Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 15th May 2024

PoliceBeat

with Zaida Glibanovic

Maryvale blaze

MORWELL locals had afright on the evening of Tuesday, May 7, as large plumes of smoke were spotted at apine plantation in Maryvale. Country FireAuthority alongside Fire Rescue

Victoria attended the fire on Morwell-Maryvale Road in Maryvale at about 4.53pm thatafternoon. Reportsindicated alarge50-by-50-metre pile of rubbish was ablaze. Victoria Police was also on the scene.

Crews quickly got to work to stop the fire as the smoke continued to blow.

The localCFA brought the blaze under controlat 5.56pm; it was deemed safe by 6.25pm. It is believed thatpolice are notinvestigating the fire as suspicious.

An excavator was brought in thefollowingmorning to move the remaining rubbish.

Vehicle fire

POLICE are calling on the publictohelp an investigation into asuspicious fire at aresidence in Morwell on April 6.

It is believed two people attended aneighbouring property off theCrinigan Road residence,atabout 3.50am.

Police allege thepairsprayed an accelerant over afence onto avehicle parked in the driveway of the residence, before setting the vehicle alight. Investigators havereleased images of twopeople they believe can assist with their enquiries. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit aconfidential report onlineatcrimestoppersvic.com.au

Information: Police areappealing forhelpto identify thesetwo individuals theybelieve could assist with an investigation intoafireinMorwell.

Photographs: VictoriaPolice

Burglaryand thefts in Victoria's east

WELLINGTON Crime InvestigationUnit detectives are investigatingtwo burglaries at rural properties across Victoria’s East last month where firearms were allegedly stolen. It is believed an unknown offender forced entry

Stolen: This trailer,alongside firearms and ammunition, wastaken from arural property in

in early April.

into aproperty on Thompson Lane in Seaton between 5.45am and 5pm on April 10.

Once inside the premises, police say the alleged thief forced entry to agun safe, stealing five firearms and ammunition.

Asecondburglary allegedly occurred inside a shedonKellehersRoad, Glenmaggie between 12pm on April 20 and 12pm on April 30. Five firearms, atrailer, acar fridge and air compressor were all stolen. The incidents are believed to be linked at this stage.

Detectives are encouraging owners of firearms to ensure they are secure, and if they are away from theirpropertyfor any period of time, to storethem at another location.

Warragul man missing

POLICE are appealing for public assistanceasthey continue to search for Warragul man Mark, who’s been missing for more than amonth.

The 51-year-oldleft home in WarragulonMarch 31 and travelledbytrain to Melbourne to watch an AFL match at the MCG

Help: Have youseen Mark?

Investigatorshave confirmed Mark attended a licenced premises on Swan Street, Richmond and was there when the match started, but police have been unable to confirm if he attended the game.

Mark failed to return home and was reported missing to police.

The last confirmed sighting of Mark was at abank in Paisley Street, Footscray just before midday on Thursday, April 11.

Mark hasnoknown associates in Footscrayor the western suburbs.

Mark’s disappearance is out of character and family and police are becoming increasingly concerned due to the length of time he has been missing.

Policehave releasedanimage of Mark,and CCTV of him at the bank in the hope that someone can provideinformation about his current whereabouts. Mark is described as 182cm tall, medium build with short brown hair.

He was last seen wearing blue jeans and adark coloured jumper with awhite hoodie underneath, and adark coloured beanie.

Anyone with information on his current whereaboutsisurged to phone Warragul Police Station on (03) 5622 7111.

Patterson pleads not guilty New juryselected for Lynn trial

THE accused murderer at thecoreofthe Leongatha mushroom poisoning case,Erin Patterson, has pleaded not guilty to all of her charges.

Pattersonisaccused of threecounts of murder and five counts of attempted murder.

Patterson attendedthe Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court through video link from prison on Tuesday, May 7, opting to fast-track her case to Victoria's Supreme Court for trial.

The change comes after Patterson's legal team asked for the case to stay at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court on Monday, April 22.

If the case remainedinMorwell, the committal hearing might not have beenheard until 2025.

It was explainedthat Patterson had changed her mind since she last fronted the courtto perhaps avoid acommittal hearing,where evidence against Pattersonwouldhave been tested publicly for the first time.

The allegations against Patterson concern ameal that took place in LeongathainJuly 2023, during which four individuals felt unwell.

Their Beef Wellington lunch made headlines across the world when three people died and one was left fighting for their life from what is believed to be mushroom poisoning.

Patterson's in-law's Don and Gail Patterson died, along with Gail's sister, Heather. Heather's husband,Ian, was the onlysurvivor afterspending months in hospital.

The attempted murder charges against Patterson date back to 2021, followingthe dissolutionofher marriage to Simon Patterson.

The Agereported thatthe prosecution now alleges that Patterson attempted to murderher then-husband,Simon Patterson,

at Korumburra between November 16 and 17, 2021, at Howqua (near Lake Eildon) between May 25 and 27, 2022, and at Wilsons Promontory on September 6, 2022.

She is also accused of attempting to kill her then-husband at Leongatha on July 29, 2023, where the fatal mushroom meal was ultimately served.

Patterson hadbeen ordered to appear in Victoria'sSupreme Court on Thursday, May 23 for adirections hearing.

Ongoing: Thewoman at the centreofthe ‘Mushroom Case’, Erin Patterson, pleaded not guilty in the Latrobe ValleyMagistrates’Court on Tuesday, May7 File photograph

ANEW jury has be selected earlier this week for the Supreme Court trial of former Jetstar pilot Gregory Lynn,who is accused of murdering campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay in the Victorian High Country.

Last Friday (May 10), the 14 jurors selected for the trial were discharged for “technical reasons”, according to Justice Michael Croucher.

Justice Croucher said he wouldn’t explain why anew jury be empanelled, but said the action was appropriate after consultation with the parties.

Lynn has pleaded not guilty to two charges of murder.

About ayear ago, Lynn's lawyer, Dermot Dann KC, requested the delay at apre-trial hearing in Melbourne, saying it would take a"long time"to resolve the "privately-funded matter".

The trial was originally expected to take place last October. Anew trialwill be heldafter the new jury is selected.

Police allege that on Friday, March 20, 2020, Lynn, 55,killed 75-year-oldRussell Hill and 73-year-old Carol Clay.

Mr Hill and Ms Clay vanished from their campsite in theWonnangatta Valley in March 2020. Other campers found their burnt-outcampsite. The human remains found near DargoinNovember 2021 were confirmed by Victoria Police to be that of Ms Clay andMrHill.

Anew 15-personjury (sevenwomen,eight men) wasempanelledinthe Supreme Court of Victoria.

On trial: Caroline Springsman, Greg Lynn. File photograph

Puzzle: CampersCarol Clay and Russell Hill’sremains were foundnearDargo in November 2021.The case continues to attract significant mediaattention.

Glenmaggie

First-ever GippyBowls Gr8 for Brains event

Boosttoregion’swaternetwork

GIPPSLAND Water will safeguard water security for the Latrobe Valley over the next fouryears to bolsterthe region’s network resilience and efficiency.

The organisation is investing $86 million in an ambitious program of capital works to cater for predicted changes in climate, weather, and population growth.

Gippsland Water Acting Managing Director, Simon Aquilina, saidstrengthening the region’s waternetworks for current and futuregenerations was adriving forcebehindthe investment

“We are fortunate thatthe Latrobe Valley has aworld-class water supply in Moondarra Reservoir, but we need to ensureour infrastructure is resilient to climatechange, extreme weather and populationgrowth,” Mr Aquilina said.

“Building infrastructure that can caterto our customers’ needs by providing secure and reliable services both now and into the future is atop priority.

“Three major projects and several smaller ones are planned for the Latrobe Valley over the next four years and span across major towns like Traralgon and Morwell, as well as smaller communities like Tyers."

Projects in the organisation’s 2023-28 Price

Submissioninclude anew 50 megalitre storage basin at Clarkes Road, Traralgon, a4.3km pipeline to connectthe Traralgon and Tyers water networks and asecondary pipeline on thewestern side of Traralgon.

“Connecting the Tyers and Traralgonwater supplies will improve network efficiency and put downward pressure on customer bills by increasing connections to Traralgon water treatment plant, which is more cost effective to operate than Tyers,” Mr Aquilina said.

“Towns likeGlengarry, Toongabbie, Cowwarr and Rosedale are also connected to the Tyers system and will benefit from the new connection.

"A secondary pipeline between the Traralgon water treatment plant and Clarkes Road Storage Basin will also be established, kicking off the initial stage of the Traralgon-Morwell masterplan.

"The new pipeline will provide system resilience for the Traralgon network and also reduce the likelihood of changes in water pressure or outages during peak demand periods and will help us manage forecast growth."

To learn more aboutGippsland Water’s20232028 Price Submission, visit gippswater.com. au/price-submission

By KATRINA BRANDON

OVER the years, mental health awareness has increased in sporting clubs and communitygroups, with the Morwell Bowling Club no exception.

On Sunday, May 26, the facility is opening its greens for ADF, Police, Fire Brigade, Ambulance, SES FirstResponders, teachers, and nurses and theirfamiliesand friends to participateinthe firstever Gippsland-held Bowls Gr8 For Brains event.

“It’s there for mental health. We aren’t there to diagnose them, but they are there to have afun day of bowls, not scoring. After that, just come inside and chat with yourselves,” Morwell Bowling Club member, Max Bloomfield said.

Mr Bloomfield said he was looking at having the event once amonth so people couldjoin in, have fun, chat, and learn to bowl from the club's members.

All of the equipment throughout the day will be provided, so people just need to come along.

Eventually, Mr Bloomfield wants other clubs

to get involved and have aBowls Gr8 For Brains competition heading around Australia.

While the event is alcohol-free, tea, coffee and biscuitswillbeavailable afteramorning of playing bowls. After the event, attendees can venture into the bar area if they would like.

"I have been bowling at the Morwell Bowling Club for the last four years," Mr Bloomfield said. "I love it. The season isn’t long enough. It’s the offseason now, so we have to find time to practice up there. So, the Bowls Gr8 for Bowls day is an opportunity for apracticeday

“I find thatnothingelse matters when Iam bowling on apennant day.All Iamlooking at is my bowls. Idon’t take my phone. It sits in my bag turned off, and Ijust concentrate on the bowls and having fun. And, hopefully, winning.”

For those interested,phone Morwell Bowling Club Bowls Coordinator, Sarah Ashby on 0484 526 444 or email bowlscoordinator@morwellbowls.com.au

Morwell mainbreak resolved

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

CENTRAL Morwellresidents startedMonday, April 29 with some low water pressure as awater main on Princes Drivecausedsome havoc in the early hours of the day.

AGippsland Water spokesperson told the Express that the team responded to amainbreak along Princes Dr, Morwell, near Kernot Hall, that morning.

"Crews were alerted to the main break around 7am and worked to isolate the break as quickly as possible," the spokesperson said.

"Some nearby properties may have experienced disruptions to their water supply early this morning, however supply has now been restored."

Morwell locals went to Facebook to complain about lowwater pressure at their homes, even the Express office in George Street experienced some water issues at about 6am.

Traffic management was in place along Princes Dr while crews worked to repair the main.

Onlookers may have seen alarge visible pit being dug on the Monday, with Gippsland Water crews working hard to resolve the issue.

Fright: Morwell residents woke up to amainbreak on Princes Driverecently. Photograph supplied

Community: TheBowls Gr8 forBrainsevent has takenplace across thestate,and Mowell Bowls Club will soon get is turn at hosting Photograph supplied

5.

is Scooby Doo?

6. If Iwas in the town of Warwick, what state/territory would Ibe in?

7. Guess the song from these lyrics... Headin’ down south to the land of the pines, I’m thumbin’ my way into North Caroline, Starin’ up the road and pray to God Isee headlights?

8. In the Flintstones, what is the name of Fred and Wima’s daughter? THREE POINTERS

9. What is the chemical symbol for iron?

10. What is the study of weather called?

11. Which vitamin is obtained from sunlight?

12. Which country was the first to grant women the right to vote?

FOUR POINTERS

13. Name the actor who plays the character Peter Quill (Star Lord) in the Marvel movies?

14. According to Greek myth, the labyrinth built by Daedalus housed which monster?

FIVE POINTER

15. I’ll give you five questions and you tell me if they aretrue or false? One point for each correct answer

1. Agroup of monkeys is called atroop?

2. In theperiodic table, the letter Jisnot included?

3. The national game of India is cricket?

4. The intestine is the largest organ in the human body?

5. Russia has the longest coastline in the world? HOW DID YOU FARE?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 23-29: Well done; 15-22: Solid effort; 9-14: Room for improvement; 0-8: Hit the books.

Help needed for nurse after 20 yearsofsurvival

By KATRINABRANDON

NURSES are there to help at the lowest of times, but who is there for them?

Belinda Bright was anurse who, on placement, had aseizure and later foundshe had aglioma -a brain tumour that cannot be treated.

For the past 20 years, Belinda has had three surgeries to remove partsofthe tumour, which has led her to receive an acquired brain injury.

According to the Brain TumourResearch website, aglioma patient’s survival rate varies, but is generally five years. Gliomas are atype of braintumour that can vary in their aggressiveness, and not all gliomas are fatal.

The management of gliomacan be dealt with by radiation, surgery and targetedtherapy (chemotherapy). Belinda has gone through all three treatments and has beentold that along-term treatment medication, which costs $50,000 ayear, is her best shot. The medication isn’t yet on the PBS(the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme), but there are hopes it will be in afew years.

Belinda’s friend, AndreaMcNamara, toldthe Express that if they are unable to raise enoughfor the medication, they hope to still help Belinda by keepingher comfortableinher own home, providing in-home care, and staying with her two dogs, cat, and chooks.

“Belindahas had threesurgeriessofar to remove as much of the tumour as they could. The first surgery that she had went well, and she got lotsof

years of relatively normallife, and she had another one acouple of years ago to remove it again, then in September(2023) she had another surgery,”

Ms McNamara said.

“After the last surgery, the doctors, because she has also had chemoand radiation throughout that whole time and other surgeries like in the shunt -she hashad ashunt put into her brain to release fluidfrom her brain… since the last surgery, Lou (Belinda) has had another big seizure because the tumour has made her have epilepsy, so she is on medication for epilepsy. Theseizuresand the surgery have left her with abrain injury, so she has trouble with concentration, memory and getting around.

“In January, we (Ms McNamara, Maureen and Allison Bright -Belinda’s mum and sister) started aGoFundMe for Belinda to access the treatment or at least help her because she can’t work now.”

Now, unable to work, let alone get into acar on bad days, Belinda’s friend, sister, and mother help her regularly when she needs support. Due to her epilepsy, Belindaisalso unabletodrive.

In addition to everyday expenses, Belinda has to account for paying money to get to and from appointments in Melbourne.

To helpBelinda, go to gofundme.com/f/ help-belinda-fight-brain-cancer??modal=share

For more information on gliomas,go to braintumourresearch.org/en-au/blogs/ types-of-brain-tumour/glioma

Fighter: Belinda Bright has faced an uphill medical battle forthe last 20 years. Photograph supplied

Budget:LRH lands$44 million boost

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

LATROBE RegionalHealth is amongthe bigwinners in this year’s State Budget,with $44 million in fundingallocated

The state government contributionwill help the hospital staff the expanded facilities that include 44 inpatient beds, 14 medical and surgicalbeds, anew emergency department resuscitation bay, and amedical imaging pathology unit.

The funding is part of astate government commitment of $117 million to operate expanded facilities at health services.

Memberfor Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing, announced the budget funding at LRH on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 7.

“As part of the 2024/25 State Budget, we’re also committing $44 million to LRH to operationalise the new wings and to make sure thatoverall in our budget expenditure we’re taking care of providing healthcare to people right across the state, closer to where they live,”she said LRH Chief Executive, Don McRae, said the state government’s contribution would go along way to staffing the new upgraded wings of the hospital.

“Thenew facilities at LRH are going to create an opportunity for us to be able to better serve our community and provide patient-centredcare,” he said.

“The additional funding provided by the government will help us to operationalise the facilities and to employ the staff that they need to deliver that care.”

The $223.5 million Stage3Aofthe Latrobe Regional Hospital expansion in Traralgon was completed earlier this year. The multi-stage project

hasincreasedcapacityand services at the hospital. This project involved the expansion of maternity services, upgrades to emergencydepartment facilities, and the opening of additional operating theatres.

With 44 new points of care for the hospital's staff, this fundingwillhelp LRH hirethe required nursingand support staff to deliver care safely.

“We’ve been running anumberoftargeted recruitment campaigns for the staff that we need, and we have been very successful. We’ve been able to attract 50 new staff from the UK for example, and we’ve got another 45-odd staff in the pipeline from New Zealand. We have also been able to attract staff from metro Melbourne,” Mr McRae said.

Questions have been raised on how the hospital is intended to staffthe new maternityward and expanded facilities,but with this government funding, the hospital willget thenew upgrades operating faster.

However, some uncertainty still looms over the rest of Gippsland’s healthcare network.

Regional hospitals were told to brace for forced amalgamations ahead of this year’s State Budget as an independentexpert advisory committee reaches the final stages of aHealth Service Plan to reform the current system.

When Minister Shing was questioned whether centralising Gippsland health funding at LRH was asignoffuture amalgamation, she said the funding was to help LRH keep up with patient demand.

“We are determined to make surethat our hospitals have the operational funding that they needtomeet the demandinincreased patient, client and consumer numbers,” she said.

Though Ms Shing failed to shut down the

amalgamation theories, she did say that being “efficient”and “effective” as possible was apriority in healthcare.

Alongside the announced LRH funding, the state government announceditwill support abed-based services in Traralgon, with 10 new beds to provide

more support for young people experiencing mental health challenges.

The state government is also investing $6.9 million to deliver early intervention for Victorians withaneatingdisorder, including establishingan Eating Disorders Day Program in regional Victoria.

Duck and quail hunting backedinState Budget

By STEFAN BRADLEY

THE state government's budget commitment to support futurequail and duck huntinghighlights strategic investment in hunting regulation and compliance, but diverges from arecommended ban following aparliamentary inquiry.

If anti-duck hunting advocates were hoping for the government to change courseand ban the activity, the $11.6 million pledged in the budget for fishing, boating and game management over the next three years wouldlike to have aword with you.

The $11.6 million investment for the continuation of quail and duck shooting is part of funding for the Game Management Authoritythat aims to ensure hunters are complying with regulations.

The moneyalsogoes towards huntingregulation review and reform, which is the action the state

government took after the parliamentary inquiry intoduck shooting, rather than aban as the inquiry recommended.

Ministerfor Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos said: "Whetherit'staking in one of our epicmajor events or aweekend awaywith friends, our state has so much to offer -and we're making sure everyone knows it," he said.

The budget papers beyond 2026-27 do not show any funding for "fishing, boating and game management", which is where this bucket of money is listed.

The papers for "safe and sustainablerecreational game hunting" shows$2.3millioninfunding each year for 2024-25, 2025-26 and2026-27. In the same years under "Supporting sustainable hunting reform" is funding for $1.7 million, $1.7 million again, and then $1.3 million, respectively.

Boost: Member forEasternVictoria, Harriet Shing announced the budget’s$44 million commitment to Latrobe RegionalHealth lastweek. Photograph supplied

Westpac extends closureban

WESTPAC is extending its moratorium on regional branch closures until at least 2027, while it developsregional banking services.

This includes 21 locations across regional Victoria.

"Westpachas been in Australiafor over 207 years.Weknowregionalcommunities play a critical role in Australia'seconomy, and we want to make sure we are there to support them,"Westpac Chief Executive, Consumer, Jason Yetton said.

"We've heardthe feedback from customersabout the impact of branch closures in the bush and understand they facemany challengessuchas limited internet connectivityand increased travel times to their nearest branch.

"That's why we'll be investing more than $150 million in our branch network over the next two years. This commitment will support more than 2.2 millioncustomers and 1000employeeswho live and work in 182 regional areasand means we continue to give customers who prefer to do their banking in branch access to facetofaceservice for their banking needs and cash transactions.

"With many regional areas being thriving businessand job hubs,this also benefits our small and agri business customers who have built strong relationships with our bankers who live andwork

in the area, and understand the local business landscape.

"At the same time, we'll work with our partners and local governments to improve regional services andthe connection betweenour branches and local communities. We'll also look to invest in services where there is agrowing customer need, including increasing business bankers."

This announcement relates to Westpac, St.George, BankSAand Bank of Melbourne branches in regional areas. It is an extension of Westpac's year-long moratorium on regional branch closures announced in February 2023.

Westpac said their partnership with Australia Post was critical to regional Australia and its service network.

"We'reinvesting more than $200 million over 10 years in our partnership with Australia Post. This allows customers to perform the majority of cash and cheque transactionsataBank@Post," Mr Yetton said.

"Bank@Post remains an important part of how we deliver banking services to regional areas, so we're continuing to workwith Australia Post to bolster these services for customersand small businesses."

Roadsafetyshouldbeprioritised

THE state government should take measures to prioritise the safety of vulnerable road users, areporttabled in the Legislative Assembly has recommended.

The Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee has recommended the government to adopt a‘road user hierarchy’ where road userswho can do the mostharm to others haveaduty of care to reduce the dangerthey pose to more vulnerable road users.

“We need to do everything we can to work towardsthe Victorian Road Safety Strategy’s goal of zero road deaths by 2050,” the committee's chair, Alison Marchant said.

The committee investigated changestoroad users’ behaviour during and after the COVID-19 pandemic,and howthisaffected the safety of people mostatriskonthe road,suchaspedestrians, bike riders and motorcyclists. These road users made up 36 per cent of all lives lost on Victorian roads in 2023 and 47 per cent in 2022.

"It’s not easy to change people’s behaviour simplybyeducating or urgingthem to be more responsible,” Ms Marchant said.

"Complementary approaches are needed such as enforcement and infrastructure that separates vulnerable road users frommotor vehicles and that guides motorists to slow down in areas with high volumes of bike riders and pedestrians.”

The report has 61 findings and makes 56 recommendations. The inquiry found that, while there is alackofpublished supportive data, anecdotal

evidence suggests Victorian drivers’ behaviour worsened during and after the COVID-19pandemic in termsofincreasedaggression, impatience, risk-taking, inattention and rule breaking.

The inquiry also found that new travel patterns had emerged since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with reduced public transport patronage and increasedtravelbycar,aswellasanincrease in cycling, walking and the presence of delivery drivers on roads.Remote working means these patterns are likely to continue.

The committee's recommendations include:

 Creating avulnerable road users’ advisory group to contribute to the development of road safety interventions;

 Reviewing the flexibility of speed zoning guidelines with the aim to decrease suburban ‘rat running’;

 Reviewing the location of pedestrian crossings on arterial roads to ensure there are regular crossings linked to public transport stops, activity centres and schools;

 Prioritising road treatments in regional areas, and;

 Running atargeted campaign on regional road safety to improve safety for vulnerable road users and encourage safer behaviours on regional roads.

The committee received more than 300 submissions and heldsix days of hearings.

The reportisavailable to download from the committee’s website.

What this budget means for Valley

By STEFAN BRADLEY

IS Victoria’s 2024/25 State Budget apositive plan forthe future or a“horror budget”?Does it offer nothing,ordoes it instead show great restraint?

As usual, it dependsonwho you ask.

Just like last year,there were no major announcements prior to the ‘budget lockup’ on the morning of Tuesday, May 7, during which journalists were given budget paperstolook through over anumber of hours prior to Treasurer Tim Pallas handing down the budget in parliament at 1pm.

Latrobe Regional Health received $44 million in funding,making it arguably the biggest win for Gippsland (story on Page 8).

Elsewhere, money was set aside for Kosciuszko Street Primary School Traralgon, which is due to receive asignificant upgrade, while Elizabeth Street Primary School, Moe is still listed as an existing project.

For the Wellington Shire, there probably isn’t much that could compare to last year’s bombshell announcement to end the native timber harvesting industry years earlier than originally intended.

As part of the state’s transition out of native timber harvesting, funding is provided to finalise the wind up of the timber industry, including the cessation of VicForestsonJune 30 2024 ($11.1 million in 2024/25, plus the $145.7million the previous year). The budget also funds the Future Forests ($116 million over four years) to manage morethan1.8 million hectares of state forest previously used for timber harvesting.

Speaking exclusively with the Express at Tuesday’s lockup, Premier Jacinta Allan said “this is arecognition that this has been adifficult transition for those communities.”

“(The funding) provides support for those communities,”notingthe sector had been a“big employer” in the timber towns.

“That’s why we’re providing ongoing support for the harvesting sector.”

Net debtwill hit $135.9 billioninJune, and is expected to be $156.2 billion by June 2025, eventually hitting $187.8 billion by 2027/28.

Interesst payments on state debt by 2027/28 will total $9.338 billion, which is $26m a day

The deeficit for 2024/25 has increased from $1 billion to o $2 2 billion A surplus of $1 5 billion is forecast f for 2025/26, hitting $1 9 billion in 2027/28

The thheme of the budget is ‘Helping Families’ -you maay remember last year’s as ‘Doing What Matters’ - and the centrepiece of this is the School Saving B Bonus, providing $400 for kids at government schhools, and eligible concession card holders at non-goovernment schools

The m money will go towards helping 700,000 students s with uniforms, camps, excursions and sporting events at school ”This is my first budget as Premier And I’m proud to say, it’s a Budget that’s all l about helping families,” Ms Allan said

“Right now, things are tough for a lot of Victorian families. With this Budget, we’re delivering cost of living heelp, investing in the services and support that Victtorians rely on, and setting our state up fora stroong future

“Intereest rates are higher, and the cost of groceries and e everything else continues to go up The costs of leearning - things like uniforms, camps and excursionns can really add up

“That’s s why we’re helping families with our $400 School Saving Bonus It’ll take pressure off the familybuudget and make sure kids have everything they neeed to learn

” Infrastructure spend is down and certain projects have beeen delayed For regional rail, $133 million will go toowards stations, VLocity trains and train stabling yards, and $60 5 million over four years for regionnal road upgrades

Some $133 million was allocated to support Victoria’s s regional rail network, including operating newly deelivered train stabling yards, stations and VLocity t trains

The buudget allocated $60 5 million regional road upggrades over the next four years, but a groupreepresenting farmers said it did not go far enouggh

Responnding to the budget, opposition leader

John Pessutto, who was born in Traralgon, said: “Thhis budget is the culmination of a

decade of financial mismanagement under Labor ”

“With record debt, record interest, record taxes, service cuts and poorer outcomes - it’s clear Labor cannot manage money and Victorians are paying the price

“Whilstthisbudgetmakescutstohealth,education, disability, housing and basic community infrastructure projects, Labor arrogantly presses ahead with a $216

billion train line for Melbourne’s south-eastern and eastern suburbs The priorities are all wrong

“Premier Jacinta Allan’s first budget has failed to change the direction of our state, failed to address the mismanagement of the past decade and failed to make life easier for Victorians ”

Producing magnesiuminour ownbackyard

From Page 1

MAGNESIUM is increasingly used in the manufacture of items such as car parts, electric vehicles, laptop computers, mobile phones and power tools.

Mr Gillensaidhigh quality magnesium would be produced from the Yallourn fly ash, withthe whole operation cleaning up some of the environmental legacy of the Valley.

“There are no downstream tailings or waste,” he said. The project employs the principles of the circular economy;itturns 100 per cent of potentially hazardousindustrial wastes into magnesium metal and valuable by-products.

Thesesaleableby-products including iron oxide, silica,char, agricultural lime and supplementary cementitiousmaterialfor premium, low CO2 cement production.

LMG said it was the only new magnesium producerinthe Western world since 2015 with sustainable production emitting 60 per cent less carbon dioxide than the industry average.

Mr Gillen said five-to-six yearsago, LMG had beenintalks with theHazelwood power station to take its ash.

“We were close to adeal when Engie closed the

power station. We regroupedand started talks with Yallourn. EnergyAustralia is totally on board,” he said.

Mr Gillen, aprocess engineer who has worked in mining for more than 25 years, including many stints in Western Australia, has been with LMG for three-and-a-half years.

For half that time, he worked in production management before he became sick of the remote mining life and transferred to the engineering and construction industry,working on manybig projects. He came to LMG with great operation and project delivery experience.

The LMG plant is located on the site of Don di Fabrizio’s former steel construction business, whose steel fabrication was used in building the Loy Yang power station. Other companies leased the land before Latrobe Magnesium took over.

“LMG bought the land off Don, who was excited to see his legacy being put into good use. It’s a shame he is nothere to seeit(Mr di Fabriziodiedin January 2022). The sons visit-they’re thrilled the firm’s legacy is beingremembered,” Mr Gillensaid.

The ash is transported by truck for the demonstration plant stage. During the EPA application, Mr Gillen said there were no objections, but other

arrangementswould be put in place for long term.

Mr Gillensaidthe commercial plantwould make the company lessreliant on debt. “The demonstration plant wasonly planned to breakeven, but the commercial plant will have income stream,” Mr Gillen said.

LMG is also in a50-50 joint venture to build an internationalmega-plant in Sarawak that aims to produce more than 100,000 tonnes of magnesium annually. High energy and labour costs mitigate against building such ahuge plant in Australia.

TheLatrobe Valleypromisesother sources of fly ash as the Hazelwood mine site is rehabilitated and Loy Yang power stations eventually close.

“No matter what other international ventures comeabout, the Latrobe Valley is our spiritual home –hencethe name ‘Latrobe Magnesium’,” Mr Gillen said.

Another use: Latrobe Magnesium’sChief Operating Officer,RonanGillen,withash from Yallourn powerstation. The plant will turnthis ash intomagnesiumand other products

Photograph supplied

Local Filipino earns knighthood honour

By KATRINA BRANDON

IT’S time to bend the knee and take the sword for Traralgon local Nicholas Tam, who recently received aknighthood honour from the Philippines government at aceremony in Manila.

Growing up in Traralgon, Mr Tam spent his years at St Michael's, Traralgon and Gippsland Grammar. He then moved to the Royal Commonwealth Society manyyearslater. The RoyalCommonwealth Society is anot-for-profit,national organisation that promotes ties between Commonwealth countries.

“Just by chance, Iwas introduced to some of the contacts in the foreign ministry in the Philippines They are not aCommonwealth country, but they are very interested in joining it becausethey think it wouldbeuseful for their countryand to build

some ties between them and the other member states,” Mr Tam said.

Mr Tam was appointed as aKnightCommander of the Order of Rizal for his services to internationalpeacemaking through advocacy for the Commonwealth of Nations and as Vice Chairman of the Royal Commonwealth Society.

“They decided to recognise me with that award, which was also avery nice and unexpected honour," he said.

"I went to Manila in February and saw the award, which wasa fun experience, and Imet many influential people in the Philippines.”

The Order of Rizal was founded in 1911 to uphold the legacy of Dr JoseRizal, aFilipino doctor, intellectual, and author revered as anational hero in

Short storycompetition open

STORYTELLERS from across Gippsland and regional Victoria are invited to participate in the inaugural Regional Writers Rise festival to give voice to adiverse range of stories.

SpearheadedbyFederationUniversityAustralia students, the festival will feature the ‘Rise Up’ shortstorycompetition,whichaimstobreakdown barriers to writing and publishing for regional communities.

Organisers are encouraging people of all backgroundsand abilitiestoenter, includingFirst Nations people, people with adisability and those facing geographic isolation.

The competition seeks to amplify voices that challengethenorm,offeringfreshperspectivesand enrich the literaryworld with their untoldstories.

It is part of the RegionalWriters Rise festival to be held on June22-23, whichwill feature visiting authors,writing and researchingworkshops, and readings from local authors.

The short story of 1000 wordsorunder can be fiction or autobiographical fiction and should explore the theme of ‘New Beginnings’.

First prize is $500 and a12-month subscription to the quarterly Gippsland newspaper, Gippslandia.

Submissions can be made until this Sunday (May 19) by visiting: regionalwritersrise.com

Regional Writers Rise is acollaboration between Federation University, Latrobe Health Assembly,Gippslandia and Latrobe City Council.

Federation University’s ActingExecutive Dean for the Institute of Education, Arts and Community, Professor Jenene Burke, said as a regional university,"we know our communities are arichsourceofdiverse experiencesfromour smallcitiestothe most remote parts of Victoria”

“We hope this festival brings avoice to those stories, shining alight on incredible talent that we otherwise might not get to see,” she said.

Festival coordinatorand Federation University writing lecturer, Dr Threasa Meads, said,“We welcome writers from all walks of life to exploreand share their interpretations of ‘new beginnings’ through stories”.

“We celebrate every story that adds to our community’s vibrant diversity and encourage writers to weave their voice into the new chapter of our region,” she said.

the Philippines.Heisconsidered the father of Philippine independence andwas influential in ending Spanish colonial rule.

