Gippsland Times Tuesday June 4 2024

Community to learn moreabout Marinus Link

MARINUS Link Pty Ltd (MLPL) has met another major milestone, with the launch of public exhibitionfor Marinus Link’sCommonwealth and Victorian environmental assessment documents.

The combined documentation for the draft Commonwealth Environmental ImpactStatement and the Victorian Environment Effects Statement (EIS/EES) and draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) will be on public exhibition from May 31 to July 12, 2024.

“Following years of engagement and surveys and studies undertaken by technical experts,both on land andout to sea, it is pleasing to reach this milestone and provide this information about our project to the community,” MLPL Chief Executive Caroline Wykamp said.

“Ourcommitmenttothe environment extends beyond mere words on paper, and at MLPL, we take our responsibilitytoleave apositivelegacy seriously.

“MarinusLink is essential to our renewable energy future, and we are planning to build and operate it in a way that minimises environmental impact. We are confident that our environmental assessment documents support this claim and welcome members of the publictoaccess the documents during the exhibition period.”

During public exhibition, MLPL is hosting aseries of drop-in sessions in Gippsland and the Burnie

area in North West Tasmania,toanswer questions and provide information on the documents, the approvals process and how to make asubmission.

“We are hosting drop-in sessions along our proposed route tailored for our communities and landholders impacted by the project,” Ms Wykamp said.

“Thesesessions will include subject matter experts and easy to digest fact sheets to assist people with their questions and concerns.”

Gippslanddrop-in sessions willbeheld in Dumbalk, Fish Creek, Churchill, Meeniyan,Mirboo North and Sandy Point.

Onlinewebinars are also available. The landholder webinar will take place Tuesday, June 18 from3pm to 4pm.Toregister,visit:forms.office com/r/xH95HnbebA

The communitywebinar willbeheld Wednesday, June 19 from 6pm to 7pm. To register, visit: forms. office.com/r/xH95HnbebA

The combined EIS/EES addresses Commonwealth and Victorian matters, identifies potential impacts, and proposeshow the projectplans to avoid, minimise or manage them.

Requirements under Tasmanian environment and planning legislation will be assessed in two EISs, which are proposed to go on publicexhibition later in 2024.

Marinus Link is aproposed undersea and

Marinus Link proposes to build an underground electricitycable between Gippsland(LatrobeValley) and Tasmania. Publicconsultation points have beenestablished across theregion.

underground electricity and telecommunications interconnector between NorthWestTasmania and the Latrobe Valley.

The projectisa proposed 1500 MW HVDC electricity interconnector between Heybridge in northwest Tasmania and Hazelwood in the Latrobe Valley.

The project includes around 255km of subsea cable in Bass Strait and 90km of underground cable running through South Gippsland to Hazelwood.

The project will make landfall at Waratah Bay in Victoria, and Heybridge in Tasmania.

At both Heybridge and Hazelwood, aconverter station will be constructed to enable Marinus Link to connect into the electricitygrids in Tasmania and Victoria.

The project will be implemented as two 750 MW stages. Each stage will comprise two power cables and afibre optic communications cable.

Marinus Link will enable the flow of electricity in both directions, delivering low-cost, reliable

and clean energy for customers in the National Electricity Market (NEM). As aresult, the capacity and security of energy will increaseacross the NEM.

Marinus Link’s 1500 MW capacity is equal to the power supply for 1.5 millionAustralian homes. Making asubmission

Anyone can make asubmission on the Victorian and Commonwealth aspects of the combined EIS/ EES and the draft PSA.

Submissionsmust be made in writing and received by 11:59pm on Friday, July 12.

Submissions can be lodged via the state government’s Engage Victoria website at engage.vic.gov. au/MarinusLink-IAC

If you do not have internet access and are unable to lodge asubmission online, phone Planning Panels Victoria (PPV) through the Customer Call Centre on 136 186 (select Option 6) and request a hard copy submission coversheet.

Photo: Contributed

Speak up on Wellington’s growth

Calltokeepbarking down

WELLINGTON Shire Council is urging pet owners

to be aware of their dogs' barking to help maintain peace in the community.

Under Section 32 (2) of The Domestic Animals Act 1994, adog or cat is considered anuisance if its noise, such as barking or otherwise, significantly disrupts the peace or comfort of others or, if it injures or endangers the health of aperson. Often, dog owners may not realise their dog is barkingexcessively, especially if it happens when they are not home. While barking is natural for dogs, it's important for owners to prevent it from becoming excessive to avoid disturbing neighbours.

WellingtonShire Mayor,CrIan Bye emphasised that while dogs are valued,those that barkexcessivelycan becomea real source of frustration.

"Dogs may bark for various reasons, such as boredom or behavioural issues. It’s important for owners to identify the cause and address it to prevent disturbances,” Cr Bye said. Residents are encouraged to train their dogs,

ensure they get enough exercise, provide them with toys and shelter, and seek veterinary advice if necessary.

“Ifexcessivebarking continue(s) to affect neighbours, it's best to first try to resolve the matter directly with the dog owner. Usually, about 80 per cent of these cases are resolved promptly after the initial contact,” Cr Bye said.

If the issue persists, individuals can file acomplaint with Council. Upon receiving acomplaint, CouncilOfficers will reach the complainant for details and request they fill out an Animal Nuisance Monitoring Sheet to document the disturbance. From there, council will inform the dog owner of the complaint, provide educational materials on managing barking, and request action to mitigate the issue.

For moreinformation and to access council’s Barking Dog Complaint Form,visit wellington.vic gov.au/forms/barking-dog-complaint-form

WELLINGTON Shire Council is seeking community input on its Growth Management Strategy, whichwill guidethe development and growth of Wellington through to 2041.

The strategy outlines the long-term plan for the development of the six primary urbancentres in Wellington including Sale/Wurruk/Longford, Maffra, Stratford, Heyfield, Rosedale and Yarram -outliningkey opportunities for jobcreationand investment to drive economic growth.

Thestrategyalsocoversimportantfactorslikepopulation changes, economic growth, state government policies, climate change, and housing costs. These are crucial for planning landuse throughout Wellington.

Wellington Shire Mayor, Ian Bye urged the community to review the draft strategy and share their views.

“Input from our residents is essentialtoalign the strategy with the needs and aspirations of our communities," he said.

“The strategywill give council, agencies,investors, and more importantly, the community aclear directiononour plans forlong-term development. By working together, we can create aplan for growth that boosts the liveability, sustainability, and the success of our municipality."

The community is invited to provide feedback on the draft strategy, which will be used to inform preparation of the final strategy.

To have your say, visit council’s onlinecommunity engagement platform Your Wellington YourSay at: your.wellington.vic.gov.au

Submissions can alsobeemaileddirectlyto strategicplanning@wellington.vic.gov.au or posted to WellingtonShire Council, 18 Desailly Street (PO BOX 506) Sale, VIC, 3850.

Consultation willcloseat5pm on Friday, June 21,2024.

Police presence petition

LOCAL communities have backedcalls for increased police presence throughout Gippsland amid escalating crime rates in the area.

Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien has tabled apetition with more than 2000 signatures calling for greater police presence and resources.

“The lack of police presence in our local communities is often top of mind for locals when I am out and about in the electorate,” Mr O’Brien said.

“I launched this petition in February, so to see over 2000 signatures in such ashort time is areal indication of the level of concern in the community.

“Our local police do an amazing job with the limitedresourcesavailable to them, but it is clear that theyare overworked, understaffed and under-resourced.”

Mr O’Brien said he was compelled to launch the petition following reports of alargeamount of crime throughout the electorate, and concerns from the community, including Fish Creek local, Terry Ryan who helped distribute the petition in South Gippsland.

“We’ve recently seen aspate of break-ins including the supermarket in Meeniyan,the Yanakie Motocross Club, Aherns Fruit Market in Foster and the Fish Creek Football-Netball Clubrooms which were also burnt to the ground,” Mr O’Brien said.

“On top of that, statistics from Crime Statistics Agency Victoria prove criminal incidents are on the rise across all three municipalities that form Gippsland SouthSouth Gippsland, Wellington and Latrobe.

“Car break-insacross Latrobe Cityhaverisen more than 50 per cent overthe last 12 months,

while criminal damage continues to spike across both Wellington and South Gippsland Shires. “This is in addition to hoon driving and other anti-social behaviourwhich continuestoplague our small country communities.”

Mr O’Brien said it is clear that agreater police presence is crucial to deter would-becriminals.

DOWN SALE After 28 years, Val’sBridal Boutique will be CLOSING on June 28. Valwould liketothank the community andall herstafffor their supportoverthe years. She will continue to sewfromhome if any needs arise.

We all love dogs, butthosethatbark toomuchcan become asourceoffrustration.

Photo: Contributed

Member forGippsland South, DannyO’Brien with Gippsland local Terry Ryan, who has helpedgather morethan 2000 signatures on apetition calling for greater police presence in Gippsland. Photo: Contributed

The Growth Management Strategy outlines the long-term plan for the developmentofHeyfield, picturedhere.

Photo: Contributed

Changes made in Wellington wards

New: The p proposed changes have moved the e boundary of the Coastal W Ward north to include e towns such as Loongford, Rosedale, Nambrok and Denisson Imagees: Victorian Electoral Coommission

Current: The existing three wards will have their boundaries changed come October this year

From Page 1

THE VEC wrote in thefinalreport that, “The inclusion of Longfordwas felttobethe most logical option as it is the town closest to the southern coastal communities not already located in Coastal Ward”.

Also, the VEC said Longford was alogicaloption to move because retaining Wurruk in the Central Ward is preferred due to its proximity and strong community ties with Sale.

Despite the concerns raised by Council,the VEC has made no changes to the preliminary model The state government announced last Wednesday (May 29) that the VEC’s final reports and recommendations have been accepted.

As such, Nambrok, Denison, Rosedale and Longford will become partofthe Coastal Ward. This list is not exhaustive but reflects some of the larger towns that the changes will affect.

Minister Horne thanked the VEC for ensuring “communities have fair and equitable representation from their local councils”.

The Gippsland Times were referred to amedia release after reaching out to Council for comment.

Council said it acknowledges the efforts made by the VEC to balance the complexities involved in redefining boundaries to allow for equal voter numbers across wards.

Council also recognised the challengesa municipality like Wellington poses. It wrote that one of the challenges in balancing voter numbers across WellingtonShire’s wards is thehigh number of non-resident ratepayers between The Honeysuckles and Paradise Beach. Recent changes to council-based voting entitlementsunder the LocalGovernment Act 2020meanthat there is an increased level of uncertainty about how many eligibleratepayers will choose to enrolinthis area Wellington Shire Mayor, Ian Bye said, “We understand the difficult task the Victorian Electoral Commission faced in reflecting our

diverse communities of interest within the new boundaries. Whilewehad concerns about specific changes,weappreciate the Commission’s efforts to achieve the best possible outcome under the current legislative framework.”

Among the other nine councils thatwillhave their ward boundaries changed are three Gippsland shires -the Baw Baw, South Gippsland and Bass Coast.

Latrobe City Council will also have anew electoral structure at the council elections in October under changes confirmed earlier this year. In its current state, Latrobe City is divided into four wards: West, Central, East, and South, comprising nine councillors. At the next elections in October, there will be nine wards, one per councillor.

The smallest current geographical ward -the West Ward -will be divided into two wards: Moe and Newborough. The Central Ward will also be split in two, becoming the Yallourn and Morwell River Wards. The South Ward will remain the same but will be renamed the Budgeree Ward. The East Ward will be split into four: the Tyers Ward(submitted as an alternative name for Wades Creek Ward), the Boola BoolaWard,the Loy Yang Ward (submitted as an alternative name for SheepwashCreek Ward), and the Jeeralang Ward (submitted as an alternative name for Traralgon Creek Ward).

It is assumed that each of the nine current councillors will aim to represent one of the wards at the next election.The next LatrobeCityCouncil election will be in October this year. More information will become available closer to that date.

For more information on the new ward boundaries,residents are encouraged to visit theVictorian Electoral Commission’s website.

Swift Parrots spotted on Raymond Island

Dr DerekRussel

MORE than 30 individual Swift Parrots have been seen and photographed feeding on Southern Mahoganyeucalyptsinone small area of Raymond Island in April and May this year.

The SwiftParrotisone of veryfew migratory parrots, breeding in theforests of eastern Tasmania and flying (swiftly as its name suggests) across Bass strait to Victoria, then dispersing to feed on flowering eucalypts, especially in theBox ironbark woodlands of southern andeastern Victoriaand eastern NSW.

On their way north in the autumn and back south in August-September, asmall patch of the large, matureSouthernMahogany gumsand Red Gums that Swift Parrots prefer, lying just behind Western BoulevardonRaymond Island, receives the largest number of Swift parrots of any site in Gippsland, and has done for many years.

This autumn, local naturalist Robert Wright becameaware of more than 30 Swift Parrots using this feeding site (and indeed his birdbath), with asuccessionofbirds present for over six weeks.

