Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 24 April 2024

Showtime Shelley

Moe basketballer Jaz Shelley is set to live her dream, after being picked up in the WNBA Draft by Phoenix Mercury.

STORY - PAGE 54

Advocating for change

THE Latrobe Health Advocate will conclude after six yearsofcommunity engagement.

Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas madethe announcement on Friday, thanking the Latrobe Health Advocate Jane Anderson and her team for their dedication to improving health outcomes in the region.

“Jane Anderson has been afearless advocate for the Latrobe Valley –I want to thank her for her dedication to championing the health and wellbeing needs of locals as we work to ensure the legacy of her work continues,” she said.

“Duringthe pandemic we established localpublichealth units, including one forthe Gippsland region –the units are nowpermanent, helping us deliver the best health outcomes forcommunities across Victoria.”

The Advocate was established in 2018, following the 2014 HazelwoodMine

Lifestyle Choices

See pages 13-15 of today’s paper

Fire Inquiry to provide atrusted and independent voice for locals.

Ms Anderson’simportant work has involved more than 400 community conversations with 924 locals, participation in more than 1500 eventsand regularly communicating with around 1000stakeholders about community concerns.

Fromworking with the local community, experts, researchers, and policy makers, Ms Anderson has helped improve access to general practitioner and palliative care services, developed more accessible transport, improved community engagement in projects for the transitioning energy economy, improved mental health and addressed social isolation.

Alocalised focus to health will remain with the Department of Health supportingthe Latrobe Advocate to transferkey functionstothe GippslandRegionPublic

Health Unit (GRPHU) –allowing this important work to continue and better integrate with the wider public health network.

Formed in 2020 to support the localised management of COVID-19, local public health units now have amuch broader remit –working with the Department of Health to keeptheircommunities healthy as partofa decentralised model that reflects changes in the delivery of healthcare across Victoria.

Public health units use local knowledge, community-basedrelationships, and direct engagement to effectively tailor and deliver public health initiatives and respond to incidents and issues.

The GRPHU also deliver programs for chronic disease prevention and health promotion activities via partnerships with local organisations in community health, women’shealth, local government and Primary Health Networks.

TheGRPHUwillnow workalongside the GippslandPrimary Health Network, Latrobe Valley Authority and Latrobe Health Assembly to deliver community engagement and communication for the Latrobe Valley.

Ms Andersonsaid whilethe Advocate wouldbenomore, there would still be arole for her.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to contributetothe changes that have been occurring in the Latrobe Valley," she said.

“The community voice is far more influential than in the past, service providers are working closer together, and services are being designed in response to people's experiences. There is still more to be done and Iwill work with the Public Health Unit and others to ensure community engagement and systemschange remains apriority.”

Photograph supplied

Rosedale becoming sought-after

By STEFAN BRADLEY

HOUSE prices in Gippsland have led the state’s price growth during the first quarter and over the past 12 months.

Some of the state’s fastest growing towns were in Gippsland, including Lakes Entrance, whosehouse pricesclimbed 14.3 per centduring first quarter to $677,500, Foster by 11.5 per centto$680,000, and Rosedale by 9.5 per cent to $520,000, according to the latest quarterly median date by The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV), the real estate industry's peak body.

The annual change for Rosedale was 24.6per cent growth (from $417,500 to $520,000), adifference of $102,500.

Licensed estate agent Ben Britten, from the Traralgon-based Wilson Property, told the Express that Rosedale’s appeal was its standing between the major towns of Sale and Traralgon.

“So alot of peoplehave partners…who are working and travelling in Sale or Traralgon and will meet in the middle at Rosedale. We find that's a prettycommonthing for people to livethat way as (Rosedale is) the same sort of distance between the two,” Mr Britten said.

“There’s abit of character about Rosedale and it's quiet enough…but still close to Sale and Traralgon. The highway runs through so you can go straight out…and you’re really close to Seaspray and Golden Beach, so you can get to the beach pretty quickly.”

Mr Britten compared RosedaletoGlengarry, Toongabbie and Cowwarr.

“They’re close to big towns,but are quiet. They’ll always be desirable for that reason,” he said.

During the quarter,more than halfofall regional price growth occurred in majorregional centres These include GreaterGeelong, withquarterly rises ranging between 1.6 and 4.5 per cent across Newtown ($1,165,000), Clifton Springs ($700,000), Newcomb ($591,250),BellPost Hill($645,000),

Norlane ($460,000) and Bell Park ($630,000).

REIV President, JacobCaine told the Express that towns throughout Victoria hadexperienced “double-digit price growth,particularly in their houses”.

The key drivers of growth this quarter were Victoria’sregionalcentres, prized by buyers as affordable and lifestyle-focused and close to amenities.

“While the quarter saw an overall steady recovery in prices acrossthe state, it’spleasing to see regional Victorian centres standing out as drivers of house price growth. Cities like Bendigo and Greater Geelong are attracting buyer interest for their lifestyleappeal and amenity, and all offer affordablebuying options that are harder to find in metropolitan Melbourne,” Mr Caine said.

“Notwithstanding the challenges currently at play in our property sector and the need to increase housing supply, there is certainlya strong case for confidence and optimism with prices stable and both auction and transaction volumes high.”

Asked if there were any good news forrenters in regional areas, Mr Caine said that prices were “pretty stable from aregional perspective”.

“Themedian rentfor ahouse in regional Victoria is sitting at $460 (a week),” he said.

“The vacancy rate rose in regional Victoria from 2.1 per cent to 2.2 per cent, which is apromising sign for renters. When the vacancy rate hits around three per cent that's generally amore balanced or healthy marketplace.

“Sothat's an encouraging sign for renters that there'smore housing stock being made available for the rental market.”

Acknowledging the situation for renterscontinues to be tough, Mr Caine saidthat REIV continues to “advocatestrongly with the Victorian government for greater investment incentivisation of in the property sector” to ease the rental market.

Gippsland agritourism working toward 2030 target

By STEFAN BRADLEY

GIPPSLAND agritourismhas been givena boost by anew collaborative strategy developed

by DestinationGippsland and Foodand Fibre Gippsland.

The recently completed Towards 2030 Gippsland

Food,Drink &Agritourism Strategy aims to position Gippsland as the go-to epicurean travel destinationinAustralia by 2030, celebrated for its diverse,distinct, and authentic food,drink and agritourism encounters. The strategy is one of the recommended outcomesofthe Gippsland Destination Management Plan 2022. This strategyfocuses on enhancing exposure for Gippsland, consolidatingvisitor conversion, and creating appealing and immersive food, drink and agritourism experiencestodrive agreater contributiontothe region's overall visitor economy in asustainable way.

Destination GippslandChief Executive,Terry Robinson,saidGippsland is akey agricultural region in Victoria. "We are thrilled to be able to deliver our strategic findings in this document, to assist the region to realise our growth potential in this important

experiential sector," Chiefexecutive Robinson said BenGebert, the chief executive of Food and Fibre Gippsland, added: "The broad food and fibre production profile of the Gippsland region, coupled with our natural assets and curatedexperiences,make foranideal food and drink visitation destination." The state government's roadmap for growth, Experience Victoria 2033 has identified food and drink products and experiences as key to maximising Victoria's tourism growth plans over the next 10 years.

Gippsland is one of the first regions in Victoria to complete an in-depth strategy and action plan to guide and enable primary producers to diversify for visitors to enjoy first-class produce. The documentalsosupports theNational Agritourism Strategy, launched in 2022 and developed by Australian Regional Tourism.

Photo: istock

Accused mushroom murderer plea

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

STANDINGaccused of three murdersand five accounts of attempted murder, the now infamous Erin Patterson told the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court last Monday (April 22) she wished for her trialtostay within Gippsland.

The 49-year-old mother at the centre of the Leongatha mushroom poisoning case attended the local trial throughvideo link,sittinginthe Dame Phyllis Frost Centre,formerly the Deer Park Metropolitan Women's Correctional Centre, amaximumsecurity women's prison located in Deer Park. With Patterson's legal team arguing the case

should remain in courts close to the community where thealleged offence hadbeen committed Magistrate Tim Walsh opposedbecause of the delay.

It is understood thatMagistrate Walsh said Patterson's serious charges were unlikely to get alisting in the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court before the end of the year, in what is expected to be athree-week committal hearing testing the evidence against her. Despitethe delay and limited resources available to the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court, Ms Patterson's legal team said she would rather stay in custody for longer than see afast-tracked trial in Melbourne.

The Herald Sun reported that Magistrate Walsh said he would further consider whether the committal hearing should be sent to Melbourne for an earlier date.

“I understand your client seems to be content but the delay seems to be getting abit outthere,” he said.

It is understoodseveral witnesses in the trial will come from the local area.

The charges against Patterson relate to alunch, one weekend in July, 2023 in the town of Leongatha, where agroup of people fell gravely ill.

Spotlight: Patterson is charged with three counts of murder relating to the deaths of Don and Gail Patterson and HeatherWilkinson, and five counts of attempted murder:one relating to Ian Wilkinson, and four relatingtoex-husband Simon Patterson. Photograph supplied

Patterson's in-laws Don and Gail Patterson and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson died from the poisoning, while Ian Wilkinson survived.

Patterson's alleged crimes stretchbacktothe fallout of her marriagetoSimon Patterson in 2020, with Erin allegedly attempting to murder him for the first time in 2021.

When three of them died and one was left strugglingfor their lifefromwhatappearedto be mushroom poisoning,their Beef Wellington madeheadlines across the globe.Since then,three allegationsofmurder and five counts of attempted murder have been brought against Patterson, the lady at the core of the infamous death cap mushroom lunch.

ABC reported the accused triple murderer wore abluejumper and glasses as she listened to the courts proceedings, not saying muchother than acknowledging she could hear and see the court.

Magistrate Walsh adjourned the casefor two weeks.

Patterson's case willreturntothe Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court on May 7for afurther committal hearing.

Delay: Accused mushroom murderer,ErinPatterson wished forher case to stay in Morwell. File photograph

HealthAccess points

DEMAND is growing for afreetele-health medical serviceoffered across Gippsland, supportingpeople who need to see adoctor after-hours when their usual GP is unavailable.

Gippsland Primary HealthNetwork commissionedHealthAccess 12 months ago to provide an after-hours service free to people who live in a Gippsland postcode and since then, it has delivered 389 consultations with positive feedback from patients.

Gippsland PHN Chief Executive, Amanda Proposch,saidthe service was a“good news” story for the region, providing the Gippsland community withanother optionwhen they neededmedical advice outside normal working hours.

“We know people don’t always get sick or need medical advice during the day when their usual general practice is open,” Ms Proposch said.

“This service is helping fill that gap.”

HealthAccess is adesigned solution to support community,general practices, local hospitals, Residential Aged Care Homes and ambulance services to manage increasing volumes of GP-Type Presentations in the after-hours period. It supports people who need low acuity care when it’s not an emergency and theirusualGPisclosed. This may include things from colds, flu and fever to allergic reactions, headaches, sporting injuries and COVID-19.

The patient’s regular GP is sent asummary of the consultationtoensure continuity of care. Gippsland PHN said feedback from all partsofGippsland had used the service and provided positive feedback.

Ms Proposch said the after-hours telehealth service was designed to support existing GPs,

enabling their patients access to medical services after-hours if required.

“Medical needs after-hours don’t always require avisittothe hospitalemergencydepartment,” she said.

“With HealthAccess, people can speak to aGP from their own home and will be triaged if the issue is urgent.”

Gippsland PHN commissions arange of free after-hours services across the region in addition to HealthAccess.

“If you or someone you knowneeds medicalsupport in the after-hours period and it’s urgent but not an emergency, you can get support wherever you live in the region,” Ms Proposch said.

“We have twoPrimary PriorityCareCentres in Warragul and Moe,anafter-hours service offered by aconsortium of local general practices in Wellington Shire and telehealth options.”

Ms Proposchsaidrecent data showed that Gippsland had alow after-hours GP attendance and urged people to be aware of the range of services available.

“These figures show that by not using the afterhours services available, it will have an inevitable impactonthe workload of hospital emergency departments. We want to keep these emergency departments free for those who really need them.”

To use the service, people can call 1800 272 767 from 6-10pmweeknights,12-10pmSaturdays, 8am-6pm Sunday (and public holidays).

You can find out more details on the Gippsland PHN website at https://gphn.org.au/what-we-do/ programs/after-hours-program/

PHN to consider feedback

PEOPLE with adisability in Gippsland find that getting supportishard and requires navigating acomplex system.

Anew Priority IssuesPaper from Gippsland Primary Health Network on ‘Disability’ has foundthat people living with disability are the most frequent users of health services, but 70 per cent experience large barriers accessing required services.

Social isolation is especially problematic for people living withadisability who also experience housing and employment concerns, while mental health is the most common co-occurring health issue and often not well serviced.

The Disability paper is one of three released by Gippsland PHN; the others are LGBTIQA+ Health and Wellbeing, and Chronic Illness.

Gippsland PHN chief executive, Amanda Proposch, said the paperswerecompiled from local data and intelligence from Gippsland PHN teams and advisory group members for strategic health planning in priorityand emerging areas.

“Our priority issues papers capture information from arangeofsources including feedback from consumers,” Ms Proposch said.

“They are an integral part of health planning and help us make informed decision about what is needed by our community.”

The LGBTIQA+ Health andWellbeing issues paper found LGBTIQA+ people are 2.1 times as likely to have adisability or long-term health condition when compared to the general population and were 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with anxietyordepressionby adoctor.

The Gippsland Rainbow Brick Road report shows that 67 per cent of LGBTIQA+ people have concerns about their mental health.

The third paper revealed that chronicdisease is becoming more common and causes most of the burden of ill health in Australia.In2022-23, the top five chronic conditions in Gippsland leadingtopotentially avoidablehospital admissions were related to:

 Diabetes complications (1508)

 Iron deficiency anaemia (1450)

 Congestive heart failure (1049)

 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1178)

 Angina (548)

Severalrisk factors for chronic disease are common in Gippsland –alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and dietlacking vegetables.

Those in the community told Gippsland PHN of thingsthat “would improve their health”. These included improved access to aregular GP in their local area; affordable care including alliedhealth, painmanagement andspecialists, all communicatingwell with their GP; good quality emergency care locally; and access to specialists between appointments.

Gippsland PHN has commissioned arange of early intervention activities and models of care, designed to promote healthy ageing and reduce pressure on local health services.

People can read the issues papers at https://gphn.org.au/resources/ or can provide feedback to GippslandPHN at https://gphn.org.au/what-we-do/ health-planning-researchand-evaluation/ tell-gippsland-phn/

11. Abag of grass seed covers 5squaremeters. How many bags would you need for aspace 10m by 4m?

12. What was film company Pixar’sfirst movie?

FOUR POINTERS

13. Who wrote the epic poem “Paradise Lost”?

14. What is the process by which plants make their food using sunlight called?

FIVE POINTER

15. Guess the songs from these lyrics? One point for each correct answer

1. Somebody once told me, The world is gonna roll me, Iain’tthe sharpest tool in theshed...

2. My baby don’tmessaround, Because she loves me so, And this Iknowfor sure(uh)...

3. At first Iwas afraid, Iwas petrified, Kept thinkin’ Icould never live without you by my side...

4. Aclubisn’tthe best placetofind alover,Sothe bar is whereI go (Mm)

5. Ihear the train a-comin’, it’srolling ‘round the bend, And Iain’t seen the sunshine since Idon’t know when...

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.

Kokoda

MEMBER for Morwell, Martin Cameron, is offering aonce-in-a-lifetime chance for one high school student living in the Morwell electorate to join him and other Members of Parliament on atrip to trek the Kokoda Trail.

The Marsh/Tierney Scholarship is an opportunity for one lucky Year 11 student to joinan'Adventure Kokoda' trip in the July school holidays.

"The Marsh/Tierney Scholarship, worth $6300, provides our younger generation with an insight intothe Gippslandconnection to the Kokoda Trail, and the sacrifices made by men from this area," Mr Cameron said.

"The successful applicant will be assisted with training and chaperoned on the trek. In addition to the scholarship, there will be around an $600-800 commitment required from participants for items like hiking boots, some incidentals and medical expenses.

"Details of the trek and informationonthe application process can be obtained from my office, and Iencourage any Year 11 students interested to think about applyingfor this amazing opportunity." The application processinvolves aquestionnaire and shortessay,and thoseshort-listed will also be required to attend ashort in-person interview with current or ex-service personnel. For more information or to obtain the application materials, email martin.cameron@parliament.vic. gov.au or phone 5133 9088.

By KATRINA BRANDON

HERE is another V/Line story,and no, it's not another strike, but community goodwill withinour local stations.

OnFebruary22,TraralgonresidentJohnBeasley's wife accidentally left somethingonthe train on the way to Dandenong. Off goes the rails; whenshe arrivedather destination, John received adistressed call from his wife about thelossofluggage on thetrip.

"ShegotoffatDandenong,caughtabustoFrankston and gottoFrankston to realise thatshe hadlefther iPadonthetrain.Sherangmeandtoldme.Ithenrang V/Lineandfoundtheirlostpropertyoffice,"Johnsaid.

Throughout the day, John kept in touch with the Traralgon lost property office and the Traralgon Train Station on the matterregardingthe iPad and its whereabouts.

Later that night, John was abletoreceivethe lost electronic and happilyreturned it to hiswife

On the Fridayafterthe event, John and his wife dropped off some chocolates to thestation and the office.

John told the Express, "Ijustwanttotellthe world agood news story. You don’t get many good news stories from the public transport systems. Both the conductorandthetrainstaffwerebrilliantthatday."

Questions surround forest taskforce

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE stategovernment hasdefendedits panel that will investigate the future of Victoria's native forest estate, but did not comment on its lack of bushfire expertise.

The membership of the panel had been strongly criticised forits lack of abushfire expert by a Latrobe Valley forest and businessconsultant, John Cameron.

The Express also asked the government whether the panel would consider the report by thefederal-state Major Event Review Panel that investigated theimpact of the destructive 2019/20 firesonthe Regional Forest Agreements.The panel, which submitted its report ayear ago, made 36 recommendations on future forest policy but has received no reply fromthe state or federal government.

Agovernment spokesperson said the end of native timber harvesting presented new opportunities to improve forest management, balancing recreation and tourism for Victorians to enjoy time

outdoors, while protecting the environment and supporting Traditional Owner self-determination.

"The taskforce will play acriticalrole in engaging with Victorians to determine the best forest management practices, with each member bringingspecialised knowledge from various fields suchasenvironment,tourism, regional development, and outdoorrecreation-ensuringa comprehensive consideration of all options during the consultation process," the spokesperson said.

"As part of this important work, the taskforce will consider awide range of resources including the report from the Major Event Review Panel."

The government's Great Outdoors Taskforce, led by the former Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Lisa Neville, will consider the future management and use of stateforest previously available for timber harvesting.

Commercial native timber harvesting in Victoria ceased on January 1, 2024.

Thetaskforce will work alongside the Eminent Panel for Community Engagement that is

currently engaging withVictorians on the future management and uses of state forests in the Central Highlands.

Thetaskforce has promised to widely consult with communitiesand stakeholders on the options to protect the environment and support recreational, social and commercial opportunities in the forests. This includes investigating opportunities for recreation and tourism such as camping, hunting, hiking, trail-bike riding and four-wheel driving.

The work will be undertaken over the next 12 months and consultation details will be released in the coming weeks.

Mr Cameron said wildfire was the single most important threat to the state's7.5 million hectares of native forest.

"There is aclear need for abushfire expert to be on the Great Outdoors Taskforce," he said.

For more informationvisit deeca.vic.gov au/futureforests/immediate-protection-areas/ future-forests

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE landmark federal-state CarbonNet project will start conducting geotechnical surveys this week between Loy Yang and Golden Beach for the underground pipelinethat aims to take carbon dioxide emissions fromthe Latrobe Valley and sequester them under the Bass Strait. The government entity has beenconducting limited surveys on public land and private property this month to gain more technical knowledge about the proposed pipelinecorridor. Surveys will be conducted along roadsides, current land access agreement properties and Crown land.

Completed activities include feature and topographic surveying at Loy Yangand Golden Beach, plantand animal surveys, ecological surveys and

ahigh-altitude LIDAR mapping of the route.

The proposed 100-kilometre pipeline -80km buried onshoreand afurther 20km offshore -will take liquefied CO2 to acarbon capture and storage hub at Golden Beach, creating aconnection for multiple carbon capture projects. The pipeline consultation plan (PLP) received regulatory approval last August.

Up to 110Gippsland landowners will be directly affected by the proposed pipeline, which will be buried 1.5 metresbelow the ground surface. It will extend to two drill centres proposed for CarbonNet’s offshorePelicansite, where the CO2 will be stored underground, 1.5km beneath the seabed.

The talks with landowners cover the onshore pipeline part of the project. Once the pipeline

crosses the shoreline, consultation on the remaining estimated20kmoffshorewill be subject to and regulated by the federal government under the OffshorePetroleum and Greenhouse Gas StorageAct 2006. Onshore, the pipeline will require a30-metre easement, which will provideaccess to construction and long-term maintenance. Some areas of vegetation on or outsidethe easement may need to be cleared for construction. Clearing of vegetation will be avoided where possible, and land rehabilitated to its previous condition after construction. Funded by the stare and federal governments and begun in 2009,CarbonNet aims to establish acommercial-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) hub in Gippsland.

The hub will enable new and existingindustries in theLatrobe

Latrobe ValleyExpress,Wednesday,

Reviewing OHS sentencing practices

By TOMHAYES

THE Sentencing Advisory Council has completeda number of community consultations across Victoria, including Morwell, as they prepare afinal report which reviews how occupational health and safety (OHS) offences are sentenced in Victoria.

The SAC will consider whether sentencing laws and practices could be changed to promote the objectives of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) and improve workplace health and safety in Victoria.

Conducted by SAC chief executive, Paul McGorrery, and SAC senior legal policy officer, Octavian Simu, the pair travelled throughout both regional and metropolitan Victoria to gather information from Victorians.

ThroughoutFebruary and March, Mr McGorrery and Mr Simu delivered case studies to small focus groups, visitingthe five regionaltowns of Morwell, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, and Shepparton, and three metropolitan areas of Lilydale, Dandenong, and the Melbourne CBD.

“The community consultation eventswent remarkably well. We had dozens of Victorians shows up to share their viewsabout this very important topic,and every single oneofthem came with …awillingness to actively participate in somereally constructive conversations about how to create some useful reforms in the space,” Mr McGorrery said.

Throughoutthe eightcommunity consultations, more than 50 people attendedtoshare their views. During these consultations,MrMcGorrery believes that many of the mock sentences that attendees provided had some consistency.

“I think it’s fairtosay that while OHS (Occupational Health and Safety)offences are a risk-basedscheme, the criminal offence is about creating arisk in the workplace, regardless of whether you cause harm,” he said.

“For alot of people who showed up, the fact that arisk did result in harm was relevant to what sentence they imposed.”

The SAC displayed two separate casestudies throughout the state,only providing one per consultation.

The first case study involved asmall business that displayed arisk from aroof, resulting in no injuries, while the second case study was alarge business thathad an incident resulting in afatality. “Thesentencingoutcomesfrom peopleattending the (risk-only case study) sessionstended to be

much lower for that case study than at the other (fatality case study) sessions,” Mr McGorrery found.

“The two majorsfactors distinguished in the two case studies is that one resulted in adeath and that same case study was also avery large company.So those two factors significantly contributed to their decision-making.”

Currently in the Victorian judicialsystem, the lawsorpractices in Victoria don’t acknowledgethe relevance that acommunity mightplace on the factors that are an incident resulting in death, or the size of the company.

Mr McGorrery also found that during the consultations most attendees’ motivations were to deter the company or other companies fromthe OHS

wrongdoing, instead of retrospectively punishing the company for their wrongdoing.

“The findings across the sessions seemed quite consistent,” he said.

From June,the SAC willexaminethe results of the submissions,surveys,andcommunityconsultationsto developevidence-basedrecommendationsforreform.

The recommendations are set to be handed over to the AttorneyGeneral,JaclynSymes,before, or on, December 31,2024

Thefinalreport is set to be published on the SAC website in February or March of 2025.

“WearereallygratefultoeveryVictorianwhoshowed upandsharedtheirviewsonthisextremelyimportant topic,”MrMcGorrerysaid.

