurvived by aslim margin of 14 runs.

Truetohis nickname, RK’s Walterswas involved in all three dismissals in those dying stages -he caught Allman off the bowling of McDonald, then ran out Durrant and Kuizenga in successive overs.

Nathan Hangan ended the match with 3/11 off hisbowling,while McDonald and Isaac Love both garnered twowickets.

Boisdale-BriagvBundy

KSHITIZ Sharma was the hero for Bundalaguah as they triumphedbysix wicketsinahigh-scoring affair at Briagolong Recreation Reserve.

Batting first, Boisdale-Briagolong lost Michael Roberts early, but soon found rhythm under Steve Noble and Toby Leeds, who compiled 90 runs between them for the second wicket.

Their stand didn’tbreak untilthe 23rd over, when Noble was bowled by Nathan Nikolajew.

Leeds departed two overs later, having slogged five fours and four sixes on his way to 60.

Following Dylan Bolton’s dismissal,another partnership was formed by Nick Pang and Liam Hurst, making 52 runs before the former was caught-and-bowled in the 36th over.

Pang fell agonisingly short of amaiden halfcentury on 49.

Hurst fired in the final moments of the innings, hitting 17 runs off Hamish Anderson’s bowling in the 38th over, before Anderson got his revenge near the end of his spell -Hurst was caught with 33 to his name.

It was one of Anderson’s two scalps for the Bulls; SteveSpoljaric did one better via his 3/25.

The Saints finished their 40 overs at 8/208, their highest total for their season in any format, and

the best first-inningsscore of any First Grade match in Round 11.

Bundy’s men were now taskedwithreaching atally not amassed since their Round 3victory against Sale.

Their chase began reasonablywell, with openers Jason Langshaw and Kyle O’Reilly contributing 35 runsbetween them before both were bowled by Pang.

Spoljaric and Sharma continued from there, adding 66 until Spoljaric was given out LBW.

Sharma continued on, this time with Lachlan Wrigglesworth as his opposite number, the pair making 51 runs.

Wrigglesworth wascaught at the very end of the 30th over; at that point, the scoreboard read 4/162, meaning Bundy were behind the required run-rate needed to win.

Two sixes from Sharma in the following over put the Bulls back in contention; from there, he and TobyO’Reilly steadily worked towardtheir target.

As they did,Sharma moved ever closer to his second century of the season, eventually reaching themilestone with asix in the 36th over.

The ton came off 95 deliveries, aknock that included five fours and six sixes.

In the following over, O’Reilly hit afour to level the scores, then asingle to clinch the victory.

TheBulls’ incredible achievement servedasthe perfect tribute to clubstalwart NeilWrigglesworth, who died last week.

His funeral is being held at the Bundalaguah Cricket Club today.

Collegians vLongford

FOR afleeting moment on Saturday, it looked as though Longford could back-up their surprise win against Stratford in Round 10 by producing another upset, this time at College Oval.

To stress: it was merely fleeting.

Collegians wonthe toss and chose to bat first, only to lose theirtwo best batsmen, Zac Hurley and Tom Morrison in the firstfour overs; then, Adrian Burgiel was gone in the sixth.

CharlieMorrison and Stuart Anderson stemmed the bleeding of wickets, yet only briefly, as the former was caught in the 13th over on 21.

By the end of the 17th over, with Noah Hurley and Tim Dessent having departed cheaply, Collegians were 6/72, undoubtedly shell-shocked.

At this point, it looked as though Longford were overseeing their second consecutive victory against atop-placed side.

Anderson and Nathan Giove soon put an end to that notion, lasting the next 22 overs and making 97 runstoplace their side in amuch stronger position.

The Lizards struck backwith two wickets in the final over, but by then, the damage had already been done.

Collegians ended their 40 oversat8/167, with Giove having contributed 42 and Anderson unbeaten on 54.

Lachlan Floyd snagged three wickets for Longford, while Clint Osborne and Mitch McMaster claimed two each.

In reply, the Lizards lost their two openers for 19 runs, then proceededtocollapseyet again, with all of their remaining batsmen falling for scores of less than 10.

All 10 wicketsfell in the space of just16overs, four of them taken by spinner Jake Durnell, three by Nathan Whitford, and two by Noah Hurley.

