Gippsland Times Tuesday 31 January 2023

Penalties follow pursuit

POLICE have charged two menfollowing apursuit through Gippsland on Friday afternoon.

The men, aged 28 and 20, have been charged with aggravatedburglary, possessing acontrolled/prohibited weapon, criminal damageand theft of motor vehicle.

The 28-year-old Cranbourne man was also chargedwith theftofa police vehicle, conduct endangering serious injury,drivinginadangerous manner, attempted carjacking and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

Both men were remanded in custody and faced Latrobe ValleyMagistrates’ Court on Monday, January 30.

The chargesrelate to a series of incidents including an aggravated burglary in Glengarry, the theft of an unmarked police car in Yallourn, and acollision with acivilian vehicleatYarragon.

Thelatter collision occurred along the Princes Highway, resulting in lanes of traffic closed in both direction

Motorists reported adelay of up to two hours as police investigated and cleared the scene.

Traffic heading into Yarragon was diverted, with cars needing to detour as far as Leongathatoget back into Warragul. Traffic coming the other way was taken out the back of Darnum, with some driving along Old Sale Road. The driver of the other vehicle, a63-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision.

Anyonewho witnessed any driving prior to the collision, with dashcam/CCTV footage or further information is urged to contactCrime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit aconfidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

ZoeAskew

THE 2023 school year arrived as quickly as the 2022 school year ended, with thousandsoflocal students returning to the classroom yesterday, some for the very first time.

Yesterdaymarkedamilestone for many local families as school children tie their laces, haul backpacks over their shoulders,and straighten collars in preparation for the first day of the new school year. As eager students rush through the gatesoftheir respective education institutions, screeching as they reunite with school friends, others timidly cling to legs of mums and dads, sceptical of their new routine.

Some parents hand over their children more willingly than they would care to

admit, while others strain to let go, their hand tightly hugging that of their child’s until the very last second.

Whenthe firstday of school arrives, every child and every parenthas their own experience; no twoare everthe same, but the kaleidoscopeofintense emotionspouringfrom theconfines of schoolgrounds is alwaysinevitable when school resumes in the midst of summer.

Xander Kemp, five, is aPrep student starting school for the first time.

Putting on his bright red school shirt and completing the outfitwith his bright red wide-brimmed hat, Xander is ready to begin his first day at 545, Sale Primary School.

“I am excitedtolook at my classroom, I suppose,” Xander says before announcing his teacher’s name is Ms Hutchins, and he is in the “Green class”.

“[It’s called the green class] cause the door is green,” he said. “You know how Iknow that? Because it’s on the name tags.”

The new Prep student pauses to think about what he is most looking forward to doingatschool.

“Well, Iamexcited to learn about the spaceclass,” Xander said. “I thinksport, and Iamprettygood at arts and crafts, so Ithink art.”

While it is only early days, it remains unknown whether Xander has the same affection for English as his Englishteaching father, answering whether he was eager to learn howtoread with, “Well maybe, yeah”.

“Sometimes [I like to read],” he said. “My favourite book is my space book.

“Oh, Iamexcited to learn to write; I wouldwrite cards to my family,and I

could make astory.”

Although Xander is excited about starting school, nerves are ever-present, like with any new experience,nomatter your age.

“I’m just nervous being there all by myself on my first day,” Xander said. “LikeIhaven’t beentherethe whole day.”

Sharing Xander’s first-day nerves is 12-year-old Tahlia Hutchins, who started high school at Sale College yesterday.

Tahliaattended Cobains Primary School from Prep to Grade 6, and with atotal studentpopulation of 36 last year, she is most nervous about how many more there will be at her new school.

“I am very nervous,” Tahlia said.

“Probably most about the more kids,”

Continued page 5

Photo: Zoe Askew

 MAFFRA Neighbourhood House is now open for Term 1. Opening times are 9am until 4pm. All welcome.

 -MAFFRA Cancer Council volunteer unit will meet at the Maffra Bowls Club, Princess Street, Maffra, on Monday, February 6, at 2pm. Anyone interested in this cause is welcome to attend.

 MAFFRA Garden Club’s next meeting is at noon on Monday, February 13 at Sue and Les Kewming’s garden, Three Chain Road, Maffra. Please bring your own lunch, chair and mug. The competition is the best succulents. New members welcome. Phone Jeanette on 0438 456 491 for more information.

 THE launch of the Rotary Club of Maffra Mardi Gras will take place on Thursday, February 2, at Duart Homestead, 20 McLean Street, Maffra, 6pm for 6.30pm start. Each of the entrants will be talking about their organisations and the projects they are fundraising for. The cost of the meal is $30. Please phone Duart by tomorrow, Wednesday February 1, if you would like to attend, on 5147 1985.

 THE first Rotary Club of Maffra Community Market for 2023 will be held on Sunday, February 5atthe Island Reserve, McMahon Drive, Maffra (at the back of Woolworths car park) from 9am until 12.30pm. Everyone welcome.

 ST Vincent de Paul first monthly garage sale for 2023 will be held on Saturday February 4atthe Jack Kelly Store, 28 Laura Street, Maffra from 9am until 10.30am.

 MAFFRA Golf Club will host the East Gippsland Trivia night on Friday, February 3atthe Maffra Golf Club, 13 Fulton Road,

Rosedale celebrations

Stefan Bradley

ROSEDALE experienced one of many communityled events for Australia Dayinthe Wellington Shire, with dozens showing up to afree community breakfast at the Prince St Reserve.

One of the Rosedale attendees was councillor Carolyn Crossley,who said each townshiphad their own unique event.

“Council supports each community that wants to celebrate this day with fun,” Cr Crossley said.

Cr Crossley said Australia Day means avariety of things to different people.

“It’s achallengingday forsomeasweknow,” she said.

“I think it’s atimethat we come together, especially after the torrid time we’ve had… over the last coupleofyears with COVID. (Wecan) celebrate and acknowledgethe hard work that the volunteers do in our community.”

Cr Crossley said the day reminds us how important our family and friends are.

“Whether you’ve been here for generations, just newly arrived, or First Nations, we should all come together to celebrate what it means to be Australian, and look towards reconciliation, and hope for abetter future”.

The free barbecue was run by the Rosedale Old School Committee.

CommitteepresidentJenniferEvans said she hopedthe breakfast would bring the public out and about so they could meet their neighbours.

“Weput in an applicationfor some funding so we could run acommunity event, just because we thought that after acouple of years of COVID, it would be really nice to build up our community spirit again. And so we’ve put on abarbeque -a free community breakfast,” Ms Evans said.

“(AustraliaDay)isabout community and coming together as one big group to celebrate what makes our community and our town great.”

After serving up bacon and egg sandwiches and sausages for the peopleofRosedale, Ms Evans said she was looking forward to spendingtime with family.

Kids corner at Mardi Gras

NEW thisyear to the Rotary Club of Maffra

Mardi Gras is afree Kids Corner.

It will be on the grassed area behind Southern Rural Water, near the toilets, starting at 4pm and continuing until sunset.

There will be face paintingand apetting zoo, where children can get up close to small animals.Also, largegameslikesnakes and ladders, dominos, and the very popular minigolf, will be free of charge thanks to sponsorship from Wellington Shire and several local traders

Also in this area will be astall selling show bags. Other activities for children, not part of thefree activities, include some smallcarnival ridesinthe closed off road area between IGA andthe PostOffice.Therewillalsobestreet stalls selling craft items, including some for children, and food stalls.

Come along and watch the Float Parade starting at 6pm and listen to musical entertainment through until the presentation of the Mardi Gras winner, soon after the end of the parade.

The Maffra Mardi Gras returns on March 18, with the theme ‘The Circus!’

Wellington Shire councillor Carolyn Crossley with Rosedale localsEddieand GerardatPrince St Reserve on AustraliaDay.

Photo: Stefan Bradley

Maffra Mardi Gradisonnextmonth.

Photo: File

Maffra honour local heroes

TomParry

MAFFRA’S Australia Day Celebrations took place at Victoria Park on Kent Street.

The event was well-attended, with the Maffra Municipal Band and bush poet Don Dwyer providing entertainment for the crowd.

As part of the festivities, the Rotary Club of Maffra presented twoawards recognisingthe efforts of local volunteers.

The Community Group Award was given to the Maffra Vigilance Society, Inc.

Formed in 1961, the society aims to assist those less fortunate by providing and assisting with the purchase of food vouchers, fuel vouchers and

clothing, among anumber of items distributed.

The group has been based in the former Legion Hall in Foster Street since 1986, where it currently operates athrift shop.

Committee members of the society received the awardonthe day, including secretary and welfare officerKit Sargent.

“We thought it was wonderful,” Ms Sargent saidofthe accolade, adding that it was “niceto be recognised”.

Sheviews the prize not only as recognition of the society, but of the volunteers within: “They put in a lot of time, and they’ve got alot of pride in the shop”.

The Maffra Vigilance Society is presently open from10amto3.30pm weekdays, and 9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.

Also recognisedonthe daywere Robertand Barbara Woodhouse, who took home the Quiet AchieverAward, in acknowledgement of their contributions to the Maffra Municipal Band.

Mr and Mrs Woodhouse have been involved “on and off” with the band for three decades, having become permanently involved since retiring seven years ago.

“They were down in numbers, so we could see that...they (needed) aboostofplayers, and we could probably offer our time to encourage and increase thenumbers,”MrWoodhouse told the Gippsland Times

Since then,Maffra’s number of players has increased from seven to 80, and now has five different bands that perform under its umbrellaincluding the newly-established

Maffra String Orchestra, and aUkulele Group.

Mr Woodhouse said that he and his wife were “veryappreciative”ofthe recognition they received

“We wereextremelysurprised -itwas the last thingwewere expecting!”helaughed.

“You don’t do it for theplaques, youjustdoit because you see something that needs to be done, and you do it.

“But it is lovely to be recognised by the community for doing that.”

Mr Woodhouse added thatMaffraMunicipal Band is always on the lookout for new members, and strongly encouraged musicians in the community to become involved.

For more information about theand,visit the officialFacebook page or www.maffraband.com.au

Under thedirection of Robert Woodhouse, the Maffra Municipal Band entertained the crowdatthe MaffraAustralia Day Celebrations with abrightrepertoireofmusic

The Maffra VigilanceSociety waspresented withthe Rotary Club of Maffra andGippsland TimesCommunity Group Award. Pictured with their plaque areTrish Vardy, (daughter-in-lawof the society’sfounderPhyllis Vardy), president Colin McDonald, committee memberJennifer McDonald and secretary and welfareofficer KitSargent

Proudtoberaising theAustralian Flagatthe event were Alfie Willis,AdrianKincaid, Andrew Ogle, Kylie Campbell and Deanna Kincaid of theMaffraScout Group.

Photos: Sam Crothers

Maffra Municipal Band members gather around to congratulate Robert andBarbara Woodhouse on theiraward

Dorothy Thomson (95) travelled from Lakes Entrance to listen to her son play in theMaffra Municipal Band. Pictured with Dorothy aregreat-grandson Braxton Thomson, son-in-lawJohnPointon, granddaughter ClaireThomson and daughter KayPointon.

Wellington ShireCouncillorJill Wood addresses the crowd at theMaffra AustraliaDay Celebrations. Watching on is Maffra Rotary Clubpresident Mark Saddington.

Maffra Municipal Band’s Barbara and RobertWoodhouse with their Quiet Achiever Award.

Kevin, Ros andDebbie Lanigan enjoying the barbecuebreakfast and entertainment at theMaffra Australia DayCelebrations.

An animated bush poet,Don Dwyer,entertained thecrowd with arange of amusing poemsduring the event.

What’sonthismonth Wellington

With Zoe Askew

CAN you believe the first month of 2023 has been and gone? There are no shortages of events as we move into the second month of the year, with markets, live music, performances, sport, shows, lectures, workshops, rodeos, and more being hosted in and around the Wellington Shire throughout February.

GIPPSLAND PRIDE FESTIVAL

GIPPSLAND PrideInitiative officiallylaunched one of Victoria’s largest pride festivals,geographically and logistically, with 21 low and no-cost events for LGBTQIA+ Gippslanders, families and communities across four weeks, six shires and afew thousand kilometres.

This Saturday, the Gippsland Pride Festival is making itsway to Sale foraspecial day in the Community Garden.

From 10.30amuntil 2.30pm,LGBTQIA+ individuals, rainbow families and allies are invited to join in arangeofactivities at Sale Seed Garden-get your hands dirty, enjoy awood-fired pizza lunch, live music, and much more.

This is asecure event, spacesare strictly limited and registration is required. All adults are to individually complete the form found here: https:// docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe2RRAF1ty7 P77njEVvFEpfQ7iHOQkdhyyv-lR2mYSf6WM-Vw/ viewform

When: 10.30am until 2.30pm, Saturday, February 4.

Where: Sale Seed Garden, Montgomery St, Sale.

MCC TWILIGHT MARKET

GATHER the family or agroup of friends or ride solo to the Maffra Cricket Club’s Twilight Market at the Cameron Sporting Complexthis Friday night, February 3, opening at 5.30pm. Mosey past myriad market stalls boasting creations from local makers and delicious Gippsland-grown produce, fuel your cravingswith food from one of the numerous food trucks and listen to live music while the kids are kept busy with fun-filled activities.

MCC Twilight Market is guaranteed to be a spectacular night for the whole community.

When: Friday, February 3from5.30pm.

Where: Cameron Sporting Complex, Maffra.

WHITE NIGHT 2023

WHITE Night at Mewburn Park Homestead is back!

On Friday, February 10, pull together your best all-white outfit for an evening of eating, drinking, catchingup, and of course,dancing at Mewburn Park Homestead from 6.30pm.

Glitz and glam-styled marquees, awelcome drink, and Created by Bels mini grazing cones on arrival, you will feel like you’ve walked straight out of Gippsland and into heaven.

Get your tribetogether, dress from head to toe in all-white clothes and get ready to boogie all night long to the good vibe tunes of Dj Nige at Mewburn Park Homestead.

Tickets cost $75 per person and include one welcome drink, agrazing cone on arrival, afinger food taster box by Vintage Graze, and entertainment to enjoy in the ‘straight-out-of-heaven’ marquee.

Ticketsare essential, and the dress code is strictly all-white, shoes exempt.

Buy your tickets at www.trybooking.com/CDQSF, or for more information, go to https://www.facebook. com/mewburnpark.

When: Friday, February 10 from 6.30pm until 11.30pm.

Where: MewburnParkHomestead, 5667 Traralgon-Maffra Rd, Maffra.

SMALL STAGESESSIONS

INTRODUCING Bond Street EventCentre’s new Open Mic Night for musicians, poets and short filmmakers.

Small StageSessions offer up-and-coming performers the opportunity to test their skills in a 15-minute set on arespectivecrowd of like-minded creatives.