The SACare still takingwritten submissions and undertaking surveys until May 31, which can be found at engage.vic.gov.au/project/ sentencing-ohs-offences-in-victoria/participate

Collation: Chief Executiveofthe Sentencing Advisory Council,Paul McGorrery, completed eight community consultations across Victoria recently, including Morwell.

Photograph supplied

g 50 ea Celebrating50years ofOld Gippstown

By KATRINA BRANDON

TRAVELLING back to the good ol’ days, Old Gippstown celebrated its 50th birthday on April 13

Many people came from far and wide to celebrate the day's events Some dressed in traditional attire and others sat back in horse-drawn carriages to observe the open museum town Musicians from the Latrobe Community Concert Band and O’Dowd School of Singing uplifted the vibe, leading to a welcoming opening ceremony by local council members, park committee members and Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron

Mr Cameron shared his memories of how he grew up visiting the heritage park and begged people to help keep it alive

“What you don’t realise is that this is one of the hidden gems here in Latrobe City," he said

"When I was a young fella, maybe 10 or 12, I first came across Old Gippstown as an excursion with Grey Street Primary School and followed up in secondary school Then, a couple of other times through my adult life, I brought my kids here," he said

“Being able to see the smiles on the kids’ faces as they roll through because it is an untapped asset I urge everybody here today to annoy the absolute bejeebers out of your council and local members so we can secure this facility (moves) into the future because it is a great, rich asset that we have ” Latrobe City Mayor, Darren Howe stepped in next, explaining the park's importance and how historically important it is for the park to keep going, as it is one of the few of its kind still going

Closing the ceremony, the Chair of the Old Gippstown Committee, Libby

Scott, shared the history, dating back to March 10, 1973 (the actual date of celebration), and the manager of Old Gippstown, Kellie Simpson, brought on many thanks to those who came People moved around the town, delighting themselves with oldfashioned games, butter churning, dressmaking, photos, whip cracking, paper making, Clydesdale cart rides, fire truck rides, old movies, watching weavers weave, and observing the blacksmith’s works While few people dressed in old-fashioned attire, committee members enjoyed the experience of wearing old-style clothes

Other groups that joined in throughout the day included the Traralgon Neighbourhood House, which held the weaving demonstrations, the Latrobe Valley Woodturning and Woodworking Club, the Lions Club of Moe, Old Gippstown Men’s Shed, the Trafalgar Holden Museum, and the Baw Baw Old Engine and Auto Club, which brought demonstrations along with them

Later in the day, the committee held the raffle and placed items in a new time capsule that will be opened in 50 years

“We now look forward to a happy and hopefully financially viable future ahead, with a concentration on maintenance, preservation and presentation of our heritage assets, our core aim and continuing to make Old Gippstown a community and educational hub, and a tourist destination, for all to enjoy We are also home to local community and service groups,” Ms Scott said “We are fortunate to be located at the gateway of the Latrobe Valley region and stop off the point to further Gippsland destinations, close enough to Melbourne for day trips ”

Old school: Dara Carey from 137Forging On, Phillip Island came to demonstrate her skills alongsideOld Gippstown’sresident volunteer blacksmith

Celebration: MC Bill Baker,Trafalgar Holden MuseumSecretary, JenMiddleton, Member forMorwell, Martin Cameron, OldGippstown Reserve Committee of Management Chair,Libby Scott, Latrobe CityMayor,Darren Howe and Old GippstownManager,Kellie Simpson.

Historical: Rides were offeredtopeople throughout the event with ‘Big Red’ coming outfor people to enjoy.

Games: Bowling away is seven-yearold Richard, nine-year-old Celeste, and five-year-old Walter from Nilma.

Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Council reaffirms support for HESC

By PHILIP HOPKINS

LATROBE City Council has reaffirmed its strong support for the Japanese hydrogen HESC project, stressing the vital role it can play in the Latrobe Valley’s economic future, after avisit to the proponent’s industry hub in Japan.

“This project is one of few for Latrobe City that will deliver much needed jobs for the region through construction and ongoing manufacturing as well as building hydrogen supply chain opportunities.”

The delegationconsisted of the then Mayor, Cr Kellie O’Callaghan,and Latrobe City Chief

“The visit was successful in reinforcing the support from Latrobe City to be ahub for hydrogen manufacturing and the HESC project. This project will have asignificant economicimpact on the region if established,” the council said in areport on the visit made last October.

Executive, StevenPiasente. The cost of the delegation was $11,261.41and was paid for by the current financial year’s Advocacy Budget.

Key concerns among the various Japanese companies visited was the strong need for support from the state and federal governments for HESC and other blue hydrogen projects, and asocial licence from the Gippsland community.

resources and achieving carbon neutrality for Japan. JOGMEC’s experienced representatives had asound understanding of the Latrobe hydrogen project’s local challenges, and;

 The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, where talks centred on how the project could help Japan achieve carbon neutrality. The Ministry was concerned about Gippsland community support and alackofclearly articulated support for the project by the state and federal governments.

The report recommended thatcouncildevelop an advocacy plan to support the HESC project and hydrogen manufacturing in Latrobe, as well as advocating to both governments and developing acommunity engagement plan.

The joint-venture Hydrogen EnergySupply Chain (HESC) project, under development in Gippsland for 10 years, has a$2.35 billion grant from Japan’s Green InnovationFund(GIF). HESC successfully completed the world’s first liquidhydrogen pilot project, located next to Loy Yang Apower station, in early 2022 and is moving towards commercialisation in the late 2020s.

Japan Suiso Energy (JSE) willco-invest with theGIF funds to builda hydrogen liquefaction and loading terminal at the Port of Hastings. The J-Power and Sumitomo Corporation joint venture will invest in abrown coal gasificationplant at Loy YangAthat will supply clean hydrogen gas to theliquefaction plant. Together these facilities will employ up to 1000 people when operating at full capacity.

Carbon dioxide fromthe gasificationprocesswill be sequestered by carbon capture and storage under Bass Strait either by CarbonNet or in the aquifers available from ExxonMobil.

The council delegationvisited J-Power’s best practice Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle with carbon capture and hydrogen fuel cell in Japan.

“The proposedLatrobe City project would be modelled on this existing project,”the councilreport said, providing an excellentopportunity to see firsthand “what this could meanfor the region once delivered”.

Key meetings during the visit included:  JSE and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. JSE will liquefy hydrogen to minus 253 degrees Celsius and transport it from Hastings to a receiving terminal in Kawasaki City. The loading and unloading terminals will be equipped with a50,000 cubic metre liquefied hydrogen tank and loading arm. JSE plans to deliver the full commercial phase of the project by 2030;

 Japan Oil, Gas and Metals Corporation, which is responsible for astable supply of oil and natural gas, and development of energy

“They also have concern about the support from the state and private sector to provide access to the coal reserves in the future.”

 J-Power and Sumitomo, oneofthe more strategically important meetings of the visit. They wanted to better understand how they can build trust with the community. Social licence is critical for both. “It will be critically important for council to continue to build astrong relationship with J-Power and Sumitomo.”

 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which has no direct involvement with HECS, but has a hydrogen park in Takasago (Latrobe’s Sister City) that shows the value-add opportunities that could go to Latrobe City. The park, powered by hydrogen, also produces hydrogen from gas, and is developing aliquid natural gas to hydrogen facility.

 Iwatani Advanced Hydrogen Technology Centre, the primary supplier and distributor of hydrogen in Japan. It also undertakes research and provides ahydrogen fuelling station.

The first phase of the Latrobe Valley HESC project will produce 40,000tonnes per year of clean gaseoushydrogen,ofwhich 30,000 tonnes per year will be liquefied and exported by ship to Japan. The remaining 10,000 tonnes per year will be for the Australiandomestic market, with freight cited as apotential use.

Subject to planning and environmental approvals, the project is expectedtobeinconstruction around the time of the planned shutdown of the Yallourn power station in 2028, providing career options for the existing workforce. It will also deliver significant foreign investment and export revenue for Victoria.

Future potential production in the early 2030s, all goingwell, is estimated at about 225,000 tonnes per annum, which would create thousands of jobs ayear.

To ensure carbon reduction targets are met, the project will use the federal government’shydrogen Guarantee of Origin scheme to provide transparency to customers on carbon intensity.

Lifestyle Choices

Embrace lifeinretirementatThe Range

The Range Retirement Village is a retirement living community in Moe, boasting high-quality residential villas set inside agated community.

The Range offers elegant new and refurbished two and three-bedroom independent living villas, set in attractive and well-manicured surrounds. Each villa features an open-plan living area, well-appointed kitchen, private courtyard garden and single or double garage. Say goodbye to spending hours of home maintenance and say hello to more time for the things you enjoy.

Features available for the residents to share at The Clubhouse include indoor pool, billiard room, cinema, dining area, craft room, library, outdoor BBQ, and entertaining area. Whether it be agame of indoor bowls, billiards, or aswim in the pool to keep you active or morning tea or amovie to relax, The Clubhouse has

options for everyone. Plan your social life with your new community using all the facilities of The Range which also includes regular bus trips to town and day trips around the local area on the village bus.

Live-in manager Leigh Brown tells us that The Range continues to welcome many new residents, as new and refurbished villas have been eagerly snapped-up by retirees keen to join the community.

Marilyn beams when talking about the Clubhouse and the opportunities it brings for the residents and the Village.

Marilyn downsized from alarge house on acreage many years ago and loves the lifestyle at the Village –she swims regularly and participates in The Range’s regular social events when at home; but also chooses to

lock up her villa and travel outside Victoria several times ayear.

She does not miss the responsibility of alarge house and garden!

Ted downsized and actively chose retirement village life for its social benefits, security and being around like-minded people.

While Ted enjoys the social side Village life, he hastens to add that sometimes visits the Clubhouse quietly and read the newspaper!

Ted recommends that those in a similar situation consider making the move to Village life earlier, lamenting that his late wife, “would have been in her happiest place and we just never even considered it”.

For sales and inspections

phone Leigh on 1800 531 956 or check them out at www. therangereitrementvillage.com.au

The Range Retirement Village is aretirement living community in Moe, boasting alive-in Manager and high-quality residential villas set inside agated community.

The Range offers elegant new and refurbished two and three-bedroom independent living villas, set in attractive and well-manicured surrounds. Each villa features an open-plan living area,wellappointed kitchen, private courtyardgarden and single or double garage.

Plan your social life with your new community.

Youwill have the flexibility and freedom to embrace life with asocialcalendar that includes, billiards, indoor bowls, craft, movie nights, trivia, bingo,cards and many moresocial activities and make use of our community bus to getaroundour local area

Now is your time to down size and embrace life at The Range

Lifestyle Choices

Baw Baw Views: Abrand newchapter of supportand service for Moe

When Royal Freemasons Moe first opened its doors in 2018, it did so with apromise to provide state-of-the-art aged care services to local families who needed it most. And now –having this year joined not-for-profit aged care provider Respect and its national network of homes, this connection with, and pledge to, the community has never been stronger.

Ahistory of community connection

With aproud history of caring for older Australians for more than acentury, Respect is committed to prioritising and developing local connections. So, when it decided to mark anew chapter of the home’s history and growth, it reached out to residents, staff, and the wider Moe community to acknowledge this exciting, new direction by updating the home’s name.

Following extensive community consultation and apublic vote, the home officially changed its name to Baw Baw Views, recognising its association with Mt Baw Baw and the surrounding region, as well as symbolically ushering in anew era for the aged care community.

Located in the heart of town, yet conveniently only five minutes from freeways to Melbourne and Gippsland, Baw Baw Views stands as amodern residential home. Spread across five separate ‘small home’ hubs, each section has its own lounge and dining space. This well-designed grid layout ensures every room boasts aspacious private ensuite and access to beautiful gardens and courtyards.

Driven by alively community atmosphere and dedicated staff, the home offers an exceptional range of

services, including diverse recreational activities, specialised care programs, healthy and nutritious food, and local team members who genuinely care.

An environment of careand respect

Through strong clinical and social supports, residents rest assured that expert care is on-hand whenever they need it. This includes personal care assistants, housekeeping services, and ateam of registered nurses on-call 24 hours, seven days aweek.

Residents have access to frequent visits from local specialist providers, from GP clinics, physiotherapists, dietitians, optometrists, podiatrists, and hairdressers. In addition, the home’s social care coordinators curate events and activities to inspire participation and promote social wellbeing.

The home’s staff views its residents as people, not patients. They take pride in providing awarm and compassionate environment for residents and their visitors to enjoy.

Baw Baw Views also houses adedicated memory support service where holistic

care centres on the whole person, not their memory loss or limitations. Through listening and learning about each person, staff frame services and strategies to give people with memory loss the ability to live to their full potential.

Trained interdisciplinary teams understand the characteristics that each stage of dementia holds, enabling them to provide appropriate therapeutic techniques, including focused communication and compassionate ways to manage behaviour.

Across the home and its wide range of services, carers are passionate about building surroundings of support –from physical spaces catering to residents’ unique needs to an environment of community connection, including regular activities designed to inspire participation and engage mental stimulation.

An opportunity tojoin a vibrant community

Respect and Baw Baw Views is passionate about raising the bar in residential aged care and reimagining what positive senior living looks and

feels like, all with afocus on ensuring residents now and in the future continue to live happy and fulfilled lives.

As part of this ambition, and ongoing service to the community, their team includes atrained Customer Relationship Consultant –Kendal Laws –who is ready to help locals interested in aged care opportunities find the perfect fit at Baw Baw Views.

“Ever since the home opened its doors, Baw Baw Views staff have taken great pride in the home’s proximity and connection with Moe and the surrounding region, and we’re excited to continue to grow on that tradition in 2024 and beyond,” Kendal says.

“So many seniors and their families across Moe have proudly called Baw Baw Views ‘home’ in recent years, and with more vacancies now available to join its vibrant and welcoming community, there has never been a better time to reach out and learn more about our wonderful services on offer.”

To learn more about Baw Baw Views andthe opportunities to join its aged care community today, call Kendal on 0409255 406.

Fed Uni’sfight on water weeds

FEDERATIONUniversityAustralia haspartnered with SouthernRural Water (SRW) in co-designing UV-Cradiationtechnology to efficiently combat submersed aquatic weeds in the Macalister Irrigation District.

Federation University research student, Dian Udugamasuriyage, is exploring the feasibility of using UV-C light radiation to kill aquatic weeds, whichwill help to manageefficiencyofwater flow in irrigation channels.

Mr Udugamasuriyage's research has been made possible by an industry-funded Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) grant, which is an integral part of Federation's co-op model.

Federation's co-op gets students work and world ready, through direct connection to employers, paid placements, career preparation and workplace skill development, supportedbyaleader in student support, skills development and social equity.

"Currently,I am checkingthe cellular level changes that effect on aquatic plant leaves from UV-C radiation. This will give us conclusive evidence that aquatic weeds can be killed using thisradiation.Afterthat, an applicationwillbe designed as an apparatus to be used in the field," Mr Udugamasuriyage said.

Maintenance supervisor at SRW, Peter Miller, saysthe industry will benefit from removal of dangerous chemical use by introducing this technology.

"Not havingtouse chemicals will be the winner. Currentlywehave to stop irrigationduringthe season to treatweeds.Weare also usingdangerous chemicals, which is not ideal," Mr Miller said.

"Additionally, the technology will create amore environmentally solution than using chemicals."

Mr Udugamasuriyage says that conducting the research in partnership with industry means the focus is not only on the academic outcome of the project, but thattangiblesolutions are being found "From this co-op placement Ihad the opportunity to engage with employees of Southern Rural Water. Iwas able to gather knowledge on the operations, and how agricultural waterdemand is handled," he said.

Federation University's Associate Professor in Mechatronics, Gayan KahandawaAppuhamillage, saidthe studypioneers the explorationofUV-C light for managing aquatic weeds,which has the potential to revolutionisemanagement of our waterways.

GIPPSLANDWater hasreleased its new ClimateChangeStrategy,detailing how it aims to achieve ambitiousnet zero targets and manage the impacts of climate change.

The acting managingdirector, Simon Aquilina, said the organisation was taking awhole-of-business approach to managing the impacts of climatechangecurrent and future generations.

“As the climate changes, we will continue to be innovativeinthe way we think, plan and engineer,” Mr Aquilina said.

“Our strategy focuses on areas including renewable energy investment, environmental stewardship and infrastructure upgrades to increase resilience."

Mr Aquilinasaid upgrading Gippsland Water's infrastructure was amajor priority, starting with assets most at risk of being affected by extreme weather events.

"Continuing to protect the plants and animals who rely on the waterways we manage and need ahealthy environment to thrive is another," he said.

“For example, we are actively involved in the protection of several vulnerable species, including the Pookila, Wellington MintBush and Filmy Maidenhair fern."

Mr Aquilina said Gippsland Waterhad already madegreat progress in movingto renewable energy sources.

“A significantamount of ourpower already comes from renewables and we are continuing to invest in new energy sources,” he said.

"Collaborating with the local industry is gratifying, especially when observing the direct impact of our effortsinenhancing safety for everyone involved."

AFederation University lecturer in Environmental Sciences, Dr Kushan Tennakoon, said this was aclassic instance of collaborative industry research partners providing an opportunity for apost-grad student to engage in a

"Therehasn't been any comprehensive research conducted on this subject until now, highlighting the novelty and importance of this work," he said.

real-worldresearch project co-designed with them.

"Weenvisage that results of this novel investigationwillhelpreduce the chemical pollution caused by synthetic herbicides currently used to control aquatic weeds in our irrigation channels," she said.

"We expect to further investigate the potential of integrated use of UV-C treatment with other ecofriendly management actions such as bioherbicides as along-term solution over traditional synthetic herbicide applications."

“We have nearly 6000 solarpanels running across eight of our sites as well as biogas and hydroelectric generators. Between 2017 and 2022 we almost doubled our renewable energy production, and now we produce 5451 megawatts in renewable energy each year.

“Using renewable energy sources also reduces our operating costs and puts downward pressure on customer bills. We’ve got alot to do in the next six years, but if we continue along ourcurrent trajectory, I’m confident we’ll hit our targets.”

To view Gippsland Water’s Climate Change Strategy,visit gippswater.com.au/ climate-change-strategy

Deep dive: Federation Universityresearch student, DianUdugamasuriyage is exploring if UV-C lightradiation cankill aquatic weeds.

Photograph supplied

Finding ahome away from home

By KATRINA BRANDON

EXCHANGE programs run deep, whether online or through asister school in another country.

Last year, Monica and Thane Bramley,a Traralgon family, welcomed an exchange student from France, Capucine.

Mr and Ms Bramley wanted their children to experience the world outside of their home country and also wanted to bring others into their family.

“We have always spoken about it and wanted our kids to experience it. When Iwas younger, Iwould have loved to do it myself, but my family couldn’t afford it then.When we saw it on Facebook,we thought, 'why not now',” Mr Bramley said.

“It’sbeengoodlearningadifferentculture.Wedon’t knowanyone from France, so those side of things have been good. It made us go out and take her and our girls to places we had been putting off for awhile Makes us get out there and be tourists ourselves.”

During Capucine’s time in the Valley, she participated in schoolactivities at Traralgon College, joined the Latrobe Valley Community Volleyball Competition, ventured on trips aroundVictoria, and joined theYinnarand District Judo Club.

Capucine said she wanted to embrace all she could whileshe was over here.

“I think some of my favourite moments with my hostfamilywere when we visitedthe Grampians andthe GreatOcean Road, which was incredible, like the landscapes. Everything was so good. We did some hikes. Ijust felt so close to Australia,” she said.

“I think it has built my confidence because now whenItalktopeople,I just go for it, and Iknow I want to do everythingtomake my dream come true and nevergive up.I will do everything to do what I want because it is really important.”

Capucine also said that during her time at the local sports groups, she felt she had learnt alot and gained confidence.

“IhavedonevolleyballbackinFrance,andIwanted to continue playing volleyball here, so the host family gave me the chance to do it," she said.

"When they took me the first time, Iwas nervous about meeting people in anew team with peoplewho already knew each other, but they all just welcomed me well.”

Volleyball teammates Crystal Bertoli and Keshia Mosssaidthatevenwithadiverse agegroup, Capucine fit in well and, over time, became confident in her playing style.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure having her on our team. She is definitelyalot more open than when she first started,” Ms Bertoli said.

Before entering the exchange program, Capucine had never experienced the art of judo, although her exchange family practised it quite abit She told the Express while shewas nervousatfirst, she now enjoys it.

“They were so nice, and Iwas so happy to play with them.WithJudo,Ihadneverdoneitbefore,andwhen my hostfamilysaidthat they were doing Judo for manydaysoftheweek,Iwasabitscared.Theyhelped meduringthebeginningandhelpedmeprogress,and now Ihavemyyellow belt," Capucine said. One of the coaches fromthe Yinnarand District

Judo Club, Sharon Chiotellis, said that having Capucine join was great.

“The Yinnarand District Judo Club sponsored Capucine for hertrainingbased on being acommunity not-for-profit club, which allowed us to sponsorher when shewas here," Ms Chiotellissaid.

"She has beenafantastic contributortoour judo club community and has been respectful to our club values and also the Sensei’s that we have.

“Capucine is the first exchange student we have ever had at the judo club. It’s great that we supported that and allowed aperson from adifferent country to come along and experience the art of judo and learn all of the skills involved. We would liketosupport something likethat in the future

because it was fantastic to see the friendships and the relationship with judo in general. She was able to fit in with our judo club.The exchange program is agood opportunity to learn new skills.”

Capucine took on the role of bigger sisterfor the Bramley's daughter, Katana, who is now looking forward to participating in her own exchangethis August.

Capucine came over with the World Education Program Australia Limited.

For more info rmati on on the exchange program, go to wep.org.au/ discover-the-world-with-wep-student-exchange?

Addition: Capucine (left) and the Bramleyfamily from Traralgon. Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Inclusive: Capucine joinedthe Latrobe Valley CommunityVolleyball Competition during her time in theregion. Photograph supplied

Brains behind Baw Baw Views name

RESPECT and Baw Baw Views were pleased to announce local staff member, AngelaLambie as the winner of its recent name-change competition, after she provided the inspiration for the Moe aged care home’s new name.

Last month, BawBaw Views (formerly Royal Freemasons Moe)celebrated its official merger with national aged care provider, Respect,by announcing its new name, following apublic vote. This was the result of extensive community consultation and apublic survey, which included aspecial prize to the first individual to suggest the name eventually chosen by the community as the winning nomination. As part of the competition, Respect committed to awarding the winner with a$2500 cash prize as well as a$2500 donation to alocal charity of their choice.

Ms Lambie, who works at Baw Baw Views was over the moon to be recognised as the winner, and thanked Respect for the prizeaswell as the chance to be involved. “The name immediately came to mind because it just made sense,” she said.

“When you look out our front doors, there is an open paddock and behind it, the amazing mountain ranges in the background.

“I thought it had areally nice ring to it and it’s fantastic to hear the name received alot of support from the community, including being nominated anumberoftimes.”

When ‘Baw Baw Views’ was shared back to the communityvia asurveyfeaturingseveral other options, it proved apopular choice and collected the vast majorityofpublic votes (around two thirds of all participants).

Importantly, this also included the nod of approval from the home’s current residents, with more than two thirds of the cohort selecting it as their preferred option.

Ms Lambie nominatedthe SpecialCare Nursery at Latrobe Regional Health as her charity of choice

Latrobe Regional Health’s Special Care Nursery provides specialised care andsupport for the most vulnerable new-born babies who require treatment for arange medical needs and conditions.

Latrobe Regional Health General Manager Women’s and Children’s Services, Kate Brown thanked Respect and Ms Lambie for the “wonderfulshowofgenerosity”, which shesaid will help supportlocal families.

“We are surprised and grateful our Special Care Nursery is being acknowledged in this way. Angela’sgenerosity willensure Gippsland families continue to have access to state-of-the-art equipment and quality care,” Ms Brown said.

“Having ababywho is unwellorneeds extra support is incredibly challenging for parents but it’s comforting to know there are people in the community who recognise their plightand want to help.”

For more information aboutLatrobe Regional Health’s Special Care Nursery, go to lrh.com.au/ womens-childrens-services/special-care-nursery

Riding against cancer

By KATRINA BRANDON

ATEAMof26bikeridersrodefromthe Royal Children's Hospital up to Bright, back down to Moe and finished at Cowes earlier thismonth, raising money for children’s cancer. Each day, the riders rode 160 kilometres up and down hills in all different climates.

Some riders rode between 200-300 kilometres every week for six months to prepare for the ride.

