Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 15 January 2025 by lvexpress.com

Cricketroyalty LordIan Botham wasintownfor the AGLLoy Yang Traralgon Junior International.

The Latrobe Valleyhad an embarrassment of sporting riches last week, with professional basketball, bowls and tennis players all coming to thearea.

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Photograph: Traralgon Tennis Association

What’sthe alternative? SEC to go if Libs win Praise the Lord

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE new Coalition Leader, Brad Battin, has vowed to abolish Victoria’srevived State Electricity Commission, in an initial announcement of the Coalition’s new policy approach.

The state government said it had reestablished the SEC, which was to have asubstantial presence in Morwell, to help drive down power prices. The thenpremierDanielAndrews announcedthe SEC plan during the 2022 state election campaign and seeded it with $1 billion in public money.

However, theSEC 2024 annual report said it had made just one -loss-making -investment, had spent $1.3 million on consultants, and had four board members walk out the door in its first year of operations, with only eight of its 45 staff members executives.

The Nationals Memberfor Morwell, MartinCameron,saidthe government had promised that the SEC “would be brought back to Morwell”, but the town only had acouple of employees working out of the GovHub.

“The SEC is nothingmore than abucket

of money going to promotional items for the Labor governmenttopretend they’re doing something,” Mr Battin told The Australian Financial Review.

“There ’s no real employment and there’s no real outcomes. The SEC is gone if we win.”

Mr Battin, 49, also pledged to haltconstructiononthe controversial Suburban Rail Loopifhebecomes Premier, while alsoputting the $2 billionventure capital fund Breakthrough Victoria under scrutiny,and willlook to cut property and payrolltaxes to improve investment in Victoria.

The Labor Member for EasternVictoria and Morwell MP, Harriet Shing, was madethe Minister responsible for the Suburban Loop at the recent Cabinet reshuffle by Premier Jacinta Allan.

The new Coalitio nt eam includes former tennis professional, Sam Groth as deputyleader; James Newburyas shadow treasurer; and Bridget Vallence in finance.

Mr Battin and the Leader of the Nationals and Gippsland SouthMP, Danny O’Brien, said they represented aunitedand motivated alternative

government, ready to restorefairness and opportunity for all after 10 years of Labor mismanagement.

The Liberals and Nationals new Shadow Cabinet has drawn up alistof critical issues facing the state. These include:

 Cost of Living Relief: Easing the burden on families by reducing energy costs, cutting taxes and implementing targeted support;

 Housing: Fast-tracking housing construction, making the dream of home ownership achievable again and ensuring affordable rentals;

 Infrastructure and Transport: Common sense investment in roads, public transport, and community facilities, particularly in growing areas that have been overlooked;

 Healthcare: Slashing hospital wait times, boosting ambulance services, and improving access to essential family health services;

 Safety: Focusing on crime prevention and youth engagement to create neighbourhoods where families feel safe to live, work, and play;

 Economic Growth and Responsible

Spending: Reducing taxes, stopping wastage of taxpayers’ money, reducing the state’s massive debt, and cutting red tape for small and medium businesses to stimulate job creation and reignite the state’s ‘have ago’ spirit; and,

 Education: Strengthening schools and expanding vocational opportunities to support everyone to reach their full potential.

Mr Batti ns ai dt he Liberal sa nd Nationals’ mission was clear: to end wasteful spending, get the basics right, and govern for all.

“The Liberals and Nationals’ alternative government is committed to rebuilding trust, pride, and delivering results for everyfamily, business, and community,” he said.

Mr O’Brien said for too long, Labor had neglected regional Victorians.

“Regional Victoria makes up 25 per cent of the state yet receives just 13 per cent of infrastructurefunding; our roads are goat tracks, our health services are struggling, and peopleare battling to find somewhere to live,” he said.

Continued -Page3

By KATRINABRANDON

HEAVY rain followed days of hot weather across the Latrobe Valley at the weekend. Temp eratur es reac hed 30 degrees last Saturdayand Sunday (January 11/12), presenting summer storms with lightning, rain, and hail.

Saturdaysaw alightningstorm, whichstruckmany areasinthe region, causing fires to start. Four fireswere started in the Erica/ Rawson area, afire in Flynn was re-sparked after it had been lit on Friday afternoon, while fire also broke out in Glenmaggie.

Local CFA and other firefighting crews workedhard throughoutthe weekend to ensure all fires and hotspots were extinguished.

Aweek before the more recent fire events, afire was recorded in Narracan East on January 5. Authorities have urged communities to remain vigilant. Recent weather patterns and warnings have triggeredaTotal Fire Ban period.InExtreme FireDanger Rat ing area s, alre ady igni ted firescan move fast and change as quickly as they were started. If there is afire in yourarea, authorities ask that roads are kept clear for emergency vehicles.

“Firefighters have had abusy start to the summer alre ady, responding to several incidents. They are ready to respond today, but Victorians need to play their part and not do things that could cause fires or unnecessary callouts,” CFAChief Officer, Jason Heffernan said.

“If you go to the beach or ariver during the weekend’s hot weather, always swim with afriend. Stay between the red and yellow flags at beaches and be careful of hidden dangers such as submerged objects, debris and strong currents in inland waterways.”

On Sunday,the Latrobe Valley Airport recorded up to 49.8 millimetres of rain throughout the day. High-pressure rain hit around 1.30pm following awarm morning. ASevere ThunderstormWarning was set throughout the East Gippsland area. Those in bushfire-prone areas are advised to keep an eye on the VicEmergency App, monitor local weather conditions and warnings and review your fire survival plan.

Local CFAfighting fireatGrampians

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

STRIKE teams fromlocal CFA districts headed to western Victoria to help contain the prolonged Halls Gap and Grampians National Park bushfire during the holiday period.

LeavingonBoxing Day, agroup of 24 people from across District 27 (Latrobe), District 9(Baw Baw Shire) and District10(Wellington) undertook three night shifts to combat the devastating and sprawling blaze.

Strike teams were made up by an abundance of local brigade members, including from across the 22 brigades in the Latrobe Valley.

Settling90minutes from the fire area at Victoria ParkinBallarat,they assembled on the eastern side of the fire near Pomonal and Moyston, led by Traralgon Fire BrigadeCaptain, Adam Townsend

“There wasothersinthere before (us). So we were doing anight shift, therewere some guys from District 8, which is the southernmetro in Melbourne, who were doing day shift,” he told the Express.

“But our involvement was apartofthe State Surge Capacity, so therewas fourstriketeams that were deployed and they were sent anywhere that was required.”

Consisting of five tankers with 3000 litres of water and aforward command vehicle, the water was obtained mainly from static supplies such as damsortank tops in abid to control the flames that towered above emergency services.

Across the three days, the initial Gippsland strike team handled arange of tasks including direct firefighting, acidprotectionand blackoutmethods to make sure the fire area was coldenough to touch.

“(Itwas)all hand-in-hand. We come underthe footprint of theHorsham Incident Control Centre

PoliceBeat with TomHayes

Paydisputeupdate

THE Fair Work Commissionhas rejected Victoria Police Command’s Arbitration Application, finding that Victoria Police had not yet exhausted all efforts to negotiate an outcome to the EBA dispute -which began in December 2023.

The Police Association of Victoria (TPAV) have asked the Fair Work Commission for its assistance to mediate negotiations between TPAV, Victoria Police Command, and the state government.

The assistance supplied by the Fair Work Commissionwill not be arbitration, meaning TPAV members still hold the valuable right to vote on any negotiated outcomes.

TPAV, FairWork Commission, Victoria Police, andthe state government are set to meet tomorrow (Thursday, January 16).

Suspicious fire

LATROBE Crime InvestigationUnit is currently investigating asuspiciously lit grass fire.

On January 4, 2025 at around 11.45pm, police and CFA attended agrass fireonBrodribb Road at the intersection of Nadenbouschs Rd in Hazelwood. It is alleged both sides of the road were deliberately set alight.

Detectives are appealing for public assistance and are seeking any witnesses or information relating to the fire including any video/dashcam footage.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Latrobe CIU on 5131 5000,orCrime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit an online report at: crimestoppersvic.com.au

Arrest made

DETECTIVES from Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit have arrested and charged aman whois

and thenweworked through acentrecommander who then fed us to the operationsofficer. Then they’d pass instructions then to me as astrike team leader and obviously then we deployed my troops accordingly,” Capt. Townsend said.

He also noted the difficultyinsimultaneously trying to coordinate achangeover with day shift crews while actively firefighting from the fire front.

AsecondGippsland striketeamled by Mark King then travelled west, working through as the calendar flipped to 2025.

The subsequentgroup bolstered 28 people, again working three night shifts from December 29 through to New Year’s Day, with five tankers and aforward command vehicle.

Leading up to the finalweekend’selevated fire danger,firefighters conducted burningout operations to reduce vegetation and strengthen containment lines.

“We were helping with Fire(Rescue Victoria) burn-outareasbetween roadside and the main fire to contain the fire… on the Grampians Road

allegedly linkedtoa series of burglaries which occurred in Novemberand December 2024 in Churchill.

It is alleged a30-year-old man was in possession of alarge quantity of stolen property which was recovered after detectives executed asearch warrant.

The Churchill man has been charged with handling stolen goods, firearm, weapon,and drug related offences.

He was remanded to appear at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court.

Drugs involved in heavy collision

BAIRNSDALE Highway Patrol recently attended aheavy vehicle collision into safety barriers causing substantial damage to the vehicle and barriers. There were no injuries to the driver.

The driver was drug and alcoholtested and returned apositive resultfor methyl amphetamine and will be summoned to court.

Thesafetybarrierswere effective in stopping thevehicle, so no othervehicles were involved,

therefore no injuries or fatalities to other road users.

Learner loses mum’scar

AN 18-year-old Warragul man will face court after being detecteddriving on asuspended learner permit.

The male was spotted travelling on Murray Street in Wonthaggi on December 30, 2024, when he was intercepted by police.

He stated the car belonged to his mum, but as she doesn’t have adriver licence either, the vehicle was impounded, at acost of $1275.

Thedriverwill be summoned to court at alater date

Collection stolen

SHEPPARTON Police are investigating after 150 collectable Barbie dolls were stolen from their Tatura dream home.

Unknown offenders allegedly forced entryto aresidence on William St between Thursday, December 5and Wednesday, December 11, 2024 whilethe occupants were on holidays.

The Grampians National Park bushfire was marked contained on January6after 21 days of burning,with the official warningdowngraded to advice level and residents permitted to return to their properties.

The cool weatherchange and downpour of rain brought relief to residents and firefighters alike after the heat rose to 40 degrees across the final weekend of burning in parts of the region.

Beginning on December 17, the blaze destroyed four homes and 40 outbuildings across more than 76,000 hectares of national park and farmland, with afire footprint circumference of 422 kilometres.

Emergency Management Victoria confirmed preliminary dataindicating that 775 sheep, one horse,one beefcow and 1285 beehives wereburned during the period.

In addition, more than 13,500 hectares of farmland and 10,000 hectares of pasture were burned and 540 kilometres of fencing was damaged. Firefighters and aircraft were actively patrolling the areas in and around the national park throughout the elevated fire danger period, addressing hotspots early and preventing any further spread of the existing fire.

Crews worked alongside Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV),who were using dozers to construct containment lines.

MelbourneWater firefighters were also deployed under FFMV to protectwatercatchments and communities.

Halls Gap and the GrampiansNationalPark remained closedtovisitors overthe followingdays.

The offenders stole the Barbies, along with Elvis collectables and aJackDaniels esky. The myriad of iconic dolls are all still in their original packagingand tookthe owner 12 years to collect. The dolls were releasedbetween 1970 and 2017 and whilepriceless to their collector, are estimated to be worth in excess of $15,000.

Many of the Barbies are extremely rare and police have released images of some of the stolen dollsinthe hope someonemay provide information.

Officers are asking the public to keep their eye out for anyone attemptingtosell the vintage dolls, particularly on online platforms.

Anyone with information that can assist police in locating the Barbies is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit aconfidential report online at: crimestoppersvic.com.au

and Sundial Road… right in Halls Gap itself,” Mr King said.

Heroes: A24-person Gippsland striketeam suppor tedinthe containment of the Halls Gapand GrampiansNationalParkbushfire. Photographs supplied No

break: Thesecond Gippsland strike team headed across to thefireareafromDecember 29 to NewYear’s Day.

Disintegrated: TheGrampians bushfireburnt morethan 10,000 hectares of land

Come on Barbie let’s go search party: Countlesscollectable dolls were stolen in Taturalast month. The whereabouts of the dolls arestill unknown.

Lucky escape: No one wasinjured followingthis collision in East Gippsland, which sawa truck driver crash while under theinfluenceofmethyl amphetamine Photographs supplied

Opposition unveils their alternative plan

From Page 1

“WE will ensure that under aL iberals and Nationals government, regionalVictoria gets its fair share,” Mr O’Brien said.

He added that the new Public Land Management portfolio was a“lineinthe sandmoment” to arrest Labor’sneglect of public land.

“Victoria has some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, but too often under Labor they are neglected, locked away from public access, full of weeds and feral animals and afire risk waiting to explode,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The Liberals and Nationals will actively manage our public land for better environmental and recreational outcomes.”

The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, MelinaBath, is the Coalitionspokesperson for public land management.

The Minister for Energy,Lily D’Ambrosio, described Mr Battin as a“hard-right and incompetent Liberal leader” who had just revealed the first of many cuts.

“Brad Battin has used his first policy announcement to cutthe SEC -public owned renewable energy made for people, not profit. Brad Battin will recycle his political hero Jeff Kennett’s plan and sell off and privatise Victorian renewable energy infrastructuretoprivate, for-profitcompanies, at the expense of Victorian families’ power bills,” she said.

Nats drawing a line in the sand

COMMENT

BY MELINA BATH

AS apassionate bush user, Iamhonoured to be appointedShadowMinister for Public Land Management.

Our strong focus on public land management is aline in the sand moment.

Locallywehave seen overgrowntracks, delayedupgrades to parks infrastructure and the closure of loved jetties.

Iwill prioritise active land management, including fuel reduction burning, weed and pest control, and ensuring public access to our state forests.

Neglecting public land leads to invasive wee ds, feral pest s, and hi gh-i nten sity bushfires, risking bothcommunitiesand the environment.

The Allan Labor government’s flawed“lock and leave” approach is degrading our natural estates.

The mental health benefits of outdoor activities and connecting with nature are well-documented. Gettingthe balanceright in public landmanagement cannot be achieved while Labor is cutting budgets and regional staff from DEECA and Parks Victoria.

The Liberals and Nationals will prioritise balanced land management to preserve forests,enhance recreation, and deliver environmental benefits.

Tog ether wi th my Ab ori gin al Affa ir s portfolio, Iameager to get started.

Melina Bath is The Nationals Member for EasternVictoria Region,Shadow Minister for Public Land Management and Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Letters to theEditor: Pages24-25

“When the Liberals last sold off Victoria’s essential services and profits offshorethe generators alone made $23 billion in profit at the expense of Victorian families. Power bills increased 170 per cent from 1995 to 2012 alone.

“A record number of vulnerable Victorians had their power disconnected.”

Ms D’Ambrosio said Mr Battin’s Liberal Party would shut downrenewableenergy andsend Victorians’ power bills through the roof.

“We broughtback theSEC forgood- enshrining state-owned renewable energy in Victoria’s Constitution. We will fighttokeep publicly owned energy in the hands of Victorians to drive down power bills,” she said.

“Construction on the SEC’s first investmentthe 600-megawatt Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub- is nowatthe halfway point,with 650 people employeddelivering this critical project, and it’s on track to be connected to the grid in 2025.

“In November last year, the SEC secured its second project with a$370million investment to build the SEC Renewable Energy Park -amassive solar farm and battery in Horsham.

“The more renewable energy we build, the more we will drive down Victorians’ power bills.”

Mr O’Brien has retained his role as the Coalition’s roads and road safety spokesperson, and is also taking on regional development and liveability.

His Gippsland Nationals colleague, Member for GippslandEast, TimBull (pictured) hasadded disability, ageing, carersvolunteerstohis portfolio.

Busy, busy: Member forGippsland East,Tim Bull has added ShadowMinister forDisability, Ageing,Carersand Volunteerstohis portfolio File photograph

Highdemandfor localwater use

GIPPSLAND Water is reminding customers to practise smart water use, following arecent surge in demand.

The company ’s managin gd irector ,S ar ah Cumming said water consumption in some parts of itsservice area had increased by up to 30 per cent on Saturday, January 4and Sunday, January 5.

“On hot days like these, we typically see demand increase in the early morning and at night, when people increase in-house use and water the garden,” Ms Cumming said.

“While we understandthe need to stay hydrated and keep gardens alive during the hotter months, surging demand on very hot days can put pressure on our systems.”

Ms Cumming said there was practical ways to usewater efficiently.

“We encourage customers to do their garden watering overnight if possible, between the hours of 9pm and 6am. If you have sprinklers with timers, you can also adjust them to water during those times,” she said.

“This helps to even out demand across the day and minimise pressure impacts. It’s also good for thegardenbecausethe waterhas achancetoseep in during thecooler hours of the day.

“Having shorter showers -four minutes or less -and reusing water where possible can also make abig difference.

“If everyone does their bit to use water responsibly, the likelihood of sudden surges and low-pressure events is reduced.

“However, thereare times during heatwaves whensupplies may be interrupted by other factors, like extended power outages, which can slow the rate at which we can treat water.

“Ifsuppliesare interrupted,we’ll aimtonotify customers in several ways, including text message, our website and social media.”

To find out more about heatwaves, visit: gippswater.com.au/heatwaves

January’sGippsland Farmer is now online

THE Januaryedition of GippslandFarmer is now available both online and in digital form.

Key stories in this month’s publicationsinclude:  Allagricultural land in Victoria should be mapped and strategic land use planning established to protect farmland in major areas such as Gippsland, accordingtoalandmark report by aVictorian parliamentary committee.

 TheGippsland AgriculturalLeadership Program will run for the first time this year, taking an agriculture-specific focustoequip localfarmers, landmanagers and agriculture professionals with the skills to plot local agriculture’s future.

 VicGrid has refined thestudy areafor the transmission infrastructure needed to support

offshore windgenerationoff the coast of Gippsland, and is also seeking abuilder for the project.

 Blackjack Angus at Westbury, just north of Moe,offers the opportunity to view and buybulls out of the paddock at its Beef Week Open Day from 9am to 5pm on Sunday, February2

 From all farming areas, about175 women (and afew men)attended theWomeninDairy Discussion Group third end-of-year lunch at Moe Racing Club.

 Morethan70peopleattended the 28th Annual BelokaKelpie Championships in Welshpool

 Leaderofthe Nationals, Danny O’Brien, has urgedthe state government to revampits

forestry management practicesaspartofthe independent review into the future of Parks Victoria

 Gary McAinch wasawarded the highly regarded RJ (Bob) Pitman Award at the2024 annual meetingofthe Macalister Research Farm Co-operative, trading as Macalister Demonstration Farm (MDF).

 Former BrisbaneLionstriple premiership player, coach and current Collingwood assistant coach, Justin Leppitsch,alongside business partners, has bought, renovated and reopened the pubatPort Welshpool Read more at: gippslandfarmer.com.au

New NEPT reforms to help patients

THE stategovernment will introducearange of reforms to Victoria’s non-emergency patient transport (NEPT) sector.

The government has said the reforms will ensure it can continue to meet patient needs and deliver for the community.

This workfollows an extensive review of the sectorundertaken by Member forMelton and former paramedic, SteveMcGhie, with thereview reporting that service demandhas increasedsignificantly since 2019 -averaging 400,000 individual transports each year.

The review also highlighted that while the current system hasmanystrengths, improvements are necessary to boost access, increase efficiency, and better meet patient needs and workforce expectations.

In response to the review, the state government will implementimprovements to the existing model, with licensedprivate providers to continue delivering services.

These includebetter integration and coordinationofNEPTwithin thewider health system, strengthening monitoring of performance and patient experience, and improving staff conditions, governance and oversight.

Ministerfor AmbulanceServices, Mary-Anne Thomas said it was vital improvements were made.

“NEPT services play afundamental role in supporting the health needs of Victorians -that is why we are strengthening its delivery, to improve access, patient experience and support the highly skilled workforce,” she said.

“Demand for both ambulancesand NEPT services

remainhigh across our state, making Steve’s recommendations all the more important."

To be considered for future contracts, private providers will be required to address the casualisation of the workforce through the implementation of permanent employment targets by 2027/28.

Dedicated strategies will also be developed to support the attraction,retention and ongoing development of the workforce. This will include ensuring NEPT workers can respond to patients within their scope of practice,aswell as career pathways to support transitions between the NEPT, broader health and emergency sectors.

Workwillalsoget underway to improve timeliness and reliabilityofservices, so planned transports aren’t delayedbycrews being diverted to aTriple Zero caller.

To support this,HealthShare Victoria (HSV) -which is alreadyresponsible for the procurement of NEPT for health services -will assume responsibility for the procurement of NEPT for Ambulance Victoria.

Contract arrangements will be revised to minimise NEPT responses to Triple Zero callers that, in turn, disrupt planned responses to patients who require clinicalmonitoringtoreturn home or access health care.

The centralised procurement of NEPT services by HSV, for both health services and Ambulance Victoria, will reduce the duplication that currently exists, enable more timely services across the state and keep paramedics free to respond to patients experiencingtime criticalmedical emergencies. Thesechangeswillalsofocus on givingNEPT

providers sufficient transport volumes to support viability and improve accesstoservices particularly in rural and regional areas wheredemandfor NEPT is lower.

Additional policy changes in response to the NEPT Review remain under active consideration and are subject to further decisions by the government.

NEPT services are available to Victorians who require clinical monitoring and supervision during transport to, from and between health care service

These reforms are just one way the government is working to ensure both NEPTand emergency ambulance resources are operating effectively and efficiently and, most importantly, are available to Victorians when and where they need them.

The extensive review undertakenbyMrMcGhie inclu ded an early dis cussio np ap er ,p ub lic submissions fromstakeholders and face-to-face consultation via aseries of roundtables and oneon-one meetings.



AMBULANCE Victoria (AV) paramedics are also calling on the Victorian community to make use of what3words via the Emergency Plus app.

What3words is ap rogram linked to the Emergency Plus app which divides the world into three metre squares, with each square assigned a unique combination of three words.

Just these words can be used to find aprecise location -which can be invaluable in life-threatening emergencies when every minute counts.

Mobi le Int ens ive Care Ambul ance (MICA ) paramedic Matt Nadin said what3words was crucial in helping locate awoman in urgent need of medical attention.

“We were having difficulty locating the patient based off their description alone,” he said.

“We felt that time was running out and we had exhausted allour traditional methods to establish theirlocation.

“I suggested instructing the patient to use what3words and this simple step allowed us to pinpoint their location and reach them within minutes.”

The Emergency Plus app shows apatient’s latitude and longitude in addition to their unique three words.

Calls to Triple Zero(000),SES and for non-urgent police matters can be made directly through the Emergency Plus app.

What3words can alsobeaccessedthroughits own website and app.

Mr Nadin saidall Victorians withamobile device should ensurethey havequick access to what3words.

“It’s an incredible tool if you’re in an emergency and don’t know exactly where you are,” he said.

“Whether that’s in arural or remote area, along afreeway or highway, or simply in anew place -what3words takes away the guessworkwhich helps us reach you faster.

“You can tell aTriple Zero call taker your three words and they will know what to do to pass this location information on to all required emergency services.”

Location servicesvia the Emergency Plus app can be pre-loadedand used without an internet connection.

For more information, visit: emergencyplus.com au

Increased demand for Victorian social housing Mine rehabilitation discussed

MORE than 2200 new applications for social housing across Victoriawere made in justthree months, according to new government data.

Homes Victoria’s latest figures show there was 63,803 applications waiting for public and community housing at the end of September 2024 -an increase of 2216 (3.6per cent) in three months.

In thesameperiod, the priority waitlist grew by 1235 to 36,039 applications, a3.5 per centjump. Over six months, the number of applications hasincreased by 9.1per cent,with5344 more applications waiting for social housing or needing transfers.

Council to Homeless Persons has called for urgent investment in public and communityhousing in response to skyrocketing demand.

"Every day, more and more Victorians are being pushed into homelessness because the private rental market has failed and thereisn’t enough social housing to provide asafetynet,” Council to Homeless Persons Chief Executive, Deborah Di Natale said.

"Victoria already rankslastinthe country on the proportionofsocialhousing, and with demand increasing by over nine per cent in just six months, the situation is urgent.

"We need the Victorian government to commit to building at least 6000 public and community homes each year for adecade just to meet the current demand..

"Behindeach of thoseapplicationsisarealperson or family who is being failed by our system, and needlessly forced to suffer. That’s especially true of themore than 36,000 priority applications, who include the most vulnerable Victorians in desperate

need, such as women with children escaping family violence.

"The ever-widening gap between the needfor social housing and the amount of homes available is the sharpest tip of Victoria's housing crisis.

"We need urgent investment before it becomes a human catastrophe."

Morwell MP and Minister for Housing, Harriet Shing said the state government's Homes First program would help more than 500 households secure housing.

"Morehomesmeans more opportunity, but it's also essential that vulnerable Victorians can get the support in other areas that they need to break the cycle of homelessness," she said.

"The causes of homelessness are complex, but we know that wraparound support services make an enormous difference in achieving positive long-term outcomes in health, education and employment."

The programisoperating in Inner Gippsland, Brimbank-Melton, Hume-Merribek, Outer Eastern Melbourne, Goulburn,Ovens Murray, Loddon, and Wimmera South-West.

The state government is investingmore than $197 million into frontline homelessness services in this year's budget, building on more than $300 million invested into homelessness services every year -helping more than 100,000 Victorians.

The state government is also investing $6.3 billion through the Big Housing Build and Regional Housing Fund to deliver more than 13,300 social and affordable homes across Victoria -with 10,000 homes already complete or underway.

TEA Mm em be rs fr om the Min eL and Rehabilitation Authority(MLRA) presented and chaired at the 17th Annual International Mining Closure Conference.

The conference, held last NovemberinPerth, is afixture on the calendars of many mining professionals, providing topical and high-quality papers and presentations on arange of topics of immediate interest and relevance.

Dr Jen Brereton, the MLRA chief executive, and Antonia Scrase, the MLRA technicaldirector, usedthe opportunitytopresent information about the complexities and challengesthat are experienced in preparing the three declared brown coal mines for rehabilitation in the Latrobe Valley.

The titles of their presentations were In which conversations should community stakeholders be involved and The Perfect Storm

Akey feature of the conference series was the diversityofdisciplines and expertise that come together to focus on the pressing issues facing the mine closure community globally.

Dr Brereton said the conference was about sharing information.

“The International Mining Closure Conference provides an opportunity for the diverse range of people working in this space to share skills and discuss the complexitiesand opportunities involved with mine rehabilitation,” she said.

The Mine Land RehabilitationAuthority is an independent authority working with community, industry, and government to facilitate the rehabilitation of declared mine sites to ensure they are safe, stable and sustainable for the beneficial use of future generations.

To find out more, visit: mineland.vic.gov.au/ contact-us/

Leader: Mine Land Rehabilitation AuthorityChiefExecutive, Dr JenBreretonspeaking at the Annual International Mining ClosureConference Photograph supplied

Local rent prices take another rise

By STEFAN BRADLEY

THE median weekly rent for aGippslandhome has risen by more than seven per cent over the yeartoDecember 2024, comparedtoless than fourper cent acrossthe whole of regional Victoria, according to the latest REA Group Market Insight released last week.

As awhole, regional Victoria median rentalprices grew by 2.2 per cent over the Decemberquarter to $460 per week. Melbourne’s median rent was flat over the December quarterand recorded a3.6 per cent increase year-on-year.

The Gippsland SA4 area median rent is $450a week, with aquarterly growth of 2.3 per cent over the December quarter.

National median weekly advertised rents increased by 1.6 per cent over the December 2024 quarter to anew high of $620.

Senior economist at the REA Group, Paul Ryan described the riseinregional rents as a“hangover from the pandemic”, as there are still people from metropolitanareas looking to move to regional areasfor lifestyle reasons and take advantage of more affordable housing and remote work opportunities.

“AndIthink the other factorisonthe supply side, we’ve seen abit moreconstructionstill in Melbourne, just because these pre-existing industries are responding to increases in demand,” Mr Ryan said.

“So Ithink that’s likely to change in the future.

We’re seeing the benefits of more affordablehousing waning as rent prices and property prices have increased in regional parts of the country.

“And Ithink housing construction and investors buying investment properties in regional areas is picking up in responsetoincreased housing demand (in the regions).”

The east area of Gippsland is recording amuch slower growth yearly of 4.6 per cent, compared to the south west of Gippsland, which has recorded seven per cent. However both have the same median rent of $460 aweek, so Mr Ryan believes it’s part of the market rebalancing.

“(Gippsland) is still an affordable and appealing region from alifestyle perspective, and that’s continuing to bring people into the region,” he said.

Hot water apotential gas replacement

By KIANA BROOKS-AMOR

ATOTALof6000square kilometres of geothermal energy resources lay below the surface of Latrobe Valley and surrounds.

Professor in Physics at Melbourne University, RachelWebster, spokeatthe Innovation Breakfast in Morwell last November.

Ms Websterdiscussed the industrial capabilities of hot water as agas replacement.

“The low hanging fruitisthe water aquifers,” she said.

“The idea is to bring that hot water up from the

aquifer into aclosed loop, and to run it past aheat exchanger. So,inother words, take the heat out of the water… and then put the water back down into the aquifer, so that you don’t deplete the aquifer.” The waterstretches from MorwelltoLakes Entrance.

Though Ms Webster said the aquifers could not serviceevery industry currentlyusinggas, she said they would support manyVictorianfoodproduction companies.

She said that some fertiliser industries are interested in the geothermal resources.

“There’s alot of industriesfor which thisheat would be useful,” she said.

“We’ve got to the point now where we think it’s anobrainer.”

Astate government spokespersons added: “We’re partnering with the University of Melbourneto explore geothermal energy technologies as away to deliver cost-effective low emissions heating and cooling for industrial businesses in the Latrobe Valley.”

In 2019,the GippslandRegional Aquatic Centre startedusing geothermal water resources.

“A small increase in demandfrom peoplemoving to the regionscan haveabig impact on price,and I think that’s what we’ve seen the past two-to-three years.

“But Ithink across the board we’re expecting a bit of aslowerpace of increases over the next 12 months, whichwill hopefully give renterssome relief. And it’s been some time now where renters have not had much relief.”

Mr Ryan said that January marks the busiest time of year for therental market,withtenants out in large numbers looking for new rental homes

“We expect rents to increase moderately this year, with the trend of slower rent to persist throughout 2025,” he said.

THE leader of the federal Nationals, David Littleproud, has denied that the Coalition’s proposed nuclear energy policy is dividing rural communities.

Queriedonthe ABC whether many rural communities are angry, divided and frustrated over the policy, Mr Littleproud saidthese emotions were only from asmall minority.

