Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 12 March 2025

Glengarry’s Kayla and Jade Christie,along with Asher (6), Kira(3), Indie (10), Jacob (10), Aariana (12), Zack(6) and Isla (3) were just some of the thousands who made the journeyintothe hills forthisyear ’s Thorpdale Potato Festival. STORY-PAGE 11

Out of control crime Potato power

By TOMHAYES

THE recent crime spike across Victoria has raisedalarmingconcerns, as repeat offenders are granted bail and youth crime becomes more common.

In late February, following astabbing on Morwell’s Commercial Road, the offender, facingfourcharges, was releasedonbailuntil their next court hearing in May.

Amonth earlier in late January, a 91-year-old Morwell man was found deadinhis home, after his houseon Maryvale Road wasbroken into by a man on bail, who was later found by police with the victim’s belongings.

Memberfor Morwell, Martin Cameron has called for urgent action.

Speaking in State Parliament, an emotional Mr Cameron said Labor’s commitment to review its bail laws was “nowhere near enough” to address the crisis.

“I am loathed to feed into parochialism

or sin gle out an yo ne tow ni nt he

(Latrobe) Valley, but the enormity of the problems facing the Morwell CBD must be addressed as amatter of urgency,”

Mr Cameron said.

“Speaking with businesses last week, owners are so scared for the welfare of their staff they are locking their doors, having to escort staff to their cars, or closing and leaving town altogether.”

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath also spoke on the safety of locals, who do not feel safedue to the rise of violent crimes.

“New South Wales and Queensland governments have acted by introducing stronger laws to combat knife crime, yet Labor continues to ignore the issue,” she said.

“Despite the best efforts of local police members, we are seeing escalating crime rates in our regional towns, oftenfuelled by alcohol and drug addictions.”

Mr Came ron expre ssed his own

frustrations of the situation developing in Morwell, mentioning he “can no longer in good conscienceevenallow my staff to walk to the post office to collect mail” -awalk of less than 10 minutes fromGeorge Street, pastCommercial Rd, under the train line and to the post office on Princes Drive.

“People are scared. We can no longer walk the streets, in what should be a safe place, because antisocialbehaviour is completely out of control,” he added.

“I am under no illusions that this is avery complex and multi-faceted issue and there are many other contributing factors at play when it comes to crime. But alineinthe sand has been drawn, and it was drawn along time ago.”

The stategovernmentlabelled the behaviour “appalling”, stating that changes to laws are coming.

“Victoria Police are out 24/7 holding offenders to account -backedbyarecord $4.5billioninvestment, new powers,

and new laws that deliver tougher consequences for serious, repeat offenders which are already making adifference,” astate government spokesperson said.

“It’snot acceptable that there are still toomanyVictorians who don’t feel safe Our laws need to be changed -and they will be.

“Th eA tto rne y-Ge ner al (So nya Kilkenny) and Minister for Police (Anthony Carbines) are working with Victoria Police and the Department of Justice and Community Safety on changes to our laws to keep people safe -including strengthening bail.

“Everyone has the right to live and worksafelyand anyonewho endangers that right must feel the consequences.”

Staying local, of the 3600 additional police funded by the state government, 110 were allocated to the Morwell Division,which includes 23 family violence specialist police.

Continued -Page 29

Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Irrigators invited to share auction

SOUTHERN Rural Water will sell 1000 mega litres of high reliability and 441ml of low reliability permanentwater shares within the Macalister Irrigation District system next month.

The company’s general manager service delivery, Simon Wilkin son said that Southern Rural Water is inviting Macalister IrrigationArea irrigatorstotakepart in this auction.

“This water sale is agreat opportunity for irrigators in the Macalister Irrigation Area wanting to bolster their water supplies and increase their productivity,” he said.

“These water savings have beenachieved after aperiod of significant investment by irrigatorsand stateand federal governments in the Macalister Irrigation District as part of the Macalister Irrigation District modernisation project.

“This is the second amount of water to be auctioned from savings achieved as part of the Phase 1A project. There will be further auctions over the coming years, as water savings from subsequent modernisation phases in the Macalister Irrigation District are validated. These significant investments in modernisation help to secure the future of farming in central Gippsland.”

These water shares will be sold in arange of lot sizes on Wednesday, April 2via an online auction from 9am to 12.30pm on the Southern Rural Water Exchange trading platform.

Proceeds of the water saleswill contribute to funding the modernisation works that have already been completed.

These shares will be sold without allocation for the 2024/25 season. The first allocation announcement will happen on July 1, 2025.

For more information, visit: srw.com.au, or call 1300 139 510.

GERFrelieving disaster stress

LOCAL charity, Gippsland Emergency ReliefFund

(GERF), was called on to assist Gippsland residents overfournatural disastersoverthe last12months

The charity’s recently released 2024 annual report highlights that GERF provided atotal of $619,500 of aid to 244 families during recent fire,flood and stormemergencies across all six Gippsland local government areas.

“Thisisthe first time in GERF’s 45-year history that we have beencalled upon to support this frequency of natural disasters,” GERF vice president, Nigel Browne said.

GERF is an all-volunteer organisation and operates only in Gippsland.

“We are lucky to have received support over the years from arange of community organisations, companies and individuals,” Mr Browne said.

“However, the increasing frequency and severity of bushfires, floods and storms fromclimate change will challenge GERF and the Gippsland community.

“We need to be ready for more frequent natural disasters.”

GERFsupported the community during the 2023 Boxing Day severe floods across East Gippsland, South Gippsland and Wellington, as well as the February 2024 storms affecting Mirboo North and

September 2024 storms across Latrobe, Baw Baw and South Gippsland shires.

During the September/October 2023 fires and floods ordeal impacting Wellington and East Gippsland, GERF held acombined appeal for bushfires and floods for the first time in its history.

Mr Browne said GERF was looking at working with the ResilientBuilding Council (RBC) in apilot program to encourage Gippsland homeowners and businesses carryout free checks on their property

The checks would measure the resilience of buildings for natural disasters and provide practical, tailored actionstoimprove their resilience.

“We’re hoping to run aseries of public workshops

with RBC in thecomingmonths,” Mr Browne said.

“The ideaisthat if you can improve your home’s resilience to natural disasters then you won’t need to call on organisations like GERF. Natural disasters may not become apersonal disaster.”

Part of the strength of GERF is that the people on the committee know the region and can provide quick financial help to those who need it.

The committee has welcomed new faces in recent months, with long-time member and communication executive BarryWhitehead retiring.

“We owe Barry alot of thanks, he has done a fantastic job of keepingthe public aware of GERF and getting out information followingdisasters,” Mr Browne said.

“He’s beenthere wheneverneeded.”

The new faces joining the GERF executive include Glen McColl, Fiona Jago, Rupert Scott and Mark Vitlin,who is stepping into the communication role Adam Hogan hastaken on the important role of treasurer. Mr Hogan is the current principal at Lowanna College, Newborough.

More information on the work of GERF as well as their annual reports are available online at gerf.org.au.

Tax deductible donations can also be made through the website.

Local fires still causing havoc around Valley

CFA responded to atree fire around 1.15pm on Wednesday, February 26 near Howletts Road, Yallourn North.

Crews arrived to find afire underneath powerlines, growing quickly in scrubland and beneath high voltage lines.

The fire grew to abouttwo hectaresbefore crews were able to control it with the use of nine tankers and aircraft support.

The cause of the fire was due to the reignition of asimilar fire that occurred in the same area on January 25 which was caused by an electrical fault

The incident was declared under control at 2.07pm and safe at 2.43pm.

The fire was re-sparked on Tuesday, March 4 with vehicles responding to the fire before 9am.

ACommunity Information warningwas put onto the VicEmergency app around 9.20am that morning.

Within the hour, multiplefire crews managed to get the fireunder control and outwithin the same day.

The next day(Wednesday, March 5), the Vic Emergencyapp alerted usersthat there wasa large shed on fire on Monash Way, Yinnar South.

As of Sunday (March9), afire on Park Road Jericho was markedunder control, which had been burning for acouple of weeks.

Firefighters tending to the fire remained to monitor the area for hot spots, to ensure the fire doesn’t spread or re-ignite.

Broader fires such as in Dargo and Licola were still not under control as of Monday.

The fire in Dargo is now under aWatch and Act notice as the fire grew to 2842 hectares by Monday (March 10) morning.

Growinglargerevery day, the Licola fire reached 5621 hectaresover the weekend, but remains under aStay Informed message as the fire isn’t a threat to local communities.

Authorities are warningpeople to stay informed and to not light fires on Total Fire Ban days. They alsosaidthis year is the driest in fiveyears. Fire safety -Page16

Crime Stoppers launch new reportingplatform

CRIME Stoppers Victoria has launched anew online reporting platform,making it easier for Victorians to share crime information online.

With anew report coming in every five minutes, Crime Stoppers has an essential role in managing vital crime information from the Victorian community.

Accessible through crimestoppersvic.com.au, the new platformsimplifies the reporting process with important technological advancements, enabling the communitytoshare information anytime, anywhere.

Crime StoppersChief Executive, StellaSmith welcomed the initiative.

“Peoplewant to share informationtokeep the community safeand thisnew platform helps them do just that,” she said.

“The public are sharing more video footage than

WillowGrove

drowning

POLICE will prepare areport for the Coroner following the death of aman in Willow Grove on Sunday (March 9).

Aman,who is yet to be formally identified at the time of print, was found unresponsive in Blue Rock Lake near Old Tanjil Road at about 1.30pm.

Passers-by performed CPR, but sadly the man died at the scene.

The exact circumstances surroundingthe death areyet to be determined but the matter is not believed to be suspicious.

Boat stolen

NEWBOROUGH Yallourn Men’s Shed reported astolen boat.

It is believed the boat was stolen from the men’s shed at the Yallourn Pro ductio nB uil din g( ol dS EC headquarters near Yallourn Power St at io n) between Wednesda y, March 5and Thursday, March 6.

“The shed was getting it (the boat) ready for use in aprogram for the disabledand the interested public at large, regrettably, our plans have been shattered,” ashed spokesperson said.

ever, from home security systems, smart phones, anddashcams. We can now process this content faster, providing investigators with greater and more timely insights from the public.”

Video footage is oftencritical in an investigation, with footage suppliedtoCrime Stoppers by the public assisting with investigations ranging from high-risk road use to homicide. Video footage can help to place individuals in locations where acrime hasoccurred and assist police to identify perpetrators.

Akey feature of the new platform is afocus on the reporting of elder abuse, one of the fastest growing forms of family violence, offering astraightforward way to raise concerns about harm to those vulnerable in the community.

“Our new reporting application makes it easier thanever forpeople to provideinformationabout a

wide range of crimes. Whether it’s aphoto, avideo, or information, we encourage Victorians to share what they know,” Ms Smith said.

“The option to remain anonymousgives confidence to anyone wanting to report to Crime Stoppers.”

The new reportingapplicationwas developed with funding of more than $380,000 from the state government.

Minister for Police, Community Safetyand Victims, Anthony Carbines highlighted the value of the initiative.

“The faster information can be shared the faster Victoria Police can take crooks off thestreets- that’s why we’re makingitmoreaccessible for people to help with investigations in afast and secure way,” he said.

“Withmore than 120,000 reportsreceived by Crime Stoppers in the last year, we thank each and

Anyone with information is being asked to contact Moe Police on 03 5128 1100 or phone Newborough Yallourn Men’sShed Secretary, Michael Fozard on 0418 513 092.

Two-car collision

EMER GENC Ys erv ices were deployed to Princes Drive, Morwell last Thursday (March 6).

It is believed the femaledriver of aMitsubishi Lancer drove into aparkedtruck, near Vic Roads. Police, fire service, and ambulance were quick to attend the scene. The female drivers sustained minor injuries.

Man charged

MAJOR CollisionInvestigation

Unitdetectives charged aman followinga fatal collision that claimed the life of apedestrian in Wonthaggi on Sunday, March 2.

It is alleged awomanwas walking her neighbour’s dog on Campbell Streetaround 3.45pm when she was struck by avehicle.

It is alleged the vehicle travelled onto the wrong side of the road,collidingwith the pedestrian and dog before driving away from the scene. Thedriver returned to the scene a short time later and was arrested. The pedestrian, a68-year-old Won tha ggi woman was tak en to hospital in acriticalcondition where she died. The dog also died at the scene.

A4 7- ye ar -o ld Narre Warren North man has been charged with culpable drive. He was remanded and app eared at the Latr obe Magistrates’CourtonMonday, March 3.

Police issue Mad March reminder

POLICE are urging motorists to pay extra care and attention on the roads this month, withMarch considered to be the most dangerous period on Victorian roads.

The warning comesaspolicelaunched Operation AridlastFriday(March 7, ending Monday, March 10) -a state-wide road policeeffort targeting highriskdriving behaviour and non-compliance over the LabourDay longweekend.

While March is traditionally known in Victoria for afull calendar of major events, festivals, sports and entertainment, it is also synonymous with having the highest volume of road trauma in both metropolitan andregional Victoria. Historically, Marchhas the highest average injury collision volume of any month of the year, almost 10 per cent higher than any other month. Injurycollisions in both metropolitan and regional

Victoriahave peaked in March over afive-year average.Injurycollisions where speedwas afactor, whereamotorcyclistorheavy vehicle was involved, and young drivers were involved also all peaked in March.

In 2024, there was 30 lives lost during March, the second-highest for the year behind November (36), marking it the worst March on record since 2011, where 34 lives were lost. Of the 30 lives lost during last March, more than half were drivers and two-thirds occurred in regional Victoria.

There was 10 lives lost in the state’s east across the Shepparton, Wangaratta, Wodonga,Mitchell, Latrobe, Bass Coast, Baw Baw, and Wellington areas. It comes as regional fatalities are already up 34 per cent on the same time last year, with 35 lives lost on regional roads compared to 26 at the same

time last year. There has been atotal 58 lives lost on Victoria’s roads in 2025, higher than 49 at the same time last year. There was four fatalities in the first four days of March.

Police are warning motorists there will be zero tolerance for poor driving and dangerous behaviour, with state and local highway patrolstobe highly visible and enforcing across metropolitan and regional roads.

There will be widespread alcohol and drug testing, particularly around major eventstaking place across the state, with police reminding drivers that they can be tested anywhere, anytime.

Speeding will also be amajor focus, with police handingout 2843speeding offencesduring last year’s Operation Arid.

every person who is helpingtokeep our community safe.”

Providing aplatform to upload content offers a safeand convenientway for all Victorians to share what they know and contributetomaking Victoria safer for everyone.

You can report to Crime Stoppers anonymously. Visit the Cri me Stopper sw ebs ite at:

Infamous Moe roundabout a“design disaster”

COMMENT

BY NEIL HAUXWELL

THE Express’s recent piece on Moe’s overhead bridges roundabout (‘Issues circulating for Moe traffic’, 26/02/25) highlighted it’s a road design disaster that strikes terror into older manual transmission drivers who no longer trust their handbrake start skills. It’s also apotentially fatal incident waiting to happen. It’s six metres from the roadway down to the rail track below.

The newer, east side bridge provides modern, heavyduty crash barriers.The 1950s west side bridge has only rusty sheet metal sides held up by bits of three-inch angle iron. They are asight barrier alone. As abarrier to even asmall out-of-control car, they are probably useless. Given the money spent on wire rope freeway barriers, it’sapity thatafew bob couldn’t be spent on making the old overhead bridge safer. Neil Hauxwell is aMoe residents and auto driver.

Moreletters -Page28

PoliceBeat with TomHayes

Missing: This boat wasstolenfromNewborough YallournMen’s Shed. Photograph supplied

THE Victorian LocalGovernance Association (VLGA) has launched the results of the sector’s first-ever Victorian Councillor Census.

The census has provided invaluableinsights into the overall experience of acouncillor across the duration of their four-year term.

The census looked to address the opportunities and barriers for councillors, their motivations for standing, any factors influencing their decision to standornot stand for re-election and identified areas where councillors required additional support.

VLGAChief Executive, Kathryn Arndt, saidthis groundbreaking work would help inform, influence and lead important conversations across the local government sector.

“Up until now we haven’t had any tangible data to support whatwewere hearing anecdotally from elected representatives," Ms Arndt said.

“The census addresses asignificant information gap and providessome great insights into how the sector can respond and be better placed to support andempower councillors to be successful in their roles in the future.”

The Victorian Councillor Census was conducted in collaboration with QDOS Research, who were responsible for collecting the data and ensuring the complete anonymity of respondents.

Mor et ha n3 00 co un cillors ac ross Vic tor ia responded to the census, with an average age of 57 years.

One of the most significant findings of the census was identifying the challenges and barriers currently preventingpeople from re-standing as councillors.

Key findings included:

 The primary motivators to become a

Resultsoffirst-ever Victorian Councillor Census are in

councillor were community service and adesire to enact change;

 47 per cent of respondents had served as a councillor for between three and four years;

 The average weekly hours spent on council related activities was 29.2 hours;

 Alarge percentage did not have aclear understanding of the strategic nature of the role initially;

 Remuneration was not seen as commensurate to the time demands of the job;

 Asignificant number of councillors did not expect the level of hostility they encountered, especially from other councillors;

 41 per cent of women and 26 per cent of men regularly experienced threatening or intimidating behaviour from another councillor;

 Bullying and harassment were identified as key factors for councillors, particularly women councillors, not standing for re-election;

 69 per cent agree that councillors should

Wellington Shire in talks with Prime Minister: offshore wind

By STEFAN BRADLEY

PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese and Wellington ShireCouncil have been in touch about fair compensationfor offshore wind projects set up in the community, following aquestion asked by Wellington Shire Deputy Mayor, Cindy Madeley on the ABC's Q&A TV program.

Cr Madeley noted alackofmandatory compensation payments for communities affected by offshore wind projects,whereas they wereavailablefor onshore projects.Council is pushingfor federal legislation (not stategovernment legislation)that would provide benefits and/or compensation for communities hosting these projects.

The federal government declared Gippsland an offshore wind zone in late 2022. They have since given 12 feasibility licences for offshorewind projects in the region.

On Q&A, Cr Madeleysaid: "at the moment there's currently no federallymandatedcommunity benefit schemefor offshorewind. There is for onshore, not for offshore”.

"So our concern (is) that it will be our communities that build the infrastructurefor the powerfor the people that are in metropolitan regions -that's our concern," she said.

Council said that since the Q&A appearance, in which Mr Albanese pledged to raise the matter with federal Ministerfor Climate Changeand Energy, ChrisBowen, Mr Albanese has personally called Cr Madeley to confirm his team would respond, and has responded to Cr Madeley’s text. Cr Madeley reinforced council’s positionina letter to Mr Albanese she wrote that has called for three key things: a“conversation aboutfair compensation”; an outcomeoncouncil’s application for the federal government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP),which provides funding to support developmentproposals and

construction-ready projects; and avisit from both leaders to meet with affected communities.

In the letter, Cr Madeley says Wellington Shire Council has strongly advocatedfor new energy investment, particularly offshorewind development in Bass Strait.

“Wewelcome the recent granting of feasibility licenses to offshore wind investors and are now engaging with each company to establish collaborativepartnerships for the future,”CrMadeley said

“Beyond these discussions, we are also working closely with key regional stakeholders, including neighbouring councils, education providers such as TAFEand Federation University, and importantly, our First Nations leaders to position Gippsland as aleader in offshore wind and ablueprint for the rest of the nation.

“However, acriticalchallenge now faces our region, putting our well-established social licence to the test. On Monday night’s Q&A (which aired February 17), Iasked you directly whether the federal government would assist in co-designing legislation for Community Benefits and aPayment in Lieu of Rates (PiLoR) mechanism. The aim is clear, to ensure that regional communities who bearthe impact of this infrastructureare fairly compensated for theirrole in Australia’s clean energy future.”

There is aPiLoR framework in Victoria that allows electricity generators to negotiatepayments made to local councils, insteadofpaying rates. The dollar amounts are negotiated for each project.

It’s ultimately up to the federalgovernment what legislation would entail for community benefitsand/or compensation.The Prime Minister in his response to Cr Madeley on Q&A pointed to renewable projects in other communities that led to payments, either "directly or indirect ly through funding infrastructure (and) community activities as well".

be entitled to claim childcare costs as part of performing council duties, and;

 73 per cent of those surveyed would recommend the role of councillor to others.

Ms Arndtsaidthe VLGA planned to conduct the census annually, to capture and track councillor demographics, attitudes and key challenges for local council governance over time.

She said the data had also helped inform the VLGA’s program of work including:

 The expansion of the Local Women Leading Change program to empower more women to nominate for council in 2028;

 The development of an EAP Register to ensure councillors are aware of the health and wellbeing supports available to them and how to access them;

 The development of afour-year Councillor Professional Development Program that directly aligns with the mandatory state government guidelines;

 The expansion of the VLGA’s community leadership programs to encourage informed candidates in 2028 that represent the diversity of their community, and;

 The formalisation of the VLGA’s advice network to provide councillors with expert governance and leadership advice.

“The census is acriticaltool that has already directlyinformed the VLGA’ssector advocacy and ourprogram of work moving forward,” she said.

“It will also be used by government to inform policy and related sector discussions in order to enhance the outcomes councillors deliver for the communities they represent.”

ICON Morwell to start construction

By PHILIP HOPKINS

CONSTRUCTION of civil works is set to start on the largest industrial and commercial projectin Gippsland-the ICON Innovation Park in Morwell, the biggest development in the Latrobe Valley region since Mid ValleyShopping Centre 50 years ago.

Huge demand has pushed forward the development timeline for the 100-hectarepark,whichwill accommodate 125 industrial businesses.

It includes a10hectare commercialcentre, about two acres for apetrol station and foodery, and 12 hectares of parkland that goes through the heart of the project.

The estate is bordered by the Princes Highway, Alexanders Roadand the Bega Dairy plant,and is next to the Australian Paper rail line. Roads and services constructionworksare expected to start within weeks.

John Alom, the head of thedeveloperHomeington Building Group, said the development would have five stages, some of which had been consolidated and made bigger compared with the original plan released last year.

“This will enable them to be delivered more quickly,” he told the Express so as to avoid rising costs.

“Thecostofroads andservices has increased at least40per cent compared to when Ibought the project site back in 2022. Still, Iamtrying my best to deliver the lots cheaper than the going market price. We are getting very strong interest fromboth small, midand large-scaleoccupiers and investors,” he said.

“It costs $200-$350 per square metre -30per cent cheaper compared to Pakenham.”

Mr Alom,aformer engineer at the Hazelwood powerstation, said the innovation parkwas tipped to have afinal economic value up to $800 million, providingmore than 3250 direct and indirect jobs, with 1500 direct jobs in the various businesses that will be established.

Winslow is the Civil Contractor for the project and First National Dandenong and FirstNational Morwell are sales and marketing agent.

Mr Alom said Stages 1and 2would cost more than$50 milliontodevelop, with the individual tenantspaying for their own buildings and fit-out. Both stages should be complete by the end of this

year, while Stage 3would start in May 2027 and end in 2028.

“It willtakeaboutfour-to-fiveyears to deliver everything,” he said.

The business parkhas a10hamixed-use commercial and retail centre, 78ha of industrial and the strategically placed service station that will feature an international food chain. The estate has allowed about 12ha for awetland and landscaped open space.

Mr Alom said neighbourhood cafes would also be built throughout the park.

Stage 1has 31 lots, with 21 lots (68 per cent) sold already. Due to the huge demand, Stage 2, with 31 lotswas released; 11 lots(35 per cent) were

sold within weeks. The lots vary in size from 1012 square metres to 15,860 sqm, with prices ranging from $200/sqm to $350/sqm.

The business park is targeting warehousing, storage and logisticscompanies,manufacturers, and packaging. Mr Alom said several big companies were in talks to take up residence. These included Australia Post, which is looking for aregional distribution centre; Costco; Homemaker Centre; and Tiny Homes, aprovider of prefabricated housing. BP and 7Eleven were vying for the petrol station.

Mr Alom thanked the federal government for a $7.6 million grant to build asewer pump station forICONPark. Thebudgetalso includes funds for civilinfrastructure in Morwell that will facilitate

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the development of more than 700 new homes in the Crinigan Rd development plan area.

“The Latrobe City Council has been very helpful in accommodating the planning permit and approval process. Ithank the council and relevant authorities for their support to the project that will help the greater community,” he said.

Mr Alom is confident the industrial estate will be thecentre of the major economic development for the Valley.

“Itslocation in Morwell at the centre of the Valley makes it astrategic project. ICON Park will serve the surroundingtowns, making Morwell the centre of business for the Gippsland region,” he said.

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Central: Developersexpect ICON to become thebusiness hub of the Valley.

Huge: ICON Innovation Park sits on 100hectaresalong the Princes Highway and AlexandersRoad,Morwell

Using LRH’smaternal healthcare

FOR Eilis and Mitch, the prospect of asecond child filled them with the usual amount of excitement, anxiety and wonder.

Being parents to atoddler already therewas also some degree of confidence that having been through the pregnancy, delivery, and bonding with anewborn, they at least knew what was coming their way.

The reality was slightly different however, with Eilis feeling anxious and having difficulty with breastfeeding new baby Maisie, leadingtoother issues.

“The baby wasn’t settling; Iwas getting anxious. Iwasn’t eating properly. It wasa bit of arevolving cycle, andmymentalhealth was takinga toll,” Eilis said.

Following avisit to her maternal health nurse, Eilis and Maisie were admitted to the Agnes Parent and Infant Mental Health Unit at LatrobeRegional Health (LRH).

“We were able to get abed very quickly with the

support of the maternal health nurse and my GP.

The process was pretty smooth and immediately helped just calm things down alittle bit,”Eilis said. Given the disruption and anxiety already present for Eilis, Mitch was able to spend the first night with herand Maisie in theAgnes Unit.

“I really wanted him here, just to see how things weregoing and help me and Maisie settlein. To have Mitchherethe first nightwas agreat help,” Eilis said.

Mitch also appreciated the opportunity to be involved with Eilis and Maisie while they were in hospital.

“I felt very welcome by all the staff and the other patients. It was areal community feeling on the unit. Iwas able to pretty much come and go. Igot involved in acouple of the groups and it was agood experience,” he said.

Agnes Nurse Unit Manager, Emma Vivian says Eilis’s experience is not uncommon, where anew mum might be focussing on one aspect of their

Newlife: Mitch, baby Maisieand Eilis,who recentlyhad an admission to the Agnes Parent and Infant Mental HealthUnitatLatrobe Regional Hospital.

Delivering homes to Morwell

THE state government is unlockingsurplus governmentlandsiteinMorwell to help deliver more homes across Gippsland.

Minister for Development Victoria and Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing announced that plans are progressing to deliver around 70 land lots in Morwell -preparing the unused site at 10 English Street for more homes, with at least10per cent social and affordable housing.

This builds on the housing investments the state government is already deliveringright across the Gippsland regionunder the nation-leading Housing Statement.

“More homesmean more opportunity -that’s why we’re unlocking surplus government land to deliver more homes close to work, transport, education and services in Morwell,” she said.

“Regional Victoriaisawonderful place to live, and that’s why we’re making suremore young Victorians and families can have the chance to call this beautiful part of the world home.”

Now, thegovernment is doing even more to deliver housing in the Latrobe Valley.

APlanning Permit application forsubdivision of the site has been submitted to Latrobe City Councilfor approval, with works set to commence next year, ahead of completion in 2027.

As part of the works, new footpaths and roads

will be constructed within the site, as well as a shared path to connect into the adjacent reserve.

DevelopmentVictoria willwork closely with Latrobe City Council, GunaikurnaiLand and WatersAboriginalCorporation (GLaWAC) and the local community to ensure the project meets the needs of the community.

As announced last year, the stategovernment is delivering 65 homes in Outer Gippsland and 110 in Inner Gippsland, out of the first 1000 homes to be delivered under the Regional Housing Fund.

On top of this, through the Big Housing Build, the government is also delivering 504 homes across the Gippsland region.

As part of the landmark Housing Statement, the government is unlocking and rezoning surplus government landtodeliver around 9000 homes close to jobs, transport and services across45 sites in both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, with at least 10 percent of affordable housing across these sites.

The governmentisalsoinvesting $6.3 billion through the BigHousingand Regional Housing Build and Regional Housing Fund to deliver more that13,300 social andaffordable homesacross Victoria, with 10,100 homes already complete or underway, including more than2000across the Gippsland region.

new role but see abiggerpicture once admitted.

“We see it alot. Once the mum gets that one-onone time with staff they’ll often see that it’s not just aboutthe feeding or thesleeping,thereisother stuff going on which is stopping her from bonding with the baby and enjoying that special period in her and her infant’s life,” she said.

Both Eilis and Mitch appreciate the role that the brief stay on Agnes has played in their becoming abiggerfamily.

“I definitely feel that if Ihadn’t come here, I’d be sitting at home with the same issues, sitting in the feeding chair and thinking ‘I can’tdothis!’ and that really scares me as it was such abad place to be. My bond with Maisie is much stronger that it would have been and we’re both so grateful for what the Agnes Unit has allowed us to become,” Eilis said. Enquiries and referrals can be made by phoning the Agnes Unit directly on 5173 8553.

Gippsland hits milestone of 100 general practices

GIPPSLAND’S primary care sector continues to evolve and expand,with the regionreaching anew milestone with 100 general practices openthroughout the region (including13 sub-sites).

Gippsland Family Clinic, Traralgonisone of several new general practices that recently opened their doors.

General practice plays avital role in keeping communities healthy, managing chronic conditions, and providing preventative care.

In the face of widespreadconcerns about the future of general practice, Gippsland’s growing network of practices reflects acommitment to sustaining and improvingprimary care access across the region.

Gippsland Primary Health Network Chief Executive, Amanda Proposch recognised how important and meaningful this achievement was for Gippsland.

“This milestoneunderscores the resilience and ded ic ation of gen eral prac titi one rs, allied health professionals, practice nurses, and practice managers who work tirelessly to providehigh quality care to the community.

We wouldn’t be able to achievethis without their hard work,” she said.

“Geographic location remains akey barrier to primary care access, with fewer services available in rural and remote areas. By supporting existing general practices and facilitating the establishment of new ones across our region, we can ensure more individuals receive the care they need without the burden of long distance travel.”

To continue to build capacity and access to care, investment in GP recruitment, retention, and support remains critical. The dedication of healthcare professionals must be matched by policies and initiatives that move the community towards more sustainable models, such as connected care. This includes optimising availabletechnology and digital tools given Gippsland’s vast size, and the health workforce challenges common in regional areas.

As Gippsland PHN celebratesthis milestone, the focus remains on ensuring thesepractices are well-resourced and supported,enabling them to deliver the right care to the community at the right time.

Photograph supplied

Port of Hastings wind project in limbo

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE proposed windfarms off the Gippsland coast, whichhaveanestimated construction cost of $100 billion to produce25,000megawatts of electricity at fullcapacity, are at the heart of adispute between the Laborfederal and state governments

Thebitter stand-off, according to the Australian Financial Review,isthreatening to deepen the state's energy crisis.

With the Port of Hastings in limbo due to environmental issues as the location to assemble the wind farms, thedangerthat Gippsland will lose the promised thousands of construction jobs from the project has been exacerbated by arival bid from Geelong.

The Port of Geelong is pushing ahead to win the contract to buildthe offshore turbinesafter the Federal Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, 13 months ago vetoed the Port of Hastings as the construction site on environmental grounds. WesternPort is amajor international Ramsar wetlandssite.The $500millionproject is to develop the port facilities that would assemble, transport and service the massive wind farms in the 15,000 squarekilometre area off the Gippsland coast. Akey advantage of Hastings is its naturally deepchannel and the availability of land that can be reclaimed. Port AnthonyonSouth Gippsland coast is favoured as the maintenance and servicing depot for the wind farms. It and the neighbouring Barry Beach have also been named as potential alternatives to Hastings.

Astate government spokesman told the Express that Victoria continued to work with the federal government to address feedback over the federal environmentalissuesregarding the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal at Port of Hastings.

The Port of Geelong's push is supported by the DeputyPrime Minister, Richard Marles, whose electorate includes Geelong. He has described the project as having "national significance", the AFR reported.

Geelong'sChief Executive, Brett Winter,said Geelong did not require channel deepening.

"Located on abrownfield site, the development area has been designed with astreamlined approval pathway. Our terminal could be operational by 2029 and does not need any dredging or channel deepening," he told the AFR.

The federal government hasgranted12feasibility

licences for the Gippsland offshore wind projects.

Thelicence holders are holding joint community engagement events at Port Albert, Golden Beach, Sale, and Leongatha this month.

The state government has atargetof95per cent of renewable energy by 2035 as the Latrobe Valley's brown coal plants wind down by that date. Yallourn Wisscheduled to close by 2028 and Loy Yang Apower station by 2035. Loy Yang Bhas not nominated adate, and is working on alternative options, including the use of biomass, to avoid closure.

However, the state governmentrisks not meeting its target as it has not yet released the next stage of its offshore wind strategy -the auction process forcommercial contracts for the installation of the wind projects. The AFR saidthe crucialfourth"implementation statement wouldinclude detailsonthe support package for the renewables sector for it to reach Victoria'stargetofatleast 2000MW by 2032, doubling to 4000MW by 2035, and 9000MW by 2040."

The statesaysa2000MW project can cost between

$8 billion and $10 billion, which is well above costs for onshorewind farms, which generatepower less often.

