POLICE were in their numbersatMorwell’s MidValley Shopping Centre last Friday(October 4) afternoon, as Operation OMNI was underway.
Police searched 98 people, seizing four knives and one small bag of methylamphetamine.
Therewas also one occurrence of Hinder Police, as five offenders (two youths,three adults) wereinterviewed and aretobecharged via summons.
“Operation OMNI is an operationapproved by the assistantcommissioner of the easternregionregarding the Control of Weapons Act designated area for searching,” Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit Detective Sergeant, Mick Van Der Heyden explained.
“We have identified that Mid Valley and the surroundingcar parks and bordering roadshave had, what we believe, significant violent offences in the last 12 months.”
Lasting for just six hours between 2pm and 8pm, police were conducting random searches on the public, looking for weapons and other illegal instruments. Mid Valley was recognised as ahot spot for crime, after numerous records of dangerous activity taking place, including an assault on an elderly man by a group of five youths earlier this year.
your vote as earliest as possible this election
Bronzed Aussie
BALLOT packs have been sent for the upcoming Latrobe City Council elections.
Enrolled voters can expect to find ballotpacks in theirmailboxesthis week.
VictorianElectoral Commission Electoral Commissioner,Sven Bluemmel is encouragingpeople to vote as early as possible.
Traralgon’s Jade Melbourne was back home last week, and brought with her some special carry-on luggage from the Paris Olympics STORY - PAGE 39
Photograph: Tom Hayes
Morwell under themicroscope
Needing sufficientdata from intelligencechecks, reports and records to justify the application to the assistantcommissioner,once confirmed, Operation OMNI was given the green light to proceed.
“It’s atwo-pronged attack. It’s ageneral deterrent for people to bring knives and weapons to community locations like Mid Valley, but it’s also apublicrelations exercise where we can get some buy-in from the community to at least show them that we’re taking it seriously,” Det Serg Van Der Heyden said.
“We are lacking resourcesattimes, but we are dedicating ourselves to investigating knife crime and deterring some of our youth offenders that have been causing some issues… and reassuring the public that we’re here.”
PositionedoutsideDominos, police hadavan stationed in thecar park, resembling ahome base of sorts, while multiple police cars were located throughout the car park, presenting astrong police presence.
Bothuniformedand non-uniformed police patrolled the area, conducting searches on the public throughout theafternoon, also answeringmanyquestionsthat the public had to ask during the operation.
“Part of the legislationfor the Control of Weapons Act -wehave the power to conduct asearch on any person within the designated area. It is at random, it isn’t
targeted to any specific person, race or demographic,” Det Serg Van Der Heyden said.
The legislation allows police to stop, detain and search people using ametal detector. If the metal detector returnedapositive reading,people were asked to produce the item, or the search could be escalated to apat-down.
“I’d say 90 per cent of the public from what I’ve seen in the first few hours has been positive. But then there has been that 10 per cent that have been resistant to speak to us, however onceweexplain our search powers…everyone has co-operated,” Det SergVan Der Heyden said during the operation.
He explained his aspirations to run the operation again in the Latrobe Valley, but added there was complications.
“I’d hope that we can do it again. It’s abit of a catch-22, because to enable us to do it we need to meet certain criteria about these locations being identified as having violent crime occurring,” Det Serg Van Der Heyden said.
“Whilst ideally we don’t want that occurring, if we can identify alocation where it is occurring, then thatwould be something we’ll be putting forward at local level.”
Police Beat/Crime -Pages 4-5
“With the election being conducted by post,votersmust complete and returntheir ballot material as soon as possible to make sure their vote counts,” Mr Bluemmel said.
Voters should complete and return their ballot material as soon as they receive it. Completed ballot material must be in the mail or delivered to the election office by 6pmFriday,October25, 2024 or they won’t be counted.
Voters who haven’t received a ballot pack by Tuesday, October 15 shouldgotovec.vic.gov.auto completeanonline replacement ballot pack form.
Voting is compulsoryfor all voters who were enrolled for this electionat4pm on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. Voters who don’t vote may be fined.
Latrobe City has nine wards this election, with 20 candidates running for office.
One ward has already been declared, as the candidate, current Latrobe City Councillor Sharon Gibson, is running unopposed. Across the state, 16 local councilelection candidates have been retiredafter being deemed ineligible to nominate.
Candidates become ineligible if it is found they do not declare they have completed the mandatorylocalgovernment candidate training.
The Express has featured all running candidates in today's issue. Meet the candidates Pages 26-27
Littleproudtalksbig on regional tour to Traralgonand surrounds
MARKETS
By KATRINABRANDON
Yarragon
Craft &Produce Market
Saturday,26October
65 PLUS STALLS
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Waterloo Park (weather Permitting)
NATIONALS Leader and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, DavidLittleproud joined Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester in Traralgon last Tuesday (October 1).
Mr Littleproud was here on atwo-day regional tour stopping in the Latrobe Valley, Maffra, Sale and Bairnsdale.
During the tour, he spoke to local dairy farmers, vegetable growers and primary producers about policies ahead of the next federal election, as well as highlighting regional concerns and opportunities.
Speakingatthe Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Mr Littleproud stated his intention to run for Deputy Prime Minister or AgricultureMinister at the next election.
Pending aCoalition victory, Mr Littleproud's plan going into office is to reinstate the live sheep industry and ensure asensible water policy.
Mr Littleproud also hoped to move towardsan energy-mixed future containingrenewables and nuclear.
"We want an energy mix, and that includes renewables," he said.
"Renewableenergy should be placed in an environment that it can't destroy, destroying food security and the natural environment, but the community should have asay.Nearly 80 per cent of those working out here at the coal-fired power station will have jobs in the power plant. We want to give them afuture," he said.
"Yes, some people are against it (nuclear), but the majority believe that this is agood way to get us good, affordable, reliable power, reduce our emissions at the same time, and ensurethat we have amanufacturingsector that couldbeattracted to this side of the worldbecause you havethat baseline power."
Mr Littleproud told the Express that the federal government's aim to be net zero was "reckless" and pushing costs on Australians.Hesaidthe path to net zero emissions was linear and he would announce the cost in the upcoming months.
Recently,supermarkets Coles and Woolworths have been under fire for raising prices in acost-ofliving crisis. To address the issue, Mr Littleproud said he wouldensure there was harsher penalty which guaranteed businesses wouldn't ramp up prices unnecessarily.
"Unfortunately,this Prime Minister is out of touch, he is tone deaf, and he is letting Australians down in the middle of acost-of-living crisis," Mr Littleproud said.
"He was prepared to stand up to the big energy company CEOs and fight for invested power, but when thereare Australians tonight that can't afford dinner, he is not preparedtotakeonColes and Woolworths in the middle of acost-of-living crisis and have adeterrent.
"Regional Australiahas had arough deal.The PrimeMinister on election night said no one held back and no one left behind. That is unless you live
Keepinglocal: FederalMemberfor Gippsland Darren Chesterand Nationals Leader and Shadow Ministerfor AgricultureDavid Littleproud stopped at Traralgontochat with local businesses andindustries on their two-dayregional tour last week Photograph: Katrina Brandon
in regional Australia, whether it be infrastructure or it be agriculture."
Problems for Pesutto amid potential spill
By LIAM DURKIN and KATRINABRANDON
WHILE one former Traralgon resident is beginning their journey in ahigh profile job, another could stillbeunder fire to keep theirs.
AndrewMcQualter has takenonthe job as coach of WestCoast Eagles in the AFL-described as "the job no one wants" in football circles.
John Pesuttomeanwhile hangs onto the state opposition leadership, because "no one else can do abetter job", according to Liberal frontbench MP Georgie Crozier.
“The question everyone must ask is, who is best to maximise our electoral prospects in 2026? The answer is John Pesutto,” Crozier told The Age Mr Pesutto could face aleadership spill this week, when MPs meet at Parliament House for sitting week.
Pressurehas heaped upon the Traralgon-born Liberal leader,ascollateral from the ongoing defamation case against former Liberal MP Moira Deemingdrags on
The trial has entered its third week.
Speaking on ABC radio last week, Mr Pesutto refuted claimsthere were calls for aleadership challenge.
“The truth is when you look at all the objective facts over recent months, I think it’s pretty clear, I don’t want to comment on a specific poll, but if you look at the trend, we have clearly established asolid and decisivelead over the Allan Labor government,” he told ABC Radio Melbourne Drive.
“I can honestly tell you there’s agrowing optimism inside the wider Liberal party as well that we can see apathway to victory in 2026, and why that is important, because it’s about good government in this state.”
With the defamation case hanging over his head, Mr Pesutto moved to reassure there was stability within the party room.
“What Iwant to demonstrate to Victoriansisthat people will know when it comes to transparency and accountability, Iwalk the walk,” he said.
“I can’t influence the stories that are being made."
Nationals leader David Littleproud was in Traralgon lastweek, but chose to distance himself from the speculation.
"That’samatter for the VictorianLiberal Party," he said.
"I hope justone wayoranother thatthe Victorian Liberal party sort themselves out."
SeniorLiberals and their Nationalscounterparts, including Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull, were in Melbourne last week at the Royal Show.
When pressed by reporters for acomment, state Nationals leader Peter Walsh suggested his Liberal colleagues “Go andhavea longcold showerand get on with your job.”
Threepotentialcandidateshave emergedtopossiblytake the Liberal leadership from Mr Pesutto.
They are:Member for Brighton James Newbury, Member for Berwick for Brad Battin, and former professional tennis player and now Member for Nepean Sam Groth.
Ms Deeming maintainsMrPesutto defamed herbysuggesting or implying she was aNazi in comments he made following the Let Women Speakrally.
The March 2023 event was gate crashed by neoNazis who performed the Nazi salute on the steps of state Parliament.
Regardless of how any potential leadership spill plays out, it could act as acatalyst for the state government to win afourth successive term in office.
The weight of hypocrisy could well work in their favour as well.
Under fire: Speculation is mounting John Pesutto could lose his position as leader of the stateopposition. Photograph: Liam Durkin
The opposition maintains Labor"can'tmanage money", yet it appears the Liberals are struggling to even manage themselves.
However, in whatwas abusy week for major political party point scoring, the state government has had its own public relations issue to deal with. Predictably,news thatformer PremierDaniel Andrews will be honoured with astatuehas divided opinion.
Mr Andrews is entitled to astatue, having served more than 3000 days as the state's leader, astipulation which was, ironically, introduced by former Liberal Premier Jeff Kennett.
This is the second Andrews-related adulation in lessthansix months to rile voters, after he was awardedaCompanion of the Order of Australia (AC) in this year's King's Birthday honours.
Third
Protectyour eye health
WITH Australia's high UV index, the importance of protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays is critical.
However, sobering statistics show that many Australians are not taking this risk seriously enough, particularly those with lighter-coloured eyes.
Specsaversresearch reveals that42per cent of Australians have blue, grey, or green eyes, potentially putting them at greater risk of UV damage.
These lighter eye coloursare more susceptible to UV rays, increasing the risk of developing serious eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration and even ocular melanoma -apotentially life-threatening form of eye cancer.
Despite this elevatedrisk,only 26 per cent of blue eyed, 22 per cent of green eyed, and 12 per cent of grey-eyed Australians slide on sunnies all the time when outside year-round. And even more concerning, is that less than half (42 per cent) of blue-eyed, 38 per cent of green-eyed, and 27 per cent of grey-eyed people wear sunglasses all the timeduring summermonthswhenUVlevels peak.
As awhole population, Australia is doing even worse, with only 22 per cent of people always wearing sunglasses outdoors year-round, as recommended by health authorities.
Even during summer, when UV rays are at their peak, only 32 per cent of Australiansare consistently wearing sunglasses every time they go outdoors.
These figures are alarming, given the welldocumented and widely known dangers of prolonged UV exposure.
The research revealed that:
82 per cent identified sun exposure as a leading cause of UV damage to our eyes;
54 per cent are aware that UV damage can lead to declining eyesight;
54 per cent are aware that it can lead to cancer of the eye;
51 per cent understand UV can lead to cornea damage, and;
Around 40 per cent correctly named melanoma, cataracts and sunburn of the eye as consequence of UV damage.
Off the back of these sobering statistics, optometrists across the country are urging Australians to make sunglasses adaily essential, regardless of the season. Wearing sunglasses that offer 100 per cent UV protection can significantly reduce the risk of UV-related eye damage, preserving vision and overall eye health.
Local Latrobe Specsavers optometrist Marton Szucs has laid out the warning.
"The sun'sUVrays can cause irreversible damage to the eyes, leading to conditions likecataracts, macular degeneration, and ocular melanoma," he said.
"It's crucialfor Australians, especially thosewith lighter-colouredeyes, to wear sunglasses every day to protect their sight."
With UV radiation being aconstant threat in Australia, now is the time for all Australians to take proactive steps in safeguarding their vision.
"Don’t wait until summer. As an optometrist, I recommend investing in high-quality sunglasses that block100 per cent of UVA and UVB rays and wearing them whenever outdoors," Mr Szucs said.
"It’s important to know that some symptoms of serious UV related eye disease won’t be visible, so it’s crucialtohaveyoureyes checked by an optometrist regularly.
"An eye health check is more than asimple vision test to determine whether you need glasses, it is actually an important health check that can identify underlying eyeconditions, any issues related to UV damage, and more general health conditions."
Toptips forpreventing sun damage to the eyes:
Apply sunscreen around your eyes: The skin is very thin around your eye and contains fragile tissues that can be damaged by UV light so it’s important to make sure you apply sunscreen and reapply it every two hours;
Wear abroadbrimmed hat: This will not only provide protection to your head but also your eyes, nose, ears and neck;
Wear sunglasses that have UV protection: For the best kind of protection, buy sunglasses that have polarised lenses as they provide superior vision and glare protection in bright light. The best form of sunglasses for extended periods of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure are large framed with polarised lenses;
Be mindful of the amount of time you spend in the sun: The longer you spend outside, the higher your chance of experiencing sun damage. If you know you will be spending a long period outside, try to spend most of it in a shaded area;
Understand your family history: If you have afamily history of melanoma or skin cancer, you could be at higher risk of developing those conditions;
Get your eyes tested regularly: The best way to understand if your eyes are healthy and free from damage is to visit your local optometrist. It is recommend you get your eyes tested every two years, or every year if you’re 65 and over;
More generally, remember the slip, slop, slap, seek and slide rule. When you’re outside, slip on sun protective clothing, slop on SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, slap on ahat, seek shade and, slide on sunglasses that provide UV protection.
Gippsland Go Girls changing lives
MEMBER for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath has spoken in state Parliament praising the Go Girls Foundation for transforming the lives of hundredsofvulnerable Victorianwomen.
Ms Bath said the Go Girls Foundation empowers women at risk, supporting those who have experienced challenges including domestic violence, social isolation and homelessness.
“The Go Girl Foundation helps local women create new opportunities and apositive future," shesaid.
“It is apurely philanthropic organisation, receiving no government funding despite the many benefits it delivers.
“Go Girls Foundation is 100 per cent reliant on donations and fundraising activities.
“Its major fundraiser, the ‘Go Girls100km
Challenge’ is occurring on October 17 and aims to raise awareness and resources to support the program’s longevity.”
Ms Bathsaiditwas aprivilege meetingpast and present ‘Go Girls’ and learning about their personal transformations.
“I congratulatethe Gippsland Go Girls for connecting with each other,learningfrom their mentors and becomingwork readyand, financially independent," she said.
“Thank you to all local sponsors and mentors for their dedication to improving the lives of women in Gippsland."
Anyone wishing to help support Go Girls can do so by visiting the foundation’s website at: gogirls. org.au or phoning co-founder Michelle Jobson on 0406 998 612.
Authorised by Joanne Campbell 73 Kosciuszko Street Traralgon 3844
Road repairs to come in near future
By TOMHAYES
NATIONALS Member for Morwell,Martin Cameron has lashed out at the state government, with the beliefthat regional roads will be leftto ruin, after Regional Roads Victoria was absorbed under the banner of Transport Victoria.
“By dumpingRegionalRoads Victoria, Labor has sent aclear message that it was never serious about improving roads and road safety for regional Victorians,” Mr Cameron said.
“There are several critical road projects across the Latrobe Valley that have stalled under Labor, and now we’re left with the impression they’ve been abandoned altogether.”
Regional RoadsVictoria was established in 2018 as adedicated country roads division of VicRoads. The next year, VicRoads and Public Transport Victoria came togetherinthe new Department of Transport, which became the Department of Transport and Planning.
The state governmentconfirms thatRegional Roads Victoria will remain the same with the same number of dedicated regional staff working to deliver the same standards of work.
“While the Liberalsand Nationals waste their time with Facebook conspiracies,we’re getting on with delivering record investment to maintain regional Victorian roads,” astate government spokesperson said.
“We have the samenumber of dedicatedstaff working as part of Transport Victoria to deliver our record $6.6 billion investment into maintaining our roads.”
Mr Cameron claims the state governmentis “under spending”onroads acrossregional Victoria and has been backed up by Nationals Member for Gippsland South and Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Danny O’Brien.
“Successive years of budget cuts have left our roads in adirestate and reductions in the resurfacing and rehabilitation program will only see our roads get worse in the future,” Mr O’Brien said last month.
“Re-sealing protects the road network against water penetration that causes potholes and damaged roads.
“Notsurprisingly, the government has confirmed that almost 1200 Victorians have lodged claims for damagecaused by dodgy roadslastfinancial year alone.”
Arelease from Mr O’Brien says state budget papers indicate the area of road subject to resurfacing or rehabilitation has fallen from nine million square metres two years ago to just three million this financial year.
“These figures just highlight that drastic budget cuts that have seen our roads deteriorate dramatically over the past few years to apoint where the government’s own survey last year revealed 91 per cent of roads were in poor or very poor condition,”
Mr O’Brien said.
“Mega city projects have blown out by more than $40 billion, and it’s the taxpayers who wear the costs, and they’ll wear the costs again of Regional Roads Victoria shutting down,” Mr Cameron added.
“Road maintenance funding is 16 per cent less than it was in 2020 and the amount of road resurfacingworks this year willdrop by two thirds.
“The chronic under spending acrossregional Victoria is having dire consequences on our roads, and ultimately the safety of regionalVictorians is being compromised.”
The state governmentconfirmed it will invest a record $964 millioninto state roads this year, the majority of those being regional roads, exceeding the yearly average of $493 million under the previous government.
Operation OMNI
The state government says recent maintenance programs have been focused on rebuilding and strengthening roadsdamagedbyfloodsand extreme rainfall.
“It would be disingenuous of the Liberals and Nationalstoignore the unprecedented damage repeated flooding and above-average rainfall has caused to ourroads,”astate government spokesperson said.
“Now works to completely rebuild our most flood-damagedroadsiscomplete,resurfacing levels willsignificantly increaseduring the upcoming maintenance season.”
Resurfacingwas labelled as the state government’s least intensive form of road maintenance, however just one element of the broader program, and the performance measuresraised did not capturethe primary focusoflast year’s project which was major patching.
As aresult, resurfacing targets were lower during the last financial year, and efforts focused on rehabilitating flooded roads,according to the state government.
In the previous financial year, the state government invested atotal of $770 million to maintain the state's road assets.
Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester also had the state government on blast, accusing state Roads Minister Melissa Horne and Federal Ministerfor Transport, Catherine Kingoftaking credit for funding $9.7milliontodeliver the McEacharnStreet(Bairnsdale) roundabout,when the project was supposedly funded in April 2020.
“They are so arrogantand think we are too stupid to remember the money has already been announced. We need less spin and more action from these two ministers,” Mr Chester said.
“The roundabout was fully funded in 2020 under the previous Coalition government, and we have
Road to nowhere: TyersRoad has faced numerous setbacks duetoflooding and maintenance issues File photograph
waited four years because this incompetent state government hasn’t started work.”
When announcing the additionalfunding, Minister King noted that the federal government was investing in Bairnsdale’s road network for locals and tourists, stating: “we are working with the Victorian government on these vital improvements that will support Gippsland’s growth”.
Mr Chester said Minister King was being “loose with the truth” and that the federal government hadn’t funded asingle major transport project in Gippsland since it was elected in 2022.
“All of theprojects, including the Princes Highway duplication between Traralgon and Sale, were fullyfundedunder the Coalition, andwe’re still waiting forthis incompetent Minister to build a single transport or regional development project anywhere in Gippsland,” Mr Chester said.
The state government denied theseclaims,saying it clearly states: “a new dual-lane roundabout will be built at the intersection of the Princes Highway East and McEacharn Street, with the Australian government fully funding the $9.73 million project”.
The project wasfunded under the federal government’s $316.3 million Princes Highway Corridor in Victoria, according to the state government.
PoliceBeat with
TomHayes
Collision under investigation
POLICE are investigating acollision in Morwell on Sunday, October 6.
Officers have beentold a2001Subaru Impreza was travelling along Churchill Road at about 1.30am, whenthe vehiclestruck aparkedcar before crashing into afence. It is believed the driver of the Subaru fled the scene before police arrived. No one was injured.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/dashcam footageorinformation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit aconfidential report at: crimestoppersvic.com.au
Staycyber safe
OCTOBER is CyberSecurity Awareness Month.
Over the next four weeks, Victoria Police will be sharing some simple tips to stay safe online.
Makeyour passwordslongand unique. Longerisstronger. Trymaking 'passphrases'. Apassphrase is apassword made up of four or more random words. They're tricky for criminals to crack, but easy for you to remember.
