Gippsland Times Tuesday 11 June 2024

Be prepared for this snowseason

VICTORIA Police are urging snow goers to be prepared after thousands of vehicles were turned back last year due to lack of preparation.

More than 3600 vehicles were turned around by police and authorised officersatMtHotham alone for lackingthe necessary wheel chains essential for driving in snowy conditions.

Victoria Police and authorised officers will again conduct random vehiclechecks on roads leading to alpine resorts, adopting azero-tolerance policy for any unprepared travellers.

Wheel chains are vital for navigating snowy or icy roadsand can be the difference between staying safe on the road or sliding off and being involved in aserious incident.

It is alegal requirement to carry suitable wheel chains at all times duringthe snowseason and to install them when instructed. Failure to carry chains may result in a$370fine, while not fitting them could lead to a$970penalty.

Visitors heading to Victoria’s snowfields, includingMtBuller, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Lake Mountain, and Mt Stirling can expect to see aheavy police presenceacross key roads and resorts.

This includes local police, highway patrol, heavy vehicle unit,liquorlicencingand alpine police, patrolling all routes to and within alpine resorts this season.

Theseofficers haveundertaken specific training in alpine areas in the lead up to snow season, ensuring they are well placed to maintain public order

on the slopes,respond to incidents, and conduct search and rescue missions.

Last year, police responded to 19 search and

rescue events duringlastyear’s snowseason, including eight at Falls Creek, seven at Mt Hotham and four at Mt Buller.

On Friday, June10, 2023 an 18-year-old man had aluckyescape afterhis vehicle drove off a cliff at Mt Buller. His vehicle came to rest on its sideand was preventedfrom sliding further down the mountain after being stopped by trees. With a combined effort from police, SES, CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria, Ambulance Victoriaand alocal towing company, the vehicle was secured, and the driver taken to safety.

Last year, police caught several drivers over the legal alcohol limit, and drug drivers.

In July last year, police intercepted aprivate 22-seat bus at Mt Buller. The driver returned a blood alcohol reading (BAC) over the legal limit and returned apositive drug test.

Other key safetytipsfor those headingtothe snow include:

-Ensure your car’s radiator is filled with antifreeze and if diesel use Alpine Mix;

-Drive cautiously with gradual pressure on the accelerator to avoid wheel spin; -Brake gently and avoidunnecessary gear changes;

-Maintain asafebraking distance from vehicles in front, especially in poor visibility;

-Let someoneknow where you are goingand how long you will be;

-Regularly checkweatherand snow conditions as conditions can change quickly, and; -If lost -stop, seek shelter, call Triple Zero (000) and wait.

Turning waste into energy at Radial Timber

AN innovative projectfunded by the state government is turning Radial Timber mill’s wood waste into energy that can be fed back into the mill.

Spiegel Energy, in partnership with Radial Timber, GridEdge and Earth Systems received $2 million through the Forestry Transition Program to establish the Yarram Energy Park at the Yarram mill in Gippsland, supported by Wellington Shire Council.

Phase 1ofthe project is now complete, with the installation of apilot bioenergy cell plant through

the purchase of apyrolysis unit and GridEdge Battery solar and storage system.

The pilot plant uses pyrolysis technology, where Radial’s by-products -such as sawdust and wood chips -are burnt at high temperatures without oxygen to produce biochar, acarbon rich product that is used to improve soil quality.

The plant has the potential to provide 30 per cent of Radial Timber’s heat and electricity needs, and produce bioproducts includingwood vinegar, which can be used as an organic pesticide.

The pilot is the result of threeyears’ research and development, and if successful, the project partnersare committedtothe installation of a larger pyrolysis unit.

In the future it may even become an additional energy source for the town, as the community focussesonmoving towards renewable energy and plantation timber to ensure that Gippsland’s economy is vibrant for decades to come.

The renewable energy park is just one example of how businesses and communities are embracing

innovation and exploring new opportunities. Radial Timber has also received more than $480,000 in grantsfromRounds1and 2ofthe Victorian Timber Innovation Fund for projects including trialling processing of different types of plantation timber.

Visit vic.gov.au/forestry or call 1800 318 182 for more information aboutthe Forestry Transition Program.

With snow season upon us, Victoria Police areurging those travelling to ski resorts to be prepared.

Photo: Contributed

Lynn takes the stand

ErikaAllen

GREGORY Stuart Lynn, a57-year-old former Jetstar pilot, took the stand for the first time in theVictorian Supreme court last Thursday, after pleadingnot guilty to murdering Russell Hill, 74, andCarol Clay, 73, at aremote camping site in theWonnangatta Valley in March 2020.

“I haven’t killed anyone,” he told the court. In apacked courtroom, he described aconfrontation that he claimed led to the accidentaldeaths of Mr Hill and Ms Clay. Jurorsheard how he allegedly panicked,attempted to cover up the scene, and subsequently dumped and set fire to the bodies.

Mr Hill and Ms Clay vanished from their campsite in theWonnangatta Valley in March 2020. Human remains found near Dargo in November 2021 were confirmed by Victoria Police to be that of the missing pair.

The Age reported thatMrLynntold police he and Mr Hill were struggling over Mr Lynn’s shotgun at Bucks Camp in the Wonnangatta Valley on March 20, 2020.

“I don’t know if he intended to shoot me or not. Probably not,” Mr Lynn said.

“I think he was probably just trying to keep the shotgun for himself and scare me off.”

The Guardian reported that in Mr Lynn’s police interview fromNovember 2021, playedtothe jury earlierlastweek, he said he noticed adrone flying above him as he stalked deer. After returning to the campsite, he saw Mr Hill with adrone.

It is reported that Mr Lynn and Mr Hill got into an altercation over drone footageofMrLynn hunting deer. Mr Hill accused Mr Lynn of hunting too close to the campsite.

During the struggle, Mr Lynnsaidthe gun fired accidentally, striking Ms Clay and killing her.

Mr Lynn told police that soon after Ms Clay was shot dead, Mr Hill approached with aknife.

Astruggleensued, and Mr Lynn said as he was pushed over,the knife wentintoMrHill’s chest. Mr Lynn told police Mr Hill crawled ashort distance before stopping.

LastThursday, prosecution lawyerDaniel Porceddu’s questioning zeroed in on Mr Lynn’s decision to cover up the campers’ deaths by moving

their bodies and setting fire to their campsite.

“At this stage, you could have reported this matter to police, couldn’t you?” Mr Porceddu asked.

Mr Lynn said he could have.

“You know that by preserving the scene, police would have been able to verify your version of events, don’t you?” Mr Porceddu asked.

“I could have followed that pathway,” Mr Lynn said.

“And they would have determinedonyour version …that this was just two accidental deaths. That’s right, isn’t it?” Mr Porceddu asked.

Mr Lynn replied that he fearedhewould be blamed for the deaths given the “improper storage of afirearm” had “resulted in thedeath of one person”.

Mr Lynn, acknowledging that his actions after the deaths were “despicable,” apologised to the families of Mr Hill and Ms Clay for the suffering he caused.

He maintains his innocence, asserting thathe hadnoreason to murder Mr Hill and Ms Clay.

The jury will hear closing arguments today.

TrainingVictorians into the digital industry

THE state government says it is making sure more Victorians can get the skills they need for the job they want,withboosted investment helping people make the jump into adigital job of their choice.

Ministerfor Jobs and Industry,Natalie Hutchins last week announced applications are now open forthe latestrounds of the Labor Government’s Digital Jobs program-supporting400 mid-career Victorians with 12 weeks of trainingindigital fields.

From data analytics, digital marketing, IT operations and support, user experience, programming, and web development, this free training provides an accessible pathwayfor people to get the training they need for the job they deserve.

Once training is complete, program participants will have the opportunity to apply for a12-week workplacement to gaininvaluablereal-world experience in their chosen field.

The State Budget 24/25 invested $4.4 million to enable more workers to re-shape theirjob prospects by movinginto state’sgrowing techsectorand filling critical skill shortages through the Digital Jobs program. The government’s investment is also supporting 600 existingprogramparticipants with ongoing employment services support to help them get a job in Victoria’s tech sector.

More than 5000 people have been supported to transition into adigital career since the program launched in August 2021, with more than 59 per cent of participants beingfemale, 63 percentspoke alanguageother than English and 40 per cent were over 40 years of age.

Program participants from non-digital backgroundsthat transitioned into digital roles saw an average increase of $500 in their weekly wages The program has more than 1300 employers

registered as business hosts, from small businesses to companies like the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, which has successfullyplaced five candidates into permanent employment.

After completing her placement, software engineerMelissaBurnett wasofferedapermanent position with Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, where she is supportingthe Bank’s digitaltransformation. The Digital Jobsprogram is one of arange of government initiatives to support the growth of digital skills and talent.

Others include the Women in Security program, whichprovides apathway forwomen to transition intocyber careers, and the Cremorne Digital Hub. Applications are now open for the Round 10 intake commencing early-August, and the Round 11 intake commencing mid-November.

To learn more aboutthe Digital Jobsprogram or to apply, visit: vic.gov.au/digitaljobs

Former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn maintained his innocence in theVictorian Supreme Court last week. Mr Lynn is accused of murdering campers Russell Hill and Carol Clayinthe WonnangattaValleyinMarch 2020.

The jury hasheardthatCarol Clayand Russell Hill werekilled during an altercationbetween Lynn andMrHill.

Photos: File

Chester calls for independent audit

THE Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester has calledfor an independent audit of the ecological health of the Gippsland Lakes to help to guide future management and practical environmental action throughout the catchment.

Speaking in federal parliament, Mr Chester accused the stateand federal governmentsof under-funding the nation’s largest lakes system.

“I’ve often described the Gippsland Lakes as the Great Barrier Reef of the south, such is their importance to my region,” Mr Chester told parliament.

“But the Victorian government contributes less than $3 million per year for direct investment in protecting and enhancing the Gippsland Lakes and its catchment, while the Commonwealth provides ad hoc grants to land managers through various competitivegrants streams. Contrast this with the estimated $150 million per year governments contributed to the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.”

Mr Chester said he was concerned that the catchment’slackofmonitoring and active management would compromise the system’s future.

“The Gippsland Lakes are magnificent, and I’m not suggesting they are in crisis, but the time for action is now,and not when we have amajor algal bloom or other problems,” he said.

“It’sthe environmental future of the lakes and rivers in my region that causes me the most concern, and an ongoing failure to properly measure, manage and take practical action to improve water quality, reduce the impact of pests,and ensure the lakes are passed on to future generations.”

Mr Chester said he had repeatedly raisedconcerns on behalf of constituents regarding the ecological condition of the lakes, the lack of comprehensive monitoring of water quality and other issues, the disjointed management structure, and the failure to undertake an independent audit since 1998.

“Rather than acrisis-driven approach,the time to spend money,properly measuring, evaluating and taking action is not when ablue-greenalgal bloom is devastating the local economy. It’snow,”hesaid Mr Chester said the Gippsland Lakes system was internationally significant as amigratory bird habitat and had great cultural importance to the Gunaikurnai people.

“All of the evidencepoints to asystem under stress, which is not being actively monitored or managed to the level it should be, given its social, economic, environmental and culturalimportance,” Mr Chester said.

“We need an independent environmental audit of theGippsland Lakes and catchment and acommitmenttoundertake the practical steps needed to secure ahealthy future for this crucial system.

“The Gippsland Lakes and catchment areas are being starved of resources by astate government that is disinterested in practical things like weed

control, pest animalcontrol, protecting eroding foreshores, investing in Landcare,helping farmers reduce nutrientrun-off, and long-termmeasuresto make sure we pass the lakes on in better condition.

“There should be jobs for young Gippslanders in estuarinemanagement, forestmanagement,

supportingour world-class farmers through extension officers and practical application of research, but instead, we have Melbourne Labor Ministers destroying local industries, like the timber sector, and replacing those jobs with empty promises.

“I will continue to advocatefor an environmental

informdecisions on

audit of the Gippsland Lakes and funding for practical natural resource management to ensure we protect and, wherever possible, enhance this world-class resource.”

The state government was approached for a comment but had not replied by publication time.

Revived State Electricity Commissionasham:Opposition

GIPPSLAND Opposition MPs have accused the state government’s revivedState Electricity Commission (SEC) as asham after it was revealed there is only one person working for the SEC in Morwell.

Under questioning from The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien,ina Parliamentary Accountsand EstimatesCommittee hearing last week, the Minister for the SEC, Lily D’Ambrosio, confirmed asingleemployee is based out the GovHub in Morwell.

Fellow Nationals MP, Memberfor Morwell, Martin Cameron,saidLabor was continuing to mislead Victorians with hollow promises and wildly overstated benefits associated with the SEC.

“Former premier Daniel Andrews andcurrent Premier JacintaAllanpromised the SEC would be

brought back to Morwell and create some 59,000 jobs,” Mr Cameron said.

“Eighteen months since this announcement and what has been delivered is an absolute farce -one single employee working part-time for the SEC in Morwell’s GovHub.

“Labor used the SEC as adangling carrot for the Latrobe Valleyand has taken advantageofthe very real need for more employment opportunities in the region with an egregious grab for votes.

“Here in the LatrobeValley, wherewehave poweredthe statefor more than acentury,we see this for what it is -apoliticalstunt that ignores commercial realities and will only increase power bills and taxes for Victorians.”