An invitation for expressions of interest in the state-run auction for commercial offtake contracts has slipped from itsDecember 2024 quarter schedule.

"Some suggestfunding for the process has become another pointoftension betweenVictoriaand Canberra," the AFR reported.

The state government spokesman told the Expressthat the expression of interestfor the first auction would open “soon”.

This would occur after feedback from project proponents that required more time to complete the necessary surveying and testing work after the finalisationofthe Commonwealth regulations, he said.

Southerly Ten, aCopenhagen Infrastructure business, is developing the Star of the Southproject, which is themost advanced of the 12 offshore wind ventures that have feasibility licenses.

ASoutherly Ten spokeswoman told the Express that the company had gainedanexploration licence in 2019,giving it aheadstart on the different studies into onshore and offshore wind. An environmental impact study was also under way and would be completed by this year.Itwould be the subject of public hearings and submissions, she said.

"We will also be involved in the auctions," she said.

Bell Bay in Tasmania has also been named as a potential alternative to Hastings. Mr Winter told the AFR that developing multiple ports was the best way to spread the risk andavoid potential disruptions to the offshore wind supply chain.

"If we can't get this right in Victoria, then the entire offshorewindprogram for Australia is at risk," Mr Winter said.

Reports suggest targets likely to miss

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE state government is likely to miss targets to retire the Latrobe Valley’s brown coal power stations, and renewable energy will fall short, requiring the statetoimportenergy, according to major new reports.

In aseries of articles in the Australian Financial Review,Patrick Durkin also reported:

 The Japanese-backed Flotation Energy slammed the federal government’s decision to reject afeasibility licence for its Seadragon project off the Gippsland coast'; and,  The state government is being warned against using arisky funding model that would offer business ataxpayer guarantee for minimum energy prices to start the $100 billion in offshore winds investment.

The AFR reportedthat Infrastructure Victoria last week released adraft 30-year plan with 43 recommendations and seven longer-term future options, including on energy policy.

However, two supporting documents on Infrastructure Victoria's website revealed dire forecastsasthe state governmentpushesfor its 95 per cent renewable energy target by 2035.

A9 3- page analysis by Aurora Energy concluded that Victoriawould go from being anet exporter to anet importer of electricity as Yallourn W, and Loy Yang Aand Bclose over the next decade. This would lead to higher costs and reliability issues, the AFR reported. With power demand increasing, “the strain on interconnectors is likely to grow,amplifying net imports as Victoria relies more heavily on interstate resources to bridge the gap between local generation and higher electricityconsumption”,Aurora said. “This increased strain could also limit Victoria’s ability to export surplus power during periods of high local generation.

“Delays in Victoria’s transmission buildcould lead to higher energy costs, reduced investment in renewables, increasedmarket volatility and potential reliability issues, ultimately impeding the state’s progress toward sustainable energy goals.”

The AFR said aseparate analysis by engineeringgiant Jacobs for IV listseight “very high” and 10 “high”risks for the state’s energy system.

These include offshore wind targets not being met,annual gas supplies facing shortfalls,a lack of renewable gas developments and more frequent extreme climateweather events increasing the frequency and unpredictability of peak demand.

Also, thermal power plants may be run longer than expected and coal-fired power outages may increase.

The Opposition energy spokesman, David Davis, said the reports amountedto“catastrophic wake-upcalls” for Victoria’s energy supply.

The modelling showed ariseinwholesale electricity prices of about 120 per cent, rising

from in some cases, under $50 per megawatt hourin2030tobetween$110and almost $140 per megawatt hour by 2035.

“The risks pointed to in the Jacobs report show virtually every energy source in the highest risk category, and the Aurora report showssurging energy prices. Basic supply is not secure, with the risk of blackouts obvious.”

Questioned in Parliament for aresponse to the reports, state treasurer, Jaclyn Symes,said it was amatter forthe energyminister, the AFR said.

The government is also running lateonreleasing the next stage of its offshore wind strategy, which received asetback by the federal decision to denythe Seadragon project off Gippsland, theAFR said.

Federal energy minister,Chris Bowen, rejected afeasibility licence for Seadragon due to asmall overlap in its 700-squrekilometre proposal with aproject proposedbyrenewable energy giant Iberdrola.

The general manager of Flotation Energy, Carolyn Sanders,saidthe decision was difficult to understand.

"It will leave one of theverybest offshore wind sites in Australia empty and unused,” she told the AFR.

The company had undertaken extensive environmental studiesand consultations, “putting us years ahead of other projects”.

The rejection came despite Flotation having received government grants, major project status and having gone through five years of planning, she said.

Mr Davis said the state’s offshore wind plans were now in chaos, while an energy specialist, TonyWood,described Mr Bowen’s decision as “weird”.

The stateVictorian government has also been warned about the funding model to be used as ataxpayer guarantee to encourage offshore wind, the AFR said. The government, unlike other states, has relied on using ‘contracts for difference” (CFDs) thatwouldeffectively underwrite private investmentinoffshore wind. CFDs would guarantee developers afixed price on sellingtheir electricity.The developer is paid even if the market pricefalls below the greed price, producing apredictableincome stream and reducing the financial risk for private investors.

The state government thus takes on the risk underthe financial product, apolicy restricted in Australia and banned for retail investors in the United States due to them potentially generating large losses. The government said CFDs had been used internationally for offshore wind and many onshore solar and wind projects in Victoria.

Mr Davis told the AFR using CFDS was too risky given debtwas about to reach $188 billion by 2028 and the CFDs already had aliability of more than $500 million.

Threat: The offshore wind project offthe Gippsland coast is up in theair Photograph: iStock

Hub one step closer

ANEW Resilience Hub for Mirboo North is one step closer following the installation of aStarlink connectionatthe MirbooNorth andDistrict Community Foundation’s Co-Space.

The Resilience Hub is being funded by the state government via a$180,000Tiny Towns Fund grant and delivered by South Gippsland Shire Council in partnershipwith the Mirboo Country Development Inc and the Community Foundation.

When finished, the hub will provide emergency communication, power, and refrigeration services to support the town during future emergencies.

The Resilience Hub project has been broken up into three stages:

 Communication Systems: focus on connectivity issues to ensure the hub can function during emergencies;

 Generator Installation: provide immediate energy resilience during emergencies, and;

 Solar Power and Battery System: deliver long-term energy sustainability after critical systems are operational.

With the fibre to the premises upgrade and mobileStarlink now in place at the co-space, Stage 1isnow complete. Other stages of the project are progressing and will take place over time.

"After the storm event (of 2024), it is great to see projects takingplace in Mirboo North to help them become more resilient," South Gippsland Mayor, John Schelling said.

"The Starlink connection proved extremely helpful during the event with other communications out, so this will be warmly received by the community.

"Should we experience more of these emergencies in the future, it is important that our towns plan as much as possible.”

Commitment tomobile coverage

ONE Gippsland has welcomed acommitment by thefederal government to provide basic universal outdoor mobile coverage, amove that will help eliminate blackspots and be an invaluable lifeline during emergencies across Gippsland.

The federal government has announced that, if re-elected, legislation will be introduced into Parliament late this year to expand the universal service framework to include mobile coverage.

Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) will requiremobile carriers to provide access to mobile voice and SMS almost everywhere across Australia.

One Gippsland Chairand South Gippsland Shire Councillor, Nathan Hersey said the announcement had come off theback of sustained advocacyby One Gippslandand Gippsland councils over the past two years and, notably, just two weeks after adelegationtravelled to Canberra to meet with the office of Federal Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowlands.

“During ouradvocacymeeting, we made it clear that strong, reliablemobile coverage has the power to save lives during disasters and crisis situations," Mr Hersey said.

"This is particularly true in Gippsland, which has endured more than 40 disasters over the past decade.

“Our region has almost 500 registered black spots and our residents and business operators need reliable connectivity, including during times of sustained power outages.

“Telecommunications anddigital connectivity are now akey element of disaster management and help our communities to be disaster-ready.

“Poor mobile coverage puts lives at risk and makes the job of our first responders and recovery teams much more difficult.

“The availability of mobile serviceisnot just aconcern during emergencies,but it impacts Gippslanders every day, particularly those who live in black spots or are often frustrated to find themselves in ablack or grey spot.

“Communications should be seenasanessential service, something thatpeoplerely on for every element of their daily lives. Improving both mobile and internet connectivity, particularly in an emergency, will ensure Gippsland’s residents, visitors, farmers and business can thrive.

One Gippsland has provided six submissions to government processes and fivepre-budget submissions since 2020 highlighting the need to improve digital connectivitythroughout the region.

Progress: South Gippsland ShireMayor,John Schelling,Mirboo Nor th andDistrict Community Foundation ExecutiveOfficer, Ruth Roganand Cr Brad Snellwelcome improvedconnectivityfor the Mirboo Nor th region Photograph supplied

ONE POINTERS

1. How many movies are there in The Hobbit

2. Which planet is known as the “Red Planet”?

How many stripes does Adidas have in its logo?

4. What is the tallest breed of dog in the world?

5. What is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature?

6. What is the largest ocean on Earth?

7. Which word can mean amonetar ystatement or part of a birds anatomy?

8. Who is the only Australian to be stripped of Knighthood? THREE POINTER

9. Which is the only vowel on astandard keyboard that is not on the top line of letters?

10. What does the dad of Robin Williams’ Alan Parrish do for aliving in Jumanji?

11. Where did the band ABBA form?

12. What natural wonder is commonly referred to as “the Lungs of the World”?

FOUR POINTER

13. What is the only continent without any active volcanoes?

14. According to Greek mythology,who was the first woman on earth?

FIVE POINTER

15. Soil (dirt) is composed of 5ingredients. What are they? One point for each correct answer

Howdid youfare?

Howtoplay...

Using the 9letters in the gr id, 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 page43

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 23-29: Well done; 15-20: Solid effort; 9-14: Room for improvement; 0-8: Hit the books. Howtoplay. Solution page43 Fill the gr id so that evry rowand ever y3x3 squarecontains the digits 1to9

All thingspotatoes

By KATRINA BRANDON

THE Thorpdale Potato Festival again

broughttens of thousands of people to the region to celebrate the humble spud.

Last Sunday's biannual event welcomedpeople from far and wide, hitting the grounds of the Thorpdale Recreation Reserve.

More than 100 events and stalls wereavailable throughout the day, withmultiple staging areas keeping people entertained, with the most popular eventbeing the juniors and amateur spud-picking competitions.

The heat didn’t slow people down, as thousands rolled in to try and catch bags of potato chips dropped from the s sky

demos and professionalwood chop, which worked well for attendees as they couldglance over the available businesses circling the area.

Up above wasn’t just for the chip drop, but also helicopter rides for families to enjoy the sites and heights of the Thorpdale area.

Chainsaw wood carving, motorbike shows, children’s activities organised by local scoutsa nd CountryFire

Aut hori ty (CF A) demo nstr atio ns added to the occasion. Mirboo North CFAdemonstrated how they secured peopl eo ut of vehicle sa fter road incidents, which was acrowd pleaser.

for ahost of potato-related events, shearing and music.

An industry tent featuredGrand Ridge Organics, Peppermint Ridge Farm, Eimear McNeils,and Mirboo North’s Jacican.

The on-farm, rural,and cityfolk who attended the day evenly enjoyed the different aspects, having agoand watching demonstrations and events despite the 35 degree heat.

One staged event that most people enjoyed was ‘Hessianonthe Field’ fashion show,inwhich contestants showcasedtheirsewing skills by creating clothes from potato bags.

Ahighlight was the committeeran competition for local schools in the area to create acover for this year’s s souvenir program

Other events included working dog

Around the outer ring of thefestival were keen businesses selling food, farming products (including drones and tractors), local produce and festival goods Inside the oval was three stages

More photographs - Page 37

Speed: Junior andamateur spud pickers demonstrate their skills

Creative: Newborough fashionista, Catherine Noy, a familiarface at local countr yrace meetings,showed her diversityofdesign.

Raining chips: Thousandsofvisitors were graced with potato chips beingdropped from thesky at the Thor pdalePotatoFestival. Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Hike: DavidHawkins and Eric (12), checkingout the vintage tractors. The twotravelled from Frankson for the ThorpdalePotatoFestival.

Balance: Sale’s Nate(7),Connor (9), Kellyand Sale Football-Netball Club 300gamer Chris Hudson (second from left) tried all activities throughout theday

Outside thesquare: Hessians on the Fieldwinners 15-year-oldRuth (winner), Catherine Noy(third) and Belinda Bursa (second) shared their skills with the sewing machine and potatobags

Lim“honoured”for nomination

By KATRINABRANDON

UPLIFT Collective founder Den Lim hasbeen named afinalist in two state awards.

Taking the title of finalist in the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and Victorian Volunteer Leadership Award, Ms Lim said she washonoured to be nominated.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award celebrates women driving positive change in rural and regional Australia by empowering them with the skills, support, and leadership opportunities to shape their industries and communities.

While Ms Lim did not receive the title of winner of the Victorian Volunteer Leadership Award on February 25, she told the Express shewas still honoured andglad it went to oneofher closest friends and colleagues, Arfa Sarfaraz Khan.

“Arfa and Iare really great friends, and it's a privilege to be alongside her with thisaward,” Ms Lim said.

“I think the two of us being from cultural-linguistic and diverse backgroundsaswell is incredible because we get to raise the profile of people from cold communities. Not only is it cold community representation, but Gippsland representatives and Latrobe City.”

The VolunteerLeadership Award recognises exceptional volunteer leadership and influence in supporting Victoria's people, acommunity, agroup, an organisation, or cause. Nominees inspire people who have built effective volunteer networks and partnerships,empowered others or engagedand strengthened the community.

Ms Lim was one of six finalists in the Victorian Volunteer Leadership Awards and one of three in the Australian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. The Uplift Collective is acollaboration of more

than 20 organisationsproviding free, engaging activities for young people acrossLatrobe and Baw Baw,helping them connect with local services

through entertainment, cultural events, sports, and the arts.

Uplift Youth Events is acriticalinitiative as it addresses the issue that many young people don’t know about the services available to them.

The Latrobe Valley local has always had akeen eye for volunteer and leadership roles.

Starting her journey to becoming the leader she is now, Ms Lim said she became inspired during her high school years to do more for those around her.

“In Year 9atschool Icamehome and said to my mum that Iwanted to be aleader, and that is what Idid,” Ms Lim said.

“I was the form captain in Year 9, the middle school captain, the vice president of the SRC (Student Representative Council), the college captain, and the residential advisor at university. Ihaveheld manyotherleadership positions throughout my career.

“I have found that fromvolunteering, Ihave been able to gain employmentopportunities,creating visibility for myself as well.

“This awardwill increase my profileand visibility in the communitybecauseIwant to be able to be a role model and support others who are aspiring to improve their leadership skills and demonstrate that because Icame from humble beginnings, Iwas arefugee, and Ihad nothing when we migrated to New Zealand and then Australia.

“Through volunteering, Iwas able to build up my resume and that led to work opportunities.”

The Victorian winner willgoontorepresent the state at the national award in September at Parliament House, and receive aprize of $20,000.

REEBA award within reach for innovative local

By KATRINA BRANDON

FOSTERING the connection betweenyouth trends and op-shop sustainability, madebytaylahrose is in the running for the 7News Young Achiever Award’sJosh's RainbowEggs Ethical Business Award (REEBA).

Josh’s REEBA is about sharing stories of other youngVictorianbusiness ownerswho prioritise more than just profits, focusingoncontributing to the communityand usingbusinessasaforce for good.

Churchill's Taylah Foster, owner of madebytaylahrose, makes bows and sells them on Etsy. She was inspired to start the business when she was 15-years-old and wanted to givesomeone agift but had no money.

Ms Foster sought inspirationfromGoogle, where she saw hair tutorials for people her age and thought of bows.

“At first it was mostly online while Iwas still in school. Idid reach out when Iwas in Year 12," Ms Foster told the Express last year. Celebrating its 11thbirthdayinJanuary, the brand is globally recognised for its signature wide elastic Scrunchie and XL-sized creations. Ms Foster crafts thousandsofscrunchies monthly forher online store and local markets. Balancing her business with apopula offering aglimpse behind

“I had retailers in Queensland well. Ihave quite afew retailers but Ialsouse stocklists United Statesand Cana

products, which is really cool to think about,” she said.

Ms Foster believes in educating peopleonthe disastrous effects of fast fashion. Many videos of massive‘SHEIN’or‘Temu’ clothing hauls exist. According to Ms Foster, the idea is that clothes should only be worn once, which is dangerous. Everyyear, 92 million tonnes of textile wasteis produced.

Ms Foster believes in the products she sells. Although scrunchies may seem strange, she saw agap in the market. Many people complained that scrunchies snapped because the elastic wasn’t strong enough. She then started making wide elastic scrunchies, the first of its kind worldwide, to reduce waste and sellalong-lasting and effective product.

Last year,MsFoster embarked on asustainabilityand community impact journey through herproduct releases. Committed to addressing the effects of fast fashion and minimising textile waste, she has introduced aseries of releases on her website that reuse fabrics that may haveended up in landfills, and donated the profits to selected organisations. Black DogInstitute, Breast Cancer Australia, and Cystic Fibrosis Queenslandwere

Leadership: Den Lim wasone of twoGippslandfinalistsfor the stateVolunteer LeadershipAward Photograph: KatrinaBrandon

Tigers makedonation

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

MATESHIP is built on support.

The Gippsland Tigers and TraralgonMen’s Shed continue their partnership in 2025,asboth eye big years on the football field and at the workbench.

The local over 35s AFL club have been supporters of the Traralgon Men’s Shed since 2021, and last week completedadonation of $2000tothe not-forprofit community group.

“We’ve been aroundfor 25 years (and) we’ve been donating to the men’s shed for the last four years, so in total Ithink we’ve raised about $6500 for the men’s shed… raising awareness for men’s health,” Gippsland Tigers President, Mel Segond said. Besides being asocial space for anyone to visit and get involved with, the Traralgon Men’s Shed undertakes woodwork, metalwork,and other restoration projects across Gippsland.

Traralgon Men’s Shed President, Patrick Zaffina articulated the importance of outside funding to help with their feeless ventures.

“It helps us out alot seeing as we’re avolunteer group,wedependonthe public donatingtouswhich is great for us and that’s how we can move forward when peopledothings like that for us… it keeps us alive,” he said.

“All in all, we’ve been kept pretty busy with all the projects we’ve been doing, so it’s been great.”

In an effort to build upon what they stand for as a club, the Gippsland Tigers were seeking to expand theirhorizons and incorporate themselves further into the community.

“We found that we needed to changewhatwe were kind of thinking about like people we were recruiting… there was alot of people that were struggling mentally (after COVID),” Tigers player Colin Mackrell said.

“So we changed our philosophy in what we were doing because we were more based on playing football andhavingfun, that sortofstuff,but actuallymakingitmorecommunal, alot more community-based.”

The club holds asponsors raffle once ayear, with half of the proceeds raised going back to local organisations like the men’s shed.

Gippsland Tigers are still seeking players ahead of the upcoming AFL Masters season beginning on April 6.

Jointhe Tigersfor training at Terry Hunter Oval, Traralgon every Wednesday night from 6.30pm.

Ramadan feast in Trafalgar

By KATRINABRANDON

BREAKING their first fast Ramadan, the United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley (UMSLV) invited Ramadan participantsto the Trafalgar Public Hall on March 1. Morethan 50 peopletook part,with other multicultural groups and communities joining thefeast.

Ramadan is the mostsignificant month in the Islamic calendar. It is marked by fasting from sunrise to sunset, prayer, and acts of generosity. Ramadan commenced after sunset on February 28 and ends on March 30. It is followedbyEid al-Fitr,the festivalofbreaking the fast.

During Ramadan, Muslims awake early for 'suhur', ameal before dawn, then abstain from food and drink until 'iftar' -ameal after sunset.

In addition to the five daily prayers, Sunnis,

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the majority of the two major sects of Islam,also recite aspecial night prayercalledthe Tarawih. It is atimeofreflection, prayer, and study. Good deeds and charity are encouraged, while anger, envy, and gossip are not.

For some, Ramadan is celebrated and commences differently across different communities.

The Trafalgar event alsowelcomed others who were there to support those participating in Ramadan.

Duringthe event, children shared their joy by running around,while others networked with each other.

UMSLV President, Arfa Sarfaraz Khan, told the group thatthe night was achancetoget together and celebrate whatwas to come. She also said there was agreat turnout and was happy to see many people come together.

FROM $429,000

Community: TheGippsland Tigershaveagain shown their supporttothe Traralgon Men’s Shed. Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Community: TheUnited Muslim SistersofLatrobe Valley heldaRamadan feastatthe Trafalgar Public Hall.

Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Mark Howa rd

Mark Howardisafigure in sports who needs no introduction.The presenter and commentatorisa household name across the country, having tried his hand at the top broadcasting job in just about every discipline from AFL to V8 Supercars. Asought-after commentator,Howie has been akey player in the reporting teams for Network Ten, Triple Mand Fox Sports for morethan a decade. He coveredLance Franklin’s 100th goal in 2008, and thanks to his versatility,isnow one of themost recognisable voices in the country–not to mentionone of the most highly sought-after.Howie,who grew up in Tyers while his father worked at the APM, now commentates Test, ODI, T20I andBBL cricket on Fox, andis most known for hishugely successful podcastThe Howie Games, which has seen him interview the likes of Ash Barty andIan Thorpe, to Guy Sebastian and Matt Preston.

AIDAN KNIGHT: Canyou sharesomeofyour favouritememories growingupinTyers?

HOWIE: The hour-and-a-half bustriptoand from school everyday which is arecipefor disaster once youget to Year 8, causing hijinks on thebus

In my time therewas afamous foot race,the SydneytoMelbourneUltramarathon, made famous by Cliffy Young, butthe guy who wonmultiple times wasa man called Yiannis Kouros.Weweregoing to school twoorthree days into therace,and we’d all hang out the windowand cheerand cheerand cheeraswe drivepasthim, and then aday anda halflater we would pass the next competitor seemingly in my mind –that’show farheused to be in front of everyone

So that wasmymainmemory, butanother formative memorywould be cricketinTyers Star ting as ajuniorand then as a15-year-old Ibegan playing senior cricketagainst fully grownmen in AGrade.There were guys there named AndyFalla, anotherNeilMeredith, Colin Scammel –these were seasoned, hard, longterm andverygood,A Gradecricketers. Ithink being 15 and stepping intothatenvironment, pretty quicklyplaying with and against thebest cricketers in theTraralgonand District Cricket Association wasamassiveeye opener. My son is alsoplaying cricketwithmen, not at AGrade levelyet, butI seewhat he goes through andit’sverydifferent nowtohow quickly Ihad to grow up in that club.Asmuch as your team members suppor tedyou, it was sinkorswim– they were there to win (and) if

youweren’t getting your jobdone, they would let youknowabout it. So,I think at avery young age it taught meresilience and howto relatetoadults,something Idon’t thinka lot of citykidscan do butcountrykids adapt to very well.SoI lookbackonthat as adifficult butreally greatpar tofmylife, andthoseguys taughtmemoreaboutlifethan they didcricket sometimes Ithink.

AK: What firstsparked your interest in commentating, and howwould ayoung person growing up in the Latrobe Valley gettheir foot in the door?

HOWIE: Ihad no thoughtofgetting into commentatingatall

Istudied Business &SportsManagement but didn’tenjoy the economics side.After graduating,I had no idea what to do,soI travelled Ispent twoyearsbackpackingacross Nor th America, theMiddle East,and Africa. After those twoyears Icamehomeand gota job withthe Grand Prix in eventmanagement, thanks to areference falsehood on my CV (pretending Iworkedfor the CalgaryStampede in Canada).

Commentating nevercame intothe equation when lookingfor workor a long-termcareer. Iused to watch the cricketreligiouslygrowing up and it didn’t cross my mind, becausethere were no role models around who could show youthatyou could do ajob that Richie Benaud wasdoing at the time.

It astr see cou It mu the no no ac old cou ta ac spo sim as ye fo an tho lines

Youcould star tatage 18 or eight,makea YouTubechannel doing your owncommentary of afootygame,orina podcast format. The accessible routes noware quitemind-blowing if youhavethe drive, so Isee no reason an eight-year-old in theLatrobe Valley couldn’t star thoningtheirskills in this wayuntilthey were 18 andthen go to an employerwith a decade of commitmenttothis body of work Youmightnot have commentated agame of AFL football,but in aroundabout wayyou could, and that meansthere is no excuse to not giveitacrack

AK: What’s the most challenging or unexpectedaspectofwhat youdo?

HOWIE: One of the biggest challengesin broadcasting is competing with commentators whohaveplayed300 gamesofAFL or 100test matches,which themajorityofcommentators have.Soyou have to bring adifferent set of skills to the table, and Ithink youneedto identify earlyonwhatthoseskills areand lean into them as best youcan.

Ilearned when Ifirststarted on the Big Bash about 11 yearsago that it wasmyjob to really make thosesuperstar athletes relatable, and that became my skill. Atthat stage it was names likeRicky Ponting,who wasapretty seriousguy batting forAustralia, andyou onlyeversaw him with ahelmet on, or Adam Gilchrist or MarkWaugh.Myjob wastoprovide theplatformfor themtobring out thepersonalit nd displaytheir skills sthe ‘sta f

to star tsayingnofor your family, or you’ll never see them. The challengesare gettingthe job, learningthe job,and thenregulatethe job to have alifeawayfromit.

AK: Whoare some of the most stand-out athletesfromLatrobe Valley over the yearsin your professional opinion?

HOWIE: I’m actuallydoing anew podcast series withScottPendlebury,and Ithink he’d be in,inafootballsense. He’s just passed400 games.He’sbyfar been asuperstar in his approach to not onlyfootball butlife. In acricket sense,aman Ialwaysreferred to as ‘thewood chopper fromMorwell’,one Mr PeterSiddle. I’m watching him the other nightbowlat140 kilometresanhour as a40-year-old. Ithink he’s been outstanding, so thoseare my twopicks forthe sportsI’m currentlycovering AK: What’s onethingaboutHowie people mightbe surprisedtolearn?

HOWIE: Howmuch Ilovetraveling. I’m passionate about my job butI’m fixatedon gettingawayatthe moment. We’rein the midst ofplanningafamilytriptoTunisiaand South Africa.Mywifeand Iare very independent travellers, so Iquiteenjoy booking things and workingout anitineraryand schedules and stufflikethat

Travel has been amassive part of my lifesince Ileftuni.I’vebeento70countries,neveron atourora cruise, just figuring it out myself.It star tedwith surftrips,and I’ve always said if I get firedfrombeing asportscommentatorthen Iwill become atravelagent. Iloveseeingthe effect it’s had on my kids taking themthrough CostaRicaand Panama, Nicaragua, Southern Africa,and Indonesia. To be able to have a lifestyle that allows youtoshowthese places to your kids is simplythe best,and it givesthema worldviewthat makesmeand my wifeproud. Another thing would be surfing,which is something Ididn’tdountil Iwent to uni–there’s not many wavesinTraralgon strangely. One of my firstmates in uni wasaguy from Noosa who taught meand anotherguy from Dumbalk Nor th howtoget on aboardatPhillip Island, and Iprobably learnt toolateinlifetobe good at it butI live on the coast now, butit’s something Ilovetoget into as much as Ican, and I’ve probably surfed on everycontinent except forAntarctica.

When Iwas learning therewas no online surf repor tlikenow,soyou could getdownthere and have terrible conditions,whichwas always agreat adventure,but Inearly failed firstyear accounting and economics because Iwas trying to surf instead of studying Howie’sjourney provesthatthere’snoset path to success, justa willingnesstotake chances, embracechallenges, and sayyes to new opportunities. Beforebecoming

Faltum continues to rise up the ranks

By TOMHAYES

CRICKETING export Nicole Faltum grew up in atime wheretherewas no established women’s league throughout junior ranks in the Latrobe Valley.

Althoughplaying alongside the boysdidn’t seem to affect her future career in the grand scheme of things.

At theage of 12, she was aVictorianrepresentative in three different sports: cricket, soccer, and taekwondo.

Two years later, she wasstillright intoher soccer, competing at the Under 15s Girls National Youth Championships as part of aState Development Program.

Join ing her at th ose ch amp io ns hi ps was Churchill’s Emily Lugton, who now plays AGrade netball for the Cougars in the NorthGippsland Football-Netball League.

In 2016, Faltum made her AGrade cricket debut in the Central Gippsland Cricket Association, representing Trafalgar at the age of 16.

At this stage, Faltumwas already making frequentappearances for Dandenong’s firstsin the Victorian Premier League.

Despite her love for cricket and it being her main focus, she still playedsoccer and netball during the winter months.

In the final weeks of 2016, Faltum progressed even further by being signed to Women’s Big Bash League side Melbourne Renegades as arookie.

The following year she signed with rival WBBL club Melbourne Stars, to which she called home for six seasons, also while becoming aregular for Victoria at state level.

As the years progressed, she slowly made more of an impression on selectorsfor the national side, which granted her aspotinthe Australia Aside, which would play against England Aalongside The Ashes series in 2022.

The following year in 2023, she only gained more playing time, lining up for Sussex in the 2023 Women’sTwenty20 Cup in England. Shelater signed for fellow English side Southern Vipers. Ahead of last season’s WBBL, Faltum made the move back to the red side of Melbourne, to play for the Renegades who finished last the season before.

Lit tle di dt he comp et ition kn ow tha tt he Renegades would be the newest force in the league, goingontowin the competition,making Faltuma WBBL champion.

Faltum has onceagain taken another stride, as she will travel to New Zealand later thismonth after beingcalled up to the Australian international women’s side for the first time.

After AlyssaHealy wasruled outofthe tour, the opportunitypresented itself for Faltum, who has developed into awicketkeeper-batter in recent years.

“It’s been abig six to 12 months, there has been quite afew Australia Aseries that I’ve been fortunate and lucky enough to be involvedin… obviously winning the WBBL (Women’s Big Bash League) was an amazing achievement and areally, really cool experience in itself,” Faltum said.

“Playingfor Victoria in the WNCL(Women’s National Cricket League) it’s been really cool, and (I’m) finding some good consistency there.

“It’s nice to know that I’m taking some steps in the right direction and doing the right things, and (I’m) definitely determined to just keep working hard and try to keep performing for everyteam that Iplay in, and try to make it aconsistent thing.”

Faltum has been selected for Australia Aon numerous occasions, even captaining the GovernorGeneral’s XI against England in January.

In an Express story from 2012 titled ‘Tri-athlete

on the way up’, it said: “ImagineAustralian cricketer and soccer player Ellyse Perry with a roundhouse kick and you now have aclear picture of Moe’smulti-talented Nicole Faltum”.

Now 13 years later, Faltum has been named in the same squad as Perry, withhopesthey can line up alongside one another at international level.

“There is some really mature heads in there and some people that have been playing for quite along time, basically I’ll be asponge, lap it all up and enjoy the experience,” Faltum said of the upcoming New Zealand tour.

Her inclusion to the squad is describedas‘keeping cover’ for Beth Mooney, who is expected to be behind the stumps in New Zealand, while Georgia Voll is expected to move into the XI to fill the top-order batting position.

Faltum and Mooney captained the Melbourne Starsand Perth Scorchersrespectively in aWBBL match in November 2022atMoe’s Ted Summerton Reserve.

Aus tra lia’s tou ro fN ew Zea lan dw ill take place from March 21 to 26, for athree-game T20 International series.

Because that ’s what fa ct sd o. Th ey get in the wa yo fw il d th eori es ,s ens atio nal head li nes ,a nd st orie st ha ta re ju st to o good to be true .A nd th at ’s the po in t.

Real jo urn al is mi sn ’t ab out ch as in gc lic ks or st irr ing outrage

It ’s ab out acc ou nt ab ilit y. It ’s ab ou tg et ti ng the stor yr ig ht , no tj us tb ein gt he fi rs tt ot alk ab out it

It ’s ab ou tk no wi ng yo ur communit ya nd kno wi ng what mat te rs mo st

Beca use when the tru th ma tt er s, sh or tc ut sd on ’t cu ti t.

We be lie ve fa ct sm ak es tories stronger,n ot we ak er.

Tha t’sw hy ev er yt hin gw ep ub li sh is gr ound ed in ind ep end enc e, in teg rit ya nd an unw av er in gc omm it me nt to ac cu ra cy and the co mm un it yw ea re par to f.

Tr ut hi sn ’t as in gle pe rs on’sp oint of vie w.

It ’s ar es po ns ib ilit y. An di t’so ne we ta ke ser ious ly

Tr ust jo urna li sm to de liv er yo ut he truth

To this: Nicole Faltum became aWBBL champion lastyearwith Melbourne Renegadess File photographs

From this: Nicole Faltum playedthree spor ts growing up: cricket, soccer,and taekwondo,representing Victoria in each.

MICA paramedics deployed in Morwell

THE largest-ever intake into Ambulance Victoria’s MobileIntensiveCareAmbulance (MICA)Bridging Program has hit the road.

New MICAs are delivering more specialised, lifesavingcare to Victorians when they need it most.

Ministerfor AmbulanceServices, Mary-Anne Thomas visited the Ambulance Victoria Capability Hub at Victoria University in Sunshine to meet the 30 internswho willjoin Victoria’s 586-strong MICA team, including in Morwell, Geelong, and Ballarat.