“We support research centred around childhoodcancer at the MurdochInstitute in Melbourne, and we support research intothis particular cancer called Diffuse Midline Glioma. We have funded the research for up to three years to work withProfessor David Eisenstat, who is from Canada and trying to find the cure,” rideorganiser, Aaron Hestersaid. “It’sa seven-dayride, andwehave completed it. This is our eighth ride. We started our charity Live For Lily in 2016. It’s always around the same; the seven days are over 1000 kilometres, and then we go to anew location yearlywith amaximum of 30 riders. All the riders are responsible for raising $5000 thatgoesdirectly to those two things.

“Wealso supportanother program called the Zero ChildCancerprogram, which is personalised medicinesothat every child in Victoria, Australia and soon to be NewZealand, gets their tumour analysed and their own personalised medicine, whether that be chemotherapy, that is targeted to their particular tumourtoincrease the outcome.”

LiveFor Lily, also known as RideFor Lily, was started by Mr Hesterwhenhis daughter diedfroma rare formofliver cancer

Mr Hester told the Express he wantstohelp others withdiagnoses receive personalised medicine so that they have more chance of survival.

“The idea of other kids -nodoubt this is happening all the time, doing that. It kind of led us to the personalised medicine program. If you have aparticular kind of cancer, we will want to personalise it to yours and know that it will do something. We were clinging to hope That’s how Ride for Lily was born,” he said.

Since the foundation started, the group has raised $1.6 million dollars towards the cause. For more information on Live For Lily, go to liveforlily.org.au/

Official: Nothing says donation likea noveltycheque.Latrobe Regional Health’s Lactation Consultant, Leanne Horn,Latrobe RegionalHealth’s Acting NurseUnit Manager (TimbarraUnit), CourtneyWhittakeraccept thegenerous sumfromRespect’sRegionalAreaManager,Rebecca Dew. Photograph supplied

Athleticsday

SACRED Heart PrimarySchool was full of excitement for AthleticsDay, withthe students encouraging each other throughout activities.

Studentswere all dressedintheirhouse coloursofblue(Sebastian House), yellow (Francis House), red (MacKillop House) and green (Patrick House).

Juniors participatedinBean BagToss, Hurdles, Egg and Spoon Race and Vortex Throw.

After recess, the seniorsparticipated in Shot Put, Hurdles, Discus, Long Jump and the 50-metre sprint.

The following day, students ran the 200m and 400m sprint, and competed in house relays.

All winners wererecognised in apresentation of the winning house at alater assembly.

MacKillop came first,followed by Sebastian, Francis and Patrick.

The school wished to thankMsHobbsfor preparing afabulous event with the sports captains from each house assisting.

Shenanigans: Isabella,Shenuli,Annalee and ShelbyonAthletics Day. Photographs supplied

I’m blue da ba deedabadi: Maddy, Jindarah, Jennaand Lexie embrace their house colour.

Impressive: Sacred HeartPrimarySchool, Morwell student Sunday showing offhis ribbons Winners: Annalee andSunday, champions of the day.

Collection: Maddy did well in manyevents Effort: Juliawithher ribbon.

Buddies: Eli and AvaofMackillop House

An egg-cellent day out

Helping-hand: St Paul’s Year 6helpers Tyrone and William ticking offthe location and providing Easter eggs to communitymembers.

THIS year, St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School ‘cracked’ open the festivities with an egg-straordinary community Easter Egg Hunt at its Traralgon Campus.

Children aged 5-12 from across the Latrobe Valley scrambled with egg-citement, eager to explore the nest and egg-spiring other children to join in.

The egg-citement was fuelled by Year 6students who assisted in doing an egg-ceptional job.

The cheeky Easter Bunny's surprise appearance added an egg-stra layer of amusement for the attendees, who scrambled and hopped throughout the school’s Traralgon Campus.

Coins for Caritas

STUDENTS from Lumen Christi Primary

School in Churchill came to school recently armed with lots of coins and ready to make ‘cent lines’ in theirhouse teams as aLenten fundraiser.

Students were able to raise more than $800.

Caritas is the Catholic Church's international aid and development agency, and Caritas Australia works hand-in-hand with the most marginalisedcommunities in Australia and overseas, to confrontthe challenges of poverty.

Students at Lumen Christi made ‘cent lines’ in their house teams as away to fundraise for

Caritas and with the addedchallenge of seeing which house team could create the longest line. Green House madeacentlinelongerthan thelength of the basketball court.

The school said it was wonderful to see student’s enthusiasm around the event, with housecaptains helping theirteams. There was musicplaying, students wereworking together, placing coins and making their line with the added bonus of knowing their money was going to agreat cause, helping support communities around the worldtotacklepoverty, food security and education.

Localkindergartenopenings

LATROBE City Council three and four-year-old kindergarten enrolments for 2025 will open on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

If your child turns three or four-years-old before April 30, 2025, they can enrol in kindergarten.

Latrobe City Council Mayor, Darren Howe encourages families to enrol their children in kindergarten when they are eligible, to access the many benefits available to them.

“Attending kindergarten has many benefits for your children, helping to improve social skills, languagedevelopment, emotional skills, as well as literacy and numeracy skills,”the Mayor said “Parents and families willalsobenefitfrom theirchildrenattending kindergarten, as it provides the opportunity to meet other families, make connections within the community, and

can provide access to other community services

“Council offersmanywonderful kindergarten facilities, run by friendly and experienced staff."

The stategovernment also announced that from2023, boththree-year-old and four-year-old programs will be free and therefore there will be no cost to families. Council will be offering five hours per week for three-year-old kinder, and 15 hours per week for four-year-old kinder.

To learn more about kindergartens in Latrobe City andhow to enrolyourchild,visitthe council’s website at latrobe.vic.gov.au/kindergarten Kindergarten Open DayatLatrobe City preschools will be held Tuesday,May 7between 3pm and 5.30pm.

Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday,

Activities: Lucyparticipating in the fundraiser Photographs supplied

Team: Elsie,Rylee,Zara, Macen, and Lexi working together on their ‘cent line’.

Cheery: Lumen Christi PrimarySchool students Chellsea, Ashleyand Tyler fundraising for Caritas.

Photographs supplied

Egg-cite: Meeting the Easter BunnyisZachary.

Fun: Themischievous bunnyhelping Freya to navigatethe Easter Egg Huntmap Cuddles: Aarav met the Easter Bunny.

Brock Smith was among the best players for Moe at the weekend, taking marks like this inside defensive 50. The Lions handed Sale their first loss of the Gippsland League season, while fellow Valley side Morwell got on the board in 2024, defeating last year’s Grand Finalists,Wonthaggi on their home deck.

MORE - PAGES 24-25

Photograph: Lotje McDonald

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

SENIORS

DROUIN 0.4 0.5 3.8 7.9 (51)

WARRAGUL 1.2 4.4 5.5 5.9 (39)

GOALS:Drouin:J Marshall 3W Papley 2BBrasier CQuirk Warragul: IWallace2 THobbs

TCrole TStern. BEST:Drouin:DetailsN/A. Warragul: BHeffordLCarterRSeniniL Ward P Mulqueen MSmart

MORWELL 3.0 5.4 6.4 9.8 (62)

WONTHAGGI 3.43.7 6.7 7.8 (50)

GOALS:Morwell:T Hillier 3JBurr 2T Smith BMcDonald RLoprese CCampbell Wonthaggi: CMcInnes 4J Thomas MHayesEDickison. BEST:Morwell:B McauliffeAQuigley AGrant S

Walsh JBurr BBailey Wonthaggi: FO’Connor JSchulz EDickison JBates JThomasH Tiziani

LEONGATHA 4.2 6.8 14.12 16.16 (112)

MAFFRA0.1 0.3 0.3 1.4 (10)

GOALS: Leongatha:T Brill 6J Ginnane 3NHanily2MMcGannon CMaskell

2.46.6 13.9 14.10 (94)

SALE0.3 1.6 5.10 8.12 (60)

GOALS: Moe:H Pepper 5JWood 4MWoodall 2HSim JMaslenTBlackshaw. Sale:TCampbell 2JJohnstone

What is going on at Wonthaggi?

BY LIAM DURKIN

THERE’S nothing much powerful coming out of Wonthaggi at the moment.

The Power appear ashell of the team that won 16 gamesonthe trotlastseason, and have now lost as many games in the first three roundsasthey did for the whole season last year.

Who honestly could have predicted this?

Whilelist changes overpreseason are inevitable, Wonthaggi stilllooked to have the nucleus of avery strong side judging by the ins and outs. Add in the fact the Power became the first Gippsland League club to appointageneral manager, things were looking relatively promising.

Fast forward onemonth into the season, and Wonthaggi's general manager, Brendan Knight suddenlyhas an enormous task on his hands to recalibrate and realign.

Issues appear not just confined to the senior team either. Wonthaggi has no under 18s, while the name Rod Tack made an appearance on the reserves team sheet at the weekend. Tack’s goal-kicking feats are legendary, but considering he wasa genuine ‘bear in the square’ type forward 10 years ago and looked well into his 40s then, he now might now not be too far off getting discount coffees at the drive-thru.

Allthis talk of Wonthaggi is perhaps doing adisservice to Morwell, who chalked up their first win of 2024 at the weekend. It was abig day for the Tigers as aclub, who celebrated netballer Courtney Garth becoming the firstperson to play 250AGrade games in the yellow and black.

The footballing Tigers came from behind at three quarter time to win 9.8 (62) to 7.8 (50), bringing the points back home after making the trip over the hill.

The visitors took anine-point lead into the main break, but only added one goal in the

third to ensure something of agrandstand finish.

In the end however, Morwell found the majors they needed, and were helped mostly by the efforts of Brandon McAuliffe, Aidan Quigley, Archie Grant, Sam Walsh, Jackson Burr and BrandonBailey.

Tigers playing-coach Boyd Bailey is currently confined to being just acoach,while othersmissing in action are JoshGalea and Ryan Hearn.

While the situation may allowBailey (now into his second year)todevelop as acoach, he wouldsurely prefer to be out on the field.

For ayoung team like Morwell, to havea coach practicing what they preach usually leads to greater cohesion within the group.

To playDevil’s Advocatethough, if Morwell is only beatingWonthaggi by two goalsgiven the Power’s clear struggles at present where exactly does that leave the Tigers?

Fergus O’Connor, Josh Schulz, Ethan Dickison, Josh Bates, Jakeb Thomasand Hunter Tiziani were votedbest for Wonthaggi.

Moe hands Sale first loss for the year

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

YOU didn’t miss much at Ted Summerton Reserve.

Anon-atmosphericmatch (quite unusual for aMoe home game), saw the Lions beat Sale by 34 points, 14.10 (94) to 8.12 (60).

The noticeably smallcrowd may have played some part in agenerally unexciting game, as both teams appeared content to run out the second half and get off the ground.

While asix goal margin is often considered ‘nothing’ in modern football, Moe never appeared in great danger of dropping their 30-point halftime lead.

writer, as Wood was clearly not deterred by any 'Egg Council creeps'.

Moe second-gamer Max Woodall also nailed two goals in the third, both coming from neat set shots in the pocket, the second right on the three quarter time siren.

The Magpies kicked four goals in the third, after only managing one up until then. While the first twocame from free kicks,they were able to finish off their work from further up the ground on the others.

Tom Campbell benefited from aBohdi Walker hit-up at the 13-minute mark, and then playing-coach,JackJohnstone after clunking astronggrab amid three Moe defenders.

SALE0.1 3.3 3.5 5.7 (37)

GOALS:Moe:S Curtis 2W Hester2JMorrowLDurkin TMorrow LWeir CWood Sale: Z Russell HPottsT Dobson TMiller SFyfe. BEST:Moe:L Weir AWilson JRiddleJMorrowW Hester WLuke Sale: BJones JSweeney SRunciman SFyfeBHallT Beattie

MORWELL 4.3 9.5 14.8 17.12 (114)

WONTHAGGI 1.1 2.1 4.1 4.1 (25)

GOALS:Morwell:E Smith 5GMentha3 BWilliams 2EPorigneaux CBaileyS Gissara L Patterson JSeymour JCarnes LEffenberg. Wonthaggi: NMartin WLukeJ Joske DPatmore. BEST:Morwell:L Patterson ESmith LEffenbergZCheffers JSeymour JLeak Wonthaggi: R LindsayO Dawson CDawson OFeather WLuke NMartin

The Lions kicked 11 goals to five either side of the main break,and much likethe currentAustralianTest bowling attack, went hard when they needed to, controlled tempo, and ensured they stayed ahead of the game.

Idyllic conditions meant the ball spent a gooddeal of time offthe ground,and the spectators that did show up were at least treated to some offensive transition that was easy on the eye.

Moe skipper and best-on-ground Jacob Wood kicked four goals for the day, including two in the third quarter via opportunistic snaps in front of the Can Bar.

Wood also got to work physically, nabbing Sale recruit and ex-Richmond player Derek Eggmolesse-Smith holdingthe ball.Suchan act evoked aSimpsons reference fromthis

By three quarter time, the Lions had more than doubled the Magpies score. Despite messages of being ruthless to finish off the game, Moe only managed one more goal from that point.

In fairness, their task was made more difficult as Sale played aplus-oneindefence, with Eggmolesse-Smith sitting back and stacking his stat sheet.

With bigger games to come for both sides, the contest dwindled out, and watching on, it wasclear players were playingwith selective intensity to avoid any last-minute injuries.

JoiningWood in the best for the winners was Ben Daniher,RileyBaldi, Harri Sim, Brock Smith and Harry Pepper, who booted five goals.

TheMagpies were noticeably shortafew absolutetop liners in WillLeslie, Cody Henness, Jack McLaren and Jordan Dessent,

andintheoryatleast,opponents can expect a stronger Sale in the second half of the season provided those players return.

If last season is any indication, Sale will more than likely be managingtheir list with theaim of having close to everyone available at the pointy end.

The Magpies however, like alot of senior lists, appear much lighter on this seasononly four playersfrom its Reserves Grand Final last year played in the early game at the weekend.

Eggmolesse-Smith was voted best-on for Sale at the weekend,followed by Pat Tainsh, Walker and JontyMcGuinesschannelling his inner Aaron Naughton, rocking the white headband.

JackLeslieand Shannen Lange also played well, although the latter may have summed up what could have been described as an overall ‘off day’ for the Magpies.

Even Lange, atwo time Trood Award and Rodda Medal winner,missed some easy targets, under not agreat deal of pressure, as did Johnstone, who was heard to curse himself in third person at one stage.

Perhaps it is this writer being too observant, but even watching Sale come out after halftime, one sensedageneral feeling of flatness in the camp. Kicks during lane work were fairly lackadaisical before the start of the third quarter, while even something as small as the Magpies club notes in the weekly Record being rehashedfrom the previous round mayhavereflected an exhaustingfew days within club land.

Rising star: Max Woodall kickedtwo goals forMoe at theweekend.The youngsterhas shown great promisesincecoming over from Mirboo North.

Photograph Lotje McDonald

Headclash sours Western Derby

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

WELL that was boring.

Low scoring grinds played out in Round 3ofthe GippslandLeague,asonlytwo teams wentpast or got near the ton.

VICTORY came at acost for Drouin.

Whilethe Hawkswon 7.9(51) to 5.9 (39) against Warragul at Western Park, there was anumberof casualties by the end in the visitors rooms.

The traditional Sunday match drew areported crowd of more than 1000 people, and saw the Hawks claw back from agoalless first half.

Drouin trailed at every change, but led when it matteredmost, kicking sevengoals to one after the main break to win by 12 points.

In what turned out to be the proverbial game of two halves, Warragul looked relatively home and hosed at halftime after registering 4.4 (28) to just five behinds.

However, the Guls were to add just 1.5 (11) from thereon, to virtuallygiftthe four points to their biggest rival.

Drouin’s win was madeall the more meritorious by the fact playing assistant, and arguably best player, Ed Morris, came off in the third quarter with ashoulder injury and did not return. Morris wasthe firstoffour suspected injuries for

the Hawks. Will Papley suffered ahugehit minutes before the end of the game, while teammates Joe Collins and Mitch Cotter collided literally on the final siren.

The pairran full tilt fromoppositedirections, and clashed on the Hawks’ half forward flank in amanic dash for the ball.

Acollected gasp was heard around the ground, as Collins and Cotter laid on the turf in the arms of trainers from both clubs.

The pair were surrounded by their Drouin teammates, whose emotions quickly wentfrom euphoria to concern on the final siren once they realised two troops were off their feet.

Those familiar with the clash between Melbourne’sFrank Adamsand Collingwood’s Des Healey in the1955Grand Final may get asense of just how sickening the incident was.

Healey won the Copeland Trophy as the Magpies best player that season -but never played league football again, saying he couldn’t stand asimilar blow.

Adams meanwhile played what was described as the “shortest Grand Final ever”, after sprinting onto the ground as areserve, only to get knocked out less than 10 seconds later.

Collins and Cotter will likely have to spend the next21daysonthe sidelines as per new concussion protocol.

The Hawks have Morwell this week, who will surely be monitoring the opposition team selection.

AS NathanBuckley said when he receivedhis firsthandball fromMason Cox -“we have some work to do.”

Adeveloping Maffra realised just how far they have to go before they start competing with the best in the business, losing to Leongatha by more than 100 points.

The Eaglesdidn’t kick agoal until the lastquarter at home, on their way to a16.16 (112) to 1.4 (10) hiding.

In what are becoming unwanted records in the last two seasons, Maffra enteredanother in the lowest score categoryatthe weekend. Their1.4 (10) was the equal second-lowest in Gippsland League history for aRound 3game, just ‘beating’ their own record of 1.2 (8) registered against Morwell in 1960.

Given grounds back then were generally quagmires, for the Eagles to have only five scoring shots during amatch played in 21st century April only served to demonstrate the sheer gulf between the two sides.

Maffra had two kids who played in the thirds last year named best on at the weekend. Leongatha had Luke Bowmanplay in the reserves -the same Luke Bowman who playedasastarting midfielder in asenior premiership for the Parrots last year.

While most teams appear to be thin at the moment in terms of playing stocks -the absolute opposite applies for Leongatha. Only three rounds in, and it is already looming as acaseofLeongatha then daylight.

Tallin Brill kicked six goals in the win, and was backed-up by familiar faces Tom Marriott, Sam Forrester and Cade Maskell, along with Jake van der Plight and Jack Hume.

Tom Scott and Jett Killoranbattled on for Maffra, as did Henry Anderson, Danny Butcher, Zac Felsbourg and Ashton Wright.

Justhow long this rebuild takesfor Maffra remainstobeseen, although now might be as good atimeasever to go through alist turnover given the general compatibilityofmostteams (Leongatha aside).

With alarge part of Leongatha’s recent success due to their ability to entice the best players from neighbouring minor league clubs, the Eagles may look to do the same.

Really, as arecruiter, your job for this season is already over, so there is merit in looking to 2025 even this far out.

There’s some prettygood young players currently running around just down the road from Maffra in Heyfield.

If the Kangaroos happen to snagthe North Gippy flag thisyear,theremight justbesome players interested in anew challenge.

TRARALGON andBairnsdale hadthe bye, having played each other in astandalone fixture to open the season over Easter.

Flanders flourishing after reaching 50 AFL games

FOOTBALL AFL EXPORTS

BY TOM HAYES

AHANDFUL of cracking matches were played in the AFL at the weekend.

None of our locals could get on the winner’s list, but thereweresomeindividuals who were ashining light for their sides in defeat.

DOES anyone know what to expect from either of these two sides?

Not to take anything away from their efforts on any given weekend, but St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs dish up something new up each week.

Opening Round 6atMarvel Stadium, the St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs were both coming off the back of Round 5losses to GWS and Essendon respectively.

This game however was just about over before it had even begun, as the Bulldogs stunned the Saints by kicking seven goals to one in the opening term to open up a37-point quarter time lead.

And as boring as it sounds,the Western Bulldogs continued to chip away whenever they could, as St Kilda never looked like getting back into it.

The Bulldogs lead stretched out to 49 points by halftime, and it got even worse for the home side afterthe main break, conceding another five goals to one in the thirdterm.

The Bulldogs reached triple figures at the 19 minute mark of the third term, extending the margin out to 71 points with aquarter to play.

If the Saints didn’t screw their heads on in the last, the margin was headed for triple figures too. With the game beyond their reach, the Bulldogs finally took the foot off the accelerator, kicking two goals, while the Saints nailed four to bring the margin back down to 10 goals.

Not respectable by any means, but perhaps more admirable than something over 80 points which is wherethe match was headed.

Traralgon’s Tim Membrey did what he could for the Saints, who were missing fellow key forward Max King through suspension.

With fewer options up front, Membrey was the Saints' main man, kicking 3.1, having 10 disposals,

four marks and three tacklesonadifficult evening.

THE local trio playing for Gold Coast were simply outdone by Sydney, who are looming largelyasthe team to beat this season.

Sydney did it easy as they hosted the Suns at the

SCG last Sunday afternoon, winning 17.8 (110) to 8.9 (57).

Gold Coast had something to celebrate, as they debuted the young Jake Rogers, while former Moe player Sam Flanders brought up 50 AFL games. Flanders startedacross half back in asimilar role to that of Nick Daicos and Harry Sheezel, while Moe’s Bailey Humphrey was given arun in the middle. Morwell’s Ben Ainsworth traditionally stayed on the half forward flank.

Sydney got the jump overGoldCoast from the offing, going 25 points up at quarter time, before theSunssteadied the ship, bringing the margin back down to 11 points at the main break.

Humphrey started the run of goals for the Suns in the second term, with his first and only goal of the match.

At this stage they were well and truly in the match, but it was going to take one hell of an effort to knock off the Swans at home.

Those hopes were squashed in the third quarter when Sydney kicked 7.4 (46) to 2.2 (14), seemingly putting the game to bed by three quarter time, leading by 43 points.

As they entered the final quarter, Sydneykicked their sixth, seventh and eighth consecutive goals to start the fourth quarter.

Gold Coast found afew late majors before the final siren rang, seeing the Swans home as 53-point winners.

Flanders was just about impeccable in his milestone game. He racked up 34 disposals (the most in the match), had eight marks and two clearances, as well as being the highest-rankedGold Coast played on the field.

Ainsworth had 15 touches, earning agoal assist for his efforts, in what is one of, if not the hardest position to play in football.

Humphrey movedinand out of the middle throughout the afternoon, kicking 1.1, having seven disposals and using his pressure to make three tackles.

Snags: Moe’s BaileyHumphrey celebrates agoal againstSydneyatthe weekend.

Photograph: AFL Galleries

MID GIPPSLAND FNL

STONYCREEK0.4 3.8 4.8 7.9 (51)

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:J Francis3C Wangman3BKimberley BEvans ESemmler BFrancis

FOOTBALL

MID GIPPSLAND

BY ROB POPPLESTONE

PRESSURE can be very quick in this game, no matter the competition.

It just so happens that the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League competition has applied thescrewsvery early, with close encounters again the order of the dayin Round 2atthe weekend.

Newborough vYinnar

THESE two teams cameoff contrastingfirst round clashes, Newboroughanarrow two point loser to reigning premier Fish Creek, and Yinnar, comfortable 52-point winners over Toora.

That howeverwas Round 1, and the Bulldogs, on theirhome ground,wearing their AnzacDay jumpers and in front of a healthy home crowd, looked clear favourites to winthis encounter.

They did,but it took amighty final term from the home side to do so, nudging ahead of Yinnar at the final whistle 12.9 (81) to 11.10 (76).

Yinnar lookedontrack to cause an early season upset,leading by more thanfourgoals at quarter time, 16 pointsatthe main break, and then breaking out to a31-point lead at three quarter time.

However,the Bulldogs stormed homein the last, kicking seven goals to one to collect the points and asigh of relief.

“Sam (Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch) had his boys frothing from the first bounce with five goals on the board before we could get our hands on the ball," Newborough coach, Craig Skinner said.

"Our middle two quarters were better but we kickedpoints and Yinnar kickedgoals and were the better side for three quarters.

"A few changes and expectations in front of the ‘Top Dog’ crowd at three quarter time gave us belief and when you have that you become dangerous.

"Good to get the win to launch our season.”

Whilstdisappointed, McCulloch said there was much to be pleased about.

"We have been pleasedwith our group’s commitment to ourbrandoffooty thatweare continually looking at improving," he said. "Newborough we see as ayard stick early on this season so we are taking the positives out of the game and learning from our mistakes throughout the final quarter."