“It wasapretty surreal experiencebecause there wereanumberofother peoplewho havereceivedthis someformofofferatthe same time,” Mr Tam said

“In the ceremony, about adozen or so people got knighted. It was administrated by the chancellor of the order, the Mayor of one of the major ministries in Manila. You have to wear aBarong. When it is your turn, you have to go onto the stage and kneel; they dub you with the sword. Then, officially under the Philippines law, that makes youaknightin their award system. It was alot of fun.”

Being something you wouldn’t expecttohappen,

especially in current times, Mr Tam enjoyed meeting people such as the President of Croatia, members of the Royal Family of Portugal, Luxembourg and several other international visitors.

Otherthings that he was able to experience included visits to the Malacanang Palace (the official residence Bongbong Marcos, the President of Philippines), and awreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal MonumentinRizal Park, which is dedicated to the Philippines national hero/founding father, and he learned much more about Dr Jose Rizal. “I feel very fortunate to be put into that position and to have that experience,” Mr Tam said.

Dub thee: Traralgon’s NicholasTam is knighted in Philippines Photographs supplied Honour: NicholasTam afterthe ceremony.

Localsbrave the shave forcharity

Fundraiser: “It’s just hair,”said Ian Virtue,as KellyMatthews completedthe transition to his newlook.

By KATRINABRANDON

IT’S about that time to let down our hair, having ashave or to bring in colour.

The Grand Junction Hotel held an eventfor the World’s Greatest Shave on Sunday, April 21, with five individuals braving the cold changes coming in. With beanies and hats ready for use and clippers in hand, Josh Griffith, Ian Virtue, David Wilberforce, David North, and Steve Anderson enjoyed the cut of the day. Kelly Matthewsfrom Kelly’s Hair completed the cuts duringthe event and one later in the afternoon in Rosedale for Renee Winterton.

During the day, about 30 people attended the event, raising$4428.95 towards the cause.

Mr Virtue told the Express he was happy with the crowd on the day, but wished more people had attended the event. This year is the third year that Mr Virtue has completed the cut, and he wants to keep doing it for yearstocome. He said that many family members, including his father, have had cancer in the past and that, at the end of the day, it’s just hair.

“Other people in the family have had cancer.So, hair? Idon’t care about hair. If Ican sacrifice alittle bit of hair to help somebody in the future, Iammore than happy to do that,” he said.

“I growitfor two years. Idoituntil people say it’s time to shave that mop. When people say that, that’s when it’s time to raise some money.”

stop getting pickedoninstantly. You just have to have that self-confidence to startwith to go bugger other people’s opinions. Iamdoing this for me and a bigger cause.”

“It’s about the time and effort, not so muchaboutthe money. Money helps, don’t getmewrong.It’s aboutthe

time and effort. People committing to something beyondthemselves, that’s what it is all about for me.”

Licensee of the Grand Junction, Annette Vogt said: “It was asuccessful day and we appreciate the support from the local community and thank you to all that attended.”

While the tickle of the clippers and the early frosts aren’t for everyone, Mr Virtue said there are other things people can do. For those who don’t want to shave theirhair, people can colour their hair or just alittle section of hair insteadfor the World’s Greatest Shave.

“In ashave for acure, you can cut your hair, or you can colour your hair. Put somesillystreaks through your hairfor aweek or amonth. You are still doing something. It’s about standing out and making people awareofsomething. Why do you look like that? It’s for this. You

Before: Josh Griffith,Ian Virtue,David Wilberforce,David North and Steve Anderson ready to take on the World’sGreatest Shave at Traralgon’s Grand Junction Hotel. Photographs: Katrina Brandon

After: Thetransitioncompleted, sporting their newlooks areJosh Griffith, Ian Virtue,David Wilberforce,David North and SteveAnderson.

The theme forNational Volunteer Week 2024 is ‘Something foreveryone’

National Volunteer Week 2024 will recognise the diverse passions and talents everyone brings to the act of volunteering.

Agreat example of what can be achieved by volunteers is the Morwell Wooden Park.

This fantastic facility resembles awooden castle and was built by 2500 volunteers in six days.

LetterfromMemberforGippslandDarrenChester:

The most generous thing anyone can give is their time because none of us knows how much time we actually have left in our lives!

Gippsland simply wouldn’t function without so many volunteers who make a contribution in their own wayto our community and sporting groups

I want to take this opportunityto thank everyone who is making a difference at a local level and helping to improve our region through their voluntary efforts

At a time when there’s a growing tendencyby manyin the national media to talk Australia down,I urge everyone to consider what makes our nation great

It’s our people

It’s our capacityto largely work together harmoniously,despite an incredible diversity of backgrounds That remains Australia’s greatest achievement

From the oldest living culture on the planet through to the most

recent arrivals, we are all part of the extraordinary unfinished story which is ‘Australia’

We only need to look at our thousands of volunteers across Gippsland for inspiration as we contribute to that ‘story’

Volunteeringis a tradition based on mateship,helping others who need a hand, and the desire, that many of us feel to be part of somethingbigger than our own lives

If you’re not already a volunteer for a local organisation in our community, why not make 2024 the year that you sign upto help?

Taking action locally at a time when the world seems complex and hard to understand will help you stay positive and optimistic about the future

By volunteeringto support a community or sporting organisation, you are making a personal statement that you care about the future of Gippsland,Victoria and Australia

Areyou aCommunity Champion?

Areyou able to offer compassion, akind wordand maybe lend an ear to hospital patients and visitors?

Latrobe Regional Health is looking for Community Champions, or volunteers to help supportthe hospital while becoming partofaclose-knit team.

LRH community participation officer Casey Murphy looks after about 70 Community Champions and is always

welcoming morepeople to jump on board.

Prospective volunteers can have achat with Casey,take partinorientation around the hospital and discuss what roles would be most suitable.

“Our volunteers get so much moreout of their roles.”

“They give so much kindness, careand compassion and arededicated to helping

THANK YOU TO VOLUNTEERS

THEY are some of the most unassuming and selfless people among us, but they are true heroes

Volunteers form the fabric of our community in their tireless efforts to keep us safe, care for us, and ensure we can participate in the activities we love

National Volunteer Week is an opportune time for everyone to take stock of the enormous contribution our volunteers make to society

Every day I am inspired by volunteers from all walks of life who often put others’ needs before their own, simply because they want to help.

The astounding value of volunteerism in Victoria is estimated at some $60 billion, although it’s hard to put a price tag on the invaluable social benefits afforded to communities by their volunteer

networks

Volunteers help keep us connected in sport clubs and community groups, they risk their lives to save ours in times of disaster, they provide food and safe havens, and they don’t expect anything in return

We are more time poor than ever, and while volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, they certainly have the heart.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to all volunteers in our region who go out of their way to genuinely make a difference to make a difference in our community – we couldn’t do it without you

Melina Bath

The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region Shadow Parliamentary Secretaryfor Education, Volunteers and Public Land Use

our patients,” Casey said.

“Our volunteers arenon-clinical people for apatient to talk to, say g’day,orjust ask how they aregoing.”

“Thereare aswag of jobs for Community Champions, including sitting at the concierge desk guiding visitors around, transporting patients, exercise rehabilitation groups, or helping on various wards.”

Casey said the Community Champions program also offers agreat way for volunteers to make new friends.

Some LRH volunteers have been helping the hospital for decades.

“You can help make someone’slife easier, sometimes, by just greeting avisitor entering the hospital, you aretaking a weight offtheir shoulders,” Casey said.

“Everyday is different; our Community Champions feel asense of purpose.”

“If you feel comfortable talking to people and want to feel partofacommunity,we will welcome you”.

Retired mechanic Ken Vickers was volunteering on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway when he decided to sign-up as aLatrobe Regional Health Community Champion.

He had injured his knee and needed some time offthe tools, and found volunteering at LRH was aperfect way for him to keep engaged with the community

“I was used to working seven days a week and needed something to keep me busy.”

“Volunteering at LRH is great for retired people to consider,” Ken said.

“It keeps me engaged and my mind busy

“I’ve asked afew of my friends to also come along and volunteer here.”

Ken has been aCommunity Champion for the past seven months, greeting visitors at the concierge desk, as well as volunteering as adriver,picking up and dropping patients offfor their treatment.

He now spends four days aweek at LRH and another day back to driving the train at Walhalla.

“I really enjoy it, Ilove talking to people.”

“I get to take people around the hospital and I’ve made alot of friends, it’sreally nice.”

“Some people like to have achat and tell me their stories,” Ken said.

Meanwhile, Community Champion Dianne Aldred joined the team while delivering knitted and crochet teddies for kids at the LRH emergency department as partofa Red Cross program.

Dianne has been an LRH volunteer for the past two years, juggling it with her other volunteer role with the Morwell and District Red Cross.

“I absolutely love it and I’m proud to be a partofthe LRH team.

“I love the challenge of my work hereand assisting people who need help,” Dianne said.

“I look forwardtocoming hereand it’s given me something extra in my life.”

Dianne sometimes volunteers at the concierge desk, but her favourite job is taking careofthe warehouse, which supplies necessities such as clothing or toiletries for patients in need.

She said helping out at LRH has also taught her about the valuable work that goes on in alarge regional hospital.

“I started out as aconcierge taking cancer patients through the hospital and Igot ahuge amount of satisfaction from this and they really showed their appreciation,” Dianne said.

“Some people come into the hospital abit apprehensive as it’ssuch abig space and they areverygrateful for help.”

To find out more: Call the Community Engagement Team on 5173 8587, or email engagment@lrh.com.au

Join us at Uniting Gippsland where you can volunteer at one of our meal preparation groups in Traralgon and Warragul and give practical, hands-on assistance in the kitchen to our Home and Community Carefor Young People clients.

Uniting Gippsland has established new meal preparation groups in Latrobe and Baw Baw shires which meet weekly and

we need volunteers to supportour clients to preparenutritious and delicious meals.

This is an opportunity to not only support people by enabling them to maintain independence and build confidence, but also an opportunity for social connection as you explorenew recipes together with afocus on easy to prepare, budget friendly meals.

At the end of the group session, you can sit down and enjoy ashared lunch together

Uniting Gippsland has awide range of exciting volunteer opportunities available right across the region, but if you’re interested in volunteering at our meal preparation groups contact Toni Mackay at our Morwell office on 9051 7000 or volunteerenquiriesgipps@vt.uniting.org.

Where would we be without them?

“Volunteers make our town tick” -and the RotaryClub of Morwell is one of the many service clubs and organisations which serve our community verywell.

For nearly 80 years local Rotarians with their families, friends, and in partnership with other clubs, have made adifference –inmany ways -including supporting local students and schools, recognising businesses and employees, helping families in need, and giving on-going supporttoGippsland Rotary CentenaryHouse to support oncology patients and their

families.

Our weekly meetings regularly include noted guest speakers from government, business and industry, the arts and sport, giving us an understanding and insight to our past, present and future.

Yes, we areordinarypeople who need your help to continue to do extraordinary things.

Help us carrythe hope that volunteers will forever be an important partofthe fabric of our community life.

Contact Rotarynow for further information. (See ad for details).

Thank

The AnglicareVictoria Gippsland team would like to say aheartfelt thank you to our 50 amazing foster carer households for providing the region’skids asafe and loving home.

“It takes aspecial type of person and family,toopen up their hearts and homes to the state’smost vulnerable children and provide them with the love, support and nurturing they need to thrive.

“You all do this with ease and amazing dedication!”

full potential and become independent.

“The key is to stay positive and know supportisalways available when needed,” Debra said. “Wedon’tknow what we’d be doing now if we weren’t caring for these children”.

Transforming young lives through foster care

Welcoming afoster child into your home as afamily can transformthe dynamic of your household in an incredibly positive way

ORDINARY PEOPLE DOING EXTRAORDINARYTHINGS

Be partofRotaryServiice and enjoysome fun and fellowship whilst volunteering Meet people with like interests keen to make ourcommunitylifemore liveable

Cooking snags to raise funds, making sandwiches forhungry

s school kids,oor directing traffic on ‘Fun Runs’are some of the things we do

We can help youtoput your spare time to good use

Forfurther information visit rotarymorwell.orgoremail Secretary Mike Kitwoodon kitwood@wideband.net.au

“Today and everyday we say thank you.” –Rebecca Virtue, Gippsland Out of Home CareProgram Manager Safe, supportedand readyfor the future

We say thank you to AnglicareVictoria carers like locals Rosemarie and David, empty nesters who felt they could do something to help children in need.

“These young kids needed aloving and nurturing home and that’ssomething we could offer

“I received some advice from afriend who fosters, who said carers arelike ‘safe stepping stones’ for these kids.”

“For abrief period of their lives we can keep them safe, supported and nurtured until they can take their next step,” Rosemarie said.

Reaching their potential

And abig thank you to local Anglicare Victoria foster carers like Debra and Frank, who know how rewarding it is to see kids you have cared for reach their

It offers anurturing environment for the foster child while teaching your own children the value of generosity

It encourages teamwork, as therewill be hurdles to navigate together,but your safe and loving home could be all afoster child needs to thrive and succeed.

AnglicareVictoria is one of Victoria’s largest and most trusted providers of foster homes for vulnerable young people.

We welcome carers from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, or life experience.

Whether you’resingle or partnered, a homeowner or renting, employed or a homemaker,everyone is welcome!

If you’reinterested in finding out more about joining our network of amazing foster carers, visit www.anglicarevic.org. au/fostering or contact the local team on 5135 9555.

WalhallaGoldfieldsRailway wouldliketothankour amazingteamofvolunteers whomakeourrailwaywhat itis.Youarethereason ourcustomersenjoytheir experienceandleavewitha smileontheirfaces!!!!! Ifyouwouldliketobecome apartofthiswonderful supportiveteamanddevelop yourskillscontactourofficeon 51656280orvisitourwebsite www.walhallarail.com.au formoreinformation

‘A New Dialogue of Love, Hope and Joy’

Visit aCatholic school and see the difference

Catholic schools across Gippsland and Melbourne’souter south-east will open their doors to the community to celebrate Catholic Education Week 2024 from 17 May to 24 May

This is achance for everyone to witness the vibrant faith and learning environments in their local Catholic Schools with Open Days, activities and events planned.

Mr Paul Velten, Director of Catholic Education for the Diocese of Sale, said schools werelooking forwardto celebrating through activities, events, and open days.

This year’stheme, ANew Dialogue of Love, Hope and Joy is inspired by the Scripturepassage ‘See, IamMaking All Things New’, Revelation 21:5.

This theme symbolises an optimistic and hope-filled perspective on the world and arenewed approach to fostering positive change.

The theme emphasises the belief that transformation and renewal arepossible in all aspects of life through individual choices.

By following the life and teachings of Jesus, and embracing principles of compassion, peace, goodness, and justice, individuals can contribute to a morehopeful and joyful world, sowing

seeds of positivity and hope

Mr Velten said through this theme, Catholic schools intend to inspire young people to engage with the Christian message and to showcase their efforts in making a positive impact on society

Schools will be sharing the many activities and projects they are involved in which aim to contribute to making the world a better place

“The goal is for everyone involved - staff, students, families, and parishes - to embrace this theme and for schools to continue serving as supportive environments where children can connect with their faith and realise their full potential ”

The Diocese of Sale covers 38 Catholic primary schools and seven Catholic secondary schools

Spanning a geographic area from Melbourne’s outer south-east suburbs from Narre Warren and Cranbourne to Phillip Island in the south, and right throughout Gippsland to Orbost in the east

To find out more about Catholic education in the Diocese of Sale and Catholic schools in your area visit: www doscel catholic edu au

Principal: SallyDarby

Principal:PeterMcKenna

Principal: Lisa Broeren

Principal: Jodie Ware

Principal: Anne-Marie Robb

Principal: MichelleCharlton

Let Your Child ShineatLumenChristiin2025

Lumen Christi Catholic PrimarySchool is located in Churchill and offers alearning environment with small class sizes and modernclassrooms.

We take pride in our school and in the relationships we build with our children and families, which is what we do best!

Enrolments arenow open for2025 and we invite families to call the school to book aprivate tour or visit the school office to collect an information pack.

At Lumen Christi, our welcoming and dedicated staffprovide an engaging learning environment which fosters the development of each child.

We hold high expectations for learning and meet everychild at their individual starting point to promote growth and progress through our expertteaching of the Victorian Curriculum.

We aim to give our children the very best opportunities for learning and for a successful future.

Our school offers awide range of specialist classes including Physical Education, Visual Arts, Auslan, Library and Music.

We arepassionate about educating the whole child and place great value in these areas of learning that foster creative thinking and expression.

We arewell resourced with technology which teachers and students use purposefully to supportthe development of skills desiggned for today y and for the f future

Students are encouraged to think critically and creatively to stimulate

positive learning outcomes on adaily basis.

In our school assemblies and masses, we celebrate being together as a community

This is at the veryheartofwhat it means to be aproud Catholic School where everyone is invited to take partinlearning and celebrating our traditions and faith.

We areaninclusive school, committed to child safety,wherebelonging and acceptance is an important partofwho we areand what we stand for Families do not need to be Catholic to attend our school.

Everyone is welcome at Lumen Christi.

Being Responsible, Resilient and Respectful learners areour school wide expectations.

We arecommitted to developing these skills in all of our children to ensurethat they arecapable and confident learners and citizens.

We areexcited to welcome new families into our Lumen Christi community in 2025 and arehappy to provide guided tours by appointment at any time.

For any further enquiries and times for transition programs, please contact Sally Darby,Principal on 5122 2231 or via email principal@churchill.catholic.edu.au

We encourage families to view our website and Facebook Pagge((Lumen Christi Catholic Primary School) to get to know us

Lifelong learners at Sacred Heart

Sacred Heartisasmall school with a big impact.

Our Gospel values empower all our learners to achieve their potential in our world.

Everystep in the learning cycle contributes to the learner’sability to be a lifelong learner

We work together as acommunity of faith to educate all learners to be RESPECTFUL, INCLUSIVE, and SAFE.

Our goal is for all learners to realise their own excellence and continuously strive to improve.

Teachers combine their knowledge in collaboration to teach everychild at their point of need.

Our timetable dedicates morning blocks of work to English including asequential phonics program and dedicated lessons of reading and writing.

D Dedicated learning in Mathematics looks at both number knowledge and applying the knowledge to

problem-solving.

We make the most of all community activities and embrace these occasions as learning opportunities.

Our specialist areas, Art, Physical Education, Science Technology, Mathematics and Engineering (STEM), Aboriginal Studies, and AUSLAN are engaging and stimulating.

Our Inquirystudies, Geography,History, Civics and Citizenship, The Arts- Drama, Music and Dance and Design and also Digital Technologies aredrawn from abig idea to create connections for understanding and learning.

We welcome all families to join our community and be partofalearning journey that is individualised, empowered and engaging.

Come and visit our school on Thursday 23rdofMay for aschool tour at 9:30 am o or 3:30 pm Ring the office on 5134 3718 as bookings are essential

We look forward to meeting you

Sacred Heart PrimarySchool

St Michael’s PrimaryLearning forLife

Since 1902, St Michael’sCatholic School has been committed to providing quality education to students in Traralgon and surrounding areas.

“St Michael’sprimaryispartofa Catholic community –bydeveloping and nurturing spiritual awareness, through the teaching of Jesus Christ and by example, we make adifference in the lives of the children, and lead them to believe they also can make a difference,” aspokesperson said.

“St Michael’sisaplace where children arenurtured as indeppendent, , responsible and confident ‘Learners for Life’, enhancing their literacy and numeracy skills and enabling each child to reach their full potential across all areas of the curriculum

“At St Michael’sPrimarySchool we provide asafe and meaningful learning environment, which considers children’sindividuality

“Wesupportchildren’songoing academic, social, emotional and spiritual development within a contemporaryand global society

Children understand that thinking is central to learning and appreciate their role in the learning process.

This is highlighted by our learning theme Building Learners as thinkers.

We welcome your interest in our school and invite you to visit our school ”

Planning is well underway for the 2024 School year at St Gabriel’sTraralgon.

The committed, caring staffatSt Gabriel’sPrimarySchool aredevoted to providing high quality teaching of a broad, contemporarycurriculum.

We areproudly aCatholic school with Religious Education being acore component of the curriculum.

Our pastoral careemanates from our ethos of living out gospel values and we welcome families of other faith traditions. We value and celebrate the uniqueness of each student and take pride in developing positive relationships.

Our 2024 Foundation students are thriving in their learning spaces which werecompleted at the end of the 2022

school year

In 2023 we completed our new administration wing which has now allowed us to open up our STEM, multipurpose room which also is home to our Chapel.

At present we areconducting tours by appointment.

If you would like to book an appointment contact St Gabriel’sSchool on 5174 5515 or email office@stgtraralgon.catholic.edu. au

If you would like to fill out an enrolment application they areavailable on our website.

Contact the school office on 5174 5515 for any further information.

St Mary’sCatholic Primaryschool, also known as Immaculate HeartofMary, Newborough, is devoted to ensuring all children areable to reach their potential through high quality,targeted, contemporarylearning.

We areaproudly Catholic school where each child is valued and celebrated for their uniqueness and aresupported to become the best learners that they can be.

We welcome and celebrate all faith traditions and believe that learning from each other and with each other creates acollaborative, engaging and positive environment for all.

Our staffare supportive and provide a rich, personalised learning experience for everychild.

Our school is proud of our learning spaces and our playground is vast,

St Mar ’s Cath lic Primar

y o y

Our specialist subjects provide rich learning and abroad range of experiences for all students.

providing great opportunities for our students to play arange of sports and activities.

Our students engage in both the Aboriginal and Italian languages, Music, Art, Sportand STEM.

We have an extensive sports program, wherethe students have the opportunity to participate in awide variety of sports at arange of levels.

We also have abeforeand after school careavailable on site.

We invite you to come for avisit.

If you would like to book atour,orfor moreinformation, please call the school office on 5127 2342.

Enrolment packs areavailable from the school office and on our website.

Classic carsraise money foryouth

By KATRINA BRANDON

VAROOM!

Here goes another car meet fundraiserbythe Dasma brand, which puts on meets so car lovers and others can get together to raise money for community associations and other causes.

On April5,the Dasma Group joined hundreds of othercar enthusiasts to raise money for the Moe YouthBoxing Club. People turned up in the car park of Traralgon's Amart store in new, old, fancy, and classic cars, bringing friends, families, and their children to celebrate anight out.

“I like the car meets where everyone gets here, and you have every different make and model. It’s not all Fords or Holdens, but you see every model known to man here. You meet some characters. It’s really good,” enthusiast Stephen Anderson said.

“I just think it is looking at every make and model of each car, listening to their stories. Alot of cars have been handed down from their dads, and they havehanded themdowntotheir sons, andit’s fantastic. Then you have got your new Mustangs, which are also beautiful, and Camaros. They are

all great. You see all of the kids around here; they are biking here with their bikes. There’s everything here.”

Mr Anderson has been bringing his own cars to the meets for up to 20 years. He is aLatrobeValley local who travels all around for classic meet-ups.

The eveningwas filled withavarietyofactivities

Attendees had the opportunity to admire the cars, engage in conversations, listen to the fascinating backstories of the vehicles, enjoy asausage, and participate in araffle. The raffletickets were cleverly distributedwiththe sausages throughout the night. By the end of the event,the grouphad raised $4200 for the MoeYouth BoxingClub

The Moe Boxing Club started in the community of Gippsland Sports Gym in 1986 but moved to the old football club in Moe in 1992. Francis Jenkins began to join the group, which Paul Jenkins now leads. Mr Jenkins toldthe Express he was very thankful to the Dasma Group organiser, Eden Di Sipio, for raising money for the group.

“Eden has been very good to us, and he said he would paint inside and outside. It hasn’t been

painted for many years, and we do want to upgrade down the track, put anew shower in, ahot water service, and solar hotwater traininginthe future. We do have one now, but it takes awhile to get up and running,” he said.

“Pretty happy. It’s fantastic that they do events, and the money goes to community groups.”

For 40 years, Mr Jenkins has been involved in the boxingcommunity,includingboxing and coaching. Now,with up to 20 kidsboxingper night, Mr Jenkins is sticking to teaching the new Moe talents and sending them off into interstateand interclub matches.

“We have threeboysfightingcasuallyand two more juniors who aren’t far away. We are trying to bring them up," he said.

“We have had afew people that come in and train for acouple of years and never go into afight, and they get alot of confidence out of it. It’s one of the toughest sports physically wise. The standard is really high. You have to be very dedicated.

“We have agood bunch of kids here now. There will be alot of fun in the future.”

Showand shine: Stephen Anderson sharing his excitement foruniquecars.

The lot: Hundreds of people joinedinthe car meet.

Effort: Joel Zandt, Paul Jenkins, DylanLupton, Oliver Lupton, and Eden Di Sipio got together to celebrateraising moneytoimprovethe Moe Youth Boxing Club

Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Syndrome e

Understanding DryEye Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

DryEye Syndromeextendsbeyond mere eye dryness, originating from insufficient tear production or an imbalance in tear film components. Variousfactors, such as environmental triggers,hormonal fluctuations, and the naturalagingprocess, contribute to this condition’scomplexity

In addition to thecommon dryfeeling,individualsafflicted with DryEye Syndrome (DES) may experiencesensations of grittinessorstinging in their eyes, sporadic blurred visionthat

clears upon blinking, a sensation akin to having a foreign object in the eye, andheightenedsensitivitytolight.

Dryeyes may manifest naturallydue to agingorhormonal shifts,particularly affecting women during pregnancy, while taking oral contraceptives, or undergoingmenopause.Women over 50 face a50% higher risk of dryeye disease compared to men of thesameage. Certain medications thatdiminishtear production, such as antihistamines,blood pressure medications, and antidepressants, canalso contribute. Environmental elements like airconditioning or heating systems, as well as prolongedscreen time with inadequate blinking,exacerbate symptoms by drying outthe eyes.

Individuals with medical conditions likediabetes, blepharitis, lupus, arthritis, and thyroid disorders aremoresusceptible to developing DES. Othertriggers include eye surgerieslike LASIK, eyelid malfunctions, or prolonged contact lens use.

Contrarytopopular belief,Dry Eye Syndrome doesn’t always presentwith red, itchy eyes; surprisingly,wateryeyescan also indicate this condition, causing confusion among many associating dryness with itsname. If yourecognise anyofthese symptoms, it’s imperative to schedule an eye examination with ouroptometrists.

At KayStreet Eyecare, we takeaspecial interest in DryEye Syndrome treatment. Our gentle, non-invasive IPLtreatmentoffers significantrelief from DryEye symptoms, providing bothimmediate and lasting comfort.Weoffer arange of treatmentoptions, including eye drops and heat compresses. Don’t endurediscomfort silently; allow us to help identify the causes and tailorasolution to meet your specificneeds

Give us acallon51746788orhead to ourwebsite for moreinformationwww.kaystreeteyecare.com.au

Pamper your eyeswith $50 off our IPL DryEye treatments at KayStreetEyecare.Simply mentionLVExpress during the monthofMay and June to receive your discount.

Cultural understanding lesson

CHILDREN at Little Saints Early LearningCentre in Moe recently took part in aSmoking Ceremony, conducted by local elder Michelle.

The children in theclassroomhavebeen learning about Aboriginal culture, in particularlearning about the Smoking Ceremony and how it is used as acleansing process.

Thecentre was very grateful to have Michelle come in, to support the children's learning and to be able to start bringing more Aboriginal culture and traditions to everyday practices.

The centre believes it is importanttoexpose yourselftodiverse cultures and traditionsinorder to foster understanding and respect for others.

Helping early education staff

VICTORIAN early childhood educators will be able to complete ateaching degree while they work as partofa new partnership between Federation University Australia, the state government and TAFE providers.

Unity in orange

ST Paul’s Anglican Grammar School students celebrated Harmony Day by embracing cultural diversity, donning splashes of orange as asymbol of unity. Through variousactivities, students deepenedtheirappreciationand understanding of multiculturalism.

Educators emphasisedthe importanceof kindness and respect in eliminating racial discrimination, nurturinga schoolcommunity where everyindividualfeels asense of belonging and learns collaboratively in harmony.

Harmony Day serves as areminder to honour diversity and promote inclusion, offering avaluable occasion for the community to celebrate Australia's rich multicultural heritage. Culture: The SmokingCeremonytaking

The government’s Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships Program will help diplomaqualified early childhood educators obtain a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education while working in akindergarten or long day-care service. The program will help early childhood educators advance their careers by becoming qualified early childhood teachers, supporting the delivery of kindergarten programs for three and four-year-old children in Victoria. Program participants will work in their place of employment for up to three days a week, attenduniversityclassesone day a week, and getfurther practical experience at aseparate ‘buddy’ early childhoodservice one dayaweek.

Theycan then continuetoupskill by completing afourthyear through the Graduate DiplomainEarly ChildhoodEducation.

Students participating in the program may be eligiblefor Department of Education scholarships, including $25,000 to complete the Bachelor’s degree, financial support for study materials, and subsidisedtravel for regional and rural students. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants can access even greater financial support.

The Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships Programwill be offeredatFederation’s Gippsland,Berwick and Mt Helen campuses.

Fed Uni's Acting Director of Academic Operations in the InstituteofEducation, Artsand Community, AssociateProfessor Anna Fletcher, said earlychildhoodeducators had acriticalrole to play in shapingthe lives of young children. "This initiativewill allowthem to continue to work in the sector while boosting their qualifications to take the next step in their career,” she said.

More information aboutthe Early Childhood Scholarships Program can be found at: https://www.vic.gov.au/financialsupport-study-and-work-early-childhood

Team: Blakeand Archerworkharmoniouslyon alearningactivity. Photographs supplied

Smile: St Paul’sAnglican Grammar students Stella andArianainunity forHarmony Day.

SacredHeart tellsthe Easterstory

EASTERcelebrations at Sacred Heart Primary

School Morwellsaw an EasterBonnet Parade hosted by both the senior and junior classes.

All childrenhad an opportunity to create their own Easterbonnet at school for the parade or to bring ahat from home.

Parents were invited to the school for the parade and then an opportunity for ashared morning tea was offered while students prepared for the Stations of the Cross.

At Sacred Heart, it is atradition that the Grade 5/6 students initiate delivery of the retelling of the Easter story.

At the conclusion of the celebrations, the Easter raffle was drawn with many prizes on offer.

Work already underway forfestivetoy run

DURING the week of April 22, members of three social motorcycle clubs -the Eastern Riders, the Red Knights and Riders Evolution -got together with Santa and Daveand Julz from Bobber Dave’s CustomCycles,Traralgon, to launch the 25th Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run.

The date of the Toy Run this year will be Saturday, December 7, which is the first Saturday of the month.

Quitea fewofthe detailsfor thebig day have alreadybeen put in place and from now on, toy collection will start in earnest.

The group all thought that the last couple of years were difficult enough for local families and that all would be better for 2024; not so.

The Salvation Army (Salvos) and St Vincent’s (Vinnies) have been tellingAlf and Stella Vella that there are many more families struggling to make ends meet.

Alot of their neighbours are findingitdifficult to pay for basic needs and are seeking support more than ever, and this will be reflected in the Christmas period.

The challenge for the clubs to providea cheerierChristmasisstill there,and they

said they know that their community will, once more, rise to the occasion and make this year as successfulas2023. It is the aim of all the social motorcycleclubs to ensure no mother in the local region has to say to her kids that Santa might not be coming this year.

Although Christmas is still many months away, it is never too early to start putting away

agift or two, or if you are alocal business, start canvassing your fellow workmates about ways to gather toys.

If you would like to make adonation of toys, call Alf and Stella Vella on 0434 618 689 and they will arrange to collect them.

For more information, head to the Facebook page: Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run.