The groupstarted their six-week training course in Januaryand will be joined on the road by a further 24 MICA interns later this year.

To be eligible to undertakethe bridging program and become aMICA Paramedic, participants must be qualified for at least two years as an Advanced Life Support Paramedic.

The six-week course covers clinical responses to respiratory, cardiac, paediatric, and obstetrics incidents,aswell as sessions withspecialistson welfare, wellbeing, pharmacy, and leadership.

Once theoretical training is complete, the MICA interns begin 18 months of practical on road training, which is undertaken across the state.

THISmonth's fire safety tip centresaround wildfires.

The threatofacatastrophic bushfire in the Gippsland regionisalwayspresent,especially just before and during every fire danger season.

We well rememberthe devastating fires like Ash Wednesday, BlackSaturday, and many others, and the tragic loss of life, homes, wildlife, and community infrastructure.

The devastating fires in California earlier this year, and other locations in recent months demonstrate just how easily fires can start and the uncontrolled devastation they create.

Last year, the state government brought in legislation that bansorrestricts logging and other activities in forests, which has resulted in the access tracks becoming overgrown, allowed an increase in fuel levels, and the reduction or halting of logginghas seen the logging contractors remove their machinery and personnel from the bush In the past, those contractorshad kept the tracks clear, cleaned up fallen trees and other debris which reduced the fuel load in the forest and bush areas.

High country grazing has been banned, which has resulted in amassive increase of fuel levels which will fuel an unstoppable wildfire, should one occur from (say) alightning strike.

The defunding of the forest fire management departments has also seen the reduction in forest management personnel, which will result in much higher fuel levels with acorresponding increase in fire risk and activity.

Recent rainfall and high temperatures in our area have encouraged vegetation growth, and the roadside and bushland fuel levels are very high.

Afew facts to ponder

THE flame height of avegetation fire is around twice the height of the fuel source. For example, if grass is one metre high, the top of the flames will be around three metres high.

Wildfires generatetheir own wind currents, and the flames will be influenced to bend forward, which hasthe effect of pre-heating the fuel in front of the fire,resultinginthe firemoving forward at afaster rateasthe pre-heated fuel ignitesmore easily.

For every 10 degree increase in upward slope of the ground, afire will double its forward rate of speed and intensity.

Fully trained MICA paramedics can work solo or in pairs, managing complex cases with advanced procedures suchasairwaymanagement, head and chest trauma care, and cardiacemergencies. They can also administer medications into bone and fluids in paediatric patients -providing immediate treatment that can help save lives.

The state government has invested more than $2 billion into ambulance services -recruiting more than2200 additional paramedics, delivering 41 new or upgraded ambulance stations and is establishing anew centre for paramedicine in partnership with Victoria University.

Afurther $146 millionfrom the Victorian Budget 2024/25 is supporting services like the Secondary Triage Serviceand Medium Acuity Transport Services, freeing up paramedics so they are available to respond to the most time-critical patients.

These investments are as important as ever, with the latest quarterly performance datarevealing Victoria’s hardworking paramedics continueto face record demand, responding to nearly 100,000 Code 1cases this quarter.

Fire safety column with

You will notbeabletooutrun or even out drive afast running grass or bushfire.

In the eventofalarge very active bushfire, such as the Black Saturdayfire, the firewill consume the oxygen from the air, causing humans and animals to risk the effectsofsuffocation, usually resulting in unconsciousness or death.

The lack of oxygen will also cause the engine in your vehicle to stall, as the internal combustion engine relies on aconstant supply of oxygen in order to operate. So, your methodofescape is likely to be compromised.

Pre-planning can save lives, and property

CLEAN up your property, remove dry vegetation and create aclear area around your house.

Clear your driveway so afire brigade vehicle can enter without restrictions, and if possible, create an area where afire truck could turn aroundsoit doesn’t have to reverse if the need arises where ahasty exit from your property occurs.

Liaise with your local fire brigade well before the fire danger seasonstarts, to ensure they can safely and easily access your property.

Let the fire brigade know if you have adam, swimmingpool or other large staticwater supply on your property that they might be able to use for firefighting.

Clear vegetation, dry leaves etc from the gutters around the edges of your roof,asa hot ember falling could ignite the dry litter and the fire is likely to extend directly into your roof area.

Remove garden hoses and plastic tap fittings from your outside taps, as heat from apassing fire coulddistort the hose fittings, whichwill render them useless. Take your hose into your houseorsome other safestructure, whereyou can safely retrieve them when it’s safe to do so.

Fill your bath and sinks with water so you will have awater supplythat youcould use to extinguish any small fires in or around your home.

Collect your important items, such as medications, glasses, hearing aids, etc, and important

papers,such as wills, title deeds,passports, photographs etc and pack them in your car well ahead of any impending fire event.

Take photos or copies of items your may need to retrieve, and send them to yourself via the internet(if possible) so you can retrieve them at alater date.

Remember, the power supply to your property is likely to have been compromised or cut off by fire activity.

Reverse your vehicles into your garage,carport or onto your property, and have the keys in your pocketorinthe vehicle,soahastyexitisnot delayedlooking for your keys or having to reverse your vehicle out of its parked location, and you can drive straight off your property.

Have woollen blankets and plenty of water in your car. Wear woollen of other natural fibre clothing and suitable footwear.

Be aware of smoke, which will cause eye irritationand reduce your visibility when driving, and be aware that other cars will be on the road trying to evacuate.

Trees and other debris is likely to fall onto roads, creating yet another hazard for those who are evacuating from the area.

Leave early, and remember your pets too.

If you haveelderly, unwell or disabledpeoplein your family, think about moving them to asafer area well ahead of any fire that might impact on your property.

Make sure you advise the authorities that you have left your property, so the fire brigade or police don’t waste precious time and resources checking every property.

Prior to the start of afire danger season, hold community meetings,get to knowyour neighboursand workout waysyou can assist each other.

About the author: Phil Glover is aveteran firefighter with 40 year's of experience. He rose to the rank of Deputy Chief Fire Officer,with lengthy secondments as Acting Chief Fire Officer in the New Zealand Fire Service. During his time with the CFA, Phil was the Officer In Charge of the Morwell Fire Brigade, Regional Operations Officerand Gippsland Area Fire Investigation Coordinator. He has been endorsed as an expert by all levels of the judiciary in all courts across Australia, New Zealand andSouth Pacific Region, and has given evidence in fire related court trials on more than 40 occasions.

On board: NewMICAparamedics have been deployedacross the state, including Morwell. Photograph supplied

Phil Glover

Danger: Flame height of agrass fire over twicethe height of thegrass Photograph supplied

Time is now for new Hazelwood North station

HAZELWOOD North FireBrigade will hope it has anew station when centenary celebrations roll around in three years time.

The current stationisjustasingle roller door and meeting room, built by the brigade themselves. Thereisalso no spacetoparkwithout obstructing access to the tanker, while the station is located

along adangerous stretchofJeeralang North Road, carrying a100km/h speedlimit.

Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron 'toured' thefacility last week, and has urged Minister for Emergency Services, Vicki Ward to deliver anew station for the Hazelwood North Fire Brigade.

“For95years the quiet achievers at the Hazelwood

North Fire Brigade havebeen serving the community and batting well above their average,” Mr Cameron said.

“They have gone from being aRegion 10 rural brigade to aRegion 27 brigade in recognition of all the work they do and their activities in the Latrobe Valley in the mines.

“For many years the volunteers at Hazelwood North have been promised anew station, but they have now been waiting so long that the land allocated to them by council is in danger of being reallocated if not used."

Little has changed since Mr Cameron and then state Liberal leader, John Pesutto visited the brigade in 2023.

“To say their current facility is not fit for purpose would be an understatement," Mr Cameron said.

“Becauseofall these factors, the brigade is unable to hold open days, unable to train appropriately, and unable to have ajuniorbrigade.

“Most importantly, volunteers do not haveaccess to the facility they deserve and onethey need to continue to protect our community and critical assets.

“Despiteall this the brigade continues to do a power of work -assisting with floods across the state, travelling overseas to support fire suppression efforts,and even managing the statewide weather station.

“In 2028 the HazelwoodNorth fire brigade will celebrate its 100th birthday -100 yearsof

Trip to the capital to secure housing funds

PERI Urban Councils Victoria (PUCV) has taken to Canberra its push to secure government funding to openuplandfor housing developments and providecommunity infrastructure in Victoria’s high-growth zones.

Led by new deputy chair and Bass Coast Shire Councillor, Brett Tessari, the delegation met with federal ministers and shadow ministers responsible for regional development, local government, infrastructure, and housing.

Cr Tessari said the delegation welcomed the opportunity to discuss its policy proposal in person with decision makers.

“Our municipalities are the gateway to regional

Victoria and we are on the frontline of rapid population growth, but our low rate base limits our ability to fund the critical infrastructurewe need,” Cr Tessari said.

“We want to support growth and be part of the solution to the housingcrisis, but we do need government to partner and invest in essential infrastructure for new housing developments, such as roads, water, and power.

“We also need government investment in public facilities, such as libraries, pools, and sports venues, to ensureareasofnew growth arevibrant and connected communities."

In its pre-budgetsubmission to both the state and

federalgovernments, PUCVhas recommended two funds be set up to support infrastructure planning anddevelopment in high-growth peri urbanareas. They are:  Afederally-administered Capital Investment Fund that provides grants to peri urban councils for community infrastructure (such as sports facilities, libraries and community centres), and;



Astate government-administered Development Contributions Plan (DCP) Future Fund that allows peri urban municipalities to borrow against DCP agreements to fund early-stage infrastructure projects such as water, sewerage and drainage.

protecting the community, 100 years of serving the community.

“It is my hope, and that of all the hardworking volunteers, thatthey can mark this amazing milestone by cutting the ribbon on the new fitfor-purpose station they richly deserve.”

On-site waste doesn’t go unnoticed

RESOURCES Victoria’s regulator has issued notices to three quarries across the state for failing to appropriately store or manage on-site production waste.

Processing quarrymaterials produces waste, known in the industry as slimes, which must be appropriately stored to protect the environment and land.

The offenses contained in the notices include using unapproved designs for waste storage facilities, using larger dams than permitted, storing waste in unapproved areas,and operating withoutarehabilitation plan.

In each instance the operator was unable to provide the Earth Resources Regulator with importantdetailsabout thewaste storage dam, including its size, how it was constructed and its operating requirements. Amongmany responsibilities, quarry operators must maintain safety plans, keep maintenance records and conductroutine inspections based. If astorage damisnot properly managed it may release wastematerial, posinga risk to the surrounding area and waterways. Quarry operators must thoroughly understand their obligations and appropriately store waste onsite.

Changes to how waste material is stored onsite must be approved by the Earth Resources Regulator.

Ongoing issue: Memberfor Morwell, Martin Cameron with HazelwoodNorth Fire Brigade volunteersHenryLieshout,Maria Harkins,and Brad Key.

Photograph supplied

‘Bridging the Gap’ for apprentices

By KATRINA BRANDON

MAKING sure that apprentices are ready for the workforce, Tequahas created a‘Bridge the Gap’ program to help ease the transition.

Last month, Tequa held an engagement day at their Morwell office as akey step in transitioning people from apprenticestoconfident, qualified tradespeople.

Tequa is amultifaceted plumbing, civil, and construction company with diverse training and career pathways to support apprentice programs and help staff transitioninrapidly changing environments.

“We've currently got 27 apprentices, so when they get to their third and fourth year, we're working on aprogram to help strengthen them,” Tequa Chief Executive, Trent Fairweather told the Express

“Today (February 27) is about really connecting to where they're at their third or fourth year in their apprenticeship, and then makingsure that we look at connecting them to their passions, and making sure we put them in the right part of the business.”

Engaginginconversations such as ‘to be bold and don’t fear mistakes’,Tequa Managing Director, Daniel Smolenaars briefedapprentices on how things can be in the business.

Mr Smolenaars shared with the apprentices that plumbing is just apathway and that the company is nothing withoutthe people coming to work every single day.

“Gippsland is home to some of the most talented plumbers in the country,” he said.

Manager,Bernadette Dillon shared theirknowledge with local Tequaapprentices

to be great ambassadors of this industry. They will start their own companies. Some of them will continue to work for us.”

Mr Smolenaars explainedthattosucceed, people sometimes have to tread achallenging path.

“Our success story is built on overcomingsetbacks and failure. There is resistance to what we do. We make mistakes, embrace them, and learn from them,” he said.

Mr Fairwearther said the ‘Bridge the Gap’ program ensures apprentices are ready for what’s to come.

“We do quarterly catch-ups with all of our apprentices from theirthird year onwards every threemonths. So,this is part of what we're calling to bridge programs,” he said.

“Once they qualify, they often have afirst-year apprentice with them. So they go from beingtaught to being the teacher. So this is all part of ensuring we can prepare them for that. So oncethey're a qualified tradie, they'reready to take that next step.

“This is meant to bridge them from being atech or academy staff member, one of our apprentices, to tradingsoweget all sorts of stuff. Some of them have avery technicalmindand want support. Some need personal development in leadership or communication skills, such as customer service.”

“We've

“If Iwere to have one piece of advice for apprentices coming

Apprentices took part in breakout sessions tailored for their trade, covering topics presented by experts, suchasconstruction with Tequa Operations Manager, Shawn Ray and service and maintenancewith John Bailey fromIBL Engineering.

Localfeatureusedinrecent MadMax film

By AIDAN KNIGHT

MAD Max Furiosa is the 2024 film famous for becoming the most expensive movie in Australian history, with atremendous total budgetof$333 million.

The film’s production bucked many norms within the industry, withsome actorsbeing ex-convictsof various descriptions, and several members of the disabled community featured in prominent roles. The film went on to win nine awards acrossvarious categories from the AACTA, Australian Directors Guild, and Seattle Film Society accolades. Something that is perhaps more interesting

though is the film’s ties to the Latrobe Valley.

Akey member of the vehicular cast is 'The Six Foot', aformidable six-wheeled monster truck built by Moe resident Sam Xuereb, out of the ashes of his famous Sampson truck he has been performing stunt shows with since 1999.

Sam’sjourney in monster trucking began as a young lad, building custom billy carts on afarm in Hazelwood from milking machine spare parts, which ledtoa fascination in tinkering with motorbikes, Volkswagen buggies,four-wheeldrives, and eventually monster trucks.

Sampsonwas one of the very first monster trucks in Australia, and saw Sam launch into alifelong

career within the field as the flagship truck for Monster Trucks Australia, until it was retired in March 2016.

Throughout the film, the converted chassis of Sampsonwas driven by Chris Hemsworth, while Sam’s son, Michael, can be seen in several scenes driving asimilarly adapted truck named 'Bigfoot', formally 'Tropical Thunder', atruck in which Michael attempted to break the Guinness World Recordfor longest wheelstand in 2018. The previous record was held by Sam in 2012, and he was also the first person in the world to land abackflipin aPolaris 1000xp all-terrain vehicle.

Aside from his contributions to the film industry,

Sam has had regular work over the course of his career with Warner Bros Movie World,Crusty DemonsAvalon Airshow, The Formula1 Grand Prix, TheDeniliquinUte Muster, the Royal Melbourne Show, and too many more to count.

Sam recentlybrought hishigh-octane stunt show back to Gippsland with aFriday night performance at the Warragul Show, makingitthe main attraction alongside the annual tradition of firework displays. The show was agreat testament to the Xuerebfamily’s dedicationtothe world of motorsport andstunt entertainment, an industry to which Sam has devoted most of hislife,all while keeping his roots as aresident of the Latrobe Valley.

Brains trust: TequaManaging Director,Daniel Smolenaars;ChiefofOperations,Adam Helmke; Chief Executive, Trent Fairweather,and;Regional

From Hazelwood to Hollywood: Theoriginal ‘Sampson’monster truckcirca 1999,and the finalconverted chassisfor ‘The Six Foot’featured in MadMax Furiosa. Photographs supplied

Education: TequaAcademyhosted an engagement dayinMorwell forthird and four th year apprentices

Industry: TequaAcademyrepresentatives in conversation with apprentices

Photographs:Katrina Brandon

Uplift Latrobe Valley coming to Moe

YOUNG people in the Latrobe Valley can look forward to an exciting afternoon of fun, entertainment, and community connections as Uplift Latrobe Valley returns.

This highlyanticipatedevent will offer an engaging and welcoming space where young people can come together and socialise,enjoy interactive activities, and learn about the wide range of support services available to them in the community.

The event will feature more activities than ever before with something for everyone, including:

 Exciting giveaways and raffle prizes;

 Afree limited-edition Uplift T-shirt for attendees;

 Virtual Reality (VR) experiences for an immersive digital adventure;

 Afree barbecue;

 Henna art for creative and cultural expression;

 Inflatable games;

 An animal farm, and;

 ASkate Jamwhere young skaters can showcase their tricks and skills.

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, students from Lowanna College, Newborough willperformlive music, ensuring there is plentyofentertainment throughout the afternoon.

Uplift Latrobe Valley is about more than just fun and games -it’sabout supporting young people in away that feels natural and inclusive.

Many youths in the region are unaware of the services available to them or feel stigmaabout seeking help.

This is where Uplift steps in, providing arelaxed environment where they can connect with services without pressure.

According to Uplift Latrobe Valley Leadfrom Community College Gippsland, Den Lim these events create valuable opportunities for young peopletoengage with service providersinastressfree, enjoyable setting.

“We know that many young people don’t reach out for support because they either don’tknow what’s out there or they feel uncomfortable doing so,” Ms Lim said.

“Uplift events help break down those barriers by bringing services and young people together in a fun, casual environment.

“It’s afantastic way to socialise, build connections and get familiarwithlocal supportnetworkswhile having agreat time.”

The Uplift Collective is acollaboration of about 20 community organisations and service providers, all committed to enhancingyouthwellbeing by making services more visible and approachable.

Wellbeing of youthhas become an increasing priority in the Latrobe Valley, with many young people facing challenges related to mentalhealth, education, unemployment and social connection Events like Uplift aim to create asense of belonging and communityengagement, ensuringthat young peoplefeel supported and awareofthe help available to them.

By making services accessible in afun and

pressure-free way,Uplift helps reduce stigma around seeking support and encourages young people to feel comfortable reaching out when they need help.

The event alsoprovides apositivespacefor social connection,allowing attendees to build friendships and engage in healthy activities.

Uplift Latrobe Valleyrecently launchedanew Facebookpage(@Uplift Youth Events) where

updates, photos and information about upcoming events can be found.

With astrong focus on youth empowerment, social inclusion andcommunity engagement, Uplift Latrobe Valley continues to play akey role in supporting young people across the region. Uplift will be held next Tuesday (March 18) at the Moe Skatepark andlibraryforecourt from3.30pm to 5.30pm.

Men urged to care for own health

MEN are being urged to take more individual responsibility for their health.

Federal Member for Gippsland,Darren Chester met with local health advocate, Moss Mahonytodiscussthe importance of things like prostate cancer awareness.

“It was abit of awake-upcallfor me. Moss told me that men living in regional or rural areas like Gippsland have a24per cent higher risk of dying of prostate cancer compared to blokes in the city, and the big issue is afailure to get tested,” Mr Chester said.

“We need more men taking up the opportunity to haveaPSA test and Moss is advocatingfor a change in regulationsata nationalleveltomake annual tests free of charge -the current system only supports afreetest every second year.

“Establishinga registerthat reminds men that it’s time for an annual PSA test would save the health budget in the longer term because any issues would be detectedearlier and require less expensive medical intervention.

“In the meantime,Mossand the Prostate Cancer Support Group are providing practical and valuable advice to locals, but it begins with menbooking in for acheck-up and getting tests done in atimely manner.”

Latrobe Valleylocal Allan Cunningham runs alocal prostate support network.

The group meets at MorwellClubfor monthly meetings and meals.

Tho se wishi ng to join can ph one Mr Cunningham on 0458 111 688.

Knowledge:

Community engagement: Latrobe Valleyyouth arebeing encouraged to attend Upliftnextweek Photograph supplied

FederalMemberfor Gippsland, Darren Chester withlocal health advocate Moss Mahony Photograph supplied

Community Corner with Liam Durkin

Sparkling clean

TRARALGON Creek looked fresh and sparkling after volunteers removed several bins of rubbish from its banks as part of Clean Up Australia Day.

Shopping trolleys, discarded roofing sheets, several backpacks, amotorcycle helmet, dozens of bottles and pieces of glass and hundreds of cigarette butts were removed by community volunteers.

Federa lM emb er for Gip ps la nd, Darren Chester and his wife Julie were among the many volunteers who turned up to help give the creek aclean, afterwards enjoying awell-earned sausage sizzle at the Bert Thompson Reserve.

The freshen up was organised by the RotaryClubofTraralgon Central joined by the WestGippslandCatchment Management Authority.

Organiser Bob Johnson said he was thrilled with the turn out.

"It shows that people are proud of our creek and want it to look its best. Thanks to them all," he said.

Historyawards

WESTBURY historian Graham Goulding has been shortlisted in the Victorian Community History Awards as part of the Victorian Premier's History Award.

Mr Goulding received the nomination for his publication Knowledge is Power: AHistory of Yallourn Technical School 1928 -1993.

YallournTechnical School began in 1928 and over the following decades grew into alarge regional technical college, from which aCollege of Advanced Education andaTAFE Collegewere established.

The secondary school merged withthe two secondary schools in Moe to form Lowanna College.This book explores this history.

The Victorian Community History Awards are presented by the Public RecordOfficeVictoriainpartnership with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

Other Gippsland nominations are: -Whistles through the Tall Timber: Warburton -Powelltown -Noojee by Nick Anchen, and;

- Aspe cts of Won thaggi ’s Hi sto ry throughStreet and PlaceNames, by Wonthaggi and District Historical Society, Wonthaggi and Sebastian J. ‘Sam’ Gatto. Each nominee has sharedthe history of Victoria, includingmaritime and war histories, women’s histories, local stories and Indigenous history.

All shortlisted nominees are up for prizesranging from $500 to $2000 -with

onetobenamed the winnerofthe $5000 Victorian Premier’s History Award.

Social Dance

MOE Social Dance Club enjoyed melodies from The Silhouettes. Dancers did thewaltz,tangos, cha cha, rumba, and more to favourite tunes.

The club has many members who enjoy the fun and exerciseevery Monday nightatthe Newborough Public Hall (18 Balfour Street).

The fun starts at 7.30pm. Cost is $8. All welcome.

Probusmeeting

TRARALGON Probus will hold its annual meetingatthe Traralgon Bowls Club next Monday (March 17) at 10am.

For furt her inf ormat ion, phon e Traralgon Combined Probus Inc President, Colin Smithon0418 221 736.

Helping hand

TRARALGON CentralRotary Club membersand community volunteers combined to remove rubbish at the Bert Thompson Reserve for Clean Up Australia Day.

Federa lM emb er for Gip ps la nd, Darren Chester was among more than 20 volunteers who participated in the event, removing bags of rubbish from both sides of Traralgon Creek.

Spiritual Centre

LATROBEValleySpiritual Centre (2 Avondale Road, Morwell)

Join every Sunday for servicefrom 2pm. Doors open at 1.30pm.

Guest speaker every week with demonstrations from an invited medium, followed by acuppa andafternoon tea. For enquiries, phone Amanda Webb on 0411 051 044.

Bridgescores

TRARALGON Bridge Club results: Monday, March 3-1st Moira Hecker and Helen McAdam 70 per cent; 2nd Robin Hecker and Don Tylee (58).

Tuesday, March 4- (interclubcompetition with SouthGippsland)-N/S 1st Greg Nicholson and Jean Barbour (60.15); 2nd Alan Johnston and Lois Dwyer (59.85). E/W 1st Matti Shub and John Quayle (60.61); 2nd Moira Hecker and Helen McAdam (60).

Thursday, March 6- N/S 1st Rob Graham and Glenis Lohr (62.67); 2nd Greg Nicholson and Kaye Douglas (55 .33) .E /W 1st Hele nM cA da m and Moira Hecker (53.33); 2nd Fred Kaminski and Heather Henley (52.33)

If you would like to play or learn more about Bridge, phone Traralgon Bridge Club President, Greg Nicholson on 0419 365 739.

TRAMPS ride

TRARALGON and Morwell Pedallers

Inc (TRAMPS) met at the Korumburra historic train station to ride the Great Southern Rail Trail to Bena, Loch, Nyora and return.

The rail trail is in verygood condition and it was quite enjoyabletoride along. In the morning the group contended with some drizzlebut dried out by lunch time.

The trail took the group through some spectacular forests with elegant tall gum trees. There was bridges over deeprivers, although there wasvery little water due to the dry summer.

The Loch suspension bridge is challenging to ride over as it swings sideways as well as up and down.

The Loch MemorialPark is agreat placetohave lunch as the shelter is surrounded by decorative floor tiles. The ride finished with coffee at Korumburra bakery.

TRAMPS next ride will be this Sunday (March 16) from Glengarry to Yallourn North for lunch and return, setting off from 9am.

TRAMPS welcomes new riders. For more information, visit: tramps. org.au, or phone Paul on 0459 823 422, or Vance (0403 662 288).

Classic chess

PETER Bakker employed solid defence to claim first place at Latrobe Valley Chess.

PriceSamasiea continued some recent winning form to finish second. With accurate play, Ray Mabilia was able to complete the round with two victories.

The creativetacticswere used successfully by Keegan Just.

Frequent errors were costly for Ian Hamilton.

SteveAhern did not quite find the win from some strong positions. PhoneCiffThornton on 0413 330 458, or IanHamilton (0400221 649) for more on local chess.

Society meeting

MORWELL Historical Society's annual meeting willbeheld Wednesday, March 19 commencing at 2pm. This would be agreat opportunity for someonethinkingthey would like to volunteer, to listen to what happens at the society. Membership is $25 for single, $30 for family at the same address.

Meeting will be held at 12 Hazelwood Rd, Morwell.

If you can't make the meeting, open days at the society are the first and third Wednesdays and last Sunday of the month from 11am to 2pm (February to November) coinciding with the Step Back in Time Conversation Cafe. Current exhibitions includealarge historicaldisplay of the Morwell Tennis Club from the beginnings in 1897 through its different locations over the years. Team photos, match reports in theera of 60s to the 90s are displayed. Also, there are some photos of tennis teams at the Morwell High School, Morwell Technical School and Driffield Tennis Club. There will be aspecial opening on Sunday, March 30 from

Arminarm: Moe SocialDance Club has enjoyeda great turnout so farthis year

Photographs supplied

Future leaders: MoeRiversScout Group taking par tinClean up Australia Day.

Photographs supplied

Youwouldn’t believeit: Traralgon Rotarian,Bill Degnan with amotorcycle helmet andabackpackpickedupfromalong TraralgonCreek during Clean Up Australia Day.

Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 12 March, 2025

2pm to 4pm to remember the ‘good old tennis days’. Future open day dates are:

Wednesday, March 19 (11am-2pm)and Sunday, March 30 (11am-2pm). For any queries, phone 0409 436 019. Camino walk

HAVEyou ever wanted to do apilgrims walk or Camino, but didn't have the time or money to get to Spain or Italy?

Well, here is your chance to join other pilgrimsonthe Gippsland Rail Trail Camino from May 1-4.

Churches along the trail from Traralgon to Stratfordare combining to support on the 64km walk over three days. While you will be responsible for

your own food and accommodation, you willjoin with others on this time of personal growth and physical challenge. The event starts with aPilgrim's Blessing at Traralgon Uniting Church and culminates with aservice of celebration at the Anglican Cathedral in Sale. On the way,the small countrychurches will be open to share aprayer and light refreshments. If you would like to do the walk, youcan find lots of informationand register at: events.humanitix.com/ gippsland-camino If you would like to volunteer to supportthe pilgrims by offering transport, road crossing or firstaid services, phone Heather denHoutingon0483803 922.

Men’s breakfast

HOT breakfast, great company, and inspiring messages. This month, Gippsland Christian Church will be sha ring avideo of Australian Nick Vujicic, who was born without arms or legs, yet he travels all across the world bringing hope to tens of thousands of people around the globe. Join for aviewingthis Saturday (March 15) at Level 1/36 George St, Moe (Gippsland Christian Church) from 8.30am. Enter from the back of Shaw's Arcade (RSL carpark) via the stairs or lift.

Gold coin donation. Enquiries to David on 0412 780 512.

Awesome art

TRARALGONDistrict Art Society is back in business for 2025.

The society has been active for more than 30 years, and is one of the longest active art groups in Latrobe City. Traralgon District is now located at the historic building adjacent to the Traralgon Railway Station at 26-28 Queens Parade.

The facility is open on aw eek ly bas is to con duct art cl asse so n Mondays(10am-12pm), Wednesday evenings (4.30pm-7pm) and Thursdays (10am-2pm).

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

IF you are acommunity group and have any news items you need publicised, feel free to email us at news@lvexpress. com.au You can address correspondenceto the editor, Liam Durkin. Please write 'Community Corner' in the subject line and nothing else. Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.

The group also has an afterschool session for children beginning at 4.30pm and going to 6pm for 8-14 year olds. For more information, phoneGilio on 0444 552 175, or Jodie (0430 313 843).

Dream team: FederalMemberfor Gippsland, Darren Chester and his wife Juliewith someofthe rubbish theyhelped collect from the creek and its banks

HOROSCOPES

by Joanne Madeline Moore

February10- March 16,2025

Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

Then Venus started revers ng through Aries (on March 2) and this week – from Saturday – Mercury starts reversing through Aries as well! How much can a robust Ram take? If you have any ma or p ans, pro ects or trips in the p

ine, don’t activate them unt l the last retrograde (Venus) finishes on April 13

Don’t become so focused on the busyness and miniature of day-to-day l fe that you lose sight of the bigger picture Look beyond the horizon Bulls! Setting short-term and long-term goals, dreaming big dreams, and making time for med tation contemp ation and/or relaxation are the secrets to a successful week Beyond that, your motto for the future is from birthday great, singer-songwr ter James Taylor: “The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time ”

Mercury (your patron p anet) starts reversing through your networking/peer group zone on Saturday So do your best to surround yourse f w th dependab e, sensible, unflappab e people And make sure you double-check a l texts (before you press send) and al appointment times (before you leave home) It’s also a good week to reset boundaries and expectations in a romantic, platonic or business re at onsh p Keep flexible because th ngs are constant y changing!

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

With Venus and then Mercury reversing through your career zone, the next few weeks could be tricky at work Some poss b e scenarios? Your boss gives you extra work w th short (and stressful) deadl nes; a colleague becomes very d fficult to work with; or some staff take sick or holiday leave, which ncreases your workload If you’re look ng for employment (or want to change jobs) then don’t start send ng appl cat ons out until after April 13

Leo (July 23 - Aug 22)

This week the Sun (your power planet) links up with Saturn and Uranus So, try to get the ba ance r ght between the status quo and change; between responsibi ity and spontaneity; between stabil ty and freedom f you are trave ling (espec ally interstate or overseas) make sure you double-check your itinerary, as Venus and Mars reverse through your trave and adventure zone And – if you can – avoid signing contracts and legal documents unt l after April 13

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

Mid-week is wonderfu for catching up with an o d friend Then Mercury (your boss planet) is in retrograde mode from Saturday unt l Apr l 7, so resist the urge to over-analyse, over-worry, over-stress and over-react By al means think things through, but avoid getting caught up n an endless, obsessive oop Try to relax and et your creat ve side express tself As birthday great Albert Einstein observed: “Imagination s more important than know edge ”

Perfectionist-prone Librans ove things to run smoothly but (courtesy of Venus and Mercury reversing through your relationship zone) there’s d srupt ve energy about this week So, drop the careful y p anned schedule and take things as they come A relat onsh p with a lover, relative, neighbour or work colleague could veer off in a confusing direction Or something you say, text or post on social media could receive a disappointing response

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

t’s a good week to rev se your diet and/or re ig your fitness routine, as retrograde Venus and retro Mercury activate your health and wellbeing zone It’s important to choose nutritious food and regular exercise that you enjoy, so you can mainta n healthy habits into the future Your dai y work schedule cou d also be d srupted (and feel like it’s going backwards) or you cou d find yourself out of step with a col eague Patience and persistence wil see you through

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

This week the Sun and Saturn hook up in your home zone, so extra domestic chores and/or family responsib lities could cramp your spontaneous Sagittarian style Venus and Mercury are also reversing through your friendsh p zone, so an o d r valry could resurface or a controvers al new fr end could stir up your established peer group Friday’s pos t ve Sun/Uranus l nk favours making new discover es at work or entertaining loved ones at home

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

On Saturday, Mercury turns retrograde (unt l Apr l 7) Mercury s the p anet of clear thinking, communication (talking, texting and writing), transport, travel, commutng, commerce, computers, media and the nternet So - when t’s retrograde - it’s not a good time to do the fol owing things sign contracts; start a job or business; buy a phone, computer, car or home; aunch a webs te; install new software; go on a bus ness trip or embark on a b g holiday

Put on your problem-solving hat Aquarius! Retrograde Venus and retrograde Mercury reignite your desire to help a friend, neighbour or fam ly member in a creative and hands-on fash on You’re keen to tackle a problem (at home or within your local commun ty) n a strategic and innovative way When it comes to money matters, Saturn urges you to think conservatively and plan for the long-term So spontaneous spending sprees are (temporari y) off the menu

Expect a cha leng ng week, as Saturn links up with the Sun (in your s gn) plus Venus and Mercury reverse through your money zone Perceptive Pisceans - aim to be super patient with your partner, extra k nd to your family, oh-so cooperative with your work colleagues and uber disciplined with dead ines And try to keep spending to an absolute minimum as you curb shopaholic tendencies, st ck to a strict weekly budget, and put any extra cash nto sav ngs

COPYR GHT Joanne Made ine Moore 2024

Moore and George streets, Moe

building on theright, thenamesakeofwhichstillstandstothis dayasPurvis Plaza. Photograph supplied

MOORE Street and George Street, Moe were named after Dr George Moore.