Thorpdale vBoolarra

THE wrapsonThorpdale prior to the season starting were huge; an already strong side, they had been bolstered by further talent in the offseason.

Things didn't get off to the perfectstart for theBlues, who only managed to fall over the line by one point in Round 1against MDU, meaning the jury was still out.

That same jury might still be out following another close Thorpdale win, after the Blues defeated Boolarra 9.10 (64) to 8.8 (56).

Scores werelocked awayatthe first quarter before the Demons went into the main break leading by eight points.

Thorpdale kept their opponents to just one behind in thethird, eventually holding on to winathome.

Blues coach, Jason Winderlich said it was adetermined team effort on home soil.

“Good, tough, contested game against Boolarra all day. Was agood even spread of 21 contributors to get the job done," he said.

"Foster on their home deck will be another step up this week after playing themselves into form against Mirboo (North). We are expecting them to have afew key inclusions this week alsowhichmakes the challenge even greater."

Winderlich and co-coach Ray Pickering have played in the reserves the first two rounds, the latter kicking eight goals at the weekend.

Thorpdale are tipped to be amajor contender in the race for the 2024 premiership, which might mean Boolarra are not far off thepace also. TheDemons actuallywon two quarters and drew one, but it was the third term that let them down.

“Really good game of footy with both sides looking to go 2-0.Unfortunately therehad to be aloser with our boys falling on the wrong side," Boolarracoach, Brendan Mason said.

"We had our chances to win the game but theThorpdale guys took theirs and were too good in the end.”

Stony Creek vMorwell East

AS good as StonyCreek wasintheiropening encounter against Hill End, there was little doubt they were going to need to be even better as they welcomedaMorwell East team that had flexed their considerable muscle by

way of aridiculously easy win against Foster on the road in Round 1.

The only niggling doubt for the Hawks was how they were going to respond playing away twice in afortnight. Such doubts were exstingished early, as Morwell East went on their way to a13.14 (92) to 7.9(51) victory.

"It was crucial to start well. We had a dominant first quarter, having 11 scoring shots to four. The lead was set early and we increased that at every change. Stoney kept coming, but so did we,” Hawks coach, Paul Henry said.

There waswhispersfrom pastMorwellEast players to expect rapid improvement at the Hawks nest in 2024, and the early signs are that this indeed the case.

StonyCreek coach, Chris Verboon paid credit to Morwell East, particularly their first quarter, which saw them kick 5.6 (36) to four behinds.

“Morwell East started the game well, putting us on the back foot with five goals in the first quarter," Verboon said. "They move the ball well on the open side of the ground and set up well defensively.”

“Wewentaway from how we want to play, which happens when you are put under pressure. Bit of areality check for us early will be agood thing. We will go over the game and learn from it.”

Mirboo North vFoster

BOTH of these two Tiger teams had their tail between their legs after Round 1- Foster comprehensively beaten by Morwell East, Mirboo North likewise by Boolarra.

The home teamofMirboo North had always proven to be adifficult side to beat on their unique playing surface and they, like their visitors, were keen to regain their roar.

Playing under lights in front of ahealthy crowd provided an opportunity for the visiting Tigerstorisetothe occasion, and they did so, winning 10.10(70) to 4.5 (29).

The visiting Tigers assumed control early in the night, leading by 15 points at quarter time, and building on that lead as the game unfolded.

“Positiveresponse from our group, never easy playing underlights so I’mhappy we won all fourquarters," Foster coach, Sam Davies said.

"Big gameagainstThorpdale nextweek -they’verecruitedheavily and Jas(Jason Winderlich) has them winning close games early.They’ll be in the top few later in the year so it’s abig test."

Despitethe result, Mirboo North coach, Damien Turner said he wasalsopleased with the initiative of providing Saturday night football for the local community. “A fantastic day for our club. The night game was asuccess with huge numbers throughthe gate. Thank you to Foster again for their support," he said.

"We showed some reallystrongpatches of football, and improved in some areas we identified, but the small lapses from us coupled with Foster’s experience got us in the end.”

There is no question that season 2024 is likely to be arebuilding year for Mirboo North,but the early signs, withthe right people in the right positions, are that they will soon be doing what they have done for manyseasons, andthat is to be mixing it with the very best in the competition.

Toora vHillEnd

WITH most pundits predicting that these two teams might not be expected to play apart in finals, every opportunitythat presented apossible victory was no doubt going to be jumped on.

Toora, on their home deck, toughed out

the first 60 minutes before breakingaway for acomfortable 15.16 (106) to 6.6 (36) win over Hill End.

TheMagpiesvictory is an ideal platform from which to build some confidence in the weeks ahead, according to coach Jack Weston.

“Another promising performance.Itwas an arm wrestle early, but our discipline to set the groundfourquarters opened thegame up for us in the second half," he said.

"We’ll continue to build connection, but I’m pleasedwith the synergythe group is building.”

That synergyiskey for Toora in taking the steps needed to have more success, already well placed off field, it appears on field progression has started.

Prior to the season starting, Hill End coach, Ambu Uliando predicted his team would be morethancapable of staying with teams early, but running games out might be an issue.

That indeed proved to be the caseatthe weekend.

“Disappointing second halffor us to let Toora kick away with it," he said.

"Our movement and positioning was good but simple skill errors and execution let us down in the end.

"Preview -it's going to be areal tough day for us on Saturday (againstNewborough), no doubt about it. We suffered afew injuries so this will really test our depth."

Tarwin vMDU

MEENIYAN DUMBALKUNITED could have looked at last week's one-point loss to Thorpdale in one of two ways: it was a devastating defeat in which they did nothing significantly wrong, or it was an opportunity to bounce back in abig way.

Their performance against the Sharks on Tarwin's home ground was always going to be agood indicator of just how they had responded.

The Demons did what good sides do, this time winning atight tussle 7.20 (62) to 7.10 (52).

MDUs kicking for goal was the most pressing issue in an otherwise impressive performance.

Demonscoach,NathanAllen washappy to bank the four points and move on.

“Tarwin cameout withthe energy and intensityyou would expect for their first game of the season. They played atough brand of footy and made thingshard for us," he said.

"Ourpressure and ability to turn the ball over in our front half gave us enough opportunitiestoeventually make it count on the scoreboard.

"There may be abit of goal kicking practice over the next couple of weeks! We have the bye next week so we get achancetorecover well and hit the next stretch of games with some fresh legs."

Tarwin shouldbebetter for the run, having now played agame.

“It was asolid first hit-out away at MDU and we put in asolid effort, but in the end was tough to hold on afterbeing down to one on the bench in thesecond quarter againsta team who were keen to get their first win,” Sharks coach, Jason Kennedy said.

The first look at Tarwin was an impressive one and there is no doubt many victories lie ahead for the Sharks.

FISH CREEK had the bye.

TheGuide

SILENTWITNESS

ABC TV,Friday, 8.30pm

As season 26 of this forensic crime stalwart lands, no one couldblame Dr Nikki Alexander (Emilia Fox, pictured) forquietly taking on aless stressful job as afloristorperhaps a cookie baker.But as fans whohave breathlessly clung on forthe past quarter of acentury know,that’snot her style. Thedark question invades though: how will it all wrap up forthe Lyell Centreteaminthe end?And, going by this season’s developments will Nikki surviveher job with her lifeintact? Betterstill, will shefinally find everlasting romance? Beware these questionsaren’tguaranteed an answer acrossthese gripping and extremely gritty 10 episodes. It kicks off ominously with Nikkigetting caughtinthe crosshairs of the mafia.

Wednesday, April24

FATHER BROWN

ABC TV,Saturday, 7.30pm

Pull up asoft blanket and settle in with acup of tea: theworld’smost lovable detectiveishere. Along with its amiable murder mysteries and the pizazz of Mark Williams (pictured) as the intuitivepriest with aknack forsolving his scenic Cotswolds town’s darkmysteries, this show’s undeniable virtue is its whimsical 1950s setting,ripe with eccentric well-dressed characters and leisurely shotsofthe idyllic countryside.In this 10th season,FatherBrown has afresh face to help with his investigations: parish secretaryMrs Devine, played by Manhunt’s Claudie Blakley.Intonight’s double-episode return,it’snow 1954 and Chief Inspector Sullivan (Tom Chambers) is back in the not-so-sleepyvillage

TONY ROBINSON’S MARVELLOUSMACHINES

SBS, Monday, 7.35pm

Sir Tony Robinson (pictured) is like akid in acandy storeinthisfamilyfriendly engineering series. On paper,you might not be tooexcited about learning about amachine that fills pesky potholes, but in this lively exploration of unusual but handy machinesmostofusnever even knewexisted, it’s easytobe impressed… especially when our playful host (and executiveproducer) is so palpably enchanted by these mechanical marvels. Acrosssix episodes, beginning with“Unsung Heroes”, Robinson celebrates the designers, builders and operatorsof everythingfroma vehicle that cleans the skidsoff runwaystomakethem safefor planestoajet-powered suit.

PICK OF THE

Seven, Tuesday, 9pm

Based on the novels by D Paradisecreator RobertT this quintessentially Britis drama is humming with q and well-drawn characte murder mystery that aim and the investigations lea pleasingly unpredictable and laugh-out-loud mom small-townmystery follo of improbable but sharp solvers in dog walker Suz (Jo Martin),crossword w Judith (DowntonAbbey’s Samantha Bond, pictured right) and the local vicar’s wifeBecks (CaraHorgan) with detectiveTanika (NatalieDew,pictured, below) notfar behind. Faithful to the book, it’sa cosyand lightadaptation that brims with character rather thantension.

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners.(R) 10.55 Our Vietnam War. (PGa, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (R)

2.55 MusterDogs. (PG, R) 3.55 Long Lost Family (PG,R) 4.40 Grand Designs (PG, R)

Insight.(R) 3.30 DestinationFlavour China

Bitesize. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up.(PG,R) 4.10 Coastal Ireland With Adrian Dunbar.(R) 5.05

5.30 Antiques Roadshow (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05 Destination FlavourBitesize. (R) 9.10 Paul O’Grady:For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.10 SusanCalman’s GrandDay Out. (PG,R) 11.00 Ancient InvisibleCities. (R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline.(R) 2.30

11.30 SevenMorning News.

12.00 MOVIE: MomWars (2017,Ma, R) Jessica Blackmore. 2.00 Beat TheChasersUK.

Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorningShow. (PG)

3.00 TheChase. Hosted by Bradley Walsh.

4.00 SevenNews At 4.

5.00 TheChaseAustralia. Hosted by Larry Emdur

WEEK

DER CLUB m

eathin Thorogood, shcrime quirks rs.It’sa msfor fun adtosome outcomes ments. This ows atrio crimezie riter s d s ) a n r

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7,6) TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 LEGO Masters

Australia Vs Rest Of The World. (PG,R) 1.15 Ageless.(PGa, R) 1.45 Garden Gurus

Moments. (R)

Designs. (PG, R)

6.25 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by TomGleeson.

6.55 Governor-General’sAnzac Day

Message. An Anzac Day address.

7.00 ABC News. Alookatthe

topstories of the day

7.30 7.30 Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Foreign Correspondent. Takesa look at the UK’sillicit drug market, that is estimated to be worth £9.4 billion ayear

8.30 Martin Clunes: Islands Of Australia. (PG, R) Part 1of3.English actor Martin Clunessets out on aquest to explore the many islands which makeupAustralia.

9.20 To Be Advised.

11.00 Teacups. (PGa,R)

11.10 ABCLateNews.

11.25 Love On TheSpectrum. (PG, R)

12.20 Grand Designs: Lewes. (PG, R)

1.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 ArtWorks. (PG,R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

ABC COMEDY (22)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Paul O’Grady:For The Love Of Dogs. (PG, R) 10.10 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG, R) 11.00 The Art Of France. (PGal, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Alone Australia. (Ml, R) 3.05 The RoverOf Tobruk. (PGalv) 3.35 Destination Flavour

China Bitesize. (PGa, R) 3.40 The Cook Up.(R) 4.10 Etoa:A Kokoda Track Story.(PGa,R) 5.05

Jeopardy!(R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Anzac.Lemnos. 1915 (PGa) Explores thestory of Lemnos

8.30 StanleyTucci: Searching For Italy:Liguria. (Final, PGas) Stanley Tucci visits one of themost famous and frequented regions of Italy,Liguria.

9.20 Blue Lights. (Malv)

10.25 SBS WorldNewsLate

10.55 Illegals. (Madlv)

11.50 Auschwitz: One Day (MA15+av,R)

12.50 Miniseries:The Long Call. (Mals, R)

2.40 EmployableMe(UK) (PGa, R)

3.45 World’sMostExtraordinaryHomes. (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World EnglishNewsMorning 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 7.20pm Bluey. 7.30 Would ILie To You? 8.30 Hard Quiz. 9.00 Gruen. 9.40 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering 10.10 Penn &Teller: Fool Us. 10.55 Whose Line Is

3.35 Close 5.00 Late Programs.

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 TheMovie Show Noon WorldWatch. 12.25

Hypothetical. 2.15 American Runestone: AViking Mystery 3.10 Lives In Action. 3.20 WorldWatch. 5.20 Shortland St 5.50 Curse Of Oak Island 6.40

Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 ForbiddenHistory 10.20 Monty Python: The Meaning Of Live 12.05am Hoarders 12.55 Dark Side Of Comedy. 1.50 Late Programs.

6am The Movie Show. 6.25 On The Waterfront. (1954,PG) 8.25 Nights In Rodanthe.(2008,PG) 10.15 Iron Sky 2. (2019, M)

Friday, April 26

6.00 Sunrise. 10.00 TheMorning Show. (PG)

11.30 SevenMorning News.

12.00

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Football. AFL.Round 7. GWS Giants vBrisbane Lions. From Manuka Oval, Canberra. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking alook back at all the action from the game.

11.00 TheLatest: SevenNews.

11.30 TheAmazing Race. (PGl, R) The teams of two continuetheir race around the Americas for the chance to win $1 million.

1.00 Fortitude (MA15+av,R)DrKhatri triestocoverher tracks after her prisoner’s escape. Michael presents the scientists with amiracle.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBCToday News and current affairs.

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

5.30 Sunrise News, sportand weather

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 RugbyLeague. NRL Round 8. Melbourne Storm v South Sydney Rabbitohs.

9.45 ThursdayNight Knock Off Post-match NRLnews and analysis of the Melbourne Storm versus South Sydney Rabbitohs match.

10.30 9News Late.

11.00 Law&Order:Organized Crime. (MA15+av) Thedaughter of Stabler’s friend is kidnapped.

11.50 A+EAfter Dark. (Malm, R)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by GrantDenyer.

6.30 TheProject. Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. Thefirst immunitychallenge sees fivecontestants choose between ingredients and time 8.40 GoggleboxAustralia. (Final) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.

9.40 Law& Order: SVU. (MA15+adv,R) The team investigates asexual assault by aman wearing acrow mask at an underground party 11.30 TheProject. (R) Alook at theday’snews.

12.30 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMornings.

TheAddamsFamily 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 IDream Of Jeannie. 6.00 Raymond. 7.00 TheNanny 7.30 Survivor 46 9.00 MOVIE: The Nice Guys. (2016,MA15+) 11.20 Dating No Filter 11.50 Late Programs. 6am

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7,6) TEN (10, 5) 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. (Final, Malv,R) 2.00

Queen Of Oz. (Mals, R) 2.30 White Fever. (Ml, R) 3.00 Muster Dogs. (R) 3.55 Long Lost

Family.(PG,R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.10 Paul O’Grady:For The Love Of Dogs.(PGa, R) 10.10 Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out. (PG, R) 11.00 The Art Of France. (Mav, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00

Mastermind Aust. (R) 3.00 NITVNews: Nula. 3.30 Destination Flavour China Bitesize.(R) 3.40 The Cook Up.(R) 4.10 DambustersWith Dan Snow.(PGa,

Temples. (PGa, R) Part 4of4

8.30 JFK:The Home Movie That ChangedThe World. (Mav,R) Theassassination of JFKand the importance of the 8mm filmthat captured thetragedy are explored.

9.25 Secrets Of

R) 3.20

World’sMostExtraordinary Homes. (R)

4.30 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Clarissa Feildel

GetOnExtra. Alookat the weekend’sbestracing.

Celebrity Obsessed: Christina Grimmie. (MA15+av,R)A look at the case of Christina Grimmie

MedicalEmergency (PG, R)

TheMidwife.(PGa, R) 1.30 Murder In Provence. (Final, Mav,R) 3.00 George Clarke’sAmazing Spaces. (R) 4.00 Brian Cox’s Adventures In Space And Time.(Final, R) 4.50 CreativeTypes With Virginia Trioli. (R) 5.20

Landline.(R)

5.50 Australian Story. (R) 6.00 MorningPrograms. 10.50 My Unique B&B. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Motorcycle Racing. FIM SuperbikeWorld Championship. Round 3. Highlights. 3.00 Cycling. UCIWorld Tour.Liège–Bastogne–Liège. Women’s race. Highlights. 3.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour Liège–Bastogne–Liège. Men’s race.Highlights. 4.30 Roman Megastructures. (PGasv, R) 5.30 Untold Arctic Wars. (PGa)

6.20 Back Roads: TomPrice, Western Australia. (PG, R) Presented by HeatherEwart.

6.50 To Be Advised

7.00 ABCNews. Alookatthe

topstories of theday

7.30 Father Brown. (Return, Mv)

Father Brown discovers amurderer is using Kembleford’s new model village to plan their attacks.

9.00 Miniseries: TheSuspect (Ma, R) Part 4of5.Desperate to uncover thetruth, Joe finds himself on the run. In afinal attempt to understandwhat is happening to him, he digsdeep into the past, including his own.

10.40 ALife In TenPictures: Bruce Lee. (Mv,R)A look at BruceLee’s life in 10 pictures.

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

6am Children’s Programs. 7.05pm Riley Rocket 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Would ILie To You? 8.00 QI. 8.30 Live At The Apollo 9.20 Whose Line Is It Anyway? 10.05 MythBusters. 10.55 Portlandia. 11.35 Adam Hills: TheLast Leg. 12.20am Upstart Crow. 1.20 Would I Lie To You? 1.50 RussellHowardStands Up To The World. 2.35 ABC News Update. 2.40 Close. 5.00 Hoopla. 5.15 Ready,Jet, Go! 5.25 Late Programs. ABC TV PLUS (22)

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 Arthur: ALife With The RoyalFamily. (PGals,R)

8.30 NickKnowles Into Death Valley. (PG) Part 2of2

9.25 Miniseries:The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family (PGa,R)Part 2of3

10.30 Secrets Of TheRoyal Palaces. (PGa, R)

11.25 Everything YouLove (Premiere, Mals)

12.25 While TheMen AreAway. (MA15+s,R)

1.30 Miniseries: New Gold Mountain. (Malsv, R) 3.30 Employable Me(USA) (Ma, R) 4.20

Peer To Peer.(R) 4.50 Destination Flavour:

Japan Bitesize. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour

Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World

English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature.

5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 TheMovie Show 12.05pm Gymnastics. FIG Artistic World Challenge Cup series.H’lights. 1.05 Gymnastics. FIG Rhythmic World Cup series. H’lights. 3.05 WorldWatch. 5.00 Woman. 5.25 Shortland St 5.55 TheFood ThatBuiltThe World. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Jazz Fest: ANew OrleansStory. 10.15 AK47: The LegendBehind The Gun. 11.10 Juice. 11.40 Late Programs.

6.00 NBCToday 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 TheMorning Show: Weekend. (PG) 11.30 Golf. LIV Golf Adelaide. Day2

Border Security: International. (PG, R)

SevenNews At 5. 5.30 Border Security:Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Football. AFL.Round 7. Fremantle vWestern Bulldogs. From Optus Stadium, Perth.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking alook back at allthe action from the game.

11.00 To Be Advised.

12.40 Celebrity Obsessed: Björk. (MA15+alv,R)Takes alook at the case of Ricardo López, who took hisown life after trying to kill famous Icelandic singer Björk.

2.00 HomeShopping. (R)

4.00 Mystic (R)WhenIssie and the gang ramp up theiranti-Hexronn campaign, the company fights back.

5.00 HouseOfWellness (PG, R) Luke Darcy,JoStanley and LukeHines look at locations that highlight living well.

6.00 Getaway.(PG,R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00

Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra:Saturday (PG) 12.00 Destination WA.(PG,R) 12.30

Explore TV.(R) 1.00 Ageless. (PG) 1.30

Explore.(R) 1.45 Innovation Nation. 2.45

LEGO Masters Aust

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Jeopardy! Australia. Hosted by StephenFry

8.30 MOVIE: Midway (2019,Mlw,R)

Followsthe Battle of Midway, aclash between the Americanfleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy.Woody Harrelson, PatrickWilson, Ed Skrein.

11.10 MOVIE: Valkyrie. (2008,Mlv,R)Anofficer triesto

assassinate Hitler. TomCruise.

1.20 TheGarden Gurus. (R)

1.50 Talking Honey.

2.00 TheIncredibleJourney Presents. (PGa)

2.30 Getaway. (PG, R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

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

6.00 Ready Steady Cook. (PGa, R) Alice Zaslavsky and Khanh Ong cook with fiveingredients selected by their guest.

7.00 TheDog House (PGa) Abulldog has lost its spark since its long-term companionpassedaway.

8.00 Ambulance UK. (Madl) Crewmates help an elderly patient at the local boatyard who has been on thefloor for twodaysbefore being discovered.Due to thepatient’sinjuries, theparamedics must attempt atricky extrication.

10.30 So Help Me Todd (PGav, R) Margaret and Todd work to exonerate ajuror who issuspected of murder

11.30 FBI:International. (Mv, R) JubalValentine and Nina Chase join the fly team in Rome to gather intel after an American architectisabducted.

12.30 HomeShopping. (R)

5.00 Hour Of Power. Religious program.

6am Morning Programs. 1.25pm MOVIE: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. (1990, PG) 3.10 My Uncle Bluey 3.30 NITVNews: Nula. 4.00 Brazil Untamed. 4.50 Persons Of Interest. 5.50 Going Native 6.20 News. 6.30 Strait To ThePlate 7.00 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Blade Runner.(1982, MA15+) 10.30 Stan Walker: Impossible Live. 11.20 Late Programs. NITV (34) 6am Home Shopping. 8.30 Travel Oz. 10.00 Harry’sPractice. 10.30 House Of Wellness. 11.30 GetOn Extra Noon Horse Racing. Bookmakers Recognition Day,Victorian Owners & BreedersDay,Eagle Farm Raceday and

6am The Movie Show. 6.15 The Man WhoBrought Down The White House.(2017,PG) 8.10 Percy Vs Goliath. (2020,PG) 10.00 AStar Is Born. (1976, M) 12.35pm Journey’sEnd. (2017, M) 2.35 Breaker Morant. (1980,PG) 4.35 December Boys. (2007, PG) 6.35 The Final Countdown. (1980,PG) 8.30 Kill Bill: Vol. 1. (2003, MA15+) 10.35 Piercing. (2018,MA15+) 12.05am Late Programs.

6am MorningPrograms. 10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 Explore. 10.45 MOVIE: Home At Seven. (1952,PG) 12.30pm MOVIE: The Blue Lamp.(1950,PG) 2.15 MOVIE: 633Squadron.(1964,PG) 4.20 MOVIE: Dunkirk. (1958, PG) 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby Pacific. Round 10.Queensland Reds vBlues. 9.30 Super RugbyPacificPost-Match. 9.45 MOVIE: Blown Away.(1994,M) 12.10am Late Programs. 9GEM (92, 81) 7TWO (72, 62)

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm TasteBuds WithDaneSwan. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars 3.00 Motor Racing. Night Thunder.KrikkeBoysShootout.H’lights. 4.00 Hustle &Tow 5.00 Counting Cars. 5.30 Storage Wars 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: TheMummy:Tomb Of TheDragon Emperor.(2008,M) 9.45 MOVIE: BladeRunner 2049. (2017,MA15+) 1am Late Programs.

6am Children’s Programs. 1.40pm MotorRacing. IndyCar Series.Grand Prix of Long Beach. H’lights. 2.50 Motor Racing. FIA World Endurance C’ship.6Hours Of Imola. H’lights. 4.00 The Bradshaw Bunch. 5.00 Kenan. 5.30 MOVIE: You, Me AndThe Penguins.(2023) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay –Part 1. (2014,M) 10.00 MOVIE: Warcraft. (2016,M) 12.30am Late Programs.