Raymond Island’s eucalypts were not in flower at that time, but the parrots can get their sugar fix from what is termed ‘lerp’. Lerpisatent-like, white coveringexcreted by lerp insects (technically psyllids) of which there are manyspecies,and which are rather like tiny cicadas.

The lerpismadeofexcessstarchordextrose, which the insect excretesasittries to suck as much protein as it can from leaves or branches.

Thirty birds might not seem alarge number, but Swift Parrots are now critically endangered.

In the late 1980s, there was thought to be around 1300 pairs. Even then, the 1991 Scientific Advisory Committee looking into their position concluded that they were “very rare in terms of abundance anddistribution” and that they were “in decline likelytolead to extinction”.

Since then, numbers have continued to decline with something under 750 individualbirds and probably abreeding population of less than 340.

Swift Parrots are listed as Critically Endangered underthe federal EnvironmentProtectionand Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act and under Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act. So…. to have 30 or more birds at one traditional spot,

startingtheir journey to theirwinter feeding sites, is really very significant. The biggest threats to Swift Parrots are in their breeding areas.

Radical reductions in the number and distribution of the old growth nestinggum trees is amajor issue.

Another is the result of an unfortunate introduction of Sugar Gliders into Tasmania in 1835. Despite

their name, these endearing possums are carnivores when they get the chance, and the eggs, chicks and even incubating female Swift Parrots, fall prey to them.Fortunately, Bruny and Maria Islands off the Tasmaniancoast are still free of sugar gliders, making them increasingly important in the survival of Swift Parrots in the wild.

By coincidence, the federal government has just released thelatest Recovery Plan for Swift parrot, with abudget of $14 million over five years. It makes anumberofstrategyrecommendations. Strategy number 1has half the budget and the first three action priorities are: To ‘Identify breeding andforaginghabitat’; To incorporate that information into government planning;To protect areas of ‘habitat critical to survival’ from developments (including residential developments, mining activity,windand solar farms) and land clearingfor agriculture through local, state and Commonwealth government mechanisms. This hotspotfor Swift parrot on Raymond Island clearly meets the criteria as ‘critical habitat’, and has done for many years.

Unfortunately, there are sub-division and tree clearing proposals before the shire council for exactly these large southern mahogany feeding trees.Theirimportance has beenclearly signalled to shire plannersbyBirdlife Australia, the Gippsland Environment Group and others. We need to trust that the situation will be referred to the federal government, as requiredunder theEPBC Act, and that appropriate protections will be putin place quickly.

There have been 100 extinctions in Australia since Europeans arrived in 1788 -about 6-10 per centofglobalextinctions since 1500AD(33 of them mammals).

For comparison the USA, withasimilar land area and history of European settlement, has had only one mammal extinction. The Australian Federal Environment Minister,Tanya Plibersek has pledged thatthere will be no more extinctions Agreat deal of action will have to happen veryquicklyifthe Swift parrot,and theeven more endangered Orange-bellied Parrot and the Western Ground Parrot, are not going to follow our magnificent Paradise Parrot into extinction. Dr DerekRussellispart of Birdlife East Gippsland

Community getting involved with Duke Street

DURING Term 1and 2inthe pre-kinder at Duke StreetChildren’s Centre, Maffra, the children have been on alearning journey.

By getting the children involved, they can learn new things and make connections along the way.

This learning journey has been such an amazing experience thanks to each one of the localbusinesses who have helped to make this journey so memorableand exciting each time.

Each business has created such aunique experience.

Stobies offered aquick hello and aphoto, while The Coffee House provided ayummy marshmal Gippsland Real Estatefacilitated fun wind games, and Wilmour Motors offered aquick and aphoto.

Donaldas allowed for aphoto and seeing family members,and Woolworths went above and beyon with their fun interactive games.

WellingtonSigns provided stickers for children.

Additionally, the centre visited MacalisterT Advanced Auto Motors, Maffra Medical Centre, HQ to see children’s family members.

The centre wished to thank the amazing local communityfor creating afun learning opportunity for the children.

During the

The Berry Dairy is also astrongfamily connection to the centre and the children were invited out for aday of exploring the farm.

recent incursion at the centre from Donalda Motors, six different vehicles were brought out for the children to explore.

The critically endangered Swift Parrot can be found on RaymondIsland.

Photo: Contributed

Children from DukeStreet Children’s Centrehad ablast exploring Maffra. Photo: Contributed

New chapterfor DenisonHall

ErikaAllen

IT may depend on who you ask, but prideisaword thatcomes to mind whencar enthusiastsdescribe howthey feelabout their cars.

The Newry 8’s Hot Rod and Muscle Car Club is alocal club extending its pride in its vehicles in away that will benefit both the club and the Nambrok-Denison community.

In recent months,the club has beenbreathing life back into the Denison Hall after deciding it was the perfectlocation from where they could expand operations as their “home base”, says club president Paul Stephenson.

The Newry 8’s Hot Rod and Muscle Car Club was established in 2011, and with membership pushing 80 today,MrStephensonsaidthe club had outgrown its former home base at the Newry Recreation Reserve.

“Denison is stillreasonably central to alot of our membersand was big enough for us to continue expanding,” he said.

Mr Stephenson said that the Denison Hall needs alot of tender love and care, but, unlike Jeremy Clarkson, these car enthusiasts are not afraid of abit of manual labour.

“We have had one main working bee where we had abarbecuelunch, and abunch of members turned up to chip away at cleaning up the hall, yard andtennis courts so they are usable; however,there have probably been around five or six (occasions) where afew members have turned up for the day/ weekendtocarry out repairs and work on getting the hall into afunctioning state,” he said. They’re agroup of tinkerers, it seems, chipping away at tasks like mowing the lawns and removing wirefencing on the old tennis courts. The following tasks on the list, Mr Stephenson said, are improving the kitchen, building afence out the front, sandingand sealing the floors and potentially giving the hall afresh lick of paint.

President of the Denison Hall Committee, Graeme Anderson, said the work was “appreciated”.

For Mr Anderson and those residing in the Nambrok-Denison District,the car club is doing important work.

On the day’s members of the Newry 8’s are toiling away, Mr Stephenson said, “Everyone that has stopped by or that we have spoken to have been absolutely thrilled that the hall will be getting used again.”

“It’s been great to hear stories from the hall committee members Graeme Anderson, Geoff Smith, and alsofrom other locals on the history of both thehalland Denison area.”

Not sure whether to call the club’s new interest in the Hall an “evolution,” Mr Anderson said the work being done was “exciting” because some residents had been fearful of losing the magic of ahistorical community asset.

If walls could talk, the Denison Hall would have aplethoraofstoriestotell: it welcomed anew generationoflandownersasthe Soldier Settlement Scheme saw soldiers of World War 2establish farms

and raise their families in the area. Mr Anderson said Christmas celebrations brought hundreds of childrentothe hall. Complete withaChristmas Tree and Santa Claus, this eventwas one of the biggest the hall hosted.

However, large community functions of the past have dwindled in recent times.

Whether owing to ashift in community values or the loss of smaller family-owned farms as larger dairy conglomerates movedin, anew chapter is finally being written in the Denison Hall history book.

Mr Anderson said he hopes that as the club grows, the community will takeaninterest in thehall again and that long-time residents of the district will want to use it for family reunions.

“The good thingisthat they’re (Newry 8’s) prepared to share it with other people as well in conjunction with them. So yes, it’s quite exciting, Ithink,” Mr Anderson said.

This is possible giventhatfamily friendly values areatthe heart of the Newy 8’s, Mr Stephenson says.

“A major focusofour clubistohave avery familyfriendly environment where we strive to make everyone feel welcome.”

Mr Stephensonsaidhejoined the Newry8’s 10 years ago and was attracted by the friendly community feel, adding the club does not tolerate “hooning behaviour on the streets,” something he found appealing.

“Being interested in cars doesn’t mean you’re a hoon, and it was great to find aclubthat was just about appreciating vehicles and all of the years of hard work and engineering that goes into them,” he said.

As owners of classic cars, most of the club’s fleet consists of American-made hotrods, muscle cars, or Australianclassics, the oldest datingbackto the 1920s and through to the 1970s. So, preserving history appears important to the Newry 8s.

“We are working on cleaning up the inside (of the Hall) so we can go through the Hall and community memorabilia and display some of thehistory that’s beenpacked away for many years,” Mr Stephenson said.

“Once we have the inside organised and looking in good shape, we’re hoping to have acommunity day where people can come along, have some lunch, get to know us and what we do and maybe even get some more people involved!”

Mr Stephenson said the club meets at least three times amonth -once for ameeting and dinner, once to go out for tea, and once for aweekend event like acar cruise. Butinspring and summer, when the weather is nice, being out and about is more common. The club’s weekendeventshave recently included alunchtimecruisetoGlenmaggieWeir andthe Waterwheel Tavern at Lake Tyers. The club also displayed their cars at the Pit Master held in April at Maffco Brewery.

“Generally, we try to getasmany peopleinvolved to enjoy their vehicles and spend our time/money within the local community,” Mr Stephenson said.

Sunset behind theDenison Hall -the backdrop for Newry 8’s members classic cars. Photos: Contributed

The Newry 8’s HotRod and Muscle CarClubhas found anew home at Denison Hall.

Keeping aclose eyeonSea-eagles

DO you know of aSea-eagle nest around the Gippsland Lakes?

BirdLifeAustralia is putting acall out to the community to be apart of aonce-in-a-decade project to monitor the Lakes’ majestic,White-bellied Sea-eagles.

Results will contribute to along-term study dating back to 1978 to understand the eagle’sbreeding and behaviour and inform their ongoing conservation.

“The Lakes’ Sea eagles are currently ‘dating’ and getting ready to form mates and make nests,” said Dr Bradley Clarke-Wood, Wetland Bird Program Coordinator for BirdLife Australia, who is implementing the surveys in partnership with Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

“They typically team up with the same partner and spend time rekindling their relationships over the winter along with repairing their nests, bringinginnest material and gettingready for the breeding season ahead,” he said.

“We are asking the community two questions: do you know where there is aSea-Eagle nest, and would you be prepared to monitor it over the coming breeding season which runs from October to March?

“Over 10 volunteers contributed to the project last year and we would love to see more people get involved. It would be great if we could uncover newnests and get afuller picture of where they arenesting in the Gippsland Lakes.”

Across the 2023-24 summer breeding season, BirdLife Australia,Birdlife East Gippsland and more than10community volunteers carriedout

44 inspections of 29 Sea-eaglenests. Most nests were around the Gippsland Lakes with afew sites identified as far east as Mallacoota.

Sixteen chicks reached sufficient size to fly and leave the nest -whatisknown in the bird world as fledging.

“Theseyoung eagleswill now be out on their own perfecting hunting skills and exploring their new world. We hope that, with the help of community volunteers, we will be able to uncover more nests and witness more of these threatened species survive,” Dr Clarke-Wood said.

White-bellied Sea-eagles produce one to two eggs betweenJuneand September which are then incubated for around six weeks. When the eggs hatch, adult birds regularly attend the nest to supply

the chickswithfood. Chickswill fledge fromthe nest when they are between 10 and 12-weeks-old.

Those in the community can get involved in the program by emailingDrClarke-Wood at bradley. clarke-wood@birdlife.org.au and at https://loveourlakes.net.au/

This project is part of the Love Our Lakes program made up of 48 projects deliveredby22partners and made possible by the $248 million investment by the state government to improve the health of waterways and catchments.

Of this,$7.5million is being providedtoimprove the health of Gippsland Lakes over three years (2021-2024), through support to the Gippsland Lakes CoordinatingCommittee andfor the delivery of on-ground works and community engagement.

AppointmentstoVICSES and CFAboards after chairperson resigns

THE stategovernment has announced new appointmentstothe Victoria StateEmergency Service(VICSES) and Country Fire Authority (CFA) boards,after the resignation of Mr Greg Wilson as chairperson of both boards.

Ms Jasmine Doak has been appointed to the role of director and chairperson to the VICSES Board for three years, while Ms Casey Nunn ASM OAM has been appointed director and deputy chairperson until September30, 2024, while recruitment is undertaken for the deputy chairperson role.

Ms Doak, who has been adirector and deputy chairperson of VICSES since 2023, has previously

been president of the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board,and also bringssenior private sector experience. Ms Nunn also brings experiencetothe role, havingbeen adirectorof the VICSES board since 2020.

Further, Joanne Plummerhas been appointed chairperson of the CFA for three years, while Mr Anthony Peake OAM will act as deputy chairperson until September 31, 2024 whilerecruitment is undertaken for the deputy chairperson role.

Ms Plummer has been the deputychairperson of the CFA since December 2023 and is an experienced board member with almost 15 years of professional

governance experience. Mr Peake has also been a memberofthe CFA board since June 2022, and currentlyholds severalnon-executivedirector and board membership roles.

The government acknowledges the significant serviceand leadership of the outgoingchairperson, Greg Wilson, who was appointed to the role of chairperson of the VICSESboardinFebruary 2020, and chairperson to the CFA in July 2020.