Station 4: Lexie,Shenuli,Jake, Anna, Darcy, Maddy andRobertre-acting Jesus meeting Mary

Hallelujah: Sacred HeartPrimarySchool, Morwellstudents Nyoakia,Lexie andNevaeh during Easter celebrations

Colour: Juliadisplaysher Easter Bonnet. Photographs supplied

Big job ahead: Gippsland motorcycle clubs arealready planning this year’s Christmas toy run. Photograph supplied

Artwork: Eli andJaylen getintothe spiritofthings

HOROSCOPES

by Joanne Madeline Moore

May13-May 19,2024

Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19)

The week starts off with Mercury and Mars both transiting through Aries, so try to be clear and proactive in the way you communicate with others

A financial matter needs to be sorted as the Sun, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus and then Mercury move through your $$$ zone Friday looks tricky though, as friction develops between you and a friend or colleague, possibly involving money The weekend is wonderful for exciting beginnings and sudden adventures

Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20)

Most Bulls like life to hum along smoothly with no adjustments required and no jolting surprises This week, prepare for some big ch, ch, ch, changes and modifications as the Sun Venus Jupiter and Uranus all link up in your sign Inspiration for the week comes from journalist novelist screenwriter film director (and birthday great) Nora Ephron

“Don’t be frightened: you can always change your mind I know - I’ve had four careers and three husbands ”

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

T Ghis week make sure your restless mood and short attention span don’t lead to reckless behaviour and a loose tongue Slow down and think twice before you tell tall tales or spread secrets and salacious gossip Passing on unverified hearsay could lead to unexpected consequences with an angry relative, a cranky colleague or a frustrated friend You’ll find a tablespoon of tact a dollop of discretion, and a pinch of patience will get you through

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

The planets encourage you to put more energy into pursuing your dreams No side-stepping, Crabs! It s time to set ambitious goals – and then pursue them with plenty of creativity and drive

But Mercury and Pluto could increase tension in a relationship within your peer group Your intuition is switched on big time, as you tune into those around you and uncover some important information But don’t let a controlling person lead you astray

Leo (July 23 - Aug 22)

This week the Sun (your power planet), Venus, Jupiter and Uranus all activate your career zone So charm, confidence and plenty of chutzpah will take you far along the road to professional success And the positive Venus/Saturn link (on Monday and Tuesday) is particularly good for business plans, long-term relationships and socialising with work colleagues But avoid being a cranky Cat on Friday, when the Mercury/Pluto square boosts your stubborn side

Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

The Venus/Saturn link (on Monday and Tuesday) is good for matters involving work, health and pets

But the major astrological focus is on joint finances business and/or work, as the planets provide the extra power and passion needed to boost your professional profile or fast-track your finances

Keep it real, Libra! You’re keen to splash some cash around but make sure your bank balance is in a healthy state before you start spending up big

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

This week relationships are unpredictable and family dramas will keep you on your toes Maybe it’s time to simplify your life, cull some of your commitments or give a fair-weather friend the flick? Look for creative, unconventional solutions that suit you and please others Some strategic compromise may be necessary! As Voltaire (a fellow Scorpio) wrote: “I may disagree with what you have to say, but I ll defend to the death your right to say it ”

Sagittarius

(Nov 22 - Dec 21)

The Sgun, Venus, Jupiter, Uranus and Saturn are revving up your daily routine zone So a work matter a health issue or a family ‘situation’ could cause some sleepless nights The planets are pushing you to dig deep accept extra responsibilities and take on challenges with plenty of Sagittarian aplomb

A domestic drama also needs to be handled in a sensitive and sensible way, as you do your best to sort things out Clear communication is the secret to success

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

The p positive Venus/Saturn link (on Monday and Tuesday) is good news for financial plans business matters and long-term relationships When it comes to a child, teenager or close friend you ’ re on a mission to correct their mistakes and change their behaviour But you’ll get a lot further if you criticise less and encourage a lot more And the greatest realisation this week is that you really can’t change anyone They can only initiate transformation themselves

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

Youqll feel restless this week and the danger is you’ll go overboard and throw the baby out with the bathwater Uranus imbues you with a sense of urgency, but self-discipline and gradual modifications are what’s required at the moment It’s also important to strive to get the balance right between your personal and professional lives Be inspired by birthday great, actress Cate Blanchett: “I live my life parallel with my work, and they are both equally important ”

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

Venug s, Jupiter, Uranus and the Sun are connecting in (and shaking up) your aspirations and adventure zones So don’t be too conscientious and virtuous, Virgo! It’s time to take some calculated risks, colour outside the lines and jump outside the squares Your motto is from writer (and birthday great) Nora Ephron: “Whatever you choose, however many roads you travel I hope you will find some way to break the rules and make a little trouble out there ”

Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

Pliable Pisceans can sometimes be too passive and indulge in too much procrastination With Saturn transiting through your sign, you ’ re currently facing some challenges, but that’s no excuse to give up This week Saturn links up with Venus, which encourages you to accept responsibility for where your life is going – and make some sensible strategic changes As writer (and birthday great) Nora Ephron wrote: Above all, be the heroine of your life not the victim ”

COPYRIGHTJoanneMadelineMoore2024

LAST year, the junior school council at Stockdale Road PrimarySchool, Traralgonspentthe year fundraising through selling icy poles and donuts during their lunchtimes.

Thefundraisinghas meantthat this year, the juniorschool council has been able to purchase

arange of outdoor games for students to enjoy.

The games have been an absolute hit so far this year,with newfriendships being madefromcoming together to play games like quoits, Connect 4and limbo, just to name afew.

Fundraising for fun Cashcoming

THE latestround of the federalgovernment’s

This week my stars are telling me that I’m going

Schools Upgrade Fund will deliver around $48 million in vital infrastructure projects for Victorian public schools.

 $1,290,451 to build an inclusive playground and play space at Mallacoota P-12 College;

 $1,025,642 to replace the toilet blocks and covered verandah at Swifts Creek P-12 School and;

Under Round 2ofthe Schools Upgrade Fund,nine public schools across Gippsland will each benefit from funding to build or upgrade infrastructure.

The successfulprojects include upgrading classrooms, installing new playground equipment, and resurfacing and upgrading sporting facilities.

The successful projects in Gippsland are:

 $1,160,923 to replace the student toilets at Liddiard Road Primary School, Traralgon;

 $272,179 to replace the playground equipment at Yinnar South Primary School;

 $349,759 to replace the playground at Rosedale Primary School;

 $810,233 to refurbish the toilets at Sale College;

 $799,249 to demolish and replace the student toilets and relocate the hydraulics system at Maffra Secondary College;

 $422,735 to replace the hardcourt, and build an additional hardcourt and new access ramp at Briagolong Primary School;

 $900,000 to build anew toilet block and replace the playground at Lindenow South Primary School.

Public schools with the greatest need have been prioritised, including schools with high numbers of students fromalow socioeconomic background,FirstNations Students, and students with disability.

Public schools which haven’t received significant capital funding in the last two years were also prioritised.

Round 2was open to all public schools and applications closed in February.

Schools submitted their projects to theirrelevant state and territory education departments which made recommendationstothe federal government.

Moreinformation on the Schools Upgrade Fund is available at www.education.gov.au/ schools-upgrade-fund

Throw: Laykin, Will, Judd and Oakleyplaying anew game at Stockdale Road PrimarySchool, Traralgon

Low: Studentsenjoying limbo Photographs supplied Quartet: Year 1students playing Connect 4.

Slam: Year 3students Poppyand Zara playing bounce ball.

TheGuide

ABANDONED RAILWAYS FROM ABOVE

SBS, Friday, 7.35pm

Scared of heights?Never fear,this bird’s-eyeview of Britain’strove of abandoned railways will transport youtoabeguiling realm. From the comfort of your own home, you’ll levitate near the clouds andstep back in time. Lost andhidden from plain sight behind overgrown forests and crumbling stonewalls, some 5000 milesofdeserted railway and 200forgottenstations areexplored across six beautifully shotepisodes that investigate the storybehind one lost railwayineachinstalment, trackingeverything from their history, construction and feats of engineeringtothe industries that once fedthem. In tonight’spremiere, Dorset and Somerset’slapsed railwaysare revealed.

Wednesday, May15

ABC TV (2)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Q+A. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

12.30 National Press Club Address.

1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R)

2.00 Parliament QuestionTime.

3.00 Back In Time ForDinner (R)

3.55 Long Lost Family (PG, R)

4.45 Grand Designs. (PG, R)

5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30

8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG)

8.30 Gruen (Return) Presented by Wil Anderson. 9.10 White Fever. (Final, Mls) Jane and Yu Changhavesex

9.35 QI. (Ms) HostedbySandi Toksvig. 10.05 Planet America.

10.40 ABC Late News. 10.55 The Business. (R) 11.10 The Luminaries. (Madlv,R) 12.05 Superwog. (MA15+l, R) 12.25 Parliament Question Time. 1.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 2.15 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 3.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 Landline. (R) 5.00 Art Works. (PGl, R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

5.45 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 5.50 Interstellar Ella. 6.05 KiyaAnd The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 TheAdventures Of Paddington. 6.40 Ben And Holly 6.50 Kiri And Lou. 6.55 Supertato 7.05 Andy And TheBand. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Would ILie To You? 8.30 Miniseries: Time. 9.30 Wreck. 11.00 Louis Theroux Interviews... 11.45 Would ILie To You? 12.45am Whose Line Is It Anyway? 1.10 MOVIE: The Babadook. (2014,M) 2.40 ABC News Update. 2.45 Close. 5.00 Hoopla. 5.15 Ready,Jet, Go! 5.25 Alva’sWorld. 5.40 Late Programs. ABC TV PLUS (22)

CALL THE MIDWIFE

ABC TV,Sunday, 7.30pm

As we gladlysettle into season 12 of thisbelovedBritishdrama, the ever-present sweetness of simpler timesstill captivates, even as this soulful serieseagerly addresses social injusticesand issues that resonate today.Nomatter what themidwives at Nonnatus House face, this 1960s England, free from the tentaclesofhi-tech modernity,comforts with afeel-good simplicity.“Thestories we tell arelike babies,”sayscreatorHeidi Thomas.“They never stop coming,welovethem all, and we vowtodoour best by everysingle one.”Tonight,nurse Nancy(Megan Cusack, pictured) is apprehensiveabout afather’s behaviour

MEL BUTTLE:LET ME KNOW

EITHER WAY

10, Monday, 9 40pm

SBS (3)

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Giro d’Italia. Stage 10.Highlights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.15 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (R) 11.05 The Story Of Spice.(R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline.(R) 2.30 Insight (R) 3.30 ThePoint: Road To Referendum HistoryBites. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up.(R) 4.05 Jeopardy!(R) 4.30 Letters AndNumbers.(R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI WorldTour.Giro d’Italia. Stage 10.Highlights.

6.00 MastermindAustralia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Alone Australia. (Ml) Adangerousstorm hits.

8.35 TheTitan Sub Disaster:Minute By Minute. (PG) Part 2 of 2.

9.30 SwiftStreet. (Mlv) Elsie is kidnapped by debt collector Johnny

10.25 SBS World News Late.

11.00 YouShallNot Lie. (MA15+als)

12.00 Black Sands. (Malnv,R) 3.55 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize.(R) 5.00 NHK WorldEnglish News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight

Former drama teacher Mel Buttle (pictured) has her audience in stitches without even uttering a pointed punchline Known across social media for her hilarious and very relatable chatterbox suburban mum character called Lyn – who is actually based on her own mother – Buttle is keen observer who isn’t afraid to be a little controversial From growing up in Ipswich where only mutt dogs live, to the uselessness of PE teachers Buttle even critiques her own show as Lyn calling it crass In the uproarious closing moments, Buttle reveals her comical mettle by using her mother s text messages as rap lyrics It s laugh-out-loud fare

SEVEN (7,6)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG) 11.30 SevenMorning News. 12.00 Farmer Wants AWife. (PGl, R) 1.35 SurveillanceOz: Dashcam. (PG, R) 2.00 TheChase. (R) 3.00 TheChase. HostedbyBradley Walsh. 4.00 SevenNewsAt4 5.00 TheChase Australia. Hosted by LarryEmdur

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 HomeAnd Away (PGav)

7.30 The1%Club UK. (PGa) Hosted by LeeMack.

8.30 TheFront Bar. (Ml) Hosts Mick Molloy, Sam Pang and AndyMaher takealighter look at all things AFL

9.30 Talking Footy Alook at the week’s AFLnews.

10.30 TheLatest: SevenNews. 11.00 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) 12.00 Parenthood. (Ma, R) 1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise

Juniper.(2021, M) 9.30 TheStory Of My Wife. (2021, MA15+) 12.35am Carmen And Lola.(2018,MA15+, Spanish) 2.35 Black Bear (2020,MA15+) 4.35 TheMovie Show 5.05 The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir. (2018,PG)

PICK OF THE WEEK

TONY ARMSTRONG’S EXTRA-ORDINARYTHINGS

ABC TV,Tuesday, 8pm

In this playful new series, presenter Tony Armstrong(pictured) beguiles with hiseasygoing pizzazz and inquisitive manner.Oh, and the contraptions and gizmos he seeks out areprettyfun and surprising,too.Onanadmirable mission to find objects that help tell our nation’s unique story, Armstrong jumps on abikeand hits the road to meet everyday Aussies across the countrywho haveobjects that tell marvellous stories. Featuring wonderful chats, humorous asidesand feel-good insights, Tony will use these thingsas the basis to become afirst-timecuratorfor the National Museum of Canberra with aquirky exhibition that celebrates Australia’s little-known history.

NINE (9,8)

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 TheSummit. (PGl,R) 1.30 Ageless. (PGal, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG,R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30[VIC]WINNews. 6am MorningPrograms. 8.00 Ent.Tonight.

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 RBT. (Mal) 8.30 Ski Rescue Downunder. (Premiere, PG) Takesalook at skiing season in Mt Hutt. 9.30 FootyClassified. (M) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues.

10.30 9News Late.

11.00 TheEqualizer. (Mv,R)

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 Explore TV:Portugal &Spain. (R) 2.00 DriveTV. (R) 2.30 Global Shop.(R) 3.00 TV Shop: HomeShopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s VoiceOfVictory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 Today EarlyNews.

11.00 Dr Phil. 12.00 10 NewsFirst: Midday. 1.00 Ent. Tonight 1.20 Judge Judy.(PG R) 1.50 MasterChef Aust. (PGl, R) 3.00 GCBC. (PGa) 3.30 10 News First:

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer 6.30 TheProject. Alook at the day’snews 7.30 MasterChef Australia. Afresh batchofamateurcooks competes 8.40 NCIS: Sydney. (Mv,R)The death of an American seaman is investigated in ajoint effort between NCIS agents afloat and the Australian Federal Police 9.40 FBI: International (Mv) An American tourist is killed in Stockholm. 10.40 10’s Late News. 11.05 TheProject.

Thursday,May 16

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Australian Story.(R) 10.30 Compass. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Stuff The British Stole. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament QuestionTime. 3.00 Back In TimeFor Dinner. (PG, R) 3.55 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R) 7.00 ABCNews. 7.30 Budget 2024:Opposition Reply Peter Dutton delivers his BudgetReply speech.

8.00 7.30 Presented by Sarah Ferguson. 8.30 Foreign Correspondent. (Final) Alookatthe issue of immigration in the United Statesinthe lead-up to the next US presidential election.

9.00 Britain By TheBook (PG) Alook at book and film locations.

9.50 Antiques Roadshow. (R) Hosted by Fiona Morse. 10.50 ABC Late News.

11.05 TheBusiness. (R)

11.25 Love On TheSpectrum. (PG,R)

12.20 Parliament Question Time 1.25 Grand Designs.(PG,R) 2.10 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 3.00 Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 Landline. (R) 5.00 Art Works. (PGl,R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling.UCI World Tour.Girod’Italia. Stage 11. Highlights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.10 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (R) 11.00 The Story Of Beer.(PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Alone Australia.(Ml, R) 3.00 Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up.(R) 4.05 Jeopardy!(R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour Giro d’Italia. Stage11. Highlights.

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

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 DNAFamily Secrets (PGa, R) Stacey Dooley helps people use their DNA to learn more about their families.

8.35 Our Law. (PGa, R) Constable Jarwin hasadifficult day on the beat.Recruit Leroystruggles with taser training. 9.45 Blue Lights. (Malv) As Lee consolidatespower, Stevie andGrace are thrown back together on aresponse call.

10.50 SBS WorldNews Late. 11.20 Illegals. (MA15+al) Hans offers to help Konrad’sson

12.15 TheResponder (Mal, R) 2.10 DasBoot (MA15+av,R) 5.00 NHKWorld English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Andy AndThe Band. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Would ILie To You? 8.30 Hard Quiz. 9.00 Gruen. 9.35 Tomorrow Tonight. 10.05 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 10.50 Would ILie To You? 11.50 Adam Hills:The LastLeg. 12.35am LiveAtThe Apollo 1.20 Louis Theroux: Law And Disorder In Philadelphia. 2.20 ABC NewsUpdate 2.25 Close. 5.00 Hoopla. 5.15 Ready,Jet, Go! 5.25 Late Programs. ABC COMEDY (22)

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs.

2pm ShortlandSt. 2.30 The CookUp. 3.00 Jarjums 3.40 Bushwhacked! 4.05 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea. 4.35 Motown Magic 5.00 Our Stories. 5.30 The77Percent. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 KenyaWildlife Diaries. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo 8.30 Our Law 9.35 MOVIE: Mississippi Burning. (1988,MA15+) 11.50 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show.(PG) 11.30 SevenMorning News. 12.00 MOVIE: Dying To Be Perfect. (2022, Madv) Christy Bruce, KearaGraves, Cameron Brodeur 2.00 Kochie’s BusinessBuilders. 2.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 3.00 TheChase. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Football AFL.Round 10.GoldCoast Suns vGeelong. From TIO Stadium, Darwin. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show Post-game discussion and interviews taking alook back at allthe action from the game.

11.00 TheLatest: SevenNews. (R) 11.30 TheAmazing Race (PGl, R) One racer receives the surprise of a lifetime after their elimination.

1.00 Fortitude. (MA15+av,R)Dan faces his toughestbattle yetassomeone makes the ultimate sacrificefor the greater good 2.00 Home Shopping (R)

4.00 NBCToday International news including interviews with people from the world of business, politics,media and sports.

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

6.00 Today. 9.00 TodayExtra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Long Story Short. (2021, Ml, R)

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by GrantDenyer. 6.30 TheProject. Thehosts and guest panellists takealook at the day’snews, events and hot topics. 7.30 TheDog House Australia. (PGa, R) Adog’sappetite for destruction mightget in theway of it finding ahappy new home 8.30 Law& Order: SVU. (Ma) TheSVU helps aman come to terms with being victimised. Benson triestosupporta victim’s family when tragedystrikes twice 9.30 To Be Advised 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sportand weather 10.55 TheProject. (R) Alook at the day’snews. 12.00 TheLate ShowWithStephen Colbert (PG) HostedbyStephenColbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMornings. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Super Maximum Retro Show Noon WorldWatch. 12.25 Hypothetical. 2.15 How ItFeels To Be Free 3.20 WorldWatch. 5.15 Shortland St. 5.45 Curse Of OakIsland. 6.35 Jeopardy! 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats DoesCountdown. 8.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Giro d’Italia. Stage 12. 1.35am Dark Side Of TheRing. 2.25 Hypothetical. 3.20 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am The

ExtraordinaryJourney Of The Fakir.Continued. (2018,PG) 6.55 Mary And TheWitch’s Flower. (2017,PG) 8.50 Mon Oncle. (1958,French) 11.00 My Zoe. (2019,M) 12.55pm The 400 Blows. (1959, PG, French) 2.50 Lunana:A YakInThe Classroom. (2019, PG, Dzongkha) 4.55 The Scarlet And The Black. (1983,PG) 7.30 Devil’sKnot. (2013,M) 9.35 The Nest. (2020,MA15+) 11.35 Late Programs.

Friday, May17

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6am Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Medical Emergency 8.00 Million DollarMinute. 9.00 Harry’s Practice. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 AirCrash Investigations. 3.30 Harry’sPractice. 4.00 BetterHomes. 5.00 Escape To TheCountry 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 HomeAnd Away 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30

7.30 RugbyLeague. NRL Women’s State Of Origin. Queensland v New South Wales. Game 1. 9.45 NRL Women’sStateOfOrigin Post-Match. Post-match wrap-up 10.00 9NewsLate 10.30 Law&Order:Organized Crime. (MA15+av) The task force uncovers asinister robbery scheme.

11.20 TheFirst48: Love Hate/A Soldier’s Life (Mal, R) 12.05 Tipping Point. (PG,R) 1.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 2.00 Surfing Australia TV (PGl, R)

2.30 Global Shop (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 TodayEarly News. 5.30 Today

Explore. 2.05 Dr Quinn. 3.05 Antiques Roadshow 3.35 MOVIE: At The Earth’s Core. (1976,PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Mega Zoo. 8.30 To Be Advised.

Bewitched. 2.30 Full House. 3.00 TheNanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 The Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 IDream Of Jeannie. 6.00 Raymond. 7.00 TheNanny 7.30 Survivor

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30 That PacificSports Show.(R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Ma, R) 2.00 Queen Of Oz. (Final, Mdls, R) 2.30 White Fever. (Final, Mls, R) 2.55 Back In Time ForDinner. (PG, R) 3.55 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.40 Grand Designs.(PG,R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 Hard Quiz (PG, R)

7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 Gardening Australia Costa Georgiadis visitsanurban farm.

8.30 Silent Witness. (Malv) The team workstofind outwhy the truck wasfound with bodiesinside and adead driver at the wheel.

9.30 Gruen. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson. 10.10 Hard Quiz. (PG,R) Presented by TomGleeson.

10.40 White Fever. (Final, Mls, R)

11.10 ABC Late News.

11.25 Grand Designs: Chichester (PG, R)

12.15 Long Lost Family (PG, R)

1.00 Traces. (Final, Malv,R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Girod’Italia. Stage 12. Highlights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.10 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (R) 11.00 The Story Of Beef. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 MastermindAust. (PG, R) 3.00 NITVNews: Nula. 3.35 The Cook Up.(R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour Giro d’Italia. Stage 12. Highlights.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS WorldNews. 7.35 Abandoned RailwaysFrom Above:Somerset. (Premiere, PG) Explores abandoned railways. 8.30 Supertrains: TheRace For Speed. (PG, R) Examines theTGV France’s high-speed train, which is one of the fastest in the world.

9.30 Secrets Of TheLost Liners: Cap Arcona. (PGav,R) Alook at the SS CapArcona 10.25 SBSWorld News Late. 10.55 WorldOnFire (Return, Mav) 12.00 L’Opera. (Mls, R)

2.45 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (R)

4.30 Peer To Peer.(PG, R) 5.00 NHK World EnglishNews Morning. 5.30 ANCPhilippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG) 11.30 SevenMorningNews 12.00 MOVIE: I’ll Be Watching. (2018,Mav,R) 2.00 House Of Wellness. (PG) 3.00 TheChase. 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Better Homes AndGardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

7.20 Football. AFL.Round 10 SydneyvCarlton

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion andinterviews. 11.15 Armchair Experts. (M) Apanel discussesall things AFL

12.00 CelebrityObsessed: Gianni Versace. (MA15+av,R)A look at themurder of GianniVersace.

1.00 Medical Emergency (PG, R)

1.30 Harry’sPractice. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBCToday

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra.(PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Wedding Daze. (2006,Mls, R) Jason Biggs, Isla Fisher 2.00 Pointless.(PG, R) 3.00 TippingPoint. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.30[VIC]WINNews. 6am Morning Programs. 8.30 Neighbours. (PGa, R) 9.00 Bold. (PGas, R) 9.30

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 Take Me Home. (PG) Afamily takes apunt on anew animal.

8.30 MOVIE: Sliding Doors. (1998,Msl, R) Twopossible lives unfoldfor apublic relations executivebased on whether or not shemissesa train. Gwyneth Paltrow,JohnHannah,JohnLynch.

10.30 MOVIE: Music &Lyrics. (2007, PGls, R) An’80s pop singer tries to reinvent himself.Hugh Grant. 12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 Pointless. (PG, R) 2.30 Destination WA 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Postcards. (PG,R) 4.30 Global Shop (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 SkippyThe Bush Kangaroo. (R)

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

6.30 TheProject Alook at theday’snews. 7.30 Ready Steady Cook. Twoteams led by celebritychefs Diana Chan and Alastair McLeod go head to head in the kitchen. 8.30 To Be Advised. 9.30 TheGraham Norton Show. (Mls, R) Graham Norton is joined by Bernie Taupin, Catherine Tate,Ashley Walters, Bill Bailey andChristine and theQueens 10 35 10’s LateNews. Coverage of news, sportand weather 11.00 TheProject. (R) Alook at theday’snews. 12.00 TheLate ShowWithStephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by StephenColbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Beerland. Noon WorldWatch. 12.25 Rhod Gilbert: Stand Up To Infertility 1.35 Criminal Planet. 2.30 Bananas. 2.35 Over The Black Dot. 3.25 WorldWatch 5.20 Shortland St. 5.50 Curse Of OakIsland. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Adam Eats The80s. 8.50 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Girod’Italia. Stage13. 1.35am Late Programs. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.55pm Supertato 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Would ILie To You? 8.30 MOVIE: Matchstick Men. (2003, M) 10.25 MOVIE: Hedwig And The Angry Inch. (2001, M) 11.55 Would ILie To You? 12.55am QI. 1.35 MOVIE: Pan’s Labyrinth. (2006, MA15+) 3.30 ABC News Update. 3.35 Close 5.00 Hoopla. 5.15 Ready,Jet, Go! 5.25 Alva’sWorld. 5.40 Late Programs. ABC TV PLUS (22) 6am The Scarlet And The Black. Continued. (1983,PG) 8.05 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PG) 9.50 The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir.(2018,PG) 11.40 Juniper.(2021, M) 1.30pm MaryAnd

Saturday,

May

18 ABC TV (2)

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 WeekendBreakfast. 9.00 Rage.(PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Call The Midwife. (Ma, R) 1.30 Father Brown.(Mav, R) 2.15 Gruen. (R) 3.00 Monty Don’s Japanese Gardens. (R) 4.00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery.(PG, R) 5.00 Creative TypesWith Virginia Trioli. (Final, PG, R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Australian Story: Off Menu –Josh Niland. (R)Leigh Saleschats with Josh Niland.

6.30 Back Roads: Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. (PG, R) Guest presenter is Paul West.

7.00 ABCNews. Alookatthe topstories of the day

7.30 Father Brown. (Mv) Hercule Flambeau returns.

8.20 Midsomer Murders (Mv,R) Barnaby andWinter investigatewhen a former supermodelismurdered during the Carver Valley comic festival.

9.50 After TheParty. (Malns, R) Adeath in thefamily sends Pennyspiralling.

10.35 Shetland. (Malv,R)The hunt is on forSandy’sattacker.

11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Karma’sWorld. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Would ILie To You? 8.00 QI. 8.30 Live At The Apollo.(Return) 9.20 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 10.05 MythBusters. 10.55 Portlandia. 11.40 The Witchfinder 12.35am AdamHills: The Last Leg. 1.20 Would ILie To You? 1.50 MOVIE: The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus. (2009, PG) 3.45 ABC News Update. 3.50 Close. 5.00 Late Programs. ABC TV PLUS (22)

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 11.25 MOVIE: Shorts. (2009,PG) 1pm MOVIE: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III. (1993,PG) 2.40 NITVNews: Nula. 3.10 MOVIE: Guess Who. (2005, PG) 5.00 KenyaWildlife Diaries. 5.50 GoingNative. 6.20 News. 6.30 Strait To ThePlate. 7.00 The Other Side. 7.30 AloneAustralia. 8.30 MOVIE: Black Caesar.(1973,MA15+) 10.10 JohnnyCash: The Man In Black Britain. 11.10 Late Programs.

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. Giro d’Italia. Stage 13.Highlights. 8.00 WorldWatch. 9.40 Ageless Gardens. (R) 10.10 PhaseIII Odyssey (PGl) 11.00 Outside: Beyond The Lens.(R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R) 3.55 GrandTours Of Scotland’sRivers. (PG, R) 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Girod’Italia. Stage 13.Highlights. 5.30 WarGamers. (PG)

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 Mysteries From The Grave: Titanic (PG, R) Alook at thesinking of the Titanic

9.00 TheRise AndFall Of Boris Becker (Mals, R) Part 1of2.The inside story of how three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker ended up in aBritish jail.

10.50 SecretsOfThe Royal Palaces: Whitehall. (R) TakesalookatWhitehall.

11.45 Everything YouLove (Final, Mal)

12.15 Paris Paris. (Premiere, Mls)

1.10 Dear Mama. (Madl, R)

3.15 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PG, R)

4.05 Peer To Peer (R)

4.35 Bamay. (R)

5.00 NHK World EnglishNewsMorning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight

6.00 NBCToday 7.00 WeekendSunrise. 10.00 TheMorning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Doomben 10,000 Day,AndrewRamsden Race Day, MorphettvilleRace Day and Scone Cup Carnival Day2 5.00 SevenNews At 5. 5.30 Border Security:Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Football. AFL.Round 10 Brisbane Lions vRichmond. From The Gabba, Brisbane

10.30 AFL Post-GameShow. Post-game discussion and interviews taking alook back at all the action from thegame.

11.00 To Be Advised.

12.35 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship.Round 4. Perth SuperSprint.Day 1. Highlights. From CARCO.com.auRaceway, Perth.

1.35 Harry’s Practice. (R) Dr Harry tries to groomadog which does not want to be touched.

2.00 Home Shopping (R)

4.00 TalesOfAluna Amusician and his entourage crash land on asecret, magical island. 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGa,R)A look at locations that highlight livingwell.

7TWO (72, 62)

6.00 Getaway.(PG, R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday.(PG) 12.00 Destination WA (R) 12.30 Explore TV:Portugal &Spain. (R) 1.00 Adelaide EquestrianFestival. 2.00 The Summit. (PGl, R) 3.30 The Lap. 4.30 TheGarden Gurus. 5.00 9News FirstAtFive. 5.30 Getaway. (PG)

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACurrent Affair.

6.00 TheBrighter Side: Save Grow.Dream. Georgie Tunny grills Neil Perry on business wisdom. 6.30 TheDog House. (PG, R) Anine-year-old has been given the job of choosing anew furryfriend out of alitter of three tiny cockapoos. 8.30 Ambulance UK. (Ma, R) Ambulance crews attend an 85-year-oldman who has collapsed and cut hisleg,a woman with chest pain, amalepatient who has come off hismotorbikeand a93-year-old female struggling with shortness of breath. 11.00 To Be Advised 12.00 Fire Country. (Mdmv,R) Awellness retreat catches fire. 1.00 So Help Me Todd. (PGv,R)Margaret goes undercoverasa dishwasher 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Beerland. Noon Gymnastics. FIGRhythmic World Cup series. H’lights. 1.00 Gymnastics. FIG Rhythmic World Cup Series.H’lights. 3.00 Shortland St 3.30 WorldWatch. 5.25 Woman. 5.55 The Food That Built TheWorld. (Return) 7.35 ImpossibleEngineering. 8.30 Travel Man. 9.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Giro d’Italia.Stage 14 1.35am The X-Files. 3.25 Late Programs.

6am Mon Oncle. Continued. (1958,French) 7.45 Funny Lady (1975,PG) 10.15 Undine. (2020, M, German) 11.55 Devil’sKnot. (2013,M) 2pm The Scarlet And The Black. (1983,PG) 4.35 All Roads Lead To Rome. (2015,PG) 6.15 Cutthroat Island. (1995,PG) 8.30 The Hateful Eight. (2015) 11.35 Wild Things. (1998 MA15+) 1.35am Gloria Bell. (2018,M) 3.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon House Of Wellness. 1.00 EscapeToThe Country. 3.00 The Yorkshire Steam Railway:All Aboard. 4.00 Escape To TheCountry 5.00 Horse Racing. Doomben10,000 Day, Andrew Ramsden RaceDay,MorphettvilleRace Day and Scone Cup Carnival Day 2. 5.30 Medical Emergency. 6.00 Heathrow 6.30 BondiVet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country 11.30 Late Programs.

7.30 Jeopardy! Australia. Hosted by Stephen Fry.

8.30 MOVIE: Twister (1996,PGvla, R) Twometeorologists, on the brink of divorce,are forcedtoworktogether after they are caught in asevere storm. Helen Hunt,BillPaxton, CaryElwes

10.45 MOVIE: Contagion. (2011,Mal, R) Adeadly virus spreads throughout theworld. MattDamon.

12.50 Ageless. (PGal,R)

1.20 Talking Honey. (PG, R)

1.30 TheGarden Gurus. (R)

2.00 TheIncredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 Getaway (PG, R)

3.00 TV Shop:Home Shopping. (R)

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

9GEM (92, 81)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 11.30 MOVIE: It Shouldn’t Happen To AVet.(1976) 1.30pm MOVIE: Piccadilly Incident (1946) 3.40 MOVIE: The BigCountry.(1958,PG) 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. Round 11. South Sydney Rabbitohs vNorth Queensland Cowboys. 9.35 NRL Saturday NightFootyPost-Match. 10.00 MOVIE: Volcano.(1997, M) 12.05am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs.