Walt Sutton was the only player to survive the onslaught, and Longford’s highest scorer, with 13 runs.

Collegians were very-comfortable winners by a margin of 108 runs.

SMCA SCOREBOARD

FIRST GRADE -ROUND 11

SALE DEF STRATFORD

Stratfordinnings

BDinning cGloverb Jones .........................36

CAurisch cT Dobson bNel 1

DDevisser cMasseyb Sudan ......26

BChanning cT Dobson bRSudan 11

LChanning cJones cNel ......................48

JRietschel bNel ....................................22

HTatterson runout (Glover) 5

EAlbrecht not out 2

SPendergast runout (Nel). 2 ZWaixel bJones 0

SAnstee not out Extras (nb 0, w1,b 0, lb 2) 3

Overs........................................................................40

Total. 9/157(cc)

Sale bowling: GWolmarans 6-0-0-18, CNel 8-2-3-33,T Dobson 3-1-0-10,RSudan8-0-2-24,HGlover7-0-0-22, B Jones 8-0-2-48

Sale innings

MJackson c&b LChanning 9 BJones cBChanning bWaixel 6

DPadula cAurisch bWaixel 6 CNel cBChanning bPendergast .......66

NMassey. cAnstee bRietschel ...............21 MO’Brien bAlbrecht 4 GWolmarans not out .........................................23

MRaidal not out 9 Extras (nb 0, w9,b 0, lb 5) 14 Overs. 38.4

Total. 6/158

Stratford bowling: ZWaixel8-1-2-27, LChanning4-1-1-9, H Tatterson4-0-0-23,JRietschel 8-0-1-26, EAlbrecht 7.4-0-1-39,SPendergast 7-0-1-29

BUNDALAGUAH DEF BOISDALE-BRIAG

Boisdale-Briagolong innings

MRoberts

cH Wrigglesworthb Anderson 8 SNoble bNikolajew. ............................34 TLeeds lbw bSpoljaric ............................60 DBolton. c&b Sharma 8 NPang c&bL Wrigglesworth. .............49 LHurst. cH Wrigglesworthb Anderson ..33 TThreadgold bSpoljaric 2 NSutton. bSpoljaric 1 JOuthart. not out 3 MLobley. not out 1 Extras (nb 1, w6,b 0, lb 2) 9

Overs........................................................................40

Total. 8/208(cc) Bundalaguahbowling:G Munasinghe8-0-0-24,H Anderson6-0-2-36,S Spoljaric 8-0-3-25, KSharma 8-0-1-49,N Nikolajew4-0-1-23,H Wrigglesworth3-0-0-25,L Wrigglesworth3-0-1-24

Bundalaguah innings

JLangshaw. bPang 9 KO’Reilly. bPang .........................................20 SSpoljaric lbw bOuthart. ...........................28 KSharma not out 103 LWrigglesworth.cLeeds bBolton. 19 TO’Reilly. not out 18 Extras (nb 0, w9,b 2, lb 1) 12 Overs. 36.5 Total. 4/209 Boisdale-Briagolong bowling: LHurst 6-0-0-27,N Pang 7-1-245, SMay 6.5-0-0-32,DBolton8-0-1-43,N Sutton6-0-0-41, JOuthart3-0-1-18

COLLEGIANS DEF LONGFORD

Collegians innings

ZHurley. cSuttonbOsborne 8 TMorrison bPrice 5 CMorrison cSingh bMcMaster ...................21 ABurgiel c&bOsborne 10 SAnderson not out .........................................54 NHurley. lbw bFloyd 8 TDessent bMcMaster 0 NGiove cSuttonbFloyd ..........................42 NWhitford. cPrice bFloyd 2 JMalone not out 3 Extras (nb 1, w13, b0,lb0). 14

Overs........................................................................40

Total. 8/167(cc)

Longfordbowling: JPrice 8-0-1-37,C Osborne8-0-2-55, L Floyd 8-1-3-31, MMcMaster 7-0-2-14, LKnight 4-0-0-11, N Singh 5-0-0-19