Mr Wilsonoversaw the organisations while they managed significant natural disasters including the October 2022floods and the 2023/2024 summer floods, storms and fires. He previously worked in

the justice,emergency management and forest fire management sectors throughout his lengthy public service career.

The Ministerfor Emergency Services, Jaclyn Symes, congratulated all the new appointees.

“Their expertise and leadership qualities will enhance the critical work of our dedicatedVICSES and CFA volunteers,” she said.

“Greg Wilson has displayed incredible leadership duringhis time as chairperson to both the VICSES and CFA boards. Ithank him for his dedication and supportand wishhim all the best in his future endeavours.”

Gippslandersencouragedtoapply for FRV recruitment

FIRE Rescue Victoria (FRV) is encouraging Gippslanders to apply for the next roundof recruitment, whichisopen between July 1and July 8this year.

FRV’s Acting Commissioner, MichelleCowling AFSM, said firefighting was no ordinary job.

“Some jobs stand outfor the profound impact they have on the community, and this is agreat case in point,” Ms Cowling said.

“Firefighting is ahighly respected profession and quickly becomes an extraordinary career.

“It’s ajob in which no two days are the same, and every single day firefighters make adifference, working alongside Victoria’s other emergency services.”

The Acting Commander, Leigh Allan, said FRV in Gippsland provided awonderful opportunity for work-life balance.

“You live in the area you love while working in a very dynamic and rewarding profession.

“Whether it’s fighting fires or comforting achild who has his or her hand stuck, this is avery satisfying job.” FRV firefighters are provided with great opportunities for role specialisation and career

progression. These includeEmergency Medical Response (EMR), UrbanSearchand Rescue, High Angle Rescue, Heavy Rescue, Road Crash Rescue, Marine Response and more.

FRV is looking for people who have strong problem-solving skills and demonstrate integrity, accountability and haveappropriate all-round strength and fitness. Firefighters are first respondersand engender community trust and confidence, especially in emergencies.

Acting Commissioner Cowling said FRV welcomed people from diverse backgrounds.

“We want our workforcetoreflect the diversityof the communityweserve. Firefighting is an exciting and rewarding career for people from all walks of life,” she said.

People interested in learningmore should attend information sessionatthe Morwell Fire Station, 171 Princess Drive, MorwellonMonday,June 24 from 6.30pm until 8pm. Registrations are essential.

People can register at: eventbrite.com.au/e/ frv-firefighter-recruitment-information-sessionmorwell-tickets-873112381637

For more information, visitfirefighter.vic.gov.au

Dr BradleyClarke-Woodislookingfor people in the community to helpmonitor Whitebellied Sea-eagle’s breeding and nesting habits. Photos:Contributed

Nesting White-bellied Sea-eagle chicks.

FireRescue Victoriaare encouraging Gippslanders to applyfor recruitment thisyear

Photo: Contributed

Gippy Girls conquerCoastrek

WHATstartedasagirls weekend away and chats abouthealth and happiness, led to an ambitious plan to combine fitness and friendship, while fundraising for The Heart Foundation.

Four school friends (Circa 1988) Tanya Cunningham, Marie Frew, Ana Pranjicand Gemma LambefromSale and Stratford, decided to take on the Coastrek 20km challenge along the beautiful MorningtonPeninsula coastline, coveringsand, hills and trails.

Participants couldhike either 50km,30kmor 20km. The 'Twilight' 20km distance took place between Sorrento and Point Nepean.

Months of training and several hundred kilometres, went intoplanning and preparing, while building up resilience to take on the coastal challenge. Lotsoftalking and walking saw not only improved fitness,but bettermental health and raising awareness for The Heart Foundation. Coastrek wrote on its website that the goal of the fundraiseristohelp fund life-saving heart research into women-specific factors and support the elimination of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Australian communities. Money raised can also help champion female researchers across the country.

According to the Heart Foundation, one in six people in Australia self-report as living with cardiovascular disease, accounting for more than 4.5 million people.

The Heart Foundation committed more than $13 million to heart health research last year. This money is usedtofundinitiativeslike the First Nations Cardiovascular Disease Grant and the 45 and Up Cardiovascular Grant.

The Gippy Girls saiditwas exhilaratingtocross the finish line, in under four hours, as ateam,

 BOISDALE Consolidated School will host The Battle of Knowledge Trivia Night in the Newry Hall on Friday, June 14. Doors open at 6.30pm for a7pm start. Teams of 10 and $100 per table. Adults only. Bring your own nibbles and drinks. Phone the schooloffice for bookings on 5145 4391

 TWO new workshops are happening during June at Maffra Neighbourhood House.

Aclay-yoga figure workshop will be held on Wednesday,June 19 from 1pm until 3pm. Get readyfor dirty handswith Jess and create ahand-built, air-dried clay yoga figure to take home.

All materials supplied, cost$55. Book a place by phoning 0422 335 155.

An Inkle workshop is happening on Wednesday, June 26. This is a five-hour session with all materials and equipment provided. No experience required. Make an inklewoven cloth band which can be used as abracelet, bookmark, key fob or trim. Learn a new skill, cost is $130. Book

knowingthe grouphad raised $2820 for The Heart Foundation. The bubbles offered at the recovery station at the end were well received, as the group pondered its achievement and sore legs all while starting to plan for the next one.

The group wished to thank all family,friends and business sponsors who donated.

What will the Gippy girls do next?

Since 2009, Coastrek has had more than 70,000 people participate across all of its hikes in Sydney,

Mornington, Sunshine Coast, Fleurieu Peninsula, MargaretRiver and Canberra. This year, the Mornington walk raised morethan$800,000 in total.

Donations are still open, and all fundraising from Coastrek in 2024 will go towards supporting The Heart Foundationintheir mission to help end heart disease.

To donatetothe cause, visit: coastrek.com.au/ fundraisers/gippygirls

Woodcraft open day

GIPPSLAND Woodcraft Group willconduct an openday this Saturday(June 8), from 10am to 3pm at its clubrooms on MaffraRosedale Road, Nambrok.

Demonstrations at the free of chargeevent will include woodturning,scrollsawing and carving.

Outdoors will feature aLucas Mill timber slabbingdemonstration and aMaffraCar Museum display

There will be numerous items on display and for sale,aswell as araffle and door prizes.

Asausagesizzleand drinkswillbe available.

The clubrooms are seven kilometresnorth of the Princes Highwayor8.5 kilometres south of Tinamba on Maffra-Rosedale Rd. For information, phone Graeme on 0437 510 950 or Anthony (0413 022 113).

Sale Eisteddfod all about that brass

THE future of Brass Banding in Gippsland looks bright. Brass players from all over Gippsland came together on Sunday, May 26 for the 77th annual Sale Eisteddfod.

Thiswas the final dayofthe Eisteddfod for this year and was areturn to the format of a Sunday Brassday to allow other towns players to participate.

Gippsland Business Machines was amainsponsor of the event, providing agreat financial incentive for participation to support the continuation of community banding.

More than100 brass playersattendedthe day fromSale,Bairnsdale, Traralgon, Warragul and surrounds, performing over three sections. The entertainmentsection included songs like Skyfall, Pirates of the Carribbean, Everybody Needs Somebody, Route 66, Tiger Rag as well as some traditional brass music that entertained the enthusiastic audience.

The day was amassive success, andthe Sale Eisteddfod committee should be very proud of the amazingeventthey put together.The committee is always looking for new members to bring inspiration and support for this 77 year-long event.

TheSale City Band welcomed those who participatedback to the Ken Garner Band Hall after the days events for fellowship, food and chat between like-minded mates.

Brass banding in Gippslandisa platform that allows players of all ages and abilities, including thosewho have never played before, to begin their lifelong music journey. Learningwithin agroup insteadofindividual lessons provides opportunities for teamwork, leadership and early performance opportunities.

day nights Sale City

The GippyGirls Ana Pranjic (Jones), Tanya Cunningham, Gemma Lambe and Marie Frew at the finish line. Photo: Contributed

Gippsland Woodcraft Group invites all to its open daythisSaturday. Photo: Contributed

The SaleCity Band performance.

The Sale Eisteddfod Committee Kate Jones, KimberleyBarclay, Melissa Hall and Tash Smith. Photos:Contributed

The Bands’ musical directors Kees Dogger of Easy Gippsland Brass, TomCousin of Sale City Band, BenSim of Warragul Municipal Band, Keven Cameron City of Traralgon Band,and adjudicator Coady Green

Students to star in Moana Jr.

GIPPSLANDGrammar students have wind in their sails as they take to the open water as ‘wayfarers’ for the St Anne’s campus production of Moana Jr

Based on the hit 2016 Disney musical Moana andfeaturing music by American music legend Lin-Manuel Miranda, Moana Jr. sees all 318 St Anne’s students from Foundation to Year 6bring the magic of Moana to life at The Wedge Performing Arts Centre stage.

Underthe directionofStAnne’s music teachers, Katie Germaine and Laura Evans, the students have been divided into two separate casts with each cast performing two shows. There are four performances in total on Wednesday, June 12 and Thursday, June 13 with shows at 5pm and 7pm.

St Anne’s Campus Music Co-ordinator and Moana Jr. director Katie Germaine said, “Using the double cast approach has meant that students couldbegiven the opportunity to take on leading and ensemble roles.”

Mrs Germaine explained further: “We developed the concept of dividing the campus into two casts by using our already well-established house groups,” she said.

“Two houses -Cranswick Dargo and Blundell

Bogong -have formed one castand TisdallHotham and Wellington Binks have formed the other.

“Students in Years 5and 6makeupthe cast and each year level is highlighted in ascene from the musical. The casts are also supported by our school choirs and we also have astudent-led ‘Art Crew’ under the guidance of (St Anne’s art teacher) Louise Hulls, who has developedthe amazing props. Even the backstage crew is adedicated team of St Anne’s students.

“Thishas been fabulous as not only has it meant that all siblings are in the same cast, regardless of theiryear level, but it’s also meant we’ve been able to harness the house camaraderie that already exists and bring this team spirit into the performing arts.”

Previously, onlystudents fromYears 3-6have been involved in the junior campus productions and Year 2student Olivia Rowley is thrilled to be giventhe opportunity to appear on stage this year

“My favourite thing about being in Moana Jr. is that Iget to perform with the whole school,” Olivia said.

“And my parents will be there to watch me.”

Year 4student Olivia Taylor agreed.

“It’s areally good experience to actually go on stage and dance,” she said.

“I’m also part of the choirand it’s reallyfun to learn how to sing. Ijust thinkit’sagreat opportunity.”

Louisa Greenwell, mother of Year 6student Charlotte -who playsHei Hei the rooster in the Thursday performances -and Year 3student Lillian, said Moana Jr. has been alovely experience in asupportive environment for her daughters to gain confidence on the stage.

“This has been afantastic experience for both of them, particularly Lillian who is only in Year 3,” Mrs Greenwell said.

“And doing it together hasmeant they have been able to practicethe songs at home. Ilovethat they have been given the opportunity to explore the arts, it’s not something that all schools are able to do.”

Mrs Greenwell has also volunteered her time to help with the costumes and has been busy sewing 52 crab claws.

“The girls have helped with that too and that’s also given them insight into what goes on behind the scenes,” she said.

For those who aren’t familiar with the Moana

storyline, the title character is astrong-willed daughter of the chief of aPolynesian village, who is chosen by the ocean itself to reunite amystical relic with agoddess.

Through the power of musicand storytelling, Moana Jr. inspires the young students to discover their inner strength, courage and the importance of embracingtheir unique journeys. Some of the hit Moana songs that are also in Moana Jr. include ‘How Far I’ll Go’, ‘Where You Are’, ‘We Know The Way’, ‘Shiny’ and, of course, the chart-topping smash hit ‘You’re Welcome’.

Head of St Anne’s Campus, Jie Van Berkel said while the campus showcases amusicalproduction every two years, Moana Jr. has been particularly popular among the students.

“It’s been fantastic to see our entire campus community embrace and rise up to this opportunity,” Mr Van Berkel said. Moana Jr. is a60-minute show.

Tickets cost $30 for adults, $20 concession/child, $95 family.

To make abooking, visit tickets.thewedge.com. au/event/345:1094/

Year 6student Lucy McDonnell (centre)with Year 6student Anna Sellings (left)and Year 5student StellaDonald(right) combine their talentsfor the role of Tamatoa the crab in Moana Jr Photos: Contributed Gippsland Grammar’s St Anne’s Campus is performingMoana Jr.atThe Wedge this month.

Frankie BalfourasMoana and Kaiden Lambert as Maui will perform in two of the four performances of Moana Jr.atThe Wedge.

Acclaimed Aussie film showingatThe Wedge

AN iconic Australiandramais

being showcased at this month’s meeting of the Sale Film Society.

The feature of choice for June is none other than Breaker Morant,whichtells of three colonial soldiers accused of murder during the Boer War,and the court martial that transpires.

According to society president Rob Ziffer,their trial was one

of the first in British military history.