2.20pm Motor Racing.FIA World Endurance C’ship 6Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. H’lights. 3.30 Surfing Australia TV 4.00 The BradshawBunch. 5.00 MOVIE: Fletch Lives. (1989,PG) 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Western Force vNSW Waratahs. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match. 9.45 MOVIE: Austin Powers In Goldmember (2002, M) 11.45 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld 1.30 Australia ReDiscovered. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Boating. Circuit Boats Drivers C’ship.Replay 4.00 Hustle &Tow 5.00 Counting Cars. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: Jumanji: WelcomeToThe Jungle.(2017, PG) 9.55 MOVIE: BadBoys. (1995,MA15+) 12.25am

Sunday, May19

ABCTV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Insiders 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week (R) 11.00 Compass. (R) 11.30 Praise. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 MontyDon’s French Gardens. (Final,R) 3.30 ForeverSummer With Nigella. (PG,R) 3.55 Britain By TheBook. (PG, R) 4.40 George Clarke’sAmazing Spaces. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow

6.30 Compass: TheMoral Philosopher

7.00 ABC News

7.30 Call TheMidwife. (PG) Trixie supports an underage mother.

8.30 After TheParty (Mal) When anew accusation against Phil surfaces, Grace is terrified that he will abandon her again.

9.20 TheLuminaries. (Madlv) In 1865,Emery and Anna have a disastrous reunion in Hokitika, while Emery learns about Carver’spast 10.15 Shetland. (Malv,R) 11.15 Savage River (Mal, R) 12.10 TheMessenger (Final, Mal, R) 1.05 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Landline. (R) 4.30 ArtWorks.(PGl, R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

Late Programs. ABC TV PLUS (22)

6.00 MorningPrograms. 7.30 WorldWatch. 9.35 JSchwanke’sLife In Bloom. (R) 10.10 Phase IIIOdyssey. (Ml, R) 11.10 My Unique B&B. (Premiere) 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.30 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 12.55 Wheelchair Sports. (R) 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-TecOils Super Series. Round 2. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Giro d’Italia. Stage 14.Highlights. 5.30 WarGamers. (PG)

6.30 SBS WorldNews. 7.30 Tulum: TheLastCity Of The MayanEmpire. Looks at the final hours of the Mayan civilisation. 8.30 Philae TheLastTemples Of Ancient Egypt. (R) Takesalook at the templesofPhilae,the last stronghold of the ancient Egyptian religion.

9.30 When Champollion Meets Ramses II. (PG, R) Takesa look at French philologistJean-Francois Champollion’s journey to Egypt.

10.30 LegendaryCastles: Neuschwanstein. (PGa, R) 11.30 Lance. (Mal, R) 1.25 Jack TheRipper: Hidden Victims. (Mav,R) 4.05 PeerToPeer. (R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00

NHKWorld EnglishNewsMorning. 5.15 France

24 Feature 5.30 Al JazeeraNews.

6am The Movie Show. 6.05 Cutthroat Island. (1995,PG) 8.20 All Roads Lead To Rome. (2015, PG) 10.00 St Vincent. (2014, M) 11.55 The Man In The Basement. (2021, M, French) 2pm AHero.(2021, PG, Farsi) 4.20 Asterix At The Olympic Games. (2008,PG, French) 6.30 Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner.(1967, PG) 8.30 TheZookeeper’s Wife.(2017,M) 10.50 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Going Places. 3.00 The Land We’reOn With Penelope Towney. 3.10 The Other Side. 3.40 Strait To ThePlate. 4.10 GoingNative. 4.40 Ella Fitzgerald At The ParisOlympia. 5.10 JohnnyCash: The Man In BlackBritain. 6.10 News. 6.20 Wild New Zealand. 7.30 Everything’sGonna Be All White. 8.30 White Riot 10.00 MOVIE: Monster’s Ball (2001) Midnight Late Programs.

6.00 NBCToday 7.00 WeekendSunrise. 10.00 TheMorning Show: Weekend. (PG) 11.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) 12.00 Football. VFL.Round 8. Sandringham vRichmond. 2.40 To Be Advised. 3.00 Football AFL.Round 10 Port Adelaide vHawthorn.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Farmer WantsAWife. (PGa) Hosted by Samantha Armytage. 8.30 7NEWSSpotlight. An exclusive specialinvestigation. 9.30 TheLatest: SevenNews. 10.00 Code 1: Minute By Minute: The PerthAir ShowDisaster (Ma, R) Alookatthe Australia Dayairshow crash. 11.00 Quantum Leap (Mav) Atreasure hunt draws BentoMexico in 1953

12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship.Round 4. Perth SuperSprint.Day 2. Highlights.

1.00 Lipstick Jungle. (Ms, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBCToday 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise

Morning Programs. 10.00 House Of Wellness. 11.00 EscapeToThe Country. Noon House Of Wellness. 1.00 The Surgery Ship 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 4.30 Escape To ThePerfect Town. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Greatest Escapes To The Country 7.15 The VicarOfDibley. 8.30 Endeavour 10.30 Hornby:AModel

6.00 Hello SA.(PG, R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 AFL Sunday FootyShow.(PG) 12.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 1.00 DriveTV. 1.30 Take Me Home. (PG, R) 2.30 My Way. 2.40 The Summit. (PGl, R) 4.00 David Attenborough’s GreenPlanet.

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Travel Guides. (Return,PGl) Ordinary Australians become travel critics. 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysingand uncovering the issuesaffectingall Australians. 9.40 Footy Furnace. (Mlv) Alook at thelatest round of football. 10.40 9News Late. 11.10 Transplant. (MA15+m, R) 12.00 TheBrokenwood Mysteries. (Ma, R) 2.00 David Attenborough’s GreenPlanet. (R) 3.00 TV Shop:Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s VoiceOfVictory. (PGa) 4.30 Drive TV.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today 6.30 TheSundayProject. Panellists dissect, digest and reconstitute the daily news, events and hottest topics. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGl)A fresh

Children’s Programs. 2.30pm MOVIE: Pokémon The Movie: Genesect And The

Awakened. (2013) 4.05 MOVIE: Pokémon TheMovie:Diancie And The Cocoon Of Destruction. (2014) 5.35 MOVIE: ToyStory 2. (1999) 7.30 MOVIE: Troy.(2004,M) 10.45 MOVIE: The Mod Squad.(1999,M) 12.40am

Monday, May 20

Antiques Roadshow (PG, R) 6.00 MorningPrograms. 8.00 WorldWatch. 9.50 Paul O’Grady:For The Love Of Dogs. (PG, R) 10.20 Susan Calman’s GrandDay Out. (PG, R) 11.10 The Story Of Sugar.(PGa, R) 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 9/11: TenMistakes. (Ma, R) 3.05 Mastermind Aust.(R) 3.35 TheCook Up.(R) 4.05 Jeopardy! (R) 4.30 LettersAnd Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour Giro d’Italia. Stage 15.Highlights.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)

7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 7.30 Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Australian Story: Off Menu –ShaunChristie-David. Leigh Sales chats with ShaunChristie-David.

8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program exposing scandals, firing debate and confronting taboos.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) HostedbyPaul Barry

9.35 Q+A. Presented by Patricia Karvelas

10.35 ABC LateNews.

10.50 TheBusiness (R)

11.10 Gruen. (R)

11.45 Planet America (R)

12.20 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 1.05 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 1.55 Monty

Don’s French Gardens.(Final, R) 2.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.30 Landline. (R) 5.00 Art Works.(PGl, R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.35 Tony Robinson’sMarvellous Machines: Superhuman Tony Robinsonexploresnew machinery

8.30 Secrets Of TheTower Of London. (PG, R) TheToweris planning an ambitious installation called the Superbloom to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 9.20 24 HoursInEmergency:Lost In Translation (Ma, R) Asingle mother is rushed to St George’s 10.20 SBSWorld NewsLate. 10.50 Christian. (Malsv)

12.45 My Brilliant Friend.(MA15+v, R) 3.00 Portillo’s GreatestRailway Journeys. (PG, R) 3.55 Peer To Peer.(R) 4.50 Destination Flavour:JapanBitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG) 11.30 SevenMorningNews 12.00 To Be Advised. 1.30 SurveillanceOz: Dashcam. (PG, R) 2.00 TheChase. (R) 3.00 TheChase. 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Home And Away (PGa) 7.30 FarmerWantsAWife. (PGal) Todd andDustin visitthe hometownsoftheir final two ladiestomeetfriends and family 9.05 9-1-1 (Mav) After years of anticipation, Maddieand Chimney’s long-awaitedwedding dayarrives

10.05 S.W.A.T. (Mav)Hicks witnesses his friend’sassassination.

11.05 TheLatest: SevenNews.

11.35 Police Custody USA:Killed In Cold Blood. (Malv,R)Kansas is shaken by adouble homicide.

12.35 TheEvent. (Mav,R)

1.35 Kochie’sBusinessBuilders. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBCToday. 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 TodayExtra.(PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Everything, Everything. (2017,PGals, R) Amandla Stenberg, Nick Robinson. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30[VIC]WINNews.

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 TheSummit (PGl) Jai Courtney sends 14 Australians from all walks of life on the adventure of alifetime.

9.10 Paramedics. (Mlm) Nhi and Carlos are underpressure to bring an overdose patient back fromthe brink of death.

10.10 FootyClassified. (M) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues.

11.10 9News Late.

11.40 La Brea. (Mav) The planto infiltrate the building goesawry

12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 Pointless. (PG, R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 TodayEarlyNews. 5.30 Today.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal Hosted by GrantDenyer

6.30 TheProject. Alookatthe day’snews. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PGl) Afresh batch of amateur cooks competes. 8.40 Have YouBeen Paying Attention? (Malns)Celebritypanellists compete to seewho can remember the mostaboutevents of the week.

(2008,PG,

MorningPrograms. 1.30pm Motor Racing. Night Thunder.Series

H’lights. 2.30 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship Perth SuperSprint. H’lights. 3.30 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship.Perth SuperSprint. H’lights. 4.30 Storage Wars. 5.00 American Restoration. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 8.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. 10.30 Frozen Gold. 11.30 Late Programs.

(93,

of

H’lights. 1.00

3.00 Bewitched. 3.30 Full House. 4.00 Kenan. 4.30 TheAddams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 IDream Of Jeannie. 6.00 Raymond 7.00 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.40 MOVIE: What Happens In Vegas. (2008,M)

Tuesday, May21

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.30 The Pacific. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 After The Party.(Mal, R) 2.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R) 3.00 Back In Time ForDinner.(R) 4.00 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.45 GrandDesigns (PG,R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.00 MorningPrograms. 10.10 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG, R) 11.00 The StoryOfTea. (PGd, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 56 Years Of Painting, 1Lesson On Anger (Ml, R) 2.10 Hindenburg: TenMistakes. (PGav R) 3.05 LivingBlack. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up (R) 4.05 WhoDoYou ThinkYou Are? US. (PG, R) 5.00 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.30 Who Do YouThink You Are? KathyLette (PGa) Kathy Letteexplores her roots.

8.30 Insight. Kumi Taguchi explores the push for diversity,and whether it is broadening our horizons or stifling us.

9.30 Dateline: Romania’sWebcam Girls. An investigationinto Romania’s booming adult camgirl industry

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG) 11.30 SevenMorningNews 12.00 To Be Advised. 1.35 SurveillanceOz: Dashcam. (PGl, R) 2.00 TheChase. (R) 3.00 TheChase. 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home AndAway. (PGa)

7.30 Farmer WantsAWife. (Final, PGa) Hosted by SamanthaArmytage.

9.05 Miniseries:The Marlow Murder Club (Mav) Part 4of4.Judith Potts,Becks Starling and Suzie Harris race againsttime to catchthe killer

10.05 Ambulance: Code Red. (Ma) Follows thework of an ambulanceservice

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra.(PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 TheSummit. (PGl, R) 1.30 CountryHouse Hunters Australia. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 TippingPoint. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30[VIC]WINNews.

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 TheSummit. (PGl) Presented by Jai Courtney. 8.45 Clarkson’sFarm: Counselling. (Mlm) The falloutfrom the council’sdecision continues.

9.45 Opal Hunters: RedDirt Road Trip (PGl) Rodlaunches some new money-making schemes.

10.45 9News Late.

1.15 Grand Designs. (PGl,R) 2.00 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 2.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.30 Art Works.(PGl, R) 5.00 Landline.(R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

10.00 SBSWorld NewsLate 10.30 Living Black. (R) 11.05 Lost Luggage. (MA15+a) 12.55 Dark Woods. (Mav,R) 3.35 Portillo’s Greatest Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 4.30 Peer To Peer.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight

11.05 TheLatest: SevenNews. 11.35 TheReal Manhunter: TheMurderOfChristopher Donovan. (Madv,R)

12.35 GoldDigger (Final, Malv, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBCToday 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.

11.15 Chicago Med (MA15+am) 12.05 Tipping Point. (PG,R) 1.05 Pointless (PG, R) 2.00 Explore TV:Portugal& Spain. (R)

TEN (10, 5)

LumenChristi at Camp Rumbug

STUDENTS in Grades 5and 6atLumen Christi School,Churchill enjoyed awonderful couple of days at Camp Rumbug last month.

Set in the spectacular surroundsofSouth Gippsland, children participated in anumber of activities including the giant swing, raft building, bush craft, team building activities, archery,flying foxand the mudrun.

The goalsofthe campfor the childrenwere to work on problemsolving skills andbuilding resilience.

Students definitely had to exercise theirresilience on this camp, walking up to eight kilometres each day, sometimes up and down very steep hills and stepping out of theircomfort zonetotry new activitiesdesigned to challenge them.

The camp was run extremelywell by the on-site staff, always engaging the children by making the activities positive and fun

Students earned high praise from the camp staff who said they had been the bestbehaved and most respectfulgroup theyhad seenfor some time. They were particularly impressed by the way the children treated eachother, encouraging and supporting each other throughout the activities

Children returned back to school after camp tired, but with bigsmiles and lots of stories to share with their families.

Tastes

of Europe in Morwell

THE wet weather couldn’t keep Morwell’s culinary fans away on Monday,April 29, as they tastedtwo dishes fromEllaMittas new cook book Ela Ela: To Turkey and Greece, a journey home throughfood at the well-loved

Cont Specialty Coffee store in Church Street. Ela Ela means ‘Come, Come!’ in Greek, and they certainlydid thatwith adiverse group comingtotry Galaktoboureko (a semolina custard dessert wrapped in filo pastry with a sugar lemon syrup)and melomakarona (Walnut biscuits).

The book details Ella’s experiences working in kitchen’s in Turkey and Greece and recounts ajourney of personal discovery through food. Ella was enthusiastic in explainingthe backgrounds of the dishes and their cultural significance and told some stories of her time working in Istanbul and on Crete (a Greek Island).

The Latrobe Valley’s large Greek population will find many old favourites, with Ella’s contemporary take. Others will be introduced to the wonderful combination and flavour and nutrition that the Mediterranean kitchen provides.

You can find the book published by Murdoch books at her website https://www.ellamittas. com/ and through all major retailers. Ella let slip that she is working on asequel withexotic recipes fromGeorgiainthe Caucasus.

Awriterand chef to keep an eye on.

Speed: Alice on theflying fox,watched on by some inquisitive kangaroos Muscles: Izzy taking on the mudrun.

Soaked: Billy andHarperenjoyed themud run.

Teamwork: LumenChristi School, Churchill students took on raft building during camp.

Rowrow rowyour boat: Students taking offdownstream. Photographs supplied

Up high: Zayd on the giant swing.

Step by step: Hannah making herway through themud run.

Tasty: Author Ella Mittas getting readyto sign booksinMorwell detailing her stories throughculinary experiences Photograph supplied

Nationals viewonpark namesakes

THE Nationalsare opposed to the creation of new national parks and believe that the state governmentshould focus on taking care of the existing ones.

We argue that publicaccess to state forests should be maintained.

The state government has disregarded the interests of bush user groups and traditional recreational activities such as hunting,four-wheel driving, horse riding, trail-bike riding, camping, dog walking, and prospecting and fossicking. These activities notonly contribute to the revenue of rural townsand regional centres, but also have apositive impact on people's wellbeing.

The decision to shut down the native timber industry was socially, economically, and environmentally irresponsible and immoral.

The Allan government is now holding public consultations post that closure. Despite the rhetoric, sceptics among us know thisiscode for ‘lockup’ our state forests.

Recently 250 frustrated Victorians in Drouin voiced their opposition to new national parks. Bush users provided the ‘Great Outdoor Taskforce Eminent PanelChair’ aclear directive –Nofurther restrictions on access to our state forests!

The Department of Environment, Energy, Climate Changeand Water (DEECA)has a majority of its workforce based in metropolitan Melbourne, which raises concerns about theneglect of public land. The annual report indicates that 60 per cent of DEECA staff are located in Metropolitan Melbourne, only 11 per cent are field officers. We need fewer suits and more boots.

Neglectingpublic land leads to overgrown tracks, the proliferation of invasive weeds, and feral pests, which degrade the environment and pose athreat to vulnerable species.Lockinguppublicforests increases the risk of bushfires coupled with theloss of experienced native timber harvesters and their specialist equipment, placing regional communities and environment in greater peril.

The Labor government, in collaboration with the Victorian Environmental AssessmentCouncil, has ahistory of disregarding public sentiment. The mental health benefitsofengaging in outdoor activities and connecting withnature are welldocumented. Restricting access to traditional recreational areas can have negative impacts on people's mental and physical wellbeing, leading to increasedpresentations to hospitals and clinics.

Sensible Victorians recognise the need for balance between conservation,recreation, and productivity in public estates. The current government is driving further imbalance.

As The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, Ihave advocated the merits of our regional industries, the rights of bush usersand responsible access for all Victorians.

Iwill continue to fight for public access to public land.

Melina Bath Member for Eastern Victoria Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Public Land Use

Salient points

THE major headline this (last) week in my (other) local newspaperis'Call For Respect', illuminating the key issues of domestic and community violence. Of course most people accept that respect is fostered primarily in the home, and is driven by thequality of parenting involved. However,asa parent, grandparent and now retired teacher, Iamwonderingtowhatextent

people of my generation must still take much responsibility.

Specifically,asacontributortothe Express for 50 years,and considering my belief that most of thosewho write to the Opinion page would be of my generation, Iacknowledgethere has always been robust debate in these pages.

In recent timeshowever, it seemstomethat respect for others, in accepting different opinions with adegree of grace, has diminished markedly, withlevels of abuse ratchetinguptoalarming levels.

Disrespect in recenttimes hasextendedtomedical and scientific experts, those of non-conformist sexuality, migrants and the Indigenous.

The latest case in point exemplifies this view, in the contribution from the regular Oliver Bergens of Dandenong, ('Truth hurts', LVE 01/05/24). By the way, Mr Bergens, do you writetoyour own local paper, or other regional papers, or are we the exclusive fortunate recipients, and if so, why?

It takes considerable chutzpah, no -arrogance, for someone who lives 100kms from our region, and who apparently has never lived here, to excoriate those LV residents who have the temerity to discuss what should be included in their own local paper, by claiming they are "sad and whinging".

There are several salient points here, the first involving pots and kettles, as the bard from Dandenong is always proclaiming the depressing news that we are all irrevocably doomed, and pointing out the dastardly who are responsible for our demise.

Mr Bergens has taken it upon himself to regale LV residents, in his own unique and folksy style, of his political views, on aregular basis.

In his latest edition, Mr Bergens extols two of his heroes, because they agree with him, namely the Jack NicholsoncharacterofCol ("you can't handle the truth!") Jessep, from the admittedly excellent movie AFew Good Men,and Newscorp journalist Steve Price.

In the first instance, the Col Jessep character is ascurrilous rogue, and in the second, the same adjective has been often used to describe Newscorp's views of the world,

Mr Bergens sees it all, always,not as opinion, but as "the plain and simple truth", and basically dismissesthose whodon't, Trumplike, as abunch of idiots.

Furthermore, he sees the delivery of adiatribe, "a bitter and abusive speech or piece of writing" (Webster dictionary), as somethingtobeadmired, imploringsomeone/anyone to deliver "a doseof good old fashioned diatribe", much in the fashion of his own, presumably.

Mr Bergens miscatagorisesthose who call for local issuesinour local paper as beingonly intent on this issue, but chooses to ignore the call for acessation of the same unrelenting, repetitive, predictable, blinkered and boring views of Mr Bergens and his cheer squad. And for those who may accuse me of disrespect, my view is Mr Bergens will get it when he deserves it.

It's not aboutpolitics, it's not aboutwho is right or wrong, it's totally about how opinions are presented, and having the introspection to perceive when respect is absent, from those who are old enough to know better, and who present as poor role models, justasour communities are calling out for good ones.

Finally, what happens now?

Probably nothing.

My prediction is Mr Bergens will, as usual,

either totallyignore this matter, or more likely double down with further abuse, reinforcinghe just doesn't get it.

Would he acknowledge there just may be something worth considering in all this?

Not achance!

John Duck Trafalgar

Cervical screening

I'D like to thank regional Victorians who have booked in to do aCervical Screening Test following Cancer Council Victoria’s regional cervical cancer awareness campaign, run late last year.

Arecent Cancer Council survey of 800 regional Victorians showed that more than two thirdsof eligibleVictorians who saw the campaign said they were now motivated to do aCervicalScreening Test when they were next due, while almost one third who were due said they had booked in to do aCervical Screening Test.

ACervical Screening Test looks for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes almost all cases of cervical cancer.

Women and people with acervix aged 25-74 need to do aCervical ScreeningTestevery fiveyears, evenifthey don’t haveany symptoms.

However, data shows that women and people with acervix who live in regional areas of Australia participate in the National Cervical Screening Program at alower rate than those who live in major cities.

Statewide,atotal of 69.0 per cent of eligible women and people with acervix are participating in the National Cervical Screening Program.

Datafrom theVictorian Cancer Registry reported thatbetween 2020-2022, Victorianwomenand people with acervix living in regional areas were 22 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer compared to those living in metro areas.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and can be successfully treated if found early through regular cervical screening.

We’re thrilledtosee suchapositive response to the campaign, with moreregional Victorians motivated to screen, but there is still more work to be done.

While we have seen significant increases in knowledgeand intent to screen, there are still key knowledge gaps, with only 16.3per centof respondentswho sawthe campaign correctly identifying that you should start screening at 25-years-old.

Of all respondents to the survey, almost 40 per cent had not previously heard of the option to self-collect your test with asmall swab.

We are continuing our work to increase knowledge of cervical screening and ensure everyone eligible is aware of the option to self-collect through our new 'In Your Hands' cervical screening campaign currently running statewide until late May.

ACervical Screening Test every five years could save your life.

If you’re due for your test, book in today at your local doctor’s clinic, Community Health Centre or Aboriginal Health Service.

Preventing cervical cancer is in your hands.

To learn more about cervical screening and the In Your Hands campaign, visit cancervic.org.au/ cervical.

Kate Broun Head

of Screening, Early Detection and Immunisation, Cancer Council Victoria

What has really changed?

REGARDLESS of John Duck's comments (LVE Opinion, 'Misinformation' 30/04/24), Idoacknowledge climate change

When Ifirst came to the Valley 80 years ago, I was swimming in the Morwell River in September. Now we have to wait til January, if we are lucky. All thoseyearsago we had our extremely hot days and cold days in the winter.The onlything that has changedisthe timing of our seasons.

After reading lettersbyDavid Packman and Dan Caffrey, Ialsoacknowledge their comments, but what is the bottom line answer? Do we cull our planet population and our animals to lower the gas emissions? Do we give up the comfort of heating in our homes, do we go back to walking very long distances instead of cars?

Overthe next30years, the climate will not sustain turbines and solar, to say that nuclear is out of the question is akin to the so-called experts of the day many years ago saying the idea of the motor vehicle, the discovery of electricity,the phone, talkingpictures, electric trains, TV,internet, AI etc etc were all pie in the sky ideas.

Justanote to Mr Duck, Al Gore made$300 million spreading his lectures on climate change all over the world, including Australia.

Patricia Correa Traralgon

THE Latrobe Valley Express welcomes letters to the editor.

Preference will be given to brief, concise letters which addresslocal issues (the irony of which is not lost on the editor given the letters of recent times or indeed in today’s issue).

The editorLiam Durkin, reserves the righttoedit lettersfor reasonsofspace and clarity, and may refuse to publishany letter without explanation.

The Express does not publish letters from anonymous contributors.

Letters must include aphone number, email addressand the author's hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity. Readers are entitledtoaright of reply to aletter directed at them.

Whilehealthy debate is encouraged, the editor willuse his discretion if he believes letters are becomingslagging matches between writers.

The views expressed in letterstothe editor are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflectthe views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff.

The letters section is designed to allow people to havetheir say,and not be hijacked for political agendas.

Email letters to news@lvexpress.com. au and include 'Lettertothe Editor' in the subject line.

Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm. Have

Fee-free TAFE is changing lives

COMMENT

BY SENATORRAFFCICCONE

INVESTMENT in TAFE is critical to supporting Australianswho are lookingtokickstart their careers, upskill or find anew career path.

Every government has aresponsibility to ensure the TAFEsystemcreates astrongpathwayfrom training to the workforce, allowing Australians to pursue opportunitiesinsectors facingskills shortages.

Since coming to officetwo years ago, federal Labor’s focus has been to put TAFE back at the centre of the vocational education and training (VET) sector afteryears of funding cuts and neglect from the previous Coalition government.

There has never been abetter time for Australians to undertake aTAFE course thanks to the Albanese government’s fee-free TAFE initiative.

Federal Labor partnered with stateand territory governments to establish a$1billion 12-month skills agreement to deliver fee-free TAFE and vocational education places from January 2023 –and there has been an overwhelming response.

Over 355,500 Australians enrolled in fee-free TAFE last year, exceeding thegovernment's first-year target of 180,000 enrolments.

Viewsare

COMMENT BY

IN recent times, there hasbeen agroundswell of publicity on various social media regarding Gippsland FM,the local community radio station, and its alleged support for various individualsand their views.

Consequently, the station would like to correct some misconceptions and clarify the role of Gippsland FM in serving the local community.

Firstly, it must be appreciated that Gippsland FM is anon-profit voluntary runcommunityowned broadcaster.

The community broadcasting sector was established to deliver three key outcomes for Australia: -Toprovide greater programming choices for the community;

COMMENT

BY DAVID PACKHAM OAM

THANKS to Dan Caffrey for his response to my support for the ex chief scientist’s(Prof Alan Finkel) answer to aquestion put to him at an Australian Parliamentary inquiry (Latrobe Valley Express 37/03/24 and 01/05/24).

The question put was; if we close all of Australia’s human emission of carbon-dioxide what would be the effect on the Earth’s temperature?

Prof Finkel’s answer was “virtually nothing”. Dan’s response implies that he agrees.

My own primitive and simple calculation also provides the same answer.

Thanks also to the Latrobe Valley Express for its policyofallowing reply to Mr Dan Caffery’s

Among the enrolments, 62 per centwere women, 23 per cent were job seekers, eight per cent were people with adisability and seven per cent were First Nations people.

The program is also benefiting those from lower socioeconomicand culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The most popularfee-free TAFE courses included early childhood education andcare, electro-technology, cyber security, nursing, and training andassessment.

In Victoria, over48,500 students enrolledinthe initiative last year, including more than 13,000 enrolments in regional Victoria.

That’s more than 13,000 regional Victorians who willgoontowork in high-priority sectors such as the care industry, construction, technology and digital, hospitality and tourism, and agriculture –and this number will continuetogrow.

TAFE is centraltomanyaspects of society and we’re providingafurther $414.1milliontostates and territories until2026tofund the delivery of at leastanother 300,000 fee-free TAFEand VET places.

The program is removing cost barriers and saving students thousands of dollars in tuition fees.

For example, aVictorian training to be anurse can save $15,000, so it’s changing lives by easing

cost-of-living pressures, helpingstudents gainthe qualifications they need to fill in-demand jobs.

The government is also working hard to attract more teachers to the sector to deliver theskills theeconomy and businesses need

One of the things we learned from the pandemic was the importance of strengthening ourcountry’s

trainingsystem to create more opportunities in priority areas, and I’m proud to be part of a government thatisputting the support and trust back into TAFE.

Senator Raff Ciccone is aFederal Labor Senator for Victoria and Deputy Government Whip in the Senate.

-To provide access to the media for those underrepresented or unable to access other media, and;

-To allow communities to own and operate broadcast services, thereby diversifyingmedia ownership in Australia.

Therefore, Gippsland FM is simply aconduit or pipeline that carries the messages,views, ambitions and aspirations of those who make up the local community.The station has akey role in upholding freedom of speech to support an open democracy that exists in Australia.

However, the station does not have aview on any matters that are expressed by various people in the community or our broadcasters.

Claimsthat the stationsupports particular views because it allows these to be broadcast is simply wrong –and if the station were to censor or inhibit unpopular views, this would also be tantamount

to expressing aview by not allowing certain positionstobepublished.Importantly,everyone in the community hasa right to access the station and provideanalternative view.

For those who exercise their right to freedom of speech and express aview on Gippsland FM, the station requires that such broadcasters comply with the relevant laws and abide by ajournalist code of ethics. Importantly, theserequirements as applied at Gippsland FM place much higher obligations on our broadcasters than what may be applicable on various social media platforms.

Such requirements are apre-requisite to accessing the station and the obligations include compliance withdefamation, contempt,anti-discrimination and privacy laws among others.

The code of ethics requires that honesty, fairness and independencebemaintained through

arespect for truth, balanced reporting and the rights of others.

Further, the station has apolicythat offersa right of reply to all locals who wish to exercise such a right. In doing so –suchviews would need to be cognisant of broadcasting requirements.

Gippsland FM is keen to ensure that everyone in the community appreciates the role of the station and the challenges it must meet to ensure trusted and valued programming.

The station remainsopen to everyone in the local community in terms of membership, having asay on station policies and accessing the airwaves. If you wish to explore any of these issues, check out the stationwebsite or email secretary@gippslandfm.org.au.

further comments. This is real freedom of speech.

To addperspective,the “virtual nothing” or 0.0017 degrees thatDan finds so damaging and must be dealt with is 1.7 thousandths of adegree contributed by Australians compared to 30 degrees naturally contributed by the sun which allows us and all living beings to survive on this planet.

Idid not in my previous post, in an attempt at brevity, enumerate any of the other physical effects that lead to the falsehood of aclimate emergency.

Being as brief as possible, they are lagging off CO2 atmospheric levels behind changes in global geological temperature. Observed by geologists, it is aconsequence of Henry’s Law, which relates the atmospheric CO2 concentration to the temperature of the oceans, like warming up aglass of flat soda water.

The temperature rise comesfirst, and the outgassing of carbon dioxide comes later.

The second confounding factor is theincrease in cooling by radiation as the Earth increases its surface temperature. If the temperature rises by onedegree (0.35 per cent) outgoing radiation increasesby1.4 per centi.e., four times greater until anew equilibrium is attained. That is known as the Stefan-Boltzman equation.

The thermal radiation is shared both upward into space and downward to the Earth’s surface, an effect even more complex in detail.

Finally, the uncertainty around the Albedo effect that Dan refers to:

It is simply anumberapplied to white surfaces which are cooler and black ones are warmer. It is an essential part of the Stefan-Boltzmanequation.

The Albedo factor is vital to global models that climate alarmists, rent seekers and some politicians relyupon to declare "Climate Emergencies,global boiling, species extinction”tojustify vastamounts of taxmonies on energy transition.

The Earth’s Albedo and its dynamicsare uncertain,but fortunately NASA is working on it. This uncertainty makes climate alarmism very thin ice to walk upon.

Notbeing amarine engineer,I decline to discuss Dan’s assertion that it takes 1000 outboard motors to save asuper tanker from going aground. But I do find it stupid that Australia is spending $1500 billion dollars of inflation causing public funding for “virtually nothing”.

David Packham OAM is aTraralgon resident with aMasters of Applied Science.

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John stocks alarge range, and also offers afitting service while youwait with all exhaust repairs from $35.

Exhaust also stocks sports ms and custom pipe bending tofhis service.Healso

Swinburne swooping into Latrobe air space

SWINBURNE University of Technology has become the first foundation member of the newly establishedLatrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct at Latrobe Regional Airport.

The Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct is dedicated to pioneering the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), fostering economic growth and underpinning sustainable innovation opportunitiesfor Australia.Itwas launched by Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, last month. Swinburne, with its expertiseinaviation and flight research,isthe first university to join the precinctthrough arenewed partnership with Latrobe City Council.

Swinburne’s Aero-structures Innovation Research (AIR) Hub, will play apivotal role in the precinct, bringing expertise in next-generation aero-structures for civil aviation, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, un-crewed air systems, AAM and space exploration.

The Latrobe AerospaceTechnology Precinct marks amilestone in the development of AAM opportunities withinthe region, and positions Victoria as aleader on the national and global stage in aerospace innovation.

"Swinburne exemplifies anew model of university,characterised by deepindustry partnerships. Ourinvolvement as afoundationmemberofthe Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct at Latrobe Regional Airport enables us to contribute significantly to the AAM future of the Gippsland region and to establish Victoria as aglobal leader in the sector," Swinburne’s AIR Hub director, Dr Adriano Di Pietro said.

The partnership will help support the creation of new industries for Gippsland, generateemployment outcomes and accelerate the advancementofAAM sector technologies.