Longfordinnings

SLucas-Laws bWhitford. 4 JHeywood cZ Hurley

WSutton. not out 13

JPrice bNHurley. 6 SDean bWhitford. 5

LFloyd runout 1 COsborne cDurnell bNHurley. 5 BMcMaster cNHurleybDurnell 2 LKnight cNHulreydDurnell 0 MMcMaster bDurnell 0

WMurray cZ Hurleyb JDurnell 0 Extras (nb 0, w7,b0,lb4). 11 Overs 16 Total. .......................................................................59

Collegiansbowling: NHurley7-2-2-21, NWhitford 5-0-3-24 JDurnell 3-1-4-7,N Giove1-0-0-3

ROSEDALE-KILMANY DEF MAFFRA Rosedale-Kilmany innings

LFreshwater lbw bDurrant ..............................41

BMcDonald bDurrant 18

RDiamond cAllmanbDavis 14 BScott. c&bDurrant 8 ILove. .b Davis 3 JDiamond bDavis 0 CFreshwater c&bKuizenga. 1 ADiamond bKuizenga. 7 DRowley. st Hibbins bHopkins 7 NHangan. c& b Hopkins 2 MWalters not out 7 Extras (nb 0, w10, b0,lb0). 10 Overs 39.5 Total. 118

Maffrabowling:D Freitag 5-1-0-15,JKelly 3-0-0-15, D Griffiths 2-0-0-7,J Allman 4-0-0-18, BDurrant8-2-3-19, J Davis 8-3-3-11, LHopkins6.5-1-2-19,A Kuizenga3-0-2-14

Maffra innings

BSly cScottb Hangan 0 MEastham not out 2

LHopkins cJ Diamond bHangan. 12 NHibbins c&bRowley. ............................43 JDavis lbw bLove. 14

BHarrington cCFreshwater bMcDonald 3 DFreitag lbw bLove. 3

JAllman cWaltersbMcDonald 4

BDurrant runout (Walters). 8 DGriffiths not out 9 AKuizenga. runout (Walters) 0 Extras (nb 0, w3,b0,lb3). 6 Overs. 35.5 Total. 104

Rosedale-Kilmany bowling:N Hangan 8-2-3-11, DRowley 8-0-1-21,B Scott5-1-0-23,I Love 7-1-2-16,BMcDonald 7.5-0-2-30

Second Grade: Bundalaguah7/156(cc) (B Smith 59,N Sellings 40) def Sale 134(LMowat41, EAponso 3/18); Maffra1/69 (H Shingles 27*) def Rosedale-Kilmany67 (W Robinson 3/6, JBeaumont 3/18); Collegians4/135 (N Anderson49*, JMcGuiness41, WMayne 3/13) def Stratford7/133(cc) (JH Rietschel 40*, AMcGuiness 3/20)

ThirdGrade: Heyfield 5/210(cc) (R Smith 116*,W Osborn 2/34) def Maffra9/135(cc) (Z Connolly40, T Birss 2/14,JKeane 2/17); Sale 6/118 (A Jackson 50,N Tourtoulas 2/20)def Wurruk 115(LVan der Velden 29 CYoung27, KArbuthnot 2/14, HSingh2/17); Stratford 2/90 (T Light 27,M Edgar 2/13) defRosedaleKilmany 88(LStuckey 31, NThomas 4/22); Bundalaguah 9/134 (P Brady 35, RWells 3/19) defbyCollegians 1/138 (J Braden 71*, CMalone 51*); Nambrokdef BoisdaleBriagolong viaforfeit; BYE-Longford

Fourth Grade: Longford175 (A Vogt 46, AHeywood 45*, JSullivan 3/15, MFoster 3/44) defCollegians 173 (J Sullivan 50*, LHolmes 3/31);Heyfield 9/166(cc) (R Winter 61*) def Bundalaguah Yaks 6/142(cc) (A Day 50*, MVan Ekeren 4/25); Maffra 6/174(cc) (B Lanigan 50*, RWhelan 38, WSmith3/34) def Rosedale-Kilmany 9/171 (D Ross 45,CKelly3/19); Wurruk Toads 5/132 (M Carstairs33*, JWestland 32*, LMassey 3/23) def Wurruk Windies 130(BVan derVelden53*, DWestland 3/5, JWestland 3/14); Sale White5/167 (R Coulthard50, LBates 40*) def Stratford4/166(cc) (R Cusack2/12);

BYE-Bundalaguah Bulls

SaputoWomen’sMidweek T20 (playedJanuary17): Bundalaguah 5/92(cc) (K Robinson 25, GWrigglesworth 22*, AMurtagh 2/16) def Collegians 8/35 (T Hall 18, GWrigglesworth2/5); Longford4/76(SGuthrie 25, D Ahern19*, KNoble 3/13) def Stratford6/74(cc) (K Noble 28*, CWalker 2/4); Rosedale-Kilmanydef by Sale via forfeit.

