lastThursday, tired and angry, protested outside the Morwell office of state government frontbencher Harriet Shing, with others meeting with Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien at his Sale office as part of along-standing campaign over work conditions.
Members of the VAU (Victoria Ambulance Union) demanded that Ms Shing, the Member for Eastern Victoria Region,support their fight for better working conditions to combat fatigue fromlongwork hours. They also argued for furtherboosts to the healthcare budget. This follows alengthy battle for stronger health and safety procedures for Victorian paramedics, whose concernswere brought to the brink after alife-threatening incident to North East Melbourne paramedic, Jim Avard, who fell asleep behind the wheel during an
18-and-a-halfhour shift.The VAU have been desperately trying to reach anew agreement in principle with Ambulance Victoria through anew EBA (Enterprise Bargaining Agreement), but union members say that Ambulance Victoria isn’t prepared to come to the table.
“The main thing is related to fatigue and end-of-shift management, we’re not actuallyaskingfor abigger pay rise like the nurses, we’re asking for safer working conditions,” adelegate member of the VAU statecounciland local paramedic, Phill Bell said.
“We’ve beensayingtoAmbulance Victoria, we want better end-of-shift management so thatwe’re not put in thosepositions where we’retrying to work and drive, 14, 15, 16 hours into the shift. It’s just not safe and it’s not fair, and that’sthe issueswhere they aren’t willing to meet us (on), which is unreasonable.”
The passionate yet fed up ambulance workers have been attempting to speak
with Ms Shing but had not heard from her.The resultwas the demonstration at her Morwell office for hours to demand her to show her support by pushing for arise in the ambulance budget.
Bernard Goss, part of theVAU is a long-time Sale AmbulanceAuxiliary member and paramedic of more than 45 years.Hesaid it was notunusual for an ambulance to be rampedfor eight or more hours during ashift as the paramedic must remain with the patientuntil thehospital is freed up, meaning they may only tend to one person during their shift.
“The government needs to fix the rampings at the hospitalsbecause ramping’s abig issuefor theambulances... that means that they can’t respond to anyother jobs,” Mr Goss said.
“So what we are wanting the government to do is fund the health services properly to enable it to work properly because it’s justnot workingatthe moment.”
Fighting job fatigue Asset rich
Sincethe protest, Mr Goss said they’ve spoken to Harriet Shing.
“(MsShing) is aware of some of the issues and she will speak to the Health Minister to put our concerns,” he said.
“It’s await and see if they’ll do anything.
“This is notsomuch about trying to get abig pay rise or anything, it’s about working conditions improving so that people actuallyhavea work-life balance.”
In astatement to the Gippsland Times, astate government spokesperson said that workplace bargaining in this matter is between Ambulance Victoria and the VictorianAmbulance Union.
“We value the dedication and hard workthatour paramedics do every day -they playa critical roleinkeeping Victorians healthy and safe, and we thank them for their service to the state,” the spokesperson said.
Continued -Page5
Photograph: Katrina Brandon
A need for speed on Princes Highway
Regional rentals price increase
REGIONAL Victoria’s rental prices have climbed by 4.7 in the year to June 2024, according to the PropTrack Market Insight Report, released last Friday.
The report found that regionalVictoria’s median advertised rent rose by $20 over the year to reach $450 per week.
The median rent in regional Victoriaheld steady at $450 over the past quartertobe4.7 per cent higher than in June 2023. Regional Victoria unit rents rose 5.6 per cent over the year to sit at $380 per week, outperforming house rent growth of 4.4 per cent over the year to sit at $470 per week. Melbourne’smedian advertised rent reached $575 in June, jumping $55 per week from ayear before.
Rents are now sitting 10.3 per cent higher compared to 12 months ago across Australia’s capitalcities and 8per cent higher in regional areas.
Unit rents have outpaced houses, both over the quarter as well as year-on-year. This has narrowed the gap between the asking rents of houses and units, with houses commanding just a$30 premium in the capital cities. The cost of renting an apartment climbedacross Australia’s capital cityand regional areas over the June quarter, as persistently low vacancies and population growth drove demand for rental properties higher.
Cancer residents free information
RESIDENTS diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones will have access to afree cancer information session on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Latrobe Regional Hospital.
FEDERALMemberfor Gippsland, Darren Chester, is calling for afaster speed limit of 110km/hr on the opensections of the road between Saleand Traralgon as the finalstage of the Princes Highway duplication project nears completion.
After 15 years, the $513 million Princes Highway East Upgrade is almostcomplete, with works expected to conclude before Christmas.
“The full productivity benefits of this project will be achieved by increasing the speed limit, which willbenefit travel timesfor locals, visitorsand the transport sector,” Mr Chester said.
“The previousFederal Government provided 80 per cent of the funding for this work, and I’ve written to the relevant Minister to request an increase in the speed limit when the project is completed.”
Delivered in three stages, the Princes Highway
East Upgrade adds 43 kilometres of new dual lanes to the Princes Highway between Traralgon and Sale.
Stages one and two added 31 kilometres of new dual lanes and improved 22 intersections on the PrincesHighway.The third and final stagewill complete the final 12 kilometres of dual lanes and deliveradditionalsafetyimprovements.
With the highway’s significant safety upgrades benefiting 15,000 motoristswho usethis stretch of road daily, Mr Chester said the speed limit should be increased to match similar highways around Victoria.
“ThePrinces Highwayduplicationproject was always intended to improvesafetyand productivity while reducing travel times for locals and visitors to our region,” Mr Chester said.
“A revised speed limit of 110km/hr on the open sections of road would be consistent with other sections of similar highways in Victoria.
“Theduplicated roads, improvedintersections and additionalsafety improvements will save lives while increasing the speed limit to 110km/hr will help improve productivity and reduce traveltimes
“A better, safer, more productive Princes Highway will make ahugedifference for local residents, freight operators and the visitor economy.
“I have workedonthe Princes HighwayEast Upgrade project throughout my entire parliamentary career and am looking forward to asafer and more efficient transport route linking two of our region’s biggest towns.”
Regional hospital concern after state’splan
CALLOUS healthcare cuts are starting to bite the frontline as nurses and employees in the Latrobe Valley raise concerns about the state government’s plan to mergehospitals acrossthe state, according to Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron. Victoria’s 76 healthservices are set to become 12, as smaller regional hospitals are forced to merge with larger hubs in amove that will devastate local communities and lead to poorer patient outcomes. Mr Cameron, said Labor had recently cut up to 100 Registered UndergraduateStudent of Nursing (RUSON) positions at Latrobe Regional Health, and instructed the hospital to put a“freeze”on all recruitment.
“The funding cuts, recruitment freezes and planned mergers are death by one thousand cuts for our regional health services,” Mr Cameron said.
“While the Allan Labor Government continues to overseemultibillion dollarblowoutsonmajor projects like the$216 billionSuburban RailLoop, they are slashing the budgetsfor healthservices thatevery Victorianneeds and deserves.
“Localhospitals are asource of pride for our communities, are major employers, and ensure thatlocalscan get highqualitytreatment without having to travel long distances.”
This year’s budget cut $207 million from public health on top of millions cut from dental services,
aged care, ambulance services, health workforce training and maternal and child health.
The current funding level is not enough to cover wages, basic expenses such as food and medicine, with hospitals reporting cutstocatering and cleaning staff, as well as services.
“Labor’s plans will lead to more job cuts, aloss of community input into local health service delivery, and poor health outcomes for our regional communities,” Mr Cameron said.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage our health system, and regional Victorians are paying the ultimate price.”
Cancer Council Victoria’s Managing Cancer program is run by local health professionals and will be held at Latrobe Regional Hospital.
Topics covered in the session will include:
Dealing with treatments and side effects;
Learning how to relax and manage stress, and;
Communicating with family, friends and colleagues.
Information on diet and exercise Education Lead at Cancer Council Victoria, Tracie Jullian, said more than550 people tookpart in theprogram across the state in 2022.
“Runbyexperts in arelaxed and comfortable environment, the sessions have proven extremely beneficial for both people with cancer, and those supporting them,” Ms Jullian said.
“The program provides aunique opportunity for anyone with cancer, as well as their friends and family, to ask questions of ahealth professional outside of the hospital setting.
“It also connects with other Traralgonresidents who are going through asimilar experience.”
On average, 518 peopleare diagnosed with cancer in the Latrobe region each year. Ms Jullian said the program had run for more than 25 years and wasregularly conducted at hospitals and healthcare services throughout Victoria.
“We’re really proud that attendeescontinue to tell us how valuable these sessions are,” Ms Jullian said. One recent program participant said it gave them: “a broader insight into cancerand the continuous workthat is beingdone to eradicate it”
“It was informative, and it is good to be listened to, connect with others and to listen and learn,” another said.
To register, or to find out more, contact Grace Saunders on 03 5173 8770 or grace.saunders@ lrh.com.au
The Traralgon Cemetery Trust is erecting multiple plaques listing the names of the WW2 men and women who are buried or memorialised within our grounds Families who haven’t yet come forward with relatives who enlisted in WW2, are encouraged to email us on: clients@gippslandmemorialpark.com or by telephoning the office on 5174 9071
These plaques are to be erected and unveiled on ANZAC Day 2025 during our annual ceremony
The cut off date for the names for these plaques is the end of July so if your family was in the armed forces in WW2 or you know of someone who was, please contact us
Nearly there: Thethird andfinal stage of thePrinces HighwayEast Upgrade is nearing completion, with worksslated to conclude beforeChristmas. Photograph supplied
Ambos: Fighting against jobfatigue
From Page 1
“WE expect Ambulance Victoria and the Victorian Ambulance Union to continue to negotiate in good faithand reacharesolution as soon as possible.”
Mr Goss said he has been planning on retiring, but whilst these union issuespersist he’ll keep fighting alongside his colleagues.
VicRoads has reported that if adriver has been awake for 17 hours or more that it is the equivalent of being over the 0.5 blood-alcohol limit.
“At what point is that paramedic not able to make arational call about what their own fatigue is, at what point does (Ambulance Victoria)have a duty of care to their stafftobelike‘Iknowyou can’t make areasonable call right now because the data says you are fatigued regardless of what you’re saying’ and they’re not taking that duty of care,” Mr Bell said.
Other key areas of focus the union hopes for Ambulance Victoria to consider includesthe issues of ambulance ramping at regional hospitals (like at Latrobe Regional Hospital) and direct recognition to Ambulance Community Officers(ACOs), who volunteer their time to alleviate the pressures of the paramedics’ work load.
ACOs say that they are being used as free labour in shifts lasting as long as 10 hours.
“We don’t get paid to do our truck check, we don’t get paid to stock our truck or sign mediations in and out at the start of every shift, we don’t get paid for anything,” ACO Samantha Pierce said.
“We get paid if we get ajob, but I’ve personally sat there for nine shifts in arow and not got one job, so that’s ninety hours I’ve dedicated of my time for zero dollars for me (being there) and they don’t
recognise that, they don’t care, so we’re asking for an on call allowance that makes it fair.”
Mr Bell said that at the moment, the paid workforce was so thin and overworked, there was areliance on AOCs. If that pillar evaporated, the Gippsland area could have about five ambulances overnight in the entire region.
“It really does show that the system is broken when you can’t run an ambulance service without volunteers; that’s not aviable ‘business as usual model’ because they’re volunteers. They could not turn up if they didn’t want to, they are under no obligation to do so,” he said.
“It’s in dire straits and without theseguys(ACOs), everyone in the (Latrobe) Valley would be in real risk of losing their life.”
Local paramedic LibbyHunter, whohas a10-year backgroundvolunteeringinWesternAustralia, said that she received an honorarium to cover aportion of the foodand fuel duringa shift; in contrast, Ambulance Victoria denies them a$5per hour on-call rate for ACOs.
“It’s like being in areally toxic relationship. You want to love your employer, we love what we do, we love our patients, and we love our community and it’s why we do it... we’re literally getting shoved into this box by our employer and being told we’re wrong, we’re wrong, we’rewrong, (that) we’re complaining, we’re whinging and just treating us likeapackofratbags really when we’re askingfor things that are really simple,” Ms Hunter said.
Theissue of ramping involves the patient flow through from the ambulance into the care of ED (Emergency Department) which has created constant clutter impedingparamedics from delivering
GIPPSLANDERS, DO YOUWANT
patients safely and continuing on with their shift to help others in the community. Paramedics duringthis periodofindustrial action have constructed intuitivemeasures to support fellow workers during ramping instances called ‘a-podding’.
“A-podding is where we look after the patient of another crew on the ramp so that crew can be released, we will do that amongst ourselves if it’s ahealth and wellbeing situation, so if somebody’s really latefor amealbreak, somebody’s about to go (into) overtime, we will do that amongst ourselves to makesure thatwelook out for our own,” Ms Hunter said.
Ms Hunter says that Ambulance Victoria guilt tripworkers into doingmorethanthey’re individually capable of, not encouraging a-podding, and that they simply don’t care.
Mr Goss organisedameeting withDannyO’Brien
at his Sale office the same day as the protestin Morwell. Agroup of about adozen paramedics, including Mr Goss, said he wanted to ensure that Mr O’Brienwas “aware of whatwas going on”, and that he can discuss these issues with the government and “put abit of pressure on”.
Mr O’Brien said,“It was good to listentothe paramedics about their concern and particularly their frustration that the government and Ambulance Victoria don’t seem to understand the challenges of distance and lack of resources for paramedics in regional areas like Gippsland.
“The government continues to blamethe pandemic for the state of our healthsystem and ambulance services, but despite multiple initiatives and claims of billions of dollars from Labor, the system is not functioning well for patients and it’s paramedics who are taking the strain.”
Fair go: Victorian AmbulanceUnion membersheld aprotest out the front of Memberfor Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing’soffice in Morwell.
Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt
POINTERS
1. What is the other name for an Academy Award?
2. What is the 50th state of America?
3. What countryused to be called Persia?
4. What is Lightning McQueen’scatchphrase? TWOPOINTERS
5. What is Tintin’sdog named?
6. Who was kidnapped in the Trojan War?
7. What year did the first iPhone come out?
8. What daytime soap opera takes place in the fictional town of Salem? THREE POINTER
9. What is aVietnamese pork roll called?
10. What is the lowest point in the ocean called?
11 What is the name of the hand The Addams Family?
12 What starts adiesel engine instead of spark plugs? FOUR POINTER
13 Where is aNovocastrian from?
14. Who was the shortest NBA player? FIVE POINTER
15 What’sthe term for aleopard’sspots?
Howtoplay...
Using the 9letters in the grid, howmany wordsoffour letters or morecan you list? The centreletter must be included and each lettermay be used onlyonce No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural wordsending in ‘s’. Solution next Wednesday
In demand: Alackofpublic toiletsin Churchill wasagain discussed at the latest Latrobe CityCouncil meeting File photograph
Plea for public toilets in Churchill
By ERIKAALLEN
ANY of the three sites presentedasoptions for where Latrobe City Council builds apermanent public toilet can be built in Churchill would be “suitable”, Margaret Guthrie, president of the Churchill &DistrictCommunityAssociation (CDCA), told the council last week.
For the second month, Churchill’s lack of an accessible public toilet was discussedataLatrobe City Council meeting. Most recently, on Monday, councillors unanimously endorsedanallocation of $100,000 (excluding GST) for the detailed design of anew public toilet facility within the Churchill town centre.
Last week’s decision follows the June council meeting when Council considered urgent business related to aproposed new public toilet in Churchill. Council officers prepared areport in response, outlining options, including atemporary solution and two permanent optionswith associated costing estimates.
Ms Guthrie thanked councillors and councilofficers for giving the issue their “urgent attention”, reflecting the public’s desire for apublic toilet, which CDCA has advocated for since 2022.
“We should be getting our solution now because CDCA wrote to council in 2022 and said ‘we haven’t got atoilet’. It’s been two years that we haven’t had auseful public toilet in the Churchilltown centre,” Ms Guthrie said.
The council report saidChurchilltown centre has never hadaseparately publicly accessible, council-owned public toilet that is open 24 hours aday
When it submitted asubmission regarding allocation in the Council’s Draft 2024/25 Budget, the CDCAasked for apermanent public toilet to be builtinthe town centre. However, this was rejected in aresponse citing that “competingpriorities resulted in therebeing insufficient funds available to include in 24/25”.
Now, Latrobe City Mayor, Darren Howe, says the $100,000 council will provide fromthe AccumulatedCashReservefor adetailed design for the construction of anew public toilet“will ensure afully informed future Budget bid as part of the mid-year Budget process to construct the facility”
“As the town grows, we understand the community desire for apublic toilet located in the town centre and will work to getthis toilet in place,” Cr Howe said.
Ms Guthrie said atemporary solution was a priority before apermanent solution, which she said “won’t be constructed for agood 12 months”. Cr Howe said Council would provide atemporary toilet for Churchill while working on amore longterm solution.
Central Ward Councillor, Graeme Middlemiss emphasised this in acouncil media release.
“Itmay be up to 12 months before the newtoilet block is in service in Churchill, which leaves us with aperiod where there will be no dedicated public toilets within the town centre. Council will worktoensure atemporarysolutionismadeavailable until we haveconstructedthe new toilets,” Cr Middlemiss said.
The mediarelease said Council would also write to the owners of Hazelwood Village Shopping Centre seeking to enteranagreement for toilet facilities withinthe venue to be made available to members of the public. Subject to awritten agreement with the Shopping Centre, Council said it would also allocate $5000(excludingGST)to haveway-finding signageatappropriate locations within the Churchill town centre. SupposeCouncilcannot enter an agreement with the Shopping Centre. In that case, it says it will allocate $100,000 (excluding GST) from the Accumulated Unallocated CashReserveto
‘‘
The CDCA’s opinion is that you’ll be throwing good money after bad to tryand get them to the table to provide apublic toilet, MS GUTHRIE SAID
provide atemporary toilet within the Churchill Activity Centre.
Council hasn’t had much luck getting aresponse from the owners of Churchill’s second shopping centre,the West Place Shopping Centre, which has no publictoilets. The centre is open from 7am until 9pm everyday,anchored by Woolworths’ trading hours.
Lastmonth,MsGuthrie told the Express thatthe federal Member for Gippsland,Darren Chester, and the Councilcontacted the Sydney-based developer, Revelop, and their commercial property manager, Masis Markarian, but to no avail.
Ms Guthrie said, “When Ithink of the broader community, the views I’ve heardare that we shouldn’t let Revelop off the hook”.
“The CDCA’s opinion is that you’ll be throwing good money after bad to try and get them to the table to provide apublictoilet,” she said.
Between atemporary solution and apermanent council-owned facility, Council officers said they consider the temporary solution will “provide an inadequate return on investment” compared to the long-term option.
“Officers also consider that the only viable option Council can fully control the availability of apublic toilet withinthe Churchill Town Centre is to provide acouncil-owned-and-managed public toilet on council owned land,” the report said.
The temporary solution the report outlined was to open the Churchill Town Hall facilities, culminatinginacost of $99,440.The two permanent options included one with changing places, aunisex accessible toilet, and one ambulant unisex toilet. This would cost $440,000 to build.The other option is to have one unisex accessible toilet and two ambulant toilets, which cost $220,000.
Reiterating what she discussed at June’s council meeting, Ms Guthrie said that the public toilet should be accessible,close to public transportand ideally, on flat land.
“The report that officers have prepared identifies three potential sites, all three sites are within the central car parking area of the shopping centre, they’reall council-owned sites…andthe land there is flat, they’re centrally located,they’re all close to the central bus stopand the taxi rank and fromour point of view any of those sites would be suitable,” she said.
The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Tracie Lund, said Council had heard from thecommunity aboutthe need for public, accessible toilets in Churchill.
“We understand the expectation from the community that we act on this matter and don’t push it aside. Ensuring that we have the amenities we need in all our towns is apriority, and given that Churchill has waited along time for thistoilet, it’s important that we move this along quickly,” Cr Lund said.
Councilsayspeoplecan find existingpublic toiletsatthe Churchill towncentre at theChurchill Community Hub.
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Callfor revamp of bushfire policy
By PHILIP HOPKINS
ALEADING forestry expert has strongly criticised opponents of prescribedburning in forests and has urged aradical new approach combining traditional Indigenous knowledge and bushfire science to tackle bushfire policy.
Dr Tony Bartlett AFSM,anindependent forestry consultant, told abushfire conference in Melbourne that aquantum shift in thinkingand practicewas needed to manage climate change impacts on native forests.
"Theincreasedfrequency of highintensity landscape-scale wildfires is having an impact on forest resilience," he said in apresentation to the Forestry Australia Forest Summit.
"For forest fire management, we need adaptive andinnovative actions drawingfrom both traditional knowledge and bushfire science."
Dr Bartlett was one of athree-person, expert panelthat conductedaCommonwealth-State review to assess the impact of the 2019-20 bushfires on the modernised Regional Forest Agreements. Theother members of the panel were aVictorian Traditional Owner, KatherineMullett, and the Victorian Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Dr Gillian Sparkes AM.
Dr Bartlett criticised comments made by academic opponents of prescribed burning -DrPhil Zylstra and Professor David Lindenmayer -in the Canberra Times on May 17 this year and in The Conversation on March23thisyear. These quotes were:
"Our research has shown that native forests can become more flammable -not less- as aresult of prescribed fires";
"Disturbances such as prescribed burning lead to pulses of flammable regrowth";
"Prescribed burning too often has short-term benefits but long-term costs", and;
"BurningmadeWAforests on averageseven times more flammable for 43 to 56 years".
Dr Bartlett emphasised that the findingsfrom this "landmark" research were inconsistent with those from the extensive body of Australian bushfire research.
"They do not matchthe lived experience in many forests burnt by severe wildfires," he said.
Dr Bartlett said it was criticaltodebunk the academic myth that prescribed burning was only effective and appropriate close to high-value houses He indicated there are six reasons to conduct prescribed burning in forests: Protection of built assets and critical infrastructure; Increasing the probability of successofdirectfire suppression operations; Enhancing the options and practicality of conducting indirect suppression operations,when
implemented in proximity to strategic fire trails;
Increasing the resilience of forest ecosystems to the impacts of repeated severe wildfires; Reducing wildfire severity in areas next to firesensitive ecosystems or to create flora and fauna refugia within landscape-scale wildfires, and; Protecting water quality, by limitingthe prospect of vegetation close to reservoirs and streams being severely burnt.
Dr Bartlett said the resilience of dry forests was also being compromised by repeated intense wildfires, resulting in areas of forest that resemble burnt-out matchsticks.
"Do ecologists really believe these forests will survive under passive forest management regimes?" he said.
Now based in Canberra, Dr Bartlett worked for manyyears in East Gippsland, but the main forces driving forest ecology are the same throughout Australia.
At Canberra's Cotter Catchment, in 2006, three years after 2003 bushfires, the water quality was severely compromised, resulting in construction of anew filtration plant.
In 2020, where prescribed burninghad been conducted in the Cotter catchment, Dr Bartlett said fire severity was greatly reduced.
"However, environmentalconcernshad precluded burning slopesadjacent to the dam, and these areas were very intensely burnt" he said.
Dr Bartlett said modern science forest management had much to learn from Aboriginal fire practices.
ABandjalang Aboriginal community member in northern NSW described the forest structure after the 2020 firesas"upside-downforest",and said that "thisforest is now so dense that an emu can no longer run through it".
"Fire management is all wrong -now after a bushfire the forest managers are not allowed to burn for around 10 years (underthe NSW Bushfire Environmental Assessment Code)," Dr Bartlett said.
However, the Bandjalang had explained that "In the past, after abushfire,weused to do cool burningofthese areas in the followingsummer, burning the grasses which also killed some of the regenerating wattles and eucalypts".
Dr Bartlett said in the ACT, all of the 7430 hectares of fire-sensitiveAlpineAsh foresthad been burnt in two wildfires since 2003.
"About two-thirds of the alpine ash was burnt in both 2003 and 2020 -about one thirdwas burnt twiceathigh severity and is now lost as there was no seed on the young trees to regenerate the burnt forest. Another third of these fire-sensitive forests burnt at low intensity, including areas that were part of backburns in 2003," he said.
"Prescribed burningadjacent to and (when appropriate) within remnant Alpine Ash may enhance the resilience of this importantforest ecosystem to future wildfires."
New unleaded Latrobe avaition
LATROBE Regional Airport has installedanew unleaded aviation fuel at the airport.
LATROBE City Council described the availability of theunleaded aviation fuel, which is supplied by IOR Aviation, as abig step forward in Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community safety.
developalternativefuelledaircraftwiththeestablishment of the Latrobe Aerospace TechnologyPrecinct. Latrobe City Mayor,Darren Howe, said that this shifttowardsgreenertechnologies would have many positive impactsfor the operationsofthe airport.
Latrobe Regional Airport is the firstairport in Australia to adoptIOR’snew unleaded aviationfuel, AvPULP,akeycomponentintheairport’stransition towards more environmentally friendly practices
The installation reduces environmental impacts associated with lead fuels but also improves operational efficiency and safetywithadedicated aviation unleaded fuel.
The move is part of abroader strategy by Latrobe RegionalAirporttosupportindustryeffortstotransitiontogreenerandsafertechnologies.Unlikeunleaded automotive fuels in the aviation environment, which are dangerous and uncontrolled, IOR saysAvPULP unleaded aviationfuel is onlyblended withcompatibleadditives, resulting in higher-octanequalityand energy content
In addition to the installation of unleaded aviation fuel, the airport is undertaking further initiatives to
“The installation of unleadedaviation fuel demonstrates Latrobe Regional Airport’s commitment to transitioningtosafe and environmentally friendly practices,”the Mayor said.
“Notonlywillthisshiftbenefitourenvironmentbut willalso cut costs associated with aviationleadfuels by up to 30 percent”.
IOR general manager- aviation, Bryce Morland, saidthatitwasgreattohaveLatrobeRegionalAirport and its usersonboardasearly adopters of AvPULP and as champions for thisinnovative aviation fuel.
“AvPULP is suitable for use in aircraftapprovedto useMOGAS,anditsbenefitslieinitssuperioraviation specificationadditives, handling,storage, filtration, and quality control,” said Mr Morland.
“Inaviation,safetyiseveryone’shighestconcernand that’s where AvPULP makesadifference.” AvPULP is now availableatLatrobe Regional Airport for account holdersand general aviation consumers.
Old MelbourneRoad reopens
provide asafer road system for all road users.
LATROBE City Council’s civil contractor, Ace Earthmoving, has completed the reconstruction of 1.5 kilometresofOld Melbourne Road, starting at Alexanders Roadroundabout heading east.
The Latrobe CityMayor, Darren Howe said thatthis reconstruction was delivered through the council’s capital works program.
Council manages an infrastructure networkthat consists of morethan 1669 kilometres of road, that requires regularreview to ensurecurrent standards are maintained, and that any significant areas of risk are identified and rectified.
The works undertaken during the reconstruction of Old Melbourne Road include pavement stabilisation, new roadside drains, concrete pavement construction, and installation of guardrailand a concrete splitter island at the Alexanders Road end of the project.
Council’s Road Safety Plan 2019-2024 sets out 'safer roads' as one of fourpillars of ‘TheSafe System Approach’, which outlines best practice in reducing road trauma.
Safer roads and roadsides play amajor role in reducing the severity of or preventing certain road accidentsfromoccurring. Thecouncilsays these treatments to Old MelbourneRoadwillhelp
“The completionofthe Old Melbourne Road reconstructionisasignificantstep forward in ensuring our road network is fit for purpose, accessible, responsiveand sustainable to the community,” he said.
“The reconstruction has provided an improved and safer road for all users.Werecognisethat this stretch of road is highly utilised, with many residents commuting between our city's towns and small towns. Continually improving safety on our road network is akey priority.”
Old Melbourne Road is set for reopening in mid-July, subject to sub-contractor availability and weather conditions.
To find out more about current road works, visit the Councilwebsite: latrobe.vic.gov. au/City/Roads_Drains_Lights_and_Trees/ Roads_and_Drains
Expertopinion: Dr Tony BartlettAFSM has criticised opponentsofprescribed burninginforests Photograph: iStock
Meta asocial and mediawrecker
COMMENT
BY ANDREW SCHREYER
LAST month, Country Press Australia (CPA) -the largest representative association of newspaper publishers in Australia -appeared before ajoint hearing in Canberra into social media and its impacts on Australian society.
The hearing was convened out of concerns about the negative impacts social media platforms have upon our community,including the recent decision by Meta to no longer pay newspublishers forcontent posted to the company's platforms.
That announcement has been met with anger, frustration, disappointment, worry and concern amongnewspublishers, and the news industry shares the concernsofthe broadercommunity over Meta's outrageous behaviour that has had such adamaging impact on so many sections of the community.
Facebook particularly has evolved into an antisocial entity that has provided ahaven for toxicity, fake news, scams, blackmail, cyberbullying, doxing, revengeporn, trolling,deep fakes, political interference, surveillance capitalismand the spread of mis and disinformation that has caused so muchdamage within our communities.
The livestreamingofmassacres, images of unrealistic so-called beautiful people and conspiracies are also part and parcel of social media today.
In the case of the news industry, Communications Minister, Michelle Rowland has said Meta's decision to no longer pay for news content in anumberof jurisdictions "represents adereliction of its commitment to the sustainability of Australian news media",a comment CPA endorses wholeheartedly.