“Theirdefence was thatthey were acting on superior orders, but this wasnot substantiated and they were convicted,” Ziffer says.

“This led to quite acontroversy as to whether or not they were folkheroes,and their conviction activated the beginning of

Australian self-determination in creating our own independent legal system.”

Directed by BruceBeresford and released in 1980,Breaker Morant stars EdwardWoodward in the title role and boasts several notable Australian actors in its cast,including Bryan Brown, Jack Thompson,John Waters, Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell,Lewis Fitz-Gerald (in his film debut) and Ray Meagher -the latter best recognised today as Alf Stewart from TV’s Home and Away

The film was acriticaland commercial success duringits original theatrical run, earning nearly six times its budget at theAustralian box-office, and later receiving 10 AFI Awards, including Best Picture.

Breaker Morant screens tomorrow evening (Wednesday, June 5) at The Wedge from 7.30pm. Entry is free to existing society members and $10 to non-members.

Prospectiveattendeesare remindedtoarrive beforethe picture commences to grab a drink at Shirley’s Café and Bar, and mingle with their fellow film-buffs.

This screening will also be the last for founding memberGerard Callinan, who is moving to Melbourne with his wife Jenny.

“He has contributed greatly to the society and we will miss him,” Ziffer says.

For more information about the society and its upcoming screenings, visitthe official webpage: salefilmsociety.wordpress.com

Ultimate Australian performance

Ben McArthur

DADDY Cool is coming to Sale, or rather, the original vocalist, Ross Wilson.

Mr Wilson is the voice behind the iconic Australian tune Eagle Rock,and when he was askedifhewas tired of talking about it, he responded with aWillie Nelson story.

"Someone approacheshim after agig and says, 'Hey, do you remember me? Iwas in the front row at Waco years ago,' and Willie Nelson says, 'No, sir, Idon't remember you. But thank you for remembering me', and that's like me; I'm just glad people remember it," he said.

"I still love playing it, and when I'm with the band, it's the only song that Iinsist they don't reallychange becauseit'sreallysimple,but it has this swing many people can't achieve."

Mr Wilson explainedthe song'sname came from amusic magazineheread in Englandwhere there was apicture of people dancing, and the caption called it 'the Eagle Rock'.

"And Iwas like, 'Wow, okay, maybe Icould use this,' and so Istarted mucking around with the name,and when Icame back to Melbourne, I had aguitarand created apiece and said that it needed achorus," he said.

After putting it together andplayingitasa band, Mr Wilson felt he had something special.

"The band starts playing it, and we start to think that this is great and we clicked. And when we got to the studiotorecord it and do our album, we concentrated on Eagle Rock because we thought thatthis wasthe onethat would getareallygood reaction."

When Mr Wilson formed Mondo Rock in 1986, he was worried about being defined by this song, and so initially refused to play it.

"Everyone was going 'play Eagle Rock', and I decided that Mondo Rockwasn't going to play Eagle Rock until it had acouple of hits under its

belt, and so we didn't play any Daddy Cool, but when Mondo Rock started having hits, the band would stick Eagle Rock into encores or onstage if people were yelling loud enough," he said.

"Eagle Rock was meant to be the cherry on top for those who were really into Mondo Rock.

"But I'm older now, and it's my name on the music,soIplay Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock stuff and mix it, but Istill save Eagle Rock until the end because even if people have been sitting down forthe whole show, most will get up and groove to this one. It'slike it's in Australian DNA."

Mr Wilson believes the song has taken on alife of its own; therefore, he hasn't felt like he has had any responsibility to promote it.

"There wasatimeinAustralian cinemahistory when Ifelt that every second Australian movie had Eagle Rock, from Wolf Creek to The Wiggles, and Iwas thinkingtomyself, 'Gee, this songmust seemreally weird to people watchingthesemovies elsewhere,'" he said.

"It still plays on the radio and pops up over the place, and Ithink it still stacks up today because it doesn't sound like it’s from any particular era, although the music drew on my love of that sort of post-war Mississippi blues sound."

Eagle Rock was Mr Wilson's rise to fame, and he said it got him unique opportunities. Anyone in their early 20s who grew up in Australia will probably recall that 2003 VHS Wiggles in Space animation, where Mr Wilson plays as King Mondo to the song Eagle Rock.

"The song formed agreat foundation for everything that came afterwards. It's fantastic that people still know that andit's probably bigger than ever."

"On Spotify, it's up to over 60 million streams, and that's mostly in Australia, not bad for afolk song, something that was not aworldwide hit." Ross Wilson is coming to The Wedge on Friday, June 21.

See The Wedge website for tickets.

Ross Wilson is coming to Wilsoniscoming he Wedge later this month. The hoto: Contributed Photo:

ONE POINTERS

1. If someone is talking about you your ears are?

2. How many hearts does an Octopus have?

3. What fictional pirate commanded the Jolly Roger?

4. Who has snakes for hair in Greek mythology?

TWOPOINTERS

5. What was Michael Jordan’sjersey number?

6. Which Australian animal is on the 5cent coin?

7. Who wrote the classic dystopian novel 1984?

8. What city is home to the Telstra Tower?

THREE POINTER

9. Who directed the 1997 film Titanic?

10 Who is the lead singer of Black Eyed Peas?

11 What is measured in fathoms?

12 Kath and Kim live in which suburb?

FOUR POINTER

13. What percentage of air is composed of oxygen?

14 What was the name of Delta Goodrem’scharacter in Neighbours?

FIVE POINTER

15 Which former PM managed used to manage arock band?

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.

Burning; 2: Three; 3: Captain Hook; 4: Medusa; 5: enty-three;Tw

entyTw one; 14: Nina cker;Tu 15: Paul

PhotoGallery Reader

Sunny dayatLoch Sport

Photo: MelanieTancred

Peacock at the Sale Botanic Gardens.

Photo: Zoe Askew

Lightning spott

wkins

BUILTonapproximately 8.6 hectares, this passive mud brick home blends into Briagolong’sbushland and is close to the Avon Wilderness and Great Dividing Ranges.

Some of the home’sdesign features include natural timber beams and poles, tiles, mudbricks and allows and abundance of light into the northfacing lounge.

The floorplan of this home has of four bedrooms, that surround the living space with its brick and timber features throughout. The north-facing lounge offers views over the property.

The timber kitchen looks out onto adifferent aspect to the property, bringing the garage and entertaining zone into prospective buyer’ssight, agents say

Aseparate bungalow allows for further accommodation for afamily member or visitor and fits under the roof line of this layout.

Agents say views of local bushland are agiven, along with your own patch of land combining gentle undulations and three dams.

Agarage that can be used for entertainment purposes, vehicle accommodation or household goods also features on the property

Water storage comes with aconcrete tank, abore for garden irrigation and three dams capturing the runoffwater

Other features of the home include aswimmingpoolwith self-cleaning jets and solar heating, solar hot water,paved verandas, laundry and afuel heater,ceiling fans, and areverse cycle unit.

Agents say an inspection of this property will not disappoint.

Briefdetails fdetails

Custom home in tranquil ruralsetting

Property: ty: Mud brick home in rural setting.

Address: 5Kurrajong Tree Track, Briagolong.

Features: Four bed, one bath, twocar.

Price: $950,000 -$1,045,000.

Agent: Kevin Read(0488 411026), Wellington Real Estate.

Opportunity in East Sale

TMcIvor (0428 084 622), Wellington Real Estate.

Ideal unit available forfirst home buyers, downsizers or investors

AGENTS are welcoming prospective first home buyers, downsizers, or investors to inspect this unit on Patten St, Sale.

The location ensures access to public transport, health services, and various recreation facilities, enhancing the appeal of this property according to agents.

The unit’snatural lit living area features split system and aceiling fan, ensuring year-round comfort. Adjacent to the living area is amodern kitchen with bench and storage space. The unit features two bedrooms, both with built-in robes and ceiling fans. The larger bedroom has its own split system. The bathroom includes avanity,shower,and bath, along with aseparate toile. Additionally,the unit also comes with aseparate laundry.The rear yard features an enclosed alfresco area and agardenshedfor storage. The single carport includes astorage shed.

Briefdetails fdetails

Property: Solid brick unit in Sale.

Address: 4/122 Patten Street,Sale.

Price: $295,000.

Features: Twobedrooms, one bathroom, one car space.

Agent: Julian McIvor (0428 084 622).

LRH opens doors to eczema trial

THE latesttreatment for Gippslanders who suffer fromsevereeczemaisnow available locally thanks to arecently-opened dermatology clinical trial.

The trial, which is also currently running in the US and Canada, is testing anew treatment for moderate to severe eczema.

Latrobe Regional Health (LRH) is the first nonmetro hospital in the world to open this trial, which has been made possible by sharing care together with The Alfred Hospital through anew model called ateletrial.

Ateletrial is where hospitals and health care providers work togetherasone team to deliver the same clinical trial across more than one hospital. The model means regionaland rural patients can access clinical trials closer to home, reducing themental and financial burden of often having to travel hours to metro centres for treatment.

This is the first dermatology clinical trial to open in the region. Local staff have been given the opportunity to be upskilled by The Alfred Hospital’s dermatology team who will also oversee care throughout the clinical trial.

Patients will still have to travel to Melbourne for some appointments, but the majority of care is closer to home thus reducing travel.

LRH General Manager of Researchand Partnerships Dr Jhodie Duncan said the teletrial model has enabled the hospital to open more and more trials that can give locals access to potentially life-saving treatment and improved quality of life without having to travel to Melbourne.

“This is arelativelynew model for us in Victoria, but we hope to embed it into our practice as it enhancesour ability to providebetter carefor regional patients,” Dr Duncan said.

“Teletrials giveusanopportunitytoopen clinical trials that we may not have the capacity to run on our own.”

The trial is being overseen by Alfred Health’s Head of Dermatology, Professor Johannes Kern.

“This is achronic, life-long disease that can significantlyimpact aperson’squality of life. Despite available treatmentoptions,not all patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis respond sufficiently to current treatments, and many continue to suffer. We are thrilled at the possibility of uncovering the latest treatment, and that forthe first-time, regional patients can now participate without having to come into The Alfred for the entire clinicaltrial. This is an incredible milestone not only for patients in Gippsland, but it shows what is now possible for other regional patients across Australia,” Prof Kern said.

Clinical trials give people access the latest treatment well before they are available to the general public.

If youwould like to be considered for this trial or to learnmore about other available trials, go to https://lrh.com.au/researchoremailclinicaltrials@ lrh.com.au

Since 2020, LRH has been part of the TrialHub program, afederal government-funded pilot based at The Alfred Hospital that is supporting regional and rural hospitals set up their own independent clinical trial units so patients don’t have to travel to Melbourne.

TrialHub is providing LRH with on-going funding as well as operational and workforce support.

Ashleigh House embraces the coldfor the MND fight

ErikaAllen

THERE may be no sliding into apool of ice at the Ashleigh House Ice Buck Challenge fundraiser for Motor Neuron Disease (MND), but some notable Gippslanders will get cold for the cause this Friday, June 7.

Festivities kick offat1pm withanexciting ice bucket challenge auction. Attendees can place bids on whose headthey want to see doused with a bucketofice water. Local real estateagent Leo O’Brien will serve as the auctioneer of one of the event’s most profitable and fun fundraising initiatives.

Participants,wearing dress ups if they choose, willtakea seat in thecourtyardinfront of apacked loungeroom at Ashleigh House. Ashocktothe system comes as abucket filled with icy water is dumped over their heads. Last year, Wellington Council Shire Mayor Ian

Bye braved the ice bucket.This year, Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester will take part. The lifestyle team at AshleighHouse, which prides itself on “looking after the resident’s wellbeing,” is organizing the event.

Ann Cunningham, who works on the lifestyle team, said events like this are essential to keeping residents connected to the world outside.

“It draws the community in, and it makes them (the residents) feel like they’re apartofwhat’s going on in the outside world,” she said.

With the tenth annual Big Freeze to FightMND takingplace three days later before the King’s Birthday Weekend Round13clash between Collingwood and Melbourne, the resident’s at Ashleigh House will surely feel as if they’re part of something bigger.

This year marksthe third time the residential hostel is hostingthe event, which has hadgreat success in the past. Last year, atotal of $3194 was

raisedfor MND through the sale of hats, socks, lucky numbers and the main event -the ice bucket challenge.

This year, Ms Cunningham announced the return of lucky numbers and arafflefeaturingprizes like amealvoucher donated by The Lakeside Bowls Club. Today, staff at Ashleigh House are wearing blue and contributing agold coin donation to show their support.

Ohana Services, which raised $1,000 for the causelastyear, will come backtoo. According to Ms Cunningham, owner and founderLachlan Floyd, who got drenched last year, provided afun and memorable experience for the special needs patients Ohana Services cares for. Anyone is welcometoobserve, buy araffle ticket, or bid on an ice bucket. The event begins at 1pm at Ashleigh House, 20-24BergenCrescent in Sale.

