Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 29 January 2025

Fuel prices to be locked in place

Mill at standstill Signing off

won’t change everything, but it’s one extra tool at families’ disposal to help them save at the servo, and another way to keep fuel companies transparent about the prices they set and the deals they promote.

Local legend Barry Whitehead emceed his 25th and finalLatrobe City Australia Dayawardsatthe weekend. Hundreds attended Australia Day events across the shire, celebrating our great nation.

By KATRINABRANDON

Mandatoryfuel price reporting and anew fuel finder

SHOWCASE COVERAGE -PAGES 6-9

UNDER the plan, the government will make it compulsory for the more than 1500 fuel retailers acrossthe statetoprovidetheir pricingdata in real time. This data will then feed directly into a new fuel finder feature on the ServiceVictoriaapp, giving Victorians the opportunity to shop around for the best deal when they’re ready to fill up. Currently, fuel price reporting in Victoria is voluntary and often patchy.Whilecommercial price reporting websites exist, the Service Victoria fuel finder will include every fuel provider, won’t be advertiser funded, and will never promote one outlet over the other.

UP to 300 Maryvale Millproductionteam andthe CFMEU remain locked out of the mill as negotiations on anew Enterprise Bargaining Agreement are at astalemate, with fears growing about the economic impact on the local community.

Opal company negotiators are overseas, while workers remain keen to return to work, although somewho were on leave or sickhaveretained their work privileges.

The dispute began on Thursday, January 16 when Opal, according to the union, gave an hour’s notice to workers that they wouldn’t be returning to work until anew EBA was agreed upon.

“They are allshattered that this has happened. We have always worked with the company,” CFMEU Maryval eS ub- Branc hS ec re tary, Anthony Pavey, told the Express

“We had seven operat ors take as ix- hour stoppage, and the company decided to give us one hour’s notice and locked us out. This is the first work stoppage by our members for over two decades. They wanttotalkaboutclausesthat strip away all our rights and allow them to dictate terms at the drop of the hat,” he said.

Since January 21, one hundred of the locked-out workers, who would have previously been working,

LO CAL TR ADES AND SE RV ICES

camped out at the mill during work hours (8am to 3pm) to establish apresence and show that they want to return to work.

Opal said given the protected action and planned lockdowns by the CFMEU,itcouldnot operateits paper productionplant, and had beenforcedunder the Fair Work Act to undertake alegal lockout.

“Maryvale Mill’s operations have been severely imp acte db yt he lo ss of wood sup pl yf ro m VicForests and the subsequent end to white paper manufacturing,” the company said.

Opalsaidthe terms and conditions from the previous enterprise agreementswerenolonger relevant in amore competitive market.

“Clearly,Nippon Paper’s Opalhas no regard for eithertheir employees or other businesses and their employees,” DeniseCampbell-Burns, the Pulp and Paper Worker District Secretary, said.

“Like our members -who were given 60 minutes notice of the lockout -weunderstandthese other companies were given no warning and were caught unprepared, leaving them and their employees blindsided by Opal’s directive.”

Last week, the locked-out workers received support from the broader trade union movement,with the ACTU weighing in and the AMWU, Mining and Energy Union,and Victorian Trades Hall Council pledging support.

At amassmeeting on January 20, the locked-out Opal workers vowed to stand firm and seek afair deal that does not undermine their existing terms and conditions.

Mr Pavey said all staff on approvedsickor annual leave were revoked initially duetothe lockout, but on January 23, the company was made to honour those on leave.

Before honouring the approved leave, on January 23, Mr Pavey had toldthe Express: “Themain negotiator is off to Europe as of today, so she isn’t even goingtobehere in the negotiations going forward. The company’s lawyer is unavailable for tomorrow’s (January 24) meeting. They don’t sound like they want to sort things out in ahurry”.

“Now, it’s going to extend to other contractors and all the rest of them, who are going to lose their incomes and are going to be stood down. It’s going to be wide-reaching throughout the community,” he said.

“We just want to make sure that we have a presence out there to let our employers know that we are sitting there wanting to return to work. We arejust not going to be forced back to work in worse conditions

“They are just trying to drive their agenda, which has been the whole time.

Continued -Page4

Prices set the daybefore and lockedinfor 24 hours

THE fuel finder and mandatory reporting will support the next phase of the Fair Fuel Plan -to not only cap the number of fuel price rises to once aday, but to lock in those prices the day before, and freeze them for 24 hours.

This means you’ll be able to check your local area for which service station is offering the best price throughout the next day, and whenyou arrive in the morning to fill up, there’ll be no surprises. Under the plan, the priceatthat outlet can’t rise at any time throughout that day, but there is not intended to be any limit to acompanyreducing its fuel price.

New regulations and legislation will be required, and work is currently underway to determine an appropriate enforcement structure and penalties for fuel retailers. Governmentwillconsult with industry on implementation to get it right, and to ensure the scheme is fair and practical for smaller retailers.

The Fair Fuel Plan will be phased in over 2025. The Service Victoriafuel finder will launch later this year and could save Victorian motorists hundreds of dollars ayear at the bowser.

See Pages 32 &33 of today’s paper forfurther details

40 +years of craf tmanship

Morwell Curtains &Blinds 34 -38GeorgeSt, Morwell Call us on 5134 3652 and 0456 665179

Photograph: TomHayes

Red Knights mourn toy run member

GIPPSLAND MotorcyclistsToy Run member Ian Wells died on Saturday, January 18 after his motorcycleisbelieved to have collided with afour-wheel drive in Jacob Creek near Rawson. Emerg ency services were called to TyersWalhalla Road about11.30am, but Mr Wells died at the scene.

One of the other male riders was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the occupants of the 4WD were taken to hospital for assessment.It's understood the road was closed for several hoursbetweenBluff and Cowwarr Rds after the collision.

Baw Baw HighwayPatrol officersare investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Anyone withinformation has been askedto phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Red Knights Firefighters Motorcycle Club Chapter 19 (Latrobe Valley) President, Brian Soall paid tribute to Mr Wells on social media, and announced aGoFundMe to support the family

"Ianwas arealgentleman who supported the chapter in its role of supporting and giving back to the community. We lost one of its staunchest andmost passionate supporters," he said.

"Ian Wells, whilst riding with fellow Red Knights

19 Australia members on the Tyers-Walhalla Rd, was involved in aroad crash and did not survive. This incident is all the more distressing as many of us, who were presentatIan and Kathleen's wedding on the previousweekend, will know of the special love they shared.

"We are going to miss the eagerness and commitment that Ian showed towards supporting the Gippsland Motorcyclist Toy Run and his willingness to participate in the build-up period before the event;his support spanned many years.

"Whenever we needed to assembleagroupof riders to showappreciationtowards abusiness making adonation, the Red Knights were always there, and Ian was always part of the group. Just having him present on those occasions giving us encouragementand support meant alot and inspired us to keep on going.

"The chapter, in supporting Kat, his wife and in conjunction with the family are needing to raise sufficient funds to be able to lay her husband, father, our brother and mate to rest."

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet ShingsaidMrWells was aman whowas known and loved across the region.

"Ian was acherished member of the Gippsland Motorcyclists Toy Run and always stepped up to raise funds, spread joy and give countless hours of his time to make surethat our littlestGippslanders havepresents to open on Christmas Day,"Ms Shingsaid.

Donations are being accepted via GoFundMe at: gofund.me/6b92027f

Temperatures reachhigh 30s acrossthe Valley

TEMPERATURES climbed into the high 30s on Monday, adding to days of warm weather.

The region was bathedinsunshine for Australia Day, although fortunately most local Australia Dayevents took place either indoors, or before extremely warm weather kicked in.

An extreme weather warning was issued for Monday, with temperatures forecast to top 40. The humid weather system helped create ahigh chance of thunderstorms and hailthroughout the day. The weekendsettled at 27 degreesand partly cloudy, stillexhibiting signs of high fire danger warnings and conditions as winds died down for Monday’s heat.

Theexcessive temperature spike has been more frequent over the last week, with authorities urging people to keep an eye on conditions, not to walk dogs in hot weather, and not to leave children or pets in cars.

Road closure

OLSENS Road between the Morwell Rd intersection and Hatchery Road was closed on Monday, January20, due to aheavy vehicle incident. The road was closed for afew days as crews cleared the area.

Seeking footage

POLICE are seeking any information or CCTV of an incident that occurred in Traralgon on January 21, 2025.

Policehave been made aware that around 6.30pm

This fire se ason around th es tat eh as seen the driest conditions in five years.

The Trafalgar Fire Brigade shared eventsofthe fire on BayleysRoad, just outside of Trafalgar.

"The Bayleys Road fire, which wasswiftly brought under control thanks to the tireless efforts of both our local and neighbouring fire brigades. These brave teams worked hard to contain the fireinchallenging conditions," the brigade posted.

"However, despite the fire being controlled, perfect conditions for reignition haveoccurred several times in the days since, making it crucial for crews to remain vigilant. Local volunteer firefighters are continuing to monitor the area closely, actively blacking out anyhot spots and taking all necessary precautions to prevent any flare-ups or further spread.

Temperatures this weekare expected to stay around 27 degrees.

on Franklin St, amotorcyclist riding awhite sports bike is believed to have been riding carelessly on one wheel through the street and caused damage to apassing vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to contact First Constable Russell at Traralgon Police Station on 5172 2700, or visit crimestoppers at: crimestoppersvic.com.au

Scam prevention

SCAMS are everywhere, targeting people from all walks of life and costing Australians billions of dollarseachyear. Whether it’s fake emails, unexpected phone calls or onlineschemes, scammersalways find new ways to gain your trust and steal your money or personal information.

But three small steps can help keep us all safe from scammers:

 STOP -Scammers will pretend to be from organisations you know and trust like businesses, the police, your bank or government services. They will offer to help you or ask you to verify your identity with them;

 CHECK -Never click alink in amessage. Only contact businesses or government using contact information that you find yourself from their official website or app. If you’re not sure, say ‘no’, hang up or delete, and;

 PROTECT -Contact your bank if you notice unusual activity or if ascammer gets your money or information. Seek help and report the scam to Scamwatch.

If you are the victim of acybercrime, report the incident or vulnerability to: cyber.gov.au/ report-and-recover

PoliceBeat with Katrina Brandon

Vale: ThelateIan Wells. Photographs supplied

Heat: Trafalgar Fire Brigade worked hardon Januar y21tobring afireonBayleys Road under control. Photograph supplied

Great man: Ian Wells as par tofGippsland MotorcyclistsToy Runensured that many kids around Gippsland had presents to open on Christmasmorning

Members endorse revised proposal

By TOMHAYES

VICTORIA Police members have endorsed arevised wage proposal from the state government, amid ongoing negotiations.

Originally seeking asix per increase per year for four years, 67 per cent of the more than 13,000

The Police Association of Victoria (TPAV) members voted in favour of the proposed deal -aminimum wage increase of 4.5 per cent over four years.

The revised offer from the stategovernment follows arejected offer in July 2024, of afour per cent increase per year over four years.

Uniformed ‘frontline’ officers that performgeneral duties will gain an extra half aper centpay rise and will no longer have to ‘kit up’ and ‘kitdown’outside of workhours, aclause that excludes highway patrol officers, crime scene officers, detectives, and anumberofother departments.

"Police members and PSOs have alwaysdeserved apay riseand conditions thatreflect the challenging workthey do every day," astate government spokesperson said "Victoria Police and TPAV have accepted the Fair Work Commission's recommendation for adealthat achieves this and is compatible with government wages policy.

"We thank the parties and the Commission for their work in reaching this point and hope it will be endorsed my members as quickly as possible so they canfeel the benefits of this deal."

The offerisset to cost the stategovernment more than $450 million based on the current $3.2 billion wage bill. Though it may be considered awin for the state government, as it is much less than the six per cent wanted by TPAV, which was estimated to cost over $800 million according to the Herald Sun

Leading Senior Constableand TPAV Delegate for Baw Baw and Latrobe,Glenn Redenbach spoke to the Express on Friday, January24regarding the decision.

“Most of the members I’ve spoken to today feel particularly aggrieved,” he said.

“Even some members that were considered uniform,asinhighway patrol… they are particularly aggrieved that they’re not included in the five per cent wage offer.

“There’s abit of division across the organisation in relation to that.

“From adelegate perspective for my members in Latrobe and Baw Baw, that’sbeen pretty upsetting and probablyanother sign thatthe (state) government and VicPol need to do better.

“The vibe of the membershipishappy that they’ve

got arevised offer but saddened that it has led to such adivide in the membership betweendifferent pay rates for different sectors in the force.”

Members felt an element that they were strongarmed into accepting the revised offer because of the clause that included backpay from June 1, 2024. Any further offers were not going to includethe backpay clause, which couldbeseveral thousands dollars in backpay for each member.

“The element of the deal saidthat members need to take advantage of this proposal, it’s aone-time offer, and if they don’t, we lose the backpay part of the proposal,” LSC Redenbach said.

LSC Redenbach described the one-time offer as “a sweetener”, believing that the 67 per cent voting in favourwas areflectionofmembers doing it tough, needing the money.

Aclause that was gained in the 2019 EBA allowed members coming to the end of theircareerstocash out on aportion of their unused sick leave. That clausehas since been scrapped in the new EBA, to be terminatedbythe end of the year.

“For some members that was ayear’s worth of sick leave that potentially they could cash out,” LSC Redenbach said.

Under the previous EBA,members would’ve been able to “leave their positions early, taking that deal, and stations didn’t carry avacancy”.

The removal of the sickleave clausemay force police members to use sick leave more frequently for smaller issues, which comes as aconcern.

“That’s the inference of thatdeal, Victoria Police at the moment are understaffed, we’re having trouble retaining people, and now we’re going to have trouble with unplanned leave,” LSC Redenbach said.

“There’s no point getting to the end of your career witha mountainofunusedsickleave, because you are just going to lose it when you retire.”

Despite the disappointment in the outcome from the negotiations, there is relief among police members that there is now an end in sight.

“The comments and feedback that I’ve had from members locally, from the ‘yes’ voting camp, is that they’refatigued, they want to get back to business as usual,and that this is better than continuing,”

LSC Redenbach said.

Moe Police Station held one of the last Stop Work demonstrations in the state on Tuesday, January 21. Another Stop Work event was scheduled at the Morwell Police Station on Friday, January 24, but negotiations were coming to an end.

Traralgon PoliceStationheld aStopWorkevent

last year on Wednesday, December 11 -the first in the Latrobe Valley.

There is concern that police from other states such as New South Wales and Queensland, who are offering betterpay, might have the pulling power to poach Victorian officers.

“It is aconcern. You could make thecasethat to now have awage offer in play partially solves that,” LSC Redenbach said.

“ButIdon’t feel like this total proposal, as a package, particularly has resolved that retention and recruitment issue. Ithink it’s still going to be

aproblem that local policewith face for another fewyears.”

The Heads of Agreement, an initial agreement between parties that there is potential for abargainingoffertobeballotedand put to members, is currentlybeing drafted. Once signed,the Protected Industrial Action will cease.

If members eventually vote amajority ‘yes’, the dispute will be complete. The final vote is expected to be taken within the next couple of weeks.

Opal andCFMEU negotiations still ongoing

From Page 1

"WE have toldthem (Opal) that we are not interestedinalot of things, and even as we go through the redundancy clauses and all of that, they have manipulated our conversations and have tried to trackthem as close to an agreement or that," CFMEU Maryvale Sub-Branch Secretary, Anthony Pavey said of the lockout.

“They don’t have aroster. They haven’t got anything. They want to call it aflexibility clause, where they can chop and change us whenever they like without payment for interfering with people's lives.

“We have always been happy to work with the companyand strive to improvethe place,but the current agenda seems to blame the workforce and drive the conditions and pays down, which is just not on.”

Determined: On both sidesofthe Opal roundabout,workers arestaying put and spreading theirmessage

Outraged: Membersofthe Moe PoliceStation displayingsignsduring the Stop Work eventlast week. Photographs: TomHayes

With you: Nationals Member forEasternVictoria Region, Melina Bath showedher suppor tatthe Moe Police Stop Work eventonTuesday, Januar y21.

Defiant: Opal workershavebeenlockedout foroveraweek andare camping outside the Mar yvale mill, saying they want to be working

United: Millworkers pictured on Day6of the lockout last Wednesday,Januar y22. Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Chester’spraisefor bowlingclub

FEDERAL Memberfor Gippsland, Darren Chester

has congratulated Morwell Bowling Club, championed by manager Teena Johnson, for their quick action to restore temporary facilities and save local jobs after fire ravaged the club last August.

“Just five months ago, the members and patrons at Morwell Bowling Club were devastated when afire, which startedwith an electrical fault, destroyed alarge section of the popular facility,” Mr Chester said.

“But thanks to some incredible efforts by the board, Teena and staff, the club is up and running again, officiallyre-opening the bistro and ice creamery and offering afull lunch and dinner menu under the temporary dome installation.”

Mr Chester visited the Morwell Bowling Club facilities to check on progress and was amazed by the amount of work accomplished in less than six months.

“They have demolished fire-damaged sections of theclubbut turned one of the artificial greens into atemporary function and gaming area, established acommercial kitchen,and resumed full bar service, which has allowed the majority of staff to keep their jobs as the permanent re-build gets underway,” Mr Chester said.

“The new facilities don’t feel temporary at all, and offer bowlers and guests agreat location to get together and relax while watching sport on the big screen.

“It has been aremarkable effort to re-open and help staff keep their jobs during adifficult period.”

Backinbusiness: FederalMember forGippsland, Darren Chesterwith Morwell Bowling Club Manager,Teena Johnson. Theclub has been able to re-open less than sixmonths afterlast year’s devastating fire Photograph supplied

Funding allocated for Crinigan Road development

LATROBE City Council has welcomedthe federal government’s $7.6 million funding contribution, that will facilitatethe development of around 700 new homes in the Crinigan Road Development Plan area.

The funding will allow council to construct a sewer pump station in the Crinigan Rd area of Morwell thatwillopen up landfor residential development.

The new pumping station will also support the growthofthe MorwellEastIndustrialprecinct,

which has the potential to create more than 1500 jobs once fully developed.

The funding is being provided through Stream 2ofthe federal government’s Housing Support Programme, of which Latrobe submitted asuccessful application.

Latrobe City Council Mayor, Dale Harriman than ked the fed eral gove rnme nt for thei r investment.

“Councilwishes to thank the federal government and in partic ular the Depart ment of

Infrastructure, Transport,RegionalDevelopment, Communications and Arts for their commitment towards the Crinigan Rd sewer pump station,” the Mayor said.

“This is an essential part of core infrastructure that will provide for anew development in Morwell as per ourfuture planning and have aflow on effect for our industrial area.

“We look forward to having further discussions with the department to understand the next steps for this funding and when the project can begin.”

EPAVictoria issues two fines

LATROBE Magnesium has been issued with two fines from EPA Victoria, after aroutine inspection found the company had started workonits pilot projectwithout satisfying the startup conditions of its EPA licence first. The two fines add up to $19,496 and EPA has stepped up scrutiny of the site.

EPA says the site was working under a Pilot Project Licence geared to managing high potential risk with extensive and strict conditions for the plant’s design, construction and operation.

In October last year,EPA officers found Latrobe Magnesium had begun construction of the plant and trucking in the power station waste it would use to extract magnesium. The company had not yetlodged the detailed designs required by its EPA licence before it couldstart, andthe loads of wastehad not been registered with EPA Waste Tracker.

EPA says both of those failures are offences under the Environment ProtectionAct 2017. Energy Australia Yallourn, the source of the power station waste, has also been fined $9616 for failing to register the waste with Waste Tracker as it was trucked out. Waste Tracker is an online system where certain types of waste (Reportable Priority Wastes listedunder Environment Protection Regulations 2021) must be registered when they leave the site, in transport, and at the point of disposal or recycling. It is designed to pinpoint when and where any waste was lost, sent for illegal disposal or transported without proper precautions.

EPA says these are systems designed to protect people and the environment, they include strict conditions and penalties, and businesses must take them seriously. Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006, the operators have the right to have the infringement notice reviewed or be considered by acourt.

By TOMHAYES

OUTSTANDING people in the community, as well as events and services were celebrated during the 2025 Latrobe City Australia Day awards ceremony at GPAC.

The awards ceremony washosted by Barry Whitehead, who announced it would be his 25th consecutiveand final time he’d be behindthe podium at the Latrobe City Australia Day awards

The formalities began with addressesfrom LatrobeCity Council Mayor, Dale Harriman, Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester, and Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron.

Allthree spoke on the importance of Australia Day by acknowledging thosewho had made contributions to the community over the past year. Startingawards proceedings wasthe 2025 Community Service of the Year Award, with had nine nominations.

In line for the award included: Give aDamn, Give aCan;Latrobe Theatre Company Inc -Celebrating 60 years; Latrobe Youth Space; Make Moe Glow; Maltese CommunityCentre Latrobe Valley Maltese Museum; MoartzInc;Paid Forward PtyLtd;Rotary Club of Moe -serving the community for 75 years, and;The WearHouseatLatrobe Regional Health.

Mayor Harriman announced that the winner was the Rotary Club of Moe.

Founded in April 1949, the club has made impacts throughout the community through fundraising, community projects, and young leadership initiatives, while maintaining aprominent presence in the community.

Recently, the club raised more than $100,000 for various initiatives, including making acontribution to the Botanic Gardens and the Rotary Golf Day fundraiser.

“In accepting the award, Iacknowledge the 321 Moe Rotarians who have servedour community overthose75years since 1949,” MoeRotarian, Roger Taylor said.

“The club’s 75-year celebration focused on community service, international service, and our youth and vocation service. These are the threads that hold our members together,aswework for acommon goal.”

Next up was the 2025 Community Event of the Year Award, including seven nominations from the community.

Those nominees were: the AGL Loy Yang Traralgon Junior Internati onal; Australian Club Championship Inline HockeyTournament; Boolarra Community Development Group, in partnership with the Community Supporting Dolly’sDream;Conference of the Birds -The Valley of the Quest; International Women’s Group IncHarmony Day Event; Knitted Knockers Australia TraralgonBranch -AnAfternoon with Elvis and Friends, and; Old Gippstown 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Mayor Harrimanannounced that the2025 Community Event of the Year was the AGL Loy Yang Traralgon Junior International.

The AGL Loy Yan gT rar al gon Jun io r International held its 32nd event in earlyJanuary this year, providing aplatform for young tennis stars to compete on an international stage. The tournament brings asignificant economical boost, contributing$2.4million to the regionin

Australia Day

Latrobe City honours community efforts

2024, and over $2.5 million in 2025. The event is made possible with the help of more than 100 volunteers, who assist with catering, transport, and maintenance.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to accept this awar on behalf of the Traralgon TennisAssocia Traralgon Tennis Association President, Cameron Herbert said.

“I’d liketoexpress our enormous gratitude being recognised.

“Seeing the nominees in other areas, it’s humbling to see how much good is done in community by volunteers.

“Please know thatthis tier of event, in national tennis,everywhere else in the world almost always held in acapital city. We are privileged to have this event here in Traralgon, and we are so grateful for the backing shown this wonderful community.”

The 2025 Young Citizen of the Year was at horse race between Claire Lindsay and Hanson, both with many notable contributions to the region.

Taking out the award, announced by Mayor Harriman -who said it was the award that him the “greatest pleasure” to announce, wasC Lindsay.

Claire is akey figure in the Blue Light program, which builds positive relationships between youthand law enforcement. Her leadershi shines throughout the Community Leading Project, driving meaningful change by addressing issues.

Shehas also served as Mayor of the Latrobe Youth Council, representing the voices of young Latrobe City citizens.

“I’m deeply honoured to standhere as anomin for Young Citizen of the Year, and to have gotten this award is amazing,” Claire said.

“To be considered among such inspiring viduals is humbling and motivates me to continue workingtomake apositive impact.

“To the community that raised me, thank for giving me the spacetogrow,the platfor serve, and theinspirationtodream bigger. Whet it’s through volunteering, project management, leadership opportunities, andmore.”

The penultimate award to be announced was 2025 Senior Citizen of the Year.

The nominees were: Beverly (Bev) Mag Catherine (Kay) Agatha Radford, Delia D’Amico, Domenico (Dom) Manzo, Gilio Barbara, Glenys Webster, Ron Wall, and Virginia Swan.

Mayor Harriman announced the winner Delia D’Amico. Ms D’Amico has been an active member of the InternationalWomen’s Group since2008,contributing as adance choreog rapher and founder.

At 72-years-old, Ms D’Amico remains afit, active,true leader in the community, serving in many positions in various groups across the region.

“I am grateful to the organisers and judges to recognise my achievements, efforts, and contributions,” Ms D’Amico said.

“This award is not just arecognition, but also atestament to the hard work of everyone whoencouraged us throughout this journey

“I am proud to be part of this community

and am looking forward to continue contributing to its growth and success.”

Finally, it was time for the 2025 Citizen of the Year award, where fivelocals werenominated.

Lasting Master of Ceremonies calls time after 25 years

By TOMHAYES

LONGSTANDING contributor to the region and popular emcee Barry Whitehead tooktothe podium for the 25thand final time during the 2025 Latrobe City Australia Day awards ceremony.

The Express spoke to Mr Whitehead aheadof his final service.

Once Mr Whitehead was approached to emcee a local function in his early days, there was no turning back as theoffers continued to roll throughthe door.

“It started from my theatredays, Ihad alot to do with local theatre companies, musicals, and plays, and Igot approached to emcee alocal function,” he said.

“Once you start doing it and people get to know you, then they start knocking on the door.”

Whatmight’vemadeMrWhitehead more attractive wasthe factthathenevercharged, always considering it to be apartofhis community service. Over the years he has stood behind the podium at anumberofevents, including weddings, family events and football-netball club reunions.

“I’m not agreat actor, or singer, but Ican get up there and yap away,” he laughed.

In terms of the Latrobe City Australia Day awards, Mr Whitehead has always found it a pleasure to be up there on such aspecial day.

“It is asignificant day for the community, and I’ve always said how specialitisthat we’re

acknowledging people in the community who are contributors and do great things,” he said.

“I’m also in the bandwagon of Australia Day is the 26th of January and we should celebrate all the good things about being Australian, and this is one of those opportunities to do that.”

Looking ahead to next year, where he won’tbeup on stage, Mr Whitehead believes he’ll be “itching” to get back with amicrophone in hand.

“I’m sure this time next year I’ll be abit itchy, andI’llbechamping at the bit,” he said.

“I’m amilestones man and 25 is anice round number, and I’m at that stage in life where I’m slowing up with thingsIget involved in. Iwill miss it, but Iwon’t be devastated.”

Mr Whitehead especially mentioned his wife, Di for her support and aquiet achiever behind the scenes, who helped him for around 20 years.

“I'm gratefulofLatrobe Citytohave the confidence in me all thistimetodothe role…but I’d particularly liketomention Wendy Hrynyszyn who is the lead organiser for this event… she does the running sheet that Iuse on the day, and I’ve always saidbehind every good emcee is agood running sheet,” he said.

As far as Mr Whitehead’s portfolio is concerned, he is beginning to slow up on his commitments, announcing he will be stepping back from the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund. However, he pledgedthat he would remaina

part of the Big Bloke’s BBQ, which fundraises for prostate cancer.

“I’llcertainly continuemyefforts there,”hesaid.

Mr Whitehead spoke on the sense of feeling he gets from volunteering, and how more people should get involved.

“There are alot of good people in the community who give alittle bit along the way, it gives you a good feeling personally, but also, it’s good to know you’redoing somethingpositiveinour community,” he said.

“There should be alot more of it, there’s too much negativity in our community at the moment.

“I’m delighted to have had this job for 25 years. Iwill miss it, but Iwon’t be devastated, and Ilook forward to next year to see who pops up behind the podium.”

Following proceedingsofMrWhitehead’s 25th and final Latrobe CityAustraliaDay awards, Latrobe City Mayor, Dale Harriman called him back up to the podium during his final remarks.

“Barry has been instrumental in bringing the community together and making this an enjoyable event,” Mayor Harriman said.

“He does so much for the community, it’snot just here, Barry does so much work across the whole community.”

Mr Whitehead was presented with acertificate for 25 years of service alongwith some other tokens of appreciation from Latrobe City Council.

accept his award, as he was in the US at the time attending the presidential inauguration.

Final act: Barr yWhitehead emceed his 25th and finalLatrobe City Australia Dayawardsat the weekend.

Photograph: TomHayes

Honour: Latrobe City2025 Citizen of the Year, Mathias Wood

Photograph supplied

Australia Day

Prideshown across Latrobe Valley

By TOMHAYES,KATRINA BRANDON AND LIAM DURKIN

LATROBE City locals gathered at Australia Day services across the region at the weekend.

Flag raising ceremonies, music and general patriotism permeated, as people took stock to acknowledge and reflect on all that makes up the 'great southern land'.

Australia Day fellonaSundaythis year, with Monday an official public holiday.

Traralgon

MORE than 100 people joined one another at the Kay Street Gardens for Traralgon’s Australia Day morning service.

The LionsClubofTraralgon had locals well fed with afree breakfast, cooking up the classic Australianbreakfast of egg and bacon sandwiches or snags in bread.

Helping out in the kitchen was Latrobe City CouncilMayor,DaleHarriman and Jeeralang Ward Councillor, Joanne Campbell.

Locals could eat to tunes like ‘Waltzing Matilda’ produced by the City of Traralgon Band, which kept the vibes high all morning.

The Australian flag was raised at 9.30am by the 426 Squadron Air Force Cadets, as the City of Traralgon Band recitedthe Australian National Anthem.

As the formalities winded down, locals began to chat to one another or participate in the activities nearby.

On offer was the handball competition run by a fewofthe footballers from the Traralgon FootballNetball Club, or the Heart Foundation Heart Walk, which many people participated in from 10am.

As the dayprogressed, numbers flocked to TraralgonCentre Plaza (TCP), which hosted pony rides, an educational wildlife experiencefrom Mumsupials and Sons, as well as craft activities.

TCP wasa hive of activity the day prior (Saturday, January 25),with anotheranimaland reptilefarm and craft station, plus facepainting,adventure activities with Girl Guides and Traralgon Scouts.

Music wasprovided by Mel Pollard,and the Traralgon RSL cooked up asausage sizzle while Baker’s Delight offered free Cheesymite Scrolls.

-Tom Hayes

Congratulations: Boolarra’sAustralia Dayaward recipients.Manywereacknowledged fortheir work helping with lastyear’s stormrecovery Photograph: KatrinaBrandon

Morwell

WALKING through Morwell’s Italian Australian Club on Australia Day was almost impossible, as more than 100 people were in attendance.

The celebrations started at 11am, and people were ready to celebrate before the doors opened.

Inside the club was amarketfeaturing bags, wooden ducks and jewellery.Music played throughout the hall by the Pirotta Brothers.

Outside, people brought in their favourite cars, which were polished and cleaned.Some owners openedthe hoods and set up AustraliaDay themes in the backseats. For most of the celebration, you could see people chatting about the cars and some enjoying catching up with friends.

The local bocce club also opened their doors for come-and-try bocce, with many showing off their natural skill and enjoying the indoor cooling provided as the day became warmer.

Along withthe heat, aspecial guest visited

the outdoor area with their pet python. Many attempted to hold the slitherycreature, while others kept their distance.

Those who stayed inside enjoyed the music while also attendingthe dancefloor,wheresometaught others some groovy moves.

-Katrina Brandon Moe

OLD Gippstown offered aserene setting for Moe’s Australia Day celebrations.

Seamlessly combining past and present, ahealthy patronage near 100 gathered around the open museum’s rotunda for festivities and formalities.

Live music from the 350 Blues Band contributed to an overall positive vibe, amid the general mingling of attendees enjoying each other’s company.

Lions Club of Moe volunteers were on hand from dawn(the nightbefore actually), setting up to feed the masses.

Lead Lion John Kerr emceed proceedings, while Newborough Ward Councillor, Sharon Gibson was joined by Moe Ward Councillor, Adele Pugsley. Ebullient as ever, Cr Gibson wore abright yellow and green arrangement, in what was her 17th Australia Dayasa councillor, makingfor something of amaster/apprentice partnership with Cr Pugsley on debut.

First Newborough Scout Group and Moe River Scott Group (two separate) stood proudly as the Australian flag was raised at 10am.

-Liam Durkin

Boolarra

SNAGS, breakfast burgers and coffee were served to about120 people at the Boolarra Australia Day service.

Bringing in anice change from ducking under trees due to rain, many enjoyed chatting around the Railway Park entranceinthe warmer weather.

To begin, the Boolarra citizens participated in Australia Daytrivia while waitingfor formal celebration to start. The celebrationand award ceremony began around 10am.

The morningcelebration was calm,allowing many locals to chat and chill in camp chairs. Alongside the comfortable seating, many people were dressed in Australia Day attire or received Australia Day flags used throughout the trivia session. It was afight to determine who could raise their flag first and get the answer right. Nary aquestion was answered wrong by the attendees, who were excited to answer, some of them answering as a group. Many awards were given out, most of which featured leadership and hard work throughout the year.Someofthe awards expressed the town's volunteerism, with many going to those who helped out with storm damage last year.

Dashing from Churchill and Yinnar’s services, Latrobe City Budgeree Ward Councillor, Leanne Porter arrived at the service just in time for the awards to be handed out. Ms Porter expressed thatBoolarrashared the highest attendancecount between the towns.

After the awards, winnersgathered for photos andstood tall while the national anthemplayed out and flags were raised.

-Katrina Brandon

Proud: FirstNewboroughScout Group membersprepare to raise theAustralian flag at Moe’s Australia Dayser vice Photograph: Liam Durkin Spirit: Traralgon localsDebbie and Tina got in on the Australia Dayfestivities Photograph: TomHayes

Aussie,Aussie,Aussie: Steven Davidson, Kerriand Grant Duncan enjoyeda nice dayout at theItalian Australian Club, Morwell fortheirAustralia Day. Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Historydawns on outstanding Moe local

By LIAM DURKIN

FOR someone who freely admitted to talking alot, being named Moe’s 2025 Citizen of the Year was nearly enough to leave Dawn Cowley speechless.

Ms Cowley was awarded the Lions Club of Moe honour at the town’s Australia Day celebration last Sunday, recognisingmorethan 40 years of dedicated service to the community.