Meta hasshown complete disdain for Australian media outlets, the News Media Bargaining Code and the Australian Governmentbyannouncing its intention not to renew agreements with publishers.
Meta has been deemedanunavoidable trading partner, and as such, is expected to conform to the same standards and expectations as the rest of us.
In short, we believe Meta failstomeet those standards, and that the company long ago ceased to be just aprovider of social media platforms.
It's one of the great paradoxes of our time that rather than tackle unacceptable elements and accept responsibility for the damage caused by providing the habitatfor such scornful matter, Meta has instead opted to diminish the presence of the real news and of truth by continuallyadjusting
its algorithms and rendering public interest news content more and more difficult to find.
The federal government has the News Media Bargaining Code at its disposal, amechanism established to ensuresocial mediaplatforms can be heldtoaccount and that media organisations are treated fairly in their dealings with the social media giants.
Should the governmentdesignate Meta underthe code, the company is likely to block news sitesfrom its platforms just as it has done in Canada. And in that country,it'sbeenregional and rural publishers who have been negatively affected the most.
In thisinstanceweencourage the government to insert a'must carry news'clause in the code forcing them to negotiate with publishers or impose a20 per cent tax on Meta's Australian revenue.
Proceeds from the tax can be used for mental health programs to assist young people negatively impacted by social media, and acomponent distributed to publishers as compensation for Meta's use of their content.
If Meta refuses, they should be banned from Australia.
Meta is apublisher just like our members; however, their platforms are not subject to laws including defamation and contempt of court, editorial standardsand regulatory frameworks.
If they were, Iwould not need to write this opinion piece and there would be alot less social harm and mental health issues in our community today.
Meta'sFacebook has little, if any,checking mechanism prior to content and comments being published. Itsalgorithmsserve up content based on popularity regardless of what may be appropriate for the audience. It has no transparent complaints process, is not held to account in any way and isn't required to respond to complaints.
It's one thing to rip billions of dollars out of our economy, but the social, mental and physical damagecaused by whatisallowed to prosper on Meta's platformstakes things to another level.
We believe that as acorporate citizen, Meta has aresponsibility to do what is right, justasweas publishers do.
To suit its narrative and justify its agenda, Meta claims its users don't go to Facebook for news, however the University of Canberra's Digital News Report:Australia2024released in June found that 49 per cent of Australian users of Facebook use it for news and one in fourrelyonitastheir main source of news -our trusted, independent and professionally written news Meta no longer wants to pay for.
The digital news report shows this year, there was actually asurge among young people turning to social media to get news.
Sixty per cent of Gen Zsay social media is their main source of news, a17-percentage point increase on last year. In line with the increase in the use of social media platforms for news, concern about what is real and what is fake on the internet has
AGROUP of 46 businesses fromacross Gippsland, including 12 in Latrobe City, will be competing for the 2024 Federation University Gippsland Business Awards.
Graeme Sennett, chairperson of the Gippsland Business Awardscommittee, expressedhis admiration for the owners and operators of the array of entrants that have entered the competition to become this year's finalists.
This week, the finalists were unveiled, with 46 businesses securing their spots across 12 industry and specialist categories.
"The variety of finalists has once again left us in awe," Mr Sennett said.
"Entries from all corners of Gippsland demonstrate that oursmall to medium-sizedbusinesses continue to establish themselves as industry leaders."
The categories include Accommodation, Beauty and Personal Care, Business and Professional Services, Food and Wine Producers, Health and Well-being, Hospitality, Innovation, Manufacturing, MechanicalTrades and Construction, New Business, Retail,and Tourism Activities and Attractions.
The category winners will be revealed at the grand gala presentation event on Friday, August 30, at Federation University's Gippsland campus in Churchill.
The Gippsland Business of the Year, the top honour, will be selectedfrom the category winners and announced at the ceremony.
"The judging process was once again challenging due to the high standard of entries," Mr Sennett said.
Mr Sennett also recognised the manyexcellent entrants whodid not make it to the finals.
skyrocketed to 75 per cent. It suits Meta to claim Australians don't use the company's platforms to read the news and for it to be allowed to continue to rideroughshod over ourcommunities. But it suits the rest of us for Meta to be held to account. Andrew Schreyer is President of Country Press Australia, and publisherofthe Warragul &Drouin Gazette.
"They embody arobust and expanding business community in Gippsland, and we strongly encourage them to participate again in the future," he added.
Mr Sennett noted that this year marks the 26th year of the awards.
"Wetake pride in having been able to acknowledge the efforts and hardwork of so many, as we have celebrated business excellence in Gippsland for over aquarter of acentury," he stated.
"We look forwardtorecognising and honouring all our finalists at our awards evening, Gippsland's premier business event."
For further details of finalists refer to the Federation University Gippsland Business Awards website: gba.org.au
LOCALFINALISTS: Beauty and Personal Care Indulge Yourself BeautyTherapySkin and Laser Clinic,Moe LCATraralgon, Traralgon Business and Professional Services Regional Migration Australia, Traralgon Health and Wellbeing DailyLiving DisabilityServices,Traralgon Kandoo Therapy, Traralgon
Traralgon
and
Cospace,Traralgon Retail
Electel, Traralgon Ian Grants Caravans,Traralgon West Moe Fresh Poultry, Moe Traralgon AutomotiveGroup
Tough outloook fornet zero energy
By PHILIP HOPKINS
THE latest market operatorassessment of what would need to happen to achieve Australia’s energy transition goals of Net Zero by 2050 highlightsthe sheer scopeand scale of the taskaheadand the huge uncertainties that still remain, according to thepeakbody for energy generators and retailers.
TheAustralianEnergy Council’s InterimChief Executive, Ben Barnes, said thefinal Integrated System Plan (ISP) reflects what is required to reach arange of federaland state government targets andpolicysettingsina relatively short timeframe.
The owners of the Latrobe Valleypower stations -AGL, EnergyAustralia and Alinta -are all members of the Australian EnergyCouncil, which represents electricityand downstream natural gas businesses operating in the wholesale and retail energymarkets.
“Producing an achievable roadmap is an extremely difficult task for the Australian Energy
Market Operator (AEMO), given the targets and policies it models are either fixed or becoming more ambitious," Mr Barnes said.
“As we have seen, real on-the-groundissues such as supply chain constraints and community opposition can have an impact on realising the ISP
“AEMO has flagged arange of risks to delivering on the ISP with solutionstomanynot yet evident.
“Key amongst them is the risk that replacement generation, storage and transmission may not be available ahead of coal plants retiring.
“What happens next is what counts. It will be up to government, investors and market bodies to work collaboratively on the gaps and find solutions to ensure we can deliver the transition whilst maintaining community support."
AEMO's ISPmaintains that renewable energy connected with transmissionand distribution, firmed with storage,and backed up by gas-powered generation, is the lowest-cost way to supply electricity to homes and businesses during the transition to anet zero economy.
The ISP does not model nuclear power as it is not governmentpolicy and in fact is not permitted by Australia’s current laws.
Urgency to renew the NEM is being driven by theprogressive closure of Australia’s remaining coal-fired power stations. Ten large coal-firedpower stations haveclosed since 2012, and the ISPprojects that 90 per cent of today's capacity will be closed by 2035 and all before 2040.
The centrepiece of the plan is the optimal development path (ODP) -amix of replacement grid-scale generation, storage, and transmission, with an annualised capital cost of $122 billion to 2050.
TheODP is the least cost pathtomeet federal and stategovernment energy policies on emissions reductions.
Consistent with previous reports, the plan identifies almost 10,000 kilometres of new transmission lines that are required by 2050 to connectnew sourcesofgeneration. Ten projects, or 2500 km, arealready underway, and the plan identifies a further seven projects that should now progress
through planning and delivery. The transmission projects cost $16 billion.
Gas playsacrucial energy transition role in backup electricity generation for sustained periods when renewables are unavailable, and its contribution is integral to the ISP.
The other crucial technologies factored into the roadmap are domestic rooftop solar panelsand associated batteries, smart systems and electric vehicles, or what the ISP calls ‘consumer energy resources’.
The ISP also calls out the challenges and risks to the energy transition. Planned projects are facing delivery challenges, including approval process delays, investment uncertainties, cost pressures, sociallicenceissues,supply chain disruptions, and workforce shortages.
The ISP is the result of two yearsofconsultation, analysis and review involving 2100 stakeholders, 85 presentations and reports, and the consideration of 220 formal submissions.
Latrobe Valley to host the Gippy New Energy conference
TICKETS for Australia'smostextensiveregionallyled energy conference are currently on sale.
The three-day event will focus on local actions being undertaken with global insight as Gippsland navigates our transition to renewable energy.
"The GippslandNew Energy Conferencebuilds on theregion'sproudhistory as an energy powerhouse. We have powered Victoria's manufacturing and domestic power supply for close to 100 years, and we shall continue to lead the nation now in supplying clean, renewable power," Wellington Shire Councillor and Gippsland Climate Change Network Chief Executive, Darren McCubbin said. Events will run from Tuesday,September3,until Thursday, September 5. They include the two-day energy conference, evening and breakfast networking, afree community expo, and the Gippsland New Energy Youth Summit.
Likeprevious years, sessions willcover the latest wind,solar, battery, hydrogen, and geothermal technology updates.
Themes aroundsupply chain procurement, skills, infrastructure, and manufacturing opportunities will be showcased, with additional discussions on community energy resilience and engaging with Traditional Owners.
This year's agenda has also been expanded with content on circulareconomy models, building biodiversity into the bigger picture, and more.
The Gippsland Climate Change Network facilitates GNEC, but the eventismade possible through
extensivepartnerships and multi-agency working groups. This year,the Latrobe City Council will host the event.
Latrobe CityMayor,DarrenHowesaid, "Hosting the conference this year fills us with great excitement and pride, underscoring our region's commitment in the energy sector. It serves as an opportunity to collaborate and discuss critical matters within the energy industry and learn about
the cutting-edge technologies that will shape our future projects."
"As Australia's most heavily impacted and transitioningregion, we stand withour community to support the equitable transition of our region's industry landscape and economy. Our goal is to foster partnerships that drive innovation and inspire actionable strategies that benefit both our environment and our economy."
Wellington Shire Council hosted the first successful GNEC conference in 2022 and again in 2023. They see the conference as crucial in highlighting Gippsland's leadership in the renewable energy
sector,particularlyinoffshore wind, and are again akey partner for 2024.
"Our commitment to renewable energy is not just about makingsureour regionisreadytotransition and support Victoria's new energy goals, but also about driving economicgrowth, creating jobs, and ensuring asustainable future for our local community. We are proud to be at the forefront of this transition and look forward to the innovative solutions and partnerships that will come from this year's event," Wellington Shire Mayor, Ian Bye said. For more information, links to the program, sponsors, and ticket options, please visit: gnec.com.au
Failures noted in outage review
THE independentreview into how privatelyowned power companies responded to February’s destructive stormsismoving into its nextphase.
The Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, said the Network Outage Review expert panel had delivered its interimreport and wasnow opening further publicconsultation with affected communities.
The panel,consisting of Rosemary Sinclair, GerardBrody and Kevin Kehl, was appointed after the February 13 storms, that left more than 530,000 electricity customers without power.
About 90 per cent of customers who lostpower in the storms were restored within thefirst 72 hours, but the hardest hit communities in AusNet’s distribution area -including Mirboo North -experienced prolonged outages.
Communities have alreadytold the panel that making sure damaged infrastructure such as fallen powerlines were safe was most important and implementing temporary generation -particularly for main street services such as petrol stations and grocery stores -would improve their resilience and safety.
Communities also said that accurateand timely information about the situation was critical to know what washappening,and when they were likely to have power restored.
The interim report notes AusNet’s Outage Tracker failed, and businesses should do more to communicate with customerswith limited phone and internet access.
Having listened to affected communities
and investigated the processes of the privately owned power companies that own the network, the panelwillmakerecommendationsonthe operational response of the companies.
It is looking at contingency planning, timely and effective resource deployment and restoring supply. The review has also engaged and considered input from the Australian Energy Market Operator, Australian EnergyRegulator, Energy Safe Victoria, the Essential Services Commission,Emergency Management Victoria and other regulators.
The interim report is available for consultation from early July via Engage Victoria, with sessions to be held in affected communities throughout July. The final report and recommendations will be released in August.
Ms D’Ambrosio said it was clear that improvements must be made in the way privately owned power companies respond to extreme weather events and how they communicate with the residents and businesses who rely on them.
The chair of Network Outage Review, Rosemary Sinclair,saidthe review had heard from the resilient communities who suffered most during the Februarystorms andsubsequent power outages.
"There are lessonsfor all distributionbusinessesfromthese experiencestoimprove outcomes for Victorians in the future,” she said.
Local: TheNew EnergyConference will runfromSeptember3to5
Dryeyes occurwhenyourtear glandsdon’t produce enough tears or when thetears evaporate tooquickly.This condition can lead to uncomfortable symptoms suchasredness, itchiness, agritty sensation, and even blurred vision. Common causesinclude age,hormonal changes, environmental factors, medication side effects,and certain medical conditions.
Your optometrist will firstconduct athorough evaluationofyourcondition.This assessment helps determine theseverity of yourdry eye symptoms and determinewhich dryeye treatment is suitable for you.
IPLTreatment:
IPL (Intense Pulsed LightTechnology) treatment,originally developed forcosmetic dermatology,has nowbeenadaptedfor eye care.This non-invasiveprocedureutilises intense pulsedlight energy to target the Meibomian glands, which areresponsible for producing theoil layer of tears. By gently stimulatingtheseglands, IPL treatment helps improve thequantity andquality of tears, alleviating thesymptoms associatedwithdry eyes
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If you’retired of the constantdiscomfort caused by dryeyes,IPL treatment offersa
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Each individual’sexperiencewith IPL treatment mayvary, so it’sessentialtobookinaconsult to determine themost suitable treatment plan foryour specificneeds.With IPL therapy,you can regain control over your dryeye symptoms and enjoya more comfortable and fulfilling life.
Additional DryEyeTreatments
While IPL treatment is highly effective, other treatments can also provide reliefdepending on thespecificcause and severity of yourdry eyes.Hereare some additional options that we recommend:
Lubricating EyeDrops
Lubricatingeye dropscan provide immediate reliefbysupplementingyournatural tears They areavailable in variousformulations, includingpreservative-free options for those withsensitive eyes
Warm Compresses and Lid Hygiene
Applyingwarmcompressestothe eyes can help unclog theMeibomian glands, improving
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Punctal plugs aretiny devices insertedinto the tear ductstopreventtearsfromdraining away too quickly.Thishelpskeepthe eyes moist for longer periods.
Omega-3 FattyAcids &Nutritional Supplements
Increasing your intake of omega-3fatty acids, eitherthroughdietorsupplements, can help improve tear quality andreduce inflammation. Foods richinomega-3s include fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. In additiontoomega-3 fatty acids, othersupplements likevitamin A, vitamin D, andantioxidants cansupporteye healthand helpalleviatedry eye symptoms
Book an appointmentvia ourwebsite kaystreeteyecare.com.au or giveusacall on 5174 6788 today to see if IPL treatment is right for youand take the firststep towardbrighter healthier eyes.
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Establishedin1974, LatrobeEye Careisan independentOptometry Practicethat has beencaringfor generationsoffamilies’ eye healthinthe Latrobe Valley region.
We arelocally owned and operated and provide onsite fittings andrepairs
EXAMINING EYE HEALTH
SUCCESSFULLY
Examiningeye healthsuccessfully is about having theright technology andknowledgein optics.
ButLatrobeEye Carerecogniseslistening to apatient’s concerns is critical in finding a diagnosis andthe right treatment.
TheMorwell optometrist offerscomprehensive eyeexaminations to help evaluate your vision andthe health of your eyes
Latrobe Eye Careuses specialised equipment including highdefinitioncameras and 3D scanninglaserstobetter examineeye health.
To help youfind thebesteye care,Latrobe Eye Careofferstailor-made services and co-management of your case with other specialists and doctorsifnecessary.
The Morwell optometristhas more than50 years’ experience in optics amongits staff.
Thedispensing stafftakepride in makingsure customers find the right glassesthat lookthe partand aretailoredtotheirvision needs.
Childrenare welcome to come in for avision assessment.
Treatingany problems might give them aboost at school.
Latrobe Eye Carerecommend avision assessment for anyoneintheir early-40s as this is when age-related vision loss, or presbyopia,often startstobecome noticeable.
Phone LatrobeEye Care at 13 George Street, Morwell on 5134 2555
Don’t struggle with your eyesight! Have regular eyehealth check-ups to keep youreye health at its optimum.
Tradie to competeagainst world best
By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
MOE apprentice, Sebastian Battista will be heading over to Lyon, France after being selected for the Skillaroos training squad to represent Australia at the 47th Worldskills Competition in September. The fourth-year apprentice plumber will be competing against other young tradies from across the worldinarange of contests surrounding his chosentrade WorldSkills is avocation-based international competition with more than 60 trades and skills from seven skill clusters that challenges competitors on their employability skills, practical knowledge and competency, life skills, and ambition.
Tasks are designed by industry and skill experts with more than 1400young employees representing their countries and regionsstrongly and proudly.
To get to this point, participants undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship and undertaking or having completed aqualification transition through regional, national and international competitions that spans over atwo-year period with the Nationals being held at MelbourneConvention and Exhibition Centre (known as Jeff’s Shed).
From the plumbing and heating side of things, the assignment confines competitorstoasmall face as they use their knowledge, skills and experiences to complete an adequatepipesystem that involves strenuous planning.
Sebastian is more than prepared for what is to come when he’s in the thick of competition but isn’t concerned about the end result and will bask in the occasion.
“I’d like to do well but, Iguess,you don’t know until we get there how I’ll perform,all Ican do
Support services for youth
YOUNG people in the Latrobe Valley and Gippslandwillstill haveaccess to vital support services at the Latrobe Youth Space after an injection of funding from the state government.
Minister forRegional Development, Gayle Tierney, lastweekannounced an additional investment of $900,000 to continue operating the Latrobe YouthSpaceinMorwell,whichwas set up by the Labor government in 2018.
The Minister also announced an additional $770,000 to support the Ladder Step Up program and the InclusiveEmploymentand Worker Transition Program over the next 12 months.
The Latrobe Youth Space and the local programs support young and vulnerable people in the Latrobe Valley to pursue education, employment, and training to get meaningful careers and participate in the local economy.
Showers andfoodare alsoavailable for young people at the Latrobe Youth Space, and they can also use the service to get connected with other community services based on their individual needs.
LatrobeYouth Space Chief Executive, Sandy Hegarty,saidthe funding meant "we can continue to give young peopleinthe Latrobe Valleysupport, opportunity, and afair go".
The new funding brings the Labor government’s investment in the Latrobe YouthSpace to $9.7
million, adding to the $250,000infundingprovided through the Regional Development portfolio earlier this year.
Since 2017, the Ladder StepUpprogram has supported nearly 300 young people aged between 16 and 25.
The program has helped them to get the education, training and skills they need to find meaningful employment opportunities.
More than 80 per centofyoung people who have graduated from the LadderStepUpprogram have found opportunities that have positively contributed to their health, wellbeing and their connection with the local community.
The funding for the Inclusive Employment and WorkerTransition Program willallowthe program to continue supporting vulnerable people to find jobsinthe energy, construction and advanced manufacturing sectors.
To date the program has assisted 82 young people find jobs in these growth sectors -with 65 finding jobs and 17 getting apprenticeships.
Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, said the government'songoing support for the Latrobe YouthSpace wasabout helping hundredsmore young people across the Valley and the region to connect,access services, and develop life skills, opportunities and confidence.
For more information, go to: rdv.vic.gov.au
is plan as much as Ican and be as prepared as I can,” he said.
It’s not all down-the-line when it comes to these piping’s either, there is acreative element to it as well. Besides testing to see if the fittings actually work and don’t leak,markers judge the appearance as well.
Sebastian hasanumber of his works around the workshed withones shaped likethe mapof Australia and spelling out his name.
Sebastian says that this opportunity is all about refiningskillsacquired at work and in practice for competitions likethisbyfinding differentmethods to do abetter job and be abetter employee.
“I’m always learning, especially when it comes internationally, like you see on that project (points to apractice build)there’s alot of things that have to all line up, there’s alot of measurements (to work out) because you only get asmall cubicle,"hesaid.
"So,you’ve got to be very precise with everything you go about doing.”
Sebastian has seen plentyofsupport along his way to the world stage from his own work at Battista Plumbing &Gasfitting, the Skillaroos program,and Worldskills Australia as well as sponsored backing from the likes of his local TAFE Gippsland, REECE Plumbing, Rothenberger tools, and Latrobe Valley Enterprises.
Sebastian has had his hand in the profession ever since he could remember. His father, Danny runs asuccessful plumbing business in Moe and has had astrong influence on all three of his sons who also work in the family business.
“There’s plenty of things in here to proveit(in theshed), he has been doing it along time, Ithink he celebrated 40 years acouple of weeks ago, so I’ve always grown up on the tools with him, (on) weekends, after school, it’s always been my trade," Sebastian said.
Danny admits it was no accident that his all his offspring chose this path.
“It sort of became abit of ahidden agenda and Ialmost pushed them and wanted them to go to this because Ihad this vision where Ibuilt this. We pushed them, we made them work no matter whatever we were doing they always had to work
because you don’t getafreelunchthese days… of course, the proof is in the pudding and when they get old enoughthey’re rewarded in the sensethat,forget about the money side of it, they’ll have some sort of satisfaction because they’ll be capable,” Dannysaid. When askedabout what makes Sebastian such agoodplumberand howhe’sbeen so successful in these situations, his father mentionedthat it’shis attentiontodetail and work ethicthat makes him exceptional.
“Basically,the time and effortheputs into things, Isee.The approach thathehas on jobs, Isee and I can seethat he’s not abull at the gatelikeme. At thispoint in time, youcan see theworkthathehas done, Icouldn’t do it, you’ve gottohave patiencefor it, (and) so you’ve got to be aspecial person, aspecial typeofperson,” Danny said.
The entire family will be making the trip over to France to beright inhis corner
"He's got the opportunity of alifetime where, as far as we're concerned, he's already awinner, it doesn't matter what happensoverthere. Idon't care what the outcome is,asfar as we'reconcerned, youwon't be able to wipe the smile off of our faces for at least alittle while," Danny said proudly.
Coles Big Freeze triumph
LATROBE Valley’s love for the Big Freeze has continued,with Coles customers and team membershelping raise more than $107,000 in just over six weeks for Fight MND.
ColesTraralgon was among the top five fundraising stores in Australia for Big Freeze 10 with more than $54,000 raised alone.
It is the fifth year in arow that the store has finished among the top fundraisers in the country for the annual Big Freeze campaign.
Across the region, more than $453,000 has been raised for Fight MND since 2020.
Fundsraisedinthe Latrobe Valley helped bringColes’ tally for Big Freeze 10 to more than $9.3million, which will be invested in MND researchand treatments as well as care initiatives for Australians living with MND.
Funds were raised from the sales of Big Freeze beanies as well as popular supermarket items such as Coles Brand Fresh Australian Pork products, Pepsi Max soft drinks and specially markedBig Freeze 10 Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolateblocksand Peters Icy Poles, with customers also giving generously at the checkout.
Coles Chief Commercial Officer, Anna Croft, thanked customers, suppliers and team members for their record-breaking support.
“Coles is delightedtohave raised arecord amount for FightMND in theirmilestone year. We’re incrediblygrateful to all our customers, Aussie porkfarmers and suppliers like Cadbury, Peters Ice Cream and Asahi Beverages for their generosity and support for Big Freeze 10,” she said.
“We hope the funds raised willgoalong way in helping Fight MND to find acurefor MND and to help support the health of the thousands of Australians who are affected by this cruel disease.” Fight MND Campaigns director, Bec Daniher said Coles' fundraising efforts helped Fight MND to reach afinal tally of over $20.1 million in its Big Freeze 10 campaign.
“Ten yearsofthe Big Freeze has helped Fight MND make targetedinvestments intoprojects focused on developing new treatments and driving discoveries towards acure. The funds raised duringBig Freeze 10 will help continue this work,” she said.
Skills: Sebastian Battistahas beenselected to theSkilaroos training squad representing Australia at the47th WorldSkills competition in Lyon, France Photograph supplied
Perfection: OneofBattista’smanypractice creations in preparation forFrance Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt
Familyaffair: Sebastian alongside hisfather, Dannyand brothers Xavier (far left) and Dominic (far right) Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt
Morwell Foodbank is officially open
By KATRINABRANDON
FOODBANK Victoria’s Morwell CommunityFood Centreofficially opened lastweek.
The opening welcomed Ministerfor Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing, and Member forEasternVictoria Renee Heathtoits Commercial Roadpremises.
Brought on to battle the cost of livingcrisis, the new depot features acommunity supermarket, kitchen, and garden that will provide opportunities forcharities to help those in need.
“Here,wehave the community supermarket, which will partnerupwith Victoria Uni so that students can come and collect somefood. In the kitchen, therewill be demonstrations on how to prepare healthyfood and cookthat foodyourself, and then therewill alsobea garden on site,” Mrs Spence said.
“I am really proud that, as agovernment, we have been able to contribute $10 milliontoGippsland and Ballarat Food Centre, in addition to the $56 million we have invested since 2020 into food relief. That reallytells you the extent of the food relief issue that we have in thestateatthe moment.
“Withinthe costoflivingcrisis, more people are going without ahealthy meal than ever before. People who might have not experienced food insecurityare now seeking outwhere theycan get foodrelief.”
In partnershipwith localcharities, the new Food Centrewill support Foodbank Victoria’s ‘Farms to Families’ program in Morwell,aseriesofpop-up markets that provide up to 300 families with enough fresh food for aweek.
Since beginning operations with local charity partners in May, theMorwell and Ballarat food centres have distributed nearly 20,000 kilograms of fresh and chilled food throughout the local areas. This includes programs such as the ‘Breakfast Club’, which providesfood to studentsbefore school
“This food centre will be the hub for the work across the BreakfastClub. We have been very proud to be able to support thatprogram to makesurethat everystudent has access to agood mealbefore they sit down forclass forthe day,”MsShing said.
“This is areallywonderful reflection of allofthe workthatisalready in the communitieswithin our region to provide support for people in need. We look forward to seeing more partners come on board and to make surethat the efforts of ourvolunteersare recognised.”
Latrobe CityCouncilMayor, Darren Howesaid,
"The new Foodbank Distribution Centre in Morwell is an essential facility forcharities and emergency food relieflocally and throughoutGippsland. At a time when food insecurity in Latrobe Cityishigher thanthe Victorian average,this Centre will play a pivotal roleinhelping those in need."
"The Distribution Centre willhelplocal charities to quickly provide food to those in need. Previously, food had to be sent from Melbourne, so help was not as accessible.
"The Foodbank Distribution Centre in Morwell will serve as acentral location to support the Gippsland region,reaching as far as Lakes Entrance and surrounding areas."
Reminiscing about his Gippsland adventures, Foodbank Victoria ChiefExecutive, Dave McNamara saidhewas excitedtoshare the food centres with Gippslandcommunities and is looking forward to further contributions to the area.
“I am really excitedtobeabletoshare this with you and the whole community across Gippsland. We are looking forward to the magic that will happen outside this centre and seeing these great communitiesaroundherenot justsurvivebut thriveasfood does,” he said.
“I experienced the hospitality of afamily whenI tried to ride my bike fromBairnsdale to Omeo, and they gratefully helped me with a coupleofglasses of waterand anicesandwich.
“It is great to havefood, but food is justfood.It’s not until you bring people into it that the magic happens, and that is what this setisall about.”
Mr McNamara mentioned thatwhile Gippsland is abeautifularea or “God’s country,” he could see thatitisachallengingterrainthathas experienced multiple natural disasters.
“Itdoesn’t matter what your path is that you take in life, butthe community thathelps and supports you through thatjourneyiswhat is important, as always,food that is thecentreofbringing people together,” he said.
For more information, go to https://www.foodbank. org.au/morwell-market/?state=vic
Open Sesame: Member forEastern Victoria, Harriet Shing,Foodbank Victoria Chief Executive, Dave McNamaraand Minister forCarersand VolunteersRos Spence at the opening of the Morwell Foodbank. Photographs: Katrina Brandon
10 cents acan back into the Valley
By KATRINABRANDON
GIPPSLAND is once again leading the way, with more than 47 million containers returned within Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme since November 1inthe Latrobe Valley area alone.
Last Tuesday (July 2), VicReturn visited Latrobe ValleyEnterprises(LVE) to learn how and why Latrobe’s container scheme engagement is so high and to explore the different employment opportunities available within LVE.
According to Mark MacManus, the LVE General Manager of Operations, LVE has been operational in Latrobe Valley for 57 years. He aims to provide meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities for people living with disabilities across several different business units.
“We have commercial grounds maintenance, sign making, recycling,and the container deposit scheme. We also manage aTandara Caravan Park on behalf of the Latrobe Regional Hospital,” he said.
“It’s averydiverse organisation, and it really gives our people purpose to come to work and build skills. Our end goal is to encourage our people and provide support to them so they can move out into mainstream employment. The container scheme really fits into that purpose.”