“What we’re seeing in the polling, what everyone’s seeingthe polling in these communitiesisoverwhelming support for a transition of these coal-fired power stations to nuclear power plants. Nearly 80 per cent of the people that work in acoal-fired power station cantransition acrossinto anuclear power plant,” he told the ABC.

“Regional Australia doesn’t want afuture littered withtransmission lines,solar panels and wind turbines. We all believe that we have to reduce our emissions, but we should have asay in that future and that it shouldn’t just be an all-renewables approach.”

Mr Littleproud said this was not just about regional Australia.

“We should spreadour risk. That’s justcommon sense. You shouldn’t put all your energy eggs in one basket. We need baseload power to do an all-renewables approach,” he said.

“There’s no country of the industrial scale thesizeofAustralia that’s doing it anywhere elseinthe world. We need that baseload power. Otherwise you need over three times the amount of generation that you’ve got at the moment in baseload power. So that means alot more transmission lines, alot more solar panels and wind turbines.

“And we’re destroying the very thing we’re saving, we’re tryingtoprotect the natural environment and we’re tearing up your food security, taking away prime agricultural land. So there is amix.”

Mr Littleproudsaidthe Coalitionwas committed to reducing emissions.

“Regional Australia wants to play arole in that, but we also want the high paying jobs that come with it, not ones that last for 10 to 15 years, but one that leaves alegacy of 80 to 100 years,” he said.

“And that’s why communities are saying, ‘I’ve got one going into my own electorate’, and there’s overwhelming support in those areas for it because they see the opportunity for jobs.But in delivering that baseloadpower to give us an energy mix that reduces our emissions and givesusreliable, affordable energy into the future.”

The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 15 January, 2025 —Page

Going quick: Januar yisthe busiest time of year forthe rental market.

Photograph: iStock

Bridging gaps for mental health service

INDEPENDENT candidate for Monash, Deb Leonard is advocating for improved mental health services and suicide prevention strategies in the region, following many conversations with those in thecommunity.

Ms Leonard recently met with Donna Kerr from Daniel’s Wings of Pride to explore solutions for bridging the gaps in mental health services.

Donna’s son Daniel struggledwith mentalhealth issues throughout his teenage years. Although he was proactive in reaching out for help, the necessary

Cancer support in high demand

VICTORIANS are continuing to call 13 11 20 -CancerCouncil Victoria’s vital information and support phoneline for people affected by cancerand theirfamilies -ascost-of-living pressures hit home.

From January 1toNovember 30, 2024 Cancer Council Victoria’s cancer nurses responded to 12,291 enquiries, highlighting the ongoing demand for cancer support services.

Throughout 2024, the primary reasons for calling 13 11 20 included: Psychological and emotional support: 4291 enquiries; Practical issues (suchasmanagingthe cost of cancer): 2261 enquiries; Treatment and management of cancer: 1782 enquiries; General information (such as navigating the health system): 1506 enquiries; and, Earlydetection and screening:675 enquiries

Cancer CouncilVictoria’s Head of Strategy and Support, Danielle Spence said many Victorians experiencing cancer, including their family members, have struggled emotionally while navigating the cancer system and dealing with cost-of-living pressures.

“In 2024, our emotional counselling referrals increased by 31 per cent, while our financial counselling referrals increased by 52 per cent,” Ms Spence said.

“Some Victoriansare finding the costof cancer and living overwhelming.

“Some people are unable to work due to the sideeffectsoftreatment, and theyare telling us that, for the first time, they are having to tap into their life savings to make ends meet.”

Cancer Council Victoria’s 13 11 20 cancer information and support line is available to anyone affected by cancer.

“We provideemotionalsupportthrough counselling as well as practical support such as financial counselling to help manage the cost of cancer,” Ms Spence said.

“13 11 20 is free, confidential, and available for anyone affected by cancer who has a question -those diagnosed and their family, friends, and carers.”

Interpretersare also available via 13 14 50 Ms Spence saidthat celebrationsand special occasionsover the holidayperiod can be challenging for people affected by cancer.

“Feelings of sadness and loneliness can be stronger at this time, and you may worrythat your emotions will dampen the occasion for others,” she said.

“Please reachout to our qualified cancer nurses -you don’t have to go through your cancer experience alone.”

supports were not available,and he tragicallytook his own life in September 2023 at age 21.

Donna believes Daniel’s death could have been prevented with proper interventions. She is now committed to ensuring others do not experience similar gaps in the system.

In response to her son’s death, Donna founded

Daniel’s Wings of Pride in his memory, aiming to provide essential mental health support.

“I don’t want the same thing to happen to any other child, parent or person ever again,” Donna said.

Donna has plans to facilitateawelcoming, judgment-free space in Leongatha for thoseseeking connection and support, offeringabereavement group and asafe place to talk.

Daniel’s Wings of Pride is holding its first BereavementGroup on Thursday, January 23 from 7.30pm at Deb Leonard’s campaign office at 40B Bair Street, Leongatha.

This group is free to attend and open for all those who have lost aloved one.

“Everyone is welcome to come for aconfidential chat, acupper and some supper,” Donna said.

“We listen, without judgment, everyone is welcome.”

Ms Leonard highlights the success of asimilar initiative in Trafalgar run by Jason and Kerry Rantall of Better Mentall, where they have created an open space for people to drop in and have achat

This has been instrumental in creating connection in community and sharing the burden of mental healthwithothers. This voluntary service also helps people connect with the professional supports they need.

“There are significant gapsinmental health care -from acute care to early intervention,” Ms Leonardsaid.

“The system is failing our community -weface higher rates of mental health issues and suicidesin

regional and rural areas, yet we lack the supports that are available in city areas.”

Currently, individuals with an acute mental health episode in Bass Coast must be transported to Traralgon for treatment.

The situation is evenmore dire for those not severeenough for immediate intervention but still in need of help.

“The system does not cater for those that are on the edge but not in aserious enough state for acute care,” Ms Leonard said.

Ms Leonard has spoken with people who have attempted to seek help at early stages, but the closest preventionand recovery programisin Bairnsdale. This is often out of reach for those struggling, whichcan compound their condition and may lead to far more serious consequences.

Donna urges those experiencing mental health issues to speak up.

“If you’re uncomfortable, reach out to me -Ican connect you with help. It’s what Daniel would have wanted.”

Services need to be free Donna says, as financial pressures cause situational stress and should not be afactor for people getting the help they need.

Ms Leonard said she has seen the trauma caused to peopleand families in the community from mentalhealth and suicide, both personallyand through her work as alawyer.

“If elected, Iwill fight to get us the mental health services and funding for people in our region, to enable early intervention measures and prevent further suicides,” she vowed.

“We need to be able to provide these services at no cost and have them easily accessible -itmakes sense to invest in the health of our community.”

Labor report card time: Cameron

AFTER 10 years of JacintaAllan and Labor, Victorians, and especially the Latrobe Valley have never been worse off, according to the Nationals Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron.

“For the last decade, Jacinta Allan has held senior positions in the Victorian Labor government, and she has consistently failed to deliver on her commitments to Victorians,” he said.

“On almost every key performance indicator, Laborhas allowedVictoriatofall behind other states.

“After reflectingonwhatthe lastdecadehas brought forthe LatrobeValley, it’s clearweare being left behind.”

Mr Cameron has compiled areport card on the state government’s performance, rating it a‘Fail’ in all areas: Roads,Health, Crimeand Policing, Energy,Jobs,Industry,Housing,Cost of Living and Major Project Blowouts.

Mr CameronsaidLabor had had 10 years to shore-up Victoria’s energy network, afterannouncing the accelerated closure of power stations without aplan to keep the lights on.

“The ‘revived’ SEC will not deliver enough renewable energy in time for the closure of our coal-fired powerstations,”hesaid.

“Labor said the SEC would be ‘brought back to Morwell’, but all we have is acouple of employees working out of the GovHub.”

Mr Cameron said Victorians continued to pay the highestenergy costsinthe country,with wholesale electricity prices soaring by 114 per cent year-onyear, according to the Australian Energy Regulator.

“Labor is fighting an ideological war againstgas, and after 10 years has failed to approve asingle

newonshore conventional gas exploration permit -meaning Victorians will face daily and monthly gas shortages from 2026,” he said.

Mr Cameron said roads were in ruins and crucial road safetyprojects had been shelved at the expense of spending on the Suburban Rail Loop and other blowout projects in metropolitan Melbourne.

“Our health system is broken and hospitals are struggling to provide even basic services, emergency departments are overwhelmed,and the ambulance system is in crisis,” he said.

“Our state is in the grips of ayouth crime crisis, and criminal incidentscommittedby10to17-yearolds in the Valley have risen 30 per cent since Jacinta Allan became Premier.

“The Latrobelocal government area also has the highestcrime rate of any municipality outside of metropolitan Melbourne. Despite this, and despite the state being in the grips of an unprecedented youthcrime crisis, Labor nonsensically weakened bail laws last year and increased the criminal age of responsibility to 12.”

Mr Cameron said the unemployment rate in Morwell wasa staggering 13 per cent, yet the state government had forged ahead with closures of the Maryvale white paper mill, the native timber industry, and power stations.

“Our industries are being decimated and we are at acriticaljuncture where investment is needed urgently, but Jacinta Allan has sat on her hands and failed to shore-up the Valley’s future,” he said.

The state government promised anew home for electricityvehicle production with 500 jobs, but the project was abandoned.

Mr Cameronsaidthe state government had

acknowledged that Japan’s world-first Hydrogen Energy SupplyChain project, using brown coal from Loy Yang to produce hydrogen, could create ‘thousands of jobs’.

“But the Minister forEnergy,Lily D’Ambrosio has jeopardised the viability of the project by her anti-coal ideology to rule over common sense,” he said.

Mr Cameronsaidthe state government had failed to address the jobs crisis in the Valley,and that Ms Allanmaintained that jobs would be created in offshore wind.

“Premier, the Latrobe Valley doesn’t have a coastline,” Mr Cameron said.

Mr Cameron added that the state had refused to review existing coal-related overlays to unlock valuable land for investment.

The coal overlays were more than 40 years old, with some outdated, obsolete and stifling development.

“Th eoverlaysare preventing constructionofthe transformational Traralgon bypass, development of the South East Traralgon Precinct, locking up landinMorwell andHazelwood North,and wasting hundreds of hectares of land that could be used for new industries,” he said.

Mr Cameron said the Valley’s housing stocks were going backwards, despite ahollow promise that 80,000 homes would be built every year.

“The Valley has actually lost 37 public housing properties since 2018,” he said.

“Our power prices, food costs, and insurances haveall skyrocketed -thankstoa whopping 56 new or increased taxes and Labor’s economic mismanagement.”

Poignant: Independent candidatefor Monash, Deb Leonardwith Donna Kerr.MsKerr has set up a communityhub in memor yofher son. Photograph supplied

Thorpdale Potato Festival coming soon

God’scountry: TheThor pdale Potato Festivalcelebrates the rich farming area of thedistrict.

THE much loved Thorpdale Potato Festival is on the horizon.

The bi-annualfestival celebrates all things spuds -the staple industry of the Thorpdale district.

Organisers are putting on the finishing touches, in readiness for an expected crowd of thousands for the festival in March.

Entries are still open for the Hessians on the Field competition.

Hessians on the Field challenges entrants to design and showcase an outfit,accessory or unique item predominately made from new or recycled hessian.

Some creatives designs have been seen for the popular festival segment over the years, with peopletakingthe material used for potato bags and turning them into something extraordinary.

Prizemoney is on offer, so now appears the time to dust off the sewing machine and get creating.

Categories are primary, secondary and open.

Visit: thorpdalepotatofestival.com.au/hessianson-the-field to learn more and submit your entry.

The Thorpdale Potato Festival will be held Sunday, March 9atThorpdale Recreation Reserve.

Gates open at 9.30am.

The festival is afun-filled day for all of the family and features music, food, kids entertainment, fashion, photography, cooking demonstrations and of course, potato sack races.

All profitsfromthe event are reinvested back into the Thorpdale community.

To stay up to date with the latest info, visit: thorpdalepotatofestival.com.au or subscribeto the festival's social media channels.

Risks posed by unattended items

RACV has provided information to Victorians aboutcommon items oftenleft in cars that could be damaged or pose safety risks.

RACV General Manager Motoring Products, Jeff Ames said many drivers are unaware of the risks associated with leaving everyday items in their vehicles.

“RACV is urging all motorists to be mindful of what they store in their cars, especially as the hot weather increases,” Mr Ames said.

“Many of these items are often overlooked hazards and by taking simple precautions, we can significantly reduce the risk of damage to personalproperty and potential safety issues."

The five common items you shouldn’t keep in your car include:

 Electronic devices: Smartphones, laptops, and other gadgets with lithium-ion batteries can overheat, potentially leading to fire hazards;

 Medicine: Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can become less effective or inactive when exposed to extreme temperatures in parked cars;

 Aerosol cans: Deodorants, air fresheners, and other spray cans may explode under pressure in hot vehicles;

 Sunscreen: Heat can break down the

active ingredients in sunscreen, rendering it ineffective for sun protection, and;

 Glasses and sunglasses: Frames can warp in high temperatures, and lenses left on dashboards may create fire hazards.

Victorian Crime Statistics Agency data also shows aconcerning 16 per cent increase in thefts from motor vehicles, with 53,329 reported cases in Victoria for the year ending June 2024, up from 45,984 the previous year.

"This significant rise in vehicle break-ins is concerning and we strongly advise drivers to remove all valuables and always lock their vehicles to prevent opportunistictheft,” Mr Ames said.

RACV recommends that drivers regularly check their vehicles for items that should be removed and stored safely elsewhere.

RACV also emphasised the importance of maintaining awell-stocked car safety emergency kit, car insurance and keeping Emergency Roadside Assistance details on hand in case of emergency.

For more informationoncar safetyand security, visit: racv.com.au

Ready to go bushwalking in 2025

THE StrzeleckiBushwalking Club is ready to go againfor another year.

With the holiday season starting to fade from memory, perhaps now is time to think about new year’s resolutions.

If getting fit and meeting new peoplewere part of your new year’s resolutions, the Strzelecki Bushwalking Clubmight offeragood starting point.

The SBWC is ahighly active and inclusive club, with members mostly residing between Drouin and Traralgon.

Last year was abumper year for the club, with events held at both ends of the state from Portland through to Merimbulaand everywhere in between

SBWC has adedicated group of leaders who regularly host events such as day hikes, multi-day hikes, base camp hikes, bike rides and regular kayaking events.

Members are all ages and abilities, but allshare alove of the outdoors.

This monthhas ahost of great activities on offer includinga two-nighthike in theLicola region, one night to the Alpine region, awalk along Stringers Creek and an evening bike ride and meal along the South Gippsland Rail Trail. The first club night for the year will take place in McGregor Park, Trafalgar on Wednesday, February 12 beginning at 6pm with abarbecue dinner. This is awonderful way to meet up again with club members and start out the new year. Visitors are welcome.

If these activitiesare appealing, do not hesitate to reach the clubfor more information on the website at sbwc.org.au, or by emailing publicity@ sbwc.org.au

Community Corner -Page9

Step up: Strzelecki Bushwalking Club membershiking in WilsonsPromontor y. Photograph supplied

Creative: Hessians on the Fieldisone of the manypopularattractions at the Thor pdalePotato Festival. Entries arestillopen

Photographs supplied

50 years ago

The Express, January 15, 1975 Motel Bandit

Escapes

DESPITE an extensive police search, including raids on haunts of known criminals, the man who held up the Airport Motel, Traralgon, one night last week appears to have got away. The man was described as Australian, between 5ft10 and 6ft tall, thin build and wearing afloppy hat covered by apiece of whitesheeting, which also covered his face from the nose down. The man menaced Mr and Mrs Michael with a303 rifle. Mrs Foundling, 27, daughter of the proprietor, ran away from the reception area. The man then menaced Mr Foundling and demanded money. He was told it was in another room. The man went to the office and searched adesk. When he couldn’t find any money he ran from the motel and escaped across paddocks at the rear. He was wearing acamouflaged army-type battle jacket. Police say he was in his 20s. An area search by police and detectives from Morwell, Traralgon and traffic section failed to find the young man. Several young males were interviewed.

30 years ago

-The Express, January 17, 1995

Dying woman fights red tape to travel home with her pet TERMINALLY ill woman, who is visiting

BENNETT Street, Moe is namedafter the Bennett family,which had aprominent role in Moe from 1894 through to the 1950s.

George John Bennett was ateacher.

He was appointed head teacher to the Moe State School in 1894whenthe schoolwas locatedin Anzac Street.

The school, ateacher residence and apaddock where students could leave their horses while attending school was located on the eastern side of the street.

In August 1895, George purchased 61 acres of farm landonthe eastern side of Bennett St. Further purchasesonthe Narracan Creek were also made. As an early landowner, this would have contributed to the naming of the street.

George remained at the school for 10 years, and during that time inspector’sreports commented on his diligence, interest in his work and his conscientious care for the students.

He left Moe State School in 1904 and moved to other schools before finally retiring in 1913. He died in 1917.

He married Sarah Ann Zimmer in 1879 and they had 10 children.

Sarahcontinued to live in Moe after George died. Shehad astronginterest in farming and was well

From the

with AIDAN KNIGHT

HealthNews

LCHS Autism Assessment Clinic wins Gippsland PHN award

Afree, multidisciplinary autism assessment clinic is making it easier for children in Gippsland to be assessed for the developmental condition.

Latrobe Community Health Service’s Autism Assessment Clinic offers autism assessments for children aged two to seven, from vulnerable backgrounds living in the Latrobe Valley.

Working with Latrobe Regional Health, the clinic provides assessments, diagnosis, and family support with ateam of specialists, including paediatricians, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists.

The clinic was recently recognised at the Gippsland Primary Health Network Awards, winning the ‘transforming practice through multidisciplinary care’ category.

Marina Tork, Paediatric Allied Health Team Leader at LCHS, said the clinic

aimed to ﬁll the gap of providing Gippsland families with timely and accessible autism assessments.

“Wehave supported over 100 vulnerable families in Gippsland this year,and arecommitted to reaching even moreinthe future,” she said.

This service not only provides children with the assessment, but guides families through the process of

Better health, better li festyles,

diagnosis, helping them to understand autism and the resources and supports available to them.

“Werecognise that vulnerable families often face competing priorities and challenges which may limit their ability to navigate the healthcaresystem. So, our clinic operates holistically offering support to families throughout the process and actively linking them with inter nal and exter nal services based on their needs,” Ms Tork said.

“Weare constantly working to enhance our service, and receiving this award has afﬁrmed that we areonthe right track. We hope this is the beginning of an exciting jour ney towardmaking an even greater impact.”

To ﬁnd out moreabout the Autism Assessment Clinic, visit the Latrobe Community Health Service website or give us acall on 1800 242 696.

“Home is everything to me”says

Home Care Package recipient Ann

From raising children together,to tending their garden, and looking after their cats—Ann and Brad have always been ateam.

As they started to age, Ann and Brad found the things they loved doing together got harder to manage. That’swhen they applied for aHome CarePackage with LCHS, to make things like maintaining their garden a bit easier.They wereboth approved for aLevel 2package.

AHome CarePackage is funding provided by the Federal Gover nment to eligible Australians over the age of 65, and to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over the age of 50. It aims to meet aperson’sspeciﬁc care needs, so they can stay happy and healthy in their own home for longer When Brad passed away, and with her mobility continuing to deteriorate, Ann realised she needed morehelp.

“I spoke to LCHS on the phone and the next thing Iknow,I’d been approved foraLevel 3Home Care Package. Iwas staggered about how quick it was.”

Ann’spackage provides her with garden care, so the trees she and Brad planted together continue to thrive, and amonthly massage to help with her mobility. Ann also gets domestic support so she can keep her house tidy for visits from family and friends.

“My support worker comes and does the heavy stuff—vacuuming, washing the ﬂoors and toilets,” she said. “But we’refriends, and if we ﬁnish early there’salways time for acoffee.”

Now Ann has time for the important things—prayer groups on Thursdays, hair appointments on Fridays and Church on Sundays—as well as time with her kids, grandkids and her feline friend, Mr Cat.

“Home is everything to me, and I thank LCHS that Ican stay in my home,” Ann said. “I’ve beenwith LCHS formany years now,and they’ve always been fantastic. I’ve recommended them to afew people, and they’revery happy as well.”

If you would like to know moreabout home carepackages, let’stalk.

Call us on 1800 242 696 or visit www.lchs.com.au/hcp

Aspecialistfoot clinic in Gippsland hasgone international!

Late last year,LCHS PodiatristJohn Chen travelled to Singaporetopresent at the Asia Paciﬁc Association for Diabetic Limb Problems about the role and impact of the Gippsland High Risk Foot Service (GHRFS)—which treats diabetes-related foot conditions across the region.

The brain-child of LCHS and Latrobe Regional Health, the GHRFS is aspecialist clinic for Gippsland residents who areathigh-risk of developing foot complications due to underlying conditions such as diabetes.

It is the ﬁrst nationally-accredited interdisciplinary high risk foot clinic in the region, giving patients access to ateam of specialists in the one place. Ultimately, this means less cost and travel, and more local careand support.

“I believe my presentation challenged the perspectives of the audience to really focus on using what they have—being resourceful, collaborative and innovative—to make adifference, as opposed to focusing on what they don’t have,” Mr Chen said.

“Those listening werevery impressed with how we have been able to overcome seemingly impossible challenges to establish arobust and nationallyaccredited high risk foot service in Gippsland within two years.”

Mr Chen says attending the conference has encouraged his passion for his workback home.

“Overall, the conference has spurred me on to continue working in the ﬁeld, andencouraged me to think about the impact that our service can have not only within Gippsland, but in other parts of the world.”

LCHS Podiatrist John Chen with Latrobe Regional Health physician Dr Nay Oo

LCHS CEO Paul Ostrowski with members of the Autism Assessment Clinic team

Literally walkingover theissue

AYEAR after the stategovernment closed the nativeforest industry,apost from Gippsland federalMPDarren Chester last year retains its relevance.

TALK about hypocrisy on the grandest scale…

Melburnians don’t have to travel to the bush to see the consequences of the illogical decision to shut downthe entire Victorian native hardwood timber industry.

Just head down to the multi-million dollar redevelopment of the St Kilda Pier and check out the new timber deckingthat is acentrepiece of the project.

Parks Victoria proudly boasts on its website: “The timber decking being used throughout the project is emerging as astandoutfeature as the distinctive curved and tiered seating area nears completion.”

Sadly,the decking timber is DarwinStringybark fromQueensland. How can it be abetter environmental outcome to transporttimber 2000 kilometres for aMelbourne project rather than source the timber locally?

Terrified by the Greens in thesuburbs, the Andrews-Allan government ban on the harvesting of native timber on public land in Victoria has come at enormous social, economic and environmental cost.

We are now seeing more timber shipped to Victoriaf rom interstate and overseas while Victorian taxpayers are providing compensation to peoplewho would rather have justkept their jobs in aworld-class and environmentally sustainable timberindustry. The waste of public moneyis obscene.

Australia’s import of timber and timber products has increased from $4.12 billion to $6.87 billion over the decade to 2022/23 and Victoria’s dependence on importedproductsispredicted to grow exponentially.

In the middle of ahousing affordability and timber supply chain crisis, there’s two choices with timberproducts: You either grow and useyour own in an environmentally-sustainableway, or you buy it from somewhere else.

The ‘somewhere else’ is often acountry with poorer environmental protocols and work practices that would be illegal in Australia.

The Teals, Greens and some inner city Labor MPs are now working to extend Victoria’s ban to cover

Bewildered: Federal Memberfor Gippsland, Darren Chesterisstaggeredthestategovernment has usedQueensland timberona

all states by asking colleagues to sign apledge in federal parliament.

It is apledge based on ignorance and conceit that might play well in their wealthy suburbs but will threaten lives, and livelihoods, in timbertowns across our nation.

It’s abit rich for some of the most privilegedMPs who represent the electorateswiththe highest income households in Australia, calling for people to be sacked from their jobs in timber towns with the lowest incomes.

The AustralianBureauofStatistics average income for Orbost, the town most directly impacted by the Victorian ban, is just $785 per week.

In the leafy suburbofGlen Iris, that data is $2491 per week, and the seat is held by the Teal’s first-term Member for Kooyong Monique Ryan, who is spearheading the campaign to ban the entire native hardwood industry in Australia.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt has Docklands in his seat, where the average weekly income is $1957 and in Caulfield, located in the seat of Macnamara

held by Labor’s Josh Burns, the average is $2143.

All three MPs are openly hostile to the Australian native hardwood timberindustrybut have no plans on howtomeet thenationalsupplychain shortfall in timber products, or how to protect regional communities which will face bushfires without the support of skilled forest machinery operators in the future.

Forest contractors are irreplaceable in an emergency situation but they have been forced to leave country towns as aresult of the Victorian timber ban.

And before you say ‘What about plantations’, thereissimply not enough trees in the ground to meet Victoria’s needs from aplantations-only approach.

The obsessionwithcreating plantation monocultures on productive farming land, rather than selectively harvesting timber from multi-species native forests, also guarantees poorer biodiversity outcomes forour nativeanimals

By law, harvested areas were requiredtobe

re-planted under the system that used to exist in Victoria and we already had ahighly-developed system of reservesand nationalparks whichcould never be touched.

Trees are the ultimate renewable resource and asustainable native hardwood timber industry is part of the answer to reducing Australia’s carbon emissionsastimberproducts sequester carbon in our floorboards, furniture and other timber products.

The ideologicalmadness of the Labor Partyin Victoriadriven by environmental extremists in its ownranks has madeour state moredependent on the rest of the country and foreign nations, just to build the homes and community infrastructure we need.

But that’s OK, the St KildaPier will look terrific with Queensland timber! Letters,opinion: Pages24-25

Melbourne project. File photograph

France’s timber lesson

By PHILIP HOPKINS

ON the first anniversary of the state government’s closure of Gippsland’s native forest industry, France’s rebuilt historic Notre-Dame Cathedral has been completed in all its glory -and French timber was at the heart of this historic project.

The oak hardwood timber used came from trees in French forests between 80-150 years old, with some more than 200-years-old.

The rebuilding of Notre Dame received PEFC certification, the world’s largest forest certification standard, which certified the sustainability of the solid oak used to rebuild the cathedral’s roof structure. Oak is regarded as the queen of the French forest.

PEFC, founded in 1999, is present in 56 countries.

Victoria’s hardwood native forest, and native forests in Tasmania, New South Wales and Queensland, are certified to PEFC standard through Responsible Wood and the Australian Forestry Standard. However, France’s achievement stands in contrast to Victoria, where the state government closed the native forest industry due to amix of factors -which some believe was little more than political malice and cowardice, environmental hysteria, and intellectual ignorance and naivete.

The government claimed native forest harvesting was unsustainable.

The medieval frames of Notre Dame’s nave and choir, built in the 13th century, and those of the spire designed by French architect Viollet-le-Duc, and both arms of the transept, dating from the 19th century, were destroyed in the fire on April 15, 2019. They were restored identically, using the same techniques and materials as the original, solid oak.

The contracting authority for the restoration project, ‘Rebatir Notre-Dame de Paris’, noted in astatement that by rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris’ roof structure in wood, part of which -the great roof -isalso known as “the forest”, the shared history of the cathedral and French forests would continue to be written for centuries to come.

“Like Notre-Dame de Paris, France’s forests are living symbols of our tangible and intangible cultural heritage, so it’s important to preserve them to ensure their longevity for future generations,” said the authority’s president, Philippe Jost.

The certification from PEFC and the FCBA Institute of Technology (Forêt Cellulose Bois-construction Ameublement) confirms the sustainable origin of the solid oak wood materials used, and the responsible nature of the work carried out by the contracting authority, chief architects of historic monuments and project managers.

The mission of the FCBA, founded in 1952, is to promote technical progress and

contribute to improving efficiency and quality assurance in industry.

The institute’s scope covers the entire forestry-wood and furniture sector: forestry, pulp and paper, logging, sawmills, carpentry, joinery, structures, wood-based panels, furniture, packaging and miscellaneous products. The entire French forestry and timber industry mobilised to supply the wood needed to meet the specifications of the project.

Actors from state-owned forests, community forests, forestry cooperatives, forestry experts, private owners and processing companies were all involved in ensuring that each stage of the reconstruction of the frameworks was carried out using asustainable forest management approach, which is maintaining the balance between the economic, social and environmental dimensions of the forest.

This systemic approach enables the renewal of the forests from which the timber was sourced, thereby maintaining their multifunctionality, while preserving diversity, vitality, productivity, and regeneration capacity.

According to PEFC,sustainably managed forest is aforest where biodiversity, soil health, water courses and wetlands are preserved.

“It is healthy and able to renew itself, whilst providing arange of benefits including timber and timber products, carbon sequestration and opportunities for leisure activities.”

PEFC project certification stipulates that at least 70 per cent of the total volume of wood used is PEFC-certified, ensuring that PEFC’s forest certification requirements, which define and control aset of forest management rules applicable to all forest stakeholders (forest owners, forest managers, forest operators, forestry contractors), have been implemented.

Additionally, the implementation of PEFC chain of custody in project certification certifies that all parties involved in a construction or renovation project, whether certified companies or subcontractors, have

applied the control principles defined by PEFC, making it possible to track the flow of certified wood at every stage of the supply chain.

The Notre Dame project involved 35 PEFC-certified sawmills, 175 PEFC-certified forests, and the use of more than 80 per cent PEFC-certified logs.

PEFC’s rules for sustainable forest management and chain of custody enabled PEFC certification for the entire Notre-Dame de Paris timber reconstruction project.

The tree selection process began in early 2021. Chief architects from historic monuments aimed to find the straightest trees possible. This enabled restorers to work on logs measuring 7-20 metres, with diameters ranging from 50-110cm, while still having the strength required to support several hundred tonnes. The trees had to be between 80-150-years-old, with some more than 200-years-old.

The final trees were selected, butthey had to be harvested in away that respected the existing area.

For example, PEFC saidthe trees cut for Notre Dame had reached maturity and had already seeded the surrounding soil, enabling anew generation of trees to replace those harvested. Most of the selected oak trees came from either state-owned, communal or privately owned PEFC-certified forests.

The first trees were felled on March 5, 2021 and the final oak on February 8, 2023.

Once harvested, the logs, each weighing 10-15 tonnes, were transported to their destination -sawmill, warehouse or processing site.

Sawmilling into structural sections took place between September 2021 and June 2022.

In all, more than 2000 oak trees, the equivalent of 4000 cubic metres of logs, were needed to rebuild the spire and the framework of the choir and nave.

According to PEFC, these 2000harvested

trees made up less than 0.2 per cent of the oak trees harvested annually in France.

FCBA calculations show that France’s oak forests regenerate 1500 cubic metres of wood per hour.

The first phase of the project began withthe reconstruction of the spire and two transept arms designed by Viollet-le-Duc, using 19th century techniques.

The secondphase of the choir and the nave involved rebuilding the medieval frameworks. This required mastery of traditional, medieval carpentry skills, including squaring -atechnique for cutting beams with an axe, which follows the direction of the wood fibres and makes each piece unique.