The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath, said Labor had failed to sell

It is with great sadness that we inform youthat Gippsland Dental Practice will be permanently closing.

The practice will remain open on reduced hours from 13th Mayuntil 26th June 2024 for existing patients.

its case for bringing back the SEC at every turn.

“From the very start, this has been nothing but asham,”MsBath said.

“Labor promisedthe SEC wouldbe‘brought back to Morwell’, but withjust one singleemployee warming aseat in the pre-existing GovHub, that is clearly not the case.

“Jobsgrowth in the Latrobe Valley over the past decade has been the equivalent of 0.47 per cent on an annual basis,whilejobsinWodonga have grown 2.7 per cent and jobs in Geelong have grown 3.4 per cent.”

Ms Bath saidthe illusory promise that arevived SECwouldcreate 59,000 jobs reeked of agovernment ‘weaponising’ avery real issue in adisgraceful grab for votes.

“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage the

state’selectricity and regional Victorians are paying the price,” she said.

Aspokesperson for Ms D’Ambrosiosaidthe SEC was regularly engaging with stakeholders in the area to promote employment opportunities withthe SECand other organisations working to accelerate the energy transition.

“All SEC positions are advertised in the region and can be basedeither in Melbourne or Morwell,” the spokesperson said.

TheSEC has acommunityengagement officer employed to work out of the Morwell GovHub office. It says engagement includes attending key community events, as well as meetingwith the region’s key groups such as Latrobe City Council, Regional Development Victoria Gippslandand the Latrobe Valley Authority.

We sincerely thank the communityfor their support over the years.

Federal Member forGippsland, Darren Chester says an independentaudit of the Gippsland Lakes would help

practical environmental management throughout the catchment

Photo: Contributed

Using skills for the greater good

WHEN thinking about taking time off from work, there are several things to consider; where can Igo to relax? What is the accommodation like? Will it be an opportunity to try something new and meet some interesting people?

Or, you could volunteer your 40-plusyears of experience and skills as anurse andbedeployed through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to southern Gaza to work in an active war zone.

That was the choice of Latrobe Regional Health nurse, Jane Swift*, who has forged acareer in settings as diverse as remote Australia with the Flying Doctor Serviceand the Falkland Islandsin the South Atlantic.

“At the back of my mind, I’d always thought I’d like to do Red Cross work,orsome sortof humanitarian work,” she said.

“There is something about that work outside of the hospital that I’ve been drawn to and found that Ican contribute to and use my skills. There is acertain unpredictability… you have to think on your feet and sometimes, improvise.” Her 13 overseas deployments include place names not often found on aGippslander’s passportincluding Bangladesh, Sudan, Afghanistan, Banda Aceh (Indonesia), NorthernPakistan, Libya, Kyrgyzstan and the Philippines.

“Gaza is awar zone. Of course Iwas anxious about going but I’d be more worried if Iwasn’t, to be honest with you… it’s six years since Idid a deployment,” she said.

“I’m older, you want to be able to contributeonce you’re there.”

Jane’s work in Gaza took her to European Gaza Hospital, between Rafah and Khan Younisin southern Gaza, an area that has featured on most

nightly news bulletins over the last six months.

“The ICRC in war zones has astrong focus on surgery. We were treating people injured in direct conflict. We also took burns cases, not necessarily war inflicted, but you can imagine in arefugee

setting there are anumberofhot water scalds particularly to children.

“The team was international, but we’re working alongsidelocal staff who mighthave worked there foryears.

“We’dwork 11-12 hours aday, no real scheduled days off, and when you did find yourself not working you just slept or at least tried to,” Jane said.

After five weeks on the ground in Gaza, returning to Gippsland allowed Jane to reflect on her experience and the good fortune that many take for granted.

“The thing about war is that while all the fighting is going on, it’s very easy to forget that everyday people are simply trying to live their lives,” she said.

“They are in awar zone, that’s where they live and they’re justdoing what everyone herein Australia is trying to do, provide food for their families, ensure they’ve got access to healthcare, education if possible.

“Mostofusdon’t have to think about getting enough food, clean water, or that our home will still be standing at the end of the day.

“It’s always good to come home. You just realise… I’m lucky.I was borninAustralia. Ididn’t do anything to earn that right, to be an Australian, but I’m very glad that Iam.

“Gippsland is abeautiful part of the world. Igot home and it’s very quiet and Icould sleep again.”

*Atthe request of thenurseinthispiece her name has been changed to protect her privacy.

Joiningforces to reiterate Victorian disabilitystandards

TWO of Victoria’s major regulators of the disability sector joined forces recently, urging peopletoreach out to them at aseries of community forums in Gippsland.

The Victorian Disability Worker Commissioner, Dan Stubbs, together with the Disability Services Commissioner, Jennifer Jackson-Hall, met with people with disability, service providers and disability workers and carers across Warragul, Traralgon and Leongatha to reiterate the crucial role of Victorian standards and safeguarding for people with disability.

These two bodies areVictoria’s regulatorsfor disability services, covering all disability workers

in Victoria, as well as non-NDIS service providers in Victoria.

“Safety and quality are so important for people with disabilityand their families, and we heard they are key issues for people across the Gippsland community,” Commissioner Stubbs said.

“As the regulator of all disability services in Victoria, we want people to contact us about any concerns or questions about disability workers.”

Commissioner Stubbs said that theDisability Service Safeguards Code of Conduct covers all disability workers in Victoria, not just NDIS-funded workers.

“A large proportion of disability workers across

Funds for timber industry

THE state government has made morefunds available to local businesses and workers in the timber industry, with applications for Round 3 of the Victorian Timber Innovation Fund (VTIF) now open.

Memberfor Eastern Victoria,Tom McIntosh, said that eligible native timber businesses would be able to access up to $1 million in grant funding perbusinesstodiversify away from native timber harvesting.

As part of Round 3, supportwill include aGrant Application Assistance Service for the first time. Businesses can apply for vouchers of up to $7500, which will provide them with access to apanel of registered service providers.

These providers will help businesses to prepare and submit strong submissions for the grants program.

Eligibility for Round 3has also been extended to harvest and haulage sub-contractors, chip truck drivers, and other businesses that were heavily dependent on the native timber industry.

Businesses who take up other forestry transition support packages can still access the VTIF.

Round 2ofthe Timber Innovation Fund will support 29 successful applications from 28 native timber businesses, totaling more than $7 million.

Australian Sustainable Hardwoods in Heyfield wasgranted$967,500 to allow it to expand and complete aspecialised glue-laminated timber facility.

Orbost business W&J Fenner will receive $110,000 to transitioninto land and vegetation management, while Boss Logging Pty Ltd in Bairnsdale will be given $310,261 to move into plantation timber feedstock transportation.

BP &JNWeller Pty Ltd in Glengarry will receive funds so it can move towards aheavy machinery haulage business. For afull list of businesses fundedunder the Victorian Timber Innovation Grants Program Round 2, visit deeca.vic.gov.au/forestry/grants/ timber-innovation-grants

Australia are not part of the NDIS. The VDWC regulates the conduct of all disability workers in Victoria and exists to stop people who pose aserious risk of harm from providing disability services.”

“If people with disability, their families, disability workers or providers have aconcern about adisability worker, they are encouraged to contact us. Anyone can complain about poor quality service, disrespect or service that risks harm to people with disability.

“Complaints are away to improving services and to stopping any instances of abuse or neglect.”

Employersofdisability workers and service

providers need to notifythe Victorian Disability Worker Commission of conduct that puts someone with adisability at risk of harm. This helps stop abuse and neglect quickly.

While bothregulators handle complaints and conductinvestigations, the VictorianDisability Worker Commission is specifically set up to regulate disability workers, promoting accountability, safety and quality in the disability workforce. The scheme comprises voluntary worker registration,a code of conduct, and acomplaints service. For further information, visit: vdwc.vic.gov.au

Gippsland Line delays slammed

Stefan Bradley

GIPPSLAND publictransportusers have gone through quite ajourney over many years, including project delays, 'bustitutions',road closures, continued use of papertickets, anew price cap on regional trips and discontinued buffet services.

After the State Budget was released on May 7, the Nationals in Victoria slammed the delay and cost blowouts of the Gippsland Line upgrades, which form part of the Regional Rail Revival (RRR) project.

The Gippsland Line works were meant to be finished last year, but instead have been pushed backwith no completion date,asconfirmed in the budget papers.

Thefollowing week,the stategovernmentmade an announcement on Bairnsdale Station’sstabling yard upgrade.

Member for Gippsland South, DannyO'Brien, said Gippslanders had suffered long enough from construction-related delays and were wondering if there wouldever be any benefits from this project.

"The Gippsland Rail Revival wasannounced in April 2017, andyet here we areinMay 2024 andthe latest budget papers have the estimated completion date as ‘tbc’," Mr O'Brien said.

"This is yet another blow for Gippsland commuters who are sick of delays and underperformance of the Gippsland V/Line service."

Budget papers indicate an additional $31 million has been added to the $562 million costofthe project, and that an estimated completion date can't be finalised due to “signallingdesignwork and co-ordination with the pipeline of projects underway across the program”.

Last year’s budget papers indicated that the project would be completed in the second quarter of 2022/23.

RRR upgrades every regional line in the state, and is jointly funded by the state and federal governments.

Aregional spokesperson for the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA), Paul Westcott, described the delayed developments as frustrating.

“The evidenceisclear. There is going to be an indefinite delay in completing the project, as with theWesternRailPlanand Airport Rail. On the other hand, the ‘bigidea’, the Suburban Rail Loop, seems sacrosanct,” Mr Westcott said.

“It is especially frustrating that, while the Gippsland rail upgrade, the Western Rail Plan and Airport Railare beingdelayed,far more massive metropolitan road projects-the so-called Westgate Tunnel (which is mainly aboveground) and the North East Link -are forging ahead, both of whichwill only serve to exacerbate urban road congestion.”

FederalMember for Gippsland, DarrenChester, lashed out at the delays.

"I was pleased as Minister(under the former government) to be able to support this project,one of the first federal funding injections to passenger rail becauseIsaw there would be benefits for us," Mr Chester said.

"That we are now seven years down the track and still don't have acompletion date is adisgrace."

At Bairnsdale Station, on May 13, the Minister for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Williams, announced that the existing stabling yard was being expanded to house two three-carriageVLocity trains overnight, allowing the first train and last train to Bairnsdale to be aVLocity.

Currently the first and last daily train services to and from Bairnsdale operate with locomotivehauled classic fleet trains.

“These workstoupgrade the Bairnsdale stabling yard mean we will soon be able to operate all services to and from Bairnsdale with modern, reliable VLocity trains,” Ms Williams said.

“Oursignificant investment in the Gippsland

Line upgrade is future-proofing the line for further growth in communities along the network.”

Major construction is also underway to provide Bairnsdale Station with new cleaning facilities, as well as improved lighting, fencing, gates, CCTV and pathways.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh, welcomed the announcement.

"We are upgrading ageingpublic transport infrastructureacross Gippsland so that passengers can experience safer and more reliable services, more often," Mr McIntosh said.

Mr Westcott said the provision of secure stabling for trains at Bairnsdale would permitthe running of all Bairnsdale rail services with VLocity trains.

“The advantage of that is thatthere may be a reduction in journey times, although that depends on the speed limits imposed on the VLocitys. The

speed limit for loco-hauled trains is 115km/h, whereas VLocitys can run at up to 160km/h, but that is reduced depending on the quality of the track and other infrastructure (e.g. fully protected level crossings),” he said.

“I'm not sure what speed limits there are for the existing VLocity service to Bairnsdale.”

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, says the few V/Line rail services from Bairnsdale that have buffet amenities will be removed when upgrades to the Bairnsdale Station stabling yard are completed.

He says the Minister is “stealing the only remaining buffet services by stealth”.

“Long have we emphasised the importance of having café facilities on board our V/Linetrains,as the almost four-hour long journey is along way to go withoutsomething to eat or drink,”MrBull said.

“While vending machine snacks can be purchased

at the station, abag of salt and vinegar chips and acan of Coke at 6.15ammay not be the desired snack people want for breakfast.

“VLocity carriages have the capacity to house buffet facilities, and Iwas fortunate to catch one of theveryfew trains equipped with thislastyear, however the Minister refusestoprovideBairnsdale services with this option for travellers.

“The Ministertouts the new VLocity carriages are more comfortable and serve the travelling community better -I’m sureEastGippslanders would agree they are in fact apoorer substitute.”

Mr Bull said the government had “failed to meet thecurrent rail demand by adding an additional morning service departing from Bairnsdale”, that willconnect withexistingtimetabled trainsin Sale or Traralgon.

The state government has previously confirmed that there will be no buffet services on the Bairnsdale Line with the VLocity trains.

The then-Ministerfor Public Transport, Ben Carroll said, “the overwhelming feedback from passengers is they want afast, reliable train service -which is whyweare deliveringmore modern VLocity trains to give passengers the better services they deserve”.

“The majority of Bairnsdale services have been operatedbymodern,comfortable VLocity trains since 2018 and work is underway to enable these trains to operate on all services to and from East Gippsland. The current design of new broad gauge VLocity trains does not include acatering facility," he said.

“V/Line is currently reviewing options for the availability of food and beverages acrossthe network, including on the Gippsland Line.We appreciatethat some passengers may wantto consume food and beverages during their travel, and passengers are welcome to bringtheir own food and non-alcoholic beverages (with lids) on board.