Ms Cowley has mainly worked with the Mid Gippsland Family History Society.

Afounding member of the society in 1980, Ms Cowley has helped countless people trace and track their ancestry.

“Some may say it’s more than an interest, it’s an obsession,” she said of genealogy.

“But it’s along-time interest and love of mine. It’s taken along, longtimebut we’re stillhere after 40 odd years, which is not bad for asmall organisation.”

The society hasfaced anomadic existence for much of its life, but somewhat fittingly, Ms Cowley was able to use her Australia Day address at Old Gippstown to announce the group was soon to open anew venue in Albert Street.

“And you are all welcome to come along,” she said It has been this generosity that has seen Ms Cowleycontribute greatly to the Moe/Newborough area.

As well as her work with local history, she has served on school councils,withMoe LifeSkills, Relay for Life, volunteered at the 2006 Melbourne

Gathered: Latrobe CityDeputy Mayor, Sharon Gibson,long-time sponsor of Moe’s Australia DayawardsRosanna Colli, Moe Citizen of theYear Dawn Cowley, Moe Ward Councillor, AdelePugsley, andMoe Lions Club’s,John Kerr

Commonwealth Games, and beenatthe forefront of numerous local fundraising events

Ms Cowleyhas also writtentwo historicalpublications: OneHundred Years of YallournNorth StateSchool, and an indexofextra birth,death and marriage certificates.

Through these works, her legacy is sure to live on for generations.

“Moe, Newborough and surrounds are all the

Photographs: Liam Durkin

Proud: Dawn Cowleysurrounded by family afterbeingnamedMoe Citizen of the Year.Picturedare Dawn’s daughtersAmanda Hull and Lisa Edebohls,Lisa’sson Jack,and husbandGrahamEdebohls and (front), Dawn’s husband Grant Cowley.

better for having members within the community like Dawn,” Moe Lion, John Kerr said upon making the presentation.

Ms Cowley wished to thank her family for their support, who were on hand to congratulate her.

“Thankyou all for this incredible and unexpected honour, it reinforces my commitment to making a positive impact in my field,” she said.

“This award is atremendous honour, I’m deeply

appreciative of the recognition, thank you for considering me worthy of such aprestigious accolade.

“I’velived in this area the whole of my life, married and raised our family here, and this is my home, as part of the community I’ve worked with wonderful people along the way, all playing apart forthe betterment of our community and making lasting friendships along the way.”

Emergency service workers earn honours

LOCAL emergency service workers were recognised in the Australia Day honours.

Moe’sEdward Wright, Yallourn North’sMark Kingand Traralgon’s Jonathon Wood accepted honours.

Mr Wright was awarded an Ambulance Service Medal for distinguished service as amember of an Australian ambulance service.

Starting with Ambulance Victoria (AV) in 1990, Mr Wright has served in various roles including as aparamedic, Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedic, group manager, and regional support manager.

Aproud Gunaikurnai man,hehas been the regional support manager for Gippsland for the past 15 years, overseeing financial operations, emergency management, and community engagement, while alsopromoting his Indigenous heritage and supporting reconciliation efforts.

He frequently speaks at community events, sharing his extensive experience in the military, Country Fire Authority, and Ambulance Victoria.

During the 2024 National Reconciliation Week, he advocated for improved identification of First Nations patients in health settings.

He has been akey figure in significant Gippsland emergencies, including the 2003 and 2006 fires in Omeo, and served as the health commander during the 2009 BlackSaturday Bushfires. His rolein

AM for Andrews

AFORMER federalminister, the late Kevin Andrews, who was born in Sale and grew up in Rosedale, was posthumously named as aMember of the Order of Australia (AM).

The AM is alevel above the Medal of the Order of Australia on the Australian honours system.

Mr Andrews was recognised for significant service to the people and parliament of Australia, to the Catholic Church and the community.

Afederal MP for the Melbourne division of Menzies for 31 years until 2022 -and holding arange of ministries, including defence -MrAndrews died late last year aged 69.

Mr Andrews also held arange of roles in the Catholic Church.

evacuating Neerim Hospitalwas highlighted by theVictorian Bushfires Royal Commission, and he wasanAVrepresentative appearing before the commission. He alsoplayed acrucial role in post-fire recovery efforts.

During the 2014 Hazelwood Mine Fire, he addressed health risks related to firefighter rest and meal arrangements, leading to procedural improvements.

In the 2019/20bushfires,hesupported isolated communitiesand managedachallenging medical emergency in aremote area, reinforcing his commitment to addressing the needs of isolated communities. He also provided vital relief as a health commander in the Barwon Southwest area during theWye River fires in late 2015 and early 2016.

 MR KING was awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal.

Mr King’sjourney withthe Country Fire Authority (CFA) commenced in November 1992, and his steadfast dedicationtoboth his community and the organisation was evident as early as July 1993 when he assumed the role of brigade communications officer.

Over hisimpressive 30 years of service, Mr King has donned varioushats within the CFA, including firefighter, strike team leader for deployments

both interstateand state-wide, sector commander, divisional commander, deputy operations officer, health team leader, and is currently acommunity liaison officer.

His commitment has takenhim to campaign fires in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania, leaving asignificant impact in each location. Mr King’s expertise extends to fire investigation,with qualificationsinwildfire,structural,and vehicle fire investigation since 2004. He has conducted investigations across districts 9, 10, 11, and 27, bringing invaluable insights to the table.

Within the CFA, Mr King has made an indelible mark, especially in training, community safety, firefighting, and firefighter health, safety,and wellbeing. Notably, he played apivotal rolein introducing the South East Region’s first Health Monitoring and Rehabilitation Unit, advocating passionately for the benefits of such initiatives. As a result, two more rehabilitationunits now serve the South East Region of Victoria,significantly reducingheat-related incidents and hospital treatment claims among firefighters. Theseunits also extend their support to partner agencies like the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Fire Rescue Victoria, and Victoria Police.

Mr King’s dedication extends to being avolunteer trainer and assessor, equipping many volunteers with essential qualifications, including breathing

apparatus, tanker licenses, and general firefighter skills.

 MR WOOD was also awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal.

Mr Wood has provided 35 years of dedicated service to fire response on the fireground, in incident management teams and aviation roles. Mr Wood is currently accredited as aLevel 2incident controller,Level 2operations officer and has led many taskforces and many incident management teams throughsome difficultand challenging deployments, with the safety of firefighters his first and foremostpriority.Hehas attended all major fires in Gippsland during his careerand has proudly represented Victoria on deployments to New South Wales and Queensland

Mr Wood has been adedicated trainer and assessor for 20 years in operational Australian Inter-Service Incident Management System (AIIMS) roles, and also provides significant time and resources to others providing coaching and mentoring in these roles.

NB: The Express wishes to congratulate Mr Wright, Mr King and Mr Wood on their honours. It is the intent of this publication to feature stories on each individual in coming weeks.

What it means to be Australian

COMMENT BY DAVID LITTLEPROUD

THERE’S many that have tried to define exactly what it is to be Australian, but it’shard to do, because we’re astrange lot.

While Australiaisamelting pot of multiculturalism, whose identity was initially defined by our British roots, we have evolved and continue to evolve to this day.

What we have become as Australians was, in a small part, what we initially built our country from; thatromanticisednotionofawealthy country built off the sheep’sback from someoutbackfrontier, or to agreater extent, that of our young sons, forging ournational identity with courage, hard work and mateship on the battlefields of foreign lands.

While our past still helps defineusfrom what and how we builtthiscountryover the last 220-plus years, it laid the foundations of who we are becoming as apeople today; acountry that is prepared to celebrate what we have built but is also prepared to accept the mistakes of our past without having to be asked.

That’s acountry that knows itself and is comfortable with itself, who knows what’s right and wrong and just expects our country to do the right thing

and to get on with making things right, when we haven’t.

Ultimately, Australians have become alaidback but fairpeople, whohave asense of communityand who understand if you’re prepared to work for it, you can still make it here.

Australians will celebrate those that have started from scratch and made something of themselves over those that have been born into privilege and wealth.

It gives us asense of hope to see the little guy get up from nothing, because it says to us all we can still make it here, and you still can too.

We’re alaidback people ultimately because we’re comfortable with ourselves and who we are, but also our great lifestyle.

You can liveanywhere youwant in Australia. You can enjoy the beach and youcan stilldetermine how much you want to earn to support the sort of lifestyle you want.

To an extent, in aspiring for abetter lifestyle in years past, we becamemoreself-absorbed in ourselves, in our quest for a‘better life’. However, Isense ashift in our country. In the bush our communities are what have defined us and bonded us together from the beginning, but what we should also be proud of is that many of our suburbs across

the country have re-engaged in that sense of local community.

Above all, Ithink our most endearing trait as Australians is that we’re fair people.

Whilewenormallyremain laidbackand content with our lot in life and won’t actively engage in the day-to-day running of our country, we still have a great sense of fairness when provoked.

Australians will express themselves when provoked to right awrong, or if they perceive someone or something getting an advantage thatthe rest of us don’t get, they’ll engage

That’s whatgivesAustraliaour balanceincoursing our country’s future.

If Australians don’t feel they can get afair go, that their communities aren’t supported or their lifestyles aren’t being preserved, they’re woken from their content and become apeople prepared to demonstrate that with conviction.

That’s what Ibelieve it is to be Australian. It’s not complicated, it’s the simplicitywe’ve created and the beauty of living in the greatest country on earth.

DavidLittleproudisfederal leaderofthe Nationals.

TRAFALGAR celebratedits outstanding citizens at the town's Australia Day service.

Celebrations took place in the public hall, with all the usual festivities.

Thisyear's service carried withis add ed poig nanc y, as posth umou s Citizen of the Year awards were made to Graham Davey and Neil Joiner.

Mr Davey was as ta lwa rt of the Trafalgar business and wider community,and his dedicationand passion for the local community wasaninspiration to those around him.

He held many executivepositions with the Trafalgar Chamber of Commerce andIndustryduring his 40+years of involvement, for which he earned life membership. He was well knownfor his good humour, friendships and his historical perspective on local issues. He and his wife Maria operated Traf Men’s and Boy’s Wear for morethan

Fitting: ThelateGrahamDavey wasposthumouslyhonoured with a Trafalgar Citizen of theYear award. Mr Daveywas astalwar tofthe Trafalgar business and widercommunity.

Australia Day

Citizens recognised at Trafalgar service

30 years, during which they made every effort to acquire what customers needed rather than travel out of town.

They were generous supporters of local sports clubs and groups in and beyond the district, for which the Trafalgar community was gratefully appreciative.

Mr Davey was farewelled from this lifelastMarch.Mourners packed the Trafalgar Publi cH all to pay their respects. He was 66.

Mr Joiner is well remembered for his passion for the Holden brand and the impact he made establishing anationally significantmuseum in Trafalgar.

This not-for-profit museum is run entirely by more than 60 volunteers, also eager to share their knowledge of the Holden related exhibits.

Following his very successfulbusiness career, Mr Joiner and his wife Annette purchasedand improved, to museum standard, the old, disused Trafalgar

Butter Factory premises. Mr Joiner's vision has seen Holden-related exhibits that boast an impressive collection spanning 160 years of development.

His legacy lives on, both with the enthusiasm of the capablevolunteers andthe prideheld by the Trafalgar community of the high-quality museum being alocal tourist identity.

Mr Joiner died last July, age 75.  JASON and Kerry Rantall were named Trafalgar Citizen of the Year for their work in the mental health space. Jason and Kerry are passionate about supporting and improving the community by sharing their own challenges with mental health, and they have made asignificant impact by opening the community hub Bettermentall in Trafalgar.

Together, they have created asafeand relaxed place where people can connect,

learn about resources available and build self-help with support.

The Hub has workshops, youth catchups weekly, men’s mentalhealth group, mental health first aid and counselling, visiting speakers and manyreferral opportunities to dealwithanxietyand mentalillness.

As aYouthMental Health firstaid instructor, Kerry’s aim was to help those with bipolar andtheir familiesina quest for anormal life, starting with helping Jason through his addictions, and now expanding her support and experience to the community. Jason has transformed from barely surviving to flourishing and being an excellent role model, making small changes and practising healthy lifestyle choices.

In his encouragementfor people to believe in themselves, Jason promoted these ideals with the Have aChat Run for Mental Health and Wellbeinglast

year. Highlighting the 3299 suicides in Australia in 2022, and their impact on families and loved ones, Jasoninvited thecommunitytowalk and chat with him for the same number of kilometres over 100 days. He promoted local businesses and the those in the community who sponsored and shared his beliefs of ahealthier and informed life.

Bettermentall is aprivately operated communityservice and depends solely on donations for its survival.

 AMBROSE Bajada was named Trafalgar Junior Citizen of the Year. Ambrosehas proventobeanoutstanding example of leadership, in both his Trafalgar High School community and his many roles within the air force cadet program in Squadron426, Traralgon. Priorto, andduring, his position as a school captain, Ambrose attended school council meetings to share his views as ayoung leader but also to offer student voice.Hehas chairedseveral student representative council meetings for the junior and senior SRC groups, as well as supporting several specialist leadership teams, including the performing arts and community events captains. He led many school assemblies during2024, including the election of the 2025 leadership team. In his own time outside school hours, Ambrose attended evening sessions and committed to training weekends with 426Squadron.Hehas been amentor to younger and lower ranked cadets and achief instructor, supporting class planning, drillpreparation and executive training. He has shown areal passion for the planning of celebration events and supporting the ongoing Legacy Appeal, including leadingANZAC Dayevents in 2024.

He has played akey role in supporting his squadron’s participation in air shows and in open days.

Daniher finally earnsprestigious acknowledgment

THE inspirational Neale Daniher AO was named 2025 Australianofthe Year, recognisinghis more than decade-long advocacy in the fight against motor neurone disease.

Daniher, in partnership with the late Dr Ian Davis OAM and PatCunningham, established FightMND in 2014 to raise awareness and crucial funds for research and care initiatives.

It has sincegrowninto one of the world’s leading independent funders of MND research, investing more than $97 million.

Daniher, who was diagnosed in 2013, has led the FightMND army, campaigning tirelessly against the debilitating disease.

As the faceofthe Big Freeze, FightMND’s biggest fundraising event of the year, Daniher has created aKing’s Birthday tradition, where the football communitypull on bluebeanies in

support of the important cause.

This year will markthe 11th edition of the spectacle, where ‘sliders’ hit the ice prior to Melbourne and Collingwood’s dedicated match.

Amuch-lovedmember of the club and wider football community, Daniher coachedthe Demons for 223 matches between 1998to2007,which followed aplaying career at Essendon (82 games).

Melbourne President, Brad Green congratulated his former coach on the honour.

“What Neale hasbeen able to achieve since being diagnosed with MNDissimply remarkable,” Green said.

“From the incredible amount of funds raised and invested into research, to that cheeky smile we see at the top of the Big Freeze slide each year, Neale’s impact on both the football industry and the wider community is unmatched.

“His ruthless fight,alongside hispassionand

commitment to help others, continues to inspire us all. Neale knows he won’t be the beneficiary of his actions, but that only drives him further.

“On behalf of the Melbourne Football Club, I would like to congratulate Neale, as well as wife Janand children Lauren, Luke, Bec andBen, for this well-deserved recognition.”

BenDaniher is acurrent footballer with Moe Football-Netball Club.

The Lions have held theirown FightMND days in recentyears, while Neale is often in attendance on match days.

Inspiration: 2025Australian of theYear NealeDaniher (picturedextreme right) has close tiestoMoe Football-Netball Club, wherehis sonplays File photograph

Upstanding: Trafalgar Junior Citizen of the Year,Ambrose Bajada

Honour: Trafalgar Citizens of the Year, Kerr yand JasonRantall. Photographs supplied

Mountain of work: The late Neil Joiner wasatthe forefront of the Trafalgar Holden Museum.

1. In chess, what direction can abishop move?

2. What river runs through Paris?

3. What is the most commonly spoken language in Brazil?

4. Which countr yisknown as the Land of the Rising Sun?

5. Fissures, vents, and plugs are all associated with which geological feature?

6. What is the hardest naturally occurring substance in the world?

7. Which artist painted “The Starr yNight”?

8. What breakfast cereal has beenrepresented by acartoon toucan mascot since 1963?

THREE POINTER

9. What countr yhas the longest coastline of any countr yin the world?

10. What is the only food that does not spoil?

11. Which Williams sister has won more Grand Slam titles?

12. Which mammal has no vocal cords?

FOUR POINTER

13. Who composed the “Moonlight Sonata”?

14. In what countr ydomore than half of people believe in elves?

FIVE POINTER

15. Name the 5most common phobias, one point for each correct answer -1.Arachnophobia, 2. Ophidiophobia, 3. Acrophobia, 4. Claustrophobia, 5. Cynophobia

Howdid youfare?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 22-29: Well done; 15-21: Solid effort; 9-14: Room for improvement; 0-8: Hit the books.

Target Time No. 0248

Howtoplay...

Using the 9letters in the gr id, howmany wordsoffour letters or morecan you list? The centreletter must be included and each lettermay be used onlyonce No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural wordsending in ‘s’. Solution page43

Wear redfor someonewho is closetoyourheart

THIS Februaryis REDFEB,Heart Research Australia’sheartawareness month, dedicated to raising awareness about heartdisease and encouraging Australians to wear redand donate to fund vital research.

Millions of Australians areatrisk of heart disease, but fewer realisethatkeeping their hearthealthy can also help protect their brain, memory, andcognitive function, reducing the risk of conditions like dementia as they age.

With cardiovascular disease affecting more than four million Australians and remaining the leading cause of death, it’snot just your heartat stake —yourbrain health depends on it too.

For REDFEB,HeartResearch Australia has launched an on demand webinar “Healthy Heart, Sharp Mind: 4Simple Steps to Improving Heartand Brain Health” available at www.heartresearch.com.au/heart-disease/ simple-steps/.

They also have some great information and resources in their hearthub available at www heartresearch.com.au/heart-hub/.

This February, Honour LovedOnes and SupportHeartResearch

This REDFEB,HeartResearch Australia encourages all Australians to wear redto honour loved ones affected by heartdisease and to raise funds for life-saving research.

“Taking careofyour hearttoday can have lasting benefits for both your heartand brain,” says Nicci Dent CEO of HeartResearch Australia.

“By supporting REDFEB,you’renot only helping to fund vital research, but also empowering yourself and your loved ones to live healthier, longer moreactivelives.”

Join the conversation online Wear red, tell people why,and starta conversation about hearthealth.

Shareyour RED on Facebook or Instagram, tagging @HeartResearchAustralia and using the hashtags #wearredanddonate#REDFEB #HeartResearchAustralia #researchsaveslives#heartdiseaseawareness

The Heart-Brain Connection

ACCORDING to Clinical Neuropsychologist

Dr Miranda, Hearthealth and brain health are intimately connected.

“The brain relies on asteady supply of blood from the heart.

Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol can disrupt blood flow,increasing the risk of stroke and cognitive decline, including dementia.” She explained.

In Australia, morethan 421,000 people were living with dementia in 2024 —anumber projected to double by 2054.

Vascular dementia, which is linked to cardiovascular health, is agrowing concern.

This REDFEB,HeartResearch Australia urges all Australians to prioritise their heart health by adopting simple lifestyle changes that can have aprofound impact on their future wellbeing.

Nicci Dent, CEO of HeartResearch Australia, stresses the importance of taking proactive steps now

“Prioritising hearthealth isn’tjustabout preventing heartattacks -it’salsoabout safeguarding your brain health and reducing your futurerisk of cognitive decline, including dementia.

The message is simple, what’sgoodfor your hearthealth is also good for your brain health” she said.

StepsYouCan Take

The 4-M Approach:

As partof REDFEB,HeartResearch Australia’s heartawareness month, their 4-M Approach encourages Australians to take small, simple steps that can benefit both their heartand brain health:

Meals:

High cholesterol levels can not only block the arteries of the heart, increasing the risk of heartdisease, but also those leading to the brain impairing blood flow,which is crucialfor cognitive health.

Recent Australian research demonstrated that high cholesterol plays akey role in

Alzheimer’sdisease and other types of dementia.

HeartResearch Australia nutritionist Chloe Steele says “it’simportant to know what you are eating and understand how to read the backs of packets.

Avoiding processed foods and keeping your diet simple and fresh can help supportyour heartand brain health”.

Movement:

As we age, incorporating functional strength training —focusing on balance and strength —into our weekly routines,along with aerobic exercise like walking, becomes essential.

This combination of aerobic and resistance training can help lower blood pressure, increase good cholesterol, reduce bad cholesterol, and even promote neuroplasticity, the brain’sability to formnew connections.

Measurement:

Regular health check-ups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar are crucial.

“Knowing your numbers” is key to preventing cardiovascular disease and helping protect cognitive functions.

During REDFEB,Heart Research Australia encourages Australians to take control of their health by regularly scheduling these vital check-ups, ensuring they stay heartand brain healthy

Mental Wellness:

High blood pressureand high cholesterol often go unnoticed in daily life, but they can significantly harmboth your heartand brain, impacting cognition and memory.

Beyond knowing your numbers and managing these risk factors, incorporate regular mindfulness moments into your day

These shortbreaksallow you to reset your thinking and can greatly supportcognitive and cardiovascular health.

This REDFEB,build positive habits that will make alasting difference for your future well-being.

For more information on REDFEB and to donate, visit www.heartresearch.com.au

Clinical Services

 GP consultations

 General Surgeon –consultations and minor procedures

 Skin Clinic –Skinchecks, biopsies, lesion removal

 TravelClinic –Travel Vaccinations

 Immunisations for all ages, Government andPrivate

Psychiatrist

Psychologist

Cancer info session to be held next month

RESIDENTS from greater Traralgon diagnosed with cancer, as well as their loved ones, will have access to afree cancer informationsession on Thursday, February 27.

Cancer Council Victoria’s Managing Cancer program is run by local health professionals and will be held at Latrobe Regional Health.

Topics covered in the session will include:

 Dealing with treatments and side effects;

 Learning how to relax and manage stress;

 Communicating with family, friends and colleagues, and;

 Information on diet and exercise.

Cancer Council Victoria’s Education and Training Program Lead, Tracie Julian said more than 900 people took part in theprogram across Victoria in 2024.

“Run by experts in arelaxed and comfortable environment, the sessions have proven extremely beneficialfor both people with cancer, and those supporting them,” Ms Julian said.

“The program provides aunique opportunity foranyonewithcancer,aswellastheir friends and family, to ask questions of ahealth professional outsideofthe hospital setting andconnect with other Traralgon residents who are going through asimilar experience.”

On average, 518 peopleare diagnosed with cancer in the Latrobe region each year. Ms Julian said the program had run for more than 25 years and was regularly conducted at hospitalsand healthcare servicesthroughout Victoria.

“We’re really proud that attendees continue to tell us how valuable these sessions are,” Ms Julian said.

One recent program participant said it gave them “a broader insightinto cancer and the continuous workthat is being donetoeradicate it”.

Another said: “It was informative,and it is good to be listened to, connect with others and to listen and learn.”

Participants must register. To register or for more information, phone Belinda Hua on 03 5173 8770, or email at: belinda.hua@lrh.com.au

Protect yourself from Qfever

AGRICULTURE workers in Gippsland who have contact with cattle, sheep,orgoats are being urged to get vaccinated against Qfeverasthe region continues to record high rates of infection.

This includes dairyfarmers, stockagents, livestock transporters, shearers, wool sorters, and abattoir workers.

Family members and others living with at-risk workersare alsovulnerable due to potential exposure through contaminated clothing or equipment.

In 2024, Gippsland reported 45 percent of all Qfever cases in Victoria, marking the region as having the state’s highest rates of the disease in the past decade.

Nambrok dairy farmer Jason Tharle knows the devastating impact of Qfever firsthand. After contracting it in 2016, he was unable to work for monthswhile recovering fromasevere form of the disease.

“I couldn’t work, it was that bad. Ihad to run the farm from the living room, Iwas stuck on the couch and couldn’t get off,” Mr Tharle said.

“It was like areally bad fever, Iwas drained of energy withfever,sweatsand amassive headache

“It got to the point where my eyes started going yellow and my skin went yellow. That was the disease shutting the liver down.”

Qfever is abacterial disease transmitted from animals to humans. It poses an occupational health risk for anyone working with animals, animal products and animal waste.

Qfever is spread by inhaling air or dust contaminated by birth fluids,blood or wastefrom infected animals.

It can cause severe flu-like symptoms including fever, drenchingsweats, headaches, muscle and joint pain and extreme fatigue. In rare cases, the disease can affect the lungs and liver.

About 10 per cent of people develop chronic fatigue-like symptoms which can last for years.

Mr Tharle understood he contracted Qfever while calving-down aherd of infected cows, and yearslater,hestill experiences ongoing health effects.

Gippsland Region Public Health Unit (GRPHU) Public Health Physician, Dr Shereen Labib is urging eligible workers to protect themselves with vaccination, availablethrough GPs for peopleaged 15 and over.

Gippy Water improving reliability within systems

GIPPSLAND Water is investing$2.8millionacross its servicearea this financialyear to enhance water and sewer system reliability.

It is part of a$21.5 million five-year renewal program, which will see the replacement of water reticulationmains and cleaning and relining of sewer mains to improve the integrityofexisting pipes and extend their lifespan.

Gippsland Water Managing Director,Sarah Cumming saidcrews will be completing water main renewals in Newborough, Noojee, Sale, Wurruk, Heyfield and Maffra over the next six months.

“Our service area includes 2200 kilometresof water mainsand 1800 of sewermains,which we’re constantly monitoring as part of our renewal program,”MsCummingsaid.

“Last year we upgraded nearly six kilometres of sewer main in Traralgon and Morwell and almost six kilometres of water mainsinMorwell, Traralgon, Churchill, Sale and Stratford were upgraded.

“By planning for the future and completing these renewals eachyear, we’re able to ensure reliable and efficient water and wastewaterservices are provided to both homes and businesses.

“If your water supply is going to be interrupted by planned works, we’ll let you know in advance.”

Water and sewermains are scheduled for renewal based on the results of continued assessments on condition and future demand.

To find out where renewals are happening next, visit: gippswater.com.au/waterandsewerrenewals

“Vaccination is the best formofprotection, and it is safe and highly effective,” Dr Labib said.

“It is very important to let your doctor know if you are in ahigh-risk occupation.”

Dr Labib said Qfever could be diagnosed with ablood test and treatedearly with antibiotics to reduce the severityand risk of long-term complications.

The GRPHU has been working with primary health providers, the community and agriculture sector, including GippsDairy, to improve awareness about Qfever.

For more information about Qfever and where to get vaccinated, visit QFever -LRH, or call the GRPHU on 5173 5451 and press Option 1.

“Washing handsand arms thoroughlywith soapy water after any contact with animals and wearing a properly fitted P2 maskand gloves can also reduce the risk of infection,” she said.

Petition to save post office

FEDERAL Liberal Candidate for Monash, Mary Aldred has launched apetition to save the Willow Grove Post Office from permanent closure.

After being contacted by local residents and hosting alistening post in Willow Grove, Ms Aldred said she was determined to support the town and surrounding areastotry and reverse the decision by Australia Post.

“Oursmall towns matter in Monash. I’m standing to giveour small towns avoiceon issues like better infrastructure and services and there couldn’tbeany better example right now than Willow Grove post office, which also impactsonanumberofsurrounding areas like Fumina, Fumina South and Hill End.”

Ms Aldred said the petition would run for the next month before writing to the Federal Minister for Communicationsand Australia Post Chief Executive, urging them to reverse the decision. The petition has alreadyhad incredible support, attracting more than 300 signatures. The petition is available at: maryaldred.com. au/surveysurvey-willow-grove-post-office Willow Grove’s post office came to an abrupt halt last December amid somewhat exceptional circumstances following the closure of ahospitality business whom it was operating within. Australia Post has set up free community mailboxesfor Willow Grove residents in the interim.

United: WillowGrove residents Peter, David and MattwithLiberal candidatefor Monash Mar yAldred, who has launched apetition to save the town’s post office Photograph supplied

Crippled: Dair yfarmer Jason Tharlefelt the devastating effects of Qfever,and wasunable to work formonths Photograph supplied

Call formore affordable healthcare

IN the lead up to the Federal Election, the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) is urging all political parties to make bold commitments to ensure essential GP careisaffordableand accessible for all Australians.

The RACGP is Australia’s peak body for general practice and GP training, with more than 50,000 members practising everywhere from big cities to regional, rural, remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“The next federal election is critical. Accessible and affordable GP care is apriority for voters,” RACGP President, Michael Wright said.

“The cost-of-livingcrisishas compoundeddecades of underfunding of Medicare, including the 10-year freeze on patients’ rebates, so patients are paying more out-of-pocket and it’s harder for GPs to bulk bill.

“Recent investments in Medicare have helped GPs bulk bill more concession card holders, but more needs to be done to ensurespecialist GP care is affordable for all Australians. There’s no substitute for the care you get from aGPwho knows you and your history, and every Australian deservesaccess to high-quality healthcare.

“TheRACGP has aplan to make high-quality general practice care accessible and affordable

for all Australians, and we’re releasing three key measures.

“First,Medicare needs proper investment, and we’re calling on allparties to support a40per cent increase in patients’ rebates for longer consultations. This will halve patients’ out-of-pocketfees and fund an extra 4.6 million bulk-billed appointments every year.

“Second, Australia needs to trainmore specialist GPs. While GP numbers are increasing, they aren’t keeping pace with the need for care. Australia’s population is growing and ageing, and there’s an epidemic of chronic illnesses.And the workforce is ageing, with athird of GPs planning to retire in the next five years.

“RACGP currently trains 90 per cent of our future GPs and we can trainmore. We’re calling for an extra 1500training places overthe nextfiveyears, so we can get more GPs into communities across thecountry and grow our workforce for the future.

“Third,weknow Australian women need better accesstocomprehensive and affordable care for health issues like endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, menopause, and perimenopause.

“We want every Australian woman to get the comprehensive care they need to manage these conditions by extending eligibility for annual GP health assessments for all women.”

Avian Virus threatens upcomingshooting season

THE Coalition Against Duck Shooting has urged the state government to cancel the 2025 Duck Shooting Season due to H5N1 Avian virus threats.

The campaign Director, Laurie Levy, calledonthe Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, to act responsibly and cancel the 2025 recreational duck shooting season, citingthe severe risk of spreading the deadly H5N1 avian influenza virus.

“Australia remains the only continent to have avoided the H5N1 strainofavianinfluenzato date. However, the virus is reportedly devastating penguins and other species in Antarctica. With migratory birds continuing to arrivefrom both the northern hemisphere and Antarctica, the risk to

Australian wildlife and agricultural industries is unprecedented,” Mr Levy said.

“Duck shooters and rescuers handling dead and possibly contaminated birds on Victoria’s wetlands would only further spread the virus. It will also be difficult for rescuers to distinguish between birds wounded by gunfire and those suffering from bird flu, as the symptoms can be similar.

“Disturbances caused by shooting and rescue activities on wetlands would exacerbate the spread of the virus, potentiallywiping out entire species.”

Mr Levy said the October 2024 Eastern Australia Waterbird Aerial Survey by the University of NSW revealed that five of the eight species classified as

“game” ducks already show big long-term population declines.

“While human infections have so far been rare, overseasreports indicatethat the viruscould mutate, posing athreattohumans,” he said.

“Despite the risks, the Coalitionrescuers will continue to help wounded shot waterbirds on the wetlands if the season proceeds, and all dead birds wouldbedisplayed outside the Premier’s office,” he said

“A duck shooting season is simply not worth the risk.”

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

Restoration grants available

RETURNED and Services League (RSL) sub-branches across the region are being asked to apply for the latest round of funding made available to assist with restoring community war memorials, avenues of honour and capital works to upgrade RSL facilities.

Member forGippsland Eastand Shadow Minister for Veterans, TimBull,saidgrants of up to $30,000 are available to restore war memorials and avenues of honour, while there is up to $50,000 on offer for capital works to build or improve spaces that deliver services to veterans and their families.

“We will be forevergrateful for those who have served for their country and our memorials honour those brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” Mr Bull said.

“As Shadow Minister for Veterans, Itake greatpride in researching and learningthe stories of our soldiers (both historical and contemporary), so that future generations notexposedtowar on home soil, can thank thesebrave souls for their service.

“Our RSLs do an amazing job supporting familiesand veterans through arangeof different support services and initiatives. Ihighly encourage our local sub-branches to co nsid er app lyi ng for thi sf un din g opportunity.”

The Vet erans Cap it al Work sa nd Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour grant programs close Monday, February 3, 2025.

Moreinformationonthe application process, eligibility and assessment criteria can be foundat: vic.gov.au/grants-supportand-commemorate-veterans and at: vic.gov. au/veterans-capital-works-grant-program

Need: TheRoyal Australian College of GPs is pushing foraffordable and accessible healthcare. Photograph: iStock

Miss America to talk nuclear in Morwell

By PHILIP HOPKINS

GRACE Stanke, who was the 2023 Miss America and is a22-year-old nuclear engineer, willbein the Latrobe Valley within two weeks as part of a broader tour of Australiatotalkabout nuclear energy.

Sh ew ill hold an infor mation evenin gi n Morwell this Sunday (February 2), along with two Australian nuclear experts -Kirsty Braybon, Adjunct Nuclear Law Lecturer at the University of Adelaide, and Mark Schneider, Chief Nuclear Officer for UBH Group in Australia.The event venue will be released closer to the date.

The organi sers say peopl ew ill have the opportunitytogain adeeper understanding of the implications of adoptingnuclearenergy in the Latrobe Valley and to address their concerns directly to the panel.

The federal Opposition has proposed building a government-owned nuclear power station at the site of Loy Yang power station.

Ms Stanke’s visithas been organised by the founder of Nuclear for Australia, 18-year-old Will Shackel. The entrepreneur and philanthropist Dick Smith is the patron of Nuclear for Australia.

During Ms Stanke’s year as Miss America 2023, she was named the ‘New Face of Nuclear Energy’ by the Wall Street Journal and was on the Forbes 30 under 30 list for Energy. Outside the nuclear industry, Ms Stanke is an avid water skier, classical violinist and atravel enthusiast.

In atelephone interview from the US with the Express,MsStankesaidshe aimed to reach people who careabout climatechangeand reliable energy.