George Moorehad arange of community interests and investments going back to the 1870s.

He had amedical practice in North Melbourne, sat on the North Melbourne Benchasa magistrate and was appointed by the state government to the Victorian Medical Board. He also invested in property in the Moedistrict, Moore Park on the Narracan Creekbeing one of them.

Mr Moore wassosure of the futureprosperity of the district that he promoted atownship he called Mooretownatthe cornerofBecksBridge Road and Old Sale Road.

It grew to have three hotels (shanties), ageneral store, police station, post office, butcher, and boot maker. But in 1878 the Gippsland rail line was completed and the township quickly faded away as people moved to the new township around the Moe railway station.

Being akeen investor, he built ahall at the corner of Anzac and Narracan Drive which for aperiod was used as aschool and was used as apolling booth for the first elections of the Narracan Shire. Mr Moore led the first delegation to the public works minister, Thomas Bent, to have the Moe swamp drained. In 1884-85 he waselectedtothe Narracan Shire Counciland votedinaspresident. He servedseven years on council.

During the 1888 election the Advocate journalist suggested he take acourse in elocution and style to improve on the speeches he gave to the Narracan Shire residents. He invested in the coal companies at Coalville, becoming adirector of both the Moe Mining Company and the Narracan Valley Company. He also invested in the Mt Lyell mines in Tasmania. Mr Moore died in Brighton in 1915. Information and photo provided by Moe & District Historical Society

FEMALE business ownersinMoe gathered at Twenty20 Tapas Bar to celebrate International Women’s Day last week, recognising the strength, success, and camaraderie of women in business.

supportamong female entrepreneurs, ensuring that Moeremainsa thriving hub for women in business.

This week my stars are telling me that I’m going to purchase a fantastic bargain

With morethan 30 female-led businesses thriving in the town, the event highlightedthe contributions these women make to the local economy and the invaluable support they provide one another.

The intimate gathering of 10 local business owners was amorning of connection and generosity, with each woman gifting something from her own business to another, fostering deeper relationships and astronger sense of community.

Longstanding business owner Ebony Sherman of Indulge Yourself reflected on the importance of these connections, saying: “It has been afabulous morning coming together with other female business owners. I’ve now been in business for 24 years, and the support females give each other in Moe is what has contributed to so many of us being around for so long.”

Latrobe City DeputyMayor,Sharon Gibson also attended, offering words of encouragement and emphasising the value of women-led businesses in Moe.

The event not only celebrated achievements but alsoreinforcedthe importance of collaboration and

United: Moebusinessownersgathered in celebration of International Women’s Day. Pictured is KazSamson (Kaz SamsonLifestyle), Sue Abbott(Latrobe ValleyDrafting), BrookeBowen (Noteto Self),Ebony Sherman (Indulge Yourself), Belinda Moss (BJBM Painting), FionaEyles (Jim’sCar Detailing), Catherine Noy(Catherine NoyHair Studio), Latrobe CityDeputy Mayor, Sharon Gibson, Lisa Pavlic(Crystalline Kingdom), Danielle Ferguson (Lilly Pilly), and Yvonne Butler(Changing Seasons)

Leading ladies: Sue AbbottofLatrobe Valley Drafting andKateSlater from Camtech &Slater Photographs supplied

Wayback: An earlyviewofMoe’s main street (MooreStreet)looking southtothe railwaystation. Notethe Purvis

TheGuide

LOVE IT OR LIST IT AUSTRALIA 10, Saturday, 7.30pm

Network 10 hasseenthe potential in lovingthisFoxtel favourite, bringing thefirstseason,filmed in 2017,to free-to-air TV.The showsees real estate whiz Andrew Winter and interior designer Neale Whitaker (both pictured) meet couplesat odds overwhat to do with ahouse that no longer fits their lives. While Winter is all forlisting properties so the homeowners can move to aplace moresuitedtotheir needs,Whitaker believes in findingpotentialbyrenovatingtheir current home,soitcan once again be aplace that they love to livein. Tonight,mum-of-threeNatalie wants to swap her cluttered CoburgNorth home foralifeinQueensland, but husband Mattthinks Melbourne is abetterfitfor their daughters.

ABC TV,Sunday, 7.30pm

This serendipitous crime-solving series finds ex-detectiveJack(BryanBrown) and widowed English nurse Joan (Greta Scacchi, pictured with Brown) back on the road forits second season. This time, the travelling companions areon the hunt foranswers aboutJack’spast, hoping to clear his name and remove adark cloud hanging overhis career.Astheytravelthrough the picturesque landscapesofQueensland together,solving mysteries from town to town,the pair’s relationshipisalso put to the test. Tonight’spremierebringsthem into the orbit of brothers Doug (Martin Sacks) and Ellory(GarySweet), at warover their family farm. DebraLawrence is aforce to be reckoned with as Anna, a womanfromJack’s past.

Wednesday,March 12

ABCTV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Q+A. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R)

2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG,R)

2.55 Nigella At My Table. (R)

3.25 Grand Designs. (R)

4.15 Long Lost Family (PG,R)

PICK OF THE WEEK

Good food, great company and quality chats around the kitchen bench –thiseasygoing and friendly format keeps it simple. As MasterChefwinnerAdam Liaw begins his eighth season in the CookUpkitchen tonight,it’sclearly arecipe forsuccess. Sarah McLeod and Guy Sebastian (both pictured with Liaw,centre) arehis firstguests, sharing theirfavourite weeknight dishes while telling Liaw about their songwritingprocesses and howtheyeat on tour.Liaw’sopening act is atasty stir-fryutilisingwood ear mushrooms, capsicum and egg; which is followedbythe episode’s headliners: Sebastian makes his mum’s mango curry, while McLeod shares her go-to dinner:chilli, tuna and tomato farfalle pasta.

TRAVEL MAN

SBS Viceland, Tuesday, 8.30pm

Apopular concept in Europe, the “citybreak” –ashort holiday spent in a nearbymetropolis –doesn’t net quite the same immediate cultural change forusAussies, whocould easilyspend a48-hour round trip entirely in transit Luckily TravelManhostJoe Lycettand his little black bookofcomedians areheretowhizz around thesedestinations forusinjusttwo days. The13th season begins tonight in Malaga, on Spain’s Costa DelSol, with Irish keyboard aficionado David O’Doherty (pictured, right,with Lycett). Armed with all the sunscreen they can carry, the funnymenvisit the city’soldestchipshop, imbibe at an old haunt of Pablo Picasso’s and put O’Doherty’ssea legstothe test.

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8)

5.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 9.20 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley.(PG,R) 9.50 Food Markets.(PG,R) 10.50 OurCoast. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dateline.(R) 2.30 Insight.(R) 3.30 The Point:RoadTo Referendum History Bites. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.40 The Cook Up.(R) 4.10 Secrets Of The Lost Liners. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers.(R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 AustralianIdol. (PGl, R) 2.30 Border Security: International (PG, R) 3.00 Beat TheChasersUK. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChaseAustralia. 6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At FirstSight (Mls, R) 1.30 My Way. (PG) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point (PG, R) 4.00 9NewsAfternoon 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30[VIC]WINNews.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30

8.00 Hard Quiz. (PGa)

8.30 TheWeekly With Charlie Pickering (Return, PG) Asatiricalnews program.

9.00 Guy Montgomery’sGuy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG,R) Presented by Guy Montgomery

9.45 Planet America.

10.20 Spicks And Specks. (Final, PG, R) 10.50 ABC Late News. 11.05 The Business. (R) 11.20 Gold Diggers. (Mdls, R) 12.15 Grand Designs. (R) 1.05 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 1.50 Rage (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Australia: An Unofficial History. (al) 8.35 TheJury: Murder Trial UK. (Ma) The prosecution cross-examines John. 9.30 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+) Stirling tries to escape from captivity 10.40 SBS World NewsLate. 11.10 Blackwater.(MA15+ansv) 12.15 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R) 12.45 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Paris-Nice Race.Stage4 2.45 My Brilliant Friend. (Mlsv, R) 3.50 Bamay.(R) 4.50 DestinationFlavour ChinaBitesize. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize (R) 5.00 NHK World EnglishNews Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home AndAway. (PG) Marilyn confesses her true feelings.

7.30 The1%Club UK. (PG,R) Hosted by LeeMack.

8.30 TheFront Bar. (Ml)Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloyand AndyMaher takea lighter look at all things AFL.

9.30 Unfiltered. (Premiere, Ma) Hamish McLachlan sits down with keyfootball stars and personalitiestoreveal their stories.

10.00 LiveAtThe Chapel:Amy Shark. (Ma) Amy Sharkperforms her hits. 11.00 AutopsyUSA: Luke Perry. (Ma)

12.00 Covert Affairs. (Mv,R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 Married At FirstSight (Mls) Trouble hitssome of the couples.

9.00 Big Miracles. (Final, Mam)

A40-year-old reaches her firstscan and is desperate to hearher baby’sheartbeat.

10.30 Casualty 24/7 (Mm, R)

11.30 TheEqualizer (Mv,R)

12.15 Tipping Point (PG, R)

1.05 My Way. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair.

TEN (10, 5)

THE COOK UP WITH ADAM LIAW SBS Food, Monday, 7pm

DARBYAND JOAN

Thursday, March 13

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent.(R) 10.30 Back Roads. (PG,R) 11.10 The Role Of ALifetime. (PGns, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Newsreader.(Final, Ml, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations.(R) 2.55 Nigella At My Table. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs.(R) 4.15 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 5.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 AntiquesRoadshow.(R) 6am MorningPrograms. 9.50 Food Markets. (R) 10.50 Our Coast.(R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Saving Lives At Sea. (Ma, R) 3.00 Shepherdess. (PG, R) 3.30 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.45 The Cook Up.(R) 4.15 SecretsOf The Lost Liners. (PG,R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)

7.00 ABC News

7.30 7.30

8.00 Back Roads: Wheelbarrow Way, QLD (PG)Joe O’Brien heads to FarNorth Queensland.

8.30 SuePerkins’Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul (PG) Sue Perkins continues her journey to Romania.

9.20 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (Final) Hosted by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell. 10.05 TheRole Of ALifetime. (PGns, R) 10.55 ABCLateNews.

11.10 TheBusiness (R)

11.30 Miriam Margolyes Impossibly Australian. (Ml, R) 12.25 Grand Designs.(R) 1.15 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 2.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.15 ParkinsonInAustralia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Finding Your Roots: The Brick Wall Falls (PG)

8.30 Earth: AYearInOrbit. (PGa) Looks at satellite images from space. 9.30 Boiling Point. (Mal) Carly cuts the pot-washers’ hours

10.35 SBS WorldNews Late.

11.05 GoldenBoy (Mal) 11.55 Britain’s GreatOutdoors. (R) 12.25

WetByFire. (R) 12.35 DirtyBird. (R) 12.45 Cycling. UCIWorld Tour.Paris-Nice Race

Stage 5. Saint-Just-en-Chevalet to La CoteSaint-Andre. From France 2.45 Babies:Their Wonderful World. (R) 3.50 Bamay.(PG, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World EnglishNewsMorning 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ MasksPowerHeroes 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly 6.55 Rocket Club 7.05 OddSquad. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 SecretsOfThe Zoo. 9.25 Chopped Junior 10.05 Merlin. 10.50 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The MorningShow. (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Abducted By My Teacher: TheElizabeth Thomas Story. (2023,M) 3.00 TheChase. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Football. AFL.Round 1. Richmond vCarlton. From the MCG. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking alook back at allthe action from the game.

11.00 Kick Ons. Kane Cornes, Josh Jenkinsand Jason Richardsondebate the hottest topics and apreview of the upcoming matches.

11.30 TheDisappearance Of GabbyPetito (Mav, R) Takesa look at the disappearance of 22-year-old “van life” blogger Gabby Petito. 12.50 Damnation. (MA15+asv) Creeley meetshis master 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs. 5.00 SunriseEarly News The latest news, sportand weather. 5.30 Sunrise

6am Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 RBT. (PGdl, R) Followsthe activities of police units.

8.30 Emergency (Mlm, R) Doctor Glenn Harrison fears atradie, crushed under 300kgofcement,has brain injuries.

9.30 A+EAfter Dark. (Mlm) A&E staff deal with aviolent patient,a high-speed motorbikecrash and aman who has lost part of his earlobe in an explosion.

10.30 My Feet AreKillingMe. (Mm)

11.20 9News Late.

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.40 Pointless (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by GrantDenyer.

6.30 TheProject. Alookatthe day’s news. 7.30 GoggleboxAustralia. Opinionated viewersdiscussTVshows.

8.30 TheGraham Norton Show. (Mls) GrahamNortonisjoined on the couch by Ewan McGregor,Kate Hudson, Naomie Harris and Chris O’Dowd. Self Esteemperforms. 9.40 Law&Order:SVU (Masv, R) When Chief McGrath’s daughterdiscloses asexual assault,Benson must keep himfrom jeopardising aconviction. 10.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sportand weather 11.05 TheProject. (R) 12.05 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 TheMovie Show 12.20pm WorldWatch. 12.50 MOVIE: Sione’s Wedding. (2006, M) 2.40 Insight 3.40 News. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.40 The Fast History Of 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 James Brown: SayItLoud. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 11.55 Late Programs.

Continued. (2019, PG, Dutch) 6.40 Skating To New York. (2013,PG) 8.20 Poms. (2019,PG) 10.00 The Talented Mr Ripley. (1999, M) 12.35pm The Ides Of March.(2011,M) 2.30 The Bookshop.(2017,PG) 4.35 MaryAnd The Witch’s Flower. (2017,PG) 6.30 On The Waterfront.(1954, PG) 8.30 Saving Private Ryan.(1998, MA15+) 11.40 The Lighthorsemen. (1987, M) 1.50am Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm The Casketeers. 2.30 TheCook Up 3.00 Jarjums. 4.05 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Te Ao With Moana. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 News. 6.40 Africa’s Underwater Wonders. 7.30 GoingPlaces With Ernie Dingo 8.30 The Boy, The Queen And Everything In Between. 9.25 MOVIE: Set It Off (1996,MA15+) 11.35 Late Programs.

Friday, March 14

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6am Binti.

9.00 MOVIE: BadMoms2.(2017, MA15+) 11.05 The O.C 12.05am LoveIsland UK. 1.05 Life After Lockup 2.00 TheNanny 3.00 Bakugan. 3.30 Beyblade Burst QuadStrike 4.00

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30 ThePacific. (R) 11.00 The Newsreader.(Madl, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. (Ml, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 2.55 Nigella At My Table. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs.(PG,R) 4.15 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6am MorningPrograms. 9.50 Food Markets. (R) 10.50 Our Coast. (PG, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Saving LivesAtSea. (PGa, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up.(R) 4.05 Hungry ForMore: Spain. (PG, R) 4.35 Jeopardy! 4.55 Letters AndNumbers. (R) 5.25 MastermindAust. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational NewsAtNoon. 1.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 2.00 Suits L.A. (Ma, R) 3.00 TheChase. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia.

of the winery’snew tastingroom

9.20 TheWeekly With Charlie Pickering (PG, R) Asatirical news program. 9.50 Hard Quiz. (PGa, R) Presented by TomGleeson.

Spicks And Specks.

5.00 Rage.(PG)

6.30 SBSWorldNews. 7.30 James May: Our ManInItaly: Really,Really Nice Cheese. (M) 8.30 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines: Mechanical Menagerie. (Ma, R) Looksatmachines inspired by the animal kingdom. 9.25 Mysteries Of TheAncient Dead: Qin Shi Tomb,Soma, Chinchorro (PG) Looksatthe tomb of Qin Shi Huang. 10.20 SBS WorldNews Late 10.50 ABody That Works. (Premiere, Ma) 11.50 Sisi. (MA15+ds, R) 12.45 Cycling. UCI World Tour Paris-NiceRace. Stage6 2.45 Babies:Their Wonderful World. (PGaw,R) 3.50 Bamay.(R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 4.55 Destination FlavourScandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 AFL:FridayNight Countdown. Alead-up to the Fridaynight AFL match.

7.30 Football AFL.Round 1. Hawthorn vEssendon. From the MCG.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking alook back at all theactionfromthe game.

11.15 GetOn Extra. Alookatthe weekend’s best racing.

11.45 Suits L.A. (Ma, R) Tedand Kevin deal with abombshell.

12.45 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGa, R) Sketch comedy series.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Contestants go head to head in atest of brain power

5.00 NBCToday

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9NewsMorning. 12.00 MOVIE: Dying ForA Crown. (2022, Madv) Jennifer Titus, Catharine Daddario. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG)

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals:Heat. (PG) Presented by SirDavid Attenborough.

8.40 MOVIE: Four WeddingsAnd AFuneral. (1994,Mls,R)A bachelor who is often called on to be the best man at friends’ weddings meets his ideal partner at areception. Hugh Grant,Andie MacDowell, Kristin Scott Thomas.

11.05 MOVIE: TheBig Sick. (2017,Mls, R) Acomedian falls for agradstudent.Kumail Nanjiani.

1.15 9HoneyHacks. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping (R)

4.00 SkippyThe Bush Kangaroo (R)

4.30 Global Shop.(R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 FishForever. (PGl, R)

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer

6.30 TheProject Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 TheGraham Norton Show. Takesa look back at some of the celebrityguests who havegraced Irish comedian Graham Norton’s chat show. 9.50 TomGleeson: Lighten Up

Saturday, March 15

Rage.(PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) 1.30 Poh’s Kitchen. (R) 2.00 Under The Vines. (R) 2.45 Extraordinar yEscapes (PG, R)

3.40 TheRoleOfALifetime. (PGns, R)

4.30 Muster Dog s: Collies AndKelpies. (Final, PG, R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Australian Story: Hooked –DaveHughes. (R)A profile of comedianDaveHughes.

6.30 Back Roads: Wheelbarrow Way, QLD (PG,R)Joe O’Brien heads to FarNorth Queensland.

7.00 ABC News. Alookatthe topstories of theday

7.30 Death In Paradise. (PG) Neville investigatesa crypto-related death.

8.30 Vera (Ma, R) DCI Vera Stanhope finds herself drawn into amystery that brings her closer to her estranged family than she would likewhen awoman’sbodyisfound in the grounds of her family’shome.

10.00 TheNewsreader (Final, Ml, R) Dale andHelen turn to each other for support.

11.00 Unforgotten. (Final, Mal,R) A second victim is linked to the case. 11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6am MorningPrograms. 10.00 The World From Above.(PG, R) 11.00 Ageless Gardens. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight 1.00 PBSNews. 2.00 Surf Life Saving. Surf LifeSaving Interstates. Highlights. 4.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour Strade Bianche Men. Highlights. 4.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 4.35 Light Years: OliveCotton. (R) 5.30 Hitler: Decoding ADictator

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 TheWonders Of Europe: ThePantheonOfRome. Looks at the Pantheon of Rome.

8.30 Blenheim: ThePeople Behind ThePalace. (Premiere) Apprentice George, whoisopeningthe Palace, helps Kate and theteam remove apigeon before thecoachesofvisitorsarrive 9.25 RayMar tin: TheLast Goodbye (PGa,R)Ray Martin begins planning his ownfuneral.

10.25 GreatCoastal Railway Journeys: Forvie To Peterhead (PG,R) 11.25 Cycling. UCIWorld Tour Paris-Nice Race. Stage 7. 1.25 All Those Things WeNeverSaid. (Ml, R) 2.40 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 3.35 Babies: Their Wonderful World. (R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The WorldTonight.

6am WorldWatch.

10.00 TheMovie Show Noon Searching For Masculinity 1.10 My 3D Printed Ghost Gun 1.40 Beyond OakIsland. 2.30 TenYear Old Tom. 3.00 Celebrity Mastermind. 4.05 News. 4.10 WorldWatch. 6.05 OurLaw 6.40 Engineering Tomorrow.(Premiere) 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 FatboySlim: RightHere Right Now 10.10 Hudson &Rex 11.50 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs.

1.35pm Africa’s Underwater Wonders. 2.25 Nula. 2.55 DigDeeper 3.55 Nganampa Anwernekenhe. 4.20 Black As. 4.30 Strait To The Plate. 5.00 Spirit Talker 5.30 The Last Land: Gespe’gewa’gi. 6.00 Shiny One. 6.10 Black As. 6.20 News 6.30 The OtherSide 7.20 Black As. 7.30 The American Buffalo 8.30 MOVIE: Lady In The Water.(2006) 10.30 Late Programs.

6am

Shaolin Soccer.(2001,PG, Cantonese) 8.10 Mary And TheWitch’s Flower.(2017,PG) 10.00 The Lighthorsemen. (1987, M) 12.10pm Healing. (2014, M) 2.20 On The Waterfront. (1954,PG) 4.20 Viceroy’sHouse. (2017,PG) 6.20 ARoom With A View.(1985,PG) 8.30 Mystic River.(2003, MA15+) 11.10 Shame.(2011,MA15+) 1am TheLastSamurai (2003, MA15+) 3.50 Late Programs.

6.00 NBCToday 7.00 WeekendSunrise. 10.00 TheMorning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Coolmore Classic and Peter YoungStakes. 5.00 SevenNews At 5. 5.30 Border Security:Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Ababy-faced bandit goesonthe run.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Apassenger has two extrapassports in his bag.

7.30 MOVIE: RED (2010,Mlv,R)A retired CIA agentisattacked by ahit squad. BruceWillis, Mary-Louise Parker

9.45 MOVIE: Atomic Blonde. (2017,MA15+lsv, R) An MI6 agent is sent to Berlin to investigate themurder of afellow agent and recovera missing listofoperatives. CharlizeTheron, James McAvoy 12.05 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship.Round 2. Melbourne Supersprint.Day 1. Highlights 1.05 We Interrupt This Broadcast (PGa, R) 2.00 To Be Advised. 4.00 It’s Academic (R) 5.00 My Greek Odyssey.(PG, R)

7TWO (72, 62)

6am Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes. 10.00 My GreekOdyssey 11.00 Harry’sPractice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Escape To The Country 2.00 Better Homes. 3.00 The Yorkshire Vet. 4.00 Escape To The Country 5.00 Horse Racing.Coolmore Classic and Peter Young Stakes 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To TheCountry 10.30 I Escaped To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

7MATE (73,64)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Timbersports. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars &Bikes. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars 3.00 Motor Racing. National Drag Racing Championship.Round 2. New Year Nitro 4.00 Carnage. 5.00 CountingCars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 8.30 MOVIE: Total Recall. (1990,MA15+) 10.55 Late Programs.

6.00 Getaway.(PG, R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday.(PG) 12.00 Destination WA 12.30 My Way. (PG, R) 1.00 Let’sEat WithGeorge. 1.30 Hybrid Horizons. 2.00 The PetRescuers (PG, R) 2.30 BondiVet. (PGm,R) 3.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals. (PG, R) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. 5.00 9NewsFirstAtFive. 5.30 Getaway.(PG)

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Space Invaders. (PG) Theteamhelps awoman.

8.30 MOVIE: San Andreas. (2015,Mlv,R) Arescue helicopterpilot searches for his daughter followinga massive earthquake. Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino,AlexandraDaddario.

10.45 MOVIE: Volcano (1997, Mv,R)A volcanothreatens LosAngeles. TommyLee Jones.

12.40 Bondi Vet. (PGm,R)

1.30 ThePet Rescuers. (PG, R)

2.00 TheIncredible Journey Presents. (PG)

2.30 TV Shop:HomeShopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 HelpingHands. (PG, R)

9GEM (92, 81)

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 MOVIE: WhereverShe Goes. (1951) 1pm MOVIE: Mr Forbush And ThePenguins. (1971,PG) 3.10 MOVIE: Fire Over Africa. (1954) 4.50 MOVIE: KingsOfThe Sun. (1963,PG) 7.00 RugbyUnion. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 5. Queensland Reds vNSW Waratahs. 9.30 SuperRugby Pacific PostMatch. 9.45 MOVIE: RockyIII. (1982, PG) 11.45 Late Programs.

9GO! (93, 82)

6am MorningPrograms. 7.00 Children’s Programs. 1.05pm Motor Racing. FIAWorld Endurance C’ship.Qatar 1812 km. H’lights. 2.15 Inside TheSuperbrands. 3.15 Ben Fogle:Starting Up Starting Over 4.15 Young Sheldon. 5.45 MOVIE: Alvin AndThe Chipmunks:The Squeakquel. (2009) 7.30 MOVIE: Night At The Museum:Battle Of The Smithsonian. (2009,PG) 9.40 MOVIE: TheBeverly Hillbillies.(1993) 11.40 LatePrograms.

6.30 TheDog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Acouple disagree on whether to leaveCoburg North. 8.30 Gog gleboxAustralia. (R) Adiverse rangeofpeople open their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows, with the help of special, locked-off cameras which captureevery unpredictable moment 9.30 Matlock. (PGadl,R)Olympia and Julianclash whilerepresenting opposing parties. Matty manipulates the firm’s securitysystem forpersonalgain. 10.30 Elsbeth. (PGv,R)Elsbeth investigatesanapp CEO. 11.30 FBI. (Mv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power

Sunday, March16

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6am MorningPrograms. 9.05 TheAutistic Gardener.(R) 10.00 FIFAWorld Cup Classic Matches. 11.30 Ageless Gardens. (R) 12.30 PBS Washington Week 12.55 Swan Football. (R) 1.00 Cycling. ProVelo SuperLeague. Round 5. 4.00 Yachting. Vendee Globe Highlights. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour Strade Bianche Women. Highlights. 5.30 Hitler: Decoding ADictator (PG)

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 WorldThis Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens. (Final, R) 3.30 SuePerkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul. (PG, R) 4.15 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.05 ADog’s WorldWithTony Armstrong. (R)

6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 DarbyAnd Joan. (Return, PGa) Jack and Joan encounter two warringbrothers.

8.20 Unforgotten. (Return,Madl) When aspine is dredged out of Whitney Marsh, anew case begins for Jessand Sunny’steam.

9.05 Boat Story. (Premiere, MA15+alv) When two strangers discovera haul of cocaine on awashed-up boat luck soon turns to misfortune.

10.05 MOVIE: TheTurning. (2013,MA15+al, R) Colin Friels.

1.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.00 AskThe Doctor. (PG,R) 3.30 Outback Ringer.(PG, R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

7.30 Ancient Greece By Train: Cyclades To Turkey (PG) Professor Alice Roberts tours ancient sites.

8.25 Alhambra:AtThe Crossroads Of Cultures Looks at the city of AlhambrainGranada.

9.30 King Tut: AlliesAnd Enemies. (PGa, R) Alook at the mysteries of Tutankhamun’s life.

10.30 Death In TheTower: King Richard. (Mav,R)

11.30 Britain’s Great Outdoors (R) 1.30 Cycling.UCI World Tour.Paris-Nice Race. Stage 8. From France 3.30 Love Your Garden. (PGal, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 4.55 Destination FlavourChina Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World EnglishNews Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al JazeeraNews.

6.00 NBCToday. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 TheMorning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 SundayFooty Feast. (Premiere) 2.30 AFL Pre-Game Show. Pre-game coverage of the match. 3.00 Football AFL.Round 1. Melbourne vGWS Giants.

6.00 SevenNews

7.00 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.10 TheHunters: Rentakill (M) Adam Shand and Steve vanAperen examine notorious underworld hit man ChristopherDale Flannery

9.40 IvanMilat: Buried Secrets. (MA15+av,R)Takes alookatevidence thatIvanMilat mayhavebeen responsible formore murders

11.40 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship.Round 2. Melbourne Supersprint.Day 2. Highlights.

12.10 TheBay (Malv,R) 1.10 Harr y’sPractice. (R) 2.00 To Be Advised. 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (72, 62)

6am MorningPrograms. 1.20pm Football. BigRivers Football League.Men’s Grand final. Ngukurrv Katherine Camels. Replay. 3.25 Stable: The Boxing Game. 4.25 YarningCulture Through Film 4.30 MOVIE: Amazing Grace. (2018) 6.00 Queer &Here. 6.30 News. 6.40 Waterworld Africa. 7.30 Murder In Big Horn. 8.30 MOVIE: Regard Noir.(2021) 9.55 MOVIE: The Color Purple (1985, PG) 12.35am Late Programs. NITV (34)

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 HelloSA. (PG,R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. (PG) 12.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 1.00 Fish Forever. 1.30 DriveTV: DriveCar Of The Year 2.00 Oz Off Road TV (PG, R) 3.00 ForThe LoveOfPets. (PGm, R) 4.00 Space Invaders. (PG, R) 5.00 9News FirstAtFive. 5.30 Postcards. (PG) 6.00 Mass ForYou At Home. 6.30 KeyOfDavid. (PGa) 7.00 Joseph Prince: New Creation Church. 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 TheYes Experiment. (R) 8.30 Motor Racing. Formula 1. Australian GrandPrix. Day3 5.00 10 NewsFirst.

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 Married At FirstSight (PGls) Thefalloutfrom partner swapcontinues.

8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysingand uncovering theissuesaffectingall Australians.

9.40 FootyFurnace. (Mlv) TomMorris, Jimmy Bartel and James Hird recap the highs andlowsfrom the latest round of football.

10.40 9News Late. 11.10 See No Evil: TheWrong Woman. (MA15+av) 12.05 TheFirst48. (Ma) 1.00 DestinationWA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 DriveTV: DriveCar Of TheYear.(R) 5.00 Today EarlyNews 5.30 Today

9GEM (92, 81)

6.00 TheSundayProjec t. Joins panellists for alook at theday’s news, events and hot topics.

7.00 Australian Sur vivor (PGl) Agroup of 24 Australian castaways battles it out on the beachesofSamoa to become the sole survivor 8.30 Matlock. (PGad) An important class-action lawsuit leads the team to investigateasorority. Matty brings Alfie with her to work 9.30 FBI. (Masv) The team racestofind ahuman trafficking victim after their sting operation goes sideways. Maggie makes aconnection with a911 operator 11.30 TheSundayProjec t. (R) Alookatthe day’snews. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMornings. 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 The Movie Show 12.10pm Figure Skating. ISU Grand Prix. Internationaux de France.H’lights. 1.45 Fringes. 2.45 Jeopardy! 4.50 WorldWatch. 5.20 PBS Washington Week. 5.45 DominoMasters 6.40 AbandonedEngineering. 7.35 Abandoned Americana. 8.30 The UnXplained With William Shatner 10.10 WWE Legends. 11.45 Late Programs.

6am The MovieShow 6.10 ARoom With AView.(1985,PG) 8.20 Lucky You. (2007, PG) 10.35 We’reAll Going To The World’sFair.(2021,M) 12.10pm French Exit. (2020, M) 2.15 Selkie. (2000,PG) 3.55 Shaolin Soccer.(2001,PG, Cantonese) 6.00 The Natural. (1984, PG) 8.30 Million Dollar Baby.(2004, M) 10.55 So Damn EasyGoing. (2022, M, Swedish) 12.35am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 TheGreat AustralianDoorstep 10.30 DVine Living. 11.00 IEscaped To The Country. Noon Escape To The Country 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 CitiesOfThe Underworld. 3.30 Better Homes. 4.30 IEscaped To TheCountry. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Rosemary &Thyme. 8.30 Vera 10.30 Chris Tarrant’sExtreme Railway Journeys. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am MorningPrograms. 7.30 In Touch. 8.00 Beyond Today 8.30 The Incredible Journey. 9.00 TurningPoint. 9.30 TV Shop 10.00 My Favorite Martian 10.30 Getaway 11.00 NRL Sunday Footy Show. 1pm MOVIE: West Of Zanzibar.(1954) 3.00 RugbyLeague. NRL. Round 2. Parramatta Eels vWests Tigers. 6.00 Dad’sArmy. 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: TheFugitive. (1993, M) 11.10 Late Programs.

6am Children’s Programs. 1.15pm MOVIE: CombatWombat. (2020,PG) 3.00 MotorwayCops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. 4.00 Young Sheldon 5.30 MOVIE: TheLEGONinjago Movie. (2017,PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Shazam! Fury Of The Gods. (2023,M) 10.00 MOVIE: Fast Five. (2011, M) 12.30am Gotham. 1.30 Arrow. 2.30 Young Sheldon. 3.00 BeybladeX 4.00 Bakugan. 4.30 Cry Babies Magic Tears. 4.50 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. Noon TheFishing Show By AFN. 1.00 Hook,Line And Sinker 1.30 TacklingAustralia. 2.00 Step Outside 2.30 Al McGlashan’s Fish’n

Monday, March 17

ABCTV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Vera.(Ma, R) 11.30 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (PGl, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline.(R) 2.00 Grand DesignsTransformations. (PG, R) 3.00 Nigella At My Table. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family (PG, R) 5.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)

7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 7.30 Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program.