VicReturn’s Chief Executive, Jim Round, runs the scheme acrossthe state. He said that in eightmonths, Victorians have returned over 600 million containers to 550 different return points, which is around $60 million back into peoples’ pockets around the state.
“Did we expect it to be adopted so quickly? No, but we are really happy and pleasantly surprised. RegionalVictoriahas led the way and has really embraced the scheme. It is an easy thing for people to do, to save theircontainers and do something good for the environment, and it’s alittle bit per can,” he said.
“As we see more people using the scheme,sites like this will grow,and we will startseeing more job opportunities. We are really happy with how it is going. We haven’t even been in place for ayear. Our one-year anniversary comes on November 1.” Coming up to one year, Mr Round said there is no plan to stop the scheme but to see it grow throughout the community.
People will be able to continue participatingin the schemebyheading downtotheir localdepots and ensuring that they are depositing the right containers, which can be found at via cds.vic.org.au
Great Trafalgar person remembered
TRAFALGAR Holden Museum has mourned the loss of Neil Joiner.
He was 75.
Mr Joiner was the driving force behind the establishment of the town’sHoldenmuseum, which grew from humble beginnings to become oneofTrafalgar’smajor tourist attractions.
The Trafalgar Holden Museum is now home to one of the biggestHolden collections in Australia.
The museum said Mr Joiner’s “enthusiasm and spirit will continue to inspire us all.”
Mr Joiner also was acontributing member to the Trafalgar Chamber of Commerce.
“Neil’s wisdom, advice, passion and knowledge will be sorely missed at our chamber of commerce meetings,” the chamber posted online.
His funeral was held last Wednesday (July 3).
Mr Joiner is survived by his wife of 53 years Annette,his mother Gwen and his children Andrew, Catherine, Anne and Rosemary.
Vale: LateTrafalgar Holden Museum President, NeilJoiner,taking stateMinisterMary-Anne Thomas on atour of the collectionin2022. File photograph
On-going: Vic ReturnChief Executive, Jim Roundtook atour of the local container scheme siteonJuly2,led by theLatrobe ValleyEnterprises general manager of operations,MarkMacManus andworkerKelly Williams
Touch-and-go: Latrobe ValleyEnterpriseworkerKellyWilliams showed the crew from VicReturn howsimple it is to participateinthe Victorian Container Scheme Photographs: Katrina Brandon
Easy: TheContainer Deposit Schemehas refunded more than $4.7 million backtothe Gippslandcommunitywhilst alsodiverting drink containers from landfills
ESTABLISHING itself as one of the more advanced schoolsinthe Latrobe Valley,Lowanna Collegein Newborough continues to go above and beyond.
Earlier in the year, the secondary school made an overhaul of the canteen, by offering healthier alternatives, which not only encourageshealthy habits, but also goes hand-in-hand with the sport academy at the college.
Now, in addition to the canteen, Lowanna College has completed the installation of acafé on the premises, which offersmanydifferent uses for students at the school.
“We’ve completelyreconceptualised the canteen
About six months ago we took over fromthe canteen as an internally run operation from our previous external provider, and we hired our own staff,” Lowanna College Principal, Adam Hogan said.
“The vision has always been to be able to provide foodfor students that’s both healthy and locally made, but also affordable.
“Some advantages of running the canteen is that we don’t aim, or need, to make aprofit -wejust cover the costs of the operation.”
New staff for the canteen was appointed before the new canteen was opened, whichallowed for staff to getthe opinionsofstudents in terms of what they would like to see in the new-lookfacility.
The new range of food includes the likesofchicken wraps, butter chicken, and souvlakis, after the decision to remove deep-fried food was made.
Anutritionist has worked with the Sports Academy to decide what might be best for student athletes, which includes arange of high-protein foods.
On Wednesday, June 26, Lowanna College had the grand opening of the café, inviting guests who helped with the project to launch it.
Managingthe build wasLowannaCollege Principal, Adam Hogan, and business manager, Angela Skinner, while Jo Daly of Daly Living and Strini Buildersmanaged thebuildand design process.
Thecaféwas the brainchild of Mr Hogan, who “randomly” thought of the idea whilst looking at the space with some students.
After gettingsomeopinions fromstudents,many agreed that it would be agood fit, and the project was underway.
The students, including school captains Stephanie
Nowell,Brooke Hunter, Oakley Vickery-Howe, and Lachlan Wallace, had ahugesay in the project, whichextends Lowanna College’s mantra on including students in some decision-making processes.
“A lot of students around the school had abit of involvement for things like who can use it and what it kind of looks like,” Oakley said.
“We had apretty big idea on what it would look like, we took afair bit of inspiration from Danbo’s (Coffee, Newborough) around thecorner I’m pretty sure,” Lachlan added.
“We had acouple of meeting about it and talked about what it would look like and the kind of vibe we’dhave around it -whichcameout perfectly and exactly how we imagined as well.”
The café will be run by Lowanna CollegeCanteen Manager, Jodie, and her Canteen Assistant, Marcelle, who has introduced arange of healthier food options alongside Latrobe Community Health Services (LCHS).
LCHS has worked with the Wellbeing Team at LowannaCollege to also bringhealthier options to the college, as part of the Achievement Program. Elise Tulloch from LCHS joined in on the celebrations on the day.
Local business, Fat Cat Coffee Roasters will be supplyingthe coffee beans for the café and were in attendance for the unveiling.
The café has been restricted to just staff and Year
12 students at this stage,with access only possible via a“tapcard” system.
The café is availablefrom 8am until 3.30pm, and students will be able to use this space during recess, lunch and student periods.
“It’sreally about privilegingthe space for staff andstudents, so we still have an incredible drive for numeracy, literacy, and building classroom practise, but there’s muchmore to school thanjust those outcomes,” Mr Hogan said.
“We wanted something that fits in with the school but feels different when you’re in there.”
Mr Hogan also added that the nature of the space allows students and teachers to get adifferent feel to that of aclassroom.
“We have three staff (working) in there, but we also have students supporting, and we’re really proud of that watching students serving other students,” Mr Hogan added.
“So we can build their skills through things like barista courses, but it also helps us in the canteen when you’ve got that recess and lunch rush, and you need people to clear people through quickly.”
Other stakeholders in attendance included Latrobe City Councillor, Sharon Gibson,School CouncilPresident, David Osbourne, Lowanna College’s Executive Team, and Department of Education’s Andrew Eastcott.
Leaders: Lowanna School Captains Brooke Hunter,OakleyVickey-Howe,Stephanie Nowell, and Wallace at thecafe’s grand opening.
Modern: The cafe’s interior gives adifferent feel from theclassroom forthe sakeofthe students and staff. Photographs: TomHayes
Honour: Lowanna School Captain, Brooke Hunter cut the ribbon at the cafe’s grand opening
Sunday
HOROSCOPES
by Joanne Madeline Moore
July 8- July 14 2024
Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19)
The planetary patterns h ghl ght freedom, education, adventure and creative projects If you pace yourse f and prior t se, then you’ l get things done w thout feeling rushed and frazzled t’s also a good week to socialise with family members and neighbours, as you partic pate in some lively and stimulat ng conversat ons But avoid getting drawn into an intense argument (espec ally with children and friends) where you end up say ng th ngs that you ater regret
Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20)
Careful communication s the key to an en oyable week for Bul s Venus and Uranus encourage you to release o d grudges and let bygones be bygones P us, Mercury and Jup ter urge you to work through domest c dramas and family squabbles in a proactive and diplomat c way
Your motto is from birthday great writer Marcel Proust: “Let us be grateful to peop e who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls b ossom ”
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Don’t a low a oved one to man pulate you, as they try to persuade you to do something against your better judgment Have the emotional strength (and common sense) to stand your ground and say: no With your ru er Mercury (and Venus) transiting through fiery Leo, you’ve got energy to burn but make sure you channel it into productive pursu ts Mental activ t es and current affairs are favoured, as you pick up information with lightning speed
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Avoid gett ng drawn into dramatic disputes with family and friends, especially involving money and/or possessions This week will work best if you keep your Crab claws out of other people’s bus ness and concentrate on pursuing personal projects instead Thursday is the best day of the week, when the Sun and Venus (both in Cancer) form fabulous aspects w th Saturn and Neptune So t’s a good day to focus your energy and fo low creative pursuits
Leo (July 23 - Aug 22)
Thursday’s Sun/Saturn trine is fabulous for focused thought, good judgement, creative work and making the most of go den opportunities that come your way But the more stubborn and arrogant you are (especial y on Friday and Saturday) the more l kely you’ll get drawn into an argument, e ther in person or onl ne With people-pleasing Venus visiting your sign (from Friday unt l August 5) t’s time for lots of Leo charm and an extra dollop of diplomacy
Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22)
Your very discreet Virgo nature s emphasised, as Mercury (your power planet) moves from your peer group zone into your so itude zone Make it a pr ority to connect with l ke-minded people who understand your particular peccadi los and strong need for pr vacy But a oved one could be temperamental, so handle them with extra care Th ngs aren’t as stra ght-forward as they seem Don’t skip over the deta ls - get someone you trust to help you out
Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)
Monday’s inv gorating Venus/Uranus link encourages a work breakthrough or a brand-new friendsh p Then the Venus/Neptune trine s fabulous for creat ve and spir tual pursuits But Friday’s Venus/P uto oppos t on could st r up a complicated romance or a chi dhood jealousy With Venus (your patron planet) and Mercury v siting your peer group zone, a dash of diplomacy and improved communication skil s wi l help smooth over a troub ed friendship
Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)
You’re keen to cal the shots this week but domineering behav our wil only ead to unpleasant dramas (especially on Friday) so s ip on your humil ty hat instead And don’t underestimate your abil ty to inspire others Coupled Scorp os – with Jupiter transiting through your int macy zone, a frustrating problem with your partner cou d finally be reso ved Singles – Cup d’s love arrows are most likely to strike wh le you are working, studying or travell ng
Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Monday Tuesday and Wednesday are your best days when Jupiter (your boss planet) makes positive connections w th Mercury and your Destiny Point So it s the perfect time to make a l st of your future goa s and surround yourself with posit ve people Your motto is from fe low Sagittarian, wr ter Mark Twain: “Keep away from people who belitt e your ambitions Sma l people always do that, but the real y great make you feel that you too can become great ”
Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)
The Sun, Venus and Uranus activate creative projects and fire up romance, but the Venus/Pluto opposition cou d comp icate a close re ationship So aim to be creative and compassionate - but a so robust and resi ient Then the bumps along the road will make you stronger It’s a so a good week to become more nvolved w th volunteer projects and ph lanthropic pursuits When it comes to your local commun ty, shake off your shyness and get involved
Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)
Th s week Pluto (trans t ng through your sign) opposes Mercury, which could st r up your contrary nature If you must disagree with other people, then try to do so in a respectful and constructive way The Venus/Uranus link also revs up your bohemian side as you question author ty and express your Aquarian quirkiness Your mantra for the moment is from suffragette (and birthday great) Emme ine Pankhurst: “I would rather be a rebel than a s ave ”
Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)
Are you runn ng on empty? Perceptive P sceans wil strive to get the ratio right between being on top of things at work, while sti l having time to rest, reflect and recharge your run-down batteries Balance is the key But relations with a loved one or work colleague could be stressful and problematic later in the week, part cularly if you try to control an uncontrollable situat on So expect the unexpected and keep your adaptab lity muscles wel -flexed!
COPYRIGHT Joanne Made ne Moore 2024
Thisadvertisingspace
Tree of the Year nominations
NOMINATIONS for the 2024 VictorianTree of the Year, acompetition run by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), opened last Monday (July 1).
Attractingthousands of votes each year, the annual competition is amuch-loved celebration of the significant trees that havecaptured the hearts of Victorians and highlights the importance of trees to our environment and their invaluable contributions to our communities.
TheNTAVsaidithad been steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding thesenatural treasures as the state's foremost advocate for tree preservation, Since1982, more than 20,000 trees in 1200 locations across the state have been classified and registered on the National TrustsofAustralia Register of Significant Trees. To be eligible for Victorian Tree of the Year, atree must be on the register.
Nominations can be submitted online via the National Trust’swebsiteatwww.nationaltrust. org.au/treeoftheyear
Nominations should include details about the tree and why it deserves the title of 2024 Victorian Tree of the Year.
The deadline for all nominations is Sunday, July 28. The National Trust's Significant Tree Expert Committee will review the nominations received and curate ashortlist of nine exceptional trees
Voting for the Victorian Tree of the Year will be open onlineonMonday, October 1, until Tuesday, October29.
The NTAV's interimChief Executive Officer, Philip Martins, called on Victorians to get involved and encourageeveryone to nominate their favourite tree.
“Join the Trust in celebrating the remarkable trees that grace our beautiful state of Victoria -itcould have adramatichistory, or amajestic canopy; it doesn’t have to be the biggest or the oldest of its kind, just the tree we love the most. Let us honour the majesty, significance, and the incredible contributions Victorian treesmaketo our environment and communities," he said.
“If your favourite tree misses out this year or is notyet registeredonthe National Trustsof Australia Register of Significant Trees, there will always be an opportunity for consideration in the future.”
The Victorian Tree of the Year contest aims to raise awareness of the conservation of the state’s natural heritage, and highlight the many benefits trees provide to our culture and way of life.
The winner of Victorian Tree of the Year will be officially announced on Tuesday, November 12. Formore information on Victorian Tree of the Year visit: www.nationaltrust.org.au/treeoftheyear
Central Gippy reunited again
NURSES from No. 25 School gathered recently for an incredible reunion.
The nurses, who served at Central Gippsland Hospital, Traralgon (now demolished) came together for a60-year reunion.
While the official date their nursing careers beganwas July 13, 1964,the reuniontookplace on Cowes, Philip Island to accommodate those attending.
Remarkably, some of the groupare still working part time.
This week my stars are telling me that I’m going to purchase a fantastic bargain
To advertise your bargains, products or services in this column or forinformation, simply phone JennyMannon 5135 4412 today.
Backtogether: Nurses from the old CentralGippsland Hospital, Traralgoncelebrated their 60 year reunion recently. Pictured is (backrow)Pat Dessent (nee Lincoln), Marg Swainson (Pavich), Julie Passalaqua (Morley), Heather
Mighty: Last year,a River RedGum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis)locatednearGuildfordonthe Midland Highway,was awarded the title of 2023 Victorian Tree of the Year
Photograph: National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
Edwards(Maple), Liz Hoghton(Morgan), Jenny Grubb(Freeman),(front) PamHatfield, JennyTauner(Sukroo), Gail Smith (Dennis) and Wanda Fitzgerald (Frasunek) Photograph supplied
The nurses who attended were: Pat Dessent (nee Lincoln), Marg Swainson (Pavich), Julie Passalaqua (Morley),Heather Edwards (Maple), Liz Hoghton (Morgan), Jenny Grubb (Freeman),
TheGuide
RESTAURANTSATTHE END OF THE WORLD
SBS Food, Friday, 7.30pm
Food can be an adventureinitself,but this vibrant newserieshostedby kinetic Kristen Kish (TopChef)takes foodie fun to exhilarating new heights. Withthe pizazzofAnthony Bourdain, theinherent curiosityofRick Stein andathirstfor fun likeMatty Matheson, Kish will become many people’s new epicurean crush. From National Geographic,this eight-part spectacle celebrates wonderful scenery, community and ingenious chefs as Kish travels to far-flung anddiverse locations to eat at restaurants in themiddle of nowhere. Kish cooks, learns andchinwags in thisfour-episode experience that leaves youhungryfor more
BIG BACKYARD QUIZ SBS and NITV,Saturday, 7.30pm
In hands with NAIDOCWeek, this sprightlygame show celebrates all things Australian from ablak perspective. Delvinginto sport,music,food and people, it’salighthearted and playful trek through historythatproudly looks at the Australian experience “theway we werenot taught in school”.Produced by SpicksandSpecks’AnthonyWatt, join hostsNarelda Jacobs (ThePoint)and Steven Oliver(BlackComedy)withteamcaptains rapper Barkaa and triple j’s Dave Woodhead. As comedic panellistsTom Ballard, Nina Oyama, Ivan Aristeguieta and Tegan Higginbothambattle it out to claim victory, tune in to test your knowledge, learn anew tidbitortwo andhaveahearty laugh
Wednesday, July10
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
GHOSTS
10, Monday,10pm
With this American sitcomnow into its third season (sailingpastthe 34 episodesofthe originalUKversion), and both Germanand Spanish editions on the way, this quirky gem’s premise is all about versatility.It’s simple: several spirits who all died in the same mansion at different points in historyare stuck together until ayoung couple movesin. Sam (Rose McIver,pictured) is the only one who can see her spectral housemates,whilehusbandJay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) does his best to help her deal withtheir shenanigans. But all that’sabout to change –intonight’s episode, Bela (Punam Patel) and Eric(Andrew Leeds)returntoWoodstone, where he reveals amajor changesince his recent near-death experience.
SEVEN (7,6)
PICK OF THE WEEK
MAGGIE BEER’S BIGMISSION ABC TV,Tuesday, 8.30pm
Sincebeing named Senior Australianofthe Year in 2010,food icon Maggie Beer (pictured) has been apassionate advocate forthe wellbeing of the nation’s older people. With nearly 200,000 Australians living in residential aged care–asmany as 68 per cent of whom aremalnourished or at risk of malnutrition–Maggie has amammoth task on her hands. In abid to turn around these shocking statistics, the chef is leadingaworld-first experiment that aims to revolutionisethe diningexperience in aPerth aged-carehome. Breakfastisthe firstorder forMaggie in this second instalment,sharing her porridge recipe with chef Sas and cook Richard beforethe real testawaits: what will 89-year-old Merle makeofthe changes?
NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners.(R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address.
1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 3.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 Martin Clunes: Islands Of The Pacific.(PG, R) 4.45 Grand Designs: House Of TheYear.(R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)
ABCNews.
7.30 7.30 8.00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8.30 Gruen. Presented by Wil Anderson. 9.10 Austin. (PG,R)Austin organises abus tour 9.35 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
10.10 QI. (PG,R)
10.40 ABC Late News. 10.55 The Business. (R) 11.10 AuntyDonna’s Coffee Cafe.(Mls, R) 12.10 Grand Designs: House Of TheYear.(R) 12.55 Martin Clunes: Islands Of ThePacific. (PG,R) 1.45 Grantchester.(PG,R) 2.30 Rage (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG,R) 4.30 Landline. (R) 5.00 Art Works. (PG,R) 5.30 7.30.(R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. Tour de France.Stage 10.Highlights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 11.00 Tour De France 2024 Highlights Review.(R) 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France.Stage 10.Highlights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Insight.(R) 3.00 Trail Towns. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw.(R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Tour De France 2024 Highlights Review
6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell. 6.30 SBS WorldNews.
7.30 Moulin Rouge: YesWeCan-Can! (M) Follows new British recruits as they get the chance to join the ensemble at the legendaryMoulin Rouge. 8.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 11 Évaux-les-Bains to Le Lioran. 211km mountain stage.From France. 1.45 Trom. (Mv,R) 3.20 Peer To Peer (R) 4.20 Bamay: Ngarrindjeri Country. (R) 5.00 NHKWorld English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
8.30 Footy Classified. (M) Footy experts tackle the AFL’sbig issues. 9.30 Wimbledon 2024 Pre-Show. Pre-game coverage of Wimbledon. 10.00 Tennis. Wimbledon.Day 10 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day10Late. From the AllEngland Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London,England. 3.00 The Garden Gurus Best Of 3.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today
6.00 DealOrNoDeal. 6.30 TheProject 7.30 Bondi Rescue (Return, PGl) Reidy returns 8.30 FBI: International. (Mv) When adisgraced former US cabinet memberisarrested in Vienna, the FBI fly team is sent to investigate. 9.30 NCIS. (MA15+av,R)Amishap leadsthe team to the case of amissing teacher which waspopularised on atrue crime podcast. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 TheProject (R)
Thursday, July 11
ABC (2)
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Stuff The British Stole. (PG, R) 10.30 Simply Nigella. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 News.
1.00 Maggie Beer’s BigMission.(R) 2.00 Brush With Fame. (Ml, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 3.00 RestorationAustralia. (PG, R) 3.55 Martin Clunes: Islands Of The Pacific.(PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs: House Of The Year.(R) 5.30 AntiquesRoadshow.(R)
6.30 Hard Quiz Battle Of TheInfluencers. (PG, R)
7.00 ABCNews.
7.30 7.30 Presented by Sarah Ferguson.
8.00 Grand Designs Revisited. (PG) Part 3of3
8.50 Grand Designs: TheStreets. (Ml) Afather-and-son team set out to build an architecturally daring home full of curves at Graven Hill.
10.25 ABCLateNews.
10.40 TheBusiness. (R)
11.00 TheArt Of (Ml, R)
11.30 Talking Heads. (Ma, R)
12.05 Grand Designs:House Of TheYear. (R)
12.55 MartinClunes: Islands Of ThePacific (PG, R)
1.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Landline.(R) 5.00 Art Works.(PG,R) 5.30 7.30.(R)
(3)
6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. Tour de France.Stage 11. Highlights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 11.00 Tour De France 2024 Highlights Review.(R) 12.00 Cycling.Tourde France. Stage 11. Highlights 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Wildlife ER. (PGa, R) 3.00 TrailTowns (R) 3.35 The Cook Up.(R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters AndNumbers. (R) 5.00 Tour De France 2024 Highlights Review
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG) Contestantsare giventwo minutes to answer questions on their chosen subject
6.30 SBS WorldNews.
7.35 Guillaume’s French Atlantic. Part 4of5.Guillaume Brahimi immerseshimself in the luxuryand refinement of the Bordeaux region.
8.30 Cycling Tour de France. Stage 12. Aurillac to Villeneuve-sur-Lot. 204km flatstage. From France.
2.00 TheCongregation. (MA15+s, R) Evalocks herself in to write aprophecy.
3.40 Peer To Peer (R) Presented by David Rubenstein
4.40 Bamay: Murrumbidgee River –Wiradjuri And Ngarigo Country. (R)
5.00 NHKWorld English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Home AndAway. (PGa) Tane strikes up abondwithPerri. Mackenzie fretsoverDean’s reaction to Levi. Felicity’snew boyfriend is suspicious.
8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. (PGa) Thefirst set of semi-finalists set out to impress celebrity judgesAmanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli and Simon Cowellaswell as theviewers at home. Hosted by Ant andDec
10.30 To Be Advised
12.15 TheGoldbergs. (PGls, R) Beverly is thrilled to have co-workers for thefirsttime andsetsout to makethemall love her
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBCToday News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise 5am News. The latest news, sportand weather
5.30 Sunrise. News, sport and weather
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra.(PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (R) 1.00 Ski RescueDown Under. (PGal) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point.(PG,R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.30[VIC]WINNews.
6.00 9News.
7.00 ACurrent Affair.
7.30 RBT. (Ml, R) Followsthe activities of police units
8.30 Missing Persons Investigation. (PGa, R) Twomen go missing in remote bush after aboys’ weekend goes terribly wrong. Detectives discoverdisturbing new details in a20-year-old cold case involving the disappearance of ateenager
9.30 To Be Advised.
10.00 Wimbledon 2024 Pre-Show Pre-game coverage of Wimbledon. 10.30 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 11. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 11 Late
3.00 It’s All GreekToMe. (PG, R)
3.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 TodayEarlyNews 5.30 Today.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by GrantDenyer. 6.30 TheProject. Specialguests include Anne Edmonds. 7.30 Taskmaster Australia. (Ma) The teams’ skills, nerves and trust is put to the testwhenthey are tasked with blowing bubbles.
8.40 Law&Order: SVU. (Msv) The discovery of an unconscious teenager sparks amissing persons investigation. 10.40 10’s LateNews Coverage of news, sportand weather 11.05 TheProject (R)Special guests include Anne Edmonds. 12.05 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMornings. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Front Up 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Hypothetical. 1.30 WorldWatch 2.00 Tour De France 2024 Highlights Review 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France.H’lights. 4.00 WorldWatch 5.30 Curse Of OakIsland. 6.20 Forged In Fire. 7.10 Jeopardy! 7.40 8Out Of 10 Cats DoesCountdown. 8.30 History’sGreatest Heists With Pierce Brosnan. 10.10 The AustralianWars. 12.30am Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs.
1.35pm Amplify. 2.00 ShortlandSt. 2.30 The Cook Up 3.00 Jarjums 4.10 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea. 4.40 MotownMagic. 5.05 Our Stories. 5.35 The77Percent. 6.05 LittleJAnd Big Cuz. 6.20 Kutcha’s Carpool Koorioke. 6.30 News. 6.40 Coastal Africa. 7.30 Going PlacesWithErnie Dingo 8.30 Miniseries:True Colours. 9.30 MOVIE: We Are Still Here. (2022, M) 11.10 Late Programs.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 7.20pm Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep 7.35 The Inbestigators. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Fresh Off TheBoat. 8.25 MatildaAnd TheRamsay Bunch. 8.45 BTN Newsbreak. 8.50 Muster Dogs 9.45 Style It Out. 10.15 Doctor Who 11.00 Merlin. 11.45 Good Game Spawn Point. 12.25am Rage 1.25 Operation Ouch! 1.55 Holly Hobbie. 2.15 Malory Towers. 2.40 TheNext Step 3.25 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Breaker Morant. (1980,PG) 8.00 TheNatural. (1984,PG) 10.30 ThreeSummers. (2017, M) 12.25pm The Legend Of Ben Hall. (2017,M) 3.00 The Last Wave.(1977,PG) 5.00 The Wild Duck. (1983) 6.45 The Color Purple. (1985,PG) 9.30 Ten Canoes. (2006,M,Ganalbingu) 11.10 Selma. (2014 M) 1.30am Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk. (2016 MA15+) 3.35 Late Programs.
Friday, July 12
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Harry’sPractice. 9.30 NBC Today Noon BetterHomes. 1.00 Escape To The Country 2.00 Our Town. 2.30 The YorkshireVet In Autumn. 3.30 Harry’sPractice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 BetterHomes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 BargainHunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 McDonald And Dodds. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.
9GEM (92,81)
6am Morning Programs.
7TWO (72, 62) 6am Children’s Programs. Noon Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio.H’lights. 1.00 Young Sheldon. 1.30 Bewitched. 2.00 Full House. 2.30 TheNanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 TheAddamsFamily 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 IDream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Nanny 7.00 YoungSheldon. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Swordfish. (2001, MA15+) 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 American Pickers. Noon Pawn Stars. 1.00 HighwayPatrol 1.30 TheForce: BTL. 2.00 Motor MythBusters. 3.00
6.00 MorningPrograms. 8.00 WorldWatch. 11.00 Tour De France 2024 Highlights Review (R) 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage12. Highlights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 ThePoint: Road Trip.(R) 3.00 NITVNews: Nula. 3.35 The Cook Up.(R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters AndNumbers. (R) 5.00 Tour De France 2024 Highlights Review
12.55pm TheYoung And The Restless. 1.50 Explore. 2.00 CountryLifeFor HalfThe Price. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: TheFace Of Fu Manchu. (1965,PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Rugby League.NRL Round 19.Dolphins vSouth Sydney Rabbitohs. 9.45 Thursday Night KnockOff. 10.30 SeeNoEvil. 11.30 Late Programs.
SEVEN (7,6)
NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Rulla’sCooking On Country (R) 10.30 That Pacific Sports Show.(R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Troppo.(Malv,R) 2.00 The Split. (Ml, R) 3.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 Martin Clunes: Islands Of America. (PG, R) 4.45 GrandDesigns: House Of TheYear.(R) 5.30 AntiquesRoadshow.(R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News
7.30 Love Your Garden. Presented by Alan Titchmarsh.
8.20 Troppo (Malv) Tedand Amanda investigate Julian’s neighbours and discoverthat they harbour abittergrudge againsthim.
9.20 Gruen (R) Presented by Wil Anderson.
9.55 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by TomGleeson.
10.25 Austin. (PG, R)
10.55 ABC Late News.
11.10
(R)
(MA15+adhlnsv)
(Malsv, R)
Children’s Programs. 7.20pm Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Strange Chores 8.00 HardQuizKids. 8.35 BTNNewsbreak 8.40 Operation Ouch! 9.10 Officially
1.30
1.55
Programs.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS WorldNews.
7.30 Ancient Egypt: Top7 Pyramids (R) Exploresancient Egypt’spyramids.
8.30 Nazca DesertMystery. (PG, R) Takesa look at theNazca Lines andatrecent discoveries that offer new clues to its origins.
9.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 13.Agen to Pau. 165.5kmflat stage. From France
2.00 Blackout: Tomorrow Is TooLate. (Mlnv,R)
3.50 Peer To Peer (PG, R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
FAMILY (22) 6am Romeo And Juliet. Continued. (2013, PG) 7.40 JonssonGang. (2020, PG, Finnish) 10.00 The Tracker.(2002,M) 11.50 Charlie And Boots. (2009, M) 1.45pm Breaker Morant.(1980,PG) 3.45 Skies
TEN (10, 5)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG) 11.30 SevenMorning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Big SkyRiver (2022, PGa) 2.00 House Of Wellness (PG) 3.00 TheChase. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra.(PG) 11.30 9News Morning 12.00 MOVIE: Sparks Over Brooklyn. (2023, PGa) AnnaMaria Demara DavidLafontaine. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.30[VIC]WINNews. 6.00 Morning Programs. 8.30
6.00 SevenNews.
7.00 Better Homes AndGardens. JohannaGriggs catches up with rising donut baker Morgan Hipsworth, who at age 15 openedhis first donutshop.