“A coffee cart is presentatBairnsdale Station during the week, open from 8am to 1pm.”

Mr Westcott said the downside of having an all-VLocityservice was that unlike the ‘classic’ loco-hauled trains, there were no buffet facilities on broadgauge VLocity sets, nor was there any first-class accommodation.

“The standard gauge VLocity sets running to Albury had to be specially constructedtoallow for abuffet to be included, so Tim Bull is wrong to maintain that abuffet could easily be incorporated into the existing broad gauge sets,” he said.

“One might wellask whythe long-distance standard gauge VLocitys were built to provide abuffet, whereas no broad gauge sets have been constructed to allow for one.”

“Undoubtedly, the answer is that V/Line want every broad gauge VLocity set to be the same because it makes it simpler for V/Line to manage the fleet. That's the case with alot of what V/Line does -itprioritises its own convenience over that of its passengers.”

In amedia release,the stategovernment said theirlevel crossing upgrades betweenSale and Bairnsdale had enabled more VLocity trains to run to and from Bairnsdale.

“Our regional fare cap is allowing passengers to travel between Bairnsdale and Melbourne for only $10.60 –down from $39.40 for aone-way full-fare journey before the fare cap,” the government said. At the same time as the fare cap was introduced, the first-class carriages containing larger seats on long distance V/Linetrains were abolished and replaced with carriages with seats open to all passengers. However, the trains do have a'quiet carriage'for passengers who want to travel without loud chatter.

Federal Member forGippsland, Darren Chester andMember for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, holding thisthis year’s budgetpapers, areangry at further delays to the Gippsland Line Upgrade.

Photo: Contributed

Dr Greg Steele

Dr Reeha Nandha

Stormy skies overLongford

Photo:Melanie Tancred

the waterhole at Longford.

Photo:Melanie Tancred

Sale Wetlands.

Photo: Zoe Askew

Sale’s new pool (Aqua Energy) under construction.

Photo:John Morgan

Reconciliation Week through art

CHILDRENand educators at Glassford Street

Uniting Kindergarten in Maffra recognised and celebrated Reconciliation Week recently. Together they created acollaborative art piece highlighting community, culture and belonging. Working together creatively supported the children to begin to understand inclusionand respect for others.

Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander perspectives are incorporated into many aspectsofthe learningprograms at Glassford, including through music, dance, stories, environment, nature and sustainability, language, and the creative arts.

The service’sphilosophy acknowledges the traditional landowners and identifies the service’s endeavourtoconnect with local elders,Indigenous corporationsand organisations where possible to enhance theirrecognitionand appreciation of local history and culture. An exciting project the children and educators are in the process of is the instalment of aBush Tucker garden.

This was made possible with aJunior Landcare Grant, and adonation of soil thanks to Maffra Irrigation and Garden Supplies.

The inclusionofthis garden will furtherenhance the exploration of culture at Glassford, especially through the sensesand as part of the kinder’s cooking experiences.

Glassford wished to thankWoolenook Native Plant Nursery for their support and advice in selectingand providing the most suitable plants forits needs.

Thanks were also extended to the support of aCentral Gippsland Health IncreasingHealthy Eating Grant, which enabledsoil to be added to

Capturing stories for doco

FEDERATION University researchers are working with aGippsland-based production company to capture the voices and experiences of 1000 women based in rural Australia for anew documentary. The researchers fromthe Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre (CERC) have teamedupwith CheekyMac Productions, and will develop anational survey to distribute across Australia.

The CERC director, Professor JoannePorter, says the project is the brainchild of the CheekyMac director and Longford resident Danielle McAlpine Johnson, who wanted to know whether rural women’s experiences were similar to hers.

It is hoped that the survey’s findings will shed light on topics faced by rural women living, working, and raising families around the country, and that the surveyresults will be used not just to inform the documentary but to shape policy.

“To ensure that the survey includes the voices of real rural women, we have been tasked with creating asurvey thatwillcaptureviews and attitudes on 13 different unique topics,” Professor Porter said.

“The survey will be used as the basis for a documentary which will showcase exceptional stories and testimonials.”

Professor Porter says CERC researchers will also produce areport and apeer-reviewed journal articleonthe survey’s findings. She says governments or local organisations could potentially use these to help address the myriad issues that rural women face.

The survey, which the production company is distributing to various organisations, has been formulated using the ModifiedMonash Model and data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics to ensure that participants are from geographically relevant regions.

“There’s areal science behind the process, and we know exactlyhow many surveys we need from everystate.The biggest number of responses will be from the biggest populations -Victoriaand New SouthWales- but everystate and territory willbe represented,” Professor Porter said.

She says the project is an opportunity for Federation University to “make adifference in regionalcommunities and to advocate for rural women on matters that matter”.

CheekyMac’s portfolio includes the Network Ten documentary Beyond The Fire,aseries that showcases the stories of residents in Far East Gippsland in the aftermath of the devastating bushfires in 2019/20. Stop.Rewind. Play. is an exploration of the inherent racism Kurnai youth face in the Latrobe Valley.

“Daniellehas done some powerful work and has areal regionalfocus -she wanted to link with researchersand evaluators that have that regional lens as well,” Professor Porter said.

“We don’t know what the prime issues or concerns of these women are until we do this, so we’re covering agamutoftopics because we don’tknow if it’s the gender paygap, or if it’s accessibility to healthcare, or it’s the rurality, gender violence or if it’s living in isolated areas.

“Ourinvolvement in this documentaryisan opportunity to showcase that aregionally-based university can make adifference with regional communities and, in particular, advocate for rural women on issues that matter.

“This is abouthavinga social conscienceand knowingthis is an important issue. It’salsoabout taking astance, really tryingtodosomething about women’s issues and to be that conduit for women to have avoice.”

Other inclusions in this grant were passionfruit vines, agarden arch, children’s wheelbarrows, and some more worms for the worm farms. This grant will supportGlassford in continuing to

provide opportunities for children to enjoy eating what we grow.

Glassford’sgarden introduces childrentonew foods and flavours while introducing them to the concept ‘from garden to plate’ and the process in getting there.

The children are actively involved in caring for thegarden and are very curious about how things grow,including theimportant role in this process. Included in this process are conversations, questionsand discussions abouthealthyeating and whatfoodsare good for healthy minds,bodies, teeth and gums.

This important introduction to growing your ownfood highlightsthe importance of healthy eating, whichwill hopefully ripplethroughoutthe children’s lives as they learn and grow.

Glassforduses what it grows in itscooking experiences and Breakfast Club program,and also share excess produce with families.

Kindergarten registrations for 2025 are open until June 30, 2024.

If your child is turning three or four-years-old on or before April 30, 2025, complete aregistration form via: wellington.vic.gov.au/community/ early-years

For any assistance, phone the Wellington Shire Early Years Team on 1300 366 244, or email earlyyears@wellington.vic.gov.au

East Sale – VIC

$91,702 – $104,753 (APS 6) + Super

APS 6 – Contract Management Officer CAF37

The Role Air Training and Aviation Commons Systems Program Office (ATACSPO) is looking for a Contracting professional to fill an APS 6 Contract Management Officer position located within the Air Training Program Unit

The position reports to the Commercial Manager, who is responsible for the end to end management of capability life cycle and partner/vendor management A key area of focus for this position is day to day operations, tactical and strategic contract governance, overlooking in-year budget and preparing multi-year forecast

You will be responsible for a range of complex commercial, financial, procurement and contract management activities to ensure compliance with legislation, procurement policies, processes and procedures The role works within a multifaceted work area, therefore excellent communication, the provision of advice, direction, assistance and services for procurement policy, technical, commercial, legal, financial investigation and other requirements to support contract management outcomes is required

About our Team

You will enjoy working in a complex, fast-paced environment as part of a diverse (Australian Defence Force personnel, Australian Public Service personnel and Contractors to Defence) and inclusive team that encompasses a variety of knowledge, skills and experience with a supportive strategic Executive Team

ATACSPO supports career development through a comprehensive professional development program, encouraging employees to build both leadership and technical skills and harnesses continuous improvement ideas and innovations The position offers an attractive remuneration package, including generous employer superannuation contributions, leave benefits and flexible working arrangements

Our Ideal Candidate

The position requires a highly motivated individual with excellent communication and negotiation skills, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders The successful candidate will have significant contract management experience and a strong understanding of and/or experience in procurement and finance

Candidates will require a strong ability to resolve competing priorities, manage resource dependencies and work with senior leaders to deliver strategic outcomes

You will be experienced in working with multi discipline teams and maintaining constructive cross team communication as well as having the ability to manage a high workload with minimal supervision

Application Closing Date: 23 June, 2024

For further information please review the job information pack, reference CASG/04371/24 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=16562A43-45A834E2-3BA1-DAC2517176DA

the veggie gardens. This grantalsofunded the purchase of herbs, which the children helped to create planters for, using recycled milk bottles. The group also created avertical herb garden.

GlassfordStreet Maffra Uniting Kindergarten students Dylan, Jamirakye, Amelia, Willow, Sonny, Leocelebrating Reconciliation Week. Photo: Contributed

Quarter-century of winemaking

THE Dawkins familyare celebrating 25 years of winemaking at Glenmaggie Wines.

Tony, Fleur, and theirson Jack are inviting the public to mark the occasion of this anniversary on Sunday, June 23.

The family will be bringing out all the community's favourite wines,plus three new wines, along with athree-course meal and plenty of memories to share.

Tony and Fleur said patrons at the celebration will be the first to try theirnew Chardonnay, Shiraz and Sparkling Pinot Noir, all three of which the winemakers are very proud of.

Tony, who is aself-taught winemaker, says the celebration willbeasmuch about the journey as it will be about the nature and history of the winemaking.

“We will be lookingright backtothe original vision for avineyard here on the property,through the processof continuingtomilkcows as we planted

and grew the vines -Fleur was commuting back and forth from Melbourne and her nursing career,” he said.

“Theexcitement of bottling our first ever wines, through to our first awards, and the thrillofconsistently growing, making, and sharing with our friends and customers wines that are true to our terroir and climate, and true to our ideal of the product we want to make.”

Fleur says the original visionwas simply to create alifestyle on the land, where Tony had grownup, and where they wanted to have their own family.

“Of course, wine was our first choice, but we didn’t know if it would be possible at our location. But Tony had afriend who worked with him to test the terroir and we discovered it was basically ideal,” she says.

“That was our go ahead to determine the best varieties and start planting.”

With sustainability akey value,

the coupleset aboutdoing everything together -building their home, diving intoparenthood,planting and tending the vines, milking the cows, making the wine, bottling, distributing -you name it, it was ateam effort.

And as Jack grew with the vineyardand winery enterprise, he became more and more involved at every step. Culminating in him working side-by-side with Tony to build the new cellar door -the venue for the 25th anniversary celebrations.

“We have had alot of laughs, alot of tears, alot of barneys and alot of great teamwork over the years. And we’ll be sharing the highlights at our celebration,” Tony said.

“We are looking forward to catching up with old friends and new, and having a fantastic afternoon.”

Tickets are available at trybooking com/CSANU andare limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Scholarshipregistrations currently open

JUNIOREntry Scholarships for students from Year 2toYear 6will be available at Gippsland Grammar's Sale and Bairnsdale junior campuses in 2025.

The parents of students of high academic ability will be rewarded with adiscount on tuition fees for the duration of the child’s education at the school.

Registrations for thiscurrentround of Junior Entry Scholarships are now openand willclose July 19. The child’s most recent school report and NAPLAN results (if applicable) must be uploaded with the application.

Theschool boasts abroad academic education, awide co-curricular program and outstanding success, especially in the VCE years. This year the school is celebrating its100th birthday,marking the momentousoccasion by launchingnew scholarship opportunities.

Principal MicheleWakeham is excitedtopresent scholarships, but said the year levels and numberof

scholarships offered was dependentonthe quality of applicants and availability of places.

“Gippsland Grammar is aremarkable place of learning and we want everyone within the community to have the opportunitytoexperience it for themselves.

“Yes, it’s our birthday, which we are so excited about, and we want to give back to the community whichhas supported us for 100 years.”

Mrs Wakeham said it was remarkable to think about the generations of students the school had impacted over the years.

Mrs Wakeham said to findout more abouta Gippsland Grammar education, visit:gippslandgrammar.au/enrolment/scholarships or phoneHead of Admissions, Jemma Horan on 5143 6388. Gippsland GrammarisanAnglican co-educational day and boarding school, with scholarship opportunities for primary-aged children.

Brothers donate time and money

Brothers, Erik and Tom Duursema collected cans and bottles to take to the recycling depot in Sale.

Withthe money they each received, they had to save some, spend some and donate some to acharity.

The boys also chose to get some dog treats for Animal Aid, Fulham.

HELLO BABY

MaxwellJames Dummelow, born May15, 2024toproud first-timeparents

Jef andAlicia Dummelow at Central Gippsland Health, Sale, weighingeight pounds, 0.6 ounces (3.8 kgs) and49.5cm in length.