Sale’sGarreth Wolmarans lunges for the ball to stop aboundary.

Photo: TomParry

Sun smart Seaspray

SEASPRAY

Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, has helped with alesson about sun protection by generously donating white broad-brimmed hats for the club’s 130 young members.

Nippers is an inclusive beach education program for children aged between five and 14 thatintroducesparticipants to surflife saving

It caters for all levels of experience and ability with afocus on fun, getting involved and safety.

Seaspray is one of 57 clubs to successfully run the Nippers program for more than 10,000 participants across Victoria.

The Nippersseason at Seaspraywinds up at the end of January, just before the young participants return to learning in aclassroom.

Pictured showingoff their new hats with Darren Chester are Harvey O’Brien, Fletcher McWhirter (front), Darcy Langshaw,Lottie McWhirter (front), Milly O’Brien (back), Annie Van Berkel and Pippa Langshaw.

Swans close gap in the race to ahomefinal

theRedbackstoset atotal on whatlooked to be an ideal batting pitch.

IF only it were possible to be in four places at once.

Were that the case,you would have witnessed four gripping First Gradecontests in the SaleMaffra Cricket Association last Saturday.

Warm temperatures and dry surfaces in Round 11 allowed for aperfect day’s cricket, although the occasional gust of wind did prove anuisance for all involved.

Two matches saw thehomesides defendtheir totals, while the remaining two chased downtheir targets with only ahandful of balls left.

HEARTACHE continued for Stratford over the weekendastheysufferedasecondconsecutive loss, this one coming at Sale Oval.

The home side won the toss and, unusually, told

After the earlydismissalofopener ChrisAurisch, Ben Dinning and Dean Devisser laid the foundations with a42-run stand.

Devisser’s wicket in the 13th over brought Ben Channing to the crease, who made acameo of 11 runs before he too was dismissed.

LachlanChanning replacedhim,partnering with Dinning for 38 runs before the latter was caught in the 30th over.

By that time, the Redbacks hadamassedjust 98 runs between them.

Captain Jack Rietschel, returning from representative duties with Vic Country, responded by forging a44-runpartnership with Channing that saw Stratford’srun-rate increase from three an over to six, leaving them at 142 by the fall of the fifth wicket.

The victim was Channing, who top-scored for the Redbacks with 48.

The remaining four overs saw just 12 runs added with the loss of five wickets, the scorecard reading 9/157.

Sale’sCoenie Nel finished his allottedovers with three wickets.

Ben Jones and Raaghav Sudan each snatched two.

With158 runs to chase, the Swans made an unfortunate start by losing their first three batsmen for single digits in aspan of 11 overs.

Nel and Nathan Massey rectified the situation, surviving the next 14 overs to add 60 runs.

The loss of Massey,and Michael O’Brien soon after, put Stratford back in the game, though not for long.

With fellowSouth African and all-rounder Garreth Wolmarans as support, Nel struck 27

runs of the next 35 runs in just six overs.

When Nel was caught on amatch-best66, Sale were looking comfortably at 6/133.

Wolmarans and Matt Raidallastedthe rest of the innings to hit the 25 remainingrunswith eight balls to spare.

ZaneWaixel was the standout bowler for the visitors, taking 2/27 off his eight overs.

The result marks Stratford’s third defeat of the 2022/23 season, and their second against Salewhich poses adanger for the Redbacks come finals in March.

As for the Swans, they now sit just four points behind Stratford on the ladder.

Both teams will be looking forward to getting back into two-day cricket, which is set to recommence this weekend, and be played for the rest of the season.

TomParry

Nippers have been havingfun this summer, learning about watersafetyand gaining confidence in the surf.