“They haveheardabout nuclear butalso have heard about safety concerns; they don’t know where to go to ask questions,” she said.

“I want to providethat opportunity -for peopleto ask questions,toprovide an opportunityfor warm andopenconversation. I’m open to education and people who want to learn.”

Ms Stanke, who said nuclear in the US was a politically bipartisan subject, started as anuclear engineering student in 2019.

“I didn’t know much about nuclear energy then. As Icontinued to get my degree, learnt so much about it, worked as aresearch assistant in anuclear fusion lab, and worked for the company Inow work for. Idid two years’ full-time work while getting my undergraduate degree, and also ayear’s service as Miss America when Iwas able to advocate for nuclear,” she said.

She completed her degree in nuclear engineering from theUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison, andnow works as anuclear fuels engineer and clean energy advocate at the nuclear company Constellation.

“I continue to do advocacy work like this,” she said, encouragingthe worldwidechange forclean, zero-carbon emissionenergy sources.

For acountry like Australia,looking to possibly build its first nuclear power station, Ms Stanke said the most important thing was the workforce.

“We’ve got this global resource, one that sets apart nuclearasawhole is thecommunity thatexists with it. We are always looking to learn from each other’smistakes -mistakes happen in every single industry,” she said.

“It’s the same for building;wehave the workforce that has built nuclear stations in America. That workforce willcontinue training alargerworkforce for ahopefully largernuclear industry in America and globally.”

Electricity generationfrom commercial nuclear power plants in the US began in 1958. As of August

1, 2023, the US had 93 operating commercial nuclear reactors at 54 nuclear power plants in 28 states supplying about 20 per cent of the country’s electricity.

Queried whether new nuclear stations were being built in the US, Ms Stanke said currently acouple of experimentalstations,Generation 4reactors,were under construction right now, such as Bill Gates’ reactor in Wyoming. There were also acouple of microreactors- companieswerebuilding their test reactors.

“There is alot of innovation going on,” she said.

Regarding the existing commercial fleet, there was no new construction happening right now, at least not publicly announced.

“But power plants that have been decommissionedare coming back online. They’ve got licence renewals, so extending alifetime fleet to allow more electricitythroughimproved technology and modernisation. In addition,they are bringing back thesepowerplantsthat have been decommissioned to come back online,” she said.

The most famous is the Three Mile Island nuclear incident in Pennsylvania in 1979.

“It’s anot very well-known fact, there are two units; it’s common for nuclearpower plants to have more thanone nuclear reactor -some Canadian power plants have up to six nuclear reactors, it’s very common,” Ms Stanke said.

“In the 1979ThreeMile Island incident -only one of the units had the partial meltdown. The other unit continued operating until 2019. It was one of the best performing reactors in America. Theyhad acritical eye on it in thattime, but it was decommissioned in 2019. Five years later, it was announced it will be restarted as aclean, green energy sector.”

Regarding the cost of nuclear compared to renewables, Ms Stanke said she was not an economic expert, but there were lots more costs here than just dollars.

“We’re looking at workforce, the positive impacts -jobs from nuke plants, tax dollars going back into communities, the longevity, the lifetime of these power plants,” she said.

“It comes down to healthy, reliable and resilient grid. What’s the point of this transition if youdon’t haveareliable grid, if thelightsdon’t turnon? That’s wherenuclearcomes in. Combined with some renewablesand other power sources that are clean -geothermal, hydroelectric or tidal -all these different power sources, we have to focus on having base load electricity, 70 per cent of power always available for people to use.”

Ms Stanke said the ‘nuclear waste’ “most people are talking about” referred to the commercial generation of spent nuclear fuel.

“When they refer to nuclear waste, they are talking about high-level radioactive waste that comes from nuclear plants, that is uranium oxide pellets put through three cyclesofpower generation,” she said.

“They’ve gonethrough six years of power generation then removed, but after they have been removed. Here’s the fun thing: 90-95 per cent can be re-used.”

It was happening in France, India, Russia, and soon in Japan, but not yet in the US. However, there were other options for spent nuclear fuel as afuel in different types of reactors, she said. Ms Stanke’s tour will include private events, a parliamentary briefing and meetings in all state capitals from January 29 until February 6.

For more details regardingthe Morwell event, visit: nuclearforaustralia.com/morwell

China taking bigleapsinenergyplanstomeetdemands

By PHILIP HOPKINS

AS Australia, and particularly the Latrobe Valley, ponders anuclear future,China is forging ahead on all fronts with its energy plans.

Solar projects as big as Singapore; 11 nuclear power stationssignedoff in asinglemeeting; and afleet of more than 1000 thermal coal-fired power stations… that is the energy reality in China, The Australian newspaper reported last week.

"All thisnew solar,wind, hydro andnuclear power is still not enough to meet the growing electricity demands of China’s 1.4 billion people and its economy that remains for so many products the 'factory of theworld'," wrote Will Glasgow, the newspaper's North-Asia correspondent.

New thermal coal-fired power stations continue to make up the difference.

“Forget about kicking thermal (coal) out of the mix,” Shanghai-based energy consultant, David Fishman said.

China’s electricity demand grew by seven per cent this year; its electricity usage was about three times Australia’s entire electricity consumption. Beijinghas setarenewablestargetof40per cent for 2030, amodest increase from the just over 35 per cent it now derives from hydro, wind, solar, and nuclear.

The Albanese government has set atargetof82 per cent by 2030, twice the current level. There are no university students or former government ministers in kayaks blockading its coal ports.

President Xi Jinping,inamajor speech in 2022, said peak carbon emissions would be reached in a well-planned and phasedway. Chinawould "build the newbeforediscarding the old”.Like Australia, China is blessedwith huge coal reserves. Unlike Australia, Beijing is unapologetic aboutmaking the most of them and the same with its gas reserves.

“Coal will be used in acleaner and more efficient way, and greater efforts will be made to explore

and develop petroleum and natural gas, discover more untappedreserves, and increase production,” Xi said.

China backs coal, gas and oil, but is also for “clean, low-carbon, and high-efficiency energy use”, solar, wind and new sources such as green hydrogen if they can be made cost-competitive.

“Technocratic” is China’s approach to its energy mix. Xi’s Communist Party also sees ahuge opportunity in the global shift.

“China wants to dominate the industries of the future,” Sydney-based head of Climate Energy Finance, Tim Buckley said.

In sector after sector from wind farms to solar panels to battery storage to the rollout of new fourth-generation nuclear power technology, China now leads the world.

In 2023, China accounted for 95 per cent of the world’s new coalpower construction activity Australia, with an electricitynetwork about three per cent the sizeofChina’s,hasn’t commissioned anew coal power station since 2009. Australia’s electricity demand has been flat for decades.

Much of China’songoing coal power rollout is to create “flexible” baseload power to complement its renewables projects.Chinese coal stations already run for less of the day thantheir counterparts in Australia, and analysts expect their running time will fall furtherascleaner sourcesare added to China’s grid.

Building multi-billion-dollar power stations in theprovinces also boosts economic growth rates.

China’s new-generation coalpower stations remain the backbone of its energysystem. Beijing quietly approved another eight large coal power projects in recent months, each with working lives of 40 to 60 years. China’s fleet of coal power stations is already by far the biggest in the world. Morethan60per centofChina’s electricity generation comes from coal. China is by far the biggest user of coal in the world, burning almost five times as much as India does -the second biggest user.

China is vagueonthe timelines to transition to “net zero” in 2060 -10years after every other rich world economy, including Australia.

“By the middle of the century, China will have become agreat modern socialist country with aclean, low-carbon, safe and efficient energy system,” China’s White Paper said.

“Its energyefficiency will be among the world’s highest, with non-fossil fuels as its main energy sources, as the country looks to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.”

China’s electricity consumption is twice the size of the world’s second biggest user, the US, and still growing. Even after it grew by almost 600 per cent over the past two decades, China’s per capita electricity consumption is still only two-thirds of that in Australia. It shows no sign of slowing down.

Afair chunk of that growth was to power the factoriesthatare buildingthe made-in-China windfarms,solar panels and EVs thatAustralia and muchofthe world are importingtofacilitate their energy transitions.

In just the first nine months of the year, China added more wind power (38GW) than the total wind power capacity in Britain. That rate of growth was up 10 per cent from the year before.

In June, asubsidiary of the Chinese state-owned behemoth China Green Development Group switched on a3.5GW solar farm Xinjiang, in China’s sunny, andinfamous, far west. That Xinjiangproject’s status as the world’s biggest solarproject is goingtobeovertaken by apreposterously big 8GW rollout in China’s Inner Mongolia by another state-owned power company. It is projected to cost $US11 billion ($A17bn) and will be larger than Singapore.

Hydropowernudged up two per cent for the year and remains by far the biggest source of renewable energy in China. China’s ThreeGorges Dam is the world’s biggest hydropower project. China’s nuclear rolloutdoes not getasmuch attention as its photogenic solar and wind

projects, but it also towers over the rest of the world. The latest, in Fujian province in China’s south-east, has just been hooked up to the grid. It was constructed in 61 months, apace unimaginableinahigh-wage liberal democracy “China builds these things by throwing10,000 peopleatthe program,likeants coming together to move an elephant,” Fishman said.

He says that pace of construction would be impossible in ahigh-wage, high-regulation economy like Australia’s, which has no experience buildingnuclear power stations.Half of the nuclear powerstationsunder construction in the worldare in China. Eleven moreweresigned offatasingle meeting in August last year.

Many analysts forecast that China will likely approve and constructthem at thatrate -10orso ayear -for the next three decades. The Coalition’s plan is to build atotal of seven nuclear power stations over the same period.

China’s pipeline of nuclear stations could allow Beijingtoretire its oldest and least efficient coal power stations and finallybring downthe amount of power it gets from coal. Breakthroughs in green hydrogen could help further. Further developments in battery storage could also allow ahigher share of renewables.

Carbon capture is also being pursued, which could extendthe lifeofits coal fleet. China’s electricity mix will depend in part on what technology becomesscalable and economic in the coming decade. It will also turn on whether Beijing can rein in the growth of itselectricityuse.

The Chinese government’s commitment is for its carbon emissions to peak in 2030. Until then, Beijing is likely to keep growing the world’s biggest network of coal-fired power stations. Anothereight large coal power projects were quietly approved in recent months,each with working lives of 40 to 60 years. More are expected next year.

Informed: Former Miss America, Grace Stanker,is also anuclearfuels engineer anda clean energy advocate, andwillspeak in Morwell this Sunday. Photograph supplied

Linking pieces between Bass Strait

MARNINUS LINK has shortlisted two engineering and construction consortiums for the final major tender of MarinusLink’s first stage,prompting acallout to local Tasmanian and Victorian subcontractors.

TasVic Greenlink and Empower have been shortlistedtoproceed to a‘development phase’, which will commenceacompetitive and collaborative process to select apreferred proponent for the ‘Balance of Works’package

Local businesses in Tasmania and Victoriaare encouraged to register their interest in subcontracting and attend ‘Meet the Proponents’ events.

Marninus Link Interim Chief Executive, Dr Collette Burkeemphasised the opportunities for localbusinessestoparticipateduring this phase

“This major civils package will be the biggest opportunity yet for local businesses to benefit directly, and we’re workinghard to maximise those benefits in Tasmania and Victoria,” he said.

The Balance of Works tender is the final step before Marninus Link secures all three major equipment and installation contracts for the project’s first stage.

“Once we have closed out the Balance of Works’ development phase,wewill be settocommence construction in 2026 and deliver by 2030.”

“This milestone followsthe completion of two majortenders last yearfor submarine and land cables and the highly specialised converter station technology,” Dr Burke said.

The Balance of Works scope covers onshore civil and installation works, including constructing the converter stationbuildings and the land cable civil works.

TasVic Greenlinkisajoint venture of DT

Inf ras truct ur eP ty Ltd and Sa ms un gC &T Corporation. Empower is ajoint venture of CIMIC Group companies CPB Contractors Pty Limited and UGL Pty Limited.

Marinus Link is aproposed undersea and underground electricity and data interconnector between North West Tasmania and the Latrobe Valley.

It will improve the connection between Tasmania and the national grid, enabling the flow of more electricity and data in both directions. The project includes high voltage directcurrent cables, fibre optic cables, acommunications station, and converter stations at each end -atHeybridge in Tasmania and Hazelwood in Victoria.

‘Meetthe Proponents’ events are scheduled in Gippsland and North West Tasmania, where local businesses can meetbothprospectiveproponents.

Suppliers and subcontractors are also encouraged

to regi ster their interest wi th the Indu stry Capability Network (ICN).

Registered businesses will have theirdetails passed on to the two shortlisted proponents. Register with the ICN at https://gateway.icn.org. au/projects/4676

The Latrobe ‘Meet the Proponents’ event will be held at Italian Australian Club, Morwell on Friday, February 21 from 10am.

Registration can be made via: https://events.humanitix.com/marinus-link-industry-briefing-morwell

Climate high on the agenda

MORE than 65 local residents gathered at Dirty Three Wines, Inverlochtoparticipateinalively community forum about the future of energy in the region and around the country.

Hosted by Independent candidate for Monash, Deb Leonardand local energy expertand Morwell-born Tony Wolfe, the event provided a platformfor residents to share their perspectives and connect the dots between energy transition andthe climatecrisis.

“Thisevent was awonderfulopportunity to hear directly from the Inverloch community,” Ms Leonard said.

“It’s clear that people care deeply about how the energy transition will affect their lives, jobs, and the future of the region.”

The discussion emphasised Australia’s progress in renewable energy, with 40 per cent of the country now powered by renewables, and highlighted the potential for regional leadership in the shift toward cleaner energy.

Mr Wolfe, who has decades of experience at Loy Yang coal powerstation, and in community consultation, including stints on Baw Baw Shire Council (servingasdeputy mayor) addressed the challenges of transitioning from coal while advocating for policies that ensure community benefits.

“Energy is treatedlikeapolitical football,” he said.

“We need am in or ity government supported by an independent cross-benchtohold decision-makers accountable andensure the best outcomes for communities like Inverloch.”

Mr Wolfe also raised concerns about nuclear energy as acostly and impractical option,citing

unresolved safety, water usage, andtimeline issues.

Residentsraised thoughtful questions during the Q&A session, touching on critical topics such as ensuring dividends for local communities from large-scale renewable projects and protecting jobs during the energy transition.

This well-attended event underscored the community’s engagement with energy and climate and the desire for practical, people-centered solutions.

Transparent: Marinus Linkofficials will be in Morwell next month to talk to localsabout the project. Photograph supplied

Support: Former BawBaw Shire Deputy Mayor, Tony Wolfeand Independentcandidatefor Monash, Deb Leonard.

Photograph supplied

Cancer council fundraising

MOE and District Cancer Council

Volunteer Group are ready for another year of raising money for research into finding new ways to treat, and ease the burden of families living with a cancer diagnosis.

Therehas been many breakthroughs in research, and the aim of the group is to one day help find acurefor cancer.

Since2021, MoeDistrict has donated $5000toeach of the followingresearch projects: Melanoma, Oesophageal, Liver, Prostate, Pancreatic, Ovarian, Myeloma,Lung, and Bowell Cancer ($45,000 in total).

Current research pr oject is Lymphoma and Leukaemia.

The group meets on the fourth Monday of each month from 1.30pm at Moe RSL.

Come and join for acuppa anda chat.

Next meeting will be the annual meeting, to be held Monday, February 24 from 1.30pm at Moe RSL.

Formoreinformation, phone Diane on 0438517 470 or Linda (0427 671 780).

Cancer Council Supporters Hotline: 1300 65 65 85

Cancer Council Helpline: 13 11 20

Quit Line: 13 78 48

Come together

NOW thatthe Christmas rush is over, are you looking for atimetojust sit and chat with others over acuppa and cake?

Get Together is aplace where people can meet, make friends and enjoy a time of conversation, laughter and lovely food.

Get Together meet on the first Wednesday of the month.

The next GetTogether willbeon Wednesday, February 4at10amin the Traralgon Uniting Park Lane foyer.

All welcome.

For more information, phone5174 2398 or 5177 8107.

Kittens club

FOREVER FriendsAnimalRescue

Latrobe (FFARL) is partnering with Better Lives Support Services for a kitten meet and greet day.

This will be happening on Saturday, February8between 10am and 1pm at 44AGeorge Street, Moe.

The day will also include afundraising event, coffee and cake for $5 (all money goes to FFARL). Lots of kitten cuddlesand yummycakes.

If you require any further information,phone Dee Dee on 0493 072 586.

Classic chess

INTEREST is high at Latrobe Valley Chess Clubfor the clash between Price Samasiea and Peter Baker following afavourable round for both players.

Ian Hamilton failed in the first game against Ben Jackson, but results were reversed in the rematch.

Steve Ahern was determined to fight till the end in every battle and situations were comparable for Samantha Juers.

Zac Sweeney prepared threats although the defensive errors offered opponents too many chances.

HannahJackson showedplenty of planning skills but the tactical oversights were too costly.

Cliff Thornton had alatestart, winning the first contest and losing the next one.

Phone Cliff Thornton on 0413 330 458 or Ian Hamilton (5134 1971) for more details on local chess.

Historic highlights

THE ye ar begin sf or Morwe ll

HistoricalSociety withopen day on Wednesday, February 5from 11am to 2pm at 12 Hazelwood Road, Morwell (next to the police station).

The society’s Step Back in Time Conv er satio nC af ea ls or eopen s,

welcoming visitors to come and have achat, acuppa andasnack while talking to societyvolunteers about their connection to Morwell.

Morwell Historical Society Open Days for 2025 will be the first and third Wednesdays and last Sunday of the month from 11am-2pm (February to November).

Come and take atrip down memory lane, viewing displays and artefacts of yesteryear.

Time to tango

GIPPSLAND Tango is back dancing for 2025 in Yarragon.

Lessons are everyWednesday evening from 7pm in theStDavid’s Uniting Church Hall (behind the church with sign out front) at 9Campbell St, Yarragon.

Check out the Face book page ‘Gip psla nd Tan go’ for fur ther information.

Social tennis

MORWEL Ls ocia lt ennis is held everyMonday and Friday morning from 9am at Ronald Reserve(Vary St,Morwell).

Each game is short, with the four players serving once.

This is great for people needing a little exercise, to begin playing for the first time, and for great mental health being out with others.

Come join in the fun.

Viewclub

MOE Vie wC lu b’s fi rs tm eet in g for 2025 willbeheldWednesday, February 5atMoe Hotel(Leggies) on Lloyd St, Moe.

The meeting will alsobethe annual meeting, starting at 10am.

Members are advised that subscription is due ($20).

Phone Sue on 0417 515 745 or

Maureen (0458 842 256) for more information.

Music to the ears

LATROBE Orchestra resumes for 2025 on Thursday, January 30 in the Kath Teychenne Centre, Traralgon.

After an exciting season of performances and workshops in 2024, this supportivemusicmaking community is lookingfor new members to join the percussion and string sections.

Percussionists performonprofessional timpani, concert snare drum, cymbals, bass drum,triangle and xylophone.Maybe you learnt piano or timpani at school and are keen to makemusicinanensemble? Note reading skills are necessary, but percussion training is provided.

For more information, email latrobeorchestra@gmail.com

Dance lessons

JOIN La trob eV al le yD anc e Promotions Inc to learn old time and new voguedances,learn new dance skills, have fun, revise and socialise. Lessons are held at the Girl Guides Hall (18 Margaret St, Morwell). Classe sreco mmenc eThursda y, February 6from 7pm. Cost is $5 per person each night.

Follo wL atr obe Valle yD ance Promotions Inc on Facebookorphone Len on 0439 683 834 or Lynda (0428 489 041).

Alternatively, email: latrobevalleydancepromotioninc@gmail.com

Brilliant bridge

TRARALGON Bridge Club results:

Monday, January 20: 1st Ken Tierney and Monika Cornell (62.5 per cent); 2nd Helen McAdam and Moira Hecker (57.5).

Tuesday,January 21: N/S1st Rob Graham and Glenis Lohr(59.67); 2nd Phillip Goode and Barbara Barr (58.33). E/W 1st Kaye Douglas and Roshni Chand (66.33); 2nd PeterLonie and Carol Cheyne (51).

Thursday, January 23: 1st Kevin Taylor and Marion Taylor (56.25); 2nd Don Tyleeand Roshni Chand (55.56).

If you would like to playorlearn more about bridge, phone Traralgon BridgeClubPresident, Greg Nicholson on 0419 365 739.

Singsong

THE Valley Crooners are back singing again for 2025,beginning February 3.

The group meets on Monday nights from 7.30pm at the TraralgonEast Senior Citiz ens Hall (Matthew Crescent, Traralgon). There is acost of $5 per night.

Come along and enjoy anight of singing, laughter and companionship. For further information, give Val a callon0421475 859 or Karin (0427 008 192).

Countrymusic

GOODold country musicfeaturing Ronn Munn,Tony Wirth and friends. Walk ups welcome.

First Sunday of everymonth, 11am to 4pm at Monomeath Senior Citizens Hall, Victory Park corner of Princes Highway and Whitt akers Road, Traralgon.

For all enquires, phone 0409 149 309.

Fun day of country music.

Keenagers

MOE/NEWBOROUGH Keenagers

Table Tennis Club will be holding a morning tea to celebrate their 20th anniversary on Thursday,February 13

The event will be held at Latrobe Lei sure Cen tr e, Old Sale Road, Newboroughcommencing at 10.30am. Former members of Keenagers are welcome to attend the anniversary. To confirm your attendance, phone secretary Maria HarKom on 0414826 463 or email keenagersmoe@gmail. com.

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

IF you are acommunity groupand have any news items you need publicised, feel free to email us at news@ lvexpress.com.au

You can address correspondence to the editor, Liam Durkin.

Please write ‘CommunityCorner’ in the subject line and nothing else. Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.

Picturesque: Potato fields in therolling hills of Thorpdalepictured last month. The har vest seasonisnow underway.

Heritage: The Toongabbie Village Greengrandstand highlightsthe town’s landmarks Photographs: Liam Durkin

Renewable energy culture wars

THERE seems to be two glaring omissions in the renewal energy culture wars being played out in this paper’s opinion pages -inparticular relating to the lackofelectricity in the‘no sunnowind’ scenario.

These omissions are the lack of recognition firstly, of hydro power and secondly, the interconnectiveness of the AustralianEastCoast Electricity Grid.

With the Snowy Mountains Hydro scheme, the Keiwa Scheme and varioushydro units connected to majordamssuch as theHumeDam and Dartmouth Dam, Victoria has areliable hydro backup.

Similarlywithconnections to renewablegenerators (solar and wind) in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, where the sun is likely to be shining and/or the wind blowing, Victoria again has abackup.

Of course there must be afurther contingency plan if in anosun no wind scenario, there is not enough power available from hydro and generating parts of the grid, further backup couldcome by the large storage batteries located around the state.

And finally, in an extreme event, if further backup is needed, there will be either quick response gas generators or nuclear power stations.

The latest utterances from federal politicians indicate that we have general agreement from both majorpolitical partiesthat, in future, the main electricity generation will be solar and wind supportedbybatteries,hydro and either gas or nuclear generators. The differences are in timing and how to get there.

Will this settle the culture wars? Idoubt it.

Norm Butler

Traralgon

The righttocelebrate

WITH reference to John de Souza-Daw (‘Change not easy, but often needed’, Latrobe Valley Express, 22/01/25). His article was well documented, but history cannot be changed and changing the date of Australia Day would not wipe out all the wrong doing that he has written about.

No, Polanddoes not celebratedthe Nazi invasion, but the world acknowledges DDay. Historytells of the massacres of the Aboriginal people, but rarely does it tell of the deaths of the white settlers.

Lets turn back the clock -the British never landed on January 26.

Do you really thinkthat Australians have not earned the right to celebrate anational day of our founding? This countryrose from adesolate, barren country to what it is today. Pushing to change the date mainly comes from white activists.

Mr de Souza-Daw talks of equality. All of us come into the worldthe same way, but what we do in the time we have paves the way.Wecould all work together as one, butthere are those who strive more than others. Those left behind become angry, therefore equality fails Australia Day is celebrated by those who value

our way of life. Those who disagree have theirright but it is not necessary to disrupt the nation with their hate for Australia.

My puzzle is why are they here? How did they

Quintet of local, pivotal projects

ONE Gippsland is calling on the governmentto makeGippsland atruecentre of offshorewind and energyexcellencebyinvesting in five pivotal tertiary education projects for the region at the next budget.

All education projects will allow school leavers and those transitioning away from traditional energy producing industries to take advantage of employment opportunities, particularly in the renewables and new energy sector.

One GippslandChair, Scott Rossettisaid there wasnotime to waste in ensuring the local workforce was ready to meet demand, with 12 licences now in place for offshore wind projects off the Gippsland coast.

OneGippsland has identified the following as its priority projects in education and training:

 Gippsland Renewable Energy Precinct Project ($2.28 million for planning);

 Clean Energy Centre for skills and training, Morwell campus;

 The Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre -Gippsland Campus ($3.9 million for Stage 2);

 Expansion of TAFE Gippsland’s Warragul campus ($41.5 million); and,

 Morwell Trade Skills Uplift ($61.4 million for Stage 2).

“The Gippsland region has an opportunity to become an offshore wind and energy centre of excellence, but this requires investment into the key institutions to make our people great,” Mr Rossetti said.

“We need to investnow in training those who will work offshore or in construction and maintenance.

“We want Gippslanders to be studying now and gaining experience with industry so they are first in line when the jobs are advertised.

“The stategovernment has committed $5 million to the first stage of aClean Energy Centre for skills and training at the Morwell TAFE campus. The Latrobe Valley will be at the heart of the energy transition and this centre will be avital facility to ensure local people will have the skills that industry will need.

“We are not just preparing for new jobs in the energy sector, we also need to meet demand for construction and hospitality industry training, as well as for skills to support our valuable food and fibre sector.”

Director Regional Engagement and Strategy at Federation University, Professor Andrew O’L oug hlin sai dt he univ ersit y’s indust ry partners were committed to supporting energy education and trainingwithinthe Gippsland region.

“We already work very closely with the energy sector, TAFE Gippsland as well as local and state governments and welcome federal government investment in projects that are an urgentpriority both for Victoria and Australia more broadly,” he said.

Massive: TheGuthega Daminthe Snowy mountains

Photo: iStock

HOROSCOPES

by Joanne Madeline Moore

January27-February2,2025

Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19)

The Sun/Jupiter trine and New Moon (in Aquarius) shake up your peer group and networking zones, so you could meet a fabulous new friend or a colleague (or neighbour) from the past could boomerang back into your world! Whatever happens, surround yourself with positive people who encourage your talents and support your dreams As birthday great Oprah Winfrey observes: “Surround yourself with people who are going to lift you higher ”

Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20)

You’ll be in the public eye in some way as the Sun, New Moon Mercury Jupiter and Pluto stimulate your reputation/career zone So you could shine at work, at school or in a volunteer position When it comes to your job, do you need to improve your skills? Are you looking for employment or is it time to change vocation? The winds of change are blowing so prepare to pivot, Bulls! The lucky Sun/Jupiter trine is terrific for work, finances and self-confidence

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

You’re super busy and raring to go but are you achieving anything of substance? This week your ruler, Mercury, hooks up with meticulous Pluto, so make sure you double-check details and leave plenty of time to get to appointments If you focus and prioritise (plus tackle tasks in regular short bursts) then you’ll gradually get things done Wednesday nights New Moon heralds an insightful realisation about yourself or a welcome midweek getaway

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Crabs are sentimental creatures and can spend too much time in the past Resist the urge to brood over a relationship gone wrong This weeks stars help heal your hurt feelings so you can finally let go and move on The New Moon also signals a major shift in the areas of intimacy or money Perhaps a passionate new affair or the start of a promising financial partnership? But plenty of patience is required, as Mars reverses through your sign until February 24

Leo (July 23 - Aug 22)

Wednesday’s New Moon is about beginnings involving love marriage a joint venture or a business partnership as you communicate and cooperate with family, friends and colleagues Its also one of the luckiest weeks of the year, as prosperity planet Jupiter trines the Sun (your patron planet) So make the most of any fortuitous opportunities that come along Your motto is from Oprah Winfrey (who turns 71 on Wednesday): “Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity ”

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22)

The Sun, New Moon, Mercury and Pluto all highl ght your health-and-wel being zone, so strive to be the fittest and most vibrant V rgo you can be Get your body moving ASAP! Reinvent on s the name of the game, as the p anets encourage you to reboot your daily routine with nnovat on and determ nat on The best way to manage stress is with relaxing indoor pursu ts (like med tat on or yoga) and vigorous outdoor activities (like running, cycl ng or hik ng)

Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

Wednesday’s New Moon fires up your family-and-friendship zone, so focus on the important people in your life who make your world go round Make sure you love, nurture and appreciate them to the max! But – with Mars reversing through your professional zone – things are moving slowly on the career front Perhaps you’re having problems at work or you’re looking for a new job? Be patient, as things will feel twice as hard and take twice as long as usual

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

The Mercury/Pluto conjunction is about intense communication and powerful conversations, especially with family members and/or housemates And the New Moon encourages you to patch up a troubled relationship with a relative, as you demonstrate endless patience and hold out the olive branch of peace Mars is reversing through your holiday zone so make sure you double-check all travel arrangements and allow plenty of time to get from A to B

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Wednesday’s New Moon inspires you to contribute your versatile Sagittarian talents to a worthy cause within your local community Then, on Thursday, there’s a Sun/Jupiter trine, which is terrific for romantic and platonic relationships as your humour and generosity charm the birds out of the trees Ask for what you want, and you shall receive! Be inspired by Oprah Winfrey (who turns 71 on Wednesday): “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for ”

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

The New Moon stimulates your cash zone, so take stock of your financial situation and initiate some smart strategies And don’t forget to do an inventory of your inner wealth which includes your self-esteem and core values Remember – you are more than your job, what you earn and what you own Mars is reversing through your partnership zone so – attached or single – relationships will be extra tricky until Mars finally moves forward on February 24

COPYRIGHTJoanneMadelineMoore2025

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

There are four planets transiting through your sign – the Sun encourages creativity, the New Moon signals a fresh cycle of growth and learning, and the Mercury/ Pluto conjunction boosts concentration However with Mars reversing through your wellbeing zone (until February 24), your health and fitness may have taken a backward step It’s a good time to reboot your diet and exercise program but make sure you are realistic and take baby steps

Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

Wednesday s New Moon lights up your sp ritual ty and solitude zones So put aside some specia ‘me time’ where you can meditate, contemp ate, ruminate, s ow down, calm down and re-cal brate Then the Sun/Jupiter trine is wonderful for manifesting dreams – especially nvo ving creative pro ects, family plans and domestic matters Your motto is from b rthday great Oprah W nfrey: “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams ”

Haigh St, Moe

HAIGH Street, Moe is named after two brothers, Thomas and Joseph Haigh.

The brothers arrived in Moe in 1893 and established their own wheelwright, coach building and blacksmith business.

The brothers quickly gained areputation for excellent work, and orders came in from around the district for arange of horse-drawn vehicles.

Thelocal paper would announce the completion of anew vehicle and urge people to take alook at the quality of the build.

The businessbegan in George St besidethe then Bank of Victoria, and later moved to premises at the western corner of GeorgeStand MooreSt in 1896.

Not only were they known for their craftsmanship, they also became prominent in the community through their involvement in arange of organisations.

Thomas at various times was president of the Mechanics Institute Committee, aJustice of the Peace sittinginjudgement in court cases, Deputy Coroner for the district, president of the Moe Cricket Club, as well as being aplaying member, a

member of the Moe Cemetery Trust, vice president of the Moe Progress Association (formed in 1906), amember of the Church of England, asupporter of the Westbury Sports Club, acommittee member of the Moe Debating Society and amember of the MoeRecreationReserve Committeewhichisnow theMoe Racecourse.

Joseph was captain of the Moe Rifle Club,amember of the Moe Horticultural Society,amember of the organisation formed to celebrateEmpire Day, amember of the Moe Cricket Club as well as supporting other community organisations. His wife ran her ownbusiness -the Moe Coffee Palace She was also amember of the Moe Red Cross. Both brothers were members of the Moe Masonic Lodge.

Thomas died in 1910. The Advocate newspaper reported, ‘The cortege was one of the largest, and most representative ever witnessed in this district. It comprisednofewer than31vehicles, adozen horsemen, and alarge number on foot.’ Joseph continued to manage the business until his death in 1922.

Safeguarding drinking H2O

GIPPSLAND Water is investing $4 million at its Moe water treatment plant to protect drinking water supplies for the next 25 years.

The project is part of abroader programto safeguard drinking water, and involves replacing the liner and cover on the plant’s second water storage basin.

Cover and liners are used to maintain drinking water quality by providing protection from foreign matter.

be emptied without supply interruptions. Moe watertreatment plant suppliesMoe, Newborough,Yallourn, Yallourn North,Westbury, Trafalgar, Yarragon, Darnum and major local industry.

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

The upgrade was made possiblewiththe construction of asecond 24 megalitre storage basinat the plant last year, which allowed the first basin to

It also supplies Warragul through the Moe Warragul Interconnect, which was constructed in 2020 to allow drinking water to be sent in both directions to support planned works, meet peak demand and help avoid service interruptions. To find out more about Gippsland Water’s upcomingworks visit, www.gippswater.com.au/ current-works

To advertise your bargains, products or services in this column or forinformation, simply phone JennyMannon 5135 4412 today.

Moe Show sending out call

By KATRINA BRANDON

FINDING the need for something in Moe, the Moe Agricultural Show Secretary, Garry Mitchell is dedicated to having ashow in 2025.

Needing ateam, Mr Mitchellislooking for passionatelocals to help form acommittee to getthe show on the road.

“I have been working on this since October 2022 to tryand make the show happen, first in 2024,however, duetoissues with venues, we had to cancel officially,” he told the Express “For the show to happen, we need at least a

president, vice president, secretary, assistant secretary, media and public relations and at least five more forthe committee. Thisismy last chance to make this eventhappen, but due to health issues, there has come atimewhenI have to pull back and let others do it.” Mr Mitchell said he gotthe idea after it became clear there would be no more Traralgon Show. He wants to see one remain in the Valley. For those interested in learning more or helping out, email the Moe Agricultural Society at moeagriculturalsociety@gmail.com

Repairs: Moe’s second waterstorage basin emptyahead of coverand liner replacement works.