Maffra brothers Tom(4) and Erik(7) Duursema saved their moneyfrom recycling cans to buy dog treats from Animal Aid,Fulham. Photo: Contributed

MAFFRA

While Gippsland Grammar caters for children from KindergartentoYear12, these Junior Entry Scholarships will appeal to studentsfromYear 2toYear 6in2025 Photo: Contributed

Fleurand Tony Dawkins of GlenmaggieWines arecelebrating 25 years of winemaking this year. Photo: Contributed

Joining forces for The BoyFromOz

THE biggest Australian Broadway musical sensation is coming to Sale.

MaffraDramaticSociety andSaleTheatre Company have joined forces for the first time in nearly 30 years to present The Boy From Oz at The Wedge Performing Arts Centre this August.

First performed in Sydney in 1998, the hit musical follows the life of Australia’s own Peter Allen. Peter wasborn in the outback Australian town of Tenterfield in 1944, making his entertainment debut at the age of five impersonating Al Jolson.As ateenager, he became apop star and then toured Asia. It was there he met Judy Garland who took him to London where he met and became engaged to her daughter Liza Minnelli.

In the US, Peter enjoyed the highs of success by winning an Oscar, selling out performances in Radio City Music Hall, and receiving adulation when he eventually returned to Australia. There were also plenty of lows -breaking up with hiswife, staging aBroadwayflop, the death of his partner, andhis own battle with illness.

Maffra Dramatic Society(MDS) andSale Theatre Company (STC) arecoming off their ownindividual productions last year, MDS with their August season of Charlie &the ChocolateFactory and STCwith their November season of The Little Mermaid.Both companies are very excited to be working together again.

“This is areally exciting opportunity for our companies and for the community,” MDS president, Grant van Brummelen said.

“We’ve beenabletoput together an extraordinary productionteam with members of both companies, which also sees some new faces involved which is perhaps the most exciting part.”

The production is headed by Kayla Holmes, a seasoned choreographer and first-time director who leads an enthusiastic cast of locals of all ages and abilities. Rehearsals are well and truly underway, and the cast is extremely excited to be bringing their efforts to the stage in afew short months.

If you want to knowmore aboutgettinginvolved in the productioninabackstagecapacity or in the show orchestra, get in touch with either Maffra Dramatic Society or Sale Theatre Company through their Facebook or Instagram pages.

Tickets are available now at TheWedgebox office, or from their website at: thewedge.com.au/ event/the-boy-from-oz/

The show goes for two hoursand 30 minutes, including an intermission.

Show times are at 7.30pm on Friday, August 9 and Saturday,August 10, and at 2pm on Sunday, August 11,7.30pm Friday, August 16, with two showingsonSaturday, August 17 at 2pmand 7.30pm.

Will Hardy is the titlerole of Peter Allen in the BoyFromOz broadwaymusical,coming to The Wedge this August Photo: Contributed

Hall to bring laughs to Heyfield

SHAUN Micallef’s Mad As Hell key cast member, Stephen Hall, is bringing aguaranteed night of laughs to Heyfield Hall with his show Letters to My Heroes...if they’d actually bothered to write back

In this show, Stephen explorespop culture nostalgia, the universal search -and need -for mentorship and idolisation versus real-world rolemodels. Thereare themesthat cross generations.

For years, Stephen Hall has been writing to his heroes -the stars of stage and screen -asking for advice. He reveals how they all might have responded if they'd ever actually bothered to reply, in abrand new one-man show, that critics are calling “a convenient way of stringing

show to Heyfield. Image: Contributed

together abunch of celebrity impressions”.

“I've been doing impressions for ages,” Mr Hall said.

"But Ialwaysstruggled to incorporate them into stand-up routines in acreative, comedic way.It's onethingtodoa celebrityimpression, but what do you do with that impression?With the premise of this show (where I've 'written to' variouscelebritiesfor advice, and Iread out their 'replies', as them), Ithink Imight be onto something.”

Stephen Hall's career, in front of and behind the camera, dates back to 1996, when he started writing TV comedy for the popular sketch show Full Frontal

Since then, he's written for more than 30 TV shows, and performed in nearly 50. Most notably as aregular castmemberofShaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell from 2012-2022.

In 2016, John Cleese hand-picked Stephen to play the role of Basil in Mr Cleese's play Fawlty Towers Live,which toured nationally around Australia for 157 performances.

LettersFromMyHeroesisStephen'ssecond one-man show, (after Raiders of the Temple of Doom's Last Crusade).

It packs in nearly 30 celebrity impressions and is his most personal and autobiographical show to date.

The show will perform Saturday, July 13 from 7pm at Heyfield Hall (34-38 Macfarlane Street).

Tickets available via: eventbrite.com.au and at Debbie Osbourne’s Power and Outdoor, Temple Street, Heyfield.

Nominations open for Fred Awards

THE FredHollows Foundation has opened nominations for the 2024 Fred Awards, whichcelebrate everyday humanitarians across Australia who embody kindness, compassion, and integrity.

Founding director, Gabi Hollows is encouraging people to nominate someone who cares for others in adecent, practical and no-nonsense way -just like Fred did.

“We’ve beenblown awaybythe calibre of nominees we’ve received since the FredAwards first launched in 2021,” Gabi said.

“The awards help celebrate the humanitarian spirit of everyday Australians, which was something Fred had great faith in. These people go out of their way to create abetter world, and we would love to see even more people nominated this year.”

It could be aneighbour who volunteerstheir time to help others, the carer who’s always on, or the community advocate trying to create afairer world. No act of kindnessistoo smalltoacknowledge and the foundation is looking for everydaypeople who don’t do what they do for accolades.

Suzie Ratcliffe fromVictoria was namedthe

2023 Fred Hollows Humanitarian of the Year at aceremony held at Government House, Sydney. The ceremony was hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, and Mr Dennis Wilson, who are joint patrons of The Foundation.

“Standing up there alongsidetwo incredible finalists who’ve dedicatedtheir lives to amazing causesjust likeFreddid,and then hearing my name-and knowingthat the Australian people chose me, it was truly humbling. Icouldn’t believe it,” Suzie said.

If you know someone over the age of 18 who lives these values, the foundation urges you to nominate them at: hollows.org/au/fredawards

In honour of what would have been Fred’s 95th birthday, nominations for the Fred Awardswill close on Sunday, July 21.

Ajudgingpanel,led by Gabi Hollows, willshortlist agroup of finalists who will be put to apublic vote. Following this, the foundation will name the 2024 Fred Hollows Humanitarian.

Stephen Hall, of Shaun Micallef’s MadAs Hell fame, is bringing his one-man

1. What is ahut built out of ice called?

2. Which city hosted the 2016 Olympic Games?

3. What is amale deer called in the UK?

4. What sticks out the inside of atire?

TWOPOINTERS

5. What is the animal emblem of Western Australia?

6. What did Rumpelstiltskin spin into gold?

7. What movie starred Mel Gibson as William Wallace?

8. What is Sherlock Holmes’ssidekick called THREE POINTER

9. What classic novel did Rudyard Kipling write?

10. What is the smallest countryinthe world?

11. How many Bond films are there?

12. What is the highest suit in the game Bridge? FOUR POINTER

13. What colour M&Ms did not exist from 1976 to 1987?

14. What band was Kurt Cobain’swife the singer of? FIVE POINTER

15. In chess, the queen has the combined movement of which two pieces?

HOWDID YOUFARE?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 23-29: Well done; 15-20: Solid effort; 9-14: Room for improvement; 0-8: Hit the books.

Howtoplay...

Using the 9letters in the grid, howmany wordsoffour letters or morecan youlist? The centrelettermust be included and each lettermay be used onlyonce.Nocolloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural wordsending in ‘s’. Solution page31

Time No. 0214

Howtoplay... Fill the grid so that evry rowand every3x3 square contains the digits 1to9 Solution page31

Answers: 1: Igloo; 2: Rio de Janeiro; 3: Stag; 4: lveVa stems; 5: Numbat; 6: Straw; 7: Braveheart; 8: he:T;9notsWa Jungle Book; 10: cantiVa City; 11: entyTw seven;

Spades; 13: Red; 14: Courtney Love; 15: Bishop and Rook

Station Street business pa k park

AGENTS say this 167-acre property at 596 Settlement Road, Kilmany is an opportunity to purchase both land and water on the tightly held Latrobe River Some of the home’sfeatures include two bedrooms and one bathroom, acarport,and an enclosed backyard. Aworkshop/storage shed with attached insulated bungalow is also on the property

Feautres of the farmland are 87Mg of Latrobe River water,new Lister pump on the river with the capacity for two irrigation reels, as well as stock and domestic bore with new pump. Acentral laneway and fencing runs through the property.Cattleyards with acrush and loading ramp service the property and ashed for hay and machinery is also afeature.

There are dams, and agents say the most recent soil test are available for prospective buyers.

The property was ran as acow and calf breeder operation, and agents say this sale comes with the option to purchase the herd of young Angus cows currently PTIC to Angus bloodlines.

Agents believe the property is well set up with the ability to suit many different agricultural pursuits including, breeders, bullock fattening, cropping and more.

To understand all this property has to offer, agents are encouraging prospective buyers to book aprivate inspection Briefdetails etails

Perfectpony paradise

Trail Ride for Dolly’s Dream

THE May ride for the Tambo Upper Trail Riding Club was an Australian Trail Horse Riders Association-supported (ATHRA) 'Trail Ride for Dolly’s Dream' in the Colquhoun Forest. This was anational event to raise money and awareness for the Do It For Dolly Day initiative. Trail riding clubs across Australia hosted rides throughout May, with atotal of close to $30,000 raised.

Karen Edwards made the trip up from Woodside to support the cluband Dolly’sDream. Mel Farley from Sale was welcomed back after ashort absence from the riding club.

The clubsaiditwas apleasure to have some junior riders participating, alongside riding parents

or guardians.Charlie, Alexa and Daphnejoined in on their marvellous ponies for their first organised trail ride.

Billie Schneider came along for her first club ride on herlovelybig Friesian crossmare,Dakoda.The pair went along very nicelyand are sure to be seen on future rides.

Susan Ryan was on the saddle of her new horse, Bindi, apalomino mare. Bindi and Susan made a goodpair, coping well with the largegroup, not posing any challenges.

Raffles for the fundraiser were drawn at afternoon tea, and venue hosts, Jackie and Mark Whiting were thanked for opening up their property to the club.

The June ride for the Tambo Upper Trail Riding Club will be led by Sue Cullinan from 1460 Bullumwaal Road, Mount Taylor this Sunday (June 16). This is achangetothe previously advertised starting point due to aclash of events at the Mount Taylor Forestry/MTB park.

Sue has been out planning the ride with other club members and helpers. The ride will be amixture of terrain, includingsecluded bushtracks,4WD tracks, mossy gullies and some short hills. Participants shouldarriveearly to be saddled prior to ahorseless muster at 9.45am. Ride out time will be at 10am sharp with asaddlebag lunch. The group will return to the floats before 3pm to enjoy afternoon tea before loading up for the trip home.

To reach the rally point, travel out Bullumwaal Rd, through Wy Yung and Mt Taylor.

After the Mount Taylor State Forest sign continue past the first road on your right whichisBedggoods/ Reserve Rd. Turn rightatthe next small unmarked track. It has aletterbox with 1460 on it. Continue on the gravel track about 500m and park on the left under the power lines.

Tambo Upper Trail Rides are held in various locations on the third Sunday of every month. New members are always welcome. The 2024calendar is available on the club's Facebook page, or at local saddlers.

For further details, phone CarolineDriscollon 0408 963 667, or Sue Cullinan (0412 526 121).

Planting of wintercrops expected to increase

AUSTRALIAN farmersare expected to plant 23.55 million hectarestowinter cropsthis year -upmore than three per cent on 2023 -despite amixed start to the season across the country.

That's according to Rabobank in its 2024/25 Australian Winter Crop Outlook.

The specialist agribusiness bank says the increase in planting is driven by apositive outlook for New SouthWales and Queensland and overall better marginsyear-on-year.

However,while overall planting is projected to be up, total Australian production of grains and

oilseedsfor 2024/25 willbeverymuch contingenton the expected onset of alate-season La Niña weather pattern in the second half of the year,according to report author, RaboResearchanalyst Vitor Pistoia.

“It’s currently a‘tale of two coasts’,atleast for theseason’s start, with strong early sowing in the east, but adry start in the west,” he said.

The bank expects total crop production to be near average for the 2024/25 winterseason on thebackof the forecastLaNiñaand the dry start in the west, as well as partsofSouth Australia andVictoria.

“Assuming atoughstart forWestern Australia,

South Australiaand westernVictoria, with amidto-late season recovery following better rainfall due to La Niña, we forecastoverall production for winter crops will reach 46.3 million tonnes,” Mr Pistoia said.

This year’s winter crop planting -representing a3.6 per cent increase on 2023/24 though down 1.8 per cent on the five-year average -willfavour wheat,witharea planted to wheatforecastby Rabobank to surge 7.7 percent (961,000 hectares) higher thanlast year, to 13.48 million hectares.

Canola, however, is settolose ground -projected to shrink 12.7 per cent (450,000 hectares) to 3.11 million hectares, due to dry conditions in Western Australia and South Australia,aswell as potential lower gross margins compared with previous seasons.

This would see wheat acreage at 6.9 per cent above the five-year average and canola, still at 5.1per cent above its five-year average despite the acreage decline.