Pictured (left to right,frombacktofront) is LRH’sJen Breheny and Ian Fraser from the Research and Clinical Trials unit with Alfred Health’s Prof Johannes Kern,trialparticipant Peter Manzie, and dermatologytrial team, Dr Charlotte Krones and FrancesBurns.

Photo: Contributed

Bringing back organic solutions

KatrinaBrandon

ORGANIC produce and fertilisers are becoming more popular -and Hallston (near Mirboo North) local, Gerhard Grasser, is one farmer who is part of the movement.

Last month, about20farmers returned to learningthe basics of organic farming and composting at Mr Grasser's farm.

When the farm was first purchased in 2006, Mr Grasser's son milked up to 160 cows for 10 years. Whilerunning free-rangepigs on the farm, Mr Grasser hascontinuedusing biologicssince day one, which means that no conventional fertilisers have been used on his property.

The groupdiscussed testingsoils, the process, care, and ingredients of composting, garden alternatives, fungi,and more.For those grazing livestock, Mr Grasser said farmersmust oversee theirgrazing methods to ensure they aren't depleting recourses.

"There are alot of things happening in the soil thatwejustdon'teither care about or aren'taware

of. There are alot of band-aids that can be applied," Mr Grasser said. "The long-standing ones are the biology that we generate whenwemakecompostand getting that compost delivered out thereinaway that will benefit the soil's microbiology and the following plant growth."

On the farm, Mr Grasser has acouple of compost pilesofwoodchip, coffee grounds, and fishfertiliser. He believes adding coffee grounds contributes to the pile's fungal load, nitrogen adds to it, and fish fertiliser aidsthe pile's microbiology. He discussed the differentcomposting types, such as thermophilic, and how it must be at aspecifictemperature. During the ageing process, part of it is getting the carbon to nitrogen levels right, which is 25 to 31.

The compost cycle needs many things, but one thingisthat people turn their piles too often. Mr Grasser says acompost pile must only be turned three times.

"Many people in the early days would turn their compost pile, with someone saying they turned it 15 times. They don't understand that the more

you disturb the pile, the more you will destroy the fungi you have there at the end of the day," he said.

Other things to do include watering the compost pileasyou turn it andmonitoring its temperature along the edgeand in the centre, trying to keep it between 65 and 72 degrees. Hay and straw should also be saturated before going into the compost, as the water will help penetrate any wax coatings.

The processcan takeuptofive or six weeks, becoming activeonce it reaches 35 degrees- the maturation phase before taking it to the paddock for use. Whensomething goes wronginthe process,

Mr Grasser says to go back to basics such as food, water, and oxygen to see what is missing. He said that before stocking the paddocks and pastures with compost, you need to assess the soil to determine its needs.

"Graham Shepard has done some work, and it's soil assessment tools that he has been used. He has assembled the sensoryperception of what we have-touch, smell, vision and taste. Those senses that we have all been born with should be used out in the paddock as well and not to rely on technology," Mr Grasser said.

GerhardGrasser testing thetemperatureof the compost heap. Photos: Katrina Brandon

Coffee grounds areused to help withthe health of the compostheap, adding acidic nutrients.

GerhardGrasserentertainedabout 20 farmers who wanted to engage and learn about the organic natures at hisfarm.

Helping improve pastureproductivity

KatrinaBrandon

PASTURE Smarts,aninnovative pasture management app for farmers to maketheir farms more productive and sustainable, was released at the Dairy Innovation Open Day at Ellinbank SmartFarm last month.

PastureSmartsisanapp thatfarmers can access -the result of six years of consultation and research from the AVR team and DairyFeedbase program, who spent the years on farms,withfarmers, seeing what workedbest for measuringpastureand then developing auser-friendly app.

The head of Agriculture VictoriaResearch (AVR),

Dr Simone Warner, said Pasture Smarts was just one example of the translation of research from the DairyFeedbase programintoafarmer-ready product

“This app delivers pasture measurementtechnology into an easy-to-use app that we hope will assist farmers in saving time and optimising their feed-baseplanningand use,”DrWarner said.

“Pasture Smarts is agroundbreaking, personalised dairy pasture management system designed to assist farmersonthe farm to maximise production andutilise pasturebyoptimising the daily pasture allocation.

“It also assists farmers to provide supplementary feeding requirements tailored for each herd, to

forecast future pasture growth, which enables advance feed base planning, and to keep records of pasture management in one convenient place.”

The app caters to all that graze perennial ryegrass pastures, and brings in soil and climate data that are specific to how things are on the farm.

The Pasture Smarts App was built with farmer consultationand significant fundingfromthe AgTechRegional Innovation Network and Agriculture Victoria Services.

Allan Cameron, chairperson of the Victorian Dairy Innovation Agreement and chief executive of the GardinerFoundation, said he was excited to attend the launch.

“With the launch of Pasture Smarts, we will witness firsthand the output of the incredible research made by world-leading scientists. We are on the cusp of producing on-farm innovation.”

The research and back-endpasture measurement technology was ateam effortbetween Dairy Australia, Gardiner Dairy Foundation, and Agriculture Victoria via theirDairyFeedbase joint venture.

The web application and front-endwere delivered via the AgTech Regional Innovation Network and Agriculture Victoria Services.

For more informationonsigning up with Pasture Smarts, go to app.pasturesmarts.com

PALM Scheme changes ‘common sense’

FEDERAL Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester sayschangestothe Pacific Australia Labor Mobility Scheme (PALM) were ‘a victory for common sense’ after months of uncertainty created by the federal government.

Mr Chester said farming representative bodies, industry leaders,and CoalitionMPs hadall warned the federal government that its original proposals would have unintended consequences and undermine relationship with Pacific countries that rely on the scheme.

The new arrangementswill mean from July1, 2024, employersofshort-term workers willbe required to offer 120 hours of work over four weeks rather than 30 hours each, every week, as had been planned.

“The original proposal took no account of weather delays and was completely unworkable for many farmers, and they were simply walking away from the PALM scheme,” Mr Chester said.

“PALM servesasa criticalway in which Australian farmers, includingGippslanders, can gainaccess to workers from the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste when employee numbers become scarce.

“The PALM scheme allows employers to hire workers from participating countries to fill roles in unskilled, low-skilled and semi-skilled positions in arural andregional setting and nationally in the agriculture sector.

“The countries that participate in the scheme are verysupportiveofthe program, especially where it is delivering remittances to communitieswhere the average household incomes are much lower than they are here in Australia.

“The scheme helps fill the gaps in the regional and rural workforce and offers our employers access to reliable and productive workers who contribute to not only the economic life but to the social and cultural life of the communities in which they are hosted.”

The Albanese government made changesto the schemewithinadequate consultation with industry leaders, and the fixed-hours requirement was illogical, Mr Chester asserted.

Gippsland-based AUSVEG Chair Bill Bulmer has warned that growerswould abandon the scheme if it became unworkable.

Gippsland Jersey wins best milk

GIPPSLAND Jersey, adairy company based in Lakes Entrance, is celebrating a remarkable achievement after being crowned the best milk producer in Australia by the DairyIndustry Association of Australia (DIAA).

GippslandJersey co-founder, Sallie Jones expressed her excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to be recognised as not only the top milk in Victoria but also the best in the entire country!”

The award-winning product, Gippsland Jersey Full Cream milk, was lauded by the DIAA as the finest non-modifiedmilk in Australia, adistinction the company proudlyrefers to as ‘real’ milk.

Ms Jones creditedthe dedicated farmers who work so hard to produce the exceptional raw milk, as well as its hardworking factorystaff who putthe milk into bottles.

In addition to the prestigious

title, GippslandJersey’s Full Cream,Light,and Unhomogenised milk varieties, as well as their Golden Ghee, were awarded gold medals in the DIAA Product Competition.

The brand also received silver medals for their Cultured Sour cream andUnsalted Butter,further solidifying their reputation for excellence in dairy production.

As the backbone of many communities, the dairy industry plays avital role in Gippsland, contributing nearly $3 billion dollars to the economy.

Gippsland Jersey is encouraging everyone to buy abottle of milk and be the judge. Jersey milk is rich and creamy.

SteveRonalds, Sophia &Trevor Stammers with children Dimi & Anna, Travis Pearson Owner of South Brew(winner of the recent on-farm Gippsland Jerseybarista comp) Siahn, Kevin Le Brocq, Luke and Mel Wallace.

Gippsland Jerseyco-founders,Steve Ronaldsand Sallie Jonesproudly display theiraward after being named bestmilk producers in Australia. The pair are picturedwith DIAAboardmember Steve Olds.

Photo: Contributed

Federal Member forGippsland, Darren Chester haslabelled changes to the PALM Schemeas ‘a victory forcommon sense’. Photo: Contributed

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,

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

Interested?

For furtherInformation, 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 doesnot offer 'remote working' or 'work from home' opportunities.

Newspaper Deliverer required for

Sale round: Reeve St. (From Raglan St. to Stawell

For more information please visit

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

Due to the expiration of the current term, Gippsland Ports is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified or experienced persons to fill the following role on the Audit and Risk Committee for three years commencing August 2024: ● One Independent Committee Chair

The objective of the committee is to provide independent assurance and assistance to the Chief Executive (and the Board) on Gippsland Ports' risk, control and compliance framework, and its external accountability responsibilities.

The Audit and Risk Committee consists of four members of which two are independent and two are existing Board Members, with one of the independent members being Chair. The Committee meets on at least four occasions per annum in accordance with the Audit and Risk Committee charter.

The current charter of the Audit and Risk Committee is available by contacting Aasta Holmes on5150 0500.

Expressions of interest outlining relevant experience should reach Gippsland Ports Executive Manager Corporate Services, Mr Tony Callaghan, PO Box 388, Bairnsdale 3875 by close of business Friday 21 June 2024. Expressions of interest can also be lodged via our website at www.gippslandports.vic.gov.au.

If youdon't have deliverytoyour home, Tuesday's paper is nowavailable free online at http://www.gippslandtimes.com.au/ digital-editions/

LOCH SPORT DANCE

HYUNDAI, IX35 Trophy, excellent cond. throughout, always garaged, reg. 1AX-7ZC till Jan. 2025, colour red, r.w.c. $12,750, well below average price for aquick sale. Phone 0491 090 750. Cars •

NISSAN NAVARA

CAMPERVAN

2013 Jayco flamingo ex cond, remote movable, sleeps 5, tv, 3way fridge, solar blank rego v83 026 $20,000 ph 0409 185 719

DECEASED Estate, '07 Captiva, Reg till June, used little past year, t/bar, b/bar, as new tyres, satnav, 7seats, reg. service, needs new home, good car, r.w.c. 1YI-2IB $5100. Ph after 6, 0407 552 269. 4WD •

and the

By Joachim Kruse

Opening: Sunday June 9th at 2pm With

WANTED

Motoring Deal

Atotal of 12 issues over amonth!

WAKELY, Bill and Hilary 70th Wedding Anniversary St. Pauls Cathedral 5th June 1954. "Everlasting Love" Congratulations and all our love from all of

ROBERTS (nee Moore), Julie of Heyfield. Passed away peacefully at Laurina Lodge on May 31, 2024.

Aged 89 years. Dearly loved wife of Barry. Loved mother of Mark and Daniel, mother-in-law of Marie.

Grandmother to Matt, Josh and Ben. Forever in our hearts and minds.

RICHARDS,

ROBERTS (nee Moore). Funeral prayers for Mrs Julie Roberts will be offered at St. Michael's Catholic Church, George St., Heyfield on FRIDAY (June 7, 2024) commencing at 11am. At the conclusion of prayers, the cortege will leave the church for the Heyfield Lawn Cemetery.

Southern Rural Water (SRW) wishes to advise of an application to temporarily transfer 10.0 megalitres of surfacewater forirrigation purposes on land described as 9Mills Lane,Maffra.

All surfacewater proposed to be extracted will be sourced from the Avon River Southern Rural Water is committed to an appropriate consultation process to ensurethe proper consideration of relevant matters as prescribed by the WaterAct 1989

We thereforeseek comment from anyinterested person or parties that considers theymay be affected by these applications. Submissions on this proposal will be accepted until 4pm on 18th June 2024 and will be taken into account in determining these applications.

Please direct enquiries and submissionsto:

ALLMAN, Kevin. It is with deep regret that the president and members of the Lions Club of Sale (Inc.) acknowledge the passing of our esteemed member, Kevin John Allman.

John was the Charter President of our Club, a Melvin Jones Fellow and Life Member.

John gave many years of dedicated service to the Lions Club of Sale and to the community we serve.

Sincere condolences to Carmel and the Allman family.

ALLMAN, John. Long servingand esteemed member of the Sale Golf Club, will be sadly missed.

CAMERON Raymond George (Ray) PassedatCentral Gippsland Health Service Sale on May 24, 2024 aged 82 Years. Long time resident of Newry. Beloved Father of Andrew, and Courtney. Cherished Grandfather of Amarlie and Frankie. Dearly Missed.