Guests and performers must be 16 years and older.

For more information about Small Stage Session, visit the BondStreet Event Centre website at https://www.bondstreeteventcentre.com/

When: Friday, February3,from 7pm until 10pm.

Where: Bond Street Event Centre, Sale.

BARRY DICKINS’ ART EXHIBITION

THE Bond Street EventCentre will host an exhibition event of the works of Melbourne-based artist, teacher, actor, writer and poet, Barry Dickins, on Sunday, February 5, from 1pm until 5pm.

The exhibition will include aseries of his large charcoal works inspired by Dickins’ deep interest in the Bronte sisters, accompanied by video footage of poems read by the artist.

Barry Dickins’ Art Exhibition at Bond Street Event Centre will also include brilliantly coloured whimsical gouache works, and large theatrical coloured acrylic on canvasworks, plus pen and ink drawings.

In addition to the wonderfulworks of Dickins, the exhibition boasts live music, an operating bar andlight snacks will be provided; the entry cost is $15orwhat you can afford.

When: Sunday, February 5, from 1pm until 5pm.

Where: Bond Street Event Centre Sale.

SALE UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB’S KENDAL CUP

WHEN: Saturday, February 25 and Sunday, February 26.

Where: Sale United Football Club, Baldwin Reserve, Sale.

DAY@THE PORT

WELLINGTON Shire Councilishosting and inviting you to afree, family-friendly event on the banksofthe Port of Sale on Saturday, February 4.

The Port of Sale will be unrecognisable as it transforms into acarnival-like atmospherewith areturn of the beloved art bar, live performances, food trucks, rides, activitiesfor the kids and a fireworks display.

Day @the Port is afree, fully accessible event, andcouncil is inviting everyone to come along and enjoyeverything the Port of Sale has to offer.

When: Saturday,February 4, from 10.30am until 9.30pm.

Where: Port of Sale Precinct, Sale.

HEADLINE ACTS AT JACK’S

GIRLS’ night out, boys’ night out, work drinks, school reunion, sporting club outing or just a randomnight out with friends -every weekend, JackRyan’s haslive music to keep you rocking out and partying (responsibly) until the night’s end.

Weekends at Jack Ryan’s feature local and travelling headlining artists, and with so many artists performingliveevery weekend of the month,there is bound to be atune to get everyone in the mood to get down and boogie.

Not adancer? No worries: You can soak up the good vibes and enjoy headlining artists while testing your skills at agameofpool.

Headline acts at Jack’s this month are:

Friday, February 3 -Matt-Peter Fry

Saturday, February 4 -Dad Bod

Friday, February 10 -TBA

Saturday, February 11 -Spitting Swallows

Friday, February 17 -Justin Rebecchi

Saturday, February 18 -Old School DJ Night

Friday, February 24 -DaleGannan

Saturday, February 25 -Gecko

When: Every Friday and Saturday, from 9pm.

Where: Jack Ryan’s Irish Bar Sale

METUNG MARKET

THE Metung Market, on the Metung Village Green, boasts avariety of goods, including fresh local fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, organics and flowers. Plus, beautifulpreserves, breads, pastries, home-baked cakes, biscuits,clothing, artisan items and more.

When: 8amuntil 12.30pm, Saturday, February 11.

Where: Metung Village Green, Metung.

SALE POLOCROSSE TOURNAMENT

SALE Polocrosse Club is hosting its annual polocrosse tournament on Saturday, February 11 and Sunday, February 12.

This weekend will feature some of the top polocrosse matchesinthe state,with games taking placeacross the entire weekend, from 9am on Saturday until 4pm on Sunday.

The clubwill host the ever-populartwilight matches on Saturday night, which includes three matches,the mini juniors, the under 16 Allan Semmens Memorial Match and the Under 21 Sale Polocrosse Challenge.

With players from all overAustralia participating in the tournament, showcasing the best of thebest Polocrosse players in the state and country, this year’s talentpool is suretomakefor afantastic display for everyone watching.

This is afreeevent, withlocal food vans and coffee vans on site all weekend.

When: From 9am, Saturday,February 11, until 4pm, Sunday, February 12.

Where: Sale Polocrosse Grounds,43Polocrosse Lane, Fulham.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

DIRECT from Melbourne, Sale Botanic Gardens will host the wonderfully romantic, hilariously funny musical production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing on Sunday, February 5.

Much Ado About Nothing draws on pop music, rock imagery, pantomime and sitcoms, packed full of 90s pop and rock music.

Bold, cheeky, courageous and self-effacing, this battle of the sexes rom-com takes flight in aversion unlike any you’ve seen before!

Enjoythe summer tradition of Shakespeare in thepark and as the sun goes down, sit back, pop the cork andrevel in this feel-good storywhere everyone lives happily ever after.

When: 8pm until 10.30pm, Sunday, February 5.

Where: Sale Botanical Gardens.

LISA IRELAND AND SALLY HEPWORTH

LISA Ireland is abestselling Australian author who has established herself as athoughtful, nuanced voiceinmodern historical fiction and women’s fiction through her seven published novels across various genres.

On Thursday, February 23, the Port of Sale will host Gippsland author Lisa Ireland in conversation with New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth about her new book, The One and Only Dolly Jamieson

The Oneand Only DollyJamieson has been described as acompelling feel-good novel featuring aproud and gutsy heroine with atruly unbreakable spirit.

Ms Hepworth, who has written several books, wrote arave review,saying,“this novelhad me from the first page. It’s been years since abook has made me feel like this”.

New YorkTimes,WallStreet Journal and USA Today bestselling author of 10 novels, Kelly Rimmer, joined Sally in accolading Lisa’slatest publication, The One and Only Dolly Jamieson

“From the glamour of Broadway in the 1960s to the realities of life for the unhoused today, this is ariveting and heart-breaking story of friendship, second chances and hope,” Kelly said.

At 7pm on Thursday, February 23, in the Wellington Building at the PortofSale, join the ever-talented LisaIreland in conversation about her latest novel, TheOne and Only DollyJamieson, with Melbourne-based bestselling author Sally Hepworth.

For all enquires phone 5142 3164.

When: 7pm, Thursday, February 23

Where: Wellington Building, Port of Sale

The Perpinas andJacobs’ families at last month’sHeyfield Food andWine Festival.

Photo: Zoe Askew

‘Nerve-racking’ return to school

From Page 1

“PROBABLY most about the more kids,” she said when interviewed last week.

“I got very closewith my teacher, and it is going to be weird with all the new teachers and not knowing anyone and probably the harder work.”

That being said, Tahlia is just as excited as she is nervous about starting high school.

“I’m excited about seeingall my friends that didn’t go to my [primary] school,” she said.

With love for cinematography and aspirations to oneday become an actress, Tahlia is thrilled thatSaleCollegeoffers drama, andisenthusiastic about joining the class.

Contrarily to Tahlia, who is beginning her high school career, is 17-year-old Catholic College Sale student Lidija Petrovic, who is among the 2023 students who started their final year of schooling yesterday.

“It’s nerve-racking, like alot of pressure,but then

it’s also pretty exciting,” Lidija said.

“The exams are probably the most stressful thing aboutit[going into Year 12], and the environment, with so much added pressure.

“So obviously, keeping on top of homework is a massive thing.”

Lidija’s final year of secondary school is heavily health-focused,which is appropriategiven that the Year 12 Class of 2023 student intends to study nursing or paramedicine following graduation.

“I am doing mostly health subjects,” Lidija said. “So VET health, healthand human, I’m doing business and outdoorED; so Iamgoingonall the camps, likesnow camp and stuff, whichissomethingIam really looking forward to, probably the thing I’m most looking forward to this year.

“The first camp is in Inverloch, we are doing like stand-up paddle boarding and snorkelling,which is exciting, but Ijust can’t wait for snow camp, and you get to do it with all your friends, which is so good.”

The startofthe newschool year is certainly conjuring amixed bag of emotions for 17-year-old Lidija, from stress and anxiety to excitement and anticipation as she takes the final steps in her highschooling life.

“It’s just weird because you know it’s your last, and it just doesn’t feel like that,” Lidija explained.

“But then it’s like you just want it to hurry up, we finish in October, but it’s still like, Ijust want it to be over because you’re just thinking of all the stuff you have to do, and it’s like ‘ugh’.”

Preparing for Year 12 and impending exams, Lidija is confident that she will be able to keep a healthy work-school-life balance, putting stringent study habits in place to guarantee the smoothest transition for when the hectic exam time rolls around.

Heading into herfinalschooling year, Lidija has also taken on the advice from students in the Year 12 Classof2022.

“They just said to enjoy it; slow down, it’s not arace, just enjoy every minute of it,” Lidija said.

“Don’t stress, like the workload, just don’t stress about it; it is what it is, that’s what they said.

“I’m excited to see everyone and to create memories with friends going back, but it’s still nerve-racking.”

Stepping over the threshold of Catholic College Sale boundaries, welcoming the final chapter of her schooling year, Lidija’s first day at 545 feels like adistant memory, amemory Xander is only just now creating.

Tahlia’s primary schooldaysare still fresh in her mind, and the thought of starting her final high school year is inconceivable. Still, as anyone who has finished school knows, it really is over before you know it.

So to all the students returning to class for the start of the 2023 school year, heed the advice of last year’s Year 12 students and just enjoy it.

Xander Kemp (5) hasstarted his schooljourney

CatholicCollegeSale student,Lidija Petrovic(17), is among the students who began their final year of schooling.

Tahlia Hutchins (12) started Year 7atSaleCollege yesterday.

Photos: Zoe Askew

An opportunity to reflect,

ZoeAskew

JANUARY 26 has different meanings to our diverse nation, but one thing is shared: Reflection. Reflection on aturbulent history, reflection on our achievements as acountry, and those of the amazing people in it, reflection on ways in which Australia has changed for the better, and reflection on ways that still need changing.

Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, was among local leaders at the Sale Lions Club’s Australia Day event, which welcomed 39 new Australian citizens in the 2023 Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, joining more than 19,000 people who became Australian citizens last Thursday.

“Australia Day is the perfect opportunity to pause and reflectonwhat has made ournationsuccessful, and reinvigorate some pride in our achievements, plus build the determination we need to overcome any challenges in the future,” Mr Chester said in his Australia Day message. “The theme of ‘Reflect. Respect. Celebrate.’ is an invitationtousall to stoptalking ourcountry down and count our blessings.

“That doesn’t mean we ignore ourmodern-day problems or disregard parts of our heritagethat are distressing or make us uncomfortable. But it does mean we lookforward with aspiritofoptimism, resilience and positivity.”

Nationals Memberfor Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, and Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Ian Bye,openedthe Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony sharing similar sentiments about January 26, before assuming theirroles in welcoming almost 40 new

Australians into this diverse and great country.

Acting chief executive of WellingtonShire Council, ClemGillings, stoodonthe stage erected on the Port of Sale lawns and called forth Salla Aario, the first to pledge allegiance to Australia andreceive citizenship, officiated by Cr Bye.

The Abon family, afamily of three, followed, approaching the stage, immaculately dressed with father of two, Chamberlin Abon,unabletohidehis excitement, agrin pinned ear-to-ear.

“Excited, proud, happy, all the positive things,” Mr Abon said after becoming an Australian citizen.

Jan and NadineBooysen wereamong the last to be calledtothe stagewith their eldestson, also named Jan.

On January 26, 2018, Mr and Ms Booysen arrived in Australia with their youngson; five yearslater, to the day,onAustralia Day 2023,the Booysen family became Australian citizens.

Despite alast-minute venue change, aresult of bats roostinginthe Sale Botanic Gardens, the Sale Lions Club’s AustraliaDay event was ahugesuccess, attracting hundreds of guests to join in respectful celebration and reflection of our multicultural heritage.

BriagolongBushBandand Sale CityBand provided music as attendees enjoyed the delicious free barbecue catered by Sale and District Scouts

and event organisers Sale Lions Club.

Among the crowd were 97-year-old Beryl Morris and her daughter Christine, patriotically dressed, both bearing their respective national awards.

In 1993, 30 years ago, Beryl Morriswas awarded Citizen of the Year in Bairnsdale.Lastyear, on Australia Day 2022, Christine was awarded the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia (General Division) for her services to the community.

Children lined the concrete pathway dividing the lawn between the Wellington Centre and The Wedge Performing Arts Centre, patiently waiting their turn to have their faces painted.

Youths dressed in Sale and District Scouts uniforms diligently assisted their elders with miscellaneous tasks, before being summonedto hoist the Australian Flag ahead to the Wellington Shire Council’s2023Australia DayCitizenship Ceremony.

Thursday’s event at the Port of Sale may have given the impression of apicture-perfect day, as hundreds shared in the celebration of almost 40 new Australian citizens from15different countries, but this was not the case in many parts of the country.

In Melbourne,several thousand people marched from Parliament House to Federation Square as part of the annual Invasion Day rally, the largest

march to date, according to organisers.

January 26 commemoratesthe landing of the British First Fleet of convicts at Sydney Cove in 1788 and the raising of the Union Jack Flag in Sydney Cove by Captain Arthur Phillip, the beginningofthe settlementthat ingrained European colonisation of the Australian continent.

In 1935, Australia’s states and territories officiallynominatedthe name AustraliaDay to mark the celebration of the country, its people andits achievements; however, it wasn’t until 1994 thatJanuary 26 became apublicholiday across the nation.

There is growing support across the country for AustraliaDay’s date to be changed, with arguments that Australia’snational day should not be one that commemorates colonisation, but rather adate inclusive to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

For years, protests for the public holiday’s date to be changedhave been hosted; however,2023 Invasion Day rallies across the country took avery differenttone to previous years, with participants divided on the Voice to Parliament.

While thousands marched across the country, many marched under slogans calling for sovereignty to take priority over avoice to Parliament.

Nationals Memberfor GippslandSouth, DannyO’Brien addresses thelarge crowd at the Port of Sale on Thursdaybeforethe commencement of the 2023 Australia Day Citizenship ceremony.

Lions Club of Sale president Steve Boyce.

Sale’sDarcie O’Loughlin(1) with her aunt, Brynna Patterson, at the Sale Lions Club Australia Dayevent.

Salla Aario, the first to pledge allegiance to Australia and receive acitizenshipcertificate.

Ninety-seven-year-old Beryl Morris with her daughter Christine at thePort of Saleon Thursday, January 26.

Sale’sOlive Mundy (4) and Sophie Rogan(5) at the Sale LionsClub Australia Dayevent

Australia Dayfestivities

Zoe Askew

HEYFIELD residents admiration for community was unequivocally apparent at Thursday’s Australia Day celebrations; like aslapinthe face or someone tippinga bucket of ice-cold water on you, you just couldn’t miss it.

January 26 celebrations would not have been possible were it not for the Lions Club of Heyfield and Heyfield Australia Day committee.