Latrobe City Mayor, Darren Howe, said the LatrobeAerospace Technology Precinct was an opportunity to position Latrobe Regional Airport at the forefront of the emerging aviation sector, diversifyingthe airport's capabilities and fostering investment and employment opportunities.

Swinburne said that the development of AAM was crucialfor tackling climate change, supporting

the decarbonisation of transport and logistics, and advancing towards azero-emission economy. The use of greenhydrogen drones, for example, promises

to revolutionise logistics and service delivery in regional areas, enhancing safety while reducing time, cost and environmental impact.

Maryvale’snew general practice doors open

By KATRINABRANDON

MARYVALE General Practice, located at Maryvale Private Hospital, openedits doorstothe public last month.

The general practice (GP) office is abulk-billing clinic with four general practitioners who have previously worked in other Gippsland clinics. These GPs will be accompanied by nursing staff helping them with childhoodimmunisationsand wound management.

The doctors onboard include Dr Ehab Mostokly, who practices general medicine and paediatrics; Dr Awad William Ghattas, who practices general medicine, orthopaedics, and industrial medicine; Dr Mark Abdo, who practices general medicine and paediatrics; and Dr Brad (Behdad) Motamed, who practicesgeneral medicine. Servicesinthe newGPoffice vary in many ways. Some mattersinclude allergies, cardiovascular disease,dermatology, skinchecks, immunisations, paediatrics, sleep apnoea testing, family planning, preventative healthcare, quit smoking advice, hearing tests, travel health, women’s health, men’s health, ECGs, aged care, asthma andchildren's health.

The offices will be open from9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Staff hope to extend these hours as the clinic grows.

The practice manager, Demi Hayton, said the first few weeks of being open had been welcomed by the community.

“It’s been an excitingand fulfilling first few weeks in the clinic," she said.

"Our team of doctors and admin staff have been eager to get started for some time now, and we’ve felt warmly welcomed by the community and the team at Maryvale Private Hospital.

“Our aim in opening Maryvale GP was to provide abulk-billed medicalservice to Morwell and the

surrounding suburbs, with affordable and easily accessible carefor those who need it.

“Recognising thathealth needs can arise unexpectedly, we gladly accept walk-in patientsanytime. Appointment bookings are also available and can be conveniently booked online even when the clinic is closed. Our devoted team of doctors is focused on providing flexible and dependable care, ensuring thatour patient’s healthand wellbeing are always our top priority.”

Appointments can be made through the HotDoc

Food supply inquiry

THE Legislative Assembly Environment and Planning Committee inquiry into securing Victoria's food supply held its first public hearing on Friday, May 3.

The committee plans to hold hearings in Gippsland, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo. Ahearingwill be held in Morwelltomorrow (Thursday, May 16).

The inquiry is looking at the impact of urbansprawland population growth on farming and manufacturing of food on the peri-urban fringe.

The full witness schedule for Friday’s hearing in Melbourne is on the committee’s website.

Food supply has been ahot topic amid the cost-of-living crisis facing many Victorian families.

The Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct at Latrobe Regional Airport is located in Morwell and is owned by Latrobe City Council.

Modern: Swinburne’sAerostructures Innovation Research (AIR)Hub will play apivotal role in the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct.

Photograph supplied

Heretohelp: Maryvale General Practice nurseWendy Godfrey,nurse manager FionaTeWierik, practice manager DemiHayton, Dr Ehab Mostoklyand operations manager RachaelHatzopoulos Photograph: KatrinaBrandon

Community Corner with Liam Durkin

Free concert

LATROBE Orchestra and Lavalla Catholic College musicians are set to dazzle audiences with afreeshowcase concert this Sunday (May 19).

The concert begins at 2.30pm at Lavalla’s Kildare Hall on Kosciuszko Street in Traralgon.

This concert marks the culmination of acollaborative2024workshop series, afour-daymusical journey led by Latrobe Orchestra's esteemed interstate guest conductor Peter Moore OAM, along with percussionist Nathan Gatenby, trumpeter Connor Jenkinson, and violinist John Noble.

Join us to witness 90 musicians of all ages take the stage.

This community event is presented with support from Loy Yang B’s Community Partnership program and Latrobe City Council’s Wellbeing grant.

Formoreinformation, visit latrobeorchestra@gmail.com

Prostatesupport

MEMBERS of Latrobe Valley Prostate SupportGroup will meet Wednesday, May 22 at Morwell Club from 7pm.

Thosewishing to have tea can do so from 6pm.

All new members and other interested persons most welcome.

Guest speakerfor the night is Linley Watson, the new liaisonofficer for ProstateCancerFoundation of Australia for Victoria.

For more information, phone Allan on 0458 111 688.

TRAMPS ride

TRAMPS (Traralgon and Morwell Pedallers Inc.) met at Yarram on Sunday, May 5.

The original planned ride had to be changed as there was an unexpected motorcycle event in the locality. The group instead rode to Welshpool for lunch.

On the ride, the group saw the construction of thenew rail trail from Welshpool to Yarram. TRAMPS look forward to using it in the future.

Withthe light easterly wind, this was arefreshing ride and riders enjoyed the views across the country toward the coast.

Nextrideisthis Sunday (May 19) from Dumbalk at 10am, where TRAMPS will travel to FishCreek for lunch.

TRAMPS welcomes new riders.

Club contacts are Paul on 0459 823 422 or Vance (0403 662 288).

Bridgeresults

TRARALGON Bridge Club results.

Saturday, May 4-1st KayeDouglas and Roshni Chand (66.07 per cent); 2nd Egbert Tzoe and Ken Tierney (65.48).

Tuesday, May 7- Inter Club South Gippsland-N/S 1st Maureen Stiles and HannahMartin(59.13), 2nd John French and Deborah Anglim (58.81). E/W 1st Kaye Douglas and Roshni Chand (65.54), 2nd Peter Lonie and CarolCheyne (62.02)

Thursday, May 9-1st KenTierney and Anna Field(59.03); 2nd June Clarke and Michael Zarb (55.56).

If you would like to playorlearn more about Bridge, phone Traralgon BridgeClubPresident, Greg Nicholson on 0419 611 730.

CordBlood Research

RECENTLY, some of the Inner Wheel Club of Moe members met to participate in the annual Cord Blood Research ‘2 for 10’ walk. It was planned to havethe group walkalong the Moe/Yallourn Rail Trail, but unfortunately the weather prevented that. Instead, the group enjoyed afternoontea at Twenty20 restaurant in Moe.

Cord Blood Research (CBR) is the NationalProject that Inner Wheel Australia supports each year. Research is based on the stem cells fromcord blood collected at birth These stem cells are similar to those foundinbone marrow and are used to treat arange of blood disorders and immunesystem conditions suchas

leukaemia, anaemia andautoimmune diseases.

Inner Wheel Australia has raised well over $3 million dollars and given 62 grants to doctors to support Cord Blood Research.

The Moe club meets monthly.

If you would like to know more about the club, phone 0427 955 344, or email iiw.au.moe@gmail.com

Veterans table tennis

GIPPSLAND Veterans Table Tennis

Competition Traralgon Table Tennis is inviting players to join its 2024 exclusive Gippsland Veterans Table Tennis competition.

Veteran Pennant is conducted by the Traralgon Association once each year as aboutique graded pennant activity catering solelyfor the Gippsland community for players over 40 years of age. The Gippsland Veterans Table Tennis Pennant provides awelcoming and social environment where players can participate in an organised, low impact sporting activity and enjoy the lifestyle and health benefits from physical exercise activities, while having some good old fashion fun in afriendly and relaxed atmosphere.

The 2024 Gippsland Veterans Pennant is scheduled fromFriday, July 26 to Friday, September 6.

Pennant activities start at 7.15pm each evening and conclude around 9.15pm. Supper provided.

For information or to enter,email the Traralgon Association Coordinators via ttta@ttta.com or TraralgonTTA@ gmail.com.

Alternatively, phone 03 5174 4036.

Biggest Morning Tea

MOE and District Cancer Council Volunteer Group will host Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea on Thursday, May 23 from 10am till 12 noon at the Moe RSL.

Therewillbea delectablearray of cakes, scones, slices and sandwiches available, with afew savoury’sonthe side,aswell as araffle.

Cost is $10 per person.

Lookfor group membersselling raffle tickets on the footpath near Moe Nextra(Moore Street), Moe until May 22.

Moe District Cancer Councilwill next meet Monday, May 27 from 1.30pm at the Moe RSL.

Come and join for acuppa anda chat, all welcome.

Formoreinformation, phone Diane on 0438517 470 or Linda (0427 671 780).

Cancer Council Supporters Hot Line: 1300 65 65 85

Cancer Council Help Line: 13 11 20

Quit Line: 13 78 48

Morwell Historical Society

REMAINING open days for May are: Wednesday the 15th, and Sunday the 26th.

Times are 11am to 2pm.

Alongside our Open Days is the Step Back in Time Conversation Cafe, where visitorscan connect with other visitors to reminisce while enjoying somelight refreshments and viewing displays.

The theme for Mayisthe Morwell Hospital and local doctors. The historical society would love to hear your connections with Morwell.

The Power Industry Display has been popular, but comes downafter the May open days.

For any enquiries, email secretary@ morwellhistoricalsociety.org.au.

Traralgon Neighbourhood House

INFORMATION sessions are taking place at Traralgon Neighbourhood Learning House.

Join the information session about everything law for Law Week on Monday, May 20 from 9am to 4pm.

The fire safety information session with the Fire Rescue Victoriateam takes place on Monday, May 27 from 10.30am to 11.30am.

Traralgon Neighbourhood House is located at 11-13 BreedStreet, Traralgon.

Phone 5174 6199for further information.

Newcommittee

PROBUS Club Traralgon Combined annual meeting was held March 19,2024.

ColinSmith waselected president and the new committee for 2024/25 was also elected.

The retiring president,Gayle Cayzer,thanked clubmembers for their contribution over the previous 12 monthsand extended her best wishes to Colin and the new committee for a successful 2024.

The club meetsonthe thirdMonday of each month and welcomes new members.

For furtherinformation, ring the secretary, HelenBarratt on 0438 051 251.

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

IF you are acommunity groupand have any news items you need publicised, feel free to email us at news@ lvexpress.com.au.

You can address the correspondence to Editor, Liam Durkin.

Please write 'CommunityCorner' in the subject line and nothing else. Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.

Hub: Inner WheelClubofMoe took partinawalk forCordBloodResearch.

Ride on: TRAMPS on arecenttriparoundthe Welshpool area.

Photographs supplied

DIAMOND RING

7am-3pm. DVDs, books, toys, glassware, pottery, records, craft, games, camera collection and lots more. No early callers.

TRAFALGAR

TRARALGON

40 Lafayette St, Saturday, 8am -1pm. Household items, outdoor

JAPANESE

ADVERTISERS

PLEASE NOTE:

Much hardship and difficulty is caused to job seekers by misleading advertising placed in the

columns. Our Situations Vacant columns are reserved for advertisements which carry aspecific and genuine offer of employment. Ads for `Business Opportunities' and `Training Courses' and `Employment Services' should be submitted under those headings. Placing misleading ads is an offence against the Trades Practices Act and state/territory fair trading acts and all advertisements are subject to the publisher's approval. For further advice, contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 or your state consumer affairs agency.

CareersatLatrobe

LatrobeCityCouncilhasexcitingopportunitiesforenthusiasticand forward-thinkingindividualswithapassionforprovidingexcellent servicestoourcommunity

• Experienced Maintenance Employee -Tree Maintenance –Permanent Full Time

• Experienced Maintenance Employee -Drainage ExperiencedMaintenance -Drainage–PermanentFull Time

• Fitness Instructors–Yoga &Pilates FitnessInstructors –Yoga –Casual

• Customer FocusAgent –Permanent Full Time

• Team Leader Customer Experience &Libraries – Experience& Libraries–West st –Permanent Full Time

• Additional AssistantEducator- EarlyChildhood Ad tional Educator –Fixed Term PartTime

• School CrossingSupervisor- Traralgon –Casual

• Maternal andChild Health Nurse Ma rnaland Child Nurse–Casual

• Childcareand PreschoolEducators -Cert3and Childcare andPreschool Educators -Cert3 and Diploma Di oma– CasualPositions

• LearntoSwimInstructor LearntoSwimInstructor–Casual Positions

Forfurtherinformationincludinghow toapply,positiondescriptionsand applicationclosingdates,pleasevisitour websitewww.latrobe.vic.gov.au/careers Pleasenotesuccessfulapplicantswillbe requiredtoapplyforandsatisfactorilyobtain aNationalPoliceCheckandWorkingwith ChildrenCheck

Initial details for review will be as follows:

● Full CV including referees.

● Abrief outline of how you could enhance our team.

● Any community or similar interests you undertake. Please email initial expression of interest to: lisa@jpickersgill.com.au Applications close Friday 31 May 2024

ATHANASIADIS, Chris. Passed away peacefully at Elanora Aged Care on 7May 2024 Aged 90 years

Dearly loved husband of Angela. Much loved father and father-in-law of Sandra and Mike, Saki and Inna and adored grandfather to Ashley (dec.). Sadly missed but you will warmly remain in our hearts and memories forever.

From Angela, Sandra, Mike, Saki and Inna.

Funeral will be held Saturday 18 May 2024 at 12 noon, at St Lazarus Church, Bunurong Memorial Park, 790 FrankstonDandenong Road, Dandenong Sth.

FAZIOLI, Nicolina. Passed away peacefully at Margery Cole Aged Care Traralgon on 11 May 2024. Aged 100 years

Dearly loved wife of Domenic (dec.). Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Corrie and Vince (dec.), Mary and Angelo (dec.), John (dec.)and Filomena, Francy and Tony. Amuch loved Nonna, Bis Nonna and Bis Bis Nonna. Mum and Dad reunited

GRIFFITHS, Robert. Passed away suddenly on Friday, 3May 2024. Loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. Loyal volunteer for the Churchill Cougars Football Club. Go Pies Rest In Peace

Don't waste time waiting for buyers, or on endless consignment plans, sell it today we'll pay cash now. Affordable Caravans 0418 336 238, 5623 4782.

PSAILA, Lorenza (Wenza). Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Dearly loved wife of Anthony (dec.). Loved mother to Grace, Joseph, Mary (dec.), Charles, Stella and Jennifer. Adored mother-in-law, nanna and buznanna. Forever grateful to our wonderful mum. We will cherish your love and hold you in our hearts forever.

XOXO

Please see Latrobe Valley Funerals website for funeral details.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

STOTT, John. Passed away 7/5/2024. To Connie and family, thinking of you all at this time. With love and best wishes from your sister Wilma, Dennis and family XXX.

WARD (Gleadhill), Dorothy Lillian (Nance). Passed away peacefully at Narracan Gardens Aged Care Newborough on 3May 2024. Aged 85 years Loving wife of Harold (Poss). Loving mum and mum-in-law of Bev and Tony, Gary and Kathy, Craig and Neil. Loved Nan of 6grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

ATHANASIADIS, Chris. The Funeral Service for Mr Chris Athanasiadis will be held on SATURDAY (18 May 2024) at 12pm. At St. Lazarus Greek Orthodox Church, 790 Frankston-Dandenong Road, Dandenong, followed by the burial at Bunurong Memorial Park. Peter Tziotzis Orthodox Funeral Services 9568 5858

FAZIOLI. Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs Nicolina Fazioli will be offered at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Commercial Road Morwell, THURSDAY (16 May 2024) commencing at 11.30am. Private Family Burial.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

MORWELL 5134 4937 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

GRIFFITHS. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation of Mr Robert Griffiths will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437A Princes Drive, Morwell on FRIDAY (17 May 2024) commencing at 1.30pm. To view the livestream, please visit our website and follow the prompts.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MORWELL 5134 4937 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

ROBERTS. The Memorial Service to celebrate the life of David Roberts will be held at the Nielsen Funeral Chapel, Korumburra Rd, Warragul on FRIDAY (17 May 2924) at 2pm. The Service will also be live-streamed. To view Dave's service please visit: www.nielsenfunerals.com.au APrivate Family Burial will precede the Service.

STOTT.

The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of John Stott will take place in the Rose Chapel at Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Drive, Traralgon on FRIDAY (17 May 2024) commencing at 11am. Afterwards, John will be laid to rest within the Cemetery.

NUNN (Koza), Regina. 9/4/1952 -7/5/2012. The years pass, the seasons change, but our love for you and memories of time shared continues to burn bright in our hearts and minds.

Forever missed Love Always Lucinda, Chris, Makenzie and Isaac. XX Regina, you will always be remembered in avery special way, of the life and memories we shared together.

Deeply missed With Love Eva Austen and families XX.

WITHAM, Adele Margaret. 27/8/1964 -19/5/2017. Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us everyday. Your loving husband, Ashley, and sons Aaron, Luke, Heath and Bryce.

LEWIS, Graham John. Passed away peacefully at St Hilary's Aged Care Morwell on 11 May 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Aged 78 years Dearly loved and loving husband of Ella. Much loved father and father-in-law of Kim and Damien, Jason, Warren and Ebony. Adored Pop to Zali, Mack, Kiara, Jack and Poppy GtoLeo.

WHELAN, Daryl Francis. Passed away peacefully at home in Moe, 10 May 2024, after along battle with cancer.

MATTHEWS, Aaron John. Passed away peacefully at The Olivia NewtonJohn Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, Heidelberg, on 7May 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Aged 71 years Dearly loved and loving husband of Sandra. Much loved father and father-in-law of Brendan and Gavin, Adam and Janette, Geoffrey and Shardae, Bryce and Renee. Adored Pa to Cody, Isabella, Olivia, Lucas and Marley.

LEWIS. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mr Graham Lewis will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway Traralgon on TUESDAY (21 May 2024) commencing at 11am. Graham's Service will also be livestreamed, to view the livestream please visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on livestreaming. All ex-service personnel are respectfully invited to attend.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au Selling avan?

Aged 31 years

WARD. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mrs Dorothy (Nance) Ward will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue Moe on FRIDAY (17 May 2024) commencing at 1.30 pm. Nance's Service will also be livestreamed, to view the livesstream please visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on live streaming.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

WHELAN.

GILBERT, Don. CathyAnne, Helen and families, would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended Don's Funeral, for the kind messages and support. Abig thank you to the staff at LRH, Maryvale and Dalkeith Gardens for their care.

Honour yourloved ones and share their story

When you lose someone close to you, it can be hard to put your thoughts and feelings into words

All notices placed in print also go in our digital edition

A personal message in the Latrobe Valley Express can say so much

Dearly loved son of Judy and Max Matthews. Much loved brother of Kristy, Leah, and Justin (dec.). Amuchloved nephew to all of his uncles, aunts and their families.

MATTHEWS, William Ralph (Bill). Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Hospital Traralgon on 9May 2024. Aged 98 years

Dearly loved husband of Norma (dec.). Much loved father and father-in-law of William and Sharon (dec.), Christine and Colin, Gordon and Lyn, Glynnise, Shelley, and Erica. Adored little Pop to all his grand, and great grandchildren.

For Funeral details visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

The things we feel so deeply, Are the hardest things to say. You will always be remembered In averyspecial way.

Loved son of Geoffrey (dec.) and Shirley. Very much loved brother of Peter, brother-in-law of Gail. Uncle of Danielle, Amie and Kaitlyn. After avery brave fight with cancer. Very much loved Will be missed every day

WHITE (Simpson), Shirley Frances. Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Hospital Traralgon on 4May 2024. Aged 91 years Dearly loved wife of John (dec.). Much loved father of Gayle, and Michael. Private Cremation held.

MATTHEWS.

The Funeral Service for Aaron Matthews will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue Moe on THURSDAY (16 May 2024) commencing at 1.30 pm. The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of the Service for the Moe Cemetery.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MORSINK. The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Theo Morsink will take place in the Rose Chapel at Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Cemetery Drive, Traralgon on MONDAY (20 May 2024) commencing at 11am.

The Funeral Service for Daryl Whelan will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue Moe on MONDAY (20 May 2024) commencing at 11am.

The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of the Service for the Yallourn Cemetery.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

WHITE. AMemorial Service to celebrate the life of Mrs Shirley Frances White will be held at St Mary's Anglican Church Mirboo North on THURSDAY (16 May 2024) at 2pm. Shirley's Service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream, please visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on live streaming.

HEINEMANN. The Heinemann family would like to thank everyone for their care and support during the difficult time of Rita's illness and passing. Thank you for visiting Rita whilst she was in hospital and at Mitchell House, saying prayers, sending messages of support, cards and flowers and attending her Rosary and Funeral. We would also like to thank Father James and the Parishioners of Morwell Catholic Parish, Deacon Mark Kelly, the nursing staff at LRH and staff at Mitchell House for the care and sensitivity with which they treated Rita.

PRATT, Glenn. Barb and family would like to thank everyone who attended our Glenn's funeral, for all the heart felt messages, flowers, cards, and support at this most difficult time. It is wonderful to see how much Glenn was thought of.

Thank you to the carers who looked after Glenn at Omara House, who gave him kindness and support. Thank you George for looking after Glenn.

Good-bye to our dear Glennie, rest in peace my love.

Family owned and locally based Funeral Directors We bring 35 yearsexperience to familiesin Traralgon, Morwell, Churchill, Moe, Trafalgar, Korumburra and surrounding areas. THE CHOICE IS YOURS Practical, sensible and affordable. We offerboth at-need and pre-paid funerals. All female funerals are available. Dignityand respect,always

For friendly advice on how to place a message contact The Classified Department 5135 4455

XUEREB, Emanuel (Mal). Passed away peacefully at O'Mara House Aged Care Traralgon on 29 April 2024. Aged 93 years Dearly loved husband of Rose. Much loved father and father-in-law of Sam and Sharyn, Pauline, Ron and Liz, Phillip and Nancy, Garry and Linda. Adored Nannu/Grandpa to all his grand and great grandchildren.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MULLER. The Funeral Service for Max Muller will be held at the Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Cemetery Rd, Traralgon THURSDAY (23 May 2024) commencing at 11am.

Private Funeral held. So dearly loved So dearly missed Rest in peace MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

WILSON. The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Peter Wilson will take place in the Rose Chapel at Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Cemetery Dve, Traralgon on FRIDAY (17 May 2024) commencing at 2pm.

Van der POL, Teena. Johanna and Liz would like to thank everyone for the support and love on the passing of our beautiful mother. The flower tributes, cards, food and messages of support were overwhelming. Thank you to Dr Boers and Sharon, Dr Ian Webb (retired), Quin and to the amazing nurses at Maryvale Hospital. Special thank you to Sue, Pam, Neil, Rachael and Judy for all the love, support and friendship you gave to Mum. Thank you to David Hastie, Yolanda, Helen and Ricky for their care and hugs during Mum's funeral. "Hug those you still have with you"

When you lose someone close to you, it can be hardto put your thoughts and feelingsinto words

Apersonal message in the Latrobe ValleyExpress can say so much

Forfriendly adviceonhow to place your message contact

Caravans

Local athletes onnational stage

ATHLETICS

By ERIKA ALLEN

NINEathletes from Wellington Athletic Club represented Victoria at the 2024 Australian Athletics Championships held in Adelaide last month.

It is by farthe biggest eventonthe club's summer athletics calendar, with local hopefuls travelling from as far as Heyfield and Numerallatocompete against the nation’s best junior and open athletes.

Forthe seasoned athlete with afew national appearances under their belt, the atmospherenever gets old. Meanwhile, debutants runningon the biggeststage of their competitive careersrubbedshoulders with Olympic athletes, takinginanother level of professionalism with bright eyes. There is no better place to do this than at the startline. It is always interesting scoping out your competitors: do they look nervous or confident? How do you tell?

Heyfield middledistance runner, Rachel O’Brien, who competed in the senior women’s 1500 metre and 800m events said, “Everyone seems to have their own little habits.”

“For me, it’s jiggling my legs, but Isee people jumpingorslapping their legs or even cracking jokes with competitors.

“The feeling of stepping out of the cool room andonto the trackisone filled with anticipation, excitement and just alittle bit of dread knowingthe pain that’s probably about to come.

“I’m usually trying to get focused but if someone calls out their support from the sidelines it definitely puts asmile on my face.”

While more nuanced than dancing, Olympic hurdler MichelleJenneke’s pre-race ritual, whether athletes shake their legs out, slap them to getthe blood flowing or confidently stride off thestart line to get their heart rate up, rituals are rituals all the same and athletes can be especially superstitious.

As O’Brien lined up on the blue synthetictrackinAdelaide, ashade darker than that of Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne,where she claimed her first Victorian Open title in February, you could not help but notice that the Wellington athlete sported the same hairstyle she wore at the state championships.

Was this acoincidence? No.

“I loveracinginthe spacebuns,they’re apart of my little preparations actually,” O’Brien told the Gippsland Times

“Space buns equals race day mindset for me and they’re just fun.”

On April 11, O’Brien made her eighth Australian Championship appearance in the first heat of the senior women’s 1500m event. So, she’s had the time to hone her pre-race rituals.

Uniqueamong hercompetitors, O’Brien was the only athlete wearing two buns. Nine outof15women sported aponytail, three wore braids or plaits, while two opted for asinglebun.

However, this reporter cannot help pointing out thatOlympian LindenHall, whose formidable world class reputation speaks for itself as the first Australian woman to run asub four-minute 1500m, also has aritualistic habit involving hairstyle.

Acountry girl herself, the Sunburyborn athletecompeted in herfirst OlympicsinRio de Janeiro in 2016. Eight years ago, she debuted alarge green and gold ribbon in her hair on the start line of the 1500m heats.

In 2021, Hall told Australian Women’s Healththatwhile she has become less superstitious over time, she will “always race with aribbon” in her hair.

“Whenever Iget my race uniform, I head over to Spotlight and colour match ribbonstomyNikerace kit exactly. And obviously, agreen and gold for the Olympics. That’s my thing,” she said.

Despite switching to Puma in 2022, the sight of Hall wearing an orange ribbon in the same 1500mheat as O’Brien on April 11, matching the neon orange to pink gradient uniform, shows that Olympians are creatures of habit too. But O’Brien probably was not paying attention to the ribbon in Hall’s hair. Rather,more impressively, that she would be competing against world class athletes like Hall and GeorgiaGriffith, another Olympian and stalwart of Australian middle distance running. The two Olympians were labelled

“favourites” to go deep in the eventual finalbynoneother than Bruce McAvaney, who commentated the race alongside 18-time nationalchampion, Tamsyn Manou.

After the sound of the gun, O’Brien was placed in the middle of the pack, which had alreadystretched outbythe 300m mark. Well-placed, O’Brien’slong signature stride had her positioned on the outside in eighth. Surging past a shorter competitor with long strides, O’Brien was the tail of aclear leading pack by the endofthe firstlap,completed in about 75 seconds.

By 800m, apack of three leaders including Hall and Griffith formed, another three were 30m behind them, followed by O’Brien on her own.

With only the first five across the line awarded automaticentry into thefinal, O’Brien had work to do from seventh position.

Whilelookingout of finals contention as the bell rang, signalling the final lap, the fast-paced race had O’Brien’s 1100msplit clocking 3:18.7. Breaking her personal best time of 4:30.73 looked possible but needing the last 400m to be faster than 72 seconds.

Fallingjust short of apersonal best with atimeof4:33.65, O’Brien placed eighth in the heat and 15th out of 31 competitors overall –her best-ever result at national level.

O’Brienbacked up thisphenomenal performance in the 800m, placing 17th overall in atime of 2:10.36.Again, O’Briencompetedagainst world class athletesincluding OlympianMorgan Mitchell and 19-year-old Claudia Hollingsworth who went on to win the final and book aspotatthe 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

FROM eight national appearances to one. Distance athlete Zali Metcalfe fromDrouin,who represents Wellington Athletic Club, toed the line before the Under 20 Women’s 5000m on April 11, marking her debut at national level.

The “pedestrian” pace of the event was, according to commentatorTamsyn Manou, strategic of championship races. Wearing brightyellow spikes, Metcalfe was easy to identify as she ran on the outside of abunched pack.

But an injection of pace by 800m –noticeable as the pack of about 15 athletes stretched in single file along the track– saw Metcalfefalloff the backofthe pack when they bunched together again.

As it goesindistancerunning, not running with arace’s ebbs and flows in pace, can see athletes fall off the pace quickly and it is hardtomakeupthe distance

Twelve-and-a-half laps later, Metcalfe had run down at least four athletes to finish 12th, recording apersonal best time of 18:16.37.

April 18 or Day 8was the day of personal bests for Wellington athletes. The club’s first ever medal in awalking eventwas claimed by Boolarra athlete, Matilda Read. Shewalkedher waytothe silver medal in the Under 15 Women’s 3000mWalk. Read,making her debut at anational level, also recorded apersonal best time of 15:38.27.

Other personal best timeswere achievedbyGlengarryathlete, Kaydence Fleming,inthe Under 16 200m.Striding around the bend towards the finishlinein26.08 seconds, Fleming placed 20th overall. Lachlan Rosato from Moe achieved apersonal best time in the Under 15 800m of 2:10.65 minutes where he placed 20th. Oscar Woodhouse, who placed 10th in the Under 14 800mran ablistering time of 2:13.01 minutes, apersonal best for the Sale local.

Other results:

Under 20

Antje Kempff 21st in the 400m (59.85).

Under 18

Maddy Boyd 22ndinthe 800m (2:22.59).

Under 16

Kaydence Fleming 8th in the 400m (1:00.62).

KaydenceFleming 14th in the Long Jump (4.99m). Grace Graafsma7th in the3000m (10:21.36).

Under 15

LachlanRosato7th in the 400m (53.43).

Under 14

Oscar Woodhouse 11th in the 1500m (4:33.75).

Leap: Glengarry’sKaydenceFleming competed in the Under16Long jump,the 200m and 400m events at theAustralian AthleticsChampionships in Adelaide

Ace: Rachel O’Brien from Heyfield leftAdelaide with her best

State held to account over debacle

COMMONWEALTH GAMES

ARECENT interimreportfinds the state government rushed the decision to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

An inquiry into the handling of the cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Gameshas been hampered by alackofaccess to key documents, an interimreport tabled in the Legislative Council on Tuesday, April 30, found.

Thereport notes the committee has exhausted most avenues open to it in obtaining documents relevant to its inquiry, for which the state government has made aclaim of executive privilege.

“The government is accountable to the parliament and, through the parliament,tothe people of Victoria. It should not set the conditions by which it is held to account,” said the committee chair, David Limbrick.

For the matter to be progressed further, aproduction of documents motion would need to be agreed upon by the House, according to the report.

The Legislative Council SelectCommittee of nine members, including three MPs each from the Government, Opposition and crossbench, is examining the July 2023 termination of the contract to hold the Commonwealth Games in Victoria.

This includes the assessment of the business case used to supportthe decisiontohost the Games, potential failures in governance, the impacts of the contract termination on Victoria, the Victorian Government advicereceived, thepotential of undue influence by the executive, the timeline, progress and budget of the Victorian Government'sregional infrastructure and housing build, and the impact on community, social, amateur and professional sport in Victoria.

The committeefound the timeframe agreed upon between the Victorian government and the Commonwealth Games Federation to negotiate thehosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Games was too short.

“It is possible that if the government had taken the time to produce amore consideredbusiness case,itmay nothave gone ahead with its decision to host the Gamesinthe firstplace. This wouldhave prevented the loss of over half abilliontaxpayer dollars,” Limbricksaid.

The inquiry foundthatthe cost of hosting the Commonwealth Gamesacross multiple cities in regional areas was underestimated and led to big operational cost increases.

It also found the business case miscalculated the potential infrastructure costs due to alackof information provided by the government, which led to completing the business case through desktop research.

Amember of the SelectCommittee on the Commonwealth Games Bid, the Gippsland Upper House MP Melina Bathsaid the interim report tabled confirmed that the state government had attemptedtoevade scrutiny at every turn.

“The stategovernment has declinedtoprovide key documents about the Games on the grounds of executive privilege, which is aslapinthe face to regional Victorians, whowillultimatelywear the $600 million cost of the disastrous decision to cancel the event,” she said.

“Jacinta Allan, former premier Daniel Andrews and former major events minister Martin Pakula all refused to appear before the inquiry and should be held in contempt for failing to deliverthe explanation owed to the Parliament and Victorian taxpayers.

“Compelling evidence provided by sporting organisations and businessesacross Gippsland revealed theenormous impact of Labor’s'cruel' decision –the state government built expectation, sporting organisations rallied, small

businesses ramped up and planned and then the rug was pulled out from underneath them.

“This interim report has found Labor failed dismally to exercise basic due diligence by grossly underestimatingcosts to hold the Games in its shoddy business case.

“Yet, unbelievably, certain Ministers and agencies are still claiming immunity –something the committee refuses to accept.

“There is absolutely no accountability and no regard for what the government has doneto regional Victoria’s reputational damage,lost opportunity for the athletes, tourism,business and civic pride.