Sunday, April 28

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7,6) TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8)

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30

Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline 1.30

Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Dream Gardens

(Final, R) 3.00 ForeverSummerWithNigella. (R) 3.25 Cook AndThe Chef. (R) 3.55 Martin

Clunes: Islands Of Australia. (PG, R) 4.45

George Clarke’sAmazingSpaces. (R) 5.30

Antiques Roadshow

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 Ageless Gardens. (R) 10.00 VintageVoltage. (PGl) 10.50 My

Unique B&B. 12.00 APAC Weekly 12.30 PBS

Washington Week With TheAtlantic. 12.55

Ascot Kayaking. (PG,R) 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. AustralianSuperbikeChampionship

Round 3. 4.00 Gymnastics. FIG Artistic Apparatus World Cup.Highlights. 5.30 Untold Arctic Wars. (PGa)

6.00 NBCToday 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 TheMorning Show: Weekend. (PG) 11.30 Golf. LIV Golf Adelaide. Day3

4.30 Border Security:Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) 5.00 SevenNews At 5.

5.30 Melbourne Weekender (PG) [VIC]SydneyWeekender

6.00 Hello SA.(PG,R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. (PG) 12.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 1.00 Fish Forever. 1.30 DriveTV. 2.00

8.30 AfterThe Party. (Premiere, Malns) Awoman’s ex-husband returns to town, fiveyears after she accused him of acrime. 9.20 TheLuminaries. (Premiere,Mdv) In 1865,two youngadventurers meet on the lastday of their voyage to NewZealand.

10.15 Shetland. (Mal, R) Acontroversial local is murdered.

11.15 Savage River (Malsv, R)

12.10 TheMessenger (Mal, R)

1.05 Rage Vault (MA15+adhlnsv)

Landline. (R) 4.30 ArtWorks. (PGns, R) 5.00 Insiders. (R) 6.30 SBS WorldNews 7.30 Ancient Builders Of The Amazon. (PG)A look at the Amazon’s ancient civilisations.

8.30 Egypt: TheTreasure Of The Sacred Bulls. (PG, R) Followsateam of archaeologists as they pick up where Egyptologist Auguste Mariette leftoff.

9.35 KingTut: Allies And Enemies (PGa, R) Part 1of2

10.35 Yorkshire Ripper: The SecretMurders (PGav,R)

11.30 Death Of ADynasty (Mv,R)

12.25 Secrets Of Playboy (MA15+a, R)

2.55 Employable Me (USA) (Ma, R) 3.45

World’sMostExtraordinary Homes.(PGa, R)

4.55 Destination FlavourScandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al JazeeraNews.

(Ml, R) Alook at the 2022 Lismore floods.

Quantum Leap (PGa) Benleaps back to 1692

MOVIE: Jesse Stone: BenefitOf TheDoubt. (2012, Mav,R)Tom

7.30 Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Australian Story. Presented by Leigh Sales.

(PG)

by Paul Barry

Q+A. (Return)Presented by Patricia Karvelas. 10.35 ABC LateNews.

TheBusiness (R) 11.10 TheWeekly With Charlie Pickering. (R) 11.40 Planet America. (R)

12.15 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 1.00 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 1.50 Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv)

4.25 Rage Closer.(R) 4.30 Landline. (R) 5.00

Art Works.(PGns, R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

Paul O’Grady:For

6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Tony Robinson’sMarvellous Machines: Unsung Heroes (Premiere, PG)Alookatamazing machines.

8.25 SecretsOfThe TowerOf London. (PG) The team prepares for acoronation concert at the Chapel of Saint Peter ad Vincula

9.20 24 Hours In Emergency:IGot

You. (Mal) A10-year-old is rushed to Queen’s Medical Centre after being hit by aforklift truck drivenbyhis father.

10.15 SBSWorld NewsLate.

10.45 Christian. (Malv)

11.55 My Brilliant Friend. (Mals, R)

3.15 Employable Me (USA) (Mal, R) 4.05

Peer To Peer.(PG, R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00

NHKWorld EnglishNews Morning 5.30 ANC

PhilippinesThe World Tonight

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home And Away (PGad)

7.30 FarmerWantsAWife. (PGal)

Thefarmers and ladies head off on romantic one-on-one dates, hoping to build deeper connections.

9.00 9-1-1 (Mav) With each moment becoming critical as the ship flips upside down, Athena and Bobbytakecharge, seeking methods for rescue while navigating efforts to guidesurvivors to safety

10.00 S.W.A.T. (Mav)Hospital employees are targeted by agunman.

11.00 TheLatest: SevenNews.

11.30 TheClown And The Candyman. (MA15+av,R)Part 4of4

12.30 Grand Crew. (PGals)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBCToday.

5.00 Sunrise 5am News.

ACurrentAffair

LEGO Masters Australia Vs Rest Of TheWorld. (PG)

by HamishBlake

Paramedics. (Mlm)

Aparamedic helps awoman whose heartisracing out of control.

9.45 Footy Classified. (M) Hosted by Craig Hutchison, Matthew Lloyd Caroline Wilson and Kane Cornes.

10.45 9News Late. 11.15 La Brea. (Mav)

12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

MasterChef Australia. Afresh batch of talented and passionate amateur cooks competes to impress thejudges. 8.40 FBI: MostWanted. (Mv,R) Themurder of ageologyprofessor leads the FBI Fugitive Task Forcetoa legend of lost Civil Wartreasure and afugitivewho is willing to kill to find the

Tuesday, April 30

6am The Movie Show.

9GO! (93, 82)

American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 8.30 Adventure Gold Diggers. 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 Frozen Gold. 11.30 Late Programs.

5.00

WorldEnglish News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight

Morwell mark Garth’smilestone with win

NETBALL

By ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC

MORWELL gave club legend, Courtney Garth even more reason to celebrate her 250th AGrade game, beating Wonthaggi 43-34 on the road in Round 2ofGippsland League netball.

Garth set anew mark at the Tigers, becoming the first netballer to reach 250 games in the top flight.

The three-time premiership winner and league best and fairest recipient has been one of the premier local netballers over the last decade. It was atough day in the office for Sale, who lost to Moe 73-21.

Coming up against the reigning premier at Ted Summerton Reserve, Sale had to dig deep to register any score against the Lions.

KristyGlover, AshleighKeefe and Tash Bedggood were influential for the Magpies, but despite their efforts,couldnot stop the shooting strength of Ramayer Gourley and Georgia Moody.

Oliva Barnett had the defenceunder control for the Lions,makingitextremely hard forSale to score.

Leongatha was too good for the Eagles, winning 62-25.

Leongatha took controlfromthe start,leading 23-1 in the first quarter.

Maffra’s Kirby Boyle,JasmynHennig and

Jana Hennig were good even in the loss, while Leongatha’s young gun defender, Alicia Marshmanstood out, with Kate Brown and ex-Mirboo North shooter, Mikaeli Hilliar also in the best.

The WesternDerby might have been the match of the round, with Warragul narrowly winning over Drouin 50-47 on Sunday.

Bairnsdale and Traralgon had the bye, having played each other in astandalonematch to start the season.

YINNAR'S dominance remains unmatched in the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League.

The reigningpremier defeated an up-andcoming Newborough side, 56-35, on their home court.Itlooks as though the Magpies will continue to be the team to beat in season 2024.

Thorpdale came close to securing their first AGrade win in two years, following ahiatus, but in true Demon style, Boolarra spoiled those plans, defeating the Blues 57-44.

Elsewhere, Morwell East continue to show their strength, beating Stony Creek 43-23. The Hawks look to be the onlyteamthat stand a chance against Yinnar, who sit top of the table.

Mirboo North got the better of Foster 51-38, while Tarwin came off second bestlastSaturday, as MDU secured a55-31 win.

Both Toora and Fish Creek had the bye.

WHAT aweekendofnetballinRound2of the North Gippsland Football-Netball League.

Sale City really showed their bite when they defeated reigning premier, Woodside on their home deck 49-40.

The Bulldogs young guns, Ciara Fitt and Indigo Waughcaused headaches for the Woodsideteam, facilitating scores time and time again.

In ashock turn of events,the Wildcats have started the year with awin-loss record of 0-2 and will quickly need to get their season back on track.

In another surprise, Rosedale went down to Traralgon Tyers United 41-40.

TheBombers havecertainly had ahigh-flying starttothe season, defeating Woodside and now Rosedale.

With Gippsland League sides on abye, it is understood Traralgon’s Montanna Styles came to TTU to fill-in, in the mid-court.

Rosedale had control of the game goinginto the last quarter, leading 36-30. TTU came flying home however, scoring 11-4 in the last 15 minutes to pinch the win.

Heyfield are another team showing their class this year, after defeating Glengarry 46-33.Beston-court for the Kangaroos was Sammy Beha.

Cowwarr registeredtheir first win of the season,defeating Yallourn Yallourn North 46-30,and Churchill got thejob done against Gormandale 51-23.

Yarram had the bye.

Young talent on show at Traralgon tournament

NETBALL

TRARALGON Netball Association held their 2024 tournament last Sunday.

Teams fromfar and wide across different leagues came to competeinthe 11 and UnderMixed,Under 13, Under 15 or Under 17 sections.

North Gippsland Football-NetballLeague entered an Under 15s and Under 17s side that both made it to the Semi Final.

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE -ROUND 3

AGRADE - Leongatha 62 dMaffra25, Morwell

43 dWonthaggi 34, Moe 73 dSale 21, Warragul

50 dDrouin47, Bairnsdale,Traralgon -BYE.

BGRADE - Leongatha 58 dMaffra28, Morwell 42 drew Wonthaggi 42, Moe 54 dSale 37,Drouin 61 dWarragul 45, Bairnsdale,Traralgon -BYE.

CGRADE - Maffra 42 dLeongatha 28, Morwell 39 dWonthaggi 27,Moe 38 dSale 14,Drouin56 dWarragul 31, Bairnsdale,Traralgon -BYE.

17 AND UNDER - Leongatha 47 dMaffra26, Wonthaggi 38 dMorwell 23, Sale 36 dMoe 22, Drouin 57 dWarragul 18,Bairnsdale,Traralgon -BYE.

15 AND UNDER - Maffra48dLeongatha 28, Wonthaggi 26 dMorwell 25, Sale 38 dMoe 23, Drouin 44 dWarragul 33, Bairnsdale,Traralgon -BYE.

13 AND UNDER - Leongatha 37 dMaffra30, Wonthaggi 29 dMorwell 15,Moe 32 dSale 22,

"Congratulations to our U15s and U17s netball interleague teams on asuccessful day at the Traralgon tournament," NGFNL wrote.

"Both teams made the Semi Final, just missing out on the Grand Final. U17s coached by Leah Lesson and U15s coached by Jess Anderson. Well done girls, we look forward to your next tournament to continue to see what you are capable of."

Moe and District Netball Association (M&DNA) had great success at the tournament, with every

team reaching the Grand Final at least.

"Allteams making the Grand Final. We areproud of the players, coaches and managers efforts," M&DNA said.

Moe's Under 17s defeated Chealsea, while the Under 15s lost by one goal to Bairnsdale.

The Under 13s open side defeated Sale and the Under 13s reserve team also defeated Sale's reserves in the Grand Final.

Netball Scoreboard

Drouin 35 dWarragul 8, Bairnsdale,Traralgon -BYE.

MID GIPPSLAND -ROUND 2

AGRADE - Yinnar 56 dNewborough 35, Morwell East 43 dStony Creek 23, Boolarra57d Thorpdale 44, Mirboo North 51 dFoster 38, MDU 55 dTarwin 31, Toora, Fish Creek -BYE.

BGRADE - Yinnar 42 dNewborough 34, Morwell East 55 dStony Creek 30, Boolarra68 dThorpdale 24, Foster 51 dMirboo North 41, MDU 67 dTarwin 24, Toora36dHill End 32, Fish Creek -BYE.

CGRADE - Yinnar 46 dNewborough 28, Morwell East 31 dStony Creek 21, Boolarra54 dThorpdale 5, Mirboo North 50 dFoster13, MDU 45 dTarwin 40, Toora29dHill End 25, Fish Creek -BYE.

DGRADE - Yinnar 35 dNewborough 29, Stony Creek 34 dMorwell East 27,Boolarra42d

Positive signs for local Stars

NETBALL

VNL

BY ZAIDA GLIBANOVIC

IN Round 7ofthe Victorian Netball League Under 23 competition, the Gippsland Stars gave Casey areal run for their money.

Despite losing to the Demons 64-43, the Stars showed some really positive signs for the future.

The Stars fought hard last Wednesday night at the State Hockey Netball Centre, but it was the Demons who secured their secondwin in arow with abrilliant full-court performance.

Casey’s Malia Seumanutafa and Holly Stephens were hard to stop under the post, shooting at 79 per cent and 81 per cent, respectively.

Morwell's Chloe Radford and Bairnsdale's ParisDunkley fought hard forthe Stars,but the experiencedCasey outfit was just too strong.

Traralgon's Myah Healey played her 50th VNL game, having played 43 games with Casey and now seven so far with the Stars.

TheStars will take on the Southern Saints in Round 8ofthe VNLseason tonight (Wednesday, April24), againtravelling to the State Hockey Netball Centre.

The Stars will need to work on registering some bigger scores to fix their 60.13 goal average percentage that is keeping them below the Western Warriors and the Bendigo Strikers on the ladder.

In the Championship Division of the VNL, Moe’s Georgia Moody played her 50th game for the North East Blaze when they defeated the Hawks 55-53 in atight 60-minute contest. Moody was recognised for her great performance, shootingat78.57 percentwith influential playmaking.

Thorpdale 11,Mirboo North 48 dFoster 29, Tarwin 27 dMDU 25, Toora21drew Hill End 21, Fish Creek -BYE.

17 AND UNDER - Yinnar 54 dNewborough12, StonyCreek 24 dMorwell East 16,Toora38dHill

End 13,Mirboo North vBoolarranoscore, MDU, Fish Creek -BYE.

15 AND UNDER - Yinnar 40 dNewborough 11, StonyCreek 42 dMorwell East 11,Mirboo North 48 dFoster 12,MDU 62 dTarwin 7, Toora30dHill

End 20, Boolarra, Fish Creek -BYE.

13 AND UNDER - Yinnar 25 dNewborough 12, Mirboo North 37 dFoster 1, MDU 23 dTarwin 20, Hill End 35 dToora7,Boolarra, StonyCreek,Fish Creek -BYE. NORTH GIPPSLAND -ROUND 2

AGRADE - Churchill 51 dGormandale 23, Cowwarr 46 dYYN 20, Heyfield 46 dGlengarry

DGRADE - Churchill 31 dGormandale24, YYN 41 dCowwarr 30, Heyfield 33 dGlengarry21, Rosedale 37 dTTU 33, Sale City41d Woodside 25, Yarram -BYE.

17 AND UNDER - Churchill 30 dGormandale 18, YYN 42 dCowwarr 13,Glengarry27d Heyfield 24, Rosedale 23 dTTU 18,Sale City72d Woodside 5, Yarram-BYE. 15 AND UNDER - Gormandale 25 dChurchill 17, YYN20d Cowwarr 16,Heyfield39d Glengarry 17,TTU 45 dRosedale 17,SaleCity26d Woodside 11,Yarram -BYE.

ARussell BHarbridgeI

BrownW Coad YALLOURN YALLOURN NORTH 4.3 8.7 12.8 17.10 (112)

COWWARR 0.00.0 0.2 0.2 (2)

GOALS: YYN:D Keyhoe 6OBudge 2JRedman2AAnderson 2J Hall SSimpson DBenson LSummersgill JPheeney Cowwarr: DetailsN/A. BEST:YYN:D Keyhoe AAnderson JHall L JikowDBensonS Simpson. Cowwarr: WSwanJ BrownV Johnston JMoon NFarley JKirk

TRARALGON TYERS 5.4 9.9 12.12 15.15 (105)

ROSEDALE 0.00.1 1.1 1.5 (11)

GOALS: TTU:T

BY TOM HAYES

SOME big hitters are on the board after Round 2ofthe North Gippsland FootballNetball League.

Round 1threw some questions out there, and for the most part, alot of those seem to have found an answer.

The question of Traralgon Tyers United and their premiershipdefencewas under fire after their Round 1collapse to Woodside, while Churchill appeared to find their feet followingdefeat in the opening round.

YallournYallourn North were yet to be tested, but their season is well and truly underway, starting their season off with four points in agame full of meaning.

I’msuremany more chapters will unfold as the season unravels,but for now, some normalityhas been restored in the NGFNL

THE Bombers are offthe mark.

Much was said about TTU and their performance against Woodside in Round 1, amidst their change up top and the departure of key players.

TTUwas out to right their wrongs when they travelled to Rosedale Recreational Reserve to take on the Bluesatthe weekend.

As they warmed intotheir grove, TTU quickly found their feet as they pushed out to adominant 19.16 (130) to 9.5 (59) win over the Blues.

The Blues were notorious for their strong starts last season, and had afew teams searching for answers in the early parts.

Hosting the Bombers, the Blues keptwithin reaching distance in the opening quarter, only akickbehind, goingfive points down into the fist change.

But, much like last year, Rosedale found themselves chasing the better side, as TTU put them to the sword.

With the flick of aswitch, the Bombers piled on the pressure, stretching out to afive-goal halftime lead.

And soon after the main break, Rosedale quickly realised what they were truly up against -ananimalofateam.

Perhaps more defensive-minded, the Blues kept TTU to three third-quarter goals, but they could only register one major themselves as the margin soared over 40 points. TTU broke the shackles in the final term, and perhapsbecamea littlepatchydefensively. Nonetheless, TTU kickedseven goals to three to see themselves onto the winner’s list by 71 points.

Captain Jye Nielson led the charge alongside Caleb Michie on the scoreboard with four majors each for the Bombers. Rosedale was left to depend on young gun, Lachlan Speairs, who kicked four goals as well.

Riley Atlee, Blake Safstrom, Speairs, Jake Pawley, James Edney and Riley Boyle were admirable in defeat for the hosts.

Michael and James Jacobsen were highlights for the Bombers, as were Nielson, Frazar Brouns,Flynn Shields and Guy Sinclair

Despitethe large margin,there were some lasting positives for the Blues.

Last year,TTU annihilated Rosedale in bothoftheirmeetings.Firstwas a182-point wininRound 4, when Rosedale weremostly stillbuilding their season.

Later in the season, they met again in Rosedale, and TTU still managed aconvincing 82-point win. If anything, the Blues have shaken off their early-season woes.

THERE was abit riding on this match.

YYN started their season on the right track with acomfortable 41-point win over Cowwarr, 16.12 (108) to 10.7 (67).

The Jets started the season with the bye, enabling them to haveanother weeks preparation.

Although the win appearedcomfortable by the final siren, the Saints put up afight on their home deck.

Onlyfivepoints separated thetwo sides at quarter time, yet the Jets hadmajority of the opportunities in front of goal, kicking 3.5 (23) to three-straight.

In ahigh-scoring second stanza, Cowwarr gave YYN afright, outscoring them to win the term, yet they still trailed by apoint at the main break, despite having more goals on the board.

But that was all she wrote for the Saints, as the tenacity of YYN kicked on in the second half,and it was too much for Cowwarr to keep up with.

Asix-goaltoone thirdterm put the Jets up by five goals, still within reaching distance, yet it was going to be ahard ask from there.

Valiant in defeat, Cowwarr remained competitive, kicked two majors in the final term, but the Jets managed four to blow the lead out past 40 points at the final siren.

Ex-YYN lad Keenan Hughes kicked four goals against his old mob, and was well-assisted by Cowwarr vice-captain Kyle

Stamers, who kicked four goals himself.

But for the victors, Dean MacDonald kicked six.

Haydn Hector, Ben Coffrey, Hughes, Stamers, Alex Saunders and the young Rhys Luxford were best for the Saints.

Dylan Bath, MacDonald, Darcy Shellcot, Jai Massese, Lucas Fry and Ben Morrow got YYN over the line.

Against atop opponent, Cowwarrdon’t seem to have the resources to take them all the way, but this may hold them in good stead against the bottom half teams.

JUST what was expected.

Heyfield did it easy against Glengarry when they visited Fred King Oval at the weekend, nevergiving theMagpies asniff throughout the two hours of play.

Astatement 87-pointwin remindedthe rest of the competition just how much of the threat the Kangaroos may be this season.

Heyfield went from strengthtostrength throughout the game, growingtheir lead at everychange to dismantle the Magpies, bringing them backdown to earthaftertheir opening round victory.

A20-point quarter time lead set the tone for the rest of the match, which only got more enjoyable for the boys in blue and white.

Despiteahigh-scoring second quarter, the majorityofthat scoring was done by the visitors, who piled on eight goals to Glengarry’s four to stretch their lead out to 47 points.

After the main break, it remained much the same, as Heyfield not only dictated the pace of thegame, but also the scoreboard, to eventually win 22.19 (151) to 10.4 (64).

Another four goals in the third term put the game well beyond reach, even with a quarter to play, the Kangaroos were up by more than 10 goals.

It got ugly towards the end, but not for Heyfield, who will be pleased with another four-quarter effort, and another four points on the board as they start their season with awin-loss record of 2-0.

Jet Hodges and Spencer Poulton kicked seven goals between them for the Magpies, but it was evidently not enough.

Finn Stephenson kicked five for the Kangaroos, while Tyson Birss kicked four among the plethora of goalkickers.

Callum Mitchell, Poulton, JackBurgess, Ben Truin, Jesse Lee and Thomas Harris did their best for the Magpies in defeat.

NicholasDinsdale, Stephenson,Liam Heasley, Kail Hole, Birss and James Conway stood out for the victors.

BACK on track.

Churchill guidedtheirseason back on the right path after asteaming 147-point thrashing of Gormandale at Gaskin Park. Some confidence was needed to be injected back into the Cougar side, who slipped up against Yarram in the opening week.

Gormandale was up to the task in the opening stages, keeping the marginbelow fivegoals at the first break, but that was just about all they could do.

Churchill were back to their best, blasting nine goals to one in the second term to put the game to bed. A79-point halftime lead

was just about enoughtosay the four points was theirs.

The scoring slowed down in the third term, but the margin continued to grow as the Cougars edged past the triple-digit margin by three quarter time.

Aconfident finish saw the Cougars finish strong, closing the game out in style to walk away 23.22 (160) to 2.1 (13) victors, disallowing the Tigers to score in the second half.

Ben Kearns wasthe standoutinfront of goal with 11 majors, but it was Chris ‘Squid’ Williams who earntbest-on-ground honours.

VicecaptainsRyanLowrie,Ben Skinner and Nick Celima were also in the best, alongside veteran Brendan Holt.

For Gormandale, Matt Anderson, Chris Potalej, Trent Baldwin, Jet Krimhand, Tristan Salerno and Tyler Capes were the best.

There is no doubt that Churchill will want to use this momentum as they head into a massive clash against Heyfield. While for the Tigers, they will continue to search for their first win of the season.

THIS came down to the wire.

Woodside kept their perfect record intact, onlyjust, edging past Sale City at home 10.13 (73) to 10.6 (66).

Sale Citysimplydid not let up,and despite an early deficit, climbed back into the match and nearly took it for themselves.

The Wildcats looked confident from the offing, up by 25 points at the first change. Despitescoring going the other way in the second term,they held onto a15point lead at the main break

The gamewas then thrown up in the air, as Sale City hit the lead in thethird quarter, kicking four goals to one.

Now up by apoint with aquarter to play, the question begged if the Bulldogs were up to the task.

Amomentum shift to that of the home team savedthem in the final quarter however, as the Wildcats kicked three goals to two, to edge past the Bulldogs and win by seven points in agrittyaffair.

Woodside was lifted by Thomas King, Ben Johnson, Adam Janssen, Jeremy and Josh Morgan, and Mark Collison.

Sale City were led by Jaxsyn Whitehill, Kane Martin, Flynn Read (three goals), Lachlan Carman,Abe Schuback and Troy Carstairs.

The Bulldogs showed plenty of promise, something not many teams have been able to do in defeat while travelling to Woodside in years of late.

Sale City’s new recruits have been ashining light for them, and if theycan continue to havethis type of success, even in aloss, they maygoalong way.

It will be interesting to see whether this was aone-off performance, or if the Bulldogs can truly be acontender.

YARRAM had the bye.

Leader: Former Collingwood premiership playerand Heyfieldsenior playing-coach, LeighBrown,forces himself througha packofGlengarryplayers at the weekend.