7.20 Football AFL.Round 18 Collingwood vGeelong. From the MCG.
10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion andinterviews. 11.15 Armchair Experts. (M) Apanel discussesall things AFL 12.00 Criminal Confessions: She NeverCame Home. (MA15+alv,R) Alook at the case of KeniaMonge.
1.00 Harry’s Practice. (R) Information about petcare
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBCToday
6.00 9News
7.00 ACurrent Affair. 7.30 Escape To TheChateau: SecretFrance. Part 1of3
8.30 MOVIE: No Reservations (2007, PGal,R)After hersister dies, a Manhattan chef, whose no-nonsense intensity captivates and intimidates everyone around her,finds her life changed when she becomesthe guardian of her late sister’s youngdaughter.Catherine Zeta-Jones,AaronEckhart,Abigail Breslin.
10.30 Tennis. Wimbledon.Day 12. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 12 Late.
4.00 Postcards. (PG, R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop:Home Shopping (R)
5.30 SkippyThe Bush Kangaroo (R)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by GrantDenyer. 6.30 TheProject. Special guest is Jessica Mauboy. 7.30 Have YouBeen Paying Attention? (Malns,R) Hosted by TomGleisner. 8.30 TheGraham Norton Show. (Ml, R) Guests include Dominic West, Michelle Keegan,Jacob Anderson, AlanCarrand Teddy Swims. 9.30 TheCheap Seats. (Mal, R) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald takealookatthe week that was. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 TheProject. (R) 12.00 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
FOOTBALL MID GIPPSLAND BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
HILL End arrived on the winner’s list at the weekend
The Rovers celebrated an 11-point victory against Boolarra in Round 12 of the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League, marking their first win for the season and their first in almost two years - 714 days to be exact
all day and lead by three points heading into the final term
After a back-and-forth opening few minutes with Boolarra kicking a goal early, Hill End kicked the next three to jump to a two goal lead with just over five minutes remaining
The Demons would respond momentarily to bring it within a goal, but time was against them and the final siren wailed which guaranteed the down-on-their-luck side would be reading aloud their lyrics for the first time in quite a while
“There was a lot of emotion, a lot of hard work When you’ve had a fair few games where you’ve been done by 100 points or more, I had some responses from the other guys that wins like that especially compounded by all those losses it makes it even more worth getting wins like that and it was really special for the club ” Uliando could sense the team’s confidence levels had changed upon their MDU performance
What’s more, it was at their home ground
Despite the drought, Hill End had reason to be confident heading into the game considering their recent form
The bottom-listed Rovers pushed finals contender MDU for four quarters the week prior, only going down by three goals
In games before that they had stuck with teams in patches, but were let down by equally horrendous passages
Momentum flowed into their Boolarra matchup, with Hill End kicking the first four goals of the game, and they were up by as much as 26 to nothing halfway through the first quarter
Boolarra did find themselves and got to the quarter time break down by only a goal
The Rovers must have been acting on some pent up credence spilt over from the preceding weeks, as they once again jumped out with the first four goals of the quarter before conceding equally as much, leading 8 2 (50) to 7 4 (46)
Country footy would be on full display to open the second half however, with only a goal each both way, but the Demons found the little extra edge to hit the front for the first time
In Hill End’s momentous win, it was the young guns who proved to be the difference-makers
Seth Calway continued a stellar season after coming across from Drouin to begin the 2023 season, collecting best-on-ground honours for the fifth time this season, while first-year senior player Liam Cuminksey booted a teamhigh four goals
The rest of the best included captain Aaron Fawcett (one goal), recent recruit Marko Kulas (one goal) picked up mid-season from Longwarry in the Ellinbank & District Football League, Harry Moore, and local boy Mark Ferguson
Hill End’s last victory came in Round 15, 2022 with a two-point thriller against eventual premier Yinnar, before losing their last three games of the season, including a three-goal loss to Boolarra in the Elimination Final Rovers senior coach Ambu Uliando recorded his first win at the helm, being at the club for over 10 years at this point, he’s still cherishes it as one of his best football memories
“The MDU game was the first time we actually played a consistent four quarters and there had been other games we just need to string together those four quarters to be competitive with some of those better sides but it’s hard to do that with an inexperienced team ” Uliando took over as senior coach for the 2024 season succeeding Mike Santo, who served the role for six years, taking the club to heights unseen for nearly 40 years, playing off in the 2019 Grand Final
The day’s festivities were made extra special as the c clubme and hun on
“I’m not sure where I’d rank it on all-time football victories but it would have to be up there as one of the best,” he said
Valley showdown for top-two spot
FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
BY LIAM DURKIN
THE Gippsland League returns from aleague-wide bye this weekend.
Round 13 presents the first lot of games for the month of July, as time is nowbecoming an increasing factor for teams trying to book aticket to the September stage.
While Julyistraditionally thehardest month on the footy calendar, its importance arguably runs second only to September.
Teams that are able to negotiate July positively generally find themselves with astrong platform to launch from as finals approach.
It’s what Western Bulldogs champion (is it inaccurate to say premiership captain?) Bob Murphy dubs “the July Test”.
But within that test lies acomplexity, as finals are still some distance away.
“It’s kind of no man’s land in the footy season,” Murphy said in 2019.
The month presentsa further myriad of challenges, requiring players to embrace the grind of longer, colder and darker nights at training, and icier, windier and wetter afternoons on game day.
Coaches will need to devise ways to combat this, and drawingonaneventfrom the 19th century could offer something of an analogy.
Backin1812, Napoleondecideditwould be a good idea to invade Russia. What he failed to take into account though was justhow damn cold it gets over there. As aresult, he lost half of his 500,000 strong army in six weeks.
If any footycoacheshaveambitions of ruling like Napoleon,their greatest challengecould be to come out of winter with as many, if not more, troops than they did heading in.
As apostscript,the failedRussian invasion all butshattered Napoleon’s reputation.
That same fate could meet anumberofcoaches before the 2024 season is out.
VALLEY rivals Moe and Traralgon meet at Ted Summerton Reserve.
As if the match wasn’t already going to be hotly contested,aplaceinside the top two awaits the victor.
Both sideshave won eight games this season, but the Maroons holdsecondspotbytwo points courtesy of their drawagainst Morwell in Round 9 (greatest home-and-away game ever don’t forget).
Those searching for atip might wanttolook at the fact Moe and Traralgon have each played clubhouse leaders Leongatha in the last two rounds.
The Lions defeatedthe Parrots in Round 10,
while the Maroons lost to the same opposition the next week.
Aweeks rest will hopefullyinject some enthusiasm for both sides, who had looked somewhat shaky throughout June.
Following the draw against Morwell, Traralgon only beat Bairnsdalewith afailedkickafterthe sirenfrom the Redlegs, and were then four goals down at halftime againstaWarragulteam with only threewins to their name in 2024.
Thatformpossiblycame to aheadagainst Leongatha, which the Parrots won quite comfortably by 34 points.
Moe meanwhile started June with aloss to Warragul, and likeTraralgon,grabbed victory following their own post-siren escape against Wonthaggi.
If decentweather presents itselfonSaturday, spectators couldbetreated to some freeflowing play,asTraralgon has averaged the best part of 90 points this season minus the two games against Leongatha.
The Maroons may have aclearer avenue to goal given Moe playing-coach Declan Keilty has shifted from centre half back to centre half forward in recent weeks, but by the same token, this might now make Traralgon interceptor Tye Hourigan more accountable.
Hourigan’s speciality has been his ability to drift in and take intercept marks at will, however, much likeTom Stewart at Geelong,ifheisforced to play as more of aknockabout defender, his impact could be severely limited.
Moe will be helped by having no Gippsland Power this weekend, meaning the trio of Tom Matthews, Max Woodalland Liam Masters should be available for their home club.Seniorvicecaptain Harri Simis alsoexpectedtoreturn, and was back movinginthe last game, fulfilling the role of match day runner.
The Lions have atough three weeks ahead, all for different reasons, starting withTraralgon, then the road trip to Bairnsdale and afollow-up trip to the Drouin mud pit.
MORWELL has its turn rolling around in the Drouin mud.
The Tigers will simply be looking to get through this game withthe four points intact,and hope their white shorts are still usablefor the next away game. While driving through the gates at Drouin can be naturally deflating at the best of times for any visiting team -yet alone during the middleof winter -players will at least know what they will be confronted with.
For this reason alone, there should be no surprises,and logic would suggestitwon’t be a shootout either.
If Morwell can manage twogoals aquarter, it might well be enough.
The Tigershaveafew players with experience playing on more‘rural’surfaces, whocould well shine at Drouin.
TylerBrown would have playedinafew mud heapsduring his time with Yallourn Yallourn North in their Mid Gippsland days, likewise Harri McColl at Yinnar.
Conditions aside, Morwell needs to win this game to stay in the finals hunt.
The Tigers are currently two points clear of sixthplaced Bairnsdale and Wonthaggi, who look to be planning arun home like afreight train.
COULD this be the moment Wonthaggi assert themselves?
The stage appears set for the resurgent Power, who travel to Leongatha having won theirlastthree games to hold awin-loss record of 6-6.
The sharp turnaround has coincided with some expert management on the part of Wonthaggi playing-coach Jarryd Blair, who has nursed most of his first-choice players back and then added some before clearances closed.
Blair nabbed hisCollingwoodpremiershipteammate Nathan Brown before the June 30 deadline, while it is understood Ryan Sparkes,who was with Collingwood in the VFL,has committed to his home club for the rest of the season.
The new andmore permanent magnets have meant Wonthaggi has gone from looking ashell of the teamthatplayedinthe Grand Final last year, to onethat could absolutely finish outside the top three and stillgodeep in finals.
ASouth Gippsland Showdownnow awaits, and the Power couldfindthemselvesinside the top five by the end of the round.
Projecting further ahead, Wonthaggi plays Traralgon next week, before arun of three games where it will likely start favourite.
If they win the games they are expected to, it will take them to nine wins by Round 17, meaning the last home-and-away game against Moe in Wonthaggi could determine the Power’s fate.
SALE faces asimple equation.
The Magpies, two points clear in fourth, need to beat Warragul on the road.
By virtue of alogjam of teams, Sale could find themselves in the top threebythe endofthe round, but equally, could also be out of the top five.
In order to achieve the former, the Magpies would need to win by the best part of 150 points and rely on Moe losing to Traralgon.
Amarginlike that might seem unrealistic, although it is not totally outside the realmsof possibility, especially given Sale’s scoring power.
The Magpies have just about as many points for
as againstthis season,indicatingwhile they can be scored heavily against, they can more than make up for it at the other end.
With Brad Dessent at fullforward, playing-coach JackJohnstone andunderratedgoal sneak Tom Campbell all in the mix, Sale has plenty of firepower in its front half.
The Guls certainly won’t be walkovers, and have shown great signs this season, beating top three side Moe and giving Traralgon ahuge fright. However, with finals all but out of the equation, motivation could be lacking within, so the time might be just about right for Sale to roll into town and show absolutely no mercy.
BAIRNSDALE has virtually the same assignment as Sale.
The sixth-placed Redlegs make the trip to play bottom-side Maffra, meaning awin is the absolute only acceptable outcome as far as the visitors are concerned.
Bairnsdale has won as many games as it has lost, perhaps not reflecting just how competitive they have been for large chunks of the season. At their best, the Redlegshave shown terrific form, pumpingSale; and Wonthaggiwhenthey had Sparkes and former Collingwood player Issac Chugg playing.
Unfortunately Bairnsdale has justlacked finishing quality on numerous occasions, and as aresult, fouroftheirsix losses have beenbysix,10, five andfive points.
Maffra meanwhile still has time on its side to avoid the wooden spoon, but will likely need to pick up at least two more wins in the last six games in order to do so.
Admittedlythe Eagles are undernoillusions as to the huge rebuild taking place, and withnoshortage of quality youngsters coming through, it might not be too long before Maffra is back contesting in Grand Finals they seemingly made at will during the last decade.
Thatrecent history hasarguablymadethe rebuild easier for supporters and stakeholders to cop, as success is not atotally ancient memory (premierships in 2016 and 2019).
Richmondperhaps offersanappropriatecomparison for Maffra currently.
The AFL Tigers are coming last at the moment, but with three flags in the last seven years, there is nowhere near the same hysteria or baying for blood as there was when Richmondclaimed wooden spoons in 2004 and 2007.
If another club withoutMaffra’s success was coming last in the Gippsland League, things such as crisis talks,mergers and changingleagueswould likely be topics of discussion.
It doesn’t take much to drive anarrative in footy.
Hawks beginhuntingfor theirnext seniorcoach
FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
BY LIAM DURKIN
SEASON 2024 might still have more than two months to go, but therehas alreadybeen movement on the coaching front for next year.
Drouin will have anew senior coach next season, afterBrentClinnickrecentlyannounced he would not be seeking reappointment.
Clinnick is into his secondyear at the helm of the Hawks.
Despite awooden spoon finish last year, Drouin played some attractive football under Clinnick, which has continued into this season.
The Hawks are currently eighthonthe ladder with afour-win, eight-loss record.
"His commitmenttoour clubhas been unwavering and the very fact thathehas informed us early will help us search for areplacement for the 2025 season and we sincerely thank him for that,"Drouin Football-Netball Club said in astatement.
"Brent has beenanextremely hardworking coach that has no equal in terms of preparation and gathering all information to pass on to our players. He was the main instigator of our video room so that players could have the best at their disposal."
The Hawks now have the luxury of time to find anew leader, although given favourite son Ed Morris camebackthisyear to be aplaying-assistant coach, the odds of it being an internal appointment appear to be short.
Clinnick is unlikely to be the only coach finishing up come seasons end, as it is understood Bairnsdale playing-coachLogan Austin won't be goingaround again.
Anumberofcoaches around the Gippsland League will have completed three-four years in thetop job by seasons end, so it shouldn't come as atotal surprise to see new faces in the huddle next year.
Sale's JackJohnstoneand Wonthaggi's Jarryd Blair are both into their fourth year, while Declan Keiltyand TrentMcMickingare into their third as
coach of Moe and Leongatha respectively. Maffra coach Anthony Robbins is also into his third season, althoughthe Eagles haveatendency to holdonto theircoaches longer than normal, especially to those carrying surnames synonymous
the club. Robbins' uncle Graham Robbins coached Maffrafor five years, as did Hayden Burgiel, while Wayne Butchercalled the shots for more than adecade. Generally speaking, three to four years is the
maximum output any one person can reasonably give as asenior coach before it starts taking atoll on family life, while players can also get sick of hearing the same voice day in, day out.
Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 10 July, 2024
with
On the move: DrouincoachBrent Clinnickhas announced he will be finishing up at the end of theseason.
Photograph supplied
What TraralgonRec should looklike
COMMENT
By DAVID LITTLE
IN reference to the proposed Latrobe City Council Pavilion Planfor the Traralgon Recreation Reserve, the current plan is notfit-for-purposeand is totally different to the original concept presented to the user groups, the Traralgon Recreation Reserve Advisory Committee and the community.
After the flood event in June 2021,councilofficers condemned the current changerooms, and although they cleaned up the area similarly as has been undertaken in the past, all amenities and fittings were removed and the facility boarded up. Thishas been an overreaction without consultation, justification and consequence.
However, LCC officers then offered aplan to build anew complex similartoa recently constructed facility at WarrnamboolReid Oval (depicted in the accompanying photo).
This complex was to provide facilities for football,
What could be: The new pavilion at Warrnambool’s Reid Oval has been used as a comparison to what would adequately fit Traralgon’s needs
cricket, umpires members and their associations.
The Warrnamboolproject cost $10.6m, which included ovaland lightingimprovements.The two story pavilion cost was approximately $6.5m. Funded mostlybythe state government, this complex has since been awarded the best designed multi-sports facility constructedinregional Australia.
Incidentally, Warrnambool Football-Netball Club has atwo storey social club room adjacent to this new building. The similarities are interesting. LCC offices engaged the same architect to prepare aplan for Traralgon. This was issued along with amasterplan of the recreation reserve in March 2022.Councillors endorsed these plans last year. Up to this point in time, the LCC officers had been supportiveand pro-active in working with the community and user groups.
The 2022 Traralgon plan initially had asimilar ground floor space to the Warrnambool complex but addednetball facilities, public toilets and canteen facilities. This reduced some of the existing
changeroom space and did not include the boxing club facilities.
At the time it was assumed that the boxing club would relocate to the proposed GlenviewParkMulti Sports Pavilion. This was an obvious cost effective solution as this movewould not require this section of building to be elevated above the flood level.
The top floor of the building was similar to the Warrnambool complex with acommunity function room, meeting room, office space, timekeeper, media box and balcony elevated viewing area provided. Also, atieredseating area and underneath storage area was included.
Now, LCCofficers havechanged thescope of the projecttoasecond grade local competition single floor standard. Also, LCC officersplan to demolish the existing Tony Lane Stand and only provide half the seating(four rows of concrete seats).Now, no meetingroom, office space,function roomor elevated viewing area is being provided.
The location of the building required services to be relocated at acost not budgeted.
This plan is unacceptable.
Traralgon has apopulation of 30,000 and predicted growth of 1.5 per cent each year.
This building is for the next generation of male and female,junior and seniorplayers,aswellasthe community and regional visitors and supporters.
It needs to be comparable to the Morwell and Moe Recreation Reserves facilities.
It needs to be acommunity facility available for local and regional school sportsand Gippsland regionalfootball and cricket matches. The function room is required for many Traralgon sports groups as well as the current users.
It needs more community support to get it right, we only have one go at this.
Do you agree? Have your say!
Editor's note (by Liam Durkin):David Little is alongtime Traralgon resident and qualified engineer with avast football and cricket history in Traralgon. FOOTBALL
West Gippsland takes the interleague crown
(Moe), MidGippsland’s Luke Cheffers (Yinnar), North Gippsland’s Ned Heathcote (Rosedale)West Gippsland’s Regan Awty (Warragul Industrials), and Ellinbank &District’s Cooper Brown (Longwarry).
THE Gippsland Junior Interleague Carnival returned last week, featuring all the top under 18 talent from around the Gippsland region at Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe for achock-a-block day of junior football.
Smack-bang in the middleofschool holidays beginning on the early hours of Wednesday morning through to late afternoon, WestGippsland were crowned champions and tookhome theGippsland U18 trophy
They were followed by the winners of yesteryear, the Gippsland League, who finished comfortably in second-place, losing the top-seeded battle just aftermidday, going down by 16 points, 5.1 (31) to 2.3 (15) against West Gippsland.
All-in-all, five leagues competed across the long day of football, including and in order of finish, following the two previous mentioned -Ellinbank &District, Mid Gippsland and North Gippsland. Games were played in two 18-minute halves to jam in as much football as possible, with atotal of 24 players picked from across each of the leagues that have not played Coates Talent League U18s football in the season prior (2023).
West Gippsland’s Zac Walker (Phillip Island) wasjudgedthe playerofthe carnival, splitting time between ruck and key forward with two huge gamestoconclude the day’s proceedings against theGippsland League and Mid Gippsland to take home the individual medal.
Eachteam also awarded aplayerofthe carnival. They were: Gippsland League’s Jordan Shields
Ellinbank&District’s KaiMounsey (Neerim Neerim South) kickednine goals across the four matches, followed by West Gippsland’sJarvis Harvey (Inverloch-Kongwak) with six goals, and Mid Gippsland’s Cheffers and West Gippsland’s Rem DalPozzo (Inverloch-Kongwak)with five goals each.
The carnival in recent times has seen anumber of juniors jump to the highest of levels in terms of football, with GippslandLeague players Tew Jiath (Morwell) and WillDawson (Leongatha)drafted into the AFL to Collingwood and North Melbourne respectively. Pick 1inthe AFL Mid Season Draft last year, Ryan Maric (Drouin) to West Coast also played interleague football in his time before starting his professional career.
Later in the week, Latrobe Valley won the Dahlsens Gippsland All Stars Under 15s Grand Finalagainst Eastern Gippsland,ending 29-point winners in an 8.10 (58) to 3.11 (29) finale.
TheyouthfulLatrobe Valley representatives led at every turn to come out on top, with Ben Raymond (Newborough) acknowledgedasbest-on-ground, along with FordGore(Traralgon)bootingfivegoals in the sealer. Gorekicked the most goalsacrossAll Starsaction with 10 majors to his nameinonly three matches played.
Other stand-outs includedLachlanPass (Traralgon),EliasRomano, Riley O'Brien, and Mason Malady (all Moe boys).
The juniorspectacularspannedacross four months beginning in April with Latrobe Valley's
32-pointwin over Southern Gippsland and Eastern Gippsland defeating Western Gippsland by 36 points.
Despite only winning that single game in their three boutsagainstthe rival Gippsland sides,
Latrobe Valleyhad amuch better percentage than Southernand Western Gippsland, only losing their next two games by under 14 points includinga two-point loss to WesternGippsland at Western Park, Warragul.
Photograph supplied
MID GIPPSLAND
Mirboo Nth: HKerr JBrooks T Wilkins PLewis EWoodall HMahoney
LCumiskeyHMoore MKulas MFerguson. Boolarra: LMarriott BMasonJNoy S MazouJ Mason MTwomey FISH CREEK4.1 8.2 13.6 16.9 (105) STONYCREEK2.1
Fish Creek:DBerryman 5T Buckley 3JShaw2LCocksedge 2T Sorrell HSmith S McGannon TCameron. StonyCreek:C Verboon 3JByrnes 2HBull2 CMichael CStone BEST: Fish Creek:H Smith JShawT Gavenlock TSorrell LGaleDBerryman. StonyCreek:C Verboon ASimmons TBernaldo HBull CStone DZuidema MORWELL EAST 0.3 4.7 8.9 11.13 (79)
AS we get deeper into the back half of the season, different clubs have much different priorities; some are trying to manoeuvre into aposition that allows them adouble chance come finals time, quite afew are on either side of the top six desperately trying just to secure afinals spot, and then there is afew at the bottom end trying to secure arare win to celebrate atough season.
HILLEND VBOOLARRA FINALLY!
Twelve rounds in and the Roversachieved reward for effort, with an impressive and courageous win over Boolarra, 13.6 (84) to 11.7 (73).
Whilesome in thecompetition willsoon start to honeinonwhatlooms as one of the most competitive finals series in recent memory, these two teams are playing for both pride and the chance to sell adream for prospective players that 2025 will be one in which there may well be more success, and it was the Hillmen who now had astory to sell Understandably, coachAmbuUliando and the rest of the Hill End were busy basking in adrought-breaking day.
“(We’ve) been celebrating after coming off asolid four quarter effort last week, we managed to back it up and continue our form against Boolarra,” Uliando said.
“An extremely emotional victory for Hill End on our past players day couldn’t have come at abetter time. Very proud of the team.”
MIRBOO NORTH VTARWIN
THEreappointmentofMirboo North coach Damian Turner for season 2025, might have also had the Tigers hoping that they could flip the switch for avictory against visiting Tarwin.
The Sharks defeatedMirboo North,13.6 (84) to 9.14 (68).
Tarwin arrived as asidethat was still a chance for finals and alosswould have meant those possibilities over which more thank likely was the deciding factor.
The Sharkscoach JasonKennedy said their win didn’t come easy.
While their were plenty of celebrations for the Rovers, the reality of the work to be doneatBoolarrahas nowset in, and the importance of the team staying strong right now.
There may appear to be afew cracks starting to open up, there remains plenty for the Demons to achieve this year.
Coach Brendan Masoncreditedthe Hill End outfit.
“Wasalways going to be atough day at hill end with them hostingtheirpastplayersday. They were up for the contest and we weren’t. Credit to Ambu the way he had his guys playingthey are on the right track,” he said
Theclash was further evidence of just how important it is to have your team up and about on aweeklybasis, no win can be taken for granted no matter where you sit on the MGFNL ladder
TOORAV NEWBOROUGH
THIS clashwas aperfect example of one team in Toora towards the bottom trying to claim the scalp of acontender, up against a Newborough side with their sights still set on atop three spot.
The Bulldogs got the job done winning 19.12 (126) to 12.12 (74).
Newboroughare slowly but surely going about their business with coach Craig Skinnerwas pleased with the end result.
“Wewere happy to start as strong as we usuallyfinish. Got first usethrough Zac Skinnerwith Kyle Jennings finishing with six classy goals. Jack’s men came out to play after half time and played some great footy. Four quarters of that will definitely take four points off someone before the seasons over. Relieved to get to our Bye this week to reset before we play the three top teams on the other side,” he said.
Newborough currently sit in fifth position still two wins from the top three and only a win ahead of seventh MDU.
The Magpies each week are playing good football but more times than not, it seems to be coming after aslowstart said coach Jack Weston.
“Frustrating again to let ateam get afive goal jump before we getinthe game.Athalf time it threatenedtoget ugly. Thankfully we responded in the second half and the game didn’t blow out. Matching it withanother top six side for ahalf. Challenges don’t get any bigger than Fish Creek next week. Our best footy is good enough against the best, we just need to do it for long enough.”
“The win keeps our season alive, the Tigers proved to be atoughopponentbut at this stage of the season it is important we just keep getting the four points every time we can.”
Make no mistake the home team Tigers had their chances to turn the result in their favour, however fartoo many times those chances weren’t taken when they needed to be, which was relayed by Turner.
“We are disappointed, Tarwin were the better team when it counted so credit to them Although behindall day we werewithin striking distance for the first half, playing some good footy,” he said.
“Tarwin came out in the third and pulled awaytoa match winning lead. We had alot of play in the last quarter but didn’t capitalise. Needtoplay four quartersoffooty to stayin thesematches.”
The Tigers have some big weeks ahead, one of which will welcome one of the greatest AFL players ever with Gary Ablett Junior watching from the side lines (Saturday July 20).
STONY CREEK VFISH CREEK
STONY CREEK’Sfinals aspirationsfor this season might have been killed off afew weeks ago butthatdidn’t meanthatthe Lions didn’t fully intend to causeone of the upsets of the season by taking the scalp of the 2024 premiership favourites,Fish Creek, and for a while they looked on track until the visitors did what they do late in any game in which they are under pressure winning 16.9 (105) to 9.3 (57).
“(We) got reallypushed on the weekend for three quarters, StonyCreek had some high quality players across the ground which made it ahard fought contest all day. We were able to kick away in the third quarter and create abit of alead and then hold onto it for the last quarter,” he said.
For the Lions it was yet another example of them havingthe personnel to match with any side in the competition, but it is also no secret thatgiven the closenessofthe MGFNL, every side needs to give four quarters.
Coach Chris Verboon said it was two quarters not four that they put forth at the weekend.
“Our first half of footy showed we can match it with fish creek.Unfortunately, we couldn’t do it for four quarters. Fish Creek’s third quarter showed why they are on top of the ladder,” he said.
two clubs, there would’ve been no excuse for poor performance from either.
Morwell East with atop three spot hanging in the balance hosting aMDU side that was still fighting for achance to be part of the finals in just six weeks time.
In the end therewas some good news for the Hawks and worrying times for the Demons with Morwell East winning 11.13 (79) to MDU 6.6 (36).
Hawks coach Paul Henry is keeping his group fixed on one game at atime.
“Every game is abig game when the competition is so close. MDU are askilful side, our aim was to bring the pressure to provide the turnover,” he said.
“Our starts have been great, but not today. After half time we brought our game and never looked back. Worked really hard to win the last half to come away with the win.”
Winning and knowingthat there is still improvement is anice positionfor the Hawks to be in, sittingsecond their destiny is in their own hands.
MDU coach Nathan Allen praised the first two quarters that were offered from both clubs, the second half not so much, at least from his team’s end.
“First half of footy from both teams was great to be apart of. It was finals like pressure and intensity and both teams struggled to take their chances,” he said.
“(The) second halfMorwell were able to maintain that level, we weren’t. They were too good for us and ran away with the game in the end.”
The loss for the Demons is one that hurts, they now sit just outside the six with some tough football ahead.
FOSTER VYINNAR
AS well as these two teams are going, each was under no illusions as to the amount of work that is still to be done before the end of the home and away season.
Yinnarenteredthe weekend as league leaders on theback of eight successive wins, hosting aFoster sidethat was just four premiership points behind them and more than capable as it proved to be as the Tigers were victorious, 10.11 (71) to 4.11 (35).
The impressive win came after aone kick defeat to reigning premiers Fish Creek justaweek ago, bothperformancesproof enough that the Tigers are well and truly in the premiership race upon their response heralded by coach Sam Davies.
“A strong bounce back from last week’s result, we really set up well and were defensively elite,” he said.
“Yinnar are avery good team and will no doubttakea lot away from the game. Hill End away coming up on the back of their first win in acouple of years.”
There is every chance that Yinnar might be questioning themselvesafter acomprehensiveloss on the weekend.
Coach Sam McCulloch said that his boys never found their groove.
“There is alot we can take out of the game and work on this week.”
The thought of the top of the top table Kangaroos, is enough to give anyone some sleepless nights, but Toorafully understands you only ever lose if you don’t learn along the way,and the Magpies are slowly putting together the pieces for asuccessful club on the field following their excellent off field camaraderie.