9.00 Media Watch. (PG) Linton Besser takesa look at the latest issues affecting mediaconsumers.

9.20 Q+A. Public affairs programfeaturing Patricia Karvelas and apanel looking the big issuesaffecting Australians.

10.20 Planet America. (R)

10.55 ABCLateNews.

11.10 TheBusiness. (R)

11.25 TheWeekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG, R)

11.55 Grand Designs (R)

12.45 Long Lost Family (PG, R)

1.30 Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am MorningPrograms. 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al JazeeraNews Hour 2.00 Saving Lives At Sea. (Ma, R) 3.00 Where Are YouReally From?(PG,R) 3.30 Primitive Medium. (R) 3.40 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.45 The Cook Up.(R) 4.15 Secrets Of The Lost Liners. (PGav,R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.35 Lisbon WithMichael Portillo: Lisbon 1. (Premiere, PGv) Michael Portillo journeys to Lisbon.

8.25 DanSnow’sGreatest Discoveries:Machu Picchu. (PGav) Dan Snow exploresthe lost cityofthe Inca,which wasrediscovered and rescued from the jungle in the early20th century.

9.20 24 Hours In Emergency:Say You’ll Be There. (Ma) Three pedestrians are rushed to Queens Medical Centre after acar mountsthe pavement. 10.15 SBS WorldNewsLate.

10.45 Syndrome E. (Malv)

11.45 TheNight Manager (Malsv, R)

1.55 Elizabeth. (PGa, R) 3.40 Ancient Invisible Cities.(PG,R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World EnglishNews Morning 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The MorningShow.(PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 Australian Idol. (PGl, R) 2.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 3.00 Beat TheChasers UK (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Home And Away (PG) Dean must decide whether to give Levi areal shot.

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter andScott Tweedie.

8.40 9-1-1: Lone Star (Return, M) Aheistonanarmoured truck sparks aTexasRanger investigationled by Carlos. Owen deals with Robert’sdeath.

9.40 Suits L.A. (M) Tedand Erica take on SamanthatosaveLester’smovie, but the battle mayhurthis murder trial

10.40 TheAgenda Setters. (R)Anexpert panel tackles the biggestAFL topics 11.40 St. DenisMedical. (PGa) 12.10 Miniseries: Hatton Garden. (Ml, R)

2.30 To Be Advised.

4.00 NBCToday 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise

(9, 8)

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 Married At FirstSight. (Mls) The couples visit each other’s home towns.

9.00 Footy Classified (Ml) Ateam of footy experts tacklesthe AFL’s big issuesand controversies.

10.00 9NewsLate.

10.30 TheLife And Murder Of Nicole Brown Simpson. (Ma) The trial of the century becomes amediaspectacle.

11.30 FirstOnScene. (Ma)

12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.00 Hello SA (PG)

1.30 TV Shop:HomeShopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Vic tor y. (PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by GrantDenyer.

6.30 TheProjec t. Alook at the day’s news. 7.30 Australian Sur vivor (PGl) Agroup of 24 Australiancastaways battles it out on the beaches of Samoa to become the sole survivor 8.40 Sam Pang Tonight. (Premiere, Mals) Presented by Sam Pang. 9.40 AnneEdmonds: WhyIsMy BagAll Wet? (Mls, R) Comedian Anne Edmonds makes along-awaited return to the stage after becoming amother. 11.10 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sportand weather. 11.35 TheProjec t. (R) Alook at the day’snews. 12.35 TheLateShowWith Stephen Colbert (PG) HostedbyStephen Colbert. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMornings.

7TWO (72,62) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.50pm Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.15 Bluey 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly 6.55 Rocket Club 7.05 Odd Squad. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 TheCrystal Maze. 9.25 StreetScience. 9.50 Merlin. 10.35 LatePrograms.

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Chatham Islanders. 2.00 The Casketeers. 2.30 The Cook Up 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 IndianCountry TodayNews. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Africa’s Underwater Wonders. 7.30 Who Do You Think

6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 Soccer.Major League. Atlanta United FC vInter Miami. 12.30pm WorldWatch. 1.00 TheMovie Show 1.35 Devoured. 2.30 Over TheBlack Dot. 3.30 WorldWatch. 5.45 The Fast History Of 6.10 Mysteries From Above 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats 8.30 Myths: The Greatest MysteriesOfHumanity 10.40 Late Programs.

6am The Natural. Continued. (1984,PG) 7.30 Selkie. (2000, PG) 9.10 Viceroy’sHouse. (2017,PG) 11.10 Gloria Bell.(2018,M) 1.05pm So Damn Easy Going. (2022, M, Swedish) 2.45 ARoomWith AView. (1985,PG) 4.55 Hachi: ADog’sTale. (2009, PG) 6.35 Widows Peak. (1994, PG) 8.30 Michael Collins. (1996 MA15+) 11.00 Nowhere Special. (2020,M) 12.50am Late Programs.

9GEM (92,81)

6am MorningPrograms. 9.00 MedicalEmergency. 9.30 NBC Today 10.30 Better Homes. 1pm DVineLiving 1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Chris Tarrant’sExtreme Railway Journeys. 3.30 Harry’s Practice 4.00 Medical Emergency 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Inspector Morse. 10.50 Late Programs. 6am MorningPrograms. 9.30 Newstyle Direct. 10.00 Rainbow Country. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 1.50 Attenborough’s Wonder Of Song. 3.00 AntiquesRoadshow 3.30 MOVIE: Pink String And Sealing Wax. (1945,PG) 5.20 Your Garden Made Perfect. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 Mrs Sidhu Investigates. (Premiere) 10.40 Late Programs.

7MATE (73,64)

6am MorningPrograms. 1pm Night Thunder.Austn Nationals. H’lights. 2.00 Supercars C’ship.Melbourne Supersprint H’lights. 3.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship Melbourne Supersprint.H’lights. 4.00 Storage Wars: Barry’sBest Buys. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 The AgendaSetters. 8.00 Outback Opal Hunters. 9.00 Adventure Gold Diggers. 10.00 Late Programs.

9GO! (93, 82)

6am Children’s Programs. Noon PrettyLittleLiars. 2.00 Bewitched. 2.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 3.00 The Golden Girls. 3.30 The Nanny. 4.30 The Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 IDream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 TheNanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: HotShots!(1991, M) 10.15 Seinfeld. 11.15 TheO.C 12.15am Love Island UK. 1.20 Life After Lockup 2.15 TheNanny 3.15 Late Programs.

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Tuesday, March 18

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.30 Poh’sKitchen (R) 11.00 The Weekly With CharliePickering. (PG,R) 11.30 Space 22. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Call TheMidwife.(PG, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (R) 2.55 Nigella’s Cook,Eat, Repeat. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs.(PG,R) 4.15 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.00 ABiteToEat WithAlice. (R) 5.30 AntiquesRoadshow. (R)

6am MorningPrograms. 10.05 Food Markets. (PGa, R) 11.05 Grayson Perry’sBig American Road Trip.(Ml, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Saving LivesAtSea. (PGa, R) 3.00 The Weekly Football Wrap.(R) 3.30 The Cook Up.(PG, R) 4.00 DNA Family Secrets. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 GreatCoastal Railway Journeys: St BeesToMar yport (PGa,R) 8.30 Insight. Presented by Kumi Taguchi. 9.30 Dateline: Britain’s Woke Histor yWars. Looks at the legacy of the British empire. 10.00 SBSWorld NewsLate 10.30 Guillaume’sParis. (R) 11.00 Prisoner (MA15+av)

Q+A. (R) 1.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 2.15 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 3.00 Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv)

4.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.55 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

12.10 Illegals. (Malv,R) 2.10 Elizabeth: Into The Storm. (PGa, R) 3.05 Philip: Prince, Husband, Father.(PG, R) 4.00 Ancient Invisible Cities. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The MorningShow. (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 Australian Idol. (PGl,R) 2.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 3.00 BeatThe Chasers UK. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home And Away (PG)Dean andLeviare in hot pursuit.

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGl)Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie 8.40 TheHunting Party. (M) 9.40 TheIrrational. (Mav) Renee seeks Alec’s help after she has adream containing details about amurder thatactually happened.

10.40 TheAgenda Setters. (R) Anexpert panel tackles the biggestAFL topics. 11.40 St. Denis Medical. (PGals) 12.10 TheGreat Diamond Heist. (PGa, R) 1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 To Be Advised. 4.00 NBCToday 5.00 SunriseEarly News 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning 12.00 Married At FirstSight (Mls, R) 1.30 Getaway. (PG, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Af ternoon 4.30 [VIC] Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00 Tipping

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair.

7.30 Married At FirstSight. (Mls) The homestayscontinue. 9.00 Scrublands (Premiere, MA15+lv) One year after ahorrific mass shooting, ajournalist arrives in aremote country town to write an anniversary piece 10.00 Footy Classified. (Ml) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues. 11.00 9News Late.

TEN (10, 5)

11.30 TheEqualizer (Mv, R) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG,R) 1.05 Next Stop 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Building Ideas. (PG) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today 6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by GrantDenyer. 6.30 TheProjec t. Alookatthe day’s news. 7.30 Australian Sur vivor (PGl) Agroupof24Australiancastaways battlesitout on the

Pets feeling the cost of living crisis

AS team leader for RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate SouthEast region,myteam of six Inspectors and Iare seeingfirst-hand how the cost-of-livingcrisis is affecting people and their pets.

From Melbourne’s inner-east, the Mornington Peninsula, to the New South Wales border and everywhere in between, people are struggling, and when people arestruggling, theirpets are affected. Out on the road, we’re seeing first-hand how the cost-of-living crisiscontinues to impact pet owners and their ability to provide basic care for their pets, such as enough food and access to weather-proof housing.

We’re also seeing people unabletoprovide preventativecare like desexing,grooming, and flea and wormingtreatments that prevent the need for expensive veterinary care later on.

By desexing your pet when they are young, you can avoid an unplanned litter of animals which can be aheavy financial responsibility at the best of times, and it is achallengewesee many pet owners facing. Those struggling to care for their pets arecertainly not alone.

Heartbreakingly, RSPCA Victoria receives an average of almost 16 calls every day from people wanting to surrender their pets for avarietyof reasons, including financial difficulties. We’re extremely grateful to the community for their ongoing vigilance in reporting animal cruelty.

Overthe last six months, we receivedmorethan 1200 cruelty reports from the South East region, resulting in the rescue of nearly 300 animals.

Last financial year, 559 animals came into our care, and sadly it seems we’re likely to repeat this total again by the end of June.

As we enter what is historically the busiest time of year, we urge everyone in the SouthEasttoremain vigilant foranimalcruelty in our area and to report it to RSPCA Victoria by calling (03) 9224-2222, or online at: rspcavic.org/cruelty-report

The community support we see every day keeps us going and makes each day justalittlebit better. It’s estimated it willcost $10.7 milliontooperate the RSPCA Victoria Inspectorate this year, and we’re incrediblygratefulfor the governmentfunding we do receive, along with thegenerous support from the Victorian community that will cover the majority of our inspectorates costs this year.

If you are one of many who are strugglingtocare foryour pets, please don’t be afraid to reach out for help, whether it be to us, to other community-based programs, to your local council, or to other groups who may be able to provide support. Together, let’s end animal cruelty.

Stuart Marchesani

RSPCA Inspectorate Team Leader South East

Independent always

IKNOW many localpeoplewho can no longer watch television news and have stopped reading the daily papers due to the distress caused by an inevitable story about Donald Trump.

The president will lie, he attempts to rewrite history, seeks to close down scientific research, deport people who rightfullycall the US home, withdraw from the Paris agreement and more. In the coming federalelection, we have the chance to demonstrate that Australia does not need astyle of politics characterised by lies, denial of science and socialdivision. The major parties are both beholden to lobbyistsfor whom financial gain is the goal. (Why else would we be subsidising fossil fuelproduction to the tuneof$28,000 aminute and allowing the gambling industry to proliferate?) The independent candidates seek to represent the will of the people and through this, we can avoid the extremes of populism.Australia does not need to emulate USA.

In the electorate of Monash, we havethe opportunitytovote for Deb Leonard, our local independent candidate. Genuine local representation, evidencebased decision making and integrity in politics form the basis of her platform. Now, more than ever, we need this.

Deborah O’Connor Berrys Creek

Ignoring probabilities

WELL, Patricia Correa, (‘Mother nature rules’, Latrobe Valley Express Opinion, 05/03/25), if your money is on Mother Nature, how is she doing so far? Perhapsyou should keep away fromall media outlets!

And if that’s your “guess”, forgive me if Iprefer the “guesses” of scientists, backed by lifetimes of study and research, and mountains of data. As opposed to unqualified and unsubstantiated “guesses” from the likes of yourself and Joseph ‘Listradamus’ Lis, the ‘environmentalist’.

Just what do you two bring to the table?

And you’reright, thereare no guarantees, but ignoring the realityofprobabilities, in the name of politics, is just sheerlunacy.

Finallyto‘Shadow’, (‘Here we go’, LVE Opinion, 05/03/25), dictionary defined as “a two dimension silhouette” -how appropriate. Thank you once again for proving my theory Ilive in your head, rent

free,byyour incapacitytowrite aletter without mentioning me John Duck Trafalgar

The Australian bubble

THANK heavens for the letters from Susan Newman (‘Tsunami of turbines’) and OliverBergens (‘Here we go’) -(bothLVE Opinion, 05/03/25). Abit of sanity for achange.

Iwas beginning to think we were living in aGreen bubble in Australia.

Wendy Castleswas critical of the recentNuclear for Australia event held in Morwell, saying she left the meeting at 7pm, but the meeting didn’t start until 7.10pm.

Why didn’t Anthony Albanese or Chris Bowen attend the same event whenitarrived in Canberra?

Could it be that a22-year-old nuclear scientist had more intelligenceinher little finger thanthese three would have in alifetime?

Incidentally,the young 22-year-old stated at the Morwell meetingthat you cannot go 100 per cent nuclear;you need abackupsystem, just as you do today when the power stations shut down for maintenance.

The federal government is subsidising foreign wind farms to the tune of $200 million annually.

The PM promised that Green schemes would cut electricity prices by $275 ayear, instead, they have risen by nearly $450 ayear.

UK electricity bills have increased by 50 per cent, whichwas blamed on subsidies for renewables and net-zero policies. Wind power has now collapsed to one per cent of UK electricity.

The Codrington wind farm in southwest Victoria is beingdecommissioned and won’t be replaceddue to the cost of the ageing turbines. What about the other 41 windfarms and 2500 turbines?What will happen to them when they need to be replaced? Nobodywants to talk aboutthat,especially Labor.

Dan Caffrey, did you know it takes aplane six hours flying at an average speedof850kph to clear Australia? Thatequatestotwo transmission lines across Australiafor your wind farms.

Now,wehavea$700millionbatterystorage system in the pipeline that will supply energy for four hours to 230,000 homes.

I’m sure allthe other homes, factories, restaurants and small businesses will look forward to that as will the taxpayers.

CanMsCastles, Mr Caffrey andAdamBandtor anyone else tell me what the benefits of Australia goingfrom 1.3 per cent emissions to zero emissions are when China continues to emit 32 per cent, the USA 13, India 8.1 and Russia 4.81?

Brian Mawhinney

Traralgon

Westernwakeup call

AS we awoke on Saturday, March 1tothe furore that took place in the Oval Office, nearly all were aghast at what transpired.

Atenacious Volodymyr Zelensky, a‘knife hand’ fromJDVance and afailure to interjectfrom Trump and the Western World as we’ve known for 80 years has fractured.

In reality it’s too early to assert how it will play out, as there is always the law of unintended consequences -bad things can come from good situations, good things can come from bad.

However, Europe scrambled with the revelation that there is no longer aguarantee that theUShas their backs, and across the pacific in Australia,we too were shaken with the very same wakeup call. Are any of our treaties and agreements worth the paper they are written on?

Uncertainty has become viscerally poignant. In an instant we realised it’s possible no one is coming to save us. We will have to learn to support ourselves and stand on our own two feet.

So how does that relate to us locally?

On one hand it seems everything has changed. On the other, if we look out the window each morning it seems nothing has. The sun comes up, we go to work, and bombs aren’t dropping.

Well if you’vefollowed my correspondence in these pages for any amount of time,you’ll know it’s had a veryconsistent theme-noone is comingtosave us

The government hadspoiledusand builta bloated SEC that saw much prosperity. Then the government took it all away and left us crying like a baby who had our lollypop stolen.But then instead of learning the lesson,weinsteadcalled to government to intervene once again, lauding amyriad of ideas and thought bubbles;fromrenewables to industry to transition to governmental departments. The only thing that came to pass has been higher property prices and afew shiny buildings.

So let us hope the message has been felt by all. It is not up to anyone to save us. It is up to us to create aregionofhope and prosperity through effective and intentional action.

To confirm, this does not mean we are alone. It means we need to cooperatively work together towards common collective goals.

Auseful lesson Ilearnedfrom early childhood sitting in the Rossmore Hotel, and later through

working in hospitality in my 20s, is that it all comes down to ‘bums on seats’. Ie. For any group, organisation, business and committee, if we’re not welcoming people in, we’re pushing them away. Nothing else matters. It really is that simple.

And if we arepushingpeople away becausethey happen to share adifferent view or vision to us, the pool of human resources shrinks immensely and our goals are much harder to achieve.

For too long we have expected government to do the heavy lifting, as the world expected of the USA, and we’ve been shaken with the reality and awareness of adulthood, that for any change, and any achievement, we must be the ones to lead the way and make it happen.

Anthony Wasiukiewicz

Yallourn North

Giveusanswers

THE major electricity generators/retailersin Australia have been providing coal-fired baseload power to customers for decades.

That’s what theydo. They generate electricityand they sell it to their customers. It’s their specialty.

Arguably, those companies are the experts in baseloadelectricity supply in Australia.There would be no one more qualified than them.

So, why is it that all of the electricity generators/ retailersare movingfrom baseload coal to renewables and energy storage?

Why have they all ruled out nuclear power?

Is it becausethey don’t know what they are doing?

Is it because they are all wrong?

Afew Queensland politicians reckon that nuclear is the answer, but the entire Australian electricity industrysaysit’snot.This is aviewbackedby hard numbers and facts from real scientists and engineers

Furthermore, that industry is putting its money where its mouth is by investing in renewables and energy storage today -inthe billions.

Many of the local community groups have been ponderingthis question as well. They have even triedtomeet with Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chesterasitisthe policy of his party. Mr Chesterflatlyrefuses to meet with these groups andanswer that very simple question.

Iwonder why?

Adrian Cosgriff Traralgon

Recyclefear

SO much has beendebated about nuclear waste disposal.

The letter by Susan Newman (‘Tsunami of turbines’, LVE Opinion, 05/03/25) hasopened a concern about renewables disposal when landfill has been banned in Victoria and Western Australia.

The closing of Codrington wind farm has been kept very very quietbyadvocates of renewables because it is not safe and turbines are collapsing.

Ms Newman is right to ask for answers as the costofthese disposals will fall to the taxpayer and chemicals and fibreglass in soil needs to be addressed.

Oh for the good old days of coal -nostress, no anxious debates, no waste to bury and no demonstrations.

Patricia Correa Traralgon

Don’t come Monday

REGARDING the idiotic journalist in The White House who asked UkrainianPresident, Volodymyr Zelenskyywhy he didn’twear asuit for his meeting with President Trump.

If that question is on hishighlights reel, he needs to get another job.

But it certainly wouldn’t even be polishing Zelenskyy’s shoes!

Peter Randall Morwell

Substance,not spin

AFEDERAL Inquiry into nuclear energyreported that nuclearisnot economicallyviable for Australia.

The Parliamentary Committee took evidence in capital cities and regions slated by the federal Coalition for future nuclear reactors, including in Loy Yang.

Likemanyearlierinquiries, it foundthat nuclear is not the right fit for Australia.

Dis turb ing ly, the Inqu ir ya lso hea rd that Australia’s insurance sector does notcover nuclear accidents. If something goes wrong, you and your home are on your own.

It is now over eight months since Peter Dutton committedthe Coalition to nuclearpower,but key questionsabout risks and costs remain unanswered. There has been plenty of headlines but very few answers to the questions that are bubbling in the community and troubling the Coalition. Will Australians be able to bear the increased cost of nuclear in our tax bills, power bills or both? What would fill the electricity shortfall between the certain closure of coal and the uncertain start of nuclear? Where would the required water come

from, and the radioactive waste go to?

Ahead of afederal election, those promoting nuclear and putting themselvesupasthe alternative government have an obligation to answer. Australiansdeserve policysubstance,not political spin.

Dave Sweeney

Australian Conservation Foundation

The end is night

“THOSE who are able to see beyond the shadows and lies of their culture will never be understood, let alone believed by the masses.” -Plato.

In his celebrated book of 942 quatrains (predictions) called Centuries,published in 1555 by French astrologerand seerNostradamus,atCentury I, verse 46, he predicts: “After great misery for humanity, agreater one comes when the comet returns. It will rain blood, war and plague. Fire will be seen in the sky, dragging atailofsparks.”

The picture painted by Nostradamus of the apocalyptic reappearance of Halley’s Comet is bleak indeed.

To be sur e, No str ada mu sw as sp ecif ica lly referring to the 2061 returnofthe cometwhich is reinforced by his reference to the comet being accompanied by plague (famine).

This is apart icularly ominous porten tf or modern man as about three-quarters of the globe are represented by countries who have signed the economy-wreckingParis Agreement -including Australia.

Acrucial component of this agreement is acommitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Crucially, this involves the suicidaldecarbonisation of farming, namely, aban on all C02 carbon-emitting pesticides. This has resulted in food shortages across Europe already as adirect result of crop failures due to pest invasion. By 2050 (the fabled year of Net-Zero Nirvana) this trend will reachepidemic proportions impacting every country on earth that will culminate in early-2061 with the return of Halley’s cometwhich, according to Nostradamus, will usher in the end of the world. Ishare that fear.

As for those readers of this column who are still in deep denial about the catastrophic consequences of pursuing net-zero like the renewables-obsessed John Duck, let me point out afew pertinent and portentous facts as abackground template to this topic of which he is no doubt unaware.

Ominously, the year 1607 is mentioned by Nostradamus in manyofhis quatrains. In that year something very curious happened: in the year 1607 the comet we nowknow as Halley’sComet made one of its periodic passes close to the earth. Halley’s Comet is the most famous of all comets; and passes by the earth every 75-76 years. The astronomer Edmond Halley recognised that this comet, which appeared in 1682, was similar to the cometthat appeared in 1531 and 1607, and predicted its return in 1758.

He was supposedly the first to recognisethat this comet was named after him, however, Nostradamus beathim to it: he knew and predicted acometwould return to Earth’s orbit in 1607 -some 150 years before Edmond Halley.

Moreover, Nostradamus also predicted its 2061 reappearance (as per Century II, verse 46) which willbepresaged by adecade or more of mass starvation due to worldwide crop failures in turn due to net-zero policiesthat willforeshadow the extinction of mankind.

Joseph Lis Morwell

Have your say

THE Latrobe Valley Express welcomes letters to the editor.

Preference will be given to brief,concise letters which address local issues.

The editor Liam Durkin, reserves the right to edit letters for reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publish any letter without explanation.

The Express does not publish letters from anonymous contributors. Letters mustinclude aphone number, email address and the author’s hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity. Readers are entitled to aright of replytoa letter directed at them.

The views expressed in letters to the editor are thoseofthe writers, and do notnecessarily reflect the views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff. Email letters to news@lvexpress.com.au and include ‘Lettertothe Editor’ in the subject line. Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm.

Historic Walhallamakes its move

By KATRINA BRANDON

AGOLDEN destiny is set forVictoria’sWorld Heritage Bid nomination, with WalhallaGoldfields one of manylocationsincluded in the Tentative Listing.

Last month, the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid Team (VGWHBT) shared their passionfor the Walhalla area in an information session for residentstounderstand what it means for Walhalla to enter the World Heritage Bid.

About 40 people attended the session, asking three VGWHBT members(Trevor Budge, the World Heritage at the City of Greater Bendigo Strategic Projects Officer; Lana Epshteyn, the World Heritage Engagement Officer for the City of Ballarat; and SusanFayad, the World Heritage and Regional Development Lead at the City of Ballarat)and Joanne Porter, Federation University’s Director of Collaborative Evaluation Unit (CEU),questions about their concerns.

The World HeritageBid aims to highlightthe best places worldwide thatshare aunique, memorable, and educational value. Mr Budge explained that nominations don’t have to be old, just significant, and that there are currently 1223 places on the World Heritage List, as well as 168 state parties and countries sharing in cultural and social values.

The team’s presentation shared that the Victorian Goldfields(Walhalla in particular) share significant value and are even backed by World Heritage International specialist Barry Gamble, stating thatWalhallaisa“sure thing”. Mr Gamble has been involved in 21 successful nominations.

“The World Heritage Bid is all about what UNESCO (t he United NationsE ducational, Scientific and CulturalOrganisation,a specialised agency of the United Nations) calls outstanding universal value -above national value; it transcends value to all humanity,” he said.

“There is no doubt that what you have in Victoria here is so special and unparalleled. It’s more than just about gold mining; we have the gold rush and wider effects, such as what we see living here in central Victorian goldfields.

“The earliestopportunity we would have if

the government agreed to it would be 2026 for a nomination to go in, and then it takes 18 months thereafter for the examination by UNESCO, including avisit by an expert to the site.”

Since2023, the VGWHBT has collaborated with thestate government, Heritage Victoriaand other organisations projects.

“We bring away quite afew years working on this project with government support. We are working towards the Tentative List, andonJanuary 28, the Victorian Goldfields formally was on Australia’s Tentative List,” Mr Budge said.

“The thing about tentative listing is that you can not put anomination in unless it has been on the tentative list for at least one year.

“We think if we get more tourists into these areas, we will get more governmentfocusinthese places, trying to promotetheseplaces and buildupthe community infrastructure.”

Alongside more tourists, the nomination delivers opportunities for nearby communities.

“It is really high profile, and lots of people are involved. It is afantastic opportunity to get priorities acrossregional Victoria frontand centre,” Ms Fayad said.

“Oneofthe things is coming up withways that we can use World Heritage as acatalyst to getting benefits within communities.”

Ms Eoshtenyn added thatmuch work has been done to quantify the economic benefits of World Heritage, and they say that within 10 years, it could potentially increase economic growth by $1 million.

Already looking into further growth within the Walhalla area, Ms Porter has partnered with the WalhallaGoldfieldRailwaycommittee to look for a way to make acase for extending the railway and its role in the town. Funding for the project has come from the Department of Jobs, Skill, Industry

and Regions, with all partnersinvesting their own as well.

During the Gold Rush in the1850s, the team said that Victoria’s population increased from 77,000 people to more than 600,000. During this time, 30 per cent of people were women and children, which helped build the need for creating aproper society. Mr Budge highlighted that more gold had been mined between California (a well-known goldfield) andVictoria than in thelast300 years,with Walhalla using the most productive method: the Long Tunnel Extended.

“InBarry’s assessment of Walhalla, only three places in the world have this type of environment, this type of typography in gold mining: Walhalla, acouple of valleys in Brazil and acouple of valleys in California, and that’s it. Nowhere else has this type of gold mining,” he explained.

In the presentation, Mr Budge set aside some concerns that he had previously had to answer at another session.

Some people were worried that listing places on the World Heritage List would change land ownership. It was explained that land ownership wouldremain the same, but the area would be highlighted as essential. Later, it was clarified that landowners would have to manage the project or site; otherwise, it could be taken off the list. Three places in the world have been taken off the list: Liverpool in England, Dresden Elbe Valley in Germany and Arabian Oryx Sanctuary in Oman.

The Express asked Mr Budgeabout recent issues such as Coopers Creek vandalism and managing tourists in local areas.

He told the Express, “In the short term, we can’t do anything (about the Coopers Creek issue) because World Heritage nominations take ages.”

“In terms of Walhalla, if we can get the World Heritage Bid nomination up, it becomes an issue about managingthe integrity of thearea and managingthe tourists.Itwould fall back upon the shire, any public authorities, and fall back on the state government who have got to manage those tourists.”

For more information, go to https://goldfieldsworldheritage.com.au/

Time to gettougher on baillaws amid crime crisis

From Page 1

ACROSS the state, it appears similar events are re-occurring, after amagistrate bailed a15-year-old who invaded aBrighton home, stole acar, and forced the police to engage in apolice chase with speeds of up to 240km/h in late January.

The magistratewho granted the 15-year-old’s bail admitted that “the public will be going ‘why is he given bail again?’”, the Herald Sun reported.

Even a13-year-old was released on bail for a second time,just12daysafterhis first release, after threatening two women with aknife during acarjacking in February.

“Communities in every corner of the state, people across the political divide, our police officers, our first responders –wehave all had enough,” Mr Cameron said.

“For far too long Labor’s weakened bail laws and soft approach on crime have favoured repeat offenders while eroding our sense of safety, and that must change.

“In addition to stronger bail laws, we need more police on the beat, and we needProtective Services Officers(PSOs) at all train stations –not just those in Melbourne.”

Victoria Police are currently recruiting officers, as it was stated duringits protected industrial actionthat they had more than 1000 vacancies and

hundreds on sick leave, with resignations greater than recruits.

Due to the hole needed to fill, Victoria Police loosened therequirements needed to become a police officer.Now, applicants withanATAR of 65 or overand an English study score of 25 or over will not be required to sit the entrance exam.

“These changes will remove the first barrier for eligible applicants and will fast-track the recruitmentprocess,” Acting Chief Commissioner, Rick Nugent said.

ThereisnominimumATAR, study score,or education levelrequired to applyatVictoria Police. Former footballer turned radio personality

Brendan Fevola and Fox FM co-host Fifi Box launched apetition on change.orgnamed‘Bring on Bail Reform for Repeat Offenders in Victoria’, withthe petition surpassing100,000 signatures in one week.

The petition is the most signed on the platform so far in 2025, with only 0.02 per cent of petitions on change.orgreaching the 100,000signature milestone.

 THE Nationals have also called on the state government to get tough on knife crime.

The call comes after arecent listeningpostbyMs Bath and Mr Cameron with Morwell CBD traders, who said knife crimeand surging antisocial behaviour was atop concern.

“The number one issue raised by Morwell small business owners is increasing crime and how it is turning away shoppers and making workers feel vulnerable,” Mr Cameron said.

“Labor is leaving Victorians to fendfor themselves, while dangerous knives remain readily available on our streets.”

Ms Bath saidthe state government must do more to get knives off the street and better manage drug and alcohol addiction.

“As the backbone of our towns, local traders have highlighted the need for more police resources, stronger bail laws and astrongapproach to antisocial behaviour on our streets,” she said.

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Underway: Federation UniversityProfessor,Joanne Porter,with Lana Epshteyn, Susan Fayad and Trevor Budge from the Victorian Goldfields WorldHeritage BidTeam at acommunityforum in Walhalla. Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Under fire: Police Minister,AnthonyCarbines Photographs supplied

Drastic measures: Member forMorwell, Martin Cameron says he cannot“in good conscience” allowhis stafftoevenwalk to thepostoffice, suchisthe crimerateinthe town.

Young leaders start mental health drive

MEET the young leaders bringing youth mental health front and centre in the Latrobe Valley In its first yearinthe Latrobe Valley, the Live4LifePartnership deliveredteen mental health first aid training to more than 1000 young people, andyouthmentalhealthfirst aidtraining to more than 100 local adults. The next step is being driven by acrew of inspiring young leaders.

The crew is made up of agroup of Year 9and 10 students from participating secondary schools across the Latrobe Valley, who volunteered to lead the promotion of positive mental health messaging

throughout their schools and broader community.

Students came together for the first time recently, abuzz withenthusiasmand excitement. The young mentalhealthambassadors workedtogether to identify their focus forthe year ahead -putting plansinplace to share the message with their community.

The theme they’ve developed will be announced at the Live4Life launch event in May, which brings together all Year 8studentsfrom participating secondary schoolstotakepart in enjoyableactivities and learn more about the program.

“We knowthatthe leading cause of death in 15-24-year-olds in Australia is suicide, and that the rate is 40 per cent higher in rural communities like our own,”Latrobe Health Assembly Chair, Tanya Rong said.

“The Live4Life model thrives on communities working together, which is something that the Latrobe Valley does incredibly well. The dedication from the crew confirms that the future of our community is in great hands.”

To find out more about free youth mental health first aid training in the Latrobe Valley, visit: healthassembly.org.au/registration/

Fulfilling career flow at Gippsland Water

GIPPSLAND Water’s first VCE Vocational Major work experience student hasentered the next stage of their career in the water industry, as awater and wastewater trainee.

Former KurnaiCollegestudent Harry completed his VCE studies last year, and has successfully secured atwo-year traineeship with the organisation.

Gippsland Water Managing Director, Sarah Cumming said Harry was the first student to take the career pathway with Gippsland Water since the vocational major was introduced to the Victorian curriculum in 2023.

“It’s fantastic to seethe firstofour vocational major work experience students transitioning intothe nextstage of their career with us,” Ms Cumming said.

“As part his traineeship, Harrywill complete

rotations with our water and wastewater teams and gain acertificate in Water Industry Operations.

“To see ayoung person be so passionate about the water industry and take full advantage of the career pathways we offer is truly inspiring.”

Harry said he was fortunate to secure three months of part time work with Gippsland Water before starting his traineeship.

“I literallyfinished highschool on the Friday and started at the Gippsland Water Factory on Monday,” Harry said.