Each year, the two groups work to create the event, bringing together and highlighting the outstanding achievements of people within their community.

Supporting, caring, giving, honouring,being together -this is what Australia Daymeans to the small town of Heyfield.

Brian and Cherril Marsh were sitting at one of the shaded picnic tables in Heyfield Apex Lions Park, the morning sun slowly risingbehind them, golden light seeping through the cracks in the branches of the surrounding trees.

Mr and Mrs Marsh moved to Heyfield 30 years ago, escaping the growinglybusy streets of Melbourne.

The decision to relocate came after visiting friends who had recently moved to Heyfield; the driving factor in their decision to stay, what has kept Mr and Mrs Marsh in Heyfield all these years, is the community.

“Shortly after moving here,wewere in acar accident,” Mr Marsh said.

“A few days after the accident, we saw this car driving downour driveway; it was one of our neighbours. He had heard about the accident and had come over to give us the car to use; we had never met him before.”

Mr and Mrs Marshshared their love for their town and thecommunity within its boundaries, the joy they get out of walking down the street and knowing everyone’s name, whether it be Pam at the Heyfield IGA or back in the day, the local Heyfield Police Officer.

“It is suchanamazing community here in Heyfield,” Mrs Marsh said.

“Everyone is so kind and so caring; we love it here. People are so quicktoput theirhandsup to helpwhenneeded. Walking down the street,

everyone says hi, and you know everyone’s name, even the local police. Heyfield really does have an amazing community.”

The smell of bacon cooking on the barbecue wafted across the park, strips of pink flesh popping and cracking and sizzling on top of the hot iron grill as it darkens to that perfect delicious state between not crunchy and too crunchy.

Standing over the heat-radiating devices, turning strips of bacon and sausage, flippinghalf-gooey eggs, were members of the Heyfield Lions Club.

Withdrawing from the bustling outdoor kitchen, a loyal Lions ClubofHeyfield member stepped back and watched on proudly as his brothers-in-arms dedicated their time to their beloved community.

“I have been involved with Heyfield’s Australia Day event for along time,” he said.

He told how the long-runningyearly celebration was not heldaround 11 years ago, followingwhich he pledged to make sure there was an Australia Day event every year.

If anything,Thursday’s crowd at the Apex Lions Park wasabright red indicator of the importance of recognising and celebrating people within the Heyfield community.

Wellington Shire Councillor, Carmel Ripper, initiated the awards ceremony, beginningwith Acknowledgement of Country.

“It is an absolute pleasure to be here in Heyfield today, whichIspent 15 years living here,” Cr Ripper said.

“First, Iwould like to pay respects to the traditional custodians of this land.

“I would like to thank the Lions Club of Heyfield, who worked tirelessly to organise this event.

“I am proud to be partofsuchastrong community here in the Wellington shire,” Cr Ripper added.

“Special thanks to everyday heroes, friends, neighbours and volunteersaswereflectonthe freedoms and opportunities in this country.”

Lee Wojcinski was awarded Heyfield Citizen of the Year, and Maffra High School student, Maddison Winter, was awarded the 2023 Heyfield Junior Citizen of the Year.

The Heyfield Wetlands was named the Heyfield News Award recipient, Pam Darby from Heyfield IGA was awarded Heyfield Outstanding Customer Service Award,and BillAdamswas named Heyfield Local Hero.

LeeWojcinski wasawarded Heyfield Citizen of the Year at the 2023 AustraliaDay Celebrations.

Heyfield’s LettiAshley (3)getting herface painted at the Heyfield Australia Day Celebrations.

Heyfield’sDaisy Johns(3) and ArchieDomaille (12) with Maffra’s Hundson Johnston (13) and OscarJohnston (10)

in Heyfield asmash hit

Heyfield’s Brian and Cherril Marshatthe 2023 Heyfield Australia DayCelebrations.

Photos: Zoe Askew

Heyfield’s Doug Speedie with his grandchildren Lucas (6) and Nicholas(4).

Heyfield’s Nikitta Mortimer-Keast (9)and Patsy Whitehead(9) showoff their face painting at the Australia Daycelebration.

PamDarby from Heyfield IGAwas awardedthe 2023 Heyfield Outstanding Customer Service Award.

Bill Adams wasnamed Heyfield Local Heroat the Australia DayCelebrations.

Heyfield resident andMaffraHighSchool student Maddison Winter wasawarded the 2023 Heyfield Junior Citizen of theYear

Wellington ShireCouncil Councillor Carmel Ripper opened the awards ceremony at the 2023 Heyfield Australia DayCelebrations

The Heyfield WetlandsCommittee’s Wendy Rhodes, Barry Donahoe, ShireeO’Neiland Mike Kube with their 2023 Heyfield NewsAward

Jointeffort in Briagolong

TomParry

COMMUNITY was the focus of Briagolong’s Australia Day activities,with afree breakfast held in the Mechanics’ Institute Hall.

The low-key event wasco-hostedbythe Briagolong RSL and Lions Club of Briagolong, and saw 100servings of bacon, tomato, baked beans and eggs-in-a-hole, served to attendees.

Lions Club president, Stan Warren, was most pleased withthe turnout on the day,describing it as “fantastic”.

When asked what he enjoyed most about hosting the breakfast, Mr Warren said: “I think it’s most important for the people to get together”.

“There’s not many opportunities, and this is an important day, virtually, in the history of things, of people getting together,” he added.

Mr Warren noted there was some hesitation as to whether an event should be run “because of the COVID problem” -similar events in 2021 and 2022 were cancelled due to the pandemic.

The LionsClubhas facilitatedBriagolong’s Australia Day breakfast for the past 15 years, with 2022’s event requiring the assistance of the RSL.

“The Lions Club has insufficient members to run it ourselves -itrequiresatleast 12 people to do it,” Mr Warren explained.

“We are down in numbers, and we needed support.

“We had spoken previously with the RSL about community spirit and people helping, and it was natural that we got together and asked them for help, which they gladly gave.

“And if the Lions Club folds, which can happen, now the RSL has had agood grounding… on how to do it.”

Secretary/treasurer of Briagolong RSL, Trevor Gartung, explained to the Gippsland Times why his organisation chose to assist.

“The RSL is just not for returnedservicemen; we try to help the community as well, and we see this as acommunity function and also assisting theLions Club who, in turn, reciprocate and help us when we require assistance,” Mr Gartung said.

“We’re part of the community, and that’s how we see our role as well, to assist other organisations and the community in general, whether it be the school, whether it be the Lions Club, the reserve or whatever.”

Mr Warren expressed his gratitude for the RSL’s assistance on the day.

Following breakfast, attendees were invited outside to witness the flag raising ceremony,sing the national anthem, and partakeinaraffle draw

FionaMcKenzie andStanWarren speakingtothe crowdoutside the Mechanics’ Institute Hall in Briagolong on AustraliaDay

Photos: TomParry

Volunteers Liz Wood and Dave Coate serving breakfast

JamesSandison with sons Fletcher(5) and Spencer (18months)

Briagolong RSL president Mark Wagstaffhoists the flagoutsidethe Mechanics’ Institute.

Crossword Puzzle No.8519

ONE POINTERS

1. What breed of dog was Queen Elizabeth II known for having?

2. In the Harry Potter novels, what type of building was Gringotts?

3. Which wordcan come after baby,bridal and meteor?

4. In the international radio alphabet, which wordrepresents M?

TWO POINTERS

5. Who sings the song Anti-Hero?

6. Someone who is ateetotaller doesn’tdowhat?

7. The international dialling code for which country is +61?

8. Chinese New Year 2023 is the Year of the what animal?

THREE POINTERS

9. What Italian city is the centreofthe country’sfashion industry?

10. The movie ‘Walk The Line’ is about which singer?

11. What is another name for azucchini?

12. True or false. All mammals live on land?

FOUR POINTERS

13. The ancient city of Troy is said to be in which modernday country?

14. Photophobia is extreme sensitivity to what?

FIVE POINTER

15. Guess these flags of the world. One point for each correct answer

Target Time No.0143

Howtoplay.

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or morecan you list? The centrelettermustbe included and each letter may be used only once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in ‘s’ Solution page 30

I E R T H S N D A

Sudoku No.0143

Howtoplay...

Fill the grid so thateveryrow and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1to9 Solution page 30

Gormygetstogether

StefanBradley

GORMANDALE Mechanics Institute Hall experienced strong numbers celebrate Australia Day with their free breakfast for the public.

Tricia King, who is the Gormandale Mechanics Institute Committee secretarytreasurer, said it was great to provide sausages, eggs and bacon, tea and coffee and more for the town.

“We’ve had 50 people come through already in the first hour,” she said.

“There are alot of families and children, and alot of newcomers. There’s alot of people we haven’t seen before or Idon’t know. It’s nice to see new faces.

“I think this is our fourth or fifth year running this. We got new people on the committee here to help out this year, so that’s really good.”

As she took aquick break from cooking delicious meals, the Gippsland Times asked Ms King what Australia Day meant to her. She laughed and said “it’s work for me”.

“It’s about our community and bringing everyone together and that’s why we all do it,” she said.

Ms King went straight back to cooking for the people of Gormandale as the queue continued to grow.

Cowwarr Aus Day in photos

COWWARR celebrated Australia Day, with a gathering put on by the Cowwarr Fire Brigade and Hall Committee.

Attendees saw aflag-raising ceremony,

conducted by students from Cowwarr Primary School, and music provided on acoustic guitar. Those who madethe trip downgot together for agroup photo after the event.

The town of Cowwarr gathered fora group photo afterthe event.

Local guitarist‘Meth’ provided tunes forthe event,hosted by the Cowwarr FireBrigade and the Cowwarr Hall Committee.

Cowwarr PrimarySchool students Ruby Cooper,LexiMartin and Mackenzie Gibbs raise the Australian flag with CFAmember Ed O’Brien. Photos:Ann Gibbs

Families and locals gottogether at theGormandale Mechanics Institute Hall on Australian Day.

Photos: StefanBradley

Belinda Kruen,ThistleKolek,Tricia Kingand Travis Kruen brought breakfast to the Gormandalecommunity

RichardMorgan, RayJohnson, NedMissen, Judy Missen and Kath Bye in Gormandale on AustraliaDay

Dark comedy dy delights our critics

THE Banshees of Inisherin is generating plenty of buzz after earning nine Oscar nominations,and has just started screening locally. Our resident film buffs Tom Parry and Stefan Bradleywent to checkitout.

TP: This film comes from Martin McDonagh, whose name people might recognise from movies such as In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.How familiar were you with Marty’s filmography heading into his latest picture, Stefan?

SB: Ihadn’tseen any of his films prior to this one, so the answer to that question is ‘not at all’.

TP: So you walked into this movie completely blind, not knowing what to expect?

SB: Basically, yes. Iread the two-line synopsis for Banshees while Iwas sitting in the theatre, and that was all Iknew of it. What about yourself?

TP: I’ve seen Psychopaths and Three Billboards,soIsortofknewwhatto expect -a film that’s dark, twisted and creepy, but with an underlying sweetness. And that’s exactly what Igot.

SB: That’s how I’d describe it. The plot takesplace on the fictitious island of Inisherin, just off the coast of Ireland, and follows two lifelong pals as they struggle with the breakdown of their friendship.

TP: Colm (Brendan Gleeson), amusician has told his neighbour, Pádraic (Colin Farrell), afarmer, that he doesn’t wantanything to do withhim anymore, and threatens drastic actions if Pádraic

Stratfordpremierethisweek

doesn’t comply. Themovie hasone of those screenplays that leaves you pondering and reflecting long after you see it, trying to unravel what it was trying to say, reading into every little detail. I would say as well that every aspect of the movie is exquisite, particularly the acting -four of theactors in this film have garnered AcademyAward nominations, and Colin Farrell is considered to be aparticularly strong contender in the Best Lead Actor category.

SB: Farrell plays the main character, Pádraic. He was excellent,and did something very difficult, which was walk thatfine line where the audience would have sympathy for this guy, but also find him really annoying, or frustrating, or frightening. His performance has all thoselayerswrapped into one, while also conveying his loneliness, his pride and his ego. Basically, all his best and worst characteristics are revealed across two hours.

TP: More to the point, Banshees finds the perfect balance between feelings of sympathy and spite.You seesome of the characters’ actions and remarks and think to yourself, ‘What awful people!’ But on the other hand, you can see where they’re coming from, and understandtheir pointsofview. Ireally love how complex and multifaceted the characters are, which is aconstant feature of Marty’s screenplays.

SB: Youcould argue that the island of Inisherin is an extension of the characters’ emotions, or even acharacter in itself: bleak, isolated, near listless. There’s almost ahorror vibe to

proceedings, too -just imaginethe terror you wouldfeel knowing somebody is willing to go to extremes if you so much as say asingle word to them.

TP: We should add, the film conveys all of this with asense of humour, albeit of the very dry kind.

SB: Yes. One question Ihave for you: did you findthe screenplay to be predictable?

TP: It definitely wasn’t. There were scenes where Isensed the story was going in aparticular direction, only for proceedings to take asurprise turn. It fools the viewer, in away.

SB: Icouldn’tpredictwhereitwas going either. This is agreat movie that I’ll reflect on for some time Iwould recommend that our readers see it, so long as they understand what it is -it’snot an action-packed popcorn blockbuster, like we usually review, but afilm that requires patience. Iwas wondering at the beginning how things were going to payoff,and thankfully they do.

TP: While it is slow at times, there’s so much to appreciate about Banshees -not just the performances and the screenplay, but alsothe incredible soundtrack and the beautiful cinematography. It’s definitely amovie you should consider seeing.

The Banshees of Inisherin is rated Mfor mature themes, coarse language, injury detail and brief nudity, and is currently screening at Sale Cinema.

THEATREGOERS are beingreminded that Killing Katie -ConfessionsofaBook Club premieres this week at Stratford Courthouse. It follows agroupofwomen, ten yearsafter the shock death of Katie (AnnaRoberts) at their former book club and exploresthe intricacies, depths and power-plays of femalefriendship

groups in a“shocking,laugh-out-loudfunny and brutally honest play”.

The first performance of Killing Katie is this Thursday, February 2, from 7.30pm, with further showings on Friday and Saturdayevening, followed by amatinee on Sunday.

For more information and tickets, head to www.stratfordcourthouse.com.au

International exhibition outEast

BAIRNSDALE’S East Gippsland Art Gallery is currently hosting its second International Art Textile Biennale.

This exhibition showcases the innovative work of 35 artists from nine countries, exploring unexpectedrelationships between textilesand other creative disciplines.

Exhibition curator and Fibre Arts Australia CEO, Glenys Mann is committed to developing this significant prize and with it, an original vision that art textile practitioners continue to expand, grow, and inspire.