The challenge that follows for Stony Creek is no less demanding, having to take on the might of Yinnar, asidethat is coming off a rare loss and will be desperatetobounce back.
MORWELL EAST VMDU THEREwas so muchonoffer for both of these
“We were greeted to perfect conditions for footy at Foster. (It) was agameinwhich they got the upper hand early and we were never abletoget the game on our terms with disposal and decision makingletting us down.Foster setupvery well,played a good brand of footyand won most battles right across the field,” he said.
Confidence is key for good sides and there is no question that theirweekendlosswould have put adent in that, how they bounce back will now tell us alittle about who they are.
THORPDALE HAD THE BYE.
Backhome: Former Traralgon coach Jake Best (right) has returned to Foster this season. Photograph supplied
Evansto break Hawks record
FOOTBALL
MID GIPPSLAND
BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
MORWELL East Football-Netball Club corner-
stone Brendan Evans is one game away from breaking the club’s senior games record, previously set by Darren Tatterson of 254.
Thenumber 29 has already been synonymous withEvans, having played his entire career in the brown and gold dating back to juniors in 2005. It’s safe to say he’ll be aHawk until the day he hangs up the boots.
“I’ve been apart of the club for along time, the people have always been fantastic (to) anyone who’s come into the club, always been good people and easy to get along with,” he said.
“(I’ve) made some reallygood friends, close friends over the years from the playing group, officials and volunteers, all that.”
Thefootball-netball club has been in his blood sincehecould remember, his father David Evans
served as club president for overhalf adecade through the 1990s and 2000s.
“Morwell East has always been apartofthe family. Ifind myself to be pretty loyal and that’s why I’ve always played there and I’ve enjoyed every moment,” Evans said.
One thing missing from Evans playing career is that allusive senior premiership.
The club, dating back to last off-season,has reloaded with some heavy recruitment in the chase for their first senior flag since 2005.
“To be honest, that’s probably the one thing I’m still playing for outside of the friendships I’ve made with the group, that’s abig part of it as well, but apremiership would definitely cap off my career personally and probably alot of people’s careers at the club as well,” Evans said.
“We’re sitting at areasonably good spotthis year, especially with those recruits… it would be very nice to go all the way this year, for sure.”
Despite still chasing the ultimate, Evansdoes haveareserves flag under his belt, withapremiership in 2010.
The 34-yearold halfbackisstill spry and says he still has plenty left in the tank.
“To be honest, Ifeel fit enough to keep playing, but it’s just the body starting to let me down a little bit, but that’s for me to manage, Iguess,and hopefully there is abit more footy left (in me),” he said.
Morwell East at the time of writing sit equalsecond on the Mid Gippsland ladder at awin-loss record of 9-2, beating the likes of back-to-back grand finalist Newborough and narrow losses to top-placed Fish Creek and equally good Yinnar this season.
Editor's note: Best wishes and congratulations to Evo, aformer Express employee, on breaking the senior games record. Fantastic achievement.
Swenson salutes in senior game number 300
FOOTBALL
ELLINBANK DISTRICT
YOU couldn't have scripted it any better. Trafalgar Football-Netball Club veteranMatt Swenson celebrated his 300th senior game in the best possible way at the weekend.
Withthe Bloods holding anarrow five-point lead over Neerim Neerim South, amatch sealing tackle from Swenson ensured he would be signing the song after being chaired off.
Swenson took in the applause of well wishes as he exitedhis home ground,onthe shoulders of teammates Dylan Farrell and Cooper Minichiello. The occasion completedamemorable day, as the Bloods topped their more fancied opponents in Round 14 of theEllinbank and District Football League, winning 5.11 (41) to 5.6 (36). Anumberofaspectslead to many Trafalgar
Down the years: Premiership teammatesof MattSwenson gather to celebratehis 300th game.Picturedis(backrow)Jace Butler,Matt Swenson, Will Cheatley(front) Rhys Holdsworth, MichaelFarrell, LukeWilliams,KlayButler,Chris Kyriacou, MattRobertson, Hayden Fredericks and Tyson Leys
officials claiming it to be the club's best win since joining the EDFL from Mid Gippsland threeyears ago. Not only was there Swenson'smilestone,but the Bloodswere also celebrating their past players day.
Apacked crowd cametoTrafalgar to join in festivities, which saw part of the oval painted with congratulatory messages to the milestone man.
In adour struggle, the Bloods led at three quarter time by five points, before holding on to win by the same margin when fulltime was called.
The win kept Trafalgar outright sixth, and with it, their finals hopes remain alive.
ATrafalgar Football-Netball Club Life Member, Swenson became just the fifth person to play 300 senior games in the red and white.
He made his senior debut way back in 2002, and has gone on to achieve anumberofteam and personal accolades since.
He has played in three senior Mid Gippsland premierships for Trafalgar (2009, '12, '18) and represented the MGFNL in senior interleague.
Clubawards include selection in two TFNC Teams of the Decade (2000-09, 2010-19),while his consistency and durability saw him win the Bloods senior goalkicking just last year with close to 50 goals.
Playingateitherends of the ground, his disposal by foot has been ahallmark, and he is often cited as one of the best distributors by teammates and those who have played with him.
Offfield, he has also served anumber of roles, perhapsunheraldedattimes, including secretary, vice president and through dedicated sponsorship. He has also put in countlesshours behind the scenes helping with recruitment.
The Swenson familyhas been apartofthe Trafalgar community for generations. His grandfather was the legendaryClarrieSwenson, who played for Collingwood and Hawthorn, and later won the Trood Award and Rodda Medal as best player in the Gippsland League in 1950.
Cowwarr champions honoured on player lockers
FOOTBALL
NORTH GIPPSLAND
BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
COWWARR Football-Netball Club welcomed past footballers who shared in wearing the Saints colours of red,white and blackrecently, by chiselling their names onto the club’schangeroom player lockers.
Not literally chiselled, but life members and past players of more than 200 clubs games and or 100 seniors games gathered in the Cowwarr changerooms and ceremoniously ripped tapeoff the wall to unveil their past championsinwriting that will remain there for years.
“Itwas reallygood. We got them all in thereand put abit of masking tape(on)tocover them all up… we had abunchofolder players, past players that ranged up to 90-years-old,” Cowwarr FNC President, Jim Wire said.
"Clubmen and members of the 1963, 1973 and 1974 premiership teamsstill with us made the trip, as well as family members representing diseased players to unmask their names."
Players from the club’s premierships in 1987 (an 11-point win against Heyfield) and 2006 (defeating Rosedale by 20 points) were also presented.
The 2006 premiership captain, Matt Cameron, was the first name to be unveiled, and was revealed by wife Hayley and his two young daughtersas he was not present due to work commitments.
Michael McNulty, Don Veale, Rob Ferguson and Kevin Wood all made their way to the rooms to see their names unveiled.
Those who have played 300 games for the Saints, McNulty, Ferguson, Roger Farley, Luke Cooper, Lee Cooper, Andrew Hollands, and senior games
record holder, Shane Morgan were bestowed.
As another special treat for the visiting past players, 1984 and 1985 Essendon premiership player Terry Daniher visitedtotell some oldstories from the VFL days as apartofthe club’s life members, sponsors, and past players day.
FOOTBALL
GIPPSLAND
GIPPSLAND Power boys had their match against Tasmania cancelled at the weekend.
The Round 14 clash in the Coates Talent League did notgoahead due to travel delays.
Tasmaniawere scheduled to fly into Melbourne and then maketheir wayto Highgate Reserve, Cragieburn. Allother games across the round went ahead.
Powerremainsixth on the ladder, and will next play on Sunday, July 21 against Western Jets at Morwell Recreation Reserve. Power girls next play Saturday, July 20 against Bendigo Pioneers at Highgate.
At the top: Brendan Evans will breakthe senior games recordfor Morwell East this weekend. Photograph supplied
Milestone man: MattSwenson is chairedoff afterplaying his 300thseniorgame forTrafalgar Photographs supplied
Legacy: Cowwarr Football-NetballClubsenior games recordholder, ShaneMorganinfront of the No.12lockernow bearing his name Photograph supplied
POWER
NORTH GIPPSLAND
Age no barrier for Holt
FOOTBALL
NORTH GIPPSLAND
BY LIAM DURKIN
HOWmuchand yethow little changes in North Gippsland football.
While Round 12 returned afew eye-brow raising results, and one especially astonishing performance, by and large it was another concerningweekend featuringlopsided margins.
moving to Morwell East, the goal square needed to be occupied by someone.
Holt has taken to this role seamlessly,and appears to be getting even better with age, if that is even possible.
He has beennamed in thebestmoretimes this year (nine) than he has in the previous three combined.
Perhaps lostinthe Holt Show wasthe fact Yarram’s Josh Swift kicked his 1000th career goal.
BMacgregor-Davies
JKirkS Alexander BEST: Sale City:K Martin KMcCulloch CWhitehill HTollner JAllison BMcKay Cowwarr:R Farnham SAlexander HHectorMLeicester bHoodLBourke
Sale City: DCrowson 6J Wells 4NRandJKelly RWilson SMayman. Cowwarr:Details N/A. BEST: Sale City:R Wilson NRandKDelacour DCrowson JWells NWilson. Cowwarr:C Bass JSmyth JWall CCox
5.3 9.7 13.10 19.14 (128)
The top of the tableclash between Woodside and Traralgon Tyers United all but reconfirmedwhathas already been generally accepted in most league circles, that it will take something drastic for either of those two sides not to make it to asecond consecutive Grand Final.
Both teamsare three games clear on top of the ladder, with the Wildcats holding prime position for now, despite losing at the weekend.
At the other end of the scale, concerns are surely heightenedbythe sight of the bottom three teams being the same bottom three teamsfrom last year, and the year before that.
IS history about to repeat itself?
TTU moved to equal first on the ladder following victory over Woodside.
Justsix pointsseparated the teams,before the visitors kicked five goals to two in the final term to win 14.7 (91) to 10.7 (67).
Up until then, the match had everything one would expect fromthe twobest teamsin the competition,and spectators weretreated to acontest reflecting this.
The result was the Bombers’ best result for the year, and puts them in primeposition mentallyand mathematicallytocomplete the task of winning back-to-back flags.
Jye Neilson kicked four goals for the winners, and received good support from veteran Guy Sinclair, Zach Kilgower, Oscar Aliotta, Beau White and Hayden Willaton.
Bestfor Woodside was Jeremy Morgan, Adam Janssen, Cameron Whiteoak, Ben Johnson, Brody Stainer and Jon Fythe.
Both sides will likely take positivesand mental notes out of the game,and look forward to arematch in September.
TheWildcatswere withoutgun midfielder MarkCollison, while TTU still has afew players to return, including key forward Caleb Michie.
Collison might be counting his lucky stars after his decision to leavethe postof Warragul Industrials coach late last year, following some wild allegations involving the club’s finances came to hand recently.
While Collison’sfootball smarts are well credentialed, his foresighttoget out when he didarguably places his intellect even higher.
Adding another layer to the story, the man who was parachuted in at the last minuteto coach the Dusties, Michael Duncan, coached Woodside in the previous four years.
Granted football and politics never make a good mix, Duncan has perhaps suffered more injustices thanmost coaches ever will. He was let go by TTU despite taking the team to consecutive finals series, and fought off no shortage of debatesurrounding player pointsand salary cap concessionsduring his time at Woodside.
Put theDustiesexperience on top of it, and you have the makings of adecent movie.
YOU can’t buy experience.
Especially more than 40 years of it.
Brendan Holt defied all issues related to ageism at the weekend, to lead Churchill to an incredible victory over Yarram.
The Cougars, who before lastweekend lookedontracktomissthe finals for the first time in some 30 years,kept their season alive with a17.8(110) to 10.13 (73) win at Gaskin Park.
Taking centre stage was Holt. Now closer to 50 than he is to 40, the Cougars veteran kicked an astonishing 10 goals on his home deck.
Taking on opponentsmostofwhomweren’t evenborn whenhestarted playing senior football, the old timer showed he absolutely still has it.
Holt’s effort saw the Cougars jump to afive goal to one head start at quarter time. While Yarram reduced the margin to 17 points at the final change of ends,therewas simply no stopping the man in the number 36 jumper wearing the blue and gold.
Holt was aclear best-on-ground, and was joined by his son Kurt among the most prominent.
Others to play well were Bailey Flanigan, Nathan McRae, JoeyWhykes and coach Jordan Fenech.
By allreports,Fenechhad plannedfor Holt to play in defence this season, but with key forwards Ben Kearns out, Blake Slater needed at bothends and ChrisWagman
The moment came through what was some pretty sloppydefence, leaving Swift unmanned in the goal square after ahigh ball came in.
The opportunistic Swift pounced, snapping through one of his two majors.
The 1000 total was made up of goals kicked by Swift for Yarram in both seniors and reserves, and afew from his stints at Yinnar and MDU, as well as Highett in the Southern Football League.
Boadie Motton, Kayleb Pearce, Liam Bentley, Tate Chisholm, Jacob Davis and Matt Clavarino were best for Yarram.
Remarkably,the Demons are still equalthirdonthe ladder, despite dropping games to Rosedale and now Churchill.
WILL this be the start of Heyfield’s run?
The Kangaroos bounced back into the top five at the weekend, trading places with Rosedale after winning15.10(100)to7.9 (51)
Making the trip to Rosedale presented an initial challenge for Heyfield, although by halftimethey had the game undercontrol for the most part.
Asix goal to two third quarter extended the lead to 51 points at the final break, which was virtually the margin when fulltime was called.
Ironically,Victoria’s wintryweather carried benefits for Heyfield, as the GippslandPower game against Tasmania was cancelled due to the Tasmanian team being unable to fly across Bass Strait,meaning Asher Eastham became available for his home club.
Eastham was among the best for the Kangaroos, along with Max Van Der Zwart, KyleGraham,Kail Hole, Tyson Graham and Isaac Wheeler.
LukeStuckey, Blake Safstrom, Declan Barnett, Caleb Moore, Max Lazzaro and Spencer Fox were best for Rosedale.
On the surfaceatleast, theremight not be much more room for improvement for the Blues, who were at 44 out of 45 player points (admittedly afew of those players were Rosedale juniors who automatically attract three points each).
Heyfield by contrast only used 26/40, with 21 out of the 22 one pointers.
The Kangarooshad four players kick three goals,and could still have playing coach Leigh Brown to come back and provideeven more goal scoring power.
Heyfield is now fifthonthe ladder with 24 points, equalwith Rosedale, but could easily get to 10 wins in the next five weeks to claim the double chance.
The Kangaroos haveavery easy run home, playing Glengarry,and Gormandale, as well as Yarram and Churchill, who could both be playingfor theirseasons by then.
GLENGARRY’S win was great for only one club.
The Magpies sangthe song for justthe secondtimethis season, after beating Gormandale 18.23 (131) to 7.5 (47).
The home side put up seven goals in the first quarter, and were rarely challenged from there, although the Tigers did manage four goals of their own in the second.
One of Glengarry’sgreat servants and survivor of the 2013 premiership, Ben Truin, kicked seven goals in abest-on-ground performance.
Jack Burgess added four of his own, while CallumMitchell, Cassidy Bartley, Tom Harris,Jordan Thomas and Mitch Harris were prominent.
Kodie Owen, TristanSalerno,Tyler Kanara, Chris Potalej,Hayden Richards and IsaacCopeland battled hard for Gormandale.
While the Magpies had adeserved victory to celebrate, if there is to be any changes in local footymovingforward, the fact the second-last team is beating the last team by 84 points is surely ared flag.
ANOTHER red flag might have presented itself in Cowwarr.
The Saints were completely wiped off the park by Sale City to the tune of 153 points, 27.16 (178) to 3.7 (25).
And Sale City are coming seventh.
The Bulldogs do admittedly have a host of key players who work offshore, and some of them were available at the weekend.
Kane Martin is one, and he was beston-ground, kickingfourgoals. FynnRead filled his boots withsix,and MitchEvans did similar with five. Others to play well were Kaden McCulloch, CooperWhitehill, Hudson Tollner, Jayden Allison and Brad McKay.
Allison and McKay were playing just their fifthand fourth game respectively for the year, and the Bulldogs willbehoping to have them available from here on in.
Sale City is only one game outside the top five, and is looking the side most likely to displace either Yarram or Heyfield when the final five is sorted.
For Cowwarr meanwhile, this was arguably their biggest step backwards this season.
The offseason recruiting drive that netted gun forward Keenan Hughes from Yallourn Yallourn North and midfielder Haydn Hector fromTraralgonhas provided some help, but with only two wins so far this season, delivery has perhaps not met expectation. In total fairness to Hughes, he cannot do much morethan what he has -47goals in 11 games, while Hector has only got on the park six times.
Hector battled hard at the weekend, as did Robbie Farnham, Sean Alexander, Matt Leicester, Brady Hood and Lee Bourke. YALLOURN Yallourn North had the bye.
Inspiring: Churchill legendBrendan Holt kicked10goals forthe Cougar’s senior team at theweekend.The veteranwelland trulydefies his mid-40s age Photograph supplied
Foster pips Yinnar in netball upset
NETBALL
By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
MID Gippsland and North Gippsland netball was afforded ahigher notice at the weekend, as the Gippsland League had aleague-wid byes.
Some excellent games playedout aroundMid Gippsland,with very littleseparating the topsides to the ones knocking on the door of thetop six (three wins is all that is between first and eighth on the ladder).
Morwell East defeated MDU62to39tobring about their fourth consecutive win to place them second on the ladder at awin-loss record of 8-1. Better yet, the Hawks are equal-first alongside Fish Creek and Yinnar but only fall behindthe Kangaroos due to percentage.
DaniDunnput in 40 goals at Ronald Reserve alongside shooting partner Sukie Hodgson with 22, whichwas more than enough to combat Alahna Arnason and Lillyca White (22 and 17 goals respectively).
Depite the result, MDU remains only agame
Netball scoreboard
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE -BYE
MID GIPPSLAND –ROUND 12
AGRADE: Morwell East 62 def MDU 39, Toora47def Newborough 38, Mirboo North 63 def Tarwin 35, Fish Creek 64 def Stony Creek 26, Foster 46 def Yinnar 41, Boolarra, Thorpdale -BYE.
BGRADE: Morwell East 62 def MDU 36, Mirboo North 77 def Tarwin 26, Boolarra58 def Hill End 32, Newborough 63 def Toora 46, Yinnar 51 def Foster 49, Fish Crek 45 def StonyCreek 31, Thorpdale -BYE.
CGRADE: Morwell East 39 def MDU 35, Newborough 37 def Toora26, Mirboo North 30 def Tarwin 24, Hill End 37 derf Boolarra25, Yinnar 43 def Foster 31, Fish Creek 40 def StonyCreek 27,Thorpdale -BYE.
DGRADE: MDU27def Morwell East 23, Toora25def Newborough 20, Yinnar 48 def Foster 26, tarwin 45 def Mirboo North 38, Hill End 27 def Boolarra22, Fish Creek 38 def StonyCreek 27,Thorpdale -BYE.
17 AND UNDER: MDU 51 def Morwell East 11,Toora 46 def Newborough 13,Boolarra 53 def Hill End 16,Fish Creek 55 def Stony Creek 29, Mirboo North, Yinnar -BYE. 15 AND UNDER: Boolarra34def Hill End 29, Toora51def Newborough 20, MDU 53 def Morwell East 16,Stony Creek 27 def Fish Creek 13,Mirbo North 34 def Tarwin 17, Yinnar 36 def Foster 12 13 AND UNDER: Hill End 32 def Boolarra 10,Nwborough 29 def Toora11, Fish Creek 29 def StonyCreek 5, Yinnar 46 def Foster 0, Mirboo North 20 def Tarwin 16,MDU -BYE.
The Magpies found the early momentum, up 11 to eightatquarter time at the FosterShowgrounds, before adead-even second term ended 20-all after Foster’s Brylee Angwin put in two final shotsto tie it up heading into the break.
Nothing would separate the two sides again as it headed into the last 15 minutes of play.
Foster foundtheir groove through the middle of the last quarter with a12-5run to begin final proceedings that gave them the distance needed to hold onto the win.
Angwin (Foster) and SkyeMcDonald (Yinnar) couldn’t be separated with 28 goals each, while Ella Rendell (Foster) shot18goals and Claire Thorburn (Yinnar) 13.
Foster created atwo-game gap at sixth while Yinnar succumbed to their first lossineight weeks.
Newborough were outdone Toora, 47-38.
The two evenly-matchedteams (both pushing to break into the top six) battled it out supremely throughtwo quarters at Toora, which concluded with the Bulldogs ahead 22-20.
The Magpies burst out of the second half, going on a9-1 run beforecomingtothreequarter time up three goals and outscoring their opponents 15-10.
It appeared Newborough had already run out of gas and Toora were transfixed on asignificant finish to the game, limiting the Bulldogs to just five goals for the concluding quarter as they notched12.
Toora’s Hannah Westonwas adifference-maker with 32 goals while Demi Caldow offered all that she could with 25 goals for the Bulldogs.
Mirboo North at home made quick work of Tarwin, winning 63 to 35 for their sixth victory of the year to sit in fifth-place.
Tarwin, still without awin to their name, sit second-bottom to Thorpdale.
Fish Creek did anumberonStony Creek, 64-26 at the Stony Racecourse.
The seismic win gives the Kangaroos the added percentage to sit atop the ladder ahead of Morwell East and Yinnar.
Stony Creek remain at 2-8 on the year to sit lowest of the sides to record awin this season.
Boolarra and Thorpdale had the bye.
ROUND 12 of North Gippsland netball showcased some closer matches that brought a higher level of intensity and focus to the table for sides battling it out at the top of ladder for spots in play beyond regular season action.
Sale Citycontinued theirunblemished run, defeating Cowwarr 50 to 38 at Cowwarr.
The Bulldogs will now prepare for an all-out clash against fellow top-four team, Woodside this weekend.
Cowwarr, who still put up avaliant effort against the clear favourites, sit with awin-loss record of 3-8,but could be right backonthe winner's list in due time with agame againstsimilar-placed Yallourn Yalloutn North next round.
Heyfield edged past Rosedale 42-40.
The result kept the Kangaroos in third position on the ladder and avoided an unwanted two week
winless stretch after losing to Woodside the week before.
Rosedale could have had one of their best wins of the seasonathome and potentially jumped Traralgon TyersUnitedfor fifth-place with an alternative result, but will have to make do with sixth on the ladder for the time being.
Glengarry had no problem with Gormandale, winning 59-37 at home.
The Magpies are making their second half push for finals, sitting just agamebackofTTU for fifth alongside Rosedale.
The Magpieshave had two comfortable wins againstGormandale and Yarram in recentweeks, but will now face amuch tougher challenge in Heyfield coming up.
Gormandale has only won asinglewin for the year and sit second-bottom on the ladder.
Woodside was too good for TTU, comingout 55-42 winners on their home court.
TheWildcats hold onto atop four position on the ladder and momentarilyavoid the clutter of sides battling it outfor the remaining spots in the finals. TTU, at 6-5 for the year, will now prepare for a fiery contest against Rosedale thatcould see some shifts on theladder.
Churchill dismantled Yarram, 84-23, bringing the Cougars to arecord of 9-1 on their season for second-placeonthe ladder.Churchill has now won seven games in arow, most definitely as the clear contender to the top-ranked Sale City outfit. Yarram continue awinless season but willbe rested with aweek off this weekend.
YYN had the bye.
Backon: Gippsland League netball returns this weekend followingaleague-wide bye
Photographs: Liam Durkin
Rest and recover: Newborough netballerTahni Hodgensand her teammateswill get to puttheir feet up this weekend, thanks to abye in the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League.
Will Pendlebury coachTasmania?
FOOTBALL
AFL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
SALE'S Scott Pendlebury has been suggested for the top coaching job at the AFL’s 19th license in Tasmania for 2028.
The Magpies games record-holder has proclaimed his ambition to takeonsenior coaching oncehis playingdayswind down, and ayoung, wide-eyed frontman could be exactly what the start-up club needs.
Pendlebury ‘hasn’t made his mind up’ in regards to playingonnextseason, andhaving already said he intends to take abreak from footy in between these two career points, that time could perfectly line up with him assuming the position by the club’s first AFL season.
The former Collingwood skipper has already gainedsomecoaching experienceduring his playing career assisting former Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd with the Haileybury under 18s football program which has produced AFL players like Andrew Brayshaw, Cody Weightman, and the King brothers.
“That’s my passion; Ilove being around the football environment with the young kids trying to get better with those guys.
“I feel likeI’m the sort of guy that once Icome back, I’ll be pretty driven and on amission to get to where Iwanttoget to,” Pendlebury said on SENradio.
As the AFLisset to grant exorbitant amounts of draftcapitol the way of Devils to prepare them for as competitive astart as possible, the same way they did withGWS and Gold Coast,Pendlebury would be gifted apaddock of young talent to be grow as he develops as aside-lines leader.
All while they lure Tasmanian-born AFL players backtotheir heartland with names like Ryley Sanders (Western Bulldogs),AlexPearce (Fremantle),Chayce Jones (Adelaide), Jye Menzie (Essendon), and potential coaching support from the likes of retired-Tiger Jack Riewoldt to be considered.
Former Richmond CEO,Brendan Gale (Tasmanian native) was recently announced as the man to lead the Devils’ from 2025 onwards.
Gale was the man who hired Damien Hardwick as the Tigers' coach and saw that football organisation shift dramatically during his tenure to become a powerhouse of the competition.
Solidifying Gale’s position brings with it the
standing and determined mind-set thatthe club will need to take on during its coaching search and in establishing it organisational culture long before the team even thinks of getting out on the park.
Unlikethe two mostrecentexpansionclubs in the Gold Coast and GWS, apotential inaugural coach in Pendlebury would be welcomed in afootballfirst-and-only state, not having to work past any builtinpublic biases and in an infrastructure that is being strengthened immediately.
Former teammate and Brownlowmedallist, Dane Swan hassaidthat if Pendlebury wanted to coach, he would be ready tomorrow.
“I haven’t spoken to Scottaboutit, butI think he wants to go do an apprenticeship somewhere.
“FatherTime is undefeated as we all know,so
eventually he will havetorealisehecan’tplay forever and he’ll need to work out what he wants to do. But we know he wants to coach… he could step in tomorrow if he wants to do it,” Swan said.
Pendleburyisone of few current players that has expressed their desire to take on this opportunity with others ignoring it and venturing off onto different paths.
Pendlebury, alongsideestablished AFLsenior coaches, have outwardly exclaimed their disappointment regarding the lack of support from the AFL following the salary cutbacks during the pandemicthat has seenmoreseniorassistant coaches leave the industry than join it.
“You look at the amount of peoplethat have gone into the media because, probably financially, it’s
payinga lot better than doing the assistant coaching hours that these guys put in,” Pendlebury said.
The other names linked alongside Pendlebury to coach the Devils include his former coach Nathan Buckley (whohas made it pretty clearhis intentions to run), former GWS coach Leon Cameron, West Coast coach Adam Simpson, and the AFL Boss’s recommendation of Geelong’s Chris Scott.
In the meantime, Pendlebury has already been the supposed target of anumberofAFL clubs attempting to lure him away from Collingwood in his final year.
One potentialscenario wouldsee him under the wing of four-time premiership coach Alistair Clarkson at North Melbourne firstly as aplayer then as an assistant
Improvement continues after narrow Stars loss
BY TOM HAYES
FUELLEDwith confidence following their first home game at Victorian Netball League level, the Gippsland Stars did not back down from the task at hand last week.
On the road to face the Wilson Storage Southern Saints, the Starsdid not let themselves get run over the top of, going down 49-45.
They started the better of the two, before athreegoal runput the Saints ahead. Similarly, the Stars
would also go on arun of theirown to snatch the lead back during the first term.
Yet, some missedopportunities saw the leadtrade hands again, as the Saints piled on three late goals to lead by two points at quarter time.
Down, but certainly not out of it, the Stars trailed for the entire second term leading up to halftime.
The Saints'leadnever extended past four points, as the Stars remained within touching distance, down by three points, 24-21, at halftime.
The third quarter was much of the same as the second, as the Saintsremained ahead for the entire term.
The Saints burst the lead out to seven points at
one stagehoweverlateinthe quarter, but astrong finish from the Gippsland girls dragged the margin back to four points as they entered the final quarter.
With aquarter still to play, the Stars were out to cause an upset, and to start the last quarter, it looked like they were capable of doing so.
Traralgon's Sophie Lecchino joined Myah Healey in attack, and proved to be quiteahandful, bringing the Stars to within apoint of the Saints, scoring half of the Stars goals at one point during the last quarter.
The margin teetered around one to two points, before the Saints had their turn on dominance.
They cracked the Stars open, scoring four times
in arow to hold afive-point advantage.
That would be as worse as it got for the Stars in the final quarter, as some late goals in their direction dragged the margin slightly back to four goals as the final siren blew.
It was avery improved performance for the Stars, especially coming up against asidethat had won nine games for the seasons so far.
Unfortunatelyhowever, the result means thatthe Stars remain on the bottom of the ladder, despite their visible improvement seenonthe scoreboard. Tonight (July 10), the Starswill face fifth-placed GeelongCougars at the State Netball Centre.