Photograph supplied

Boisdale-Briagolong claim braggingrights

FOOTBALL

EAST GIPPSLAND

BY PAUL NICHOLS

IT'S arivalry that goes back decades, and would be up there with the biggest in Gippsland football. FormerNorth Gippsland Football-Netball League clubs Stratford andBoisdale-Briagolong faced offat the weekend, for the first Battle of the Avon clash for season 2024 in the East Gippsland FootballNetball League. With both senior sides having the expected big wins in Round 1, there was an air of excitement and competitiveness at the JA Boyd Recreation Reserve last Saturday.

As the saying goes, there can only be one winner, and with two comprehensive victories in as many weeks, the Bombers are fastcementing themselves

as genuine premiership contenders, seeking redemption from their Grand Final appearances in 2023 and 2019.

Stratford unveiled their new social rooms at the weekend,and most spectators werehoping for a tight tussle that fell the home side’s way.

When the Bombers led by only four points after the first break, it appeared that hope would continue. However, that was as closeasthe Swans would end up getting, as Boisdale-Briagalong came out after the first break and kicked 3.5 (23) to 1.2 (8).

The Bomberscontinued the football they played last year with their elite ball use, and a disciplined team-oriented style of play, capitalising on Stratford's mistakes.

Boisdale-Briagolong came out after the main break ensuring the game was over, as they mustered alead of 31 points in the third quarter,

before finishing the afternoon as 34-point victors, 13.12 (90) to 8.8 (56).

It's no secret Bombers coach Sam Bedggood recruited well in the offseason, and he'll be delighted that one of the ins, aprevious junior for the club, Jackson Glenane, has found themselves leading the best after two games.

Joined in the best for the winners was Kelvin Porter, Matt Wilkinson in game 100 for the club, Callan Egan, Jesse Bedggood and Jim Reeves.

For Stratford, while thelossathome against their rivals willhurt,there's still plenty of football left in the season. CoachGavin O'Shannasy took positivesfrom the encounter stating, "we learnt as agroup what will be required to be competitive against one of thetop teams".

Alex Morcom kicked two goals and was named

in the best, after returning from Canada last year where he won the league best-and-fairest in the overseasleague. Joining himasthe mostprominent Swans was Jack Bacon, Jack Rietschel, Roydon Fulton and Brodey Reid.

Sometimes,football playssecond to the stories of personal fightback, and it was very pleasing to see Jesse Broadbent back in the Stratford seniors after aseasonout last year followinga serious health scare.

There wasnosurprise in other resultsaround the league.

Orbost Snowy Rovers were too good for Lakes Entrance, while Wy Yung demolished Lindenow by 98 points and Lucknow defeated Paynesville by 69 points.

MixedbagforPoweragainstSwansacademy

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND POWER

BY TOM HAYES

The boyswere comingoff the backoff afour-goal

first game and first win of the season over the Murray Bushrangers, to the tune of 87 points

FIRST up wasthe girls, starting at 10.45am.

They put up an admirable effort to begin proceedings, but the Swans Academy appeared to be ahandful as the game progressed, winning

comfortably by 52 points, 10.11 (71) to 2.7 (19).

Only four points separated the two sides at quarter time, with only one major kicked in the opening term, going the way of the Swans.

Anumberofchances went amiss in the second term, as the Power kicked 2.4 (16) to 2.2 (14). The Swansremained in front at the main break by two points.

That would be all the scoring Power could muster, withthe Swans keeping Gippsland scoreless in the second half, going on to kick 4.2 (26) in the third quarter, then 3.6 (24) in the final term.

Seeminglyrunning outoflegs, the Powergirls mighthave some work to do to run out games, but as we know, their priorityisgetting game time and individual development into players.

Traralgon’s Ella Stoddart was among the best,

alongside Warragul Industrials pair Lilly Leighton and LukaButters. Bunyip’s Rebecca Fitzpatrick featuredinthe bestaswell, with then-15-year-old Ava Deszcz who celebratedher 16th birthday the following day

THE boys had aslowstart,asSydney’s academy got the jump to lead by 15 points at quarter time, having nine scoring shots to just four.

Perhaps the Powerwas lucky it didn’t get too out of hand, as the Swans kicked six minor scores.

Thus, Gippsland was able to work themselves back into the game, kicking 4.4 (28) to 1.2 (8) to lead by five points at halftime.

The game remained in close quartersafterthe third term, as both sides managed to pencil3.3 (21) to keep the margin at five pointsinGippsland’s favour at three quarter time.

It was all to play for in the final quarter, and it was the Gippy boys who got the job done, walking away 10-point winners, 10.16 (76) to 9.12 (66).

Both sides missed theirfairshare of chances, but Gippsland even more so, as they could’ve put the game to bed in the last term, kicking 2.6 (18). Nonetheless, their win-loss record improves to 2-1 after three games, sliding into fifth on the Talent League ladder.

Heyfield’s Asher Eastham was among the best for the second time this season, as wasFoster’s Willem Duursma who kicked two goals.

CaptainXavier Lindsay(Leongatha)was also in thebest, as was Inverloch’s Archie Terlich. The boys have the bye this week, while the girls willheadbacktoDandenong’s Shepley Oval to take on the Dandenong Stingrays.

BOTH Gippsland Power boys’ and girls’programs headed to Dandenong’s Shepley Oval at the weekendtotake on the Sydney Swansacademies.

loss to the Bendigo Pioneers in Ballarat,while the girls were fresh off their

What could have been: BomberTrayvon Stretch(number 73) flies high butfumbles themarkinthe fourth quarter Photographs: ErikaAllen

Andrew Cunninghamdashed away form defenders to take an impressivemark20metres from the goals

Valiant: AlexMorcom bagged twogoalsand wasnamed among Stratford’sbest players

Hillmen to reunite for 1974 flag

HILL END Football Club Past Players Associationwill hold its1974premiership reunion this Saturday (April 27).

The club is welcoming all players and officials connected to the senior premiership to celebrate the 50-year milestone.

Fittingly, thereunion will take place during this weekend's Round 3match against Newborough -the team that Hill End defeated for the piece of Mid Gippslandsilverware 50 years ago.

The final scores to decide the 1974 Grand Final were Hill End 12.24 (96) to Newborough 7.12 (54).

Don's seat

ALARGE crowdgatheredat the Burnett’sRoad Traralgon carparkrecently for the dedication of aseat commemorating thevolunteering efforts of Don Crosbie.

Don passed away over ayear ago, howeverhis dedication to the maintenanceofthe

Gippsland PlainsRailTrail (GPRT)will remaininthe memories of those he worked with.

The seat was donated by Don’s family and installed by the Latrobe ValleyFriendsof the GPRT.

Many favourable comments havebeenreceived on how much improved the northern entrance to Traralgon has improved as aresultofthe group’s efforts.

On average, 1800 people a month walk or cycle this section of the trail.

If you are interested in volunteering to help maintain and improve the GPRT, phone Peter on 0431 940 171.

Whole town garagesale

SAVE the date: Saturday, May 4. Churchill-wholetown garage sale from 9am onwards. Look for the red balloons on mailboxes.

If you wish to hold agarage saleonthis date, pop ared balloon on your mailbox. SMS 0492 869 607 with any questions.

Moe ViewClub

THE next Moe View Club meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 1at10.30am at Moe Hotel (Leggies) Lloyd Street, Moe. Fundraising and friendship activitieshavebeen St Pats Day in March, and aPancake Brunch at Moe Gippstown in April. APostie Party will be held on Wednesday, May 29 at Moe Bowling Club -1.30pm start with $10 entry. Raffles available for extra fundraising. Afternoon tea will be provided by MoeBowling ClubLadies Bar will be open. Tickets are to be prepaid as numbers limited. Call Maureen on 0458842 256 or Margo (0448 492 714) for Postie Party tickets, info.

Bridgeresults

TRARALGON Bridge Club results:

Monday, April 15 -1st Moira

Heckerand Helen McAdam65 per cent; 2nd Barbara Brabets and Anne Moloney 57.5per cent.

Tuesday, April 16 -1st Kaye

Douglas and Roshni Chand 61.48 per cent; 2nd Fred Kaminski and Anne Moloney 60 per cent.

Thursday, April 18 -1st Greg Nicholson and Kaye Douglas 66.15 per cent; 2nd Don Tylee and RoshniChand 57.41 per cent

Toongabbie Old Time Dance

THE next Toongabbie Old TimeDancewill be Friday, May 3commencing at 8pm at the Toongabbie Mechanics Institute Hall at the Village Green.

Music will be supplied by Norm Lade with Monte Carlo, lucky door prize and raffle. Admission $8. Bring aplate to share. For further information, phone 0419 874 958.

Everyone is welcome to come along for anight of fun and dancing.

Familyhistory

THE topic of interest for the Mid Gippsland Family History Society Inc this month is The History of Moe –with guest speaker John Parkin.

All arewelcome to jointhe session which will be at the Family History Centre, 44 AlbertStreet,Moe (next door to TanjilPlace Medical Centre)on Thursday, April 25 at 2pm.Yes, the afternoon of Anzac Day.

TRAMPS ride

TRAMPS (Traralgonand Morwell Pedallers Inc.) had avery pleasant ride from Rosedale to Gormandale recently.

The weather forecast was not veryinspiring, howeverafter the ride was started there was no rain and little wind for the whole day.Afterlunch the group experienced adelightful tail wind allthe way back to Rosedale via Flynn.

TRAMPS welcomes new riders. For more information visit the website: www.tramps. org.au

Club contacts are Paul on 0459 823 422 or Vance (0403 662 288).

Churchill Craft Market

JUST in time for Mothers Day shopping!

Amarketwillbeheld at Churchill Shopping Centre on Saturday, May 4from 9am to 1pm.

Avariety of goods, crafts and gift items will be on saleatmore than 20 stalls, largely undercover, that will be scattered around the shopping centre in Churchill, off Monash Way.

Mostretail stores willbe open, including the Lifeline OpportunityShop (usually closed on weekends), with a range of gift items to be found inside and bargain tables at

store entrances.

Two free sausage sizzles will be on hand, along with some free entertainment(from10am to midday) for children and adults andlots of giveaways, including free shopping vouchers to spend in-store at nominatedChurchill businesses.

The market will be on, rain or shine.

Anumberofmarketstall sites are stillavailable -book asiteonline at churchill.org. au/markets

Chair yoga

TAKING place at High Street CommunityHub, Moe from May 7starting at 10.30am. This free event takes place at 4HighStreet, Moe. Coffee hub will be operating for people to purchase coffee and food.

The hub also has Tails and Trails -awalking program for people and their dogs. The walk is suitable for various fitness level, taking off at 9.30am from the Hub. For more information, phone 0493 131 453.

Heritage festival

THE Australian Heritage Festivalisinfull swingand runs across the countryuntil mid-May.

Alocal event is to be hosted by the Friends of Tyers Park on Sunday, May 5.

This cultural heritage event will feature the rich history of Tyers Park. The park’s historic water supply, old limestone kilns and timber mill sites will be on display as part of a free guided tour. Some driving and walking will be required. There is no need to register for the tour, just meet at the Tyers Kindergarten carpark at 9.30am. Bring lunch, water, sturdy footwear and araincoat if indicated. The day should finisharound3-3.30pm with afternoon tea provided back at the kindergarten.

For further information, visit the Australian Heritage Foundation (Victoria) website.

Walhalla history

WALHALLA Heritage & Development League Inc are againholdingchatnights on the fourth Friday evening of the month, upstairs in the warmth of the Trembath Room at the Walhalla Corner Store (Main Road, Walhalla).

The group looks at old photographs andhas interesting

discussions over recent items thatare donated to theWalhalla Heritage &Development League Inc.

Starting timeis5.30pm, asking for a$10 donation and aplate of supper to help make it an interesting evening. For any more information, phone Rae-Anneon0418580 536.

Chess results

HOLDING the draw against Cliff Thornton was enough to leave Peter Bakker in first place in recent LatrobeValley Chess Association. MATT Bolding completed the round with three wins but dropped key clashes and gave assistancetoyoung players ClaireMcLaren and Penny McLaren.

Rosie Mclar en and Samanatha Juers fought out alengthy battle.

Mila Stserbak managed to stay in the contests but the errors proved costly. There was two early losses for Ian Hamilton and fortunes changed to claimthree winsfor the round.

Setve Aherntook the risk factors at acost and the pawn was the deciding factor for Bradley McLarent to find the win. Phone Cliff Thornton on 0413 330 458 or Ian Hamilton (5134 1971) for more on local chess.

Moe RSL mural launch

THE Moe RSL invite its members and the public to the unveiling of its mural at the

rear entrance car park.

The RSL wishes to thank the talented Steve Bechaz from Bechaz Art Designs for taking on this project. The unveiling will take place 1pm on ANZAC Day.

Traralgon Historical Society

THE Traralgon &District Historical Society Inc is in the planning stageoforganising an 'Antiques/Collectables Appraisal Day'.

This will be held at the society rooms at the Kath Teychenne Centre, (11-13 BreedStreet Traralgon on Saturday, May 25) from 12.30pm to 4pm.

The appraisals will be done by Anne Rowland who is a conservator and has more than 30 years experience working on exhibitions in galleries and museums in Australia and overseas.

Simon Storey has also had more than 30 yearsworking as avaluer formuseums and art galleries Australia wide.

MelanieSykes is avaluer of jewellery and has gained experience in different aspects of the jewellery industry.

The societyinvitesyou to bring along aprecious item you love, grandma's treasured brooch or afamily heirloom. There will be alimit of three items and the cost will be $2 per itemvalued. The society cannot guaranteeall items will be appraised as it will depend on numbers.

Moe jazz

THE Moe Latrobe Valley Jazz Club willhold its next monthly function this Sunday (April 28) at Moe RSL. Music will commence at 1pm and the band, Royal Garden, will be led by outstanding banjo player, Peter Hooper.

Appearing willbeDerek Daltonfrom South Australia who was aregular performer at Moe Jazz Festivals

Garagesale

CWA TraralgonBranchis holding aGarage/Trash and Treasure Sale on Saturday, May 4from 8am to 1pm at its clubrooms in HothamStreet, Traralgon. Books, Bric abrack, Preserves, Cakes, Slices and Scones, Handcraft, Plants and cuttings, as well as odds and ends.

Ostomysupport

THE next gathering of ‘Coffee Bags’, asupport group for anyone who has aColostomy, Ileostomy or Urostomy will be on Wednesday, May 1.

Aussiesoldier finally laid to rest

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

We will remember them.

AUSTRALIAN Digger William Halliday is now at peaceafter an unsuccessful, yet extensive search to uncover his family.

Last year, the Trafalgar-Thorpdale RSL Branch received amysterious box that appeared to contain an ex-servicemen's ashes. The ashes, which were found sitting in alocal garage, have now found a burial place in Yarragon Cemetery.

Private Halliday was finally givenclosure after 16 years lost, with adignified militaryfuneral service on Tuesday, April 16, fittingly before Anzac Day. Manyfromthe RSL sub-branch came alongto pay their respects to the soldier as he was buried in aplot donated by the Yarragon Lawn Cemetery Trust.

When Private Halliday’s remains were given to theteam at the RSL, they took it upon themselves to tell Private Halliday’sstory and findhis family Trafalgar-Thorpdale RSL Secretary, Paul Altamore said bringing Private Halliday to peace was acollaborative effort betweenLatrobe Regional Health, 2RAR Historical Collection in Townsville and the local RSL.

“I think thatanyonewho has served theirnation, whether it be the Navy, Army, Air Force, or any

first responders, put their lifeahead of others,they deserve some recognition,” he told the Express.

The RSL appeals officer and local history buff, Tracey Chambers, tracked down afuneral notice in the Latrobe Valley Express, posted by the Moe RSL, confirming his dates of birth and death.

Through more research, Mr Altamore found that Mr Halliday was born in Scotland in 1927.

In April 1951, Mr Hallidayenlisted in the Australian Regular Army in Londonand joined the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment Mr Altamore explained how service records weren’tsocommonduring Private Halliday’s time, but it wasn’t uncommon for someone to laterally transfer, “and this would have explained why he came to Australia unaccompanied,” Mr Altamore said.

The RSL was also handed asecond, smaller box alongside Private Halliday’s ashes, that bore a plaque inscribedwith“Lady”- believed to be a beloved pet dog -alongwith thephotosofa manin uniform, with one titled “Bill in Malay1955-1956”. Malayan campaign servicemedal records confirmed the photos were of Private Halliday. Records showed PrivateHalliday’sservice number was 3/10499, and he wasinthe CharlieCompany, 2nd BattalionRoyal Australian Regiment, where he served as alight machine gunner Service records indicateMrHallidaywas awarded

the British General Service Medal with class Malaya and the return from active service badge. He went on to serve in the Army until his discharge on April 30, 1957.

“The Malayan Emergency lasted 12 years, from 1948 to 1960, and it’s one of Australia’s forgotten campaigns,but we like to think there are no forgotten soldiers,” Mr Altamore said.

Before serving in both British and Australian forces, Mr Halliday’sservice records describe him as aday labourer, and when building alife in Australia after his service,heworked as atram conductor and postman.

Through abit of research, Deborah McKeown, freedom of information officer at Latrobe Regional Health,found Mr Halliday loved to barrack for the Bombers, place afew bets and play with his dogs.

Along-time patient in the Erica Ward, Mr Halliday, died on March 13, 2008.

Working alongside Mr Altamore, Ms McKeown helped find information about Private Halliday.

“I was able to go back through our records, and I did locate some files. With alittle bit of information from the album that was handed in with the ashes, Iwas able to 100 per cent identify that Idid have the right person,” Ms McKeown said. Identifying Mr Halliday and his service was the easy part, but locating his family would prove to be achallenge.

Mr Altamore said no one in Yarragon had heard of the former Digger, nor was he connected to any local Hallidays. There were also no records in the local shire retirement villages or cemeteries.

“In terms of next-of-kin, we didn’t have anyone that we could find locally,” Ms McKeown said.

Documents found Mr Halliday had two siblings in Scotland and an older cousin living in Melbourne, all since deceased.

“We set about doing internet searches;Irang phone numbers that Icould that were in the file, but unfortunately, we came to abit of ablock,and we weren’tabletoestablishany further connections with him,” Ms McKeown added.

Around 35 people attended Mr Halliday’s burial ceremony, eachpersonlaying apoppy as asymbol of remembrance of his service.

“It’sbeen wonderful to be able to takepart in bringing some closure to this soldier and respectfully laying him to rest, whichheabsolutely deserved,” Ms McKeown said.

“It’sbeen an honour, actually, quite moving, and the ceremony has been just beautiful."

Mr Altamore said that all those who put on the uniform to put their country before their own needs deserve to be treated withdignity. He was relieved thatwithsomegroup research,they could help Mr Halliday find peace in his final resting place.

Mystery: Former soldier WilliamHalliday’s asheswerefound in aGippsland garage Photograph supplied

supplied Lest We Forget: Theashes of Private William Hallidaywerelaidtorest,after being presentedtoTrafalgar-Thorpdale RSL. Photograph: ZaidaGlibanovic

Send off: Acrowd of around 30 people cametopay their respects Photograph: Zaida Glibanovic

Peace: PrivateHallidaywas laid to rest at the Yarragon Lawn Cemetery. Photograph: Zaida Glibanovic

Adaughter’ssearch for peace

By ZAIDAGLIBANOVIC

“IT is almost eight decades since my father, Jack Lonsdale and my two uncles were imprisoned by the Japanese Army -Japan (this year) welcomed me in the name of reconciliation,” said Joy Derham, daughter of aPrisoner of War (POW), speaking before this year's Anzac Day commemoration.

In early March, Ms Derham was invited to visit the country where her father was imprisoned for three-and-half years under the 2024 JapaneseAustralian Grassroots Exchange Program. Maryvale local, Ms Derham was fortunateenough to be invited to Japan following an essay submission outliningthe crueltreatment her father and uncles suffered under capture.

Ms Derham’sfather, John (Jack) Lonsdale, and her uncles, Ivan and Patrick Sephton, were inspired to enlistinthe army after the outbreak of World War2.The three enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force(AIF) in May 1940.

The three trained in Victoria at Bonegilla and Darley, and once ready, the troops in training were shipped out to Singapore in August 1941.

Servinginthe 2/29th battalion in the AIF, the trio’s first taste of the conflict was at the Battle of Muar in January 1942. The last major battle of the Malayan Campaign during World War 2took place from January 14-22.

Japanese soldiers suffered heavy losses in the Gemensah Bridgeambush and in asubsequent engagement afew kilometres north of the town of Gemas.Membersofthe Australian 8th Division

killed an estimated600 Japanese 5th Division men in an ambush near the bridge, while Australian anti-tank weapons damaged numerous Japanese tanks. The engagement resulted in the most Japanese losses of any actioninthe Malayan campaign.

Despite the initial success, the men of the 2/29th battalionwere forced to escape into the jungle and regroupinSingapore, only to be caught at the fall of Singapore.

The trio were taken to the Selarang Barracks Changi, situated on the north-eastern tip of Singapore.

Selarang Barracks was built between 1936 and 1938 to house an infantry battalion. During the Japanese Occupation(1942–45),itwas used by the JapaneseImperial Army to hold Australian and British POWs.

The Japanese camps were different than most in history, not built based on ideological, racial or religious differences; they werebuiltwitha brutal pragmatism in mind. The treatment of the prisoners reflected adisdain for the defeated.

Conditions in the Changi prison were unbearable, with paralysing heat and little sustenance. There was only two working taps with water, and each prisoner was limited to one quart (0.95 Litres) to use each day.

As Japan prepared for aprolongedwar, they put their prisoners to work.

"My father along with my uncles joined work forces that were formed, believing there would be better conditions,” Ms Derham said.

“Their work force was called FForce. It has the dubious history of being the most ill-fated force sent up the line, also having the highest death rate. F Force was unfortunate in that it was never allowed to settle, and frequently, they moved from one camp to another. Their work was responsible for cutting atrack through the jungle to begin the road which wasfollowed by the railway line.

“My father, along with my two uncles, marched the 316 kilometres to help build the infamous Burma-Thailand Railway.” Tragically, Ms Derhams’ uncles did not survive their time spent on the FForce,succumbing to their mistreatment and starvation like more than 30,000 other POWs.

Jack Lonsdale survived and returned to Changi in December 1943, where he stayed until the end of the war.

With around 15,000 men held in prison, those thinking of escaping reconsidered, with many executedfor trying. Many men died from the conditionsinthe camp,others from diseaseand the work.

“Numerousbeatings, starvation and exhaustion at thehands of the Japanese, and living on acup rice aday and scrounging for food daily impacted my father’s well being when he returned home to Melbourne-weighingonlyseven stone,”Ms Derham said.

Mr Lonsdale aprevious butcher, found work in Moe as aplasterer as he attempted to resume a post-war life.

"My father never spoke of the war or his years as aprisoner of the Japanese -hedismissed it as atimenot to reflect, ‘It was another generation!’ This, of course, made me developmycuriosity into the history of those war years."

Ms Derham, the mother of four and grandmother of eight keeps busy researching war history. Having already travelled to Thailand, Singapore

and Burma -Japan would be the natural next step in her quest for knowledge.

Ms Derham joined the grandson of aPOW from Queensland,Trent Bielken,and an RSL representative, Duncan Anderson,onaneight-day tour of Japan.

The Japan-Australian Grassroots Exchange Program aims to deepen themutual understanding of the peoples of Japan and Australia by inviting descendants of former Australian POWs to Japan through the RSL network. By participating in this exchange,representatives of the RSL and descendants of POWs have an opportunity to promote post-war reconciliation, understanding and goodwill between both countries.

The tour includedflights, shared accommodation, domestic travel within Japan, ameal allowance and travel insurance covered by the JapaneseMinistry of Foreign Affairs.

The itinerary included meetings with various government representatives and students, a dinner hosted by the Foreign Ministry, avisit to the Commonwealth War Cemetery, and general sightseeing.

“They looked after us,weweretreated like royalty,” Ms Derham said.

Growing up in Moe, Ms Derham said her father struggled to talk about his time in the war.

“He was told not to talk about it because no one would believe what happened -itwas so horrendous, shesaid.

“It wasn’t known back in that day -they didn’t know about PTSD, it was nothing then. When they were discharged they were told to just get on with your life.”

Ms Derham, as ayoung girl living at home with herbrother, recalls seeing her fatherupset. Her mother Edie would pull them aside and tell them, “It’s to do with the war,” but it wasn’t until she became actively involved in researchingher father's life that she was able to understand.