“Then Ifoundout about the traineeshipopportunitiesavailable and started the application process, which included submitting my resume and doing interviews.

“There hasn’t been adull day on the job so far, there’salwayssomething to do and new things to learn.

“When Ifinish my training, I’ll have aqualification and lots of experience, which is great.”

Ms Cumming said Gippsland Wateroffered several work experience opportunities each year.

“I’d encourage anyone looking to complete their VCE vocational major work experience with us to express interest early,” Ms Cumming said.

“We want to give each of our students as much hands-on experience possible, and by working alongside our experienced team, they get to learn new skills and build confidence in their abilities.

“We also offer work experience for Year 10 students and have university graduate and internship programs available.”

To findout more about careerpathways at Gippsland Watervisit:gippswater.com.au/careers

Walk in footsteps of the ANZACs

THE stategovernment will give adozen Victo rian stud ents the opport unity to embark on afully funded 11-day study tour to Gallipoli, Türkiye,where they will retrace the footsteps of the ANZACs.

Minister for Veterans, Natalie Suleyman has invited students in Years 9to12toapply for the 2025Spirit of Anzac Prize and gain a deeper understanding of Australia’s wartime history.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Premier’s Spirit of AnzacPrize, ensuring that Victorianstudentscontinue to learn about our veterans’ service and sacrifice.

This milestone is particularly significant as students will visit Gallipoli on the 110th anniversary of the ANZACs’ landingonApril 25, 1915.

By walking the same ground as those who served, students will gaina profound appreciation of the resilience, mateship, and courage that define the ANZAC spirit.

As part of their application, students will reflect on their interest in wartime history, theirunderstanding of ANZACvalues, their contributions to their school and community, and the knowledge they hope to gain from this unique experience.

More than 4000 students have submitted applications in the last 20 years, with more than500 of these giventhe opportunityto visit historic battlefields andmemorials across Europe, Southeast Asia and Australia. Applicationsare open until Monday, April 28,2025

To apply or find out more, visit: vic.gov au/soap

Historic: Applications are open for a study tour to Gallipoli

Photograph: supplied

New Kid on the Block

Stroke awareness in kids

STROKE Foundation is urgingAustralian parents and families to familiarise themselves with the signs of stroke in children, as part of anew awareness campaign.

Childhood Stroke Awareness Week (held last week) aims to educate all Australians that stroke can strike at any age.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive, Dr Lisa Murphy, says it’s important for families and health professionals to armthemselves with important information on how stroke impacts infants and children.

“Stroke doesn’t discriminate- it affectspeople of all ages, including the youngest and most vulnerable," she said.

"The best thing parents can do is be aware and learntorecognise the symptomsand signs of stroke.”

Childhood stroke is among the top 10 causes of death in childrenand, every year,around 120 babies and 400 children will have astroke.

“Stroke presents itself in many different ways in children, but symptoms can includeseizures and extreme sleepiness (in babies),and, in older children, weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, difficulty talking or swallowing, dizziness, and severe or unusual headaches,” Dr Murphy said.

Childhood Stroke Awareness Week also celebrates the achievements of the country’s littlest and bravest stroke survivors who have

ahad astrokeand gone on to reach developmental milestones and personal goals.

“Strokeinchildrenislife-changing!Early recognition and action make all the difference in improving chances of recovery and reducing its impact. Withthe right care and support, children who had experienced astroke can keep learning, growing and thriving. By coming together,wecan improve recognition, treatment and supportfor children affected by stroke and their families,” Dr Murphy said.

For more information, call StrokeLine on 1800 787 653.

Social conscience: Youthleaders have been deliveringfreemental health firstaid training across the Latrobe Valley Photograph supplied

St Paul’sstudentshelp with clean up

ST Paul’s Anglican Grammar School students made atangibledifferenceatthis year’sCleanUp AustraliaDay,inacrusade to maketheirlocal environment cleaner and greener. Equipped with gloves, bags and ashared sense of purpose, students and staff banded together to collect avariety of litter from plastic bottles to food wrappers.

Thisinitiativewasn’t just about tidying up though. Educatorsused thetime to deliver a powerful learning experience where students not only practised environmental responsibilitybut also gained important lessons in sustainability, teamwork and community care. With guidance from dedicated educators, St Paul’s educators are personalisinglearning by connecting these real-world experiences to students' growth.

This initiative nurtures both their academic and personal development, enhancing their wellbeing by fostering asense of pride and accomplishment in making apositive impact.

Hazelwood North’sbusy start to year

HAZELWOOD North Primary School has had an amazing start to the year.

The school had 26 eager Foundation students (and one praying mantis) begin their learning journey at HNPS.

Foundation students have settled in amazingly and are having alot of fun learning about sounds, colours, and numbers.They have been enjoying buddy sessions withthe Grade 5/6 students, and it is wonderful to see the support and guidance from the senior grade.

The welcome barbecue night was also alot of fun. Teachers ran information sessions about the F-2 and 3-6 students and what wonderful learning adventures they had in store. It was alovely evening, and the familiesenjoyed catching up with teachers and other families.

Hazelwood North had 19 students from grades3-6 volunteer in district swimming. Eachstudent triedtheirbest and demonstrated the schoolvalues proudly. Hazelwood had four studentsqualify for division.

The school also had the team from Mindfull Ausvisit andconduct more learning through the F-6. Students learnt how to identify, control and express their emotions. Mindfull Aus staff taught students new strategies to use when they are feeling big emotions that will be useful throughout their lives.

Free Kinder Kits available for students

THE state government is givinga freeKinder Kit to every child starting three-year-old kindergarten.

The kits are full of books, toys, and stationery to help children get theirbeststart in life

Minister for Children, Lizzie Blandthorn unveiled thisyear’s Kinder Kits, which about 70,000 childrenstarting three-year-old kinder this year will receive.

Kinder Kits ensurethat all childrencan enjoy the benefits of Free Kinder, with engaging activities that set them up for a lifetime of learning.

When children and families open their kits, they can get creative with playdough, draw with crayons, play with stacking blocks, plant alfalfaseeds, and practice reading with stories from Australian authors.

This year’s Kinder Kits double as a backpack which can be opened into afelt playing surface for imaginative play. Other fun, educational items for kids include timber storyrollers, acolouring book,ajumping frog game,acardgame exploring maths concepts, and felt stickers that can be used to create stories on the backpack’s lining.

Since2022, the stategovernment has given 227,000 familiesKinder Kits, which helps bringfamiliestogether by encouraging an interest in their child’s learning. They can be used anywhere whether it’s at home, the park or brought along to visits with friends and family.

Everyitem in the kits is recommended by education experts to support learning through play.

More than 50 Victorianbusinesses have contributed to the kits since 2022 -with products made, designed or printed in Victoria,written by aVictorianauthor, or produced by aVictorian business.

Hands-on: Eleanor doingher bitfor the environment.

Youth pride: Ruby andRyder get their bags ready to help clean up

Teamwork: Charlotte,Shaivi, Morgan, Ava, and Pippa doing what it takesfor acleaner future. Photographs supplied

Friendship: Josie and Phoebe donning their glovesonClean Up Australia Day.

Assist: St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School students Quinn and Jordan taking par tinthe initiative.

Guide

STORMCOAT Roofing is afamilyowned and operated roofing business servicing the entireGippsland region.

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StormCoat Roofing offers a24/7 roof leak service,perfect forwhen drips occur due to storms and wet weather

Is that roof or driveway proving tough to clean?

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Forget about getting up thereto clean when StormCoat Roofing can do the job foryou, or even better, install state-of-the-ar tgutter guards

StormCoat Roofing also handles anyrebedding or repointing work, which can help yousavemoney on costlyrepairsand prolong the lifespan of your roof

Theteam pride themselves on greatcustomer service and satisfaction, with afocus on keeping your investment and family safe.

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Youcan also email stormcoatroofing@gmail.com or check them out on Facebook, whereyou can see agalleryofStormCoat Roofing’slatest work

CLEARING SALE

A/C DP PEARCE

FRIDAY 21ST MARCH 2025, 10AM 2310 Grandridge Rd, Hallston 3953

Items include, but not limited to: Kubota M125x 2005 3470 hours, Powerlite Tractor driven generator 56KVA-80kw, Kubota M105x 2005 3600 hours, Can Am defender pro 2023 1750 kms, Krone VarioPack 1500 Multicut-done 20,000 bales, Krone Swadro 421 rake, Krone Swadro 461 rake, Krone KW 5.50 4x7 tedder, Krone AM 243 S, Kverneland 2324 Mmower, Kubota R900 RTV, Chisel plough, Various used tyres, Suzuki King Quad 400, Conner Shea coil tyne seed drill, Hand made smudger, Hustler SL700X trailing hay feeder, Challenge Hydraulic Grader blade, Peerless Air Compressor, Multiple Spray Kapsacks, Weldong trolley, Numerous tools, Hasquvana Chainsaw, Multiple poly pipe fittings, Stihl 034 chainsaw, pine fence posts, pine timber, Stock Crate, concrete water-troughs, hay rings x 7, Bale-up Hay feeder, square bale feeders x2, various size steel gates, milk test buckets, calf feeders, fence reels, Land Cruiser with hand made canopy and sundry items too numerous to mention.

Outside vendors: 2.1m Berends mulcher, 2.4m Kverneland rotera /rotavator, 3point linkage backhoe, 3point linkage wood splitter, Motorised post hole borer, Qualis metal lathe, 200 amp CIG arc welder, Travelling effluent irrigator, Pedestal grinder, Pole saw, Line trimmer, Bike/ UTV Loading ramps, Motorised RAT barrow, Hustler Unrolla LX 104, Kuhn Speed rake, Bale Carrier rear mounted, Paton 1.5 tonne pellet feeder, Bulldog soft hands, Massey Ferguson 6disc mower.

Latrobe

NEWBOROUGH.

45 Murray Rd. SAT 22/3. 8am-2pm. Dec. estate. Bamboo and fibreglass surf rods. Sinker moulds. Coleman Shellite lanterns x2and spares. 3Seater couch with 2matching recliners. 6drawer pine tallboy. Sewing machine cabinet, bookshelf,6 drawer dresser (wide) with large mirror, toy box/ chest, convection M/W. Fridge/ freezer. Washing machine. Kitchen table/ chairs. Dining set. Crystal glasses, pots/pans. Coffee table. Dehumidifier.

1Bayley Dr. Sat. 8am-2pm. Downsizing. Tools, fishing gear, bric-a-brac and more. All offers considered.

YALLOURN-NORTH, 48 North Rd. Sat. 9am-4pm. downsizing and decluttering. Bunk beds, furniture, plants, pots, tools, bric-abrac. Everything must go.

YALLOURN NORTH 2and 4Anderson Avenue. 9am-4pm. Household items, plants, fishing gear, tools, plus much more.

GUITAR LESSONS

Gippsland Guitar School, all ages, 8-80, beginners to advanced, banjo and ukulele lessons also available. 0439 111 610.

FENCING

J.C CONCRETING Sheds, driveways,

EXPRESS CLASSIFIEDS

Latrobe Regional Airport Advisory Committee

Latrobe City Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from interested community members to participate on the Latrobe Regional Airport Advisory Committee. The role of the Committee is to plan the continued development of the airport and provide strategic advice to Council.

To be considered, please complete the Expression of Interest form at Latrobe City's Headquarters, 141 Commercial Road Morwell or via Council's website: www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/Latrobe_Regional_ Airport_Advisory_Committee

For further information please contact Bruce Connolly on 0408979455 or bruce.connolly@latrobe.vic.gov.au.

Expression of Interest Co-opted Board Director: TAFE Gippsland.

All types of residential fences and gates. Free quote, call or text Doug 0409 433 110.

GARDENING DONE

Pruning, planting, weeding, small jobs through to large jobs, shed clean ups, rubbish removal, etc. Reasonable rates, pens. disc. Under NDIS the cost of services may be covered by your Care Provider. Reliable and efficient. Police check. Fully insured. 18 yrs exp. Chauncy The Gardener. ABN 17268203656. Call Richard 0401 345 345.

SUSAN'S CUSTOM CLEANING Weekly and fortnightly spaces. Worksafe Approved Provider. Cleaning, laundry and dishes. Moe, Traralgon, Tyers, Trafalgar and surrounds. ABN and insured. Always on time. 0426 193 894

Terms: Cash, Cheque or Eftpos on day of sale. GST applicable. Number system and Photo ID for registration. www.nutrienagsolutions.com.au/ clearingsales &Facebook-Nutrien Leongatha-South Gippsland Livestock. Light refreshments available. Contact:

Book your appointment today!

0409 860 348 www.thefootcarenurse.com.au

various sizes from $85 p.c.m. Contact Strzelecki Realty on 5127 1333.

Applications are currently sought from suitably qualified Gippsland residents for the role of Co-opted Director of the Board at TAFE Gippsland.

TAFE Gippsland is one of the leading providers of large-scale vocational education and training in Victoria. It is also the first-choice provider of training and further education for students and industry in Gippsland. With aproud history of helping Gippsland communities thrive for almost acentury, TAFE Gippsland is also at the forefront of modern workplace training initiatives. Play apart in shaping the future of askilled and thriving Gippsland. Applications close: 11.59pm Monday 31 March 2025. Details at: www.tafegippsland.edu.au/about/careers For specific enquiries relating to this position, please contact Fran Bishop, Board Secretary on 0419 711 586

For assistance with the online application process, please contact Jenna Langley, People and Culture Manager on0459 023 510.

WAREHOUSE STOREMAN/ TRADES ASSISTANT

Measurement Plus is seeking aStoreman /Trades Assistant for aFull-time position based at our Wurruk Workshop, commencing in early April. Hours will be Monday -Friday 7am to 3:30pm with very occasional weekend work. The role will provide support to the workshop/warehouse to ensure delivery of maintenance services to clients within the Energy Sector. The successful applicant will be managing inwards and outwards goods, preparing items for shipping, assisting trades with general tasks and other ad hoc jobs as required by the business. Acurrent forklift licence is arequirement of the job, and warehouse/storeman experience will be well regarded.

To apply, please send aCVto: service@measurement-plus.com.au.

Board Director Vacancy(Voluntary)

Yallambee Traralgon Village for the Aged Inc. is seeking passionate, community-focused individuals to join its BoardofDirectors.

Yallambee is aregistered not-for-profit charity and community-owned organisation that has been providing services to support and carefor the aged members of the Gippsland community for over50years

Situated in the heart of Traralgon, our Yallambee Retirement Village offers 90 Independent Living Units, while the MargeryCole Residential Care Service provides 120beds.

Our Governing Body is committed to delivering strong leadership and effective governance, ensuring that Yallambee is fully prepared to address the expanding and dynamic needs of the Aged Caresector

We areseeking communityinvolved members who arequalified, experienced and have skill sets in AccountancyorLegal Practice. Previous director experience preferred with acommitment to attending onsite boardand committeemeetings everytwo months.

If you areinterested in joining our Board,can bring diverse perspectives, and shareour vision of making apositive impact in the lives of our residents, we would be pleased to hear from you. 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 theChair of the Nominations Committee.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen or resident with working rights in Australia.

Applications close at 5pm, Thursday, 27 March 2025.

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ADVERTISERS PLEASE 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.

DELIVERERS WTD

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 Emplo ym ent Pe rmit Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome.

MOTORING SPECIAL

CAMERON (Smith), Marlene Elizabeth Passed away suddenly, but peacefully on 4March 2025. Aged 81 years. Loved wife of Alan (dec.) for 51 years. Loved and devoted Mum and mum-in-law to Sean and Mandy, and Narelle (dec.). Loving Grandma to Brett, Lateisha, Luke, Amy and Brodie. Now reunited with Alan and Narelle. Forever in our Hearts. APrivate Funeral Service will be held.

PEET, Susan Joy. 25/10/1950 -27/2/2025. Abeautiful person at rest. No more pain. Sadly missed by loving partner, Johno. Loving mother to Melissa. Adoring grandmother to Stephanie, Mikayla, Connor and Lucas. Great-grandmother to Peyton, Hudson, Serenity and Malakai. Rest in peace darl. Love always.

POWER, Ann. Born on 11 April 1935. Passed away 5March 2025. Aged 89 years

WILLIAMS (Vinall), Denise June. 7/1/1929 -6/3/2025 Passed away peacefully in Parkville. Aged 96 years.

Dearly beloved wife of Morris (Moss). Much loved mother of John and Stephen and mother-in-law of Lizzie and Mandy. Treasured grandmother of Tom and Alexandra and Lucy, Tom and Jack and partners. Great grandmother of Oscar. "Will be greatly missed and fondly remembered."

Reach

Deliverers Wanted TRARALGON, andMOE

Responsibilit y PLEASE CHECK YOUR AD

Plea

EYRE, Aase. 27/8/1941- 1/3/2025. In loving memory or Aase Eyre. Beloved wife of the late John Eyre, adored mother of Anita, Kiersten and Jane.Cherished grandmother of Alexandra, Tim and Stella. Passed away suddenly at Melbourne Private Hospital.

GILMOUR, Gary John. 25/6/1951 -6/3/2025. Son of Jack (John Paton) and Bertie (Alberta Mary Onley) Gilmour (both dec.). Loved husband of Claire Loughnan, devoted stepfather to Claudia and Thea and father to Cael.

Cherished brother of Lynne (Manning), Wayne (Andrew) and Jan. Brother-in-law to Philip Man ning ,C hr istine Bourchier and Tim Davis. Adored Uncle to his nieces and nephews. Passed away peacefully surrounded by family. For Funeral details please contact: North East Funerals Wangaratta (03) 5722 2525

Dearly loved daughter to John and Queenie Perry. Beloved sister of John Perry. Much loved mother of Elizabeth and Suzanne. Loved Nan and Great Nan of Joshua, Mitchell, Bailey and Scarlett. Gone to bewithGod

SIMPSON, Albert John (Jock). Passed away peacefully at Respect Baw Baw Views Moe 3March, 2025. Aged 97 Years. Dearly loved husband of Mavis (dec.). Much loved father of Elaine, Trevor (dec.), Peter, Leanne and Peter. Adored Pa to all his grand, great grand and great-great grandchildren.

SMITH, Ronald (Ron) John. 19/5/1946 -7/3/2025.

Dearly loved husband of Anne. Love db rot he ra nd brother-in-law to Lynette and Colin, Jennifer and Chris, Frances and John, Lawrence (dec.), Christine and Nick, Gwen and Murray, Brian and Elaine.

Dearly loved Uncle to Gary, Deanna, Susan, Daniel, Donna, Joanne, Daryl, Ben Stirling, Alex, Adrian, Albury Addison, Luke, Anna and their partners and family. Rest easy Ron, May your aim be true, Your trails beclear, And your spirit roam free forever! Call us today on 5135

Would you liketodeliver the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper to individualhomes on Tuesdayand /or Wednesday afternoons in Traralgon and Moe.

Please apply to: The Circulation Manager 0456000 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 GP1 632593

attent ion of the Classi fieds Depar tment immediately Th eL at robe Va ll ey Ex pre ss makes ever yeffor ttoavoid errors We regret that we ca nnot be responsible forany errors beyond the first day if you fail to bring it to our attention No al lowa nc es can be mad efor errors notmaterially affecting the effectiveness of the ad. Po sitio nc an not wi ll not be guaranteed. All claims foradjustment of credit must be made within seven days afterbilling date

We reserv et he rig ht to revi se or res tri ct any ad we dee m objectionableand to change the class ificat ion when necessar y to con fo rm to the policy of this newspaper In the event an ad is omitted from publication, we assume no liability forsuch omission.

MAHONY, Lynette. 10/12/1956 -1/3/2025 Mother of Alysha. Nana of Nathan. Friend of Steve. Daughter of Gwen and Gerry Mahony (both dec.). Sister of Kathy.

MAYZE, Keith Brendon. Passed away peacefully at LRH on the 8March 2025. Aged 79 years Loved and loving husband of Bernadette.

Loved father of Richard and Michael. Stepfather to Jay, Mark, Sharnee, Hollie and Skye. Loved Grandad to Andrew, Jess, Jackson, Brendan and Chelsea. Lo ved Gra nd ad/ Poppy Keith to all of his grandchildren.

MUNRO DUGGAN (nee Masterman-Smith), Faye. 15 November 1937 to 6February 2025. It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Faye. Beloved wife of Geoff (dec.). Much loved and ch eris hed mother and mother-in-law of Lyndel and Colin, Phillip and Leonie, Ross and Janina. Cherished and loving Nan to Kelly and David, Hailey, Ben and Rosie, Tilly, Angus and Martha and, Great-nan to Grace, Georgia and Emily, Billy, Alex and Joey. Survived by her brothers, Barry, Phillip and Terry. Mum, you were the centre of our family and will be very much missed but always in our hearts. Courageous till the end XX.

THOMPSON, Michael John. Born on April 28, 1950. Passed away at his home in Traralgon 24, February, 2025, aged 74 years. Loved son of Mary and Norm (both dec.).

Dearly loved brother of Annette (dec.) and Jim. Loved brother-in-law to Jill and Trevor.

Loving uncle to Lisa, Kerry and David.

Great uncle to Kaitlyn and Micah. Great great uncle to Belle. Some great times shared with family. Will be missed by many. Now at peace.

XUEREB, Lenny. 22/1/1962 -27/2/2025. My mate for eternity will be deeply missed. Love Borgy, LeeAnne, Sienna and Rivers. XXX

HARDING, The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Ken Harding will take place at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, Williams Ave, Churchill on MONDAY (17 March 2025) commencing at 1pm. To be followed by private cremation. After the Funeral Service, all invited to join us to raise aglass and have

MAHONY. The Funeral Service for Ms Lynette 'Lyn' Mahony will be held at Delbridge Funeral Chapel, Marley Street, Sale at 2pm on THURSDAY (13 March, 2025) followed by private cremation.

MAYZE.

The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Keith Mayze will be held at the Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium TUESDAY (18 March 2025) commencing at 1.30pm. After this Service aburial will take place in the monumental lawn area. This Service will also be livestreamed, please go to Gippsland Memorial Park website or John Galbraith Funerals Facebook page and click on link provided.

TURNER, Roger Rupert. Born 25/4/1941. Aged 83 yea rs. Passe da way peacefully 2nd of March 2025 surrounded by family and friends. Private funeral as per Roger's request. 'A good bloke at rest' Situations Vacant • POWER. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mrs Ann Power will be held at Saint James Anglican Church, 100 Grey Street, Traralgon on THURSDAY (13 March 2025) commencing at 11am. The Funeral Service for Ann will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream, please visit latrobevalley funerals.com.au for details. MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

Special thankyou to the health professionals who have cared for our mother over her last years.

TURNER, Roger. Loving husband of Di. Former husband to Barb (dec.). Cherished father to Larry (dec.), Glenn (dec.) and Debbie. Adored grandfather and greatgrandfather. GO BLUES!

All smiles at Folk Festival

Topskills:

it to theThor pdalePotatoFestival last Sunday Photographs:

Balance: Kidsattemptedtoclimbcratestothe highest possiblepoint.

Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 12 March,

Crowd: Tens of thousandsofpeoplemade

Katrina Brandon

Campaign: Liberal candidate forMonash, Mar yAldred (second from left) and her team were spotted at thefestival.

Standing tall: Traralgon’s Lyla (10) tries herhand at stilt walking

Diverse: Spud-relatedactivities were astaple par tofthe festival celebrating the versatile vegetable.

Stunts: World-renowned trial riderTim Colemanand histeam at TC Trickz Trials Enter tainment were ahit with festival goers.

Time honoured: Traralgon’s Macaitie (12) wins the egg and spoon race

All partofit: Shearing demonstrations alsotook place.Sheep play an important role in potato farming, helping to clear harvested paddocks

Clubs celebrate midweek pennants

BOWLS STRZELECKI NORTH

MIDWEEK PENNANT

BY MICHAEL HOLROYD

THE Strze lecki North Playing Area pennant season finished with the midweek finals played at Newborough on Tuesday, March 4.

Greenkeeper ScottJones provided three excellent greens to allow the six divisions to demonstrate their excellent skills on true bowling surfaces.

In Division 1, Traralgon put up agood fight against the season’s leading team Trafalgar but fell nine shots short despite JamesScullin and his rink of Di Richards,BillMundayand LynMoffat defeating Adam Proctor and his rink of Sue Robinson, Helen Robertson and Paul Dawson 25 to 9.

Ian Miles and his rinkofPat Tatterson, Noel Rubenstein and Matt Ogilvie defeated Wayne Barnes and his rink of Gary Bassett, Clint Jones and Graham Cross 23-13, while Matt Schreyer and his rink of Mary Holdsworth, Heather Taylor and TedKuklinsky defeatedKathy Smiles and her rink of Dick Glossop, RosieLorenz and Shane Priestley 26-11.

Trafalgar now travels to Wonthaggithis Saturday (March 15) to take on the home team to decide who travels to Moama for the state pennant playoffs.

Division 2

NEWBOROUGH (2) got away to aflying start against Trafalgar (2) and were neverheaded in a 33-shot win, with Ed Whelan and his rink of Michael Holroyd, Denise Ryan and Joan Goldie winning 19-13 against Rob Matthews and his rink of Tony Dawson, Robert Connell and Paul Gridley. Robert Cook and his rinkofBrian Carpenter, Bev Luck andPhil Marston won 25-16 against Wayne Hurstand his rink of Joanna Reekie, Margaret Moss and David Wilson. JulieJackson andher rink of Glenys Perkins, Carmel Gossand JeffWetzel won 36-18against Peter Watsonand his rink of Col Carmichael, Lyn Hill and Greg Sephton.

Division 3

NEWBOROUGH (3) defeated Churchill by 23 shots, with Len Middling and his rink of Graham Cocks, Albert Van Stekelenburg and Bob Goldie winning 22-11 against David Patience and his rink of Helen Dyson, Sandy Milne and Craig Roberts.

Iain Preston and his rinkofMaurie Ludlow, Phil Maxwell and Heather Mooney defeated Craig Flanigan and his rink of Barry Flanigan, Di Thomas and John Stewart 27-10 whileChurchill had awinner in Graeme Drury and his rink of Herb Kennedy, Tony Colwell and Chris Thomas who defeated Peter Policha and his rink of Kevin Myrteza, John Vicic and Diane Bertoli 21-16.

Division 4

WARRAGUL (2) held on to defeat Longwarry by one shot.

Paul Simmons and his rink of Ian Belling, Lynda Morrisonand DavidFeguson won 23-17against Trevor Kitchin and his rink of Colleen Butterworth, Sharon Twite and Ken White.

David Gatewood and his rink of Matt Draisma, Anthony Wynd and Gary Ingleydefeated Craig Cousin and his rink of Hayden McCarthy, Pauline Dixon and Col Finger 21-15.

For Longwarry, Jason Lieshoutand his rink of Kevin Dixon, Carol Gibbon and Natalie Cousin defeated Greg Mitchell and his rink of Heather Baker, Lynne Morrison and Glynis Mitchell 24-13 leaving Warragul (2) the victors by one shot.

Division 5

YALLOURN North defeatedTraralgon (4) by 40 shots with Shane Dobson and his rink of David Hibbert, Stephen Brien and Rod Dixon defeating Bill Justin and his rink of KelvinJames,Jim Barling and Gavin Malane winning 29-9.

Elizabeth Dobson and her rink of David Tuck, Dale Raven and Ray Roberts won 25-5 against Jill Beck and her rink of Percy Mosele, Ray Robinson and Ron Hales.

Division 6

CHURCHILL(2) reversed their semi-final result against Warragul (3) with a10-shot victory.

David Moirand hisrinkofBill Brown, Cheryl Gilland Heather Moir defeated Roy Hammondand his rinkofRobert Harris, Wes Newtonand Gary Allen 20-10 while Bruce McLure and his rink of Gillian Turpin, Jenny McLure and Marion Newton drew 18-all with Gabrielle Draisma and her rink of Michael Cousens, Chris Wilkins and Bill Clarke.

Success: StrzeleckiNor th Division 1Midweek Premier,Trafalgar

Keep em’ coming: Newborough addedtoits premiership collection, winning Division2

Home ground advantage: Newborough collected theDivision 3midweek pennant.

Joy: YallournNor th took outthe Division 5midweek flag

Photographs supplied

Welcome upgrades at Gaskin Park

SPORT

FEDERAL Memberfor Gippsland, Darren Chester is backingaLatrobe City Councilplan to undertake amajor redevelopmentoffacilities at Gaskin Park, Churchill.

Chester has met with Latrobe City representatives and inspected the facility,which he says doesn’t meetthe growing needs of the community.

Applications open to deliver infrastructure

SPORT

GRANTS are now available to make sure more Victorians get the chance to play the sport they love close to home.

Sevennew projects will share in more than$1.4millionfromthe CountryFootball and Netball Program, while anew round of grants has opened.

Developed in partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoriaand Netball Victoria, the program has invested more than $40 million and delivered more than 580 projects since 2005.

WonthaggiRecreation Reserve has scored $250,000tomakegroundimprovements including new drainage,drought resistant grass and upgraded irrigation, giving the WonthaggiPower Football-Netball Club a quality home-ground.

Applications for the new round of grants close Monday, July 7, 2025.

Regional and outer metropolitan councils can apply for grants of up to $250,000 for sportsinfrastructuredevelopments including courtlighting upgrades, changeroom overhauls and new pavilions.

For the latest information, visit sport. vic.gov.au”

GOLF

CHURCHILL &MONASH

StablefordSaturday1st March 2025.

AGrade Winner: D. Burridge 38 pts

BGrade Winner: M. Allen 40 pts

CGrade Winner: S. Caldwell 39 pts

DGrade Winner: M. Lugton 42 pts

D.T.L: 1. G. Corponi 40, 2. D. Taylor 38, 3. A. Wright 38, 4. S. Allison 37,5.S.Sanders37, 6. V. Reid 36, 7. A. Sharrock36, 8. W. Sutton 36, 9. R. Sands 35 c/b,10. C. Waring 35 c/b

N.T.P: 3rdS.Sanders, 5th D. Ellwood, 12th

C. Wilson (Propin), 14th D. Ellwood

Birdies: 3rdS.Sanders

Target Hole: D. Burridge

MonthlyMedal StrokeTuesday4thth March 2025.

MonthlyMedal Winner: C. Barnes 72 Nett

Scratch: R. Dent 79

Putts: S. Turner 28

D.T.L: 1. R. Dent 73 Nett, 2. S. Turner 74 Nett

N.T.P: 3rdS.Caldwell, 5th S. Caldwell,12th

M. Hutchinson, 14th S. Gosling

Birdies: 12th J. Clegg

MIRBOONORTH

Tuesday4th March,Stableford.

AGrade: PWoodall (8) 35pts

BGrade: NBaker (21) 38pts

DTL: MRichter,TTomada 36, TomTraill34, NRutledge 32, NTP: 4th GRenwick, 6th GRenwick, 13th M Richter,16th TWhitelaw, Birdies: 4th PWoodall, 16th NRutledge

Friday, 7th March Mens &Ladies 4BBB Mens Winner: TBradshaw&P Woodall

47pts

Ladies Winner: WGervasi &DKidd43pts

DTL: RThompson &PDraper 43, CGunn &Anne 38.

Saturday8th March,Stableford

AGrade: GRenwick(10)38pts

BGrade: JTaylor(35) 37 pts

DTL: ALiebe,S Woodall 35, JMcFarlane, 33, JHughes 32 c/b NTP: 4th TBaker,6th SWoodall, 13th J Hughes,16th MPayne Birdies: 6th GRenwick.

MOE

“Byworking closelywith counciland community organisations in the past, we havebeen ableto secure funding for some much-needed improvements to recreation reserves and change room facilities across Latrobe City,” he said.

“I am lobbying my Coalition colleagues in Canberra for funding to help deliver projects like the Gaskin Park redevelopment.

“Providing opportunitiesfor people of all ages to enjoya healthy, active lifestyle means investing in facilities that cater for men and women. This project is well-designed and ready for an investment by the federal government to bring it up to modern standards.”

The current venue is undergoing an entire facelift. Churchill Cricket Cluband Churchill Baseball Club willbejoining the football and netball clubs at Gaskin Park.

The turf on Gaskin 2isgetting resurfaced with the addition of aturf wicket, while the cricket and baseball clubs are hoping to secure grants for a new pavilion.

The resurfacing and installation of theturf wicket on Gaskin 2isexpected to be completed this year.

Finger on thepulse: Member forEastern Victoria Region, MelinaBathand Federal Member forGippsland, Darren Chester inspectingfacilitiesatGaskin Park,Churchill Photograph supplied

Women’ssport kicking goals on and off the field

SPORT

WOMEN'S sport continues to kickgoals in Victoria, with anew report released by the state government showing more and more people are watching women’s sports with media coverage increasing by one third in just ayear.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence last week released the second The Conversation of Sport report, which examined almost 40,000 sports news stories in Victoria from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.