“Glenys’ passion and endless energyfor this ever-evolving medium is inspiring and the East Gippsland Art Gallery is excited to join Glenys on the International Art Textile Biennale journey,” Gallery Director Crystal Stubbs said.

“Glenys’ enthusiasm has seen this celebrated exhibition expand and grow in 2023 and will ensure its growth into 2025 and 2027.

“This is incredibly exciting for textile artists, theAustralian art textile movement, and East Gippsland Art Gallery.”

The 2023 exhibition has attracted 270 entries from 183 artists,with entriescoming from25 countries. Internationally renowned artists; Lisa Call from New Zealand and Julie Montgarret from Australia had the difficult task of choosing 37 artworks.

According to Ms Mann, the selected works featured in the exhibition displayed diverse themes.

“From intimate reflections to huge environmental issues,the works vary in concepts, techniques, material, and presentation,” Ms Mann said.

“There is acommon thread of innovation, experimentation, and professionalism.

“Viewers will be captivated and engaged by the rhythm of the maker and excellence exhibited.”

The International Art Textile Biennale2023 is exhibiting at East Gippsland Art Gallery, Bairnsdale until March 18, before touringtoseven other galleries around the country. For more information, head to www.eastgippslandartgallery.org.au or call the Gallery on 5153 1988.

Image: Contributed Samantha Tannous’ (Australia) TOXICMIMIC II. Image: East Gippsland ArtGallery

Ji Seon Yoon’s (South Korea) RAGFACE #21002. Image: East Gippsland ArtGallery

Record-breaking rental year

Zoe Askew

THE rentalmarkethas had arecordbreaking year,with house and unit rents at all-time highs across the country following Australia’s steepest annual rental increase on record.

According to data from leading property marketplace, Domain, the Rent Report for the December quarter shows it has been a record-breaking year for the rental market with an annual rental increase of 11.1 per cent for houses and 7.9 per cent for units across the combined regionals. The December 2022 quarter also marked the longest stretch of continuous rental price growth as house rents rose for the seventh consecutive quarter and unit rents for the sixth.

Domain’schief of research and economics, Dr Nicola Powell, said rents are rising at the fastestannual pace ever seen, and the number of vacant rental properties was at an all-time low for the month of December

Locally,GrahamChalmer Real Estate director Mark Ventrella verifies this trend, confirming rental prices are the highest they have ever been.

“Rental prices certainly have risen,” Mr Ventrella said.

“This would be the highest [rental prices]; these things rarely go down in any significant sense.

“What real estate will do is it will go up for awhile if circumstances are good, and then it will stop. It will just stop going up for a while, it may go down just alittle bit, but if

you look at Melbourne, they went up 25 per cent and have come back 10. So it’ssort of two steps forward, one step back, but it’s never two steps forward, three steps back; that needs some enormous catastrophe to happen.”

According to data from realestate.com.

au, Sale’smedian rental price is $440 per week, an annual rental increase of 12.8 per cent, and Stratford’smedian rental price is currently $460 per week, an annual rental increase of 3.4 per cent.

Maffra and Heyfield have had significant annual rental increases of 29 and 34.4 per cent, respectively,with the median rental price in Maffra being $400 per week and $430 per week in Heyfield.

Mr Ventrellaattributes the large annual rental increase in Maffra and Heyfield to the number of properties available.

“[They are] very small pools, so any changes are big changes,” Mr Ventrella said.

“If, for instance, you’ve only got five properties to rent and three of those landlords increase rent price, all of asudden 60 per cent of your [regions] landlords have risen [the rent price]; any movement is amplified because it’ssuch small numbers, your sample base is so small.

“There is always very little available [to rent in the region], even in times when we have a lot of vacancies,” Mr Ventrella added.

“Sale is one of those places where you have avery transient population, so people come and go, military,oil, police, they come and go come and go, and we don’t have alarge number of properties.

“A lot of those properties are owner

occupied, so only asmall section of those are investors, and there are alot oftenants, so it all comes to supply and demand.

“Not alot of supply and generally pretty strong demand all the time.”

With tourism, overseas migration and international students placing significant pressure on supply,the rental market has become extraordinarily tight during the December quarter,Australia-wide.

Rising demand across the rental market fuels the landlords’ market, thus placing further pressure onrenters in many parts of the country

Dr Nicola Powell said last year’shighly competitive rental market is going to be amplified as Australia embarks on the busiest period in the rental calendar in January

“Due to aseasonal lift, those onthe hunt for anew lease this quarter will find slightly more choice, as the rental market moves into its busy changeover period at the start of the new year,freeing up some homes for a short amount of time,” Dr Powell said.

“Amid Australia’scost of living crisis, we predict that units will be apopular option for those looking for arental this year.Unit rents have been growing faster quarterly than houses in most capital cities, likely because affordability concerns continue to persist.

“Units in Melbourne’sCBD jumped by 33.3 per cent over the past year.This suggests that budget-conscious tenants are making the shift from houses to units to suit their current budgets while still being close to work, school and amenities.”

Mr Ventrella says while the COVID bounce

and interest rate hikes have made it “slightly harder to rent”, this time of the year is always busy across both the rental and buying market.

“This time of year is very busy; not only are homeowners buying and selling at this time of year,but there’salso an influx of renters especially,” he said.

“People generally move around this time of the year; it’salways ahard time to rent, and that’shistoric every year.”

According to Dr Powell, several factors have contributed to the current state of the rental market, and there is no quick fixto alleviate its extremely competitive nature.

“The government’scommitment to building more housing is agreat start, butweneed to see further progress and achange inland use and planning rules to allow for more homes to be built in middle-ring suburbs,” Dr Powell said.

“With the population increasing, rising investor activity is needed to assist with Australia’slimited rental market supply, advancements tothe build-to-rent sector and more assistance from the government to help shift more tenants intohome ownership.

“Investors should be encouraged to participate in social, community and affordable government housing programs. Ontop of that, seeing meaningful improvements in gross rental yields this quarter will hopefully encourage investor activity helping to address supply issues.”

Gippsland Timesjournalist,Zoe Askew, hastaken alook at the current real estate market.

Photo: File

•2.5 acres (approx.) of semi-rural living

•Exceptional views of the Gippsland Lakes, Ninety MileBeach and the Seaspray township

•Architecturally designed homestead

•Openplanliving,dining, kitchen area •3-bay vehicle/machinery shed

28 TURNBULL STREET, SALE

•Locatedinasought-after area of Sale

•Close to Lake Guthridge, sporting facilities& Lakeside Club

•Qualityfixtures& fittings throughout •2 livingspaces •8mx 6m (approx) lock up garage/workshop

Agent: Chris Morrison 0419 381 832 cjmorrison@chalmer.com.au

AUCTION: 4TH FEBRUARY 2023 AT 10:30AM ON SITE

Agent: Chris Morrison 0419 381 832 cjmorrison@chalmer.com.au

Briefdetails

OCCUPYING an enviable position in aquiet, well-regarded location is this four-bedroom brick veneer family home, sitting on 1236sqm (approx.) of land.

From the moment prospective buyers enter the property,they are greeted by an ambience of sophisticated, yet relaxed family living, agents say

Both living zones enjoy the natural light -a large formal sitting room with split system air conditioning and an open plan kitchen, meals and family room.

Agents say the modern new kitchen is the heart of the home, with beautiful stone benchtops, quality appliances, double farmhouse sink and feature pendants.

All bedrooms have built-in robes -the master boasting walk-in robe and afresh, updated ensuite featuring stone benchtop to custom vanity.The bathroom is new with deep bath and dual shower head and the laundry has also recently undergone an upgrade.

Additional highlights of the property include new carpet/vinyl plank flooring/ window furnishings throughout, ducted central heating, ducted vacuuming and great storage.

Outdoor is ashowstopper,agents say, where prospective buyers can meander through the beautifully landscaped gardens, pick home-grown veggies, and relax under the decked entertaining area with feature bar

The large shed/workshopoffers great storage, plus there’sa bonus adjoining studio with kitchenette and toilet.

Adouble carport to housethe vehicles and 3.5kw solar system add to the appeal of this

231 MCGUINNESS ROAD, SEASPRAY

Hereisabrand new home minus thebuild

IFprospective buyers are after abrandnew home without the hassle of having to build, agents say this one is for you.

This modern home, situated in a quiet court only ashort drive from the Sale CBD, was only recently built, andis inclusive of awell thought out floor plan and quality finishes.

The home has amodern front facade with established landscaping; the interior is bright, spacious and full of warmth,a package agents say will suit many different buyers.

Features of the home include:

 Four bedrooms, the master with ensuite and walk-in robe, the remaining bedrooms have built-in robes;

 Inviting entry hall and formal lounge at the front of the home;

 Open plan kitchen/living and dining, bright and well lit;

 Well-equipped kitchen with quality caesar benchtops, double sinks, large five-burner gas stove and walk-in pantry;

 Central family bathroom with shower,

Briefdetails

Property:

Address:

Peck Place, Sale dress: Pe

Price: $589,000

Contact:

separate bath and vanity;

 Gas ducted heating and split system air conditioner;

 Double garage with internal access into home and the rear yard, and;

 Asecure, fully-fenced yard with turf laid.

This property will be open for inspection this Saturday, February 4, from 11am to 11.30am.

House prices up by eight per cent: REIV

Zoe Askew

EIGHT interest rate hikes and convergence of rental market pressures in 2022, alongside the usual peaks and troughs, isn’t enough to debilitate regional Victoria’sproperty market.

The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) December Quarterly Median Report reveals that regional Victorian house prices grew eight per cent over the year to $610,000, and the annual median for units and apartments rose six and ahalf per cent to $425,000.

In Metropolitan Melbourne, on the other hand, the yearly median home price fell by 3.3 per cent to $1,040,000, with unit prices in the fastestannualdecline in the city’s history Locally,according to realestate.com.au, Sale’smedian house price is $490,000, an annual growth of 22.5 per cent. In Maffra, the annual house price median rose 13 per cent to $390,000 and is up 14.9 per cent in Stratford to $475,000.

Graham Chalmer Real Estate director, Mark Ventrella, says there has been little effect on the local property market despite interest rates reaching a30-year high, with another 25 basis points hiketothe cash rate forecast next month.

“We’ve experienced aslowdown; it’sslower in acouple of ways,” Mr Ventrella said.

“There are less people looking, not dramatically though, and because there are less people looking, it is reflecting that in price abit; so instead of getting two or three people offering on one property,you might only get one person at atime. Without that competitive market, without that one person making an offerand another making abetter one, then someone else making abetter one, you’re not likely to get ahigher price because there is no one really pushing that purchaser along.

“So because of that, we have found it has slowed down abit, but in general, it hasn’t gone quiet; it’sbusy,but not as busy as it was before.”

While the repeated interest rate rises intended at taming inflation in the aftermath of the pandemic have levelled the local property market, Mr Ventrella is shocked at how little impact they have had on business.

“Weknew there was going to be achange as soon as interest rates were going to be raised,” he said.

“Assoon as interest rates start going up, the market slows down, so we knew that was going to happen, but it probably didn’t show face until two or three months into those eight months, until it started to really takeeffect

“Although, in my experience, it didn’t slow down as quickly as we thought.

“Even up until Christmas, it didn’t have a major effect,but Iimagine this year it will really bite home.

“Personally,Iwould have thought it would have taken alittle bit more of an effect prior to Christmasthanitdid.”

The buying pool may be decreasing, yet a recent, unprecedented influx of properties listed for sale with Graham Chalmer Real Estate has hit atwo-year high.

“In general, we normally list about one a day,so25to30amonth, whereas the last couple of months, there’sbeenasignificant increase to the number of properties listed a month,” Mr Ventrella said.

REIV president, Andrew Meehan, said the December Quarterly Median Report data demonstrates good buying opportunities for Victorians,and aresilient real estate market across the state.

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

“Property prices stillremain higher than they were in December 2020 -the postCOVID real estate boom has placed Victorian property in astronger position than ever before, atrend we continue to see across numerous suburbs in metro Melbourne and our regional areas.”

Business is thriving for modern dairy farming duet from Maffra

Zoe Askew

MAFFRA dairy farmers Brad and Jenna White have profited significantly from Phase 1ofSouthern Rural Water’s Macalister Irrigation District 2030 (MID2030) modernisation program,showcasing whatmanymore farmers can anticipateupon completion of the Newry pipeline.

Brad White grew up in Gippsland, born into a generation-long farming family, dairy on one side and wine on the other. He studied agriculture at Melbourne University, spending six years in Melbourne and Dookiebefore returningtoMaffra, where he would meet Jenna.

Jenna grew up in Canberra; farming, too, runs through her veins. Her father was raised in Sale, hailing from afarming background.Jenna studied paramedics and nursing, obtaining aposition with Rural Ambulance Victoria after graduating from university.

“I then met Brad, moved to Sale and became a farmer,” Jenna said.

“I still workasa paramedic andhave done so for nearly 15 years.”

Brad and Jenna manage four properties, milking a480-head seasonal-calving, self-replacing, Friesian-cross dairy herd and have invested significantly to improve water efficiency and increase production.

The Whites were encouragedbySouthern Rural Water’s $159.7 million MID2030 modernisation programme to implement on-farm improvements that enabled them to add 40 cows to their herd and purchase an extra farm.

“We wanted to expand and would have struggled to do so without the improved security around irrigation flows delivered by the MID2030 Stage 1B project,” Brad said.

Jenna said the increase in landand cownumbers, irrigation was becomingaburden on time and energy.

“Brad had to do all the irrigating himself, but it is amuch simpler task now, with better water efficiency,” she said.

“The upgrades have allowed us to better droughtproof the farm.

“Agriculture is cyclical. It might be raining now, butwecould be in adrought next year,and the changes we’ve made will be worth it when times change.”

The Macalister Irrigation District is the largest irrigationdistrict in southern Victoria, with secure water supplies augmented by good rainfall, productive soils, astrongdairy sector and developing vegetableand cropping industries,estimated at an economic contribution of more than $500 million per year.

Southern Rural Water identified thatmore investment wasrequired to allow farmers to implement best-practicewater use, invest in on-farm

Bradand Jenna manage four properties, milking a480-headseasonal-calving, self-replacing, Friesian-cross dairy herdand have invested significantly to improve water efficiency and increase production.

efficiency,and boostagricultural output while becoming more climate resilient.

The MID2030 modernisation program was divided into phases; Phase 1A was completed in 2017, and Phase 1B in 2020.

In 2020, as part of Stage 1B, Southern Rural Water removed old Detheridge wheels, installed a new pipeline and upgraded and automatedexisting channels across the Riverslea section.

“These worksgaveusconfidence to invest in pipeline works on our farm, install and automate the associated pumps, build aholding dam, install apipeand risersystem, and install centre pivots,” Brad said.

“Irrigatingisnow aless time-consuming and much simplertask, and we’ve been able to achieve much better water efficiency.