Barley will likely take second place in the expansion this year, the report said, with an estimated 5.1 per cent (210,000 hectare) rise on last year’s planting to 4.33 million hectares. This, however, would be 10.3per cent below the five-year average

RaboResearch analyst,Vitor Pistoia

Photo:Contributed

KarenBrown (front) from Myrtlebank on the Dolly’s Dream ride. Photo:Contributed

GRLE put under the microscope

THE Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange has been recognised for high standards of animal welfare following an independent assessment carried out by an organisation that works with authorities to ensurecompliancewithexisting laws, and advocate for the protection of farm animals at markets, saleyards and during transportation.

Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange has been in operation for more than 60 years, and since undergoing a$3m redevelopment, provides amodern, well-maintained facility for buying and selling livestock.

The purpose of the independent asessementwas to observe the condition of the cattle offered for sale,check provision of water, penning densities and how cattle are handled. An independent vet alsoattended to assesscompliance withanimal welfare laws.

On the day, representatives observed over 1300 cattle beingoffered for sale- the largest sale in more than five years. Since the beginning of 2024 and with the addition of another livestock agency, Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange has seen alarge jump in throughput.

Fromthe visit,Gippsland RegionalLivestock Exchange was provided with guidance on some key areas including stock densities and extra animal welfaresignage.Theywere also commendedfor their respectful and considerate treatment of cattle andencouraged to continue with efforts to improve on the already high standard of managementat the saleyards.

Wellington Shire Mayor, Ian Bye acknowledged the positive outcomes saying, “we understand the importance of maintaininghigh standards for animal welfare and appreciate the work of the Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange team”.

“Wellington Shire Council is committed to sustainably growing the agricultural sector within our localeconomy. We are also very pleasedtosee a strong increase in numbers at GippslandRegional Livestock Exchange and are ready to accommodate

grle.com.au

Funds granted to assist Mirboo North clean-up

THANKS to adonation of $30,000 from Esso Australia to the Mirboo North Community Recovery Fund,agrant of almost$20,000 has gone to the StormCell Volunteers (auspiced by the Mirboo North Community Shed) to assist in completing the work on the jobs they have logged postthe February 2024 storm.

This grant is supplemented by donations from community organisations both inside and outside

the community, including the Friends of the Mirboo North Aged Care and Leongatha Secondary College, and will assist property owners who don’t have the physical or financial capacity to manage their clean up.

Since the storm event in February, the Storm Cell Volunteers have assisted more than 300 property owners to clean up their damaged properties, while also providing alistening ear and valuable

wellbeing support. It has been ahugeeffort, with the team being accessible to the community seven days aweek since the event, initiallyatthe Mirboo North RSL Hall and then at the community shed.

With Disaster Relief Australia(DRA) bringing volunteers to Mirboo North to carry out clean up work, the Storm Cell Volunteers have made the call to leave any new jobs to the DRA, while they focusonusing this grant and other donations to finish off their final jobs.

Esso Australia recognised the challenges facing the community around Mirboo North after the severe storm hit. It was clear that with almost 30 houses uninhabitable and thousands of wind-blown trees, the recovery would not only take significant financial support, but would require long-term effort. Esso Australiareached out to the community and provided asignificant donation to support these recovery efforts.

The Mirboo North Community Recovery Fund has received donations from arange of generous donors, fromlargecorporates,community organisations and individuals, from inside and outside the community.These donations have been(andcontinue to be) valuable in supporting arange of recovery activities on-going across the community,including replanting projects, mental health first aid training and community events to bring people together.

If you want to find out more, email @mirboodistrictfoundation.org.au

Storm Cell volunteers Libby,Dave, Katrina,Tish andGarycontinue to helpthe Mirboo North recovery effort.

Photo: Contributed

Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange wasput under the microscope by an independent assessor recently, andfound to be practicing high standardsofanimal welfare.

Former PrimeMinister, ScottMorrisonrocking theGRLEhat on avisit to the region in 2019

The Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange hasbeenoperating in Sale for morethan60 years. Photos:File

BULLS

SALE

Old Port Poultry Farm

Delivering 18 week old Isa Brown and White Leghorn laying hens to your area,

PUPPIES

Staffordshire X$550

6F,4M.Vax ,chip ,worm. Source. MB254140. Chips 956000016674423 /4587/6270/8755/9300 /582593/583878/582696 /582806/584543 Ph 0456 114 816

PUPS, CAIRN TERRIOR

5males 2females, purebred, vaccinated, wormed. MC 953010100647873701571-429297-482562686683-428784-428784.

Source no. mb222262. PH: 0407 066 784. $1200.

In accordance with a local law itroduced by the State Government on January 1, 2012,

Hi my name is Stephanie. Iamarelationship consultant with over 30 years in the industry. in the last 30 years Ihave successfully introduced thousands of country and town people looking for apartner. Please call 1800261848 or 0488200554 for afree compatibility match. Happiness is only aphone call away. Seniors welcome.

Theauction will close

This

Allocation

ExpressionofInterest for Appointmentto the Gippsland Plains Rail TrailCommittee of Management Incorporated

The Minister for Environment is seeking expressions of interest from persons willing to nominatefor athree year appointmenttothe Gippsland Plains Rail TrailCommittee of Management Incorporated

This committee is made up of volunteers who areresponsible for overseeing the management, protection and development of the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail on behalf of the local and wider Victorian community.This rail trail is amultipurpose recreational pathway built on former railway land that runs from Traralgon to Stratfordwhich includes significant stands of native vegetation.

To ensurethe best possible management for this Crown land reserve, applicants will be shortlisted on the basis of their skills, experience and knowledge in one or moreofthe following areas:

•Tourism /Marketing

•Legal /Secretarial /Administration

•Business /Financial Planning

•Community Engagement

•Environmental /Biodiversity Conservation

•Facilities Maintenance /Project Management

Applications will be assessed by apanel appointed by the Department of Energy,Environment &Climate Action, who will recommend appointment to the Minister

‘Expressions of Interest’ forms areavailable from the Department of Energy,Environment &Climate Action by contacting Carly Kee on 0407 670 999 or via email carly.kee@delwp.vic.gov.au.

Expressions of Interest close Friday 19 July 2024

www.deeca.vic.gov.au

Customer Service Centre136 186

Want to earn some pocket money? Gippsland Times deliverer required Maghee St Part Raglan St, Cranswick Cres Davidson Pl one day aweek

Please call or msg Leonie 0423 529 211

For more information please visit

GARDEN RENOS

PRODUCERS MKT

Medical Receptionist

Gippsland Specialist Services

Aposition has become available at our Specialist Medical Practice in Sale for aMedical Receptionist. This is aPart time position and requires experience in aMedical Clinic.

The applicant must have sound computer knowledge and skills in medical software, ability to use initiative, work independently, and have excellent time management and communication skills.

Adaptability and Flexibility are qualities we are looking for. The hours maybe negotiable. Enquiries may be made by ringing the Director on 5144 4666 (Tues-Fri). Written applications must be marked confidential and mailed to: The Director, PO Box 142, Sale Victoria 3850 by 5.00pm on Monday 24th June 2024 or emailed to gippslandspecialistservices@gmail.com

BROWN'S FERTILISERS -Maffra

We are seeking Full-time truck based spreader drivers at our Maffra Depot. To be considered for this position you will need to have the following capabilities:

● Experience with heavy vehicles and front end loaders.

● Mechanical experience an advantage.

● General plant and equipment skills

● Strong work ethic and collaborative, team focused values.

● On site training for the right candidate.

Please call Kevin Weber on 0417 060 912 or email kweber@brownsfert.com.au to apply

Public Notices

Superior Energy Services (Australia) Pty Ltd are currently seeking applicants for the following position: Health, Safety and Environment Manager

Interested?

Forfurther Information, please e-mail issglobalhr@iss-snub.com requesting the full Description, Specifications and Expectations for this position.

Superior Energy Services (Australia) Ltd (SESA) are Australia's largest Hydraulic Work Over and Snubbing Services provider, with 40 years of experience, providing aportfolio of On and Offshore Service and Manufacturing solutions to the Hydrocarbon and associated Industries.

We invite everyone with the appropriate rights to legitimately work in Australia, to apply regardless of origin, circumstances, background, or condition.

Please note this is afull-time permanent position and does not offer 'remote working' or 'work from home' opportunities.

Please submit your covering letter, addressing the relevant criteria, along with your CV to issglobalhr@iss-snub.com by Friday 28th June 2024. 6-10 Hunt Place, Wurruk, Vic, 3850 www.superiorenergy.com.au

Tenders

• PONY

Member vacancies -Victorian Class Bcemetery trusts

Areyou interested in making ameaningful contribution to your community, learning new skills and preserving local history for futuregenerations?

The following Class Bcemetery trusts areseeking new volunteer trust members. In this role you will gain hands-on experience in managing a public cemetery and valuable governance skills as amember of apublic board. Free governance training is provided.

THE BRIAGOLONGCEMETERYTRUST

THEHEYFIELD CEMETERYTRUST

THE ROSEDALE CEMETERY TRUST

THE STRATFORD CEMETERY TRUST

Who should apply?

Applications arewelcome from people with arange of skills and experiences including administration, committees, and groundskeeping. Women and people from diverse backgrounds areencouragedtoapply Current trust members whose terms of appointment aredue to expire arewelcome to apply for reappointment.

What it means to be aVictorian cemetery trust member Cemetery trust members areappointed by the Governor in Council for aterm of up to five years on the recommendation of the Minister for Health. Cemetery trusts areresponsible for the management of public cemeteries, including planning for futurecemetery services for their communities. Moreinformation about the role is available at <https:// www.health.vic.gov.au/cemeteries-and-crematoria/class-b-cemeterytrust-appointments>.

How to register your interest

Please refer to the trust details below and contact the applicable trust within two weeks this advertisement date:

Victorian Class Bcemetery trust Contact details

The Briagolong Cemetery Trust0407 685 228

The Heyfield Cemetery Trust0408 517 686

The Rosedale Cemetery Trust0466 451 784

The StratfordCemetery Truststratfordcemeterytrust@gmail. com

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring thatgovernment boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community.Weencourage applications from people of all ages, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and from lesbian gay,bisexual, trans, gender diverse, intersex and queer people. The trust will provideadjustments to the recruitment processupon request F4 09 88 GP1671468

Manager,Client Support and Housing Services VPS-6

Sale or Bairnsdale office (Flexible-Hybrid)

$130,673-$174,869 P.Aplus superannuation

Full time -Ongoing

Reporting to the Executive Director in Outer Gippsland Area, South Division, thisposition plays akey leadership role. Therole is accountable for the day-to-day management of the Client Support and Housing Services Team.The role focuses on leading thedelivery of agreed work plans,incollaboration with both internal andexternal stakeholders andstaff.

This role is responsible for meeting organisational objectives,service delivery standards andtimelines, stakeholder expectations and clients’ needs. The role works in collaboration with stakeholders and staff, continuous service monitoring, quality improvement,improving models of service deliveryand afocus on innovative approaches to housing, complex client support and managing thefront endfor the Area.

Wellington Shire Council has impounded one (1) stallion pony, brown with white spots, from Kyle Street, Rosedale on 20 April 2024. The pony will be offered for sale by tender. All tenders should be clearly marked 'Tender for Impounded Pony' and are to be lodged in the Tender Box at the Wellington Shire Council, 18 Desailly street, Sale no later than 2pm on 19 June 2024. For enquiries, please contact the impounding officer Klaus Schneider on 1300 366 244.

This role supportsthe strategic directions of government enabling Victorians to havesuitable and stable housing andimplementing actions to reduce homelessness and improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable and disadvantaged Victorians.

Position contact: Executive Director,Outer Gippsland Darlene Henning-Marshall Ph: 0407746 137 darlene.henning-marshall@dffh.vic.gov.au

Reference number: DFFH/COPL/371560

Applications close: 11:59pm Thursday20thJune 2024

For moreinformation about this opportunity,pleasego to www.careers.vic.gov.au and download aposition description to view departmental information, the selection criteria,our pre employment screening requirementsand our Diversityand Inclusion commitments.

Deaths

CAMERON, Ray.

•

Thecommittee and members of the Newry Golf Club extend their condolences to Ray's family on the passing of Ray, awonderful supporter and golfer for many years at Newry. He will be warmly remembered by all members and by the committee for all his years representing Newry in inter club events and all the work on the course and also his jokes as a golfer. Rest in peace Ray we will always remember you.

GAW John Thomas

12.6.1945 -6.6.2024

Peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family. Dearly loved husband of Ruth for 54 years. Adored Dad to Joh and Anna.

Cherished brother to Graeme and Faye, Doug and Julie. Loved uncle to Tom, Ange and Dave, Sally and Jodie. Great uncle to Aria, Edison, Liam and Alfie.

Brother-in-law to Margaret &Harold (dec.) Lineham, Peter and Anne Hansen and families.

HIGGINS, Willemke (Willie) (nee Feenstra) 14.09.1951 -03.06.2024

Passed away peacefully at Ashleigh House Sale after illness.

Loved wife of Bruce(dec.). Daughter of Tryntje (dec.) and Wiebe (dec.).

Much loved mum of Katrina and Russell adored Mother-in-law to Rick and Nickole and Step Mum to Chris.

Cherished Nan of Jyden (dec.), Brady, Jack, Molly, Bailey, Dylan, Brysen, Rommi, Reece and their partners.

Adored great Nan of Cooper and Joshua.