CAMPBELL, Ayah Joy Baby of Ebony (Lindrea) and Andrew (Campbell) born peacefully sleeping on the 22/05/24. Alife so brief, Achild so small, You had the power, To touch us all. Our precious Ayah you will always be in our hearts 'til we meet again. Love always Mum and Dad.

GILLETT, Helen Jean 3/5/41 -31/5/24

Loved wife of Terry. Lovi ng mother of Cameron, Lachlan and Penny. Nana Honey to Angus, Hugo, Ollie, Chandler, Pippa and Oscar. Always in our hearts.

all the family, sleep peacefully Julie xxxx never forgotten.

In accordance with his wishes, aprivate service will

GILLETT. For funeral arrangements for Mrs Helen Jean Gillett please check website listed below or contact:

BOULTON, Doreen. We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone for their kind thoughts, phone calls, flowers, cards and attendance at Doreen's funeral. Special thankyou to Dr Fiona Sunderman, Ashleigh House, Palliative care and District nurses. Also Barry and Annette Lett Funeral Directors and the many Macalister St neighbor's who have been agreat support. Thankyou. Kevin, Warren, Robyn, Michelle, Glenn and families.

Sale Citythe team to beatinNorthGippsland

Blake Metcalf-Holt andErika Allen

ROUND 8ofGippsland League netball displayed a fascinating collectionofgames thatboth reaffirmed the sides aiming their sights deeper and beyond thehome and away season, as well as gave hope to thoseteams sitting idly just outside of that elite bracket.

Morwell secured their third win on the year, beating Sale on their home court in an entertaining 40-38 duel thatnow puts theTigers justone game backoffifth, just behind Wonthaggi and Bairnsdale.

The Tigers held on, off of the back of an exceptional first half that has them up by 11 goals before theMagpies rallied in thelaststretch and kept the visitors to just 11 goals total in the last half. Yet it still wasn’t enough.

Tiffany Boatman led the Tigers’ charge with 28 goals with assistance from Isabella Bettridge who scored 13, whilst Sale had Kate Van der Voort score 28 goals and Tash Bedggood with 10.

Traralgon demolishedthe bottom-placedEagles, 79-26, which puts the Maroons fourth on the ladder.

The Maroons had an even scoring load in the blowout that included 38 goals from Grace Van Tillburg, 23 from Sophie Lecchino and 18 from best-on-court performer, Cassidy Smith.

Moeremain undefeated after a64-54 showdown against Warragul on the Gulls’ Western Park Court. Bairnsdale, away from home, edged by Leongatha in atwo-goal win, 46-44, as the Redlegs make the climb back into the top five.

The Parrots led at every turn, and were up as muchasfivegoals at three quarter time before Bairnsdale outscored Leongatha 17-10 in the final term to secure the win.

Drouin downed Wonthaggi, 51-44, as the fourth of fivewinnersofthe round to win away and to keep the Hawks on steady pace amongst the top three of the competition.

IF Sale City hadn’t already stamped their authority on the North Gippsland netball season, they did on Saturday.

A45-43 win against Heyfield sees the Bulldogs sittingfour points ahead of the Roogirls on the ladder.

Sale City were the fastest out of the blocks. Isla McCarthy fed the ball to Indigo Waugh from the centrepassasCharlotte Ronchi led from under the ring, confidently putting the Bulldogs on the scoreboard.

Wing attack Jemma Birss was strong for Heyfield as sheworked the ball into the goal third. Under the post, Phoebe Escreet and Millie Lambwenttogreat heights to get their hands on the ball, withhigh lobpasses or low bounce passes necessarytactics to keep the ball away from Sale Citydefenders Ebony Lee and Ciara Fitt.

As the game wore on, the defender’s technique was something to behold.

One point separated the teams at halftime, and Sale City was still leading.

The second half saw the Roogirls hit the front early, and aterrific interception by JaydeParsons saw Heyfield force aturnover and capitalise. However, their two-goal lead was short-lived as Fitt broke the Roogirls’ momentum with an intercept. Sale City moved the ball fast throughthe midcourt as Waugh, Lee, and McCarthy worked together.

Sale City had kept their noses in front by three quarter time, 34-35.

At any point in the game between the two best sides in the league, predicting the eventual winner was difficult.However, throughout momentum shifts, some missed opportunities, and ahardfought battle, Sale Cityended Round8 as the only team to have won every round.

Arare draw was between Gormandaleand

Yallourn Yallourn North. At the same time, another close game saw Rosedale defeat their immediate ladder leader, Glengarry, by two points -48-46. Churchill triumphed over Woodside 58-50, and Cowwarr was the convincing winner of their clash with Yarram,winning by 29 points, 59-30.

Traralgon Tyers United had the bye.

WITH every round Stratford plays in East Gippsland netball, Ash Higgins’ Swans go from strength to strength.

Under relentlesspressurefrom their determined opponents, Orbost Snowy Rovers, Stratford’s resolve could have faltered. However, as the final siren sounded, the scoreboard revealed athrilling victory for the red and white, with the Swans triumphing by just one point.

The final score line, 45-44, of Stratford’s home

game against OrbostSnowy Rovers in Round 8 of EastGippsland netball highlights the Swans' toughness and grit.

Impeccable defence was critical on the day, and AvaBuckland wasaforce for the Swans.Under the ring, Buckland and trustygoal defender Nellie Hunt buoyed Stratford.

Alannah Boyd and Sarah Bishop were efficient through themidcourt, helpingthe Swans clinch their fifth win of the season.

At home, Boisdale-Briagolong were collapsed by Wy Yung.

Perhapsanunexpected resultgiventhe Bombers wereladder leaders at the start of Round 8, the 41-34 final score was certainly deflating.

Caitlin Wrightand SamanthaChurcheswere strong for the Tigers, defending the Bombers

scoring territory with tenacity. Giving Mollie Huts and RachelWeatherley ahard timeunder the post, Churches and Wright did their bit and more because shutting down the Bombers' fast offence has been atough task this season.

The loss sees the Bombers relinquish the top spottoLucknow onlyaweek afterclaimingthe position. Now tied for points with Wy Yung and Stratford, Boisdale-Briagolong will be looking for an easy win come Round 9.

Lindenow wiped Paynesville offthe courtin a46-point victory, 75-29. Meanwhile, Lucknow continuedits top form against Lakes Entrance, winning 44-32.

Netball Scoreboard

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE -ROUND 8

AGRADE: Bairnsdale 46 def Leongatha 44, Morwell 40 def Sale 38, Traralgon 79 def Maffra 26, Moe 64 def Warragul 54, Drouin 51 def Wonthaggi 44.

BGRADE: Leongatha 77 def Bairnsdale 33, Sale 48 def Morwell 38, Traralgon 59 def Maffra 29, Moe 61 defWarragul 49, Drouin 51 def Wonthaggi 40.

CGRADE: Leongatha 41 def Bairnsdale 24, Morwell 46 def Sale 27,Maffra 36 def Traralgon 30, Warragul 33 def Moe 32, Drouin 48 def Wonthaggi 37 17 AND UNDER: Leongatha 41 defBairnsdale 24, Morwell 46 def Sale 27,Maffra 36 def Traralgon 30, Warragul 33def Moe 32, Drouin 48 def Wonthaggi 37 15 AND UNDER: Bairnsdale 41 defLeongatha 21,Sale 33 def Morwell 26, Traralgon 44 def Maffra 26, Moe 44 def Warragul 29, Wonthaggi 44 def Drouin 41 13 AND UNDER: Sale 57 def Morwell 7, Maffra 28 def Traralgon 19,Moe 51 def Warragul 1, Drouin 29 def Wonthaggi 10,Leongatha 34 def Bairnsdale 17

NORTH GIPPSLAND -ROUND 8

AGRADE: Sale City 45 def Heyfield 43, Rosedale 48 def Glengarry 46, Churchill 58 def Woodside 50, Cowwarr 59 def Yarram 30, Gormandale 47 drew Yallourn Yallourn North 47 Traralgon TyersUnited -BYE (all grades).

BGRADE: Rosedale 39 def Glengarry 30, Woodside 69 def Churchill 39, Cowwarr 45 def Yarram 35, Gormandale 51 defYYN 44, Sale City vHeyfield (no scoresupplied).

CGRADE: Rosedale 38 def Glengarry 37 , Woodside 36 def Churchill 35, Yarram 37 def Cowwarr 31,YYN 39 def Gormandale 32, Sale City vHeyfield (no scoresupplied).

DGRADE: Rosdale 45 def Glengarry 31 Woodside 36 def Churchill 27,Cowwarr 35def Yarram 23, YYN 38 def Gormandale 28, Sale City vHeyfield (no scoresupplied).

17 AND UNDER: Rosedale 37 def Glengarry 17 , Churchill 28 def Woodside 25, Cowwarr 38def Yarram 33, Gormandale 27 def YYN 22, Sale City vHeyfield (no scoresupplied).

15 AND UNDER: Rosedale 25 def Glengarry 18, Woodside 23 def Churchill 12,Cowwarr 23def Yarram 6, Gormandale 28 def YYN 26, Sale City v Heyfield (no scoresupplied).

EAST GIPPSLAND -ROUND 8

AGRADE: Wy Yung 41 def Boisdale-Briagolong 34, Stratford45def Orbost SnowyRovers44, Lucknow 44 def Lakes Entrance 32, Lindenow 75 defPaynesville 29.

BGRADE: Stratford26def OSR23, BoisdaleBriagolong 39 def Wy Yung 27,Lucknow 37 def Lakes Entrance 35, Lindenow 63 def Paynesville 13

CGRADE: Stratford34def OSR 3o, Wy Yung 37 def Boisdale-Briagolong 31,Lucknow 32 def Lakes Entrance 24, Lindenow 58 def Paynesville 16

DGRADE: OSR 30 def Stratford17, BoisdaleBriagolong 33 def Wy Yung 24, Lakes Entrance 32 def Lucknow 29, Lindenow 33 def Paynesville 11

17 ANDUNDER: OSR 32 def Stratford24, Paynesville 10 def Lindenow 0, Lakes Entrance 37 def Lucknow 33, Boisdale-Briagolong 30 def Wy Yung 18

15 AND UNDER: Stratford37def OSR 26, Lucknow 48 def Lakes Entrance 12,WyYung 32 def Boisdale-Briagolong 22, Lindenow 55 def Paynesville 31

Millie Lamb doeseverything shecan to keepthe ball in play, carefully awareofthe line.

Heyfield’s JemmaBirss looksfor an opening as shefeeds the ball towards the goal third.

Heyfield’s Phoebe Escreet plucksthe ball from the airinthe goal third

Photos:Erika Allen

Dogs down Roos,Wildcats go top

TomHayes

IT was atelling week in North Gippsland football.

Anew leader emerged as the top of the ladder traded hands, while the race for the top five heated up with abig upset.

As all teamshead into the King’s Birthday bye this weekend, it’s expected that things will most likely heat up some more as the second half of the season gets underway for Round 9onJune15.

WOODSIDE returned to the top.

THE Wildcats once again toughedthrough afirst half slog, this time against Churchill at Gaskin Park, to assert themselves as the team to beat.

The visitors remained undefeated after claiming a20.17 (137) to 5.10 (40) win.

Churchill don’t like losing at home, and as the ball was thrownupfor the first time, they meant business.

The home side had Woodside on the back foot for the first 30 minutes, registering eightscoring shots to six, as both teams missed vital chances despite putting scores on the board.

Churchill got on top early, establishing asevenpoint quarter time lead, 3.5 (23) to 2.4 (16). They would have to remain competitive however to hold off the beast thatisWoodside, asidethat they had last beaten in Round 18, 2022.

Woodside soon found their groove in the second quarter, like they usually do, yet they weren’t able to escape too far from the Cougars just yet. Despite theirchancesonce again, they could only muster a15-point advantage as the half time siren blew.

The Wildcats added 3.6 (24) to Churchill’s two behinds in the second term, showing the first signs of their dominance for the day.

But that would only be the start for them, as things soon turned ugly for Churchill, who struggled to keep in touch with the soon-to-be league leaders.

Woodside put the foot down slightly in the third quarter as playresumed, and registeredeight more shots on goals compared to the Cougars.

With Churchill only adding small amounts of shots on goal at atime, it was vital for them to bag goals to not only remain in thegame, but also keep the margin respectable.

Woodside adding 5.5 (35) to Churchill’s 1.1 (7) in the third term, blowing that margin out to 43 points,and withaquartertogoitwas up to Churchill to determine whether that margin would be 20, 50 or 100.

As fatigue wore in on the players, so did body problems, with Churchill sustaining some more injuries, forcing them to reserve their health.

Woodside took full advantage of this, blowing the home side off their park.

While Churchill added 1.2 (8), Woodsideplayed amonsterfinal term, which would’vebeen to the delight of coach, Michael Stockdale, blasting 10.2 (62), pushing the lead close to 100 points -97to be exact.