“Labor is still dangling acarrotinfront of regional Victoriansbyclaiming $2 billionofdesperately needed legacy projects will be delivered but we have

no detail, no timelines, and no reasontobelieve this government will keep its promise.

“The Nationals will continue to demand better for regional Victorians,hold the AllanLabor Government to account for its failures, and make sure Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley receive the sporting and housing infrastructure they need.

“My sincere thanks also to all of the secretariat, our committeemembers and indeedthe witnesses and those people who made submissions to this inquiry.”

The interim report is an overview of the evidence received by the committee so far. It makes 23 findings. The inquiry is still in progress. The Committee intends to hold further hearings and will make recommendations in its final report due by April 2025.

Super Scholtes is headed for the UnitedStates

BASKETBALL COLLEGE

BY TOM HAYES

ANOTHER local is set to hit the US shores.

Traralgon’s Emily Scholtes has announced that she has committed to the University of Utah as a student athlete, joining their basketball program.

In April, Scholtesvisited SouthernUtah University, where she will spend the next period of herlife, playingbasketballand studyingand degree in teaching.

“I’m really excited, Iwent over to got to see all of the coaches and the players and get alook around town,” she said.

“The university itself is really nice, it’s adecent size -it’snot too big, it’s not too small.” Scholtes was worried she would be overwhelmed in she was admitted to abig school, yet she confirmed that it was aperfect fit for her coming from atownthe size of Traralgon.

Upon her visit to Southern Utah, she said that the coachesand staff seemed keen to get her going and into the system.

“I got to see them (the team) train acouple times, Ididn’t get on court, but Ijust got to sit there and watch, and they would come over,” she said.

The college facilitiesand lifestyle is so much large to that of the Latrobe Valley, catering for just about any need astudent athlete might have.

“It’s huge, everything just seems so much bigger and more extravagant,” Scholtes recognised.

“Even the court we play on is huge, andithas the biggrandstand, you don’treallyget that in Australia at the higher level, especially in women’s sports.

“It’s on awhole newlevel.”

Aftergaining early enrolment, Scholtes will head overtothe collegeearlynext year ahead of the 2025/26 season.

She hopes that given the chance to show she skills

earlier, she mightbeabletowork her way into the team before thenew season starts.

Southern Utah University competes in the Western Athletic Conference, aconference that the Thunderbirds has seen some success in in recent years, winning the conference in the 2022/23 season.

While in the US, Scholtes will be studying for a degree in teaching, to which she believes teaches universal skills and willbeabletoapply those skills back home, if she wishes to return to Australian shores after college.

Although Scholtes hasn’t had the time to figure

out what she wants to achieve while in the US, she pointedout thatshe hopestoimprove her individual skills.

“The styleofgames from AmericatoAustralia is very different, over there they are very much (dependant on) individual skills,I just want to develop that abit,” Scholtes said.

Aside from the court, she also wants to make the most of hertimeinthe US, andmakesure she enjoys herself, as it is essentially aonce in a lifetime opportunity.

“I’m excited to be out on my own, and Iget to be an officialadult. Also just being able to play

in another country is super cool,” Scholtes said.

“Just the whole experience of living somewhere else, out of home.

“I am nervous though,I’ve never reallybeen awayfrom home for alongperiod of time, so that’ll probably be alittle bit scary.”

Although Southern Utah University may look and feel like asmall town itself, it’s actually surrounded by big cities similar to Traralgon.

Scholtes says the town to have asimilar feel to Traralgon, yet on alargerscale. Funnily enough, similarly like Traralgon to Melbourne, sits Las Vegas about 250 kilometres away, just across the border in Nevada.

Since Scholtes knew she would be off to college, she stayed in contact with former college basketballer, also fromTraralgon in Jordan Pyle,who competed at the University of St Francis.

Playing for the same local team, Scholtes admits she would constantly bug her about college, what she should andshouldn’tdo, really quizzing the ex-college athlete about her experience.

Despite her nervousness, Scholtesremainskeen on the experience ahead.

Lookingdeeperinto the future, Scholtes looked at what life might look like after four years of college under he belt.

“I’m currently playing NBL1, but the goal after college wouldprobablybetocome backhere (Australia) to play WNBL,” she said.

Although right now, Scholtes doesn’t see herself hitting the level of the WNBA, if the opportunity ever presented itself to her, she would grab at it with both hands.

Shedoesn’t ultimately feel as if her future lies in the US andfeels as if she would like to come home eventually after the college experience.

Scholtes already planstotravel and visithome in her off-season periods of the year, which I’m sure she’ll take advantage of.

Missed out: FalconsParkwas set to host Rugby7sbeforethe state government cancelled the 2026Commonwealth Games last year

Photograph supplied

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Tigerstickoff season with abang

CRICKET

CLV

GORMANDALE Cricket Club put an exclamation mark on season 2023/24 at the club's presentation evening last month.

Presentation was held at the Grand Junction Hotel, Traralgon.

Thenight was very well attended with sponsors, life members and supporters of the club, mixed in with the current junior and senior playing groups.

Gormandale Cricket Club Vice President and senior coach Nicholas Scammell highlighted how far the club had come in the last 12 months.

“The 2022/23 season was incredibly difficult where we effectively only had one-and-a-half teams, with our BGrade beingpropped up by Under 13s," he said.

"With all the leaguechanges and then seven players who played AGrade last year leaving the club over winter we didn’t know what this season would bring, but due to alot of hardwork we pulled ourselves out of the muck, fielded three senior teams with no forfeits whilealsofielding two junior

teams which has been an incredible turnaround.”

Gormandale hadn’t won agame in AGrade going into the last round before the Christmas break of 2023inthe newly establishedCricket Latrobe Valley,but then came storming home to finish third on the ladder.

Band CGrade improved on past seasons, winning five and three games respectively.

“It tookawhile for AGrade to click but once they didtheyplayed some reallygoodcricket," Scammel said.

"Matt Hibbs was afantastic firstyear skipper while Nat Campbell and Yohan Soyza are the most dangerous spin combination in Gippsland and we loved having them at full flight.

"Our lower grades had some fluctuating results but it helped that everyone was on the same page this year and the comradery of our Bss andCs encourageda more positive environment which really infected the whole club and was great to see."

Presentation night was highlightedbySoyza announcing he had no hesitation in signing on for next season,havingtaken outthe clubbowling average and aggregate as well as champion and

Most Valuable Player over CLV AGrade Champion, Hibbs.

Otheraward winners of note were Brendan Peavey, who in his first year as president took outthe Graeme 'Mumbles' Membrey Memorial Best Clubman.

Robert Smith claimed the Laurie Power Memorial President's Award, and Andrew Heard became the club's newest life member.

"It's always aspecial nightwhenalifemembership is awarded,but overall we had some very deserved winners across all grades and in the backroom as well who were all worthywinners and celebrated on the night," Scammell said.

"I know every club says it but we really do have aspecial bunch of volunteers who keep this club afloat andifitwasn't for some of thehard work done over the last 12 months by these guys, we probably wouldn't have aclubright now."

When pressed on whether or not he thought the 2023/24 season was asuccess, Scammell had this to say:

"Clubs are judged externally on wins and of course premierships which wasn't achieved this year, but Idon't think aflag would have defined our season in 23/24 although it would have beennice," he said.

"Someclubs won flags in lower gradesbut their A Grade were hardly competitive, while other clubs played finals in nearly all grades but didn't obtain any silverware, all of whom would say internally thatthey had success this season although outside voices may not agree.

"We were able to do some magnificent things on and off the field this year like support aformer member of our club with his healthbattlesbyhosting some of the best cricketers in country Victoria at our ground for acharity match.

"Weraised the profile of our club, developed and strengthened relationships to benefit our club, recruited top end talent as well as lower grade players to field three senior teams each week while also havingtwo junior sides as well, so the question is... can we pat ourselves on the back and say our season was successful even though we didn't win a flag? The answer to that is you bet we can!"

The GormandaleCricketClubwon't be resting on their laurels and are already busy talking to players and coming up with new and exciting initiatives to continue to push the club forward.

Celebrating20yearsofKeenagers

TABLETENNIS

IN March 2004, the Traralgon Keenagers program was established to cater for mature age (over 50) citizens to participate in social table tennis.

The beginnings were not that encouraging as at the opening morning, agrand totaloftwo players attended. Fortunately, thingsimproved overthe years and the Monday and Thursday morning sessions becamealifestyle component for many regular players over the years.

The Traralgon Table Tennis Club stadium facilities with dedicated court areas and tables permanently set up solelyfor table tennisisabonus for Traralgon and the surrounding area, and has had apositive impact on the continued growth of not only the Keenagers but the local table tennis association.

During the past 20 years, there has been a number of milestones,all of which in their own way contribute to the historyofthe Keenager club. There has been two players well over 90 years of age who have participated on aregular basis.

One of them started on the firstday, 20 years ago and is still playing having now attended arecord 1603 sessions.

The combination of exerciseand social interaction has provedtobeanattractive option for participants over the years.

More than 400 individual players have enjoyed the opportunity to be involved in the Keenager program overthe pastyears, with 27 players achieving in excess of 500 sessions, six with more than 1000 sessions and one player with more than 1600 sessions.

Statisticslikethisare encouraging for the future of the program in the Traralgon Table Tennis Association and other regional clubs.

Due to the steady increase in player numbers, it was decided to bring in arotation system in 2007.

This uniquesystem overcomesthe temptation for players to form into groups and only play with their 'mates' or players of similar ability.

The social aspect is equallyimportant, as the rotation systempromotesacceptance of othersand becomes a'getting to know' type of atmosphere. This translates into morningteas beingvery sociable

and noisy as previous strangers enjoy each other's company.

In 2009,the Traralgon Table Tennis Association held the first Keenagertournament in thearea, with men's, women's and mixed teams from Lakes Entrance to Drouin competing. Tournaments are now held throughout Victoria as the popularity of Keenager participation rapidly expanded.

Although competition is not the focus of Keenagers, some players like the option of occasionally competing against other regions.

Overall, the introduction of Keenagers has been abeneficial inclusioninto the Traralgon Table Tennis Association program, as it gives over 50s citizens the opportunity to participate in an activity that assists both physical and mental wellbeing.

The recent 'milestone' morning tea brought togethermore than 50 current and former players who celebrated and reminisced overthe past 20 years of enjoyment playing Keenager table tennis

The club is looking forwards to the continued success and growth of the worthwhile community activity, and hopes it provides asocial/sporting outlet for many more Latrobe Valley citizens.

Their Tiger Lotto will be running again this winter, with the club planning on hitting the training track in July.

For anyone interested in playing cricket next season or playing for anew club, feel free to reach out to GormandaleCricket Club on Facebook or headtothe Grand JunctionHotelevery Friday night for the club's weekly pub raffles or to talk to someone from the club there.

Vic League sides suffer losses

HOCKEY

By JEN SUTTON

LATROBE Valley Men’s Vic League hockey team cameupagainst an extremely fast and skilled opposition in St Kilda Powerhouse last Saturday.

Despite agood effort from David Barker in his goalkeeping debut, the local team went down 9-nil.

Daniel Godfrey and Rob Douglas-Green also worked tirelessly for the LVHA side.

The Women’s Vic League team played Frankston at home in avery tight match. Frankston scored agoal in the second quarter. The game was locked at this score until an exciting fourth quarter saw the LV teammisssome scoring opportunities to draw level. Late in the match the younger, faster Frankston team scoredtwo goalstosee the LV team lose 3-nil. Alicia Wood-Davies and goalkeeper Steph Langstaffput up an inspiring effort in defence.

In local women’s hockey, Rovers defeated Traralgon 3-nil, with Aria Ranui scoring all three goals, and Moe defeated Churchill five-nil.

Hockey 5s on Friday nights continuesto excite players and spectators alike.

Choe defeated Churchill in Under 8s, while the under 12 matchbetween thesetwo teams was avery thrilling 4-all draw.

In highscoring men’s games, Rovers defeated Moe 8-7,and Traralgondefeated Churchill 15-7.

Highlights included Moe’s Aiden Mair, who did not stoprunningall night, andKevin Ng scoring sixgoals for Traralgon.

Persistence: A determined Carly Thompson in actionfor Latrobe Valley Women. Photograph: MargaretNorth

Gun: Gormandale CricketClubwas led by Matt Hibbs in theseason just gone. The Tigershave already turned theirattention to season 2024/25 File photograph

TRARALGON DISTRICT

FOOTBALL LEAGUE

CRICKET

MORWELL cricketer Peter Siddle is going around again for Victoria. Cricket Victoria unveiled its men’s contracted players list for the upcoming 2024/25 season recently, and willenter the new campaign with a28-player squad that boasts an exciting blend of homegrown youth and world-class international experience.

Siddle, who turns 40 in November, is nearing the end of his first class career,but is still seenasanimportantmentortoVictoria's up-and-coming fast bowlers.

One of them is fellow Gippslander Austin Anlezark, who has earnt aplace on the rookie list.

Anlezark, from Boisdale-Briagolong in the Sale-Maffraregion, has been described in the 'Jhye Richardson mould'.

Victoria will be led by Cricket Australia-contracted quartet Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Todd Murphy and Scott Boland, the majority of lastseason’ssquad has beenretained. Batter Will Pucovski has been offeredaplaying contractfor the 2024-25season, as he deals with repeated concussions.

"Understandably therewill be alot of interest in Will Pucovski and what the future holds," Cricket Victoria General Manager -Cricket Performance and one-time Test wicketkeeper Graham Manou said. "The most important part of this process is Will andhis health and wellbeing."

Among other headlines in this year's squad is reigning Bill Lawry and DeanJones medallist, Fergus O’Neill, whohas celebratedan outstanding 2023/2024 campaign by re-committingtoCricket Victoria for the next three years.

O’Neil enjoyed abreakout summer for his home state, with the 23-year-old seamer capturing acombined 52 wickets in last year’s Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup campaigns.

Cricket Victoria has also confirmed the re-signing of bowlers Mitch Perry and Cameron McClure and all-rounder Will Sutherland, who will captain Victoria in the MarshSheffield Shieldfor the second consecutive season.

Meanwhile, reigning BBL champion and renowned power-hitter JoshBrown willmove to Melbourne, bolstering Victoria’sbatting stocks.

Brown signed atwo-year contract with the Melbourne Renegades earlier this month.

Five players from last year’s contracted list won’t be returning in 2024/25.

Veteran Nic Maddinson returns home to Sydney for family reasons. After moving to Melbourne in 2018, the 32-year-old went on to play 37 first class matches across six seasons for Victoria, scoring 2785 runs, including 10 centuries.

Theother four departing players include Tom O’Donnell (son of World Cup winner Simon), Wil Parker,Travis Dean and Matt Fotia. Victoria will be looking to consolidate on an impressive past three seasons, which has included consecutiveSheffield Shield Final appearances in 2021 and 2022, and anail-biting end to last year’s first-class campaign.

Cricket Victoria Head of Male Cricket David Hussey said he was looking forward to building on the growth over the lastthreeseasons.

“We’re pleased with howour squadislooking for next season,” Hussey said.

“While we didn’t clinch titles last season, there were some real positives for us -the emergence of Fergus O’Neill as akey player in our side and the selections of Will Sutherland and Matt Short for Australia shows that we are doing alot of things right."

Siddle has taken 755 first class wickets during his career. He took more than 200 wickets in 67 Test matches, before announcing his retirement from the Test arena in 2019.

Lees

Moe: LMallia 3KHansch2 HBoothman 2JBartlett XReed CMifsud

MHayesDHiggins CWal BSavige AFalls Newborough

Moe: DetailsN/A. Newborough Bulldogs: XSchembri

GOALS:Hill End: TBastin 7CBannister 5SMackenlay3 NSallee 2JParrBStoiljkovic

NORTH GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

SENIORS

TTU topple undefeated Demons

FOOTBALL NORTH GIPPSLAND

BY TOM HAYES

IT’Sabout timethe North Gippsland Football-Netball League hada roundwhich sawthe favourites wineach game.

The firstfourweeksofthe competitionhad us reviewing at leastone eye-catching result each week.

But with only four games going ahead at the weekend, things were perhaps easier to predict.

One of the three games looked more likely to go either way than any other, but arguably you could say the favourite got the four points. The other three fixtures were very one-sided.

THE fitter, more drilled team won.

It was acontested duel between two powerhouses,TraralgonTyers United and Yarram in Round 5, but the Bombers finished stronger, winning 11.13 (79) to 5.12 (42).

Wind swirled around Tyers Recreation Reserve as the Bombershosted the undefeated Demons,inwhatwas always expected to be atight battle.

The match began with afree-flowing nature,before either sidebegan to close their doors.

Halfway through the first term, Yarram held atwo-goal lead before the game took a contested turn.

TTU displayed their run and carry, while Yarram was more reserved, using their skills to slow the game down with steady progress up the field.

more physical around the contest. We lifted our pressure,which allowed us to create more turnover opportunities.”

“Our spread from the contest, and ball movement forward improved,which allowed deeper entries and easier shots on goal.”

CJanssen. Cowwarr: BJohnston LLow WSwanJ Chalmers DCooper DWebsdale

GOALS:Heyfield: BDinsdale 10 JDinsdale5 MJohnston 2C Wilson BO’Doherty Gormandale: Details N/A. BEST:Heyfield: JDinsdale BDinsdaleKAnderson DMorris T BoyleBDarby. Gormandale: WBoulton OHoughtonMCarstein HCrean JRust NHammond

GOALS:YYN: SSimpson 3MGlibanovic3AAnderson 2M Twaddle2 TPhillipsO Budge SPearson LRuach DWalshe Glengarry: RNguoth. BEST:YYN: SSimpson MTwaddle J Mathison DWalshe MGlibanovic LRuach. Glengarry: TWilsonH Bishop LDawson LNoble NPeel LWhitehead

TMudita TMustoe DMorrisonJSleswick JSelwynK Watson. Yarram: JCollins WHarveyRShirley ALucas MMcmahon RDuVe. LADDER

3.1 10.6 15.7

(153) COWWARR 2.2

LSpeairs 6HPettie 3HRowley3 DRoss 2CMissen 2JReid BSyme N HeathcoteELogan JMurrayJ Plunkett KDoble Cowwarr: CMitchell 3ADomaille BEST: Rosedale: NHeathcoteLSpeairs HBerryJ Murray MVan Lier HPettie Cowwarr: CBass T Armstrong ADomaille JBartonCMitchell

HEYFIELD 6.3 9.7 9.13 13.16 (94)

GORMANDALE 1.0 3.0 4.2 6.2 (38)

GOALS:Heyfield: LDwyer 4JHanratty3JPettigrewHughes 2CRonan 2B WilloughbyB Meli. Gormandale: TKanara 2BOlivier 2ZJewked RMusgrove BEST:Heyfield: CRonan BWilloughbyLDwyer JParkerOMavorJPettigrewHughes Gormandale: RMusgrove K Whitney MVelascoM CropleyMDillon JCochrane

TRARALGON TYERS

3.24.8 11.11 18.12 (120)

YARRAM 0.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 (6)

GOALS:TTU: NWasalski7R Denovan 3B Watson 3NLeslie 2J Stimson SMoonN Macfarlane-Mate. Yarram: CEarles BEST:TTU: TCrosbyR Payne TCooperT Spagnolo N WasalskiB Watson. Yarram: LRoberts WBrunton CEarles ABrunton.

GLENGARRY5.7 6.12 8.16 10.20 (80)

YYN0.0 0.0 2.0 2.1 (13)

GOALS:Glengarry: FRowley4K Sutherland 2L Taylor SDarbyJ Moorehead HYoung YYN: GRuey 2. BEST:Glengarry: FBlizzardSDarby CBickerton FRowleyDGoodwin OClifton. YYN: JKaschke GRuey IGlibanovic TWhite LLaidlawJBoyes

For the remaining 15 minutes or so in the first term, spectators were treated to endto-end football, yet were starved of goals as both defences held firm, as Yarram took an 11-point lead into the first break.

As good as the game was in the early stages, the scoreboard was barely touched.

It took until the 21st minute of the second term for the next goal to go through, when Mitch Mustoe put the Bombers within akick.

Yarram missedsome chances, but remained astraightgoal in the lead. However, everything was tied up soon after, when Mustoe scored his second in quick succession to level the scores.

JustwhenTTU thought they had agripon the game, the wind shifted to the advantage of the Demons, with Josh Swift kicking two of his own in quick succession.

Swiftwas found in the forward 50 in almost identical plays, kicking truly to restore Yarram’s two-goal lead.

The Demons went into the main break up by acouple of goals,but nothing felt comfortable about the game whatsoever The momentum wasconstantly shifting,and bothsides wereseeing their fair share of chances in front of the sticks.

Idon’tknowwhat TTUcoach, Jack Brown told his troops at halftime, but whatever he said appeared to give them aboost.

The Bombers not only dominated possession after halftime, but just the complete flow of the game altogether.

In the first 20 minutes of the third term, TTU hadkicked two goals, and found themselves back in the lead.

This time they made sure to hold off on any Yarram attack, disabling them from using their kick-mark strategy to any good effect by puttingtheir runners behindthe ball, and exploding when the opportunity arose.

The home side continued their run with a thirdstraight goal to go eightpoints up. But as the third term came to aclose, Yarram found asecond wind.

The Demons’ found themselves inside 50 once again, the mark going the way of Swift who lined up for his third of the match.

Perhaps swaying the momentumofthe game, Swift’s shot almost cleared the goal line, with the goal umpire deeming it to have been touched, much to the disappointment of the away fans.

The rushed behind would be Yarram’s only score of the quarter.

Confusion surrounded the players on the field, as Swift thought he had putYarram within akick. TTU captain Jye Neilson stood up to reassure Swift thathetouchedthe ball, bringing the thirdquarter to an end withthe Bombers ahead by seven points.

HARRIET

Yarram would find their momentum stunted from that point on, failing to find the big sticks for the entire secondhalf as the home side ran away with it.

Yarram had their chances, but so did TTU, and the Bombers made the most of theirs.

Yarram kicked fivebehinds in thefinal term, all while TTU piled on 5.3 (33), to run away 37-point winners.

The Demons suffered their first loss of the season, seemingly running out of legs in the final quarter.

“It was abit of agame of two halves for us,” TTU coach, Jack Brown said.

“In the second half we set ourselves to be

Hayden Willatonwas astandout for TTU, as wasMichael Jacobsen,Zach Kilgower, Guy Sinclair, Frazar Brounsand Beau White.

Chris Bruns, Liam Bentley, captain Griffin Underwood, KaylebPearce, Jake Mcfarland and Nick McKenzie were the brunt of the Demons’ force.

Yarram remain in the top five after suffering their first loss, while TTU move up into third, passing Woodside, who had the bye.

THE Jets flexed their muscles.

Yallourn Yallourn North proved they are still aforce to be reckoned with, destroying Glengarry to the tune of 160 points, 26.23 (179) to 2.7 (19).

The home side improved from strength to strength in what was acomplete four-quarter performance.

Amassive openingterm set the tone for the Jets, as they blazed away to a40-point quarter time lead.

It was much the same ahead of halftime, with the Jets kicking 5.4 (34), all while keeping Glengarry goalless, seeing them score just four behinds.

With 70 points up their sleeve at halftime, thegamewas just about over, knowing that the Magpies had onlyoncescoredmorethan 70 points this season,coming in Round 1 against Gormandale.

Despite that piece of information, YYN put their opponents to the sword, shifting up into the next gear in the second half.

Glengarry managed to find their second, andfinal, major of the game, though it was no use. The Jets kicked six third-quarter goals, sending the marginover100 points, and to sour those playing in black and white, there was still another 30 minutes of football ahead of them.

Perhaps the most damaging of the lot, the Jets blazed away in the final term, having 18 scoringshotstoone, outscoring Glengarry by 57 points.

YYN’s 8.10 (58) to one behindlastquarter, saw them hold a160-pointmarginasthe final siren rang around George Bates Reserve.

With the number of opportunities they had, YYN may be bugged with themselves for not capitalising on theirchances, but no doubt the result is apositive. Having 49 scoring shotstonineisacomplete and utter demolition job.

The Jetswere well jockeyed by Mitch Luck (five goals), Anthony Young, Dean Macdonald (six goals), Jai Massese, Ben Morrow and Lucas Fry. Also chipping in on the scoreboard was Lachlan Rees, kicking four majors.

Luke Healy, OscarBradford, Callum Mitchell, Liam Mitchell, Jordan Isiah Thomas and Thomas Harris were the best for the Magpies.

YYN will feel like they have been pointed in the right direction for their upcoming clash with Churchill. Last time those two sides played, they provided one of the most entertainingNGFNL finals in recent history. Glengarryare set with the taskofCowwarr next week, and apotential points grab is on the cards for the Magpies.

IT was atale of two halves in Cowwarr.

The Saints hosted Rosedale, as both teams entered the game hopeful of winning, but it was the visiting side who had the last laugh, victorious 15.12 (102) to 7.7 (49).

It was always going to be aback-and-forth

battle between these two teams, but one had to get one over the other.

The home side started strongest,piling on five first-quarter goals to three, taking a two-goal lead into the first change. The margin could have gone in anumber of different ways, with bothsides kicking four behinds. If any of those had have been goals, Rosedale could have hit the front, or the Saints could have put more pressure on in the form of afour or five-goal advantage.

With some work to do, the Blues piled on pressure of their own, ultimately breaking the home side. Rosedale gained alot from this, kicking five goals to one in the second term.

With the lead now in their hands, they handed over the reins to Cowwarr to reply, and if they didn’t, the Blues would make sure to make them pay for it.

The start to the second half was ahot contest,and it showedonthe scoreboard, withonly three majors kicked throughout the 30-minute period.

Cowwarr managed to kick 1.3 (9), but they were outdone again by Rosedale, who improved on their halftime lead.

Rosedale kicked ahead with 2.2 (14), extending their lead to 20 points as the two sides headed into the final term.

It was all Rosedale as the game came to an end. Cowwarr remained on the same score as three quartertime, as the Blues did all thescoring.

From 20 points, the margin soon rose to 53, with Rosedale kicking 5.3 (33) in the last to claim their second win of the season. Rosedale was led by Spencer (eight goals) and Harper Fox, BlakeSafstrom, Declan Barnett, Riley Atlee and Riley Boyle. Cowwarr were valiantly defeated, in their best was Alex Saunders, Ben Coffey, Jackson Davison, Tim Johnston, Jake Brown and Keenan Hughes.

ADAY out for the Kangaroos.

Heyfieldhad no problems against Gormandale, taking care of them 24.18 (162) to 0.2 (2).

The game was nearly over before it started for the Tigers, who didn’t even get on the scoreboard in the first quarter, all while Heyfield had eight chancesslotting 4.4 (28). Thingswent from bad to worse for Gormandale, as the Kangaroos only worked themselvesfurther into the game, kicking another 7.4 (46) to asingle behind.

Leading by 73 points at halftime, the game was already done, but Heyfield had more work to do.

They got better in the second half, starting with aseven-goal third quarter which saw the lead surpass the 100 mark, which was followed by a6.7 (43) to one point final term, which closed the game out with Heyfield 160-point winners.

Thomas Marchesi was the best for the Kangaroos, and was well-assisted by Finn Stephenson (eightgoals), Kyle Graham (three goals), Tyson Birss (three goals), Liam Heasley and Kail Hole. Anumberofyoung guns for Heyfield stepping up in the big win. JackChristianfeaturedprominently up top for the Kangaroos, kicking four himself. Aaron Pawel, NickMillington, Hayden Richards, Chris Potalej and Zac Watson were best for the Tigers.

Heyfield will walk themselves into the bye for Round 6, while Gormandale will need to put their bestfoot forward againstan ever-growing TTU side.

WOODSIDE,Sale Cityand Churchill had the bye.

Pillar: Trent Hourigan stood firm in TTU’sdefence,often the option to blast the ball long out of their defensive50.

Photograph: TomHayes

AGL and NGFNL continue partnership

FOOTBALL NORTH GIPPSLAND

THE North Gippsland Football-Netball League has announced that AGL LoyYang willcontinue their partnership for afurther two years as the major sponsorofthe NGFNL,knownasthe AGL Loy Yang North Gippsland Football-Netball League.

AGL Loy Yang has been the major sponsor of the NGFNL since 2015 and prior to this, were great supporters of the league.

This years sponsorship with AGL Loy Yang will allow for three community-based celebration rounds.

The ongoing AGL Pride Cup, which is now in its seventh year, will be contested by Heyfield and Cowwarr and will be played on Round 10.

The Pride Cup Round is where the LGBTIQ+ communityare celebrated within football and netball, and inclusivecultures arepromoted within all 11 North Gippsland clubs.

Two new partnership eventswillalso be held during the season.

AMental Health Round with Mindful Aus will alsobeheld for the first time thisyear, which will be known as the AGL Loy Yang Mental Health Round.

The round will be played on August 3(Round 16), with afeature game at the Rosedale FootballNetballClub. Theaim of the roundistoraise awareness of the importance of mental health.

This builds on the previous partnership activities of AGL Loy Yang,who have also supported Mindful Aus to deliver mental health sessions within all 11 clubs, as well as training two members from each club in mental health first aid.

AGL and the NGFNL will be promoting an Indigenous Round during NAIDOC week on July 6with smokingceremonies and aWelcome to Country at each home ground. Around encouraging learning, awareness,and knowledgeofAboriginal culturewithin the local communities.

The generous sponsorship from AGL Loy Yang willalso supportthe NGFNL in their juniorplayer development program, involving interleague squads for Under 15s, U17s netball and U18s football.

Thissupport will enable the league to engage competent and qualified coaches and provide development opportunities for the players, as well as league apparel.

NGFNL President Martha Truinsaidthe league was eager to continue working in partnership with AGL.

“The continued partnership with AGL Loy Yang allows the NGFNL the opportunity to showcase their 11 member clubs and promote communitybased awareness events, whilst delivering an opportunity for patrons to have asense of belonging,” she said.

AGL General Manager at Loy Yang, Christo van Niekerk said localfootball-netball leaguesare integral to regional communities.

“AGL Loy Yang is committed to supporting our localcommunityand recognise the importance local leagues like NGFNL play in connecting the community through sport," he said.

"We also value our shared commitment to promoting diversity and mental health, and look forward to the partnership events coming this year.

"AGL also wishes the NGFNL, their member clubs, players and supporters asuccessful 2024 season.”

Twomoreyears: AGLGeneral ManageratLoy Yang,Christo vanNiekerkwith North Gippsland Football-Netball LeaguePresident Martha Truin, announcing AGLcontinuedsupportofthe league

Sunssurvivethesweat,victoriousinDarwin

FOOTBALL AFL EXPORTS

BY TOM HAYES

ROUND 9ofthe 2024 AFL season quite literally haditall, from games decided by akick or less, to demolitions reaching triple-figuremargins,and there was even adraw.

Our locals were right in the thick of it too.

LATROBE Valley’s locals all took to the stage on Saturday (May 11).

Things startedoff in Tasmania at the University of Tasmania Stadium, where Traralgon’s Tim Membrey lined up for St Kilda as they were hosted by Hawthorn.

The Saints were favourites going into the match, but the Hawks alwayspeeredasathreat, and now even more so to sides outside the top eight.

Hawthorn got the chocolates in anail-biter, defeatingthe Saintsbyfive points, 8.10 (58) to 7.11 (53).

Membrey kicked one goal and had 10 disposals for the match, taking four marks.

LATER that night, Gold Coast hosted North Melbourne at TIO Stadium in Darwin.

Thehot and humid conditions had the two sides fighting over asweaty ball, but the conditions favoured one team more than the other, Gold Coast getting the upper hand winning 17.18 (120) to 7.10 (52).

Moe and Fish Creek’sSam Flanders returned to his very best with 29 disposals, two clearances and 580 metres gained. He was the equal-most disposal-getter for the Suns.

Morwell’s Ben Ainsworth had some scoreboard

effect. He kicked two majors and had 19 touches from half forward with 581 metres gained.

Most impressively, despite only spending 27 per cent of the game time on the field was Moe’s Bailey Humphrey.

Humphrey came on for the Suns as the substitute at three quarter time, having himself potentially his best quarter of football at AFL level.

In the final term alone, the second-year product had 12 disposals, five tackles, six clearances, 405 metres gained and agoal assist.

The Sunsnow just sit two points and some percentage outside the top eight.

MORWELL’S Jiath brothers, Changkuoth and Tew, have essentiallyswapped positions in terms of getting on the AFLfield

Changkuoth returnedtofootball,playing VFL for Box Hill at the weekend, having himself a successful return.

The running half back had 22 disposals and ninemarks as BoxHillgot the chocolates over Sandringham.

On the other hand, Tew picked up an ankle injury playing for Collingwood in the VFL at the weekend before last.

He was expected to miss two to three weeks, missing oneofthose games at the weekend already.

With the number of casualties on Collingwood’s injury list, if Tew can get fit and firing, he could be asneakychancetomake his debut.