The research found that 20 per cent of sports news coverage last year reported on women’s

Sunday, 02 March 2025 OPEN Sunday

Medley Stableford

Grade AWinners: Hayes, Gerard(6) 42

Grade BWinners: Geisler,Hanna (35) 44

Place Getters: Randall, Damien 42 C/B Veenman, Laurie 38

Wednesday, 05 March 2025 WOMEN'S WEDNESDAY 9HOLEStableford

Overall Winners: Auchterlonie,Janice (49) 17

Wednesday, 05 March 2025 WOMENS MONTHLYMEDAL Stroke

Grade AWinners: Borg,Kathy(20) 71

Grade BWinners: Backman, Chrissie (28)

71 Place Getters: Middlemiss,Kaye73Beath, Joy75C/B Tulau, Susan 75 C/B

Great Score: KathyBorgBirdie @3 Nearest to Pin: 4th Lee Weaver 8th Chrissie Backman 14th Christine O'Reilly

Target Hole Prize: Marj Lang Putts: A-Linda Bates 30 B-Jane Blandford31

Wednesday, 05 March 2025 Twilight Stableford

Winner: T. McDonald 20

Birdies: 4th, K. Aquilina, A. Bassman. 18th, G. Wilson

Thursday, 06 March 2025 OPEN Medley Stableford

Grade AWinners:Hayes, Albert(7) 38

Grade BWinners: King,Bradley(13)39

Grade CWinners:Backman, Bradley(14)

40 Grade DWinners: Backman, Chrissie (27)

42

Place Getters: Brien, Graeme 38 C/B Borg, Manny38C/B Chapple, Dan38 Papettas, Maurice37C/B Gauci, Anthony

37 Haley, Darren 37 C/BPEEL, Michael 37 Azzopardi, Nato36C/B Middlemiss,Kaye

36 C/B Howard,Kev 36 C/B Evison, Greg

36 Webster,Jesse 35 C/B Ford,Tim 35 C/B

VanDer Meulen, Luke35C/B Tabone

Frank 35 Babet, Alain 34 C/B

Nearest to Pin: 4th Bob Harland 8th Kevin

Ayton14th Michael Ray

Saturday, 08 March 2025 WOMEN'S

SATURDAY OPEN Stableford

sport –anuplift from 15 per cent in the previous year.

Whilethis is an impressive increase, there is stillmore work to be done to get it closer to an even share.

The record-breaking FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 was just the start of the change.

Duringthe period of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023,almost one in three sports news stories in Victoria was about women’s sport, with one in five dedicatedtowomen’s football.

Thereport also showed that femalejournalists have contributed agreaterportion of news stories over the last year, with 34 per cent of the bylines

SCOREBOARD

Grade AWinners:Stewart, Rose (17) 34

Saturday, 08 March 2025 MENS Stableford

Grade AWinners: Backman, Phil (11) 39 C/B

Grade BWinners: Gauci, Anthony(15)40

Grade CWinners: Hefford,Brad(19)39

Place Getters: Hefford,Robert39C/B Stephens,Simon 39 Kerr,Dale 37 C/B Pisa, John 37 McMahon, Thomas 36 Bassman, Jeffrey 35 Doak, Shaun 35 C/B Donnison, Terry35C/B Blunt, Philip 35

Great Score: Simon Stephens Eagle @3

Charles Johnson Birdie @8 Shaun Doak

Birdie @4 Bruce Savige Birdie @4 Dale Collings Birdie @8

Nearest to Pin: 4th Shaun Doak 8th Dale Collings 14th TedWolski

Sunday, 09 March 2025 Eastwood VisitOPEN Medley Stableford

Moe Place Getters: Elliot, Christine 40 Stewart, Leahann 39 C/B Stanlake, Helen 39 C/B Backman, Chrissie 39 C/B Wilkinson, Wally39Stanlake, Peter37C/B Great Score: NateMorganBirdie @8

KathyBorgBirdie @8

Nearest to Pin:4th AmyTaylor 4th Charles Johnson 8th KathyBorg8th

NateMorgan14th Christine Elliot 14th Grant

Morgan

Moe Mens Winner: RayAllen

Moe Ladies Winner: KathyBorg

Eastwood Mens Winner: Gianni Palone

Eastwood Ladies Winner: Denice

Christians

Eastwood Placegetters: Kenneth HARE 38 C/B NateMorgan37C/B RobertOSBORN 35 C/B Lance Atwell 32 AlbyHUNTER 30 Wayne KEMPTON 29 C/B

MORWELL

Women's Wednesday5th March Stroke-

Monthly Medal

Medal Winner: JGriffiths 69 net

Runner Up: GClark 72 net

DTL: APollutro73, LFrench 73

NTP: 2nd CBoers, 11th CBoers 15th NTePaa Count Putts: SKarleusa 26 putts

TRAFALGAR

WednesdayWomen's results 5/3/25

Stableford

compared to 27 percentthe yearbefore.

The research demonstrates the importance of initiativeslike the Change Our Game Women in Sports Media Program, which is helping women to progress their careers in sports media, and has so far helped more than 100 women since 2020.

The state government is working with media outlets to produce profile pieces aboutlocal women in sport, highlighting the important role women play in grassroots sport, and getting the conversation started at that level.

To findout moreaboutThe Conversation of Sport report, visit changeourgame.vic.gov.au.

Results from last week 26/2/25

MonthlyMedal Winner: June Tickell (7) with 73 nettc/b Medal Runner-Up: BevKeily(20) with 73 nett

ScratchWinner: June Tickell with 80

PuttingWinner: June Tickell and Donna Mellon with 29 putts

5/3/25 Results:

18-Hole Winner: LynPowell (30) with 36 points

18-Hole Runner-Up: Chris Payne(38) with 33 points

DTL: BevKeilywith 32 points and Aileen McNair with 31 points

9Hole-Winner: Aija Owen (24) with 18 points

9-Hole Runner-Up: Heather Savige (32) with 17 points c/bYALLOURN

Tuesday04/03/2025 -Stableford

Players: 22, Women 2, Men 20

Winner: Franc Kiss (21)

Runner Up: John Kerr (20)

DTL: Graeme Harris (19), Charlie Hooker (18), GeoffThomas (18)

NTP: Charlie Hooker (5th)

Mystery3: Graeme Harris,John Kerr, GeoffThomas (7)

Thursday: 06/03/2025 -Strokeand Monthly Medal

Players: 57,Women13, Men 44

Women's Winner: Aileen McNair (31 c/b)

Runner Up: Bronwyn Wallace (31 c/b)

ScratchWinner: Karen MacGregor (43)

DTL: Aija Owen (32), Christine Payne(33), Olwyn Balfour (35)

NTP: KarenMacGregor,Lyn Powell (13th)

Par3Event: Karen MacGregor

Men's Winner: Hank Fiddelaers(30 c/b)

Runner Up: Ian Outhred (30 c/b)

ScratchWinner: Tony Shearer (40)

DTL: Dave Rose (30), Dennis Scambler (32), Ivan Grant (32), Al Gray (32), Tony Price(33), MarkJackson (33), NormMether (33)

NTP: SteveGould (13th)

Par3 Event: Graeme Grant, Tony Shearer

Friday, March7th 2025,Open Men’s & Ladies Stableford

AGrade Winner: Jordan Chapman 39 pts

BGrade Winner: Billyjoe Hegarty 37 pts

DTL's: WarwickGriggs 38, Zavier O’Reilly

Saturday, March8th 2025,Stableford

Agrade Winner: Jordan Chapman 41 pts

BGrade Winner: Colin Jean 41 pts C/B

DTL’s: ParisChristian 41, MarkJackson 41, Andrew Cochrane 40, UweTomski 39, Hank Fiddelaers39, Bob Baldry38, Jess McGrath 38, Ramon Dyke 38, Greg Donohue 38, PeterRhodes 38 NTP’s: 2nd: PeterMoss 5th: Jeff Gray 11th: Andrew Cochrane 13th:Peter Burghardt 15th:JeffHasthorpe Eagle: 7th: Andrew Cochrane YALLOURN

Ladies March Monthly Medal and Count PuttsThursday6-3-25

Winner: Betty Dobson (30) 97-67

DTL: Judy Budge (45) 113-68. Lola Carter (17) 85-68 Count Putts: Lola Carter 27 putts.Birdie on 14th Betty Dobson Tuesday4-3-25 9Hole Stablefordwinner Div 1: Sue Caldow(28)18 Div 2: Judy Budge (45)15 PISTOLS

TRARALGON

Mon 24/2/25 Air pistol

BGrade: MTrent 514-58-572. BKelly 509-54-563. DGrade: PLeys445-125-570. BChapman 440-145-585. LMorris 421-166-587 Wed26/2/25 Standardpistol BGrade: BKelly482-76-558. DGrade: BChapman 421-243-664. KGreen 355-238-593. MHoward 342-173-515. JStringer 329. PLeys 327-300-627.L Morris 286-240-526. Sat 1/3/25 Standardpistol CGrade: WMcGlyn 373-154-527 DGrade: BChapman 414-243-657 DChandler 377-145-522. CBenelli 348-94-442. PLeys 316-261-577.L Morris 294-221-515

37,Chris Brydon 37,NickDuncan 36, Brian Fox 35, David Winfield 35, Iain Luck35, Ian Browne 35 Birdies: 2nd: Kevin Ayton5th:Brian Fox NickDuncan, WarwickGriggs

Blooding the next local superstars

FOOTBALL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

IN an effort to keep kids in the same red and white coloursfor years to come, Trafalgar FootballNetball Club and Trafalgar Junior Football Club has launched the Young Bloods Junior Football Academy.

Under14and under16Trafalgarplayers will be givenexpert coaching from arange of individuals to bridge the senior and junior cohort of footballers in the area.

Identifying that in their last senior premiership in 2018, the side featured 17 players who were living in town or previously played junior football for the club, they wish to see that come into play for their future list.

Trafalgar footballer and last year’s under 18s head coach Matt Devon willtakeprimary responsibility as the academy coordinator across its six sessions over four months, which will involve two to three facilitators each session from current senior players and coaches and retired premiership players.

Recently completing aBachelorofSport, Physical and Outdoor Educationand currently enrolled in aMasters of Secondary Teaching, Devon was identified as aperfect choice to run the academy as aformer Trafalgar junior footballer himself.

“There was alittle bit of atalkabout it last year and we were sayinghow it would be good to have an academyorjustlikeaspecialisedtraining program that we could pick afew kids to go to and just be able to see how far we can take some of the skills,” he said.

“At training it can be pretty basic sometimes, so beingabletoadvance their skillsand then obviously wanting them to get better at footy… and knowing that we want some of these kids to stay around and progress their footy and realistically playing (at) the best level that they can.

“A lot of the juniorsaswell they kind of don’t really know what’s happening in the senior club, they get to the senior club and it’s alittle bit different, so we’re really trying to bridge that gap.”

Devon says that the academy’s purpose is to

simultaneously retain juniors (slowly navigating them into the senior ranks) while also reassuring the kids that those involved at the club are doing their all to continue their development.

The opportunities associated with the academy

also hope to give confidencetothese junior players and see them push for spots at Gippsland Power and the Gippsland All Stars program.

Former Bloods senior coachTom Hallinan will supportthe academyand is acurrent junior coach forthe GippslandAll Stars Under 15s carnival.

While Trafalgar’s junior football cohort is focussed on seeing all of their numbers remain, this academy is also for playerswho wish to get alittleextra out of their current junior career with adifferent mindset and approach to trainings.

“What we’veseen is when you’re training as a group, you’ve kind of got afew kids that are there more for fun whereas when we do this academy, we’re going to have 20 of the best kids really advancing their skills,” Devon said.

“We’re not doing like alot of broader, longer drills…we’re really going to refine some of the skills that they have, even like breaking away from acontest, knowing exactly where to be and how to position yourself better.

“We’re also going to be identifyingtheir strengths and weaknesses and really trying to improve their strengths whenitcomestogame day andwhen they go to the next level (they’ll) be readyand able to… because we’ve got alot of extra support around this.”

Overthe past four years, Devon has coached Trafalgar’s under 15s, under 16s and under 18s all as just a22-year-old and he says that he has heard great excitement fromkidswho can’t wait for the academy.

Morwell Football-Netball Club also launched a juniorfootball academy, which ran sessionsinthe backend of lastyear.

More localclubs will followinthe footsteps of thesetwo in an effort to combat the crisis of junior participation regionally, and keep interest in football and the development of such at ahigh.

Bombers legend James Hird drops by Morwell

FOOTBALL

AFL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

LIVING in the past.

That’s what Bomber supporters deserve after seeing next to no success for their storied club over the last two decades.

Essendongreat James Hird stopped intothe Top Pub, Morwell Hotel last Thursday (March 6) for aconversation about his lengthy AFL career. More than 160 people attended.

Photo opportunities with the AFL legend, alive auction and silent auction featured as well during the event, giving diehard Bombers fans an up-close and uncensored discussion of Hird's time in football, which he said began when he was akid watching Essendon playonTVduring their flags in 1984 and '85.

Hird's resume includes two premierships,a 1996 Brownlow Medal, five best-and-fairest awards and an induction in the Australia Football Hall of Fame -toname but afew accolades. He currently serves as Director of Coaching at the

Port Melbourne Football Club (VFL), with recently retired Bomber and Leongatha’s Dyson Heppell as playing-assistantcoach under past Western Bulldogs senior coach Brendan McCartney.

Manymemorablemoments were touchedon throughout the night’s proceedings, including the surprise1993Baby Bombers run, Hird almost retiring in 1999 due to prolonged foot injuries before the greatest team in modern football arrived in 2000.

He discussedhow he was nearlylet go by the club after his first year in 1991, where apanel of six elected to delist him,before KevinSheedy vetoed the decision which began Hird's legendary relationship with the four-time premiershipcoach.

Given that I, in fact, was amere 12 months-old when Essendon last won afinal against Melbourne in 2004, it’sgreat to hear thosefamedstoriesof yesteryears from the legend himself.

Hird, still as much aBombers fans since he was 10-years-old (his father played four games for Essendon in the late 1960s), predicted Essendon to compete for the last two spots in the eight this comingAFL seasonasastrongcontingent of teams enter the season eyeing finals.

His premiership picks were between reigning premier Brisbane, Collingwood and GWS -where he served as an assistant coach under former teammate Mark McVeigh in 2022.

There’s zero confidence from me that Essendon will return to the promise land any time soon, even after 20 years, but if Sam Draper could turn into Paul Salmon,Isaac Kako into Darren Bewick, Jye Caldwell (underrated by the way) into Joe Misiti and Jordan Ridley intoDustin Fletcher -they’lldo great. Unfortunately that’s not happening.

Pendles on State of Origin train

FOOTBALL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

COLLINGWOODlegend and Sale’s Scott Pendlebury is the latest player to back the idea for areturn of state of origin to the AFL circuit.

Pendleburyspoke of apotential returnofstate football on Triple M’s Rush Hour prior to the Magpies preseason game against Richmond on February 26 at Ikon Park (formerly Princes Park) as well as discussing the upcoming season and his new podcast collaboration with media figure and former Tyers resident Mark Howard.

While the last official state of origin game was held in 1999, Pendlebury featured in one-off exhibition matches in 2008 and 2020.

Due to the success of the Indigenous All Stars gameagainst FremantleinFebruary and reports that more current players are open to the state game’s return, atwo-tiered system has been floated as apossible idea featuring the likes of Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia as well as remaining states and territories.

“Absolutely, yes. Showshow old Iam, but I got to play in acouple… (in 2008,) me and Joel Selwoodwere onlysecondorthird-yearplayers, and the experience you get and how amazing it is to rub shoulders with those people.

“It’s funny because at the end of the game we’d exchange jumpers and nobody wants mine, I’m a second-year player and poor old DeanCox hadno one and we sort of locked eyes and Iwas like he doesn’t want to swap with me, but we did swap jumpers, so hopefully I’ve made it okay and he wouldn’t mind having my jumper somewhere up in Sydney,” Pendlebury said.

In the 2020 instalment, Pendlebury featured in the best alongside Bunyip’s Tom Papley, who kicked five goals in Victoria's mesmerising 11 goal run to beat the All Stars in front more than 50,000 at Marvel Stadium.

Pendlebury previouslypushed for stateof origin’s return alongside Gary Ablett Jr prior to Australia’s 2014 international rules series against Ireland.

President of the AFL Players Association and Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield said during the 2025Captain’sDay that whilemost players favour the idea, the AFL still has to be careful in regardstowhenthe matches are played as to avoid sustaining serious injuries and fatigue to players.

“We have to be mindful. It’s ademanding game and preseason clearly contributes to that, so to elongate that, we have to mindful of the welfare of players,” Dangerfield said.

“There’s obviously afair bit to go in around that; you want availability, firstand foremost… you want the best players playing,and you don’t wanttojeopardisetheir availability for the upcoming season for their teams.”

Pendlebury also spoke on Triple Mabout the Magpies recent recruits Dan Houston, Harry Perryman and Glengarry’s Tim Membrey.

“Obviously add more depthwhenever you bring threequality players like thatinthere’s always more competition at training,” he said.

“To get Tim in from St Kilda, he’s probably surprised me with how good he is with his leadership in the front half and how he makes other guys better and just trains extremely hard, extremely diligent."

Crew: Trafalgar Football-Netball Clubsenior football coach, Shane Brewster,vicepresident, Tim Ryan, junioracademycoordinator MathewDevon, president Jamie Marslen, junior club president, Shane Dove,football operations manager,Brett Tonkin and assistant football operations,Rhys Holdsworth.

Photograph: Liam Durkin

Moe little aths reaches recordmembership

LITTLE ATHLETICS

MOE Little AthleticsClubwrapped up its 2024/25 season with arecord 141 registered athletes.

The club finished the season with its championship day, which saw athletes competing in their top four events.

Long term competitors Bailey Beecher, Kaydence Fleming and Lachlan Rosato all broke centre records, while afirst year U6 athlete Jaeger Coffey also smashed acentre record.

Clubchampionships wereawarded to Bailey Beecher (senior boys), Alice Wicks (senior girls), Reeves Loft (juniorboys) and Peyton Hines (junior girls)

The day also saw long termpresident Robert Birks step down from his roleaftercontributing 11 years as president from an overall 17 years at MLAC. The club is in astrongposition thanks to his leadership.

Season highlights for MLAC included 22 centre records broken, 2353 personal bests achieved, 24 relay teams competing at regional carnival, 22 athletes competing at regional carnival with ahaul of nine gold, six silver and two bronze, as well as 13 athletes qualifying for state championships.

The club next moves to its cross-country season with new members welcome with queries referred to moe@lavic.com.au

SEASON AGE GROUP AWARDS

U6 Boys AgeChampion: LennyJonas; Achievement: Archie Brighton; Personal Bests: Jaeger Coffey U7B AC, Easton Hines –Ach. Ollie Rothnie –PBDylan Parker –U8B AC Memphis Lehos –Ach. Hudson Cruickshank –PBFreddie Hofmann –U9B AC HarryGray– Ach. Jed Anderson –PBFelix A’Mico –U10BACReeves Loft– Ach. TadhgHillbrick–PBWilliam Bassman –U11BACMathias Dean –Ach. Nicholas Nation –PBJackson Drysdale –U12BACAussie McCulloch –Ach. HarveyBrighton– PB Cameron Elkington –U13BACRomeo Vitale –Ach. Harun Schloetel –PBTaj Makepeace –U14BACSamuel Cataldo –Ach. Lucas O’Connell –U15BACBrady Cake –U17BACBaileyBeecher

U6 Girls AgeChampion: Havana Embleton; Achievement: Hannah Sedley; Personal Bests:

McKenna Smith –U7G AC Maizy Stewar t– Ach. Sage Camden –PBHaidi Schloetel –U8G AC Phoebe McCulloch –Ach. Evie Bassman –PB

Maeve Cini –U9G AC Peyton Hines –Ach. Poppi Loft– PB Emerson Rothnie –U10GAC Juliette D’Amico –Ach. Steph Wicks–PBMarlee McCulloch –U11GACBonnie Brighton –Ach. Isla

Rothnie –PBMadeline Gray –U12GACBridget Riddle –Ach. EmilyOdlum –PBAsiah Maddaluno –U13GACAlice Wicks– Ach. Gabrielle Borland –PBDakotaDawson –U14GACLilijah Deveson –Ach. Matilda Elkin –PBElyseJames U15G AC Isabella Vitale –U16GACZoe Birks –Ach. Kaydence Fleming –PBHanaSchloetel

Membrey,PieskeptquietbyGiants

Newthreads: Traralgon’s TimMembrey played his firstgame forCollingwoodonSunday. The former St Kilda forwardkickedagoal,but was otherwisequiet duringthe Magpies loss to GWS Photograph: Michael Wilson/AFL Photos

FOOTBALL

AFL EXPORTS BY TOM

HAYES

AFL made its official return for the 2025 season at the weekend with Opening Round, as two games went ahead in New South Wales.

Four games were scheduled to be played during Opening Round, however due to the threats of Cyclone Alfred on the state of Queensland, the season opener between Brisbane Lions and Geelong, and the Gold Coast versus Essendon game were rescheduled.

Brisbane are set to host Geelong during Round 3, were both teams were scheduled to have abye, while the Gold Coast-Essendon game was alittle trickier to reschedule, as the AFL aims to have that game played after Round 24, somewhere before the pre-finals bye weekend.

Nonetheless, the altered season openerfell between Sydney and Hawthorn at the SCG on Friday, March 7, as the ‘HollywoodHawks’ continued to prove they belong at the top, winning 14.12(96) to 11.10 (76).

The Swans usedthe home ground to their advantage early in the first term, but the Hawks weren’t down for long, rallying to get ahead by agoal at the end of ahigh-scoring first quarter.

Nine goals between the two teamsduringthe first term wasreduced to six in thesecond, as Hawthorn found anothergear. The visitors more than doubled Sydney’s second quarterscoretoopenupa20-point halftime lead.

The Swans needed more in the second half and thus decided to substituteintheir 2024 mid-season draftee, Tom Hanily, from Inverlochand the Leongatha Football-Netball Club for his debut.

Hanily offered some grit and inside explosiveness, which soon became much needed as rain poured down.

Four goals in arow to the Swans had them right back in the game at three quarter time, down by just five points.

But the surge came from Hawthorn, and Hawthorn only, as the Hawks slugged three more goals on the board during asloppy final quarter, keeping the Swans to five frustrating behinds, to claim the first four points of the year by 20 points.

Morwell’s Changkuoth Jiath narrowly missed

White, United lead series

BASKETBALL

NBL BY BLAKE

METCALF-HOLT

AFTER threehard-fought games,Melbourne United advanced to the NBL Championship series upon athrilling Game 3victory over Perth Wildcats, 113 to 112,that has been praised in the aftermath as one of the great games in the league’s history.

Traralgon’s Jack White scored 15 pointsand nine rebounds on routetohis second NBL Grand Finalappearance with Melbourne (although he missed the 2021 championship due to an achilles injury), where they would meet top-seeded Illawarra Hawks.

UNITED upended the best team during the regular season,ontheir home decknoless, in Game 1winning 96-88 at WIN Entertainment Centre on Saturday night.

Whitegot busy on the glass tipping in a missed shot from Shea Ili to open the scoring for United as the game went back-and-forth throughout the first quarter of action.

The hostileIllawarra crowd made it difficult in patches for Melbourne to cease their moments,much like the collapse against Perth in Game 2ofthe semi-final serieswhich couldhave sent them ahead sooner. Todd Blanchfield nailed atough three-pointerat the end of the term to give Illawarra the lead heading into the first break.

United continued to let go of their opportunities in the second quarter, as Blanchfield hit anothertwo threes to extendthe Hawks lead to ninepoints, with Melbournecoach and Warragul’s Dean Vickerman calling timeout.

Getting his starters back in, Vickerman would have been hoping for alift of urgency especially on the defensive end, however Illawarra still took chargeinfront of their home fans to head into halftime ahead 53-43. United needed to dig deep if they wished to steal home courtadvantage away from the Hawks, setting themselves up in this best-of-five series, and they opened the third quarter blitzing Illawarra on a13-5run out of the gate.

The Ha wks res ponde dt os ub due the comeback, getting to the foul line, but the combination of Melbourne guard Ian Clark (2017NBA championwithGoldenState Warriors) finding the bottom of the net and White huntingthe boards kept Unitedwithin three points with 10 minutes to spare. Melbourne got off to the perfect start in the final quarter, with Chris Goulding hitting two deep triples along with an easy dunk from White and additional three from Matthew Dellavedova to flip the lead almost immediately as United went ahead 75-71.

out on selection with ahip complaint, and will hopefully be in contention to return this weekend when Hawthorn host Essendon on Friday (March 14).

Hanily finished his debut with six disposals and three tackles, spending just 31 per cent of the game on the ground after coming on as the substitute.

 TO close out Opening Round, GWS handed out a52-point belting to Collingwood at ENGIE Stadium on Sunday, 15.14 (104) to 6.16 (52).

Atight opening quarter was blown out in its latter stages as the Giants launched to a21-point lead at the first break.

Collingwood pegged acouple back to start the second term, but GWS returned the favour, again later in the quarter, to extend their lead out to 23 points at the main break.

The heat began to have an effectonplayers, with cramp beginning to settle in, including on Nick Daicos of all players, who struggled throughout the second half.

Staring down the barrel of a26-point deficit at threequarter time, Collingwood weren’t out of the game. Known for their comebacks in recent years, many thought it was on the cards again in the final 30 minutes.

Kicking4.13 (37) up to three quarter time certainlywas no help for the Magpies, whoshould have been right in the game if they were accurate in front of goal.

Traralgon’s Tim Membrey kicked the first of the fourth quarter, and his first official goal in the black and white, reducing the margin to 20 points.

But from there, the Giants kicked four straight goals, all while the Magpies missed out on opportunities to stem the flow, kicking two behinds in the meantime.

Jamie Elliotkicked acrafty late goal, while Membrey was embarrassingly caught holding the ball in the goal square after playing on from 15 metres out.

The Giants kicked six goals to two in the final term to run away with the game. Membrey was relatively quiet, kicking one goal and collecting eight disposals and three marks.

Morwell’s Tew Jiath doesn’t seem to be able to find his way into CraigMcRae’s best 23, after only playingthe one game last year.

The Hawks were forced into aflunk due to the added pressure of the United backcourt of Iliand Dellavedova as turnovers became ar egular occurrence for Illawarra and Melbourne extended their lead to nine points past the halfway mark of the final term. Will Hickey answered, poking the ball loose and getting an easy basketintransition which brought the margin back to fourpoints before Dellavedova roseasthe veteran leader of the hungry United group.

‘Delly’nailed athree-pointerand then on the very next possession threw White atimely lob pass that equalled to abrilliant alley-oop dunk which solidified their Game 1victory. White finished with just nine points on only 30 per cent efficiency,but was impactful with hispaint protection and gathered nine rebounds (and four offensive boards)ashe picked up the first NBL championshipwin of his career.

Melbourne returntoJohnCainArena for Game 2ofthe championship series tonight at 7.30pm.

Congrats: MoeLittle Athletics Club championsAlice Wicks, Reeves Loft, Peyton Hines and Bailey Beecher Photograph supplied

Regular season done, finals time

CRICKET

CLV BY LIAM DURKIN

LITTLE to no surprises came out of the last day of the Cricket Latrobe Valley Premier Aregular season

The top four remained as is, with Glengarry, Ex Students, Morwell and Centrals rounding out the top four after Round 14.

Despite Premier Aresultsgoing largely as expected, there wasstill some talkingpointsacross the league.

Morwellstacked its Premier Csideinorder to avoid relegation, amove that worked but saw its Premier Bteam skittled for just 30.

The move very nearly backfired, with the Tigers only winning the Premier Cmatch by one wicket. Conversely, Morwell’s Premier Bopponent last round, Thorpdale,had to win to guarantee itself afinalsberth. TheBlues took full tollofa Tiger team thatreportedly had three players who had never even played cricket before (and appeared as ‘fill in’ on PlayHQ).

Thorpdale ended up finishing third on the Premier Bhome-and-away ladder, while Jeeralang-Boolarra claimed the minor premiership.

Both clubs currently only field lower grade sides, but are understood to be exploring an AGrade future.

Aquick tour of the Thorpdale Recreation Reserve facility reveals thereisenough infrastructure to warrant apotential AGrade.

The ground (which is actually on private property) is in very good condition and features pop-up sprinklers, as well as modern nets and an ideal elevated position behind the bowler's arm for live streaming,

Looking around nearby towns, there are certainly AGrade clubs with much worse facilities.

Staying with Premier B, Glengarry batsman

Saturday, March 8

Paul Henry topped the aggregatewith astaggering return of 1072 runs.

Henry will lead the Magpiesinto finalsthis Saturday, and although it appears unlikely, could yet be required for the higher grade if someone goes down.

Curveball selections and mystery illnessesare not uncommonthis time of year,nor are Thursday night dummy spits.

Hope everyone has paid their subs.

With senior finalsonly amatter of days away, players on the fringe would be well advised to keep training.

There is still potentially two weeks left, and the door of opportunity can suddenly open. Trafalgar Cricket Club will be forced to makeatleast one change forthe Warragulleague grand final this Saturday,after club legend John Asmussen ripped his hamstring in the ThirdXIsemi-final at the weekend.

Premiers have also been named in some CLV junior grades.

Afull wrap of junior winners will feature once allgrand finals are complete.

 HE did tell the biggest newspaper in the state his favourite two shots were the leave and forward defence after all.

A212-ballvigil that yielded 48 runs from Andrew Philip saw Moe finish its seasonwithadraw against Ex Students.

The Lions batted out Day 2atTed Summerton Reserve, finishing on 5/168, well short of the required 294.

The home side needed to win outright heading into the match to be any chance of playing finals, but after results from Day 1all but ended that hope, Moe entered Day 2with little to gain, except potentially giving the Sharks ataste of their own medicine.

Ex Students had (somewhat controversially) blocked out for adraw against Moe in the semi-final last season, on the way to eventually winning the

premiership. While that draw led to greater things, the latest one between the two sides was effectively defeat for the Lions, who missed finalsfor the first time since2018/19.

Philip remained not out, while Laytten Smith made35and Keenan Hughes hadtoreignhimself in with an unbeaten 29 off 69 balls.

That Philip won the league batting aggregate and Hughes the bowling might beg afew questions as to what the rest of the Lions line-up managed to achieve.

In fairness, changes were constant this season (notably the opening batting combinations), while a few players werereportedly on ahiding to nothing.

Adam Brady took 2/25 for the Sharks.

 MORWELL missed ahome final by one point.

The Tigers couldn’tshake Raiders outright, taking nine wickets across two innings at Keegan Street.

Resuming at 3/48, the visitors were dismissed for 160 after Morwell declared seven down for 284.

As has been the casefor most of the season, Raiders had anumberofplayer get to double figures before failing to go on.

Todd Dixon hit form on the eve of finals, snaring 5/50, backing up the work of Tim Ford who took 3/33.

Ford has been one of the finds of the season, and will be in line for the league medal -astaggering thought considering he was just goingtoplay in the lower grades up at Rawson this season, before being sighted by now Morwell teammate and arguably Rawson’s greatest cricketer, Brendan Brincat.

Morwell enforced the follow on, but Raiders did enough to see out 18 overs and be 2/63.

George Cheshire finished his season with 33 not out, while Ben Rivers made 25.

 CENTRALS defeated Toongabbie.

The Lions needed just 18 runs to win on first innings when play resumed, and got there with minimal fuss at Apex Park.

The match then became all about Tye Hourigan pursuing aton, but unfortunately the Centrals skipper fell just nine runs short. His team was bowled out for 189, and with enough time leftinthe day,Toongabbie wasinjectedagain. The Rams got to 4/93 after 37 overs when play was stopped.

Gayashan Munasinghehad 40 not outonthe board, to go with figures of 3/35 in Centrals’ first dig. Other wicket takers earlier in the piece were Amal Athulathmudali (3/37)and Sean Ryan (2/16).

Tyron Gamage took 2/27 in Toongabbies’s second innings.

The semi-final between Centrals and Glengarry offers some intriguing subplots, with former Centrals player Nat Freitag nowcaptaining the Magpies.

FormerTestquick Nuwan Pradeep couldreturn for Centralsfrom the International Masters League with Sri Lanka alongside cricket royalty Kumar Sangakkara (who would take aplace as the wicketkeeper batter in this writer's all time XI). Pradeep played in the win against Australia on February28, coming up against the likes of Shane Watson, Shaun Marsh and Ben Hilfenhaus.

 GLENGARRY got batting practice in. The Magpies resumed at 2/93 and went past CATS’ total of 164 before continuing on. Those to benefit from time in the middle were Freitag (89), Ben Marks (48), Frank Marks (46), SamMarks(34), Cam Graham (31 not out) and Al Jenkin (25).

Considering those names, if Paul Henry was to play in the ones, he would probably bat seven or eight and waste plenty of Saturdays.

CATS skipper Jamie Cochrane (who has fought the good fight this season) took 3/65. Tinashe Panyangara chipped in with 2/65. Does Tinashe steam in off 20 paces in AGrade next season?