On July 11, 2023, the first trusses -large, wooden triangular load-bearing beams 14m wide and 12m high and weighing more than seven tonnes and essential for the structure of the building were transported on an 80m-long barge along the Seine River to the foot of the construction site.

They were then lifted by crane high above the cathedral’s vaults to their final positions at the top of the cathedral.

Reconstruction of all the roof structures was completed on March 8, 2024.

More than 100 trusses make up the structure of the great roof -nave, choir and transept. All structural rebuilding work ended on April 8, 2024.

Christine de Neuville, President of PEFC France, said certification recognises the commitment of not only the client, Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris, but also of the entire forestry and timber industry to the long-term survival of the Frenchforest.

Mr Jost said certification recognised the strong support of all players in the forestry and timber industry: the ONF, France Bois Forêt and its members, the mayors of forest communities, private owners and their representatives, and sawmillers all over France, who donated trees and processed the timber.

“I extend my warmest thanks to them, as well as to the hewers, squarers and carpenters who have placed their expertise at the service of the cathedral’s rebirth, as part of an exemplary restoration project”, he said.

Official figures show that 3.8 million ha of the 17 million ha of French forest -22per cent of the surface area, are oak.

The total volume of standing oak is estimated at 615 million cubic metres, or 1.2 billion trees.

Annual biological oak production is estimated at 12.8 million cubic metres, of which only 6.5million m3 is harvested -about half of annual production. The oak stock thus increases by more than six million m3 annually.

Major works: Thecathedral, which sufferedsignificant fire damagein2019, wasreopened lastmonth Icon: Notre-Dameisconsidered oneofParis’ landmarks.

Action required for an adequate plan

Check bores before applying for licence

NUMEROUSbores are sunkacross Victoria every year. Some generate good quantities of water, but othersproducesmall amounts of water, or water that is high in salt or other impurities.

Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer, Clem Sturmfels said sinking abore is expensive,soit’simportant landholders do their homework prior to engaging adrilling contractor.

“Landholders should review the depth, yield and quality of water in theirarea before applying for agroundwater license fromthe relevant water authority,” he said

“Checkout existing boresinyourarea to review the depth, yieldand quality of water, or access the onlineinteractivemap, VisualisingVictoria’s Groundwater (VVG).

“This map allows the user to zoom in to their farm and turnonvarious coloured layerswhichindicatethe likely depth, yield and quality of water in the area.”

Themap is based on drillers’ records of around300,000 bores sunkover the last 130 years across Victoria

Mr Sturmfels said while underground water exists across much of Victoria, it’s depth, quality and yield vary enormously.

“The highly complex nature of Victoria’s geology meansthe quantity, quality and yield of water can change within avery short distance,” he said.

For further information about accessing groundwater, visit the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) website.

IN 2022, the state government was given recommendations by the Eminent Panel for Community Engagement (EPCE) regarding the management and land tenure classification of the much loved Immediate Protection Area forest (IPA) in Mirboo North.

Now that the year has clicked over to 2025, the community is still no closer to apermanent classification or an appropriate management plan for this important forest.

As it is one of the few Mirboo North forests remaining largelyintact after the February 13, 2024 cyclonicstorm,environmental groupPreserveour Forests believe appropriate and balanced protection of the IPA is urgent.

“The Minister forTourism and Environment, SteveDimopoulos is in ‘slo-mo’ mode to commit to permanently protect the IPA, despite repeated requests by Preserve our Forests(PoF) since 2022, basedonthe EPCErecommendations, and after nearly eight years of community advocacy,” PoF Convenor, Marg Thomas said.

“It is urgent that the minister acts promptly so an adequate management plan can be implemented.”

Mirboo North forests suffered high impact destruction during the storm, with 50 per cent of tree canopy loss over 95 hectares and 9000 cubic metres of woody debris.This increased pressure on the IPA and increased the scarcity of the valuable natural features found there.

Survival of wildlife, including multiplethreatened species,are vulnerabletothis disruption. Theyhave been severely impacted due to injuries, fatalities, and loss of habitat. Feed resources and vegetation corridorshave also been seriously affected. The IPA forest has become acriticalwildlife refuge for mammal, bird, reptile, and invertebrate species, and as aseed bank for vegetative regeneration of damaged land. The urgent declarationofa conservation park will guarantee the future of many native species, critical habitats, and threatened ecological communities.

PoF sees it as important that people have accurate informationabout the natural values of the area andwhy thesimple protections offered by a conservation park are appropriate, and not overly restrictive. It says there is no intention to ‘lock up’ this forest from users.

PoF was delighted to take agroup of 40 people

on aguidedwalkinthe IPAasacomponent of the‘Healing in our Community’ storm recovery program.

Participants commentedonthe healingtheyfelt walking in such alush forest, largely untouched by thestorm.

However, many were disappointed that track degradation had been allowedtocontinue because of the lack of managementtoguide motorised vehicle users.

PoF says the amenityand conservation values the IPAprovides to the district deserves immediate attention by the minister, as the district’s tourism industry depends heavily on local forests and visitation to the district has been jeopardised by thestorm‘sdestruction.

The stategovernment saiditwas formulating the best course of action.

“TheVictorian government is considering its response to the EminentPanel’srecommendations and we look forward to having more to say on this soon,” agovernment spokesperson said.

“The Eminent Panel and VEAC’s work for Strathbogie Ranges and Mirboo North Immediate Protection Areas was completed in 2022.

“The Eminent Panel’s report presents opportunities to strengthen management of our environment whilst balancing arange of uses.

“It also demonstrates Traditional Owners’rights and interests in managing and caring for Country, includingthrough strongpartnershipwiththe Victorian community and land managers.”

Recovery: It is coming up to one year sincewild storms whipped through Mirboo Northforests Photograph supplied

LCHS welcomes gambling reforms

LATROBE Community Health Service has welcomed landmark gambling reforms introduced by the state government to reduce gambling harm.

The new laws introduce carded play on gaming machines in Victoria, requiring people to insert aplayercard to operateagamingmachineand allowing them to set limits on how much they are willing to lose.

Under the new reforms, the maximum amount of money that someone can load onto amachine at atimewill reduce from $1000 to $100, the spin rate of machines will slow downby40per cent, and gaming areas in hotels and clubs in Victoria will have forced closure periods from4am to 10am.

“Latrobe Community Health Service welcomes any changes that gives people back some control whenitcomestoharmful gamblinghabits, and these reforms are certainly astep in the right direction,” LCHS Gambler’s Help Team Leader, Chipo Chiyangwa said.

“This legislationoffersimportantprotections for people who use the pokies,and we hope they are the firstofmanychanges introduced to help people reduce the time and money they spend on gambling."

An estimated330,000 Victorians experience harm because of gambling each year -and Ms Chiyangwa

says this extends beyond the person gambling, to their loves ones and communities.

“Gambling harm can look like huge financial debt, poor mental health and self-esteem, abreakdown in relationships, family violence and other issues like drinking and drug use,” she said.

“It’s important to remember that gambling isn’t just about luck, gambling products and games are carefully designed to keep us coming back -often at acost."

In Gippsland,$154m waslosttoelectronic gaming machines in the last financial year.

“Given thesechanges arebeing rolled outina phased approach, we’re asking our community to seek support now if they need it,” Ms Chiyangwa said.

“Simpleways to reduce your gambling include setting alimit on how much you spend, checking your gambling activity, or taking breaks from gambling for aset time.”

If you or someone you love is impacted by gambling, Latrobe CommunityHealth Service can help.

LCHS provides afree and confidential counselling service for your financial and mental wellbeing.

Call 1800 242 696 or email gamblingsupportservices@lchs.com.au.

Couple plead guilty to animal cruelty,each given

ACOUPLE from Kallista in the Dandenong Ranges haspleaded guilty to animalcruelty offences at the Wonthaggi Magistrates’ Court recently, both receiving afine of $2000 without conviction.

Nicole and FrankPytellekpleadguiltytotwo charges of neglecting to supervise and prevent access to aboggyarea on their property at Toora, resultinginunnecessary pain or suffering caused to aheifer stuck up to its neck in mud.

The accused also pleadedguilty to two charges for failing to comply with anotice to comply (NTC), and aggravated cruelty in respect of a steer with alarge eyecancer.

The magistrate commented the responsibility fell on them to keep the animals safe, healthy, and well, and the offending is taken seriously because of the vulnerability of the animals.

Agriculture VictoriaComplianceManager, Daniel Bodesaidthe couple were absentee

Abalone thieves caught

IN aremote part of East Gippsland, four men from interstate have been apprehended with allegedlymorethan1000blacklip abalone in one of the largest illegal hauls of the past decade.

Victorian Fisheries Authority Education and Enforcement Director, Ian Parks said the abalone, aprized seafood delicacy, were estimated to be worth around $17,000 on the black market.

“Fisheries officers from Mallacoota were conducting aroutine boat patrol off Wingan Inlet on Sunday, January 5when they observed fourmen allegedly removing abalone from their shells on the rocky shoreline,” he said.

“With help from local Victoria Policeofficers, the men -from New South Walesand the Australian Capital Territory -were intercepted less than twohours later on the Wingan Road in two cars and allegedly found in possession of acommercial quantity of abalone.”

Fisheries officers allegedly located 241 whole and shucked (removed from their shell) abalone on the Wingan Inlet rocks, where the men were first observed in the afternoon. A

further 109 whole and shucked abalone were allegedly located in one of the vehicles, while another 669 abalone meats were discovered in the second car.

The total haul of 1019 abalone, some of which were allegedly undersize, weighed nearly 210 kilogramsand were seized on the spot. Most couldnot be released alivebecause their shell had been removed.

Mr Parks said the four men would face several chargesincluding taking, possessing and traffickinga commercial quantity of abalone.

“We’re serious aboutprotecting Victoria’s valuable wild abalone stocks so they can be managed sustainably for future generations to enjoy,” he said.

“We encourage anymember of the public who sees or suspects illegal fishing to call our 13FISH (133474) line to speak directly to afisheries officer. Callers can remain anonymous."

For more information on recreational abalone fishing, including bagand size limits, and permitted equipment, visitwww.vfa.vic.gov. au/abaloneordownload theVicFishing app.

New members appointed to state veterans council

THE stategovernment has appointedthree new members to the Victorian Veterans Council to continue the state’swork supporting veterans and their families.

Ms Morriswas until recently aLieutenant in the Australian Navy Cadets where she delivered training and professional development to staff and cadets.

owners and persons in charge of amob of about 32 cattle.

In response to acomplaint,Agriculture Victoria officers attendedthe property in September 2023.

"The AgVic off icers ob ser ve das teer in extremely low body condition and withan advanced eye cancer measuring 15 centimetres wide and 11cm deep," Mr Bode said. "An NTC that was issued to provide treatment was not acted on."

Additionally, aheifer was discovered, whose body was completely boggedina dam. Therewas nothingtoprevent livestock accessing this area

Both animals were euthanised to prevent further suffering. Mr Bode said apart fromthe obviouspain and suffering of theanimals,animal welfare breaches can jeopardise Victoria’s reputation as ahumaneand responsible producer of food, which can, in turn, affect all producers.

Min ist er for Vet erans, Natal ie Sul eyma n announcedthe appointments of Michelle Campbell, Pippa Morris and Chris Gray to the council.

MichelleCampbell, aformer trustee of the Shrine of Remembrance Board of Trustees, joins with seniorexecutiveleadershipexperience in state and federal governments as well as consulting for high-profile clients across multiple sectors

Shehas servedinthe AustralianDefence Force ArmyReserve for morethan three decades, most recently applying her leadership skillsasa Brigadier.

Ms Campbell is aveteran of the Afghanistan War and provided assistance during three Victorian bushfire operations.

PippaMorris has extensive ex-service organisation experience and astrongunderstanding of veterans’ welfare issues as the President of Ballan RSL Sub-Branch and founding member of the Discharged LGBTI Veterans’ Association.

She has held roles in higher education, including as EducationManager at Melbourne Polytechnic.

Chris Grayisthe general manager of Veteran Services at Vasey RSL Care, overseeing the affordable housing portfolio for veterans and their families and support services for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. He has been key to fostering working relationships between Vasey RSLCare and other ex-service organisations.

Mr Gray's military background includes 16 years in the RegularArmy and afurthersix years in the Army Reserve, where he managed construction projects and provided humanitarianaid in Australia and during deployment overseas. Current council member and FirstNations veteran Brett West willtakeupthe Deputy Chairperson role, while John McNeill has been re-appointed to the council for asecond term.

The Victorian Veterans Council is an independent statutory body that provides advice to the state government about issues impacting the veteran community.

Chance: It is hoped newgambling reformswill help reduce gambling harm. Photograph supplied

Busted: More than 1000 abalone were seized by fisheries officers. Photograph supplied

Competitors show truegrit in theGippy mud

By CATHERINE HICKS

STANDING on the sidel ines at The Midd le of Everywhere’s inaugural True Grit event in Glenmaggie, Icould feel my heart racing almost as fast as my son’s.

The earlySaturdaymorning atmospherewas electric as competitors battled through one of the toughestchallenges imaginable: amilitary-inspired obstacle course designed to test mental resolve, physical strength, and, above all, ‘true grit.’

As amum, watching my son Lachie navigate the 5km course was both exhilarating and emotional.

True Grit isn’t just an event; it’s arollercoaster of mud, sweat, and triumph.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear this wasn’t your average weekend activity.

After winding down aremote country road, we crested the final hill to see abustlingscene belowcars parked in apaddock thatlooked morelikethe MCG on game day, families and friends cheering, and ahive of activity as participants prepped for the challenge ahead.

What made it more special was knowing this incredible event had come to our little corner of Gippsland.

As alocal business owner, as well as amum, seeing our picturesque countryside buzzing with excitement with visitors from across the country was truly aproud moment.

For Lachie, True Grit in The Middle of Everywhere was atest of endurance and determination.

The course was packed with challenges- crawling through tunnels, scaling walls, lugging a30kg sandbag uphill,and splashing through muddy water. All this in blistering 31-degree heat.

The obstacles were relentless, but so was he.

For Lachie,True Grit wasn’t just about overcoming obstacles, it was about doing it together with his good mates Ben and Luke.

As part of ateam, he experiencedthe camaraderie and motivation that only comes from tackling challenges side by side with friends. Whether it washauling one anotherover walls, navigating tricky tunnels, or cheering each other on through the mud, the team spirit made every moment more rewarding.

“It’ssomuch betterdoing an event like this with friends,” Lachie shared.

“We pushed each other to keep going, and it felt

amazing to celebrate every obstacle we conquered together.”

As aspectator, Iwas amazed at how closewe could get to the action. While we couldn’t follow the full course due to its sprawling design, we found the perfect vantage point near the finish line.

There, Iwatched Lachietacklethe final four obstacles. His focus was unwavering as he climbed, swung, and lunged toward the finish. Seeing him cross that line, cakedinmud butglowing with pride, wasone of the most heartwarming moments I’ve experienced.

Lachie wasn’t just participating, he was thriving

His grin,evenashewas drenchedand exhausted, said it all -thiswas achallenge worth taking on.

By the end of the day he was already planning for the next event, vowing to push himself even further by tackling the 10km course.

For me, the event was equally unforgettable. It was surreal to havesuch aworld-class event in our backyard, here in Glenmaggie.

With more than 1400 participants, including interstate visitors, Glenmaggie and the team from The Middle of Everywhere proved they could host an event of this scale seamlessly. It wasn’t justafantastic experience for locals like us, it was ashining example of how events like this can bring tourism, energy, and pride to smallcommunities.

Organisers thought of everything from parking attendants guiding us into place, to spectator areas that brought us close to the action.

Iwas so happy to see Lachie and crew rising up from behind ahidden hill and making their way to me at the finishing arena.

As amum, Iwas able to shoutout or sing out words of encouragement like “go Spiderman” as he climbed through the nets. Yes, I’m one of those embarrassing mums!

True Grit isn’t just for the eliteorthe fitness obsessed, it’s for anyone willing to step out of their comfortzone, whether you’re running the course or cheering from the sidelines.

For Lachie and Iitwas more than an event; it was ashared experience that left us both inspired.

For Glenmaggie, events likethis aren’t just about thethrill; they’re about putting our stunning region on the map, drawing visitors to explore the region and celebrating all that makes Gippsland great.

Helpneededinorder for show to go on

THERE are still hopes aMoe Agricultural Show can be held this year, but time is running out to finalise acommittee.

As it stands,ifthe Moe Agricultural Societycannotform acommittee by the end of this month or early February, there will be no show.

Acall to arms hastherefore been extendedto people within Moe and surrounding towns. The society has atentative venue and date, but

these cannot be released until acommittee is in place.

Positions which need to be filled are president, vice president, secretary and assistant secretary, along with general committee members.

Atreasurer has been appointed, and has indicated they would like to stay in that position.

Contact details for the show are: mobile 0494 323 256 or email info.moeshow@gmail.com

File photograph

More than 500 years’ service

celebrated, acknowledged

STRZ EL ECKI Boomerang Trefoil Guild recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Anniversary celebrations combined a Christmas lunch and presentations to members.

Members whohad beenwiththe club for manyyears were presented withservice badges, with acombined service of 530 years.

Aspecial goodservice award flowering gum award was presented to Linda Harvey for her service to Girl Guides. Linda is an active member of the Friends of Sangam Group which supports the Sangam World Center in India.

Shealso served as aguide leader of Poowong Guides for many years.

The guild meets monthly at different locations between Warragul and Traralgon.

For inform ation abou tj oini ng, phone Roxanne Purvis on 0438 348 301.

Topnotch: LindaHar vey(centre)is presentedher twoawardsfor outstanding work.Flanking her is guild president Roxanne Purvis and statetrefoil advisor Jill Livingston. Photograph supplied

PE PAAAPER!

All local, allthe time

The Latrobe Valley Express has been Informing the local community for nearly 60 years and is your best source for local news, sport , features and bargains

Done: True Grit participants Lachie Hicks,Ben Kearns and LukeHughes upon finishing the gruelling Glenmaggie course Photograph supplied

Showthis year

Back to school eye-sentials, tick an eyetest off your list!

As the school year approaches, parents are busy ticking off backto-school checklists: uniforms, sta tioner y, lunchboxes. But there’s one essential tha toften gets overlooked—your child’seye health. Asimple eye test could be the key to unlocking your child’sfull potential in the classroom and beyond.

Vision and Learning: An Unbreakable Link

Did you kno wtha tupto80% of wha tchildren learn is visual?

Reading, writing, using computers, and even participa ting in sports all rely on clear,healthy vision. Ho wever,man ychildren don’t realise they ha ve vision problems because they assume ever yone sees the way they do.

While an eye test is the most reliable way to check for vision issues, keep an eye out for these signs:

• Squinting or sitting too close to the TV

• Complaints of headaches or tiredeyes.

• Difficulty readingor concentrating.

• Losing their place while reading.

The Role of Technology

With increased screen time from online learning and digital devices, children areatahigherrisk of digital eye strain. An eye test can also identify if your child needs protective measures, such as blue-light filtering lenses, to reduce the impact of screen time on their eyes.

Undia gnosed vision issues, such as myopia (short-sightedness), astigma tism,oor eveen focussing problems,ccan significantlyiimpact academic performance. Achild who struggles to see the board or read atextbook may appear distracted or fall behind, when the real issue is their vision.

Early Detection is Key

Regular eye tests are the best way to ensure your child’svision is sharp and their eyes are healthy.Even if your child hasn’t complained about their eyesight, an annual test is crucial— especially before the school year begins. Eye exams can detect conditions early,often before noticeable symptoms appear, preventing long-term issues and ensuring your child is read yto excel.

Common Signs of Vision Problems

Set Your Child Up for Success

An eye test is quick,non-invasive, andcould makeall the difference to your child’s academic and social confidence. By addressing vision problems early,you’regiving your child thetools theyneed to succeed, both in and out of the classroom.

This back-to-school season, don’t just shop for supplies—prioritise your child’s eye health.

Give us acall on 5174 6788 or head to our website to book an eye test today and give yourchild theclarity they need to shine.

At KayStreet Eyecare,we’re dedicated to supporting your child’s vision andlearning journey www.kaystreeteyecare.com.au

HOROSCOPES

by Joanne Madeline Moore

January13-January19, 2025

think things through, as you reflect and re-evaluate before tak ng action Draw insp rat on from birthday great Dolly Parton (who turns 79 on Sunday): “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start pav ng another one ”

There’s no denying that 2025 wi l be full of changes and uncertainties, but don’t et the worr es and ‘what- fs’ drain your ife of spontaneity and fun The Sun and Uranus encourage you to take a giant leap of faith into the future, as you think creat vely and love compassionate y Inspiration for the week is from civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr (who was born on January 15, 1929): “Fa th is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase ”

Th s week retrograde Mars and the Full Moon stir up your money zone, so it’s time to budget wise y, pay bills promptly and shop prudently Jupiter (planet of adventure, education, aspirations and generosity) s transiting through your sign unt l June 9 So make the most of th s ce estia opportunity that only comes along every 12 years! Wisdom for the week is from b rthday great Dolly Parton: “Dream more, learn more, care more and be more ”

Expect an ntense and emotiona week, as retrograde Mars and the Full Moon activate your sign Your capac ty to adapt wil be put to the test, especially n relationships A troubled partnership could end, making way for a new sweetheart or best fr end f you are overly defensive n your op nions and bossy in your behaviour, then loved ones and co leagues wil stop l stening to what you say Try to get the balance right between be ng firm and being flexible!

You’l feel ike retreating into your Lion’s den on Monday and Tuesday when retrograde Mars and the Full Moon stimulate your solitude zone Med tation, contemp ation and relaxation are favoured, as you ponder your future and re-imagine your dreams Uranus urges you to restructure your d et and exercise program, p us reinvent your dai y work routine If you t ck these boxes, then you wil mprove (and transform) your health and career in the coming year

Mighty Mars is reversing through your career zone until February 24 So relat onships with work col eagues, clients and/or customers could be confusing, as your Libran patience and diplomatic skil s are tested Trying to rush matters (and people) won’t help the situat on Smart Librans will strive to be extra tolerant and understanding during this per od You could also feel physically and mentally tired, so s ow down, eat well and get plenty of sleep

The Full Moon and retrograde Mars stir up your travel zone so if you’re on a business trip or holiday, doub e check all arrangements and don’t rush With Pluto (your ru er) transiting through Aquarius until 2044, many Scorpios wil undergo a major transformation where you gradually become more authentic and autonomous It’s time to morph into the real you! Your motto is from birthday great Eartha Kitt: “The price we pay for being ourse ves is worth it ”

Courtesy of the Sun/Uranus trine, Monday is fabulous for upending your usual routine and go ng on an exc ting adventure or making the most of an unusua opportunity that comes your way But the Full Moon and retrograde Mars both st r up your ‘money-from-others’ zone, so it’s not a good week to sign an important contract, take out a oan or run up a large credit card debt And if you’ve lent money to someone, don’t expect to get it back n a hurry!

Despite some retrograde Mars relat onship rumbles, this week is a l about finding your true path and following your destiny Insp rat on for the moment s from birthday great, entertainer Eartha Kitt: “The river s constantly turning and bending, and you never know where it’s going to go and where you’ll wind up Fol owing the bend n the river and stay ng on your own path means that you are on the right track Don’t et anyone deter you from that ”

With the Full Moon and retrograde Mars stimulating your wel being zone, it’s a good time to review your diet and reboot your exercise program And remember - Pluto (the slow-mov ng p anet of powerful transmutation) is now transiting through your sign until 2044 So you’re set for a long per od of regeneration and transformation Your motto for the week is from birthday great Dolly Parton (who turns 79 on Sunday): “F nd out who you are and do it on purpose ”

Cashy continuing to kick goals in music

By AIDAN KNIGHT

FORMER Gippsland Powercaptain, Josh Cashman is aman of many talents.

Cashmanhas shined in the music world since forgoing his football. He released his debut album the same week he was namedPower captain in 2013, and moved to Melbourne to pursue his promisingsporting career -only to become a successful musician instead.

Venus s vis ting your sign (until February 4) and Lady Luck is call ng so make sure you are ready willing and able to capita ise on good fortune when it comes along On Friday the Sun/Neptune l nk is fabulous for creat ve pro ects and spiritual pursuits, But – courtesy of retrograde Mars and the moody Ful Moon – your relationship with a ch ld, teenager, over or fr end may feel as if it’s going backwards The number one qual ty required is patience

Your i gnvolvement with a group, class, c ub or organisation has other people ook ng to you for a helping hand Use your networking ski ls to drum up support, and don’t be afraid to ask others for assistance when you need it Mars is retrograde and th ngs are moving slow y, so you’ll have to be extra pat ent Your motto for the week is from b rthday great Martin Luther K ng “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?

Steadily carving aname for himself in the singersongwriter pocket of the industry, Cashman has found himself performing at the prestigious Red Rocks amphitheatre in Colorado and collaborating with chart-topping Australian artists like Tash Sultana.

Sultana in particular hashad theSaleartist feature on herARIA-nominatedsophomorealbum Terra Firma and opened for her across 51 dates on the Europe and North America tours promoting it. Cashman has come along way, having performed to more people than the population of his hometown, playing at Germany’smonumental Reeperbahn festival to almost 50,000 people.

Hisnewest single, Black Sand Beaches,isthe finalofhis weekly releases,aschedule he stuck to for the closing 30 weeks of 2024.

This particular song braved the Christmas period, something not alot of artist’s attempt, as celebrations and theannual Mariah Carey epidemic take over people’s regular listening habits.

Cashman calledthisschedule “Rotation30”,a number significant forthe artists agethis year, saying “I wanted to drop asong every week until Iturned 30”.

The Sale artistclocked up amomentous 2.6million Spotify streams in 2023 alone and, heading forward,isalwayslooking to maximise reachand potential audiences in aworldwhere radio has been overtaken by algorithms.

“It’s for the people who want to be adeeper part of this artisticjourney I’m on abit more,” he shared.

“It’s really important to me that these songs reach the eyes and ears of those who would want it the most.”

It’s notabout any notion of stardom for Cashman, but simply feeling aduty to ensure the music is heard by peoplewho wouldgenuinely relishit. This signifies his dedicationtothe hardcore audiences, while appreciating and welcoming casual listeners into the fold, he really has acertain loyalty and drivefor those who live and breathe music, such as himself.

Cashman began his music journey at age 11 as aguitarplayer, before quickly developing song writing skills as second nature.

“Growingupinahousehold where music

Now 19 years later, the nights spent at open mics as ayoung teenager have paid off, now bragging an impressive 70 international shows annually, on average, and more than 50,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Mellow guitar-picked and soft, affable vocal tones have seen this athletic artist compared to acts such as Matt Corby and Vance Joy -with more than a fewsimilarities to the latter. James Keogh, aka VanceJoy, played VFL for Coburg. Black SandBeaches, and the other 29 tracksJosh Cashman released for “Rotation 30’ are available now to stream and download on all platforms. What might have been: Josh Cashman wasapromisingyoung footballer,captaining GippslandPower beforedeciding to head down the music

resonated more than television,” he said of his time in Sale.

What has become: Josh Cashman has gone on in leapsand bounds,with morethan 50,000 monthlylistenersonSpotify.

TheGuide

ANDI OLIVER’S

FABULOUS FEASTS

SBS Food, Friday, 7.30pm

There’snodenying that delicious food, great music andgoodvibes bring out thebestinpeople. And no one’sbetteratgetting the party started than renowned chef and restaurateur Andi Oliver (pictured). In this heartwarming series, she comestothe aid of deserving people across Britainwho are keen to celebrate theirtownsand communitiesinthe mostjoyfulway possible. Tonight,Oliver heads to Bridlington, the lobster capital of Europe,toconvince young people to takeupa job in fishing. Exuding warmth and expert knowledge, the creativeculinaryqueen then whips up amouth-watering feasttoget the locals excited about the locally caught crustacean.

MAGICAL TRAIN JOURNEYSINSWITZERLAND

SBS, Saturday, 7.30pm

Alongtrain journey often affords oodles of time forpassengers to read abook or newspaper, watchafavouriteshow or even catchuponsomesleep.But to do so in Switzerland would be agrave mistake: the panoramas whizzing by the windows of the country’strainsare like nothingelse. Verdant hills, cascading waterfalls and majestic lakes arewaitingatevery turn. This picturesque series brings thebeauty of these striking railroad routes to your livingroom, tonight glidingthrough thehistoricalCentovalli Valley.The keypathway between Switzerland and Italy is linedwithcharmingvillagesand lush, untouched landscapesthatare heaven fornaturelovers.

THE EX-WIFE 10, Tuesday, 9pm

This edgyand tense British series charts the escalating tension between Tasha (Céline Buckens) her husband Jack (Tom Mison, pictured with Buckens), and his ex-wifeJen (Janet Montgomery). What begins as some awkwardbut harmless encounters soon evolves intosomething potentially more dangerous as Jentriestoingratiate herself back intoJack’slife, much to Tasha’s concern. Based on Jess Ryder’s book, thiswas adapted forthe screenbywriter andactor Catherine Steadman (DowntonAbbey). This pilotepisodedoesagreat job of settingupthe characters and the stakes at play,with Buckens asupremely sympathetic lead, the perfect foil to Montgomery’squietly sinister turn as Jen.

Wednesday, January 15

ABC TV (2)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 The WayWeWore. (PG, R)

11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 ChangingEnds.(PG,R)

2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R)

2.55 BackRoads. (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)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 7.30 Presented by Laura Tingle.

8.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) Hosted by Adam Hills.