Photograph supplied

Mr Popular: Moe footballer BaileyHumphrey takesaselfie with someGold Coastfans aftertheir Round 9win over North Melbourne

Photograph: AFL Galleries

MID GIPPSLAND FNL

First class feast of football

FOOTBALL MID GIPPSLAND BY ROB POPPLESTONE

ROUND5ofthe Mid Gippsland FootballNetball League appears to be much like those of the first four weeks,with amajorityofthe contests capable of going either way, but with victory also being absolutely crucial.

BKimberley LTowns JLont

RMichaelides BEvans BEST: Fish Creek: TValenta DBerryman KDorling JShawT Buckley R De Biase Morwell East: RMichaelides IAbasJLont MDiazT Nicholson LTowns NEWBOROUGH

(136)

5.7 (37)

GOALS:Newborough: NWheildon 7MBrosnan 2J Pearce 2PAinsworth 2KJennings 2 NCurtis PCharles LFlahavin JHudsonLCharles Mirboo Nth: ROddy 3J Burgess-Pincini T Harris BEST:Newborough: LCharles JPearceN Wheildon PAinsworth KJennings LWebber Mirboo Nth: HMahoney EWoodall ROddy THarrisS Kennedy LJowett.

TARWIN 1.1 3.4 5.5 7.7 (49)

STONYCREEK1.5 1.11 3.14 4.16 (40)

GOALS: Tarwin: RO’loughlin 3M Williams 2JKennedy TKrause. StonyCreek: DZuidema J Stone TStone JByrnes BEST:Tarwin: FWarrenRO’loughlin TKrause BChalmers MWilliams HCumming StonyCreek: CLoughridge TStone JStuartHFunnell SMarriott JStone

4.7 7.10 8.14 9.16 (70)

0.1 1.2 3.4 8.5 (53) GOALS: Foster:

There was little doubt we were always going to be treated to somefirst classfootball at the weekend, and so it proved.

 MORWELL EAST VFISHCREEK

WITHOUT question the Match of the Round was between the only unbeaten side of 2024, Morwell East, playing host to 2023 premier Fish Creek.

The Hawks had gained an impressive pass mark just the week prior against Newborough, but were under no illusions as to the task at hand on the weekendjust gone

The realityisthatMorwell East are where they want to be,evenafter falling agonisinglyclose an the weekend,defeated by Fish Creek, 11.7 (73) to 11.10 (77).

FishCreekcoach Jarrod Walker secured his second consecutive win at Ronald Reserve, following last yar’s Grand Final win.

“A really good win, one of the better homeand-away wins to be apart of," he said.

"With two players in hospital before halftime,the oddswere against us but everyone dugdeep, cracked in and never gave up.

"Extremely pleasedwith how we slowed the gamedownlateinthe lastquarter to take time off the clock."

On the flipside, Morwell East coach Paul Henry was disappointed with the result,but certainly not the effort.

“We didn't produce our best footy, but you have to put that down to Fish Creek not allowing us to," he said.

"Our third quarter was our best quarter, it gave us athree goal lead heading into the last. Ahugelastquarter from Fish Creek saw the game slowly slip away. We had the opportunitytosnatch it late, but we just couldn't get it done."

Hill End can now look forward to adeserved weekend off,especially for the likes of Aaron Fawcett, Lachlan Wilson, Nic James, Liam Cumiskey, Rohan Marra and Harry Morre, all of whom performed so well.

TheRovers, however, will return afterthe bye to take on Morwell East, so there doesn't seem to be much to look forward to.



MIRBOO NORTH V NEWBOROUGH

THETigers faced yet another of the toughest testsinthe MGFNL on the weekend, having to host atalented Newborough side who themselves had come off aloss the week prior. The Bulldogs were keen to bounce back quickly, and they did, in avery big way, winning 20.16 (136) to Mirboo North 5.7 (37).

Newborough senior coach, Craig Skinner wasabsentatthe weekend, and handed the reinsovertoassistant coaches JackHudson and Pat Frendo.

The coach kept aclose eye on proceedings knowing the side was left in capable hands.

"After adisappointing game against Morwell East it was good to get back on the winner’s list and retain the Ron Skinner Cup," Skinner said.

"With assistant coaches Jack Hudson and Pat Frendo in charge for the day, doing a greatjob with an immediate response.

Understanding Mirboo North’s position and injuries it was good to play four quarters of consistent footy and work on afew things.

"Nathan Whieldon got reward for persistent effort with seven (goals).

The Bulldogs may have won the game comfortably, but their opponents have taken some solace in the fact there were small wins within the game that coach Damien Turner has highlighted to his team.

“Sometimesit’s hard to find positivesafter aclose to 100 point loss, but Iwas veryproud today, at halftime the game could have gone two ways, credit to our boys we came out and nearlywon the (third)quarter," he said.

halftime we disappointingly fell away and Thorpdale kicked away. We need to getbetter for longerifwewant to be in the fightagainst the strongest."

Thereisnoquestion Toora are afar better team in 2024, and are sure to take afew unlikely scalps along the way. But as coach Weston admits, the weekend clash is one that got away, and those are the ones that can make or break seasons.

 FOSTER VMDU

AS players, coaches and supporters know, there are gamesthat you havetowin and there are games you just want to win.

This contest was for both reasons, as two talented teams witha lot of history matched up desperate for the premiership points and the resultant ladder position.

The Tigershad managed to win three from their first four games, and the Demons, two from the three they had played.

Victory meant plenty even at this early stage of the season, and it was Foster that gotwhatthey needed, victorious 9.16 (70) to Meeniyan Dumbalk United 8.5 (53).

Foster coachSam Davies believed astrong opening set thetone for the day at the Foster Showgrounds.

“We set the game up in the first half with 17 scoring shots to three. It was really positive, but plenty of learningstocomeout of it," he said.

The win was an important one for the Tigers, who like ahandful of others in the competition, have their hands up for one of the positions towards the top of the Mid Gippsland ladder.

MDU on the other hand, find themselves in the mid section of the competition, with some work still to be done.

“Foster were too good for us on the weekend, they beat us around the ball, spread harder than us and moved the ball better than us," Demons coach, Nathan Allen conceded.

Morwell East: DHeyden 2ZMangion 2P CarteR

JMackenzie STobin K Chapman BMurdoch LLittle. Fish Creek: CMcphee 2A

2T Redpath. BEST:Morwell East: THiggins PCarte RCarlson ITerrick LLittle LTactor. Fish Creek: TSorrell LBowman O StrawMPocklington AFarrell JArestia.

(138) HILLEND 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 (2)

GOALS: Yinnar: JGarlick 4DSchneider 3MNelson3D Beveridge 2KGrinstead-Jones 2 DWebster 2NRowleyKAlexander PDuncan CAlexander KElphick Hill End: Details N/A. BEST: Yinnar: DWebster DSchneider RMayo CFrith MNelsonM O’Toole Hill End: J Schiavello JCoombs RMajak RCaldwell JDworznik DGorman.

MDU 4.2 5.7 7.10 11.12 (78)

(8) GOALS: MeeniyanDumbalk Utd: RWeaver3JDunn 2MSmith BMoscript LHarris B Maxwell SPearce NMathieson. Foster: JAlbrecht. BEST:MeeniyanDumbalk Utd: RWeaver TDennehyJ Leeden ABattersbyBMoscriptBCantwell. Foster: JDavyBHall TDelaney F Lomax WRoffey JPrain

THORPDALE 2.1 2.2 3.3

Thorpdale: LSwain ARavenSKerton. Toora: ARhodes. BEST:Thorpdale: C Gardiner BHotchkin JBriggs JSinclair-Stanley DBrennan TMackenzie Toora: LCashmoreL Anedda MGlowrey CWalker JCripps JCoulthard.

It was arare miss for the Hawks, who suffered their first defeat of the year, but no doubt the home side would have walked away from the match with plenty of learnings.

 HILL ENDV YINNAR

HILL END'S introductiontothe season had been as tough as you could get, going from NewboroughtoFishCreek, and then on the weekend having to front up again to Yinnar.

The Rovers are under no illusions as to how tough it is to run with the very best, week in, week out.

Their match against the visiting Magpies went as most expected, thevisitors comfortable victors 18.18 (126) to 2.5 (17).

Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch labelled it a fine performance.

“Happy to come away with agood win in trickyconditions.Pleased with the even contribution from the 21. Hill End was hard and physical all day, which we handled well,” he said.

As highlighted by the Magpies coach, the Rovers have the respect of their opponents each and every week despite being on the end of some pretty significant losses.

"Coming up against ayoung, fast and fit Yinnar side, we emphasised playing atightly contested and physical contest. Despite the final margin the lads played with fire and aggression, hit the packs hard and tackled ferociously," Hill End coach Ambu Uliando said.

"We have lots of sore bodies andare looking forward to the week off.”

FOOTBALL

MID GIPPSLAND

MID GIPPY battlers Toora FootballNetball Club willwelcomeformerCarlton and current popular podcaster Dylan Buckley for aone-off game.

The Magpies senior football team has struggled for wins in the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League in recent years.

"We played the brand we have been showing in patches. It’s the littlegoals for us at the moment and Ifeel the scoreboard didn’treflect our effort today. Craighas Newborough playing agreat brand of footy. Credittothem -they were toogood with dangerous players on every line."

As good as the Bulldogs were and are likely to be, Turner's acknowledgement of his team achieving the "little goals" highlights that his Tigers are on the right track.

It may not be obvious as we speak,but the small steps forward will take them on afar more enjoyable journey in the future.

 TOORAV THORPDALE

IT was only Round 5and already Toora had won as many matches this year as they did in the entire 2023 season.

All the Magpies needed now was an unlikely victory against atough and talented Thorpdale side. However, it was the visiting Blues who flexed their muscles in a46-point win, 13.13 (91) to 6.9 (45).

Thorpdalecoach Ray Pickering saiditwas good to bank the four points.

“In dry but toughwindy conditions we managed to get the game on our terms early and sustain it for most of the game against an improved Toora," he said "Big few weeks comingupfor the clubstarting with the league yardstick Newborough next (this) week."

By contrast, Toora coach Jack Weston felt his side let an opportunity slip.

"Disappointing result in agamewefelt was agood chance to move to 3-2 (win-loss)," he said.

"In agame that was an arm wrestle until

In front of local club representatives, fans and ahost of media at Crown Melbourne's The Pub, watched the draft take place.

Triple premiership player and former Richmond captain, Trent Cotchin was also part of the draft, as was Essendon all-time leading goal-kicker Matthew Lloyd andSt Kilda champion Leigh Montagna.

"Wewere able to fightback late in the second half to make the scoreboard respectable but our run was left too late."

 STONY CREEK VTARWIN

TWO local rivals, both of whom were wanting to climbtheir way up the competition ladder, and both therefore desperate for the premiership points, clashed in amatch in which the victor would gain asignificant advantage.

The Lions at home had their chances, but in theend fell shortbyjust acouple of kicks, 7.7(49) to Stony Creek 4.16 (40).

Sharks coach Jason Kennedy described it as agrinding win.

"A solid hard fought away win on the weekend against Stony Creek, I'm really happy with the way our boys bounced back after last weeks loss," he said.

StonyCreek coach, Chris Verboon was, understandably, not as impressed.

“A reallydisappointing lossfor us,"hesaid.

"Kicking16pointsclearly hurtsyou in a lowscoring game. Veryscrappycontest and one thatwehad every chancetowin."

Giventhat forecasting has indicatedthere will likely only be one position available in the final six for one of these two sides, if any, the Sharks have taken their chance,with the Lions left to rue their sloppy kicking for goal. StonyCreekare from deadand buried though given they sit just one game outside the top six, however,there is currently another half-a-dozen teams in exactly the same position.

BOOLARRA had the bye.

Toora was one of five Victoria clubs chosen in the 2024 'TheCarltonDraft', by brewing company Carlton &United.

The Carlton Draft enables oneclub to choose ('draft') an ex-AFLplayer into their line-up for aone-off game.

Fellow Gippsland club, Bunyip,had the first pick, and selected Hawthorn and Geelong premiership player Isaac Smith.

Toora had the fourth pick.

Cotchin was selected by Ballan (east of Ballarat), Lloyd by Old Collegians in the Warrrnambool district, and Montagna by Castlemaine near Bendigo.

The Carlton Draft match-days are set to commence from later this month.

Herewego: DylanBuckleysamples his newToorathreads

Netball scoreboard

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE -ROUND 6

AGRADE: Warragul 55 def Bairnsdale 45, Leongatha 50 def Morwell 49, Moe 54 def Drouin 45, Wonthaggi 58 def Maffra35, Traralgon 51 def Sale 40.

BGRADE: Warragul 72 def Bairnsdale 47, Leongathta58def Morwell 31, Drouin 59 def Moe 50, Wonthaggi 72 def Maffra, Traralgon 57 def Sale 39.

CGRADE: Bairnsdale 42 def Warragul 37 Morwell 34 def Leongatha 27,Drouin32def Moe27, Maffra31def Wonthaggi 27,Traralgon 30 def Sale 22.

17 AND UNDER: Leongatha 47 def Morwell 13,Drouin53def Moe 22, Wonthaggi 39 def Maffra29, Traralgon 51 def Sale 27, Bairnsdale 58 def Warragul 18 15 AND UNDER: Morwell 34 def Leongatha 24, Moe 48 def Drouin 26, Wonthaggi 34 def Maffra24, Sale 32 def Traralgon 23, Bairnsdale 59 def Warragul 15 13 AND UNDER: Leongatha 56 def Mowell 6, Moe 38 def Drouin 24, Maffra60def Wonthaggi 10,Sale 28 drew Traralgon28, Bairnsdale 50 def Warragul 3.

MID GIPPSLAND -ROUND 5

AGRADE: StonyCreek 36 def Tarwin 28, Meeniyan Dumblak United 55 def Foster 41, Morwell East 40 drew Fish Creek 40, Toora 42 def Thorpdale 19,Mirboo North 46 def Newborough 41, Yinnar,Boolarra-BYE.

BGRADE: Toora72def Thorpdale 23, Foster 69 def MDU 39, StonyCreek 58 def Tarwin 19,Fish Creek 41 def Morwell East 32, Hill End 48 def Yinnar 29, Newborough 52 def Mirboo North 51, Boolarra-BYE.

CGRADE: Toora73def Thorpdale 7, MDU

43 def Foster 31, Tarwin 41 def StonyCreek 15,Morwell East 34 def Fish Creek 22, Yinnar 34 def Jill End 20, Newborough 40 def Mirboo North 36, Boolarra-BYE.

DGRADE: Toora43def Thorpdale 1, MDU

58 def Foster 27,Stony Creek 39 def Tarwin 28, Fish Creek 42 def Morwell East 18,Yinnar 29 def Hill End 23, Mirboo North 37 def Newborough 33, Boolarra-BYE.

17 AND UNDER: Toora42def MDU 26, Yinnar 49 def Hill End 19,Fish Creek 49 def Morwell East 11,Newborough36def Mirboo North 23, StonyCreek,Boolarra-BYE.

15 AND UNDER: Fish Creek 27 def Morwell East 26, hill End 26 def Yinnar 20, Mirboo North 47 def Newborough 18,MDU 76 def Foster 12,Stony Creek 28 def Tarwin 12, Toora, Boolarra-BYE.

13 AND UNDER: Newborough 16 def Mirboo North 14,Yinnar22def Hill End 17,MDU 27 def Foster 28, Tarwin 28 def StonyCreek 6, Boolarra, Toora, Fish Creek -BYE.

NORTH GIPPSLAND -ROUND 5

AGRADE: YallournYallournNorth 39 def Glengarry38, Traralgon TyersUnited 74 def Yarram 24, Rosedale 44 def Cowwarr 36, Heyfield 60 def Gormandale 21, Sale City, Woodside,Churchill -BYE.

BGRADE: YYN 46 def Glengarry26, Yarram 49 def TTU 45, Rosedale 54 def Cowwarr, Heyfield 51 def Gormandale 42, Sale City, Woodside,Churchill -BYE.

CGRADE: YYN 38 def Glengarry35, TTU 42 def Yarram 29, Rosedale 41 def Cowarr 21, Heyfield 30 def Gormandale 28, Sale City, Woodside,Churchill -BYE.

DGRADE: YYN 41 def Glengarry24, TTU 54 def Yarram 16,Rosedale 34 def Cowwarr 30, Gormandale 32 def Heyfield 28, Sale City, Woodside,Churchill -BYE.

17 AND UNDER: Glengarry27def YYN 20, TTU 63 def Yarram 6, Rosedale 74 def Cowwarr 3, Heyfield 22 def def Gormandale 12,Sale City, Woodside,Churchill -BYE. 15 AND UNDER: Glengarry30def YYN 18,TTU 73 def Yarram 4, Rosedale 45 def Cowwarr 8, Heyfield 54 def Gormandale 13, Sale City, Woodside,Churchill -BYE.

UnbeatableLions extend streak

NETBALL

By

ERIKA ALLEN

MOE had their closest result of the Gippsland Leaguenetball season, beating the visiting Drouin team 54-45.

The Lions are still yet to dropa game after six rounds, although the Hawks gave themagood run for their money.

Drouinare expected to be among the top three teams come the end of the home-and-away season, and a10-goal losswill give them someconfidence of finding the right formula.

Stacie Gardinerled theway for the Hawks,and was well supported by Ava Gaul and April Bethune.

Gardiner's on each side played well, with Macy doing agood job for Moe.

Ramayer Gourley shot 36 goals in the win, while Georgia Moody slotted 18. Her older sister, Alex was among the Lionsbest,alongwithHollie Bugeja.

Aclosegame played out between Leongatha and Morwell.

The Tigers clawed their way closer and closertotheirvisitingopponents with every quarter, but ultimately lost by just asingle goal, 50-49.

Standout performances came from Chloe Radford, Hayley Stringer and Seisha Boyd-Thomas for the Tigers.

Traralgon travelled to Sale and quicklyshot out to aseven-point lead in the first quarter.

Sale stayed on the Maroons' tail as the matchwore on, and the home side matched Traralgon for scores in the third quarter.

United: Morwell Football-Netball Club heldits annual Pink Roundlast Saturday, raising moneyfor the Breast Cancer Foundation Australia. Leongatha netballersshowedtheir support, withplayers from both A Grade teamscoming together fora photo. Photograph supplied

KateVan der Voortwas accurate under the post for the Magpies, scoring 32 goals out of their total of 40 for the day. However, at the other end, the Maroons goal scoring guns led by Grace Van Tilburg, saw Traralgon keep their noses in frontuntilthe end, winning 51-40.

VanTilburg was best-on-court for Traralgon, joinedbyCassidy Smith and Stacey Jacobsen.

In other games, Wonthaggi was too strong for Maffra, winning 58-34.

Maffra had to drive towards the coast and were on the back foot early, as by the first change of ends, the home side led 19-7.

Chloe Felsbourg and Sienna Wynd almost spilt the Eagles' goals betweenthem, but Wonthaggiwas

too powerful in the end, with Ellie Bates,Chelsea Bowman and Alana McRae steering their side to victory.

Wynd, Matilda Pendergast and Maddy Dalton were named best for theEagles.

Warragul gotthe best of Bairnsdale by 10 goals, 55-45 at home.

THE penny almost dropped for MorwellEast, who were oneoftwo undefeated sides going into Round 6 of the Mid Gippsland-Netball League on Saturday.

Against aflailing Fish Creek outfit who were looking to securetheir second win of the season, the Hawks almost had their first taste of defeat. But not quite –the game ended in a draw at 40 goals apiece.

Meeniyan Dumbalk United, the

other undefeated team heading into the weekend,cemented theirspot on top of the tablewith authority against Foster.

Looking like premiership favourites early in the season, MDU rolled over Foster 55-41. Despite the weekend’s matchbeing MDU’sfirstawaygame, their confidence is only building. Elsewhere, Toora was too strong against Thorpdale, winning 42-19 at home. In Mirboo North, the travelling Newborough side could not overcome the Tigers, losing 46-41. Meanwhile, Stony Creekbroke atwo-match losing streak against Tarwin, triumphing 36-28 at home.

Yinnar and Boolarra had the bye.

ONLY one goal separated Yallourn Yallourn Northand Glengarry in the NorthGippsland league's most tense match of the weekend.

Finding themselves four places aboveYYN on theladderheadinginto Round 5, Glengarry looked the better of the two sides this year. However, YYN got their season back on track with the 39-38 triumph.

The win will give the Jets some confidence as they head into aRound 6home game against Churchill. Traralgon Tyers United was not challengedbyYarram, handing the Demonettesaconvincing 50-goal loss, 74-24.

Meanwhile,Rosedale heldoff Cowwarr 44-36.

Heyfield did it easy over Gormandale, winning 60-21. Millie Riseley led the way for the Kangaroos in abest-on-court display. Sale City, Woodside and Churchill rested with abye.

Croquet tour: Battle of the Spouses

CROQUET

MORWELLCroquetmembers

Penny Morrison-McGill and Kevin Young, along with associate membersBob and Lynda Quayle from Drouin recently returned home after six weeks away competing in tournaments, as far afield as Boort, Victor Harbor in South Australia and Warrnambool.

The Boort Tournament saw Morrison-McGilland Young come runners-up in their respectiveblocksinthe High/ Low doubles competition.

Morrison-McGill had great success at Victor Harbor,

winning the Division 1Singles to add to her runner-up medal in the High/Low doubles with her 85-year-old doublespartner

Not to be outdone, Young and Lynda Quayle won the Open Doubles competition, narrowly defeatingtheir respective spouses (Morrison-McGilland Bob Quayle)who had to be content with second place.

The Warrnambool event came next and proved to be the 'bridesmaids'tournament which saw all four Morwell players place in second position.

The group came home with abunch of silver as Young and Lynda Quayle finished second in the Division 3Doubles. Bob

placed second in the Division 2 Singlesand Penny came runnerup in the Division 1Singles competition.

In all fairness,the competition in Warrnambool was fierce and the winning margins were very narrow indeed.

Competitive: Morwell Croquet Club membersPennyMorrison-McGilland Kevin Young,along with associatemembersBob andLynda Quayle at arecent competition. Photograph supplied

Eurekamomentforlocalsprintracer

MOTORSPORT

FOR nearly 30 years,the Eureka Garages &Sheds Series has been the premier series for Sprintcars within the state of Victoria, and Morwell's Bobby Daly has recently become the latest driver to add his name to the winner’s list after he took outthe 2023/24 season version.

After seven seasons of competingin the Eureka Series, Daly has enjoyed aseason of highs in his 2023/24 campaignthat has been toppedby becoming the 2023/24 season Eureka Series Champion.

“To be able to take out the Eureka Series is ahugehonour and agreat reward for all of the efforts from the team and Ihave put in throughout the season,” the 29-year-old said.

Daly's previous best Eureka Series points finish was asecond behind CoreyMcCullagh in the2019-20 season.

“Heading into the season, the team and Ididn’t setout to chase the Eureka Series, as the plan was to get to the Christmas-New Year period and then go from there, so when we had taken control of the Eureka Series lead by that time our

goal shifted to trying to wrap up the series, and that’s exactly what we managed to do.”

Looking back on his 2023/24 season campaign,Daly proved to be the most consistent throughout the Eureka Series and his highlight result was when he took out his first 410 Sprintcar feature racevictory during the ninth round at Portland’s Southern 500 Speedway earlier this year.

“Being able to pick up my first 410 Sprintcar win was abig thrill for the team and I, as we have been close on afew occasionsover the years with minor podium finishes, so it was great to finally get the monkey off the back,” he said.

“The Eureka Serieshas always been very competitive, and this season was certainly no different, and when you are able to put together agood night and come away with the win, it’s very rewarding, as you know you, along withthe restofthe team, have had to work really hard to make it happen.”

Apartfrom his maidenEureka Series round win, other strong performances fromDaly’s Eureka Series campaign were scoring a third-place finish in the opening round (HeartlandRaceway) and then apair of top-fivefinishes at rounds seven and 11 (Simpson Speedway and AvalonRaceway). Daly during the season away from Eureka Series competition picked up top-10 finishes in Max’s Race at Premier Speedway and the Victorian Title at Simpson Speedway.

Dalyisn't quite what the futurewill hold, yet just wants to enjoy the win at this stage.

“At the moment, the focus is to just enjoy our successful season, and then we will get back intothe shed to work on the car during the off season and work out aplan from there.”

Champ: Morwell’sBobby Daly wonthe 2023/24Victorian Sprintcar Title

Photograph: CoreyGibson Photography

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

IChugg Maffra: JKilloranJBoyd ZFelsbourgACarrC Calwyn HAnderson

(88)

3.1 7.4 7.4 11.9 (75)

GOALS: Morwell: BBailey 3BMcDonald 3CCampbell 3T Hillier 3HMcColl Leongatha: JGinnane 5T McRae2 TBrill ATurtonJGarnham SForrester BEST:Morwell: BMcauliffe BBailey AQuigley JBurr TBrown. Leongatha: TMarriott JGinnane MBentvelzen TBrill C MaskellJ van der Pligt

WARRAGUL 2.1 5.2 6.6 9.11 (65)

BAIRNSDALE 1.42.5 4.11 7.13 (55) GOALS: Warragul: TCrole 3LSerong 2CRaso 2T HobbsB Paul Bairnsdale: BMcCarrey 2 XRichardsLAustin TBlenheim LMckenna MCorbett. BEST: Warragul: LWardT HobbsM SmartJ Lewsey BHeffordT Crole Bairnsdale: LByrne-Jones LCloak RStewartMCorbett WMitchell SALE2.6 5.10 10.14 13.16 (94)

Major league for areason

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

JUST when you think you have aread on the Gippsland League, it throws up results similar to those seen at the weekend.

Round 6saw all five games go down paths not many people would have predicted,with three decided by less than 15 points, and another, equally surprising, decided by triple figures.

Regardlessofallegiances, results were describedas'good for the league' whenscores cametohand, adding further intrigue as the competition now breaks for an in-season bye.

Adownside to an otherwise excellent round was the absence of league statistician Paul Carter, who is recovering from having his appendix removed.

The absence of thestats guru,who has hardly missed agame in decades, was felt greatly, andnot justfor his unmatched record keeping.

How's theirony -the one week he is away is the onethatseesthe top-two teams get rolled.

SO close, yet so far.

Such acliché was apt for Maffra, who missed registering their first win of the season,losing to Wonthaggi by just five points (so close), on the Power's home deck (geographically so far).

For the second week in arow, the Eagles came home like afreight train, kicking two goals in red time during the last term.

siren, and amid some controversy as Wonthaggi players protested his long-range effort was touched on the line. It mattered little however, as the siren sounded just as the umpire signalled all clear.

Maffra players appeared dejected in the immediate aftermath, having lost asecond consecutive game by less than 10 points.

Such resultshowever have putthe competition on notice that the Eagles certainly won't be awalkoverthis season, despite still searching for their first win.

JettKilloran wasbest on and continues to impress for the Eagles. Jonathan Boyd, Zac Felsbourg, Alex Carr, Henry Anderson and key forward Caleb Calwyn, in his first gamefor Maffra since crossing overfrom Boisdale-Briagolong, all rated amention.

The difference in afive-point resultwas arguably summed up in who featured in the bestfor Wonthaggi: Toma Huther, Aiden Lindsay, Shannon Bray, Jack Blair, Isaac Chugg and Jye Gilmour.

The first four names being all very senior Power players with finals experience, along with Chugg, who was playing AFL only two yearsago, compared to Maffra's best, mostly made up of kids, with the exception of Carr and Calwyn.

WARRAGUL bookended the first block

of six games with awin at Western Park.

The Guls regained some credibility,defeating Bairnsdale 9.11 (65) to 7.13 (55).

Havingnot won agamesince Round 1, the victory meant Warragul went into the break with some confidence behind them.

Taking on aRedlegs outfit who had shown good signs in recent weeks, the Guls found three goals in the secondterm at Western Park to take ahandy 15 point lead into the sheds.

The visitors responded with plenty of shots on goal in the third, but were let down by a return of 2.6 (18), which ultimately proved disastrous

Warragul only led by seven points at three quartertime, but didenough to hold on as both teams kicked three goals in the last stanza.

Tom Cole kicked three goals for the winners and was among the best.Hereceived good support from Lane Ward, Tom Hobbs, Mitch Smart, Jack Lewsey and Brad Hefford. Lachlan Byrne-Jones was industrious for Bairnsdale, as was Lachlan Cloak, Randall Stewart, Matt Corbett and Will Mitchell.

That the Redlegs only named five players in the best perhaps summed up feelings from the coaching and support staff.

WJenkinson DO’Brien JChessells BEST:Drouin: NRogers BFlynn HPiner CStone JMcLeod CFleming. Moe: LRock AWilson JChessells DBlackshawSSpiteri BWilson

Maffra: BHarrington 2JLambourn2L Dyer 2D Stubbe STudor Wonthaggi: A Busana 3BCornelis APugh. BEST:Maffra: LDyerJLambournBHarrington SPendergast RPhelan CHenry. Wonthaggi: RLindsayABusana WLuke CBrown CGilmour BCornelis

GOALS: Traralgon: JTwite3 AJaensch 2BHutton LMcDonald FWatts CRuyters J Macumber Sale: BJones 2. BEST:Traralgon: LMcDonald GWood JTwiteLHahnP Akram N Addison. Sale: ZRussell BJones JDessent TGlenn LTodd CHudson

3.2 6.2 7.5

GOALS: Leongatha: FMateria 2JStewartN NagelLMarshman NFixterJLamers NClark THallJHayesR Kelly BEST: Leongatha: BGrabham AndrewsR Kelly JLamers NFixterA TrottoT Sauvarin. Morwell: SGissaraDMakepeaceJ Leak LPatterson EPorigneaux JCarnes

The second of those two however came right on the final siren, only servingtocut the final margin from 11 points to five, as the scoreboard read 8.12 (60) to 8.7 (55).

Wonthaggi,who have lookedvery underwhelmingcomingoff aGrand Finallast season,narrowly avoidedacertain crisis meeting to go into the break with two wins from their last three games.

The Power had six scoring shots to one in the firstquarter, butthen watched on as Maffra made the most of their turn kicking with the advantage toward the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve entrance.

The Eagles slammed on 4.4 (28) to 1.2 (8) in the second,taking a10point lead into the sheds.

Sensing agenuine chance of victory, the Eagles held sway in the third, swapping the script withWonthaggi for aquarter, who managed the same number of goals as their opponents had kicking to the scoring end.

With just 13 points the difference at three quarter time,the visitors failed to find the early inroads they were after.

Maffra did not kick agoaluntil the25 minute mark of the finalterm, and eventhen it came from afree kick to Jack McQuillen.

McQuillen ended the game with two majors, as did Brodie Tohara.

Tohara'ssecondcameright on the final

BSavage BSword.

WBrewerM Williames TMapleson JHuston O Hermansen WYoung Moe: JPaceJ Shields WJenkinson AStylesL Vaninetti BSword

6.3 8.6 11.9 13.11 (89) BAIRNSDALE 1.0 2.1 2.3 2.6 (18)

GOALS:Warragul: SGrummisch 4KBoi 3CMcintosh 3MCahill 2C MacLean. Bairnsdale: O Emmett RCullinan BEST:Warragul: CMcintosh OMurphyK Boi APhillipsF Sheehan DPaul. Bairnsdale: JBills MNeate RCullinan MHamilton SO’Kelly CReed

LEONGATHA 7.5 10.8 15.11 20.14 (134)

MORWELL 0.0 0.1 1.2 4.2 (26)

GOALS: Leongatha: MCroatto7TGannon 2BFort2ZLamers EPitts BAbernethyA Williams HBowlerJ Callahan KBerrymanN Skewes JFixter. Morwell: HMcKay 2SOling DTaylor BEST: Leongatha: MCroattoA Williams ZLamers JCallahan IBolge OMahoney Morwell: A Janssen TKirk OKalan TDicoratoH McKayM VanVliet TRARALGON 3.1 8.4 9.10 12.15 (87)

SALE1.0 1.1 1.3 4.4 (28)

GOALS: Traralgon: CBooth 3BBurrows 2AHarle 2BHagley RRutter GRuach ERoscoe A Blackford. Sale: WMoon 2JCutler JCantwell BEST:Traralgon: CBooth ERoscoe RRutter HPirie Avan der Velden RPeavey. Sale: CNew TMiller TRonchi CShawJ Annear BGrubb LADDER

LD FA %Pts

Lions give percentage big boost

FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

WHEN Moe are good, they are Jimmy Anderson bowling under grey skies good.

Likethe soon-to-be-retired GOAT of England bowlers, the Lions proved to be unplayable against Drouin.

Much likeAnderson favourable conditions as well, there wasa breeze at playatTed Summerton Reserve.