All-female game displays opportunity
UMPIRING
LVUA
FINALS dayofthe Dahlsens Gippsland All Stars sawanUnder 15Girls Exhibition match follow the main final last Sunday.
The match, held at Ted SummertonReserve, showcased the growing talent pool of females involved in local footy. The match featured an all girls and women's coaching and umpiring panel, and acompetitive game ending in afive-pointvictory to 'Green' team, 8.7 (55) to 'Yellow' team 7.8 (50).
The exhibition game was the first time the Latrobe Valley Umpires Association had fielded an all-female crew.
Sam Price (visiting from Yarra Ranges Umpires) joined Ceana Moorhouseinthe fieldusing the LVUA's RF Audio communications, with live coaching from SophieMastaing from the community accelerator squad.
Alyssa Cormack and Remey Podmore ran the boundaries while Mel Sykes and Kaylie Earle waved the flags.
Umpires are always needed for local games, and the LVUA welcomes anyone interested. For more information, email lvumpires@gmail.com
Gippsland’s own: ScottPendleburyhas been linked to the Tassie coaching job File photograph
July 13
6.00 Stuff TheBritish Stole: Girl And Her Doll. (PG,R) Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 IWas Actually There: Port Arthur (Ml, R) Firsthand accounts of historic moments.
7.00 ABCNews. Alookatthe topstories of the day
7.30 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (Return, PG) Great Slaughter plays host to akids TV show
8.15 Midsomer Murders. (Final, Ma, R) After anglers flocktoapicturesque village in pursuit of agiant fish, chaos ensues.
9.45 Ladies In Black. (Ms, R) The spring racingcarnival draws fresh battle lines between Magda and Ambrose over youthfashion.
1.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PGas, R) 3.55 Grand ToursOfScotland’sRivers. (PG, R) 4.30 Tour De France 2024 Highlights Review
5.30 The Abyss: The Rise AndFall Of The Nazis. (PGa, R)
6.30 SBS WorldNews.
7.30 Big Backyard Quiz. (Mls) Narelda Jacobs and StevenOliverhost aquizshow that explores Australia.
8.30 TheArtist’sView:AC/DC. (Ms, R)
AC/DC co-founder Angus Youngand lead singer Brian Johnson recall the inspiration behind the band’s most hard-hitting music videos, including Thunderstruck and YouShookMeAllNightLong
9.00 Cycling Tour de France. Stage 14
PautoSaint-Lary-Soulan Plad’Adet.152km mountainstage. From France
2.00 Blinded (Malns, R)
3.45 Peer To Peer (PG, R) 4.45 Bamay. (R)
5.00 NHKWorld English News Morning.
5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANCPhilippines The WorldTonight.
Skies Of Lebanon. Continued. (2020, PG, Italian) 6.45 SwallowsAnd Amazons. (2016, PG) 8.35 The Wild Duck. (1983) 10.20 TenCanoes. (2006,M Ganalbingu) Noon Selma. (2014,M) 2.20 Jonsson Gang. (2020,PG, Finnish) 4.40 RomeoAnd Juliet. (2013,PG) 6.50 Eat Wheaties! (2020,PG) 8.30 Marmalade. (2024, M) 10.25 Stars At Noon. (2022) 12.55am Late Programs. 6am MorningPrograms. 11.40 MOVIE: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. (1990, PG) 1.20pm MOVIE: MeetDave. (2008, PG) 2.55 Nurturing Country. 3.05 Amplify. 3.30 Karla Grant Presents. 4.30 GoingPlaces. 5.00 NITVNews: Nula 5.30 Coastal Africa. 6.20 News. 6.30 The BigWet 7.30 BigBackyard Quiz 8.30 MOVIE: Bran Nue Dae. (2009,PG) 10.00 Sing About This Country. Midnight Late Programs. NITV (34)
6.00 SevenNews.
7.00 Football. AFL.Round 18.Melbourne vEssendon. From the MCG.
10.30 AFL Post-GameShow. Post-game discussion andinterviews taking alook back at allthe action from thegame.
11.00 To Be Advised.
12.45 Criminal Confessions: The Kill Club (MA15+av,R)Takes alook at the2009 murder of homeless man Dwite Morgan in Edmond, Oklahoma.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Drop Dead Weird. (R) Three Australian siblings move to abed and breakfastinTubbershandy in western Ireland with their zombie parents.
5.00 House Of Wellness (PGa, R) Luke Darcy,JoStanley and LukeHines look at locations that highlight living well.
6.00 9News Saturday.
6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PGl, R) Lifeguards try to resuscitate alifelessman found facedown in the surf.Reidy returns. 7.00 TheDog HouseAustralia. (PG, R) Thestaff at the Animal Welfare League helps adog whose chew toy obsession could be its downfall. 8.00 TheDog House (PG, R) Follows pets, including atimid puppy,which are matched with potential companions. 9.00 AmbulanceUK. (Ma, R) With a spikeinstaffillness duetoCOVID-19,the ambulance service calls on the military for help.However,beforethe recruits can be deployed they must undergo threedaysofintensivetraining. 11.30 TheCheap Seats (Mal,R) Presented by Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Front Up 12.05pm Gymnastics. Trampoline World Cup.H’lights. 1.05 Scrubs. 1.30 WorldWatch. 2.00 Tour De France 2024 Highlights Review 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France.H’lights 4.00 WorldWatch 5.25 Tattoo Age. 5.55 The Food That BuiltThe World. 7.35 Impossible Engineering 8.30 The Nine LivesOf. 10.20 Hudson &Rex 12.50am The X-Files. 2.40 NHK WorldEnglish News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am
7.00 ACurrent Affair
7.30 RugbyUnion. International Test Series. Game 2.Australiav Wales
9.50 Test Rugby: Wallabies VWales Post-Match Post-match wrap-up of theInternationalTest, featuring analysis and player interviews.
10.30 Wimbledon 2024 Pre-Show. Pre-game coverage of Wimbledon.
11.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 13.Women’s final
12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 13 Late. Women’sfinal.
2.00 TheIncredibleJourney Presents. (PGa)
2.30 Getaway. (PG,R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
7TWO (72, 62) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.10pm Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio.H’lights. 3.20 MOVIE: Loch Ness. (1996) 5.20 MOVIE: The WaterHorse. (2007, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Edward Scissorhands. (1990,PG) 9.40 MOVIE: Practical Magic. (1998,M) 11.50 MOVIE: LikeABoss. (2020, M) 1.30am The Platinum Life. (Return)
Sunday, July 14
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
SEVEN (7,6)
NINE (9,8) 6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 WeekendBreakfast. 9.00 Insiders 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 The World This Week.(R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Love Your Garden (R) 2.15 Grand Designs:The Streets. (PG, R) 3.50 Secrets Of The Museum. (Final, R) 4.45 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery.(PG, R) 5.10 Grand Designs Revisited. (Final, PG, R)
6.00 MorningPrograms. 10.00 PBS Washington Week With TheAtlantic. 10.30 Outside: Beyond TheLens. (PG, R) 11.00 Tour De France 2024 Highlights Review.(R) 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France.Stage 14.H’lights. 1.00 Motorcycle Racing.Australian Superbike C’ship.Round 4. 4.00 Sports Woman. 4.30 Tour DeFrance 2024 H’lights Review 5.30 The Abyss: Rise &Fall Of TheNazis. (PGav,R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Paris Hotel De Ville: AMasterpiece Takesalookatthe Hotel de Ville in Paris, home to the citycouncil and mayor 8.30 Cycling. Tour de France.Stage15. Loudenvielle to Plateau de Beille. 198km mountain stage. From France. 2.15 Battle Of Britain: 3DaysTo Save TheUK. (PG,R)Part 3of3
3.05 Hitler: Countdown To War. (PGav,R)Part3 of 3. 4.00 Peer To Peer (PG, R) Presented by DavidRubenstein. 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.
6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Dancing WithThe Stars. (PGl) Hosted by Dr ChrisBrown andSonia Kruger
8.40 7NEWSSpotlight. 9.40 TheLatest: SevenNews. 10.10 Code1:MinuteByMinute: TheSydneyToHobartYacht Race. (Mal,R)A look at the1988 Sydney to Hobart yacht race. 11.10 Born To Kill? David Gore And Fred Waterfield. (MA15+av,R)A look at David Gore and Fred Waterfield.
12.10 Lipstick Jungle. (Mds, R) 1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
NBC Today.
Sunrise 5am News.
Sunrise.
6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Travel Guides (PGl) The guides headtoNewcastle, NSW. 8.00 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.00
TEN (10, 5)
Monday, July 15
ABC TV (2)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Landline.(R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Midsomer Murders. (Ma,R) 2.25 IWas Actually There. (Ml,R) 3.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 Martin Clunes: Islands Of America. (PGd, R) 4.45 GrandDesigns: House Of The Year.(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
term.
9.15 Media Watch (PG) Hosted by Paul Barry
9.35 Monday’sExperts. (M) Hosted by Tony Armstrong and Catherine Murphy. 10.05 Gruen. (R) 10.45 ABCLateNews. 11.00 TheBusiness. (R)
6.00 MorningPrograms. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.10 WorldWatch. 11.00 Tour De France 2024 Highlights Review.(R) 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France.Stage 15.Highlights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.05 Wildlife ER.(PGa, R) 3.00 Trail Towns. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up.(R) 4.05 Jeopardy!(R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Tour De France 2024 Highlights Review
6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS WorldNews.
7.35 Amazing Railway Adventures With Nick Knowles: Peru (Final, PGa, R) Nick Knowles heads to Peru. 8.30 Unlocking TheSecrets Of Stonehenge. (PGah, R) Explores oneofthe most famous prehistoric monuments on Earth, Stonehenge. 9.20 24 Hours In Emergency:Life’s TooShort. (Mal, R) An elderly man is rushed to Queen’s Medical Centre after sufferinga cardiac arrest.
10.15 SBSWorld News Late. 10.45 Sisi (Ma)
12.35 TokyoVice. (Malsv, R)
2.35 TheAutistic Gardener (R) 3.30 Peer To Peer.(PGa, R) 4.30 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World EnglishNewsMorning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight.
Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 IDream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Nanny. 7.00 YoungSheldon. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Heat.(2013,MA15+) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 Young Sheldon. 12.10am Love Island USA 1.05 Flip It LikeDisick. 2.00 Late Programs. 6am MorningPrograms. 1.30pm Boating. AustnV8Superboats C’ship 2.30 Motor Racing. Supercars SupportRaces.Round 3. Dunlop Super2 Series. Highlights. 3.30 Supercar Customiser: Yianni. 4.30 Storage Wars 5.00 American Restoration. 5.30 American Pickers: Best Of 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 8.30 Gem Hunters DownUnder 9.30 Appalachian Outlaws. 10.30 Jade Fever. 11.00 Late Programs.
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by GrantDenyer. 6.30 TheProject. Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. Afresh batch of talented and passionate amateur cooks competes to impress the judges. 9.00 Have YouBeen Paying Attention? (Malns)Celebritypanellists compete
Tuesday, July 16
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
SEVEN (7,6)
NINE (9,8) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 OnePlusOne. (a, R) 10.30 Monday’sExperts. (M, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Newsreader. (Mal,R) 2.00 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 BackRoads. (PG, R) 3.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 3.55 Martin Clunes: Islands Of America. (PG, R) 4.45 Grand Designs: House Of The Year.(R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)
6.00 WorldWatch. 9.20 Paul O’GradyFor The Love Of DogsXmas. (PG, R) 10.15 GreatCanal Journeys. (PGa, R) 11.10 Inside Oxford Street. (Ml) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Destination Flavour.(R) 2.10 Wildlife ER.(PG, R) 3.10 Living Black. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up.(R) 4.15 Scenic Coastal Walks With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell. 6.30 SBS WorldNews
7.30 Great British Railway Journeys: Wokingham To Heathrow. (PG) Presented by Michael Portillo
8.30 Insight. Presenter Kumi Taguchiis joinedbypeople with first-hand experience of the issue, as well as commentators, to explore second chancesand whether they are ablessing or acurse.
9.30 Cycling. Tour de France. Stage 16.Gruissan to Nîmes. 188.6km flatstage. From France
4.30 Landline. (R) 5.00 Art Works. (PG, R) 5.30 7.30.(R)
2.10 Unseen (Maln, R) 4.05 Peer To Peer (PG, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World EnglishNewsMorning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra.(PG) 11.30 9News Morning 12.00 MOVIE: IDon’t Know How She Does It.(2011, PGls, R) Sarah Jessica Parker,Pierce Brosnan. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG)
6.00 9News.
7.00 ACurrent Affair
7.30 Beyond TheDream: Matildas –TheRise. Takesa look at the Matildas. 8.30 To Be Advised. 10.30 9News Late. 11.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+m) Thehospitalisindisarray 11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R)
World’sGreatest Natural Wonders. (R)
Great Australian Detour. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’sVoice Of Victory. (PGa)
Philatelic society
RECENTLY, the Latrobe Valley PhilatelicSocietyreceived agrant from Latrobe City for amuch-needed trolley to move tables at its stamp and coin fair, which willbeheld in October.
Membersare of advanced years, and this will help prevent injuries. At the June meeting, members brought along part of theirstamp collection At the next meeting, members will be discussing some other collecting interest or hobby, not necessarily related to philately.
The Latrobe Valley Philatelic Society meets at the Morwell RSL at 1.30pm on the last Wednesday of every month, in the Board Room, except for December. Visitors are most welcome.
For further information, phone Christine on 0427 770522 or email czarb7@outlook.com
Moe/Newb
Citizen of theYear
LIONS Club of Moe are once again seeking nominations for the Moe/ NewboroughCitizens of the Year Award, which is presented on Australia Day.
There are two categories, one for Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year for ages 12 to 25 years, and Australia Day Citizen of the Year.
Both of these awardswill be presented on Australia Day at Gippsland Heritage Park, Moe.
All nominations must either be aresident of the Moe/Newborough area or have contributed and demonstrated outstanding service to the Moe/Newborough Community in a voluntary capacity.
Closing datefor nominations is November 1, 2024.
Forany further information or for a copy of the nomination form, ring Lion Robert Sharrock on 0497 299 719 or email maroby@bigpond.com, or Lion Alli Stewart (0407 230 044), who can be emailed via alli.stew@outlook.com
Bridgeresults
TRARALGON Bridge Club results.
Tuesday, July 2: N/S 1st Ken Tierney and Anneden Houting(58.75 per cent); 2nd JuneClarkeand Michael Zarb(56.25). E/W 1st Christine Zarb and Fred Kaminski (55.71); 2nd Kaye Douglas and Roshni Chand (53.93). Thursday, July 4: 1stMoiraHecker and HelenMcAdam (63.78); 2nd Geoff Dixon and Anna Field (61.54).
If you would like to playorlearn more about Bridge, phone Traralgon BridgeClubPresident, Greg Nicholson on 0419 365 739.
Latrobe ValleyChoir
COME and sing with Latrobe Valley Choir forTerm 3. No experience required.
Thereare fourSundayworkshops commencing this Sunday (July 14) from 1pm to 5pm led by award winning conductor Patrick Burns. Sessions are held at St James Hall, 100 Grey Street, Traralgon. PhoneTineke on 0427 955 009, or email lvc@playitforward.org.au for further information.
Community Corner with Liam Durkin
Trafalgar &District Historical Society
THE editorial Committee of the T&DHS has been busy preparing the latest edition of the Gazette,due for publication during July.
Articles on the Victorian Bush Nursing Association, the Trafalgar Water Trust and theTrafalgar Girl Guides are just some of the topics to be explored.
Thereisalsoafeature on cheese making in Trafalgar in the late 1960s.
This is sure to bring about many fond memories of the award-winning cheeses produced in Trafalgar.
Look out foryourcopy of the Gazette for $4 at the Trafalgar Newsagency, Edcomp or the Trafalgar Post Office.
The next meeting of the T&DHS will be the annual meeting, to be heldAugust 16 at 2pm in the old Kindergartenresidence at 30 Contingent Street, Trafalgar.
Churchill Winter Market
WINTER Market at Churchill Shopping Centre will be held Saturday,August24from 9am to 1pm.
Bookings for stall sites can be made online via Churchill Neighbourhood Centre'swebsite at churchill.org.au/ events
Note that one ticket equals one table. Thismarketisprimarilyfor local crafters and artisans, community group fundraisingand home-based businesses.Good condition secondhand merchandise is welcome, but this is not atrash andtreasuremarket.
There'll be free sausage sizzles, entertainment and plenty of giveaways, including shopping vouchers to spend in nominated Churchill retail stores. Most retail outlets will be open, including the Lifelineopportunity shop.
Visit 'Churchill Shop Local'on Facebook to stay informed about community market days.
Gippsland Tango
EVERY Wednesday nightinYarragon
-Tango lessons with professional instructors.
Sessions are held 7pm to 8.30pm at St David's Uniting Church Hall, 9 Campbell Street, Yarragon. Gentle exercise, great for mental health with afriendlygroup.
Morwell tennis
SOCIAL tennis mornings are held Mondays and Fridays at Morwell Tennis Club from 9am
Whether you have played before or not, everyone is welcome. All ages, all abilities.
Morwell Tennis Club is located at Ronald Reserve (Vary Street).
Madrigal singers
YALLOURN Madrigal Singers are looking forward to presenting their mid-year concerts to lovers of music. The theme of the concertsis'To Music', and celebrates the power of music to lift the spirits, to soothe, to inspire and to share the joy of music with others.
The dates of theconcerts areSunday, July 21 and Saturday, July 27 at 2pm in St James Anglian Church (100 Grey Street,Traralgon) beginning at 2pm.
Afternoon teawillbeservedafter each performance.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for school aged children and are available onlineatwww.trybooking.com/CSPSR or at the door (cash only).
Chess results
PETER Bakker finished the round with four wins after losing the first game against Ben Jackson in Latrobe Valley Chess Association.
BrodieNewnman claimed awin and adraw against Ian Hamilton, who recovered to win the next two games.
Hannah Jackson managed to keep struggles alive but struck toomany problems holding off the attack from opponents.
Emma Jackson forced each opponent to work hard and finished the round with two wins and two losses.
Resultsimprovedsince recent weeks for CliffThornton, winning the battle with SteveAhern who was not quite able to renew his recent good form.
Phone Ian Hamilton on 5134 1971 or Cliff Thornton (0413 330 458) for more on local chess.
Orchid club
WINTER weather hasnot affected attendances at the monthly meetings of Gippsland Orchid Club.
The clubmeets on the second Thursdayofeach month at the Anglican Hall, 100 Grey Street, Traralgon commencing at 1.30pm.
Since the last meeting, more than 20 members travelledtoPort Albert and Alberton to visit two orchid growers’ properties.
More than80members fromvarious Gippsland Orchid Clubs attended the day.
This was agreat opportunity to see how other growers operate, not to mention Port Albert Fish &Chips for lunch and agreat afternoontea provided by hosts, Sale Orchid Club.
At tomorrows (July 11) meeting, the guest speaker will be Chris Pegg.
Chris has excellent knowledge of Orchids, which he will share. He will also do arepotting demonstration of alarge native Orchid and have some of his plants for sale.
Following Chris’ demonstration, there will be alight afternoon tea.
Attendees are requested to bring along asmall plate to share. Tea and coffee are supplied.
For further information, ring Pat on 0407 741 621.
New Members are very welcome.
Givea Damn. Givea Can.
GIVE aDamn. Give aCan is an annualcollection of canned food co-ordinated by the RotaryClubof Traralgon Central.
The 2024 collection of over13,000 canshas now been passedonto the St Vincent de PaulFood Bank in Traralgon.
The tally was;
Schools (16 in totla) 9697 cans; Latrobe City Trust 1943; Kerbside Bins 714, and; Businesses and Organisations 671.
The RotaryClubofTraralgon Central gratefully acknowledges the Latrobe City Trust for agrant of $5200.
Open Studios
Latrobe City
MOARTZInc invites expressions of interest from artistsinthe Latrobe City Catchment to join Open Studios for 2024 (October 26/27).
Open Studios is an opportunity for artists to showcase and sell their work and creative practice.
Fees are annual subscription to Moartz Inc ($12) and $50 to be part of the Open Studios Circuit.
If you do nothave astudiothere might be an opportunitytofind a space for you
Express your interest by July 30. If you have any queries, email openstudiosmoartz@gmail.com
Morwell Senior Citizens
IF you would like to enjoy agame of 500 cards, join the Morwell Senior Citizens on Tuesday's from 1pm. All welcome.
TheMorwell Senior Citizens meet at 2-4Maryvale Crescent, Morwell. For more information, phone Heather on 0431 211 411.
Youcan
be
apartof Community Corner
IF you are acommunity groupand have any news items you need publicised, feel free to email us at news@ lvexpress.com.au.
You can address the correspondence to Editor, Liam Durkin.
Please write 'CommunityCorner' in the subject line and nothing else. Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.
The others have nuclear, why not?
WE live 10 kilometres from Loy Yang, which maybethe location of the first nuclear power station in Victoria or even in Australia.
It is the most sensible site withinfrastructure in place, aconnection betweenVictoria and Tasmania with Bass Link and ahighly skilled power workforce available.
Whilst we are happy living close to apotential nuclear power station, Ihave been interested to seek out as many facts about nuclear power as are readily available.
The facts are easily found. Nuclear power is safe, globally important and growing almost day by day. Ihave concluded that Iwould be content to live next door to anuclear power station.
There are many “facts” that are either misinformation and even straight lies on the web and media networks.
The first lie is “the worldiswithdrawing from nuclear fission power” when in fact it is adding more. There are 422 operational nuclear power stations across 32 countries;94inthe USA, 56 in China, 56 in France and so on down to 3inArgentina, 2inMexico, 2inBrazil, 2in Romania, 2inBelarus, 2inTaiwan and one each in Slovenia, Netherlands,Armenia and Iran. (M.Garside, Statista, 2024).
In addition, there are 51 nuclear power stations under construction (as at June 2023); 21 in China, 8inIndia, 4inTurkey, 2inUK, and one each in Argentina,Brazil, France, Iran, Slovakia, United Arab Emirates and the USA.
The secondand insulting lie is “Australia is not capable of having or running anuclear power station”.
We are in factvery capable. The nuclear
reactor at Lucas Heights (Sydney) has been operational since 1958. That is the same year that the centre for peaceful nuclear science, education and experience at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston’s power generatorbecameoperational and it is still going strong. Have avirtual tour through the nuclear reactor, MITR, Google will take you there.
The third lie is “nuclear is too risky and dangerous”. Markandge and Wiilkinson (2007) were earlyresearchers who evaluated the risks of energy production including accidents and air pollution fatalities.
The mortality ratefrom accidents and air pollution of electricity world wide has been summarised by statista.com/statistics/4999994425,
which shows solar at 0.02 deaths per terawatt hour is the safest and wind power is 0.04, but nuclear at 0.03 is the second safest. Hydro at 1.3 is 43 times more dangerous thannuclear andcoal at 24.62 is 820 times more dangerous.
Australia accepts the riskfromcoalpower for the essential and life-giving benefits it provides Iamcontenttobeliving near acoal-firedpower station and if there was anuclear reactor at Loy Yang it would be even better.
The fourth lie is “nuclear power is too expensive”. Power costsare difficult to accuratelytrack down as the truth is hard to find. Deception by political spin and green extreme and ideological fanaticism ensuresthe difficulties of defining cost
Isettled on the comparativedataoflevelized cost of electricity (LCOE) (“Projected Costs of Generating Electricity” Nuclear Energy Agency (2020) OECD which seemed in step with The Lazard Report. All can be found on the internet.
The conclusion Icame to was thatFigure ESI:LCDE by technology Page 14 shows the lowest cost LCOE is nuclear and only onshore wind and solar can compete with nuclear.
If you check this information at Page 217 and 218,notethe 83 members who madeupthe panel came from 27 countries including three from Australia.
In summary my conclusion is that nuclear power is safe, cost-effective with solar and wind and within Australia’s advanced capabilities and manpower.
David Packham OAM MAppSci. Traralgon
Questionablepay riseinliving crisis
HOW can any politician, especially aVictorian Labor politician walk down the street with their heads held highafterreceiving their latestpay rise What agreat time to be apolitician. Insteadofbeing held to account for theirmonumental incompetence and indifference to the people, they get rewarded with anice undeserved pay rise, when due their incompetencethe people have never hurt more financially than now.
Iwould challenge any politician: Labor, LNP, Greens,etc to justifytheir wages by showing us that they are worth what we pay them.
Iguarantee not one would be able to justify their wages or perks. Not only do they line their pockets with our money whilst sending the state broke, they don't pay for petrol or their cars. They get allowances for attending parliament if they live a distance from Melbourne. They get overseasstudy trips/holidays paid for by us. They get appointed to parliamentary committees which comes with ahefty pay rise and whenor if they attend theirelectoral offices, they ignore us. We are falsely told that alowly backbencher is on $205k -the reality is that when you take into account the perks they receive, you can add around 50 thousand dollarsontop of the offensive stipends excluding their superannuation and golden handout payment when they leave office.
Really, do they need these pay rises more than struggling people need food, housing, medication, heating etc -apparently so according to the so called independent remuneration board and our so called hard working politicians.
As Isay, what agreat time to be apolitician.
Patrick Ansell Morwell
Latrobe challenges
IN the 1840s,Dr. IgnazSemmelweis discovered thatsimplywashinghandsinmaternity hospitals significantly reduced childbedfever mortality.
Despite substantial evidence, he faced strong oppositionfrom the medicalestablishment. Highly educateddoctorsrefused to admit thattheir dirty hands couldbeinflicting harm. It took years for this lifesavingaction to be generally accepted.
Similarly, under Chief Executive Steven Piasente's leadership, LatrobeCityCouncil policies, as well as theExecutiveTeam's refusal to change them, may be inflicting more harmthangood in the region.
LatrobeValleyfaces severeeconomic challenges in the coming years, including the anticipated shutdown of large power plants, the pressing need to diversify its economy and its high unemployment rate. More than everweneed Latrobe City Council to be open, accessibleand responsive.
At the heart of anythrivingcommunity is active citizen participation. Community cooperation, mutual support, andsustained engagement are crucial strategies for addressing economicchallenges and improving overall well-being. Yet, Latrobe City Council's strict pre-registration policy for council meetings is an example of apolicy that places major obstacles betweenthe council and its constituents.
Turningawayenthusiastic citizensisanongoing concern. In May2024, the Councilrefusedtoadmit aprominent local businessman despite that he was known to aCouncillorwho methim at the door. More worrying,six local residents who had received letters fromthe Council about changes in their property's area were denied access to the meeting in July 2024
These folks, who were attempting to engage respectfully with the Council on issues directly affecting them, were turned away merelybecause they wereunaware of thepre-registrationrequirement.
Thesecasesdemonstratehow the Council's strict attendancepolicy,while possibly well-intentioned, may be causing more harm to our community's economic recovery.
Just as those 19th-century doctors resisted the obvious solution, Mr.Piasente and his teammust avoid dismissing basicimprovements thatcould havefar-reaching benefits.
Compare Latrobe City Council regulations to those
in Texas, where many council meetings are open to the public and do not require pre-registration
This strategy promotes transparency, stimulates spontaneous engagement, and createsanenvironment in which residents, business leaders, and other stakeholders may readily interact with their local government
While both regions faced significant challenges, the result in Texas was an environmentoftrust and teamwork that madeiteasier to attract investors and generate economic growth, which benefited everyoneinthe community.
To addressthese concerns, Latrobe City may consider:
1. Implementing ahybrid systemwith preregistrationand aquota for walk-in visitors.
2. Increased communicationabout council meetings throughvarious channels
3. Hosting additional forums forcommunity feedbackthat do notrequire pre-registration.
4. Creating an online platformtofacilitateongoing community feedback and interaction.
Thequality of ateam'sleadershipdetermines its overallsuccess.Asacommunity, we are one large team, and its leader must behave in amannerthat fosterstrust.
Mr Piasente, as the LatrobeCityleader, is
time
The Latrobe Valley Express has been Informing the local community for nearly 60 years and is your best source for local news, sport, features and bargains
responsible for successfullyguiding notonly Council personnel, but alsofosteringtrust and transparency in the community at large
While the Latrobe City Council may have good intentions, it is critical to reconsidermeasures that may be unwittingly "washing their hands" of responsibilities for economic progress. Opening the doorstoincreasedpublic participationtaps into our community's collective expertise, develops amore collaborative atmosphere, and paves the road for a stronger, more prosperous Latrobe Valley. It is time for Mr. Piasenteand his team to pull up their sleeves and do the rewarding workofgenuine public involvement.
They must remove the Latrobe City Council's self-imposed hurdles that prevent our region'seconomicrecovery and future growth. Dr. Semmelweis demonstrated that even the simplest modifications can have far-reaching consequences.
In these difficult economictimes, we cannot afford to allow bureaucratic procedures to keep us from seizing possibilities for growth and success. The futureofthe Latrobe Valleyrelies on open, transparent, andcollaborativegovernance. It's time for our Council to demonstrate effective leadership.
Damian Andrews Moe
Bad rose decision
THE DECISION by Latrobe City Council to relocate dozens of roses (including very rare and very-hard-to-getheritageroses)inthe Railway Embankment section of Morwell Rose Garden so they can extend an already over-extended carpark, is adeformed and diseased decision.