“Water is the lifeblood of this region, and its importance as aresource cannot be underestimated.”

“We constantly need to be doing more with less, so wasting water through ageing infrastructure is not smart. The area will benefit hugely from the extra water available through modernisation and theincentives it givesprogressive businesses like us to invest in on-farm efficiencies.”

Dairy Farm Monitor is ajoint Agriculture Victoria and Dairy Australia initiative that collects financial and physical data from dairy farms in Gippsland, South-West and Northern Victoria.

Despiteresults from the 2021-22DairyFarm Monitor Project revealing farmers believed succession planning, input costs, milk prices and climate changeare majorchallengesimpacting thesector, the Whites are optimistic about the future.

“I don’t think agriculture has ever been without these things, it’s just part of the game,” Brad said.

“The biggest changefor the industry is that farmers are notjustfarmers anymore;they are business managers who need to be skilled in HR, finance, technology, as well as all the basics needed to manage the farm.

“These skills and an in-depth understanding of how your business operates make managing the volatilities of the industry far easier, allowingmore optimism for the future.”

Jenna saidfor them, there has neverbeen a better time to be in dairy farming.

“We’ve spent alot of time and effortbuilding

up and training agreat team and investingin systems and technology that helps us keep costs under control,” Jenna said.

Brad says he has yettoexperienceabettertime than now in his farming career.

“I understand the reasons people are leaving, but for us, it is agood place to be,” he said.

“The business is in apositionnow where we can haveacomfortable lifestyle with plenty of family time. Managing our team well and keeping costs under control are our priorities now. These two thingsallow freedom withinour business, allowing us time to get away from the farm and being financially secure.

“We lovethe land; we love the space and freedom it provides us and our family,” Brad exclaimed. “Dairy farming specifically is what Iknow and grew up with;thereare difficult aspects to it, but it providesasteady andsecure income which makes planning and budgeting easier.”

Accordingtothe 2021-22 Victorian DFMP report, participantssaw the fourth-highest financial returns recorded in the project’s 16 years.

Agriculture Victoria Farm Business Economist NatalieNelson saidthe average profit in 2021–22 fromthe 80 participant farm businesses was 45 percent above the long-termaverage

“This strong performance was influenced by a nineper cent increaseinaverage milkpriceto $7.37 per kilogram of milk solids,” she said.

“However, the increased milk price coincided with higher input costs and supply constraints, includinglabour, feed and fertiliser,which impactedthe overall 2021-22 farm business margins.

“For dairy farmsinthe irrigation areas of the Goulburn Murray and Macalister Irrigation District,favourable seasonal conditions and lower irrigation costs assisted in strong performances.”

Jaydo Construction Pty Ltd, Southern Rural Water’s construction partner, has begun work on the Newry pipeline component of the MID Phase 2Project in Gippsland.

The MID Phase 2project is replacing 100-yearoldchannelswithnew pipelines and automated outlets and will deliver about 4300 megalitres in water savings and increase delivery efficiency to more than 90 per cent.

The project includesthe installation of the Newry pipeline, including associated outletupgrades, reconnection works and decommissioning for Newry customers.

Transitioning to areliable piped supply means water is not lost from leakage or evaporation and increases environmental outcomes with areduction in farm runoff into waterways.

This will drive vital investment in on-farm efficiencies, improve farm productivity and support local businesses to be more climate resilient.

Southern Rural Water ManagingDirector Cameron FitzGerald expressed excitement about beginning constructiononthe Newry Pipeline Project.

“This major infrastructure upgrade is awin for Gippsland and will markedly increase both water delivery efficiency and customer service levels,” Mr FitzGerald said.

Jenna says anyone anticipating modernisation should be “very excited”.

“If you’re willingtomake changes on your property, the gains to be made from it are huge,” she said.

Photo: Contributed.

Statistics point to CPI increase

THElatestConsumerPriceIndex(CPI)datafromthe Australian Bureau of Statistics, released on January 25, shows headline CPI sequentially increased in the December 2022 quarter, largely as expected. Rabobank senior food retail analystMichael Harvey said “while CPI rose 8.4 per cent year-on-year, there was adeceleration in increase in inflation which is asignweare nearing the peak and this should also provide awelcome breather for households”.

“Turning to food inflation,there was also asequential increase in food inflation- rising to 9.2per cent in December 2022 quarter vs previous year,” he said. However, Mr Harvey said the rate of increase did slow in food also. “Nonetheless it is the highest rate of food inflation since September 2006.” Since 2000, food inflation has only hit double-digits once. Mr Harvey said it was broad-based with inflation recorded across all food and beverage categories. “The highestrate of inflation was recordedin cooking oils and is continuing to track at record levels,” he said. Overall, in food (excluding beverages,alcohol beverages and foodservice) there were 15 categories of 26 that posted double-digit rates of inflation. Across staple food items there was also record levels of inflation in milk, bread and snacks and confectionery. Mr Harvey said there was a slowdown in inflation in ‘fresh produce’ including

across both fruit andvegetables. “Andfor fresh produce more favourable growing conditions and less production disruption will be key to future pricing,” he said.

Eating out continues to be more expensivefor Aussie families.

Food inflation (year-on-year) in ‘restaurant meals’ and ‘takeaway’ posted 6.9 per cent and 7.8 per cent increases, respectively.

This was slightly higher than the previous quarter. Mr Harvey said, while theseare rates belowthe headline food inflation number -the cost of eating out is rising at its fastest rate since March 2001 (two decades).

“Pressure on Aussie households is still growing given the rate of inflation and expectation of further interest rate rises to come,” Mr Harvey said.

“Pressure on the ‘ability’ and ‘willingness’ for consumer spending is still very evident.

“Butweare nearing the peak in food inflation which is some comfort,” he said.

“It is unlikely we will see deflation across some staple categories such as packaged food an dairy given foodmanufacturers are passingthrough higher costs.”

Mr Harvey said global energy prices- and commodities more broadly -are down sharply over

Seed catalogue helping AGG

THElaunchofanew online seed catalogue by the Australian Grains Genebank (AGG) in Horsham is making the seeds that underpin the development of new crop varieties more accessible than ever.

AgricultureVictoria researcher and leader of the AGG, Dr Sally Norton, said the genebank, which opened in 2014, was dedicated to preserving and making available plant genetic resources of grain crops that are valuable to Australia’s research and breeding industries.

“The catalogue will enhance the existing services of the genebank, and give registered users all the expected benefits of asearchable database,” Dr Norton said.

“It gives people online shopping cart functionality, allowing them to search seed lines and request samples with afew simple mouse clicks.”

Dr Norton said the seed catalogue was a Germplasm Resources InformationNetwork (GRIN) databasesystem, whichisacommon software system used to manage information about seeds and plant tissue globally.

“Through our partnershipwith the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), AGG’s ultimate goalistounlock the genetic potential of plant genetic resources for cereal, oilseed and pulse crops to underpin the development of high yielding, climate-resilient crops that will benefit Australiangrain growers,”DrNorton said.

“The AGG currently stores more than 200,000 types of seed, covering 1250 species across162 genera.

“The new online catalogue will allow interested parties to look up information aboutour seed stockand request them for research, breeding and training and educational purposes.

“Our collection includes both temperate and tropical cereals, legumes, oil seeds and other crop types. We also maintain historical information on theseed lines.”

To access the seed catalogue, visit the Australian Grains Genebanklandingpage on theAgriculture Victoria website: agriculture.vic.gov.au/ crops-and-horticulture/n.

Dairy jobs boardopenonline

ONE in two dairy farmers are seeking people to work on farm, and 76 per cent of those continue to find sourcing labour achallenge,according to arecent Dairy Australia survey.

To help tackle the continuing labour shortage, DairyAustralia has launched anew dairy farm jobs board.

The online jobs board at dairyjobsmatter.com. au enables farmers to list job vacancies and reach jobseekerswho areexploring the benefitsofdairy farming. Aimed at farmers and job seekers, Dairy Australia says the jobs board is free and easy to use.

“For farmers ready to start advertising for new workers, it’s as quick and easy as submitting an online form with job vacancy details including any links to any existing online advertisements,” Dairy Australia’sgeneralmanager,regionalservices, Verity Ingham said.

“And for jobseekers, if you like working with animals, workingoutdoors, seek career progression,

job varietyand trainingand want job security -visit the online jobs board to see if there’s something foryou.”

The dairy industry is seeking abroad range of farm workers, and thereare opportunitiesin dairy for everyone, no matter what your skillset is.

Thejobsboardcomplements Dairy Australia’s broader Workforce Attraction Program that delivers on Dairy Australia’s commitment to attract and support new people in the industry. The program includes anew national marketing campaign aimed at jobseekers to promote the benefits of working in dairy farming and encouraging Australians to explore ajob in dairy.

To date, the campaign has attracted more than 200,000peopletothe website.Italso includesa focus on increased careers in education for school students on job opportunities in dairy farming and career pathways.

the last six months, but this will take time to feed through to consumer prices.

“The peak in RBA policy rates have also shifted recently.”

Markets are expecting rates to fall modestly

before the end of this year with apeak close to 3.6 per cent.

“And falling house valuesfeeds backthrough wealth effects into consumer confidence adding to the pressure on households,” Mr Harvey said.

Liam Durkin

AS expected, the seat of Narracan was won by Liberal candidate, Wayne Farnham.

Mr Farnham had secured 62.7 per cent of twoparty preferred votes when 75 per cent of votes had been counted on election night.

Narracan voters went to the polls on Saturday, two months after the state election following the death of Nationals candidate, Shaun Gilchrist.

Farnham is set to take over from retiring Liberal MP Gary Blackwood, who held the seat since 2006.

Mr Farnham’s electionistipped to be virtuallya continuation of Mr Blackwood’sreign.

With Narracan asafeLiberalseat, the chances of aFarnham victory were always high(there has been just one non-Liberal MP serve the district since the seat was established in 1967).

The odds becameeven shorter whenitwas announced Labor would not be putting anyone up to run against him, while The Nationals opted not to find areplacement for Mr Gilchrist.

Given this, the election was seen as aone-horse race in the eyes of many pundits.

Afield of 11, mostly made up of independentswhich included BawBaw Shire Mayor,Annemarie McCabe -threw their hat in the ring.

From the outset, the Liberals’ main challenger appeared to be Independent and former Baw Baw

deputy mayor, Tony Wolfe.MrWolfe secured 37.3 percent. Upon hiselection,MrFarnhamthanked those for the confidence they had shown in him.

“I think the people of Narracan realise that my message, which was ‘I have ateam, I’m part of a really strong team,’ has resonated with them,” he told the ABC.

“I just hope Ican do them proud when Iget in there.”

Mr Farnham said his main priority would be seeing the new West Gippsland Hospital, committed to by the Labor state government last year, come to fruition.

Thenew Memberfor Narracan grewupinthe area, and worked in construction before entering politics.

While Labor convincingly won governmentat the November election, Farnham’s win does give the Coalition one more seat than it held after the 2018 state election.

Locally, the Liberals and Nationals now have elected members from Gippsland East all the way to Pakenham.

NationalsMPs Tim Bull and Danny O’Brien were re-elected in Gippsland East and Gippsland South respectively, while Martin Cameron took the seat of Morwell.

Liberal leader John Pesutto, himself aLatrobe

Valley boy, congratulatedMrFarnham on his victory.

“I congratulate and welcome Wayne Farnham to the parliamentary LiberalPartyasthe new Member for Narracan,” he said.

“Over many months, Wayne has run astrong localcampaign, earning the trust of his community and demonstrating his ability to be apowerful and effective voice for Narracan.

“The effort he has displayed, alongwith histeam, has been reflected in today’s result.

“Wayne hasbeen aloud advocate for local issues such as themuch-needed West Gippsland Hospital, and has proven he will work tirelessly in the interest of his local community.

“He brings with him awealth of knowledge and Ilook forward to working closely with him over the next four years.

“I would also liketotake this opportunity to thank the outgoing Member for Narracan, Gary Blackwood, for his contribution and dedication to his local electorateand to theVictorian Liberal Party over the past 16 years.

“I wish him and his family well in retirement.”

While the Liberals will no doubt be celebrating theirwin, hopefullythe new memberdoesn’t have as many comebacks as the other Farnham.

THE state government’s Metro Tunnel Projectis powering ahead towards its all-important train testing milestone, with brand-newplatform screen doors being installed in the underground stations to boost safety and help keep trains running on time.

Acting Premier and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan, recently inspected theplatform screen doors at the future Parkville Station, with installation already well underway at Arden and Anzac stations and set to begin shortly at StateLibraryand Town Hall stations.

The toughened glass sliding doors will open and close in tandem with the fleet of Melbourne’s new high-capacity metro trains -creating abarrier between the trackand platforms to improve passengers’ safety by preventing people and objects from falling into the path of oncoming trains, and stopping trespassers entering the tunnels.

The state government is investing in the first platformscreen doors in Victoria -ahallmark of world-class metro rail systems, like those in London, Singapore, Hong Kong and Paris.

The new technology has been tested in aseries

of rigorous trials over several years, both in virtual development and at atest platform at the Pakenham East train depot.

Sixty doors willbefitted at each station,with 300 to be installed across the five new underground stations being builtbythe project -enough to stretch from Flinders Street Station to the MCG.

Work on the rest of the Metro Tunnel is continuingatpace, with crews currently working to finish 24 days of around-the-clock work to separate the FrankstonLine fromthe Cranbourne-Pakenham Line at Caulfield Station.

The track upgrades will allow trains to run every

two-to-three minutes when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025 -a year ahead of schedule.

The Metro Tunnel’sstations are alsoquickly taking shape, with the fit-out of lifts, escalators, security systems, CCTV, passenger information displays and emergency phones underway, as well as tracks being laid along the nine-kilometre twin tunnels.

When finished, the Metro Tunnel will create capacity for more than half amillion additional passengers per week to travelduringpeak times across Melbourne’s trainnetwork.

BULLS

For hire or sale. Angus, Limousin, Hereford, Jersey and

HORSES WANTED

$$$ Cash Paid $$$ Gippsland

Ph. Dave 0418 202 202

Old Port Poultry Farm

Delivering 18 week old Isa Brown laying hens to your area, Sat. February 4. $28 ea. 0438 832 535.

Lost &Found •

SALE ANGLING

CAKE DECORATING

Giant garage sale at the Jack Kelly Store, 28 Laura St., Maffra on

Meetings •

Maffra RSL Sub Branch AGM will be held on February 8, 2023 at 5.30pm at 16 Boisdale St., Maffra. All welcome.

MISSING

The Country Women's Association of Victoria Inc., North Gippsland Group will be holding their Annual General Meeting at the Briagolong Mechanics Institute, Avon Stree tB ria gol ong, Wednesday February 22nd, 9.30am for 10.00am start.