For the secondweek in arow, the wind blew in the direction of the Can Bar, although this time however, any such advantage was taken out of the equation given the quarterby-quarter scores Moe put up.

Kickingtothe Vale Street end to start, the home side slammed on 7.3 (45) to 0.2 (2) in the opening term. TheLions’ effortwas their equal best-ever first quarter in agame against Drouin, equally the mark set only a few years ago in 2019.

For pure trivia, the Moe players from that game in Round 22019still playing were Jacob Wood,Trent Baldi, Harri Sim, Bryce Collings, Scott van Dyk, and Ben Maslen, wearing the number 33 (he has since gone 10 digits lower).

In further trivia sure to satisfy all football nerds,Baldi worethe number 2jumper that day, and Collings number 9. The families have since swapped numbers, with Collings taking on the number 2vacated by his brother-in-law James Blaser, while Trent’s twin brother Riley wears number 9.

Both Baldi’s were among the top three players for Moe at the weekend, as was van Dyk, who slotted two goals as the Lions won by more than 100 points, 18.13(121) to 2.8 (20).

While predominately arebounding defender, van Dyk is actually closing in on 100 senior goals, which could provide the Moe coaching staff with another option in their front half.

The Lions continued the onslaught in the second quarter, putting up four goals whilekeeping the Hawks to just another two behinds.

With a68point lead at the main break, the game was all but over, and the margin only extended to 82 points come the final change of ends.

By this stage, Drouin only had 1.5 (11) on the board,aslightly confusing sight given they came into the game with apercentage well over 100 and had built areputation as being ahighly-attacking team in the two years under coach Brent Clinnick.

But then again, you can just have those days. If the available data is any indication, Drouin aren’t meant to be ‘this’ bad.

The last quarterplayed out in fairly predictive terms.Ordinarily this scribe averages four pages of notes per quarter. For this one however, he struggled to fill even halfa page.

Riley Baldi startedand ended the fourth term on the bench, but still provided ahighlight, taking adiving mark floating across half forward, before squaring the ball to his brother who in turn found his namesake in Trent Morrow, who finished the set shot.

Morrow kicked two goals in the final term, the latter coming from aneat finish in the pocket opposite the Can Bar.

Drouin saved their own ‘record’ by kicking 1.3 (9) to avoid their lowest-ever scoreagainst Moe of 2.2 (14)in2017(incidentally, the Moe

coach back then was in fact James Blaser). Moe had four players kick as many or more goals than the entire Drouin team. Nick Prowseled the way with five, while Jaryn Makepeace continued his strong development with three.

Sim and Maslen did similar to what they haddone in 2019,helping the Lions to the four points

Kye Quirk, Will Papley, Shay Harvey, Tom Johnstone, Ed Morris and Jarrod Marshall battled hard for Drouin.

The win took Moe to second on the ladder leading intothe league-wide bye aftersix rounds.

Without looking too far ahead, the Lions will likely start favourites in the three games to come, by which time every team will have played each other once. If theywin thegames they are expected to, they will go into the halfway mark with awin-loss record of 7-2.

Looking at things holistically however, whilethatall appears rosy, Moe’s reserves didlose by nearly 50 points at the weekend. If the senior side is winning by more than 100 points and the reserves are losing by 50 against that same club’s twos, just where does that leave things?

Moe’snext home game isn’tuntil Round 9, but it is set to be ahugeoccasion for the club’s annual Fight MND campaign.

The man behind the fightagainst MND battle, Neale Daniher is slated to make another appearance in Moe (health dependent). His son Ben has playedwith the Lions for the last threeseasons,becomingavital cog in the midfield.

Who will be going under the ice water this year?

Milestone man: Max Linton warming up beforehis 100thsenior game forMorwell at the weekend. Photograph supplied

Memorable afternoon for Morwell

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

BOYD Baileymight have Coach of the Year wrapped up after that.

The Morwell playing-coach did what not many have done in the last 10 years -defeat Leongatha. What's more, the Tigers defeated the previously undefeated Parrots at their own run-and-spread game Morwellcelebrated abig day for the club, raising money for the Breast Cancer Network, andwinning 13.10 (88) to 11.9 (75) in the biggest result from Round 6inthe Gippsland League.

Trading the traditional yellow sash for pink, the Tigers made the most of what Bailey described as a "three to four" goal breeze heading toward the big hole in the ground at Morwell Recreation Reserve, getting four majors on the board in the first term.

TheTigers dominated possession early, so much so the balldid not enter Leongatha's halfofthe ground until the 11 minute mark.

Tyler Hillier kicked the opening two goals for Morwell, his set shots showing just how strong the wind was as the ball drifted violently on the journey home.

Teammate HarriMcCollalsodemonstrated this, with his set shot looking like it was headed straight between theleft hand point post and goal post, only to curl back left to right for amajor.

Despite having most of the play, the Parrots showed their efficiency, with their first two inside 50s resulting in goals.

For all their efforts,the Tigers went into the quarter time break only seven points up.

Morwell started the second term in similar fashion to the first, getting the firstfew scores on the board.

Brandon McDonald kicked the first of his three goals for the quarter only 42 seconds in, after Brandon Mcauliffe broke through the centre bounce, taking on Tom Marriott if you don't mind.

However,ifagoal inside 45 seconds was impressive, Leongathashowed they needed only five seconds to do likewise.

ABen Graham-like kick-in from Cade Maskell nearly cleared the centre circle, and ended up in the hands of Nick Argento, who found Jack Ginnane in the goal square.

Ginnane ended with five goals, and proved something of athorn in the Morwell side as chief agitator much in the Hayden Ballantyne mould.

The Tigers however were not deturbed, and theirwork at ground level to effect one percenters, especially smothers, was noteworthy.

Leongathagot another goal inside a15second window as the clocktickedinto redtimeinthe second term, and went into the sheds with the scores all tied up at 7.4 (46) apiece.

The main break may well have come at agood time for Morwell, as momentum appeared to shift to the advantage of the visitors.

There wasnosuch doubt as to who had advantage on the resumption however.

TheTigers added 4.4(24)tonoscore in the third term, and were suddenly daring to dreamasthree quarter time approached.

Leongatha ruckman Josh Schelling did not return afterhalftime, and as the Morwelllead grew, doubts appeared to creep in for the unbeaten Parrots.

Calling the game for TRFM,commentator Nick Lecchinomademention of Leongatha's slumped

body language, although speaking to the Express, Bailey said he didn't sense anything too drastic.

Bailey kicked back-to-back goals in the third, the second following acourageous mark going back with the flight.

Hillier added his third, again using his knowledge of aerodynamics to steer the ball through the wind.

With the breeze still in play, the Tigersdidn't have the option of conserving their 28 point lead come the final change of ends, and manufactured two critical, and ultimately, match-defining goals in the last.

Baileystepped up and showed presence of mind to soccer one in from 20 metres out at the 11 minute mark, taking the margin backout to 28 points after Leongatha got one on the board early.

The Parrots came hard, and had six consecutive scores, but Morwell found the steadying goal they craved through Cohen Campbell.

Needing to make acontest at centre half forward to not allow Maskelltorebound,the Tigersdid just that after Mackenzie Blewett sent along kick out of defence.

Hillierwas theretoacceptthe crumbs, and slapped the ball on the boot to open space where Campbell was able to run in and kick his third to seal the deal at the 25 minute mark.

There was however some debate surrounding the final goal, as Leongatha's Mason McGannon laid on the turf at the other end of the ground.

McGannon had wrong-footed himself on the mark in the back pocket, and in teeth-grinding scenes, the situationdid not look good for him or hisknee Mcaulliffewas everywhere,and was aclear best-on-ground.

Bailey led from the front, as did captain Aidan Quigley and vice captain Tyler Hillier. Jackson

Burr also played apivotal role on Maskell, while Brandon Bailey and Tyler Brownwere also prominent.

Max Linton had some good tussles with Ginnane down back, and was able to celebrate his 100th senior game in the finest way possible.

Bailey rated this alongside his first win as acoach in the Northern Territory as the best win in his short coaching career, while from apurely Morwell perspective, it would have to be the Tigers' best win since they rolled eventual premier Maffra in 2019.

The Tigers did beatSale in the last game of the 2022home-and-away season to makefinals, although with the passage of time, it would not be too outrageous to say the Magpies tactics that day achieved aconvenient outcome for themselves.

Pessimists may point to the fact Leongatha was without KimDrew,Noah Gown, Jack Hume, Aaron Hilberg, Luke Bowman and Cam Olden at the weekend, but that should not detract from the Tigers victory.

As they say, you can only beat what's out there.

This is the Gippsland League to keep in mind, there are no genuinely 'bad' senior players, and if you are playing seniors for Leongatha, you are justabout walking into seniorsatnineother clubs.

Ginnane attracted votes for the Parrots, along with Marriott, Mitch Bentvelzen, TallinBrill, Maskell and Jake van der Plight.

Morwell has now won their last three games and are four points clear inside the top five.

This is why Morwell was predicted to finish top five.

External factors at play during Traralgon defeat

FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

SALE wonamatch thatrequired perspective.

While the Magpies 13.16 (94) to 9.11 (65) win over Traralgon was meritorious in its own right, events

PARROTS OFF THEIR PERCH

SUCCESSFUL OPPOSITION

COACHES AGAINSTLEONGATHA

Leongatha has lost just 24 games in the last 10 years.

These coaches belong to that exclusive group in that time

Wayne Butcher (Maffra) - eight times

Mark Collison (Traralgon) - four times

Jarryd Blair (Wonthaggi) - three times

at Sale Oval meant issues much bigger than football needed to be taken care of.

The Maroons entered the contest with only one loss to their name so far this season.

Justthree minutesinto the game however,a sickening blow was felt when key forward Josh Hamilton was concussed. Hamilton flew for ahigh ballatthe top of the

Declan Keilty (Moe) - twice Once

Lachlan Sim (Moe)

Boyd Bailey (Morwell)

Shane Fyfe (Sale)

Travis Ronaldson (Sale)

Rob Railton (Wonthaggi)

StuartGilmour (Wonthaggi)

Ben Hughes (Warragul)

Premiership coaches vs Leongatha

Wayne Butcher 2016, 2019

Mark Collison 2015

goal square at the clubhouse end, only for the back of his head to collide with the turf upon landing.

Play was halted for 20 minutes, as by all reports the youngster was out cold for some portion of that time.

Trainers were to be commended for the job they did, although understandably, Traralgon players were shakenupbywhattook place, not to mention the effect it must have had on their coach and the player's dad, Troy Hamilton.

The Maroons appeared to get on with the job after the delay, and went into the first break ahead by four points.

Sale made more of the running in the second, kicking three goals, one of which featured aspinningmove from Bohdi Walker handing it off to playing-coach Jack Johnstone,who finished truly.

Adding to the subplots from the day, Johnstone kicked seven goals and did not feature in the best.

Such an effort generally slots akey forward in the top six, let alone amidfielder such as Johnstone. Thatheended up kicking more than half the Magpies goals perhaps only highlighted the team effort from those wearing the black and white. Or maybe it was just coaching modesty.

Someone who did feature in the best was Will Leslie,who benefitedfromahorrendous and equallyuncharacteristic turnover by foot from Traralgoncaptain TyeHourigan in the second quarter. Leslie pounced on the loose ball and sent

adribbling kick toward goal, getting himself on the scoresheet.

Sale took a10-point lead into the main break, and with their minds perhaps not as distracted as those in the Traralgon camp, virtually put the game to rest in the third.

The Magpies added five goals to two, getting the margin out to 31 points with one quarter to play. Both teams then shared three goals in the last, making the final margin virtually the same as it was half-an-hour earlier.

JackLeslieplayed another greatgamefor the winners, as did Jonty McGuinness who just continues to impress.

McGuinness has come of age this season, already named in the best twice as many times as he did last season (four games).

On current form, he should feature prominently when votes are tallied at the end of the year, which (in the greatest respect) would have been very long odds in March.

Derek Eggmolesse-Smith again showed his class, and is proving why he was touted as the biggest recruit of the offseason. Mitch Dowse, back this year after some time away, also played well, as did the ever-reliable Shannen Lange.

For Traralgon, the plaudits wenttoChance Doultree, Dylan Loprese, Hourigan, Mitch Membrey, Max Jacobsen and Conor Little in his 100th senior game.

Prettyinpink: Morwell footballersand netballersworespecialuniformsatthe weekend forthe club’sannual Pink Ribbon Day.

Photograph supplied

Falcons go to topofleague table

SOCCER

LVSL BY JOE AUCIELLO AND JOHN CARDONA

ATOP of the table clash on Saturday nighthighlightedRound8 in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League.

With aperfectnight for football at Olympic Park, one of the biggest crowds seen at an LVSL game for many years saw the visiting Falcons 2000 triumph over Moe United 3-nil.

Falcons 2000 travelledtoMoe looking to break afour-game losing streak against the Red Devils, spanning back to 2022.Awin for eithersidewould give them the upper handinthe racefor the leaguechampionship.

TheRed Devil’s line-upwas hithard with Lachlan McKenzie, Joe Stewart and Oscar Sceney all ruled out, while keyforward Connor O’Hanlon played with akneeissue

Aslightswitch in formation by the away team seemed to unsettled Moe from thefirst whistle, but it was the intensity and determination of the Morwell team that really stood out, and

it would be omnipresent throughout the evening.

The first half wasa relatively even affair, as bothdefencesstood firm under the opposition’s forward thrusts.

Falcons created better chances, and got on the board late in thefirst half from acorner kick which caught Moe’s defence off-guard.

The Birds were finally rewarded as a quick short corner was taken with adeep cross finding winger Jordan Kennedy unmarkedatthe backpost to tap in from close range.

Moe had some chances stopped by Falcons keeper Charles Simon, notably aMatt Shearing shotonthe run, as well as another by O’Hanlon afteraccepting athrough-ball from Bayden Heusmann, whichwas stopped by Simon rushing off his line to clear the danger.

O’Hanlon was closely checked by Jordi Vacca and Harley Broadbentduring the game, keeping both him and his speedy strikepartner RileyWinkleman relatively quiet.

The home side started the second half with10men afterChad Shelley was sin binned for dissent during the break.

Falcons took advantage of their extra

man,and tookthe lead to 2-nilinside the first few minutes.

The intent of Falcons fromthe start of the secondhalf was evident, and they got theirsecondmajor after alovely through ball from Josh Patterson foundKuku Mahmoud, who made no mistake from an acute angle to knock the stuffing out of the Red Devils.

Moe tried to push for an avenue back into the game but it never eventuated.

At 2-nil down, the Red Devil’s went on the offensive,their best chance appearing after agreat run through themiddle by Heusmann wasunrewarded when his shot was miscued over the crossbar.

With United taking risks, it left their defence vulnerable, and counterattacks from Mohmoud, Kennedy and the dominant Tommy D’Alla in midfield saw Falcons create aplethora of opportunities.

In any league championship campaign, depth is key, and Falcons have it in spades. With two key senior playersout they still boasted abench consisting of Jamie Pistrin,Nick D’Alessandro and TobyCapp, and their entryinto the gameonly made it harder for Moe to overcome the Blues’ dominance.

The icing on the cake came with five minutes to go as Moni Ellaser found himself one-on-one with veteran goalkeeperPeterAlbanese, and despite making ameal of the opportunity, he was able to bundle the ball over the line to seal all three points.

Frustrations continued to boil over for Moe, with Albanese sin binned during extra time for dissent.

The win for Falconskeeps them at

equal topposition witharch rival Fortuna, while for Moe, they fell three points back. However, with more than half the season to go it is still anyone’s guessastowho will be the league champion come the end of the season. Best players for Falcons were Kevin Carcellar, Mahmoud and Vacca. Better players for the home side were Tanner Pyle, Heusmann, Shearing and Nick Fogarty.

GreatnightofsocceratOlympic Park

SOCCER LVSL

BY JOHN CARDONA

MOE UNITED had marquee billing in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League last Saturday. Agood crowdcome to Olympic Park, where spectators were treated to four games against Falcons 2000.

Senior women

MOE United lost aclose game against Falcons 2-1. Despite creating anumberofopportunities, chances went begging for the likesofTylah Armistead, Miley Cooper and Karlie Lee-Taffs. Up front, Falcons forwards weredenied by somegreat defendingfromJadeArmisted, Jamie

Shelley and Summer Cooper to keep the scores level at nil-all heading into the break.

Falcons raced to a2-nil lead early in the second half, with goals from Lily Aitken and Madison Rossi.

Achange in formationsparked aMoe resurgence, with ashot by Tylah Armistead hitting the post, followed by near misses from Miley Cooper and Haley Laws.

United’s persistence was rewarded after a goal-mouth scramble saw the loose ball fall to Miley Cooper, who made no mistake.

Moe surged for the equaliser, and Summer Cooperlookedachance when brought down from behind. Originally the referee awardedapenalty, but after atalkwith the linesman it was deemed to be just outside the box for an indirect free kick, which wasrepelled by the Falcons defence.

Reserves

MOE United bouncedbackfrom apoorresult against Monash, with an impressive 3-1 win over second-placed Falcons.

Falcons grabbed the early ascendancy with a well-created goal from Michael Phillips. However, United,stung by defeatthe previous week, were quicklyonlevelterms thanks to awellstruck shot from Tom Portelli which gave the keeper no chance.

At halftime, the scores were level at 1-all, but Moe was in no mood to share the points, and got their second 10 minutes into the resumption.

Current league and club top scorer Harley Robinson took his opportunity, before lateron in the game, after play went from end-to-end, Chris Pap popped up to score and seal the three points for the home side.

2nd Division

MOE United continued theirwinning streak, soundly beating Falcons 7-nil. Goals to Brad Howard, Dres Nilo and Darlen Nahum gave the home side a3-nil lead at the half. The second half saw the Red Devils continue to attack, with two goals going to Jake Heusmann, another to Nahum and afirst-ever goal to Mr Fitness in Brendan ‘Fuji’ Farrugia.

Juniors

LAST Thursday night, after the kids versus mum’s game for Mother’s Day, Henry Da Silva was presented with agift from senior women’s captain JadeArmistead and senior men’s captain Luke Bathgate for his outstanding sportsmanship, which came about following amessage from aparentatanother club

Message is simple: We need more umpires

FOOTBALL UMPIRING

BY TOM HAYES

IT’S the million dollar question: what keeps people from umpiring?

Without umpires and officials, the game of football, or any sport for that matter, can’t be played. For anumberofyears now, umpire shortages in local football have put pressure on Gippsland-based umpireassociations, and now this year, the full extent of that shortage has been seen.

Recently in the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League, there wasn’t enough umpires to fill asenior game between Foster and Thorpdale.

Speakingwithsome individuals from the Latrobe Valley Umpires Association (LVUA) and the Sale Umpires Association (SUA),the Express can confirm anumber of reasonsastowhy thereis ashortage, and why there is no resolution in the near future.

After speaking to both associations, both agree on anumberofcomponentsthat may contribute to the shortages, yet there are anumberofchallenges that associations face on their own.

The LVUA are short in field umpires, while the SUA are facing agoal umpire shortage.

Goal umpires are much easier to fillwith club volunteers, but the same does not flyfor field umpires.

Withthat being the case, the LVUA are currently about 30 per cent downonumpires pre-COVID as atotal.

Since COVID, plus arange of factors including retirements and unavailability, it is taking atoll on the games that the LVUA officiate in the Mid Gippsland FNL.

At thisstage, the LVUAshortage is roughly affecting one senior game per week in the MGFNL, as well as junior games on Sundays and the women’s andgirls leagues -which they have not been able to help out at all.

“Those sort of unavailability issues have always sort of been around,it’sjust that in previous years we’vehad the numbers to back them up.

“Those numbers have slightly droppedoff, but never bounced back,” LVUA Secretary Dan Swallow said.

The additional changes to the MGFNL with the additionofformerAlberton FNL clubs, around the same time as COVID, only multiplied the pressure that the LVUA faced.

With more games to officiate, and the shift of the MGFNL’s central point, it has made it harder to not only fill games but attract people to umpire.

The LVUA is based in Morwell, but its primary league, the MGFNL takes in Mirboo North and another seven clubs further south.

Upon asking Swallow on what the main issues are, he said: “I don’t have an answer, if Idid, I’d resolve it.”

The LVUAhas worked with clubs and the leagues to get clubumpires (who usually officiate reserves games) to train withthe LVUAinanattempt to try and make things run smoother on gameday, but to also potentially keep those club volunteers interested in the gig.

From theeyesofSUA Director of Umpiring, Shane Garvey, he believesthat football has gained attraction, taking individuals away from umpiring.

“There’s been afairly big growth in participation (in football), and umpiringisjust falling off, it’s going the other way,” Garvey said.

“It’s alwaysbeenharder to attractumpiresthan it has been to attract people into clubs,” Swallow added.

Similartothe LVUA, travel is becomingafactor for the SUA.

The SUA mainly cover the North Gippsland FNL, and Gippsland League games featuring Sale and Maffra, but such are the shortages, SUA umpires haveeven beencalled upontoumpire gamesin Drouin and Warragul.

In the weekend just gone, SUA and LVUA combined to supply field umpires at Morwell Recreation Reserve for the match betweenMorwell and Leongatha in the Gippsland League.

TheSUA also identified that the entry costs into umpiring might deter people away from doing it. By contrast, the LVUA cover alot of early costs to get more people into the umpiring scene.

Garvey mentioned that for agoal umpire to get started in the SUA, it may cost them around $300, which is something that many people simply find unattractive.

But the LVUA appear to be making those offers thatother associationsaren’t, merely because they are facing amuch larger, and more damning shortage compared to other associations within the region.

Another reason is sponsorships, or lack of.

Gaining sponsorships for an umpiringassociation to cover costs is not as attractive for prospective businesses, compared to afootball club. And although associations are constantly on the lookout for sponsors, it almost always comes to no avail.

Between these two associations however, they share alot of common challenges, and many of which are out of their control.

Abuse of umpires is amassive talkingpoint, that is not only an issue at the highest level of Australian Rules,but can be exploitedata local level because there is little to no enforcement or punishment.

For prospective umpires, abuse is amassive deterrent for those wanting to get involved, especially those starting at ayoung age.

“I’ll give credit to the clubs and leagues, most of them are very muchsupportive of umpires,” Garvey said.

“Most of the abuse you hear these days is from spectators.”

The scrutiny that umpires face for astandard decision also plays afactor.

“People don’t like to place themselves in those positions either,” Swallow added.

“Respect around umpires …it’sgoing to take a long time to change public perception aroundthat.

“There is ahugeamountofwork on this done by the leaguesand by theAFL, and it has come so,sofar.”

Unavailability is something that umpires have had to deal since the beginning of time. And just like anynormal job, people will take leave or go on holidays, or eventually retire. It’s life.

If an umpire takes control of agame or two on aSaturday, they are then unlikely to fill agame on aSunday, only stretchingthe artillery of all

umpiring associations in the Gippsland region.

Factors such as pay just aren’t attractive enough for umpires to cancel out their entire weekend to take to the field. Maybe if it was, would there be more people in the sport?

“We struggle big time on Sundays because all of our guys umpire on Saturdays and then no one wants to give up their whole weekend to umpiring footyonaSunday,” Garvey said.

“Ifall of our(SUA) umpires were available every week,we’d cover every single game that we have, quite easily. But you’ve got people going away, people working.”

That’s why working together withother umpiring associations has been amassive benefit to those that arestruggling.

“We work pretty closely with LVUAand East Gippsland …but we’ve also sent people to Drouin and Warragul for games to help cover when we’ve had spare,” Garvey said.

“In the past, LVUA and East Gippsland have helped us when we’ve been short.”

What people mightn’t realise,isthe factthat umpiring associations run almost identically to afootball club. Umpires train, play and celebrate togetherjust like any other football-netball club would.

“Umpiring associationsare basically just another footy club. We basically run them the same way, it’s the same sort of culture, support, and everything like that,” Garvey said.

“The third team out there on the day.”

If you are interested in umpiring, both the LVUA and SUA invite those who are interested to train with them.

The SUA train on Wednesday nights from 6pm at the Sale Main Oval.

The LVUA train on two separatenights. The juniors taketothe track on Tuesday nights from 5.30pm at the West End Sporting Complex, Traralgon, while the seniors train on Thursdaynights, alsofrom5.30pm at Maryvale Recreation Reserve, Morwell.

Birdisthe word: Falcons 2000 celebrateafter their win on Saturdaynightsent them to the topofthe LVSL ladder. Photograph: Liam Durkin

Hanging onto every bit of energy

ATHLETICS

TRARALGON HARRIERS BY MILES VERSCHUUR

LAST Saturday (May 11), 17 hardy Harriers travelled to the mysterious setting of Hanging Rock, near Woodend for Round 2ofthe Athletics Victoria XCR season.

There was no picnic on offer, instead, distances of 5km, 7km, or for most, 12km.

The course involved running on parts of the Hanging Rock racecourse and cricket ground and aloop around alower part of the former volcano.

While not afull climb to the top, this uphill still ensured the heart rate quickened.

The direction was to avoid spikes as much of the loop around HangingRock was on trails, which suited the Harriers.

Large mobs of kangaroos spedaround the Hanging Rock Reserve, which proved apopular sight for everyone present, even if they left plenty of ‘obstacles’ on the grass.

The vista of Mount Macedon and The Rock was adelight.

This round of the season was also the ‘Heritage Round,’ where clubsare encouraged to dress in kits of eras past. The Harriers fully embraced the round this year, with Ron Verschuur producing patcheswhich resembled an old Harriers top of Ian Cornthwaite, of which Miles Verschuur got to wear the original. These patches were also pairedwith 70s moustaches to complete the look.

Startingproceedings wasthe juniormen, Dempsey Podmore and Seth Bomers, whoraced over 5km, finishing in 18:09 and 18:23,respectively. Denise Twite and Ann Bomers battleditout over

the7km ‘short course’ distance, with times of 53:27 and 57:15.

In the women’s12kmrace, Sarah Lewis recorded the fastest Harrier result, with debutant Alice Miliani and recently returned Yani Cornthwaite close behind. Ree Graham and Alysha Duncan finished within nine seconds of each other despite the length of the race.

On the men’s side of the draw, CoreyMilner, after aconservativestart,still recorded the fastest time of the day and arespectable 68th place. Ian Cornthwaite also secured fourth place in his 60+ age group.

The golden boot winners for this roundwere Alice Miliani and Gerard Callinan, who both ran impressively. Keeping with the heritage theme, the goldenboot prize was apair of fake sunglasses with Elvis/ Mungo Jerry/ Engelbert Humperdinck style sideburns attached.

Traralgon Marathon and Running FestivalonJune 2. The real mystery of Hanging Rock is, however, how manymore will joinusfor this eventnext year?

Results

Female Open

12km: SarahLewis 52:39; Alice Miliani 54:43;Yani Cornthwaite55:37; Melissa Jones 1:08:54; Maree Graham 1:14:20; Alysha Duncan 1:14:29; Callie Cook 1:20:57.7km: Denise Twite53:27; Ann Bomers57:15. Male Open 12km: Corey Milner 42:33; Miles Verschuur 47:19; Ian Cornthwaite48:45; Martin Lynch 53:57; GerardCallinan 1:01:36; Ian Twite1:04:17;Ron Verschuur 1:10:58. Male 16 5km: DempseyPodmore18:09. Male 14 5km: Seth Bomers23:18.

Running aroundthe bureaucrats base

ATHLETICS

TRARALGON HARRIERS

BY MOLLYIRVINE

LASTweek’s Thursdaynight Harriersrun (09/05) wasthe 'ASIC Building' 5km course. Therun was athree-lap course starting near the Wright Street Bridge behind the ASIC building, before heading past Food Co on Franklin St, onto DavidsonStand then in and aroundthe back of Stellina Café in Traralgon.

Atotal of 76 runners/walkers completed the course in cool and calm conditions.For the males, it was CoreyMilner whotook line honours in a speedy time of 18:21, followed closely by Dempsey Podmore in 18:38. Third belonged to GlennGraham in atime of 18:42.

In the female race, it was Molly Irvine who took line honours in 21:00. Second to her was new runner, AliceMiliani 21:03, only three seconds behind, and third was Karen Graham, who continues to

show consistent running, in atimeof21:33. Tomorrow's run (Thursday, May 16) is the Swinburne Crescent6km course which starts at the rotunda just off Swinburne Crescent in Traralgon. Check-in time is from 5:30pm. For more information, visit: www.traralgonharriers.org.au

5km runresults

CoreyMilner 18:21, Dempsey Podmore18:38, Glenn Graham 18:42, Ian Cornthwaite 18:47, Trent Kooyman 19:55, Clinton Jolly 20:00, Rob Preston 20:04, Darrel Cross 20:47, Ashleigh Dugan 21:00, Molly Irvine 21:00, Alice Miliani 21:03, Adrian Sutcliffe 21:10, David Barr 21:12, Owen Notting 21:28, Karen Graham 21:33, Yani Cornthwaite 21:38, Andrew Panayiotou 21:50, Andrew Broberg 21:52, Jason Odlum 22:06, Seth Bomers 22:14, Chris VanUnen 22:24, Peter Fairbairn23:02, Adam Riddle 23:15, GaryFox 23:22, Stephen Renehan 23:23, Anthony Magaldi 23:24, Daniel Furmston 23:24, Liz

Kenney 23:45, Stephen Mcleod 23:57, Johnny Roscoe 24:43, Ron Verschuur 24:48, Huxley Brooks 24:48, Nicholas Talerico 24:58, Marieka Reilly 25:11, Ree Graham 25:43, Angelo Gaudiano 25:55, Desley Gray 26:16, Courtney Ellis 26:29, Lucy Magaldi 26:29, Paul Rollandin 26:30, Michelle Sawyer 26:43, Kate Mayer 27:05, Phillip Mayer 27:05, Mark Fairbairn27:54, Collette Hofmann 28:04, ClaireMacumber 28:19, Emma Marino 28:37, Giuseppe Marino 28:37, Andrew Legge 29:15, Remey Podmore29:22, Mandy Ellis 29:55, Belkey Podmore29:58, Paul Smith 30:20, Megan Scott 30:22, Tania Whitehead 30:23, Catherine Leonard31:12, Jerzey Podmore32:08, Stacey Podmore32:08, Kylie Warner 32:55, Danelle Wright 33:31, Ella Warner 34:43, Kate Cumming 34:54, Ann Bomers 36:56, BarryHiggins 37:03, Adam van baalen 38:20, Gab Browne 38:30, Timothy Graham 39:02, Samantha McGown 47:51, Kathy Quinn 49:57, Michelle Colwell 49:57, KyleeEarl 52:11, Samantha McGown NTR,Alfie Warner NTR,Jay McGown NTR, Shane Gavin NTR, Chesney PodmoreNTR

No separatingRams,Wolves

SOCCER

LVSL BY LAURIE WILLIAMS

ROUND 8ofthe Latrobe Valley Soccer League saw wins go the way of Olympians, Fortuna (who won 7-nil against Newborough/Yallourn), Sale United and Falcons, while Churchill and Monash played out a2-all draw.

Falcons went outright clear on top of the table following their 3-nil win over Moe, who are now equal-second with Fortuna and Olympians on 16 points.

 Olympians 6def Tyers1

OLYMPIANS came back with avengeance, especially after being beaten in injury time against Fortuna the week before, inflicting Tyers with a 6-1 drubbing.

The home side found it difficult against Tyers early in the match, with the Lightning providing stiff competition,but the will of Olympians was strong,eventually breaking the barrier to score the opening goal. Afurther goal before halftime created a2-nil barrier. After the break, Olympians went on afeeding frenzy, scoring fourgoals, butTyersclawed one back thanks to Flynn Mangion.

Guguei Malual scored abrace for the winners at home, while additionalgoals were netted by Alradi Ali, Hayden Wood,JordanMartin and Ollie Saliba.

 Churchill drew Monash 2-all

CHURCHILLand Monash had a2-all draw,which was only the fifth draw between thesetwo clubs in 99 games.

The Rams were on the move early, and acracker from Marc McHallam opened the gate for the home side. This was followed up by coachJaydenUnmack showing apositive attitude to score their second to give them a2-nil leadatthe break.

A2-nil lead however is hard to defend,and Monash came into the second stanza with adifferent mindset. Theystartedtoget on top with agoal, and got anothertoequalise justbefore the final whistle.

 Sale United 4def East Gippsland 2 THE road trip to Bairnsdale wasn’t wasted for Sale, as they brought home the points against East Gippsland for their second win of the season.

Going into the match, it was eighth(East Gippsland) versusninth (SaleUnited), but the two sides traded places after the game, albeit both still on eight points -the Swans ahead with abetter goal difference.

It was Sale’s ninth win over the Eagles in their 12 matches played.

The next round of AV is the Lakeside10kmrace, which has just earned aWorld Athletics certification. Unfortunately, it clashes with the

I’m living in the70s: Harriersmen mastering theheritage round.

Photograph supplied