Examples include 'gloweringarmour-permanently-jackets', 'umbrella-spherical-thunder-lightbulb', or 'magazine-bottle-alligators-escalator'. Testwhether apasswordisstrong enough with Service Victoria's password strength checker on the Service Victoria website.
Motorcyclist awareness
MOTORCYCLIST AwarenessMonth begun on October 1.
As we approach the warmer months, more and more riders are getting back on their bikes.
Whether you'replanning yourfirst ride in awhile,orit'sjust another day on the road, the message is the same:
Be aware of the road surface and any dangerous driving conditions that may affect your ride;
Ensure that Australian approved protective clothing is worn;
Keep asafe distance from other vehicles and roadside objects, and;
Consider advanced training.
For more information on motorcycle safety, visit: police.vic.gov.au/motorcycle-safety
Heretohelp: Police were able to assist thepublic understand Operation OMNI, answering questions from the community Photographs:Tom Hayes
Patrol: Both uniformed and non-uniformed police officerswere on-site forOperation OMNI at MidValley.
On the road to zero deaths
By KATRINA BRANDON
VICTORIA Police are appealing to the publicto be safer on roads and to seekinformation on how to make ruralroads safer.
Police held aroad safety and policing forumat MorwellRSL last month, which discussed incident and road fatality statistics, possible reasons why a collision has occurred, programsand projects that police have implemented, and waysthe community can assist local law enforcement.
Local policeincluding Divisional Area Commander Superintendent, Tracie McDonald; Operations SupportActing Superintendent, Stephen Cooper; Tasking and Co-ordination Inspector, SonaliDeshpande; Regional Road Policing Acting Inspector,Michael Cirksis, and Road Policing Advisor Acting Senior Sergent, Andrew Milbourne all spoke at the event.
“Tonight is about looking at the regional perspective of what is going on in your local government area,” Acting Inspector Cirksis said.
“We have avision: zero deathsand zero incidents on our roads by 2050. We want to keep the community safe on our roads. It’s not just about road users. It’s about all systems in place.”
In the forum, the group reviewed data over five years, andfound that incidents have been trending upwardand are back to 2020 levels. The data also examined commonthemeswithin collisions, such as gender, age, experienceand health
On the road, Acting Inspector Cirksis said they had found males to be in more incidents than females because males were more likely to take more risks.
"Guys arekilling themselves on the road. Males tend to take more risks than they should on the roads more so than females,” he stated.
Thedata was also skewed towards older drivers andthose aged 18 to 35 were more likely to be in acollision.
The forum considered vulnerable road users who could be impacted, such as cyclists, pedestrians, andmotorcyclists. Acting Inspector Cirksis said
those users were afocus within the eastern regions.
The data, which is recorded at the scene and sent to TAC(TransportAccident Commission), is also filtered into areas, with some information, such as medical causes, filtered out of the data. The data is aimed towards road collisions caused by system and road failures.
Thereare many reasons why an incident may occur,suchasinexperience(Land Pplaters), inappropriateand excessivespeeds, distractions, failure to give way, not driving to conditions, fatigue and human error.
“Safe systems acknowledge that drivers make mistakes.There arephysical limits to aperson. Even with good vehicle safety, only so much can be done,” Acting Inspector Cirksis said.
He also said that 94 per cent of fatal collisions this year havebeenatfaultoflocaldrivers, and 96 per cent were local people who died or were seriously injured. Local drivers tend to be overconfident on theroads because they think they know the roads and where the police set up or have speed cameras.
Whenitcomes to youth on the road, Senior Sergent Milbourne said that young people watch what their elders do.
When teaching alearner,most people tend to place young drivers in oldervehicles as they are less likely to worry about small “dings” in the vehicle. Senior Sergent Milbourne said that placing young drivers in older cars is onefactor that could be putting younger drivers at risk of fatal incidents, and that they should be driving newer, safer vehicles with higher safety ratings.
Othertopics discussedduringthe forum included the safety of electric vehicles and the fact that scooters are anew addition to theroads, which has causedsome incidents. Those at the forum also discussedhow the community can help Victoria Policeonthe roads through platforms such as Eyewatch and Crimestoppers, residents can confidentially reportroad-related incidents such as hooning.
For moreinformation, go to: police.vic.gov.au/ road-safety
Rosedale manjailed overfatal buggy crash
AROSEDALEman hasbeen handed afive-year jail sentence after pleading guilty to acharge relating to the death of asix-year-oldgirl in a farm buggy crash at Rosedale three years ago.
Damien Gavin Gibson, 36, was sentenced in the Melbourne County CourtlastThursday (October 3), after pleading guilty to culpable driving causing death. He will also be banned from driving for two years.
Gibsontookhis five children, another girl and aboy on ajoy ride duringa barbecue with family friends at his Rosedale farm on September 11, 2021.
Olivia Stevens, agedsix, wasthrown from the all-terrain vehicle when it hit arut in the ground and rolled. Olivia was crushed under the vehicle's roll bars anddied while beingflown to the Royal Children's Hospital.
Judge RichardMaidment said Gibson had developed post-traumaticstress disorder,
anxiety, major depressionand adjustment disorder, but had "excellent" prospects of rehabilitation,and made note of his early guilty plea had demonstrated remorse.
In February, Gibson chose to revoke his bail, to begin serving alikely prison term. As he has served 238 days in custody, he will be eligible for parole in December 2026. The charge of culpable driving causing death carries amandatory jail term in Victoria.
Judge Maidment in court noted the devastation Olivia's death had on the Stevens family, but also on the Gibsons, as the two families were close friends.
“I didn’t know pain like this existed and somehowyou justdon’t die fromit,”Olivia's mother and Heyfield dentist YanaStevens read from her victim impact statement in court last month.
on apropertyinRosedale
CFA is urging Victorians to take extra precautions while burning-off ahead of the Fire Danger Period (FDP) to avoid penalties and unnecessaryuse of emergency services resources.
Last year, CFA responded to 819 callouts forescapedburn-offs between January and December,with 48 percent (396 incidents) occurringinSeptember, October, and November alone.
This concerning trend appearstobeongoing in 2024, with CFA already having responded to 37 incidents between September 1and 20.
CFA Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan says this number is far too high and emphasised the widespread impact escaped burn-offs have.
"We are aimingfor asignificant reduction in escaped burn-off incidents this season as we head towards the FDP," he said.
"Last year's numbers,especially during Spring,placedanunnecessary strainon CFA crews, neighbouring properties, and the community.
"Letting aburn-off escape during the FDP can result in severe penalties, including heavy fines and liability for damages caused."
Under the CFA Act, penalties for allowing aburn-offtoescape during adeclared FDP caninclude finesupto$23,710,12months imprisonment, or both. The penalty is doubled if an escape occurs on aTotal Fire Ban Day.
For more informationortoregister your burn-off, visit the CFA website.
Before burning off, ensure:
You're following regulations or laws by CFA and your local council;
You notify your neighbours if your activity will generate fire and smoke;
Check the weather forecast for the day of the activity and afew days afterwards;
Establish agap in vegetation or fire break with no less than three metres cleared of all flammable material;
There are enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively, and;
Notify Triple Zero Victoria of your planned burn.
Register online through the Fire Permits Victoria website.You can do so if your burn-off commences more than two hours from now.
By phone, if you wish to start your burn-off immediately, or do not wish to utilise the online form, you may register your burn-off by calling TripleZero Victoria on 1800 668 511, 24 hours aday, seven days aweek.
National Relay Service Users can ring 1300 555 727 and ask for information to be relayed to Triple Zero Victoria via 1800 668 511.
Come along and find out:
• Whereare we up to in this fight to keep the forests open for you?
•The real risks of locking up the forest -increased fire risk, feralanimal control, threats to ournative wildlife and so much more.
•What you can do to help win this fight.
Location: TheMorwell Club, 136 Helen Street Morwell Sunday October 20, 2024 1pm -3pm
Lifecut so short: Olivia Stevens wassix yearsand nine months old whenshe wastragically killed during aplaydateonSeptember 11,2021,
Photograph supplied
Council Beat with Liam Durkin
MONDAYmarkedthe final meeting for current sitting Latrobe City Councillors.
Themeeting tookplace after the Express went to press. Council is in caretaker mode for the election taking place next month.
The current council’s four-year term is just weeks away from officially coming to an end.
For East Ward councillorDan Clanceyand West Ward’s Brad Law, Monday was their last meeting as sitting councillors.
The pair are only two of nine current councillors not seeking re-election.
Cr Law’s West Ward colleagueSharon Gibson has already won aspotonthe nextcouncil, as she is running unopposed for the newly created Newborough Ward.
The new council will be made up of nine single-ward councillors, changing fromthe current three-ward structure.
Latrobe City councillors previouslymet on Monday, September 22024.
The date coincided with catastrophic storms sweeping through theregion, as windstopping 100km/h played havoc.
South Wardcouncillor and Yinnar South resident Melissa Ferguson was an apology to the meeting, understandably tied up with storm dealings.
Central Ward councillor Tracie Lund attended virtually, and left afteraround an hour-and-a-half East Ward councillor Dale Harriman declared
two general interests pertaining to acommunity grant program and theend of year result and accumulated cash surplus.
Cr Clanceyalsodeclaredgeneral interest in the community grant program, while fellow East Ward councillor Kellie O’Callaghan declared two interests (not conflicts)inarenewal energy impact and readiness study, and the TraralgonRecreation Reserve multi-use pavilion.
The pavilion has since been awarded tender by local firm Langden Constructions.
Two questions were puttocouncilonnotice, both coming from Damian Andrews, who has been prolificonsocial mediaand through advertising in local media leading up to the election
Mr Andrews asked: Whatisthe Latrobe City Council’s position on community groups taking action to support local needsthat are not currently being met by council services?
Council responded it has and “continues to support community groups in their endeavours to support local community needs”,and went on to list community grants, sponsorships and workshops available to locals.
Mr Andrews followed by asking: To promote councillor accountability, what is the council’s stance on comparison of councillor’s voting records with their pre-election representations being made publicly available to the Latrobe City constituents prior to the coming elections?
Council pointed to Section 304 of the Local
Government Act, which prohibits amember of council staff using council resources in away that is intended to, or is likely to, affect the result of an election.
“Therefore, council is unable to undertake the analysis requested,” minutes of the meeting stated.
The Black Spot Program saw council endorse applications to Old Sale Road, Newborough, Bridle Road, Morwell,Shakespeare Street, Traralgon, Franklin St, Traralgon, McNairn Rd, Traralgon and Liddiard Rd, Traralgon.
Council also unanimously carried amotion, moved by Cr Clancey, seconded Cr Gibson, to resolve to sell or lease lots 1-11 located within the subdivision of Crown Allotmnet 8E Parish of Maryvale, on Tramway Road Morwell by auction or private treaty.
The end of year result and accumulatedcashsurplus, moved by Cr Law, seconded Cr Clancey moved thatcouncil noted a$5.246 million(unaudited) cash surpluss at the end of the 2023/24 financial year, and that 2.623m be allocated to aTransition Account, andnot the balance after allocations is $1.538m (carried unanimously).
Fireworks provided much more than an adjective to describehow community meetings often play out, withcouncildebatingiffireworksshould be up for consideration as an eligibleexpenditure itemfor its community grants policy
Fireworks have become astaple of many local Christmas festivities, and an alternate motion was
put forward by Cr Gibson, seconded Cr Graeme Middlemiss seeking to amend the Community GrantProgram Governance Policy 2023, removing the word ‘fireworks’ from the ineligible expenditure section.
However, councillors Clancey,Kellie O’Callaghan, Law, Middlemiss and Mayor Darren Howe voted against the alternate motion.
At the meeting, John Purcell was unanimously appointed as an external independent member of the Auditand RiskCommitteefor anotherone-year term. Cr Gibson moved for greatertransparency, calling for areport to be presented at afuture council meeting exploring advantages and disadvantages of making all councillor briefingsessionsand briefing reports available to the public.
Her motion was seconded by Cr Harriman and moved unanimously.
Councilalsounanimouslymovedtogoonthe record to publicly declare support for the commercialisation of the Hydrogen to Energy Supply Chain Project (HESC), the associated CarbonNet Project and establishment of ahydrogen hubwithin Latrobe City.
As Mayor, Cr Howe, will write to the state and federal governmentconfirming thissupport, as well as noting the delay in green hydrogen.
The passing of legendary Morwell advocate Keith Brownbill OAM was acknowledged by Crs Middlemiss and O’Callaghan.
Parliamentaryinquiryinto poor performance
AN inquiry into the performance of Victoria’s ambulanceservice has Nationals MPs alleging that Gippsland patients continue to be underserved and local paramedics struggle with an enormous workload.
The Nationals and Liberals successfully passed a motion to establish aparliamentary inquiry into the performance, workplace culture and procurement practices within Ambulance Victoria.
The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, said there had been major issues with ambulance response times, regular ramping outside hospital emergency departments,and ongoing delays in answering Triple Zero calls.
“Under Labor, morale within Ambulance Victoria has hit rock bottom, and the service continues to be woefully under-resourced," she said.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien said he was pleased thatthe motion was supported despite opposition from the state government.
“I recently met with local paramedics to discuss the continued obstacles they are facing every day and it is clear they are overworked and underresourced," he said.
“Our first responders are burnt outand frustrated at the ongoingmismanagement of Ambulance Victoria and the wider health care system within Victoria.
“One of the key frustrations is apoorly performing triage system that sees paramedics tied up with minor ailments, oftenleaving seriouscases waiting too long for an ambulance.”
Mr O’Brien said Ambulance Victoria had been failing to meet responsetimetargets for many years, with ambulances now left ramping outside regional hospitals becoming the new norm. In the most recent data, only 45 per cent of ambulances reached their patient within 15 minutes in South Gippsland Shire, while it was only 55 per cent in Wellington.
"This is against targets of 85 per cent," he said.
The Nationals Member for Morwell,Martin
Cameron, in arecent Facebookpost, wrote that after meeting with paramedics within the local area,Latrobe Valleyresponderswere sent to East Gippsland for emergencies as East Gippsland ambulances were fully rampedatBairnsdale Regional Hospital, leavingthe Latrobe Valley without ambulances.
“Laboristreating our paramedics likesecondclass first responders,” Mr Cameron said.
“Thecontinued ramping at hospitals means paramedicsare forced to sit withpatients for hours, sometimes entire shifts, and can’t respond to emergency callouts. When not ramped, our highly-trained paramedics are used for non-urgent patient transport."
He also highlighted that paramedics continuously work 18-hour shifts with equipmentfrom the “Stone Age”.
In response,Ambulance Victoria's Gippsland Regional Director, Ross Salathiel, said that the health system was extremely busy as seasonal illnesscirculatewithin thecommunity. Across the state, specialised teams work together and are relocated as needed to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time.
Mr Salathiel said nights such as Friday, August 16 had ahigh demand where all shifts were filled. The area was serviced by paramedics, non-emergency patienttransport,first responders, air ambulance and secondary triage teams who connect callers to alternative care services. These included the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED), which provides care, transport or advice matched to the needs of the patient.
"We continuetowork with our partners at Triple Zero Victoria to supportthe call takingand dispatch process, noting that about one in five calls to Triple Zero (000) do not need an emergency ambulance response.Ambulancesare always provided to patients when required," Mr Salathiel said.
"We encourage anyone who callsfor an ambulance to provide accurate information to ensure they receive the right care and allow our highly skilled
Major issue: Aftermeetingwith paramedics, Member forMorwell,
over emergencyservice careand supply around
ALS and MICA paramedicstobeavailable for patients most in need.
"From April to June 2024, 41,704 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected to more appropriate care by paramedics and nurses in AV’s Secondary Triage team.
"In 2023/24, paramedics referred more than 30,000 patients to the VVEDand 9574patients were referred to the VVED following assessment in Secondary Triage.
"We encourage Victorians to consider other care pathways than hospital emergency departments or Triple Zero(000)for less-urgentmatters.There are many options people can access when they need timely medical care and health advice, but not an emergency ambulance, including the Victorian VirtualEmergencyDepartment (VVED) and Priority Primary Care Centres."
THE state government saysits SolarHomes program has delivered almost as much power across the state as Loy Yang A, and almost double generated by Yallourn.
"The Allan Labor government has helped thousandsoffamilies slashanannual$279 million off their energy bills –with more than five million individual solar panels installed on rooftops, thanks to our Solar Homes program," the government said in amedia release.
"Solar Homes hasdeliveredtwo gigawatts of power across Victoria (at the end of August) –close to doublethe amountgeneratedby Yallourn and nearly as much as Loy Yang A.
"The program represents 13 per cent of the total renewable capacity installed in the state, with its solar panels having cumulatively generated 6.5 gigawatthours of power –enough cheap renewable energy to power every fridge in Victoria for almost two years. "
The Legal and Social Issues Committee will inquire into these and other related matters and report back to Parliament by August 31, 2025.
The government said the programhas seen 350,000 solar panel, hot water, and solar battery systemsinstalled throughrebates and interestfree loans.
The last 12 months have been Solar Homes’ biggest, with 7873 approved applications last month- including 4435 rooftop solar approvals and 3125solar hot waterapprovals
Eligible households can access a$1400 rebate to install solar panels, afurther $1400 interest free loan and afurther rebate of up to $1000 to replace their hot water system.
“OurpopularSolar Homes program is delivering cheaper renewable energy –slashing power bills and slashing emissions,” Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio said.
The government says that
Martin Cameron has concerns
theLatrobe Valleyarea. Photograph supplied
TAFE at forefront of energy transition
JOB opportunities created by the rehabilitation and remediation of Latrobe Valley brown coal mines, and new energy employment opportunities associated with Australia’s energy transition werethe focusofavisit by seniorstaff from TAFE Gippsland to the Hazelwood RehabilitationProject
The tour of Engie’s HazelwoodRehabilitation Project and Battery Energy StorageSystem (HBESS)enabled TAFEGippsland to see firsthand the significant progress made since the closure of the power station and mine.
Engie and venture partner Eku Energy’s HBESS also served as abackdropfor adiscussion about the skills and capabilities needed for the Latrobe Valley workforce of the future.
Engie ANZ ChiefExecutive, Rik De Buyserie said Engie was open to sharing lessons to inform the future direction of adult education.
“We look forward to working with TAFE Gippslandasakey local partner in theenergy transition, as we move away from coal-fired generation, into new energytechnologies likelarge-scale storage, and further afield as we look to offshore wind opportunities for the region,” he said.
The Hazelwood Rehabilitation Project is astrong example of the employment opportunities created following the closure of coal-fired power generation and mines.
During peak decommissioning and demolition works from 2018 to 2022,between 400 and 500 people worked at Hazelwood and around 200 jobs continue on the site today. The skills required are primarily for major earthworks, engineering,
environmental, and ongoing monitoring as well as management and administration.
With the announced closures of Yallourn and Loy Yang coal mines, also in the Latrobe Valley, such jobs are likely to be in high demand over the next 20 years.
The150MW/150MWh Hazelwood Batteryhas been in operation for more than ayear and was the first battery to be built at the site of adecommissioned coal-firedpower station in Australia. It was designed and built with future expansion in mind using the existing grid connection point and dormant transmission capacity after closure of the Hazelwood Power Station in 2017.
TAFEGippsland and other tertiaryproviders will have arole to play in providing appropriate training and education for rehabilitation and new energy jobs.
“TAFE Gippsland is at the forefront of developing training for energy workers wanting to upskill and transition into the new energy space,” TAFE Gippsland ChiefExecutive,LauraMacpherson said.
"Strongpartnerships with new energy leaders such as Engie are essential for us to fully grasp their requirements and cultivate aworkforce that is ready to drive the clean energy transition in Gippsland.
"By working together, we ensure thatour community is well-prepared to meet the demands of this evolving industry and contribute to asustainable future."
Local milk to stock brewrooms
LOY Yang Apower station is now proudly stocking award-winning Gippsland Jerseymilkfor its brew rooms, providing more than 600 employees and 300 contractors with ataste of some of Australia’s best milk -produced right here in Gippsland.
The local economy is benefitting heavily, as delivery services are being carried out by Traralgon’s Brentcorp Foodservices, who deliver three times aweek.
The timing of this high-volume contract couldn't be better, especially after Gippsland Jersey’s recent removal from the shelves of most Coles stores throughout Victoria. Securing this contract marks asignificant stepforwardfor the local dairy company, which is receiving messages via social media from power station employees thrilled to have quality milk in their kitchen fridges.
“Thisishow big business can make areal differencetothe local economy -bysupporting local producers,”Gippsland Jersey Co-founder, Sallie Jones said.
“We’ve always believed in the importance of buying local, and Loy Yang A’s support means a lot to us, especially after achallenging few months.”
AGL Loy Yang General Manager, Christos van Niekerk welcomed the partnership.
Investing or Speculating
The commodificationofbasic financial news-‘here’s what happenedtoday’-leaves the media increasingly relianton speculation to drivereader engagement. That’s because people are naturally drawn to opinions about what might happen next in markets. But do you really want to invest your hard-earned savings based on somebody’s hunch?
Everyone has an opinion, and that’s fine. Unfortunately, there’s little evidence that basing an investment strategy on attempts to second-guess the market are consistently successful. Yet you can have agood investment experience without forecasting.
Despitestudy after study pointing to the unreliability of financial market forecasts, thepublic is still drawn to opinions about the future. Why is that? Partly it is due to our discomfort with chronic uncertainty. What can we do instead?The answer is to prepare for whatcan happen, rather than to try to predict what will happen.