AND SPORTS FISHING CLUB Request all members to attend 1st meeting of 2023 on Tues 7Feb to decide the fate of the tractor. New members are welcomed.

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.

AAA PEACHES

Sat. 18th Feb 10am Gormandale Farm machinery, building materials, tools, collectibles, &sundries.

Full details Feb 14 and Lions Facebook page. AHeyfield Lions Project. Enquiries Damian 0427 451 286

Classes begin next Monday or Wednesday night. Come join our friendly group while learning different techniques in decorating cakes. Please phone 0409 524 601

DRUM /GUITAR

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

MAFFRA MARKET

Rotary Club of Maffra Community Market, Sunday February 5th, 9am -12.30pm, Island Reserve, McMahon Drive, Maffra. Enquiries 0409 030 918.

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

CADET JOURNALIST

The Latrobe Valley Express and Gippsland Times arelooking for cadet journalists to join our team.

This is afantastic opportunity for you to contribute to the communities in our region.

The role will include general news reporting in aregionwitha wealth of stories to be told about current challenges and future opportunities in addition to the normal story telling expected of alocal newspaper serving its community.

The ideal candidate will:

Have relevant tertiary qualifications

Have great communicationskills, both verbal and written

Be able to write punchy,informative and exciting storiesonarange of subjects

Possess great news sense and an understanding of what engages local readers

Have acurrent driver’s licence

Be motivated with acommitment to accuracy and quality reporting

The Express and Gippsland Times areaward winning newspaperswith circulations of 35,000 and 15,000 copies respectively

The successful applicantwill reporttothe Editor Send aletter of application, resume, list of referees and work examples to:

The Editor -Liam Durkin Latrobe Valley Express ldurkin@lvexpress.com.au

Applications close: Wednesday, 1stFebruary2023.

Situations Vacant • Situations Vacant • Situations Vacant • Marine • Situations Vacant •

Electorate Officer

Danny O'Brien MP

Mr Danny O'Brien, Member for Gippsland South invites applications for an Electorate Officer.

We are looking for amotivated, super-organised self-starter with apassion for our community and an understanding of local issues. Based in Sale, the key duties include providing administrative support to the MP, assisting constituents, liaising with government agencies and local councils and undertaking research.

Applications from people with media and/or communications experience would be welcome, but is not apre-requisite.

To be successful for these positions, you will have excellent written, interpersonal and communication skills, proven ability to work unsupervised and take initiative, and office administration skills.

Knowledge of Parliamentary process would be useful and political experience or understanding will be highly valued. Confidentiality, maturity and analytical ability are considered key attributes.

Salary: An attractive salary plus superannuation is on offer, commensurate with experience.

Applications close: 5.00pm,Wednesday, 8 February, 2023

Further information: call (03) 5144 1987

Written applications, outlining previous experience and addressing the job requirements should be forwarded to: danny.obrien@parliament.vic.gov.au.

Candidates must be Australian residents and the successful applicant will require a National Police Check, Working With Children Check and will be required to provide evidence of COVID19 vaccination status or medical exemption prior to commencing employment.

The Parliament of Victoria supports Equal Opportunity and Diversity

Danny O'Brien MP

For all classifieds please email classifieds@gippslandtimes.com.au

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.

Advertising ConsultantSales

The

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.

DENTAL ASSISTANT/RECEPTIONIST

We are looking for afull time dental assistant/receptionist to join our friendly and professional team.

If you are enthusiastic and passionate about helping people then this might be the right job for you.

Experience preferred but not essential and training will be provided for the right candidate.

Please email your resume to bpedrotti@macarthurstreetdental.com.au

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.

deliveries as appropriate. Please apply via info@rotafab.com.au Want

Gelliondale Nursery (Casual Vacancies)

HVP Plantations Pty Ltd invites applications for seasonal positions at its Gelliondale Nursery, near Yarram. Employment is commencing from mid-February for approximately six months, normal hours of work are 6-8 hours per day in ashift between 7.30am -5pm.Above award conditions apply. Aforklift, LR2 or MR2 licence would be advantageous but not mandatory. All successful applicants will be required to participate in an induction course and pass adrug and alcohol test. For application forms and position descriptions please email: nurserysales@hvp.com.au Enquires can be made on (03) 5184 0000

Want to earn some pocket money? $$$

Newspaper Deliverers required for Drydon Place Krista Crt Mark Av Kylie Crt area once aweek

Please phone Sue 0403 00 6347

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Birthdays

HAPPY

60th BIRTHDAY

•

●

●

●

This well established real estate business is looking for aproactive Property Manager/ Administrator to work part-time in the business. The successful applicant will work in our Property Management Team and will assist with general office administration, reception duties and support where required.

Experience in Property Management is preferred. The successful applicant must be eligible to work as an Agent's Representative (which includes having undertaken or willing to undertake an approved agent's representative course) and hold acurrent driver's licence.

If you are aproactive, professionally presented person, enjoy working in ateam environment and want to be part of our business, this could be the job for you.

Applications should include ahand written cover letter, resume and two references and be sent to:-

Leo O'Brien Leo O'Brien Property 191-193 Raymond Street SALE VIC 3850 Applications close 5.00pm Friday 10 February 2023.

Deaths • Deaths • Deaths • Deaths • Birthday Memoriam • Funerals • Funerals •

ABEL, Hilary. 9/3/1947 -15/1/2023

HYLAND, Stephen Peter.

Our hearts are so broken and our home now feels empty without you. We never knew how much strength and bravery you had until we watched you defy all odds. We always knew how much love and kindness one person had to give because you showed us every day. Your battle is now over and now you are at peace.

We will miss you every single day and we will remember you with such honour and pride. We will forever love you.

Cheryl and Tara ♥

BEESLEY (neeMancini), formerly Giglio, Carmalina (Carmen/Lina).

Born 12/1/1937

Passed away on January 22nd, 8:30pm at Wilson Lodge in Sale Victoria, aged abeautiful 86.

Loved,adored, and cherished wife of Albert Beesley (Bert) for the last 40 wonderful years.

Wonderful mother of Andrew and Joe. Grandmother of Jordan and Jasmyn. In all our hearts you will be there till our time we see you again. Never will you be forgotten.

COBAIN (Brain), Susan Louise.

Recently of Sale.

Passed away on January 19, 2023. Fond sister-in-law of Sue

Smyth and Aunt of Serrin

Smyth.

Love to my dear brother

Jim and to my nephews

GIBBON (nee Brown), Margaret Mary.

9/6/1929 -24/1/2023

Daughter of Eileen and William Brown (both dec.).

Sister of James, Victor (dec.), Patrick (dec.) and Irwin (dec.).

Mother to Nanette and Ray.

Grandmother of four and great grandmother of one.

JOHNSTONE (nee Harper), Margaret Pearl. Passed away peacefully on 24/01/2023, aged 90 years. Loved daughter of Bob and Mary (both dec.) Adored mother, motherin-law and grandmother of Kerry (dec.); David and Dermott; Anne, Andrew and Lauren; Peter, Viv, Isabelle and Emily.

Deaths

LAZZARO (nee Mogridge), Judith Anne

The Angels called on Friday, And took you by the hand, We knew that one day we would lose you, For good things do not last, But not the way it happened, You died and broke our hearts, We don't believe it when they say, Time will take the hurt away, For what we would give for just one more day, Awonderful person that we love, Our memories of you will never fade, As you walk beside us day by day.

In the arms of an Angel and now at peace. Always in our hearts, Craig, Leah, Thomas, Rose, and Lily xoxox.

To hear your voice, to see you smile, To sit and talk with you awhile, To be together in the same old way, Would be our only wish today, We laugh, we cry, we play our part, But behind it all lies a broken heart, We hide our tears when we speak your name, Without you …life's not the same.

To the world you may have just been somebody, But to us you were the world. Forever in our hearts, Melissa, Steve, Lilah, Alice, and Maggie xxxxx.

LOWE, Donald. 21/4/31 -25/1/23

LAZZARO (nee Mogridge), Judith Anne 26/9/1947 -27/1/2023

Passed away peacefully on Friday, January 27, 2023 at CGHS Sale.

Aged 75.

Dearly loved wife of Michael for 54 years.

Lovingmother and mother-in-law of David and Carol, Simone and Mark, Craig and Leah, Melissa and Steve.

Much loved Grandma to Monty (dec.), Oscar (dec.), Amelia, Max; Matthew, Joshua, Grace; Thomas, Rose, Lily; Lilah, Alice and Maggie.

Passed away peacefully at St Elmo's, Yarram.

Cherished husband of Eleanor (dec.) for over 70 years. Much loved father to Neville, Sue, Robin, Peter, Mandy and Jodie and their partners. Aloved Pop to his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

There comes atime for all of us when we must say goodbye, But memories and those we love live on and never die. Rest in pea ce

Dad/Pop/Don. Robin, Joan, Lauren, and James xxxxx

MAY, Mary Antoinette (Toni)

Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Mulgrave Private Hospital on Jan. 24, 2023 aged 85. Adored wife of Don for over 64 years. Loving mother of Bill, Michael (dec.), Therese, Francesca, Gerald and their partners. Loved nanna of James, Ashley, Daniel, Tim and Rebecca. Great nanna of Lilly, Laura, Patrick, Kaeden, Keira and Caleb. Treasured memories, always in our hearts.

MAY, Antoinette (Toni). Love and condolences to Don at this sad time. Loving mother of Bill, Michael (dec.), Therese, Francesca, Gerald and their families.

Achapter closed, Apage has turned, Alife well lived, Arest well earned. Much loved nana and great nana. Remembered with love, Sue Epp and family.

MILLER, Geoffrey Thomas. 15/11/1960 -30/1/2023

With asad heart we announce the passing of Geoff.

Beloved son of Bob (dec.) and Beryl. Brother to Ken, Teena and John.

Brother-in-law to Johnny B and Sandy. Loved by all the family. Rest peacefully

Funerals •

BEESLEY (nee Mancini). In accordance with her wishes, aprivate cremation for Mrs Carmen Beesley will be held.

GOODMAN. The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr Peter Maurice Goodman will be held at Our Chapel, 5Queen St Maffra on THURSDAY (February 2, 2023) commencing at 1pm, followed by burial at the Maffra Lawn Cemetery.

Peter'sfamily then welcome thosewho attend to join them for light refreshments at the Farmers Arms Hotel Newry.

MAY. Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs Mary Antoinette May will be offered at St Mary's Cathedral corner Pearson and Foster Streets Sale at 11:30am on WEDNESDAY (February 1, 2023). Following Mass, the funeral will leave the above church for the Sale Lawn Cemetery.For those unable to attend, a "Youtube" broadcast of the service will take place. Please check our website.

HYLAND.

The funeral service for Mr Stephen Peter Hyland will be held in our Geoff Rossetti Memorial Chapel, 1390 Maffra Road Sale (next to Sale Cemetery) on FRIDAY (February 10, 2023) commencing at 1pm. The service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend, please check our website. Aprivate cremation will follow.

MILLER. For funeral arrangements for Mr Geoffrey Thomas Miller please check website listed below or contact:

WOOD, Callum. 31/1/2005

Cal we are thinking of you today, But that is nothing new. We thought about you yesterday, And the days before that too. We think of you in silence, We often speak your name. We have so many memories, But we wish you were still with us. Loved and missed always, G. and Gramps.

Bereavement Thanks

NASH, Paul. Passed away 8/1/2023

•

Paul was associated with many different clubsStratford and Sale Lawn Bowls, Scouts, Briagolong

C.F.A. Nine Flight Air Cadets and ex RAAF Firemen and Briagolong

R.S.L.

REED. Afuneral service for Mr Stephen Arthur Reed (Grub) WAS HELD on FRIDAY (January 20, 2023).

Joy and family would like to thank all for their support during this difficult time, especially Wilson Lodge staff, Drs John Bergin and Paul Strauss, Semmens staffand D.V.A., Julie Duffy and the Briago long R.S.L. members.

RONALDS, Alishia. 1976 -2022

JOHNSTONE

(nee Harper).

The funeral of Mrs Margaret Pearl Johnstone is appointed to leave Our Chapel, 5Queen St., Maffra after aservice commencing at 11am TODAY (Tuesday January 31, 2023) for the Maffra Lawn Cemetery.

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

ROBINSON. The funeral service for Mrs Roma Joy Robinson will be held in our Geoff Rossetti Memorial Chapel, 1390 Maffra Road Sale (next to Sale Cemetery) on FRIDAY (February 3, 2023) commencing at 1pm. For those unable to attend, a"Youtube" broadcast of the service will take place, please check our website. No flowers by request, donations in lieu may be made to Dementia Australia. Envelopes will be available at the service.

Aprivate cremation will follow.

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.

GOODMAN, Peter Maurice.

Died peacefully at home in Coongulla with loved ones on 24th January 2023. Son of Pat and Sheila Goodman (both dec).

Loving brother to David, John and Helen.

Dear friend of Loretta Abikhair.

Much loved father to Madeleine and Patrick. And afriend to many more.

My Judy, friend and love, Blossoms are scattered by the wind, But blossoms, in my heart No wind can touch, Forget you Judy, Inever will, For in my heart, you are with me still.

In God's care Michael.

We thought of you with love today but that is nothing new, We thought about you yesterday and days before too, We think of you in silence, and often speak your name, All we have are memories,and your picture in aframe, But your memory is our keepsake with which we'll never part, God has you in His keeping, We have you in our hearts.

Loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. David, Carol, Monty and Oscar (both dec.), Amelia, and Max.

Loved father of Peter and Angela. Pop to Emerson and Aidan. Your passions were training your horses, old cars and the farm with mum by your side.

With your sheds brimming with your next fix-it projects as the farm came first. There would always be time for the rest later.

Reunited with our beloved Mum and Nan Eleanor.

May you Rest In Peace.

LAZZARO (nee Mogridge). Requiem mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs Judith Anne "Judy" Lazzaro will be offered at St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral, Pearson Street, Sale at 11.30am NEXT TUESDAY (February 7, 2023), followed by burial at the Sale Cemetery.

FLANNAGAN. Afuneral service for Mrs Edna Jean Flannagan WAS HELD on MONDAY (January 23, 2023).

GIBBON (nee Brown).

Aprivate cremation WAS HELD for Mrs Margaret Mary Gibbon.

LOWE.

The funeral service for Mr Donald Lowe will be held at St. Andrew's Uniting Church, Commercial Road Yarram at 11am on THURSDAY (February 2, 2023) followed by burial at the Yarram Cemetery.

Please see our website for livestream details.

CARTER, Jeffrey. Your whacky humour, generosity and sometimes one-sided long phone calls are just afew of the thoughts of you that never leave us. Miss you, Mum and Jack.

Love Nanette, Julie and Michael.

CARTER, Jeffrey.