Photograph supplied

What’s in aname: Haigh Brothersbusiness at the corner of Mooreand George streets, Moe

Photograph supplied

TheGuide

TARONGA:WHO’S WHO IN THE ZOO

Nine, Friday, 7.30pm

If Thailand’spygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng or Melbourne Aquarium’s giantkingpenguin chick Pesto caught your attention recently,makeanappointment with the couch because there’sanother cutecreature that deservestogoviral. In Taronga’sWildlifeHospital, rehabilitation co-ordinator Libby(pictured) introduces viewers to avulnerablepenguin who’s been brought in aftera run-in with adog.Despite being underweight and in need of some serious TLC, the feathered fella shows off plenty of personality as he recovers

THE NEWSREADER

MEDIA WATCH

ABC TV,Monday, 9.15pm

There’snot much happeninginAustralia’s print,online and broadcastspheres that gets pastthe eagle-eyed MediaWatch team. Forthe past 36 years,they’vecoveredembarrassing mediamishaps as well as bringing to lightserious issues of journalistic bias and ethicalfailures. When the series returns for2025, it’switha new hostinthe hotseat– investigative journalistLinton Besser (pictured) takes the reinsfrom veteran presenter Paul Barry. TheMonday-night staple is in safehands: Besser is afour-time Walkley Award winner whose work hasprompted public inquiries, corruption findingsand aRoyal Commission. Perhapshis toughestchallenge will be condensing the week’sgaffes into just20minutes.

ABC TV,Sunday, 8.30pm

30pm

From wardrobe to set dg award-winning Aussie d a1980s TV newsroom done an exceptional job the glitzy period. Butth team really ups the ante season threepremiere viewersbacktothe 198 with stretch limousines pads fordays. NewsatS

Dale Jennings (Sam Rei welland truly cemented his position as amedia personality andisupfo the coveted Gold Logie

Meanwhile, his former l and colleague Helen (A Torv,pictured) has secu her very own current aff program and finds hers in direct competitionw her ex andold crew

design, this drama setin has always b of recreating heproduction e forthis that takes 89Logies, s and shoulder Sixstar d) has d r e over nna ured ffairs elf with

ABC TV (2)

Wednesday, January 29

SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 TheWay We Wore.(Final PG, R) 11.00 AntiquesRoadshow.(R) 12.00

ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.50 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.00 ForeverSummer With Nigella. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs.(PG,R) 4.15 Long Lost Family:What Happened Next. (PG,R) 5.00 ABite To Eat With Alice (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 7.30

8.00 Hard Quiz (PG)

8.30 Optics. (Premiere, Ml) Adeath sparks apower struggle at aPRfirm. 9.05 Guy Montgomery’sGuy Mont Spelling Bee(NZ) (PG,R) Presented by Guy Montgomery.

9.50 Planet America.

10.20 Spicks AndSpecks. (PG, R) 10.50 ABC Late News. 11.05 The Business. (R) 11.20 Aftertaste. (Mdl, R) 12.20 GrandDesigns. (PG, R) 1.10 Long Lost Family:What Happened Next. (PG, R) 1.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia.(R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6am Morning Programs. 9.20 Confucius Was AFoodie.(R) 11.00 China On Stage. 12.00 BBC NewsAtTen. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Such WasLife. (PG, R) 2.10 Amazing Railway Adventures. (PGav,R) 3.00 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.05 Destination Flavour China. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up.(R) 4.05 Who The Bloody Hell AreWe? (PGav,R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG,R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 TheRealCrown: InsideThe House Of Windsor (PG, R)

8.30 Wonders Of TheMoon With Dara ÓBriain. (PGa) Presented by DaraÓBriain. 9.25 Miniseries: Playing Nice (Premiere, M) 10.20 SBS World News Late. 10.50 Pagan Peak.(Mav) 11.40 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+v, R) 12.50 Agent Hamilton. (Mav,R) 2.30 Home Is WhereThe Art Is. (R) 3.20 22 Kids And Counting. (R) 4.15 Bamay.(R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Murder, SheBaked: Just Desserts. (2017,PGav, R) 3.00 Sri LankaVsAustralia: Pre-GameShow. 3.30 Cricket. First Test.Sri Lanka vAustralia. Day 1. Morningsession. 5.00 TheChaseAustralia.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home AndAway.

7.30 Cricket. First Test. SriLanka vAustralia. Day 1. Afternoonsession. 8.10 Sri LankaVsAustralia: Tea Break. Takesalook at the day’splay. 8.30 Cricket. First Test. Sri Lanka vAustralia.Day 1. Lateafternoon session. 11.00 TheSuspects: True AustralianThrillers (M, R)

12.00 Black-ish. (PGa,R) 1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 1.30 Harry’sPractice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

German) 6.55 The Eagle Huntress. (2016,PG, Kazakh) 8.30 TheBig Boss. (1971,M,Cantonese) 10.30 TooCoolToKill. (2022, M, Mandarin) 12.30am Decision To Leave. (2022 M, Chinese) 3.05 WetSeason. (2019,MA15+) 5.00 The Eagle Huntress. (2016,PG, Kazakh)

MADAM Nine, Tuesday, 9pm

Asurprising set of circumstances befalls American mum-of-twoMack (RachelGriffiths, pictured) in this eye-opening new series.You see Mack has justdiscoveredthather husband Rob(Martin Henderson) is seeing asex worker.But Mack’snot mad, spiteful or upset –infact,she’s curious. Avisit to Shadows, the local brothel in her small New Zealand town, leavesMack thoroughly unimpressed. An open-minded woman with an entrepreneurial mindset,she decidestoopen her own establishment with afeminist ethicalangle–evenhiring Tui (Ariāna Osborne), the worker Rob wasseeing. Danielle Cormack, Rima Te Wiata and Robbie Magasiva round out the brilliant castofthis distinctlydifferent drama.

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At FirstSight (PGls, R) 1.45 My Way. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9NewsAfternoon 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30[VIC]WINNews. 6.00 Drew Barrymore.(PGas) 7.00 Neighbours. (PGa, R) 7.30

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Married At FirstSight. (PGls) The social experiment continues. 9.00 MOVIE: Unbreakable: Jelena Dokic Story. (2024,Mal) The story of Jelena Dokic,from her experiences as a refugee to her rise to world number four in tennis. Jelena Dokic,Pam Shriver

11.15 9NewsLate.

11.45 TheEqualizer. (MA15+v,R)

12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop:HomeShopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop.(R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 TodayEarly News. 5.30 Today

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. HostedbyGrant Denyer 6.30 TheProject Alook at theday’snews. 7.30 I’mA Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 9.00 Elsbeth. (Ma) Elsbeth and Kaya are calledtothe scene when awoman falls to her death from her balcony 10.00 NCIS: Hawai’i (Mv) The team must re-capture

PICK OF THE WEEK

Thursday, January 30

ABC (2)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 Eat The Invaders.(PG, R) 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Australian Of The Year 2025.(PG, R) 2.15 Fake Or Fortune?(R) 3.25 Grand Designs.(R) 4.15 Long Lost Family:What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 ABite To EatWithAlice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)

7.00 ABC News

7.30 7.30 Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Back Roads: Kandos, NSW (PG) Presented by Heather Ewart.

8.30 Long Lost Family DavinaMcCall and Nicky Campbell takealook at a foundling’sjourney to Hong Kong

9.15 Grand Designs: Chess Valley. (PG, R) Hosted by Kevin McCloud.

10.00 Dr Karl’s HowThings Work: CricketBalls. (R)DrKarl learns how cricket balls aremade.

10.35 ABC LateNews.

10.50 TheBusiness. (R)

11.05 Escaping Utopia. (Final, PG, R)

12.10 Grand Designs. (R)

12.55 Long Lost Family:WhatHappened Next. (PG, R) 1.45 Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6am MorningPrograms. 11.05 China On Stage. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Hold Up.(Mv,R) 2.10 Amazing Railway Adventures.(PGa,R) 3.00 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.05 Destination Flavour China. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up.(R) 4.05 Australia Uncovered: Our African Roots. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

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

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 Finding Your Roots: BornToSing (Return) Hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr

8.30 Silk Road From Above (PG, R) Theaerial journey concludes beyond China’s borders with the bustling Greek port of Piraeus.

9.30 TheDarkness (MA15+a)

Bjartur arrives home from work and is kidnappedbyanintruder

10.25 SBS WorldNewsLate

10.55 Divided We Stand. (Mal) 12.50 Blanca. (Malv,R)

2.45 Home Is Where TheArt Is. (R) 3.35 22 Kids And Counting. (PGl, R) 4.30 Peer To Peer.(PG, R) 5.00 NHKWorld English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Hey Duggee. 5.55 Paddington. 6.05 KiyaAnd The Kimoja Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts. 6.35 Kiri And Lou. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 The Deep. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Secrets Of TheZoo 9.20 72 Cutest Animals 9.45 Doctor Who 10.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The MorningShow. (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 AirCrash Investigations: The Accident Files (PGa, R) 2.00 The Women’s Ashes Pre-Game Show 2.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Test Match. Australia vEngland. Day 1. Afternoon session. 3.30 Cricket. FirstTest. Sri Lankav Australia. Day 2. Morningsession 5.00 The ChaseAustralia.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home AndAway. Kirby holdsa strategy meeting.

7.30 Cricket. First Test. Sri Lanka vAustralia. Day 2. Afternoon session.

8.10 Sri LankaVsAustralia: TeaBreak Takesa lookatthe dayofplaysofar in the First Test between SriLankaand Australia.

8.30 Cricket. First Test. Sri Lanka vAustralia. Day 2.Late afternoon session. From Galle International Stadium, Sri Lanka.

11.00 Seven’sCricket: TheSpin. Adeep diveintothe world of cricket

11.45 Pam&Tommy. (Final, MA15+alns)

An Internet entrepreneur enters the picture. 12.45 Black-ish. (PGa,R)Devante is falling behind at school.

2.00 HomeShopping. (R) 4.00 NBCToday. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning 12.00 Married

WINNews.

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 MarriedAtFirstSight. (Mls) The social experiment continues.

9.00 Becoming Madonna. (MA15+als) Aretelling of Madonna’s journey from apenniless dancer to the most powerful woman in pop.

11.00 9News Late.

11.30 Resident Alien. (Malv)

12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.10 Hello SA (PG)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 GlobalShop (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoiceOfVictory. (PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 TodayEarly News. 5.30 Today

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by GrantDenyer.

6.30 TheProject. Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 I’mACelebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) The celebritiescontinue to compete in atestofsurvival in the jungle forthe chance to claimthe title. 9.00 TheGrahamNorton Show. (Mls) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by Brie Larson, TomHiddleston, Billy Porter Claudia Winkleman and MylesSmith. 10.10 10’s LateNews. Comprehensive coverage of local, national and international news, as well as the latest sport and weather 10.35 TheProject. (R) Alook at the day’snews. 11.35 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG)Hosted by StephenColbert. 12.30 Home Shopping (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Front Up 1998 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 MOVIE: The New Corporation. (2020, M) 2.40 Insight 3.40 WorldWatch 5.40 Alone: The Skills Challenge. 6.05 Loot: Blood Treasure. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. 12.55am Criminal Planet. 2.40 NHK World EnglishNews. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. Noon BetterHomes. 1.00 Escape To The Country 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Auction Squad. 3.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Test Match. Australia vEngland. Day 1. Afternoon session. 4.30 TeaBreak. 5.00 Cricket.The Women’s Ashes. Test Match. Australia vEngland. Day 1. Late afternoon session. 7.00 Dinner Break. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Unsettled 2.30 The Cook Up 3.00 Waabiny Time. 3.25 Little JAnd BigCuz. 3.35 Spartakus. 4.05 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Our Stories. 5.15 Harlem Globetrotters. 6.00 Bamay. 6.30 News. 6.40 TalesFromZambia. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo 8.30 The Green Veil 9.30 MOVIE: The Last BoyScout. (1991) 11.30 Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 8.35 Ride On. (2023, PG, Mandarin) 10.55 Hero.(2002,M,Mandarin) 12.50pm Stage Mother.(2020,M) 2.30 TheMan WhoInventedChristmas. (2017,PG) 4.25 Much Ado About Nothing. (1993,PG) 6.30 Kung Fu Yoga (2017,PG) 8.30 Ip Man: Kung Fu Master.(2019 MA15+, Mandarin) 10.05 Noryang: Deadly Sea. (2023,MA15+, Korean) 12.50am Late Programs.

Friday, January31

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

Antiques Roadshow 3.40 MOVIE: At The Earth’s Core. (1976,PG) 5.30 Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Keeping Up Appearances. 8.40 Poirot. 10.40 Dalgliesh.

2.30 TheNanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 TheAddamsFamily 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 IDream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The Golden Girls. 6.30 TheNanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Wolf Of Wall Street. (2013,MA15+) 12.10am Seinfeld. 1.10 TheNanny 2.05 Surfing Aust 2.30 Bakugan:Legends. 3.00 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Highway Patrol. 2.00 The Force: BTL.

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30 Take 5WithZan Rowe.(PG,R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Mal, R) 2.55 Forever Summer With Nigella. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family:What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 ABite To Eat With Alice.(R) 5.30 AntiquesRoadshow.(R)

6am MorningPrograms. 9.20 Confucius Was AFoodie.(R) 11.00 The Story Of Tea. (PGd, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Such Was Life. (R) 2.10 Amazing Railway Adventures (PGl, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.35 The Cook Up.(R) 4.05 Scotland: In Search Of Sir Walter Scott.(PG,R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The MorningShow.(PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 AirCrash Investigations: The AccidentFiles (PGa, R) 2.00 The Women’s Ashes Pre-Game Show 2.30 Cricket. TheWomen’s Ashes. Test Match. Australia vEngland. Day 2. Afternoon session. 3.30 Cricket. FirstTest. Sri Lankav Australia. Day 3. Morning session. 5.00 The ChaseAustralia.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 MOVIE: Argo (2012, Mlv,R) ACIA agent launchesanundercover operation. Ben Affleck, BryanCranston. 9.55 Rock Legends: David Bowie. (PG, R) Exploresthe life of David Bowie. 10.25 SBS WorldNewsLate 10.55 Bonn. (Premiere, Mav)

11.50 Kin. (MA15+lv,R)

1.45 Home Is Where TheArt Is (R)

2.35 22 Kids And Counting (PGa,R)

5.00 Rage.(PG)

3.30 Death On TheCommon: My Mother’s Murder (Ma, R) 4.25 Bamay.(R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The WorldTonight.

Who? 8.25 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!” 8.50 Robot Wars. 9.50 Doctor Who 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am The Movie Show. 6.30 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PG) 8.30 The Man Who Invented Christmas. (2017,PG) 10.25 The Big Boss. (1971,M,Cantonese) 12.25pm To Chiara. (2021, M, Italian) 2.40 The Eagle Huntress. (2016,PG, Kazakh) 4.15

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Cricket. FirstTest. SriLanka vAustralia. Day 3. Afternoon session. 8.10 Sri LankaVsAustralia: TeaBreak Takesa lookatthe dayofplaysofar in the First Test between SriLankaand Australia.

8.30 Cricket. First Test. Sri Lanka vAustralia. Day 3. Late afternoon session. From Galle International Stadium, Sri Lanka. 11.00 Ambulance:Code Red. (Ma, R) Follows thework of an ambulance service.

12.00 Dr Harry’sAnimalEncounters (PG, R) PresentedbyDrHarry Cooper

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

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) HostedbyGrant Denyer

5.00 NBCToday

6.00 Today. 9.00

Extra.(PG) 11.30 9News Morning 12.00 MarriedAtFirst Sight. (PGls, R) 1.30 Mr Mayor.(PGs, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG,R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG,R) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.30[VIC]WINNews. 6.00

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair. 7.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo: Little PenguinRescue. (PG) Follows the journey of alittle penguin.

8.30 MOVIE: TheIntern (2015,Mal,R) A70-year-oldretired widower is hired as asenior intern for an online fashion startup.Robert De Niro, AnneHathaway,ReneRusso 11.00 My LifeAsA Rolling Stone: Charlie Watts. (Mad, R) 12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.00 Explore TV:Trade Routes Of TheMiddle Ages. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo.(R) 4.30 Global Shop.(R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 The Garden Gurus.(R)

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by GrantDenyer. 6.30 TheProject. Alook at the day’s news. 7.30 MOVIE: Bumblebee (2018,Mlv,R) After thefall of Cybertron, the Autobot Bumblebee befriends ateenage girl in California in the ’80s. Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena,

Saturday, February 1

6am MorningPrograms. 9.10 The World From Above.(PGa, R) 10.10 Love Your Garden (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World NewsTonight 1.00 Surf Life Saving. Shaw and Partners Iron Series. Round3 3.00 PBS News. 3.55 Dance In Focus: Still Life.(R) 4.20 Best Australian DanceShort Films2021. (PG, R) 5.25 999The Forgotten Girls Of The Holocaust.

6.30 SBS World News.

6.00 Dr Karl’s HowThing sWork: Cricket Balls (R)DrKarl learns how cricketballs are made

6.30 Back Roads: Kandos, NSW (PG, R) Heather Ewart journeys to Kandos, in NSW, atownfamous for makingcement

7.00 ABCNews. Takesa look at the top stories of theday,includingcoverage of developing stories and events.

7.30 Beyond Paradise. (PGa) Panic spreads when an arsonist targets three businesses, invoking the story of the Three LittlePigs

8.30 Vera (Ma, R) After alocal teacher is found dead at the bottom of a cliff-side coastal walkway in what appears to be aterrible accident,Vera uncovers evidence that the body may havebeen tampered with 11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.

7.30 Magical Train Journeys In Switzerland: From Lucerne Via Interlaken To Jungfraujoch. (Mn)

8.30 Cotswolds And Beyond With PamAyres: Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. (PGa, R) PamAyres heads to theOxfordshire. 9.20 Great Australian Walks With Julia Zemiro (PG, R) Julia Zemiro heads to the Blue Mountains.

10.15 Ruby Wax: Castaway (Final, Mal, R) 11.10 Ever ything YouLove (Mals, R)

2.35 Home Is Where The ArtIs. (R) 3.25 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 4.20 Peer To Peer (PG, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World EnglishNews Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Front Up 11.30 Front Up 2000. 12.05pm MOVIE: Still Standing. (2023, PG) 1.35 Beyond Oak Island 2.25 TenYear Old Tom. 2.55 Celebrity Mastermind 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.55 The Food That Built TheWorld. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Icons Unearthed: Spider-Man. 10.20 Hudson & Rex. Midnight The X-Files. 3.40 NHK WorldEnglish News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

6am MorningPrograms. 12.00 Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road 2.00 TheWomen’s Ashes Pre-Game Show 2.30 Cricket. The Women’s Ashes. Test Match. Austv England. Afternoon. (Alt schedule may be shown). 3.30 Cricket. FirstTest. Sri Lankav Aust. Morning. (Altschedule maybeshown) 5.30 Border Security.(PG, R)

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Cricket. First Test.Sri Lanka vAustralia.Day 4. Afternoon session. 8.10 Sri LankaVsAustralia: TeaBreak Takesa look at the dayofplay so farinthe FirstTestbetween Sri Lanka andAustralia.

8.30 Cricket. FirstTest. Sri Lanka vAustralia. Day 4. Late afternoon session. From Galle International Stadium, Sri Lanka.

11.00 MOVIE: Morbius. (2022, Malv,R) Abiochemist inadvertently infects himself with aform of vampirism. Jared Leto,MattSmith.

1.00 Dr Harr y’sAnimal Encounters (PG, R) Dr Harry Cooper travels to WesternAustralia.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’sAcademic (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve. 5.00 My Greek Odyssey. (PG,R)

6am Morning Programs.

6.00 DriveSafer.(PG, R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 7.00 Weekend Today 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday.(PG) 12.00 Destination WA (R) 12.30 Attenborough’s

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 MOVIE: Elvis. (2022, Mal) The life of Elvis Presley,fromhis childhood to becoming arockand movie star in the 1950s. Austin Butler TomHanks, OliviaDeJonge.

10.35 Becoming Madonna. (MA15+als, R) Aretelling of Madonna’s journey

12 25 Australia’s TopTen Of Everything. (PGa, R) Acountdown of thetop 10 songbirds.

1.20 Destination WA (R) Christina Morrissyvisits the Onslow Beach Resort.

1.45 My Way. (R)

2.00 TheIncredible Journey Presents (PG)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG)

NITV (34)

6am MorningPrograms.

11.40 MOVIE: Storm Boy. (1976, PG) 1.15pm Tales From Zambia. 2.05 Nula. 2.35 MOVIE: ThreeWise Cousins. (2016, PG) 4.10 SonglinesOnScreen.

4.30 Strait To ThePlate. 5.00 Spirit Talker 5.30 Ice Cowboys 6.20 News. 6.30 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: FridayThe 13th. (1980,MA15+) 10.10 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. 11.35 Late Programs.

6am The Man WhoInvented Christmas.Continued.(2017, PG) 7.50 Flash Of Genius. (2008,PG) 10.00 I’m Not There. (2007, M) 12.30pm The Space Between The Lines. (2019,M,German) 2.45 Kung Fu Yoga (2017,PG) 4.45 An Ideal Husband. (1999,PG) 6.35 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990,PG) 8.30 The RoyalHotel.(2023,MA15+) 10.10 Lonesome. (2022, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs.

Sunday, Februar y2

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.30 TheDog House Australia. (PGa, R) Follows the staff at the Animal Welfare League as they try to find the right fit forablueStaffordshirebullterrier.

8.30 TheDog House. (PGa, R) Follows ateamofmatchmakers as they pair homeless dogswithhopeful companions. Afrisky French bulldog gets attached to a couple.Wood Green’s unluckiest dog, Peaches, has not justone,but two dates. 9.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mad, R) NSW Ambulance crews race to acall for aslashed throat, perform life-saving CPR on teens, treat asuspected drug overdose at abrothel and rushtoa potential strokeata building site 10.30 AmbulanceUK. (M, R)First responders attend to elderly patients. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)

Of

Shop 8.00 Thunderbirds. 8.30 Tomorrow’s World. 9.00 TurningPoint 9.30 TV Shop 10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 Avengers. 11.40 MOVIE: My Learned Friend.(1943,PG) 1.10pm MOVIE: The Oracle. (1953) 3.00 MOVIE: I’ll Take Sweden. (1965) 5.00 MOVIE: Some Like It Hot. (1959,PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Man In The Iron Mask. (1998,M) 10.00 Are YouBeing Served? 11.00 Late Programs.

10.00 Escape To The Country Noon Horse Racing. SouthernCross Stakes Day,Caulfield MembersDay and DoombenRaceday 5.30 The Lunch Break 6.10 Cricket. First Test. SriLankavAustralia. Day 4. Afternoonsession. 7.00 Dog Patrol. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To TheCountry 9.30 I Escaped To The Country 10.30 Australia’s Amazing Homes. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am MorningPrograms. 7.30

Children’s Programs.

2.30

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Breaky 9.00 Insiders. (Return) 10.00 Offsiders. (Return) 10.30 World This Week.(R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline.(R) 1.00 New LeashOnLife. (R) 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Monty Don’sHistory Of The British Garden.(Final, R) 3.30 Long Lost Family.(R) 4.15 ExtraordinaryEscapes. (PG,R) 5.00 Maggie Beer’s Big Mission. (R)

6.00 Antiques Roadshow (PG,R)

7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 Muster Dog s: Collies And Kelpies. (Return, PG)Follows six puppiesbecoming muster dogs.

8.30 TheNewsreader (Return, Ml) In 1989,Helen and Daleare forced into directcompetition as they fight to become number one.

9.25 Love Me. (Return, MA15+s) Clara and Peter decidetostart afamily.

10.10 MOVIE: Sirens. (1994,MA15+ans,R) An artist creates an offensive painting. Hugh Grant.

11.45 YouCan’t Ask That (Mal, R) 12.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.05 AustraliaRemastered. (R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 The Great Acceleration. (PG, R)

6am MorningPrograms. 10.00 FIFAWorld Cup Classic Matches. 12.00 APAC Weekly.(R) 12.30 PBS Washington Week 12.55 Nippers. (R) 1.00 Surf Life Saving. Shaw And Partners IronSeries. Round4 3.00 Best Of Dakar Rally Highlights. 4.00 Trampolining.(R) 4.05 BeyondThe Pitch. (R) 4.15 Inferno:Letters From Auschwitz. (PGavw,R) 5.15 Saving The Children.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Mysteries Of Stonehenge: Secrets Of TheSun (Mav) Takesa look at Stonehenge

9.20 LegendsOfThe Pharaohs: Bir th OfThe Tutankhamun Dynasty. (Mav,R)Takes alook at ancient Egypt’sEighteenth Dynasty that included Tutankhamun.

10.20 GreatBritish Landmark Fixers: Canterbury Cathedral. (PGa,R) Craftspeople restore Canterbury Cathedral. 11.15 Signed, Theo Schoon. 1.10 MOVIE: Radioac tive (2019,Mavw,R)

3.05 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 4.00 Peer To Peer (R)

4.30 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature 5.30 AlJazeeraNews.

6am MorningPrograms. 11.00 Cycling.Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.Elite Men’s 2.00 The Women’s Ashes Pre-Game Show. 2.30 Cricket. TheWomen’s Ashes. Test Match Australia vEngland. Day4.Afternoon session. (Please note: alternativeschedule maybe shown due to changes to cricket coverage). 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer.(R) 5.00 News. 5.30 Border Security.(PG, R)

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Australian Idol. (Return,PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee andScott Tweedie

8.50 Billy Joel LiveAtMadison Square Garden. (PGl)A concert celebrating Billy Joel’s100th consecutiveperformance at New York’sMadison Square Garden.

10.50 AprilJones: TheInterrogation Tapes (MA15+a, R) Explores the 2012 murder of April Jones.

12.20 FridayNight Lights. (Madsv,R) Jason struggles to cope with his injury.

1.20 Travel Oz. (PG,R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

Sunrise EarlyNews.

6am MorningPrograms. 10.00 ForThe Love Of Pets. (PGm, R) 11.00 Maritime Masters: Expedition Antarctica. (PG, R) 12.00 Fishing Aust 12 30 ThePet Rescuers. (PG, R) 1.00 Swimming. Australian Open Water C’ships. H’lights. 1.30 MOVIE: Much Ado About Nothing. (1993, PGs, R) 3.50 David Attenborough’s Green Planet. (R) 5.00 News. 5.30 Postcards. (Return, PG)

6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Married At FirstSight. (PGls) It is time for the final weddings. 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issuesaffecting all Australians.

9.40 9News Late.

10.10 See No Evil: Nowhere Girl. (Mav) Takesalook at howthe 2020murder of 21-year-old Dioneth Lopez wassolved. 11.10 TheBrokenwood Mysteries. (Mav) An actor

TEN (10, 5)

6am MorningPrograms.

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. (2014,Mlv,R)After aCIA analyst and former US Marine officer uncovers aRussian oligarch’sscheme to collapse the American economyand spark global chaos, he realiseshemay be the only person able to stop the madman.

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6am MorningPrograms. 2pm Rugby League. 2008 Koori Knockout. Grand final. NarwanEelsvLaPerouse Panthers. 3.40 RugbyLeague.2019 Koori Knockout. Men’s NewcastleAll Blacks vGoogars. 4.40 Yarripiri’s Journey. 5.10 Stompem Ground: King Of Hearts. 5.45 Stompem Ground. 6.20 News. 6.30 Queer & Here. (Premiere) 7.00 Great LakesWild. 7.30 Our Law 8.40 After Sherman. 10.15 Late Programs.

Programs. 7.10

Carmichael. (1990,PG) 9.05 Shaolin Soccer. (2001,

Cantonese) 11.10 Miss Marx. (2020, M) 1.10pm GrandPiano.(2013,M) 2.50 Riding Alone For Thousands Of Miles. (2005,PG, Japanese) 4.50 Courted. (2015, PG, French) 6.40 Toast. (2010,PG) 8.30 Close. (2022, M, Dutch) 10.30 Miracle.(2021 M, Romanian) 12.40am Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Children’s Programs. 12.30pm Basketball. WNBL.Bendigo Spirit vSouthside Flyers. 2.30 Young Sheldon. 3.00 MOVIE: Flight Of TheNavigator. (1986) 5.00 MOVIE: Short Circuit. (1986,PG) 7.00 MOVIE: Three Amigos!

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Harry’sPractice. 1.30 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.00 Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road 4.00 Cricket.Women’s Ashes. Test Match. Aust vEngland. Afternoon. (Alt schedule may be shown). 4.30 TeaBreak. 5.10 Cricket.Women’sAshes.Test Match. Aust vEngland.Latearvo. 7.10 Dinner Break. 7.30 Cricket. Women’s Ashes. Test Match. Aust vEngland. Eveningsession. 10.00 Late Programs. 6am MorningPrograms. 7.30 In Touch. 8.00 Beyond Today 8.30 The Incredible Journey. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop 10.00 My Favorite Martian. 10.30 MOVIE: The Floating Dutchman.(1952, PG) 12.05pm MOVIE: Father’s Doing Fine. (1952) 1.50 MOVIE: TheConstant Husband. (1955) 3.40 MOVIE: The HoneyPot. (1967, PG) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: The Monuments Men. (2014, M) 10.50 Late Programs. 9GEM (92, 81)

Monday, February 3

ABC TV (2)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 McCartney3,2,1.(PG, R) 10.30 Vera.(Ma, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon.

1.00 The Human Revolution. (PG, R) 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.00 ForeverSummer With Nigella. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family:What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 ABite To EatWithAlice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)

7.00 ABC News

7.30 7.30 Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Australian Stor y. (Return) Presented by LeighSales.

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

9.15 Media Watch. (Return) Presented by Linton Besser

9.35 Mozar t: RiseOfAGenius. (Premiere, Ml)Exploresthe life of Mozart. 10.35 ABC LateNews.

10.50 TheBusiness. (R)

11.10 Planet America (R)

11.40 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery. (R) 12.10 Grand Designs. (R) 1.00 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG,R) 1.45 Rage (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.25 Gardening Australia.(R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

(3)

6am MorningPrograms. 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.25 Al JazeeraNewsHour

2.00 AmazingRailway Adventures. (PGa, R) 2.55 Railway Journeys UK. (PG,R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.40 TheCook Up.(PG, R) 4.10 Secrets Of The Imperial WarMuseum. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.35 Madrid With Michael Portillo (Premiere, PG) Michael Portillo heads to Madrid.

8.25 Wilderness With Simon Reeve: Congo (Premiere,PGa) Simon Reeve travels through the Congo,the second greatest rainforest on Earth.

9.35 Inside Sydney Airpor t: Training (PGad, R) Apassenger is foundtravelling with agun. 10 35 SBS WorldNews Late.

11.05 Clean Sweep (Malsv)

12.05 Wisting. (MA15+v,R) 1.00 YouShall Not Lie. (MA15+als,R) 2.45 Home Is Where The Art Is. (R) 3.35 22 Kids And Counting. (PGal, R) 4.25 PeerToPeer.(R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (PG,R) 5.00 NHK WorldEnglish News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight

6.00 Sunrise 9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG) 12.00 SevenNoon News. 1.00 To Be Advised. 3.00 TheChase. (R) Hosted by Bradley Walsh. 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Home AndAway. (PGa) Eden wants answers from Cash.

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGl) It is day two of the auditions as hopeful superstars strive to impress the judges.

9.15 St. Denis Medical (Premiere, PGals) Alex is torn between herdaughter’s school play and asituation in the emergencydepartment 10.15 FirstDates UK. (M) Singles experience the thrills of dating. 11.15 Lopez Vs.Lopez. (Return, PG) George challenges the family 12.15 FridayNight Lights. (Madsv, R) RayTatom raises doubts about his leadership 2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise EarlyNews. 5.30 Sunrise

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 MarriedAtFirstSight (Mls) It is time for thefirstdinner party

9.00 Australian Crime Stories: Operation Moon. (Return, Mlv) Former QueenslandAssistant Commissioner Ross Barnett explores one of his mostconfounding cases

10.00 9NewsLate.

10.30 Forensic s: MurderScene: Paywall. (Premiere,MA15+av)

11.30 FirstOnScene. (Maln, R)

12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.50 Hello SA (PG)

1.20 Talking Honey. (PGa) 1.30 TV Shop:HomeShopping. (R)

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

9GO! (93, 82) 6am Toast. Continued. (2010,PG) 7.15 An Ideal Husband. (1999,PG) 9.05 Courted. (2015, PG, French) 10.55 Miracle. (2021, M, Romanian) 1.05pm From TheVine.(2019,M) 2.50 The Movie Show. 3.25 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990,PG) 5.20 Goal!(2005,PG) 7.30 One Night In Miami… (2020, M) 9.35 Saint Omer.(2022,M,Wolof ) 11.50 Late Programs. 5.50am Goal!(2005,PG) 7MATE (73,64) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Black As.

NightThunder.USA Boxing Day 3.30 Counting Cars 4.30 Storage Wars 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Outback Opal Hunters. 8.00 AustraliaCricket Awards. 9.30 TougherInAlaska. 10.30 Frozen Gold. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal Hosted by GrantDenyer. 6.30 TheProjec t. Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 I’mA Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! (PGals) The celebritiescontinue to compete in atestofsurvival in the jungle forthe chance to claim the title 9.00 NCIS:Sydney. (Mdv,R)The team investigates when ashark spits out the arm of an ex-US Navy SEAL 10.00 48 Hours:Death By EyeDrops. (Ma) Looks at the case of JessyKurczewski.

Bewitched. 5.30 I Dream Of Jeannie. 6.00 The GoldenGirls. 6.30 The Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: IAmLegend. (2007, M) 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 The O.C 12.30am

Tuesday, February 4

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6) TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Australian Story.(R) 10.30 Optics. (Ml,R) 11.00 Muster Dogs: ColliesAnd Kelpies. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon 1.00 CallThe Midwife.(PGa,R) 2.00 ParliamentQuestion Time. 3.00 Forever Summer With Nigella. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.10 Long Lost Family:What Happened Next.(PG,R) 5.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6am MorningPrograms. 11.05 Great Canal Journeys. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 History Of Britain. (Ma, R) 2.55 SuchWas Life. (R) 3.05 The Weekly Football Wrap. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.40 The Cook Up.(R) 4.10 Secrets Of The Imperial War Museum. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy!(R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS WorldNews 7.30 Who Do YouThink You Are? PatRaf ter (PGa, R) PatRafter exploreshis roots. 8.35 Irresistible: WhyWeCan’t Stop Eating. (PG) Dr Chris van Tulleken explores why ultra-processed foods are so irresistible.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG) 12.00 SevenNoonNews. 1.00 To Be Advised. 3.00 TheChase. (R) Hosted by Bradley Walsh. 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home AndAway. (PG) Leah is afullyfledged activist

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGl) It is the endofthe first week of auditions as singers travel from across the countryinhopesofagolden ticket.

Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 ParkinsonInAustralia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

10.05 TheArtist’sView:U2. (Mls, R) 10.35 SBSWorld News Late. 11.05 Beyond Signs. (MA15+a) 12.05 Fargo. (Mlv,R) 2.00 Home Is Where The ArtIs. (R) 2.50 Inside The Modelling Agency.(R) 3.45 Peer To Peer.(R) 4.15 Bamay.(R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World EnglishNews Morning 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight

9.15 TheHunting Party. (Premiere, Mav) When aserial killer escapes custody, adisgraced FBI agent is called back into action to hunt him down.

10.15 TheIrrational. (Return, Mav) Rose goes missing.

12.15 FridayNight Lights (Madsv,

50 years ago

The Express, January 29, 1975

WelfareGroups Back SEC Tests fornew Moesealer

ANEW coating material produced by Sanda Corporation, Moe, is being tested by large industrial organisations. It has been applied to adust precipitator at the Gippsland Cement and Lime Co. Traralgon, and being tested also by the SEC, Esso-BHP, APM and other industries The managing director of Sanda Corporation, Mr Joe Sanda, said today the material can be used on wood or metal. It is asealing coating he has called Sanlon Space Age Surface Coating. It can be used to coat almost everything, even old fence posts and cement sheeting. Mr Sanda said it would be ideal for undercoating houses and works extremely well also on rusted ironwork. When brought in large quantities, the price is comparable to house paint. The wood coating costs $1.74 alitre and the steel coating $2.9 alitre.The coating was applied at the cement works two weeks ago and it’s effectiveness won’t be known for some months. The material has been extensively checked by Sanda Corporation.

30 years ago

The Express, January 24, 1995

Sister cityrelations to continue

THE sister city relationships struck between

ACOACH trip to the AustralianInternational Airshow at AvalonAirport on Saturday, March 29, will raisemoney to helpCentral Gippsland Health purchase life-saving equipment.

The biggest airshow in the Southern Hemisphere will this year again feature flying displays from military and civil aircraft, exhibitions showcasing the aviation, aerospace and defenceindustries, carnival rides and live entertainment.

The coach will leave the Signal Box car park in Sale (near Woolworths) about 6.30am and is able to collect passengers in Traralgon, Morwell and Pakenham.

Tickets cost$200per person, includesgeneral admission ticket and return transport,with trip coordinatorRon Gregory saying ticket sales will be limited to 50.

"The coach is being donated. All money raised, less the cost of the tickets, will be directly donated to the hospital for specific items thatthey requested," he said.

the

ARCHIVES

former Latrobe City councils and local governments overseas will continue despite the amalgamation of councils in Gippsland. La Trobe Council has agreed to continue the ‘sister city’ arrangements and will take steps to further its overseas relations. The former City of Moe was asister city to the village of Brookfield in the United States and the city of Korsakov in Russia. Brookfield lies 20 kilometres west of Chicago and has apopulation of 19,000. Korsakov is located on Sakhalin Island, in the Amira Gulf. Its population is 45,000. The former City of Morwell has begun negotiations with the City of Takasago in Japan to form asister city relationship. Approaches were made to the former Moe City and Traralgon Cityfrom Australia China International to establish similar relationship with the Zhoushan and Shouguang municipalities respectively. Zhoushan City is aport city located on an archipelago of 1339 islands in the South China Sea with apopulation of just over one million people, and lies on the Shandong Peninsula. As well as continuing to pursue a relationship with Takasago and maintaining

relationships with Brookfield and Korsakov, La Trobe Council will advise those cities of the constitution of the new council. Amessageofcondolence will be sent to Takasago following last week’s devastating earthquake. Council will also advise Australia ChinaInternational it is interested in entering asister city relationship with the Shouguang City.

10 years ago

TheExpress, January 26, 2015 Man dumped intotruck

A36year-old Sale man has had alucky escape after being dumped into the back of agarbage truckand almost crushed at Warragul. According to police, the man had missed the last train back to Sale and decided to sleep in the Dumpmaster waste bin. About 4am on Friday, January 16, the garbage truck collected the contents of the bin, including the man, dumping them into the compactor. “The truck driver had to get out of the cab to unlock apadlock on the next

bin to empty it and only for that did he hear the man banging and yelling in the back of the truck,” Sergeant Roy Moore said. “If it wasn’t for that, he wouldn’t have heard him and the load would have been compacted.” The man was rescued from the back of the truck and conveyed to hospital with minor injuries. “He said it was bad luck he picked bin night to sleep in the Dumpmaster.” Sgt Moore said.

Coach trip to airshow raising money for CGH

"Over the past four air shows we've raised over $30,000 for charities such as motor neurone research and the local RSL veterans' fund.

"We have ateam that works at the Wellington Air Showaswell, andweraisednearly $5000 throughour voluntary base, we donated that to the hospitaland they brought aHolter machine (for the cardiology department).

"We're hoping, if all goes well, to raise in excess of $5000 just on this on trip."

Mr Gregory urged people to get in early to book aseat on the coach.

"The critical thing is access to the air show is ticket only, it's apre-paid ticket event," he said.

"Parking at the actual airfield is goingtobe expensive, and also traffic control is an issue -large transportsuch as coaches will getpreferential traffic directions."

For tickets, contact via phone at: 0434 007 187, or via email at: ronandgilliangreg@gmail.com

Grant to help restore landmarks

THE state government is helping reviveand restore some of Victoria’s most treasured heritage landmarks after they weredamaged by natural disasters through anew grants program.

Minister for Planning,Sonya Kilkenny announced more than $2 million in Disaster Recovery Heritage Grants that will support the restoration of 16 heritage sites across Victoria that were damaged by floods, storms, and bushfires.

This includes Walhalla Bandstand, which will receive $120,000 for conservation works to be completed to the heritage site.

Memberfor Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing welcomed the news.

"Walhalla’s bandstand is known and loved all over the world, and this funding will ensure it’s notonly fully restored, but also safeguarded for future generations to enjoy," she said.

“By investing in the Walhalla Bandstand, we’re protecting abeautifulpart of Walhalla’s history and ensuring it can continue to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”

The DisasterRecovery Heritage Grantsprogram was launched last yeartohelp repairheritage sites impacted by extreme weather events, particularly to help small community organisations that needed more support after their insurance and damages were assessed following theOctober 2022 floods and other natural disasters.

Victoria’s heritage sites contribute approximately $2.4 billion each year towards the state’s tourism industry and support around 185,000 jobs.

This bandstand wasn’t double-bolted: Works will help safeguardthe futureofthe heritage landmark.

Historic: TheWalhalla Bandstand will received major funding to help with conser vation works. Photographs supplied

$150,000 in funding for Gippsland’sinfrastructure

GIPPSLAND community organisations have the opportunitytosecure agrant of up to $20,000 under the latest round of the #lovegippsland Stronger Communities Programme (SCP), announced by Nationals Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester.

Mr Chester has called for expressions of interest from local groups, with grants between $2500 and $20,000 available across the electorate of Gippsland.

"In total, we have been allocated $150,000 for infrastructure projects that will deliver social benefits for local communities as part of Round 9ofthe SCP," Mr Chester said.

"The program is afantastic initiative from the previous federal government that supports local groups in increasing participation and contributing to vibrant and viable communities.

"Dozensoflocal communitygroupshave benefittedfrom SCP over the years, from supportingthe development of Sale's Seed Community Garden and building Bruthen's LionsPark'swet-weather sheltertoextending Morwell's Gippsland Immigration Park Heritage Walk andimprovingChurchill's Mathison Park's playground and picnic area.

"Community groups often use the grants to add to their fundraising efforts and deliver outstanding projects across Gippsland."

Mr Chester advised all potential applicants to review the grant guidelines to ensure their project meets the new eligibility criteria.

"Projects must meet the eligibility

In total, w allocate

Decade on: Latrobe ValleyExpress; Thursday, Januar y26, 1995 we have been allocated $150,000 for infrastructureprojects that will deliver social benefits for local communities as partof Round 9ofthe SCP

requirements and directly align with at least oneofthe program objectives on the department's website," Mr Chester said.

The EOI period is now open and will close at 5pm on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. EOIs will then be assessed by the Community ConsultationCommittee for eligibility, and successful applicants will be invited to complete afull submission.

EOIsmust be submitted via Mr Chester's website at: darrenchester.com.au, to be considered.

For more info rmati on, in clu ding gra nt oppor tuni ty gui deli nes, visit: business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/ stronger-communities-programme-round-9

Pickup, flyoff: Acoachtriptothe Australian International Airshowwill stop by Traralgon and Morwell. Photograph supplied

Increase found in Aboriginal testing numbers

AN Aboriginal-led breast screening initiative to improve cancer outcomes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women has recordedanincrease in testing numbers -asthe state government works to drive down the gap in cancer survival rates in Victoria through the Victorian Cancer Plan 2024-2028.

Now in its seventh year, the Beautiful Shawl Project -apartnership between BreastSc reen Victo ria, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Con tr oll ed Health Organisation (VACCHO), and dozens of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) across the state -provides customised shawls that are culturally appropriate, familiar, and beautiful to wear during screenings.

Depicting culture and Country, the shawls are designed by talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and are given as gifts for the clients to keep after the screening. The project is already having a significant, positive impactwith the number of screenings among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

Sincethe Beautiful ShawlProject started in 2018, atotal of 1342 breastscreens have been conducted for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.

The projec tworks withACCOsand Aboriginal-led servicestoprovidefree breastscreeningonCountry -offering a culturally safe and responsive alternative to traditional testing.

It won the Excellence in Aboriginal Health and WellbeingAward at the 2024 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards for its progress in increasing accesstobreastscreensacross Victoria.

The Vic torian Bud get 2024 /25 has delivered more than $70million in funding for initiatives to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians, such as the Beautiful Shawl Project.

Part of this funding is supporting the deve lopm ent and impl ementat io no f VACCHO’s AboriginalCancerJourney Strategy2023-2028, an expanded statewide Cultureand Kinship program and aculturally safe framework to boost participation in cancer clinical trials.

The state governmentisworking to improvethe cancer survival rate across Victoria through the recently launched Victorian Cancer Plan 2024-2028, which identifies ways to prevent cancerand boost access to care, treatment and support for allVictorians.

The new plan is made up of nine medium and long term goals, including increasing the one and five-year survival rates, halving theproportion of people diagnosed with preventable cancers, boosting the proportion of women who re-screen for breast cancer and increasing clinical trial enrolments in

Quantum and MCMjoin forces

QUANTUM Support Services has announced it will join the MCM Group next month under anew collaboration model.

Quantum Chief Executive,Natalie McDonaldsaid Quantum had collaborated with MCM in the past and recognised both organisations complemented each other.

“Becoming part of the MCM group will offerpossibilities of growth and expansioninGippsland and regional Victoria,” Ms McDonald said.

“Quantum has astrong reputation for providing excellent serviceswithin Gippsland,while MCM brings experience in youth housing and education.

“Partnerships and collaboration are not new concepts to Quantum’sstrategy of deliveringits existing programs. We workclosely with many other organisations to deliver programstosupport our community’s needs.”

QuantumActing Board Chair, James Lye said joining MCMmadesense.

“Our respective boards did not enter into this agreement lightly. We both have similar strategic growth goals, including increasing the impact on our communities. Each organisation has astrong sense of what asuccessful future could look like together,” Mr Lye said.

“This collaboration strengthens Quantum’s financialsustainability and provides access to greater resources, enabling us to deliver more services locally in Gippsland. Joining MCM Group ensures that Quantum remains embedded in our community, while leveraging MCM’s expertise to expand our offerings and delivermore comprehensive support systems.”

MCM Group Chief Executive, Vicki Sutton said with MCM and Quantum joiningtogether,each organisation would be able to leverage its strengths to expand the support offered to clients.

“By having Quantum as part of the MCM group we can look forward to pooling our capacity, reach and shared commitment to quality services to create more pathways to possibilities for more Victorians,” Ms Sutton said.

MCM Board Chair, Jonathan Mortimer said each organisation shared similar values and aspirations, including increasing the impact for communities.

“For both Quantum and MCM, being part of a largergroup means greater opportunities to invest in service growth, innovation, and advocacy. We areexcited aboutQuantum joiningMCM Group and lookforward to creatingmorepathways to

possibilities for more Victorians,” Mr Mortimer said.

Under the new model, Quantum will remain a distinct entity with its own board, mirroring the structure of other MCM Group members, such as MCM Support Services, Hester Hornbrook Academy and MCM Housing. Quantum will also retain its local management, with Ms McDonald continuingtolead operations. Services willremain in Gippsland, delivered by localpeoplefor local communities.

Quantumhas supported the Gippsland community for more than 30 yearsand is seen as a leading provider of family violence, homelessness and family support services in the region. MCM is Victoria’s first and oldest community services organisation, established in 1854. For moreinformation on the support services available through Quantum Support Services, visit: quantum.org.au, or phone 1800 243 455.

ResearchrevealsGippsland’s health needs

GIPPSLAND Primary Health Network’s (PHN) has releasednew research that highlights Gippsland’s health needs and opportunities to improve access to care in the region.

The Health Insights papers -Health Needs in Gippsland and Building Health Equity -present a snapshotofGippsland’s needs, as well as revealing key themes around what’s important to people in Gippsland.

The data is part of a2 02 4H ealth Needs Assessment that provides an opportunity for priority populations in Gippslandtoshare their stories.

The Health Needs Assessment,which will be releasedinearly 2025, will inform Gippsland PHN’s work and help drive ameasurably healthier Gippsland. The data showed:

 Avoidable deaths from cancer are higher in Gippsland than in Victoria (34 per 100,000 population compared to 28);

 Gippsland life expectancy was the secondlowest in Victoria, at 80.9 years (compared to 83.5 year in Victoria);

 About 7000 people in Gippsland live with cause of

 More than half of adults in Gippsland drink alcohol at levels likely to cause injury, and;

 Fifteen per cent of children under 16-yearsold live in alow income or welfare-dependent family, compared to 11 per cent across Victoria.

Key themes that emerged from the consultation included:

 People value continuity of care with trusted clinicians, and are more likely to seek care and see the value in healthcare if they don’t feel judged;

 Participants highlighted challenges accessing appropriate care. Childhood experiences and trauma have asignificant impact on people’s mental health, and early interventions are important;

 Cost of accessing services, as well as geographic and transport challenges were major barriers to accessing GPs, specialist care and allied health, leading to delays in seeking care, or inability to access care;

 System-wide workforce shortages and long wait times impact people’s ability to access care in Gippsland;

 Participants emphasised that health is often

shaped by social and economic factors, including financial struggles, exposure to family violence, housing and homelessness, and loneliness and social isolation, and;

 The research highlighted gaps in people’s digital literacy, along with language barriers.

Gippsland PHN Acting Chief Executive, Angela Jacob said the Health Insights papers provided valuable data about health and wellbeing in Gippsland,and would informservicecommissioning for the Gippsland community.

“This consultation process has given us the opportunity to hear people’s lived experiences, which helps us to drive programs and activities that improve health and wellbeing in Gippsland,” she said.

“The data showed that investment in primary health in Gippsland is critical in helping improve people’s health and wellbeing.”

Gippsland PHN plays akey role in delivering healthservices to theGippslandcommunity, by commissioning local providers to deliver programs and services that respond specifically to local needs.

Combined: QuantumSuppor tSer viceshas announced it will join the MCM Group File photograph

Housing booms, counselling

By TOMHAYES

THE state government recently revealed more than 60,000 houses were built in Victoria over a12-monthperiod ending in September 2024, equivalent to about 168 homes per day.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows that about 61,300 Victorian homes were completed in over the 12-month period, compared to the 45,700 in New South Wales, and the 32,800 in Queensland during the same period.

The ABS data shows an 8.8 per cent increase for Victoria on theprevious 12-month period, while NSW saw adecline of 4.4 per cent on the previous 12-month period.

Sincethe release of the Housing Statement, Minister for Planning, Sonya Kilkenny has used her powers to deliver more than 15,000 homes -over a100 per cent increase on previous periods.

The stategovernment announced it would introduce ‘boldreforms’ to deliver more homes near train stations in suburbs close to the city, a10-year pipeline of land for family homes and backyards,

off-the-plan tax concessions, more townhouses in the suburbs, and more green spaces.

The state government will soon release its new plan for Victorians, the first-ever whole-of-state plan will set out how to further improve housing affordability and choice through to 2050,asthe population grows.

According to the state government, more than 30 per cent of Australian first home buyer loans are recorded in Victoria -the best of any state.

“Victoriacontinues to be number one in home approvals, number one in home starts, number one in home completions -and best of all, number one in first home buyers,” Ms Kilkenny said.

“While these results are encouraging, we know thereismore worktodo-that’s why (we’re) working to get more homes off the ground faster, so more Victorianshavethe opportunity to buy or rent a place close to their family, theirjobs, or where they grew up.”

However, the state government statement also mentioned: “Moreneeds to be done, because more homes mean more opportunities for young

Victorians -wewant to give themthe samechances their parents had”.

On the same day (Wednesday, January 22), the state governmentalso announced that it would support Victorians suffering with the rising cost of living, by expanding access to financial counselling services.

Minister for Consumer Affairs, Nick Staikos visited Geelong’s MeliCommunity -asupport service -toannounce that 16 Victorian organisations will share $15 million in funding over three years to expand and support the services offered to thousands of Victorians who are experiencing financial hardshipdue to mortgage or rental stress.

The additional funding will mean there are now 37 frontline service support positions across the state, according to the state government, to help moreVictorians accessadditionallocalfinancial counselling services.

These serviceswill provide support to helppeople get finances back on track, including working out paymentplans, andnegotiatingwithcreditorsand insurers. Thegrants willsupport tailored responses and providesupport for primary producersand small businesses in Western and NorthernVictoria.

The state governmentalsoannounced that as the peak body for financial counselling, Financial CounsellingVictoria is set to receiveanadditional $700,000 in 2025 to increase theirprofessional development, communications,and advocacy capacityinresponse to the increaseddemands on the sector.

Also receiving aboost is the Consumer Action Law Centre, to deliver specialist worker support services, giving frontline workers access to advice and training.

“As Victorian families continue to face cost of living pressures, our financial counselling services are there to help people to get their financial situation back on track,” Minster Staikos said.

“We’re investing in our financial counselling services and workforce so organisations can offer free help to thousands more Victorians.”

According to the stategovernment, it has invested more than $65 million over the last four years to support Victorian community agencies to deliver general and specialist family violence financial counselling.

The Financial CounsellingProgramsupported

more than 23,000 Victorians across 2023 and 2024, including 4100 affected by family violence. Throughthe state government’s$1billion Regional Housing Fund, it aims to deliver 1300 social and affordable homes acrossthe state, announcing on November 27, 2024, that of the first 1000 homes to be built,110 would be built in Inner Gippsland and 65 in Outer Gippsland.

VICTORIANHealth Minister Mary-Anne Thomashas been asked for aplease explain afterthe Latrobe Urgent Care Clinic in Moe was suddenlyclosedtopatients without notice on Monday, January 13.

The Latrobe UCC,which is supposed to take the pressure off hospitalemergency departments (ED) and servicesthe whole of theValley, also cut its hours of operation on Saturday, January 11 and Sunday, January 12, 2025.

“I have received calls from peoplewho attended the UCC on Monday, only to find it was shut, forcing them to attend the already overwhelmed ED at Latrobe Regional Health (LRH) ,” Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron said.

“Figures from LRH’s 2024 annual report show 57 per cent of patients waited more than four hours in ED, so we cannot afford to shift the burden to the hospital when the UCC is shut.

“There is also no pharmacy offering 24-hour service in the Latrobe Valley, making the UCC crucial in ensuring residents have access to urgent care when they need it." The state government confirmed the UCC had closed briefly, but that it was only a "short closure duetoworkforcechallenges" The clinic was backoperatingasofFriday, January 17.

The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 29 January, 2025 —Page27

The place to be: Statisticshaverevealed Victoria sharesmorethan 30 percent of the countr y’sfirst home buyerloans approved. Photograph: iStock

Australia united, not divided

THE annual debate surrounding Australia Day has inevitably resurfaced, prompting discussions that are both heartfelt and passionate.

While differing perspectives add richness to our democratic society, Iamwriting to express my unwaveringsupport for AustraliaDay and to highlight the importance of this national celebration. Australia Day is more than just apublic holiday; it is aday of immense significance that unites people from all walks of life.

It marks the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 and symbolises the birth of our modern nation. This day provides an opportunity for all Australians to reflect on our history and to acknowledge our achievements. In alittleover 200 years we havebuiltbustling citiesand aconnected country. We can justly celebrate the diverse and inclusive society we havebecome,while hoping those few presently activated by unreasonable rage will see the error of their ways.

Regardless of our backgrounds, beliefs, or affiliations, Australia Day offers acommon thread that binds us together.Itisaday to appreciate the shared valuesoffreedom,democracy, and the rule of law thatdefines ourcountry. It allows us to come together as one people,celebrating the unique mosaic of cultures that contribute to our identity. The festivities that take place on Australia Day are atestament to the spiritofcommunity and togetherness. From barbecuesand picnics to parades and fireworks,the celebrationsbring families and friends together, fostering asense of belongingand camaraderie. TheAustralian of the Year Awards, which are also announcedonthis day, highlight the remarkable achievements of individuals who have made significant contributionsto society, inspiring us all to strive for excellence.

Fur ther mo re, Au str ali aD ay pr ovid es an opportunity to celebrate theachievementsand contributions of immigrants who have chosen to call Australia home.

Our nation is built on the strength of its multicultural fabric, and this dayallowsustoappreciate the diversity that enriches our society.

It is atimetocelebratethe success stories of individuals and communities who have overcome challenges and thrived in their adopted homeland.

Australia Day is avital celebrationthat holds deep meaning for many Australians. It is aday to come together, reflect on our shared history, and celebrate the values that unite us.

By embrac ing an inclusiv ea nd respectful approach, we can ensure that AustraliaDay remainsa source of pride and unity for generations to come.

Let us seize this opportunity to build bridges, foster understanding, and continueworking towards abrighterand more harmonious future.

Elizabeth Jeffery Traralgon

Questions and answers

DAN Caffrey ('Questions stillremainover nuclear support from regional communities', Latrobe Valley Express Opinion,22/01/25) is stillasking about the cost of nuclear power but never revealing the cost of 'Going Green'.

Perhaps aclue to the cost of going Green was when Prime Minister,AnthonyAlbanese announced a $2 billion boost for the Tomago aluminium smelter to go green.

Could Mr Caffrey also tell everyone the benefit of Australia going from 1.3 per cent emissions to zerowhenChina continuestoemit32per cent annually, the USA 13 per cent, India 8.1 per cent and Russia 4.81 per cent?

After readingthe letter from Gary Squires about bushfires and fuel load ('Heed this warning', 22/01/25), Iwonder if any member of the Labor Partycan tell Victorians how many of the Black Saturday inquiry recommendations havebeen implemented?

By the way,doLily D'Ambrosio and her colleagues still use gas appliances where they live and work?

Brian Mawhinney Traralgon

Confusing prose

ON 22/11/23, ('Wizard Albo', LVE), Joseph Lis drew parallels between the Prime Minister, or "Albasleezy" as has been the consistent Lis infantile reference, and characters from The Wizard of Oz

These parallelsconclude Mr Albanese has"no moralcompass",is"devoid of all self awareness and humility", and "lacks brains".

Then,on31/07/24, Mr Lis ('Drastic parallels', LVE),indeed drewdrasticparallelsbetween Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, and the late SaddamHussein's Minister of Information.

In that letter, Mr Lis described Mr Bowen as "nothing more than afraudulent snake-oil salesman", guilty of "brazen trickery".

On 07/08/24, Iasked Mr Lis ('No comparison', LVE), which further "muddle headed analogies", and "former murderous and world threatening tyrant, terrorist and dictator" awaits us: "Hitler, Mussolini or Stalin?"

And of course, on 15/01/25,Mr Lis duly delivered, ('The greatestevil',LVE), aligning Chris Bowen and AnthonyAlbanesewithNazis, includingAdolf Eichmann, who was largely responsible for The Holocaust.

On 30/12/24,MrLis wrote ('Vocal local', LVE), "I will never be amuzzled spectator to unfairness or stupidity."

The problemofcourse is that Mr Lis cannot comprehend that foul and unconscionableabuse of politicaladversaries qualifies as unfairness and stupidity, let alonesome of his blinkered political views.

Mr Lis describes himself on social media as "a lyric poet", atitle whichinmyunderstanding precludes muddle headedand vitriolically insulting analogies, but generally requires respect.

On that note, again to Patricia Correa, ('Useless', 22/01/25, LVE).

Iwould have thoughtfor anyone, let alone one of our generation,touse Alzheimer'sasa throwaway insult, is the epitome of tastelessness.

Further letters however renderingPatricia "speechless" may be worthy of consideration.

FinallytoPeter Hopkins ('Moderate moderator', 22/01/25,LVE).

Iappreciateyouramusing suggestion, but potential public "sparring" may really be let down in the "good natured and intellectual" categories. Keeping you entertained weeklywith "delightful sniping", however, remains astrong possibility.

John Duck Trafalgar

COVID mask

THE letter by Anne Camier ('Rules are rules', 18/09/24) regarding pensionersmoving out of home becoming subject to land tax was informative,and showshow the state government is stillripping us off under the guise of recouping COVID spending, which thestategovernment went haywirewith during the handling of the pandemic. They spent taxpayer money on their mad hat ideas and now want the taxpayer to foot the bill again.

Another two years of this incompetent government. Will we survive?

Patricia Correa Traralgon

neither green nor free despite what Chris Bowen claims.

Energycosts affectevery part of our lives, particularly food and basic amenities.

When the spot electricity price soared by 85 per cent after Hazelwood Power Station closed, it confirmed Latrobe City’s brown coal is one of the cheapest and most reliable energy sources.

Carbon is not the enemy. Carbon is the foundation of life. It is one of the most renewable and versatile elements, and the key part of nature’scarbon cycle which has sustained life for millions of years.

Yet the Albanese government, Chris Bowen and the Greens, think they can outsmart nature by selling you arelentless cycle of wind turbine, solarpanel, and battery production, replacement, and disposal which causes massive pollution and environmental destruction with no energy security.

To protect the system, they’ve proven they’ll just shut off parts of your home ‘1984’ Orwellian style.

Nature has the solution. The Petra Nova project in the U.S. captures over 92 per cent of carbon emissions fromcoal-fired power plants. Japan purchased Petra Nova to secure its energy future.

Plus, Porsche and Siemens Energy use carbon for avehicle eFuel that emits 85 per cent less carbon.

Latrobe Valley has 90 per cent of Australia’s brown coal, with many hundreds of years of supply.

Latrobe City can be aworld leader in producing cheap, clean energy, creating thousands of jobs by exporting electricity across the NEM and eFuels to Australasia.

What future do you choose to live in? Follow the sales pitch of Albanese, Bowen and the Greens for massiveenvironmental destruction, astronomical energy cost and skyrocketing foodprices, or create afuturewhereLatrobe City becomesabeacon of energy innovation, economicprosperity, and sustainability.

Are you the child that can see the emperor has no clothes? Then it’s time to call it out.

Damian Andrews

Moe

Dates don't line up

JOHN de Souza-Daw suggestedthat the first 'Australia Day' wascelebrated on July 30, 1915 when theRed Cross used theday to raisemoney for the war effort('Change not easy, but often needed', LVE, 22/01/25).

It certainly wasnot an AustraliaDay celebrating theeventsof1788-itwas amoney raising event to get all of Australians behind the war effort.

In the early days, the other states did not wish to celebrate aday that was the foundation day of Sydney and of NSW,and no need to mention Melbourne and Sydney rivalries to explain why.

Theother states preferred to celebrate their own foundation dates relating to their state.

Thereare any number of references to Australia Day if one cares to search the historybooks. C.M.H. Clark in AHistory of Australia Volume VI on page 246 mentionsPrime Minister Stanley Brucetalking “at the Australia Day celebrations in Sydney on 26 January 1926”.

None of Mr de Souza-Daw’s arguments lessen the wishes of mostAustralians to have January 26 as our Australia Day.

The First Fleet under Captain Phillip landed at Botany Bay and by January 20, 1788, the whole fleet was at anchor.

The fleethad arrived at Botany Bay on the recommendation of Captain Cook, however it was soon discovered this site had sandy soil, no grazing for livestock and atotal inadequacy of fresh water.

On January 21, 1788, Captain Phillip sailed to explore Sydney Cove and he found this location much more suitable.

He returned to Botany Bay before sailing back to Sydney Cove on January 25 with the rest of the fleet arriving on January26whenthe flag was raised to commemorate foundation day. Some of our Indigenous population call January 26 Invasion Day. To label this dayassuch is obviously incorrect as the so-called invasion occurred on January 20, beingwhenthe wholefleetwas at anchor in Botany Bay and people had stepped ashore. Graeme O'Rourke Traralgon

Born again Bowen

THOMAS Paine of the French National Assembly once described trying to change the mind of adeeply religious person as like "administering medicine to the dead in the hope of curing them." Well, the obvious exhibit Number 1isEnergy Minister Chris 'Blackout' Bowen.

As with the religious martyr, if China and India build anew coal-fired plant every week (and they are) andwith the Trump administration pulling out of the Paris Net-Zero Accord,itmeans anything Australia might do, including going back to the StoneAge tomorrow, will make absolutelynet-zero difference to future 'global' temperatures. Virtue signalling and moral righteousness is all that appears to matter to Bowen.

Building wind turbines and solar farms gives his lifea transcendent truth,and all those'climate deniers'likemewho refuse to embrace the gods of climate alarmism and genuflect at the altar of this new quasi-religion can go to hell as far as Bowen is concerned.

Joseph Lis

Morwell

THE Latrobe Valley Express welcomes letters to the editor.

Preference will be given to brief, concise letters which address local issues.

The editor Liam Durkin, reserves the right to edit letters for reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publish any letter without explanation.

The Express does not publish letters from anonymous contributors.

Lettersmustinclude aphone number, email address and the author's hometown for purposes of substantiatingauthenticity. Readers are entitledtoarightofreply to aletter directed at them.

While healthy debate is encouraged, the editor will stamp out any that cross the line to defamation.

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

As such, statistics can quite often be fabricated depending on the poolofdata used or people involved in surveys.

Theletters section is designed to allow people to have their say, and not be hijacked for political agendas.

Letters regarding religion will not be published.

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

Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm.

Ongoing: Another week,another host of letters regardingthe Valley’senergyfuture. (LoyYang Apictured). File photograph

Solar success soaring under the radar

COMMENT

BY ADRIAN COSGRIFF

IREADwith interest the letter from Joseph Lis, who was lamenting over the loss of the Latrobe Valley’s coal industry (‘Losing what we have’, Latrobe Valley Express Opinion, 22/01/25).

Of course, Mr Lis neglected to mention that the exit from coal is adecision made by Australia as a nation. It isn’t adecision made locally.

Both major political parties have decided that Australianeeds to move to alow emission grid which, of course, has consequences for the Latrobe Valley.

Mr Lis goes on to make baseless and incorrect commentaryaboutthe cost and viability of a renewables plusenergy storagethat are now replacing said coal fired power. Inote he provides no evidence to support his claims.

On the contrary, renewable energy has proven to be an unmitigated success in Australia, particularly solar.

In fact, solar has been so successful that we are now producingmore electricitythan we can use during the day. It’s success and improvement has outpaced the development of thenationalelectricity market.Ithas exceeded the estimations of industry professionals.

Households areputting on home solar in droves. They wouldn’t be doing that if it wasn’t saving them money. Domesticresource has collectively become a very largeelectricity resource and is demonstrating whatisactually possible and achievable with abit of progressive planning, such as AEMO’sIntegrated System Plan.

What agreat problem to have. We are producing more very cheap, very clean electricity than we can use. That screams opportunity to me.

Imagine if our farmers were complaining because they had toomuchgrass.I’m sure they would pretty quickly find ways to monetise such an opportunity

As to the future of Latrobe Valley, Inote that Mr Lis hasn’t bothered to talk about the potential opportunitiesthat clean energywill create locally.

The jewel in the crown for the Valley is its large high voltage infrastructure that provides a connection to the east coast grid. This connection meansthat many large renewableenergyprojects and energy storage facilities can be easily hosted right here.

Of course, the biggest project to be hosted is offshore wind in Bass Strait. Multiple investment groups from all over the world have shown enormousinterest in developing the resource,which is considered world class.

Investment groups aren’t asking for large

taxpayer investment to make their projects work. International investment will be in the billions.

The offshore wind projects will create many wellpaidtechnical jobs for decades, which is quite timely as the Bass Strait oil industry is winding down.

The skills of Bass Strait offshore oil workers are very transferrable to the offshore wind industry. The timing is fantastic.

At the sametime,wealready haveBassLink terminating in the Latrobe Valleyand now the MarinusLink project is going through the process of development.

Further to that,there is alreadyseveral decent sized solar projects eitherapprovedorinplanning while the Delburn Wind Farm has started preliminary groundworks.All projectsthat are taking advantage of that large grid connection.

At the time of writing, there are also at least four large grid battery storage projects also approved or going through planning, which will be built in the immediate area in the next three years. Eg: the HazelwoodNorth Battery, theWooreenJeeralang Battery, the Tramway Road Battery, and the Loy Yang BBESS.

Because of the quality large grid connection the Latrobe Valleyhas, it provides the futureopportunity for the Valley to become atrue green energy hub supplying electricity to the National Energy

Market. Collecting various renewable electricity supplies, storing that energyand then distributing it to the east coast grid.

This has the potential to be afertile area for new types of businesses that can utilise the large amounts of very cheap clean electricityclose to the source while also offering grid support services at the same time. Businesses that will require many technical, well-paid employees for the future.