Please note, at least half of these roses, especially the well-established heritage roses,will die mainly due to "soil trauma". Iverymuchdoubt if any of the clueless councillors who voted for this relocation even know what that term means.
Added to the problem of soil incompatibility, the proposed relocation will lead to acluttering of the Railway Embankment and thus in turn lead to a profound loss of its attractiveness. In summation, it is obvious to me that the councillors who voted for this obscene relocation are utterly oblivious to the negative implications of their decision -not only for the reputation of Morwell -but moreover for the roses themselves.
Joseph Lis Morwell
WendyFarmer not our voice
ON June 19, Wendy Farmerand friendsgathered outside DarrenChester’s office in Traralgon voicing against nuclear power.
The pictureoflocalFrankFava in the Herald Sun on June 20 shows the other side of the coin. Icame to the valley1949and Iagree with Frank, we have to move forwardbecausethe wind and sun will not sustain our future.
At the moment, coal operated power plants are propping up renewables,and under this government these powerplantsare going to disappear. Therehabilitation of coal mines is going to keep us occupied for the next 20-50 years quoted by a protester at Traralgon. Does that mean we just sit back andforget about our future power source?
As for the cost of this proposal, of course, we were never told by Bowen or Albanese the cost of renewable resources.
Those who are worried about the climate change need to thinkvery carefully, because maybe in the future we could get less sun and more rain. There are no guarantees with the weather. Can we sit back and depend on the climate for the next 30-50 years?
Patricia Correa Traralgon
The problem with nuclear waste
NUCLEARpower stations generate radioactive waste which is extremely toxic. High doses of radiation cause nausea, vomiting, bleeding, hair loss,skinsores, DNA damage, birth defects and death. Lowerdoses cause DNAdamage, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Spent reactor fuel, reprocessing effluents, contaminated tools and clothing are examples of radioactivewaste generated during the production of nuclear energy. Safe managementofradioactive waste is one of the biggest problems with nuclear energy.
Australia already has anuclear reactor at Lucas Heights in Sydney which produces medical radioisotopes. Radioactive waste is currently stored on site at Lucas Heights in temporary containment. Australia does not have asafe, permanent repository site for nuclear waste despitegovernment attempts to find alocation.
If anuclear power station is built in the Latrobe Valley where will the nuclear waste be stored? This is waste that must be held, secure from potential terrorists and naturaldisasters,for hundredsof thousands of years, the time it takesfor spent fuel rods to stop emittinglethallevels of radioactivity
In allcountries worldwide, radioactive waste is being contained in temporary storage, managed and heavily guarded by workers. Finland is theonly country constructing asafe, permanent containment facility.
This facility, known as Onkalo, comprises a huge series of underground tunnels, located 450 metres below the surface. Starting in 2025, highly radioactivewaste will be buried in the bedrock at Onkalo after being encased in cast iron and copper cylinders. The tunnels will be backfilled with clay to be left for an eternity.
Of course, solutions like Onkalo are phenomenally expensive which is why it is the only facility of its kind. The rest of the world relies on temporary,less expensiveand much lesssecurestorage solutions. Will Australiabeany different?
Nuclear is the mostexpensive form of energy to build and run. Renewableenergy is much cheaper, clean and safe. Let’s stand up and demand arenewable energy future for the Latrobe Valley.
Jane Sultana
Moe
Thanks heavens forbrains
AFTER readingthe commentsabout "going nuclear"inthe Express (3/07/2024),I say thank heavens for people with brains like Martin Cameron and Oliver Raymond.
As soon as anyone mentions the word "nuclear" we have people thinkingofanother Chernobyl. We have32countries worldwide withnuclearenergy, yetAlbanese andBowen refuse to visit these countries to find out how nuclear works for them.
Up to June 2023,57nuclear reactors were under construction worldwide with 21 in China. It takes 8-10 years to build anuclear reactor. In China, it takesjust underfive years to justover seven years. Bowen and somereaders point to the CSIRO GenCost when it comestocomparing nuclearto renewables but alot of renewable costs are not reflected in the report due to their"project-specific nature".
The Finland Olkiluoto 3nuclear plant was connected to the grid in 2022 after 101 months of construction and cost $9.6 billion but renewables, including the required power lines, will cost between $78 billion to $1.5 trillion by 2030. Do we reallywant to coverfarmland with solar panels and transmission lines and followthe Scottish National Partyand chop down 16 million trees in the process?
We are not about to shutdown the power stations and then start to buildanuclear power plant.Just
Google all the information available on the internet aboutnuclear energy and make your own mind up. Don't get sucked in by the nuclear fear campaign currently being run by Labor and the Greens.
Brian Mawhinney Traralgon
Nuclear facts
IN reply to Dan Caffrey’s predictably one-sided letter titled “Unrealistic timeline” (‘The Express’, July 3, 2024, Page 5), Iquote Paragraph 8thereof which reads: “Mr Duttonand Ted O’Brien [Shadow Energy Minister]had bestheed the expertinformation provided in the latest CSIRO GenCost report that says nuclear will at least double electricity prices instead of arguing that they know better.”
To this smugarrogance, afew key points need to be highlighted: 1. Nuclear power plants typically operate between 60 and 100 years and not the 30 years as falsely assumed by the said CSIRO GenCost report. This fact is very easily verifiable by contacting any of the operators of the over-400 nuclear power plants in the world today. >2 Nuclear power plantsonaverage operate at 93% of the time and not the 54 per centasfalselyassumed by the said CSIRO GenCostreport. 3. Nuclear power plants do not have to be replaced every 15 to 20 years as do wind turbines and solar panels.
Still on the same flight of stairs, and regarding Mr Caffrey’s closing paragraph that reads: “I would like to know who their [Dutton and O’Brien] technical adviser is -not areal scientist that is for sure”.
Ireply as follows: We have been told and conned by unidentified, faceless “scientists”and “experts” that renewables are best and cheaper than nuclear but where has this “hearsay evidence” been independently peer-reviewed by the so-called scientists and experts who are prepared to be identified?
Joseph Lis Morwell
Free debate
ITOO, Patricia Correa, (“Not vindictive”, Express, 03/07),appreciate the Express providing the opportunitiesfor readers to expresstheir views in apublicforum.
And in this case, particularly the opportunity to clarify misapprehensions, such as those under which you appear to be labouring.
Firstly, do I“appreciate” your letters? No, not so much, for reasons previously stated.
Did Iclaim you lack respect and tolerance in your views? Icertainly did, and Inote your latest contribution fails to address that issue.
Did Iclaim you are vindictive? Certainly not, so I’m not sure why you would go there. However, I do appreciate your civil replies.
You statethatifthere are indeed“happy and successful early school leavers”, (you called them “dropouts” and “losers”), we would not have such ahigh “juvenile delinquents” crime rate.
Your doubling down on the original collective slur ,with aspurioustheory, is thoughtless and insulting to asignificant proportion of our community. Ihave no evidence of how many perpetrators are still in school, or otherwise, and Idon’t believe you do either. Isuspect by their ages many would be. Whatever the case,would further educational experiences provide apanacea for the problem? Havethey been, or wouldthey be in the future? Debatable.
FinallyPatricia, please don’t fall into the trap, favoured by the prolific Mr Lis, of thinking it is clever to ascribe juvenile nicknamestoanyone, even politicians, in an attempt to win an argument, for example Mr Lis describing the PM, and you,recently,the stateMinisterfor Energy and Resources.
It’s not, and it doesn’t.
John Duck Trafalgar
Political commentator
IN last week’s Express (July 3, 2024) in aLetter to the Editor, Ms Taylah Ling aired her complaint that Latrobe City Councillor, Tracie Lund had questioned Ms Ling’scredentials as apolitical commentator as describedbyExpress reporting previously. This was after Ms Ling also aired her complaint about the Express correcting the recordvia Ms Ling’s weekly community radio spot.
Tracie Lund was well advised to query Ms Lings standing givenMsLing’shistory of making claims to promote herself in her obvious quest for acity council seat.
The most notorious claim from Ms Ling was on her Facebook page where she claimed to be a recipient of aVivian Bullwinkle scholarship from the Australian Memorial Nursing council. The ANMC gives scholarshipsfor study to nurses. The fact is, she is an aspirant for the next council election, running negative unfounded attacks on her targets, from behind the FM station microphone and on social media.
Shehas questions to answer as to how she claims to be an independent commentator at the same time as she is aparticipant in the next election contest. It is called conflict of interest. It is time for her to make clear to her listeners and readers if she is a candidate for election and what if anything, she hastooffer our community other than carping nonsense?
Phillip Edwards
Hazelwood South
Stoma support
IWAS so happy to read the article about Yinnar South man, Colin Richards, who Imust thank for beingbrave enough to air his experiencetothe Latrobe Valley.
Itoo, have astoma and aColostomy bag and IknowIamjust one of hundreds in the Valley. So many, in fact, thatI decided the Valley needed acasual Stoma Support Group to share stories, exchange information and lend support to others who ‘are in the same boat’.
Spring-boarding off the stoma support meetings held at Latrobe Community Health Centre, Iset out to advertise the monthly meeting on the first Wednesday of each month, whichhas beenpopular enough for us to recently celebrate our first birthday of the group, affectionately knownas‘Coffee Bags’ We generally have between 12 and 14 Ostomates and their support people attend and we welcome more.
Amongst the members, we have people with all sorts of stomas, sometemporary, some permanent, some havehad theirs reversed, even one person who came prior to their surgery. Everyone has a story and everyone has information to share. Originally, we met at various coffee shops, then we moved on to the Moe Hotel, where we book the Saloon Bar room, which allows us privacy to talk openly without bothering the public with human waste issues!
Of course, it’s somethingeveryone does, but talking about it candidly is not. With the high rate of bowel cancer in Australia,I am glad Colin and the members of Coffee Bags are happy to open up discussions about the importance of maintaining good bowel and bladder health and doing the ‘Poo in the Post’ from theNationalBowel Cancer Screening Programme. (It could be one of the most important tests you do.)
Continuing on in our second year, Coffee Bags will meet at Moe (Leggies)Hotel every first Wednesday of the month from 12.30pm.
Ameal, drink or coffee is available for purchase and any enquiries can be directed to myself, Sue Graham,on0415751145 or you canfinduson Facebook at‘Gippsland Ostomates’.
All ostomates and their support people are welcome.
Sue Graham Moe
MONDAY8 JULY
THURSDAY11JULY
Axel Nash turns 8
Rhys Smith turns 9
Cruz Valentini turns 8
Hayden McIntosh turns 5
Logahn Baker turns 11
Winnie Coulthard turns 4
TUESDAY9JULY
Hunter Lindsay turns 9
WEDNESDAY10JULY
Julian
turns 9
SATURDAY13JULY
Ariana Kovacevic turns 11
Jordan Stephenson turns 5
SUNDAY14JULY
Ashlynn Robinson turns 11
Business Guide
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Fleming’sTreeServices complies with all Worksafespecifications and public liabilityinsurance to cover all conditions.Safetyisthe No.1 priority.
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at the Latrobe Valley Express Office 21 George Street Morwell Enquiries: 5135 4444
LATROBE VALLEY EXPRESS CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING TRARALGON RESIDENTS
Seymour St Newsagents will no longer be taking Latrobe ValleyExpress Classified advertisements in Traralgon
Youcan either email your advertisement to our classified department using your credit cardordirect deposit or come into the office at 21 George Street,Morwell to place and payfor your advertisement Phone 5135 4455 for further information
Just look in the Classifieds for some bargainsbig or small, old or new, there is sure to be something there for you!!
Phoneus 5135 4455 TODAY!!
Door Installer
FENCING
PUBLIC NOTICE
PROPOSEDSALEOFVACANT LAND AT MOUNTAIN GLENDRIVE, MOE
LatrobeCityCouncil givesnoticeofits intentiontoconsider a proposal to sell an estimated 15 hectares of vacant land thatis equallyowned withthe Department of Treasuryand Finance.
Responsibility PLEASE CHECK YOUR AD
Please check your ad on the firstday and bring any errors to theattentionofthe Classifieds Department immediately.
TheLatrobe Valley Express makes everyefforttoavoid errors. We regretthat we cannot be responsible forany errors beyond the first day if you fail to bringittoour attention. No allowances can be made for errorsnot materially affectingthe effectiveness of the ad Position cannot will not be guaranteed.
All claims foradjustment of credit must be madewithin seven days afterbilling date.
We reservethe right to revise or restrict any ad we deem objectionable and to change the classificationwhen necessaryto conform to the policyo this newspaper In the event an ad is omitted from publication, we assume no liabilityfor such omission.
By advertising in the local paper you can reach MORE than just your Facebook friends and unreliable internet sites!
Let us do the hard work for you and reach all your media potentialin both print and on-line
Thecommunityisinvited to commentonthisproposal. If youwishtomakeasubmission, please writetoMrSteven Piasente, LatrobeCityCouncil,PO Box264,Morwell VIC3840or email Latrobe@Latrobe.vic.gov.au or visit yoursay.latrobe.vic. gov.au/mountainglendrive withthe subjectline“Submission –ProposedSaleofLand–MountainGlen Drive,Moe”. Your submissionshould be received by 5pmMonday5 August 2024,and stateifyou or apersonactingonyourbehalf wishestospeak in supportofthe submission.
Anysubmissions received will be considered at afutureCouncil Meeting. Allpersons submitting awritten submissionwill be advised of theCouncilMeeting date and invited to attend. Allsubmissions will be considered public documentsunless specified otherwisebythe submitter.
In the event that no submissions arereceivedobjectingtothe proposal,the land will be sold by either Public AuctionorTender processled and administeredbythe Department of Treasury and Finance.
Furtherinformationand alocalityplancan be obtained from the LatrobeCityCouncil website: https://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/Council/Our_Council/Lists/ Minutes_and_Agenda_Entry/CM_1_Sep_2022 and includedin theMeeting Documents- Minutesfor 5September 2022, “Item 9.2Proposed Sale and Potential Purchase of Land –MountainGlen Drive, Moe”, or contactMrJosh Graham, telephone 1300 367700
STEVEN PIASENTE Chief Executive Officer
Situations
Vacant •
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Would you like to deliver the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper to individual homes on Tuesday and/or Wednesday afternoons in Morwell, Traralgon, Moe, Newborou gh and Churchill? Please apply to the Circulation Manager 0456 000 541. Please note: Children must be 11 years or over as we will need to apply for agovernment Child Employment Permit Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome.
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NOTE:
Much hardship and difficulty is caused to job seekers by misleading advertising placed in the employment columns. Our Situations Vacant columns are reserved for advertisements which carry aspecific and genuine offer of employment. Ads for `Business Opportunities' and `Training Courses' and `Employment Services' should be submitted under those headings.
Placing misleading ads is an offence against the Trades Practices Act and state/territory fair trading acts and all advertisements are subject to the publisher's approval. For further advice, contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 or your state consumer affairs agency.
General Manager
Our company is local to the Latrobe Valley and provides social support to our community.
We are seeking aleader who can:
● Build team-based culture and strong community partnerships
● Apply inspired leadership and management to everyday business operations
● Exceptional communication skills minimum 5 years' experience working within the NDIS sector
Full-time or part-time position for the right candidate available.
To request acopy of the position description and apply via info@roostertours.com.au
For more information refer to www.roostertours.com.au
Applications close Wednesday 31 July 2024
ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
Based in Traralgon
As the Administration Assistant you will be responsible for all admin processes.
● Fast paced environment with avariety of responsibilities and projects
● Learning and development opportunities available
● Supportive team environment
● Training and ongoing support will be provided
● Sound knowledge of Google Suite, Cloud based applications
● Experience in electronic document handling
● Strong attention to detail and ability to problem solve
● Ability to work both independently and within a team environment
● Undertake data entry and general administrative tasks
● Work closely with the operations team and other external/internal stakeholders
● Assist with business correspondence as required
● Day-to-day management of the administration
● Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills
● Astrong customer service attitude with a willingness to perform all functions
To apply for this role please forward aresume to greg.rowe@veolia.com
For more information contact Greg on 0418 370 897 or Troy on 0448 393 489
Cash in Hand! d!
Letusdothe hardwork for you -advertise in both print and on-line
It’s easy, just
JOURNALIST
The GippslandTimes and Latrobe Valley Express arelooking for ajournalist to join our team.
This is afantastic opportunityfor you to contribute to the communities in our region.
The role will include general news reporting in aregion with awealth of stories to be told about current challenges and future opportunities in addition to the normalstory telling expected of alocal newspaper serving its community
The ideal candidate will:
Have relevant tertiaryqualifications
Have great communication skills, both verbal and written
Be able to write punchy,informative and exciting stories on arange of subjects
Possess great news sense and an understanding of what engages local readers
Have acurrent driver’s licence
Be motivated with acommitment to accuracy and quality reporting
The position will be based in Sale.
The successful applicant will report to the Editor
Send aletter of application, resume, list of referees and work examples to: The Editor -Liam Durkin Gippsland Times ldurkin@lvexpress.com.au Applications close: Friday, 19th July 2024.
Director of Nursing Kooweerup Regional Health Service
● Career and lifestyle opportunity
● Senior leadership role
Kooweerup Regional Health Service (KRHS) is located in the southern section of the Cardinia Shire in Victoria. The Health Service provides a range of services including Acute Medical, Early Parenting, Palliative Care, Emergency Respite and Aged Care through its Hostel and Nursing Home. Ambulatory Care Services are provided including: District Nursing, Allied Health, Home based Aged Care. They are currently seeking an experienced nursing professional for this important management role.
Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Nursing (DON) is an executive position that is responsible for the leadership, management and strategic development of the residential aged care (including Respite and Transition Care Program), acute care and education programs, as well as the professional leadership of Nurses and Midwives at KRHS.
Interested applicants will ideally possess the following qualifications/skills:
● Relevant tertiary qualifications in nursing with current registration listed with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
● Senior management experience in health service leadership and people management, including motivational team development and change management
● Demonstrated clinical leadership, with sound knowledge of current best practice in residential and community aged care, acute and transition care settings
● Extensive and varied clinical nursing experience
For more information go to our website or contact
Jo Lowday on 0400 158 155. To apply, you need to submit: aCover Letter responding to the Key Selection Criteria, you full CV and acompleted
HRS Application Form available at: www.hrsa.com.au
Application can be made online or sent by email to hrsa@.hrsa.com.au
Applications close 21 July, 2024
Let your light shine
Doyou want to work with ateam of dedicated professionals, who arekeen and eager to journey with young peopletohelp them achievetheir dreams?
Would youliketoliveand work in thebeautiful East Gippsland area? you choose Treescape or Seascape,withthe nancial hubof Bairnsdale in the centre.
Does the idea of Educational Leadership interest you? Gettingonthe Leadership ladder is much moreaccessible in aregional school.
Would youliketohelpdrivethe next stageofdevelopmentfor Nagle Collegeinits journey to becoming abeaconofCatholic education.
If so,come and joinus! Come join our passionate,experienced and dedicated sta in developing contemporary and innovatedlearning environments.
Come and join our amazing andwelcomingstudents,who will appreciate your e orts very much. Further details about these positions canbefound on our website. Submit an to A Phone Conversation(Phone conversations will take place from the week commencing 15th July)
If youare asuitablecandidate an applicationpackwillbe emailed to youtocomplete InterviewProcess.
Nagle Collegepromotes
Yallambee Traralgon Village for the Aged Inc. is looking for community minded people to join its BoardofDirectors.This is avoluntaryrole. Yallambee is anot-for-profit community owned organisation, providing services that accommodate and support aged members of the Gippsland community
Located in the heart of Traralgon with 90 Independent Living Units in our Yallambee Retirement Village and 120beds in our Margery Cole Residential CareService.
Our BoardofDirectors arecommitted to the provision of strong leadership and governance to ensureYallambee is well positioned to respond to the increasing demands within this growing and challenging Aged Caresector
If you areinterestedinbecoming partofour Board, can add diversityinthinkingand share our vision in making adifference in the lives of our residents, we would be pleased to hear from you. We encourage Gippsland residentsfromdiverse backgrounds to apply for this rewarding role and willingness to attend onsite boardand committee meetings bi-monthly
Desirable skill setsinclude Legal, Accountancy, Risk Management,Project Management,and Business Governance.
The Yallambee BoardDirector PD is availablefrom https://yallambee.com.au/ current-job-vacancies/ Expressions of Interest should be emailed to pa@yallambee.com.au addressed to the Chair of the Nominations Committee.
Applicants must be eligible to work in Australia. Applications close 5pm, Thursday, 18 July 2024
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
Council is seeking submissions from qualified companies/applicants for the following:
RFI/415 -Finance System Review
Submissions close 2pm AEST on Tuesday, 13 August 2024.
Documentation is available from Council's e-Tendering Portal www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au/tenders
REQUEST FOR TENDER
Council is seeking submissions from qualified companies/applicants for the following:
RFT/404 -Dismantle &Removal of Freight Gate at Korumburra Rail Precinct
Submissions close 2pm AEST on Tuesday, 30 July 2024. Documentation is available from Council's e-Tendering Portal www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au/tenders
REQUEST FOR TENDERS
BOULTON, Bryan Kenneth. 21/8/1974 -2/7/2024 Passed away suddenly at home in Traralgon.
Trailer, off-road,
and
CURNICK ,Doug. Probus Club of Traralgon Combined is saddened at the passing of our respected, Life Member Doug, and extends our deepest sympathy to his wife Gwen and family.
and
EMERY, Paul Munro. Passed away peacefully on 6July 2024 at Latrobe Regional Hospital Traralgon. Loved husband of Carmel. Loving father of Linda, and Stephen. Stepfather of Toni, Sueanne, Debbie, and John. Much loved Pop to all his grand and great grandchildren.
FRENDO, Paul John. Passed away suddenly at his home in Newborough on 4July2024. Aged 94 years
Dearly loved husband of Mary (dec.). Much loved father and father-in-law of Stella and Alf, Emanuel and Helena. Adored Nanu to all his grand and great grandchildren.
GARMENDIA, Lorenzo. Died 2/7/2024 suddenly at home. Aged 91years
Beloved husband of Heather for 46 years. Father of Alana, Brandon (dec.) and Amaya. Loved Aitona of Rebekah, Sarah, Ethan, Mikayla, Zach and Chad.
GOMPELMAN, Antje (Anne). Passed away peacefully at Mitchell House Aged Care, Morwell, 30 June 2024. Aged 95 years
Dearly loved wife of Bram (dec.). Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Robert (dec.), Christopher (dec.) and Tina, Jennifer and Kevin. Adored Oma to all her grand, great grand and great great grandchildren.
GOMPELMAN, Anne.
Sadly passedaway.
Aged 95 years
Welcomed into heaven with open arms by her beloved husband, Bram, her brothers and her sons. Aloving and loved aunt, grandmother and greatgrandmother.
Deepest condolences to her family and friends from Patricia and Margaret.
KEARNS, Kevin. Passed away peacefully at Heritage Manor Aged Care Morwell on 7July 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Aged 88 years
Dearly loved husband of Beryl. Much loved father and father-in-law of Michael and Sharon, Bruce and Carla, Bradley and Julie. Adored GD to all his grand and great grandchildren and their partners.
MARSHALL (Taylor), Rae.
Passed away peacefully at Dalkeith Traralgon on 30 June 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Aged 86 years
Dearly loved wife of Lindsay (dec.). Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Lucindaand George (dec.), Tanyia, Kelvin and Paula. Adored Grans to all her grand and great grandchildren.
MILLS, Graeme Arthur (Nobby). Passed away in Queensland 25/6/2024. Adored big brother of Ken (dec.) and Jan, Gwen and Glen Charles. Loving uncle to Lee-Anne, Tania, Karen, Kirstie and Michael and their families. Always in our hearts Funeral on WEDNESDAY (10 July 2024) at 10.30am. Livestreaming available. Traditional Funerals Burpengary QLD traditionalfunerals.com.au
REEVES. (van der Koogh), Jennifer Ruth (Jenni). Passed away peacefully at home in Newborough, 30 June 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Aged 57 years Much loved daughter of Jake and Joan van der Koogh. Adored mother of Matt, Emma, Sarah and their partners Brooke and Richie.
REEVES née van der Koogh, Jennifer Ruth 7/5/1967 -30/6/2024
Passed away peacefully at home after along illness.
Dearly loved and loving daughter of Jake and Joan. Sister of Dave and Michele, Wayne and Rachel. Mother of Matthew, Emma and Sarah. No more suffering
SHAW, Bradley Craig.
Passed away peacefully at the Olivia Newton John Centre Heidelberg on 4 July 2024 surrounded by his loving family.
Aged 46 years
Dearly loved son of Deb and Stephen Shaw. Loved partner of Jo. Loving father of Tayla, Mia and James. Brother of Kellie (dec.), Michelle, Tina and brother-in-law of Howie, Leigh and Darren. Adored uncle to 10 nieces and nephews.
TANTARO, Concetta (Connie).
Passed away suddenly at home Saturday 29 June 2024, in Sale (Vic), Australia
Aged 85 years
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of our dear Mother's passing. She was aselfless, nurturing and caring person who always put others first. We will miss her dearly; and we hope that her spirit finds solace and peace.
Reunited with her husband, our father, Sebastiano (Sammy).
Loving mother and nonna of Nick, Judy and Luca; Matthew and Sammy; Giuseppe (Joe), Leigh, Pia and Nina; Tony, Nico, Harper, Sage and Kobe; Teresa; Anna and Ava.
WHITEHOUSE 'Patsy' Patricia. Passed away at Latrobe Regional Hospital on Saturday approximately 10.15pm, 29 June 2024. Aged 92 years
Devoted wife to Edward (dec.) for 23 years. Very loving mother to Anthony, Christine, Maurice, Richard (dec.), Paul and Edwina. Loving, gentle and caring nan to Sally, Nelson, Jason, David, Michael, Michelle, Adam, Gary, Leigh (dec.), Mark (dec.), Patricia, Maryann, Corinne and Alexander. Great nan to all her great grandchildren. Great nan to all her great great grandchildren. You would give the world to anybody that needed it, not thinking twice. You were abeautiful person inside and out.
Loving and Forgiving Heart of Gold
WOLF, Colin James. 31/12/1938 -29/6/2024. Beloved son of Ivy and Charles Wolf (both dec.). Loved brother of Beverley Reid (dec.), Judith Wilson (dec.), Marjorie Leighton (dec.), Brian, Barry (dec.) and families. Rest Peacefully
WOLF, Colin James. 31/12/1938 -29/6/2024. Much loved brother and brother-in-law of Brian and Bernadette Wolf. Adored uncle of Leanne (dec.), Karen, Janette, Nicole and their families. Forever in our hearts
WOOD, John Howard. 4/5/1943 -3/7/2024. Passed away, surrounded by family at Frankston Hospital. Former husband of Betty. Father of Peter and Wendy, Wayne and Karen. Grandfather, great grandfather and uncle to many. Son of Ted and Alison Wood (both dec.). Brother to Marianne, Geoff (dec.) and Dave. Loved byall Rest in Peace
BOULTON. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mr Bryan Kenneth Boulton will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway Traralgon on FRIDAY (12 July 2024) commencing at 2pm.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
EMERY. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mr Paul Munro Emery will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue Moe on THURSDAY (11 July 2024) commencing at 1.30pm.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
FRENDO. Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mr Paul John Frendo will be offered at St. Kieran's Catholic Church, Lloyd Street Moe, THURSDAY (18 July 2024) commencing at 11am. The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of Mass for the Moe Public Cemetery.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
GARMENDIA. AMemorial Service to celebrate the life of Mr Lorenzo Garmendia will be held at Kingdom Hall, Smith St Traralgon, SATURDAY (13 July 2024) commencing at 11am.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
GOMPELMAN. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mrs Anne Gompelman will be held at the Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park Traralgon, FRIDAY (12 July 2024) commencing at 2pm.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON
TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
KEARNS. The Funeral Service for Mr Kevin Kearns will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Commercial Road Morwell on TUESDAY (16 July 2024) commencing at 11am. The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of the Service for the Yallourn Cemetery.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MORWELL 5134 4937 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
MARSHALL. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mrs Rae Marshall will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway Traralgon on TUESDAY (16 July 2024) commencing at 11am.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON
TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
REEVES. The Funeral Service for Mrs Jenni Reeves will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway Traralgon on MONDAY (15 July 2024) commencing at 1.30pm.
The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of the Service for the Moe Public Cemetery. Jenni's Service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream please visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on livestreams.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
SHAW. The Funeral Service for Mr Bradley Craig Shaw will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway Traralgon on WEDNESDAY (17 July 2024) at 1.30pm.
The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of the Service for the Gippsland Memorial Park Cemetery, Traralgon.
Bradley's Service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream please visit latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
TANTARO. Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs Concetta (Connie) Tantaro was offered at St Mary's Cathedral on TUESDAY (9 July 2024), prior to interment in the Sale Monumental Lawn Cemetery.
WHITEHOUSE. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation of Mrs 'Patsy' Patricia Whitehouse will be held at the Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway, Traralgon, TUESDAY (16 July 2024) commencing at 2.30pm. Patsy's Service will be livestreamed. Please see our website for livestreaming details.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON
TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
In Memoriam •
BATTISTA, Tony. 11/9/1932 -5/7/2023. Dad, one year has passed without you. Special memories We share forever We all miss you so much. Love you, Gena, Dianne, Anthony and family XXX.