At Shadforth, we help our clients commit to being longterm, disciplined investors with adiversified portfolio. Addsomecertainty to your financial life.Call forafreewealth discussion with Mark Di Pietro fromShadforth today on 5152 5044 or 0409 521921. 67 Macalister St.Sale.
Funding sought for upgrades
AUSNET will seek approvalfor fundingto upgrade its distribution network over the next fiveyears, to provide amorereliable and resilient energy network whilekeepingnetwork costs down for customers.
“We’re proud to stock Gippsland Jersey milk on-site as part of our commitment to supporting local businesses," he said.
"By choosing alocal supplier, we’re helping to strengthen the connection between Loy Yang and the community, while also supporting the local economy and farmers.”
Yum: Gippsland Jersey
The proposal is part of its draft plans, which are approved by the Australian Energy Regulator every five years through the Electricity Distribution Price Review (EDPR) process.
Development of the draft has beeninformedby extensive engagement and input from customer panels, individual customers and other stakeholders, including insights gained through the largest ‘willingness to pay’ survey done for the network. AusNet Executive General Manager Distribution, Andrew Linnie, said the initiatives and investment proposed in the EDPR are an important step to help enable the network to meet future needs.
“Thisinvestment willprovide thefunding to help us meet customer andcommunity needs from areliability,safetyand affordability perspective," he said.
“We have seen asignificantincrease in frequency and severity of extreme weather events and it’s important we make the network more resilienttothese occurrences. We also want to improve reliability for many of our regional customers.
“At the same time,weknowthere are many customersgrappling with cost-of-living pressures and so it’s important that we balance investing
in the network for reliability and resilience, with keeping energy prices as affordable as possible. We would like feedback from our customers on whether we have struck the right balance."
The draft plans also include funding for network upgrades to support customers shifting away fromgas in their homesand purchasing electric vehicles,and for customerservice improvements.
Funding will unlock more renewable energy exports and the number of customers able to benefit from solar PV.
Funding will unlock more renewable energy exports and the number of customers able to benefit from solar PV.
Funding of $3.5billion will be sought but prices for customers will be kept down.
Residential customers' network charges will be kept flat (without inflation) while business customers will see afiveper centincrease (without inflation) in network charges by 2031.
In addition,the AusNet metering charge for households and small businesses will fall by 50 per cent ($34) ayearand customers who electrify will see further savings.
AusNet acknowledged that there are arange of complex issues that need to be considered in developingits five-year planfor the distribution network but believed this proposal strikes the right balance.
To view acopyofthe draft EDPR proposal and provide your feedback, visit: communityhub ausnetservices.com.au/engage
MarkDiPietro, senior financial advisor at Shadforth,
Community Corner with
Liam Durkin
Carols rehearsals
FOLLOWING avery successful and enjoyable experience at the 2023 Toongabbie Carols night, the Coal Valley Male Chorus would like to again invite female choristers to join them for their festive seasons performances later this year.
Rehearsals are held from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at theMorwell EastSeniorCitizensCentre in Vary Street, Morwell. No charge, and supper provided. For inquiries,ring Coal ValleyMaleChorus President, Ken on 0408762 632,ormusic director Gay on 0412 813 331.
Artthough the ages
LOCAL artistJanice Timminswillagain present her ‘Art Through the Ages Show’atthe Traralgon NeighbourhoodHouse in support of Latrobe Regional Health’s Special Care Nursery for sick and vulnerable babies.
The opening night on Friday, October 18 from 7pm to 10pm will feature art from Janice’s talented students.
Entry is $10 per person or $25 per family, which includes wine, soft drinks, and supper.
Patrons can also enjoylivemusic and raffles as they browse theart for sale.
Theshow will continue on Saturday, October 19 from 10am to 3pm with art and craft stalls. Entry is by gold coin donation.
Spiritual centre
LATROBE Valley Spiritual Centre (2 Avondale Road, Morwell)invites you to join them for every Sunday forservice, startingat2pm until 3.30pm. Doors open at 1.30pm. Guest speaker every week withdemonstrations fromaninvitedmedium followed by acuppaand afternoontea For enquiries phoneAmanda Webb on 0411 051 044.
Chess results
LOSING only one game, Peter Bakker was the leading player at Latrobe Valley Chess Club recently.
Aproductive round for Ian Hamilton was hamperedbytwo losses as well as adraw resulting from blunders.
Jack Holme showed his improved form to find three wins including the defeat of Cliff Thornton.
Samantha Juers and GerrardDykehad chances in their games but missed the attacks and slipped into lost positions.
Steven Ahern posed challengesbut erred to lose three games.
Assistance to newcomers from CliffThornton was followed with three wins last week.
Peter Bakker forced the win in two games and lost the final game against the attack fromAhern.
RohanDykeopened the opportunities for the opponents too often.
The mistakes were too frequent for both Ian Hamilton and Samantha Juers.
JackHolme claimedvictory in onegame but lost the tactical battle in others.
Ben Jackson overlooked the chances.
Phone Cliff Thornton on 0413 330 458, or Ian Hamilton (0400 221 649) for more details on local chess.
Gippsland Tango
TIME to Tango.
If you can walk, you can Tango.
Tango classesare held Wednesday nights from 7pm to 8.30pmatStDavid's UnitingChurch Hall -9Campbell Street, Yarragon.
Professional Tango instructor, choreographer and dancer Fabio Robles and Michelle Di Monte will show you the way.
Come along anytime, or call Naomi on 0405 739 819 for more information.
Gippsland Orchid Club
THE club's monthly meeting will be held at the Traralgon Anglican Hall, (100 Grey Street, Traralgon) tomorrow (Thursday, October 10).
Doors open at 1pm for a1.30pmstart.
The annual meeting will be followed by a demonstration of aCymbidiumbeing repotted by Robin Bavinton, avery experienced orchid grower
The monthly raffle will be held duringthe meeting and members are asked to bringa small plate of afternoon tea to share.
Frontier services barbecue
ALL comers are welcome to the Great Outback barbecue at the Traralgon UnitingChurch (19-29 Park Lane) from 12pm on Sunday, October 27.
Frontier Services provides services to remote Australia.
Locals Bruce and Heather Boucher visit the outback,providing educational and practical
support for outback farmers struggling with drought, bushfires and famine. Sausages are given away, withdonations welcome.
Put this one in your diaryfor this most worthy of causes.
Model railway exhibition
AN early one for the diary -the Latrobe Valley Model Railway Association will hold its model railway exhibition at MoeRacing Club nextMay. This will be agreat family event, with awide range of layouts, commercial and trade stands on display.
BereavedParents of Gippsland
AREMEMBRANCE picnic will be held at Blue Rock Lake, Willow Grove for parents who have experienced miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, termination for medical reasons,stillbirth or infant death.
The picnic will take place on Saturday, October 19 from 2pm.
Aflower release will take place to remember little ones no longer with us. Register your attendance by emailingbereavedparentsgippsland@gmail.com.
Old time and newvogue
JOIN Latrobe Valley Dance Promotions Inc Morwell to learnnew dance skills, have fun, revise and socialise.
Every Thursday night from 7pm to 10pm.
Cost is $5 per person each night.
Phone Norm on 0428 543 737 or Lynda (0428 489 041) for more information.
Monday, September 30 -1st DonTyleeand Robin Hecker -58.33 per cent; 2nd Kay Baxter and Helen McAdam (58.33).
Tuesday, October 1-1st Helen McAdam and MoiraHecker (67.13); 2nd Ken Tierneyand Anne den Houting (63.89).
Thursday, October 3-1st Greg Nicholson and Kaye Douglas (63.43); 2nd Fred Kaminski and Heather Henley (62.04).
If you would like to play or learn more about Bridge, phone Traralgon Bridge Club President, Greg Nicholson on 0419 365 739.
Morwell Historical Society
OCTOBER is History Month.
The MorwellHistorical Societyoffers the public an arrayofold school photos, information on localbusiness,family research, and records of local organisations and industries. Displays and artefacts depict life growing up in the area during different generations.
The society'sopen days for October are Wednesday, October 16 and Sunday, October 27 from 11am to 2pm andrun alongsidethe
Step Back in Time Conversation Cafe. Do yourself afavour and come and see for yourself.
Amembers gathering is also taking place on October 16, where members and the general public gather in an informal setting, reminiscing about growing up in Morwell.
Social
dance
MOE Social Dance Club is ready for its annual ball this Friday (October 11).
Music is by the Silhouettes and the ball goes from 8pm to midnight.
Cost is $10. Bring aplate to share. All welcome.
Regular dance is on Monday nights starting at 7.30pm at the Newborough Hall. Cost is $8.
If you have any questions, ring president Russell on 0457 543 856.
Christmas market
CHURCHILLShopLocal Christmas Market will be held on Saturday, December 7from 9am to 1pm at Churchill Shopping Centre.
Craft stalls, community groups' fundraising stalls and smallhome-based businesseswill feature.
Book astall site online at: churchill.org.au/ markets
One ticket equals one table space (limit of two tables).
Stall sitesare free, but youmustpre-book. You willneed to providea copy of your Public Liability Certificate or sign the marketinsurance waiver when you register attendance on the day. For further information read the FAQs about the market on ChurchillNeighbourhood Centre's website.
Churchill Shop Local market eventsare facilitated by Churchill &District Community Association, Churchill Neighbourhood Centre and Churchill &District News.
Social tennis
MORWELL SocialTennis is held every Monday and Friday morning at Ronald Reserve, Morwell East (off Vary Street).
Hitting from 9am to 12pm.
Costisonly $2 for modified tennis, which doesn't require alot of fitness at all. If you have never played before, we can teach you. Just come along or phone Naomi on 0405 739 819.
Youcan be apartof Community Corner
IF you are acommunity groupand have any news items you need publicised, feel free to email us at news@lvexpress.com.au
You can address the correspondence to Editor, Liam Durkin.
Please write 'CommunityCorner' in the subject line and nothing else.
Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.
Kath still swimming at age 94
By KATRINA BRANDON
AGE is just anumberfor Morwell resident Kath Hutchinson.
On Monday, September 30, Kath’s friends surprised her with a94thbirthday celebration.
Kath moved to Victoria about 60 years ago and came to Australia from England around 70 years ago. In between, Kath and her husband moved around for work from Tasmania and South Australia. Work later broughtthe coupletothe Latrobe Valley, where her husband was aboiler maker. During their life together, they
had 10 childrenand reared nine Now, Kathlives in Morwelland strolls to places she needs to go.
Sheenjoys aswim at Morwell Leisure Centre and spending time in the gym.
“I workinthe gym lifting weights because it’s supposed to be good for the elderly. Keeps the bones in the place,” she told the Express Kath aims to swim as many laps as possible.
“The most is 40 laps now. It's more or less between 20 and 30, but Iaim for40. Sometimes Ican make 40. Ijust aim for so much until Ireach my target," she said.
Celebration: JoyKerr and Kath Hutchinson(right) celebrateKath’s 94th birthday.
Photographs: Katrina Brandon
All together: Friends gather around Kath Hutchinson forher birthday.
Three simplesteps to save lives
AMBULANCE Victoria(AV) haslaunched its life-savingannualcampaign 'Shocktober', which calls on the Gippslandcommunity to learn the three simple steps to improve cardiac arrest survival rates -call, push, shock.
Around 21 Victorians suffer acardiac arrest every day and only one in 10 survive.
Bystander intervention has the greatest impact on improving someone’s chance of surviving acardiac arrest- for every minute that CPRis delayed, survival decreases by 10 per cent.
Shocktober is amonth-long cardiac arrest awareness campaign to highlight the importance of learningCPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
AV Gippsland Regional Director, Ross Salathiel
said people didn't have to be aparamedic to be a life saver -it’s as easy as calling 000, pushing hard and fast in the middle of the person's chest and if available, using an AED to deliver ashock.
“Every minute matters in acardiac arrest and when apatient receives CPR and ashock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles,” he said.
“Last year, paramedicsrespondedtoarecord 7830 cardiac arrest patients but there was also a record amount of bystander intervention.
“Anyone can perform CPRand use an AED -you don’t need training or to be qualified.
“If someone is in cardiac arrest and an AED is available, simply open it and follow the instructions.”
While Victoria has the best cardiac arrest survival rates in Australia, and among the best in the world,
Mr Salathiel said there’s more to be done.
“There are anumberofthings you can do to help contribute to better cardiac arrest survival rates in Victoria,” he said.
“I encourage everyone to sign up as aGoodSAM responder -it’sa smartphone app that connects patients in cardiac arrestwithmembers of the community who are willing to start CPRinthe critical minutes before paramedics arrive.
“We have around 16,000 GoodSAM responders across the state, but we always need more.
“You don’t have to be first aid qualified, you just have to be willing to perform hands-only CPR and be over 18-years-old.
“Last Shocktober, we saw more than 600 people sign up as GoodSAM responders, so this October, please join the cause and register.”
Businesses, shop owners and sports clubs are also encouraged to ensure their AEDs are registered with the AV website and made publicly accessible, so 000 call takers can directpeople to it in an emergency.
Currently, more than 13,000 AEDs are registered with AV across Victoria.
For more information about Shocktober, the GoodSAM app and how to perform CPR and use an AED, visit: ambulance.vic.gov.au/shocktober To register apublicly accessible AED, visit: registermyaed.ambulance.vic.gov.au
WellwaysandHealthAssemblydeliverTheWES
AN exciting new partnership will see Wellways join the Latrobe Health Assembly in delivering The WES -amental health service that has become an essential support for more than 1000 people in the Latrobe Valley in the past year.
Designed specifically for the Latrobe Valley by localswith lived experience, The WES (Wellbeing and EmotionalSupport) was piloted through apartnership between the Latrobe Health Assembly and Lifeline Gippsland.
Having established The WES as apillar of support in the community, Lifeline Gippsland are now passing the torch on to Wellways to continue the delivery of the space to those who need it in the Latrobe Valley.
The WES, based in Morwell, provides awelcoming and safe space for anybody 16-years-old and over who may be experiencing distress, in crisis or feeling isolated or overwhelmed.
No referral or appointment is needed -visitors can simply walk in and receive free support.
The WES is specially staffed by amix of mental health professionals and peer support workers who have had their own experience of mental
health concerns, or caring for and supporting someone who has, and visitors can expect to see the same friendly faces when they walk through the doors.
“Walking into the space and being welcomed by the dedicated peer-support workersfeelsjust like awarm hug," Latrobe Health Assembly Chair, Tanya Rong said.
"To have supported over 1000 visitors within a year speaks volumes about how muchthe Latrobe Valley needs aspace like this. We’re thrilled to partner with Wellways to continue delivering The WES to the community."
The WES currently operates Thursdaysand Fridays from 12pmto8pm, and Saturdays 10am-6pm.
To learn moreabout The WES, visit: wellways.org/our-services/the-wes/
Heretohelp: Supportstaff from newlyopened TheWES,inMorwell. Photograph supplied
ONE POINTERS
1. What was the bestselling car in Australia for 15 consecutive years?
2. What animal is the mascot of the paddle pop brand? 3. Black Russian’ is arare variety of what fruit?
4. Who played The Cat in the Hat in the 2003 film adaptation?
5. What American city was rapper Eminem raised in?
6. What was the name of the island Jaws was set in?
7. Which US cereal claims to be ‘The breakfast of champions’?
8. Which is aslang word for cheap wine beginning with ‘p’?
THREE POINTER
9. Which colour M&M chocolate does NOT have a character associated with it?
10. Which novel is Irish writer Bram Stoker most remembered for?
11. Which London building was Guy Fawkes trying to blow up in 1605?
12. What type of famine struck Ireland in the 1840s, killing up to one million people?
FOUR POINTER
13. What did Audrey Hepburn have at Tiffany’s?
14. What artists recorded two of their bestselling albums while they were behind bars?
FIVE POINTER
15. I’ll give you five famous films, and you name the director? One point for each answer.1.Jaws
2. Avatar 3. Dunkirk 4. The Shining 5.
Howdid
0230
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 page39
Taxi Driver
Congratulations to Virtue Homes
Managing Director MickNicola shared his excitement over VirtueHomes’ success at the HIA Awards night held at Cape SchanckRACVResorton
Californian bungalowwith modernelegance
Friday, 13th September
“We’reabsolutelythrilled that the Virtue Homes team wonBest Custom Home
$750,000 to $1,000,000 forour Californian
The exterior features high-pitched rooflines, verandahs,expansivedecks, and handcraftedItalian bricks Inside,solid timber floors, custom doors, and threemeter ceilings createawarm,
Bungalow-inspired home in Traralgon, and Best Custom Home
$1,000,000 to $1,500,000 forthe modernentertainer design in Warragul.
sophisticated ambiance
Asunroom, inspired by 1930s lean-tos,connects seamlesslytothe main living space.The second-story bedrooms aretuckedwithin the roofline,offering hidden attic storage and ample natural light.
Thoughtful details like bespokearchitraves,a two-way gasfireplace,and sustainable design elements ensurethe home is both stylish and energy efficient.
These awards mean alot to us, especiallygiven the incredible homes we were up against.The judges’praise forthe qualityand innovation of both projects is something we’reextremelyproud of It reallyshows the dedication and pride our whole team —fromdesign to construction —puts intoevery home We couldn’t have achievedthis without the hardworkand commitment of our team and subcontractors, and we’resograteful fortheir efforts.”
General Manager,Nerida Hamilton, reflected on the significance of the awards:
“These awards represent the pinnacle of achievement forour team. Navigating through unprecedented material and labour shortages during the construction of these homes makes this recognition even morevalued. Despitethe challenges, our team remained committedtodesigning and building homes that inspireand meet the unique needs of our clients With such adiverse range of custom homes being built, these awards areatrue reflection of our abilitytodeliver quality and innovation across everyproject we undertake.”
This luxurious estate features four spacious bedrooms,adedicated home office,agym, and achildren’s living area, all designed to maximizeboth elegance
and functionality. Primary living spaces areoriented towardsthe north, offering stunning views of the landscaped outdoor zones,including alap pool and tennis court.
Inside,polished concrete floors, curvedbulkheads, and around skylight add sophistication.The kitchen is ahighlight with marble countertops and timber accents.A secluded master bedroom offers direct access to the pool. This home exemplifies luxury, with attention to detail and high-quality finishes throughout.
This lifestyle home blends the nostalgic charmofa1950s
Graduates sentoff to work in the community
GRADUATESfromthe Warner Institute of Aged Care andDisabilityare set to benefit the broader Gippsland community.
Complete with gowns and mortar boards, the students were awarded with their qualifications at the Traralgon Bowls Club.
Each of the 19 graduateswerepresented with their certificate by their local course manager, Michelle De Jong,who guided mostofthese students through the months of learning to graduate with certificates in Individual Support, AgeingSupportand Disability.
The WarnerInstituteWhole Person Learning Model supports students to learn, and to buildtheir confidence to implement their learning- creating genuine connections with their clients. This ultimately ensures that the Gippsland local community receives great quality care from support workers.
Warner Institute is proud to be such an integral part of the journey that allows their graduates to enter the Aged Care or Disability workforce, work in meaningful roles, and build careers adding value to the community.
Graduation ceremonies are heart-warming days, with students often sharing how their experience throughout the course has helped them to overcome life’s other challenges, and the satisfaction they feel from completing this qualification spills into the sharing of their stories.
If you want to work in acareerwhere youadd value to the community,Warner Institute has regular classes commencing in Certificate III in Individual Support, CIV Ageing Support, CIV Disability Support, and CIV Leisure and Health.
Enquiries into courses can be made by emailing ChrisFerdinandsvia chrisf@warnerinstitute.com.au
Gippsland named as award finalist
TAFEGippsland has been namedafinalist in the VAEAI Wurreker Awards for innovation and involvement in the Koorie education and training.
Shortlisted as a finalist in the Training Provider Awards category for ‘Innovative Koorie Learner Pathways -TAFE Award’, the recognition is for TAFE Gippsland’s involvement in the design and delivery of the ‘Support Recovery Program’, acollaboration project with Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place (WNLP) and Gippsland Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC).
TAFEGippslandChief Executive, Laura Macpherson said the nomination was welcome recognition of the organisation’s commitment to providing wraparound educational and vocational services for the Gippsland’s Koorie community, through strong partnerships with local Aboriginal organisations.
“OurDiversityand InclusionPolicy is akey partofour Peopleand Culture Strategy, and we value our partnerships with the Aboriginal communities across our region,” she said.
“This year, we’ve been recognisedfor our part in designing,developing and delivering aworkforce readyskills set package for recentlyincarcerated Koorie men, tailored specifically to enhancetheir employability with the aim of spending time at WNLP to build skills and resilience for integration back into community.”
Held annually in Melbourne, the Wurreker Awards recognise and celebrate progress achieved under the Wurreker Strategy, and Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan with categories that cover all aspectsofKoorie vocational training, employment and pathways and best practice in the sector.
Ms McPherson saiditwas agreat wayto celebratethe coming together of high-quality trainingand community partnerships providing new directions for Koorie people.
“OurKoorie teamsmakeahuge contribution to Gippsland communities not only through educationand training, but also through their connections withlocal community, crossorganisational consultation, cooperationand collaboration,” she said.
“This nomination is agreat acknowledgement of ourdedication to building connections withthe local Koorie community, offering them achance to get job ready, explore study options and build their confidence in asafe space.
“Whatever the outcome, it’s great to be valued for our innovation and achievements in this space.”
Former HVP worker dispels koala myths
COMMENT
BY RICHARD APPLETON
IFEEL compelled to correct some misinformation regarding forestry activities in the Strzelecki Ranges impactingthe koala population, which was presentedinanarticle by Olga Van Cauwenberghe (‘Altered landscape affecting koala population’, Latrobe Valley Express,August212024).