Mr Peter Hopkins wrote that he would liketo see the editor host apublic debate (‘Moderate moderator’, 22/01/25).

While Idon’t believe that should be up to the editor to organise personally, Idowelcome the idea. If Mr Hopkins wouldlike to organise such a meeting himself, I’m suremyselfand several others who contribute to the Express would be more than happy to be involved and speakpublicly, especially if Mr Hopkins can get Darren Chester to come along as arepresentativeofthe federal Opposition on their nuclear policy.

Let’s get the actual verifiable facts out there in the way that only apublic debate can so the wider public can better inform themselves via gaining access to unbiased informationrather than the misleading rhetoric they are being fed in the media. Adrian Cosgriff is aTraralgon resident.

Moe’syoung plumber one of the best in the business

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

MOE is home to one of the 12 bestyoung plumbers on the planet.

Sebastian Battista travelled to Lyon, France last September for the 47th WorldSkills International Championships, finishing 12th out of 26 countries that competed in plumbing and heating.

Battista was also awarded with aMedallion of Excellence for achieving atotal mark of 702 -one of just 145 Construction and Building participants to receive the honour.

Taking place at the gargantuan OL Stadium, 1400 competitors from almost70countries took centre stage across 59 different skills and trades. The atmosphere was something that stood out for Battista, all while he was tryingtofocus on completing his project in atimely and neatly manner.

“Going from training in here (Moe work shed) or even Holmesglen (Chadstone mock-up competition) there’snot that many people watching you, there’s not alot going on around you and then over there Ithink they said they had over 250,000 people come through, it’s abig thing,” he told the Express “I’m pretty happy with how I’vegone and how far I’ve gone and what I’ve done at that level, Idon’t think Icould ask for much more out of myself on the day.

“Everything came together the way Iwanted it to, it was just that everyone (above me) got there’s together abit better.”

Given ashorter period of time to prepare for the globalcompetition, Battista worked twice as hard-after work, after TAFE -justtoget to that high alevel.

“(I got given) past competitionstopractice on and you do them about four days aweek equivalent to training, fulltime on weekends and after hours you got to come down and do the training,” he said. “They give you amarking guide, planswillbe in different stages. They’ll just pick it at random which plumbing level, different measurements (it will be at) and then you get it in stages.” While he did have acertain amountofnerves when arriving to Lyon, Battista, who was into his fourth year as an apprentice then, said that while

in the thick of it there wasn’t much difference to the other national and mock competitions he had done in anticipation.

“I went into it feeling pretty good… it was just getting use to the different benders, the different tools, different cutters, everything was different that Ihad to work with, so that was mainly the big learning curve,” he said.

“It’s notsodifferent thatyou don’t know what you’re doing, but it’s just different enough to annoy youand throw you out that little bit,and of course, two (millimetres off) and you’re only scoring half marks, you had to be spot on which was the issue.

“But we got aroundit, we had the familiarisation day up theretoget used to it and figure out the kinks, we used all the time we could and (I) did the best Icould.”

Battista was supported with his entire family

making the trip over to France, right in his corner all the way to the end.

“It was nerve-wracking for us, so I’d hate to think of whatitwas like for him but that’s what sort of made him come out on top (so well) or get a position in the competition,” Sebastian’s father, Danny Battista said.

In Nov embe r, alon gw it ht he rest of the Skillaroos contingent, Battista was recognised for his outstanding accomplishments at aspecial celebration at Parliament House in Canberra, and was presented acertificateofachievement by Ministerfor Skills and Training, AndrewGiles.

The next WorldSki lls Interna tiona l Championshipswill be held in Shanghai, China in 2026 and with Sebastian now finished, there is potential to see younger brotherXavier takeupthe mantle and represent Australia and the Battista name next time around.

PE PAAAPER!

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

Familyaffair: SebastianBattista in Lyon with hisbrothersDominic(farleft),Xavier (far right) and parents,Dannyand Samantha.

Working: Sebastian Battistainthe midst of competition.

Recognition: Moe’s SebastianBattista is presentedwith his CertificateofAchievement by Minister forSkills andTraining,Andrew Giles, and Member forMonash, Russell Broadbent in Canberra Photographs supplied

Responsible standards set

NEW Food Safety Standardsfor growersof berries, leafy green vegetables and melons willcomeinto effect from February 12, 2025,maintaining the state’s reputation as aresponsible producer.

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand introduced the new food safety and compliancestandards in 2022 to the National Food Standards Code.

Agriculture VictoriaHorticulture Standards Engagement Officer,Emily Scott said the standards will assist in lifting food safety standards across the industry

“We are working closelywithindustry bodies and growerstosupportbusinesses implementingthe new standards with a timelyawarenessand engagementcampaign. Current food safety arrangements are recognised where possible, and our online system assists in documentingand verifying requirements,” Ms Scott said.

“The standards apply to businesses of any size that grow or complete primary or ‘early-stage’ processing such as washing, trimming,sorting,sanitising or storing of berries, leafy vegetables or melons.

“It is worth noting that many businesses are alreadymeeting the requirements in the standards, through their participation in industry food safety schemes.

“However, there will be new registration requirements which are managed through Agriculture Victoria Connect.

“If you grow leafy greens, melons or berries in Victoria, Iencourage you to visit the Agriculture Victoria website to learn more aboutthe implementation of thestandards across Victoria, and to sign up for the Food SafetyStandards e-news and keep up to date with upcoming events.”

Agriculture Victoria held awebinar on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 for berry, leafy vegetable and melon producers to learn moreaboutthe newprimary production and processing standards.

The webinar covered key microbial food safetyrisks, what is requiredtocomply with the standards for each industry, how global food safety initiative schemes were recognised, indicativecosts and where to access useful information and resources.

All producers are stillobliged to ensure food for sale is safe and suitable for human consumption priortothis new standard commencing.

New leadership at Federation

FEDERATION University Australia has appointed Wotjobaluk woman Katrina Beer as its inaugural Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous.

In the new positionMsBeerwill driveFederation’s Indigenous strategies to achieve better outcomes and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in education, training, employment, and research,and promote asustainable culture of inclusion, diversity and high cultural competency within the university.

Over her career, Ms Beer has built strong working relationships with government departments, industry andAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. She has more over 20 years’ experience in the vocational and higher education sectors, working with Federation since 2017,mostrecently as Senior Manager of the University’s Aboriginal Education Centre.

Previously, she ran her ownsuccess business,

Yanikan-Werritj Training andEmployment, working withAboriginal andTorres StraitIslander people to achieve their goals.

Lastyear, Ms Beer ledFederation’s successful bid for the 2024 Wurreker Award for Innovative KooreLearner Pathways award, and has also been recognised in Federation’s Vice-Chancellor’s Awards on numerous occasions.

“I am proud and excited to be appointed as Federation University Australia’s first Associate DeputyVice-Chancellor,Indigenous.I am passionate about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ and community advancement,” Ms Beer said.

“This role will build on self-determination principles and embedding respectfully cultural ways of knowing, being and doing with awhole of university strategy response.”

Ms Beer will work closely with the university’s extended leadership team, particularly Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Reconciliation,Professor Andrew Gunstone, who leads all reconciliation matters at the university, including the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice.

“I am delighted that Katrina Beer has been appointed as Federation University’s inaugural Associate Deputy Vice-ChancellorIndigenous,” Mr Gunstone said.

“Katrina and Ihave worked closely on arange of Indigenous and reconciliation matters over the past two years and I, along with the whole National Centrefor Reconciliation, Truth, and Justice team, are verymuch looking forward to continuing to work with her in her new transformational role.”

First round of Treaty negotiations underway

THE state government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria have agreed on the focus for the first round of Treaty negotiations in Victoria.

This follows close to adecade of preparatory work by the parties,includingAustralia’s first Treaty legislation passed by the Victorian Parliament in 2018, and the Treaty Authority Act which received bipartisan support in the Victorian Parliament in 2022.

Treaty is about making abetter and fairer state for every Victorian. Treaty will achieve practical change, with the initial round of negotiations focusing on securing afoundationfor Treaty in Victoria that recognises the relationship between the State and First Peoples.

Key areas will include structural measures to support reconciliation, truth, education and healing between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Victorians. The state government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria have agreed to discuss the following topics:

 The principles and objectives for Statewide Treaty, and;

 The legal recognition and effect of a Statewide Treaty.

The creation of an ongoing First Peoples’ representative body, including:

 Evolving the First Peoples’ Assembly into an ongoing representative body;

 Governance and oversight of arepresentative body;

 The role of arepresentative body in decisionmaking relating state government programs and services for First Peoples;

 Interaction between arepresentative body and the Victorian Parliament and government;

 Implementing the accountability mechanism under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap;

 Work to support ongoing truth-telling, education, healing and reconciliation in Victoria;

 Dispute resolution under aStatewideTreaty, and;

 Processes for negotiating future iterations of astate-wide Treaty.

Theparties have alsoagreed to add additional subject matters by agreement as negotiations proceed, and these will also be sharedwith the public.

The state government will be representedbysenior Department of Premierand Cabinet executives, and appointed Member Negotiators will represent the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria was established in 2018 and has proven to be an effective way forAboriginal Victorians to have asay as the work towards reconciliation continues.

Negotiations are overseen by the independent Treaty Authority according to rules set out in the Treaty Negotiation Framework.

Negotiations will involve weekly talks, and parties will release regular joint statements to keep Victorians updated.

Crackdown on tobaccolicencing laws

TOUGH new illegaltobacco laws have finally been adopted in

The

that

“Fire

“We

“Our shopping strips must be protected and not allowed to become aflourishing field for

“The new lawswhich require all tobacco wholesalers and retailers to be licensed are common sense and importantly help our police better manage Victoria’s illegal tobacco trade.” The amended tobacco legislation will come into effect this July.

Leaders: Federation UniversityVice-Chancellorand President, Professor Duncan Bentley, AssociateDeputyVice-Chancellor,Indigenous,Katrina Beer andAssociateDeputy Vice-Chancellor, Reconciliation,Professor Andrew Gunstone

Photograph supplied

Victoria after The Nationals and Liberals fought to introduce licencing laws.

laws that passed state parliament in late November will result in businesses caught selling illegal tobacco and vapes punished. Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, who spoke in favour of bringing forwardthe start of the licensing scheme, said it was an important win

hopes to bring more safety to all Victorians.

bombingsontobaccostoreshave dominated our news headlines for far too long, and Eastern Victoria has not been immune to the acts of fear and intimidation,” she said.

have had threefire bombingsinthe Latrobe Valley and one ram raid in Wonthaggi connected with the tobacco wars since Christmas day (2023) and enough is enough.

criminal activity.

One step closertoteachingcareer

TWENTY-NINE Education Support Officers

(teacher aides), currently working in Catholic schools across the Diocese of Sale, including nine from Latrobe Valley schools, havetakentheir first step to become fully qualified teachers.

Diocese of Sale CatholicEducation Limited (DOS CEL) ha sp ar tnered with Swinbur ne University of Technology to address the pressing issue of teacher shortages through an innovative teacher education program developed specifically for current Education Support staff (teacher aids) working in local Catholic schools.

The course, whichisanaccredited Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree program, provides sponsored study.

Following arigorous applicationprocess, 29 participants from schools across the Diocese commencedtheir studies lastweek, including the nine participants from Latrobe Valley schools.

The three-year accelerated progr am offers significant benefits to students, schools, and the Diocese including:

 An employment-based model, which will see students employed within schools at the beginning of year three;

 An applied learning pedagogical design, encouraging students to take their workplace experiences and link it to their university studies;

 Religious education accreditation included as part of the program design, and;

 Abalance of online and face-to-face delivery with afocus on care, connection, and community.

Diocese of Sale CatholicEducation Limited (DOSCEL) overseesand supports 45 Catholic schools within the Diocese of Sale, which stretches fromMelbourne’s outer southeastern suburbs, and rightthroughout Gippsland, reaching as faras Orbost in the east.

DirectorofCatholic Education forthe Diocese of Sale, Paul Velten expressed his enthusiasm for the new initiative.

“This collaboration between Swinburne University of Technologyand Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited not onlyaddresses teacher shortagesbut alsoinvests in the professional development of our dedicated support staff,” he said.

“We are excited to empower theseindividuals to take the next step in their careers and become

Next gen: Participants of the newAcceleratedBachelor of Education being offeredwithinthe Diocese of Sale CatholicEducation. Photograph supplied

influential educatorswithin our Catholic schools.”

Chair of Education at Swinburne University

Professor Sivane Phillipson echoed Mr Velten’s sentiment.

“Together with DioceseofSale Catholic Education Limited, Swinburne University of Technology sees this initiative as an innovative way of responding to the teacher workforce crisis,” she said.

“Thisinitiative offers ahigh-quality and bespoke teacher education program designed to value the experiences and prior learning of the Catholic support staffand positioningthem to be highly skilled teachers committed to Catholic education through an employment-based design.

“Swinburne is attuned to barriers for mid-career people to access teacher education. Programs such as this, designed by the Department of Education at Swinburne, recognise the realities of balancing work, study and family, and position students to be connected to lecturers and peersinasupportive

and growth-oriented manner. This partnership developedbetween DOSCEL and Swinburne is an exciting new chapter in high-qualityteacher education.”

Latrobe Valley participants are:

 Lachlan Guy (St Kieran’s Primary, Moe);

 Lilly Tunks (St Kieran’s Primary, Moe);

 Maya Stenfors (Sacred Heart Primary, Morwell);

 Callum Stewart (St Vincent de Paul, Morwell);

 Robyn Mihaly (St Gabriel’s Primary, Traralgon);

 Meg Morris (St Michael’s Primary, Traralgon);

 Lauren Wilson (Lumen Christi Primary, Churchill);

 Emma Poore (St Joseph’s Primary, Trafalgar), and;

 Stacey Lia (St Joseph’s Primary, Trafalgar).

Bullying concerns remaininyoung children

THE beginning of the school year can be an exciting time, but it can also bring aboutconcerns for many children and parents.

One of the most significant concerns, according to Kids Helpline, continues to be bullying. The impacts of bullying can lead to low selfesteem, health problems, poor gradesand tragic outcomes.

“In the last 12 months, over 3000 (five per cent) of Kids Helpline counselling sessions were directly related to this issue, highlighting the needfor more intervention. Australia rankssecond highest for teen bullying among 24 OECD countries,” yourtown Chief Executive, Tracy Adams said.

“Unfortunately,one in seven young people, aged 10-14 years of age, expressed thoughts of suicide when they made initial contact withKids Helpline counsellors relating to bullying in 2024.

“Childrenand young peopleare telling us they can’tsee away out of bullying. Theyare searching for practical support; they are searching our Kids Helplinewebsite in increasing numbers looking for self-help tools to deal with bullying (including cyberbullying). The information on the Kids Helpline website is to notonly educateyoung people

but to reassure those experiencing bullying that there is away through it.

“More than 178,000 individuals accessed bullyingrelated information on Kids Helpline’s website in 2024.

“yourtown’sKids Helpline @Schoolprogram is available nationally in primary and secondary schools (thanks to our principal partner Bupa Foundation). It provides early intervention and support to studentsand teacherswithin the school environment.

“Teachers can access classroom resources and book free Kids Helpline @School sessions to have the support of Kids Helpline counsellorsdeliver virtualworkshops with classes to helpchildren and young people develop resilience, manage relationships, and become comfortable with reaching out for assistance.”

KidsHelpline offers thefollowing tipsto parents to help children to develop their resilience by:

 Focusing on the behaviour as being the problem; separate behaviour from identity. For example, “such and such is bullying you. That behaviour is not okay.” Rather than: “person xis such abully!”;

Schooldropoff favoured

NEW research released by national insurer

AAMI revealedthat more than half (56 per cent) of primary school children are now driven or accompanied to and from school by another adult, with only athird (37 per cent) of parents allowingtheir kidstotravel to schoolunaccompaniedorwith other kids. This is in starkcontrast to previous generations, when almost seven in 10 Australians (69 per cent) used to walk, bike or scoot to and from primary school by themselves.

When digging deeper to identify why Australian parents no longer allow their children to travel to and from school unaccompanied by an adult, more than three quarters (78 per cent) cite safety concerns -with the majority(61 per cent) worried aboutdrivers not payingattention -and 17 per cent blaming their children’s lack of road safety awareness and sense.

As the first full week of the 2025 school year getsunderway, national insurer AAMI and the Australian RoadSafety Foundation (ARSF) are warning Aussie drivers to pay attention to speed limits in school zones, slow down and keep alookout for children crossing roads.

AAMI’s research revealed alarming insights on dangerous driving behaviours

Aussiesadmittoinand around school zones including:

 Aquarter (25 per cent) admit to speeding through school zones because they didn’t notice signs;

 More than one in 10 (12 per cent) do not always follow school ‘Drop and Go’ zone rules;

 12 per cent admit to speeding through school zones when they don’t see any children around;  12 per cent admit to being distracted by theirphone while driving or queuing in aschool drop off zone, and;  11 per cent have double parked or stopped inthe middle of the road in front of theirchildren’s school.



Being curious. This helps young people realise that bullying is not their fault. For example, “I wonder what’s going on for that person that they would act in such an inappropriate way. Why do you think they are behaving like that towards others?”;

 Empower by exploring options and outcomes.

“What would you like to happen? What’s the best way to get the outcome we want?” Rather than: “Give him ataste of his own medicine”, and;  Show compassion/be the bigger person. This can be incredibly empowering for ayoung person; most young people want to do the right thing and be well thought of by others. Remember: this is not about ignoring/not responding. This is about responding the right way. For example, “hmm… it must be hard to feel like the only way you can build up your self-confidence is by bringing others down. It’s important we role model good behaviour rather than resorting to insulting them back…”

To reach Kids Helpline, phone 1800 55 1800 or go to kidshelpline.com.au or for schools, go to schools.kidshelpline.com.au

Additionally, theresearch found that mo re th an aq ua rt er (28 per cent) of Australian driverswereconfused about school zone speed limits and times, while 22 per cent of Aussie parents were confused about their children’s school ‘Drop and Go’ zone rules.

AAMI and the ARSF’s top tips for Back to School Road Safety:

 Expect the unexpected: children have limited road-safety awareness and experience and can behave unpredictably;

 Look out, look out there are children about! Always look out for children disembarking from buses or cars;

 There are rules for areason: if dropping off or picking up your children, know and follow yourschool’s safety directives;

 Park distractions and focusonthe job at hand: avoid driving distracted and follow all road rules and signage, and;

 Take time to teach your children about road safety, where you can walk, scoot or bike withthem to school so they learn vital life skills.

Guide

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Using high qualityequipment and the rightexper tise to fulfil most cleaning tasks,including the ability to access hard-to-reach places and high buildings (up to 15m).

GutterGleam Gippsland understands thereare many people who simplydon’t have time,orthe ability, to scale the roofs of their homes to under take maintenance.This is wherethey assist in not onlysprucing up oper ty,but also prolonging eofhouse gutters,thus ducing therisk of waterdamage, issues,allergens and fires.

Servicing the Latrobe Valleyarea and all surrounding districts,the team pride themselvesonbeing reliable,convenient, trust worthy and efficient.

On-siteworkiscompleted by Jay, with wifeLaurenhandling all the admin and business side of things GutterGleam Gippsland’sJob Management System allows customerstoviewtheir quotes and

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Customerswill also receive maintenance reminderswhen their next clean is due and the impor tant JobService Report with beforeand afterpictures on completion of jobs

Protecting your proper ty is thetop priorityofGutterGleam Gippsland, being fullylicenced and trained in Working at Heights, fullyinsured against injuryand

proper ty damage with aminimum of $20 million in Public and Product LiabilityInsurance,as well as holding current Working With Children’s Checkand Police Check, youcan trustthatGutterGleam Gippsland will look afteryour proper ty

Business Guide

Angelcard Readings

CHURCHILL

Angus, Limousin, Jersey, Hereford and Friesian, very quiet. 0447 331 762.

CAVOODLE pups, 16 wks. Vet check, vacc, t/trained, independent. Cat friendly. 1M, black, 1F, golden, m/c 956000016553760/1596. $2300 neg. 0438 397 187.

Clearing Sales

(Affirmations Only) Direction purpose and focus. If you are struggling

TRAVELLER 4person instant tent, never used, paid $399 sell $200. Hazelwood North. Phone 0447 040 447.

CLEARING SALE

A/c Estate of ULazzarotto &A&MLazzarotto0417 349 245

Listing, photos &live updates on the status of the sale can be found on Alex Scott &StaffLivestock Facebook page and www.alexscott.com.au (click on rural, then clearing sales) NO Buyers Premium. Terms: Cash, Cheque and Card facilities available

Contact: Neil Darby 0418 595 265

CLEARING SALE

930 KOONWARRA -POUND CRKRD, POUND CREEK Friday, 31st January 2025 at 10.30am Farm Equipment and Building Supplies: New Holland 2004 TL90 Tractor with FE loader and forks; Burder FE loader bucket; Hydraulic bale spinner; Husqvarna ride-on; Toro ride-on; Silvan spray tank; 2.5 tonne flat bed tandem trailer (reg. 16/6/25); small trailer suit ride on; Brushcutter; grass seed spreader; Gen tech elec. start generator; Jetfire gas heater; Stihl 85/103 chainsaw; Makita jack hammer (only used once); Stihl post auger (2 man); Ryobi drill press; Lock Motiver &Lockface templer; Subaru concrete vibrator; Karcher Steam cleaner; Bromic pump; Rato petrol water pump with hose; Makita drop saw for cutting steel; elec. planer; Honda push mower; Crommelins pump with hose attachment; assort. oil drums; 2013 Holden Commodore station wagon, 280k (reg. 11/5/25); Ford F250, not reg., not running; mag rims; galv. steel racks; galv. steel rafters; assort. steel lengths; LVL timber planks; wall panelling, MDF &cement sheet; assort. timber planks; rolls wire mesh; timber steps; aluminium Aframe trestles; shelving; filing cabinets; assort. tiles; doors; galv. Acrow props assort. lengths; assort. building sundry supplies; laser light panels; foam waffle pods 225mm; Kingspain air-cell insulation blanket; expansion rubber set up 100mm; pink bats; forma tube; tie downs; Kingcrome trolley; extension leads; tool boxes; builders quick set concrete; concrete trowels and screeds; bunting; nail gun; marking paint; ass hand tools; Makita grinding disc; jerry cans; saw stools; skirting boards; sink; assort. ladders; assort. brooms; rakes; star pickets and caps; gates; shipping container; wire and wire spinning; porta loos; temp fencing with blocks; IBC shuttles; mesh wire; elec. fence energiser; barb wire; ass fencing materials; assort. poly fittings; solar panel fence energiser; rio bars; sundry items too numerous to mention.

Household Items: Chest freezer; assort. Eskies; golf clubs; recliner lounge suite; Zeigler Brown BBQ (brand new); Webber bbq; plastic chairs; Simpson washing machine; wine barrel; exercise equip; Hark upright Smoker.

TRAFALGAR, Moving sale. 40 Chapmans Rd. Sat. and Sun. 8am-2pm. Fruit trees, garden ornaments, tools, furniture, freezer, bar fridge, budgies and bric abrac.

HAY

30 small squares, $10ea. Hazelwood North. Phone 0447 040 447.

HAYCOVERS?

TRARALGON, 19 Wirilda Crescent, Saturday, 8am5pm. TV's, dining set and more, orchids $5 aplant. MOVING SALE. Everything must go!

IRONMAN Soft Shell rooftop tent, only used once, ex/condition,

Gippsland

Outside Vendors: Super Spreader; carry all; calf crate; Cosmo articulated 300ltr cone spreader; Gallagher calf scales-as new. Terms: Cash, Cheque or Eftpos onday of sale. GST applicable. Number system and Photo ID for registration. www.nutrienagsolutions.com.au/ clearingsales

time, it is advisable to meet in apublic place and let amember of your family or atrusted friend know where you will be.

We would advise readers and advertisers to exercise caution in giving out personal details. This will be respected by genuine respondents.

Door Installer

andMOE

Specialising in all domestic work. REC.4188. Phone Peter

GARDENING DONE

Would you liketodeliver the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper to individual homes on Tuesday and /or Wednesday afternoons in Traralgon and Moe.

Please apply to: The Circulation Manager0456000 541

Please note: Children must be 11 years or over as we will

DELIVERERS WTD

ADVERTISERS

PLEASE NOTE:

Pruning, planting, weeding, small jobs through to large jobs, shed clean ups, rubbish removal, etc. Reasonable rates, pens. disc. Under NDIS the cost of services may be covered by your Care Provider. Reliable and efficient. Police check. Fully insured. 18 yrs exp. Chauncy The Gardener. ABN 17268203656. Call Richard 0401 345 345.

GARDENS &LAWNS

Lawn s/g arde na nd pruning. Fully insured. NDIS and aged care work. Phone 0421 640 044.

Much hardship and difficulty is caused to job seekers by misleading advertising placed in the employment columns. Our Situations Vacant columns are reserved for advertisements which carry aspecific and genuine offer of employment. Ads for `Business Opportunities' and `Training Courses' and `Employment Services' should be submitted under those headings. Placing misleading ads is an offence against the Trades Practices Act and state/territory fair trading

THANK YOU

To gentleman with the Jaguar who helped and

Deaths

ALDRED, Alan Albert John.

Passed away peacefully after ashort illness on 23 January 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Latrobe Regional Health Traralgon.

Aged 74 years

Dearly loved and loving husband of Dianne. Much loved father of Sandra, and Dean. Stepfather of Jody and Kate. Treasured Pa of Thomas and Jack.

Deeply loved and sadly missed

BENTLEY, Patricia Ann (Trish).

9/10/1967 -24/1/2025 Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Health surrounded by her family.

Loved and loving wife of Andrew. Much loved Mum to Danni, Nikki and Mikey. Mother in law to Harry and Lara.

Proud and loving Nanny to Jessie and Ollie. Forever in our hearts

DAVIS (Bourchier), Irene

'Lorraine'. Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on 25th January, 2025.

Aged 86 years

Be lov ed mo the ra nd mother-in-law of Tracey and Rob (dec.), Gillian and Joe, Tania and Robbie, Leanne and John. Loving Nan of 15 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Forever In Our Hearts

DREW, Henry Thomas. 23/3/1930 -22/1/2025. Ador ed husb and of Margaret (dec.). Loved uncle, 'Dad' to Tammy and Mark, cherished Poppy to Molly, Isabella,Fynn (dec.) and Taj. Step-dad to Judi, Phil, Graeme and father-in-law to Yvonne and Inger. Pop to Michael, Paul (dec.), Gary, Erica, Meg, Nicholas (dec.), James, Jan and Björn. Life may end in death, but memories will last forever. In our hearts always!

EDWARDS, Lloyd Alfred. 20/12/1937 -22/1/2025. Aged 87 years

Formerly of Traralgon East. Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Health. Will be sadly missed and remembered always

Much loved husband of Doreen, father and father-in-law to Wendy and Chris, Cheryle and Marty and Debra. Grandfather and friend of Kaitlyn, Sarah and Dylan, Emily, Jordan, Rebecca and Georgia.

FITZSIMON (nee Heal), Nola Mary.

Late of Traralgon, and formerly, Stawell. Passed away peacefully on 23 January 2025. Aged 85 years

Dearly loved and loving wife of Kevin (dec.) for 60 years. Much loved daughter of Ron and Kathleen (both dec.).

Love dm ot he ra nd mother-in-law of Catherine, Julianne and Dominic, Elizabeth and Andrew, Andrew and Fran, Matthew and Leah, David and Petrina, Michael and Emma, and Paul.

Treasured Nanny to her 12 grandchildren.

Your beautiful smile forever in our hearts

KERR, Malcolm Edward. Born 20 November 1937. Passed away 23 January 2025. Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Health, Traralgon. Aged 87 Years

Dearly loved husband of June for 64 years. Much loved father of Darryl, Linda and Ian. Father in law of Carreen. Adored Pa to Melissah and Lach lan .G re at Grandpa to Logan, Brooklyn and Savannah.

Dearly loved, Sadly Missed "Sero Sed Serio"

MERCER, Allan. Passed away 10 January 2025 at Baw Baw View Moe, surrounded by his loving family. Loving husband of Beryl (dec.). Loving father to Cheryl, Adam, Darren and Michael (dec.). Loving father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather.

OSBORNE (nee Wallace), Katie Linda. 27/10/1931 -20/01/2025 Passed away peacefully at Narracan Gardens. Aged 93 years Loving wife of Howard (dec.). Cherished Mum of Phil, Katrina, David, Helen and families. Grandmo ther, Great Grandmother and loved Aunty. Always in our memories

PEACOCK, Norma. 22/8/1940 -26/1/2025. Passed away peacefully at Traralgon Aged Care. Loved and loving wife of Joe. Loved mum to Michael, Mark and Leanne. Mother-in-law to Gregor and Emer. Dearly loved Nanny to Rhiannon, Callum, James, Alex, Joel, Mikayla and Josh. Great-Nanny to Heidi and Jack. Forever in our hearts

STANSBURY (Mann), Lorraine Margaret. Passed away peacefully at home in Moe on 20 January 2025.

Aged 77 years

Dearly loved and loving wife of Les for 57 years. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Sharon (dec.), Joanne and Boris, Nicole and Les. Adored Nan to Tonya and Wade, Benn and Meika, Whitney, Jaryd and Jess, and Oscar.

Great Nan to Archer (dec.).

Alovely lady. Lorraine was abeautiful, gentle devoted wife and mother. Avery proud Nan and Great Nan.

Iwill always be grateful for the support and love she gave me. Les.

Mum, my world will never be the same without you.

More than just aMum, youwere my best friend, my sounding board, voice of reason and greatest support adaughter could ever have. You taught me to be str ong and independent. Which helped me through many tough times. This one's the toughest. Miss you so much Love you Jo XXX.

We still have so much we need to talk about, and we need your support now more than ever before. You were taken from us far too soon and our hearts are forever broken.

Thank you for everything you taught us about life and living, and everything else you have done for us. Our lives will never be the same without you. All the love in the world, forevermore, Benn and Meika XXXXXX.

Nan, the world is alittle less beautiful and the stars are alittle less bright without you here anymore. Ihave to believe that this isn't goodbye forever but simply see you later. Iwill miss you forever. Love Jaryd and Jess.

Nan, Ihave woken up every morning since you left us hoping it was just a bad dream. I'm going to miss you so much. Love Oscar

Mum, it is going to take a lifetime for me to believe you are gone. Ihope you knew how much you were loved, admired and appreciated. We will look for you in the ones you loved. And promise to speak of you often to keep you with us always. Love Nicole and Les.

Nan, you weren't supposed to leave us yet. Iknow you are giving all the snuggles to our little man, your precious great grandson. We miss you and love you. Tonya and Wade.

Quiche Lorraine, I'm holding on to the white bunny so you can't knock it over and make this real. Ilove you. Whitney.

THORBURN (Lyons), Judith. 2/9/1953 -20/1/2025. Loved sister of Lynette and Stan. Aunt to Nicole and Grant, and Michelle. Loved great aunt to Abby, Holly and Jacob. Will be sadly missed Forever in our hearts

WHITING, Eric Andrew. 5/7/1965 -21/1/2025

Passed away in LRH, Traralgon with Madeleine and loved ones by his side. Loved son of Tom and June (both dec.). Will be missed dearly by daughter Madeleine and reunited with daughters Rachel (dec.) and Rebecca (dec.). Brother of John and Kay, brother-in-law of Peter and Prue. Larrikin uncle to adored nieces and nephews. Rest In Peace Gon Fishin' APrivate Memorial will be held.

WULFFERS (Baillie), June Frances. Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Valley Village surrounded by loved ones on 26 January 2025. In her 94th year

Beloved wife of Bill (dec.). Much loved mother of Dianne, Julie, Lauran, Mark and Simon (dec.), loved mother-in-law of Mark, Lytton, Darryl and Colleen.

Loving Nanna June of 15 grand children ,18 grea t grandchildren and 5great, great grandchildren.

Close to our hearts you will always stay, loved and cherished every day, a laugh, asmile, aditty or two, that's the way we'll remember you. Now reunited with Dad. Rest in peace Mum The family will organise a memorial service at alater date.

EDWARDS. The Funeral Service to Celebrate the life of Lloyd Alfred Edwards will take place in the Rose Chapel at Gippsland Memorial Park Cre ma tor ium , Cemetery Drive, Traralgon on FRIDAY (31 January 2025) commencing at 11am. The service will be Livestreamed, the link will be on our website: www.harwood funerals.com.au

FITZSIMON.

ARequiem Mass to Celebrate the Life of Nola

Mary Fitzsimon will be held at St Michael's Catholic Church 33 -35Kay Street Traralgon, SATURDAY (1s tF eb ruary 202 5) commencing 11am. The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for burial at the Traralgon Lawn Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park. This service will be livestreamed, to view please visit our website at: www.latrobevalley funerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

KERR. AGraveside Service to celebrate the life of Malcolm will take place at the Gippsland Memorial Park Cemetery, Cemetery Drive, Traralg on on THURSDAY (30 January 2025) commencing at 2pm Funerals

ALDRED. The Funeral Service and committal for cremation for Mr Alan Aldred will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway Traralgon on MONDAY (3 February 2025) at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre would be appreciated. Alan's Service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream please visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

BENTLEY.

The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Patricia Ann (Trish) Bentley will take place at St Michael's Catholic Church, Church St, Traralgon on FRIDAY (31 January 2025) commencing at 1pm. APrivate Cremation will follow.

DAVIS. AService to celebrate the life of Lorraine Davis, late of Trafalgar, will be held at the Nielsen Funeral Chapel, Korumburra Rd, Warragul MONDAY (3 February 2025) at 11am. The Service will also be live-streamed. To view Lorraine's Service please visit: www.nielsenfunerals.com.au At the conclusion of the Service the cortege will leave for the Willow Grove Cemetery.

STANSBURY. Lorraine's Service was held TUESDAY (28 January 2025) at 11am. Lorraine's service was livestreamed. To view the livestream please visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on livestreaming

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

OSBORNE. AFuneral Service for Mrs Katie Linda Osborne will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6 Ollerton Avenue Moe, MONDAY (3 February 2025) commencing at 1pm. Private Cremation This service will be livestreamed, to view please visit our website at: www.latrobevalley funerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

In Memoriam •

PEACOCK. AThanksgiving Service to celebrate the life of Norma Peacock will take place at the Traralgon Uniting Church, 19-29 Park Lane, Traralgon on MONDAY (3 February 2025) commencing at 12 noon. APrivate Cremation will follow. Please see: www.harwood funerals.com.au for livestream link. No flowers by request, in memory of Norma, a donation to acharity of your choice would be appreciated.