8.30 Changing Ends. (PG) Christine forces astressed Graham into going on a caravan mini-break in GreatYarmouth.

9.20 Utopia. (PG, R) Tony is frozenout by the minister

10.15 SpicksAnd Specks. (PG, R)

10.45 ABC Late News.

11.05 Aftertaste. (Mls, R)

12.05 Grand Designs. (PG,R) 12.50 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 1.40 Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv)

3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

SBS (3)

6am Morning Programs. 9.15 ForThe Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.10 Paddington Station24/7 (PGa, R) 11.00 Great Canal Journeys. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABCWorld News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Amazon: The Lost World. (PG, R) 2.55 Plat Du Tour 3.05 DestinationFlavour China. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up.(R) 4.05 Jeopardy!(R) 4.30 Letters AndNumbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 9. Highlights.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 TheReal Crown:Inside The House Of Windsor: Threats. (PG, R) 8.30 Michael Palin: IntoIraq. (PGa, R) MichaelPalin continueshis journey 9.25 TheNight Manager (MA15+v) Roper gathershis entourage. 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Pagan Peak (MA15+av) 11.50 Rogue Heroes. (Malv,R) 12.50 Soldiers. (Malsv, R) 2.35 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Mal, R) 3.30 Make Me A Dealer.(PGl, R) 4.20 Peer To Peer.(R) 4.50 Destination Flavour Down UnderBitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight

SEVEN (7,6)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show Summer Series.(PG) 11.30 SevenMorning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Royal Blossom. (2021, PGa) Andrew LeePotts,StefanieRozhko, ManalEl-Feitury. 2.00 Jabba’s Movies School Holiday Special. (PGahlv,R) 2.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 3.00 TheChase. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChaseAustralia.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Home AndAway. (PGa) 7.30 Cricket. Big BashLeague. Match 35.Adelaide Strikers vSydney Sixers. From Adelaide Oval. 11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-match coverage of thegamebetween theAdelaide Strikers andSydney Sixers. 11.30 Unbelievable Moments CaughtOnCamera. (PGa, R) Aclimber’s fall is captured on bodycam. 12.30 Black-ish. (PGd, R) Bow and Dre meetMichelle Obama

2.00 Home Shopping (R)

4.00 NBCToday. News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

ABronx Tale.(1993, M) 9.45 Romper Stomper.(1992, MA15+) 11.25 Tracker.(2010,M) 1.20am Joyride.(2022, M) 3.10 TheSum Of Us. (1994) 5.05 Lola. (1961, PG, French)

ELSBETH 10, Wednesday, January 22, 9pm

In achangefromthe usual gritty detectivefare, this quirky comedy drama is notonly a colourful cupcakeofacrime procedural but strays from the “whodunnit” format,instead tellingviewers who thebaddie is from the beginningofanepisode and then workingout how to catchthem. It all revolves around Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston

pictured), formerly acartoonish defence lawyer occasionally seen in TheGoodWife,who has justbeenappointed as an “outside observer” working alongside the NYPD.Elsbeth’s astute unconventionalapproachbringsa lotoffun to crime-solving in aseriesthat is allits own In the premiere, Elsbeth ruffles feathers while investigatingthe death of adrama student

NINE (9,8)

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Today. The latest in news andcurrent affairs. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Reviews, previews, interviews, highlights and opinions from the Australian Open at Melbourne Park. 11.00 Tennis. AustralianOpen. Day 4. 4.00 Tennis Australian Open. Afternoon 4. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by RozKelly and James Bracey 6.00 Drew Barrymore.(PGas) 7.00 Neighbours. (PGa, R) 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00

6.00 9News.

7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 4. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 4. 12.00 NewAmsterdam. (Mams, R) Max mandatesapersonal health day

1.00 FirstOnScene. (Ma) Documents stories behind theheadlines

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 GlobalShop. (R) Home shopping.

3.00 TV Shop:Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’s VoiceOfVictory (PGa) Religious program.

4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) Apanel of experts banter about golf

5.00 TodayEarly News

5.30 Today.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal Hosted by Grant Denyer

6.30 TheProject Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 MOVIE: Jack Reacher: NeverGo Back. (2016,Mlv,R)Jack Reacher helps an army officer he suspects is the victim of a conspiracy.Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders. 9.55 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage of local, national and international news, as well as the latest sport andweather 10.20 TheProject. (R) Alook at the day’snews. 11.25 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG)Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 12.30 HomeShopping (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

Thursday, January 16

ABC (2)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Eat The Invaders. (PG, R) 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Penguin King WithDavid Attenborough.(R) 1.55 Fake Or Fortune?(R) 2.55 Back Roads. (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)

PresentedbyKerry Staight

8.30 Long Lost Family (PG) Davina McCalland Nicky Campbell follow atrainee nursewho fears what happened to her brother

9.20 Grand Designs: Tunbridge Wells. (PG, R) Hosted by Kevin McCloud. 10.05 Dr Karl’s HowThingsWork: Chocolate. (R)DrKarl Kruszelnicki looksathow chocolateismade.

10.40 ABCLate News

10.55 Escaping Utopia. (R)

11.55 Grand Designs. (PG, 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)

(3)

6am MorningPrograms. 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Amazon: The Lost World. (PG, R) 2.55 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.05 Destination Flavour China. (R) 3.35 TheCookUp. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy!(R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. DakarRally.Stage 10 Highlights.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PG) Rae Johnston meets achocolatier

8.30 Silk Road From Above (PGa,R) Documents an aerial journeyalong the ancient Silk Road,beginning in Xi’an, China.

9.30 TheDarkness. (M) Magnus assigns Hulda anew partner Lukas,who is from England. 10.25 SBS WorldNewsLate. 10.55 DNA. (Malv)

11.50 Blackout: Tomorrow Is TooLate. (Mlnsv, R)

12.45 Blanca. (Malnv,R)

2.45 Grayson Perry’sRites Of Passage. (Ms, R) 3.40 MakeMeADealer. (R) 4.30 Peer To Peer.(PGv, R) 5.00 NHKWorld English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 KiyaAnd The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20 72 Cutest Animals. 9.45 DoctorWho 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

4.35

5.15

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show Summer Series. (PG) 11.30 SevenMorningNews 12.00 MOVIE: TheValley Of Love (2023,PGal) 2.00 CatchPhrase. (PG, R) 3.00 TheChase. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Home AndAway. (PGa)

7.30 Cricket. BigBashLeague. Match 36 Brisbane Heat vHobartHurricanes. From the Gabba, Brisbane.

11.00 Seven’sCricket: TheSpin. An expert panel tackles all the big news and issueswitha deep dive into thewildworld of cricket.

11.45 Pam&Tommy. (MA15+als) During agrueling deposition, Pam is pushed to the emotional brink.

12.45 Black-ish. (PGa, R) Jack gets ajob as alockerroomattendant

1.40 Harry’sPractice. (R) Information aboutpet care

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBCToday News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News. The latest news, sportand weather 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer 6.30 TheProject The hosts and guest panellists takealookatthe day’snews, events and hot topics. 7.30 MOVIE: TopGun:Maverick. (2022, Mlv,R)Anaviatortrains adetachment of TopGun graduates for amission while confronting the ghosts of his past. TomCruise, MilesTeller,Jennifer Connelly 10.05 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage of local, national and international news, as well as the latest sport andweather 10.30 TheProject (R) Alook at the day’snews. 11.30 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMornings. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Front Up 12.05pm WorldWatch. 12.35 The MeaningOfHitler. 2.15 Fashionista 2.25 Overlooked. 2.55 Insight 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.55 Alone. 7.10 Jeopardy! 7.40 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. 12.55am Cars That Built TheWorld. 1.45 Question Team. 3.35 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

7.00 Tennis. AustralianOpen. Night 5. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 5. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Ma, R) Max endeavours to save anurse who has become the subject of a dangerousmalpracticeprobe.

1.00 FirstOnScene. (M)Documents stories behind the headlines.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop (R) Home shopping.

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory. (PGa) Religious program.

4.30 GolfBarons. (PGl, R) Apanel of experts banter about golf

5.00 TodayEarly News. Alook at the latest news, sport and weather 5.30 Today. Thelatestinnews and current affairs.

6.25 NITVNews: Summer Yarns. 6.35 Africa’s Underwater Wonders. 7.30 GoingPlaces With Ernie Dingo.(Final) 8.30 The Walkers. 10.30 MOVIE: Immortal Beloved. (1994,M) 12.35am Late Programs. NITV (34)

Globetrotters. 6.00

Continued. (1961, PG, French) 6.40 Murder Party (2022, PG, French) 8.35 RedObsession. (2013 PG) 10.05 Joyride. (2022, M) 11.55 The Sum Of Us. (1994) 1.50pm Meditation Park. (2017,PG) 3.35 The Crossing. (2020, PG, Norwegian) 5.30 December Boys. (2007, PG) 7.30 The Bridges Of Madison County.(1995,M) 10.00 ABeautiful Mind.(2001, M) 12.30am Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs.

Friday, January17

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6am Lola.

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Rulla’sCooking On Country (R) 10.30 Take 5WithZan Rowe. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Newsreader. (Mdl, R) 2.00 The Split: Barcelona.(Final, Ml, R) 3.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 3.25 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) Presented by TomGleeson. 7.00 ABCNews. Alook at the top stories of theday

7.30 Monty Don’sHistoryOfThe British Garden: The18thCentury. (R) Monty Donvisits Rousham House

8.30 Murder In Provence. (Final,Mav,R) Alove affair seems to be at the heart of a young woman’sdeath in anearby town.

10.00 Joanna Lumley’s Great Cities Of TheWorld: Berlin. (Final, PG, R) Joanna Lumley concludesher journey 10.50 ABC Late News. Coverage of theday’s events.

11.05 Grand Designs: Norwich. (R) 11.55 Long Lost Family (PG, R) 12.40 Rage New Music (MA15+adhlnsv)

Rage. (PG)

6am MorningPrograms. 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Great Australian Railway Journeys.(PGa, R) 3.05 Destination Flavour China. (R) 3.35 TheCookUp. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy!(R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally.Stage 11 Highlights.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 MOVIE: TheCurious Case Of Benjamin Button. (2008, R) Due to astrange ailment, aman who wasborn aged in his80s grows younger as time passes. Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett.

10.30 SBS WorldNews Late.

11.00 De Gaulle (Ma) France plunges into turmoil.

12.00 Kin. (MA15+lv,R)

2.40 Make Me ADealer (R)

3.30 Peer To Peer (PG, R)

4.00 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The WorldTonight.

FAMILY (22) 6am December Boys. (2007, PG) 8.00 TheLast Wave (1977,PG) 10.00 Tracker. (2010,M) 11.55 ABronx

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show SummerSeries.(PG) 10.00 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. One Day International. Australia vEngland. Game 3. From Bellerive Oval,Hobart. 2.00 Cricket The Women’sAshes. One Day International. Australia vEngland. Game 3. 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Cricket. Big BashLeague. Match37. Sydney Sixers vSydney Thunder. From theSCG

10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game Post-match coverage of thegame between the Sydney Sixersand Sydney Thunder. 11.00 BetterHomes AndGardens Summer. (R) Johanna Griggs and Charlie Albone explore Vancouver’s food andfishing delights

12.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under.Women’s.Stage 1. Highlights.

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Presented by Greg Grainger.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute (R)Hosted by GrantDenyer.

5.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

6.00 Today. Thelatest in news and current affairs. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Hosted by Tony Jones. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 6. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 6. From MelbournePark. Hosted by RozKelly and James Bracey

6.00 9News

7.00 Tennis. Australian Open Night 6. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by JamesBracey

11.00 Tennis. AustralianOpen. Late night 6. From Melbourne Park.Hosted by James Bracey. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam,R) Iggy helps afamily come to terms with their deafchild’sinabilitytocommunicate.

1.00 FirstOn Scene. (Maln) Documents stories behind theheadlines.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 SkippyThe Bush Kangaroo (R) Adog goesmissing in thepark.

4.30 Global Shop (R)Home shopping.

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Drive TV (R) Presented by Emma Notarfrancesco

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Deal OrNo Deal. (R)Contestants compete in ahigh-stakes game where they must beat TheBanker to win acashprize 6.30 TheProject. Thehosts and guest panellists takealookatthe day’snews, eventsand hot topics. 7.30 MOVIE: Cast Away (2000,Ma, R) Aworkaholic executivebecomes stranded on adeserted tropical island after aplane crash.Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt,NickSearcy.

Saturday, Januar y 18

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00

Breakfast. 9.00 Rage.(PG) 12.00

News At Noon. 12.25 Beyond Paradise. (PGa, R) 1.25 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. (Ml, R) 2.25 Extraordinary Escapes.(PG,R) 3.10 Lucy Worsley:AgathaChristie Mystery Queen. (PG, R) 4.10 Joanna Lumley’sGreat Cities Of The World. (PG, R) 5.00 Eat The Invaders. (PG, R) 5.30 Dr Karl’s HowThings Work. (R)

6.00 Brian Cox: Life Of AUniverse: End Of Days. (Final, R) Brian Cox looks at how the universe will end.

6.30 Back Roads: Camperdown, Vic toria (PG, R) Presented by Kerry Staight.

7.00 ABCNews. Alookatthe top stories of the day

7.30 Beyond Paradise. Thecommunity is rockedwhena painting disappears in aseemingly impossible heist.

8.30 Vera (Mad, R) Vera and the team investigate the murder of an addiction support worker whose body wasfound in thepicturesque but unforgiving wilds of Northumberland National Park

10.05 Miniseries: UntilIKill You. (Mal, R) Charts the story of Delia Balmer

11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.

6am MorningPrograms.

11.40 MOVIE: Fantastic Mr.Fox.(2009,PG) 1.15pm The Big Dry 2.05 Family Rules. 2.35 Kindred. 4.15 Carpool Koorioke. 4.25 Black As. 4.30 Strait To The Plate. 5.00 Spirit Talker 5.30 Ice Cowboys. 6.20 NITVNews: Summer Yarns. 6.30 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: The Conjuring. (2013,MA15+) 10.30 Ray Charles At Salle Pleyel.

6am MorningPrograms. 8.00 DD India News Hour 9.00 DestinationFlavour. (R) 9.05 The World From Above. (R) 10.10 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Women’s Weekly Football. 3.00 Aliquam DiveStories II.(R) 4.00 Forgotten Frontlines. (PGa, R) 5.00 Motor Racing.Dakar Rally.Stage 12. Highlights. 6.00 NBCToday 7.00 WeekendSunrise. 10.00 TheMorning Show SummerSeries (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. January CupDay,VRC Summer FunRace Day andEagle Farm Raceday 5.00 SevenNews At 5. 5.30 Border Security:Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) 6.00 TheGarden Gurus. (R) 6.30 DriveSafer (R)Hosted by Kris

6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’sRivers. (PG) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland.

8.30 Cotswolds And Beyond With PamAyres: Stow-OnThe-Wold. (PG, R) PamAyres heads to Stow-on-the-Wold

9.20 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro: Kiama Coast Walk. (PGa,R)

10.15 GreatAustralianRailwayJourneys. (R)

11.25 MOVIE: Radioactive. (2019,Mavw R) Rosamund Pike, Sam Riley. 1.25 MOVIE:

Subjects Of Desire.(2021, MA15+av,R)India

Arie 3.20 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.15 Peer To Peer.(R) 4.45 DestinationFlavour:Singapore Bitesize.(R) 4.50 Destination FlavourDown Under Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANCPhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6am WorldWatch.

10.00 Front Up 12.10pm Vigilante Inc 2.05 Beyond OakIsland. 2.55 CelebrityMastermind. 3.55 BBC News At Ten. 4.25 ABC WorldNews Tonight 4.55 PBS News. 5.55 The Mega-Brands That Built The World 7.35 ImpossibleEngineering. 8.30 Icons Unearthed: Spider-Man. (Premiere) 10.20 Hudson &Rex.(Return) Midnight The X-Files. 3.40 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al JazeeraNewshour

6am

Petite Maman. (2021, PG, French) 7.25 The Crossing. (2020,PG, Norwegian) 9.15 U-96, The True Story Of Das Boot. 10.20 ABeautiful Mind. (2001, M) 12.50pm OddThomas. (2013, M) 2.40 December Boys. (2007,PG) 4.40 Breaker Morant.(1980,PG) 6.40 Weekend At Bernie’s.(1989, PG) 8.30 Beau Is Afraid. (2023) 11.45 Piercing. (2018,MA15+) 1.15am HighGround. (2020, MA15+) 3.10 Late Programs.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Border Security:International (PGadl) An American citizen is carefully examined after it is learned he sellsmarijuana for aliving.

7.30 MOVIE: Kindergar ten Cop. (1990, Mv,R)Adetectivegoes undercover as akindergartenteacher to catch adrug dealer.Arnold Schwarzenegger, Penelope AnnMiller,Pamela Reed

9.50 MOVIE: True Lies. (1994, Mlsv, R) Asecretagent’swifeiscaughtupinhis latest mission as he battles aterrorist group.Arnold Schwarzenegger Jamie LeeCurtis, TomArnold. 12.50 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under.Women’s.Stage 2. Highlights. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’sAcademic (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve. 5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG,R)

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 7. From Melbourne Park.Hosted by James Bracey 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 7. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey.

12.00 New Amsterdam. (MA15+am, R)

The staff grapples with the aftermath of the Supreme Courtabortion rights decision.

1.00 Casualty 24/7 (Mm, R)

A59-year-old could haveserious internalinjuries after the carhewas working on collapsed onto his chest.

2.00 TheIncredible Journey Presents. (PG)Religious program.

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R) Homeshopping.

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands Summer Series (PG) Acelebration of people andorganisations.

6.30 TheDog House Australia. (PGa, R) Follows the staff at the Animal Welfare League as they try to findthe right fit fora father and son duo 8.30 TheDog House. (PGa,R)Adog goes on acharm offensive. Determined to prove that it is young at heart, apooch enjoys agame of tennis with apossible new family Alovable goofball sendsa couple into aspin. 9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mlm, R) Ambulance NSW responds to calls about an 88-year-old with asevere head wound, amotorbikeaccident,aserious burns incident and achallenging extraction involvinga patientweighing170kg. 10.30 Ambulance UK. (Mm, R) The numberofcategory 1emergency calls puts the ambulance service and the hospitals under pressure 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. Religious program.

Pink Panther Strikes Again. (1976, PG) 4.05 MOVIE: The Pink Panther (2006,PG) 6.00 Tennis. Austn Open. Afternoon 7. 7.00 YoungSheldon. 7.30 MOVIE: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald.(2018,M)

Sunday, Januar y19

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Breaky 10.00 Secret Science. (Final, PGan, R) 10.30 World This Week.(R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.25 Landline. (R) 12.55 New LeashOnLife. (R) 1.25 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.25 Monty Don’s History Of The British Garden. (R) 3.25 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.00 Magda’s BigNational Health Check. (PG, R)

6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) Hosted by Fiona Bruce.

7.00 ABC News. Alook at the top stories of theday

7.30 Miriam Margolyes In New Zealand. (Final, Ml) Miriam Margolyes journey ends

8.30 Miniseries: Until IKill You. (Malv) Having escaped with her life, Delia lies in acritical condition in hospital as police search for Sweeney 10.05 MOVIE: Myster yRoad. (2013,Malv,R)AnIndigenous detectiveinvestigates amurder AaronPedersen,HugoWeaving 12.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.05 Gardening Australia. (R)

5.05 TheGreat Acceleration. (PG, R)

6am MorningPrograms. 11.30 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R) 12.00 APAC Weekly.(R) 12.30 PBS Washington Week 12.55 North Beach Football Club.(R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 GraceBrown:TimeFor The Rest Of Life. 3.30 Cycling. National Road Championships. Women’s.Highlights. 4.30 Cycling. National Road Championships. Men’s.Highlights. 5.30 Forgotten Frontlines. (PGa, R) 6.00 NBCToday 7.00 WeekendSunrise. 10.00 The Morning ShowSummer Series. (PG) 12.00 NFL.NFL Playoffs. Divisional Playoffs. 3.30 Jabba’s Movies. (PG) 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer (R) 5.00 SevenNewsAt5 5.30 Border Security:Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Fortress Britain With Alice Rober ts: TheNorman Takeover (Final, PG, R) The team charts William the Conqueror’s journey 8.30 One Mind, OneHear t. (PG) Alook at how the discovery of ahistoric Yirrkala bark petition evokedthe spirit of decadesofactivismfor change 10.05 Stopping TheSteal. (Mal, R) Alook at Donald Trump’s denial of the 2020 election.

11.45 TheChoice 2024: Harris Vs Trump (PGa,R)

1.45 TheVPChoice: Vance Vs Walz. (Ml, R) 2.45 Love Your Garden.(R) 3.40 MakeMeA Dealer.(R) 4.30 Peer To Peer.(R) 5.00 NHK World English NewsMorning. 5.15 France 24 Feature 5.30 AlJazeeraNews.

6.00 SevenNews

7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 40 Melbourne Stars vHobartHurricanes. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Game Post-match coverage of the game between the Melbourne Stars and HobartHurricanes. 11.00 7NEWSSpotlight (R) Billionaire James Packer and British pop star Robbie Williams open up to reporter Liam Bartlett. 12.00 Cycling Santos Tour Down Under.Women’s.Stage 3. Highlights

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by GregGrainger. 2.00 Home Shopping (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)Hosted by GrantDenyer

NBCToday News and current affairs.

Sunrise 5am News.

TEN (10, 5)

Sunrise. 6.00 9News Sunday 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 8. From Melbourne Park.Hosted by James Bracey 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late night 8. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mdm,R) Max learns about the bequest office, arevenue-generating department at the hospital. 1.00 FirstOn Scene. (MA15+av) Documents stories behind the headlines.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Vic tor y. (PGa) Religious program.

4.30 GolfBarons. (PGl,R)Apanel of experts discussesgolf.

5.00 TodayEarly News. Alookatthe latest news, sport and weather 5.30 To day. Thelatestinnews and current affairs.

6.00 TheSundayProjec t Alookatthe day’snews. 7.00 I’mACelebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! (Return,PGals)Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 9.00 TheGraham Nor ton Show. (Mhs) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by SigourneyWeaver,Nicholas Hoult, JamieOliver, LollyAdefope and Coldplay

10.10 MOVIE: Mafia Mamma (2023,MA15+lsv) An American mother inherits her grandfather’s mafia empire and defieseveryone’s expectations as the new head of the family business. Toni Collette, MonicaBellucci. 12 25 TheSundayProject (R) Alookatthe day’snews. 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMorning s. 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.05 Front Up 12.10pm Vegan Vigilantes. 12.30 Jeopardy! 2.35

Of January.(2014,M) 3.00 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998,PG) 4.45 CheerfulWeather ForThe Wedding. (2012, PG) 6.35 Leap Year.(2010, PG) 8.30 The Voyeurs. (2021, MA15+) 10.40 Luzzu. (2021, M, Maltese) 12.30am The Orphanage.(2019 M, Dari) 2.10 Late Programs. 6am MorningPrograms. Noon Rugby League. 2022 Koori Knockout. 1.00 Rugby League.2022Koori Knockout 2.00 S.O.G. The Book Of Ward 4.00 ILive, IBreathe,ISurf 5.00 Ray Charles At Salle Pleyel. 6.30 NITVNews: Summer Yarns. 6.40 Camels

Monday,January 20

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 7.30 Presented by LauraTingle.

8.00 Escaping Utopia. Ajournalist investigates acommunity.

9.00 Hear Me Out, Australia Day Indigenous people are put front and centre on topicsthat affect them.

9.35 Shakespeare:Rise Of A Genius: Treason And Mor tality (Final, Ma, R) Ascandal threatens Shakespeare’s reputation.

10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 Lucy Worsley: Agatha ChristieMyster yQueen: UnfinishedPor trait (Final, PG, R)

11.50 Grand Designs. (R)

12.40 Long Lost Family (PG, R)

1.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

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

6.00 Mastermind Australia (PG, R)

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 Hunt ForTruth: Tasmanian Tiger. (Ml, R) TimNoonan investigatesthe TasmanianTiger

8.30 Jimmy Carr’sI Literally Just Told You. (M) Jimmy Carr hosts acomedicgame showwhere paying attention paysoff.

9.30 Inside Sydney Airpor t: Rain. (PGal, R) With violent storms closing down two runways, an incoming flight relays adistress call.

10.25 SBS World NewsLate.

10.55 Clean Sweep (Mals)

12.00 Wisting. (MA15+als, R)

12.55 Faking Hitler (Ml, R)

2.45 Grayson Perry’s Rites Of Passage. (Mas, R) 3.40 MakeMeADealer. (R) 4.30 Peer To Peer.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Home AndAway. (PG)

7.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Twenty20 International Series. Australia vEngland.Game1.From the SCG.

10.30 Motor wayPatrol. (PGa) When themotorway gets backed up one driver off-roads it.A mini Mitzi meets amaxi truck in ahit-and-run.

11.00 HighwayCops. (PG) Flooding hits theTasman region andtravellers get cut off by the rising waters.

11.30 BornToKill? Peter Moore –The Man In Black. (Mav,R) Takesa lookatPeter Moore.

12.30 Wild Tokyo. (PGa, R) Explores Tokyo’swildlife.

2.00 HomeShopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R) 6.30 SBS WorldNews 7.30 Who Do YouThink You Are?Kathy Lette. (PGa, R) Kathy Letteexplores her roots 8.35 Stock Aitken Waterman: Legends Of Pop. (PG, R) The story of English recordproducers Stock Aitken Waterman. 9.55 TheArtist’sView:Bon Jovi. (PGal, R) Richie Sambora talks about Bon Jovi. 10.25 SBS World NewsLate. 10.55 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a) 11.55 Christian. (MA15+v,R) 2.55 Home Is Where The Art Is. (R) 3.45 MakeMeADealer.(R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK WorldEnglish News Morning 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Home AndAway. (PG) 7.30 Cricket. BigBashLeague TheQualifier. 11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game Post-match coverage of TheQualifier 11.30 Lockerbie. (Final, PGalv,R)Doubt has been cast over the prosecution’s case andthe courtawaits the verdicttensely 12.35 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under.Men’s.Stage 1. Highlights. 1.35 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Greg Grainger explores the scenery,culture and wildlife of NSW’s Montague Island and Brisbane.

Home Shopping. (R)

NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5am News. The latest news, sportand weather.

6.00 9News.

7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 9. From Melbourne Park.Hosted by James Bracey 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open Late night 9. From Melbourne Park. Hosted by James Bracey. 12.00 New Amsterdam. (Mam, R) Floyd gets creativetohelpa prospectivemother in need. Max takesa chance with Wilder

1.00 Casualty 24/7 (Mm, R) A76-year-old who is afull-timecarer for his wife is in agony after an accident at home

2.00 Family Law. (Mas, R) Abby fights for her client’sright to know herbiological

FirstOnScene. (Mv) Documents stories behind the headlines.

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Our State On APlate. (PG,R) Sophie Budd explores abrewery

TV Shop:HomeShopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoice

Cremated legacy

By JENIFERWHITWAM

TRA RALGO NC rema to riu ma tG ipp sla nd Memorial Park has recognised 40 years since the first cremation, held on January 16, 1985. At the time, Traralgon CrematoriumTrust members were J.K Chenhall (chairman), Ms M.I Nixon, J.F Alcorn, J.D Black,A.G Lindsay, P.A Murray, A.E.M Nielsenand R.L Patrick. The secretary was DDunbarJP.

The development of the Traralgon Cemetery Crematorium was along and challenging process that spanned several decades.

The idea of establishing acrematorium was first discussed in the early 1950s.

In 1952,the Hazelwood Trust expressed support for the crematorium and offered to help with the submission. However, responsesfrom undertakers in 1955 concluded that therewas no need for a crematorium at the time.

In 1959, the trust’s president and secretary visited the Ballarat Crematorium, but there was no funds available to pursue the project further. The idea was shelved in 1960. In 1963, there was arenewed interest in the crematorium, and by 1973, the Church of England Synod was writing to the government requesting the establishment of acrematorium in Gippsland on social grounds.

In 1974, the trust asked the Traralgon Shire Council to seekout the Gippsland Municipalitiesto support acrematorium attachedtothe Traralgon Cemetery.Despite some discouragement from the health department, the trust continued to pursue the project. In 1975, aquotation for afurnace for the crematorium was submitted. The trust also sought funds from the Latrobe ValleyDevelopment Committee.

By 1976, the trustpublicly announcedtheir support for the crematorium. Apublic meeting was held, and asteeringcommittee was formed. In 1977, the trust prepared asubmission for public approval by the state government and affirmed they would make land available for the crematorium. Ameeting was held on August 30, 1977 with the Department of Public Health, and it was agreed that 10 acres was sufficient for the crematorium.

In 1978, the Department of Health requested assurancethat the trust could arrange finance for the crematorium. However, in 1979, several banks notified that they could not loan money to

finance the crematorium. The trust continued to seek funds and support from various sources. In 1980, the City of Traralgon accepted the principle of arranging agrant of $100,000 forthe crematorium By 1981, the Department of Health recommended to the treasurer that the government fund the requested $100,000 for the crematorium.

The National Bank offered aloan of $120,000 provided therewas government security. The trust engaged KeithWilsonEngineer Group to prepare preliminary plans for the crematorium. In 1982, the trust selected KWalter of Leith Bartlett and Partners as the architect for the crematorium.

The construction of the crematorium faced several challenges, including cost reductions and design alterations. By 1984, the trust had received working plans for the crematorium. The crematorium was named Gippsland Crematorium, Traralgon.The trust continued to seek funds and support for the project.

The crematorium was finally openedtothe public in December1984, and officially opened on March 21,1985 by the Minister of Transport, Tom Roper whowas also the former health minister.

By the end of the first year, 52 cremations were conducted.

The trust continued to address issues related to the crematorium’s operation and sought to promote its services throughout Gippsland in order for it to become more financial. They were having trouble convincing the local communities as it was seeming that country people preferred burials. The usage needed to be increased to allow the development to become financial. Data over the years shows that cremations outdid the burials which led to further developments.

Traralgon Cemetery Crematorium is atestament to the dedication and perseveranceofthe trust members providing avaluable serviceto the community.

In the following yearsthe chapel and the crematorium have gone through several changes to increase the size of the chapel and the capabilities of the cremators.

Today, there are more cremations annually than burials -agreat change in the 40 years.

To complement The Rose Chapel, nearly10years ago The Oak Room function centre was added to complete the facility.

Jenifer Whitwam is aTraralgon Cemetery Trust member.

Healthier club grub on the menu

DINERS will soon get access to healthier menus at four Gippsland bistros under an innovative project steered by the Gippsland Region Public Health Unit (GRPHU).

The Better Bites project aims to increase healthy, affordable meal options in community clubs which attract adiversity of patrons, from families with children to older people.

The GRPHU has enlisted Italian Australian Club, Morwell, Yarram CountryClub, Phillip Island RSL and Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club. These venues are participating in the project which is carrying out activities to improve healthy choices.

The first phase of Better Bites is underway. It involves collecting baseline data, gathering patron and staff responses, and observing the dining area.

The nutritional value of the top 10 selling items on avenue’smenu will be analysed by Latrobe Regional Health dietetics team members.

Better Bites Principal Investigator and GRPHU Deputy Director, Alyce Wilson said venues will take the lead changing their menus.

Ms Wilson said even simple changeslikereducing salt or swapping hot chipswith abaked potato can have health benefits for the community.

“Gippsland has ahighprevalence of chronicdiseases including stroke, heart disease and diabetes and experiences higher rates of preventable deaths compared to state andnational averages,”she said.

“There is astrongconnection between the burden of chronic disease and diet.

“The clubsinvolved in the project have alocal member base and are very much part of the social fabric of their communities. They see themselves as having arole to play in the health and wellbeing of their members so we are delighted they agreed to be part of this important research.”

Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club Manager, Rod Bye shared his excitement to be apartofBetter Bites

“I’m thrilled to be working with the GRPHU team to create healthier food options for our patrons,” he said.

“And, the launch of thisprojectiscoinciding with the recent completion of renovations to the club. So,itwill be fantastictooffer anew and healthier menu in our refurbished venue.”

Better Bites researchers also looked at international evidence around nutritional changes in communitydining venues. This evidence was used to inform the local project.

Asmaller pilot studyatPhillipIsland restaurants in 2018 and 2019 used atrafficlight system to label menu items, such as ‘green’ (representing best choice), ‘amber’ (choosecarefully) and ‘red’ (limit).

Thisprevious study found the sale of green menu items increased, while 75 per cent of patrons surveyed about the changes said they supported healthier menu choices.

Rose Chapel: Theviewfrominside the chapel at theTraralgon Crematorium. Photograph contributed

Cost of living crisis traced back to privatisation

WHENI was ayoungman,I banked withthe Commonwealth Bank (government owned), insured my GIO (Government Insurance Office) and had health insurance with Medibank Private (government owned).