Iamnot qualified to comment on the truthor otherwiseofwhatisreportedly happening in New SouthWales, however I’m certain that extrapolating this to land managed by HVP Plantations in the Strzelecki Ranges is erroneous and unjustified. How do Iknow this?Iworked for HVPPlantations from 2001 to 2017 as their Stewardship Forester (and previously for the same company and its predecessor for 28 years in research).Iset up the company’s koala management program from scratch. Ioversaw the vegetationmapping of their entire Gippsland estate and the allocation of koala habitat classes to these maps using methodology developed by expert scientists in the field and used this information to underpin our management and monitoring programs.
Iundertook estate-wide monitoring surveysto determine the health and extent of the population, in conjunction with Federation University, using state of the art methodology which is extensively used in both NSW and Queensland (and now Victoria)toassess koala populations. We were the first organisation in Victoria to use this methodology. Thisinformationwas shared with both Victorian agencies and research professionals around the country.
Butinaddition to koala management, my role included ensuring that external auditing of the company’s operationsbyboth regulators and independent consultants was regularlyconducted andthatany transgressions detected during the auditing process were worked through, rectified and procedures put in place to minimise the risk of recurrence to the satisfaction of regulators, certifyingbodies (Forest Stewardship Counciland Australian Forestry Standard) and the company’s management and shareholders.
From here Iwould like to elucidate regarding issues raised in the article and other pertinent information:
There is no “non-selective bulldozing of significant sections of the hills’"native habitat”.HVP is strictly aplantation forestry company. Their certification under the international Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) prohibits them from harvesting native vegetation.Any transgressionwould result in amajor corrective actionwhich, if unaddressed, wouldlead to cancellation of their certification.
Without such certification, it would be difficult or impossible to sell their products to ethical customers, which would have ahugenegative impact on their business. The independent auditing process (discussed above) was used to monitor operations and identify where even asinglenative tree may have been harvested from outside of adesignated plantation area. If apossible case was identified, there were multiple follow-up and corrective processes to be worked through with both regulators and certifiers.
HVP’s estate in the Strzelecki Ranges is a mixture of plantation and native forest (which they call ‘Custodial’ land). The extent of their
population. Photograph supplied
National Park. There were numerous projects in the Jeeralang, Jumbuk and Boolarra areas, including what we called the Darlimurla Biolink, which was an ambitious project to link avery large (500 hectare) bush block of koala habitat located southofCreamery Road with anumberofsmaller, isolated remnants dottedthrough the Delburnand Darlimurlaareas,almostthrough to Mirboo North. Historicallymost of this was farmland with pine planted right up to the creek edges when it was bought more than 60 years ago. The 2009 fire wiped out most of that, providing an opportunity to access riparian areasand establish native corridors at least 40 metres wide as the surrounding plantations were re-established. Huge swarths of blackberry (a seriousimpediment to koala movement) were removed, as were extensive willow infestations from the creeks and many thousands of endemic trees were planted withanemphasisonspecies preferred by koalas (Manna Gum, Mountain Grey Gum, Blue Gum and Strzelecki Gum). About 80 percent of this work was carried out using HVP’s own stewardship funds, with West Gippsland CMA contributing.
Custodial estate in Gippsland is almost 30,000 hectares, which is 12 times the size of Tarra Bulga National Park.Mostofit(around 25,000hectares) has permanent on-title protection, so even if it changes ownership it can’t be harvested. The only areas without permanent legal protection are small, isolatedpockets (less thanfour hectares) or areasthatare highly degraded,meaningtheyare historically full of weeds and lack natural canopy required by koalas.
But regardlessofits legal status, none of this Custodial landisharvestedand all of it is protected under FSC certification. FSC also monitors how critical Custodial forest habitats,such as rainforest and endangered Damp Forest (which is normally dominated by species koalas prefer), are maintained and managed to protect their integrity from threatening processes such as nearby plantation harvesting and weed incursion.
Every hectare that is planted to pine is designated plantation land, not native forest. Most of this plantation was former farmland, planted back to trees in the 1950s,60s and 70s. Withacrop rotation period of 25-30 years, nearly all of it is now under its second or third crop of trees. APM Forests (now amalgamated into HVP) owned/managed almost all of the land on the north side of the range and planted mostly Mountain Ash and pine as atimber resource to supply the Maryvale Mill.
Therest of HVP’s plantation estate (mostly on thesouth side of the range) is former public land, includingfarmland acquired forforestry purposes, planted to mostly pine by the Victorian Forests Commission and subsequentlyprivatisedbythe Kennett government. When Hancock bought these estatestoultimately form HVP Plantation,asitis today,the plantationboundaries drawn on maps by those who originally planted the trees defined the land that was purchased as productive plantation and was permitted to be used for forestry purposes under the sale agreement.
Some people dispute that trees were planted for commercial purposes and even the boundariesare
disputed by some, but the fact is that the land was sold to HVP on the basis that forestry operations could be conducted within the boundaries mapped as plantation and those boundaries have been rigorously adhered to eversince. Any necessary removalofvegetation from non-plantation land (for example, to put in an access track) and any removal of remnant habitat trees (pre-dating the plantation)from within plantation areas, requires anative vegetation permit application to council and if granted, rigorous permit conditions apply to HVP just like any other landowner.
The koala population monitoringI undertook over many years during my role with HVP found that in theStrzelecki Ranges environment, where eucalypt plantations are intimatelymixed with extensive native forest habitats, plantationsare not well utilisedbykoalas. Wherever thereis accessible native habitat with large, branchy old trees available, koalas much prefer to use these than slender, fine-branched plantation trees.
In blue gum (which is apreferred food species), the population density in plantation is around 25 per cent of what it is in good qualitynatural habitat. In Mountain Ash and Shining Gum plantations, neither species being akoala food preference, it was very rare to find any koalas. In fact,more koalas were encountered in pine plantation than Mountain Ash or Shining gum. They not only use pines for resting and sheltering, but as corridors for movingbetween patches of adjacent nativehabitat
During my timewithHVP, Iundertookextensive wildlife corridorrestoration projectswithinkey biodiversity areas of the Strzelecki Ranges using money the company provided, combined with grants (wherever they could be obtained) and frequently in conjunctionwithcommunity groups such as Landcareand researchorganisations such as Federation University.
Just one example is blackberryremoval and restoration of warm temperate rainforest along the entire Macks Creek Valley from the lower boundary of HVP’s property right up and into Tarra Bulga
In addition,corridors of original eucalypt plantations (mainly Mountain Ash) 40 metreswide along permanent streams and 20 metres wide along temporary streams, have been retained to provide soil and water protectionand provide wildlife corridors wherever they occur. In the caseofpines, the pines are removed from creek edges and not replanted, allowing native species to regenerate and in many places being supplementary planted with endemic eucalypt species in key biodiversity locations. Remember, most of this was previously cleared farmland rightuptothe creek edges, providing no environmental benefit whatsoever. These trees could be legally harvested and another harvestable crop planted by HVP because they are plantedtrees on designated plantationland, yetHVP voluntarily retains them for environmental purposes. Due to the highly incised natureofthe Strzelecki landscape and the myriad of streams and tributaries, this amounts to asignificant proportionofHVP’s productive estate set aside for conservation. If you look at aerial photos takenafter harvesting and reestablishment, you will see aspider-web of these corridors everywhere!
It saddens me that so much false and misleading informationwritten by uninformed people with highly biased views is published so readily. Isuggest that people writing such articles at least talk to HVP and othersinvolved to ascertain what really happensand do some foot-slogging aroundthe Strzeleckis with HVP staff who I’m sure would be only too happy to show and talk about what they do, instead of relying on media publicationsrelating to NSW that are not relevant to the local situation, or sourcing their “facts” from social media written by people who are equally ignorant and/or biased, or websites that only give ageneral overview that can be twisted and misconstrued. Journalists also have aresponsibility to present abalanced view. Disclaimer: The informationand views expressed in thisletter areentirelymyown,basedonmy personal knowledge and career experience in the local industry. HVP Plantations was not consulted and had no input during its writing.
Richard Appleton, Churchill
Metro medical students get ataste of regional hospital life
BY KATRINA BRANDON
SECOND-YEAR medical students from Monash University travelledtoMonash Rural Health to experience rural medicine first-hand.
During the week-long experience, the students observed general practice, received hospital-based clinical exposure and allied health clinicalexposure. Students also visited afarm, participated in various cultural activities, attended clinical skills sessions, and participatedinAboriginal health educational activities.
Clinical skills sessions,led by third-year students, taughtthe second-years how to insertcannulas, administer injections, and perform medical administration.
“The culture in medicine is teaching the years below you,” third-year student Arshida Amini said.
“I thinkthat it is agreat opportunity for year twos to see what life might be like if they are rural, and it might encourage afew of them to opt in to become rural (doctors or nurses) in the future.”
Ms Amini told the Express that the week gives second and third-year students achancetoget to know each other in the workplace, share their rural experiencesand show their strengths. She also said that as asecond-year student last year, she could participate in the sameexperience, from being taught by third-years to guiding first-years.
“Having this now prepares us to become people that can teach in the future,” she said.
“Teaching is acrucial part of being amedical professional. It carries us onto every year of our life as amedical professional. One day, Iwill probably have some medical studentsaswell. Iwill look forward to teaching them.”
Second-yearstudents Alexander Sarossy and Jessica Wang said that during the week, the country hospital seemed quieter than what they had seen in metro hospitals, providing better learning opportunities as they could observe.
“A lot of metro hospitals are really busy with soundsgoing off allofthe time, peopleyelling, and people running around,and it’s quiteastressful environment to work in," Mr Sarossy said.
"Often, it is difficult to study as well. Ithink an environment like this might be better for working and studying. You might see more, and you might gyet to be more involved.
“We have seen all of the theoretical stuff in class; we have learnt about anatomy and the mechanism behind how the body works,but it is very different learning that to seeing thatand see how the people in the field really work.”
Ms Wang said thatshe reallyenjoyedthe program, as it is guiding students into the shallow end of the medical world instead of dropping them straight into the industry during third-year placement. She said the experience over the week was agood introduction to pickingout interests in working within arural region to seewhatitislike to experience the different wards and positions.
“This is areally good start to how the next few years willwork, and it is reallygood to see how the following years will unfold, observing in hospitals," she said.
“I hope to understand better the different challenges and benefits of working, practising, and studying in rural areas -amore holistic understanding. We are very grateful to Latrobe Regional
Hospital for allowing us to come here for the week; it has alreadybeen areallyrewardingexperience.”
“I think rural healthisnot really talked about in metro, whichisa shame. Being amed student here is special because everyone feels like we are apartofateam where they are.”
Straight: Churchill local andFormer HVPPlantations StewardshipForester,RichardAppleton has set out to dismiss anumberofmyths regardingthe Strzeleckikoala
Keen: Second-year students Alexander Sarossyand JessicaWang areready to be hands-oninthe medical field. Photograph supplied
Proud moment for Morwell Historical Society
IAMdelighted to advise that the Morwell Historical Society is now debt free.
The societypurchased the building at 12 Hazelwood Road Morwell (formerly the Masonic Lodge) in 2015asa permanent home to store, manageand display the history of Morwelland district.
Through members loaningthe society $250,000, this allowed the purchase to occur
With anumberofrequired improvements, operational costs and the need to repay our debt, we have been fortunate to have had the support of federal and state governments, Latrobe City, Engie, Morwell Bowling Club, Bunnings, Millers Plumbing,our corporate and businesssponsors and some very generous members and community individuals.
Awonderful group of dedicated volunteers, who support the maintenance and management of this valuable community asset, have been an integral part of the fundraising efforts.
Ithank the Morwellcommunity for their support, enablingMorwell and districthistory to be retained and displayed.
Alan McFarlane
Morwell Historical Society President
Not heretoobstruct
IT was aprivilege to meet so many people at the nuclear energy information nightonSeptember 18 at the Morwell RSL.
The event was co-hosted by WePlanet Australia, Nuclear for Climate Australiaand the Going Fission podcast.
We organisedthe event to share someinformation about nuclear power with one of the communities that will be hit hardest as Australia moves away from coal (the recording from the evening is now available online).
Our motivation is that we want to see Australia move towards environmentally friendly,safe, secure and affordable energywhile looking after workers.
Nuclear energy ticks all these boxes, uniting people across the political spectrum.
Asinglepower plant provides hundreds of well paid union jobs for multiple generations.
To address previous speculation: our event was not funded by any political party or thinktank. We were grateful for donations from individuals to cover some of our costs, and speakers mostly paid for their own travel.Nopolitical party was promoted at the evening as we hope nuclear energy will be supported by all sides of Australian politics. Ultimately,itisuptocommunities to decide whether they will host nuclear power plants to secure the futureprosperity of their regions and to provide Australia with safe, secure,ultra-low emissions energy generation.
Andrea Leong
WePlanet Australia President
Bills broken down
IN Victoria, the Essential Services Commission sets the annual price for electricity.
Many people would not be aware that their electricity bill is actually composed of several elements.
Firstly, wholesale cost- the cost of generation making up 40 to 50 per centofaconsumer’spower bill,then network costs -the polesand wires, averaging around 35 per cent, then retail costs -for metering and sending outthe bills -14-15 percent and then environmental and social costs -7-8 per cent. Add 10 per cent on for GST and then we have apower bill in Victoria that averaged around 31 cents per kWh in 2023. The figure for 2024 is actually 28 c/kWhIf.
We understand the above, then we can see how
misleading Peter Dutton’s claims are, that people in the state of Ontario, Canada, powered with 60 per cent nuclear, only pay 18 cents akWh
To quote the article in The Age “What will CoalitionPlan for Nuclear Power Really Cost?” (September 30).
“However, this comparison is questionable because Australian prices include arange of costs that Ontarians must pay on top of their kWh charge -network charges -the cost of building, running andmaintaining power poles and wires across the grid -are listed separately on Ontarians bills and can run into hundreds of dollars ayear.”
What we should be comparing then is 18 cents compared to aworld-wide average for solar PV of 6.4 cents/kWh and just 4.8 cents per kWh for onshore wind.
Solar and wind are three or four times cheaper than nuclear. These figures are based on astudy from the International Renewable Energy Agency. As with most of the pronouncements from the LNP on renewable energy, they always need to be factchecked. Especiallyso, as Barnaby Joyce,David Littleproud and other senior Nationals are swooping around the country setting up anti-transmission line,anti-wind and solar farm alliances to block the rollout of renewables and at the same time using the fig leaf of supporting nucleartofight climate change.
If this isn’t acoordinated campaign to keep the Liberal/National Party’s masters at the Minerals Council happysothatgas and coal can be kept going for 10 to 15 years longer than necessary, I don’t know what is.
Dan Caffrey
Latrobe Valley Sustainability Group
President
We need to do better
OVER the last few weeks therehas beenafew letters about whether smacking children is alost art of discipline, or outright assault.
It’s atopic that many will fight for as an issue of protecting children against violence.
Then there was Josie Vitale’s letter ('Silent Victims'LVE Opinion, 25/09/24) that brought to light one of the gruesome consequences of our abortion-till-birth laws-that of dealingwith babies born alive after failed abortions. The baby is left to die. Surely that constitutes violenceagainst children?
How muchmore innocentcan achild be than newborn. And moments before, how safe and secure and protected should achild be within amother’s womb.
We need to be consistent in fighting against family violence, violence against women, violence against children. We need to support women in need, families facing challenges, and surround mothers and children with love and care and practical help. There should never be asituation so dire that the best advice we can give to amother is to end the life of her child.
Janet Kingman Morwell
Don't getyour hopes up
GIVEN nuclear is still front of mind for many in these pages, it may be useful to elaborate on my last letter ('Realitymeanscoal powerwill stay', LVE Opinion, 31/07/24) -despite the want of not contributing to the distracting foray. The University of Queensland put out aglossy nuclear booklet titled What would be required Ifound acopy in the MorwellNewsagency. While written fairlytechnically, my summation of the presented research is that:
1) Nuclear construction can beginina fairlyshort time frame -fiveyears.
2) Small to medium reactors (SMRs) are an affordable option and suited to the Australian electricity system. While still relatively‘new’,these ‘cookie cutter’reactors were less of an option last time nuclear was discussed in Australia. They avoid a lot of the pitfalls of larger type reactors -ofwhich are often used as example for many who campaign against nuclear.
Further,I’d liketothankGraeme Middlemiss for his assertion that we need to ‘listen’ and ‘have an open mind’ ('Middlemiss makes his point clear', LVE 25/09/24).
His emotive yet resolute stance against outside, interferingand scaremongering voices is to be applauded. Somemay sayit’stoo littletoo late. Otherswill say it’s better late than never. However, Iwould like to restate that Wonthaggi is amore likely location for anuclear plant than Latrobe City.
Comments by Robert Parker at the nuclearforum indirectly point to this ('Disaster fears quashed at forum', LVE,02/10/24).Not only is there asmaller population and more access to water, it provides a much better alternative from anational security perspective.
During World War 2, Yallourn North was quite literally surrounded by anti-aircraft ‘Bofor’ cannons -installed to protect our centralised electricity generationassets. Adiversifiedand fragmented layout of generation is therefore much safer from anational security standpoint, even if the cost of installing transmission and other infrastructure is higher.
SMRs providealot of flexibility in this regard. But of course Ican’t predict the folly of governments. They’ve been known to make stupid decisions on occasion. Therefore Isuggest people avoid getting their hopes up either way.
To conclude, here’s aquote from Einstein: “Nuclear is one hell of away to boil water.”
Maybe there are other options.
Anthony Wasiukiewicz Yallourn North
Just words
IS the climate changing? Yes it is. Unfortunately the climate extremists use that fear to push society, with the medias helping. Existential/catastrophic languageisused to subconscious affectonlistenersand readers. "Climate emergency", "planetarycollapse", "human extinction", "climate apocalypse", "tipping point", "irreversible damage","global catastrophe", "climate doom", "Earth's demise", "civilization collapse".
Then there are inaccurate or exaggerated claims. "We have only 12 years left", "climate change will kill millions", "sea levels will rise by 10 feet", "all coral reefs will disappear","climate change causes all natural disasters", "we're running out of time" (oversimplification),"climate change is the greatest threat humanity has ever faced".
Notice theoversimplification lack of scientific nuance, exaggerated claims and fear-mongering? Chicken Little lives among the climate extremists.
Ron Bernardi
Boolarra
Solutions
IREADwith interest in last week's Express that two of our local MPs, namely MartinCameron and Melina Bath, joined forces to demand action when it comes to the needsofMorwell and the Latrobe Valley.
What Idon't see are any solutionsbeing put forward.
As backbenchers hopingtogain government at the next election, what ideas or solutionsdo they have which will reduce youth crime, attract businesses to the region and improve tourism.
It doesn't take talent to join forces demanding change, but it doestakeactual ideas to makea real difference.
Politicians tell us to trust them and when we do, we are inevitably let down and one only has to look at Harriet Shing's performance as alocal member to realise that Labor has failed us, while the Liberal National Party scream in opposition and offer no viable alternative.
The fact is, we have politicians who do alot of talking and nothing more.
To prove a point, I moved to Morwell two years ago and Ihaven't seen HarrietShing or even heard from her and Isuspect I'mnot alone.
She says she is working hard for us -Ican do without the comedy Harriet.
Patrick Ansell
Morwell
Performance over practise
WITH reference to Patrick Ansell’s letter ('Money couldbebetter spent elsewhere', LVE Opinion, 18/09/24), Idonot listen to the radio so Ihave not heard the politicians adverts, but Idoagree with Patrick that they are awaste of taxpayer money. Darren Chester will be re-elected on his performance, not by what he says on radio.
But Ialso agree with Darren about supporting our local traders.
Ipick up his giveaway packs outside his officefor handy reasons. Ihave lived in Traralgon for nearly 70 years and have always shopped locally and given support to the traders in my hometown. They have to earn aliving, and have the sameproblemsas the rest of us so they need our support, the same as we need the same courtesy from our government. Taxpayer money belongs to the taxpayer and should not be wasted on radio ads.
Patricia Correa Traralgon
Have your say
THE Latrobe Valley Express welcomesletters to the editor.
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.
Letters mustinclude aphonenumber, email address and the author'shometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity. The views expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers, anddonot necessarily reflect the views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff.
Letters involving religion will not be published.
Emailletters to news@lvexpress.com.au and include 'Lettertothe Editor' in the subjectline. Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm.
Advertising in the Express
The Range Retirement Village are ong time clients of the Latrobe Valley Express and have always enjoyed a great relationship with Jenny and her teaminthe advertising department.
Theyalwaysgoout of their waytomakesure our company has the best advertising forour business, always lookingfor ways to improve our ads, so we achieve the best results.
We recommendthe LatrobeValleyExpress to anyone looking to promote and advertise their business.