PONTON, Jillian (Jill). 13/3/1945 -5/2/2019. Mum, it has been so long since we saw you, but we all feel your love every day. Our family continues to grow, your legacy continues to shine in everything we do. we love you Mum so very dearly. Yourlovinghusband Keith, loving children and spouses, Daryl and Louise, Wendy and Stu, Rhonda and Matt, Geoffrey and Billie-Jo. And your beautiful grand-children Brylie and Jason, Jackson and Jenni, Caitlin and Ben, Loren and Luke, Chelsea, Lewis, Cayden and Matty, and your gorgeous great grandchildren Jos, Ha rry, Charlotte, Kita and our new baby boy Teddy who you would adore as much as we all do.

When you lose someone close to you, it can be hardto put your thoughts and feelingsinto words Apersonal message in the Latrobe ValleyExpress can say so much

Forfriendly adviceonhow

David Wayne. 26/1/1966 -4/8/2016.

of

JAMES,

Abig piece

my heart lives in heaven with you, David. Happy birthday on Australia Day. Your loving Mum, Paul and your siblings, Joanne and Andrew XX

Birthday Memoriam •

Clinic begins new coachingventure

TENNIS BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

EVEN if it’s the middleofthe season, there’s always time to forge ahead and cultivate initiatives to increase participation.

Heyfield Tennis Club and Nambrok Tennis Club combined for asummer holidays coaching clinic which ran from January 16 to 19, with help from Gippsland Tennis Coaching.

With both clubs finding numbers,particularly among juniors, to be dwindling, acollaborative four-day event saw close to 40 participantsaged betweenfive and 14.

The initial new year program was afirst for the team at Gippsland TennisCoaching, who have now committed to coaching at each club every weekend to go along with training in Traralgon, Moe, Warragul and Drouin.

Split between the Gordon Street, Heyfield and Nambrok Hall Road venues, the easy-going clinic gave each regional tennis club the opportunity to provide local kids further learnings from coaches it wouldn’t usually be able to supply.

Nambrok Tennis Club Secretary, Jayne Jackson highlighted the praise that was heaped on Moe TennisCoach, Fletcher Nilsson, who conducted sessions from all levels of ability and ages entirely on his own.

“We had a13-year-old that had aone-on-one session with him for an hour or so and then had groups of six to eight kids at five-years-of-age, so it’s ahuge difference,” she said.

“He was very adaptable and they were all really impressed with him especially in the heat… some of them didn’t finish until 2.30 in the afternoon and they started at nine o’clock (in the morning), so it was big days for Fletcher especially at Nambrok.”

Equally, Heyfield Tennis Club Secretary, Cayla

Silvester noted feedback surrounding Nilsson on the day, which begins their newfound relationship.

“A lot of comments we had (from)somecommittee members there during the day supervising… all they could hear from the court from the little kids wasjust giggles whichwas really,really good to hear,itwas abit cute,” she said.

“Expanding to have Mark (Stevens) and Fletcher on board is areally important move that the committee’s decided to do and can offer alot more different programs for the different members of our community.”

Nilsson admitted the challenges of such ahefty

and unfamiliar group, but that he is looking forward to continuingtoteach these juniors as he enters his fourth year with Gippsland Tennis Coaching.

“The toughthing wasjust tryingtofind theright group for every single kid because there’s alot of kids, really prettymuch all of them were new kids… so it’s abit of an adjustment because nobodyknew what was going to be going on. Whether one had been playing for adifferent club or another (who) had never even touched aracket before,” he said.

“(The kids were) really, really good, I’m surprised like all were really outgoing, easy to talk to.

“I’m shockedwith how many kids there were

especiallyfor such small towns… being able to get thatmany overthe school holidays especially while alot of people will be away was special.”

Clubs supplied food and drink during lunch breakstoease pressure on Nilsson who handled all of theactivitiesonthe court with the kids.

Heyfield is aiming to run another coaching clinic around Easter and are in talks to secure grant funding that will boost opportunities for the sport in the country town.

Smaller tennis club Nambrok had been suffering drastically in the wake of the pandemic, but following alandmark redevelopment of its facilities is slowly rebuilding and finding anew group of kids for its new coaches.

“We went from 23 kids on aFriday night to zero (afterCOVID), then the courts got done up in that period of time as well and just trying to get the kids back,” Jackson said.

“You lose that group that progress past beginners and then they don’t want to do it anymore and it’s trying to getthe kidsbackinatground level (that) hasbeen really hard and securing acoach.

“We’ve gone through three coaches because they’ve moved away and that our numbers aren’t substantialenough. So, we’re very luckythat Gippsland Tennis Coaching are willing to try and build up numbers and give us ago.”

Head coach of Gippsland Tennis Coaching, Stevens works with Tennis Australia and United States Professional Association as aprofessional coach, who was training AmericanMitchell Kruger at the 2025 Australian Open.

Stevens participatedatthe ITFWorld Seniors Championships, attaining aranking of Number 5 in singles and Number 3indoubles, and has been ahitting partner for numerous playersduring the Australian Open over the last 10 years.

Burnout legend Christou enters Hall of Fame

MOTORSPORT

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

LOCAL burnout legendChris Christou was recently inducted into the prestigious John Peterson Burnout Hall of Fame during the annual Summernats car festival in Canberra.

The distinction honours his significant contributionsand achievements in the burnout scene spanning four decades.

The Moe man and his iconic Electric Blue Phase II GTHO have been revered since he burst onto the scene featuring on the Street Machine August/ September 1984 cover before winning back-to-back SummernatsBurnout Championshipsin1990 and 1991.

Heading up to the beloved event practically every year, Christou wasn’t aware of his honour untilitwas announced on stage, with his family keeping it asecret from him and believing he was simply being asked to present an award to one of the current drivers.

“I never thoughtI’d make it to this point. It just opened another chapter (for me),” he told the Express “One minute it was just me having fun and it goes out there, which alot of (current ones) are doing that anyway but my car’s been given recognition for along time, it’s beenout there… it’s been crazy."

The 1971 Ford Falcon has been lauded and gushed over by membersofthe car community since it came into the spotlight, and while still being workedonatthe moment, has practically been the one he’s driven at any event or otherwise since he brought it as a19-year-old. Despite being amuch revered and valuable

vehicle, Christou has nevershiedawayfromtaking it for aspinand tearing up some rubber duetothe care he shows for his 'Blue Thunder' as apanel beater by trade.

“I stilllove doing it andI don’t feel any doubt about it, Ijustlove it,” he said.

“The kids don’t want to do it because their cars are too good to do it with, but me because Ifix my own cars it didn’t bother me.

“There’s alot in getting this (car) to do the right thing. You should have brand new tyres, Iuse to do it on big tyres which Inever had aproblem with and alot of other people didn’t, and for that reason there’s areal game of how you do it and how you don’t do it.”

Christou mentioned he prefers to keep away from

the barriers and not see the Falcon get damaged, noting he’s only sufferedminor damages if the tyres explode.

Christou was famed for his fist-out-the-windowdriving-style when front and centre, creating a cloud of smoke, which eventually evolved into two fists on display acquiring some trickery to keep the steering wheel in place.

“I’m abit of ashow-off, Ilove to give the crowd what they want to get, I’ve always been like that,” he said.

As acentral figure of the motorsport’s community, with appearances on Australian television (the Channel 9program In Melbourne Tonight)and in advertisement such as the famous ‘Real Men SmokeEagers’ ad campaign from Bridgestone, plenty of notoriety has come the way of Christou.

opening the Castlemaine Rod ShopBurnouts on January 5, and has been involved in many other burnout events across the stateand interstate. Despitegrowingwiser, the affectionately known ‘Mad ManofMoe’ still has plenty to give whether he’s behind the wheel or out among the crowd.

“You get up there (Canberra)and I’mgoing up to have fun and next minute you got people coming up to you and talking to you, next minute they’re asking questions and then they want photos and you’re talking and talking and talking -bythe time you’re finished you can’t even talk!” he said.

Christou recentlyhad the honour of officially

An escape for local youth: boxing

BOXING

By KIANA BROOKS-AMOR

BOXING ends violent lifestyles and boredom for local youth.

That's according to Traralgon Boxing Club's Hayden Morris, who said the club often attracts youthhopingtoavoid violence.

“A lot of them come for that. Iknow it kept me off the streets… being ateenager in Traralgon, there's not awhole lot to do, and having the gym there gave us something to do,” he said.

Morris said that the more kids learn how to fight well, the less likely they are to take it “out of the ring”.

“When youstart to understand it (boxing) more, the less you want to do it in the street, the less you feel you need to prove it,” he said.

He said boxing is a“self-motivated,” selfreflective, and “self-discipline(d)” sport.

Traralgon Boxing ClubCoach, CraigMorris said thatthe club’s focus for the 10 to 15 regular attendees is training, not fighting and competitions.

Associate Professor in Criminology and Social and PoliticalSciences at Melbourne University, Diana Johns, said that environments determine “conditions of exclusion” for youth, but boxing creates positive spaces.

Johns said that youth need spaces for forming identities, engaging with communities, and utilising their ability to learn quickly.

She said when communities do not offer these spaces, youth can disengage or turn to violence.

“You'relikelytonot care about the community that's pushing you aside… or worse, you might feel resentful and angry and then you can want to create hurt and harm,” she said.

She said that youth thrive in spaceswhich “tap” into their curiosity and offer “play and activity.”

“Young people alwayswant to engage with new things,” Johns said.

“Kids are creative and interested in discovering the world.”

She said boxing teaches risk management, responsibility, focus, and helps kids gain “a sense of control”.

She also said that for kids who have experienced or grown up in unsafe conditions, boxing allows them to express emotions and gain autonomy.

Latrobe City Counci lp lans to support youth in clude the Traral gon Recrea tion Reserve Multipurpose Pavilion and the Youth Infrastructure plan.

Youth development officer at Latrobe Youth Space, Jacqui Bolton said that healthy youth spaces support the “potential” of the “incredible and insightful young people in our community”.

“If there are no safe and inclusive spaces,young people may feel isolated and miss out on vital social connections and support,” she said.

“They are the future of the region, and we must do everything we can to support and guide them.”

Awesome: Nearly 40 kids participated at theHeyfield-Nambrok Januar yCoaching Clinic,as both tennis clubs eye to buildnumbers backup. Photograph supplied

Driving legend: Moe’s Chris Christou was inductedintothe John Peterson Burnout Hallof Fame Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Academylooksatfootynuances

FOOTBALL

THE Gippsland Coaching Academy is set to revolutionise the AFL coaching landscape across the region.

Launching next month, the pilot program aims to harness the expertise of leadingcoaches from AFL Victoria, Gippsland Power, Gippsland League, and the All Stars Program.

By creating astructuredplatform for professional development, the academy encourages coaches to refine their skills and knowledge while adhering to the newAFL coaching accreditation framework with an emphasis on continuous learning and development. The Gippsland Coaching Academy is designed with inclusivity and accessibility at its core. With foundational members drawn from the regions leading coaching groups, the program merges local talent and knowledge with broader coaching standards.

The academy sets out the following framework:

 Collaboration: By pooling resources from various coaching bodies, the academy ensures a comprehensive learning experience;

ATHLETICS

GIPPSLAND

Round 12 of Gippsland Athletics Club trackand field season washeld Tuesday 21st of January 2025.

ROUND 12 RESULTS:

Records

Women’s U/14Hammer Throw: –Brooklyn Wyatt 26.02 (24.93 previous record, Anna Quinsey-Munro2017)

Women’s MastersShotput: –Fiona Saltmarsh8.35(8.25 previous record, Fiona Saltmarsh2019)

800M

Men: Open –JackDoderico 2:03.77, Cameron Hughes 3:01.84; Masters–Ian Twite3:22.44

HAMMER

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 26.02; U/16 –Zaria Dalton 23.79; Open –Brandy Forget 22.38; Masters–Fiona Saltmarsh 17.40

Men: Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 24.94, Cameron Hughes 19.23; Masters- Stuart Dalton 21.80, Wayne Seear N/T

TRIPLE JUMP

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 7.96

Men: U/18–Justin Fernando 11.59; Open -Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 9.99, Cameron Hughes 8.34; Masters–Jude Fernando 10.50

2000M

Men: Open –Cameron Hughes 8:33.54; Masters–Ian Twite9:37.51, Jude Fernando 10:07.14

SHOTPUT

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 7.43, Xanthe Dalton 5.39; Open –Brandy Forget 7.03; Masters–Fiona Saltmarsh 8.35

Men: U/18–Justin Fernando 9.07; Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 9.93, Cameron Hughes 8.69; Masters- StuartDalton 7.88, Wayne Seear 7.15,Ian Twite6.41 100M

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 15.03, Xanthe Dalton 16.00; U/16–Zaria Dalton 12.75

Men: U/18–Justin Fernando 12.69; Open –Jack Doderico 11.39, Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 11.90; Masters–Jude Fernando 13.37, Wayne Seear 17.24

Gippsland Athletics Clubs Round 13 competition will be held Tuesday 4th of February, 6pm at the Joe Carmody Track, Newborough following aweekbreak after the Victorian CountryChampionships.

Events include: 100m, Javelin, 3000/5000m Run/Walk, Long Jump, Discus, 400m.

BOWLS

STRZELECKI NORTH MIDWEEK

PENNANT 2024 -25

Division 1W LD FA Dif Pts

Trafalgar 18 30 695 61580120

Traralgon RSL1 740 653 646 7101

Newborough 16 50 633 596 37 100

Drouin 16 50 692 641 51 92

Traralgon 15 60 647 648 -1 86

Warragul 15 60 622 666 -44 82

Morwell Club 15 60 646 671 -25 76

Moe 12 90 584 689 -105 47

Division 2W LD FA Dif Pts

Newborough 2101 0700 539 161148

Drouin 28 30 706 560 146129

Yinnar 18 30 694 588 106116

Trafalgar 25 60 583 653 -70 81

Neerim District 15 60 611659 -48 76

 Seasonal offerings: The inaugural program will span aseries of masterclass sessions that focus on essential coaching elements, and;

 No-cost participation: Notably, attending these initial masterclass sessions will be free for all coaches, eliminating financial barriers to professional development.

This structured approach not only enriches the local coaching environment but also aligns with national standards established by the AFL.

The academy’s launch on Tuesday, February 18 will serve as the first of the three dedicated masterclass sessions, each addressing critical focus areas for all coaches.

Details of these sessions are:



Masterclass 1: Creating aHigh-Performance Environment (Tuesday, February 18, Crown Hotel Function Room, Traralgon, 6pm-8.30pm);



Masterclass 2: Planning, Executing and Evaluating Training (Wednesday, March 19, Gippsland Power Centre of Excellence, 6pm8.30pm), and;

Division 3W LD FA Dif Pts

Newborough 38 30 714578 136123

Churchill 18 30 720 568 152120

Traralgon 36 50 661 594 67 101

Morwell 24 70 620 648 -28 72

Yarragon 14 70 569 672 -103 65

Drouin 33 80 525 749-224 47

Division 4W LD FA Dif Pts

Longwarry1 11 00 731 516215160

Warragul 26 50 692 582 110102

Traralgon RSL2 650 680 625 55 95

Garfield 14 70 572 676-10467 Moe 24 70 563 641 -78 63

Morwell 32 90 521 719-19841

Division 5W LD FA Dif Pts

YallournNorth 1101 0528 325 203 95

Drouin 46 41 451 396 55 62

Traralgon 45 60 411409 253

Newborough 45 60 386 427 -41 45

Yinnar 24 70 393 441 -48 45

Trafalgar 32 81 345 516-17130

Division 6W LD FA Dif Pts

Neerim District 26 50 427 397 30 64

Warragul 36 50 470 387 83 62

Churchill 26 50 426 4012561

Traralgon 56 50 428 404 24 58

Traralgon RSL3 650 413443 -30 56

Morwell 43 80 368 500 -132 29

STRZELECKI NORTH PLAYINGAREA

SATURDAYPENNANT 25 Jan 2025

Division 1W LD FA Dif Pts

Traralgon 18 22 960 746214155

Longwarry1 732 927 783 144136

Trafalgar 17 41 888 81375130

Newborough 15 61 874816 58 106

Drouin 14 71 776929 -153 91

Traralgon RSL1 471 845 921 -7685

Morwell 14 71 834 999 -165 85

Warragul 14 71 808 905 -97 76

Division 2W LD FA Dif Pts

Moe 1101 11009 697 312176

Morwell Club 17 32 928 813115138

Traralgon 27 32 897 791 106130

Neerim District 15 61 898 807 91 107

Traralgon 34 62 798 903 -105 89

Traralgon RSL2 471 758 889 -131 84

Garfield 12 82 754 882 -128 72

Thorpdale 13 81 732 992 -260 68

Division 3W LD FA Dif Pts

Boolarra1 912 987 691 296167

Trafalgar 27 41 856 871 -15122

Newborough 26 51 914800 114119

Drouin 25 61 839 846 -7 103

Yinnar 15 61 826 905 -79100

Moe 24 71 795 920 -125 86

Newborough 33 72 780 857 -77 85

Morwell 24 71 785 892 -107 82

Division 4W LD FA Dif Pts

Warragul 29 21 955 740215158

Longwarry2 840 1008 873 135145

Traralgon 48 31 870 81753141

Yarragon 16 51 909 873 36 112

YallournNorth (1)660 943 944 -1 107

Churchill 15 70 908 919-11 102

Neerim District 24 80 880 1036-156 68

Morwell 30 11 1727 998 -271 31

Division 5W LD FA Dif Pts

Traralgon RSL3 912 757 569 188144

Traralgon 59 21 725 574151139

Trafalgar 37 32 690 567 123124

Warragul 37 41 707 61493122

Garfield 27 41 698 644 54 111

Drouin 35 61 647 633 14 93

Morwell Club 24 71 604 725 -121 76

Boolarra2 291 592 739 -1 53

YallournNorth 22 91 603 719-11652

Morwell 42 91 528 767-239 46



Masterclass 3: Being at your best on Match Day (Monday, April 28, Crown Hotel Function Room, 6pm-8.30pm).

Each subsequent session will buildonthe themes of environment, training,and match day strategies, fostering awell-rounded coaching perspective. By emphasising these elements, the academy aims to equipcoaches with the tools necessary to enhance player performance and engagement.

While the initial focus is on the masterclass sessions, the Gippsland Coaching Academy is committed to cultivating aculture of continuous learning

In the latter half of 2025, the academy plans to introduce additional courses, including the new Elevate Your Coaching Course Bundle,which replaces the traditional Level 2Coaching Course. This coursewill furthersupport coaches in attaining their desired accreditation levels, ensuring that they can achieve and maintaintheir Bronze, Silver or Gold coaching status.

To register for individual masterclass sessions, future coaches will need to utilise the AFL Coach LearningPlatform to ensure coaching accreditation

SCOREBOARD

GOLF

CHURCHILL &MONASH

StablefordCaptain Vs President’s Day Saturday18th January 2025.

AGrade Winner: Adam West 40pts

BGrade Winner: MSmith 43pts

CGrade Winner: C. Stevens 36pts

DTL: 1. I. Fortune 40, 2. B. Kilday39, 3. G. Barnes 39, 4. C. Wilson 39 5. M. Brereton 39, 6. R. King 38, 7. S. Turner 37,8.D Burridge 36. N.T.P: 3rdM.Smith, 5th-, 12th C. Wilson (Pro Pin), 14th Adam West.

Target Hole: I. Fortune

Birdies: 3rdM.Smith, Adam West, M. Brereton, R. Abel, 12th Adam West, M. Brereton, C. Wilson.

Winner of the Captain Vs Presidents is Team Captain with 32.26 over Team Pres with 31.28 4BBB Tuesday21st January2025.

Winners: J. Blizzard&C.Barnes 50pts

DTL: V. Reid &J.Clegg 47pts N.T.P: 3rdD.Ellwood, 5th V. Reid,12th M. Hutchinson 14th J. Blizzard Birdies: 3rdD.Ellwood, 12th M. Hutchinson

MIRBOONORTH

Tuesday21st January,Stableford.

AGrade: MWoodall(7) 40pts

BGrade: OMcColl (20) 41pts

DTL: MRicher 39, BBradshaw, MSnell, G Shandley38, NTP: 4th DTaylor,6th MWoodall, 13th T Whitelaw, 16th RGourlay Birdies: 4th MSnell, DTaylor, 6th M Woodall, 16th RThompson.

Saturday25th January,Par

AGrade: MSnell (6) 2up c/b

BGrade: ALiebe (14) 5up. CGrade: NBaker (21) 2upc/b

DTL: JColeman 3up,J Robbins,S Evison, TBaker 2up,PCummaudo 1up c/b

NTP: 4th SBeitz, 6th PDraper,13th M Payne,16th PDraper Birdies: 13th JRobbins,MPayne,16th T Bradshaw.

MOE

Wednesday, 22 January 2025 WOMEN'S SUMMER 9HOLE STABLEFORD

Grade AWinners: Stanlake, Helen (23) 20

Grade BWinners: O'Reilly, Christine (32)

23

Grade CWinners: Rankin, Joyce(54) 16

GreatScore: Gwen Young (Birdie) @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th Susan Tulaul

8th Evelyn Mitchell

Thursday, 23 January 2025 OPEN Medley

Stableford

Grade AWinners: Backman, Shane (8)

39 C/B

Grade BWinners: Backman, Bradley(15)

38 C/B

Grade CWinners: Rodaughan, Peter(17)

38 Grade DWinners: Saddington, Les (23) 41

Place Getters: Randall, Damien 39 C/B , Collings,Dale 39, Henderson, Chris 38 C/B,

points can be added to their individual coaching profile.

Thelaunchofthe Gippsland Coaching Academy is asignificant milestone for the region, marking the beginning of astrong coaching culture built on collaboration, accessibility, and continuous improvement.

With free access to high-quality masterclass sessions and an expanded offering of courses in the pipeline, local coaches will have unparalleled opportunities to develop their skillsand elevate their coaching practices.

As the Gippsland CoachingAcademy preparesto launch,itheralds anew era for coaching standards in Gippsland -acommitment to excellence that will undoubtedly enhance the experience of athletes and coaches alike.

The academyprogram will be offeredin2025 alongside the secondyearofthe AFLGippsland Female Coaching Academy and 2025 pilot School Coaching Academy.

For more information and to register your interest in joining the academy, visit: aflgippsland.com.au/ gippsland-coaching-academy

Veenman, Laurie 38 C/B,Morrow,Darren

38 C/B,Knox, Terry37C/B ,Stanlake, Peter37C/B ,Papettas, Maurice 37 C/B, Panozzo, Gavan37C/B,Grant, Peter37 C/B,RICHTER, Michael 37,Davey,Stephen

36 C/B,Boyce,John 36 C/B,Pisa, John

36 C/B ,Wilson, Graeme 36, Great Score: Trevor Allan (Birdie) @8, Maurice Papettas (Birdie) @14,Peter Young (Birdie) @4, PeterStanlake(Birdie) @14,Shane Bruce (Birdie) @8, Wayne Yeomans (Birdie) @4, Nearest to Pin: 4th Tony Johnson ,8th Trevor Allan, 14th BruceSavige

Saturday, 25 January 2025 SPONSORS DAYOPEN MEDLEY

Overall Winners: 1ST: Jeff Condon, Craig Dunstan, Tony Johnson, Charles Johnson 54.625 2ND: Aaron Scullin, JackScullin, Peter Stephens,Steven. 55.875 Place Getters: Phil Backman, Shane Backman, BradleyBackman, John Boyce. 56.125, Tyler,Adam, Raymond Lubawski, Rob. 56.625 ,Mander,Graeme Wilson, RobertWilson, Duncan. 57.25, Peter Stanlake, Helen Stanlake, SteveNyko, Jan Beuthin. 57.5 C/B,Craig Rothwell,Sebastian Sscully, JayLangstaff, SimonStephens.57.5 C/B,Grahan Geisler,GerardHayes,Brian Dooley, Jason. 58.125 Nearest to Pin: 4th Tony Johnson ,8th GerardHayes ,14th GerardHayes MORWELL

22nd January 2025 Stableford

Winner SKarleusa 44 pts

R/U CPeter 38 pts

DTL: LFrench 37 pts

NTP: 2nd DVuillermin 8th RBoers 11th CBoers15th GClark

TRAFALGAR

Women's Competition 2Person Ambrose

18 HoleAmbrose: Winners: Ange Bayleyand Michelle Jarvis (15) with 63

RunnersUp: Donna Mellon and Sam Caldow (8) with 64

DTL: Cheryl Deppeler and BevKeilywith 69, June Tickell and Christine Payne with 69 and Nola Fordham and Di Moody with 71

NTP: 2nd Michelle Jarvis,5th Nola Fordham, 11th Linda Chapple,13th June Tickell,15th June Tickell

9Holes Ambrose:

Winners: Heather Savigeand Olwyn

Balfour (10) with 35

RunnersUp: LynPowell and Sandra Balfour (8) with 39

DTL: Gobblers: Olwyn Balfour on the 8th, Aileen McNair and SamCaldowonthe 9th and Di Moody on the 4th

Tuesday21/01/2025 -Stableford

Players: 36, Women 5, Men 31

Winner: Brian McKenzie (21)

Runner Up: Hank Fiddelaers(20 c/b)

DTL: Tony Pitt (20), SteveLawrence (19), Andy Kiss (19), Nola Fordham (19), Charlie Hooker (19)

NTP: RodBrisbane (5th)

Thursday: 23/01/2025 -Stableford

Players: 56, Women 18,Men 38

Women’s Winner: Olwyn Balfour (19)

Runner Up: SandraBalfour (18c/b)

DTL: Christine Payne(18), KarenSwingler (17), Aileen McNair (17), KarenMacGregor (17)

NTP: KarenMacGregor (15th)

Men’s Winner: Laurie Snowball (25)

Runner Up: Ian Outhred (24)

DTL: RobCusworth-Warner (21), Steve Lawrence (21), David Balfour (21), Franc Kiss (20), RonKeith (20), RonPyke(20), Graeme Grant (20)

NTP: Max Taylor (15th)

AGrade Winner: Bob Baldry43 pts

BGrade Winner: Toby Leggo 37 pts

CGrade Winner: Keith Westwood 41 pts

DTL's: WarwickGriggs 42, RobNichols 41, MickPeel 39, Adrian Jones 39, Glenn Roberts 38, Tony Johnson 38, Russ Grant 38, UweTomski 36, Chris Moody 36, Darryl Blackshaw36, PeterHeathcote36 C/B Birdies: 2nd: WarwickGriggs,Declan Leggo,Bob Baldry5th:JeffHasthorpe, Chris Brydon 11th:TonyJohnson, MickPeel, RobertFernance,Darryl Higginbotham 13th:Daniel Trease,Rob Nichols 15th:Ross Anderson, Wayne Robbins

Saturday, January 25h 2024, 4Person Ambrose Winner’s: Zavier O’Reilly, ScottMcKinnon, Matilda McKinnon, Josh Clarkson 49.875 DTL’s: AndrewCochrane,Joe Pedemont Andrew Tangusso,BradGriffin 53.5, Daniel Charles,JackMarshall, Les Ellis, AnthonyGould 53.625, Tony Shearer,Aaron Larkman, Stu Marriott, ParisChristian 54.25 C/B NTP’s: 2nd: John Hanley5th:John Tabuteau –Alison Bailey11th: Brian Fox 13th: Josh Clarkson 15th:Chad McKie

Hole in One: 11th:Brian Fox

Friday,January 24th 2024, Open Men’s& Ladies Stableford

AGrade Winner: Bob Baldry43 pts

BGrade Winner: Toby Leggo 37 pts

CGrade Winner: Keith Westwood 41 pts

DTL's: WarwickGriggs 42, RobNichols 41, MickPeel 39, Adrian Jones 39, Glenn Roberts 38, Tony Johnson 38, Russ Grant 38, UweTomski 36,Chris Moody 36, Darryl Blackshaw36, PeterHeathcote36 C/B Birdies: 2nd: WarwickGriggs,Declan Leggo,Bob Baldry5th:JeffHasthorpe Chris Brydon 11th:TonyJohnson, MickPeel, RobertFernance,Darryl Higginbotham 13th: Daniel Trease,Rob Nichols 15th:Ross Anderson, Wayne Robbins

YALLOURN

12 Hole StablefordSummer Competition.

Week 119/12/24

Div 1:(0-30) LynMcAlister 29 pts Div 2:(31-54) Heather Ware 27 pts Week 22/1/25

Div1:(0-31)Betty Dobson 27 pts Div 2( 32-54) Sue Caldow25pts

Region’sfirst junior champs

GOLF

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

MORWELLGolf Club and Yallourn Golf Club

hosted the inaugural Junior Golf Championship last week with raging success across the board.

The first junior golf tournament of its kind in the region featured 66 participants from across the state and Gippsland competing over two days at each course.

Notonly did the event count towards aspiring juniors Victorian Junior Averages(which go towards the Geoff Oglivy Trophy and the Future Champions Trophy) but players also received ranking points, giving some of them their first chance to leapfrog into other major golf tournaments.

Chairman of the Gippsland Junior Golf Championship, Paul Buchanan initiated the idea with Alan Bishop of Yallourn Golf Club and Morwell Golf Club President, Frank Tabone. Buchanan, an American, is agolf coach across the Melbourne metropolitan area and has been doing lessons at localgolf clubs in the Latrobe Valley for some time. He believed this was anecessity for the future of the sport in the area and its young country players.

“In Gippsland, we didn’t have any junior championships and Igrewupwith juniorgolf in the United States and what Idid was bring the most successful event in Florida to Gippsland,” he said.

“This event is something Igrew up with as akid. It started out with45kidsoverthree differentdays at three different courses and Iplayed in it every year until Iwas 18, so it is deep in my heart and we’ll keep it going for at least 10 years Iknow, so hopefully we see alot of (the kids) back.”

Smashing their expected pool of entrants,italso saw almost25kidsarrive from Melbourneaswell as from other suburbs like Bendigo, Ballarat and Colac.

The OverallStrokeChampions were Rehan Pervaiz of Sandhurst Golf Club (gross total of 140) and Vivian Zhai of Yarra Yarra Golf Club (162 total).

“Firstly, I’d like to thank Morwell and Yallourn Golf Club’s for hosting the event, the course was in great nick on both courses,” Pervaiz said upon accepting his trophy.

“Paul and the volunteers, you guys really made the event great. I’d liketothank my playing partners for having agood time and last but not least I’d like to thank my family and coach for always believing in me.”

One last surprise was awarded to the winners, as both Pervaiz and Zhai were presented exemptions straight intothe qualifiersofthe prestigious Australian Master of the Amateurs.

Subcommittees of both clubs who helped get this together now put their heads down and focus on ensuring that the next Gippsland Junior Golf Championships are even bigger than the last.

“A lot of effort by working (it) out and it was a test and atrial this year and Ithink we achieved what we wanted to achieve but we also learnt lots from it,” Tabone said.

Plans are already underway, with early projections that the tournament willexpand to a54-hole event (threedays, threecourses)whichwillelevate its status into potential world ranking and will only attract even more junior players.

Other championship winnerswere:Girls Nett Championship: Rebecca Boers (139 total), Boys Nett Championship: Cooper Underwood (136), Boys Nett -Division 2: Fletcher McLennan, Boys Stroke Championship -Divison 2: Tyler Elliott.

Other results: PeeWee Division: Nathan McGrath, Mixed Stableford Division -9hole: Aurora Snowdon, Stableford Boys Division: Hudson Brown.

Ladder leaders stumble to Drouin

BOWLS STRZELECKI NORTH

MIDWEEK PENNANT BY

MICHAEL HOLROYD

MIDWEEK pennant bowls continued in warm weatheronTuesday, January22with some excellent bowls played in bowler-friendly conditions. In Division 1, Warragul had anine-shot victory against Traralgon RSL.

Robert Renn and his rink of John Vickerman, Lynne Thomas and Gaye Renn won 26-18. Newborough won by 13 shots at Moe, with Sheryl Atkinsonand herrink of Maureen Leighton, Tony Knipping and Alan Ryan winning 27-16. Drouin at home upset ladder leaders Trafalgar, with Graeme Aubrey and his rink of John Bickerdike, Vince Mancarella and Jan Aubrey winning 31-11 and Les Firth won 30-15. Ian Miles won 34-20 for the visitors.

Morwell Club, with only Tarea Harle and her

rink of Duncan Hanlon, Vaughan Reimers and Lynne Smith winning 28-9, defeatedTraralgon by 12 shots.

Division 2

NEWBOROUGH(2) hada30-shot win over Morwell at Traralgon, with Robbert Cook and his rink of Brian Carpenter, Bev Luck and Jeff Wetzel winning 34-15.

Trafalgar (2) won by threeshots at home against Drouin (2) despite Rudy Kerkvliet and his rink of Glenda Jarred, Helen Kerkvliet and IreneDawson winning 28-10.

Yinnar won all rinks against Morwell Club (2), winning by 43 shots. Jennie Harrisand herrink of Russ Peters,Betty Fox andMax Aumannwon 28-7.

Neerim District had anine-shot win at Traralgon (2), with only the rink of Julie Adams along with Graeme Wingrove, Mel Neil and Gregg Chapple winning 34-21.

Division 3

CHURCHILL had a68-shot victory over Drouin (3), with Graeme Druryand his rink of Herb Kennedy, David Moir and Chris Thomas winning 42-8. Yarragon defeated Traralgon (3) by 26 shots, with Richard Chetland winning 31-12.

Newborough (3) won all rinks against Morwell (3) by 34 shots. Len Middling won 33-12.

Division 4

MOE(4) defeated Warragul (2) by 12 shots with only the rink of Margaret Wilson winning 25-9. Longwarry hadan11-shotwin overMorwell (3) and Traralgon RSL(2) defeated Garfield by 18 shots.