You coulddriveacross Melbourne without paying atoll.

Rail travel was cheap in government owned and operated trains.

My grandparents and parents lived in housing commission houses.

Therewas no cost of living crisis, no housing crisis because both state and federal governments kept prices down simply by being part of the market and ensured supply of housing by building and managing what was required.

Iattendeduniversity at no cost and had no student debt, unlike today.

Thenprivatisationand user pays were introduced by state and federal governments. Government-owned banks were sold. Medibank Privatewas sold.GIO wassold. Commonwealth EmploymentServicewas replaced with aprivatised job network which was more expensive and less successful.

The corporations celebrated and their prices rose. Thisofcoursealsofuelledthe exorbitant chief executive and executive remuneration packages, areduction in service and closureofbranches as businesses embarked on aculture of profit maximisation.

Power stations were sold. Even the power transmissionlines were sold, leading to power prices rising every year.

Under the Liberal government, major ports were either sold or leasedout, raisingthe cost of both imports and exports.

It is no wonderthat there is acost of living crisis. Both Labor and Liberal/National governments have quietly sold the farm.

To solve the cost of living crisis, governments need to re-enter the market in essential services, establish Australia Post Bank incorporating insurance and Medibank Private. This will reduce cost of living.

To provide more rental housing and take pressure off and costs; re-establish housing commissions in each state under the original Victorian model. The commission had planning powers, and could developlandand buildhouses.Therewas even ahouse factory.The commission saved costs at every step.

These are my thoughts but what do Iknow. Iwillbesupporting independent candidate for Monash, Deb Leonard this election.

Ian Campbell Raymond Island Editor’s note: Mr Campbell previously worked for Regional Development VictoriainLatrobe City.

Community over perks

IAMwriting in response to the letter ‘Pies in the Sky’ by Phillip Edwards (LVE Opinion 06.01.24), which discusses amotion by councillorAdele Pugsley and secondedbyCrSharonGibson regarding the introduction of ahospitality allowance for councillors’ meetings.

While Icommend the new Latrobe City Council for its diverse representation,this motion is deeply concerning, particularly during atimewhenthe communityisgrappling as ratepayers are already burdened by councilrates, and generalliving expenses.

Introducing what has been dubbed the “Party Pies Allowance”sends amessage of being disconnected from the realities faced by the community to the very people councillors are meant to serve. Public service should be rooted in aspiritof

community dedication, not personal gain.

Councillors have aduty to set an example of fiscal responsibility, especially when so many in the community are struggling.

Comparing Latrobe City policies to those of other councils is irrelevant; the focus must remain on what is appropriate andethical for ourlocal community.

Moreover, Latrobe City Councilisalready facing challenges with its workforce.

Manycouncil officers are employed on casual, part time, or fixed term contracts, and high staff turnover is apersistent issue.Diverting resources to investigate and potentially implement this motion seems not only unnecessary but also amisuseof council time and public funds.

This issue resonates deeply with me, as Ihave proudly served the Latrobe community in various roles, including working for Meals on Wheels and as aDisability Support Worker.

These experiences have given me first-hand insight into the importance of public service and the critical needtodirect resources wherethey are most needed.

It is disheartening to see resources potentially beingdirected away from essential services and programs that provide tangible benefits to the community.

The ethos of community service is what underpins trust in local government.

Ratepayers expectcouncillors to prioritise the community’s needs, advocate for better services, and use publicfundswisely. Proposals like this erodethat trust and risk alienatingthe verypeople councillors are elected to represent.

Iurgecouncil to rejectthis motion outright and focus on initiatives that directly benefit the community.

Let us reinvest in essential services, support staff, and prioritise projects that address pressing local challenges.

Councillors should rememberthat they are accountable to the public, and their actions must reflect the community’s best interests.

Rosemary Race Moe

Maths will always win

READING Anthony Wasiukiewicz’s letter in the Express wasrestful (‘Disconfirming evidence’, 08/01/24).

The report fromthe CSIRO Gen report has been criticised by others who have pointed out flaws on the life of nuclear stations.

Chris Bowen has quoted 19 years to build. This is awrong assumption as facts show it takes closer to 10 years to build anuclear station.

In the case of Japan it took five years, but note Japandoesnot talk about it -theyjust get on with it.

Star of the South has taken 10 years and is still not started.

Delburn Wind Farm is delayed and others have been put on the back burner.

Anthony’s noted point of project management was interesting. The centre of the three points was quality and renewables are not cheap to build as our power bills show.

Rudd started this fantasy, and we as usual are footing the bill.

As for Mr Duck (‘Noconcession, no consideration’, 08/01/24), can you honestlysay thatyou never experienced this type of weather in the late 1950s/ early1960s?

My husband, ashift worker, had to go under the housetoget some sleep where it wascooler,the heat was in the hundreds for several days.

To acertain extent, nature cannot be controlled.

Patricia Correa, Traralgon

HappyNew Year

WELL, hereweare ladies andgentlemen of the Latrobe Valley Express Opinion jury, awhole new beginning to 2025.

What ayear of opinions we had in 2024. Many positive and factual, while others were negative, filled with socially extreme left, woke and Green BS.

But as this particular writer has said before, we are all entitled to our own opinion. Thank goodness for that!

Our beautiful country Australia is in enough trouble right now without having to listen to the verbal diahorreaspewingfrom the mouths of Labor politicians, both federal and state, each and every day.

There are so many important issues that need to be addressed,but our bogus Prime Minister, Airbus Albo finds that it’s in everybody’s interest to make asong and dance about abloodycabana that has been placedona beach.Aw, bless his bleeding heart. Imean, for goodness sake. really?

Good on the people who had the foresight to rush to the foreshore and set themselves up early. Now that’s usingyour grey matter to give yourself agood spot. The old saying, “first in best dressed” is very apt in this instance.

But as in all things political and of course the do-gooders in everyday life, there will be some sooky lala who will whinge and whine and spit the dummy.

The opinion scribes from the Express (08/01/24) Anthony Wasiukiewicz, Patricia Correa, Phillip Edwards and Joseph Lis were right on the money with their articles.

LikeAnthony Wasiukiewicz (‘Disconfirming evidence’), Ialso have no vestedinterest in whichever way the cookie crumbles and Itoo believe in reality and shycompletely awayfromthe doomand gloom of climate naysayers.

The climate has been changing for thousands of years and will continuetochange forever more.

The sun will rise every morning, but there will be times when the wind won’t blow.

My goodness, what would this world be like if it was populated by the Gretta Thunberg’s, Chris Bowen’s, Tim Flannery’sand the tree hugging Greens? As Kermit the Frog said: “it’s not easy beingGreen”. Youhavetofeel alittle sorry for Kermie.Green reallyisa horrible colour and its brushstrokes spread farand wide.

Kudos to youPatricia Correa in relationtoour flagcommotion (‘Financialpressure’). As you so eloquently quoted, “we are all one as Australians”. Our brave diggersfought for ourcountry under one flag -the Australian flag. Many suffered the ultimate sacrifice, for and under one flag.

Unlike Albo, Peter Dutton is correct: one flag... the Australian one!

Phillip Edwards, you are spot on (‘Pies in the sky’) Politicians love to wallow in the pig swill trough. They like nothing betterthan digging theirsnouts deep into the never-ending taxpayer funded money pit. There was atime, albeit many eons ago, when areal, honest Labor government usedtogovern for the worker, the average hard working Mr and MrsJoe Blow.But sadly, that is now ‘look up in the sky, there are pink pigs flying’ reality.

The pigsty is overflowing with rampant, hungry pollies swallowing down the dollars, lurks and perks of their, ahem ‘chosen profession’. Talk about being ‘born with asilver spoon in your mouth’.

But wait, there’s more! The spoons are much larger and shinierwhenthey retire. You just have to remember (I’d rather not) to the ‘chosen one’, the one person who destroyed and gutted our state, and never admitted his wrongs.

His quote of “I can’trecall” will go down in Australian folklore for generations to come.

But Ihave to admit, Ilove abloodygood, tasty party pie Phillip. Bravo mate. Joseph Lis (‘Nothing to see here’) said his piece in abrief and clearly expressedmanner: “Outrageously deluded, hypocritical comments.” You were right on the money my friend. You nailed it!

In closing, Iwould like to say awarm and heartfelt thank you to the inimitable Mr John Duck.

Thank you for naming me (I sincerely hope it’s me you’re referring to) as ‘The ShadowMinister forDandenong’.

I’m in my mid-70s, six feet three inches tall and yes, Icast avery long shadow.

Iwas quitechuffed and humbled by your ‘well thought of’ description of me.

You are quite ahumorous person Mr Duck, and there are many of us who have ahearty laugh at your mundane, bland opinions.

But in saying that, your opinion matters, not to me but I’m sure somewhere, someone cares at least alittle bit. But please remember that in order to insult me, Imust first and foremost valueyour opinion -nice try though!

Ahappy and prosperous New Year to you all and keep the opinions comingin. It’s agreat waytohave the chance to express yourself in an open forum. If the editor of this publication doesn’t see fit to publish subscribers opinions then he won’t, and Ifor one will gladly accept the umpire’s decision. The cornerstone of our democracy is free speech -long may it reign -and that’s afact!

Oliver Bergens Dandenong

The greatest evil

HANNAH Arendt, in her 1960sbook Eichmann in Jerusalem,wrote abouthow she was struckbythe Nazi Adolf Eichmann’s demeanour and statements during his Nuremberg trial, and just how everyday and bureaucratic he seemed.

Eichmann was one of the primary architects and implementers of The Final Solution

Whist reading this, Iwas instantly and vividly reminded of C.S. Lewis and his great quote from his book The Screwtape Letters:“The greatest evil is now not done in those sordid dens of crime that Dickens loved to paint. It is not even done in concentration camps and labour camps. In those we see the final result. But it is conceived and ordered (moved, seconded,voted and carried) in clean,carpeted, warmed and well-lightedoffices and buildings, by career-minded men and women with white collars and manicured fingernails who wear suitsand ties and designer dressesand live in wealthy ivory towers in adifferent and hermetically sealed world, utterly divorced from and ignoring the frightening problems and miseries and struggles of the common taxpaying masses.”

Respectable men like Anthony Albanese and Chris Bowen.

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 doesnot publish lettersfrom anonymous contributors.

Letters must include ap hone numb er, email address and the author’s hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity. Readers are entitled to aright of replyto a letter directed at them.

While healthy debate is encouraged, the editor will stamp out any that cross the line to defamation.

The views expressed in letters to the editor are thoseofthe writers, and do not necessarily reflect the viewsofLatrobe Valley Express management or staff.

Readers should be equally aware that facts presented in letters are selected to support a person’s point of view.

As such, statistics can quite oftenbefabricated depending on the pool of data used or the type of people involved in surveys.

The letters section is designed to allow people to have their say, and not be hijacked for political agendas.

Lett ers regarding relig ion will not be published.

Email letters to news@lvexpress.com.auand include ‘Letter to the Editor’inthe subject line. Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm.

Unheard of now: LetterwriterIan Campbell is old enough to rememberthe days of free university. Photograph: Whitlam Institute

Government failsbushfire mitigation in Latrobe District

COMMENT

BY JOHN CAMERON

OVER the last five years, the state government's Forest FireManagement Victoria (FFMV)has failed to do enough fuel reduction to meet its fueldrivenfirerisk target of 80 percentfor the Latrobe District of Gippsland.

The fuel-driven risk target has increased from 82 per cent to 86 per cent.

The Latrobe District embraces Woods Point, Wilsons Prom, San Remo and Traralgon.

Forested areas with heavy fuels lie to the north of key regional cities Moe, Morwell and Traralgon and waterinfrastructure supplying Melbourne and Latrobe Valley.

The 2015 'SaferTogether' bushfire policy is based on inadequate fuelreduction.The 80 per cent fueldriven risk target for the Latrobe District is only 20 per cent below catastrophic fuel loads under ‘no fuel reduction’. Much of the forest in Latrobe District carries about 30 tonnes/hectares of dead leaves, twigs and bark that can burn as intensely as 10,000 litres/hectares of petrol, but the forest fuel has greater potential to start spot fires.

The government states that its strategic bushfire risk management aims to achieve abalancebetween the two core objectives of reducing bushfire risk to life,communities, theeconomy and the environment, while maintaining resilient ecosystems. The program is failing on both counts.

The actual and target fuel-driven fire risk targets are too high -being based on insufficientfuel reduction.

Thisisdemonstrated by the 2019/20 Black SummerBushfire thatburnt 1.6 million ha; destroyed 396 houses; and killed five people, millions of livestock and native fauna and considerably damagedecosystems. In the years prior to the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfire, the annual area

fuel reduced averaged less than 0.6 per cent of the forest andlessthan20per cent of the fuel reduced coupes were large enough to be effective.

Statewide, Victoria is fuel reducing only 1.5 per cent of the forest each year, whereasthe 2009 Black Saturday Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission recommended at least five per cent.

In the South West Forest of WA, they have been fuelreducingabout eightper centofthe foresteach year and have had no megafiresand only two lives lost, compared to several megafires and 312 lives

lost in Victorian bushfires overthe same63years.

Statewide, the government only reaches its fueldriven risk target by counting as ‘fuel reduced’, 61 per cent burnt by highintensity wildfire,with only 39 per cent planned fuel reduction. This smoke and mirrorsnonsense is causingmore intense bushfires, heavier future loads of ‘ladder fuel’ and more fires growing into crown fires.

Latrobe District is at risk of acatastrophic event like Black Saturday in 2009.

Other districts with above target fuel-driven

Time is critical, and we simply cannot

COMMENT

BY ADRIAN COSGRIFF

WHILE Ireally encourage community debate, it would be great if people would be factual when they write in to the Express

Mr Brian Mawhinney ('Like afairy tale',LVE Opinion,11/12/24)complains about how people are criticising nuclear.

The problem with the nuclear plan is that it is void of details.

Despite repeatedly asking the opposition for information, we get the quite arrogant response: "we'll release the details at atimeofour choosing" from Peter Dutton.

One thing we know for sure is that coal power is closing and it's not that far away.

The Latrobe Valleysimply can't afford to wait around for empty promises. Analysis by industry and by local community groups have discovered that nuclear for Loy Yangfailsonthe basic fundamentals let alone the environmentaland health risks. Baseload power is adying technology.

As more and more renewables, and now energy storage, comes into the system, it undermines the baseload model, and that's because it is cheaper. Eve nw he nt he cos ts of bac kup and new

transmission are taken into account, renewable energy still comes out cheaper.

One only has to look at the NEM live generation data and see it for themselves every day

Progressively, renewables are taking the market away from baseload coal, just as the automobile replaced the horse, so are renewables with energy storage steadily replacing baseload.

As to the silly claim that we will only have four hours of power per day, Isuggest that the writer does some research before commenting again. That was just plain wrong.

We knowexactly how much renewables cost.

We are building them today, every day. They are generating grid sized amounts of electricity every day. Now,weare seeinggridbatteries perform wellabove expectation. Hence powercompanies are also now building them all over Australia as well, even right here in the Valley.

Real generation. Real energy storage. Real jobs. Happening today. Not afact-less, empty promise way off into the future.

We can't afford to wait for politician's empty promises any longer. We've been burned enough times as acommunity. We need to get on with what's real and what actually works today.

fire risk for several years are Midlands at 77 per cent with atargetof70per cent, Ovens (66 with a target of 55), Metropolitan (92 with 85) and Yarra (86 with 85).

It appears FFMV over plan and under execute. Statewide over the last two years, only 67 per cent of planned burns and 56 percent of plannedpriority burns were actually implemented by FFMV. Ineffective delivery against planhas beenoccurring for years. FFMV provide excuses but insufficient corrective action.

During 2023/24inthe Gippsland Region, FFMV spent $23.3 milliononfuel reduction, of which only 19 per cent or $4.5 million was direct cost. Over the last two years, FFMV has spent on average $150 million per year statewide on fuel reduction, but overheads consumed $120 million (80 per cent).Overheads at 80 per cent is inefficient. In 2023/24, statewide direct expenditure on fuelreduction was only five per cent of the $656 million FFMVspentonall fire protection (c.f. WA DeptBiodiversity, Conservationand Attractions fuel reduction was 46 per cent of $122 million). FFMVwas 50 per cent overbudget in 2023/24 because of spendingonbushfire and floodrecovery -insufficientspendingonfire mitigation results in increased spending on suppression and disaster recovery.

About the author: John Cameron is aforestry consultant with an MBA Monash and has worked in forest research, corporatedevelopment, and general management. He wasformerboard memberoftwo forestry andforest industry CRC’s and amember of aCFA Forest Industry Brigade.

NB: Dataonfuel-drivenfire risk targets, fuel reduced area and costs have been drawn from the FFMVwebpage and DEECA and WA DBCA annual reports.

afford to waste it

In response to Mr Joseph Lis's suggestion that the reactor Lucas Heights is the same as apower station reactor ('No objections, 11/12/24), well that's just aridiculous thing to say as well.

The suburb of Lucas Heights changed its name in the 90s to Barden Ridge so that the people wouldn't associate it with anuclear reactor.

Don't get me wrong, the OPAL reactor, which is 20mw and replaced the original reactor in 2007, not 10mw as Mr Lis wrote, has been fantastic for Australia in the role that it was designed for.

But, comparing it to apower stationreactor is like comparing atwo-seat trainer plane to an A380. Both are powered aircraft but that'sabout where the similarities end.

Building anuclear powerstationisa complicated process and takesalongtimeinacountry thathas regulatory and environmental standards similarto Australia. That's why projects in the UK, western Europe and the USA are the best examplesfor Australia to use, and then there's the issue of the basic fundamentals not being there.

1. Baseload is slowlyand progressively being replaced by abetter, cheaper, more flexible system; 2. Loy Yang is plann ing to use its cooling water allocation for mine rehabilitation post

generation shutdown -aprocess thatcannot be delayed, which means there willbenospare water for cooling in anuclear power station.

Both Yallourn and Hazelwood are doing the same. AGL is looking to use the water until 2065 to fill the Loy Yang mine; and,

3. Several renewable energy and storage projects are already queuing up to absorb the supposed freegridspace that will become available postLoy Yang shut down. And of course, offshore wind will be abig part of that as well, years beforeanuclear plant could be built

The opposition repeatedly claim that nuclear power will provide cheaper electricity.

Thefunny thing aboutthat is that they can'ttell us the brand of reactor,the type of reactor, the number of reactors, the build time of the projects or the cost of extending coal fired power for around 20 years in order to fill the gap between the current planned coal closures and the completion of a nuclear fleet at the seven sites around Australia Can someone please explain how that works? Let alone how we're going to deal withthe waste and all the other issues that are too numerous to list here. About the author: Adrian Cosgriff is a Traralgon resident.

Letter writer John Cameron believes Forest Fire ManagementVictoriahas

Spreading love of books among community

By KIANA BROOKS-AMOR

TWO localwomen are defyingthe odds and spreading the loveofreadingthroughoutthe Latrobe Valley.

DespiteAustralia’s poor reading skills according to the Grattan Institute, Stephanie Ridding builther 'Yeah Nah Library' community box on Hammond Street, Yinnar in April last year.

Justafew months ago, she met and inspired local high school teacher Tierney Evans to create Rogers Reads Library.

The two libraries welcome regular visitors and create opportunities for social connection.

The Yeah Nah Book Clubevolved from there Its members had never met each other in person before,but nowencourageeachothers’ reading enthusiasm and catch up outside the book club.

Local residentand Yeah Nah Book Club member, Zoe Ryan visits both libraries fortnightly.

“I onlyjust startedreadingbookswhenSteph put hers [library] in,” Ms Ryan said.

“Myhusband’s always joking, ‘You’ve just learnt to read’.”

The success of these libraries is partly due to their modern style. Ms Ridding and Ms Evansaccept book requests, use social media as well as guest books to engagewithvisitors, and allowvisitors to take or donate.

“The goal of it is not to have it always functioning: takingone and leaving one. It’s more about inspiring people to enjoy reading in my community,” Ms Ridding said.

“If someone comes, never donates abook to my library, but grabs abunch, takes them home and

develops alove of reading, then that’s the purpose of my library; that would make me so happy to hear.” Furthermore,the owners supply books they

Firefighting efforts recognised at FRV service awards

By KIANA BROOKS-AMOR

YEARS of firefighting dedication was recognised by Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) last year.

FRV’s Long and Good ServiceAwards and Australian Honours event took place on November 27 at Traralgon Fire Station.

Morwell firefighter, William Sexton, received theNational Emergency medal and Clasp For Bushfires 2019 and 2020.

Mr Sexton served in aCFA strike team for aweek in the upperMurray Valleyarea during 2019 and 2020. He said he worked with firefighters from the United States to patrol fire control lines, cut newones,and prevent spot fires from escaping.

“Also provide aid, escort water trucks into isolated communities up there. Full effort not just in firefighting,” he said.

He said he will use his award “as an opportunity to bring attention to all the people who servedduring that bushfire campaign (and) spent long periods of time away from home and family to help others in need.”

Senior Station Officer for FRV based in Morwell, Ross Male, received the national medal and clasp as well as the Long and Good Service Awards for 35 years.

He began serving at the age of 17,and said that acareerwith FRV is “good and long”.

He also saidreceiving the awards “excited and motivated” him.

Both Leading Firefighter at station 78, Kenric Cater and Acting Commander for South-East regional Gippsland, Jamie Wilkie, received Long and Good Service Awards for 15 years of service

Mr Cater served nine years as amechanic for CFA before serving as afirefighter with FRV.

He saidthat the majority of his career focused on protecting communities from the stations in Morwell, Dandenong, and others across Victoria.

“We’ve had to remain behind to provide protectiontothe towns when the other crewshave gone away to the bushfires,” he said.

Mr Wilkie first joined afire brigade when he was 16.

“I became acareer firefighterin2007,”Mr Wilkie said.

“I just really enjoyed the physical plus the skill aspect of fire fighting.”

Fire Rescue Commissioner, Gavin Freeman, said that FRV workstorecognise all those who serve and aid the organisation “and our predecessor organisations”.

“Fire Rescue Victoria is made up of four-anda-half thousand people. Obviously we have our frontline firefighters, about 3800 of those, but there are around700 supportstaff that help them do what they do every day,” he said.

Urgent need for blood donors amid cancellations

LIFEBLOOD has issued an urgent call for blood donors after arecord number of planned blood donations were cancelled.

More than 6500 people cancelled their donation appointments -the highest number of New Year week cancellations in three years. Afurther 14,000 people either rescheduled or did not attend their appointment.

The donation drop-off at one of the most critical times of year means an extra 12,000 people are now urgentlyneeded to booka donation to replenish low blood stocks.

Lifeblood Executive Director Donor Experience, Cath Stone is calling on people to book adonation.

“We knowthe festive season is abusytimeofyear, and everyone looksforward to awell-earnedbreak, but the need for blood has not stopped,” she said.

“Every day, we are issuing more than 9500 blood and plasma transfusions and medications to Australian hospitals.

“There are still cancer patients, road trauma victims, new mums and newborn babies, and people with immune deficiencies that are relying on the generosity of blood donors.

“Now that the holidayseason has come to an end and people are returningtotheir normal routines,

we’re hoping more people will find an hour in their schedule to save lives.”

The urgentneed for more donations comes despite arecord 1.66 million donations being given in 2024, an increase of almost 30,000 donations compared to 2023.

“Demand for bloodand plasmacontinues to increase at record levels. More donations are needed than ever before, largely due to agrowing and aging population,” she said.

“Tokeep up with that demand, we needanextra 100,000people to find their reason to make ablood donation in 2025.

“It could be because someone you know has cancer or becauseyou need anew year’s resolution.Itcould be because it makesyou feel good, or it mighteven be because of the party pies.

“For every reason to become adonor, there’s an even bigger reason -life.Soplease bookyour donation today.”

With the nation’s bloodsupply levels now available to view in real-time online,knowing when blood is needed is easier than ever.

To book adonation, call 13 14 95, visit: lifeblood.com.auordownload the Donate Blood App.

would recommend to friends rather than relying on donations alone. Ms Evans said she hopes that free, good quality

books attract and excite people back into reading.

“Everyone wants to be able to read. It’s just, you fall out of love with it because you haven’t read a good book in such along time,” she said.

Local resident Leigh Albon, Ms Ryan, Ms Riddling and Ms Evans agree that readers feel less pressure to finish books they do not enjoy when the books are free.

Also, Ms Ridding said thatthe traditional size of the libraries meant visitors are “overwhelmed” with choices.

Mr Albon said that the community library format allows new readers to learn what genres they enjoy and what authors or series to look out for in bookstores.

Yeah Nah Library particularly caters to mums.

“For busy mums, it’s really hard sometimes to participate in hobbies and you can lose yourself in the early stages of motherhood. It was something Iloved so much Iwanted to share with others, particularly mums and women in my area,” Ms Ridding said.

She said that about three mums visit Yeah Nah Library every day.

Ms Ryan said that she wanted to commit to reading when she became amum and Yeah Nah Library supported her goal.

“Now that Ihave aone-year-old, one of my favourite things is sittingdownbefore bedtime and reading to him,” she said.

Resource gap found in local playgroups

By KIANABROOKS-AMOR

PLAYGROUP Victoria has identified agap in playgroup resources in Latrobe Valley.

In response, the charity launched aHelping Families Learn and Grow (FLAG) project that organisedseveral playgroups in the area, but not all have been successful.

FLAG Site Officer, Sascha Reese-Sharam, said that previously existing playgroups within the area were under-resourced.

“Unfortunately, the playgroups have not been aware of the resourceswe’ve got to assist them,”

Ms Reese-Sharam said,

“So, we have recently done an overhaul of all our resources on the Playgroup Victoria website.”

Shesaidthat the FLAG project organised three playgroups so far: the MorwellWalking Playgroup,the Moe Community Playgroup, and the Toongabbie Pop Up Playgroup.

Ms Reese-Sharam said that recurrent poor weather forced the closure of theMorwell playgroup.

However, she hopes to see areplacement.

The Moe playgroup at MoeNeighbourhood House (MNH) on James Street launched in October last year.

Areport between MNH and the FLAG project said that Moe playgroups frequently have difficulties getting resources, creating “sustainable operations,” and spreading awareness of their events.

Ms Reese-Sharam said that Playgroup Victoria currentlysuppliesthe consumable resources, the toys, and the books.

For the playgroup to be sustainable long term, she said that it needs donations to replace the Playgroup Victoria resources and it needs a manager when she leaves.

The playgroup has eight enrolments, but has room for more.

Ms Reese-Sharamsaidthat the Toongabbie playgroup has reopened for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The FLAG project is considering further locations for playgroups.

“If you believe that you would like aplaygroup in alocation that there’snot currentlya playgroup, please get in contact and Iwill do my best to make playgroups there,” Ms Reese-Sharam assured.

PlaygroupVictoria projects receive funding from the Children and Parenting Support(CaPS).

Everydrophelps: Lifeblood is calling on Latrobe Valleylocals to book in forablood donation.

Reading journey: TierneyEvans,Stephanie Ridding, Leigh Albon and Zoe Ryan. Photograph: Kiana Brooks-Amor

Business ownership preferred nowadays

By KIANABROOKS-AMOR

SEVERAL young people across Victoria are choosing to start abusiness before buying ahome.

In Latrobe Valley, 29-year-oldCarlyBurdett and Judah Leak (24) opened 'just another barista' in 2023, but neither are yet to own ahome. Both are renting.

The expensive housing market and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis convinced them that starting abusiness was more financially stable in the long run.

“Financially, it was asmarter move just with the cost-of-living crisis rising and then interest rates going up and up,” Ms Burdett said.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare supported this, revealing the “mean price of residential dwellings has increased by more than 60 per cent” over the last eight years.

The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council published areport last year that said: “It takes the average prospective homeowner around

Affordable lessons helping kidsstay safe

THE state governmentissavingparents moneyand helpingkids stay safe in and around the water, with affordable swimming lessons.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Education, Ben Carroll recently joined Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Chief Executive, Kathy Parton to launch the first day of the program.

The program is providing affordable lessons for familiesatmorethan170 swimming centres, including 130 in regional Victoria.

As part of the program,which runs through this month, familieswithkidsaged fourto 12 will take part in five 30-minute lessons, which run over the course of aweek.

Ordinarily, asingleswimming lesson can cost afamily up to $25. Thanks to this programand the state government’s investment, the cost for five lessons is just $35 per child -or $7 alesson -plusbooking fees.Ifeligible, familiescan alsouse theirGet Active Kids vouchers to reduce the lesson cost to zero.

This summer, more than 16,800 Victorian kids will take part in the program -learning the skills and water safety knowledge they need to enjoy their summers by the pool and near the ocean.

For thefirst time, thereare 400 extraspots this year for kids with disability and kids from multiculturalbackgrounds, so they can learn the same skills with the help of specialised teachers.

Lessons for kids with disability will be provided through dedicated programs and kids from CALD families have the option of signing up for lessons in Dandenong.

VICSWIM’slearn-to-swim program has helped generations of kids feel confident in and around the water, from foundational swimming skills to water safety education. The state government has invested more than $917,000 in the program to make sure more kids get their chance to learn watersafety basics.

For more information about the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program, visit: vicswim.com.au

10 years to save a20per cent deposit for an average dwelling. Even with adeposit, only 13 per cent of the homes sold in 2022/23 were affordable for a median income household”.

But Ms Burdett and Mr Leak said buying ahome wasstill agoal, and they agreedthat their business will help them reach that ambition.

“For me, Ithink with the current climate, it’s really hard to get into the housing market. And, Ithought that it might actuallybebetter to set myself back abit and then go into abusiness with the hope of havingabit more capacity to buya house later on,” Mr Leak said.

Chair in Management and Professor of Manag eme nt and Mar ket ing at Melb ourne University, Daniel Samson, said that many people are trying to start theirown businesses as asolution to the cost-of-living crisis.

Prof Samson said that business owners can “generate some savings” “pretty quickly”.

“What awonderful way forward, because, if you are successful,you cangenerate adepositfor your

home faster thanifyou'reasalaried employee,” he said.

However, he said business owners need to prepare for failureand risks. He said asteady income is an “uncertainty” for startups.

“If the business fails, it doesn'tget off the ground, you're back to ground zero,” he said.

Nevertheless, he said that business owners should not necessarily be discouraged by failure.

“Many entrepreneurs are unsuccessful three or four times before the best of them become successful… get up, dust yourself off, don'ttake it personally and start again with something different,” he said.

Both Ms Burdett and Mr Leak were motivated to start their own business.

“We wanted to do something for ourselves,” Ms Burdett said.

“There’s alot of aspiration for people to do something like this. But you kind of just have to bite the bullet and take that risk. Because, obviously,

there was always a risk with us doing this… but coffee seems to be booming.”

Mr Leak said that the number one reason he avoided ahouse mortgage was so he couldstart abusiness.

“I knew Iwanted to start abusiness,” he said.

Prof Samson agreed with Chair of EntrepreneurshipatMelbourne University and Professor in Management and Marketing, Gerda Gemser, that some young entrepreneurs should consider making their business asidehustlewhile retaining afulltime job.