LeighBrown
The Range Retirement Village
HOROSCOPES
by Joanne Madeline Moore
October 14-October 20, 2024
Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19)
There’s a combustible Sun/Mars connection on Monday, so resist the urge for hot-headed arguing and feisty foot stamping Its a terrific time to travel, teach, publish, study, nurture a close relationship, learn something new or share an adventure with someone special Then there’s a fiery Full Moon in Aries on Thursday, so do your best to get the ratio right between personal needs and relationship responsibilities The buzz word for the week is Balance
Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)
Unpredictable Uranus is disrupting relationships and/ or finances So tread gingerly with a sulky partner, an unreliable lover, a grumpy housemate, a frustrated family member or a cranky client You’ll find the more diplomatic you are the less stressful the week will be Don t let other people deter your ambitions or derail your dreams! Be inspired by Libran actor and disability rights activist Christopher Reeve: “Don’t give up Don’t lose hope Don t sell out ”
Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20) Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Expect a topsy-turvy start to the week as Uranus opposes Venus (your power planet) Strive to manage disruptions, handle surprises and patch up problems in a patient and cooperative fashion You re very focused on work projects but don’t put all your eggs in the one basket Make sure you diversify your interests experiment with creative ideas and keep your options open Thursday’s fiery Full Moon stirs dreams, inner compulsions and submerged secrets
This week the Full Moon focus is on friendships How to nurture them keep them and let them go if you have outgrown each other You ll find mutual interests are essential to long-term platonic relationships With Jupiter jumping through your sign (which only happens every 12 years) its time to boldly, confidently, unashamedly be the glorious Gemini you were born to be As birthday great Oscar Wilde reminds us: Be yourself; everyone else is taken ”
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
On Monday a domestic matter gets a welcome boost from the Sun/Jupiter trine But your personal preferences could clash with a family member who wants to take a different approach Courtesy of the Full Moon its a good week to increase your public profile, complete a professional project, give a speech, launch a website or start a social media campaign But don’t underestimate the hard work and patience it will take to keep the wheels of progress turning
Leo (July 23 - Aug 22)
The sparks are set to fly as the Sun/Mars square and the fiery Full Moon amp up your feisty temperamental side Expect some annoying frustrations and unexpected disruptions, especially involving a family matter or a work project You ll have to dig deep to find a quality that you usually have in short supply patience Monday and Thursday are the best days to push an ambitious project ahead with renewed enthusiasm and plenty of Leo passion
Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22)
You ll fee more confident th s week as the Sun/Jupiter tr ne boosts a sense of wellbe ng and security especial y at work But resist the urge to judge or cr t cise others Remember – you don’t have all the facts at hand, and appearances can be deceptive As birthday great Oscar Wi de reminds us: “Every sa nt has a past and every s nner has a future ” Thursday’s fiery Fu l Moon sh nes a bright spot ight on trust issues and ong-forgotten secrets
Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)
You’re keen to power ahead with a romantic relationship a business partnership or a joint venture But expect some disruptions as unpredictable Uranus upsets the applecart Don t stress Scorpio! Review your approach and reassess your plans Thursdays Full Moon fires up your wellbeing zone, so it’s a good week to exercise, hit the gym, play sport, participate in a Fun Run or enjoy bushwalking Thursday also favours communication and education
Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Jupiter (your power planet) trines the Sun on Monday, which is particularly good for romance, friendships, joint ventures, writing, teaching, travel, publishing and public relations Throw in a fiery Full Moon on Thursday and you re set for a stimulating, action-packed week! If you want to last the distance, pace yourself And with Venus sliding into your sign on Friday you re set for a social weekend where you charm the cynics and dazzle the doubters
Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)
The Sun and Jupiter activate your career zone which boosts ambition, confidence, good luck and your ability to lead others But don’t focus on work at the expense of your home and family life The Full Moon highlights the importance of getting the balance right between professional success and domestic harmony On the weekend, Venus encourages you to slow down as you indulge in some relaxing yoga, calming meditation or quiet contemplation
Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18)
The fiery Full Moon ignites your spontaneous and adventurous Aquarius daredevil side But slow down (and calm down) otherwise you’ll put your foot in your mouth and come a cropper! With the Sun shining in Libra, try to find more balance in your relationships and more equilibrium within yourself So your mantra for the week is from Libran actress Naomi Watts: “You have to make peace with yourself The key is to find the harmony in what you have ”
Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)
The Venus/Neptune tr ne on Tuesday and Wednesday boosts compassion sensit vity creativity and spiritual ty Then Thursday s fiery Ful Moon activates your money zones, as you start to see your current financial situation in a revea ing new l ght Your motto for the moment comes from playwr ght and birthday great) Arthur Mi ler, who was born on October 17, 1915: “Don’t be seduced nto th nk ng that that which does not make a profit s w thout value ”
COPYRIGHTJoanneMadelineMoore2024
Stories from street names:John Field
RECENTLY, arequestcame through to the Expressasking to featurethe history of local street names.
The call was then made to local historical societies to see if they would like to participate.
The response hasbeen positive, and we hope readers enjoy learning more about the streets that are frequented by locals.
Here is the first instalment, by the Moe Historical Societyexploring John Field Drive, Newborough.
HOW many people drive along John FieldDrive without knowing anything about the man who it is named after?
John Field was born in Castlemaine, Victoria in October 1899.
His fatherwas John Woodhouse Barnett Field,who took an interest in the army,joining the military in 1884 and fought in World War 1. When his son, John, was born, the military interest continued.
John senior encouraged his son to enlist in the army reserve in 1910 and he became abugler even though he was quite small in stature.
The army even had to have aspecial uniform made as standard issue did not fit.
After finishing school, John Field workedas adraughtsman. In 1922, he had married Kate Corlett, ateacher at Castlemaine. His role in the military gradually led to promotions until in 1923 he wasappointed lieutenant.
full-time on mobilisation plans for Tasmania. He sailed on the Queen Mary from Sydney to join the fightinginEurope. Thetroops had to be ferriedout to the ship because it was too big to dock in Sydney Harbour. The troops ended up on Salisbury Plain where on July 4, 1940, King George inspected the troops escorted by John Field.
An inspection by WinstonChurchill, also escorted by John Field, came later.
From Britain, the troops were sent to Tobruk to fightagainst Rommeland the Africa Corps and subsequently moved to Syria. Thetroops were then sent back to Australia in 1942.
While back in Australia he was promoted to brigadier. With the Japanese landing on the north side of Papua New Guinea, he was ordered to Milne Bay. The Australians defeated the Japanese here -the first time the Japanesehad suffered defeat. Brigadier Field moved about the theatre of operations. He along with four others were in a plane crash which they luckily all survived.
In 1945 and 1946, he was managing the demobilisation of the armed forces. He joined the SEC in 1946 as assistant general superintendent at Yallourn. He was appointed general superintendent in 1951 and during this time he maintained his links with the army. He remained in his position at Yallourn for 13 years and retired in 1964, at which time he and Kate moved to Brighton.
The couple moved to Tasmania where he studied draughting and after ayear he was appointed to lecture in the subject. He studied for an engineering degree part time as well as maintaining his army role.
In 1925, he was promoted to captain. He finished his degree and in 1936 was made amajor.
JohnField was described as a‘Mostprofessional citizen soldier’ in the Australian Dictionaryof Biography.
In 1939, after the war broke out, he was working
Article providedbythe Moe &District Historical Society. Information taken from the Advocate newspaper on the retirement ofJohn Field in 1964 and the Australian Dictionary of Biography.
Details crucial for emergencies
GIPPSLAND Water is asking customers to make sure their contact details are up-to-date for emergencies.
ManagingDirector, Sarah Cumming said recent weather events had highlighted the importance of beingabletoreach customers as quickly as possible.
“During the wild weather in early September, some of our services were interrupted and we needed people to know what was happening,” Ms Cumming said.
“One of the ways we can do this is with text messages and we know that not all of our customershave registered their mobile phone numbers with us.
“We’ve recently updated our process to make it easier and quicker on our end and now we are
asking customers to jump online and make sure their details are up to date.
“They can also call our Customer Care team on 1800 050 500, who can make the update for them."
Ms Cummingsaidthattext messages notifications wereavailable for several important messages.
“There are times where we need to let customers know about serviceinterruptions or convey important public health and safety messages,” Ms Cumming said.
“While we use other channels likeradio, TV, social media and our website, SMS is one of the most instant and effective methods we haveof reaching people.”
To update your contactdetails,visit: gippswater. com.au/update-your-details
Fitting: John Field had adistinguished militarycareer.His name adorns one of themainroads in Newborough. Photograph supplied
TheGuide
TEENAGEBOSS: NEXT LEVEL
ABC Family,Saturday, 7.30pm
She found fame with TheWigglesas the pirouetting,sweetlysinging, Irish dancing, sign languageaficionado and won toddler’shearts. Nowthat thoseoriginalrug rats arepushing their teens, Emma Watkins is on hand to teach them ahandynew skill: budgeting.This intriguing new gig sees Watkins guide teenagersonthe invaluable necessities of finance. Taking overfromEddie Woo, this reimagined season features bigger challenges, older participants and Watkins’wide-eyed charm. She meets 10 families who jump aboard aroller-coaster of emotions and receipts when their teen takescontrol of the family budget forone month. Tonight,17-year-old Jack (pictured with Watkins) mustembrace cost-cutting to finance agap year overseas.
PARADISE
ABC TV,Sunday, 7.30pm
Based on the chameleon crime drama DeathinParadise,this Australian offshoot has proven the versatility of the franchise’s fish-out-of-water premise: notonly canthe format surviveregularly swappingits lead actor,but its setting,too.Taking place in sunnyDolphin Cove,NSW ReturntoParadise drawstoa close tonight withStingers’Peter Phelps (pictured, right) playing acrabbymineowner who has seeminglydied by his own hand. Despitehis body being found in his bedsit that waslocked from the inside,Mackenzie (Anna Samson, pictured, left) smellsarat and throwsherself into the case, hoping to catch akillerbut also escape the turmoil of her personal life
Wednesday, October 9
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners.(R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address.
1.35 MediaWatch. (PG, R)
2.00 Parliament Question Time.
3.00 Earth. (R)
4.00 Love Your Garden (R)
4.45 Grand Designs. (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABCNews.
7.30 7.30 8.00 Hard Quiz (Return, PG) 8.30 Question Everything. (Return) Presented by WilAnderson and Jan Fran 9.05 Planet America. Alook at the US politics.
6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Portillo’s Andalucia:Malaga And Ronda. (PGal) Michael Portillo celebrates Andalucia.
8.25 ElizabethTaylor: Rebel Superstar: Passion. (Mal) Part 2of3
9.20 Four YearsLater (Ml) Yash takes Sridevi on asurprise date.
10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Carmen Curlers. (Premiere, Masv) 1.05 Wisting. (Madlv, R) 2.50 Miniseries: Safe Home. (Malv,R) 3.50 Paddington Station 24/7.(PGa, R) 4.40 DestinationFlavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.
RED FLAG: MUSIC’S FAILED REVOLUTION
SBS, Tuesday, 8.35pm
Intrepid investigator MarcFennell(pictured), host of Framed TheKingdom and TheMission,will stop at nothingtounravel astranger-than-fiction mystery.Inthis intriguing docuseries, Fennell and musician Ben Leehark backtothe turn of the millennium to delveintothe rise andfall of Guvera amusicservice thatpromised to revolutionise amulti-billion dollar recording industry, then under threat from piracy.Amajor player that once rivalled Spotify, theGoldCoaststart-up seemed likethe next big thing,until it wasn’t –vanishingwith$180 million. Candidinterviews with former staff,investors and industryexperts makethis compellingtwo-parter amust-watch.
SEVEN (7,6)
NINE (9,8)
5.30 Antiques Roadshow (R) 6am Morning Programs. 8.00 DD India News Hour 9.00 Paul O’Grady:For TheLove Of Dogs. (PG, R) 10.00 Grayson’s Art Club.(PG, R) 10.55 Revolution:IdeasThat Changed The World. (PG, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight.(R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour 3.35 The Cook Up.(R) 4.05 Planet Reef.(PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorningShow. (PG) 11.30 SevenMorning News. 12.00 My KitchenRules. (PGl, R) 1.40 BorderSecurity: International (PG, R) 2.10 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 3.00 TheChase. (R) 4.00 SevenNewsAt4 5.00 TheChaseAustralia. 6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 TheBlock. (PGl, R) 1.20 Explore TV:Trade Routes Of The Middle Ages. (PG, R) 1.50 My Way. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9NewsAfternoon 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping
6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Home AndAway. (PGa) Bree livesindenial.
7.30 The1%Club UK. (PGa) Hosted by LeeMack.
8.30 Jimeoin: Result. (Ml) Stand-up performance by comedian Jimeoin discussing the absurditiesofeveryday life
8.35 Human Error (Mlv) Holly’steam uncovers aweb of organised crime.
9.35 Million Dollar Murders: A Shot In TheDark. (Mv,R)Alook at the murder of KevinPearce. 10.45 9News Late.
11.15 Law& Order:Organized Crime. (MA15+av)
12.05 Tipping Point. (PG,R) 1.00 Hello SA (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop.(R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 TodayEarly News. 5.30 Today
PICK OF THE WEEK DESSERTMASTERS
10, Monday, 7 30pm
Hungry for another instalment of gorgeous, gravity-defying desserts that would look at home in a modern-art museum? This creative culinary competition will hit the sweet spot MasterChef winner Emelia Jackson, TheGreat AustralianBakeOffjudge Darren Purchese and colourful cake queen Katherine Sabbath are among the professionals putting their imagination and baking skills to the ultimate test in Dessert Masters’ second season In tonight s premiere judges Melissa Leong and Amaury Guichon (both pictured) are looking for each chef’s dessert masterpiece – with a secret season-long advantage at stake
TEN (10, 5)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer 6.30 TheProject Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 ThankGod You’re Here (als) Hosted by Celia Pacquola 8.40 An Oprah Special: ThePresleys –Elvis, LisaMarie And Riley. Oprah Winfrey travels to Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee to chat with Riley Keough. 9.40 NCIS. (MA15+v, R) Theteam interrogates asuspectedkiller. 10.40 10’s Late News. 11.05 TheProject (R) 12.05 TheLate ShowWith
Thursday, October 10
ABC (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News
Mornings. 10.00 Australian Story.(R) 10.30 Compass. (PG, R) 11.00 AntiquesRoadshow (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Secret Lives Of Our Urban Birds. (R) 2.00 Parliament QuestionTime. 3.00 Earth. (R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.40 Grand Designs. (PG,R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow (R) 6am MorningPrograms. 10.00 Grayson’s ArtClub. (PGl, R) 10.55 Seed. (PGa, R) 11.30 Beneath The Stigma.
4.05 Planet Reef.(R) 5.05 Jeopardy!(R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 11.30 SevenMorningNews 12.00 MOVIE: Hailey Dean Mysteries: Killer Sentence. (2019 PGav) Kellie Martin, Lauren Holly,Viv Leacock. 2.00 Your Money& Your Life 2.30 Border Security:International. (PG, R) 3.00 TheChase. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.
6.30 SBS WorldNews
7.30 Great Australian Walks: Wilpena Pound. (PG) Susie Youssef explores Wilpena Pound.
8.25 National ParksFromAbove: Wales. (PG) Alook at Snowdonia National Park in Wales, alandscape of picturesque mountains, rugged valleys and sandycoastlines.
9.20 Paris Has Fallen. (M)Jacob Pearce’s mission for vengeance leadshim to Cedric Duval and Beatrice Paquin.
10.15 SBSWorld NewsLate.
Zan Rowe (PG, R) 12.00 Killing Eve. (Mav,R) 12.45 Parliament Question Time 1.45 Love Your Garden.(R) 2.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.35 Catalyst. (R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)
10.45 Freezing Embrace. (Malv)
12.25 Wolf (Malsv, R) 3.45 Paddington Station 24/7.(PGa,R)
4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 Little JAnd Big Cuz. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Pfffirates. 6.50 Ginger And The Vegesaurs. 6.55 Hey Duggee. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep 7.35 TheInbestigators. 7.50 Operation Ouch! 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 The Wonderful World Of Puppies. 9.10 72 Cutest Animals. 9.40 Doctor Who 10.25 Merlin. 11.10 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am
6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Home AndAway. (PGa)Leah and Justin are caught red-handed.
8.30 Australia’sMostDangerous Prisoners Ex-inmates,journalists, former correctional officers and psychologists reveal what lifebehind bars is likefor notorious Australian prisoners Amirah Droudis, SefGonzales and Tony Mokbel.
9.30 RonIddles: TheGood Cop: Slawomir Tomczyk (Malv,R) RonIddles recounts how he set outto prove the innocence of the man convicted for murderofSlawomir Tomczyk.
7.30 TheBlock. (PGl) Hosted by ScottCam and Shelley Craft.
8.45 RPA: Farmer Mark. (PGm) Afarmer suffers abrain aneurysm. One of the show’s production staff presentswitha heartarrhythmia.
9.45 A+EAfter Dark. (Mlm) An abusive patient refusestoleavethe department. Staff deals with adrugoverdose.
10.45 9News Late.
11.15 TheEqualizer. (Mv)
12.05 Resident Alien. (Mav)
1.00 GreatAustralian Detour (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’sVoice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today
6.00 Deal Or No Deal Contestants compete in ahigh-stakes game where they must beat The Banker to winacash prize. 6.30 TheProject Thehosts and guest panellists takealookatthe day’snews, events and hot topics. 7.30 Soccer AFC2026World Cup Qualifiers.Third round. Australia v ChinaPR. From Adelaide Oval. 10.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news,sportand weather 10.55 TheCheap Seats (Mal,R) PresentedbyMelanieBracewell and TimMcDonald 11.55 TheProject (R)A look at theday’snews. 1.00 TheLateShowWith Stephen Colbert (PG) HostedbyStephen Colbert. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMornings. 6am WorldWatch.
(34) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00
10.00 TheMovie Show Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Hustle 1.25 The Story Of 1.55 Unknown Amazon. 2.50 TheWine Lovers’ Guide To Australia 3.25 WorldWatch. 5.20 Abandoned. 6.10 Craig Charles: UFOConspiracies 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats 8.30 Hells Angels: Kingdom Come. (Premiere) 10.20 Obsessed With My Muscles. 10.50 Dark Side Of Comedy 11.45 Late Programs.
Topkapi. Continued. (1964,PG) 7.45 Anandi Gopal. (2019,PG, Marathi) 10.10 Benediction. (2021, M) 12.40pm Supernova.(2020,M) 2.25 Remember Me: TheMahalia Jackson Story. (2021, PG) 4.10 Paris Can Wait.(2016,PG) 5.50 The GreyFox.(1982, PG) 7.30 T-34.(2018, M, Russian) 9.35 ForAFew Dollars More. (1965,M) Midnight Tracker.(2010 M) 1.55 Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Shortland St 2.30 The Cook Up 3.00
Friday, October 11
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6am MorningPrograms. 10.00 DD India News Hour 10.50 Soccer.2026FIFAWorld Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier.Chile vBrazil. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Secrets To Civilisation. (PGav, R) 3.00 NITVNews: Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour (R) 3.35 The Cook Up.(R) 4.05 ZooMum. (PGal, R) 5.05 Jeopardy!(R) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
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 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Joanna Lumley’sSpice Trail Adventure.(PG, R) 1.55 The Princes And The Press. (PG, R) 2.55 Earth. (R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 4.45 GrandDesigns. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)
Australia. Jane Edmanson visits vibrant laneway gardens. 8.30 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure: Zanzibar AndJordan (PG, R) Part 4of4.The last leg of Joanna Lumley’sepic journeytakes her to the island of Zanzibarand the city of Petra.
9.20 QuestionEverything. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson and Jan Fran
9.50 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by TomGleeson.
10.20 YouCan’t Ask That: Kids (Ml, R)
10.55 ABC Late News.
11.10 Grand Designs. (R)
11.55 Love Your Garden. (PG, R)
12.45 The Larkins. (Ms, R) 1.30 Rage New Music.(MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS WorldNews. 7.35 Lost TreasuresOfAncient Rome: Pompeii’sBuried Secrets. (Return, Mns) Archaeologists explore Pompeii. 8.30 CastleSecrets. (Premiere, Mav) Takesa look at castles around the world, including ruins that reveal the occult dealings of the Nazis.
9.25 Rise Of TheNazis: The Downfall. (Mav,R)Part 1of3.Charts the fall of Nazi Germany documenting the period from 1944onwards.
10.35 SBS World NewsLate. 11.05 TheAllegation. (Mav) 12.20 Kin. (MA15+d, R) 4.10 PaddingtonStation24/7. (PGa, R) 5.00 NHK WorldEnglish News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight
6.00 Sunrise. 10.00 MotorRacing. Supercars C’ship.Round 10.Bathurst1000.Day 1. Practice session. 12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship.Round 10.Bathurst 1000 Day 1. Practice session and supportraces. 2.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship Round 10.Bathurst 1000.Day 1. Qualifying and supportraces 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 TodayExtra.(PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 TheBlock. (PGl,
6.00 SevenNews.
7.00 Better Homes AndGardens. Johanna Griggs and the team demonstrate some terrific ideas for the house, garden andthe kitchen.
8.30 MOVIE: Ford VFerrari (2019, Ml, R) During the ’60s, American car designer Carroll Shelby anddriver KenMiles battle corporate interference and the laws of physics to build arevolutionary race car forFord so they candefeat rivals Ferrari. MattDamon,Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal. 11.40 MOVIE: Hollow Man. (2000,MA15+hlv,R)A scientist turns invisible. Kevin Bacon, Elisabeth Shue
1.55 GetOnExtra.
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 9News.
7.00 ACurrent Affair
7.30 David Attenborough’s Planet Earth III: Coasts. (PG, R) Narrator Sir DavidAttenborough embarks on ajourney throughEarth’s ever-changing habitats.