The years come and go but memories last forever. Atribute to abloke whose mission was to organise and help others. Missing you.

Love Julie. Hi from Jenso.

HAHN, Beverley. 15/12/48 -26/1/22

Gone from us, you always will be in our hearts for ever and remembered always. Rob, Jen and families.

Barry &Annette Lett

We o er care, compassion and service with dignity,for the people of Gippsland

67 MacarthurStreet, Sale Phone 51431232

HYLAND, StephenPeter (Steve). Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Sale on Jan. 25, 2023, aged 73 Adored husband of Cheryl for over 42 years. Cherished father of Tara. Proud carer of his many shared pets over the years. Forever missed, loved by all.

Always so loving, thoughtful and kind, What beautiful memories you leave behind, You may have left this world behind, But you will never leave our hearts and mind. Awonderful Mum and Grandma. We will always love and miss you.

Simone, Mark, Matthew, Joshua, and Grace xxxxx

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

please call: 5143 9333

Athletes village gets started

THE state government has begun important geotechnical works at the Commonwealth Games Village at English Street, Morwell.

Ateam of experts will be drilling boreholes and excavating test pits at various locations across the 4.4 hectare site between January 30 and February 22023toverifyground conditions before more detailed designs on the village start.

Minister for Commonwealth Games,Jacinta Allen, said Victoria2026would deliver aworld-class Commonwealth Games.

“We’reexcited to showcase the Gippsland region

to the world while boosting the economy, creating jobs and bringing visitors to the region,” she said.

Allen said the geotechnical investigations were an importantfirst step in the planning and design of the Morwell Games village.

Boreholeswillallowengineers to collect physical samples of soil and rock beneaththe surface to help better understand the ground conditions on site for when construction on the Morwell Games Village gets underway later this year.

The boreholes willvaryindepth between 1.5 metres and eightmetres,using adrilling rig

mounted on afour-wheel drive and atracked drill rig, with the holes to be backfilled once samples are collected.

Aproportion of housing at each village site will be set asidefor social and affordablehousing, and the state government is working with local councilsand social and affordable housing providers to ensure that the use of the Games villages after Victoria 2026best reflects the needs of the local community

The Games Village at Morwell will be ahomeaway-from-home for around 1000 athletes and officials.

Five sports will be stagedinthe region, including

Shooting and Para Shooting, Women’s T20 Cricket, Badminton, Rugby Sevens and Road Cycling.

It is estimated the 2026 Commonwealth Games will create more than 600 full-time equivalent jobs before they start,3900jobs during the Games and afurther 3000 jobs after the closing ceremony,and is expected to contribute more than $3 billion to Victoria’s economy.

Development Victoria is the state government’s delivery partner for the Games villages, and will oversee the contractorsundertaking the geotechnical investigations at Morwell.

Sale Sonicsback in action at Dandenong and Bendigo

REPRESENTATIVE basketballisback, with Sale Sonics junior squads travelling to Dandenong and Bendigo overthe Australia Day break to participate in their first tournaments of2023.

The Under 10 boys made great progress over the weekend at the Eltham-Dandenong tournament. Their skills as individuals, as well as their teamwork, have continued to improve. They showed courage,positiveaggression, and intensity in their defensive pressure which resulted in awin against Leongatha in the qualifying final. Unfortunately they were beaten in the semi-final by Frankston, but the boys walked awaywith muchtobeproud of

The Sale Sonics U12 Boys had asuccessful Dandenong/Eltham Tournament, making it through to the finals. The boys were the only teamtobeatthe eventual grand finalwinner Sturt (South Australia), having beaten them by 16 points in the fifth round before the finals.

The semi-final against Knox City saw aclosefought game, but Sale was only able to convert 23 per cent of their shooting opportunities, even though they took 10 more shots.

The boys improved significantly during the tournament and are looking to the next campaign at Warragul in two weeks.

Sale Sonics U14boysmadeitthrough to the finals.

Atoughstart to the season really paid off for the Sonics U16 boys.

All of them have matured and learnt each others’ strengths to come out as adynamitesquad. The result was aclean sweep of their pool, winning most games by 20-plus points, including the qualifying final.

The grand final was atougher game. Trailing by two points into halftime, but once again, Sale came together and rose each other up to win the game by 15 points.

An amazing effort from an amazing team.

The U18 boys hadsome hardcompetition over the weekend and didn’t get awin.

Sale was in four of the five games and played its best basketball for the weekend in the last game and ahalf, pushing Casey who finished top of the table all the way and being in front at times.

The Sonicsfollowed through on its aim for the weekend to work on things they need to, while

playing against strong competition.

Sale rotated the starting five and evened out player court time to build astronger bench.

Coaching staff were proud that the boys looked longer termand everyoneimprovedindividually and within the team structure over the weekend.

The U14 girls headed to Bendigoover the Australia Day break and put in astrong performance.

Playing championship grade againstsome of the best country teams in Victoria, the girls played some awesome team basketball, highlightedby their team defence thatmadelifedifficult for each opponent.

The girlslost to Ballaratinthe first game by 10 points, blew Mildura off the court in the second game,winning by 20 points, lost to Geelong by four points,and then in thelast game, lost to Shepperton by two points.

There may not have beenmanywins on the board, but to be this competitive against all Div 1sides,

who they will face at country champs in April, is a true testament to the improvement in this team.

The U16 girls headed to Bendigo and competed in Division 1.

As ateam they made fantastic improvement to both their offensive and defensive structures, and were highly competitive with nearly all but one of their five games coming down to the wire.

Round 1saw them face astrong Horsham side.

After leading Horsham all game, the Sonics lost the game by one point after Horsham scoredagoal right on the buzzer.

In Round2they faced an aggressive Bacchus Marsh side.

After trailing Bacchus Marsh for much of the game, the girls dug deep and made sure to not make the same mistakes again, holding on to get the win by one point.

Round 3saw further improvementstotheirgame when they came up against astrongBallarat 2side.

Unfortunately,after trailing Ballarat on the scoreboard, they clawed their way back to within two points, but time wasn’t on their side and they fell short by just two points.

Afterregrouping, the girls came out in theirbest performance of the tournamentagainst Sunbury, determined to getanother win.

After manyleadchanges, thegirls wereeventual four-point winners.

Round 5saw them down to six players after gastro took out one player and injury struck another.

They played their hardest, but ended up outsized and unable to sink abasket, going down to Hamilton by 10 points.

Overall, it was agreat performance by the girls who consist of five bottom players.

The U18 girls tooktheirtalentstoBendigoto compete in the championship grade competition.

With only seven girls makingthe journey due to some late withdrawals, ahugechallenge awaited the girls.

But in true style, the girls didn’t take abackward step and played some outstanding basketball. With wins over Portland by 20 points, ahardfought win by two points over Wodonga, another win by eight points over Geelong, and then lastly another win over Sunburyby35, the girls finished on top of their pool.

They then progressed to the quarterfinals where they would account for Shepperton by 15 points.

Unfortunately, ainjury to one of the girls after that game then left the team with six for asemifinal rematch with Geelong.

In ahard-fought, low scoringaffair,battlingheat, fatigueand fouls, the girls fellshortbytwo points

Coaches Casey Dimarco and Mel Birss were extremely pleased with the grit and determination that the girls showed all tournament.

Bothcoaches agreed thatthese girls have a great chance of bringing home yet another Div 1 championship if they continue to improve and play team basketball.

The Sale Sonics repsquads now look forward to the Warragul tournament, while the Sale Associationprepares for the return of domestic competition on Tuesday, February.

Sale SonicsUnder 14,16and 18 girls travelled to Bendigo for the Bendigo Junior Classic.

Photo: Contributed

Sale Sonics Under 16 boys came away winnersatDandenong.Pictured is Keiffer Anderson, Kade Musselwhite, Kobe Flutey-Martin, CharlieKelly (front)Jake De Donato,Jordan Harrison, Hunter Cloak and TomRoberts.

Touch rugbybackoninSale

Laurie Smyth

TOUCHfootballwillresumetomorrow night at 6.30pm at Stephenson Park.

The format for the night willberound robin/come and try night with all teams from the 2022 season expected to make an appearance.

New teams and individualplayers are invited to attend.

COVID saw the disruption to the past two years and now we arelooking forward to afull year of touch.

At thistimeofthe year there will be thoseplayers that will not be part of the opening games as they have preseason commitments with other sports.

Once the number of teams has been finalised a fixture will be circulated to all members.

Last seasonthere were only severalRAAF

players, however it is expected that they will have acompetitive team in this season’s competition.

Unfortunately, players and teams move on mainly due to work commitments and this season will be no different

Following the games, the rescheduled association’s annual meeting will be held at 8pm in the new social room with entry from the baseball side of the building at StephensonPark.

The 26th Annual Sale Touch Knockout willbe heldonthe weekendofApril 15 and 16 when more than 60 teams are expected to converge on Sale for this event.

As in previoustournaments,Saturday will be the men’s and women’s competition,while Sunday will feature the mixed competition.

Prize money will be presented to the winners and runners-up in each division in each section.

Local swimmersreturn with swag of awards

SALE Swimming Clubrecently returned from the 2023 Victorian CountryLongCourse Championships.

Seventeen athletes and coach Mick Hatwell venturedtoWangaratta forthreedays of competition

To qualify for the Vic Country Champsisa huge achievement. The club was represented in 55 individual events and 10 relays.

The team welcomed three new membersfor their first country champs.

Max Williamson for both individual and relay events and Miley Lowe and Tayla Goode who made the journey to join the Under 12 girls relay team. Each andevery swimmer swam extremely well, withmanypersonalbestsand new qualifying times achieved.

Day 1was abeautiful day, and of the 16 swims in the morning session, Sale had nine PB’s which was afantastic effort.

Lily Wheeler andScarlett Tavasci both made finals with solid PB’s in the 100 metre freestyle and 100m breaststroke respectively, and then backed it up by going faster again in the finals.

Aliesha Turnbulland Zayden Burton also swam well to be emergenciesinthe 100free and 200 individual medley.

MackenzieGibbsswam another great50breast eventinthe afternoon session to receive the clubs first medal forthis meet, and her second medal in as many weeks.

The day was finished off with some great relay swims by all three teams, with the highlight being the Under16Girls4x50 freestylerelayteam going under two minutes and finishing in seventhplace

Day 2was full of excitement for multiple reasons, with the weather playing havoc in the afternoon and astorm postponing the finals until Monday morning.

From aSaleSwimming Club perspective, all swimmers on Day 2swam well with 20 swims resulting in seven PB’s and many swims very close to best times.

Sale Swimming Club wished to give ashout-out to those who competed in the 100 butterfly event, as many swimmers represent the club well tough conditions.

The highlight of Day 2was in the men’s open 100m freestyle, where RileyLoweswamafantastic race to get the national qualifying timethathe has been so determined to get (swimming 58.39 seconds).

His hard work and dedication at traininghas paid off, and the reward for effort was fantastic to see.

Day 3picked up where Day 2was abruptly ended due to storms.

Day 2finals were swum in the morning, followed by Day 3events swum as timed finals.

Sale started the day with their medleyrelay teams hitting the water first.

All teams made agood go of it, with the boys Under 14 medley relay team finishing in seventh place.

After ashort break, the Day 3sessions were all swum as timed finals.

Of the 21 events completed by the Sale swimmers, there was amassive 17 PB’s, with more qualifyingtimes achieved andsome super-fast relay swims to complete along but enjoyable weekend of swimming.

Adelaide Ripper had an amazing swim in the Girls Under 11 50 breaststroke to take Sale Swimming Club’s second medal for the meet, and then Max Williamson followed Adelaide’s lead to also finish second, but was unfortunately disqualified for wobbling on the blocks.

All swimmers represented the club extremely well, showing great effortand attitude towards their racing and other members of the team.

This weekend, swimmers are back racing at the Andy Barnes Meet in Sale.

Sale Swimming Clubisthe host club for the ninth swim meet this summer in the Gippsland Swimming calendar.

Photos: Contributed

RileyLoweachieved hisfirst ever national qualifying times in the 14 years boys 50m and 100m freestyle events.

Adelaide Ripper wonsilver in the girls Under 11 50 metrebreaststroke.

Mackenzie Gibbs won bronzeinthe women’s 50 metrebreastmulti-class

Taking on the sea monster

An all-female team of rowers willrow morethan 320 kilometres in verychallenging conditions to help raise moneyfor Red Nose.

AN all-female teamofrowers will begin their journey from Port Welshpool on Sunday, February 12, and cross one of the most treacherous bodies of water in Australia -the Bass Strait. The team will row over 320 kilometres in very

Photo: Contributed

challenging conditions to help raise money for Red Nose.

The trip will takesix full days of rowing, ranging from 40 to 70 km per day, and conclude in Musselrowe Bay, Tasmania.

Touch rugby is back on at Sale.

Photo:Contributed

Sale Swimming ClubcaptainsZayden Burton and Sophie Brownatthe openingceremonywalk.

Sale Swimming Clubmembers at the statecountry long course championships RileyLowe, ScarlettTavasci, Zayden Burton, Jonah Brown, Sophie Brown, Mick Hatwell(coach), (middle)Tara Dihood, Lily Wheeler,AdelaideRipper,Miley Lowe, Molly Dettbarn, Aliesha Turnbull, (front) Ellie Brown, Toby Turnbull, MaxWilliamson, Mackenzie Gibbsand Max Bassett. Absent: TaylaGoode

Young Sharksunbeaten at JCW

Liam Durkin

WHEN you win playerofthe carnival, you can wear orange crocs.

Sale-Maffra completed an unbeaten campaign in the Under 17 GirlsJuniorCountryWeek last Wednesday, taking home the Sophie Molineux Trophy.

The trophy is named after the current Victorian and Melbourne Renegades captain, who grew up playing cricket in Bairnsdale.

Taking to Yinnar Recreation Reserve, the Sharks defeated Latrobe Valley andLeongathaDistrict twice in two days to win the tournament.

Matches were amixture of Twenty20s and 17-overa-side games depending on starting time.

The side was captained by Kirrily Bruce (stepping in for the injured Matilda Pendergast), and Lily May Lyndon.

The first game saw Sale-Maffra restrict Latrobe Valley to 7/69 from 17 overs.

Acacia Suttonand Ash Murtaghtooktwo wickets each

The batting effort saw the Sharks pass the required total for the loss of two wickets.

Sutton remained not out on 21.Otherstopost runs were Matilda Berns (20 not out), Reegan Leeson (17

not out) and Gemma Bruce (16 not out).

Sale-Maffra was far too strong in the next game.

The Sharks elected to bat first upon winning the toss, and put together atotal of 5/137 against Leongatha.

Kirrily Bruce top-scored on 36. Maddie Winter (19)and Jazz Anstee (14 notout) alsomade contributions.