Woodside’s leading goal scorer, Daniel Farmer, was kept to four goals, which may had been admired by the Cougars’ coach Jordan Fenech, but four other Wildcatskicked three goals or more on the day:Jai Williams (four), captain RyanFoat (three), Michael O’Sullivan (three), and Bailey Tatnell (three).

O’Sullivan was named as the bestplayer for the visitors,namedalongside Cameron Whiteoak, Adam Janssen, Williams, Joshua Kennedy and Foat.

As for Churchill, youngsters Harry van Rossum and Blake Whykes were admirable in defence

despite the hardships that came their way. Also noticed was Tom Sevenson, Brendan Holt (two goals), Fenech, and Chris Williams.

Woodside have re-emerged to the top of the ladder, now 7-0,still yet to be bested.While Churchill are in aposition where they have not been seen for some time, 2-5 and eighth on the ladder going into the King’s Birthday bye.

Time will only tell where these two might end up at the end of the season, but two things are for certain with these two clubs: Woodside will take some challenge to be beaten, and Churchill won’t let themselves go down without afight.

SALE City claimed ahuge scalp.

TRAVELLING to Gordon Street Reserve to take on Heyfield, theBulldogs needed to win to bridge the gap to the top five.Aloss would’ve seen them eight points from fifth.

But, thanks to their efforts, Sale City are now equal on points with fifthand just hang ontosixth, outside of the top five on percentage.

The Bulldogs rallied all day to tough out an important road victory, 11.6 (72) to 8.14 (62).

Heyfield, like most instances, started eagerly and burst in front of their opponents.

In the opening term it was close, and therewas well and truly abattle on our hands.

Heyfield had the advantage at the first chance however, only just, kicking 3.2 (20) to the Bulldogs’ 2.2 (14).

In typical Heyfield fashion, they only got better. The Kangaroos maintained their lead in the second stanza in acongested game of football. Scores were coming through thickand fast, which meant whatever did go through the sticks wasofrichvalue.

Heyfield six scoring shots got them 2.4 (16), while Sale City gathered 2.1 (13), staying well and truly in the thick of it.

As the half time siren rang, Heyfield were uncomfortablyjust nine pointstothe good of their visitors.

The tide would soon turn as the second half got underway, with Sale City making it difficult for their hosts.

In the blink of an eye, Sale City appeared the more dominant side, makingthe most of their opportunities as they merged forward, meanwhile Heyfield didn’t.

As both sides put up seven scoring shots, you would expect the scores to be quite similar, yet it was the opposite.

The lead had changed hands, as Sale City kicked 5.2 (32) to the Kangaroos, who oppositely scored 2.5 (17), aterm that well and truly made an impression.

And before you knew it, Heyfield trailedathome going into the last term, and Sale City had given themselvesevery chance of taking the four points back home.

Onceagain, acongested football in the final term, scoring sloweddown while players put their bodies on the line.

Heyfield gave themselves every chance to win the game too, but the story of the day had them missing chances again.

Unable to get themselves into certain goal opportune positions, Sale City forced their hand up their other end.

The Doggieswouldwalk off the park victorious, holding off the home side by 10 points in astellar four quarter of football.

Simply, if Heyfield’s 8.14 (62) was flipped, they would’ve won by 20 points. Even if some of those chances went through, it would’ve been a completely different story.

Bradley McKay was outstanding for Sale City,

as was AbeSchuback, KadenMcCulloch,Jaxsyn Whitehill (two goals), Cooper Whitehill and Daine McGuiness. Jacob Schuback got involved with three goals of his own.

For Heyfield, some common names emerged as their best once again, with Robert McMillan, Brayden Woodland, Max Van Der Zwart, Tyson Birss (twogoals), Nicholas Dinsdale and Thomas Marchesi in the best.

As mentioned, Sale City are now just out of the top five on percentage, just 20 per cent at that.

YARRAM keep trucking along in 2024.

BUT it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the hosting Demons, as they welcomed Cowwarr to Yarram Recreation Reserve.

The Saints wouldn’t go down without afight as they had shown in weeks gone by, but the home side wouldfind away when the game wasonthe line, defeating Cowwarr 16.8 (104) to 9.15 (69).

Yarram would open up a10-point quarter time lead, despite Cowwarr having the same number of shots on goal.

The Demons’ 3.3 (21)was enough to keep them ahead of Cowwarr’s 1.5 (11). Things could’ve looked much more differentfor the Saintsifthey were efficient going forward, and that appeared to be the moralofthe storythroughoutthe entire weekend.

That wouldn’t be it for Cowwarr though, as they made sure they wouldn’t be put away easily. The visitors gota grip of the game in the second term, as ascoring end took shape.

Cowwarr added 5.5 (35), amuch better output in the second term, keepingtheirhoststojust 2.1 (13), as the Saints found themselves ahead at the break by two straight kicks.

The ‘scoring end’ played it’s fortune once again, as it gave Yarram the advantage going into the last term after the half time break.

Judging by the third term they had,itwas going to be difficult to pass the Demons from here.

Yarram kicked 7.2 (44) in the thirdterm to Cowwarr’s 2.2 (14), to regain the lead once again, this time by three goals.

But as Cowwarr headedtothe ‘scoringend’for the final term, nothing was certain in the final 30 minutes of play.

Justlikelastweek though, Cowwarr wouldfind themselves lagging behind, as the experience and fitness of Yarram was too much to handle.

Yarram continued to add pressure through scores, as soon enough, found themselves ahead and out of the reach of Cowwarr.

Afour-goaltoone finalterm sealed the deal, as the home side ran out as 35-point winners.

Josh Swift was prolific as ever in front of goal, kicking seven,while playing-coachBoadie Motton kicked four majors.

Neither were named in thebest however, as Jake McFarland, Liam Farley, Chris Bruns, Jacob Davis, Dylan Graham, and Tate Chisholm were figureheads.

For Cowwarr, Alex Saunders, Ben Coffey, Keenan Hughes(fourgoals), Connor Cook, Jackson Davison and youngster Rhys Luxford’s efforts were noticed.

YALLOURN Yallourn North hadno problems at Gormandale.

THE Jets solidified their position in the top four, fourpoints clear of Heyfield in fifthafter the resounding 25.14 (164) to 2.2 (14) win over the Tigers.

Onceagain, Gormandale could never get going, much to the efforts of YYN, who had their foot

on the accelerator all game long. With the margin progressively getting bigger, the task for Gormandale simply got harder as the day wore on.

YYN struck out to a26-point quarter time lead, which wasjust aslitherofwhatwas to come, kicking five goals to one.

They would keep Gormandale to just one goal for the entire half, kicking 9.3 (57) to two behinds in the second quarter, opening an 81-point half time lead as the teams retired to the rooms. Withhalfagame still to play, it was up to Gormandale to stop the onslaught, but some things just can’t be done.

YYN poweredfurther aheadinthe second half, kicking 5.4 (34) to nothinginthe third term, seeing their score and the margin pass 100 points. With the game already well and trulyput away by now, YYN never wavered, kickinganother six goals to one, to complete the game as 150-point winners at Gormandale Recreation Reserve.

Dean Macdonald wasthe spearhead for the Jets, kicking eight goals and taking his season tally to 38, leading the rest of his competition. Dylan Brookswas outstanding for the Jets among many players, but those named alongside him were Jai Massese, Mitch Luck, Dylan Bath, Macdonald, and Lachlan Little.

For the Tigers, Tristan Salerno was at his best, as was Nicholas Millington, Flynn Roscoe, Isaac Copland, Kodie Owens, and Chris Potalej.

ROSEDALE hammeredGlengarry at Fred King Oval.

THE Blues went from strength to strength to position themselves justshy of Sale City in sixth, sitting seventh, recording their third win of the season, 20.20 (140) to 3.4 (22).

Rosedale kicked ahead early and made sure not to let their hosts get back into the game.

The Blues have proved to be able to do this to lesser teams in yearsgone by and madeno mistake once again at the weekend.

Witha16-point quartertimelead, the tide well and truly wentthe way of Rosedale in the second term, as they added 6.5 (41)tothe Magpies’ one behind, establishinga 56-point half time advantage.

It was always going to be hard for Glengarry to find away to win from here, but they trucked along to score another 1.2 (8) after half time in the third quarter.

It was to no avail however,asRosedale were simply the more dominant on the day, kicking further ahead, adding 7.5 (47).

With a95-point lead going into the last quarter, Glengarrywent into damage control, but the game was already past them, as Rosedale went on to register one of the bigger wins they’ve had since COVID-19 hit.

The Blues added four more majors in the last time, keeping the Magpies to just 1.1 (7), to see themselves backhome with the four points thanks to a118-point victory on the road.

Harper and Spencer Fox led the charge for Rosedale,named number one and two in the Blues’ best. Spencer an important figure up front, kicking nine goals.

BlakeSafstrom, BrandonMcConnell, Wilson Gaudion andRohan Diamond were all highlighted for their efforts too.

It was atough day on the park for Glengarry, with Ben Truin, Lachlan Martin, Jesse Lee, Declan Massaro, Michal Ryan, and Jet Hodges all playing admirably.

TRARALGON TyersUnitedhad the bye.

CHEYENNE

Thursday,May30

PortAdelaidevs.Carlton(AO)(N) Friday,May31

Collingwoodvs WesternBulldogs (MRVL)(N)

Saturday,June1

Hawthornvs.AdelaideCrows(MCG) WestCoastEaglesvs.StKilda(OS)(T) GeelongCatsvs.Richmond(GMHBA)(N) Sunday,June2

Melbournevs Fremantle(TP) GoldCoastSUNSvs.Essendon(HBS)(T)

Byes:BrisbaneLions,GWSGIANTS,

Magpies swoop into top four

Blake Metcalf-Holt

SALE continues an impressive start to 2024 with another hard-fought win over Morwell, 18.8 (116) to 14.9 (93), in agame of many runs.

What afirst quarter it was. The Magpies booted five of the first six goals of the game including two of his eventual six goals from Thomas Campbell, all in just over 10 minutes of play.

Despitethisstart and appearing as if the Tigers’ mightsee out aloss away from home, they would pounce with afour-goal response to conclude the quarter and bringthe marginbacktoasingle point. Aftera10-goal opening term, scoring would slow ever so slightly in the second, with Sale pushing their lead back out to 12 points with two of the first three goals to start the quarter.

TheTigers continued to gain, however, to lead at halftime by seven points, although they could have seen that margin balloon more, kicking 3.5 (23) to 2.3 (15) for the quarter.

Morwell's playing-coach BoydBailey would kick the firstgoalofthe second half to extend theirlead to 13 pointsbefore an immediatereply from the Magpies with the next five goals off the back off win-after-win off the half-back line and through thecontestthatgave plenty of opportunities for their forwards.

Four of those goals in that run came from Brad Dessent and Thomas Campbell who finished with seven and six goals respectively for the game.

Yet again,the Tigers wouldn’t back downwith a goal late in the third quarter and two to open the fourth term (from Cohen Campbell, Tyler Hillier, and Brandon McDonald -the lattertwo with three goals for the match), Morwell had found themselves back in front by two points early on in the dire quarter.

Sale respondedwithgreat affect from,once again, Dessent and Campbellmixing it up with powerful leadsending in set shots and in-playpickups.

The Magpiesconverted on six of the lastseven goals to win in theend by 23 points but it didn’t come easy as both sides continue to build sitting inside the topfive on theladderand as bothsides have big games ahead of them withMorwellcoming up against Traralgon this Sunday afternoon and Sale heading over to Bairnsdale.

ShannenLange led the charge out of the Magpies midfield with 34 possessions, 14 clearances and agoal, CodyHenness with 28 touches and

10 clearances, Hudson Holmes getting on the scoreboard along with his 22 disposals and seven tackles, the scoring duo of Dessent and Campbell, and Mitch Dowse. Morwell featured top performances from Brandon Bailey, Burkeley Macfarlane, Jackson Burr with two goals, Zachary Anderson, Riley Loprese, and Tom Smith with two goals.

TRARALGON movetoclear second on the ladder after acruising33-point win over bottom-placed Maffra 16.9 (105) to 10.12 (72).

The sizeable lead was secured on no small part duetothe first quarter efforts that the Maroons showed,kicking 6.3 (39) to 1.4 (10) out of the gate includingtwo of his five goalsfromDylan Loprese. That margin would remain relatively in place through to halftime even with the Eagles clicking more consistently in the second half and even outscoring Traralgon narrowly to conclude,once again, not tarnishing their strange percentage for a0-8 side.

Loprese captured best on ground honours getting as many chances as he couldget in the forward lineasagiant nuisancefor the Maffra backline with 24 disposals and five goals, Jordan Cunico with 29 disposals, Luis DÁngelo with 29 touches and agoal, Mitch Membrey,Max Jacobsen, and Liam Willaton.

Alex Carr stillstood strong for Maffra with 33 possessions and 11 marks, John Butcher, Zach Felsbourg, Sam Robbins, Caleb Calwyn with 3 goals, and Henry Anderson featured prominently LEONGATHA continues their onslaught on the competition with a14.12 (96) to 7.4 (46) victory over the formidable Bairnsdale unit at the weekend.