FORD, Kyle. 12/7/2022.
Sad are the hearts that loved you, Sad are the tears that fall, But living our lives without you Is the saddest part of all. We miss you so much mate.
Love always andforever Mum and Fordy XX.
TOMLJANOVIC, Jane. Jane, my baby sister you have been gone 2years. Passed away unexpected 4/7/2022 alone without family or loved ones by your side. Now you are with our dad and mum. Safe from those that used and abused you and pretend that they care for gain. Imiss you more each day. We always love you and think about you, till we meet again. Loved and missed by nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and God children. Forever In Our Hearts Love you always, Branka and Lauri. Rest In Peace
Beforecommitting to $12,000 -$15,000 for aFuneral with abig firm - Consider using asmaller onelikemine Funeral Services at the Rose Chapel, Church andgraveside-a specialty
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your thoughts and feelings into words Apersonal message in the
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When you losesomeone close to you it can be hardto put yourthoughtsand feelingsinto words Apersonal message in the Latrobe ValleyExpress can say so much
Forfriendly advice on how to place your message contact
Top-fourLVSL clashunder lights
SOCCER | MOE UNITED BY
JOHN CARDONA
THIS SaturdaynightatOlympicPark, Moe United is not just about the top-four clash against Traralgon Olympians in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League, but also about the Moe United Soccer Club’s yearly past players day reunion.
The club also invites any past supporters to come down and join in what should be agreat nightof local soccer.
The schedulewill see seniors kick-offat7pm, following the reserves at 5pm and the senior women at 3pm all on the Olympic Park main pitch.
On the back pitch at 4pm, there will be apast players match between the Moe United ex-senior/ reserve squad and the Moe United ex-junior players who neverwent on to play at the clubintheirsenior years.
The match will be a30minuteeach way exhibition game.
We are encouraging all ex-senior, junior or female players to come along and enjoy agreat day/night of soccer and celebrate the history of one of the most successful and proudest clubs in the LVSL. If you would like any further information, phone John Cardona on 0422 518 940.
The main match of the night will see third-placed Moe take on fourth-placed Olympians.
Last time the two teams met, it was abig upset with Olympians winning 2-1 earlier in the season.
After adisappointing loss at home to Fortuna, the Red Devils have won their lasttwo awaygames, whilethe visitors have defeated East Gippsland,
then succumbed to the might of second-placed Fortuna.
No doubt thiswillbeanother tightly fought encounter,with the home side favoured to take out the win.
IN the reserves, Moe will be looking for a better performance than their last two draws against sides lower on the ladder.
Thelasttime these two sides met, Moe United hadaconvincing win, but they would admit they were playing better soccer then than they have in recent weeks.
On apersonal note, team captain and current league top scorer Harley Robinson will be looking to find his goal scoring form to continue his push for athird successive golden boot.
IN the women’s match, after atough month against most of the top sides in the competition, the Moe United girls take on bottom-placed Olympians.
TheRed Devils should bounce back with awin to look to finishoff theirvastly improved 2024 season with arun of victories.
Up front, the home side will see the team’s brilliantCooper twins, Miley and Summer, wanting to build on their constant scoring,supported by Georgia Wyntjes and Hayley Lewis.
Miley Cooper currently leads the club goal scoring, and may have her eyes set on abig bag.
MOE United’s Second Division has the bye, and with four games remaining, require only a single point to take out the league title.
Entry at the gate this weekend is $10 per adult, while pensioners and students are $5.
GOLF
CHURCHILL &MONASH
Monthly Medal Saturday29th June 2024.
AGrade Winner: D. Burridge 13 nett72
BGrade Winner: A. Sharrock 22 nett74
CGrade Winner: J. Thomas 36 nett66
Medal
D.T.L: 1. P. Jordan 73, 2. N. Erasmus 74,3
Ad.West 75, 4. C. Wilson, 75, 5. M. Brereton 76 C/B,6.G.Sanders76, 7. R. Madigan 76
8. G. Spowart 76
N.T.P: 3rdB.Rowley, 5th R. Madigan, 12th
Pro-Pin: P. Smart
Target Hole: R. Madigan
Scratch: D. Burridge 85
Putts: Ad.West 26
1st June Hole In One 3rd: G. Barnes
Monthly Medal Tuesday2nd July
Medal Winner: S. Caldwell 24 73 nett
Scratch: S. Caldwell 97
Putts: S. Turner 28
D.T.L: C. Wilson 78 nett, M. Ryan 79 nett
N.T.P: 3rdC.Stevens,5th C. Barnes,12th S. Turner,14th J. Soppe
MIRBOONORTH
Thursday4th July,Stableford.
AGrade: MPayne (13) 41pts
BGrade: JMcFarlane (17) 34pts
DTL: MWoodall40, MSnell 37,S Mills, G Renwick36, NTP: 4th MSnell, 6th GWatson, 13th S Mills, Saturday, 6th July,Stroke& President
President Trophyplayoff: JRobbins vS Hill-Smith, BBradshawv SWoodall, SMc Kenzie vMPayne,A Liebe vNRutledge
MOE
Sunday, 30 June 2024 OPEN Sunday9
hole Stableford
Grade AWinners: Gasi, Sean (18) 18
Sunday, 30 June 2024 OPEN Sunday Medley
Grade AWinners: Harland, Bob (14) 33
Grade BWinners: Puddy,Jacob (17) 32
Place Getters: Donnison, Terry32C/B Murphy, Richard31C/B
Wednesday, 03 July 2024 WOMEN'S WEDNESDAY 9HOLEStableford
Grade AWinners: Hale,Jan (53) 14
Place Getters: Rankin, Joyce9 Wednesday, 03 July 2024 WOMEN'S STROKE -MONTHLY
Overall Winners: Borg, Kathy(21) 76 Medal Winner
Grade AWinners: Borg,Kathy(21) 76
Grade BWinners: Weaver,Lee (40) 81
Place Getters: Wallis,Elizabeth 80, Elliot, Christine 81 C/B,Birrell,Chris 83 C/B Nearest to Pin: 4th JoyBeath, 8th Jane Blandford
Target Hole: JoyBeath
MysterySixes: KathyBorg
AGrade Putts: KathyBorg28
BGrade Putts: Jane Blandford33
Thursday, 04 July 2024 OPEN Medley Stableford
Grade AWinners: Veenman, Laurie (8) 44
Grade BWinners: Buckman, Peter(17)38
Grade CWinners: Knox,Terry(29) 37
Place Getters: Dunstan, Craig 37 C/B, Langmaid, Brett37, Yeomans,Wayne 36, Stansbury, Les 34 C/B,Wilkinson, Wally34 C/B,Stirzaker,Jason 34, Papettas, Maurice 34 C/B,Brien, Graeme 34 C/B,Johnson, Tony 34, Donnison, Terry33C/B,Beveridge Eric 33 C/B,Woszczeiko, Bryan33C/B
Great Score: Jason Stirzaker (Birdie) @ 14,TonyJohnson (Birdie) @4,Peter Young (Birdie) @8
Nearest to Pin: 4th Tony Johnson, 8th Peter Young,14th HarryFrei
Saturday, 06 July 2024 WOMEN'S SATURDAY STROKE
Grade AWinners: Borg,Cassandra(19)75
—The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 10 July, 2024
LVSL back this weekend
Ballsinyour court: Fortuna faces aseries of ‘should win’games in thelastfour rounds of the Latrobe ValleySoccer League season. Liam Antonelli pictured contesting with Moe’sMatt Shearing Photograph: Liam Durkin
killers’ this season, with wins over Moe and Fortuna.
THE Latrobe Valley Soccer Leaguereturns this weekend.
Top threesides Falconsand Moe are in action on Saturday night,inwhatisshapingasanother season-defining round.
Falcons lead the race to the league title on 37 points withfourroundstogo, although secondplaced Fortuna is only one game behind and has ahugegoal difference of 61.
The Red Devils are third, on 31 points and will need to keep wining to stay in the hunt.
Their first assignment is againstavastly improved Olympians,who havebeen‘giant
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, 06 July 2024 MEN'S Monthly Medal -Stroke
Overall Winners: Imer,Corey (20) 65 Medal
Winner
Grade AWinners: Devent, Anton (8) 72
Grade BWinners: Nyko, Steve(18)75
Grade CWinners: Imer,Corey (20) 65
Place Getters: Dow, William 70, Collings Dale 74 C/B,Bullen, Danial (2) 74,Ayton, Kevin 75 C/B,Wilson, Lee 75 C/B,Boad, Dave 75, Wilson, Robert76C/B,Spiteri, Paul 76 C/B,Skicko,Nick76C/B,Hiriaki, Whitney76C/B,Gross Winner,Danial Bullen 76
Great Score: Graeme Wilson Birdie @14, Charles Weir Birdie @14, Charles Johnson Birdie @8,RodneyWhiteBirdie @14, Kevin Brien Birdie @14
Nearest to Pin: 4th Allan Gambling,8th KymRoss,14th KevinBrien Mysterx Sixes Winner: Corey Imer MORWELL
Women's Stroke-Monthly Medal
Wednesday3rd July 2024
Medal: IYoshimura74nett
DTL: CPeter 77 nett
DTL: 2nd NTePaa 8th NTePaa 15th L
vanRooy
Count Putts: CPeter 31
TRAFALGAR
WednesdayWomen’sresults: 3/7/24
Stableford: Winner: Sue Klemke(13)with 30 points
Runner-Up: BevKeilywith29points c/b
NTP: 5th –Bev Keily, Mystery6: Sue Klemke10points
Tuesday02/07/2024 -Stableford
Players: 31, Women 4, Men 27
Winner: NormMether (22)
Runner Up: SteveKlemke(20 c/b)
DTL: Chris Griffin(20), Les Pearce (20), SteveLawrence (19), PeterGriffin (19), Graeme Grant (18), Glenn Doolan (18)
Fortuna will start favourite in their four remaining games (against Churchill Tyers, Newborough/Yallourn and East Gippsland), meaning the match between Falcons andMoe in the penultimate round could all but determine the 2024 league champion.
ROUND 15 FIXTURE
Saturday, July 13
Falcons vs Sale United (at Falcons Park -5pm) Moe United vs Olympians (Olympic Park, Moe -7pm)
Sunday, July 14 -all 3pm kick-off Newb/YallournvsMonash(at Burrage) Churchill vs Fortuna(Hazelwood South) TyersvsEast Gippsland (Tyers Rec)
YALLOURN
Players: 44, Women 13,Men 31
Women’s Winner: JanGriffin (31)
ScratchWinner: Cheryl Toyne (47)
Runner Up: Helen Keith (33)
DTL: Olwyn Balfour (35), LynPowell (35), Marilyn Kerr (36 c/b)
NTP: BevKeily(11), KarenMacGregor (15)
Bradmans: Kathie Olden
Men’s Winner: Vic Hill (30)
ScratchWinner: Tony Shearer (42)
Runner Up: Graeme Harris (31)
DTL: GeoffThomas (32), Franc Kiss (33), Brian McKenzie (34), SteveLawrence (35 c/b)
Birdies: 5th: BarryDwyer,Noel Cornish 11th: Bob Baldry, Andrew Shearing,Max Woodall 13th: Dwayne Jenkins,Simon Duff,Nathan Lugton 15th: Wayne Robbins, AnthonyMoscato
Saturday, July 6th 2024, Monthly Medal
Stroke
Medal &A Grade Winner: Glen McCulloch
66 nett
BGrade Winner: AlexWeymouth 72 nett
C/B
ScratchWinner: Glen McCulloch 77 gross
C/B
DTL’s: GlenRoberts 67,TrevorPerkins 68, Josh Clarkson 70, Russ Grant 72, Peter McKinnon 72, Chris Moody 72, Warwick Griggs 73, Akos Kerekes73, Greg Donohue
73 NTP’s: 2nd: Glen Roberts 5th: Symon Lee 11th: Glen McCulloch 13th:Peter Burghardt 15th: TomWoodhouse
Birdies: 2nd: Glen Roberts,Bruce Aplin 5th: Symon Lee,Stu Marriott,Phil Town, Adrian Jones 13th: ScottMcKinnon, Shane Dwyer 15th: TomWoodhouse
Thursday4th July Ladies ParEvent
Winner: Donna Brown-3
DTL: Sue Caldow-4, Maureen Bishop-5, On c/b Lola Carter NTP: 8th Lola Carter,16th Maureen Bishop Tuesday2nd July 9hole Stableford Anne-Maree Vella 17pts NETBALL MIRBOONORTH
SOCCER LVSL BY LIAM DURKIN
Heatingup: Therace to theLVSL title is on
Photograph: Liam Durkin
Moe Racing Club shinesat CCV Gala awardsevening
HORSERACING
MOE Racing Club was awarded the esteemed Regional Community Club Award at the Community Clubs Victoria (CCV) 2024 Gala Awards recently.
Held last Saturday (July 6) at the RACV City Club, Moe Racing Club was awarded the winner’s trophy. The respected industry event represents more than 1000licenced clubs across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
The award acknowledged the club’s ability to demonstrate great benefit through the promotion of services and programmes, as well as assistance to outside programmes, and acommitment to employee skills development, and commitment to WHS in areas of operation and licensing.
Moe Racing Club Chief Executive, Cass Rendell said theMoe Racing Club is acommunity-centred organisation that givesbackthrough various
promotions and services, including raising money for organisations like the Good Friday Appeal.
“We have started aSocial Golf Club and hold weekly raffles, footy tipping, punters club, and aFriday members draw to foster asense of community and friendly competition,” Rendell said.
“The club also provides awelcoming space with ample TV streaming services for sports enthusiasts and sponsors local events, companies, and sporting clubs, often hosting dinners and fundraising activities.
“Employees have opportunities for skilldevelopment through courses, and the club recognises dedicated staff through its StaffRecognition Program, boosting morale and dedication.
“The club also prioritises workplace health and safety with adedicatedWH&S/OH&S committee that meets monthly to address issues and ensure employees’ voices are heard and acted upon.”
CCV Chief Executive, Andrew Lloyd said the
Sale success for team Gelagotis
HORSERACING
By TOM HAYES
SALE TurfClubhosted anine-racemeet last Thursday (July 4),which returned some success from alocal perspective
The track downgraded three times on the day, beginning at aSoft 6. After two races they were running on aSoft7,and following one more race it was deemed aHeavy 8track.Fromthe finalthree races of the day, thetrack downgraded once more to aHeavy 9- the second heaviestcategory track.
TWOMoe-trained horses were amongst it in the Race 8CarltonDraught Handicap, ran over 1415metres
Leading from the front in the earlystageswas Delightful Journey for Moe’sChrstineSexton, while in close quarters was Margie’s Boy for Moe’s Peter Gelagotis.
As they rounded the final turn onto thestraight, Margie’s Boy looked to makeamoveonthe outside of Delightful Journey, overtaking and taking the lead of the race.
With the distance that the two had created, Delightful Journey only had their second place finish threatened right at the end but did enough to claim runner-up.
Margie’s Boy took the win by two lengths, claiming back-to-back wins, and his fourth careervictory. After winning on debut, Margie’s Boy has gone on to winthree more races from just 13 starts, and at just theage of five-years-old, he has plenty of racing ahead of him.
Also in the mix was I’m Dynamitefor Sale’sSusie Wells. Coming from further back in the field, I’m Dynamite rose from seventh to fifth at the race’s end.
THE Race above was Gelagotis’ second win of the day, after he claimed his first in the Race 4 Victory Treadmills Maiden Plate (1732m) with Mark Of Zorro.
It was Epsom Road who led the field up until around the 600mmark, with Mark Of Zorrotaking the lead and looking destined for the line.
His only challengers appeared to be High Society Girl (who finished 2nd) and Romans Luck (3rd), who dropped off significantly earlier.
As he charged down the straight, it looked more and more confident that he would take the line first,doing so alength and aquarteraheadof High Society Girl.
From his sixthstart,Mark Of Zorrohad his first win, after only previously placing once before back in May last year.
Sale’s Cliff Murray had Rough Edges finished fourth, climbing miraculously from the rear of the pack, however finishing over six lengths from the lead.
Also featuring was No Savings for Sexton (8th), LonestarCharlie forMurray(10th), and Moonlight Image for Wells (13th).
DESPITE finishing within alength and a half from the lead, Juice Box for Sale’s Rebecca Kelly finished third in the Race 7Gippsland Funeral Services Handicap (1106m).
awards night providedthe appropriate platform for clubs to be recognised for their hard work.
“We believe in rewardfor efforts and the appreciation of our clubs and members as they continue to persevere in achallenging operational climate for businesses,” Lloyd said.
“We are pleased to once against host this prestigious awards night, honouring the exceptional efforts of individual and clubs whose contributionshavehad aprofoundimpact on our local communities.
“It is aprivilege to acknowledge their outstanding contributions to Victoria’s social and economic well-being,” he said.
Elsewhere, Jo Wouters from Moe Racing Club was also awarded the esteemed Club Person of the Year at the Community ClubsVictoria (CCV) 2024 Gala Awards.
Wouters is consideredthe backbone of theMoe Racing Club.
The club’schief executive led the chorus of congratulations.
“Known for her excellent rapport with patrons, Jo’s warmth and kindnessendear her to both customers and staff, making her abeloved Duty Manager,” Rendell said.
“Herinteractionswith patronsare genuine and caring, often going out of her way to ensure everyone feels looked after, especially in the gaming room.
“Jo’s impact is profound, as illustratedbya recent instance where her friendly conversation saved awoman’s life, turning hermindset around during adifficult time. This woman’s gratitude and continuedvisits highlight Jo’s extraordinary ability to provide support and comfort, making her an invaluable asset to the club.”
Moe Racing Club has ameeting this Friday (June 12).
Gates open at midday.
Essentially asprint, the firm favourite, Mansiere, was always going to be hard to beat, proving so with astunning overlap, coming from seventh to win by over alength.
Juice Box was afirm pace setter throughout the race, however his may have hindered her chances at afast finish, as she was passed by Mansiere and Walter Spur (2nd) on the straight.
Shedid enough however to confirm aplacefinish, in third, her best finish since her last win in May this year, following three consecutive sixth-place finishes.
Lord Paramountfor Bundalaguah’s Sharon Trolove was apacesetter at the beginning of the race, finding the front at the 400m mark. Priced at $101, it was always destined to fall eventually, finishing eighth of 13 runners.
THE final impressive finish of the day came from Nic Says No from Sale’s Troy Kilgower in the Race 2SaleCup 2024 On Sale Now Maiden Plate (1106m).
Coming from as far back as eighth at the 800m mark, and sixth at the 400m mark, Nic Says No finished fourth,fourlengths behind the winner, Rockabottle.
Rockabottle appeared unphased as they charged to the line, leading up the front with Major Lady (who finished 13th).
Also finishing the race from alocal standpoint was LastSay forSale’s Heather Stephens (7th), andGraciousDiva for Wells (8th).
IN the next race, the Race 3Viatek Maiden Plate (1415m), Renovation Show cruised to the finish line after leading the entire race.
The next best finisher,ZeBee Nine, finished three lengths shy of the winner.
Locals Dun Dozen for Sexton finished eighth, and Discobay for Sale’s Adam Hanley finished 13th -almost 14 lengths from the lead.
THE final race of the day, the Race 9 Ladbroke It! Handicap (1415m) had some admirable local showings considering the conditions.
The race was clearly won by the favourite, Rackemann, who rose from three or four back to stream through clearonthe inside to win by nearly three lengths.
In the chasing pack was London Bell for Sale’s Damien Walkley, who eventually finished seventh, yet just over five lengths from the lead.
Chasing the chasing pack was Rosabeel for Sale’s Angela Bence, who cruised home finishing second-last.
RACE 5’s Ladbroke Racing Club Handicap (1732m) was not so nice to the local runner.
IN what was avery close finish between the two frontrunners of the race, the $17 outsider, That’swhatshesaid climbed victorious over $2.10 favourite Bossa Nova Lad.
However, at the other end of the field was Gimme ABuzz, now trained by Boolarra’s Tim Hughes. The five-year-old gelding finished 13th, nearly 28 lengths from the lead. But did not come last, with Hesitate, who might’ve raced accordingly to itsname, coming last -over 31 lengths from the winner.
TWO races throughout the day displayed no local talent whatsoever.
Race 1’s Become AMember Today Maiden Plate (1106m)was won by JenniMultabella, whowas namedasthe favourite.
It was the two-year-old filly’s debut race, winning on the outside of race leader Polyglot.
Finally, Race 6’s Turnbull Toyota Handicap (2226m) came down to the wire.
Funnily enough,the top fivehorses were trained by just two people, with Ballarat’s Patrick Payne training the first two, The Devil In Her (1st) and A VotreSante (2nd), and Cranbourne’s Andrea Leek training the horses in third and fourth -Brilliant Venture and Havisham.
Fifth-placed PrivilegedSon,alsotrained by Paynefinished just over threelengths fromthe lead, despite starting the race as the favourite. Also noticed wasa Denis Pagan trained horse, Turn It Up Tommy, who finished eighth. Pagan was widely known as an AFL premiership coach with North Melbourne, before crossing to Carlton to finish his coaching career. He became the first Australian sporting figure to win an AFL premiership as coach, and train a group 1winner, when Johnny Get Angry won the 2020 Victorian Derby.
Two-fa: Mark Of Zorrowas Moe’s PeterGelagotis’ firstwinner of theday at Sale Turf Club
Tennis stars converge on Traralgon
TENNIS
By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
THE 2024 LatrobeCity TraralgonOpen and JuniorEvent wasonfull displayfrom Monday, July 1through to Wednesday, July 3with over 180 competitors ranging fromyoung newcomers all the way up to the Open events that see welcome participation from any novice or seasoned tennis player.
Players flocked to the Traralgon Tennis Centre and weregifted to three daysoffine weatherto allow competition to run smoothly with no delays to play.
The events included 10 and under through to 16 and under along with the Open events including singlesand doubles with players featured from across the Gippsland area and other parts of regional Victoria and Melbourne’s metro areas.
The junior events were atremendous opportunity for the youngplayerstocommencetheirtennis playing in tournament-basedlocalcompetition. Alternatively, the Open events enabled mature players the opportunity to gain important match practice which equals to both ventures offering an invaluable pathway for players of any level of experience, young and old.
The hosting Traralgon Tennis Association said it was pleased to see so many new and returning players as well as the arrival of large squads from South Gippsland and Melbourne that truly bolstered the events competitiveness.
The Open events was aTennis Australia event which allowedfor seasoned players to compete and improve their Universal Tennis Ranking (UTR) which gave the Open an extra lure for avariety of players around Victoria and was extra special for the community to havelocals improve their rankings close by.
Many local players wereonshowcasedinthe headlining eventsincluding the Open Singles and Open Doubles in both the Male and Female divisions with some of the Valley’s finest talent. Traralgon’sBen Grumley (entering as the number one seed) defeated Florian Kostov (4) winning two sets to one in the Men’s Singles Final with the final set being the tightest, 10-6.
Grumley also wonthe Men’s Doubles Final alongside fellow Traralgon player Sam McGregor in awalkover against Ethan Gooi and AadithyaPai.
Grumley has spent the last four years in the US, recently graduating from William Woods University and is working at Lubbock Christian Universityin an assistant role in the division 2tennis program.
McGregor attends Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina and is currently in his secondyear of studyaswellasintheir tennis program.
Fellow Traralgon hotshot Eliza Dunbar (1) won the Women’s Singles Final in atwo set sweep against contending Catherine MarinaKrueger (2) that wasn’t as easy as the result suggests and lasted over two hours despite the limited sets.
Dunbar also attends school in the US at Fresno StateUniversity in California upon amid-year transfer during the 2023-2024 season.
Dunbar also won the Women’s Doubles Final with Sale’sJessica Board in acomfortable two sets against Aurelie Kostova and Daisi Kukuljan, (6-0, 6-2).
Winnersacross the three days were: Sam Huang (2) taking out the Men’s Singles Tier 2, Reza Sazali in the Boy’sSingles 16 andUnder, Louis Lazzaroand Andrew Johnson in the Boy’s Doubles 16 andUnder,Keerah Pocklington (1) in the Girl’sSingles 16 and Under,Declan Kamphuis in the Boy’sSingles 14 and Under,Anna Banson
(1) in the Girl’sSingles 14 and Under,Anikin Margis and TomWoodinthe Boy’sDoubles 14 and Under,Candice Bramwell and Milla Lazzarointhe Girl’sDoubles 14 and Under,Liam Tarrant (3) in the Boy’sSingles 12 and Under,Kotone Burgess (1) in the Girl’sSingles 12 and Under,Arham Tarriqand Liam Tarrant in the Boy’s Doubles 12 and Under,Kotone Burgess and Elsa Grgic in the Girl’s Doubles 12 and Under,Elena Lazzarointhe Girl’s Singles 10 and Under
Guns: Women’s Doubles winners,Jessica Board(Sale) andEliza Dunbar (Traralgon). Photograph supplied unless specified Great stuff: Some of the junior event winners.
BASKETBALL Australia has announced the Olympic teams for both the Boomers and Opals.
Traralgon’sJadeMelbournewas selected and willbeheading to Paris for her firstOlympic Games appearance.
Melbourne has played for Australia prior to this selection, and was amember of the Opals 2021 FIBAWomen’s AsiaCup campaign in which they took home the bronze medal.
The Traralgon baller has stepped things up this WNBA seasonafter being tradedtothe Washington Mystics in the off-season from the Seattle Storm, posting averages of six points, two rebounds and two assists in just 13 minutes of action.
The Opals landedinPool B, which starts off against host-nation France,Canadaand Nigeria. Josh Giddeyhas also been selected to his first Olympic Games for the Boomers. Giddey has loose ties to the Latrobe Valley, where his mum spent time in Morwell growing up.
Giddey wasrecentlytradedfromthe Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA to the Chicago Bulls, hoping for afresh start in an equally young team with moreopportunityand in an even bigger city
The Boomers are situated in tough Pool Apreparing to face gold medal fancies Canada, perennial contenders Spain, and Greece.
Lauren Jackson (playing her first Olympics since London 2012), Patty Mills and Joe Ingleswillplay in their fifth Olympic Games, joining Andrew Gaze as the only Australian basketballers to do so.
BOCCE
LATROBE CLASSIC
BY LIAM DURKIN
TEAMS converged on the GippslandBocce Centre last weekend for the annual LatrobeCityBocce ClassicMixed Triples Championship.
Now into its 22nd year, the event has become a staple on the national bocce calendar, with players from across the country making their way to Morwell for two days of intense competition.
The Italian Australian Club welcomed some high calibre players, many of whom had international playing experience.
Victoria’sSunshine Club, oneofthe most successful bocce clubs in the land, proved their dominance, winning Sunday’s final.
The victory continued arecent dynasty for Sunshine, who have now won four of the last five Latrobe City Classics.
As amixed triples event, teamshad to have males and females represented, while gameswere timed at one hour or first to 11 points.
In its simplest form, games were played in the ‘traditional’ bocceformat,with points accumulated with the more number of balls closest to the jack. Thefinalsaw Sunshine gain afour point lead over Melbourne’s Veneto Club, which led to a7-3 victory.
With four balls left and time running out, Veneto had to go for aHail Mary play, but unfortunately for them, the risk proved too unrealistic.
The winning Sunshineteam wasTony Palermo, Dino Mikolic and young gun Nicole Samsa.
Mikolic said it was agreat winand even better tournament put on by the localMorwell bocce community.
“Really great team effort, Nicole did really well and our ‘pointer’ Tony, the senior player out of the three of us was fantastic, we all did our job at the end of the day,” he said.
Presentations weremade in the Italian Australian Club functionrooms,with trophies generously donated by the Finocchiaro family.
Exuberant as always, Bocce Australia National Sports Development Director and local girl Sonia Fava praisedall involved for putting together another great Latrobe City Classic.
“It’s really good to see people from allover come, it’s not just Melbourne, there is NSW, WA,
Queensland, they have made an effort to come to our local community and it’sbeengreat forthe area and for the club,” she said.
“It’s probably the most affluent players that are competing here this weekend, so spectators got to see some really good bocce.”
“It’s been going for along time with support of Latrobe City Council.”
The next major event on the nationalbocce calendar is the RAFA (a different format) World Championships in October, while juniors will get an early Christmas present, flying to Puerto Rico for their World Championships in December.
Unfortunately for bocce lovers, their sport won’t be showcased at the upcomingOlympics, although Fava said the pushwas still on to oneday have bocceshowcased on thetrulyglobal stage.
Bocce officials thought they had afoot in the door acouple of years ago, but lost out to skateboarding and breakdancing of all things.
In order to get bocce in the Olympics, aradical new format might need to be invented.
How about Breakdancing Bocce?
That might have just given Sooshi Mango their latest idea.
generations:
Three
Localplayers Kayla Dukes, hermum Linda Dukes and grandmother (Nonna) MirelliAlesi competed togetheratthe Latrobe BocceClassic. Photograph supplied
Delicate: Sunshine’s Tony Palermoinaction during the final. Photograph: Liam Durkin
Champs: The winning team,Sunshine Club,ofNicole Samsa, Dino Mikolic and Tony Palermo,with Italian Australian Club’sLeonie Finocchiaro, whodonatedthe trophies Photograph: Liam Durkin