The Sharks were then miserlywith the ball, allowing their opponents to score just35runs in 20 overs. Winter backed-up her efforts from earlier, and took 2/2 with the new ball.

Returning for competition the nextday, SaleMaffra was again too strong for Leongatha.

Batting first again, the Sharks closed at 5/109 off their allotted 17 overs.

Bruce led the charge with 24 not out.

The Sharksmaintainedtheir disciplinewith the ball from the previous day, this time, only allowing Leongatha to score 29 runs from their overs.

Sutton was the chief-destroyer, taking 4/6.

The final game saw Sale-Maffra bat first again, and they closed at 5/105 off their 20 overs against Latrobe Valley.

Leeson did the bulk of the scoring, making 24 not out, receiving good support fromAnstee(19 not out), and Murtagh (14 not out).

Latrobe Valleywas never in the hunt,and could only manage 41 in reply.

Winer took three wickets, working in tandem with Lesson and Sutton who took two, and Nicholas and Berns, who returned ‘excellent’ figures of 1/3 off two overs.

Sutton won player of thecarnivalaftertotalling 57 runs at 28.5 and taking nine wickets.

Bruce was the side’s top run-scorer with 68 runs at 34.00.

Nicholas was awarded the spirit of cricket award for her exemplary attitude and effort.

Theteam paid tribute to late SMCA legend Neil Wrigglesworth, observinga minute silenceonthe Tuesday.

An all-star gamepickedfromteamsthat competedinthe carnival will be played in late March.

Expert advice for the Sonics

SALE Sonics Under 14 Boysenjoyed expert tips from guest coach Andrew Hack in the leadup to the first basketball tournament of the year.

Hack coaches alongside current WNBL and NBL coaches Gerard Hillier and Lucas Allen as part of the Wyndhamprogram. Hack also coached the Sale Sonics Under 16 and Under 18 Girls to win the Vic Country Championship Titlein2021 and 2022.

Sale Sonic players were gearing up for the Eltham Dandenong Junior Basketball Tournament, the largest tournament in the southern hemisphere.

The tournamentwas played across the Australia Day weekend, attracting teams from New Zealand and interstate, including Queensland and South Australia.

Photos: Contributed

Visit from Demons cult hero

Sale-Maffra

SALE Sonics Under 14 boys made it through to the finals at the Eltham Dandenong tournament.

The tournament is the largest junior tournament in the world with 1400 teams.

Sonics boys were undefeated at the conclusion of the regular rounds,and played off against Dandenong for aspot on the AReserve Grand Final.

In agame that went goal-for-goal, Sonics were two points down with 30 seconds to go.

An attempt to steal in the dying seconds gave Dandenong two shots on thesiren and Sale went down by four.

Top scorers were Hunter Wynd with 15 and Max Cox and Bailey Lieuwen with nine each.

Hole, Hunter Wynd, ZacKilleen and(front) Bailey Lieuwen.

Target Time No.0143

anther,ashed, ashen, ashier,danish, dash,dasher, dearth, death, dish, dither,earth, hade, hair,haired, hairnet,hand, handier, handiest,handset,hard, harden, hardest,hardiest, hare,hared, hart,hast, haste, hasted, hasten, hastier,hate, hated, hater, hatred, head, hear,heard,heart,heat, heir,heist herd, hernia, hied, hide, hider,hind,hinder,hint, hinted, hinter,hire, hired, hist,nashi, neath, radish, rash,rath, rhea, saith, saithe, sandhi, shad, shade, shadier,shard, share, shared, shear,shed, sherd, shied, shier,shin, shine, shined, shiner,shire,shirt, shred, shrine, sinh, snath, sthenia, tahr,tanh, tarnish, TARNISHED, than, thane, thar,their, then, thenar thin, thine, third, this, thread, trash, trashed.

Target: Average -50, Good -65, Excellent -85+

leaders Lily MayLyndon and Kirrily Brucewith theSophie Molineux Trophy and JuniorCountryWeek Shield. Photos: Contributed

Player of thecarnivalAcacia Sutton shows off her medals andorange crocs.

Sale Sonics boys caught up withformer Melbourne forwardRussell Robertson after going through thepool games undefeated. Pictured with Robertsonare MaxCox,Charlie Young, Archer Crawley, BanjoBerry,Cooper

Photo: Contributed

Sale Sonics’ Charlie Young and ZacKilleen work on their shiftydribbling.

Coach Andrew Hack andSaleSonics Under 14 players Banjo Berry,Cooper Hole and HunterWynd

Maffra hasa decent Day1

SMCA SCOREBOARD

FIRST GRADE ROUND 12 (DAY1)

COLLEGIANS VROSEDALE-KILMANY Collegians First Innings

ZHurley. cLFreshwater bHangan. 0 TMorrison cA Diamondb Rowley 0

bHangan.

Rosedale-Kilmanybowling: NHangan11-2-2-30, DRowley9-2-4-26, BMcDonald5-1-1-15, B Scott5.2-3-3-5

Rosedale-KilmanyFirstInnings LFreshwater c& bT Morrison .1

lbw bWhitford. .4

cMalone bWhitford. .5

bowling: NHurley9.1-2-0-41, N

TMorrison 5-1-1-17, S Anderson7-0-1-16, JDurnell 6-0-0-18, H Anderson4-3-1-3,CMorrison3-1-0-5,Z Hurley 3-0-0-8

MAFFRA VBOISDALE-BRIAGOLONG Maffra

27-14-2-37,S Anstee 5-0-0-20, L

8-2-1-22,

From Page 32

FOR the firsttimeinseveral weeks,Maffra has reason to smile in Sale-Maffra cricket.

The Eagles,playing at Cameron Sporting Complex,posted the highest total of any firstgrade side on Saturday, with 228 runs made by the fall of their 10th wicket against Boisdale-Briagolong. Signswere positive for Maffra right from the start, given the option to bat first after winning the toss.

Opener Miller Easthamcapitalised,making 40 runs -his best score of the season -via partnerships with Ben Durrant and captain Lee Hopkins, and things only got better for the Eagles from there.

During the fifth wicket, 55 runs were added by Josh Davis and Ben Sly, their stand concluding whenthe former was caught threeshy of ahalf-ton.

Ben Harrington (22 runs), Nick Wozniak (29) and David Griffiths (23) also made valuable contributions, with the latter’s wicket bringing the innings to aclose in the 79th over.

Despite conceding 228 runs, Boisdale-Briagolong performed admirablyonthe day, as their stats prove.

Bowling duties were shared between four of their players- LiamHurst, Ryan Marshall,Dylan Bolton and Nick Pang -all of whom hadaneconomy rate of three runs per over or less.

Marshalland Bolton took four wickets each, while Hurst and Pang bagged one each.

TheSaintshave alreadybegun their chase -they

snuckone over in before the close of play to make four runs without loss.

THERE wasn’t much separating Longfordand Sale, contrary to their 36-point difference on the First XI ladder.

As with all the other home teams in Round 12, it was Longford who won the toss,with captain Lachlan Floyd choosing to bat first.

Aslowstart wasmadebythe Lizards’ opening pair of Ben Russ and Sam Lucas-Laws, who made 20 runs between them in the first 17 overs.

Following the loss of their wickets, Walt Sutton combined with Jack Heywood for arespectable 54-run stand that lasted 13 overs.

Jordan Price was next to step-up, outlasting five of his team-mates to post 45 runs.

By the fall of his wicket, Longford was sitting at 9/155; just two runs were added before the 10th wicket fell in the 61st over.

Price’sscore was the highest for the Lizards;next best wasHeywoodwith 41 off 40 balls,aknock that included two sixes.

Coenie Nel was the pick of Sale’sbowlers onceagain, taking4/63;Ben Jones and Garreth Wolmarans snagged two wickets each.

In reply, the Swans lost both of their openers in the early stages, leaving Nel and Michael O’Brien to build atotal.

Theysurvivedthe next 16 overs to be 2/59 by day’s end.

1-0-0-4

BUNDALAGUAH VSTRATFORD Bundalaguah First Innings

JLangshaw. cRietschel bWaixel 4

SSpoljaric not out 119

KSharma. cWaixelb JTatterson 3

NFrench cB Channingb LChanning .25

TO’Reilly. c& bJ Tatterson 2

JRead cBChanning bRietschel 7

bRietschel 12

.not out .11

(nb 0, w0,b 4, lb 2) 6

SPendergast 3-3-0-0,Z

3-0-1-18, JRietschel 31-6-4-89, J

bowling: JPrice 3-1-1-4, COsborne 4-0-1-16,L Floyd6-1-0-14, JTaylor 3-0-0-16, M McMaster 2-1-0-2, NSingh 1-0-0-1

SecondGrade: Sale 111(WHector30, A McGuiness3/24) vCollegians 3/27;Stratford 172(TMillar62, NBennett30, JBeaumont 3/48)vMaffra; Rosedale-Kilmany82(J

Diamond 27,JCantwell 4/15, JLenehan 3/18)v Bundalaguah 5/115 (J Dimarco 43, SFox 3/43)

ThirdGrade: Nambrok 8/227(cc) (A Robinson 73*, SHettiarachchige 73, PSheilds 47,J Wells 7/44)vCollegians; Stratford77(NThomas 27, BFlynn 5/15)v Maffra6/97(SMcLaverty50* NThomas 3/31); urruk 7/207 (L Tourtoulas 91, JVanderveen 3/32) vRosedale-Kilmany; Sale 46 (K Lenehan 3/8) vBundalaguah 2/88 (K Bannak Ralalage37, RDonohue 2/27), Longford 91 (R Traeger44, TBirss 3/12) vHeyfield0/28; BYE-Boisdale-Briagolong

Fourth Grade: Maffra1/175 (M Cordian51*, JPataki 50*, JParker49*) def Sale White 6/170(cc) (T Reid 53*, JHampson 45*, JPataki 2/32); Wurruk Windies 6/155(cc) (R Allred 3/23) def Stratford102 (S Noble 26*); Bundalaguah Yaks 2/216(GAbrahall51*,G Wrigglesworth 46) def Longford7/214(cc)(LGrosveld 50*, MAlexander 50*, MWriggelsworth3/41); Bundalaguah Bulls /240(cc) (C Sharp 51*, Z Knight 50*) def Collegians 9/203 (M Foster 53*, CPaterson 35, PHoran 3/34); Wurruk Toads def Rosedale-Kilmanyonforfeit; BYE-Heyfield.

Saputo Women’sMidweek T20: (held January24):Collegians 2/118(cc) (T Hall 26, MGrattan 25)def Longford3/112(cc) (D Ahern 27,SGuthrie 25, IColeman 25,A Sutton 2/19); Stratford0/136(cc) (P Johnston 25, T Longhurst 25,J Shelton-Burr 25,K Gault 23*) def Rosedale-Kilmany4/116(cc) (L Leeson26, H Webb 2/17); Sale def Bundalaguah on forfeit. Junior matches resumethis weekend

Collegians batsman Nathan Giove hears the death rattle afterheisbowled by Rosedale-Kilmany’s Brandon McDonald.

Photo:Tom Parry

Best in the business

Sale-Maffra completed an unbeaten tournament to win the Under 17s Girls Junior Country Week.

STORY PAGE 30

Dark horse strikes once again

TomParry

PLAYERS in the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association felt the heat in more ways than one over the weekend.

Withtemperatures reaching the mid-30s on Saturday, and plenty of humidity in the air, conditions were the hottest and most uncomfortable experienced so far this season.

And yet, even with the discomfort, there were still some fierce contests across the grounds.

Round 12 of the first grade competition saw two teams setting high totals, arelatively even clash at Stephenson Park, and another that surprised just about everybody.

With all four games being atwo-day affair, proceedings are currently at their midway point. BELIEING theirfourth-placing on the ladder, Rosedale-Kilmany are firmly ahead of top-placed Collegians.

Home side College won the toss and chose to score first on apitch that had equal amounts of green and dry grass -hardly the ideal surface for

batting, as the next few hours proved.

With Nathan Hangan bowling from the northern endand Dean Rowley from the south, the Warriors unleashed an almighty attack that sawsix batsmen lost within the first 16 overs.

This includedopeners Zac Hurley and Tom Morrison, both of whom uncharacteristically fell forducks; Charlie Morrison, caught for 11; Henry Anderson,caughtbehindfor two; and Stuart Anderson and NoahHurley, who survived just two balls each.

Achange in bowlersonly saw the onslaught continue, with another fearsome pace duo -Brad Scott and Brandon ‘Big Mac’ McDonald -taking theremaining four wickets between them.

Collegians were all out for just 79 -their lowest total of the 2022/23 season -injust31overs.

Aside from Charlie Morrison, the only batsman to postdouble-digitswas Adrian Burgiel,who made 47.

Similarbattingwoes appeared to plaguethe Warriors as they set about their response, losing four of their players for single digits in the opening nine overs.

Rohan Diamond provided some stability to the innings, forging partnerships for the fifth wicket (19 runs with Scott) and the sixth (27 with Cam Freshwater) to keep RK in the game.

It was duringthe seventh wicket thatCollegians’ total was surpassed, coming off two leg byes in the 23rd over.

Batsmen ceased falling after Hangan’s dismissal at 8/91, with Diamond and Rowley piling on 59 runs to finish the day unbeaten on 89 and 16, respectively.

As aresult of their efforts, Rosedale-Kilmany currently lead by 71, with two wickets in hand.

IT was another week of high scoring for Bundalaguah, who resisted afull-strength Stratford attack to see out an entire 80 overs of play.

The Redbacks squad was buoyed by the return of gun all-rounder Jack Tatterson -absent the previous two rounds -who made his presence felt, bowling 14 maidens and taking two wickets across 27 overs.

But there was no doubting the fact that the day belonged to Bundy.

Having opted to bat first on their home turf, the

Bulls lost three earlywickets before steadying under the stewardship of Steve Spoljaric and Nick French.

Their stand saw 59 runs added in 21 overs, ending when French was caught for 25.

A46-runpartnership betweenSpoljaric and ChrisSmart followed; immediately after, 32 runs were made between Spoljaric and Hayden Wrigglesworth.

It was during the latter stand that Spoljaric passed 100 to notch his second century of the season.

He would go on to finishthe day unbeaten on 119 -the highest individual scoreofany firstgrade player this season.

With Bundy having amassed 199 for the loss of eight wickets, Stratford will need to post at least 200 runsnext weekend if they want to achieve victory.

CaptainJackRietschel was the standout bowler forthe Redbacks, taking four wickets.

Continued -Page31

Sale-MaffraUnder17Girls JuniorCountry Week premiership winning team: Sam Anstee (coach), Madi Nicholas, Matilda Berns,MaddieWinter,Reegan Leeson, Ash Murtagh, Milla Grattan, Lily May Lyndon(front) GemmaBruce,KirrilyBruce,Acacia Sutton and JazzAnstee. Photo: Contributed