Loved Sister, Aunty and friend to many. "Thank you for the music"

HIGGINS, Willie. There are simply no words to describe our loss.

Our beautiful Mum and Nan taken too soon.

Our mother daughter bond was so loving and strong and will be cherished forever.

You were beautiful, fun, witty, caring, courageous, compassionate, thoughtful, giving, clever but most importantly loving.

Reunitedwith your beloved grandson Jyden, Bruce and your loving Mum and Dad.

We are so very greatful of all the fun times and memories made to cherish forever.

All our love, Katrina and Rick, Jyden(dec.) Brady, Jack, Reghanand Cooper, Molly and Jack. Forever in our hearts. Nigh Nigh xoxo.

HIGGINS, Willie Mum/Nan If tears could build abridgeand bring you back then, you would be back here with us. Thank you for all the memories, unconditional love, care, and guidance you gave us, always reminding us to keep an ope nm in da bou t everything. You are at peace now and we know you will be watching over and guiding us from above. Always in our thoughts and hearts love Russell, Nickole, Bailey, Dylan,Brysen and Brianna xx

HIGGINS, Willie. 14/9/1952 -3/6/2024.

To know that we had a friend to turn to when we were feeling blue, Afriend who was always there for us, in everything we do. Words will never be enough to say how sad we feel. We felt truly privileged to have you as our friend. Our love and deepest sympathy to all the family. Neecy and Lynn and families.

HUYGENS (nee Dalton), Robin Dawn. 20/11/1943 -07/06/2024

Beloved wife of Hugo Huygens, much loved mother of Elke, motherin-law to Steve and loved Ama of James, Tash and Mitch.

Remembered with love.

Memorial service on Thursday June 13 at 2.00pm. Le Pine, 399 Warragal road, Burwood.

Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the service Private cremation.

SMITHWICK (nee Furneaux)

Beverley Ann Of Briagolong and Sale

Loved Mum, Granny and Great Granny. Friend to Noel. Thank you Noel, for your companionship and care of Mum Forever in our hearts

In accordance with Bev's wishes ap ri va te cremation will be held

THOMAS (nee Hall) Florence May (Flo) Passed away peacefully at Laurina Lodge Heyfield on June8,2024 surrounded by her loving family. Aged 92 years. Dearly loved wife of Ian (dec.). Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Gayle and Dennis, Lynne and John, and Chris.

Loved Nana of Larissa, Janelle, Justin,Kate, Elizabeth, Ben, Sam, Abbey and Molly. Great Nana of Ella, Josh, Thomas, Lachie, Zach, Joshua, Phoenix, Jude, Hansly, Florence, Kaden, Charlie, Memphis, Atlee, Jack and Rupert.

Forever In Our Hearts

WILLIAMSON Anthony "BUCK" Passed away peacefully at home on 5th June 2024. Aged 55 years. Dearly loved husband of Emma. Loving father of Bridie, Alex and Sydney.

Alife lived working in the bush doing what he loved, with acold beer by the fire having alaugh at the end of ahard days work. A true gentleman with a beautiful nature, always kind, loving and agreat mate to many. Sadly missed and forever in our hearts.

Son of Ray and Elaine (both dec.) Brother of Trevor, Peter, Robert, Sharon and Craig.

WILLIAMSON, Anthony "Buck." It is with much sadness, we say goodbye to our wonderfulson-in-law, brother-in-law and uncle. Buck friendship, kindness and amazing sense of humor will be greatly missed. Thanks Buck for being such aspecial part of our family. Andy and Jen, Lisa and Ashley, Owen, Jacob and Kristina.

GAW The funeral of Mr John Thomas Gaw is appointed to leave Our Chapel, 5 Queen St, Maffra after a service commencing at 1PMTOMORROW (Wednesday June 12th 2024) for the Maffra Lawn Cemetery.

Please visit our website of the livestream of John's service.

GILLETT. The funeral service for Mrs Helen Jean Gillett will be held in our Geoff Rossetti Memorial Chapel, 1390 Maffra Road, Sale (next to Sale Cemetery) on WEDNESDAY (Jun. 12, 2024) commencing at 1:00 PM.

APrivate Cremation will follow

HIGGINS, Willie. Acelebration of Willies life will be held at the Criterion Hotel, Sale in the Drawing Room at 2.30pm on Friday June 21, 2024.

RICHARDS, (nee Turner)

The funeral service for Mrs Marion Joan Richards will be held at the Heyfield Memo rial Hall, MacFarlane Street, Heyfield at 12noon TOMORROW Wednesday June 12, 2024, followed by aprivate cremation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heyfield Hospital.

THOMAS (nee Hall)

Agraveside service for Mrs Florence May (Flo) Thomas will be held at the Heyfield Lawn Cemetery on Friday June 14, 2024 at 11.30am.

WILLIAMSON. The funeral service for Mr Antho ny "Bu ck" Williamson will be held at the Glenmaggie Hall on Saturday June 15, 2024 commencing at 1pm.

APrivate Burial will follow

Sale City stalwartshonoured

He is also present at weekly training on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

IS there anything more synonymous with local football-netball clubs than the smell of sports tape andDeepHeat?

When an ankle is sprained on the netball court and needs strapping, it takes mere minutes before aclub volunteer wearing ashirt with the word ‘trainer’ across theback is there to administer assistance. When aplayer lands too hard on their shoulder after taking ahanger on the footy field, trainers are there.

For thepast four decades,Sale CityFootballNetball Club has calledontrainer Paul Nolanand, before that, his late father Tim. Over the years, the father and son duoput in longdays behind the scenes.

Paul arrivesatfootballfieldsacross the region on game day at 8.30am. Practised hands get to work early, strapping ankles, shoulders, and knees and massaging out niggles so that playersare prepared to put their bodies on the line.

Paul said,“We (trainers) justmake surethat the players get out on the ground, and the way they go out is the way we wantthem to come back -walking.”

At day’s end, usually at 5.30pm, Paul packs up.

This reporter often cites that the term ‘stalwart’ can be overused within country media. However, Paul and Tim Nolan are the very definition of the word.

Tim Nolan was atrainer at Sale City FNC from 1976 until well into the 80s. For his service to the club,hewas madealife member.Paul later followed in his father’sfootsteps, but not after a stint on the field as aBulldog. He donned the red, white, and blue jumper between 1976 and 1984.

“I wasn’t any good at footy, so Ijust decided to followinmydad’s footstepsand just carried on from there,” Paul said.

In 2017, Paul was inducted into the North Gippsland Football-Netball League Hall of Fame for his service to the club as aplayer and trainer.

Despite ashort hiatusawayfrom his postas trainer between 2020 and 2022, Paul stepped back into the rolefrom which he has provided invaluable support for the club’s athletes.

On April 13, at Round 1ofthe NGFNL season and Sale City’s first home game, Sale City President, Michael Clapton officially unveiled the name of its refurbished trainers’ room, completed in 2021, in honour of Tim and Paul.

You might think that someone would have had

somethingnamed in their honour in Sale City FNC’s 54-year history. However,this onlyoccurred for the first time earlier this year.

Presenting the Sale City Football-Netball Club

Tim &PaulNolan Trainers’ Room.

Words likeemotional, privilege, overwhelmed, and honour were how Pauldescribedthe official unveiling.

“It was magnificentactually. I’m still sort of in awe of whatthey’ve done for us,” he said It clearlymeans alot to be bestowed with this honour by a“bigfamily club,” whichPaul saidhas given himsomuchsupport.

The trainers’ room wasunveiled in frontof Paul’s friends and family, including his two sisters Gabrielle and Majella.

Clapton said, “You can’t survive (without trainers)”.

“The football-netball doesn’t operate during the week and also (on) game day without the trainers and trainers’ room.”

But taking care of players aches, pains, bruises, and scrapes is all in aday’s work for trainers like Paul and Tim.

Paul said, “It’s just been an honour and aprivilege to do what I’ve done with the club, and Iloved it; dad loved it, and we do it because we want to, not because we have to.”

Honouring the fatherand son’s contribution to the club in this way might have beena “big decision,” accordingtoClapton, but it was one that wasunanimously supported by the committee and community.

Sale City FNC VicePresident, Brad Evans describedTim and Paul Nolan as “outstanding people and great loyal servants and volunteers in our club”.

“With the new facility and the trainers’ room that we use so often during football season, we felt it appropriate to name it afterTim and Paul,” he said. The new trainers’room at Stephenson Park was part of amore than $2 million redevelopment that modernised the old change rooms, social rooms, canteen, meeting room, and umpires’ rooms.

Wellington Shire Council provided $790,000 for theproject; Sport and Recreation Victoria contributed $800,000, and Stephenson Park user groups contributed $50,000, thanks to the generosity of the John Leslie Foundation.

Sale City FNC shares the Stephenson Park facilities with other local sports clubsincluding, Sale Baseball Club, Sale and District Touch Football, Longford CricketClub, and Sale Umpires Association.

Bulldogs leading the charge for mental health

Erika Allen

LOCAL football-netball clubs are more than game day, more than afleet of uniformed players and more than the outcomes of wins and losses.

At their heart, they come to embody community spirit,camaraderie,volunteerism, and ashared passion that extends beyond football and netball.

Aclub proving this is Sale City Football-Netball Club.

In Round 1, the North Gippsland Football-Netball League club acknowledged the magnitudeofmental health awareness during the Black Dog Round, which has become acalendartradition at the club. That same weekend, two life members were recognised, as Sale City FNC officially unveiled itsrefurbishedtrainers room, namedinhonour of Paul Nolan and his late father, Tim.

Warning: the article that follows mentions suicide.

HEADS bowed in respect and reflection at Sale City’s home groundonApril 13, marking Black Dog Round and aday of greatsignificancefor the club. Beforethe umpires initiated the first bounce, they stood alongside Sale City’s senior and reserves football teams, netballers, and their Round 1opponents, Cowwarr.Together, in adisplay of unity andsportsmanship,they formedarectangle on the football ground, with the teams standing in a guard of honour.Friendsand families gatheredin the stands and around the Stephenson Park oval. Sale City FNC President, MichaelClaptonsaidof the Black Dog Round: “It is areminder every year to people that have passed through mental health or illness and suicide,that we are thinking of them and their families and also asking the question of our present people that it’s okay not to be okay.”

The Black Dog Round, unique to SaleCity’s NGFNL calendar,issupported by the Dancing with the Black Dog Institute and has been playedsince 2022, at the club’s first home game of each season. It seekstoshed light on ahistorically taboo subject: men’s mental health and suicide. Tragically,

Sale City FNC has been touched by this. The round is played in honour of two club legends who died by suicide: The late Justin McLay, afourtime premiership player who wore the number three on his now-retired jumper, and Robert Stal, amember of the 1993premiership team who wore the number nine (also retired).

On this round, the best players are awarded the McLay-Stal Medal at the end of the men’s senior football match and AGrade netball game. This year’s deserving recipients were Jacob Schuback and Isla McCarthy. Claptontold the Gippsland Times the club

decided it needed to address mental health. He referenced that male mental health was seldom discussedover 20 yearsago, but that Sale City FNC and society more broadly, are becoming better at acknowledging it.

The latest Ten to Men: the Australian LongitudinalStudy of Male Health report from 2020 found mentalill-health remains highamong Australian men. Up to 25 per cent experienced a diagnosed mental health disorder in theirlifetime. However, only aquarter of the study cohort said they would seek professional help. MensLine Australia suggests having

conversations about mental health could be more effective if they are conducted in “friendly” or “familiar” places like sporting clubs.

There are many reasons for this, but they all centre aroundthe principlethat a“better”environment means men are more likely to be receptive to support or seek help.

Brad Evans, Sale City FNC Vice President, said the club was “particularly proud of the work that we do”.

“Greg Robinson, one of our life members, is the driving force behind the day, and he makes aspeech before the senior football (and) AGrade netball game,respectfully recognising the (round),” he said.

“It’sbecomeatradition on our calendar, and whoever we host on that home game are told about it, and they involve themselves in it to the point that they line up before the game and show that respect Hopefully, it’s agood thing for them to talk about at their club as well because we all have aduty of care to our players and members and supporters. We need to look after each other.”

At the Black Dog Round, stickers and badges were handed out to bring attention to the cause, while players wore specially designedjumpers on the field.

The imageofthe black dog is awidely used euphemism for mental health, but more specifically, anxietyand depression. TheDancing withThe Black Dog logo,which was on the back of Sale City FNC’s jumpers,isa show of support for people living with mental illness, ultimately conveyingthe message that it’s okay to say if you don’t feel okay. If the content of this article has raised concernswithyou,these services are available: MensLineon1300

Erika Allen

Paul Nolansurrounded by family at the unveiling of the Tim and Paul Nolan Trainers’Room.

Paul Nolan with his sisters Gabrielle and Majella. Photos: Sale City FNC

Sale City and Cowwarr players and umpires formedaguardofhonour for Black Dog Round earlier this year. Photo: Lisa Baker

Rivals drawinred time thriller

Liam Durkin

THEREisnomore need for conversation around the water cooler in the office. The ceiling has been broken. Shattered even. The ceiling is now in the clouds. Perhaps unreachable.

If the footballgods reside in the clouds, they deliveredanepic forthe Latrobe Valley at the weekend.

Given the combatants, given the end result, and given the scarcely believable nature of what transpired, there can surely be nothing that tops it.