“Once the business gets some traction and might actually become successful, theymight say goodbye to their primary job and go full in into their business,” Prof Gemser said.

The Australian Small Businessand Family Enterprise Ombudsman published areport last year that said small business owners under 30-years-old are still aminority.

Myrteza puts pieces on display again

By KIANABROOKS-AMOR

FOR potentially the last time, Thorpdale artist Graeme Myrteza opened his studio as part of Open Studios West Gippsland.

Mr Myrteza has consistently painted for around 20 years.

His oil paintings mostly depict landscapes from around Australiaand NewZealand. A minority are portraits.

Just aquicklook takes in the exquisite abundanceofblues in the collection. It is no surprise that cobalt blue is Mr Myrteza’s favourite colour.

Some of hispieces have clear palette knife strokes that create rough, dappled surfaces.

Mr Myrteza was unavailable for an interview.

Anew five-minute documentary, directed by Eren Besiroglu, titled Myrteza Blue tells Mr Myrteza’s story on YouTube via: youtube.com/ watch?v=VgxcPDW6EQE

Advertising in the Express

i

But don’t just take our word for it...

“

The Range Retirement Village are ong time clients of the Latrobe Valley Express and have always enjoyed a great relationship with Jenny and her teaminthe advertising department .

“ gets you results!

Theyalwaysgoout of their waytomakesure our company has the best advertising forour business, always lookingfor ways to improve our ads, so we achieve the best results.

We recommendthe LatrobeValleyExpress to anyone looking to promote and advertise their business.

LeighBrown

The Range Retirement Village l g

Go-getters: Youngbusiness ownersJudah Leak and CarlyBurdettstarted their mobilecoffeecar tbusinessacouple of yearsago

Photograph: KianaBrooks-Amor

Inside look: Thor pdale ar tist Graeme Myr teza mainly paints cobalt blue pieces Photograph supplied

JOHN at JJ’sExhausts trading in Moe since 19 offers old school service discounted prices for all muffler and exhaust systems

John stocks alarge range,and also offers af service while youwait with exhaust repairsstarting

JJ’sExhausts also stoc systems and custom pipe as par tofthe service.C also receiveahassle fr warrantyonstandardrep mufflers.

Don’t get ripped off, ri firstorlast foraquote

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Forafreequoteand guar fast service,callJJ’sExhausts on 5127 4747,orvisit Jo Lloyd Street Moe (opposit station).

most Saturdaym

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Business Guide

LESSONS

Duty Waterproof,UV Stable, Economical In stock NOW 1300 656 211 abctarps.com.au

Exercise bike

Bodyworx, programmable, excellent condition $200. Ph 0418 513 285.

GIANT BOOK SALE

SALE, St Paul's Cathedral Delbridge Hall, 153 Cunninghame St. Every day from 1st until 21st Jan. 9am-4pm. Sundays from 10.30am. 1000's of sorted books.

Landscaping Mulch

Mail:

MORWELL, 10 Foster Ave. Saturday, 8am -midday. Collectables, furniture, tools and lots more. Something for everyone. No early callers.

MORWELL, 8Franklin Street, Saturday, 8am -12 noon. Moving sale, everything must go! Something for everyone!!

MORWELL 31 Holmes Rd, Trash &Treasure Market. Open 6days, 10am-4pm. Permanent stalls $20 p/w, casual $10 aday. For info or bookings, call Jo 0437 981 388.

Plant Only Sale

Yallourn Nth, 18 Anderson Ave, Sat. 8am -1pm. Succulents, epiphyllum, clivias and various other plants.

TRARALGON, 45 Howitt St, Sat. 8am -3pm. No early callers. Clothes, kitchen items, tools, gardening equip., antique dresser and card table and much more! Moving sale, everything must go!

5135 4444

Beautify your garden. Bulk quantity available, $30m3, $50 delivery. 0412 613 443 or 1800 468 733. Help support our local Tradies while they service build and repair in our local communities - check out our Business Guide Pages and Home Maintenance Section in the Classifieds every Wednesday, for your local Tradies WHEN YOU GO LOCAL, YOUGROW LOCAL!

Looking for a lifestyle change?

Wanting to be your own boss?

Jim's Mowing is looking for aFranchisee in the Latrobe Valley area. CONTACT 131 546 For ano-obligation

DELIVERERS WTD

Door Installer

WALHALLA! MECHANICAL FITTER -PART TIME

The Walhalla Goldfields Railway is anot for profit, volunteer managed group that operates one of Victoria's busiest tourist and heritage railways. We have afantastic opportunity for an individual wanting to grow their career in aformer gold mining town which is now apopular tourism centre, set in alocation of outstanding natural beauty and historic interest.

This position is based at our Workshops at Thomson Station, 4km from Walhalla.

The Railway operates its train services with four diesel locomotives and asmall fleet of passenger carriages. We are seeking aperson with trade qualifications who can maintain and repair diesel engines and railway equipment under limited supervision, with tools and equipment provided.

Experience working in the rail sector would be an advantage but is not essential. If you are aself starter and would love to work in a beautiful location and play an important part in maintaining our locomotive and carriage assets, then get in touch! The position is available on a full or time basis with Award wages and fuel allowance provided.

Interested? Please call 0400 091784 for more information or 5165 6250 for acopy of the position description. Applications should be emailed to office @walhallarail.com.au and close on Wednesday, 28 January 2025.

• Customer ServiceOfficer Creative Arts -TemporaryPartTime

• Communications andEngagement Advisor -Permanent Full Time

• FitnessInstructor -Casual Positions Team Leader LibraryPrograms & Engagement - PermanentFullTime

• Governanceand Compliance Officer - PermanentFullTime StrategicPlanner – PermanentFull Time

• LeisureSwims Programs Team Leader– PermanentFullTime

• Coordinator Marketing –PermanentFullTime

Wedding Anniversaries •

60 th Wed di ng An ni ve rs ary

and DAWN COWLEY

Youare

Jarrod,Samara, Brody, Jack and Max XX

BOYES, Ian Michael. In loving memory of Ian, who passed away on Thursday, 9January 2025.

DICKASON, Ian. Passed away peacefully at LRH on 6January 2025. Aged 87 years Loved father and fatherin-law of Dennis and Joyce, Gary and Kathy, Caroline, Donna and Kevin, Sharon and Frank, and Nicole (dec.). Much loved Poppy of all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

DOUGLAS, (Barrow)

Lynette Sylvia. Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Hospital Traralgon 11 January 2025. Aged 84 years

Dearly loved wife of Ronald Douglas. Much loved mother of Shane, Debra, David and Paul. Adored Nanma to all her grand and great grandchildren.

May flights of angels wing thee to your rest

EDWARDS, John Frederick Lee. 1979 -2025. Passed away at Paradise Beach, Victoria. Son of Dr Frederick and Mrs Judith Edwards. Father to Bailey, Zen and Elija. You will not be forgotten

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

MARETT (Ogier), Joan Mary. 23/6/1930 -5/1/2025. Loving wife of Os (dec.) and loving mother and mother-in-law to Geoff and Eunice, Trevor and Joanne, Kerryn and Ian, and Ian and Louise. Gran to 13 grandchildren and Granny to 15 great grandchildren. Gone to bewithGod in everlasting peace Private Cremation has been held.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MERCER, Mr Allan. Service No. A310171

The President, Committee, Staff and members of the Moe RSL Sub Branch deeply regret the passing of their esteemed Service member and friend, Allan. We offer our sympathy to all his family.

LEST WE FORGET

TREADWELL, Marjorie Alva (Marj). Passed away peacefully at Yallambee Village Aged Care Traralgon on 30 December 2024. Aged 92 years Dearly loved wife of Ivo (dec.). Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Gary (dec.), Geoffrey and Jan, Noel (dec.), Donna, Tricia, Melinda, Sonia and Richard, Susette, Andrew and Gabrielle. Adored Nanny Marj to all her grand and great gra ndchi ldren .S pecial grandmother to Nicholas. Private Funeral Held

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

LAMBRECHT (nee Hurley). Requiem Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Mrs Mar ee Mar ga ret Lambrecht will be offered at St Mary's Catholic Church, cnr Church and McMillan Sts Maffra on WEDNESDAY (15 January 2025) commencing at 11am At the conclusion of Mass the cortege will leave the Church for the Maffra Monumental Lawn Cemetery. COL &PAL SEMMENS -Servicing GippslandMAFFRA -SALE -HEYFIELD HEYFIELD 5148 3354 semmensfunerals.com.au AFDA Member

MILLER, Thomas Clive. AFuneral Service to celebrate the life of Thomas 'Tom' Miller will be held in the Rosebud Funerals Chapel, 123 Jetty Road, Rosebud on FRIDAY (17 January 2025) commencing at 2pm.

Livestreaming can be via bit.ly/thomasclivemiller Private Cremation

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

GILES, Vicky. So saddened to hear of Vicky's passing, love from your brother Graeme, sister-in-law Angelika and aunt of Mardie, Matthew (dec.) Hayley and their partners. Deaths •

3/8/1955 -9/1/2025. Aged 69 years Dearly loved husband to Leanne for 47 years. Loving father and fatherin-law of Amanda and Scott, Bradley, Shaun and Tamara. Adored pa to Jack, Blake, Cooper, Indy, Charlee and Leighton. Now resting peacefully

BRADY, Judith (Judy).

11/7/1940 -1/1/2025. Loved sister-in-law and friend of Bet and Ken (dec.) Vivian. Much loved Aunty Jude of Alison, Anne, Liz, Tricia and families. What was not to love about Aunty Jude

BROWN, Cath. Passed away 4January 2025. Dear friend of Shirley and family. Sadly Missed

BROWN Catherine Annie

The membe rs of Yinna r Bow ls Club ar ed eep ly saddened by the passing of our Life Member Catherine Brown. Cath was

GILES, Vicky. 9/12/1957 -9/1/2025. Loved and loving mum of Stacey (dec.), Nicole (dec.) and Jamie. Reunited with her girls, brother Greg and her dad Les. We will always remember and love you. Your loving son Jamie and husband Glen.

GILES, Vicky Ann. Passed away peacefully 9/1/2025 after along battle. Dearly loved mother of Stacey (dec.) and Jamie. Dearly loved daughter of Les (dec.) and Valma Giles. Now at peace with her loving daughter, her dad and brother Greg. Will be greatly missed by all her family Private Cremation

LAMBRECHT (nee Hurley), Maree Margaret. Passed away peacefully at Laurina Lodge Heyfield on 7January 2025. Aged 79 years

Dearly loved wife of John. Lovi ng moth er and mother-in-law of Julie and Mario, Tony and Antoinette, Brendan, Matthew and Justine, Belinda and Natika. Friend of Andrea. Loved Grandmother of Lucas and Eliza; Finn, Molly and Dan; Olivia, Ebony and Jack; Isabella and Charlotte. Dearly lovedand forever in our hearts

MILLER, Thomas Clive. Passed away peacefully on Friday, 10 January 2025. Aged 96 years Beloved husband to Maisie (dec.) and Pam. Loving father to Cheryl (dec.), Gail (dec.) and Ric and father-in-law to Kaye. Treasured grandfather to Karyn and Rob, Dale and Annie, Chelsey and Adrian, Emma, Luke and Jenny. Precious great grandfather to Jackson, Thomas, Hudson, Milla, Ollie, Ella, Asha and Siena.

Tom, Thank you for 24 wonderful years of companionship, fun and adventures. Love Pam and Bessie.

Dad, Avery kind and generous family man. Loved by all of his family. Hardworking and successful in all of his adventures. Outlived many of his mates and family. Will be missed by all of his family forever.

Love ya Dad.

Love Ric and Kaye.

Dear Pop, Thank you for teaching us to fish, drink alcohol, play cards and bet on the horses. We will always treasure the fun times at Tootgarook, especially our nights at the boat shed.

We are so grateful we had you in our lives for so long, to be part of so many special times and especially meeting your great grandchildren. Love from Kaz, Dale, Chels, Emma and Luke. Now reunited with his girls So lovedand forever in our hearts

BOYES. The funeral service for Mr Ian Boyes will be held at the Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium Chapel, Cemetery Drive Traralgon MONDAY (20 January 2025) at 1:30pm. At the conclusion of the service, the funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park. This service will be livestreamed. Please visit our webs ite for det ails: latrobevalley funerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

DICKASON. The Funeral of Mr Ian Dickason will be held at St Aidan's Anglican Church, Torres St Newborough, on THURSDAY (16 January 2025) at 11am. At the conclusion of this service the funeral will leave for the Yallourn Cemetery.

DOUGLAS. The funeral service and committal for cremation for Mrs Lynette Sylvia Douglas will be held at The Moe New Life Christian Centre, 71 Fowler St Moe, THURSDAY (23 January at 11am).

SALETA. AGraveside Service for Mr Leo Saleta will be held at the Heyfield Lawn Cemetery TOMORROW (Thursday, 16 January 2025) commencing at 1pm. Please visit our website for the livestream of Leo's Service.

COL &PAL SEMMENS -Servicing GippslandMAFFRA -SALE -HEYFIELD HEYFIELD 5148 3354 semmensfunerals.com.au AFDA Member

WICKES. The Funeral of Mrs Joan Wickes will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway, Traralgon THURSDAY (16 January 2025) commencing at 1pm.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

Respectful,dignified, simple and affordable FuneralsMoe, Morwell and Traralgon FuneralServices at the Rose Chapel,Church and Graveside -a specialty

Trafalgar,

Whenyou lose someone close to you, it can be hardto put your thoughts and feelings into words

Apersonal message in the Latrobe Valley Express can say so much

Forfriendly advice on howto place yourmessage contact

It has been along five years without you and the ache is just the same. It is said that grief is the price we pay for love and you were loved with alove beyond telling and missed with agrief beyond all

smile, company and experience on thegreen. Our sincere condolences areextended to Cath’s family

DICKASON, Ian George. 11/7/1937 -6/1/2025. Dad passed peacefully. Will be sadly missed and remembered always.

Loved father, father-in-law, poppy and great poppy to Gary, Kathy, Bernadette, Paige and Tim and Charlie, Abby and Chris and Cleo, Tara and Max. Forever in our hearts

SALETA, Leo. Passed away suddenly at home on 3January 2025. Aged 88 years Loved husband of Lyn and Lucy (both dec.). Dearly loved father of Paul, Mark, Jim, Johanna (dec.) and Tom. Loved stepfather of Deanna and Linda. Aloved grandpa and great grandpa.

WICKES (Pitts), Joan Elaine.

25/6/1932 -6/1/2025. Joan passed away peacefully at Maryvale Hospital, Morwell. Devoted wife of Bruce (dec.). Cherished mum of Susan and Andrew, Christine, Peter and Jenny.

Dearly loved sister of Bill and John (dec.).

Loved nan of Kelly and Owen, Nicky, Lauren and Geoff. Loved great grandmother to Jenna, Leandra, Jeb, Quinn and William. At peace and reunited with Bruce

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

FILIPPO. Prayer Service for the repose of the soul of Mrs Mariantonia Filippo will be held at St Vincent's Catholic Church, Morwell THURSDAY (16 January 2025) commencing at 10.30am. Following the service the Funeral will leave for the Hazelwood Cemetery.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

MORWELL 5134 4937 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

WALKER-GRUNBERG, Bev. 14/8/1941 -16/1/2018. My wonderful Bev, seven lonely years have gone since Ilost you. I'm missing you night and day. Till we meet again. The world changes from year to year, Our lives from day to day, but the love and memories of you shall never fade away. All my love John.

WILLATON (Collins), Anne Maree. 26/12/1944 -8/10/2000. Remembering you on what would have been your 80th Birthday We celebrate the beautiful memories you left behind and the love that still surrounds us. You're never far from our thoughts. Your loving family.

The Classified Department 5135 4455

Birthday Memoriam •

GRASSENS, Jan (John). 12/9/1933 -12/1/2020.

Traralgon buzzing after first week

TENNIS

TRARALGON JUNIOR INTERNATIONAL

BY TOM HAYES

THE Traralgon Tennis Association has been ahive of activity over the past week, with festivities beginning as early as Wednesday, January8 for the AGL Loy Yang Traralgon Junior International.

Qualifying rounds had competition underway, as the club rampeduptoward the main draw which begun last Friday (January 10).

TO celebrate the start of the main draw, the Traralgon Tennis Associationhosted the Family Fun Fest on the evening of January 10, filled with multiple activities including anative animals display, inflatabletennis,apickleball come and try, face painting, and foodand drink stalls.

Not only the community, but also some of the international competitorsmadetheir way down to the carparktocheck things out and get involved.

Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester even made an appearance at the Traralgon courts for the community event.

 ACTION on the courts begun as early as the first round of the main draw, as top prospects bundled out of the singles draw.

On Day 1, the second- seeded boy from Kazakhstan, Amir Omarkhanov fell in straight sets to Russia’s Egor Pleshivtsev.

Pleshivtsev, who is the 47th rankedboy in the world, has since powered through into the quarter finals, following back-to-back-backwins, all by straight sets.

There was more upsetsonthe first day of action in the girls bracket,withfourofthe top five seeds being knocked out.

Second seed Serbian, TeodoraKostovic was eliminated in straight sets to Indian qualifier Krisha Mahendran.Thirdseed American, Kristina Penickova forced athird set in her fixture but was eventually eliminated by Australian wildcard entry Tahlia Kokkinis.

The fourth seed from Czech Republic, Tereza Krejcova was downed by Slovakian, Mia Pohankova in straight sets, while fifth seed Elizara Yaneva of Bulgaria was knocked out in straight sets by British qualifier, Brooke Black.

 MOVING onto Saturday, January 11, the upsets continued to roll through, as it appeared no easy match was played.

In the boys, Number1 seed, Czech’sJan Kumstat rolled through to the third round, but thirdseed Spaniard, Andres Santamaria Roig was upended in straight sets by his Bulgarian counterpart.

Fourth seed from the US, Jack Kennedy, was alsostopped in his tracks, beaten in straight sets by the Italian Jacopa Vasami.

Half of the seeded players that remained in the third round were outside thetop 10,meaning the favouritism had spread more than before.

For the girls on Day 2, first seed from Belgium Jeline Vandromme made sure of her progression with adominant win.

Three more surprise exits were formalised.

Sixth seedfromBulgaria Rositsa Dencheva (three sets), seventh seed from Czech Republic Jana Kovackova (straight sets), and eighthseed fromCzech Republic Vendula Valdmannova (three sets) were all eliminated.

 THAT night, the Traralgon Tennis Association hosted its annual Traralgon International Corporate Dinner.

English cricket legend, Lord Ian Botham was

once again in the region as the special guest for the dinner.

Botham was in the region two years ago for a string of sportsman nights with sporting clubs, includingthe TraralgonGolf Club, where he enjoyed around.

Botham shared many stories of his career and lifeatthe night whichwas hostedbyGareth Marriott.

Also making an appearance at the dinner was AGLLoy Yang General Manager, Christo van Niekerk, Latrobe CityCouncilDeputy Mayor, SharonGibson,and former Tennis Australia President and Chairman of the Board of Tennis Australia, Geoff Pollard.

 AS the third day of play resumed on Sunday, January 12, aclearer picture could be drawn on the potential fancies for the championship.

Boys Number 1seed,Kumstat, was eliminated in three setsto14thseed William Rejchtman Winciguerra from Sweden.

Also surprising was the exitofsixth seed Bonding, who also went down in three sets, this time to 10th seed from the US, Max Exsted.

Fifth seed Jagger Leach powered throughto the quarter finals, but will face the unknown test of Pleshivtsev, who defeated the second seed in the first round.

Due to thoseexits,Leach is now the highest seeded player remaining. Following him is seventh seedfrom Finland Oskari Paldanius, eighthseed from Switzerland Henry Bernet, and Exsted. Danger will be sensed from Vinciguerra, who beat Kumstat, and the only unseeded player left, Pleshivtsev who continually produces upsets and is yet to drop aset.

During the girls third roundmatches, qualifier Blackprogressed to face the Number 1seed Vandromme after both won. Blackdefeated 10th seed Mika Buchnik from Israel.

The only Australian still standing is Sydney’s Alana Subasic, who knocked out the 11th seed in the second round, and will now face Chinese qualifier Yihan Qu in the quarter final.

TheUK’s Hannah Klugman moved forward. Klugman played at the internatio nal last year, so has experience in Traralgon. She and Vandromme are the only two seededplayers remaining in the girls singles draw.

 DOUBLES action has also got underway. First seed boys duo consists of Bondingand Leach, who havealreadystampedthemselves intothe second round, as hasthe second seed duo of Kumstat and Exsted. Exsted won the doubles championship last year with Cooper Woestendick.

At the time of print, the girls’ first seeded duo of Bulgaria’s Dencheva and Yaneva were looking primed to progress, while the Czech Republic’s second seed duo of Krejcova and Valdmannova had progressed to the second round, as had US third seed pair Annika and Kristina Penickova. Facing the Penicko va sist ers willbethe Australian Alame sisters of Renee and Rianna, afterthey progressedtothe second round in straight sets.

Results from the later stages of Monday, January 13 onwards were unknown at the time of print. The finals for the Traralgon Junior International will take place from 4.30pm today (Wednesday, January 15).

Redhot crack: Locals Aidanand Lachlan givepickleball atry at theFamilyFun Fest. Photograph: TomHayes

Packed: Therewerenoempty seatsduring the corporatedinner Photograph: TraralgonTennis Association

about. Here, he pi

Photograph:

Hit: Theinflatable tennis with oversized racquets waspopular at the FamilyFun Fest.

Photograph: Traralgon Tennis Association

More support for local sporting clubs

SPORT

THEstate governmentisbacking sport clubs across the state, with grants to help more people get involved in the sports they love.

Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence announcedthat875 grants will go to more than 740 clubs, who willshare in more than $1.2 million from the Sporting Club Grants Program.

Churchill Baseball Club, Churchill UnitedSoccer Club, Ex Students, Latrobe ValleyAll Ability Sports, Latrobe Valley Volleyball Association, Loy Yang Recreational Angling Club, Moe Amateur

Rain interrupts Vets on the road

CRICKET

BY GORDON COWLING

GIPPSLAND Goannas Over 60 cricketers madethe trek to Overport Park in Frankston South for their Round 10 match against the MorningtonPeninsula VeteranslastSunday. Batting first, with darkclouds looming, Ray Smith and Chris deVent opened the innings for the Goannas.

The Mornington bowlers bowled tight and DeVent was caught for three in the fifth over. Col Carmody joined Smith, who retired for a well-made 20 after facing 30 balls.

Rob Taylor was the next to the wicket, falling for 11 in the 14th over and Carmody retired soon after for 15.

Murray Moore and Mark Brown were at the wicket when drinks were taken and the rain started with thescore 2/53 after18.

There was plenty of lightning in the distance and eventually lunchwas taken early, but the weather did not allow the players to return to the park, so the match was abandoned.

The Goannas Over 60s play again this Sunday (January 19), with an away game against the Ringwood Over 60s team.

The Over 50s travel to Geelong for their nextgame and the Over70s playatGlen Waverley on Tuesday, January, 21.

Swim Club,Monash Soccer Club,Moe Rivers Scouts Group, Morwell Football-Netball Club, Morwell Tennis Club, Newborough Football-Netball Club, Newborough Yallourn United Soccer Club, Fortuna 60 Soccer Club, Pax Hill Tennis Club, Traralgon Imperials Cricket Club, Traralgon Amateur Basketball Association, Traralgon Hockey Club, Traralgon RoversCricket Club, Traralgon Swimming Club, Traralgon West Cricket Club, Yinnar Bowls and Recreation Cluband Yinnar Tennis Club have all shared in funding.

These grants support clubstopurchaseuniforms and equipment, upskill volunteers, coaches and officials, and improve their accessibility and

engagement with local communities.

SurfingVictoria has boostedtheir SurfersRescue 24/7 Boardriders Club Program, which-provides board rescue, first aid and CPR courses in Phillip Island, Torquay, and the Mornington Peninsula.

This is vital training for surfers that is crucial in emergency situations and can save lives.

The latest grants are also backing local athletes to go even further, with Victorian International Optimist DinghyAssociation scoring$4500for travel, accommodation and registrations costs for six athletes to compete in asailing championship in Queensland next year.

The Sporting Club Grants Program has provided

morethan $18 milliontothousands of community sport and recreation clubs across the state over the past decade.

The pro gram is back ed by the Reg ional Community Sport Development Fund, which is delivering infrastructure upgrades and other programs including the Regional Community Sport Infrastructure Fund so more regional Victorians canget active andbepartoftheir local sporting club.

For more information on the grants, visit: sport. vic.gov.au

More flicks from the Classic Singles

SCOREBOARD

ATHLETICS

GIPPSLAND Round 10 of GippslandAthletics Club trackand field season washeld Tuesday 7th of January 2025.

RESULTS:

10 0M

Women: U/14–Melian Archer 15.15, Brooklyn Wyatt 15.19, Lurose Pyke17.79, TraceyFenton-Pyke18.15; U/18–Janella Archer 14.00; Open –Sarah Lewis 14.30, SandraFofie 15.91

Men: U/14– TajMakepeace 14.46; U/16 –Jacob VanBaalen 13.78; Open –Jack Doderico 11.97,Brendan Caffrey 14.73; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 17.00, Wayne Seear 17.36, Ian Twite19.17

JAVELIN

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 24.05, Lurose Pyke19.80, Melian Archer 11.18; U/18–Janella Archer 22.39; Open –Brandy Forget 15.69, SandraFofie 5.97; Masters–Fiona Saltmarsh14.08

Men: U/16–Jacob VanBaalen 19.53; Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 32.89, Jack Doderico 32.42, Brendan Caffrey21.70; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 27.11, Wayne Seear 20.69, Ian Twite17.23

30 00M

Men: Open –Brendan Caffrey 13:55.75; Masters–Ian Twite16:32.38 LONG JUMP

Women: U/14–Melian Archer 3.62, Brooklyn Wyatt 3.40, Lurose Pyke3.00, TraceyFenton-Pyke2.65; U/18–Janella Archer 4.24; Open –SandraFofie 3.59, Brandy Forget 1.24; Masters–Fiona Saltmarsh1.57

Men: U/14– TajMakepeace 4.12; U/16–Jacob VanBaalen 4.02; Open –Brendan Caffrey 3.15; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 3.55, Wayne Seear 2.58

DISCUS

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 23.74, Lurose Pyke14.84, TraceyFenton-Pyke 12.79, Melian Archer 8.53; U/18–Janella Archer 24.88; Open –Brandy Forget 24.14, SandraFofie 14.28; Masters–Fiona Saltmarsh16.20

Men: U/16–Jacob VanBaalen 24.70;

Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 30.98, Jack Doderico 25.69; Masters–Simon Van Baalen 34.65, Wayne Seear 24.38, Ian Twite 20.55.

40 0M

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 1:24.16, Melian Archer 1:26.60, Lurose Pyke 1:42.41; U/18–Janella Archer 1:19.69; Open –Sarah Lewis 1:06.85, SandraFofie 1:19.11

Men: U/16–Jacob VanBaalen 1:13.83; Open –JackDoderico 52.53, Brendan Caffrey 1:13.51; Masters–Ian Twite1:41.47

Gippsland Athletics Round 11 will be held on Tuesday14th January, 6pm at the Joe CarmodyTrack,NewboroughEvents: 200m, High Jump, Discus, 1500m run/walk, Shot Put, 100m.

GOLF

CHURCHILL &MONASH

StablefordSaturday4th January

AGrade Winner: S. Allison 40 pts

BGrade Winner: M. Soppe 42 pts

CGrade Winner: C. Stevens 41 pts

DTL: 1. G. Spowart 42, 2. J. Vickers 41, 3. D. Ireland41, 4. J. Soppe 40, 5. G. Tatterson 40,6.D.Burridge 39, 7. M. Smith 39, 8. D. Radnell 38.

N.T.P: 3rdM.Smith, 5th R. Welsh, 12th P.

Junker (Pro Pin), 14th D. Burridge

Target Hole: D. Burridge

Birdies: 3rdM.smith, J. Cahill, A. Sharrock, G. Tatterson, 12th P. Flanigan, J. Soppe,P Junker,14th D. Burridge

Monthly Medal Tuesday7th January 2025.

MonthlyMedal Winner: J. Blizzard71Nett

DayWinner: P. Smar t70Nett

ScratchWinner: P. Smar t78

Putts: J. Blizzard28, CarolBarnes 28

DTL: 1. L. Brent 72, 2. V. Reid 72 c/b

N.T.P: 3rdP.Smar t, 5th J. Clegg,12th P.

Smar t, 14th L. Brent

MIRBOONORTH

Tuesday7th Janruary Stableford

AGrade: RFelmingham (8) 38pts

BGrade: JSands (16) 41pts

CGrade: RThompson (25) 40pts

DTL: DJerram ,S mcKenzie 40, SWoodall, Aliebe38, SBeitz 37 c/b

NTP: 4th MWoodall, 6th DJerram 13th A Liebe, 16th DChessum Birdies: 4th SWoodall, 6th DJerram R Felmingham

Saturday11th January Stableford

AGrade: MSnell (7) 41pts

BGrade: SMills (12) 34pts

CGrade: NBracecamp (19) 37pts

DTL: JWoodall 40, PSmar t39, S Bickerton 37,RJenkins,SBeitz 36 c/b

NTP: 4th JWoodall 6th SWoodall, 13th B Bradshaw, 16th TomTraill Birdies: 4th JWoodall, GRenwick, 6th N Bracecamp,NRutledge,13th BBradshaw, 16th SBickerton

MOE

Thursday, 09 January 2025 OPEN Medley

Stableford

Grade AWinners: Beveridge,Eric(8) 40

Grade BWinners: Jenkins,Andrew (12) 40

Grade CWinners: Dunstan, Craig (16) 42

Grade DWinners: Savige,Bruce (24) 44

Place Getters: NISH, JACQUELINE 43

Brennan, Jennifer 42 C/B Bailey, Hunter 41 Fazioli, Mark40C/B Morrow,Brett 40 Makepeace,Troy39C/B Gaul,Joshua 39 C/B Spiteri, Patrick39C/B Williams,Rick39C/B Ford,Tim 39 C/B Collings,Dale 39 Darby, Timothy38C/B Donaldson, Murray 38 C/B Ayton, Kevin 38 C/BBassman, Jeffrey 38 C/B Williams, Shane38C/B Stirzaker,Jason 38 Clark, Vivian 37 C/B Boorer,Greg37C/B Swanson, Ben 37 C/B

Great Score: SHANNON BAILEY Birdie

@4 Eric Beveridge Birdie @8 Andrew

Shearing Birdie @14StevenHibbs Birdie

@8 John Soppe Birdie @14Murray

Donaldson Birdie @14Hunter BaileyBirdie

@8 JayLangstaffBirdie @14Shane

Williams Birdie @14

Nearest to Pin:4th RobKing

8th Paul Richmond

14th Charles Weir

Saturday, 11 January 2025 WOMEN'S SATURDAY Stableford

Grade AWinners: Clarke,Loretta (37) 36

Saturday, 11 January 2025 MENS 4BBB

Stableford

Overall Winners: Taylor,Nicholas & Freshwater Leigh, 50

Ayton, Kevin &Spiteri, Paul 46 C/B

Place Getters: Boyce, John &Dooley, Brian 46 C/B Borg, Manny&Richmond, Paul 46 Wilkinson, Wally&Harber,John 45 C/B Rothwell, Craig &Scullin, Aaron 45 C/B Pisa, John &Rodaughan, Peter45C/B Jamieson, George &Dunstan, Craig 45 Backman, Bradley& Yeomans Wayne,44 Bassman, Jeffrey &Pickard,Andrew 44 C/B

Great Score: TerryDonnison (Birdie) @14

Jason Stirzaker (Birdie) @14LukeJohnson (Birdie) @8 Craig Dunstan (Birdie) @8

NickSkicko (Birdie) @8 Shane Williams (Birdie) @14Mar tin Weir (Birdie) @14

Tony Johnson (Birdie) @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th Dale Collings 8th Craig Dunstan 14th TerryDonnison

TRAFALGAR

WednesdayWomen's results 8/1/2025

Stableford18holes

Winner: Charli Killeen (31) 38 points

Runner Up: Cheryl Toyne (25) 36 points

DTL: JennyEvison (23) NTP: 5th JanJansen

Gobblers: 10th Anne Outhred

Mystery6: (Holes 2,4,6,11,16and 18)

Charli Killeen 14 points

Stableford9 Holes

Winner: Sue Tabuteau (31) 22 points

Runner Up: LynPowell (29) 15points C/B

DTL: KarenSwingler (30) 15 points

Mystery3: (Holes 2,5, and 6) Sue Tabuteau 9points

Full details of results canbefound on MiScore

Coming Events

15th Jan: Stableford9or18.Starter Aileen

McNair and CheckerHeather Savige22nd

Jan: Ambrose9or1829th Jan: Stableford

9or19. Beginner playersand Juniorsare

welcome on Wednesday. Please give Anne acall formoreinformation about howyou canplayalongside amember without being in the comp. Comp finishes about 12.301.00pm -join us fora cuppa.