Despite experiencing the horrorsofwar, Ms Derham said her father was never bitter towards the Japanese.

“I got some sense of closure from being there,” Ms Derham said.

The Japanese government has made efforts to revise historytextbooks and include more balanced perspectivesonits imperial history and has worked on strengthening reconciliation between the Allied countries.

“I felt very privilegedtobepart of thisjourney,to seek closure and feltthey were extremely genuine in their acknowledgement, understanding and the display of remorse for the way their forefathers had treated the POWs,” Ms Derham said.

Resting place: TheAustralian section of the CommonwealthWar CemeteryinHodogaya, Yokohama contains the gravesof278 knownand threeunknown Australians Photographs supplied

Honour: JoyDerham’s father John (Jack) Lonsdale washeld PrisonerofWar forthreeand-a-half years. He weighed just sevenstone (44kilograms) upon return.

Stories: JoyDerham in JapanwithYoshiko Tamura from the POWResearch Network Japan.

Respect: Maryvale resident JoyDerham laid wreaths at the Commonwealth WarCemeteryin Hodogaya,Yokohama.

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CareersatLatrobe

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Pleasenotesuccessfulapplicantswillbe requiredtoapplyforandsatisfactorilyobtain aNationalPoliceCheckandWorkingwith ChildrenCheck

GRAHAM, Joan. The Moe Golf Club is deeply saddened by the loss of our Ladies Patroness, staun ch supporter and club member of many years. Sincere condolences to Joan's family and friends.

JAMES, Wayne Ernest. Passed away 6/4/2024. Dearly loved father and father-in-law of David (dec.) and Lee.

LANGENBERG (Hilliar), Helen Margaret. Passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at Abbey Gardens, Warragul on Sunday, 21 April 2024.

FORD.

Ford Territory, 234ks, Vin 6FPAAAJGAT4D40890, July 2004, $1500. Ph: 0438 021 506.

CAMPER Trailer, off-road, water tank and pump, elec. brakes, 12v batt. and 12v plugs, boat rack, erect trailer for tinny $5000 o.n.o. Ph 0488 301 283.

D'ODORICO (Toffoli), Nelida Teresa. Passed away peacefully on 17 April 2024. Aged 92 years Dearly loved wife of Osvaldo (Dick, dec.). Cherished mother of Luana, John, Paul and their families. Mum and Dad re-united

Aged 86 1/2 years Late of Mirboo Dearly loved and loving wife of Matthys (Martin) for 54 years. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Janine and Rin, Karen and Geoffrey, Andrew (dec.), Daniel (dec.), Frances, Jamie and Megan. Adored Nanna of Kelly and Matthew, Matthew and Bojana, Joshua and Claire, Hayden, Lauren, Hugh and Jamie-Lee, Matthys, Edward, Henry, Ella, Jackson, Cooper and Darcy. Great-Nanna to McKenzie and Harper, Reeve and Ava, Lexie, Oliver, Lydia and Koby. Beloved sister to Henry (dec.) and Norma.

Atreasured Aunty.

"We shall gather at the river" For Funeral details please visit: www.nielsenfunerals.com.au

DOWLING (nee Walpole), Marilyn Joy. Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at home, Traralgon on 16 April 2024. Aged 71 years Loved and loving wife of George. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Ben and Lee, Kirsty and Jeff and Christo and Karlee, and friend to Allirra. Adored Ma to all her grandchildren Harry, Lilli and Ruby, and Evie and Tate, and Xavier and Oscar. Awonderful person, so loving and kind, What beautiful memories you have left behind, Sharing and caring, always content, Loved and respected wherever you went.

GRIDLEY, Francis (Frank). Passed away peacefully at home on 17 April 2024. Aged 89 years Dearly loved husband of Cathy for 55 years. Much loved father of Paul, Tanya and David, father-inlaw of Alison and Emmaly. Adored Pop to Jacob, Megan, Darcie, Kaylah and Joriel. Rest In Peace

The Funeral Mass for Frank was held on Tuesday (23 April 2024) at St John's Catholic Church, Trafalgar followed by a Private Cremation.

D'ODORICO (Toffoli). Funeral Mass for the Repose of the soul of Mrs Nelida D'Odorico will be celebrated at St John's Catholic Church, Waterloo Rd, Trafalgar on FRIDAY (26 April 2024) at 1.30pm. The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of Mass for the Trafalgar Cemetery. Rosary will be recited prior to Mass at 1pm.

of 15. In God's Care

PATTON (Lucas). Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs Patricia (Pat) Patton will be celebrated at St Michael's Catholic Church, 33 -35Kay St, Traralgon on WEDNESDAY (24 April 2024) at 2pm. The Mass will also be live-streamed. To view, visit: www.nielsenfunerals.com.au The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of Mass for the Gippsland Memorial Park.

HODGSON, Dorothy (Dot). Anzac Day 1996. Always remember the loving smiles and memories you gave to me. Stan, family and friends.

MAY, Robert J. 12/9/1942 -26/4/2013.

Very loved and always in my heart. Love Mary, Nicole and Elise XXX.

RIESS, Waltraut (Val). 28/4/2015.

9years have passed my darling Mum, how Imiss you.

Love you to the moon and back. Miss you. Rose.

SCHULT.

The Funeral Service of Mrs Julie 'Diane' Schult will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy, Traralgon on MONDAY (29 April 2024) commencing at 11am.

At the conclusion of the Service the Funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Drive, Traralgon. Diane's Service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream please visit our website. MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

Bereavement Thanks •

DYER, Maurie. Jan and family would like to thank all those for their flowers, visits and messages of sympathy, and to those who attended Maurie's funeral. It was greatly appreciated. Jan.

BODEN, Ron. 14/12/1948 -25/4/2021.

In Memoriam • JONES. In memory of Mr John Jones John Jones' family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended John's Funeral on 15 March 2024 and sent warm and kind wishes throughout our overwhelming time of grief. A special thank you to the LVCH Palliative Care nurses who supported John and our family during this time.

Dad, 3years of missing your teabags in the sink! Loved andthought of every day Love Kell. Ron, Our lives have been turned upside down without you. Deeply loved and missed every day. Love Marj and Lisa.

CARROLL (nee Brittingham), Norma. 19/5/1927 -23/4/2016.

Mum, Close in our hearts you will always stay, Loved and remembered everyday. Love Kevin, Helen, Darren, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

READ, William Maurice.

The Read family would like to convey heartfelt sincere thanks and appreciation to family and friends following the tragic loss of Maurice. The tremendous support, messages, phone calls, food and flowers provided much comfort at this very sad time. Special thanks to MPH nurses and staff for remarkable assistance and LRH Rehab staff. Love Sandra and family.

Local drivers with need forspeed

SPEEDWAY

By DEAN THOMPSON

FOUR new trackrecords were set acrossthe evening including anew one lap record in the Division 2Hot Rods that broke asix-year-old record in the Bairnsdale Speedway Association season closer.

The Division 2Hot Rods headlined the race program as they were competing for the right to call themselves Victorian Champion for the next 12 months, whilst club members were out to earn valuable points that could see them crowned club championsintheir classes at the upcoming club presentation night.

Four heatraces wereheld to determine the starting positions for the Division 2Hot Rod title race with Mel Tatterson taking victory in the first raceasshe setabout trying to upgrade her Victoria three plate for the number one.

Aclosefinish with Jason Seymour and Jordan Haley both half asecond behind her, set the scene for further racing action.

Seymour would win the second heat race of the night whilst defending champion, Jordan Haley, won the third, setting anew one lap record for the close of 18.120 seconds, beating the previous mark set by Scott Laidlaw in 2017.

Matt Hutchisonwould then win the final qualifier at the line by just eight hundredths of asecond with Haley on his tail at the finish line.

Hutchison and Haley began at the front of the field for the 30-lap title event with Seymour, Tatterson, Troy Wilson and Daniel Angus the top six starters.

Haley quickly assumed the lead on lap one putting Hutchison behindhim whilst Tatterson got the jump into third spot.

Early in the race, Lakes Entrance racer, Fraser Crittenden,movedhimselfinto fifth spot and at the halfway point Haley led Hutchison, Tatterson, Angus, and Seymour after Crittenden’s race came to an end.

Hutchison hit the front on lap 16, and alap later Tattersonwas ahead of Haley in secondasHaley’s race came to an end.

Hutchison then brought the field home for his first title victory just .749 of asecond ahead of Tatterson, Angus, and Alan Ward -the last four racers standing after agruelling race.

IN Ladies Standard Saloon competition, Victoria three-ranked racer, Tahlia Campbell droveto victory in heat one of four and again in heat two, before Bree Walker won the third qualifier, the only one without Campbell scheduled to compete. Campbell then won heat number four to qualify

herself to start poleposition. However,between her last heat and the feature race, Campbell had to jump into her sister's car to compete and was relegated to the rear of the field as per governing body rules when drivers change cars.

Walker startedfrom the front with Bairnsdale woman Kate Stuchbery. Michelle George and Elise Halliday were right behind on row two with Tasharni Murray and Sammie Cormack making up the top six starters.

Walker commanded the lead from the start of the race and at the five-lap markshe led South Gippsland competitor,MichelleGeorge from Stuchbery, Simone Taylor and Halliday. Taylor moved ahead of Stuchbery on lap nine of 15, and then ahead of George on lap 12 and into second place.

At the drop of the chequered flag Walker had won from Taylor -alsoaBairnsdale based racer, Halliday, George and Stuchbery, whilst setting a 15-lap track record for the class of 5:29.300.

OPEN Standard Saloon competitors took part in the Standard Saloon Stampede featurewith nine heat races required to determine the feature race field.

Andrew Miles (three wins), Shane Stewart (two wins), Chris Miles (two wins), Jack Yeomans, Jacob Vuillermin rounded out the winners.

Andrew Miles and his brother Chris Miles both from the southeasternSuburbs of Melbourne began at the front of the field for the 25 lap feature race with former Victorianchampion, Vuillermin, and local Bairnsdale man,Jamie Curtis, behind them followed by Stewart -alsoaformer Victorian champion and Jack Braz afurther row back. Vuillermin quickly assumed race control by lap two and after five laps led Andrew and Chris Miles, Stewart, andCurtis.

New Victoria three-ranked racer, Jack Yeomans, moved into the top five by lap nine as Andrew Miles' perfect night cametoanend on lap 14 as he exited the race, and Stewart moved up into second spot behind Vuillermin with Yeomans now third. Curtis who had been bouncing around between fifth to seventh through the race moved back into fifth on lap 20 having maintained his pace as others dropped out ahead of him.

As 25 lapsclockedover, the chequeredflag unfurledonaVuillerminvictory with Stewart, Yeomans, Braz and Curtisrounding out the top five results.

IN Junior 1200 Sedan competition, Ella Sheedy claimed awin in the first heat race leading all the way. She claimed another win in the second heat race this time coming from fourth position before going on to win.

Chase Doherty then won the third and final qualifier setting anew eight-lap recordfor the class along the way with atime of 2:56.017. Sheedy started the final with Doherty alongside on the front row whilst cousins Riley and Ryder Taylor occupied the second row with Dayne Murdoch and Eliza Taylor on row three.

Sheedysecured the race lead on lap one with Doherty pouring on the pressure. Doherty moved to the front on lap five before Sheedy snatched it back on lap seven brining Riley TaylorpastDoherty at the same time.

The very next lap Sheedy’s race came to an end as she rolled over hitting the turn four poleline ditching her car upside in the grassed infield. The chequered flag was called on the race with Riley Taylor winning fromDoherty, Ryder Taylor, Murdoch, and Eliza Taylor.

JUNIOR Standard Saloon racers also competed for theirfinalround of the ‘Next Generation Showdown’ series.

Across four heat races Tom Braz, Hunter Carey (two wins) and Ella Sheedy were the qualifying race winners, with Sheedy setting anew eight lap record of 2:45.422, breaking afour-year-old record.

Careyand Sheedybegan the feature eventatthe front withCooper Joynson, Tom Braz, last start winner Tannah Lee and Jack Stewart rounded out the top six starters.

Carey would take the first lead of the race and after fivelapswas leading Sheedy, Braz,Joynson, andStewart.

Tyler McDermottthen started acharge from sixth on lap six to third on lap nine. At the 10-lap mark with fivelapstogoCarey led Sheedy, McDermott, Joynson, and Stewart before Carey lost his grasp on victory as Sheedy, Joynson and Braz flew past.

Sheedybacking up her earlier rollover in the 1200 class claimed victoryinfront of Joynson, Braz, Carey, and Stewart, whilst Braz claimed the series victory in front of Sheedy and Dyclan Sweet across the season.

ROUNDING out the support class action was the LimitedSportsman. Asmall fieldattendedwith some local competitors unavailable.

Daniel Hurleybegan the night with victoryinthe first of three heat races, while new racer Jayden White finished second.

Darren Adams then won heat two with despite being brand new to the action setting quick time of the heat. Adams won the third heat race by just .934 of asecond, and clocked the fastest one lap time of the night for the class at 18.101.

In the final, Adams claimed the win by just .185 of asecond from White, with DavidKnight in third.

Represent: Taralgon’s Jake Vuillermin gets down and dirty in Car59. Photographs: SteveMitchell

Topdog: Morwell’sMattHutchison driveCar 74 in the Division 2Hot Rod. Hutchisonwas crowned champion.

Spring in steps for Springwood Trophy

ATHLETICS

HARRIERS

BY IAN CORNTHWAITE

THE popular Traralgon Harriers 5km Tennis Courts event last Thursday saw an eclectic mix of 69 participants, and drew back abunch of people who have been only intermittentlyinvolved this year.

Amongthese wasthe robust triathlete and occasional marathonrunner, Daniel Furmston, keen cyclist Anthony Magaldi, 2023 Athletics Victoria participant Andrew Panayiotou, consistentjunior Lucy Magaldi and veteran Lea Francis. MollyIrvine, utilising her significant experience andtriathloning strength, dominated the female participants.

Aminutebehind was the reliably strong veteran KarenGraham, followed by her age-group compatriotLiz Kenney.

Relatively new Traralgon Harrier member and committed soccer player, Sav Mavrofridis posted the quickest time outright, butnot without a challenge from the very talented junior harrier DempseyPodmore, with Daniel Furmston finishing third fastest afurther 1:40 back.

The other local Harriers-organised event was the Springwood Trophy Trail Run –a rollicking run/ walk over predominantly single trails throughout the scenic Crinigan Bushland Reserve in Morwell. This event has been revitalised over the past three years and includes the optionsofa4km one-lapper or an 8km two-lapper for those wanting to double the experience.

Although low key, this very well organised and wonderfully catered forlocal event attracted37 participants. On offer wasa host of age-group and distance awards, with the predominant one beingthe perpetual trophy for the 8km distance which was laid claim to by club co-captain, Miles Verschuur and newly-joined member Alice Miliani.

Tomorrow's (April 25) event is the Meadow Park Drive 6kmcourse in the vicinity of Grubb Avenue, Traralgon. Asuitableparking option would be the Harriers’clubrooms carpark off Douglas Parade. Registrationisfrom5.30pm and club-approved high-vis. vests are mandated.

This Saturday (April 27) the Athletics Victoria

CrossCountry season starts with the exciting Jells Park Relays. The Harriers anticipate alarge,enthusiastic team for this event. For more information, visit www.traralgonharriers.org.au

Results 5km:

SavMavrofridis 17:14,DempseyPodmore17:23, Daniel Furmston 19:03, Glenn Graham 19:11, Andrew Greenhill19:22, RobPreston 20:09, Clinton Jolly 20:50, MollyIrvine21:13,Trent Kooyman 21:15, David Barr21:28, AnthonyMagaldi 21:47,AdrianSutcliffe 21:49, PeterFairbairn22:08, KarenGraham 22:11, Andrew Broberg22:27,Geoffrey Francis 22:30, Owen

Notting 22:31, Shane Gavin 22:32, Chris VanUnen 22:42, Jerzey Podmore23:00, Stephen Renehan 23:03, RonVerschuur 23:45, Liz Kenney23:55, Andrew Panayiotou 24:09,Toby Grzmil 24:36, Giuseppe

Marino 25:38, Jay McGown 25:38, Samantha Riddle 25:43, Seth Bomers26:46, Kate Mayer27:11, Phillip Mayer27:11, Megan Scott27:20, CourtneyEllis 27:29, Michelle Sawyer 27:29, DesleyGray 27:33, LucyMagaldi 27:35, ChesneyPodmore27:51, Kat

Kent 27:55, Collette Hofmann 28:33, MarkFairbairn 28:35, Paul Smith 28:52, Catherine Leonard29:22, Tania Whitehead 29:56, Andrew Legge30:21, Kaye Livingstone 31:09, MandyEllis 31:34, Callie Cook 31:36, PeterSanders31:39, Kate Cumming 32:21,

Helen Whitby33:49, Danelle Wright 34:21, Ian Heafield 34:52, Barry Higgins 37:40, Ann Bomers38:22, Belinda Heafield 42:47,Kristina Creighton 44:39, Lea

Francis 45:28, LukeWitham46:07,TimothyGraham 46:08, Michelle Colwell 46:10, KathyQuinn 46:10, Lee Graham 47:35, Kristine Sapkin 47:35, Bob Duljas 48:48, David Hood 48:52, PeterGrixti 49:00, KyleeEarl 51:11, Samantha McGown 52:51, ClaireMacumber NTR

SPRINGWOOD RESULTS

4km

Kate Mayer20:59, Nicholas Talerico 21:03, Phill Mayer 23:52, Gabrielle Borland 24:42, KieraOdlum 24:44, Michelle Sawyer 25:17, Callie Cook 27:39, Emily Odlum 31:15, Jason Odlum 31:17, Ann Bomers33:41, Barry Higgins 33:57,Gay Cornthwaite37:15, Kristina Creighton 41:30.

8km

Miles Verschuur 33:40, Ian Cornthwaite35:06, Rob Preston 36:59, DarrelCross 37:04, Stephen Renehan 38:19, AshCrawford38:30, Alice Miliani 38:34, Clinton Jolly39:00, ScottSyme 39:20,Trent Kooyman 39:34, Adrian Sutcliffe 40:55, Andrew Broberg41:58, Corey Milner 42:10, RichardOgilvie 42:11,DavidBarr42:34,

RonVerschuur 43:52, GaryFox 43:55, Liz Kenney 45:20, Dave Mann 45:36,Tobiasz Grzmil 45:55, Seth Bomers50:18, Megan Scott55:40, Kaye Livingstone 62:54, Edward Wilson DNF Volunteers: Randella

Flashy and fast, Hockey 5s back in action

HOCKEY

By JEN SUTTON

LOCAL men’s hockey made an exciting comeback to the Latrobe Valley at the weekend, with the first games of Hockey 5s played in Churchill on Friday night at the Federation University campus. Hockey5sisasuper-fast, highly skilful, short format of hockeyplayed between two teams with four field players and agoalkeeper. With fewer players, less space, and rebound boards on all four sides of the court, the action is non-stop. In the firstround,Moe Men defeated the Traralgon Rovers Men 6-3. In ahigh scoring match, Churchill defeated Traralgon 9-5.

Jack Loveand Declan Jones playedtheir firstgame for Latrobe Valley Men’s Vic League side in Round 1, losing to astrongEastGippsland. Round 2saw them joined by another newcomer in Lachlan Light, this time coming away with a2-all draw against Collegians.

After abye in Round 1, the LV Women’s team came out strong, defeating the Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation 3-1.

Skye McDonald scored two goals on debut. Coach Paul Cake was very happy with the team’s success, with the new attacking game plan after thefirst goal was scored threeminutesinto the first quarter.

Local women’s teamsTraralgon Roversand Traralgon played a2-all draw. The match was filled with skill, determination, and acompetitive spirit. The association is looking forwardthe Juniors Hockey 5s matches commencing this Friday night.

Localderby: Action from Rovers versus Traralgon in Latrobe Valley Hockey

Well done: Springwood Trophyplace getters. Photographs supplied

Come on: Skye McDonald celebrates agoal forLatrobeValleyHockey Association Women. Photographs supplied

Well ran: Traralgon HarriersSpringwood Trophy runwinners Alice Miliani and Miles Verschuur

State’s finestfinesses Traralgon

TABLE TENNIS VICTORIAN OPEN

BY KATRINA BRANDON

WITH the eight-year deal through Table TennisVictoria and Latrobe City, the 2024 S-TREND Victorian Open madeits way to the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium (GRISS) on April6and

7.

Up to 400 players participated throughout the weekend, with juniors takingplace on Saturday and seniors (over 20s) on Sunday.

Players from all overVictoria came to enjoy the events from 9am onwards, with some even being Victoria's top players and Australia's best.

Key players over the weekend or the ones to watch included Sanaya Buddhadasa, who is part of the Victorian team, CherryLe, Lucas Lum, Connie Psihogios, who is on track for the Olympics at age 16, and the Victorian team ranked Number 9inseniors, and Yousef Hassan.

The Open roaredwith excitement before the event started. Table Tennis

Chief Executive, Andrew Weiss and Latrobe City Mayor, Darren Howe opened the day's events.

On the Saturday, Traralgon's rising junior player,Maya Gomez, participated in the U15s,U17s, U1000 points,and U800 points sections. In the two-point sections, also known as the knockout rounds, Gomez didn't qualify through the first round in U1000s and the second round for U800s due to the fierce competition.

"It was tough because they come from all the different academies in Melbourne," Gomez said.

"They also have more experience going to more tournaments, so it is really difficult to play them. Idon’t have as much experience, but it’s still really fun."

Gomez has been playing table tennis for almost eight years, and enjoys playing competitions and participating in clubpennants at the local Traralgon Table Tennis Association.

"The Victorian Open is fun to show off your training. Because we do so much training at table tennis in Traralgon, we play our competition with everyone there, and we are usedtoplaying them,

whereas here it is different as we don’t playthemasoften and it’s afun chance to do something new. It’s fun and enjoyable," she said.

Weiss praised Traralgon for its facility and hospitality.

"It’s beenincredible.Weare up roughly 20 per centonlastyear. Just 190 participants for Sunday, the senior, veterans and para. Ithinkthere were 130 juniors on Saturday. Iamreally stoked," he said.

"Victoria is the biggest state by far in terms of table tennis. We have nearly 50 per cent of the membership in Victoria. It is awonderful community. We know each other,and it is fun to playwithand againsteach other.Itmakes events like this really wonderful to be apartof."

THE Seniors Open showcased the best of Victoria's table tennis talent.

Day 2ofthe events filled the stadium with extra courts spilling into the back courts just in case the event got toobusy. Things went smoothly, with each section burning through, among the ones to watch were Australia's Qian Yang(Paralympian), Zachary Anstey (national player), Ma Lin (Paralympian) and Melissa Tapper (Australia's only person to play in the Olympics and Paralympics.

More Traralgon players came back to the home court to show the rest of the state the best they had, but sadly, the other players topped the charts, even getting top players like Geoff Lawn, Heath Saputo, and Mick Warr, returning from the Victorian Team.

Therewere no dull moments on the day, as most sections overlapped, meaning the aspiring playerscould catch the excitement of the super intense games between the ones to watch

The most enticing game to watch over the weekend wasTapper vs. Connie Psihogios, which went head-on, with Tapper taking the lead in both. Tapper took the Open in the Singles with a4-1 lead.

"I was excited to be back in Traralgon for the Vic Open after finishing as a finalist in last year’swomen’ssingles, Iwas keen to try and do one better," Tapper said.