8.40 MOVIE: TheBatman. (2022, Mlv) Batman pursuesa sadistic serial killer who is murderingpoliticalfiguresinGotham.
RobertPattinson, ZoëKravitz, Paul Dano
12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.00 Destination WA
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping (R) 4.00 SkippyThe Bush Kangaroo (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop:Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Surfing Australia TV.(PG, R)
TEN (10, 5)
6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R)
6am WorldWatch. 10.00 TheMovie Show 12.05pm WorldWatch. 12.35 Devoured. 1.30 One Star Reviews. 2.25 States Of Undress. 3.20 WorldWatch. 5.15 Abandoned. 6.10 Craig Charles: UFOConspiracies. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Shaun Micallef’s OriginOdyssey 9.30 Booze, Bets And Sex That Built America. 11.05 TheDoll Factory 12.05am Late Programs. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.40pm Pfffirates 6.50 GingerAnd The Vegesaurs. 6.55 Hey Duggee. 7.05 Riley Rocket. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep 7.35 Star Wars: YoungJedi Adventures. 7.50 The Strange Chores 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 Mythbusters “There’s Your Problem!” 8.55 Robot Wars 9.55 Doctor Who. 10.55 Late Programs.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am The Grey Fox. (1982, PG) 7.40 TheGreat Escape. (1963 PG) 10.50 Black Box. (2021, M, French) 1.15pm Topkapi. (1964, PG) 3.25 Anandi Gopal. (2019,PG, Marathi) 5.50 Footy
Saturday,October12
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage.(PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Unforgotten. (Mal R) 1.15 Grantchester.(Mv,R) 2.05 Question Everything. (R) 2.35 The Australian Ballet Don Quixote 4.55 Take 5WithZan Rowe.(PG,R) 5.25 Landline.
5.55 Australian Story: HoldingOn–Gus Taylor (R) Presented by LeighSales
6.25 Back Roads: Ongerup, Western Australia. (PG,R) Heather Ewartvisits Ongerup
7.00 ABC News. Alookatthe topstoriesofthe day
7.30 Grantchester (Mv)Alphy is invited to aparty at acountry manor,where he hopestoraise funds for the ailing church.
8.20 Vera (Mv,R)DCI Vera Stanhopeinvestigates the case of amurdered socialworker Identifying amotivefor the killing of the woman provesdifficult,atleast until they uncovera link to the tragic death of achild.
9.50 Return To Paradise (Mv,R) Atense game of lawn bowls turns to chaos when aplayeriskilled on the green in broad daylight.
10.50 Miniseries: Better. (Malv, R) Part 4of5
11.45 Rage (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs.
11.45 MOVIE: Frog Dreaming. (1986,PG) 1.25pm Extreme Africa. 2.15 NITVNews: Nula. 2.45 Westwind:Djalu’sLegacy 4.15 Kungka Kunpu. 4.25 Other Side Of TheRock. 4.30 Great LakesWild. 5.00 Connection To Country 6.00 News. 6.10 PacificIslandFood Revolution. 7.00 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Constantine. (2005,MA15+) 10.40 Late Programs.
6am MorningPrograms. 10.05 Love Your Garden. (R) 11.00 Paul O’Grady:For TheLove Of Dogs. (PG) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30
ABC World NewsTonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Gymnastics. FIG ArtisticWorld Challenge Cup.Highlights. 4.00 Cycling. National Road Series. Tour of Gippsland. Highlights. 4.30 Battle Of Okinawa:Operation Iceberg.(PGav, R) 5.30 ApocalypseD-Day
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Inside Windsor Castle. Explores what it’s like to liveinWindsor Castle
8.25 Jackie And Lee: ATale Of Two Sisters (Ma, R) Explores the story of JacquelineKennedy Onassis andher younger sister Princess LeeRadziwill.
9.20 TheWorld’sMostBeautiful Landscapes: TheCanadian Rockies. (R) Robert Lindsay narratesa visual journey through the Canadian Rockies.
10.15 Arthur: ALife With The RoyalFamily. (PGals,R) 11.15 Something Undone. (Mal) 12.15 RexInRome. (Mlv,R) 3.55 Paddington Station 24/7.(Ml,R) 4.45
Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R)
4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize.(R)
5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am WorldWatch.
10.00 TheMovie Show 12.05pm Scrubs. 2.20 Bamay. 2.55 WorldWatch. 4.55 Extreme Food Phobics. 5.50 Monty Python’s Best Bits (Mostly) 6.25 The Secret Genius Of Modern Life. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 The Big FatQuiz Of Telly 10.15 Enter The ClonesOfBruce Midnight Hudson &Rex 12.50 TheX-Files. 2.35 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al JazeeraNewsHour
6am
Footy Legends. Continued. (2006,PG) 7.05 The Last Wave.(1977,PG) 9.00 Darling Companion. (2012, PG) 11.00 T-34.(2018,M,Russian) 1.05pm Tracker.(2010,M) 3.00 The GreyFox.(1982, PG) 4.40 Soft Skin. (1964,PG, French) 6.50 All Roads Lead To Rome. (2015,PG) 8.30 Saturday Night Fever. (1977,MA15+) 10.40 Eager Bodies. (2003, French) 12.30am Late Programs.
6.00 NBCToday 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 MotorRacing. Supercars C’ship Round 10.Bathurst 1000.Day 2. Practice session. 1.00 Motor Racing.Supercars C’ship Round 10.Bathurst 1000.Day 2. Practice session and supportraces 4.30 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship.Round 10.Bathurst 1000.Day 2. Top10Shootout. From Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit, NSW
6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 TheGreatOutdoors. The team traversesAustralia’s red centre and meets the world’ssmallest penguins.
7.30 MOVIE: Ghostbusters. (1984,PGhl, R) Atrio of scientists gets more than they expectedafter theyset up aghost-exterminating business. Bill Murray,Dan Aykroyd, SigourneyWeaver 9.40 MOVIE: Venom. (2018,Malv,R) Ajournalist is unwittingly merged witha symbiotic alien with lethal abilities.Tom Hardy,Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed 11.40 To Be Advised 12.40 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship.Round 10.Bathurst 1000 Day 2. Top10Shootout. 2.30 HomeShopping. (R) 4.00 LarryThe WonderPup (R) 5.00 HouseOfWellness. (R)
7TWO (72, 62)
6am Home Shopping 8.30 Travel Oz. 10.00 Harry’sPractice. 10.30 House Of Wellness 11.30 GetOnExtra. Noon HorseRacing. Caulfield Guineas and Hill Stakes Day. 6.00 Heathrow. 6.30 The Highland Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To TheCountry 11.30 The YorkshireVet. 12.30am Escape To The Country 1.30 My GreekOdyssey 2.30 Creek To Coast 3.00 Weekender 3.30 Weekender 4.00 Late Programs.
7MATE (73, 64)
6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Timbersports. 1.00 Blokesworld. 1.30 On Tour With Allan Border 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars 3.00 Boating. Circuit Boats Drivers Championship.Replay 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 CountingCars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Football.AFL Women’s.Week7.Fremantle v Carlton. 9.15 MOVIE: The Taking Of Pelham 123 (2009,MA15+) 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Getaway.(PG, R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday.(PG) 12.00 Surfing Australia TV (PGl) 12.30 ExploreTV: Trade Routes Of The Middle Ages. 1.00 Great Australian Detour (R) 1.30 The Pet Rescuers.(PG,R) 2.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 3.30 TheGarden Gurus. 4.00 Journey To Irpinia, Italy 5.00 9News FirstAt Five. 5.30 Getaway.(PG)
6.00 9News Saturday.
7.00 ACurrent Affair
7.30 MOVIE: Mrs Doubtfire. (1993,PGal, R) Aman resorts to posing as adevotedfemale housekeeper to keep in touch with his three children. Robin Williams, Sally Field.
10.00 MOVIE: TheAdventures Of Priscilla, Queen OfThe Desert (1994,Mls,R)Dragqueens travel across the Australian desert.
Guy Pearce, Hugo Weaving
12.00 MOVIE: Ascendant. (2021, MA15+av,R)Charlotte Best
2.00 TheIncredibleJourney Presents. (PGa)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop (R)
5.00 TV Shop:HomeShopping. (R)
5.30 HelpingHands.(PG,R)
9GEM (92, 81)
6am Morning Programs. 8.30 Tomorrow’sWorld. 9.00 TurningPoint. 9.30 TV Shop 10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 My Favorite Martian. 11.00 AntiquesDownunder Noon Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 1.20 MOVIE: The Third Man (1949, PG) 3.30 MOVIE: Our Man In Marrakesh. (1966) 5.30 MOVIE: Foreign Intrigue. (1956,PG) 7.30 MOVIE: BlownAway. (1994, M) 9.55 MOVIE: TheDriver.(1978,M) 11.50 Late Programs.
9GO! (93, 82)
6am Children’s Programs. 8.00 MOVIE: LOLSurprise:The Skate Dance Movie.(2024) 9.00 Children’s Programs. 2pm MOVIE: Pokémon: TheSpell Of Unown. (2001,PG) 3.30 MotorwayCops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. 5.30 MOVIE: How To TrainYour Dragon2.(2014 PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Meg. (2018, M) 9.45 MOVIE: Godzilla. (2014, M) 12.10am The Originals 2.00 Late Programs.
6.30 TheDog House. (PG,R)Dogs are matched with companions. 7.30 Thank God You’re Here. (als,R)Comedians Lloyd Langford, Bron Lewis, Felicity Ward and Ivan Aristeguieta test their improvskills. 8.40 TheDog House Australia. (PGa, R) Follow the staffatthe Animal Welfare League as it matches dogs, including agentle giantofa Bull Arab,to Aussie families, couplesand individuals looking for anew four-legged friend. Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 9.40 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) Amotorbikerider fallswhile travelling at high speed, and his injuriesare severe. 10.55 AmbulanceUK. (Ma, R) Emergenciestaketheir toll on the crews. 12.10 TheCheapSeats. (Mal, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 HourOfPower.
Sunday,October13
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6am MorningPrograms. 8.00 DD India News Hour 9.00 GrowingA Greener World. (R) 10.00 FIFAWorld Cup Classic Matches. (R) 11.30 Ageless Gardens.(R) 12.00 Surf Life Saving. Coolangatta Gold. 1.30 Speedweek. (R) 2.00 Volleyball. Australian Super League.Finals. Gold medal match 5.00 PBS Washington Week With TheAtlantic. 5.25 Plat Du Tour.(R) 5.30 Apocalypse D-Day.(PGaw)
SEVEN (7,6)
NINE (9,8) 6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 WeekendBreakfast. 9.00 Insiders 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 The World This Week.(R) 11.00 Compass. (Final, PG,R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline 1.30 GardeningAustralia.(R) 2.30 DarbyAnd Joan. (PG, R) 3.15 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. (R) 4.00 RestorationAustralia. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)
6.00 Grand DesignsAustralia: Kevin McCloud Special. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News
7.30 Return To Paradise. (Final, Mav) Amineowner is founddead.
8.30 Unforgotten. (Final, Mal) Theteam is confronted by the possibility they are dealing with adouble murder
6.30 SBS WorldNews. 7.30 TheTempleOfHatshepsut Alook at Hatshepsut’stemple.
8.30 TheLostCity Of Ramses (PGa, R) Part 1of2.Explores thestory of Ramses the Great and the lost city of Pi-Ramesses.
10.20 Devil’sConfession: Lost Eichmann Tapes: The Hunt. (Mavw,R)Part 1of3
11.25 Face Down: Killing Of Thomas Niedermayer (Mal) 12.25 24 Hours In Emergency (Mal, R) 2.10 8Out Of 10 CatsDoes Countdown. (Mals, R) 3.05 Paddington Station 24/7.(PGa, R) 3.50 Great Canal Journeys. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al JazeeraNews.
6.00 Weekend Sunrise. The latest news, sportand weather 7.30 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship.Round 10.Bathurst 1000 Day 3. Support races and warm up 10.30 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship.Round 10.Bathurst 1000 Day 3. Race 20.From Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit,NSW
6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 TheVoice. (PG) Hosted by Sonia Kruger 8.55 7NEWSSpotlight. An exclusive special investigation. 9.55 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: The Moorhouse Horrors (Mav,R) AlookatDavid and Catherine Birnie 11.10 TheLatest: SevenNews. 11.40 AutopsyUSA:Anthony Bourdain. (MA15+a) Alook at the deathofAnthony Bourdain.
12.40 TheStarter Wife. (Mas, R)
2.00 Home Shopping (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBCToday 5.00 Sunrise 5am News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Morning Programs. 11.00
6am MorningPrograms. 1pm RugbyLeague. Koori Knockout. Replay 2.00 Rugby League.KooriKnockout. Replay. 3.00 Rugby League. Koori Knockout. Replay. 4.00 Campfire. 4.15 The Coolbaroo Club 5.10 The Cook Up. 5.40 Stompem Ground: King Of Hearts. 6.10 News. 6.20 Animal Babies. 7.30 First Australians. 8.25 Black Man’s Houses. 9.35 MOVIE: Lantana. (2001, M) 11.40 Late Programs. NITV (34)
6.00 Hello SA.(PG, R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 7.00 Weekend Today 10.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 11.00 Cross Court. 11.30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PG, R) 12.30 Customs.(PGa, R) 1.00 Innovation Nation. 1.15 TheBlock. (PGl, R) 2.40 TheBlock. (PGl, R) 3.45 TheBlock. (PGl,R) 5.30 Postcards.
6.00 9News Sunday
7.00 TheBlock. (PGl) Hosted by ScottCam and Shelley Craft. 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysingand uncovering the issuesaffecting all Australians
9.40 Footy Furnace. (Mlv) TomMorris and Jimmy Bartel recap all the latest news from the AFL trade period.
10.40 9News Late.
11.10 TheFirst48: Bridge Of Lies (Malv) Alook at the murder of Barry Hotzler 12.00 Transplant. (MA15+m) 12.45 Australia’s TopTen Of Everything. (PG,R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Destination WA 5.00
TEN (10, 5)
6.00 TheSundayProject. Alookatthe day’snews. 7.00 TheAmazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. Hosted by Beau Ryan. 8.10 GoggleboxAustralia. (PGl) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 9.10 FBI: International. (Mv) Aformer member of the Irish Republican Army is shot while in London 10.10 NCIS (Mdv,R)Parkergrappleswith his emotions when acon man from his past turns up as aprime suspectina murder 12.00 TheSundayProject. (R) Alookatthe day’s news. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMornings. 6am Morning Programs. 12.05pm Kim’s Convenience 1.05 Small Town Secrets. 1.55 InMyOwn World. 2.50 States Of Undress. 3.40 Bamay. 4.00 WorldWatch 4.30 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic. 4.55 Scandinavian Star 6.05 In TheBox 6.40 Mysteries From Above 7.35 AbandonedEngineering. 8.30 Disaster Autopsy. (Premiere) 9.25 WWERivals. (Premiere) 10.20 Late Programs. 6am Darling Companion. Continued.(2012,PG) 6.55 All Roads Lead To Rome. (2015,PG) 8.35 Soft Skin. (1964,PG, French) 10.45 Silverado.(1985, M) 1.10pm From TheVine. (2019,M) 2.55 Footy Legends. (2006,PG) 4.35 The Last Wave.(1977,PG) 6.35 The Big Steal. (1990,PG) 8.30 Vampire’s Kiss. (1988,MA15+) 10.25 Helene. (2020, PG, Finnish) 12.40am Late Programs.
(1953) 2.15 MOVIE: Let’sBeHappy.(1957) 4.30 MOVIE: Crossplot.(1969,PG) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 To Be Advised. 11.00 Late Programs. 9GEM (92, 81)
7TWO (72, 62) 6am Children’s Programs. 1.25pm MOVIE: Pokémon: Lucario And The Mystery Of Mew. (2005) 3.20 MOVIE: 100% Wolf (2020,PG) 5.15 MOVIE: Space Jam: ANew Legacy (2021, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Dark Knight Rises. (2012,M) 10.45 MOVIE: The Domestics. (2018, MA15+) 12.40am Gotham. 1.35 Love AfterLockup 3.00 Teen Titans
Monday,October 14
Catalyst: TheSecret LivesOf Our Urban Birds. (R) Ann Jones explores the lives of birds.
ABCLate News.
TheBusiness. (R)
Planet America. (R)
Louis Theroux Interviews... (Mdl, R)
12.35 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 1.20 Love Your Garden.(R) 2.10 Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 Catalyst. (R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS WorldNews
7.35 Into TheAmazon With Robson Green. (PGa) Part 1of3
8.30 8Out Of 10Cats Does Countdown. (Mals) Gameshow featuring JonRichardson, Katherine Ryan, Richard Ayoade and LauraSmyth.
9.25 NeverMind TheBuzzcocks. (Mls) Music-based popculture quiz show featuring panellistsJamaliMaddix,Joe Wilkinson,Aitch and Self Esteem.
10.05 Have IGot NewsFor You
U.S. (Mals) Hosted by Roy Wood Jr 10.55 SBSWorldNewsLate.
11.25 Suspect. (Malv)
11.55 Exterior Night. (Premiere,MA15+v) 2.05 Between TwoWorlds. (Mals, R) 3.50
Paddington Station 24/7.(Ml, R) 4.40 Bamay (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe WorldTonight.
6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Home And Away (PG) Cash says goodbye.
7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Theshow’s first everGerman team hope to impressthe judges with their traditional Bavarian cuisine.
9.10 TheRookie (Mav) In thewake of amafia-related mass casualty event, the team is tasked with keeping the peace at ahospital.
10.10 S.W.A.T. (Mav) Hicks insists SWAT participate in PatrolDay
11.10 TheLatest: SevenNews.
11.40 Lopez Vs.Lopez. George loses Chance in adepartment store.
7.30 TheBlock. (PGl) Hosted by ScottCam andShelley Craft.
8.40 Miniseries: Bali 2002. (MA15+lv) Part 2of4.A team of Australian Federal Police is dispatched to Bali to work with Indonesianpolice.
9.40 9News Late.
10.10 Chicago Med. (MA15+amv) Charles tries to mend his relationship with Ripley
Tuesday, October 15
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 ShaunMicallef’sOrigin Odyssey: Sri Lanka. (PGa) Shaun Micallef heads to Sri Lanka. 8.35 RedFlag: Music’s Failed Revolution: F*** Pirates. Part 1of2.Marc Fennell is joined by Ben Leetoinvestigate the bizarre story of Aussie start-up Guvera. 9.50 SBSWorld News Late. 10.20 ThePoint: Road Trip (R) Presented by John Paul Janke 11.15 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+v) 1.10 Don’t LeaveMe. (MA15+a, R) 3.05 Paddington Station 24/7.(PGa, R)
3.55 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight
6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Home And Away Alf reachesout to Bree.
7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PG) In the first Kitchen Headquarters battle, the teams takeonthe dreaded Pick aFridge challenge 9.10 Alert: MissingPersons Unit. Ayoung pregnant woman goes missing the day before her emergency C-section. 10.10 Made In Bondi. (Mal) Charlie receives atempting offer from Bee. 11.15 TheLatest: SevenNews. 11.45 Chicago Fire. (Mav)Violet clashes with her new partner
Your Money& Your Life. (PG,R)
(R)
Free immunisation program set to protect newborns and infants
THE state government is protectingVictorian newborns and infants from Respiratory Syncytial Virus(RSV) next winteraspart of afree hybrid immunisation program.
Minister forHealth Mary-Anne Thomas announced $18.7 million to deliver anew longacting monoclonal antibody as part of acoordinated national prevention program forunprotected newborns and eligible infants up to eight months.
The freeinfant vaccine will complement an expected federal-funded maternal vaccine as part of the coordinated national program -ensuring as many babies are protected from RSV as possible.
The monoclonal antibody is along-actingvaccine that will be available for Victorian babies and
infants whose mother was unable to be immunised or was immunised less than two weeks before delivery.
The infant vaccine provides protection for about five months, which covers the winter peak of RSV infections from April to September.
Adedicatedcatch-up program willalsobeoffered for eligible Victorian infants aged up to two years who are vulnerable to severeRSV and entering their second RSV season.
In most cases, immunisations will be administered in ahospital setting as part of standard post-birth care,helping parents avoid any additional healthcare costs and time spent attending appointments. For the 2024 RSV season, Victoria secureddoses
Day carer recognised for impact on early education
LOCAL day carer Megan Dunks hasbeen recognised for her excellence in early childhood education.
Ms Dunks wasnamed the Traralgonand Latrobe Valley Educator Winner in Excellence in the 2024 Family Day Care Awards.
Now in its 13thyear, the ExcellenceinFamily Day Care Awards highlights the unique benefits of family day care, which is the natural choice of early childhood education and care for more than 52,000 families across Australia.
The nationwideawards program is the only of its kind for familyday care educators, whotogether form one of the largest national networks of women in small business, turning their passionand dedicationfor childcareinto arewarding career.
Family Day Care Australia Chief Executive, AndrewPaterson, spoke to Ms Dunks' achievement.
"The incrediblework and dedication to creating auniqueand nurturing early learning environment for children by educators like Megan is why family day care is the natural choice in early childhoodeducation and carefor so many Australian families,"hesaid
“This year more than 5000 nominations were placed,whichistestament to the vitalrole that family day care educators play in the lives of familiesall across Australiaand the unique benefits family day care offers."
The Excellence in Family Day Care Awards showcase the contribution that family day care educators make to more than 74,000 children across the country each day.
Ms Dunks is now in the running to be named as anational finalist for the 2024 Educator of the Year Award.
NationalEducatorFinalists willbeannounced this Monday (October 15).
Anne of Green Gables in production
TRANSPORTING audiences from 2024 back to the 1890s with the much-loved story of ‘Anne of Green Gables’, secondary school students at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School are deep in rehearsals.