Tuesday07/01/2025 -Stableford

Winner: RodBrisbane (24)

Runner Up: Wayne Dunn (21)

DTL: Andy Kiss (19), UweTomski (19), Graeme Grant (19), Aija Owen (19), Anthony

Cunningham (17c/b)

NTP: SteveGould (5)

Thursday: 09/01/2025 -Stableford

Players: 44, Women 14,Men 30

Women’s Winner: Anne Outhred (22)

Runner Up: Aileen McNair (21)

DTL: Cheryl Deppeler (20), Karen Swingler (20)

NTP: Cheryl Deppeler (13)

Men’s Winner: AnthonyCunningham (22 c/b)

Runner Up: Les Pearce (22)

DTL: SteveLawrence (21), Graeme Grant (20), SteveKlemke(20),Franc Kiss (20), SteveGould (19), Al Gray (19c/b)

NTP: Max Pugliese (13)

Friday,January 10th 2024, Open Men’s& Ladies Stableford

AGrade Winner: AnthonyGould 41 pts

BGrade Winner: UweTomski 42 pts

CGrade Winner: BrettMorrow 41 pts

Women’sWinner: Di Moody44pts

DTL's: Maria Brien Williams 40, Peter Burghardt 40, Chris Hogbin 39, Peter Pankhurst 38, Evan Crabtree 38, Bill Williams 38, CorrineNancarrow 37,Mark Ando 37,Stuart Seabrook 36, Kyle Attard 36, Glenn Doolan 36 C/B

Birdies: 2nd: Bob Baldry, UweTomski 5th: Ric Minichiello,Chris Hogbin, PeterHobson 11th:Brett Morrow,Stuart Sealock13th: Kyle Attard,EricBeveridge, Adrian Jones,William Pace 15th: Corrine Nancarrow,Darren Richmond

Saturday, January 11th 2024,Open Mens &Ladies 4BBB Stableford Men’s Winners: Laurie Snowball &Glenn Doolan

Touch: MoeBowling Club’sJayde Leech during the knockout stages of the NewboroughBowling Club ClassicSingles

Not this time: Professional bowler Corey Wedlockfailed to defendhis classicsingles title Photographs: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Support:

crowd showed

singles

Victoria do thedoubleatchampionships

CRICKET

AUSTRALIAN COUNTRYCRICKET

CHAMPIONSHIPS

BY TOM HAYES

THE Latrobe Valley wasfortunate enough to have both men and womenrepresent the region, as well as Victoria, at the 2025 Australian Country Cricket Championships.

This year, the ACCC made its way to South Australia’s Barossa Region, as the Victoria Country side utilised the services of four locals. In the men’s team, Nathan Freitag (Glengarry Cricket Club) vice captained the side, while Ex Students’Lee Stockdale earnt yet another call-up -however he would not captain the team for the first time in awhile.

Battling it outfor the Victorianwomen’s team included Erica Kershaw of Traralgon Imperials and Latrobe’s Stacy Rockliff.

Victoria solidified itself as one of the best cricketing states, winning the doubleacross the men’s and women’s competitions played from January 3-10.  VICTORIA Country Men got its campaign underway against the hosts, who simply showed the Vics who was boss in the first one dayer. Beginning with the ball, Freitag, Stockdale and the entire Victorian bowling quartet had South Australia on the ropes. Freitag took 1/11 from his four overs, and Stockdale 1/23 from his 10.

Victoria looked as though they wouldeasilywalk to victory when they had the hosts pinned at 8/86, but they weren’t to expect an innings-saving ninthwicket partnership.

SouthAustralia’s Evan Gregoric and Angus Glazbrook worked togetheruntil theexpiration of the 50 overs, combining for 128 runs. Gregoric made 95 not out, with Glazbrook making 33 not out. Finishing on 8/214, South Australia was now in the box seat with all of the momentum on its side. Victoria was unabletoget goingatthe beginning

Centra praised by new teammates

FOOTBALL

By LIAM DURKIN

EBUILLIENT Collingwood AFLW player

Ruby Schleicher has heaped praiseonnew teammate and Gippsland’s own Ash Centra. Schleicher, who has become amedia favourite for her down to earth and at times irreverent style, believes the Number 1pick has ahuge future ahead.

“I was just meeting the draftees… that Ash Centra chick, she is going to be afreak,” Schleicher said.

“They all come in fit. They all just look ready to play at the level.”

Perhaps appropriately, Schleicher was speaking on the politically incorrect podcast Hump Day with Swanny &Friends,hosted by fellow Magpie best-and-fairest winner Dane Swan.

Swan played more than 250 games for the Magpies,the majority of which were spent in the midfield alongsideSale’sown Scott Pendlebury.

While Swan retired nearly 10 years ago, Pendlebury is still going, and about to enter his 20th AFL season.

As Swan explained however,this was hardly surprising.

“I’ve been in the footy club (using the gym) start at 6.30am, the boys didn’t have to be in until 8am, (Pendlebury was) in thereat 6am doing weights. I’m like ‘what’s he doing in here? Scott, go home mate’,” he said of his 2010 premiership teammate.

“That’swhy he’sstill playing at 38, because he puts in so much time into his body, everything he does is about getting himself right for his footy and his family.

“He said he feels as good as ever. Just the hits maybe take alittle bit more of atoll, but his body feels really good.

“There’s no real secret potion to make you good at footy.”

“Pendles you just sort of see him around, see the way he operates, he’s just afreak of nature,” Schleicher added.

“It just doesn’t look like he’s slowing down at all.”

In keepingwiththe light-hearted nature of the podcast, (whichaired just before Christmas last year),Swan asked Schleicher “think you’ll still be going at 38?”

“Oh god no mate, I’ll be probably pumping one out at 31,” she replied.

Swan played aone-off game for Gormandale in 2023 on his country footy circuit, and was alsoguest speaker at last year’s Latrobe’s Biggest Blokes BBQ in Morwell.

of their responding innings. Freitag walked for a two-ball duck, and Stockdale went soon after for one -atthat point the score read 5/85. The middle order put up afight, but the total was too stretched, as South Australia claimed victory by 67 runs.

Victoria bounced back in the second one-dayer, claiming afive-wicket win over Tasmania.

Starting with ball in hand, Victoria skittled Tasmania for just 133 inside 47 overs. Freitag claimed figures of 2/9 from five overs, and Stockdale chimed in with 3/18 from 8.2.

Freitag and Stockdaleworked together in the chase as the middle orderbecameexposed.Just as it looked like the two might conclude the run chase, Freitag was dismissed for 14, with what would eventually be the penultimate ball of the match.

Stockdale finished the chase with eight not out.

The third round introduced the T20 portion of games into the mix, with Victoria coming up against Queensland. Victoria would start the T20s with a 56-run win, beginning adominant run of success.

The Latrobe Valleylocals flexed their muscles from theget-go, as they began with bat in hand

-Stockdale opened the batting.

He reached 22 before his dismissal, which left the score reading 2/66. Freitag’s innings was already underway by the time Stockdaleleft, as he launched himself into gear. Freitag smashed six sixes and three fours, cruising his way to 74 not out.

Victoria’s position of 4/147 after 20 overs was with many thanks to Freitag, while no other batter scored more than Stockdale.

With worktodowith the ball, Victoria was up to thetask, and while it may not have come directly from the locals, the job was done nonetheless.

Freitag had 19 runs hit off his two overs, while Stockdale managed 1/12 from 2.4 as Queensland came nowhere near Victoria’s total.

Two in arow soon became three with an important T20 win over New South Wales, bowling them out with 20 runs up their sleeve.

Stockdale was once again able to get going, scoring another 22 runs in the opening position -the score at 2/92 upon his dismissal.

Freitag again was alreadyunderwaybefore Stockdale left him. However this time around he would only go on to make 18 runs, leaving Victoria at 3/120.McKennawould help the rest of the order reach 9/150 after 20 overs.

In return, NSW put up agood fight, but amiddle order collapse saw Victoria gain ascendency.NSW went from 3/81 to 7/94 in amatter of overs which flipped the gameonits head.Stockdale claimed 2/13 from four overs, as Victoria fended off NSW’s efforts, bowling them out with an over to spare.

Up next, Victoria was faced with arematch against the hosts -the only side to undo them so far this campaign, this time around it was aT20.

Again, Victoria started with the ball in hand, and this time when they had South Australia pinned against the wall, they made sure to finish the job as soon as possible.

At 5/38, the hosts were in strife,but asmall counter made things more respectable. However, Victoria was still able to halt their progress, as the host finished with 9/113. Stockdale went for 20 runs from his four overs.

In return, the local duo of Stockdale and Freitag failed to make an impression of much importance. Stockdale made nine runs, while Freitag only managedsix.Thankfully, the rest of thetop ordercould get the runs, as Victoria sailed toward asix-wicket victory, getting the runs with alittle under three overs to spare.

The Vics eventually hit abump in the road, and it came against Tasmania in the fourth T20.

Not one Victorian batter could get their innings going, with the highest scoring playeronly scoring 25. Stockdale got 10 runs, and Freitag only just outdid him with 17.

Superstars: Latrobe Valleycricketers Erica Kershawand Lee Stockdale wonbestplayer awards at the Australian CountryCricket Championships Photographs supplied

Only three Victorian batters struck the ball at a rate of over 100 too. Thus, Victoria had to defend ameasly total of just 115.

Tasmania chipped away at the required runs at aquicker rate, but not much better than Victoria.

Stockdale claimed two wickets during Tasmania’s chase, taking 2/17 from four overs, to no use.

Tasmania handed Victoria its second loss of the championships, gettinghome with four men left in thesheds with twoballs remaining.

Returningtothe one-dayformat, both Stockdale and Freitag stepped up as Victoria got back on track against Queensland.

Starting at the crease, almost every Victorian batter this time around had ahand in adding to the total. And when someonescored runs, they made it to double digits.

Freitag accumulated 26 from second drop, but Stockdale went one better, making 39 from number five. They were both outdone by number eight Kyle Mueller, who helped the Vics step over 200 runs.

Queensland wasleft with littlechance when you read that seven players scored less than 10 runs.

Stockdale claimed 3/29 from 9.2 overs,cleaning up the tail to close the innings with Queensland only on 95, allowing Victoria to claim its biggest win of the championships, home by 128 runs.

Awin in the penultimate round -aone day showdown against NSW -would have Victoria finish on top of the ladder.

In amatch that came down to the final over of the day, Victoria just wouldn’t be defeated, picking up their sixth win of the campaign, and solidifying itselfontop of the ladder,winningbyfive wickets

NSW batted first and looked primed to put together aperfect innings, all thanks to opening bat Dylan Hunter. He smashed 130 from 75 deliveries, including 17 fours and seven sixes.

His dismissal was just the second of the innings, whichleft Victoria in atrying state as NSW had 2/173 on the scoreboard.

With the rest of the innings to bat with little care, they did just that, as no other player scored more than 20 runs. Freitag bowled two overs for 23 runs, while Stockdale was more economical with 2/31 from his 10. NSW were eventually skittled in less than 45 overs for 226, setting up an ultimate run chase for the Vics.

Victoriawas in trouble early as NSW held all momentumwith two early poles whichhad the league leaders at 2/6. Following the third wicket with the score at 42, Freitag and Stockdale had to build apartnership at the crease.

The two added 48 runs together before Freitag

was dismissed on 49. But Stockdale powered on withouthim, forming anew partnershipwith captain Jake Toohey. These two would add another 105 before Toohey was bowled.

In the meantime, Stockdalehad surpassed 50 andwas powering toward acentury. But as the required total drew closer, he was running out of runs to achieve both the win and acentury. He needed seven runs for acentury, but Victoria onlyneeded fourfor victory as they headedinto the final over of the match.

Doing the sensible thing, Stockdaleand Mueller knocked the New South Welshmen around for singles, getting the job done with the second-to-last ball of the innings. Stockdale finished with 95 not out, his best score of the campaign.

Victoria confirmed they would finish on top of the ladder, claiming their sixth win. Heading into the final round, Victoria was two wins clear of South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania -leavingitupfor the rest of the sides to decide their fates.

Victoria rounded out the championships in style, soaring to 9/203 against Western Australia.

Unfortunately fromalocal point of view, notmuch was contributed from Freitag (one) and Stockdale (19), as captain Toohey flexed his muscles with 55 runs. Chris Galvin helped out with 40, guiding Victoria to adefendable total.

Western Australia had no response. Their only hope was 23 runs from opener Michael Tassone, otherwise no batter scored more than 11.

Victoria took care of business with just four bowlers, knocking WA out in under 27 overs for just 65, sealing the championship with akiss.

Stockdale claimed his fourth RM Hooper award -awarded to the men’s player of the series.

 THE women’s side dominated the initial 10 rounds of play, with arecord of 9-1, as they confirmed their place on top of the ladder ahead of afinal four showdown. During the women’s competition, only T20s were played.

Notable performances from Kershawwere highlights of the first10rounds,asshe totalled 218 runs from the opening 10 T20s. Kershaw also took nine wickets with the ball.

Rockliff’s best performanceofthe initial phase was during the Round 7clash against Queensland, where she went run-a-ball scoring 19 runs.

In the first final, Victoria put the fourth-placed South Australia to the sword,keeping themtojust 59 runs during their 20 overs. Only three players madeittodouble digit scores. Kershaw was dangerous with the ball, taking 2/1 in two overs. Needing just 60 to win, Kershaw made eight with the bat before she was dismissed, but the rest of the Victorian batting quadrantgot the job done with alittle under 10 overs to go.

In the other semi-final, the third-placed Queensland upset the second-placed NSW.

Starting with the bat this time around, Kershaw scored 29, which set the tone as after her dismissal as Victoria was already 2/83.

Victoria tipped over triple digits before the innings was out, setting atotal of 110 to win for Queensland. The third-placed Queensland got off to ahorrid start, losing theirfirsttwo wickets for just four runs. After picking up the third wicket at 27 runs, Queensland lost their next five poles for just nine, as in the blink of an eye they were 8/36.

With the game all but over, Victoria claimed the last two wickets to not only see themselves claim victory by 59 runs, but alsothe championship -losing just one game in the process.

Victoria also went two-for-two when it came to having the best players, as Kershaw was crowned the women’s player of the series, awarded the Raelle Thompson award.

Past stars take to Kabaddi arena

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

BEFORE the 2024 year was out, Melbourne was treated to arather peculiar, most likely unheard of sport out of India.

Kabaddiwas brought to John Cain Arenawhere the Aussie Raiders were pitted against the Pro Kabaddi All Stars -some of the best in the sport.

Ateam of predominately former AFL players madeupthe Australianteam; coached by 2008 Hawthorn premiership player Campbell Brown and captained by 2012 Sydney premiership player Josh Kennedy.

Leongatha’s ownDysonHeppell andpast Moe footballer Billy Gowers (previously 33 gamesfor Western Bulldogs) also made up the list of past players.

As the second most-watched sport in India,behind cricket of course, the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) brings in more than 350 million viewers annually with an intriguing yet also strange premise.

The primary objective of Kabaddiisfor an attacking player from one team to enter the opposition’s half and touch an opposing player before returning

Seven players take the field at any one time and points are adjudicated for each opponent ateam eliminates from thegamebytouching aplayer while attacking and defenders preventing any attackers returning to their own half.

The South Asian sport originates from Ancient India and is the national sport of Bangladesh and Nepal.

Afew thousand arrived to watch the exhibition matches that took place justafew hoursaftera grippingDay 3ofthe Boxing Day Testbetween Australia and India.

The All Stars handledbusiness quite comfortably, with the Raiders trailing 22 to 5midwaythrough the first half, including going all out in the opening run of the game.

The far more superior and experienced opposition eased up slightly from there, and the Australian side garnereda handful of moments their way including Heppell evading two players and being tripped and still securing the points.

to their half before being wrestled or halted by a mob of players. This results in alot of strategy and formation by good teams to disrupt aplayer’s return to their half as soon as possible.

The Raiders still lost 48-25. The Australian team also featured Dan Hannebery, Marc Murphy, Michael Hibberd,Brett Deledio, Liam Shiels, and Trent McKenzie.

KABADDI

Newarea: TheAustralian Kabaddiside featured aplethoraofformer AFL players including Leongatha’sDyson Heppell(backrow right) and former Moe footballerBilly Gowers (backrow, second from left). Photograph supplied

Tigers take points in rain-soaked round

CRICKET

CLVPREMIER A

BY LIAM DURKIN

LOCAL cricketers returned from their Christmas sabbatical at the weekend.

Anew year presented an unfortunately familiar sight, the type usually seen at the start of each season.

Of the four Cricket Latrobe Valley PremierA matches, three were abandoned due to alate afternoon storm.

Morwell emerged from Round 9asthe biggest winner,bothactually and figuratively, gaining the only points for the round.

Those six points willlikelyprove morethan handy for the Tigers in the long run, given they are now essentially agame clear in third (five points).

 MORWELL beatthe storm against Raiders, getting the required runs inside 30 overs on the Yinnar Turf.

The home side batted first in the one day affair, and gotoff to asolid start thankstothe work of George Cheshire and Rob Webber up top.

The pair put on 72, before the dismissal of Webber for 33 led to asteady loss of wickets.

Cheshire departed ashort time later for 43, and from 1/98 Raiders were all out for 166.

Morwellskipper Blair Clymo cleaned up the middle order, with his off breaks netting figures of 3/24.

Dylan Day chipped in with 2/35, while the work of fellowseamer Tim Ford(1/19 off eightovers) ensured the Tigers were able to control tempo.

Ford then steered the visitors to victory with an enterprising 58 not out off 61 balls.

Coming in at number five, the all-rounder combined with Jordan Campbell in an 80 run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Campbell played the supporting role to perfection, making 34 off 50 balls.

Whenhewas dismissed in the 19th overMorwell needed 24 to win,whichthey achieved 10 overs later still only four down.

Tom Robertson gave Raiders an early look at a sneaky win, taking two wickets in the sixth over of the innings.

At that stage the score was 3/42, however it wasn’t long before the equation was back in Morwell’s favour.

 CENTRALS and Moe were locked in agood battle at Apex Park.

The visiting Lions decided to bowl first, and made the absolute most of conditions, reducing the home side to 3/4.

Left arm quick Keenan Hughes turned into Wasim Akram with the white ball, knocking over Sam Gray and Tye Hourigan for globes.

Mighty Magpies: Glengarryplayers gathered on Saturdaynight fortheir10-year premiership reunion. Glengarry’s2014/15 triumph in theTraralgon District CricketAssociation wasone of the most dramatic in Gippslandcrickethistory.

Centralswere forced to rebuild, with young Lachlan Speairs holdingupanend for 149 balls in adetermined effort of 59.

His resistance helped the home side get to the last over of the innings, where they ended with 128 on the board.

Hughes led by example, taking 4/28 assuming the captaincy from the absent Noah Kane.

Layteen Smith alsotooktwo wickets, in what was asolid first half for Moe that saw all six bowlers used take poles.

With the storm threat obvious, some DLScalculations were made.

Aminimum 20 overs needed to be reached, but this ultimately became null and void as the innings was washed away after 12.

Moe was 3/22 when rain fell, yet amazingly the DLS targetwould have only been 50 had the game gone another eight overs down that path.

Some intrigue must have followed the abandonment givenMoe’sbest batsmanAndrew Philipwas out, and their two next most recognised bats in

Photograph supplied

Nathan Lee and Hughes would more than likely go down swinging.

Asidenote to the brief innings was the promotion of JordanShields to open the batting,where he was pitted against former Sri Lankantest opening bowler Nuwan Pradeep.

Shieldshas had avery productive last six months in football and cricket.Hemadehis senior football debut for Moe Football-Netball Club, kicked agoal with his first kick in senior footy, played in three senior finals, won Moe’s under 18 best and fairest, was GippslandLeague player of the interleague carnival, dismissed aformer international cricket captain,was namedinthe Herald Sun top 150 young cricketers, and has now faced atest match opening bowler.

 COULD CATS have won this?

CATS were 0/31 in pursuit of 150 posted by Ex Students before play was brought to ahalt at John Black Oval.

Revised conditionsreduced the game to 40 overs

The Sharks backed themselves batting first,

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

TOTAL 4/170 (28.1 overs)

RAIDERS BOWLING

PGunathilake3-0-17-0, DStares 3-0-29-0, TRobertson 5-024-2, BRivers 4.1-0-42-1, GCheshire8-2-32-1, LMaynard3-18-0, RWebber 2-0-15-0

GLENGARRYVTOONGABBIE at FredKing Oval

GLENGARRYINNINGS

AJenkin bGMunasinghe 69

FMarks cMFarley bM Barry 62

CRobson cI Jayasinghe bM Whitechurch 34 BMarks run out: SRyan, GMunasinghe 21

SMarks not out 16

CGraham bGMunasinghe 8 HBusk not out.........................................................................................1

Sundries (3w 0nb 4lb 4b) 11

TOTAL. 5/222 (50 Overs)

(1b 6lb 5w 1nb). 13

166 (49 overs) MORWELL BOWLING

FHomyoon 10-1-27-1, TDixon 4-0-15-0,MCukier 10-0-39-1, BClymo 7-1-24-3, DDay 10-0-35-2, TFord8-2-19-1

MORWELL INNINGS

MCukier bB Rivers 10

FHomyoon cBMacfarlane bT Robertson ....9

BClymo cT Hutchinson bT Robertson 12

JCampbellb GCheshire. 34

TFordnot out 58

BMills not out 16

Sundries (1b 2lb 26w 2nb) 31

SATURDAY,JANUARY 11

Premier B(Round 11): Ex Students 6/278 (A Jaensch 116, DTrease 50, HCanny35, MStockdale 32, RHughes2/52, B Aitken 2/55) match abandoned versus Mirboo North 3/43 (C Potalej 2/10), Morwell 1/122 (R Semmler 65, CGiddens 41) match abandoned versus Glengarry7/178 (P Henry64, ANewton 57, CSeymour 2/28, NDay 2/37, RGray2/39), Toongabbie 2/104 (M Dunn 77) def Churchill 100 (S Forbes 39, MCooper 4/18, NFarley 3/19, THood 2/32), Traralgon West 0/21 drew CATS 9/164 (J Bellingham53, JMotta 43,

TOONGABBIE BOWLING

GMunasinghe10-0-44-2, MWhitechurch 8-1-40-1, SMoran 10-1-38-0, AAthulathmudali 10-2-24-0, MBarry7-0-37-1, K

Stoddart5-0-31-0

TOONGABBIE INNINGS

DBarry bM Merton ..............................................................................4

IJayasinghe not out ..9

AAthulathmudali not out 7

Sundries (0wd0nb 0lb 0b)...................................................................0

TOTAL. 1/20 (6.2 Overs)

GLENGARRYBOWLING

CGraham 3.2-2-7-0, MMerton3-0-13-1

Match abandoned: rain

and despite slumping to 2/14, scratched out a competitive total.

Captain Jimmy Pryde did most of the heavy lifting, making 43, as the middle and lower order scraped together every run they could find.

Pryde’s oppositenumberinCATSskipper Jamie Cochrane did likewise for his team, finishing with figures of 4/30.

RoryHare (2/40) and Ben Hagley (2/41)provided good foil.

CATS batted for just5.5 overs,but were going at justabout arun-a-ball,which may well haveset up atight finish once the field was spread.

Despite no result being reached, players on both sidesmay havegarnered positive thoughtstoward the idea of 40 over one dayers.

All other leaguesinGippsland (excluding Bairnsdale)play 40 over one dayers,and feedback from most players is that games are still long enough to constitute serious competition.

Matchescan fit neatly inside afive hour window, and only five bowlers are needed to bowl amaximum of eight overs each.

 TOONGABBIE would have only been singing one song in the sheds last Saturday night.

The Rams surely had The Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani on repeat after being 1/20 chasing 223 against Glengarry.

The flag favoured Magpies racked up their imposing total on Fred King Oval, with half-centuries coming from Al Jenkin (69) and Frank Marks (a run-a-ball 62), along with Conor Robson whomade 34.

GayashanMunasinghehad some joy for Toongabbie, taking 2/44.

Just6.2 overs were completed in the second half Perhaps alarmingly for other teams, Glengarry was without Nat Freitag, recovering from Vic Country duty (story on Page 35).

The Magpies still had reason to celebrate however, with 10 year premiership reunions taking place back in the rooms.

Glengarry’s 2014/15first grade triumph is arguably one of the greatest in Traralgon District Cricket Association history.

Chasing 288 against Ex Students, the Magpies took it past 100 overs on Day 2towin five down. HaydenRoss-Schultz playedthe innings of his life, scoring 136.

The Magpiesand Sharks playedinanother astonishing deciderjust two seasons ago, with the spoils again going the way of Glengarry following aMax Mertensix in thelast over.

Perhaps his judgement was clouded in the heat of the moment, but one Glengarry official toldthis reporter thatwin topped 2014/15

CENTRALSVMOE at Apex Park

CENTRALS INNINGS

BWilliamson cAPhilipbAJohnstone ....................1

JLittleton cA Johnstone bL Smith 23

SGrayb KHughes ..............................0

THourigan bK Hughes .............................0

LSpeairs cB Blandfordb KHughes 59

CPollardcB Blandfordb RRitvik. ...........................................1

JMurdoch cN Leeb J Shields ...........................................................7

TGamage c: KHughesb:Jarryd Atkinson-Mobourne 15

CWhitehead bLSmith .........6

NPradeep cAPhilip bKHughes. ..................2

MFenech not out ...................................................................................1

Sundries (9w 3nb 1lb 0b) 13

TOTAL. 128 (49.3 Overs)

MOE BOWLING

KHughes 8.3-0-28-4, AJohnstone 9-3-22-1, LSmith 10-129-2, RRitvik 6-3-10-1, JShields 8---21-1, Jarryd AtkinsonMobourne8-2-17-1

MOE INNINGS

ESheekey cT Hourigan bM Fenech 11

JShields cT Hourigan bNPradeep ................................................1

APhilipcSGrayb TGamage .........................8

BFinn not out ..........................................................................................0

NLee not out ...........................................................................................0

Sundries (2w 0nb 0lb 0b).....................................................................2

TOTAL. 3/22 (12 Overs)

CENTRALS BOWLING

MFenech6-4-10-1, NPradeep 5-2-8-1, TGamage 1-0-4-1

Match abandoned: rain

CRICKET LATROBEVALLEY LOWER GRADE SCORES

HBright 5/22, KCordery2/23), Jeeralang-Boolarra 8/91 (B McCormack 28, KO’Connell 3/13, LMorphett 3/16, S Pickering 2/22) def Thorpdale 9/90 (K O’Connell28, H Hewawasam 4/9, GSmith 3/11)

BGrade (Round 13): WillowGrove 7/180 (M Failla 66, L Cumiskey 38, NWeatherhead 32, LDuncan3/31, JHayes 2/37) def Latrobe 9/166 (A Duncan 40, IKennedy 31, Jvan der Stoep 3/30, NWeatherhead 2/10, JKeily 2/28), Rovers 112 (S Boyes54, BOuld 3/12, TShankland 3/19, CPerera 2/14) matchabandoned versus Centrals4/51 (O Grant 2/21)

Moe103 (C Hill 3/11, RSidhu 3/23, SPooni 2/8, ZQuinseyMunro2/18) match abandoned versus Raiders 6/96 (H Rai

36 —The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 15 January, 2025

53, RBlunt 3/24, BMcCartney 2/3), Imperials 250 (A Moss 91, TPaulet 46, BSizeland 41, JScurlock 3/12, GSwan3/26, C White3/40) match abandoned versus Gormandale 5/42 (D Loots 2/13, MMcNulty2/20). Premier C(Round10): Morwell 2/117 (R Stanyer50*, J Stockdale 32) def Rovers 116 (R Matthews30, KAlam 4/13, CMonds 2/15, MCarstein 2/25), Moe8/185 (N Reed 44,C Veenman 33, GEdwards 32*, AScicluna 4/25) def Mirboo North 98 (A Scicluna 28,R Whitney 5/10, TDuff 2/10), Ex Students 180 match abandoned versus Imperials 7/105, CATS vs Glengarry(no scores entered), Centrals vs Toongabbie (no scored entered).

CATSVEXSTUDENTS at John Black Oval

EX STUDENTSINNINGS

CGrade: Jeeralang-Boolarra 6/151 (A Hazendonk 62, M Smallwood 3/30, JAinsworth 2/22) def Gormandale 50 (C Stanton 3/4, AHazendonk 2/4), Imperials 3/97 (R Martin 40, TBeattie 27) match abandoned versus WillowGrove 7/174 (T Cotter 83, ORobinson 30*, RMartin 5/23, ILawrence 2/11),

Centuries and comebacks upon return

CRICKET CLVAGRADE

BY LIAM DURKIN

ROUND9ofCricket Latrobe Valley returned a mixed bag of margins in AGrade oneday action at the weekend.

The pacesetter took up where they left off at Christmas, while its nearest challenger got back to business after afew indifferent weeks leading into the festive season.

 CHURCHILL musthavegot Rovers on a really good day the first time around.

That is not to discredit Rovers’ early season victory overthe Cobras, but given Churchill defeated Roversby10wickets at the weekend,you could be forgiven for thinking how such acontrasting performance could occur.

Rovers were inside the top four on the ladder heading into the round don't forget.