CRICKET LATROBEVALLEY -LOWER GRADE SCORES

Premier B(Round18): Jeeralang-Boolarra5/222 (T Laaks 56, JBrierley51*, HHewawasam36*, TDuncan 2/36, PHenry2/36) def Glengarry209 (P Henry112,DCochrane 31, LSmith 3/31, HHewawasam2/53), Ex Students 2/137 (A Jaensch 67*, HCanny32, LPanwar25*) def Traralgon West 9/135 (L Phillips 60, LPanwar2/12, DChurchill 2/21, JZappulla 2/26, MBentley2/31), Mirboo North 3/247 (W Cheatley 152*, CSchellekens 30, SPeters28, BMarks 2/39) def Churchill 151(SForbes 39, ANorman 38, RColgrave 3/13, TBasarke 2/26), CATS 197(BFoster 67*, JMotta 38, CWilkerson 25, NFarley4/44, BCooper 3/35) def Toongabbie 187(GMcIllroy 55, JLove52, VPenrose 3/36, BFoster 2/14, JMotta 2/34) Thorpdale 1/31 def Morwell 30 (M Powell 3/1, SPickering 3/6) BGrade (Round 21): Centrals 7/265 (D Rode 109, JDowns 41, BOuld 35, CWhite2/38, BFulham 2/40) def Gormandale 117(G Swan 66, JDonovan3/24, BOuld 2/3, TShankland 2/11,

CPerera2/32),Raiders4/105 (J Berryman-Lambert 3/13, NSandhu 3/19, TSingh 2/9, ZQuinsey-Munro 2/23) def Latrobe 101(AJoshy32*, HRai 29, JHayes 3/38), Imperials 151(RWilliams 44, IBrown 3/17, AVan Zuyden 3/29, WCoad 2/14) def Rovers 139(BDonoghue 28, CSchmidt 26, LBermingham 3/23, HDunstan 2/8, LHegarty 2/29), Willow Grove6/233 (J Coombs 58, L Cumiskey 57,W Darcy49, MWhitney2/55) defMoe 232 (M Whitney65, MJohnstone 54*, ASavige30, JCoombs 7/34)

Premier C(Round17): Moe 7/100 (C Veenman 28, JPearson 3/25, DVeale 2/22) def Toongabbie 96 (D Elms 26, BMcCartney 3/18, NKeltie 2/2, RWhitney2/29),ExStudents3/116 (J Robertson 47*, SThomson 32*, KCollins 2/16) def Mirboo North 9/115 (J Corbin 29, LBastin 5/30, D Millington 2/6), Morwell 9/162 (C Johnson 49, SEsler 39, PDunstan 3/27,JShankland 2/6, DMorris 2/35) def Imperials 159(RMartin 72, SEsler 3/27,BRilen 2/29), Glengarry5/236 (J Ponnattu John 52*, GMowat51*,

JRouse 51, TMiller-Mowat32*, LRutherford2/30) def Rovers 112(DBrain 28, SBonacci 3/26), Centrals -bye CGrade (Round 17): Jeeralang-Boolarra4/176 (A Baker 60*, SBlines 51, NSpark30*) def Gormandale 5/173 (S Gamble 80*, BPeavey48), Churchill 8/220 (C Dekaste71*, WMohammed 34, STobin 31, SWernham 25,A Heatherington 3/35, DMcdougall 2/62) def Latrobe 9/219 (D Mcdougall 104, BAtkinson 52, RLawson Pepper 26, B Jones 3/11, CDekaste3/37, STobin 2/43), Raiders6/166 (B Beecher 68, JWebber30, ILawrence 3/23, LSykes 2/22) def Imperials 86 (L Sykes30, John Daddo 3/18, J Webber 2/13, FMahoney2/16),Rawson 4/88 (L Watson 27,J Wiseman 26) def Willow Grove87 (T Cotter 27,B Brouwer 2/6, MWilliams 2/8, MMetcalfe2/13, JCargill 2/14), Traralgon West -bye Friday, March 7

Women's Championship (SF): Ex Students 0/74(JLangstaff30*, ERobertson 16*, D

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

MWhitechurch lbwMFenech 3

Godenzi 15*) def Raiders1/73(JWitney30*,D King 21*), WillowGrove 4/77 (JChristie 31*, HFerguson 30*,K Collins 2/7,A Dean 2/18) def Mirboo North 5/59 (K Collins 20, ADavey 2/4, CChristie 2/8) Women's Premier (SF): Raiders4/95 (Z Quinsey-Munro37*) def Latrobe 7/40 (Z Quinsey-Munro3/13,ZHustwayte2/12), WillowGrove 6/104 (M Donoghue 44*, AHodson 2/21) def Imperials 2/101 (R Reid 32*, KMorley30*, AHodson 17*) Under 14 semi finals

Ex Students 2/149 (C Adams 48, LMackay39*, J Hazelman 29, TChurchill 20*) def Mirboo North 9/140 (J Calafiore55*, OMcCarthy24, APanwar2/2,J Wilkie 2/11) [playedSunday, March 2/Monday, March 3] Centrals 2/186 (E Dissanayake 51*, NGamage 47,J Poursanidis 36*) def Jeeralang-Boolarra7/182 (C Stanton 51*, RO'Brien 49, OO'Brien 21*, KMorrison 2/23, A Hurley2/29) [playedWednesday, March 5, Thursday, March 6]

ABrady 13-5-25-2, MWarne 13-7-27-0, JPryde 10-3-17-0, LStockdale 20-13-26-1, MStockdale 7-4-15-1 Match drawn (surely they will lookatthis rule nextseason) GLENGARRYV CATS at

OPalmer cB MarksbNFreitag 13 NHarrup cB MarksbCGraham 52

EPorigneaux cB Marks bCGraham 0

TPanyangara cN Allen bNFreitag 1

JMoorec BMarks bNAllen 17 SGissara cFMarks bNFreitag 2

CStewartcNAllenb CGraham 8

BHagley not out 27

HCooper lbwAJenkin 0

EPasslbw BMayberry. 15 Sundries (0b 0lb 0w 1nb) 1

TOTAL (64.5 overs). 164

GLENGARRY1ST INNINGS BOWLING

AJenkin 10-2-22-1, BMayberry6.5-0-17-1, NFreitag 9-4-15-3, JFrancis 2-0-17-0, MMerton8-0-37-0, CGraham 13-3-33-4, NAllen 16-5-23-1

GLENGARRY1ST INNINGS BATTING

AJenkin lbwT Panyangara 25 FMarks cSGissarab TPanyangara 46

NFreitag cB Hagley bJ Cochrane. 89 SMarks bSGissara 34

BMarks st NHarrup bJ Cochrane. 48

HBusk bJ Cochrane. 1

BMayberryst NHarrup bE Porigneaux 15

CGraham not out 31

JFrancisnot out. 0

Sundries (11b 1lb 3w 5nb) 20

TOTAL(67 overs) ...................................................................7/309

CATS 1STINNINGS BOWLING

EPorigneaux 1-0-11-1, BHagley6-0-31-0, OPalmer 4-1-11-0,T

Panyangara 15-3-65-2, EPass6-1-46-0, SGissara 3-1-12-1,

JCochrane 13-1-65-3, JMoore 9-2-29-0, CStewart10-3-27-0

Glengarrywon on first innings

CENTRALSVTOONGABBIE at Apex Park

TOONGABBIE 1STINNINGS BATTING

DBarrycMRawson bT Gamage 6

RWheildoncSGraybM Fenech 14

AAthulathmudali cC Whitehead bT Gamage 0

GMunasinghe cT Hourigan bMFenech 3

THood cSGrayb TGamage 14

SRyanb TGamage 6

MBarrynot out 0 Sundries (5b 0lb 1w 0nb) 6 TOTAL (47.4 overs) 90

CENTRALS 1STINNINGS BOWLING

TGamage 11.4-4-22-4, CWhitehead 7-1-20-0, MFenech24-12-323, THourigan 5-2-11-3

CENTRALS 1STINNINGS BATTING

HBerry lbwG Munasinghe 0 JLittleton cunknown bM Whitechurch 6 SGraybSRyan. 34

THourigan lbwGMunasinghe 91

LSpeairs cIJayasinghe bGMunasinghe 1

JMurdoch c&b SRyan 22

CPollardcSMoran bMBarry 3

BWilliamson bA Athulathmudali............................................................. 11

TGamage lbwA Athulathmudali 0

CWhitehead cS Ryan bA Athulathmudali 1

MFenech not out 6

Sundries (0b 13lb 1w 0nb) 14

TOTAL (78.4 overs). 189

TOONGABBIE 1STINNINGS BOWLING

MWhitechurch 6-2-15-1, RWheildon 3-1-5-0, MBarry 6-2-19-1, T Hood 8-3-10-0, SMoran 12-0-39-0,SRyan 7-4-16-2, AAthulathmudali 18-5-37-3, GMunasinghe 18.4-8-35-3

TOONGABBIE 2NDINNINGS BATTING (TRAIL BY 99)

DBarryc THourigan bC Whitehead. 14 SMoran cSGrayb TGamage. 3

AAthulathmudali lbwT Gamage 20

GMunasinghe not out 40

TDunn cN/A bCPollard. 13

THood not out 0

Sundries (0b 3lb 0w 0nb)

Last round mereformality

CRICKET

CLVAGRADE BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THE table is set andCricketLatrobe Valley A Grade finals have arrived.

Top-placed Churchill will host Latrobeinone of thesemi-finals, with the Sharks eying off an upset for the ages.

In their previous two meetings, the Cobras haven’t found much trouble getting to their mark (barely anyone has given them areal challenge in what has been adominant season) winning by an average of nearly 10 wickets.

Second-seeded Imperials host crosstown rival Rovers in the other semi.

Both sides featured in an entertaining battle in Round 3, where Imperials got across the line with just over three overs to spare and followed it up with another victory in Round 6.

Both finals are two-dayers across this Saturday and Sunday.

 IMPERIALS pipped Mirboo North in Day 2

after trailing by just six runs at stumps the week before.

At CatterickCrescent, Imperials captain Ryan Morley extended to 45 while further support was shown across the board.

Anubhav Anubhav (38), James Skingle (36) and Brett Chapman (27) were the other standouts as Imperials declaredon9/242,and given other results, ended the Tigers finals chances.

 BY their return to the field on Day 2, nothing was stopping the Sharks from moving forward in their surprise finals run.

Latrobe defeated Rovers by 62 runsatPeter Siddle Oval (Maryvale) thus giving them alast second placement in the top four.

The father-son combo of Anthony and Jacob Bloomfield combined for 62 across their stand to see the side over the line.

Cameron Freshwater (30) and Steven Hanning (23) added runs also.

 PANIC in Andrews Park West.

Not fromthe home side however, as Churchill decimatedaGormandale team that would be looking forward to the offseason following atumultuous

last few weeks after two players were rubbed out indefinitely.

The Cobras won by 269 runs,tallying 351 in total and looking tiptop ahead of their finals run.

Churchill added just22runsonDay 2, but stood strong in defence getting rid of the Tigerswith little to show for themselves.

Nimesh Soyza added 26 and Patrick Brooks 16 for Gormandale, who were all out for just 82.

Churchill’s Jacob Dunn took 3/7, John Keighran 2/0 and Stephen Warr 2/10.

 SOMEONE had to win it.

After Willow Grove finished on 201atJack Canavan, Traralgon West would be asking alot with just four players in their back pocket needing to add just shy of 150 runs on Day 2.

The Eagles would not be able to make up that muchdespite the best efforts of Josh Monacella, who compiled 62 on the final day of the home-andawayseason,supported by Jack Cooke (20) as they succumbed by 47 runs.

Darcy Walsh took 3/38 just aweek on from his double hat-trick in Willow Grove’s junior semi-final against Ex Students.

All digital scoring on Mirboo North turf

CRICKET

CLV BY KATRINA

BRANDON

WINNERS

Batting (runs)

PremierA: Sir Andrew Philip (Moe) 803

AGrade: LukePayton(Willow Grove) 763

PremierB: Paul Henry(Glengarry) 1072

BGrade: DeanRode (Centrals) 662

PremierC: Gene Vanderzalm (MirbooNor th) 466

CGrade: CraigDekaste(Churchill) 735

Women’s Premier: RyleyReid(Imperials) 371

Women’s Champ: KylieCollins (Mirboo Nth) 428

Bowling (wickets)

PremierA: Keenan Hughes (Moe) 36

AGrade: Todd Mann (Imperials) 35

PremierB: Ross Johnson (Churchill) 33

BGrade: BrentonOuld(Centrals) 34

PremierC: Daniel Morris(Imperials) 26

CGrade: Cooper Stanton(Jeer-Boolarra) 22

Women’s Premier: Kylie Mann (WillowGrove) 18

Women’s Champ: KylieCollins (Mirboo Nth) 21

EMOTIONS were high in Mirboo North on Saturday, February 15, as the town remembered the storm’s firstanniversaryand the Mirboo North Cricket Club celebrated the new electronic scoreboard’s arrival.

The celebration, which was also heldtocelebrate anumberofpremiership reunions, shared the generosity of three donations that were able to make the night happen.

Warmth of the celebration came from inside the clubrooms due to poor weather, with alivestream of the scoreboard rolling in so local players could set eyes on it before their next match.

Mirboo North CricketClubpast player,Brett Pedlow spoke, and praised the community’s and members’ efforts.

“Mirboo North Cricket Club was in long need of ascoreboard,” he said.

“Tonight, we are here to open the John Fallet and Family Scoreboard.

“It looks amazing! Hopefully it will be just the start of good things to come.

“I got quiteemotionalthinking about tonight over the last littlewhile.I camehere13to14years ago, and Ifelt abit lost to be honest. Ifound atown, a clubthat Ilove, but it also lovedme, and Ihave been away, been back. We joke around about the MirbooNorth Cricket Club but this is such agreat environment to be in.Wecarry on alot as we do.”

The scoreboard’s namesake, John Fallet, shared his appreciation for the club.

CRICKETLATROBE VALLEY SEMI FINALS

Saturday, March15(andSunday,March 16 forPremier Aand AGrade)

Starttime: 11.30am(allgrades)

PremierA

Glengarry vs Centrals (at Fred King Oval, Glengarry) Ex Students vs Morwell (TerryHunterOval, Traralgon)

AGrade Churchill vs Latrobe (AndrewsParkWest, Churchill) Imperials vs Rovers (Catterick Crescent,Traralgon) PremierB Jeeralang-BoolarravsExStudents (JackCanavan, Traralgon West) Glengarry vs Thorpdale (Keegan Street, Morwell) BGrade Centrals vs Moe (ApexPark, Traralgon) RaidersvsImperials (Yinnar Turf) Premier C Ex Students vsMirboo North (Old Trafford,Traralgon) Moe vsToongabbie (Moe Racecourse astro) CGrade ChurchillvsLatrobe (TBA) Rawson vs Jeeralang-Boolarra (TBA) SENIORWOMEN’S

Friday,March 14 from5.30pm Championship Ex Students vs Willow Grove (TerryHunter) Premier RaidersvsWillowGrove

(Editor’s note: Congratulations to Mirboo North CricketClub on its new scoreboard.Nomore WD-40 needed to help swing the old manual scoreboard around -Liam Durkin).

Great work: MirbooNor th CricketClubmember John Fallet helped provide theclubwithanew electronicscoreboard, which wasunveiled last month. Photograph: KatrinaBrandon

Local soccer back on the menu

SOCCER LVSL

BY TOM HAYES

THE 2025 Latrobe Valley Soccer League season kicks off this weekend from March 15 to 16 in both the men's and women's competitions

The Express has spoken to most of the clubs taking part this year, to get some insight into what may lie ahead in 2025

In the LVSL Senior Men's competition, nine sides will compete, after Fortuna 60 left the league to pursue the state league, while Tyers Soccer Club will not field seniors and reserves after a vote from the LVSL clubs Traralgon City returns after a two-year hiatus in the 2nd Division

The LVSL Senior Women's

women's side

LVSL SENIOR MEN'S

Falcons 2000

Coach: Adrian Salvatore

In: Toby Capp (returning); Jayden Unmack (Churchill); Lachlan Spiteri, Lachlan Frendo (For tuna); Dylan Smith (Monash)

Out: Moni Elisaer, Chocho Mohammud (Olympians); Jordan Kennedy (For tuna); Kuku Mohammud (nil); Harley Broadbent (injury); Kevin Carcellar Charles Simon (relocated)

Last season: Champions (15 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss)

WITH their biggest rival as of late out of the competition, who steps up to take the crown from Falcons?

"We're doing everything we can to defend our title," Falcons Senior Coach, Adrian Salvatore said after noting Falcons had won five of the last eight titles

Round 1

The injection of youth climbing the ranks is sure to boost the depth within the squad, while the multiple player movements will take time to mould Salvatore hopes to see a more balance league this season, and won't be surprised if something out of the ordinary happens

With the ability to host under lights, Falcons are sure to entertain under a different landscape

Moe United

Coach: Lee Dastey

In: Joel Thompson (Gippsland United)

Out: Nick Fogar ty, Connor O’Hanlon (retired); Bayden Heusmann (Gippsland United); Joe Stewar t (injury); Tanner Pyle (relocated)

Last season: third (13 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses)

“ W H I L E w e h a v e l o s t f i v e important senior players from 2024, it provides other players with a great opportunity to step up to first team football,” Moe Senior Coach, Lee Dastey said

“I’m confident some players will quickly adapt to the experienced players remaining that have formed the core of the squad for many years

“As has been the case at Moe in previous seasons, the players enthusiasm and commitment to training has been excellent which is encouraging for a positive season in 2025 ”

Traralgon Olympians

Coach: Anton Sbaglia

In: Chocho Mohammud Moni Eliaser (Falcons); Jaydon Steele (East Gippsland); Anthony Katiforis (nil)

Out: Dylan Dunstall, Jake Dunstall (Gippsland United)

Last season: four th (10 wins, 3 draws, 5 losses)

OLYMPIANS have recruited well, and are tipped to be the

March 15: MoeUnited vs Traralgon Olympians (T), Falcons 2000 vs Traralgon City(N) March16: Newborough YallournUnited vs Monash, East Gippsland vs Sale United Churchill United -BYE

Round 2

March 22: Sale United vs Moe United (N), Falcons 2000 vs Churchill United (N)

March 23: Traralgon CityvsTraralgon Olympians Monash vs East Gippsland NYU -BYE

Round 3

March 29: Moe United vs NYU (T), Sale United vs Traralgon Olympians (N), Churchill United vs Traralgon City(N), Falcons 2000 vs Monash (N) East Gippsland -BYE

Round 4

April 5:Falcons 2000 vs Olympians (N)

April 6: Monash vs Churchill United, Moe United vs East Gippsland, NYU vs Traralgon City Sale United -BYE

Round 5

April 12: Sale United vs Monash (N), Churchill United vs NYU (N), Falcons 2000 vs East Gippsland (N)

April 13: Traralgon CityvsMoe United Traralgon Olympians -BYE

biggest winners of the off-season

So much so, that after finishing fourth in 2024, they might just be the favourite to bring it to Falcons

"This season you can expect a hungry Olympians senior side determined to make their mark," Olympians Senior Coach, Anton Sbaglia said

"With old and fresh talent and a relentless drive to improve, fans can expect electrifying performances and fierce competition "

Monash

Coaches: Callum Polo and Ethan Lawrence

In: Broden Grover (For tuna); Angus McNair, Ryan McCluskey, Justin Allman (Newborough/ Yallourn); Marc McHallam (Churchill); Anthony Cini (hiatus)

Out: Dylan Smith (Falcons); Bryan Maloney, Gonza Or tellado (relocated); Chris Beasley (retired); Braden Paulet (football)

Last season: fifth (7 wins, 4 draws, 7 losses)

WITH the removal of Fortuna into the state league, Monash has the opportunity to finish inside the top four this season

W

inclusions, some of which have tasted success elsewhere, only adds to the desire to win with the Wolves

“We, as a club, are very happy with our preseason for season 2025, and are looking forward to the season,” club president, Lachlan Getzendorfer said

Churchill United

Coach: Bradley Sands

In: Not supplied

Out: Marc McHallam (Monash); Jayden Unmack (Falcons)

2024 table: sixth (5 wins, 4 draws, 9 losses)

ANOTHER year, another new look for Churchill

Following the exit of former

senior coach Jayden Unmack,

Sands has stepped up into the role

M

league to become more balanced after the exit of Fortuna, and Churchill might just benefit from that reality

In fairness, the Rams were just two wins behind Monash last season, and will hope to make a top four run this season

Sale United

Coaches: Romi Bitar and Anouk Meereboer

In: Dean Nichols, Josh Ryan, Jacob Richardson (returning); Daouda Camara (France); Konstandino Moutoulis, Daniel Patchett (RAAF)

Out: Mace Irvine (university)

Last season: seventh (4 wins 6 draws, 8 losses)

“WE have a decent squad that, with a good run on the injury side and some consistent football, should challenge most teams in the league,” Sale United Senior Co-coach, Romi Bitar said “ H o p e f u l l y w e b e c o m e l e s s unpredictable, performance wise, and more consistent, playing the brand that the guys have been developing for a few years now ”

Newborough/ Yallourn United

Coach: Darren Hodkinson

In: Not supplied

Out: Angus McNair, Ryan McCluskey, Justin Allman (Monash)

Last season: eighth (5 wins, 3 draws, 10 losses)

W H E R E w i l l N e w b o r o u g h / Yallourn improve?

L a s t y e a r t h e y w e r e t h r e e results behind the top five, as was Sale United, but Churchill had a point on them It will be an interesting battle

to see as to who of the three will make the most improvement and break into the top five, or perhaps do even better

East Gippsland United

Coach: Not supplied

In: Not supplied

Out: Jaydon Steele (Olympians)

Last season: ninth (3 wins, 2 draws 13 losses)

EAST Gippsland United are hoping to turn the tables in 2025, after a season with just three wins last year

A numbers of players have left the club to pursue work or university commitments, and have been replaced by newcomers to the region, as well as veterans dusting off the boots

The club told the Express to e x p e c t “ h

n s i t y ” a n d “smart football”, with the aim of being competitive

Traralgon City

Coach: Beke Mapiye

In: N/A

Out: N/A

Last season: N/A

T R A R A L G O N C i t y a r e looking forward to their muchanticipated return to the LVSL senior and reserve ranks

A f t e r t w o y e a r s , f o c u s h a s turned to the development of their youth and building a community club

The return of former Traralgon City players is set to restore m

s

a s o n that was well attended as the team’s cohesion reportedly starts to grow further

Traralgon City officials say they can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store

LATROBE VALLEY SOCCERLEAGUE

SeniorMen’s 2025 Fixture

Kick-offtimes: 3pm (Sunday), 7pm (Saturdaynights), 5pm (Saturdaytwilight)

Round 6-ANZAC Round

April 25: Churchill United vs Traralgon Olympians (T) April 26: Falcons 2000 vs Moe United (N) April 27: NYU vs Sale United, East Gippsland vs Traralgon City Monash -BYE

Round 7

May3: Sale United vs Traralgon City(N)

May4: Traralgon Olympians vs Monash, Moe United vs Churchill United, East Gippsland vs NYU Falcons 2000 -BYE

Round 8

May10: Moe United vs Monash (T), Falcons 2000 vs NYU (N)

May11: Traralgon Olympians vs East Gippsland, Churchill United vs Sale United Traralgon City-BYE

Round 9

May17: Sale United vs Falcons 2000 (N)

May18: Monash vs Traralgon City, NYU vs Olympians,East Gippsland vs Churchill Moe United -BYE

Round 10

May24: Sale United vs East Gippsland (N), Traralgon Olympians vs Moe United (N)

May25: Traralgon CityvsFalcons 2000, Monash vs NYU Churchill United -BYE

Round 11

May31: Moe United vs Sale United (T), Traralgon Olympians vs Traralgon City(N)

June 1: Churchill United vs Falcons 2000, East Gippsland vs Monash NYU -BYE

Round 12June 15: Traralgon City vs Churchill United, Traralgon Olympians vs Sale United, Monash vs Falcons 2000, NYU vs Moe United East Gippsland -BYE

Round 13

June 21: Traralgon Olympians vs Falcons 2000 (N), Churchill vs Monash (N)

June 22: Traralgon CityvsNYU,EastGippsland vs Moe United Sale United -BYE

LVSL SENIOR WOMEN'S

Sale United

Coach: Madelaine Breakspear

In: Izzy Clark, April Makeham (RAAF); Kaitlyn Taylor (Mulgrave)

Out: Anouk Meereboer (Gippsland United); Neomi Sipos (RAAF)

Last season: Champions (17 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss)

“SALE Women have had a positive preseason; the new girls have settled into the squad nicely,” Sale United Senior Women's Coach, Madelaine Breakspear said

“Hollie Ryan has returned to the club as an assistant coach She brings so much experience, a n d t h e g i r l s h a v e s o m u c h respect for her "

Falcons 2000

Coach: Sheeny Whadcoat

In: Not supplied

Out: Hannah Meyer (Moe), Danica Di Ciero (Olympians)

Last season: second (15 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses)

THERE is clearly a fair bit of work to do to catch up to Sale United

“We’ve got an incredible group of players who bring both talent and a great team culture, and now we’re looking to add a few more to round out the squad,” Falcons Senior Women’s Coach, Sheeny Whadcoat said Whadcoat remains proud of the environment that has been created at Falcons, and encourages anyone interested to get involved

Newborough/ Yallourn United

Coach: Not supplied

In: Not supplied

Out: Not supplied

Round 14

June 28: Moe United vs Traralgon City(T)

June 29: Monash vs Sale United, NYU vs Churchill United, East Gippsland vs Falcons 2000 Traralgon Olympians -BYE

Round 15

June 12: Moe United vs Falcons 2000 (T), Sale United vs NYU (N), Traralgon Olympians vs Churchill United (N)

July 13: Traralgon CityvsEastGippsland Monash -BYE

Round 16 -

July 20: Traralgon CityvsSale United, Churchill United vs Moe United, Monash vs Traralgon Olympians,NYU vs East Gippsland Falcons 2000 -BYE

Round 17

July 26:SaleUnited vs Churchill United (N)

July 27: Monash vs Moe United, NYU vs Falcons 2000, East Gippsland vs Traralgon Olympians Traralgon City-BYE

Round 18

August 2: Falcons vs Sale United (N)

August 3: Traralgon CityvsMonash, Traralgon Olympians vs NYU,Churchill United vs East Gippsland Moe United -BYE

for 2025

Last season: four th (11 wins,2 draws, 5losses)

WITHOUTFortuna in the league, it is hard to predict if that meansNewborough/ Yallourn will be closer to the topormid-table.

Last season they were just six points clear of Moe and Churchill in fifth and sixth, but without Fortuna, they're 10 points behind second.

How will they impr ove to form abig threerather than have Sale and Falcons dominate?

Moe United

Coach: HarleyRobinson

In: Hannah Meyer(Falcons); Rebecca VanDer Koogh, Bridget Green (Monash); Olivia Bialy(juniors); Tiana Reddiex(Gippsland United); Olivia Ware (nil)

Out: Jade Armistead (assistant coach); Tylah Armistead, BrookeWebley (nil)

Last season: fifth(9wins,2 draws, 7losses)

“ALTHOUGH it is never great losing three players who have been in the squad the last three seasons -Tylah being ourreigning best-andfairestwinner and Jadebeing our captain last season -we have been fortunate enough to have awealth of talent and experience inject into our side,”Moe Senior Women's Coach, Harley Robinson said.

“After two fifth-place finishes, Ibelieve we as agroup are well and truly poised to make the next step in this league.”

Churchill United

Coaches: Duncan Hanlon and TraversDoher ty

In: Natasha Fraser,Bree Morse,Christine Bingham, Liliana Capitanio(hiatus); Khaylianna Schembri (Newborough/Yallourn)

Out: Den Lim Keighran, Samantha Cavanagh,Sam Lawless (nil); EbonyWebb (Gippsland United)

Last season: sixth (9 wins, 2draws,7losses)

THE futureofthisside can only be bright, and it's safe to say the players are in good hands.

Last year's LVSL Women's coaches of the year, Duncan Hanlonand Travers Doherty, wil lt ak et he re ins at Churchill again.

"We hope to further improve on lastyear'smassiveimprovement," Hanlon said.

"All in all, the league will definitelybeacompetitive season for the women's teams in 2025."

Monash

Coaches: Russell Musgrove and CalebSemple

In: Not supplied

Out: Bridget Green (Moe)

Last season: Seventh (6 wins,1 draw,11losses)

IF improvement is on the tablefor the Monash women's side, it willbeall about bridging the gap to sixth, where Churchill finished 10 points ahead of them last season. It's difficult to say as to how theywillachievethis, but they will want to avoid getting sucked closer to the bottom of the table by any means.

Traralgon City

Coaches: Nathan Battand

TommyWinter

In: Not supplied Out: Not supplied

Last season: eighth (2 wins, 2draws,14losses)

AHEALTHY, young contingent of players is the best way to describe Traralgon City leading into the 2025 season.

Traralgon City is reaping therewards of their strong junior girls program,with the last three years of inclusions attaining to ahealthy amount.

Acco rding to the cl ub, senior wome nc o-coa ches Nathan Batt and Tommy

Winterare lookingforward to building on thefoundations of the group and to developthe squad’s skills even further.

Tyers

Coach: Katie Goodman

In: EmilyOgden (Olympians)

Out: Not supplied

Last season: Ninth (1 win, 3 draws, 14 losses)

TYERS will certainly be the hunted when it comes to Olympians, but that can be avoided.

Instead, Tyers can push their focus towards catching Traralgon City, whofinished two pointsabove them in eighth last season.

It's always along season at the bottomofthe table, but any successes willbe celebrated.

Traralgon Olympians

Coach: Chloe Mar tin

In: Danica Di Ciero (Falcons); Dharma Kotzur (university); Dara KendallJones (Gippsland United); Elise Winkel; McKenzie Wilson (Traralgon City)

Out: EmilyOgden (Tyers); Lamees Alafeshat, Chelsea Hinds,Abbie Thornton (nil) Last season: 10th (0 wins,1 draw,17losses)

SOME welcomed introductions into the side will hopefully boost the confidence of the playing group at Olympians.

For their first attempt in the women's competition, it went justabout how you would expect.

"Our goal this year was to try become more competitive," Olympians Senior Wome n's Coac h, Chloe Martin said.

"We have been lucky enough to recruit some experiencedplayerstoour side. all players that have made ahugeimpact already."

Round 1

LATROBE VALLEY SOCCERLEAGUE

March 15: Falcons 2000 vs Traralgon City, Moe United vs Traralgon Olympians

March 16: TyersvsSale United, Newborough YallournUnited vs Monash Churchill -BYE

Round 2

March 22: Sale United vs Moe United, Falcons 2000 vs Churchill United

March 23: Traralgon CityvsTraralgon Olympians, Monash vs Tyers NYU -BYE

Round 3

March 29: Sale United vs Traralgon Olympians,Churchill Untied vs Traralgon City, Falcons 2000 vs Monash, Moe United vs NYU (N) Tyers-BYE

Round 4

April 5: Falcons vs Traralgon Olympians

April 6: Monash vs Churchill United, Moe United vs Tyers, NYU vs Traralgon City Sale United -BYE

Round 5

April 12: Sale United vs Monash, Churchill vs NYU

April 13:Traralgon CityvsMoe United, Falcons vs Tyers Traralgon Olympians -BYE

Round 6-ANZAC Round

April25: Churchill United vs Traralgon Olympians (1pm)

April 26:Falcons 2000 vs MoeUnited April 27: TyersvsTraralgon City, NYUvsSale United Monash -BYE

Round 7

May3: Sale United vs Traralgon City

May4: Traralgon Olympians vs Monash, Moe Untied vs Churchill United, TyersvsNYU Falcons -BYE

Round 8

May10: Falcons 2000 vs NYU,Moe United vs Monash

May11: Traralgon Olympians vs Tyers, Churchill United vs Sale United. Traralgon City-BYE

Round 9

May17: Sale United vs Falcons 2000

May18: Monash vs Traralgon City, Tyersvs Churchill United, NYU vs Traralgon Olympians Moe United -BYE

Round 10

May24: Sale United vs Tyers, Traralgon Olympians vs Moe United May25:Traralgon CityvsFalcons 2000, Monash vs NYU Churchill United -BYE

Round 11

May31: Olympians vs Traralgon City, Moe United vs Sale United (N) June 1: Churchill United vs Falcons 2000, Tyersvs Monash NYU -BYE

Round 12

June 15: Traralgon CityvsChurchill United, Traralgon Olympians vs Sale United, Monash vs Falcons 2000, NYU vs Moe United Tyers-BYE

Round 13

June 21:Traralgon Olympians vs Falcons 2000, Churchill vs Monash

June 22: Traralgon CityvsNYU, TyersvsMoe United Sale United -BYE

Round 14

June 28: Moe United vs Traralgon City(N)

June 29: Monash vs Sale United, TyersvsFalcons 2000, NYU vs Churchill United Traralgon Olympians -BYE

Round 15

July 12: Sale United vs NYU, Traralgon Olympians vs Churchill United, Moe United vs Falcons 2000 (N) Monash -BYE

Round 16

July 20: Traralgon CityvsSale United, Churchill United vs Moe United, Monash vs Traralgon Olympians, NYU vs Tyers Falcons 2000 -BYE

Round 17

July 26: Sale United vs Churchill United

July 27: Monash vs Moe United, TyersvsTraralgon Olympians, NYU vs Falcons 2000 Traralgon City-BYE

Round 18

August 3: Traralgon CityvsMonash, Traralgon Olympians vs NYU, Churchill United vs Tyers, Falcons 2000 vs Sale United (3pm) Moe United -BYE

ABSEILING, alibi, bagel, bail, bailie,bailing,bale, baling,bane,bang,bangle, base,basil, basin, basing, bean, began, begin, being, bias,biasing,bile,bilge,bine, bise,blain, blase,blini, gable, gibe,glib,ibis, lesbian, sabin, sable,sibling,singable,slab, snib