"I'm incredibly happy to win my first

Winners and grinnersatthe Victorian Open

TABLE TENNIS VICTORIA VICTORIAN OPEN

RESULTS

Men's Singles -YonisYiHang Xu, Women's Singles -Melissa Tapper, Under 21 Men's Singles -Rivindu Buddhadasa, Under 21 Women's Singles -Victoria Zhang, Twenties Singles -YonisYiHang Xu, Para Singles -Christopher Addis,

Over 30 Men's Singles -Craig Carter,

Over 30 Women's Singles -AkieYoshida,

Over 40 Men's Singles -Simon Johnson,

Over 40 Women's Singles -Cheryl Huang,

Over 50 Men's Singles -David Segal,

Over 50 Women's Singles -Aviva Brindley,

Over 60 Men's Singles -John Pattison,

Over 60 Women's Singles -ZongyingYang,

Over 65 Men's Singles -FrankRiha,

Over 65 Women's Singles -Anne Bellion,

Over 70 Men's Singles -Bob Bowler,

Over 70 Women's Singles -Anne Bellion,

Over 75 Men's Singles -Bob Bowler,

Over 80 Men's Singles -Bernard Mick Wright, Over 85 Singles -CaseDeBondt,

Under 2000 Singles- Michael Lim, Under 1700 Singles -Vimal Chilukuri, Under 1400 Singles -Tan-Kang, KeeSing IanIbrahim, Charby Under 1200 Singles -DirkHolwerda(Leongatha player), Under1000Singles -Gavin Carrigg (Traralgon player), Under800 Singles -AlanChan. Juniors

Under9Boy's Singles -Keene Pan

Under9Girl's Singles -Sihua Ivana Chen

Under 11 Boy'sSingles -AaryanBatta,

Under 11 Girl's Singles -Nikitha Balram, Under 13 Boy'sSingles -Joshua Ding, Under 13 Girl's Singles -Lydia Tran, Under 15 Boy'sSingles -Aaron Nguyen, Under 15 Girl's Singles -Coral Zhao, Under 17 Boy'sSingles -Lucas Lum, Under 17 Girl's Singles -Connie Psihogios, Under 19 Boy's Singles

Singles

Victoria

Victorian Open seniortitle, 20 years after my first time playing in one. "The atmosphere was great and the tournament all ran smoothly, big thanks to TTV and Gippsland Indoor Sports Centre."

-Yousef Hassan Under 19 Girl's

-Connie Psihogios, Under 2000 Singles -SidneyWin Shwe, Under 1700 Singles -Colin Chen, Under 1400 Singles -NelsonZeng, Under 1200 Singles -Jin WenIvanChan, Under 1000 Singles -Zilong Oliver He, Under 800Singles -Samuel Shwe

Challenge: Traralgon local Maya Gomez went againstthe toughest that Victoria had to offeratthe Vic Open. Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Effort: Latrobe CityCouncil and TableTennis Victoria teamed up together for the event.

Up-coming: Connie Psihogiosfromthe Greater Dandenong TableTennis Association in action in Traralgon. Psihogios is on trackfor the Olympics at age 16

Fast: TableTennisVictoria’sone-to-watch Lucas Lum from Croydon and Districts TableTennis Associationsmashing the competition.

Worldly: Mellisa (Milly)Tapper took home theVic Open.Tapper hasplayedinboth theOlympics and Paralympics Up to it: Traralgon playerGeoff Lawn enjoyedthe Victorian Open.

Upsets galore around the grounds

SOCCER LVSL

BY LAURIE WILLIAMS

AS they say in football, expect the unexpected. There was no better example of that than in Round 5ofthe Latrobe Valley Soccer League at the weekend.

Fortuna, who wereontop of the ladder,succumbed to arebuilding Olympians sideonSaturday night in one of the biggest upsets in recent memory Not to be outdone, Monash shocked Falcons 2000 in athrilling draw, while East Gippsland caused another upset, beating Newborough/Yallourn.

 FALCONS DREW MONASH 2-ALL

AFTERlastweekends loss to arch rival Fortuna, it was expected Falcons were going to come out all gunsblazing against aMonash side that was equal on points with its opponents. However, Monash seemed to hit the ground running early in the contest, with Falcons taking awhiletowarm up. The Wolves soon took the lead with adefensive mix up from acorner allowing them to tap home for the lead.

Falcons looked off, and lacked the intensity and energy that their fans have to expect on aweekly basis.

Coach Adrian Salvatore must’ve been tearing his hair out as his side started to wrestle control from Monash, but couldn’t find an equaliser. His mood wouldn’t have improvedasjustbefore halftime, the Wolves doubledtheir lead through another calamitous error that led to an own goal.

Falcons made anumberofpositional changes at halftime and received an old-fashioned bake from the coaching staff, before coming out atotally different outfit in the second half on their home deck.

Within the first minute, Falcons dragged one back as midfielder MoniEliaserdrove through the box to finish.

As 2-nil is often atricky score to defend, Falcons kept pressing, yet chance after chance went begging and Monash was holding on for dear life.

The equaliser eventually cameasJordan Kennedy followed up his initial effort by smashing the back of the net.

Falcons are known as asidethat simply never give in, and ultimately that character trait was almostfully frankedasKennedy misseda glorious chance with aminutetogotograball three points,

while striker Kuku Mahmoud saw his shot at the death hit the side netting.

Both sides would’ve felt largely unhappy after the game, but for Falcons it was an escape of sorts considering the scoreline at halftime.

 EAST GIPPSLAND 4DEF NEWB/YALL 3

THE golden boys of East Gippsland threw a giant spanner in the works against Newborough/ Yallourn.

Wearing their yellow away strip, it seemed earlydoors thatitwas acurse for the boys from Bairnsdale as they found themselves behindtoan Ash Birrellgoal in the 16th minute.

It would soonbetwo as Mark Fairbrotherdoubled their lead as he rounded keeper Luciano Albornoz at Burrage Reserve.

The Combine scored their third through Fairbrother again to seeminglyput the result beyond doubt.

However, one of thebiggest comebacks in recent memorywould soon playout as the Eagles got their first through dynamic forward, Jayden Steele who helped himself to abrace before halftime to leave the score 3-2.

It went frombad to worse for Newborough/

Yallourn, as one of their playerssufferedthe indignation of being sin binned in addition to another being red carded.

Down to nine men ultimately proved their downfall, as EastGippsland equalised through Oscar Bury in the 83rd minute.

The impossiblewas fast becominga distinct possibility, as the away side scored what was ultimatelythe winner as Lachlan Darepounced on alooseballtoslamhome the winner to take all three points.

 SALE 3DEF TYERS 0

SALE United travelled to Tyers lookingfor nothing less than three points.

Looking to get back on track in what can only be described as an underwhelming start to their season, the Swans were on the board after five minutes when Luke Wilson scored for the visitors.

Wilson soon made it two as he converted adecisive passfromCharlieCockell to double the sides lead.

After the break, Tyers held their opponents at bay, in what was acommendable effort, but Sale ultimately got their third goal as Sean Dennelly drove the ball home from close range.

Olympians shock triumph over Fortuna

SOCCER

ROBERTS

THE Latrobe Valley Soccer League Facebook page pre-match write-up containedthe followinglineinits preview of theopening game for Round 5: “In what is sure to be aphysical and entertaining game, it appearsonpaperthat the visitors (Fortuna) will be too strong for Olympians -but never underestimate the underdog on home turf...”

Playing under their new lights for the first time at senior level, Olympians faced the big ask up against the reigning league champions in Fortuna ’60.

With the game kicking off in front agood crowd from bothclubs, it looked likeearly on the gamewould go to script, with the visitors having the majority of possession and play.

Fortuna controlled the game and looked to play their attacking brand of football, the ball movementout of theirdefence and midfield was crisp, but they could not capitalise once they where in their final third.

Olympians stood strong in their defence, marshalled by returning club legend, Alradi Ali and capably supported by keeperJared Goodwinwho wasproving difficulttoput aball past.

The visiting crowd was getting nervous as the first half was coming to its conclusion, as they could sense theirteam had squandered multiple opportunities in front of goal.

On the other hand, the home crowdcould sense that somethingbig was on the cards.

After somebruising and physical football, the halftime whistle would blow, with both teamslocked at nil-all.

The home team left the field for the changerooms full of enthusiasm andbelief, Fortuna meanwhile were left to walk off with asense they may have left the door open for the home team to get back into the game.

Withthe secondhalf kicking off, there was asense of urgencybythe visitors to close the game out, and they threw everything they

had at the Olympians defence. But again, it wouldbekeeper Goodwin that stood firm and did not let aballpass.

Fortuna's strike pairing of Hayden Tanti and JakeBudijawere clearly becoming frustrated, the latter being substituted for Damon Scott who was returning from injury.

With25minutes to go, Olympians seized an opportunity from aturnover, and they madeFortuna pay.

Jordan Martin from the Blues put it past Fortuna’s keeper to givethe home team a 1-nil lead.

The next20-oddminutes would be electrifying, with Fortunabasically throwing everything bar the kitchen sink at Goodwin, but the young keeper was up for the task and repelled everything coming his way.

The home ground crowd grew in voice and was willing their team to hold onto the lead.

Fortuna attacked with about three minutes to go -but again it was that man Goodwin who wouldensure the visitors would not equalise.

Withthe final whistle blowing,the stands erupted on the home side celebrating what would be one of two boilovers of the round. Fortuna players were left sitting in the middle of the pitch contemplating the importance of converting chances.

IN other results, Fortuna Women returned to the winners circlewith astrong win over Olympians.

Needing to bounce back after abig loss against Falcons 2000 in Round 4, the visitors put in asolid first half to head into the break 5-nil up.

The second half saw Fortuna put away a further two goals and close the game out 7-nil. Goal scores for Fortuna were: Alisha Briggs (two), Tenae Shankland (2), Emily Brabazon,Carlie Thompson and Bree Del-Pozzo 1.

The Fortuna Reserves, after asluggish first half, found their feet in the second to run out easy winners over Olympians 5-1, to remain at the top of the table. Goal scorers were Riduan Sobari (2), Jacob Cheeney (2), Caleb De Luca (1). Damen Francis scored Olympians only goal.

Can

celebrate afterMartin’s goal gaveOlympians an unlikelylead againstFortuna, who were left stunned by what happened. Heading intothe match ragingunderdogs

Olympians caused one of the biggest upsets theLVSL has ever seen, rolling the reigning league champion.

LVSL BY ALLAN

youbelieveit: Olympians GugueiMalual,Jordan Martin and Ollie Saliba

Photographs: Damen Francis Control: Bridget King takesfront position forOlympians duringthe women’s game

Red Devils take outright top spot

SOCCER LVSL

BY JOHN CARDONA

MOE United took full advantage of results in Round 5ofthe Latrobe Valley Soccer League.

Fortuna'sshock 1-nilloss to Traralgon Olympians, as well as Monash and Falcons drawing2-all meant Moe United went threepoints clear on top of the ladder after beating Churchill on Sunday.

The Red Devils had to fight hard for their 2-nil victory over the Rams, who put in astubborndefensiveeffortat Olympic Park, which made amockery of most soccer pundits.

Churchill's intent from the kick-off was to produce afully defensive formation, which made life very difficultfor Moe United to penetrate through avirtual wall of defence made even more difficult by the impressive keepingofPacey Unmack in goals for the Rams.

The Red Devils werecreatingplenty of chances, with the first coming after only three minutes when Connor O'Hanlon made astrong solo run through the middle, only to have his shot saved by Unmack.

Minutes later, Tanner Pyle skipped past acouple of Churchill defenders, only for his shot to see Umack parry the ball down, then see the ball roll towards goal,but Umack again swooped as it got to the goal line

At the 30-minutemark, MoeUnited

finally got the vital breakthrough they were looking for whenaninch perfect throughball by O'Hanlon sent his namesake,ConnorDastey clear of the Churchill defensive wall, and he cooly slotted the ball into the net past theadvancingUnmack

Moe United continued to search for more goals, and OscarSceney then sent Riley Winkelman clear but again Unmack came to the rescue for Churchill.

Just before the break, aChurchill half clearance fell to Sceney, whosefirst time halfvolley again saw Unmack do the job in goal.

Amazingly in this match,Churchill not once produced an attack inside Moe's 18 yardbox, giving Moe keeper Peter Albanese an easy day at the office.

Moe United was predominately holdingthe majority of possession,but as in thefirst half, were met by the stubborn Rams defence, givingMoe afrustrating time.

Minutes intothe secondhalf, a Bayden Heusmann run up the left found O'Hanlon, who cross was headed narrowly wide by Pyle.

Heusmann was again involved, and his run sawhim cutinside the Churchill defence, only to havehis shotparried down to Matt Shearing who blasted his shot highover the crossbar.

Fullback Chad Shelley then became involved in aright side attack and his cross wasmet by Pyle, whoheaded backwards to striker Riley Winkleman

LATROBE VALLEY SOCCER LEAGUE

ROUND 6FIXTURE

Thursday, April 25 -5pm

Fortuna vs Churchill (at Crinigan Road Reserve)

Saturday, April 27 -6pm

Sale vs Falcons (Godrey Baldwin Reserve)

Sunday, April 28 -3pm

Olympians vs Moe (HP Reserve)

Monash vs Newb/Yallourn (Monash Reserve)

East Gippsland vs Tyers (West Bairnsdale Oval)

only to hit his shot just inches wide of the upright.

Across field pass by Nick Fogarty to Shelleysaw himfind an unmarked Winkleman, only to hit his shot straight to the keeper.

Moe United finally sealed the importantthreepointswhengreat individual workbystarmidfielder Sceney saw his pinpointcross find O'Hanlon, who blastedhomehis shot from 10 metres out.

Best for Moe was Pyle, Sceney, Heusmann and O'Hanlon.

CoreyO'Shea, Pacey Umack, Mitch Axlin and Jayden Umack collected the votes for Churchill. This Saturday night, Moe United will be away to upset killers Traralgon Olympians.

SENIOR WOMEN'S

MOE UnitedWoman's team made hard work of their 3-2 win over Churchill.

The Red Devils dominated play, but couldnot converttheir chances as the Churchill side were defiantindefence. It was left to Paris Troughton, who scored asuperb long range shot catchingthe Churchill keeper off her line to give United a1-nil lead at the break.

The secondhalf saw Churchill push forward into attack, but aMiley Cooper goal extended Moe United to a2-nil lead. The lead was short-lived however,

LVSL LADDERS

Senior Men

Moe United -13points

Fortuna -10

Traralgon Olympians -10

Monash -9

Falcons -9

Newborough/Yallourn 6

Churchill -6

Sale United -6

East Gippsland -3

Tyers -0

when Holly McCullough scored from close range.

Play went from end-to-end, and Summer Cooper gaveMoe United a two goal lead again late in the match.

Churchill was not going home without afight, and an Ebony Webb goal gave them alifeline, making the score 3-2.

Best Moe was Jade Armistead, Summer Cooper and Miley Cooper. Kat Dunne, Holly McCulloch and Webb were best for Churchill.

RESERVES

AFIVE goal haul by two time LVSL leading goalscorer, Harley Robinson gaveMoe Uniteda5-nil victoryover Churchill in the Reserves.

Moe United dominated play in the first half, and took athree goal lead by halftime and continued their dominance, adding another two goalsafter the break.

Luke Bathgate was best for the winners,while Robinson, Tully Anderson and Zoran Winkelmann also did agood job.

2ND DIVISION

MOE United Second Divisionscored their third win in arow with an 11-2 demolition of Churchill.

Senior Women

Newborough/Yallourn -15points

Falcons -15

Sale United -12

Fortuna -9

Monash -6

Churchill -6

Moe United -6

Traralgon City -3

Traralgon Olympians -0

Tyers -0

Men's Reserves

Fortuna -15points

Moe United -12

Falcons -12

Moe raced to a7-nil lead by the halftime break, but abetter effort from Churchillkept it down to amore respectable 11-2 loss from there.

Dane Baldwinled the scoring for Moe with three goals, while Zane Poxon, Bodie Wendtand Jake Heusmann scored twoeach.Others to hit the scoreboard were Andeas Nilo and Joe Stavlic.

Best Moe was Poxon, Jake Heusmann, Wendt and Baldwin.

JUNIORS

MOE/NEWBOROUGH Yallourn

Combine Under 15s lost their opening gameofthe 2024 season with a4-nil loss to Traralgon City.

In Under11s games, Moe United Red (coachedbyLukeBathgate)scored a 6-1 win over Traralgon City Black after leading3-1 at thebreak Best-on-ground for Moe was Jed Fitzgerald, with Bryson Bathgate and Yanni Hortis also impressive.

Scorers for Moe United were Jed Fitzgerald (three goals), Bryson Bathgate (2) and Seth Fitzgerald.

In the other Under 11s game, Moe United Black (coached by Paris Troughton), lost 9-nil to TraralgonCity White.

Best for Moe was Sophie Howard, who showed great determination in running back into defence and in attack.

Sale United -6

Monash -6

Churchill -6

Traralgon Olympians -4

Newborough/Yallourn -4

East Gippsland -3

Tyers -0

Second Division

Traralgon City -9points

Sale United Green -8

Monash -7

Falcons -7

Moe United -6

Sale United -3

Churchill -1

Fortuna -1

Duel: Moe’s Connor O’Hanlon (right) attempts to dribblepastChurchill defender Corey O’Shea (left). O’Hanlon claimed agoal and an assist in the RedDevil’s2-nil winoverChurchill Photographs: TomHayes

Attack: MoeUnited’sBayden Heusmann slides athrough ball intothe attacking half

Shelley lands in Phoenix after WNBA Draft

BASKETBALL WNBA

BY TOM HAYES

DYNAMIC Moe basketballer, Jaz Shelley, has been drafted to the Phoenix Mercury with Pick 29 of the 2024 WNBA Draft.

After spendingfive yearsinthe US college system with the University of Oregon and the University of Nebraska, Shelley's hard work has paid off with amove to the elite level.

"I am so excited for the opportunity and couldn't be happierabout beingpicked up by the Phoenix," Shelley told Basketball Australia

"I feel like it's agreat fitfor me, they have such atalented team."

She was the only player from the University of Nebraska to be selected on draft night.

“Havingmyname called hasalwaysbeen my dream and to share it with my second family here in Nebraska is something Iwill remember forever,” she said.

Shelley was ranked 88th in the WNBA Draft and rankedninth for shootingguards,inasystem that only sees 36 women selected to join the major league, through three 12-pick rounds.

Much to her credit, she had the sixth-lowest rank of those who eventually were drafted, one draftee ranked in the 100s overall.

The175cm playmaker was analysed as agood passer with big assist numbers, and she holds the ability to shoot from deep.

Shelleyjoins fellow Gippslander, Traralgon's Jade Melbourne (Seattle Storm), in the WNBA system, yet the two will be based on separate endsofthe US Joining her from the WNBA Draft to the Phoenix Mercury wasUCLApoint guard,Charisma Osbourne, selected with Pick 25. The Mercury had the worst win-loss recordinthe entire league lastseason,sothey willbelooking to get the most out of their new draftees.

The 2024 WNBA Draft saw three Australians find teams at the highest level, which was the biggest cohort of Australian players selected in the same draft in over 20 years.

Fellow Aussies, Nyadiew Puoch was selected with the final pick of the first round (Pick 12), going to Atlanta Dream, while Isobel Borlase was selected with Pick 20, also going to the Dream. WNBA training camps begin later this month, withpreseason games beginning as early as May 3. Final roster changes can be made up until May 13, before the 2024 season starts the next day.

O’Brien calling for new MirbooNorth stadium

MEMBER for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien is continuing to call on the state government to provide funds to build amuch-needed new sports stadium for the community of Mirboo North. O'Brien said while much of the focus has understandably been on storm recovery of late, the community has been in desperate need of an updated sports stadium for years.

"With the support of the Mirboo North community, Ihave been lobbying the Labor government over the Mirboo North community's desirefor a new basketball stadium for years now," he said.

"It is very evident to anyone who caresto takea look thatthe current stadium, whichis shared by Mirboo North SecondaryCollegeand Primary School and the wider community, is not fit-for-purpose.

Mr O'Brien said the currentstadium is clearly awell-used and important community asset used by notjust theschools,but by the basketball association, Mirboo North Football-Netball Club and anumberofother sporting and community groups as well.

"Thisisawell-loved facility that sees alot of usage betweenthe schools and community groups, but it is old, fallingapart and not up to current standards.

"Indeed, for sporting purposes,the facility doesn't even meet current competition standards -particularly with respect to size and run-off areas."

The South Gippsland MP said that the previous petitions he hadpresented to the state government had fallenondeaf ears, and was hopeful that progress could be made in the wake of the February storm event.

"I was pleased to host the Ministerfor Community Sport, Ros Spence to visitthe stadium recently and impress upon her the need for funding for a new one."

"I havespoken with bothschoolsand the various sporting organisations over the years, and they have always demonstrated that they are keen to work together to deliver the bestoutcome," he said. "We are now just waiting for the Allan Labor government to get on board and fund the project."

BASKETBALL BIG V

BY TOM HAYES

GIPPSLAND United have been left looking for answers, after suffering their third-straight loss at the weekend.

Unitedlost to Bulleenbytwo points, 88-86 at the Gippsland RegionalIndoor SportsStadium. Gippsland was among the top four before their loss to RMIT Redbacks three weeks ago. They have since lost to Altona by four points, and now Bulleen, and they find themselves in trouble, third from the bottom of the ladder.

United only led by as much as four points in the midway point of the opening term, after import Jalin Wimberly and Ben Barlow made lay-ups to give them the advantage.

Gippsland finished confidently in the tight first quarter, pinching the lead by two points at the end of the first, after Jordan Canovan made his two free throws in the dying seconds.

The home side got out to asix-point lead in the second quarter before Bulleen began their comeback.

Bulleen was able to score twice for every United basket, getting within touching distance before taking the lead for themselves, stretching out to afour-point lead at halftime.

It would truly becomeagame of quarters, as the home side bossed the third, outscoring Bulleen by 10 points, scoring 26 points to 16.

The quarterhowever wasn’t completely dominated by Gippsland, as the visitors got the better start of the two.

Bulleen burst out to a13-point lead during the third term, making it look difficult for Gippsland to find away back into the match.

But it just shows how quickly the tides can

change in agame of basketball, as the home side went on arun like no other.

Gippsland went on an 18-point run to no reply from the visitors, to get themselves back into the lead.

Some foul troublebrought Bulleentothe line to end the run, before Joel Winderlich finished the thirdquarter with ajump shot, putting the home side up by five points with another quarter to play.

United led by as much as seven points early in the last quarter, following aquickthree-point basket from Jordan Gooiker.

But Bulleen did not let in.

With just under six minutes to go, Bulleen returned to lead the match, going on asimilar run to that of their opponents.

Some up-and-down basketball ensued, with the lead changing hands multiple times as the clock continued to expire.

Inside the final two minutes, aKody Tibballs three-pointer had United up by four points, and in the box seat.

It was quickly replied up the other end, before Bulleen soon had the lead as the game entered the final minute.

Up by apoint,Bulleen enteredthe bonus as Gippsland did everything to try and get possession back to score up the other end.

But the visitorssoon foundthemselves at the line, nailing one of their two free throws to get home in the nick of time by two points.

Disappointingly for United, that’s now three losses on the bounce, sitting with awin-loss record of 2-4. How will they reply to that?

You might expect them to get up next week when they take the long trip to Warrnambool to take on the bottom-of-the-ladder side, who are yet to record awin this season in Division 1.

Big leagues: Moe basketballer JazShelleyhas achieved her dream of being draftedtothe WNBA. Photograph supplied

Moe crownedVictorianChampions

TENNIS

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

“COUNTRY tennis is not dead.”

Truerwordscouldn’t have been spoken after a local Moe Tennisteamwas recently crownedas Victorian Champions.

Moe claimed Tennis Victoria’s State League Championship after ahard-fought victory over Kooyong TennisClubdown at the Royal South Yarra Tennis Centre at the weekend.

Playing on the day for the regional side was Fletcher Nilsson, Luke Sal, Nathan Van Der Kough, Rowan White and James Columbine.

Melbourne’sconditions lined up perfectlyfor competitiononSaturday,asthe localcontingent prepared for playatone of Victoria’s most prestigious tennis clubs in front of araucous crowd.

Moe got off to astrong start,winning the first set comfortably behind team captain Nilsson and White, 8-1.

Kooyong and Moe would trade sets to bring it to adecisive fourth set, where Nilsson and Van Der Kough clinched the title with anarrow 8-7 finish and won three sets to one.

The tight-knit bunch embraced on the court following their longjourney together,honoured with acommemorative glass each to accompany their pennant.

The celebrations were dampened only slightly with Jamie Dunn unavailable. Dunn played a pivotal role in getting the team to this stage.

Tennis Victoria began the State Championship League for the 2022/23 season, encouraging participation from all tennis clubs, small and large, across the state to gain further recognition.

“It (was)anawesome opportunityfor asmall club to be represented in such abig tournament, especially after versing many metro teams,” team captain, Nilsson said.

The grouphad come across many formidable sides across their run including beating Overport Park, West Brunswick,and Moolap tennis clubsin thesemi-final round-robin to reach the final stage.

“For some of us this was the pinnacle of our tennis, and Ican’t wait to put in the work in the preseason to put us in position to defend our title,” Sal said.

Untilnext season, Moe is and will be at the front of every local tennis player's mind.