Batting first at Andrews Park, the visitors were shot out for just 70 in 25.5 overs.

Things didn’t look outrageouslyterrible for Rovers, whowere2/34, but they inexplicitly lost their next five wickets for just as many runs.

Churchill used fivebowlers, all of whom took wickets.

RyanAyres salutedwith 3/18, ChrisWilliams

2/10 and Ross Whelpdale 2/14 with his off breaks.

Matt Harvey and Ben Kearns then put the foot down withthe bat, getting the required total in the 11th over.

Harvey made an unbeaten 36 and Kearns 31.

It looks as though Churchill is going to need a South Africa level choke to lose this flag.

 IMPERIALS recorded atimely win, and against worthy opposition at that.

Imperials andMirboo North bucked the trend on awet weekend to some extent,playing in a high-scoring game on theMercer/McKenziewicket.

Batting first, the visitors compiled 9/231 from their 50 overs.

Most of the ‘top six club’contributed, withJames Skingle (70), Tom Starkey (62) and Nick Bulcock (39 not out) getting among the runs.

Zach Hollis took 4/62 for Mirboo North.

The Tigers made adecent fist of the chase, but were ultimately one partnership short.

Runs from Iain Allan (34) and Hollis (30) were handy, but only led to atotal of 171.

The top-scorer however came fromaman of mythical quality, in keeping with the season that is quickly becoming one that has seen true ‘blasts from thepast’ appearonteamsheets across the league.

Coming in at seven, Shane ‘Choco’ Peters showed absolutely no signs of rust, making 38 off 73 balls.

For those unaware,Peters is aformer club champion who has taken up lawn bowls and fills in for the cricket teamonthe oddoccasion (just three games in the last four years).

With the Tigersinline to make finals, they might justtry and twist hisarm to commit fromhere on in.

Fellow veteran Matt Snell also filled in for agame before Christmas,but played again at the weekend. Imperials by the same token will likely welcome acouple of players back in coming weeks.

Opening bowler Todd Mannand top orderbat Anu Anubhav did not play at the weekend, which shouldgive Imperials more confidenceasfinals approach.

 TRARALGON WEST must have had agood Christmas.

That would be about the only explanation as to how an AGrade team can send down 39 wides.

The Eagles helped Latrobe considerablytoa total of 6/255 and victory via DLS at Peter Siddle Oval.

Sharks openerRonnie Chokununga happily accepted what was dished up,onhis way to 106 off133 balls.

Thebig-hitting right hander smacked 14 fours and two sixes, eventually departingwith the score 5/233.

Salman Rasool andJacob Bloomfield helped the cause with 31 and 27 not out respectively.

Bloomfield then enjoyed the perfect start with

the ball, taking awicket with his first delivery. ReeceFalla was the only Traralgon West bowler to assert much control, taking 2/35 off 10 overs.

With Latrobe legendAnthonyBloomfieldunavailable,the Sharks called upon the next best thing -his old opening partner Justin Vajler.

Now there’s atrueblast from the past (I don’t reckon Taddy would have played since 2019. Another challenge from changing to PlayHQ).

 GORMANDALE was denied victory against Willow Grove.

The Tigers had the Wolves2/35chasing 177 before rain came down.

Taking to Stoddart Oval, the home side was asked to have ahit at the toss.

Cal Polo and Matt Hibbs gladly accepted the challenge, putting on 60 for the first wicket. Both men had virtually identical scores when they were dismissed, Polo making 35 and Hibbs 34. Campbell Peavey contributed 29, while acouple of others got to double figures.

Amix of oldand young sharedthe wickets for Willow Grove. Veteran Anthony Wilkes took 3/30 andrising starDarcy Walsh 3/42,whileskipper Josh Hammond nabbed 2/27.

Peavey had 2/18 next to his name when play was abandoned after nine overs.

Stars shine, Sutherland living rent-free in Siddle’spocket

CRICKET EXPORTS BY

TOM HAYES

SOMElocalexports gota break from their respectivesportsover the festiveperiod,and somedidn’t.

One that barely got arest was Morwell’s Peter Siddle, who was on duty for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash.

Siddle was straight into work as early as New Year’s Day, when he and the Stars travelled to the Gabba to play Brisbane Heat.

The Stars’ skipper Marcus Stoinis won the toss and elected to field, giving the visitors the chance to reduce the Heat as much as possible.

It was adecent stars for the Stars, who at one pointhad the home side 4/39 after Siddle bowled Nathan McSweeney, who was recently dropped from the Test side. Soon after, the Heat were 5/68.

Max Bryant kicked them into gear with an outstanding innings of 77 from 48 deliveries, teeing off with four fours and six sixes. His innings saved the Heat the embarrassment of alow total in front of their home crowd, finishing their 20-over allotment with 7/149 on the board.

The wicket of McSweeney was the only one for Siddle, who claimed 1/34 from his four overs.

Siddle wasn’t needed with the bat, as the Stars respondedtothe Heat’s total. Things started terribly for the visitors, who were 3/14 in just the fourth over.

Dan Lawrence and Stoinis to the rescue. The two combinedfor 132 runs, bringing the Starsonto the brink of victory.

The dismissal of Stoinis for 62, then Glenn Maxwell for agolden duck had Xavier Bartlett on ahat-trick, but Hilton Cartwright and Lawrence settled to get the visitors over the line by five wickets.

Threedays later, the Stars returned to Melbourne to take on the Renegadesina derby-Siddlefacing his former side. Stoinis won the tossagain, and decided to send the Renegades in.

The Renegades didn’t have ahorrible innings, in fact it was steady, and two players nearly broke out to record big scores. Jacob Bethell and Jonathan Wells starred for the Gades, with 49 and 45 runs respectively.

Siddle had multiple successes, claiming the wicket of Wells, as well as Renegades captain Will Sutherland. He also helped with the last wicket, claiming Xavier Crone.

And with that,the Renegades innings cameto aclose as they posted 7/168 from their 20-over allotment.

Siddle again wasn’t needed with the bat, but his teammates got the job done again.

Ben Duckett led the way with 67, while Stoinis backed up his performance from three days prior with another impressive 48. The runs were reached with two balls to spare.

TheStars made it three wins in arow to start 2025, lifting themselves off the bottom of the ladder after a16-runwin over Sydney Sixers.

After losing the toss, the Stars were thrown into the crease at the MCG.

An inspired effort from recent Test debutant Beau Webster (48 runs) and Sri Lankan Test series snub Glenn Maxwell (58 not out) helped guidethe Stars to areasonable total of 5/156 after 20 overs.

The pair piled on 88 runs to help lift their side, who looked shakyat4/60justaheadofthe halfway point of their innings.

In response, the Sixers looked prepared to make the match interesting, as opener James Vince smashed 53 runs. By the time of his dismissal the Sixers were 3/96 in the 14th over,needing roughly 10 runs an over to win with seven wickets in hand.

Butthe fall of Vince happened to cause adomino effect, as the Sixers lost six wickets in the last six overs, which saw them fall short of the required total.

Siddle snaggedthe wickets of Jordan Silk (bowled, one run) and Ben Dwarshius (caught behind, four) to show his figures of 2/26.

AnotherMelbourne derby, another win for the Stars who made it four straight, moving up into thetop four.

Just when it looked like the Stars’ season was all but over, they have pulled outfourwins to start 2025, moving intofourth at time of print, despite playing one extra game to everyone else. Nevertheless, they are within the hunt with one game remaining before finals.

Batting firstagainst the Renegades on the Marvel Stadium deck, after another shakystart,the stars from the green side of Melbourne prevailed.

At 6/63 ahead of the halfway markofthe innings, Maxwell had started his innings at the crease with aheap of work to do to resurrect the innings. Boy, did he get going.

Although he lost multiple battingpartners, he never ran out, on his way to 90 runs from 52 balls, smashing 10 sixes and four fours.

He and Siddle were dismissed in the last over, Siddle with the last ball for six (off five balls), as the Stars set atotal of 165.

In response, theRenegadesdidn’t make many inroadsuntiltheirmiddle ordergot involved, after three of the first four batters walked back to the sheds for less than five.

Siddle got the important wicket of Renegades captain Will Sutherland, bowling him for 15. The Renegades at that point were 5/76. Siddle finished with 1/13 from his four overs. In the following over the Renegades were 7/80.

Running out of time, and resources,the Stars

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

JCooke not out 13 Sundries (0b 1lb 12w 4nb) 17 TOTAL 6/67 (22 overs)

LATROBE BOWLING

JBloomfield 5-0-15-2, SRasool 6-4-10-3, SWilson 4-0-15-0, D Madathanapalli 2-0-11-0,RDuncan 1-0-1-0, CFreshwater 4-0-14-1

made it home with comfort, bowling the Renegades out with aballremaining, but also with 42 runs up their sleeve.

MOE'S Nicole Faltum returned to the wicket on Sunday, January 12 whenVictoria resumed its Women's National Cricket League campaign. Taking to the nation's capital,Faltum and Victoria took on ACT in aone-dayer in Canberra. After losing the toss, the ACTdecidedtofield first, sending Faltum to thecreasewith her opening partner, Sophie Reid.

Despite aslowand steady start from the Vics, Faltum was the first to depart in the eighth over for 12 (24).

Reid would go on to top score for Victoria, making 31 before her dismissal in the 18th over left the visitors 3/67.

Only TessFlintoff and Georgia Prestwidge made an impression withthe bat,making22and 21 respectively.

Victoria would have been thankful for the 33 extras which garnered the most runs for their side. They wouldn’t even see out their 50-over allotment, bowled out for 180 after 49 overs. ACT picked up the pace much quicker than Victoria did, although opener Olivia Porter departed for agolden duck.

Captain Katie Mack made an impressive half century,putting the hosts on the right track for victory.

At amuch better run rate, with morewickets up their sleeve, ACT madeithome comfortably despite losing acouple of late wickets. Regardless, they were home by two wickets with alittle over three overs remaining.

Victoria got another shot at ACT whilethey were in Canberra, withtheir next match taking place yesterday (Tuesday, January 14). Results weren’t known at thetimeofprint.

NBulcock 10-2-48-1, TDonoghue 5-3-6-1, SAitken10-1-40-2, D Thilakarathne 4-0-14-1, DThompson 6-0-31-2,T Starkey 5.3-0-30-2

out.

(1b 3lb 39w 3nb) 46 TOTAL 6/255 (50 overs)

TRARALGON WEST BOWLING

AThow9-0-57-0, RFalla 10-0-35-2, JCooke 10-0-63-2, BFleming 10-2-39-1, HKimpton 9-0-41-0, DCooke 2-0-16-1 TRARALGON WEST INNINGS MGriffiths cCFreshwater bSRasool

HKimpton bJBloomfield

cCFreshwater bJ Bloomfield 5

BGriffiths cunknwon bSRasool. 11 TFitch lbwCFreshwater 13

RWilkie cCFreshwater bSRasool. 0 RFalla not out 8

Latrobe wononDLS. TraralgonWest needed 213off22overs

CHURCHILLV ROVERS at AndrewsPark West ROVERSINNINGS

LPatterson cC Williams bRHarvey. 3

SDuff cJ MasonbRAyres 5

EWilliams cR Ayresb CWilliams 9 DWilliams cC Williams bRAyres 12 WCoad cJKeighran bRAyres 0

DQuigley cB MasonbC Williams 0

JPearcecBKearns bR Whelpdale 3

DDuncanrun out BMason, JKeighran 22

IBrownb RWhelpdale 0

BDonoghue bS Warr 0

NSingh not out 3

Sundries (7b 0lb 3w 3nb). 13 TOTAL. 70 (25.5 overs)

CHURCHILL BOWLING

RWhelpdale 5.5-2-14-2, CWilliams 6-1-10-2, RHarvey5-0-16-1, S Warr 2-0-5-1,

Best mates play forClassic Singles title

BOWLS CLASSIC SINGLES BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

SAME,same but different.

In arematch of last year’s final, Northern Irish international Gary Kelly defeated Australian champion bowler CoreyWedlock for the EnergyAustralia Classic Singles.

In athrilling decideratNewboroughBowling Club, 48 pro fes sion al and am ate ur play ers competedin16sections across the opening two days, eventually dropping to 32 for the much more ramped up play.

The knockout stagescameand wentand the final four was cemented.

In the semi-finalslastThursday, Kellyovercame an early start from Tony Schiavello of Bundoora to win 25 to 15.

Wedlock found it even easier than that, defeatingMiddlePark’s Daniel Dimery in aquick and convincing 25-3 result.

The final was set and it was no surprise to the local contingent that it would feature these two stars once again.

An afternoon start meant that the Thursday (January 9) warm weather may have played into effect how things opened up.

Kelly jumped out to afour-nil start as the temperaturesoared above 30 degrees. Wedlock answered with three close shots in arow that forced aheavy bowl fromKelly thatdidn’t come off, putting Wedlock on the board.

Some graceful shots from the Commonwealth Games athlete and once Number 2bowler in the world brought the score back to within one. Despite Kelly not dropping in performance, points would be won with just millimetres of difference.

Desperate not to see asimilar result to last year’s final,Kelly began to focus even harder, examining hisoptions and taking further time to execute as perfectly as possible.

That is one to mention simply how exact these professional players are.

The pla yb yt hem ,e sp ecia ll yi nt he final , captivated the crowdaseven someofKellyand Wedlock’s poorer shots would be deemed to be some of the best in regularly schedule weekend pennant.

As Kelly extended his lead to 12-6, Wedlock was visibly getting frustrated with how it was turning out, electing to deliver with pacetoknockout Kelly’s well-placed rink.

Secondtime’sa charm: Gar yKelly(right) defeated Corey Wedlockinthe EnergyAustralia Classic Singles afterthe oppositeresult in 2024 Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

MOE BOWLING CLUB CLASSIC PAIRS

Thursday, January16& Friday, January17

Free spectator entry

ENTRANTS

n MattSchreyer (Trafalgar)/Gary Johnson (Webbcona)

n BrettHarle/Vaughan Reimer (Morwell Club)

n SandyCaines (Moe)/PeterBelarto (Yarrawonga)

n Tony Buckingham (Ringwood)/Shane Dove (Ex Sale)

n John Parker (Pakenham)/Tim Gray (NarreWarren)

n PeterPhillips (Moe)/Tim Phillips (YallournNor th)

n DannyMcKeown (Morwell)/Chris Thomas (Traralgon)

n Barry Hawkett/MickSmogavec (Moe)

n TedKuklinsky/Adam Proctor (Trafalgar)

n KenTowt/Craig Cousins (Longwarry)

n Ian Jones/SteveChalmers (Sale)

n Neville Brown (Pakenham)/NickDawe (Heathmont)

n Necip Akarsu/Terry Sullivan (Warragul)

n Paul Twyerould/Frank Krslovic (Rosebud Beach)

n John Harvey (Moe)/RayJanseen (Montmorency)

n Dannyvan Zuylen/Joel (Newborough)

n Lachlan Sim/JaydeLeech (Moe)

n Vinnie McIlwain/Ian Hilsley (Traralgon)

n IanKirkup/MickYacoub (Traralgon)

n Ian Miles/Peter Rosenboom (Trafalgar)

n GlennPask/Grant Pask (Longwarry)

n StevePallot/Flynn Pallot (Moe)

n RickLukey/George Cargill (Traralgon RSL)

n MickCoram/Wayne Parkes (Inverloch)

Format: 2/2/2/2 pairs, five games of 14 ends

Momentum slowly began to swing as Wedlock nailed afew toughshots in arow which eventually led to an eight-shot turnaround.

Pressure began to mount for Kelly as he lost his sizeable lead, but adeliberate last bowlrebounded off his own to touch the jack, savinghim from digging an even deeper hole and he tied the score at 14-all.

Kelly led with two marvellous shots on the next play, getting as close as you can get, only for Wedlock to swing in with apenetrating shot that knocked out both Kelly’s bowls.

The matchwas now coming into the final stretch, and while it had been as enthralling as ever with many runs either way, it would still get better.

With Wedlock leading by one, Kelly had two touchers and athird close bowl that leapfrogged him back ahead 17-15.

Kelly followed with abeautifully placed bowl behind the jack and closest as Wedlock responded, hitting his own bowl closer and afinal shot sneaking between two, which laidperfectlytogain points and tie it once again.

Wedlock continued with two touchers as now Kelly wouldanswer with more pace and weight sensing another turn, and found one that took out almost all to save adeficit.

However, Wedlock pushed in front, but another three-shot swing spun the score back in Kelly’s favour.

Bot hu nd er stan ding the magni tude of the moment, each etched touches, however,afinal bowl from Kelly got closest to the moved jack and he nudged ahead 22-19.

Kelly was entering aflowstate as he was getting closer to victory with two close bowls. Wedlock was caught out of tune with anarrowly missed drive but then savedhimself with asimilarly paced shot thatknockedbothhis closest -afinal toucher from Kelly, and saved atwo-point dink.

Three bowls were set up forKellyonthe next play only as Wedlock disrupted that by taking them out and sent the jack off centre.

Wedlock then had atoucher with the jack in its

new position that brought him back within two points, 23-21.

On the final stretch withthe chancetobesuccumbed, Wedlock touched the jack on his firstbowl, pushing it back far and behind other blockers.

Kelly then carried with pace, so much so that he would trail his bowl with pace himself, entering a jogging stage, as he sent the jack off into the gully securing the win, additional ranking points and the prize pool of $3500.

Kelly praisedNewborough Bowling Clubafter getting victory in his second year at the classic singles.

“I love this club and appreciate coming here everyyear, and to get up on that TV amongst some amazing players and names is pretty cool and special,” he said.

“What afantasticculture you have at theclub andagreat community. It’s one that’s dear to my heart because it reminds me of my grassroots and where Icame from and the club that Ideveloped my game at.”

Being that Kelly and Wedlock are close friends, Kelly also acknowledged his opponent.

“Thankyou to my bestmateCorey,it’shard playing against your mates and stuff like that but it’s an honour to share the stage with them every time and Ireally appreciate it,” he said.

Wedlock was magnanimous in defeat, once more enjoying his time at the regional event.

“Firstly, I’d just like to thank Newborough BowlingClubfor runningsuch agreat event,” he said.

“I absolutely love coming down here… it’s been an absolute pleasure to come down here once again.

“To Gazza (Kelly), well done mate. It was agreat game, could have gone either way.”

Both acknowledged the efforts of six-time classic singles player andLakesEntranceborn Barrie

Lester for getting them down for the second year running.

Alegends night also ran during the week of competition on Tuesday (January 7) featuring Lester, Kelly and Wedlock which was well represented, and gave the chance for local bowlers and members to mingle with some of the best.

MorePictures -Page34

Moe pairing to set record straight

BOWLS

By LIAM DURKIN

ONE tournament finishes, another one starts.

With the classic singles done and dusted at Newborough, the next town over now has its turn hosting amajor event.

Moe Bowling Club will host its signature event, with therunningofthe time-honoured classic pairs this Thursday and Friday.

The event is now into its 49th year, and local and state-wide players are once again set to compete across two days of intense action.

Afull fieldof24pairs are gunningfor the top prize, and ashare in nearly $4000worth of prizemoney.

The hostclubiswell represented, with nine playersentered, while reigning champions Matt Schreyer (Trafalgar) and Gary Johnson (Webbcona) are returning to defend their crown.

Moe’s own John ‘Banger’ Harvey and Montmorency’s Ray Jansen will be out to go one better, after narrowly missing the title in last year’s decider, which came down to an extra end.

Moe pair Barry Hawkett and MickSmogavec havealso attracted significant interest, with insiders believingtheyare primedtoseriously challenge

Those well versed in local football may recognise afew names. Former Yallourn Yallourn North forwardTim Phillips is returning home to play in the classic alongside his dad Peter, while Ken

again: Moe Bowling Clubwill host its classic pairsevent

tomorrow(Thursday). Pictured

Towt, who played 400 seniorgames on the local circuit, (mostly at Boolarra) is also taking part.

Schreyerheaped praise on MoeBowling Club after last year’sinstalment, describing it as a “magnificent tournament”.

The bowling club receives significant support from neighbouring Moe Racing Club, who haveprovided backing for the Classic Pairs in recent years.

The positive flow-on effects from people coming for the tournament can be seen by the number of players utilising hospitality and accommodation services.

Spectator entry is free for

the Classic Pairs. Games run from 8.45am both days. Moe Bowling Club is located on the corner of Saviges Road and Waterloo Road, Moe.

over the next twodays, star ting

at last year’s event is Moe Racing Club Chairman, Mike Vanderfeen, winnersGar yJohnson (fromWebconna) and Matt Schreyer(Trafalgar) and Moe Bowling Club officials LesStolarikand SandyCaines. File photograph

Precision: Nor thern Irishinternational Gar yKellyduring the finalofthe Newborough BowlingClub ClassicSingles Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Special: Paynesville kids Laceyand Ella Kiss rubbed shoulderswith CommonwealthGames playerand last year’s Classic Singles winner, Corey Wedlock. Photograph supplied

Localstreated to Phoenixwin

BASKETBALL

NBL BY BLAKE

METCALF-HOLT

THE Phoenix rise again in the Valley.

South East Melbourne Phoenix and Brisbane Bullets arrived into Gippsland Regional Indoor Basketball Stadium (GRISS) on Saturday night for the NBL’s fourth successive regular season bout in front of asold-out and amped crowd.

Despite ablowout score in the end that read 105 to 86 in favour of the Phoenix, the game featured plenty of runs from both sides and as many moments of fierce energy that kept spectators enthralled by the contest.

In what was fittedasabasketball festiva, the game brought aprofessional sporting match down to the region while also offering all that is catered for at aregular metropolitan game.

Heading into GRISS, there was plenty going on before even getting to your seat.

Pregame entertainments were many and setup on the old main courtsofthe Traralgon Basketball Stadium included players available for meet and greets and jumping castles spread out for the kids.

By the time the game was ready to start, the roof was shaking with energy, however, also due to the sweeping changesinweather conditions at the weekend, conditions within the four walls of the show court were increasingly noticeable.

The visitingBrisbane Bullets raised concerns regarding the safety of the venuepriortothe game and the elevated chances of players sustaining injuries due to the precipitation that could possibly be created on the floor from the humid weather.

Unfortunately, Bulletscoach Justin Schueller mayhave been rightwith his concerns as three of hismen went down with injuries throughout Saturday night’s proceedings, with star Josh Bannan (knee), Emmett Naar (oblique) and Deng Adel (groin) allsuffering.

“That’s just afrustration right now that we need

Bowls set to return this week

BOWLS

By MICHAEL HOLROYD

THE regional championships were playedin Ballarat at the weekend.

Strzelecki’s teams were competitive in all their matches.The men denied awellsupported Ballarat team aplaceinthe finals with athrilling one-shot victory in their last game.

Midweekpennant resumedonTuesday (January 14) and weekend pennantthis Saturday (January 18). Longwarry are playing Drouin in anight match this Friday. State championship playoffs between North and South Strzelecki Bowls Regions will be held at Tarwin Lower thisSunday(January 19).

In Strzelecki North, the final of the ladies Champion of Champions Singles will be played at Traralgon alongsidethe Men’s Triples between Jo-Anne Michaels (Newborough) and Joelene Laukens (Boolarra).

The Strzelecki North Playing Area Men’s Champion of Champions Singles final is between David Cook (Trafalgar) and Matt Ferrari (Traralgon).

to get some answers on… obviously ahumid,rainy day down here, the airconsdefinitely didn’t get on early enough and the surface was slippery, we identified thatbefore the game,” Schueller said postgame.

This has now registered the Brisbane coach unable to answer if they’ll be able to field aside next round, with players already missing with injury prior to the game in Traralgon.

Nonetheless, the game wasacracking showcase between two sides eyeing afinals berth, with Brisbane just agame backofthe Phoenixfor fifth place.

The Bullets ranout of the gate hotwith asixpoint lead off the back of Bannanand plentyof collective deep-range shots to start the affair.

Phoenix forward Matthew Hurt was prepared to put the team on his back by scoring the opening 11 points of the game,and made up for someearly jiffs from the rest of the squad.

It was abit of abrick-fest either way for amajority of the opening quarter, with many jump shots going awry but afinal pull up three-pointer from Bulletsguard Keandre Cook kept them in front 21-17 come the first break in play.

Despite the Phoenix making up for their early blip and getting right back into it, they would be without the services of guard Derrick Walton Jr forthe rest of the night after suffering asecond hamstringinjury on the season.

Walton Jr had previously played for the Sydney Kings in aprior Gippsland showcase against the Phoenix in 2022 that went into double overtime andiswidely considered to be one of the greatest NBL games ever played.

Hurt continued on his unbeaten run to open the second term, finding baskets inside and out, while Bannanand the Bullets maintained their lead

and pushed it to double digits midway through.

Veteran guard Nathan Sobey (Phoenix) finally came alive and knocked down ahugethree that would begin to turn the tide for Gippsland’s own NBL side -with the crowd being heard after every bucket and stop thatwent in favourofthe Phoenix, aloud roar and applause erupted the stadium.

Another moment that was equally electric was from young Phoenixplayer Owen Foxwell, who pressed hard in the front court and poked the ball loose from Brisbane’s Mitch Norton and dove onto the floor forcing aturnover.

Sobey then hit back-to-back-to-back threes in the final two minutes of the first half and gave South East Melbourne the necessary lift and momentum to carry over into the last stretch.

Hurt and Sobey again ignited to begin the third quarter, making practically all of the Phoenix’s buckets, coming in many ways more than one.

Sobey broke the game open with atough drive to the basket that gave the Phoenix their first lead of the night, from which they never really looked back.

The final ter mb elo nged to forwar dJ oe Wieskamp, who rose from an admitted slump to nail some impressive shots and played some equally impressive defence, which added to a match-winning quarter for the Phoenix.

SouthEastMelbourne outscored Brisbane by 18 points in the last quarter and 26 in the second half, giving them time to celebrate their seventh victory in arow in frontof3000people universally in their corner.

Hurt finished with 32 points, missing just four shots, while Sobey (31) knocked in seven threes andWieskemp added 16 in support.

Phoenix coachJoshKingcreditedhis team’s fightback to the spark that was generated from the enthusiastic fans in acompact and intense home environment in Traralgon.

“Inthe firsthalf, we didn’tgive them much to cheerabout with our energy but once they got going, once we performed the waywe’re supposed to and we got them involved it really pushed us over the top and the crowd was tremendous tonight,” he said.

Similarly, Wieskamp has played collegebasketball for abig program in Iowa and noticed likenesses to the relationship between the crowd and the players from his time in the US.

“I thought it was afun atmosphere, obviously they showed out (and) provided some energy for us especially in that fourth quarter.It’s always fun to play in front of asold-out crowd,” he said.

SouthEastMelbourne Phoenix havelocked into a two-year continued partnership with Latrobe City, and will feature in another regular season match at GRISS during the next NBL season.

Newregional road safety campaign

HORSERACING

ANEW campaign is set to be rolled out across regional Victoria, encouraging Victorians to get home safely from country races.

The TransportAccident Commission’s ‘Ready’ campaign with Country Racing Victoria will highlight the risks associated with driving to and from races when alcohol is involved.

The new content features ‘Everyday Heroes’ of Ballarat who play significant roles in making arace day happen -ahorse handler, an operations manager and adesignated driver.

This year’s campaign followsatragic year on Victoria’s roads in 2024, with 282 lives lost compared with 295 in 2023.

More than half of the fatalities in 2024 occurred in regional areas.

The campaign will be prominentonsocial media and in racebook advertisements in the run-up to country race events across Victoria to highlight the various transport options available to those attending regional events, such as taxis, rideshares and shuttle buses.

CountryRacingVictoria Chairman,Charles Armytage said safety at theracecourse did not end once arace meeting is over.

“It is vitalfor all racegoers to plan ahead not only for the event itself but also for their transportation needs,” he said.

“CRV and country clubs remain committed to working with the TAC to promote this important educational message.”

The TAC will be present at more than 20 country cups, where punters will have the opportunity to enter aprize draw to win $500 fuel vouchers and learn about the dangers of drink-driving.

For more information on the campaign, visit the TAC website

More than $1.1 billion is being invested until 2028 in road safety initiatives by the state government, as part of anewly launchedRoad SafetyAction Plan 2tohelp prevent serious crashes and keep Victorians safe.

abet, baht, bair n, bait, baiter, bane,bant, banter,bare, barn, bate, bath, bathe,bather,bean, beanie,bear,beat, beaten, beater,been, beer,beet, beneath, bent, berate, beret, ber th, ber tha, beta, betaine, bier,binate, bine,bir th,bite, biter,brae, brain, bran, brat, breath, breathe,brie, br ine, br it, habit, hebe,henbit, herb, HIBERNATE, INBREATHE, rebate, tr ibe

All standing: The packedcrowd in the finalminutes of Saturday’s NBL matchatGRISS.

Quickdap: AngusGloverwith local fans following Phoenix’swin.

Photographs: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 15 January 2025

What’sthe alternative? SEC to go if Libs win Praise the Lord

Local CFAfighting fireatGrampians

PoliceBeat with TomHayes

Paydisputeupdate

Suspicious fire

Drugs involved in heavy collision

Learner loses mum’scar

Collection stolen

Opposition unveils their alternative plan

Nats drawing a line in the sand

COMMENT

Highdemandfor localwater use

January’sGippsland Farmer is now online

New NEPT reforms to help patients

Increased demand for Victorian social housing Mine rehabilitation discussed

Local rent prices take another rise

Hot water apotential gas replacement

Bridging gaps for mental health service

Cancer support in high demand

Labor report card time: Cameron

Thorpdale Potato Festival coming soon

Risks posed by unattended items

Ready to go bushwalking in 2025

Escapes

From the

ARCHIVES

Stamp of approval

Bennett St, Moe

Community Corner with Liam Durkin

Chess results

Prostatesupport

Ecologywalk

Cancer group fundraises

Bridgeresults

Learntodance classes

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

HealthNews

LCHS Autism Assessment Clinic wins Gippsland PHN award

Home Care Package recipient Ann

Aspecialistfoot clinic in Gippsland hasgone international!

Literally walkingover theissue

France’s timber lesson

Action required for an adequate plan

Check bores before applying for licence

LCHS welcomes gambling reforms

Couple plead guilty to animal cruelty,each given

Abalone thieves caught

New members appointed to state veterans council

Competitors show truegrit in theGippy mud

Helpneededinorder for show to go on

More than 500 years’ service

celebrated, acknowledged

PE PAAAPER!

Early Detection is Key

Common Signs of Vision Problems

HOROSCOPES

Cashy continuing to kick goals in music

TheGuide

ANDI OLIVER’S

FABULOUS FEASTS

MAGICAL TRAIN JOURNEYSINSWITZERLAND

Thursday, January 16

Saturday, Januar y 18

Monday,January 20

Cremated legacy

Healthier club grub on the menu

Cost of living crisis traced back to privatisation

Community over perks

Maths will always win

HappyNew Year

The greatest evil

Government failsbushfire mitigation in Latrobe District

COMMENT

afford to waste it

Spreading love of books among community

Firefighting efforts recognised at FRV service awards

Urgent need for blood donors amid cancellations

Resource gap found in local playgroups

Business ownership preferred nowadays