Based on the classic book series of the same name by L.M. Montgomery, the dramatic production of Anne of GreenGables’features the tale of Anne, afeisty orphan,who is adopted by afamily in Avonlea.
Her new-found life isn’t the smoothestone and the audience can follow along withAnne as she gets up to mischief, figures out her friendships and settles into hernew life in Avonlea.
Directed by St Paul's Head of Performing Arts, Nathan Byrne, assisted by Andie Browne and trainee director, Year 8student Harry Wight, the38-member cast consists of studentsfrom across Years7through 10 at the Traralgon Secondary Campus.
Whether Anne is familiar to you, or someone you might be meeting for the first time, this play willsolidifyalastingfriendship between the audience and one of literature's most unforgettable characters.
For audiences who are young and young at heart, the cast and crew of the show can’t wait to charm you through Anne’s story.
Staged in the auditorium of the St Paul's Futures CentrefromOctober17 to October 20, be sure to purchase your tickets at: trybooking.com/events/landing/1278474
Rehearsal: St Paul’s AnglicanGrammar School students Sienna Hill,Georgia Kam, MakinleyMonaghan andElizabeth Schembri bringing ascene to lifeonstage Photograph supplied
of the antibody for infants and children at the most severe risk from the virus.
RSV is not new and can cause respiratory infections in the airwaysand lungssuchasbronchiolitis and pneumonia -itisespecially common in infants and young children, with most infected by the age of two years.
With more than 3800 infant RSV-associated ED presentations in 2023/24 and around 85 per cent of those requiring ahospital admission, this vaccine will helpreduce pressure on EDs and keep Victorian babies healthy.
For more information, visit: betterhealth.vic.gov au/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv
Local schools to receive funding for maintenance
TRAFALGAR Primary School will share in more than $20 million in funding for maintenance projects.
The share is part of thestate government's Planned Maintenance Program (PMP).
Trafalgar Primary has been allocated nearly half amillion dollars ($435,233.50).
Narracan PrimarySchool is also set to benefit,with $269,269.18 allocated in the August distribution.
The PMP providesfunding to addresshighpriority maintenance issues across Victoria’s government schools.The program ensures schools can undertake essentialworkinclassrooms and other school buildings such as fixing roofs and replacing windows, painting, andresurfacing floors, as well as some external works like improving pathways.
Worksare determinedbyarolling facilities
Youth centre nominated
MORWELL not-for-profit Centre For Multicultural Youth has been recognised with aYouth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) Rural Youth Awards. The YACVic Rural Youth Awards are held once every two years and recognise young people and youth workers for their achievementsand contributions in creating positive change in rural and regional Victoria.
Minister for Youth,Natalie Suleyman made the presentation to seven awardees, including Centre For Multicultural Youth.
The centre won the 'Young people producing outstanding content' category (officially named the Gippsland Youth Advisory Group, Centre for Multicultural Youth).
YACVic ChiefExecutive, MaryNega congratulated all award winners.
“The Rural Youth Awards are more than just acelebration -they are atestament to the strength and innovation of our rural and regional young people and youth workers," she said.
"We are proudtoacknowledge theircontributions and showcase how their initiatives are shaping the future of their communities.” For more information and alistofthe 2024 award recipients, visit: yacvic.org.au/rural
evaluation process, which providesup-to-date informationonthe conditionofschools to create afaster and more targeted allocation of funding.
Thestate government has invested $16.9billion over the past 10 yearstobuild new schools and deliver more than 2200schoolupgrades-supportingmorethan26,000jobsinconstructionand associated industries.
Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing welcomed the funding announcement.
"As our work continues to build and upgrade schools across the region, this maintenance funding is making areally positive difference to the amenity and accessibility for more students, teachers and staff," she said.
For alist of schools receiving funding under the Planned Maintenance Program, visit: schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/planned-maintenance-program
MONDAY7OCTOBER
Gary Francis turns 11
TUESDAY8OCTOBER
Tannah Leslie turns 9
WEDNESDAY9 OCTOBER
Peter Riseley turns 6
Harrison Hogan turns 10
Aiden Richardson turns 12
THURSDAY10OCTOBER
Rahni Thompson turns 8
FRIDAY11OCTOBER
Mack Hayes turns 9
Taite Hecker turns 7
SATURDAY12OCTOBER
Randy Baker turns 4
Samesoni Tawalo turns 4
SUNDAY13OCTOBER
Tate Stewart turns 10
Fitting farewelltofond mentor
By LIAM DURKIN
BOAT building by trade, community building by extension.
Narracan local Michael Brennan has used his hands to buildboats, all while providing ahelping hand to youthinthe Trafalgar community.
The boats willneeda new captain,asMrBrennan has disembarked on his mentorship with the Trafalgar Youth Resource Centre.
Mr Brennan was given aformal farewell recently, put on by grateful students and fellow volunteers from the resource centre.
The sprightly 85-year-old introduced aboat building program at Trafalgar High School, the result of which saw students learn practical lessons in mathematics, architecture and teamwork.
“We actually designed a10-foot boat, small row boat and we did all the assembly at the school itself,” Mr Brennan said.
“It was aconstant ongoing thing,the kids got very interested at it.”
Possessing an Irish tongue, which Mr Brennan admitted gave him the “gift of the gab”, students were eager to see their boatconstructed from start to finish.
The finished product wastested on the waters of Lake Narracan, wheresure enough, it floated safely.
The boat has since been donated to the Trafalgar Holden Museum, with Mr Brennan refurbishing it as areplica of aboat manufactured by General Motors.
Community has beena constant theme in Mr
Brennan’s latter life, also serving the role of treasurer at the Trafalgar op shop for the last 15 years.
As Mr Brennanexplained,the boat building program had anumberofpositive flow-on effects.
“I had one boy, todayheisnow awoodworker, he is so impressed with the woodworking that he came to be really good (at it),” he said.
“He’s now 23 years of age. I’ve been with him since Year 7. Every week he comes to the op shop andweare still great mates now. He’s gotten so involved with woodwork that he’s getting alot of experience.”
The boat building program lent itself to Mr Brennan’s work as amentor at the TrafalgarYouth Resource Centre.
As amentor, he would partner withslightly disadvantaged students, helping them through their school years.
Mentors worked one-on-one with students in both social and formal environments, including going on walks around town together to check in on health and wellbeing.
“It is great for the kids, they love coming here,” he said of the youth resource centre.
“Quite afew we still keep in contact with. They’ve now progressed to different stages, different jobs and all.
“They are happykids, they are really happykids now more than when they first started.”
Salvos seeking volunteers
THE SalvationArmyEmergencyServices (SAES) are calling on Victorians to sign up and become aSalvos volunteer.
The Salvosneed volunteers aheadofthe upcoming disaster season to help their teams during a disaster provide meals and refreshments to first responders and evacuees,beddingand material needs forthose displaced, and alistening earfor thosewho have experienced disasters first-hand.
SAES teamshave along and credible history supporting Aussies during naturaldisasters, includingsupport during tragic disasters in Victoria like the devastating Black Saturday bushfires in 2009 and the floods in 2022.
In the past three years aloneacross the country, SAES teamshave distributed more than 390,000 meals and refreshments and supported over 80,000 people, all of which wouldn’t have been possible without the 51,000volunteer hours completed by more than 8500 volunteers.
“Whether it be fire,flood,earthquake, cyclone, or any number of other disasters, the Salvoswill be there for the long haul, which is why we are looking for passionate, dedicated people who would like to sign up and volunteer to support people doing it really tough during anatural disaster," SAES VictoriaResponseCoordinator, CarolynSpratling said.
"Whether it is cookingand serving meals, chatting to evacuees, administration support, maintenance and much more, all these roles are vitallyimportant in ensuring we can best support those who have experienced adisaster.
“However, this volunteer role is also aserious one,soweencourageVictorians to considerit thoughtfully. The process to become avolunteer is thorough, as we want to ensure we find the right peoplefor the role. So please, consider signing up as avolunteer with the Salvos. You will make a profound difference.”
The application process for becoming a SAES volunteer is designed to ensure the team has the right mix of skills, experience and passion so the Salvos can support those in need.For this reason,the processincludes the submission of a resume, screening questions,a phone interview, references and apolice check.
If accepted, volunteers willundertakeonline training modules to learn the appropriate skills for the role. Then, if adisaster hits, volunteers may be contacted and mobilised to the disaster site (volunteers within aclose proximity to the disaster are contacted first).
To sign up as avolunteer for the Salvation Army Emergency Services, or for moreinformation, visit: salvationarmy.org.au/emergency-services/
Manythanks: Trafalgar Youth Resource Centre volunteersand students gather around retiring mentor Michael Brennan (holding certificate). Pictured is Wombat Lyons,Pam Butler,Naomi Daley, DorothyHoare, Michael Brennan, Stephen Hoole,Marianne Tyler,(front) Lynne Byrne,Pat Tatterson, Belinda Pugliese, Glenys Brennan, Gauge East and WilliamHarrison. Photo: Liam Durkin
Council Elections your council candidates
BOOLA BOOLA WARD
Kellie O’Callaghan
AS an experienced councillor and former Mayor, Ihavehad the privilege of serving our community.
Ihave worked alongside many in the Latrobe community in our towns large and small who, like me, believe that a brightand prosperous future can only be built by harnessing our communities unique skills, talents and strengths.
Ihave had aleadership role in our shared industry transitionand advocacy work that has resulted in investmentininfrastructure and development projects that have further enhanced our community.
As alifelongLatrobe Valley local,I takegreat pride in our past and the opportunities that generations of diverse people have created.
Iwill continue to communicate clearly and ensure that our community’s voice is not only heard but amplified as the driver of change and opportunity at all levels of government.
As aproven leader in health, regional development and community, Iwill continue to advocate for strong economic growth, local jobs, educational opportunities, and enhanced health and wellbeing support and access.
Iwill stand up for what's right and be strong in voicing our communities collective aspirations.
Ivalue my trusted relationships with our community and hope to continue our important work together.
David Barnes
MY name is David Barnes, also known as Barnesy, and Iamrunning for the Boola Boola Ward of Latrobe City.
Iamrunning because Ithink council needs to get back to basics and have successfulbusiness peoplelooking after your rate monies.
This council has not looked after local industries like the timber industry which has cost hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs.
It’s time to put our focus back on local issues and look after our local roads, jobs, reserves and to keep our rates lower.
Ihave lived in Glengarry for the past 38 years and have always been involved in some capacity with local groups: coaching local football teams, both juniors and seniors, and serving on the committee of darts, pool, tennis and the fishing clubs to name afew.
Being afriendly sort of person, it gives me great satisfaction to be involved and meet new people.
My working life started in the sawmills in Heyfield,then Dahlsens Traralgon beforelanding ajob at the APM where Iwas employed for more than 20 years.
Due to shift work, Iwas able to run asmall building business for more than six years.
Iboughtand ran the Glengarry Pub in 2017 and helped bring peoplebackintothe town as it became the place to meet and have ameal or chat.
My love for the town and area is extensive and I would be privileged to represent in the upcoming council election.
BUDGEREE WARD
Leanne Potter
IAMalong-time resident of Budgeree, and bring awealth of experience to the table, including many years of service in various community roles including secretary of the Budgeree Hall.
Ihave astrongcommitment to working collaboratively with community groups and individuals to achieve their goals.
Ipromise to work to represent the interests and concerns of all residents.
Our town needs strong leadership that understands the challenges we face and hasthe experience to navigate them.
Iamready to take on this responsibility and ensure that our community's voice is heard loud and clear in the council chambers.
My campaignwill focus on advocating for:
Public toilets in Churchill to be built as quickly as possible;
The bike path construction joining Boolarra, Yinnar and Morwell, with Churchill possibly linking in;
The sale funds from Hazelwood House stay in the community and for the community;
Crime prevention with a24-hour police station in Churchill;
The protection of our heritage buildings, and;
Shop local with markets and events to attract visitors.
After narrowly missing outinthe 2020 election,I am more determined than ever to make ameaningful impact.
Ioffer to you my values, experience and commitment to keep Budgeree Ward moving in apositive direction.
Iwill be the councillor that you will see and can approach.
Ilive, work and shopinBudgeree Ward. You will bump into me at the supermarket, the neighbourhood house, Parkrun or the leisure centre.
Youwill see me in Boolarra and Yinnar at the cafes, stores or at markets, special events and at the Budgeree Hall.
This is my home, and Iwant the very best for it.
Melissa Ferguson
IHAVE decided to reverse my decisionand run for re-election in the Budgeree Ward.
Growingupinalow socioeconomic area and at age 48 as a single mother, Ihave gained valuable lived experience and adeep understanding of the challenges familiesface.
My qualifications include diplomas of communityservices, counselling, not-for-profit governanceand an Advanced Diploma in applied science.
These have served our community effectively.
Iamalsoagraduate of the Gippsland Community Leadership Program.
Iamdedicated to addressing the needs of residents and working towards abrighter future for the community.
Iaim to focus on essential services such as rates, roads, rubbish,and healthcare, as well as supporting business development and parks and recreation.
With experience in various industries including agriculture, manufacturing and mental health, I am well-equipped to make informed decisions for the betterment of the community.
My collaborative work with community clubs and committees has already brought about successful results, such as proposed publictoiletsinChurchill and the resurfacing of the Boolarra netball court.
Ialsoplan to supportinitiatives such as childcare centre facilities, the arts, and eco-tourism to boost the local economy.
As the current sitting councillor of the Budgeree Ward,Ibelieve that Ican continue to make apositive impactonour community.
If re-elected, Iwill continue to work to enhance the quality of life for all residents in the Budgeree Ward and beyond.
JEERALANG WARD
PeterDuncan
IT’Sall aboutcommunity for me, which is why Ishould be your councillor.
Ihave been involved with community groups such as the Ratepayers Association, University Advisory Committee, District Associations, and Community Committees.
Ihave served on committees of sporting clubsand associations involving cricket, football,volleyball, and table tennis.
Ihave worked in many industries throughout my career, such as mining, power, timber, education, and farming, enabling me to see the struggles
of each industry,but the value they add to the community.I’m keen to maintain and improve the successofour artscentre, libraries, recreational facilities, and waste management facilities.
As your councillor, Iwouldfocus on improvements that can be made to car parks, streets, footpaths and public areas.
Through community consultation and engagement, Ibelieve that the council can create plans andmake decisions to take us forward andgive Latrobe City the best futurefor us and our children.
Ihavelived in the Latrobe Valleyall my life. I’m married, with two children, and three grandchildren.
Nothing is more important than family, friends and community.
Joanne Campbell
IHAVE lived in Traralgon most of my life and have worked hard for the community.
One projectI fought hardfor was the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre.
Ilobbied for two years each and every week to politiciansonall levels for thisfacilityeven whenothersthought it was impossible. Ikept going as we deserved this.
It worked, and we now have agreat facility.
Iama professional bookkeeper, so Iknow how to make our dollar go further and in these times, this skill is very important to keep rates down.
Ihave also been treasurer on many boards and community groups, helping our region.
Ihave watched what has been happening with the region over the last four years and Ibelieve we deserve better.
It is not good enough for the majority of current councillors to not be willing to support the timber industry, or to change the Governance Policy giving the Latrobe City chief executive the right to veto Notice of Motions.
Ibelieve we need and deserve stronger representation.
We need economical and social inclusion which we are lacking.
Alex Maidana
Iamthrilled to announce my candidacy for Latrobe City Council.
Iamnot here to be handpicked by bureaucrats, Iamheretobe elected by you.
As aresidentof Hazelwood North, store manager of aretail store, Iamdeeply connected to our community.
Iunderstand our challenges,and more importantly, how to address them.
Let's cut through the noise of empty promises and focus on what truly matters: real accountability for what has not been delivered.
Choosing the same gets us the same.
We can break this cycle together and forge a brighter, more promising future for Gippsland. Your trust is essential, and Iamcommitted to bringingfactual, actionable changetothe community.
LOYYANG WARD
Paul Howden
IHAVE been aresident of Traralgon for 20 years and love the area. My goal as acouncillor will be to return the focus of council to local issues affecting local peoplenot global issues.
Focusingnot only on the ‘three R's’: roads, rates and rubbish, but also child health and future employment prospects for the municipality and working with state and federal governments where possible to achieve this.
This includes the possibility of nuclear energy in theValley if the opportunity exists in the future if federal policy changes.
It is my belief that renewables do not supplylong term employment. There has beena lackofsupport
for local rural industries and this needs to change. Ibelieveinallocating council resources fairly across all towns within Latrobe City and focus on improving local amenities and affordable access for child and maternal health and kindergartens.
JimmyWare
BORN, raisedand still living in the Loy Yang Ward of Traralgon, I know the potential this community has to offer.
Withyour support, Iwill work hard on local issues, promoting the region, helping strengthen local businesses, schools, sporting and recreational organisations.
Iamcurrentlyserving as presidentofthe Cowwarr Football-Netball club, and have been involved in sporting organisations my whole life, so Irealise the value of local sporting and recreational clubs.
Dale Harriman
IN my view, acouncillor of Latrobe City should be shouting outloud to government and business about the wonderful job and economic opportunitiesavailable right here.
This is part of the reason why Iamstanding for re-election as a councillor.
In many ways I’ve been ashamed to be on a council where the majority are more concerned with “currying favour” with the state government rather than standing for what is right. Look at our failuretostand up for the timber industry, our failure to advocate for the continued use of coal for ahugerange of products and our unreasonable objections to arange of different industry opportunities.
While Ihave welcomed lifestyle investment such as anew leisurecentre, newperforming artscentre and upgraded sports grounds, they in no way make up for the provision of long-term, well-paid sustainable jobs.
Iwill continue to get council to focus on its basic services and not run politicalorpersonal agendas. Focus on lowering rates, maintaining roads, keeping facilitiesclean and usable and maintaining our reserves and parks.
For too long council has kept quiet while local jobs and economy disappearsand families are forced to move away.
Iwillalsopushtohave more land made available for housing so that we aren't faced with ever increasing house prices and rents, so people can afford to live.
We haveagreat communitybut have been let down by some of our representatives over the past eightyears.
Iwill continue to push local issues and support localjobs and keep the focus of council local, not appeasing those from inner city Melbourne. Let me be your voice so that councilfocus is firmly on roads, rates, rubbish and reserves.
Guss Lambden
IHAVEdecided to run for council asecond time.
Ipassionately believe that council regularly requires new faces with fresh ideas moving into the role.
In running for council, Ibelieve that you need to be communityminded and ateam player.
Iamrunningasan
individualwho has no business interests of my own. In this role I willendeavour to representMoe and its people vigorously and with transparency. Iintend to continue to be very approachable to discuss all people's individual concerns, as they are brought to our attention.
Ialsobelieve that council needs to focus on their core business. This involves focusing more on local roads,parks and reservesand not increasing rates. We must continue to evolve and improve our region. My personal background involves serving in the
MOE WARD
Kellie O’Callaghan
David Barnes
Leanne Potter
Melissa Ferguson
PeterDuncan
Joanne Campbell
Alex Maidana
Jimmy Ware
Dale Harriman Guss Lambden
Paul Howden
Council Elections your council candidates
Royal Australian Navy for close to 10 years.
Ihave also worked in the disability sector, hospitalityand law enforcement roles.I am currently working in agovernment role.
As an immensely proudAustralian and Gippslander, Iampro-Australia Day,however we do need to acknowledge the wrongs of the past in relation to our First Nations people.
My current community involvementincludes being avolunteer at the Morwell CFA and acommunity level AFL umpire.
Adele Pugsley
PEOPLE before politics is what Ibelieve in.
Iamproud to live and work in our community that is so caring and resilient.
Avote for me will mean that Iwill continue to build on that community-minded spirit that we are so known for.
Iguarantee Iwill always voteand advocatefor whatever is in the best interests of the majority of our residents.
Ihavenobusinessofmyown,and Iamnot affiliated with any political party so the interests of all businesses and our community will all be important to me.
Iwill continue to be approachable by holding regular public drop-in sessions, in convenient, easily accessible places so Ican listen to your concerns.
As your councillor, Iwill work hard to help the community prosper and grow, as we deserve it.
Avote for me will mean you are electing agenuinelyopen-mindedand enthusiastic councillor that will always put your best interests first.
MORWELL RIVER WARD
DorothyLong
IN nominating as councillor for Morwell River Ward, Ican be entrusted as avalued leader of Latrobe City.
Ibelieve anew vision can enrichthe lives of families.
Together we can rebuild aunitedcommunity. As agovernance team, restoring order to council business and investment in both human and commercial capital should be of great importance.
To share the desire to live in ahealthy and supportive environment for generations to come is a worthwhile and achievable goal.
Iammarried with children and grandchildren andanintegral part of the local church.
John Ellingham
IHAVE lived,worked and volunteered in our community all my life. Iamnow retired with my wife Pam, whom we have three adult girls. Ipreviously worked in most of the power stations in the Latrobe Valley and more recently, managed alocal legal firm.
I’ve worked (on secondment) as an Industrial Officerinthe Morwell office of the Australian Services Union Energy Branch.
In 1972 Ireceived an AustralianOverseas Foundation scholarship to travel to England where Istudied trade practices withinthe instrumentation trade.
This experiencenot only contributed to my trade development skills, but also gave me awealth of knowledge and experience of affairs outsideof Australia.
Over my lifetime I've demonstrateda commitment to Morwell.
This commitment has seen me volunteering not just to asingleorganisation but has extended to the Morwell Park and Kurnai school councils, the Morwell Community Health Centre, Latrobe Country Credit Cooperative, LV Life Education committee, Lifeline Counsellor and Latrobe Valley Umpires and Honorary Probation Officer.