WhathappenedatMorwell Recreation Reserve last Sunday was the greatest home-and-away match in Gippsland League history.

Latrobe Valley rivals, Morwell and Traralgon contested aRound 9top-five battle that saw four goals kicked in red time; the Tigers getting their last to snatch back the lead, only for drama of the highest order to unfold.

The entire league was left dazedwhen the finalsiren (barelyaudible given how loud the crowd was in the grandstand) rang, showing ascoreboardreading 15.8 (98) apiece.

In the absolute greatest respect, it was perhapsagood thinglegendary Morwell timekeeper Jack Huxtable didn’t blow thesiren.The game was enough to give a20-year-old aheart attack, yet alone someone well into their 90s.

If Shakespeare had been tasked with writing about this game, it could have easily fitted into one his tragicomedies. Although even he might have struggled to adequately do it justice. Let’s not forget, it wasn’t fictitious either. This really happened.

Extrapolating even further from the ‘this’, was anumberofmesmeric, almost supernatural, events that took place.

The AGrade netball match also ended in adraw, and there was more than 70 free kicks paid in the senior football game.

Veteranumpire Steve Esler certainly won’t be forgetting his 600th game in ahurry.

Former Morwell player Tristan Waack,now withTraralgon,was rested, reportedlyowning to VFL directives, adding another layer to the subplots from the day.

It is saidtiming is everything, and Morwell Football-NetballClubpicked either the best or worst day to hold their sponsors event.Moe certainly pickedthe worst week to win agame after the siren.

Traralgon coach, Troy Hamilton, who himselfwas involved in two of the most miraculous premierships with Mirboo North adecade ago, must have felt history was rhyming.

This was ‘so Mirboo North’ it wasn’t funny. Shakespeare had the basis right there fora comedy, and even more so for what Traralgon captain Tye Hourigan managed to pull off.

It was almostlaughable howdominant he was.

Hourigan was acombination of Glenn Maxwell in the last World Cup and Chris Judd in the 2013 Elimination Final. Playing deep forward becausehe was barely able to run, Houriganput 21 maroon andwhite jumpers on his shoulders and said “come with me”. He kicked six goals, and missed a sevenththatwouldhavegiventhe visitors the win.

The miss was tinged with irony as it was arguably his easiest shot for the day. Taking into account what he had done up until then however, he could hardly be blamed for the result.

Traralgonwouldn’t have even been close to winning the game had he not played.

Poor Tyler Hillier played the game of his life for Morwell, only for Hourigan’s heroics to virtually overshadow every other player on the ground.

So, to the crux of every drawn result -who lost it and who salvaged it?

There can be littledoubt Morwell was better as acollective,and for this reason, the Tigers will feel as though they lost two more points than Traralgon gained The homesidewas 20 points up early in the last quarter, and started the match with 3.4 (22) to one behind when the quarter time siren blew. That siren was definitely audible. At that stage it appeared how far Morwell, as the Tigersweredominating most facets of the game.

Even the start of the match carried its own subplot. The precursor to such

up Morwell’s Harri McColl during theSunday match in theGippsland League.The Latrobe Valley rivals played out an epicdraw, labelledone of the best games ever seeninthe league’s history.

an epic finish appeared along way off when it started pelting rain as soon as the reserves game finished. When that happened, most in attendance thought the match would be nothing more than awet weather slog.

Fortunately, rain subsided, and in the second term, spectators were treated to some open,attacking play.

Hourigan’s dominance had not yet fully materialised, and he was actually pinged for deliberateout of bounds in defence after his attempted handball through goal hit the behind post.

Accepting the free kick and slotting theresultant goal was Riley Loprese, brother of Dylan, current Traralgon 100-game player and former captain.

Just another subplot.

Traralgon got up and running around the 10-minute mark of the second, and kept ableeding scoreboard in check with back-to-back goals.

Sensingthe need to change, Hourigan, who has carved areputation as one of the best intercept marks in the league, was sent forward, and responded with two goals.

Hamiltonalsosent Tate Marshto mind Hillier, who was starting to cause headaches for the Maroons.

At halftime,the Tigers led by 10 points, helped by some undisciplined playfromTraralgon, which saw two goals come from 50-metre penalties.

Whilesofar the matchseems to be largely reported as the Houriganversus Hillier show, both players continued their prominence in the third.

Hillier kickedaneat setshot from deep in the pocket on the sideofthe old scoreboard at the three minute mark, before Hourigan hit back with his own three minutes later.

Hillierwas then involvedina goal assist, hitting up Brandon McDonald, stretchingthe Tigers' lead out to 15 points.

McDonald was to kick four goals for the day, including two insane finishes duringthe last McDonalddid his work in theair and at ground level, affectinga great smother in front of the club rooms which got the ball out of bounds.

Hillier might as well have been walking on water by this stage, as he kicked another incredibleset shot fromthe opposite pocket at the 15-minute mark.

Traralgon got two much-needed goals through Liam Willaton and Max Jacobsen as the clock ticked overinto red time, while Morwell was given a let-off after an uncharacteristic miss from Jackson McMahon right on three quarter time stopped the margin getting under single figures.

With his side 14 points up at the last change,Morwell playing-coach Boyd Bailey cut acomposedfigure as he addressed the charges.

The left footer kept the message simple,withhis line“you can’t attack unless youhunt” offering an appropriate analogy to win the ball firstand foremost.

Bailey instructed his troops to play to win rather than save the game, ensuring

them the match would open up. He was right, although even he probably didn’t anticipate just how much it would.

Murmurings of “three goals will win it”fromthe Tigers camp seemed logical givenhow thematch had played out to that point, but as it turned out, even four was only enough to tie it. Morwell hadthe perfectstart,with Bailey dribbling home agoal inside the first 30 seconds, seemingly landing one hand on the Hunter-Stanistreet Cup (named afterTerryHunter and Brett Stanistreet, two greats of Traralgon and Morwell).

Giving up however is not in Traralgon’s DNA, no matter what is at stake, and goals to Willaton and Kade Ruyters taking advantage and running into an opengoalsuddenly cut the margin back to eight points just four minutes in.

Some chaotic moments followed, with a50-metre penalty called by one umpire and reversed by another who saw the whole picture, andthen aTraralgon kick-in gone horrendously wrong landing the ballinthe hands of Morwell excitementmachine RickyMentha, who snapped the goal to push the lead back out to 15 points.

By now tensions were at agamehigh, so much so somespectators in the grandstandhad to be told to cool their jets as there was somelessthan pleasant languagebeing picked up on an external radio microphone broadcasting the game.

With that Scott Muller-type incident avoided, back on field, Traralgon continued to press.

Ahost of missed opportunities was eventually broken when Chance Doultree goaled at the 16-minute mark, making it aone-goal ballgame.

Josh Hamilton, back from athreeweek concussion-induced break, then levelled the scores, only for Tyler Brown to momentarily give Morwell aone-point lead following afree kickfor athrow inside 50.

Then came Hourgian.

At the 22-minute mark, he was found on the lead,well in front of Morwell defenderMax Linton, and goaled to get Traralgon in front by fivepoints.

Acouple of minuteslater,hemarked just inside 50. Immediately putting his hand up, he took it upon himself to go back and kick the goal.

He did, from right on the arc, as the balllobbedin, narrowlymissing aset of hands and the left goal post.

That goal made it six for the day, and with it, the Maroons led by 11 points.

Morwell wasn’t done with just yet.

From the next centre clearance, the Tigers forced the ball forward and found McDonald charging out on the lead.

Meeting the ball righton50, McDonald wheeled around on his right, making the distance at the Princes Highway end. Five points the difference.

Next goal wins.

The Tigers surged forward again, but this time, Hourigan was in defence, taking an uncontested markonthe last line.

His clearing kick however was met by

Morwell denied ashot at victory by two seconds -possibly less. Bailey couldnot do much morefor his side, collecting their best afield honours. Linton had his hands full with Hourigan, but considering he was named secondbest, perhapsshowed just how well he didlimiting any potentialfurther damage. Quigley,Macdonald, Hillier and Macfarlane also stood out. Awarding threevotes presenteda mere formality. Joining Hourigan in the list for the visitors was McMahon, Willaton, Joel Scholtes, Jacobsenand D’Angelo.

The first draw for the 2024 season, and sixth in Gippsland League history for Round 9also presented some poignancy for the Maroons.

Traralgon as ateam will go back to the drawing board, and have some serious drawings to consider as aclub regarding their new change rooms, currently out for tender (more on that later). For now, it is worth acknowledging the players that tookpartlastSunday, who are are etched into afamous two hours of Gippsland football history. This game will be talked about for generations to come -and rightly so. You only need to bring water bottles to work from now on.

Photo:Liam Durkin

Boyd Bailey, whotook astronggraband sent the ball back inside 50. Calling the game for TRFM,commentator DarylCouling said “good luck getting agoal here”, as virtually every player on the ground was inside Morwell's 50.

Somehowhowever, Morwell did, with two people sharing the same surname with different spelling combining.

Following amad scramble, Cody Macdonald sent aHail Mary back inside 50, where an alert Brandon McDonald slid in to take the markdeep in the pocket on the Morwell Cricket Club side.

Needing his best kick, McDonald nailed his fourthgoal, regaining the Tigerslead by one point at the 27-minute mark.

There could not be long left.

Morwellsent everyoneback, while Hourigan returned to the forward line for what was surely the last roll of the dice.

The Tigers looked to keep the ball in tight, and some desperate efforts from Dan Musil with asmother and captain Aidan Quigley with apotentially goalsaving tacklepersonifiedhis leadership

TheMusil smother actually ricocheted to Traralgon’sTom McMahon on the edge of 50,where he wasmet by the Quigley tackle.

From thenext stoppage, the Maroons got the ball in space. McMahon was awarded afree kick for high, he then gave ahandball to Connor Ambler, who sent the ball long inside 50.

Guess who?

Within apack of six players, Hourigan got bothhands up, and caughtthe ball as he fell to the ground, juggling the mark before emerging triumphantly.

Disbelieving players surrounded the area. Morwell appealed for atouched ball, while Hourigan held the ball aloft as he walked back.

The situation looked to be too much for Willaton, who stood with his hands on his head, knowing the matchwas riding on this kick.

With aset shot of only about 30 metres on aslightangle, it appeared almost certain Hourigan was about to kick his seventh goal and be chaired off the ground. But… almost unexplainably, he missed.

Acollective sighwas heard as the kick sailed wide.

Now with the ball back in their hands, and only needing apoint to win, Morwell went full throttle from the kick in.

The Tigersfound Musil, who gave it to Burkeley Macfarlane,who kicked long inside 50. Traralgon however had more numbers, and were able to force a couple of stoppages to take vital seconds off the clock.

Time for one last plot twist.

From astoppage, the ball landed in the arms of Macdonald, who sent it back inside 50.

Waitingunderneath it was an unmarked Brown,who was about to mark 40 metres out directly in front.

Siren. The Hourigan miss came at 29:53. The siren at 31:30.

31.30 -Siren

Traralgon’sLuisD’Angelowraps

CHEYENNE

Magician McCarrey stops Pies

LiamDurkin

WHEN Bairnsdale arestrong, theGippsland League is strong.

Unfortunately for Sale, the Magpies had to suffer a‘good for football’defeat in Round9action, losing to the Redlegs on the road.

Bairnsdale,more specifically, Brayden McCarrey, were unstoppable, on their way to acommanding 17.9 (111) to 7.8 (50) win.

The pocket rocket ended the match with eight goals, at one stage having seven out of aRedlegs total of 10 to his name.

McCarrey took his season tally to 33 by the end of the game, almost 10 clear of the next best.

There was simplynostopping the long-sleeve wearingdynamo, at least whilethe gamewas somewhat alive.

Sale stifled Bairnsdale and McCarrey in the last term, keeping the Redlegs to justthreebehinds, but by then,the damage had well and trulybeen done. The homesideopened withfivegoals to three, before the floodgates completely opened.

Bairnsdale kicked four goals to one in the second, and dominated even further with eightgoals to one in the third. In the carnage, that spelt two goals to 12 either side of halftime for the Magpies.

Things went from bad to worse for Sale, with JackLesliesentoff and likely to have afurther case to answer for this week.

The Magpies were clearly not in afavourable mood when handing out the best, naming only five players.

Those who did do enough to rate amention

were Shannen Lange, Chris Byron, Mitch Dowse, Hudson Holmes and Leslie.

The resultleaves Sale with five wins and four losses at the halfwaymarkofthe season,equal with Bairnsdale, who hold fifth by percentage.

The Redlegshaveshownenough signs to suggest they will be adangerthis season, especially at home, where they have only dropped one game thus far.

McCarrey took the plaudits for best afield, working alongside Lachlan Byrne-Jones,WillMitchell, Matt Corbett, Link McKenna and Logan Austin.

Also anoted cricketer,McCarrey can be found plundering runs around the Bairnsdale district during summer.

Just why so many attacking batsmen in cricket are also prominent and creative forwards in football may have acrossover effect in terms of skillset. Muchlikecricket, they are alwayslooking for gaps in aconfined space.

Think DanielBedggoodand AdrianBurgiel at Maffra, Jack GinnaneatLeongatha or Lee Stockdale at Traralgon/Woodside.

Most also carry acertain creative flair or healthy individuality as well.

Bedggood has the dreadlocks, Burgiel wore number 77, Ginnane always wears longsleeves, while McCarrey wears number 40 and long sleeves.