The back-to-back premiers move to 7-1 on the year with theironly blemish cominginRound 6 at Morwell whilst Bairnsdale dip outside of finals placement at 4-4.

The Redlegs conveyed asidethat had apoint to prove after starting the seasonimpressively at 3-1 (before dipping recently with losses to Warragul and Moe in the last three weeks), they opened proceedings with abang kicking the firsttwo goals of the game within the first three minutes of action.

The young Bairnsdaleunitappeared to be rushing

the seasoned Parrots especially with their forward conversion, but perhaps they simply awoke the beast as Leongatha still managed muchofthe scoring shots for the quarter whilst their opponent didn’t getanother one off after theirfirst two majors.

Leongatha continued that trend into the second termmanaging threeshots on goal (allbehind however) before Bairnsdale could even get inside their forward 50.

The Redlegssomehow repeated thatsimilarly quick scoring burst from earlier on with another two goals in succession including one from Lachlan Byrne-Jones (brother of PortAdelaide’s Darcy) that caused some fiery scenes in between the ball arriving from behinds the goals back to the centre circle eventually resulting in favour of Leongatha gaining afreekick in the middle.

Despitesuch alow scoring half, Leongatha would have had to suspect their mode would sharpen given they still dominated the scoring opportunities 3.8 (26) to Bairnsdale’s 4goals straight.

That inner assertion would prove correctwith the flagfavouritesparading out of the second half with six goals without response as the Parrots went up as much as 37 points before Bairnsdale weathered the storm ever so slightly to bring it to afour-goal game by three quarter time.

The Redlegs opened the final termwithagoal from league-leading goal kicker Brayden McCarrey, his third for the day, to make spectators contemplate apossible comeback for the ages before Leongatha drenched those thoughts within minutes and would end the match kicking the last five goals to win by 50 points.

Jake Ginnane topped off aceremonious evening with the final goal in his 250th game in the green and gold.

IN Warragul, Moe fell short as the Guls’ found themselves 18-point victors, 12.6 (78) to 8.12 (60), with the young squad still mounting acase for finals contention with their third win on the year.

Adisappointing loss for the Lions as they hoped to solidify atop-two placeahead of theirBig Freeze clash against Wonthaggi thisKing’s Birthday long weekend.

Moe found themselves ahead at both breaks heading into halftime with athree goals to one startthat included two goals from young Jaryn Makepeace and amiraculous check side goal from Tajh Eden creeping inside of the boundary line.

The Lions dominated the stoppagewins and forward half possession in that first quarter with ten scoring shots but inaccuracy caused just a3.5 (23) to three, zip (18) quarter time margin.

Warragul kicked three of the first four goals of the period includingtwo big onesfromJackCasson to go up by 8points.

Moe player Riley Baldi was cleaned up front on by Waragul’sKai MacLean and despite scenes not boiling over on the field, the Lions would remain focussed on aneeded fourpointsand withstoodthe Gulls’ earlier run to lead at halftime.

Warragul wouldburst out of the gate with a 50-metrebomb from BayleyPaul to givethem back the lead.

It wasaone-sided third quarter in which the Gulls’ laid on 3.1 (19) to just three points from the Lions which determined the end result.

In totality,Moe onlykicked 1.6 (12) in the second half of this matchupand Warragul capture ahuge scalp with 5.5 (35) to conclude.

WONTHAGGI got theirsecond win in three weeks in an 8.13(61)to8.7 (55) victory over Drouin.

Two of the bottom foursides battled it outfor each of their third winonthe year as the Power held the fortafterbeing downathalftime 5.3 (33) to 4.5 (29) including an 9-point lead for the Hawks with sustained kicking from Kye Quirk, who finished with four goals for the day.

In just aone-point game with minutes remaining, Jakeb Thomas tretched out for amassive mark in the Powers’goal square handballingtoReeve Moresco for just his second major of the season. Drouin mounted alaststitched effort with Quirk lacing out Edward Morris for ashot on goal fortymetres out on atight angle on the bench-side boundary line which kept right for abehind. Wonthaggi holding onto awin means wonders for their season as they make adesperatepush for alate finals birthwitha big chance against Moe away.

Seven goals from Sale’s Brad Dessent inspired amassive winfor the Magpies.

Photo: Wazshots

Stratfordturns back the clock

STRATFORD

Football-Netball Past Players and Official’s social day was held last Saturday.

Players and officials from yesteryearcame to the Swanshome ground to watch Stratford of today take on Orbost Snowy Rovers.

The day honoured the 50th anniversaries of Stratford's1970senior and 1974 reserves premiership sides.

The 1970 triumph occurred on September 19, 1970,whenStratford FootballClub finallywon the premiership which had eluded them for the previous two years.

At the time, the league was knownasthe Gippsland Football League(The GippslandLeague that exists today was known as Latrobe Valley).

Stratford's journeytopremiershipglorycommenced years beforehand. In 1968 they inflicted Orbost’s (Orbost and Snowy Roversweretwo separate clubs back then) first loss in two seasons by winning the second semi final, which catapulted the Swans into premiership contention. However, in the rematch, Stratford came up short against a

determined Orbost, who went on to win the 1968 premiership.

Fast forward to 1969, Stratford and Orbost again played in the Grand Final.

Orbost were favourites after they convincedly defeated Stratford in the second semi final.

The 1969 Grand Final was amuch closer match, with Orbost leading most of the game. At three quarter time Orbost led by 14 points, even though Stratford had one more scoring shot. Stratford was determined in the last quarter and hit the lead by one point when George Szabatura scored abehind.

It was only the secondtimeinthe match Stratford had been in front.

Stratfordthen made it aseven-point lead and Swans supporters sensed victory.

However, aquick reply by Orbost reduced the lead. Then the unthinkable happened, when a longshot from Orbost managed to get overthe line without it being touched.

Stratford scored another behind, but ran out of

time when the siren blew, givingOrbost victory by four points.

At the end of the 1970 regularseason, Orbost finished on top by two games over Stratford.

But Stratford had ahigher percentage and both teams played out adraw during the year.

Both teams met in the second semi final, with Stratfordwinning straight through to the Grand Final and Orbost beating Lakes Entrance in the Preliminary Final to set up arematch for the flag.

The stage was set, with Orbost playing for their fourth successive premiership andStratford playing in its third straight Grand Final, still looking for it first premiership since 1960.

The punditswereslightly in favour of Orbost with theirbig game experience. Others saw Stratford as agreat chance with its fantastic centre line of Harry Nowak,IvanCartledge and Alan Boyd on the large Bairnsdale ground

Stratfordwas lead by captain-coach Ivan Cartledge (considered acountry football legend by many good judges) and agreat team that included Norm Baker,

PeterJohnson, Ian Baker, Des Aurisch,Robert Harkness, Neville Salmon, Henry Meester, Richard Szabatura, Trevor Brown, Andy Lambert, Paul Webster, Trevor Stothers,GraemeTait, Antony Heath, George Szabatura Sam Beechey, Chris Spencer, Peter Fisk and Gary Tobin

The Swans avenged afew shortcomings in previous years, winning the premiership.

The 1974 Seconds premiership was agreat win. In alow scoring tussle, Stratford defeated Cowwarr 7.3 (45) to 6.8 (44).

Stratford was led by coach Eric Marsdenand captain Ian Tait. Ayoung Graeme Wrigglesworth snapped agreat goal in the dying minutes to put the Swans in front by one point.

The team was: Marsden, Tait, Bill Davidson, Barry Shaw, BillBird, MalcolmWrigglesworth, Tom Fidler, Alan Hollands, Ian Baker,Les Pollard, Bern Murray,MalcolmNicholls, Des Aurisch, Doug Davidson, Peter Manning, Rex Roylance, Colin Marsden, Neville Storer, Graeme Wrigglesworth, Niel Switzer, Trevor Knight.

Bombershand Wy Yung second defeat

TomHayes

FORTUNES changed at the weekend.

The team at the top of the ladder was dethroned and replaced, while agap emergedbetween fourth and fifth in what was an important fixture.

Formalities resumed in other aspects however, as heavyfavourites claimed four points, as the rich got richer.

BOISDALE Briagolong claimed amassive scalp.

The Bombers welcomed the top-of-the-ladder Wy Yung to Boisdale Recreation Reserve with a monster task on their hands.

Wy Yung had only lost one game all season, which came at the hands of Stratford back in Round 5, ateam thatthe Bombershad defeated already this season.

Boisdale Briagolong however weren’t too far off the pace, consideringtheirtwo losses had come against the top side of Lucknow, and the tough Orbost Snowy Rovers.

Aback-and-forth battle ensued throughout the afternoon, as both teams had eyes on the prize,and opportunities to assertthemselves throughout the match.

With players fromboth sidesvery muchinthe thickofthings, scores were hard to come by. At least they were in the opening stanza.

The Bombers had far more chances than their visitors, but their lead hung in he balance as Wy Yung were just akick away from the lead.

The Bombers entered quartertimewitha five-point lead, yet they knew they could get on

the end of some scores if they were converted.

Things openingupinthe secondterm, with multiple goals going both ways.

More chances went begging for the hosts, as Boisdale Briagolong kicked2.3 (15), but were outdone by their more efficient counterparts who registered 3.3 (21).

Thanks to their conversion rate, Wy Yung stole the lead in the second half and held on by apoint to half time.

Atalking to at halftimemight’ve been theproduct of Boisdale Briagolong’s accuracyinthe second half, as they cleared those woes to at least strike evenly in the second half.

The Bombers made abetter impression as the game progressed, kicking 3.3 (21) in the third term to re-esteemthemselves as the leaders, as Wy Yung could only muster 1.3 (9) leading into the final term

Eleven points to the good, the Bombers tookcontrol of thegame, notnecessarily by putting ascore on the board, but by preventing theiropponents from doing so at an effective rate.

Another 3.3 (21)would be enough for them to claim the fourpoints, winning by 16 points, keeping Wy Yungtoagainjust 2.4 (16) in the fourth quarter.

Kelvin Porter (two goals), Billy Marshall, Matthew Wilkinson, Thomas Jolly, Jesse Bedggood (four goals), and Jackson Glenane helped get the Bombers over the line.

The win moves BoisdaleBriagolong equalon points with Wy Yung, who remain above them on percentage in second.

STRATFORD produced agap

The Swans proved theretobesome distance

between themselves (fourth on the ladder) and Orbost Snowy Rovers(fifth),with aresounding 43-point win, 11.8 (74) to 4.7 (31).

Both sidesentered the weekend equal on points, but as the Swans welcomed OSR to Stratford Recreation Reserve, they had some work to do.

The Rovers had proved that they could beat big sides, but so did Stratford, so it was abattle of the giant beaters.

Stratford began all guns blazing, keeping OSR goalless in the openingterm, all while kicking themselves 22 points ahead.

The Rovers still couldn’t find away to kick one through the big sticks in the second term, as the Swans put the foot down to add another 3.1 (19) to two behinds, leading at half time by 39 points.

Stratford could seem to do no wrong after the break, once again keeping OSR goalless to three quarter time, albeit scoreless in the third term.

The Swanscontinuedtotick along at anicepace, extending their lead by 15 points, as the game looked all but over at this stage.

OSR finally found their groove in the last quarter, but it proved to be too little, too late.

Despite kicking fourgoalstoStratford’s two, winning the quarter, Stratford’s lead was already too much to handle, as they claimed the 43-point win in commanding style.

Lachlan Channing, Jack Rietschel, Harry Langford, Nick French, Jack Bason,and Jack Schultz(two goals)could not be stoppedinthe win. Chris Webb also chipped in with two majors.

Stratford now move four points clear of OSR in fifth, steadying themselves in the top four.

LUCKNOWhad no issues with LakesEntrance.

The Magpies assumed top spot on the ladder after the 96-point win.

Lucknow kept the Seagulls scoreless in the first term, goalless through the second term, and to one goal for the entire second half as the recorded the percentage-boosting win.

As dominant as they were, Lucknow only led by 37 points at half time, but the lead soon blew out in the second half,especially the lastwheresix goals were kicked for the Magpies.

The win sees them move past the defeated Wy Yung into top spot of the ladder, agameclear too.

As for Lakes, they remain just agame above bottom-bearing Lindenow,who couldn’t find away past Paynesville.

PAYNESVILLE lifted from the bottom two.

The Cats of Lindenow couldn’t get close to their ladderrivals, as the Gulls sustained and maintained alead through the day, winning 13.8 (86) to 7.4 (46).

While the Cats managed to get on the scoreboard, the Gulls did just as much.

The 44-point lead to Paynesville at the main break was just about enough to get them over the line from there, as they only added another four goalsfor the rest of the game.

The Gulls claimed their season win of the season and moved into sixthonthe ladder, surpassing LakesEntrance,and despite havingthe worst percentage in the league, they are just two games from fifth place.

Stratford’s 1970 senior premiership team.

Photos: Contributed

Stratfordpremiership playing-coach Ivan Cartledge is chaired off the ground following theSwansvictory