In Division 5, Newborough (4)defeatedTraralgon (4), Drouin (4) defeated Yallourn North and Yinnar (2) defeated Trafalgar (3). Warragul (3) defeated Churchill (2), Traralgon RSL(3) defeated Morwell (4) andNeerim District (2) defeated Traralgon (5) in Division 6.

Morwell win in return to home greens

BOWLS

STRZELECKI NORTH WEEKEND PENNANT BY MICHAEL

HOLROYD

ROUND 12 of Weekend Pennant continued in Division 1, with Morwell playing their first gameathome since fire made theirfacility unusable.

It was agrant return, with Morwell winning by 19 shots over Traralgon RSL. Kevin Pigdon and his rink of Michael Skinner, John Osborne and Col Grantwon 23 to 14.DannyMcKeown won 30-22 and Brian Kingsley 19-17.

The two top teams, Traralgonand Longwarry drew their match at Traralgon. For Traralgon, Matt Ferrari and his rink of Michael Morgan, Shane Chapman and Wayne Lynchwon 20-13, and James Scullin won 21-17. For Longwarry, Ken Towt and his rinkof Haydyn McCarthy, Col Finger and Craig Cousinwon 20-14and Jason Lieshout won 25-20.

Trafalgarwon by 35 shots at Drouin with NathanCook and his rink of Peter Rosenboom, Matt Leicester and David Cook winning 31-8. Wil McIlwain won 20-16 and Matt Schreyer 30-11 while Graeme Aubrey won 26-15 for Drouin.

Newboroughwon by 45 shotsatWarragul with the three rinks of Ryan Marston, Scott Jones and Sheryl Atkinson each winning 28-14 and Kevin Lovett winning 19-16.

Division 2

MOE defeated Neerim Districtby24shots, with Peter Phillips and his rink of Fred Martin, Darren Kane and Steve Pallot winning 31-10. Garfield won by 14 shots against Thorpdale with StephenBased and his rink of Les and GeoffPumphrey, together with JosephLenders winning 32-11.

Morwell Club won by four shots at Traralgon RSL (2) with Tara Harle and her rink of Jo Leslie, Vaughan Reimers and Roger Rejmer winning 38-19 while Max Gibbins won 29-11 for the home team.

Traralgon (3) won all rinks against Traralgon (2), with GrahamCross and his rink of Ron Baker, May Cross and Greg Swan winning 24-13 in a23-shot victory.

Division 3

BOOLARRA won all rinks against Morwell(2) at Newborough,withDavid Stevens and his rinkofBruce Davey, Janet Napierand Terry Parkerwinning 29-16. Yinnar defeated Moe (2) by 22 shotswith Tim Roche and his rink of FrancisCassar, Peter Bramley and Gavin Osborne winning 34-15. Newborough (2) had agood win against Newborough (3) by 31 shots with PeterPolicha and his rink of Chris Wagstaff, Mary Whelan and Len Middling winning 27-9. Trafalgar (2) had a10shot victory over Drouin (2) with Wayne Hurst and his rink of Daniel Quine, LukeMcFarlaneand Alex Brody winning 27-18.

Division 4

TRARALGON (4) won by one shot at Longwarry (2) with BillBishopwinning29-15 and for Longwarry, John McCarthy won 30-18. Churchillwon well at home against Yarragon, with Craig Flanigan winning 30-11. Warragul (2)won by six shots at Yallourn North, with David Gatewood winning 29-16. Neerim District (2) defeated Morwell (3) by 19 shotswith Robert Cook winning 29-12.

Division 5

YALLOURN North (2) defeated Boolarra (2) by seven shots, with Mary Weir the only rink up, winning 26-17. Traralgon (5) won at MorwellClub(2) by 13 shots with Ron Hales winning 25-14. Garfield (2) defeated Drouin (3) by 14 shots. Trafalgar (3) defeated Warragul (3) by 10 shots and Traralgon RSL (3) won all rinks against Morwell (4).

Division 6

NEWBOROUGH(4) defeated Drouin (4), Trafalgar (4) defeated Traralgon (6) and Neerim District (3) defeated Longwarry (3) with Moe (3) having the bye. In Division 7, Traralgon RSL (4) defeatedMoe (4), Churchill (2) defeated Thorpdale (2) and Warragul (4) defeated Traralgon (7).

Focus: Yallourn’sEvie O’Connell taking partin the juniorgolfchampionship

Photographs: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Line: Traralgon’s SarahFranklin putting Whack: Traralgon’s Mason Bishofftees off.

Generations: Kylie and Lachlan Franklin and LaurieHalland Evan Vitale from Traralgonduring the PeeWee competition.

Earnt: Overall Stroke Champions Vivian Zhai and RehanPervaiz were alsoawarded with exemptions intothe Australian Master of the Amateurs.

Victory5161 days in the making

CRICKET

CLVPREMER A

BY LIAM DURKIN

AUSTRALIANS love an underdog victory.

The Australia Day weekend fittingly produced such in Cricket Latrobe Valley Premier A, with the promoted Centralsdefeating reigningpremier Ex Students.

For much of Saturday’sRound 11 fixture at Apex Park, it seemed atraditional batting horror show from the home side would lead to only one result.

But,while batsmen save games, bowlers win them,and the Lion trundlers did exactly this defendingwhatappeared to be mirage total of 97.

From 2/40, the Sharkslost theirnext four wickets for just 22 runs, on the way to being bowled out for 82.

The 15-run win gave Centrals much reason to celebrate,not least the fact it had been14seasons since the Lions had beaten Ex Students.

Centrals veteran Corey Pollard enjoyed one of his finer hours, taking the last threewickets,while Jake Littleton opened up the middle order with just as many

Ex Test quickNuwan Pradeep tookthe key wickets of Matt Dyke and James Pryde, bowling out to finish with figures of 2/22 off 10 overs.

No one complainsabout imports when they deliver in big games -atleast from the winning club.

While the Centrals bowlerscollected mostofthe accolades, some of it should havealsobeendirected Mark Rawson’s way.

The big hitter whacked 54 off 64 ballsinthe first half of the game, on ascorecard that featured just oneother player reaching double figures.

Ex Students could not be faulted with the ball, as all five bowlers used took wickets.

The Sharks openedwith spin, and Lee Stockdale (3/14) and Pryde (2/18) duly delivered.

Lakshay Panwar also had aproductive time, taking 3/23.

 WHAT adifference aweek makes.

Raiders gave themselves amuch-needed confidence boost, defeating CATS on their home turf.

An SOS call answered by Raiders veteran Mick Higgins saw him slot into first drop and peel off a calm 34, helping push the visitor’s total past 200. He partnered withGeorge Cheshire (57 off 95) in a101-run partnership for the secondwicket, while skipper Liam Maynard led by example,making 40. BurkeleyMacfarlane wasagain reliable, remaining unbeaten on 36.

CATS called upon just about every player on the field to roll the arm over, using nine bowlers.

Tinashe Panyangarahad some success with 2/26

The two sides must have eaten completely different afternoon teas, as CATS pretty much had the game lost by the third over when the scoreboard read astaggering 4/4.

Cheshire and Ben Rivers ripped through the top

order, taking five wickets between them, while Higgins cleaned up later in the piece with 3/44.

CATS captain Jamie Cochrane couldnot be blamed, as he made asublime 84 which included three sixes.

That he made 84 out of atotal of 152 on acard that featured five ducks would have given him every reason to be seething at the performance of his teammates.

His innings clearly illustrated the bowling or pitch was by no means unplayable.

The win was Raiders’ first since November, although in fairness theirdraw in thetime between victories saw them play the top three sides in Glengarry (twice), Ex Students and Morwell.

More broadly, another club president heeded a call to arms to help make up afirst grade side at the weekend.

CATS president Peter Duncan batted at 11 and was one of only two players not to bowl.

Hopefully it is not asignofdeclining participation,but this season hasseen anumber of players comingout of retirement/semi-retirement to play.

Raiders presidentJason Macfarlanehad to play in the firsts afortnightago, while former Traralgon West Chief Sam Varsacihas been called upon twice since Christmas.

Add to that names such as Justin Vajler (Latrobe) and Shane Peters (Mirboo North), both champions of their respective clubs, but not ones that should probably still be required to play AGrade cricket.

To his credit, Moe coach PatSpiteri has remained true to his word that he won’t be playing Saturday cricket this season, although there has likely been weeks where he couldhavejustifiablybeen in astartingXI. (NB: Spiteri plays Over 50sfor Gippsland Goannas on Sundays).

 THERE are some serious 2017 parallels between Richmond and Morwell starting to develop.

The Tigers of Morwell won their fourth consecutive match at the weekend, just as the AFL team carryingthe samemonikerdid toward the back half of its drought-breaking premiership season.

Granted there is still six weeks to go in the local regular cricket season,three of Morwell’s last four winshavebeenbyconvincing margins,which would surely give those with afoot in the Tigerland camp every reason to be confident.

Morwell added Toongabbie as its latest victim, gaining the points in aone-sided affair at Roger Ries Oval.

Officially Toongabbie’s mascotisaram, yeta lamb would have been amore accurate depiction after what transpired at the weekend.

It was true lambs to the slaughter after Morwell posted 223 before skittling their opponents for just 112.

Toongabbie had aNasser Hussain moment at the toss, electing to bowl first and seeing Morwell add 80 for the first wicket.

The Rams took just six wickets across 50 overs, as Tim Ford (55 not out), Fayaz Homyoon (44),Mark

Cukier (41) and Jordan Campbell(26) contributed to the total.

Gayashan Munasinghebowled well all things considered, taking 3/35, while spinner MattBarry picked up 2/48.

Some gamesyou just can’t put afoot wrong, and Morwell enjoyedsuchanoccasionafter tea,asthe Rams fell to 2/2, with both openers openers in the shed for globes.

Wicketscontinued to fall from there, and at 5/41, the contest was effectively over.

Cukier nabbed 4/20, Brendan Brincat 2/20 and Ford (who might be asmokey forthe league medal) 2/21.

 WHAT is even par at Ted Summerton?

Not 200, at least not against Glengarry.

The Magpies chased 194 against Moe, doing so with awhole 10 overs to spare.

The Lions got front pads mixed up with bats, as fiveplayers weredismissed leg beforeand only two made asignificant impact on the scorecard.

Andrew Philiptop-scored with 75, partnering with Benn Zomer who made 66 off 88 balls.

The pairput on 114for the secondwicket,before the dismissal of Zomer led to asteady procession.

Glengarry shared the wickets between six

stump yorker from around the wicket.

Discounting achop on,ifyou are bowlingAndrew Philip it is either avery good ball or you’re avery good bowler.

Freitagguided theMagpies to victory with an unbeaten 115 off 125 balls.

It wasn’t exactly smooth sailing for the left hander, who came in at 1/0 and was out in the middle when the score was 2/12.

Freitag and Ben Marks (63 red off 70) however wrestled back momentum, putting on amatchwinning partnership of 148.

Hyperbole aside, it wouldn’t be totally out of the question for someone to make adouble ton in a one dayer at Ted.

Freitag probably would have got there if it was the old Central Gippy days where you had to keep playing in onedayers evenafter aresulthad been reached.

You playtothe rulesofcourse, but just think how many players would have inflated statistics from this time.

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY LOWER GRADE SCORES

Saturday, January 25

PREMIER B(ROUND13):

Glengarry5/172 (P Henry77, JHodson63, SFreeman 3/24) def Churchill 7/169 (S Forbes 55, IAhmed 28,L Urand 27, TDuncan 3/29, PHenry2/10); Morwell 226 (C Giddens56, RFrancis 42, SGniel 37, CSeymour 25, JGiles 2/35, BBright 2/43) def Traralgon West 136 (D Cooke37, JGiles 34, RGray5/28, CMonds 2/30, B Reside 2/43); Ex Students 5/233 (D Churchill 108*,M Stockdale 66, AJaensch 26) def CATS 8/41 (C Potalej 4/10, BLewis 2/13); Thorpdale 1/240 (K O'Connell 106*, LMorphett 80*, ZO'Connell 34) def Mirboo North 83 (C Schellekens 29, ZO'Connell 4/27, LMorphett 2/6, MPowell 2/25); Jeeralang-Boolarra 143 (J Brierley 32, LSmith 30, THood 4/28, HBroad 2/8, MCooper 2/31) def Toongabbie 100 (T Hood 27, BMcCormack 4/25, J Brierley 2/13, LSmith 2/13).

BGRADE (ROUND 15):

Imperials 7/129(ADonoghue 28*,DCampbell 27, B Sizeland 25*, KScott 3/27, AVan Zuyden 2/17) def Rovers 128 (H Dunstan 4/24, AMoss 2/26); Willow Grove4/201 (H Phoenix 58,HBinstead 45, BHams 45) def Raiders 181 (K Hutchinson 35, HRai 35, JVarghese 25, MFalla 3/30, NWeatherhead 2/24, Jvan derStoep

bowlers. Al Jenkin (3/27), Nathan Allen (2/37), and Nat Freitag (2/47) the multiple wicket takers. Left armer Cam Graham however took the big wicket of Philip, nailing an off

Imperials bounce back over Wolves

CRICKET

CLVAGRADE BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THE last round of one-dayers before finals came and wentinCricket Latrobe Valley AGrade at the weekend.

Churchill still holds acommanding lead on the ladder, and there’s as much separatingsecondplaced Imperials from the rest of the pack.

 ROVERS made it look easy against Latrobe, as they leapfrogged the Sharks into third after winning at Duncan Cameron in Round 11.

Latrobe had first hit and struggledtokeep anyone in for asignificant period of time, with Cameron Freshwater (24), Jamie Coltman(23) and Sam Wilson (20) the best contributors in atotal of 117.

Rovers eliminated Latrobe in just over 40 overs, with Lachlan Patterson taking 3/32 and Ewan Williams 2/20.

By the time the field flipped, Rovers couldn’t be

stopped, as awicketwasn’t even sustained in their winning span.

Williams knocked an unmatched 68 not out at a90per cent strike rate, with Simon Duff 24 not out and Tyler Pearce retiring on 22.

 THE Cobras rallied against Mirboo North to continue their dominance over the competition.

The Tigers started off at Mirboo North Turf after Churchill elected to bowl, and showed good signs early on led by Iain Allan (32). However, asustained crippling stretch came with six successivemaidens.

Churchill bowled 15 maidens, with John Keighran taking 2/25 and Matthew Harvey 2/26.

It wasn’t acakewalk for Churchill once they had bat in hand, but it was still done in atimely manner across 24.4 overs.

BraeKelly madeanunbeaten74off 54 while Brendan Mason (27 notout) andKeighran (21 not out) also contributed  BACK to their winning ways.

Despite holding athree-game lead still for second

Stars stopped at first hurdle

CRICKET

BBL EXPORTS BY

TOM HAYES

MELBOURNE Stars and Morwellboy Peter

Siddle’s 2024/25 Big Bash League campaign has come to an abrupt end at the handsofSydney Thunder.

The Thunder defeated the Stars in theBBL Eliminator at Sydney Showground Stadium last Wednesday (January 22).

After sneaking into the top four and qualifying forfinals after winning their last five games of the regularseason, theStars wereprimed to continue on their run.

Big-hitter Glenn Maxwell had spurred on the Stars in many of those wins, as his formsat as one of the hottest in the competition.

With the Thunder squad somewhat depleted, missing openingbat CameronBancroft and allrounder Daniel Sams, the Stars had their chance to pounce when it counted.

Stars’ captain Marcus Stoinis won the toss and elected to field, and in doing so, it appeared to be the right decision with immediate effect.

With just the second ball of the innings, Tom Curran had the dangerous David Warnerwalking back to the dugout for asecond-ball duck.

Despite this, the Thunder’s middle order continued to chug along nicely, despite no one ever really getting their innings off the ground, with wickets falling consistently.

Siddle claimed his only wicketofthe innings during the 15th over, knocking over George Garton for five. But the brunt of the damage made by the Thunder happened before that.

Matthew Gilkes (28) and Sam Billings (24) both struck at around 100, while Oliver Davies (36)

stayed alittle longer to help close out the innings.

Thunder finished their innings with 7/135 after 19 overs. Theovers were revisedafterplay was delayed due to lightning.

As aresult, theStars would only have 19 overs to reach atotal of 136 to advance in the BBL finals.

The Stars lost their three top-order bats within the first five overs. Sam Harper fell for six, then Thomas Rogers went for one just two overs later, beforePeterHandscomb was the third to fall for 11 at 3/27 leaving Stoinis and Maxwell at the crease.

The two would bat on together for just over five overs,but it appeared as though the Stars had become too reliant on the duo,asthey weren’t able to pull through to the same extent as their recent history shows.

Stoinis was first to go for 15, withMaxwell departing in the very next over for 28. The scoreboard looked bleak now for the Stars, at 5/68 as they passed the halfway mark of the innings.

The only other effort that gave the Stars half a chance was 18 runs from bowler Mark Steketee, otherwise no other batter scoreddouble digits, and the Stars were skittled for 114 with an over remaining.

Siddle was the only batterleftstanding,making onenot outafter being introduced with six balls remaininginthe innings

The Thunder’sNathanMcAndrew claimed 5/16 from four overs, thusbringinganend to the Stars’ run, which first began as though they might struggle to find awin, starting the season 0-5.

The Thunder used the momentum gained from the win to rally and defeat second-placed Sydney Sixers by four wickets at the SCG last week.

Hobart Hurricaneshosted SydneyThunder in the BBL Final on Monday, January 27 at Bellerive Oval, Hobart. The game hadnot yetresulted at the time of print.

on the ladder,Imperials secured awelcome victory over Willow Grove by one wicket.

Imperials won the toss and elected to bat first at Willow GroveRecreation Reserve, setting up atough 186.

Nick Bulcock did the bulk of the work with 72, followed by James Skingle (24) and Tom Starkey (21).

RobertFiddelaerswas abeast with the ball, taking 5/33withDarcyWalsh supporting with 2/29.

The Wolves knew what needed to be done and gotstarted well enough.

Kyan Mulley opened with 46 and later down the order Luke Payton notched 64.

However, there wasn’t muchelse to come besides captain Josh Hammond (20), as after he departed Willow Grove fell short by 15 runs.

CRICKET

By DAVID BRAITHWAITE

GIPPSLAND cricket great BarrieWrigglesworth will recieve the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to cricket,bothlocallyand across Victoria. Amember of the famous Wrigglesworth cricket dynasty, Wrigglesworth was included on this year’s AustraliaDay HonoursList,celebratinghis long and celebrated career in cricket, both as aplayer and an administrator.

The achievements included on the notes outlining Wrigglesworth’s honour were numerous -and many otherswere possibly missed-which have seenhim receivinglifememberships at the Bundalaguah Cricket Club, Sale-Maffra Cricket Association(SMCA), Gippsland Cricket League (GCL) and VictorianCountry Cricket League (VCCL).

Arecipient of the Australian Sports Medal in 2000, Wrigglesworthplayed for the Bundalaguah Cricket Club from 1953 to 1996, and was captain of its first grade team from 1970 to 1977.Hewas club president from 1983 to 1989 and established andcoachedjunior teams for more than 20 years.

Wrigglesworthwas president and secretary of theGippsland cricket region between 2000 and 2004,and was recognised as aChampion of Gippsland Cricket in 2000. He was also a manager and selector for state junior and Victoria Country teams.

The VCCLinducted Wrigglesworth into the Country Week Hall of Fame in 2023.

At local level, Wrigglesworth wassecretary of the SMCA from 1972 to 1980, captained the SMCA GCL team over 10 years, managed the Country Weekteamfor 12, was chairmanof selectors, and aselector for junior representative teams. He was named as amember of the SMCA Teamofthe 20th Century and captain of the SMCA Team of the 1970s.

In representative games for SMCA, Wrigglesworthcurrentlyholds the record for most games (121) and most wickets (292).

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

3-0-15-0, NBulcock8-0-24-2, DThompson 3-0-7-0, S Aitken 8-1-21-1, JRandall 10-0-29-1

TRARALGONWESTVGORMANDALE at Jack CanavanOval

GORMANDALE BATTING

CPolo cS Varsaci bRFalla 41 MHibbs cunknown bLPhillips 55 YSoyza bLPhillips 3 NSoyza bRFalla 10 CPeaveycunknown bLPhillips 13

cL Phillips bJCooke 15

c&b HBright 4

WEST BOWLING

8-0-39-3, BFleming 10-1-19-0, HBright

Starkey took 4/42 and Bulcock 2/24.  GORMANDALE kept themselves in the mix with acomfortable defeat of Traralgon West at Jack Canavan. The Tigersbattedfirst, puttingtogether188 across 50 overs.

Captain MatthewHibbs (55) and Callum Polo (41) put on acentury opening stand.

Traralgon West’s Luke Phillips took 3/34 and Jack Cooke 3/39.

Gormandale wasthen able to hold the Eagles down, as Matt Griffiths was the only one to break ahead with 45.

SamVarsaci finished with18not out but the rest of the order was blitzed, especially in the backend by the Tigers outfit.

Patrick Brooks took 4/39 and Peavey 2/21.

During his prime he was among the first picked for the rarely-assembled Gippsland team, and he featured in several games for the Victorian Country team again international opposition, against India in 1967 and England in 1978. Thematch against India was anotable career highlight, withabowling return of 5/34,including the wickets of the NawabofPataudi and Bishen Bedi.

OAM recipients willattend investiture ceremonies at the Government House in their respective state or territory in coming months to receive the insignia of their award. This year is the 50th anniversary of Australia’s honours system.

GORMANDALE BOWLING

YSoyza 10-4-18-1, CPeavey9.4-2-21-2, NHeard8-1-26-1, PBrooks 10-0-39-4, DGanegodage 10-1-26-1 MIRBOO NORTHVCHURCHILL at Mirboo North Turf MIRBOO NORTH BATTING CAnders bR Whelpdale..................... 18 LAndersc BMason bJKeighran 14

BHeath c&b SWarr. 16 IAllan cB MasonbMHarvey. 32

LChila run out BKearns. 7 AScicluna bJKeighran 0 BAitken not out 25

MWoodall cRAyres bMHarvey. 6

DBanks not out 12 Sundries (0b 5lb 9w 0nb) 14 TOTAL (50 overs) 7/144

CHURCHILLBOWLING

JKeighran 10-3-25-2, RWhelpdale 10-2-32-1, RAyres 1-0-1-0, J Dunn 9-1-36-0, SWarr10-5-19-1, MHarvey10-4-26-2

CHURCHILL BATTING

BKearns bA Thomas 1

BKelly cLAnders bDBanks 74

RVelardicC

Immortal: Gippsland cricketgreat Barrie Wrigglesworthhas beenhonoured with an OAMfor services to cricket.

Photograph supplied

Something for the whole family

HORSERACING

By LIAM DURKIN

SUNSHINE, shade and socialising made for the perfectcombination at Moe Racing Club on Australia Day.

Sunday’s meeting welcomed picture-perfect conditions for an eight-card schedule.

While racing took place on atrack rated aGood 4, young familiesroamedthe grass areas, takingin avastarray of activities on offer for Kids Day Out Moe Racing Club made it an afternoon to remember for youngsters, as acarnival-like atmosphere developed west of the Hillside Pavilion.

Alarge section of the lawn area was taken up by mini-sports,with totem tennis and soccer popular, although not quiteaspopular as the numberof water pistols getting around.

Given the near 30-degreee temperature however, there weren't many complainingupon receiving the obligatory squirt of water.

Those wanting to really cool off had atowering waterslide on site, providing the perfect tonic in which to do so.

The poor souls making up band Wacky Creative may wellhave wantedtodivestraightin. Ever the professionals, the walking ensemble kept patrons entertained throughout the meeting, even underneaththeir Australiananimalthemed suits.

The races themselves saw asprinkling of local success, and amajor highlightwith the inaugural running of ‘The 58’.

Race 7was set aside for The 58, which as the namesuggests was aBenchmark 58 race, but carried with it a$58,000 prize pool.

The idea was the brainchild of Moe Racing Club committee member Brendan Blackshaw, who said the club wanted to reward everyday trainers.

“We’re hoping it’sthe start of bigger things to come, it’s been pretty well received by acceptances today,” he said.

Perhaps fittingly given it was Australia Day, a horse called Lucky Duck (trained by John Salanitri) saluted over Lavender Glory across 1200 metres,

in an endingtypifying the fighting nature of the Aussie battler -atleast by name association.

Trafalgar jockey Jason Maskiell rode the winner in the Race 6Ladbrokes Bet Ticker BM64 Handicap (1600m), steering Red on Red to victory for John Pascoe.

Moetrainer Peter Gelagotis had to contend with second, afterseven-year-old mare The Marg Factor failed to hold after leading with 400m to go.

DollarShotwon the Race1Ace Earthmoving 3YO Maiden Plate (1200m) for Pakenham’s Debra Nardino, which was followed by Gee Kristie winningnarrowlyfor Greg Eurell in theRace2 Captain

White knight nails Kings

BASKETBALL

NBL BY BLAKE

TRARALGON’S Jack White and Melbourne

United are getting back on their feet, winners of four of their last five games.

During that stretch White is averaging 17.8 points per game and 10.6 rebounds as United hold position at second on the NBL ladder.

Two recent awayvictories for United against Perth Wildcats(six points) and Brisbane Bullets (27) featured White prominently with 26 points and 16 rebounds in the former game and 17 points, six rebounds, and two assists in Brisbane.

Preceding that, United washandled comfortably by top-placed Illawarra Hawks 117 to 95 at WIN Entertainment Centre.

White finished with 15 points and eight rebounds in the loss.

Back in Round 16, White once again ripped the heart out of Sydney Kingsfans after another clutch performance against the interstate rivals.

United seemingly had the win in the bag at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, but alatesurge from the Kings tied the game at 88-all after they trailed by nine points with just aminute left.

Set up in the halfcourt, the ball found United guard and NBA champion Matthew Dellavedova in the corner, who preciselynailed acutting White for an easy deuce that gave them the lead with seconds remaining, forcing the Kings to throw up aprayer.

White finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists.

This followed about between the two sides earlierinthe season in which White nailed back-to-back three-pointers,leavingadismayed BrianGoorjian(Kings coach) wondering whyhe left him off of the Boomerssquad lastOlympics.

Afew days later, United completed their own rally to defeat New Zealand Breakers 91-89 at TSBStadiumacross the pond.

Facing a10-point lead, amatch-winning fourth quarter handed Melbourne theirsecond win in arow, with United veteran Chris Gouldingscoring the game-winning three over Jonah Bolden with 0.6 seconds left on the clock.

Former Philadelphia 76ers player Bolden is the son of NBL legendBruce Bolden who played one season for Gippsland Lakers (previous incarnation of Gippsland United) in 1986.

Whitehad just eight points butsecured 13 rebounds on the night.

Zap Maiden Plate, ran over 1100 metres.

Sunny Times was too good in the Race 3Ladbrokes

Mates Mode Pots Maiden Plate (1600m), winning for Reece Goodwin.

Sale’s Susie Wellshad asecond in the Race 4

Moe Optical Maiden Plate (2400m) with Clydebank Robber, who was pippedbythree-year-oldgelding

Thundering Falcon for Danny O’Brien (not the MP).

Maskiell came third in this race, on boardMarlin for Sale trainer Andrew Perdon.

The Race 5Moe Refrigeration BM64 Handicap (2400m) saw Tsitsipas do what his tennis namesake has not donerecently, winning by ahead over

Leading ladies: Moe Racing Club Treasurer, PaulineTurraand chief executive, Cass Rendell with the inaugural ‘The 58’trophy. Thebenchmark 58 race has beeninstigated by Moe as a waytogiveeverydaytrainersthe opportunityto competefor abiggerprize pool.

ZaafairSteal,which wasriddenbyTraralgon Cup-winning jockey Jamie Mott.

Five-year-old mare New York Diva closed the meeting by winning the Race 8Langden Constructions BM64 Handicap (1000m) for Enver Jusofovic.

Moe Racing Club will keep the collective vibes going at its next meeting, with Community Race Day on Sunday, February 23. For any kids in attendance last Sunday, racing might have provided the source of inspiration. An 11-year-old once rode the winner of the Melbourne Cup (100 per cent atruestory).

Shelley stocks continue to rise

BASKETBALL

WNBL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

SHEhas arrived.

Moe’s Jaz Shelley’s recent weeks are beginning to prove why she was drafted to the WNBA, and should have been given achance aftersuch asuccessfulcollege career.

As GeelongUnited forge to make finals in their first year of existence in Australia’s WNBL, injuries sustained to starters meant Shelley was pushed further down the line, but she has exploded to average 19.6 points per game and 5.4 assists.

In Round 11, Shelley began her run by helping her team snap athree-game losing streak by defeating Southside Flyers 76 to 70 at the State Basketball Centre.

Shelley had athen season-high20points, seven assists, and four rebounds as sheknocked down aclutch three-pointer from deep with a minute left in the game.

United however couldn’t match their previous efforts andsuccumbed to Perth Lynx 80-77 despite beginning athree-game home stand.

Shelley finishedwith 16 points,five rebounds, and three assists.

Come Round 12, United comfortably handled Sydney Flames, 90-70, and Shelley was again in thespotlight, finishing with acareer best in her debut WNBL season with 24 points, six assists, and three rebounds.

Despitewhathad previously transpired, two losses in arow against Bendigo Spirit (22 points) and TownsvilleFire (19) in Queensland, Shelleyfinished with19points in both games. That disappointment last week has now kept United out of the top five, although still tied forfourthwith two other teams including UC Capitals led by Traralgon’s Jade Melbourne. After an unfavourable start to theseason, the Capitals have jumped back into the picture with two wins in their last three games.

It began with victoryover Adelaide Lightning, 91-76, at AIS Stadium, where Melbourne finished with adouble-double (10 plus in two major statistical categories) producing 11 points, 12 assists, and four rebounds.

The Capitals then lost to Townsville, 105-71, with Melbourne finishing with eight points, seven assists and three rebounds.

Melbourne then securedher first triple-double (10 plus in three) of the season in awin over Southside FlyersbackatAIS Stadium (94-79) with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

Gathered: Local kids Reeves,Poppi, Claireand Tadhg,along with Vanessa Orville and Shauna Hillbrickonthe lawn at Moe Racing Club

Great times: Moe’s Jess Hurtado,Mila,Anna and Harveyenjoying Kids DayOut

Triumph: Gee Kristie,ridden by Luke Riordan,returnstothe mounting yard afterwinning Race 2at Moe Racing Club on Sunday Photographs: Liam Durkin

Thorpdale and Tigers go

FOOTBALL

By LIAM DURKIN

HE might have to pull on the boots himself.

Former Thorpdale footballer Rhy Gieschen has beenappointed Richmond Football Club’s national recruiting manager.

Gieschen has been with Richmond’s recruiting team for the past two years since joining the club as Victorian recruiting manager.

He is the son of Maffra’s Jeff Gieschen, who himself coached Richmond between1997and 1999. Somewhatironically, the paths of Maffraand Richmond have been almost identical since both won premierships in 2019, and now find themselves coming off wooden spoons.

Perhaps evenmoreastonishing is the links between Richmond and the potato farming town.

Rhy played two seasons for Thorpdale from 2014-15,missing just one senior gameinthat two-year stretch.

Richmondand Hawthornpremiership player

Barry Rowlings is from Thorpdale,while theTigers’ current AFLW coach Ryan Ferguson is the son of Thorpdale ‘everything man’ Dave Ferguson. Essendon is also well connected through 100 gamer Jason Winderlich and 1960s Bomber Jim Forsyth (whose son Tim wonbronze in high jumpat the 1992Olympics). All three grew up in Thorpdale.

Football is away of life for the Gieschen family. Jeff has seen the game fromall angles, as aplayer with Footscray, senior coach, and as the AFL’s umpire manager. He won two Trood Award and Rodda Medals for the Gippsland League best-and-fairestwith Maffra FNC.

The Gieschen name is synonymous with the Eagles, and the family has combined for more than 1000 senior games between them in the red and black.

Winston Gieschenheld the Maffra FootballNetball Club senior games record on 253 until it was surpassed by Daniel Bedggood last year. Rhy has worked for close to 15 years in the AFL

industry, holding talent and operational roles at the AFL, AFLCA and AFL Victoria.

Richmond General Manager Football Talent, Blair Hartley said the clubfelt Gieschen was ready to step into the new role.

“Rhydid an outstandingjob in assisting and guiding the recruiting process in the preparation for last year’s national draft,” he said.

“He hashad astronggrounding in the AFL industry, having played avariety of roles in both talent and operations.”

Who wins moregames this year -Maffraor Richmond? (Reckon you could get atight headto-head on that).

Big job ahead: Former Thorpdale footballer RhyGieschenwillbetasked with helping lead Richmond’slist rebuild. Photograph supplied

Sri Lanka’stour that landed in Morwell

CRICKET

By LIAM DURKIN

THEAustralian Testteamisabout to tour Sri Lanka.

It is 40 years since Sri Lanka toured here and played aVictoria Country team at Morwell.

Ex-state openerBob Baldry(from Warragul) captained the locals, who had future Tasmanian

quick Mark Ridgway (also Warragul) in the side.

Morwell's Wayne Mills played, and returned top figures of 2/15 off eight overs, dismissing Sri Lankanopeners SidathWettimuny(23 tests) and Marlon Von Hagt.

Gippsland Cricket legendGeorge Munro and Bairnsdale's last senior premiership football coach (1981) Murray Frew also represented the Gippsland side.

Arjuna Ranatunga made 89 in Sri Lanka's win

after the hosts had been bowled out for 100.

Many well-to-doGippsland cricketers have said Baldry was one of the best players to never play Test cricket for Australia.

He played 26 first class games for Victoria and more than 150 for Collingwood in Victorian Premier Cricket.

He purportedlyfaced bowlers the calibre of Michael Holding and Jeff Thomson without any issue.

MID GIPPSLAND

SLIGHT changes have been made to the original Mid Gippsland Football-Netbal l League 2025 season fixture.

Astandalone Sunday fixturewill nowtake place on April 27 betweenBoolarra and Morwell East(at Boolarra)onthe AnzacDay weekend The other five games in Round3play outas originally slated on theSaturday The only other changes centre on Morwell Eastand Thorpdale flipping their home games when they playeach other in Round 1and Round 14, with the Hawks now hosting the Blues in the opening week of the season.

High honour: TheGippsland team that faced SriLanka in Morwell, 1985. Morwell great Wayne Millsisthirdfromleftinthe frontrow Photograph