Brayden McCarrey gave Saleplenty of headaches at the weekend, kicking eight goals for Bairnsdale

File

Maffra pleased with their progress shown

From Page 32

“AT 0-8 (win-loss record) clubs can be not very nice places to be around, but at the moment we’ve beenreallypositive, really enjoyingit, they (the players) are enjoying training, enjoying each other’scompany, it’s agood community feel at

the moment despitethe statsinterms of wins and losses,”Maffra seniorcoach, Anthony Robbins said “People dodge the word ‘rebuild’ abit because it gives the excuse, but Ithink we are (in arebuild), we can see abit of apathand we can see the quality of players coming through.

“Credit to our junior club and underage coaches in Kal (Killoran) and Adrian (Burgiel) who havedone agreat job in getting some of the best talent in the area to come and playand coming out of our junior club …(we’ve) been very lucky,”Robbins continued. Maffra will look to make further inroads during

Lion’s saved by the bald Eagle

Liam Durkin

MOE and Morwell can never get away from each other -even when the Lions are playing an opponent who has travelled more than 100 kilometres.

Akick after the siren from former Morwell player Brayden Duve againstMoe was all that stood in the way of Wonthaggi victory at the weekend. In apulsating last few minutes, with Moeleading by just three points at Ted Summerton Reserve, afree kick was plucked following amarking contest on the edge of 50. Duve was the man to emergewith the ball, and lined up for ashot needing to clear the best part of 55 metres.

While it would take amightyeffort, the Power’s pulse still beat, as Moe players rushed to the goal line.

As it turned out, the kick became an anticlimax, smothered off the boot by Riley Baldi. With the stand rule permitting players to

jump, Baldi did just that as ball connected with Duve's boot, ensuring the Lions escaped ahugescare, winning 11.9 (75) to 11.6 (72).

The act of ahigh-flying smother was perhaps fitting for someone with the nickname ‘Eagle’, and equally fitting that the man judged best-on-ground hadthe lasttouch of the game. Baldi was yet again the standout for Moe, whomust be counting their lucky stars he chosetoplay for his home club for the full season this year and not Casey in the VFL.

Declan Keiltywas also prominentyet again, as was Ben Daniher in what was aspecial day for the son of the great Neale.

His famous father waspresent at Ted SummertonReserve for the club’s annual FreezeMND Day. Nick Prowse also played well forMoe, along with Trent Baldi and Brock Smith.

Issac Chugg was everywhere for Wonthaggi, while Mitch Hayes, Noah Anderson, Toma Huther, Kaj Patterson and Shannon Bray were industrious.

LEONGATHA just did Leongathathings.

The Parrots gave Drouin no legroom, on their way to acommanding65point victory.

Travelling to the Hawks nest presented the only challenge for the ladder leaders, who won 17.12 (114) to 6.13 (49).

Jenson Garnham kicked eight goals, and may have had his eye on top spot on the league goal-kicking until Brayden McCarrey bobbed up with the same amount.

Jackson Harry was best for the Parrots, followed by Jack Hume, Luke Bowman, Jake van der Plight, and Darcy Hume, who is looming as agood story after winning the reserves league medal last year.

Will Papley,Caleb Quirk, Will Brewer, Jarrod Marshall, Max Williamesand Ed Morris battled hard for Drouin.

Leongathaare now two games clear at the halfway point of the season.

How strange to think the Parrots don’t seem ‘as good’ this season, yet are still two games clear.

The greatest game you'll ever see -Page 27

the second half of the season, although the challenge that greets them following this win couldn’t be muchbigger -that of ladder leadersLeongatha. Best for Warragul were Isaac Wallace (three goals), Jack Lewsey, Jake Hughes, Sean Masterson, Brad Hefford and Patrick Carpenter.

Photo:

The game between Wonthaggi and Moe came down to akickafter the siren, whichwas smothered offthe boot by Moe’s Riley Baldi.

Photo: Liam Durkin

Opposition too strong for birds

ErikaAllen

MAFFRA’S losing streak persisted in Round 9of the Gippsland League, as they fell to Warragul with afinal score of 65 to 44.

Chloe Proud played asolid captain’s game for the Eagles,tallyingupmore thanhalf of their44goals.

Sienna Wynd, Jayde Parsons (on loan from Heyfield)and Matilda Pendergast werenamed among the Eagles best. Meanwhile, Renee Cook, Sienna Green and Jaime Rollinson put in strong performances for the visiting Guls.

BAIRNSDALE was too strong for Sale, winning 47-35.

Despite Sale’s Kate Van derVoort shooting accuracy -onthe day she scored 88 per cent of the Magpies scoring total -Bairnsdale were more consistent from one end to the other at home.

SallyDeller, aname on many best-on-court lists this season, was strong under the post. Her teamwork with Anna Mooney telling.

Rachel Ronaldsonand Ashleigh KeefejoinedVan der Voort as Sale’s best. Mooney and Deller were buoyed by another great performance from Brielle Malady for the Redlegs.

MORWELL and Traralgon mirrored the men's senior footballmatch, finishing in athrilling draw with both sides scoring 37 goals.

An even first quarter at Morwell Recreation Reserve had the sides tied at eightgoals apiece, as Isabella Bettridge got to work for the Tigers and Sophie Lecchino racked up her tally for the Maroons.

The second quarter saw Morwell playing-coach

Courtney Garth step it up, leading her team to a 14 to eight goal term. But the Maroons flipped the switch in the third quarter as Grace Van Tilburg got to work under the post.

The Tigersdominantsecond quarter tally still held them in the leadgoing into the fourth, but only by the skin of their teeth.

As the siren initiated the term, Morwell was leading by one point.

The Traralgon trioofAshlyn Pavey, Stacey Jacobson and Van Tilburg werestronger however, helping the Maroons to win the quarter 10 goals to nine. Although they won the quarter, the visiting side hadn’t done quite enough to get over the line. Garth was amongthe Tigers best. She was joined by Anna Solomon and Rachel Tatterson. Pavey, Van Tilburg and Jacobsen were hard to separate among Traralgon’s best.

AN expected result from the top team unfolded at Ted SummertonReserve, as Moe dominated Wonthaggi 71-35.

Awinning streak that stretches nine rounds is an impressiveteam effort in itself, but akey cog in the Lions machine is Ramayer Gourley, shooting extraordinaire. At the weekend, Gourley shot 46 goals and was assisted by fellow shooter, Georgia Moody, who tallied an impressive 25.

Whileneither were named on the Lions’best, thatgoing the wayofHollieBugeja, Olivia Barnett and Charlize Bird, it's clear every player on Moe’s AGrade list is of AGrade quality.

Addressing family violence through sport

THE state government is supporting local sporting clubs across Victoria to run programspromotinga culture that preventsviolence against women and families.

Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Vicki Ward and Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence recently announced $1.2 million through the Preventing Violence Through Sports Grants program for the continuation of 12 communitybased sporting projects across the state. The projectsinclude GenWest partnering with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and Women’s Health Grampians to run a communityawareness campaign that champions respectful relationships and prevention of violence against women. Ward said sport was an important vehicle in leading avarietyofcommunity initiatives.

“Sporthas the power to influence and shape positivecommunity attitudes and behaviours whichis why the Preventing ViolenceThrough Sports Grants is critically important,” she said.

“We are continuing to support clubs in creating respectful and inclusive environments for all members and changing the culture of violence against women and families.”

Another program, led by La Trobe

University, is working with regional community sport and recreation clubs to help prevent and intervene early to gender-based violence in the Barwon and Loddon Campaspe areas.

Launched in 2021, the program recognises the power of community sport in bringing people together, shaping culture and challenging the attitudesand behaviours that can lead to violence.

Funding will support sporting organisations to engage with all those who participate in community sport, from players and volunteers to coaches and familymembers -tohelp facilitate grassroots change.

Examples of action being taken by clubs includes codesofconduct to promote gender equality and equip staff, action plans to encourage earlyintervention, and policies that normalise players, coaches and families calling outdisrespect, sexism and violence when they see it.

The program reachedmore than 5200people in its first year -including almost 2000 people aged 12-15 -and has significantly strengthened the confidence,skills and senseofresponsibility among sporting clubs which often sit at the centreofclose-knit communities.

Afull list of the organisations runningthese programsisavailable at sport.vic.gov.au

ALL LEAGUE'S BACK

North Gippsland FootballNetball League and East Gippsland FNL return this weekend followinga break forthe King's Birthdaylong weekend.

The Gippsland League playedasnormal at the weekend, and have nowcompleted half the season.

Stratfordishome this Saturday to Paynesville, while Boisdale-Briagolong travels to Lindenow in East Gippsland.

NGFNL matches this weekend (Round 9) are: YYN vs Heyfield (at George Bates Reserve)

MOE’S closest rivals Drouin keep chipping away thisseason, bankingtheirseventh win against Leongatha 62-42. The leaders at every change of ends, the Hawks’ April Bethune, Ava Gaul and Stacie Gardiner (25 goals) were dominant across their home court. Strong performances from Lara Gill, Kate Browne (18 goals) and Amber Walker for the Parrots just couldn’t clip the Hawks wings.

Netball Scoreboard

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE –ROUND 9

AGRADE: Warragul 65 def Maffra 44, Moe 71 def Wonthaggi, Drouin 62 def Leongatha 42, Bairnsdale 47 def Sale 35, Morwell 37 drew Traralgon 37

BGRADE:sale36def Bairnsdale 32, Warragul 70 def Maffra 36, Moe 56 def Wonthaggi 45, Drouin 64 def Leongatha 57,Traralgon 46 def Morwell 27

CGRADE:Bairnsdale 49 def Sale 23, Maffra 42 def Warragul 25, Moe 32 def Wonthaggi 29, Drouin 46 def Leongatha 33, Morwell 42 def Traralgon 34. 17 AND UNDER:Bairnsdale

Sale City vs TTU (Stephenson Park)

Cowwarr vs Gormandale (Cowwarr Rec)

Woodside vs Yarram (Woodside Rec)

Rosedale vs Churchill (Rosedale Rec) Glengarry-BYE

Only fitting

Sale City Football-Netball Club recently unveiled the Tim and Paul Nolan Trainers’ Room, recognising the pairs decades of service. One of the namesakes, Paul (right), was on hand to receive congratulations from club president Michael Clapton.

STORY

- PAGE 26

Breakthrough win for Maffra, first of season

ScottBerechree

andLiam Durkin

MAFFRA coach Anthony Robbins probably never thought he'd share similarities with Alastair Clarkson.

On the same weekend North Melbourne recorded their first win of theAFL season, so too did Maffra in the Gippsland League. After nine rounds,the Eagles finally clicked over adigit in the ‘W’ column, defeating Warragul 10.12 (72) to 7.9 (51).

Such aperformancecapped off anumberof promising weeks from Maffra, who had lost three of their previous four games by less than 10 points. Whilethey fell short on those occasions, there was no denying them at the weekend.

What’s more, they didn’t just roll an easy beat. The Guls came intothe match fresh offan 18-point victory over top-three side Moe. Maffra at home however had clearly had enough

of losing, and started with four goals to two in the first term.

Warragul responded, keeping the Eagles scoreless in the second, to see things all tied up at 4.5 (29) as teams retreated into the sheds.

Thattrend continued in thethird, untilbackto-back goals to Caleb Calwyn late in the term saw the home side take all the momentum into the final change.

Jack Casson had the chance to get the visitors back within two goalsatthe 13-minute mark of the last quarter, but his kick sailed wide

Warragul coach Jed Lamb, back from ahorrific knee injury last year, marked and goaled from 30 metres out to keep the Guls in it at the 17-minute mark.

However, astrong mark and sneaky play on from Maffra youngster, Zach O’Keefe saw him steady the home side with aclassy left foot major from 40m. His goal left Maffra 14 pointsinfrontwith 22 minutes played.

As if that wasn’t the final nail, Calwyn marked from the top of the squareashort time later,making no mistake to seal ahardfought, 21-point win.

Emotions of relief and jubilation spilled over in the Maffra camp, their victory made all the more meritorious by the fact astaggering11players in the Eagles line-up were under 19 years of age.

Those young players showed their absolute class on and off the field, gathering on the sidelines to sing theclubsongfor aterminally ill supporter, watching on from an ambulance.

Calwyn kicked five goals in the win, while others to play well were John Butcher, Max Stobie,Kade Renooy, Alex Carr and Seth Smith.

Butcher and Tom Scottshared ruck duties against Warragul man-mountain Mitchell Smart, arguably the competition’s mostdominant, and were able to “disrupt” him, according to Robbins.

The proud coach was full of praise for his side, highlightingtheir desiretofront up week after week.

“They keep going, they are quite resilient, they don’t drop their heads, it’s agood trait,” he said.

“The rooms were packed, no one has gone away, they can see the talent thatisinthose young players and what the future holds if they want to stick together.

“It was atussle all day and both sides were in it for along time.

“It was alovely feel for them to confirm that we aren’t that far away, you lose three games by five points, eightpoints, nine points,even30points to Traralgon down there, they (Traralgon) played really well early and are agood side, afterthat (halftime) we were okay (nine goals to seven in the second half).”

Whilethere wasthe remote chance the Eagles would go through the season withoutwinning a game,Robbins saidonfield results were not the be all and end all at this point in time.

Continued-Page30