I'm currently on the Gippsland Regional Integrated Cancer Service (GRICS) Consumer Reference Group, committeeofLatrobe Biggest Blokes BBQ, secretary of Australia Overseas Foundation and Community Member Acid Battery Community Liaison Committee.
Ihave akeen interest in fitness, spending time riding my pushbike throughout the Latrobe area. Ihave an interest in men's health, particularly prostate cancer.
Ihave astrongdemonstrated commitment to my Morwell community and genuinely believe if you wantyour community to succeed and develop then you have to be prepared not only to speak up when yousee things needing to be done, but be prepared to be positively involved.
Tracie Lund
AS the current Deputy Mayor and acouncillor for Latrobe City, Iam seeking re-election in 2024 as councillor for the Morwell River Ward. During my time on council, Ihave championed initiatives such as the introduction of a hard rubbish collection service and the development of asocial housing strategy.
Ihavea proven record of standing up against inequality and injustice. I believe in acouncil that listens, takes action, and operates as arespectful, inclusive team.
For the past 12 years, my role as manager of Morwell Neighbourhood House has embedded me in theheart of Morwell.
This position has allowed me the privilege to understand and advocate for our community's needs and aspirations, shaping my commitment to delivering meaningful, community-driven change.
My connection to the people of Morwell is at the core of everything Ido.
As we face the challenges and opportunities brought by transition of both our energy systems and economy, Iwill advocate for afuture that benefits everyone in our community.
Iwill continue to be astrong advocate for open dialogueand transparent decision-making, making
sure that the needs and concerns of our community are always at the forefront of representation.
TYERS WARD
DarrenHowe
IHAVE aproven track record of delivering great outcomes for our community.
Iworkwell with the community, council staff and othercouncillors. Together, we have successfully built anew performingarts centre, new aquatic centre, expanded basketball facilities,lighting upgrades, new paths and tracks andother various projects across Latrobe City. Currently, we are enhancing the Seymour Street Carpark and planning anew four-level carpark between Kay and Grey Streets, creating an additional 400 car spaces.
Ihavechaired theproject working group for the design for the new pavilion at the Traralgon Recreation Reserve, which will begin construction in 2025
My serviceasacouncillor,and as yourMayor for the past 12 months, has allowed me to work closely with you to achieve significant milestones. Looking ahead, my focus will be on creating jobs and fostering economic development.
Iamproud of the progress we have made and committed to continuing to make Latrobe City a great place to live, work, invest, and visit.
Iamkeen to continue servingwith dedication and passion.
David Little
BY voting for me, you will have adedicated community advocateto represent your interests in local governance.
Iamcommitted to prioritising the management of rates and government funding to benefit our community.
My objectives are to:
1. Develop aregional employment strategy to facilitate the transition from current fossil fuel power generation to renewable energy resources;
2. Enhance flood mitigation and response efforts in various areas within the municipality;
3. Provide inclusive support for everyone in the community, irrespective of age or special needs;
4. Fosterthe growthofsporting and education organisations by improving infrastructure, and; 5. Continuously improveessential council services such as footpath, roads, stormwater, street lighting, waste collection, health and safety concerns.
Ihavedeep roots in the community, with astrong background as amechanical engineer and extensive experience working in various organisations.
Iamalsopassionate about supporting community sporting groups.
Ibelieve that with fresh perspectives and your support, we can address the major deficiencies in our community over the next four years.
YALLOURN WARD
Steph Morgan
LOCAL government has ahuge impact on our day-to-day lives, from playgrounds to potholes,publichealth to performing arts.
I’m running for Yallourn Ward because Ibelieveinour civic responsibility to create positive change.
Aproud residentof Morwell, my goal is to create healthy, resilient communitiesand deliver powerful, sustainable change locally –ensuring a strong future for generations to come.
Iwant aLatrobe City that is vibrant, connected, andcentred aroundcommunity needs,that’s safe, inclusive,and welcoming to all.
We deserve acouncil that represents our diverse community.
Iwill prioritise equity of serviceprovision and infrastructure, focus on sustainable planning for our growing population and the value of our arts, culture, and heritage.
Iwillbeavoicefor youngpeople and workers as our region’s economy and identity transition.
Iwant the people of Yallourn Ward to have equal opportunities to connect, succeed, gain meaningful employment, and pursue their passions.
Ibring auniqueperspective as acommunity worker and an active volunteer with abackground in performing arts and policy development. I’m committed to listeningtoand advocating for our community, and working collaboratively to achieve fair, just outcomes for all.
Graeme Middlemiss
MOST residents in the new Yallourn Ward (including halfof Morwell) were previously within council’s CentralWard, where I have represented you as your local councillor for many years.
Irespectfully ask your support to continue to represent you.
The decline in power/ coal and paper/timber jobs will continue to hurt our community.
You may be aware of my ongoing efforts to have council stand up to state and federal governments to honour promised replacement jobs -this continues to be my unrelentingmission.
Idoeverything in my power to ensure residents are treated fairly and feel includedincouncil plans so that Latrobe City is agreat place to live, raise a family, and retire in.
In acost-of-living crisis, Iwant to ensure council services to residentsdonot suffer, and that recreation facilities are maintained and regularly improved.
Examples of projects that Ihave initiated and championed include the Morwell-Yallourn NorthMoe Rail Trail and expansion of Toners Lane Reserve, Morwell, as well as opening more land for housing.
Ihope you see me as an experienced, steady pair of hands who remains passionate about our community of Latrobe City, Morwell and Yallourn North.
DarrenHowe
Adele Pugsley
DorothyLong
John Ellingham
Tracie Lund
David Little
Steph Morgan
Graeme Middlemiss
Business Guide
IT doesn’tmatterwhat time of year it is,the best waytosavemoneyis to makesurethatyour heating and cooling systemisregularly serviced and well maintained.
When the warm weather hits with avengeanceour best friend becomes theair conditioner
If youmakesureyou clean air conditionersevery six months,or earlier if recommended, youwon't have the problem of clogged, dirty filtersblocking normal airflowand stoppingyou from obtaining its full potential.
When the days andnights become chillier,having to fire up heaterstobewarmagain means that thereispotential forhigher electricity/gas bills.Having your heater regularlyserviced will keep it runningtoits best potential and help keep energy bills down.
Russell Thomas is able to serve all your air conditioning and heating requirements,installations and sales
Phone foranobligation free quoteand find out the benefits and savings with an inverter split system.
Russell Thomas is fully qualified,
CertificateIIinEngineeringProduction (Air Conditioning) and occupational health andservice training
It adheres to the refrigerant
each installation. Russell Thomas ensures
Orchestratoplay sounds of Europe
THE Latrobe Orchestra is excited to announce the commencement of its Junior Strings Ensemble, specifically designed for school aged students of violin, viola, cello and double bass who have been having lessons foratleastone year. Rehearsing on Thursdays from 4pmto4.45pm in Traralgon, Latrobe Orchestraencourage youngmusicians and their families to get involved in this supportive and encouraging music-making community.
Jointhe Latrobe Orchestra for an enchantingafternoon of music at their Postcardsfrom Europe concert on Sunday,October 27 at the Yinnar Memorial Hall.
The orchestra will take you on acaptivating journey across Europe with aselection of timeless compositions, featuring the stirring March Slav, the renowned Anvil Chorus from Il Trovatore, and the vibrant Capriccio Italian.
The performance will also feature the magnificent voices of the Yinnar Primary School Choir.
Admission is $10 for adults while under 18s are free. Tickets available at the door (cash preferred).
For more information regarding the Junior Strings ensemble and upcoming performances, email latrobeorchestra@gmail.com.
Bamford back in Gippsland
GORD Bamford is one of Canada’s most awarded country music artists with atotal of 26 CCMA Awards.
Born in Traralgon, Gord movedtoCanada with his mum at five years-of-age following the breakdown of his parent’s marriage.
RaisedinAlberta and growing up listening to his country music idols on the radio, Gord set his sights on acareerincountry music.
Next year will markhis 25th year in the industry
During that time he has released 10 studio albums and has had 28 top 10 singles, one platinum album, two gold albums, one platinumsingle and seven gold singles in Canada.
Gordhas achievedinexcess of 100 million streams in 179 countries and five billionglobalaudience impressionsatradioand he remains to this day one of Canada’s hardest working touring artists, performing between 100 and200 shows peryear pending his album release cycle.
He now regularly tours Europe and Australia.
Gord will be performing at the Morwell Hotel on Thursday, October 24 from 7pm as part if his Just Gettin’ Started Australian tour.
“Bringing my new music to Australia has been sittingatthe top of my wish list for along time," he said.
"I am so happy and excited to now have the opportunity to tour and to connect withAustralian audiences again. To be able to visit the country of my birth and to play my music there is agift that means so much to me.
"The shows in 2023 were all amazing and Ican’t wait to come back down under in October 2024.”
Also performing at the MorwellHotel will be Golden Guitar award winner for best new talent Max Jackson.
For tickets visit www.gordbamford.com
TyersArt entriesare closingsoon
ENTRIES for the 45th Tyers Art Festival are closing soon.
Entries close on Monday, October 21 2024.
Artists are encouraged to get their entries in as late entries are not accepted.
Categoriesfor this year’s Tyers Art Festival Exhibition include the Tyers Award for Best Exhibit, Best Exhibit –Oil, Acrylic, Watercolour, Pastel,MixedMedium, GLaWACArt AwardDrawing,Designer Craft (Textiles, Metalworkand Other)and Photography (Landscape and Portrait), HangersChoice Award, PopularChoice Award and eight Young Artist Awards.
Under 18 student artists are encouraged to enter the exhibition with several awards specifictothem having been increasedin value, as well as being eligible for all other applicable awards.
“We are very pleased with the large number of entries we have already received across all categories and are very much looking forward to seeing all the artworks," festival director Peter Harrison said.
"I was excited when Iwas notified the Tyers Art Festival had been nominated in the Latrobe City BusinessChamber 2024 People’s Choice Awards–Most Popular Community Event.”
The Tyers Art Festival is held on the second weekend in November at the Tyers Hall, this year being Friday, November 8toSunday, November 10. Winners in each category will be announced on Friday, November 8atthe gala opening evening.
Further details about times, ticketsand entries for the Tyers Art Festival can be found at tyersartfestival.com.au
Music to my ears: Latrobe
Landscaping Mulch
Beautify your garden. Bulk quantity available, $30m3, $50 delivery. 0412 613 443 or 1800 468 733.
ROCKING horse, H65cm at shoulder, L105cm, overall height 80cm. Solid construction $100. Phone 0418 753 575.
WALKER
Red in colour, near new condition, standard size, $80. Phone Paul 0409 337 809.
Price: $6 each or 2for $11 (GST incl).
Available at the Latrobe Valley Express Office 21 George Street Morwell
Enquiries: 5135 4444
MORWELL, 8Watt St, Sat., 8am -3pm. Workshop gear, garden tools, electrical gear, household goods and much much more.
Community Consultationdecommissioning of oil &gas infrastructureinBass Strait
Esso Australia Pty Ltd (Esso), awholly owned subsidiaryofExxonMobil Australia PtyLtd,is committed to operating and decommissioning its Gippsland and Bass Strait facilities safely and effectively
After delivering energytoAustralia for over 50 years, many of the Bass Strait oil and gas fields arenow reaching the end of their productive life. As planning for decommissioning progresses, Esso is focused on safely shutting-down non-producing facilities and ensuring they stay safe throughout the entire decommissioning process.
CommunityInformation Sessions
If you’d like to know moreabout plans for Decommissioning of platforms and pipelines in Bass Strait, the Esso Consultation Team will be hosting acommunityinformation and drop-in session at the following locations:
Wednesday, 23 October2024- Foster Manna Gum CommunityHouse 33 Station Street,Foster 5.00pm –7.00pm
The Esso Consultation Team will also be available to discuss all current activities, including: -Jack-Up-Rig Well Plug and Abandonment -GippslandBasin Geophysical and Geotechnical Investigations -Kipper -Sub-Sea Drilling -Turrum Phase 3Drilling
-South East Australia Carbon Capture&Storage (SEA CCS) Project Liketobeconsulted about these activities? Esso is working to identify and consult with relevant persons [stakeholders] whose functions, interests, or activities may be affected by one or moreofEsso’s proposed activities.
Please fill in the Esso Consultation Questionnaire (sli.do) in the Esso Consultation Hub to let us know if you’d like to be consulted or have any questions or feedback.
Please refer to the NOPSEMA brochure Consultation on offshorepetroleum environment plansbrochure.pdf (nopsema.gov.au) to understand moreabout consultation on offshorepetroleum environment plans assessed under the Offshore Petroleum and GreenhouseGas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2023.
Your feedback and our response will be included in the relevant regulatoryapplication documentation and submitted to the regulator
Please connect us with other interested people If thereisanyoneyou know who may be interested in our activities, we encourage you to sharethis information with them
A presentation about decommissioning activities will be provided at 5.30pm for the above locations. Please register your attendance by emailing: consultation@exxonmobil.com We encourage you to come alongand ask questions or to raise any concerns you mayhave. If thesedates andtimes don’t suit,pleasecontact us at consultation@exxonmobil.com or by phone on 03 92610000.
To find out moreinformation
Formoreinformation about Esso’s activities and other projects, please go to the Esso Consultation Hub at:
No Fuss Painting &Maintenance for all your painting and maintenance.
PRUNING SERVICE
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR LOG HAULAGE SERVICES
HVP invites qualified and experienced contractors to express their interest in providing log haulage services for upcoming parcels of work in Gippsland, Victoria. The tasks involve the transportation of logs over varying distances using Semitrailer and B-Double truck configurations for the following delivery tasks:
1. SEMITRAILER CONFIGURATION:
Volume :Up to 45,000 tonnes
Average Lead Distance:Ranges from 50-75 km
Contract Term:3.5 years
Commencement: 1st January 2025
2. B-DOUBLE CONFIGURATION:
Volume: Up to 45,000 tonnes
Average Lead Distance: ranges from 220-250km
ELECTRICIAN
Specialising
CONTRACT ROADING &QUARRY SERVICES
GIPPSLAND &NORTH EAST VICTORIA
HVP Plantations (HVP) is seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced contractors to provide services as follows:
Location: Gippsland and North East Victoria (Kinglake, Narbethong, Benalla, Ovens Valley and Upper Murray) Tasks: Construction, upgrades and maintenance of plantation roads.
Drill, blast and crush quarrying services
Multiple contracts are available.
Commencement: 1July 2025.
Term: Up to 3years.
Phone Peter 0438 177 153 or Carol 5126 2110. Looking for a lifestyle change? Wanting to be your own boss? Jim's Mowing is looking for aFranchisee in the Latrobe Valley area. CONTACT 131 546 For ano-obligation
FENCING
retaining walls and back yard projects, storm clean up. 35 years exp. Ph 0407 336
Pruning,
and Churchill? Please apply to the Circulation Manager 0456 000 541. Please note: Children must be 11 years or over as we will need to apply for agovernment Child Employment Permit Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome.
Contract Term: 7months (with possible extension)
Commencement Date:1st December 2024
Requirement: Ability todeliver 3.9 logs
SCOPE OF WORK:
The scope includes the efficient and safe transportation of logs from designated harvesting sites within HVP's Gippsland estate to specified delivery points, ensuring compliance with all industry standards and regulatory requirements.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS:
● Proven experience in log haulage or related transport services.
● Suitable fleet capacity and availability for the specified truck configurations.
● Compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and legal obligations.
● Demonstrated ability to meet delivery timelines and handle the specified volumes.
SUBMISSION DETAILS:
Interested parties are requested to register their expressions of interest, including company profile, fleet details, previous experience, and capability statement by Sunday, 20th October 2024.
For further information or to submit your expression of interest, please contact Mark Howe via: mark.howe@hvp.com.au
We look forward to receiving your submissions and the opportunity to work with capable contractors
For additional information, parties must register their interest by: Friday, 11 October 2024 via email to rory.hazeldine@hvp.com.au
...you DON’T haveto make aspecial trip to Morwell to place classified ads?
Just popinto Moe Nextra Lotto, 1-3Moore St Moe and thefriendly staff can assistyou The only EXCEPTIONS areclassifiedads which contain aphoto. These will need to be placedatthe Morwell Office, 21 George Street Morwell 5135 4455
FARM CARETAKER / MAINTENANCE
Looking for aretired or semi-retired couple/person to assist with herd/paddock rotations and basic farm maintenance (fencing/water etc.) on asmall property in Willow Grove that is part of amuch larger family farming operation. Requires 10-15 hours per week, with the potential for more. Lovely 4-bedroom house on property available as part of compensation package. Applicants must be experienced with cattle and general farming operations, but will have support from larger team. Applications close Friday, 18 October 2024. Apply to the Manager (Chris) at chrisn314@icould.com or 0413 388 224
KIA Stringer GT, 2021, 3.3L T.T., dark blue with ceramic paint protect., black leatherinterior, always garaged, excellent condition, 28,700kms, Vin. KNAE551CMN6117865, 12 mths reg. $48,000 firm. Phone 0429 835 844.
Motor Mart EXPRESS EXPRESS Personals
JAYCO Conquest FD20.1, Fiat Ducato, '13, 2.3L diesel, 65,000km, generator, d/batts, 3-way fridge, extra solar, large storage box (rear), reg. 2/25, 1UG-1YU $89,500. 0402 140 919.
CORBETT, Valerie Jean (Val). Passed away peacefully at Bupa on 1October 2024. Aged 80 years Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Tony and Therese and Jason and Tonia. Grandmother of Travis and Laura, Britt and Ben, Ebony and Reece, Zane, Cooper, Tahlia and Putts, Brea and Brad, Alex and Millie. Great grandmother to 15 grandchildren. Loved and Remembered Always
We
Our
Always
JEAN (Turley), Mavis Dawn. Passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at the West Gippsland Hospital, Warragul on 2 October 2024. Aged 86 years
HUMBER Super Snipe 1967, Z6162-H, new tyres, runs and drives well, some spare parts and
CHECK YOUR AD
Don. Passed away peacefully at the West Gippsland Hospital, Warragul on 4th October 2024. Aged 87 years
Dearly loved and loving wife of Victor (dec.) for 68 years. Much loved mother of Colin with partner Debbie, and Greg with wife Jenny. Much loved sister to Reg (dec.) and Ron.
Dearly loved Grandma of Matt and Vinnie, Madi and AJ, Taylah, Jackson and Jess, Great Grandma to Billie, Oakley, Daphne, Scarlett and Aubrey.
ROMA Poptop, caravan. 1999, electric roof lifter, electric brakes, as new, stove, m/wave, rollout awning, twin beds spacious, v.g.c. 12mthsrego. $14,000. Ph
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Dearly loved husband of Meryl for 60 years. Much loved father of Peter, Barry (dec.) and Ken, father-in-law of Alison and Rebecca. Loved Grandpa of Joshua, Lachlan and Finn. Loved brother of Max, Allan and June. Treasured Memories
Dearly loved by all, always in our hearts and reunited with Dad
MILLER, James Aitken. Passed away peacefully on 6October 2024. Aged 92 years Cherished husband of Myra (dec.) for 70 years. Loved dad of Myra (still born), Malcolm and Gillian. Pa to Nicole and Ashlee.
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Don't waste time waiting for buyers, or on endless consignment plans, sell it today we'll pay cash now. Affordable Caravans 0418 336 238, 5623 4782.
BECKER (Duch) (Mentzing), Helga Maria. 4/10/1930 -28/9/2024. Loved and loving wife of Rolf and previously Fred (dec). Loved mother and mother-in-law of Marianne, Peter, Michael and Judi. Loved and adored Oma to Dominique, Christian, Natasha, Benjamin (dec.), Michael, Tim, Erin, Mitch, Jake, Alexis and Declan. Tolle Oma to her great grandchildren, and Toll Oma to her great great grandchildren. Loved and respected second mother and second Oma to the Becker family, Ron and Julie, Rosemary and Steven, Peter and Miriam, David and Heather, also adored by nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. At Peace with her Lord Prost
BRIGGS, Susan. Passed away peacefully and Maryvale Private Hospital Morwell on 1 October 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Aged 55 years Dearly loved and loving partner of Joe Burzese. Much loved mother of Shea and Kiara. Loved sister of Rod Briggs. Life is not measured by the yearsyou lived But by the love yougave and the things you did
BRIGGS, Susan 'Sue'. Your presence will be missed, your memory will be treasured, loving you always, forgetting you never. Forever in our hearts Erme, David, Taryn, Lauren, Jauinta and families.
GAPPER (nee Roberts), Anita Christina. 15/11/1929 -3/10/2024. Beloved wife of Conlon Richard Gapper (dec.). Adored mother of Melinda and Corrin (dec.) and Austin and Barbara. Wonderful grandmother of Rebecca and Derek, Rachel (dec.), Megan, Emily and Adam, Joshua and Shelley.
Great granny to Jay, Zoe, Isabel, Beau, Addison (dec.), Darcy and Harrison. Resting Peacefully
Much loved mother of Lyndie and Zac (dec.). Adored Nan of Rebecca and Derek and Megan. Great Gran of Jay and Zoe.
Awonderful mother and friend, strong dependable and loving.
Close in our hearts you will always stay, forever loved, forever missed. Can't imagine life without you.
Dearly loved Mum of Austin and Barbara, Thank you for everything you did for us. You loved your family deeply and we loved you. You were the best mother-in-law Icould have had.
You will be in our hearts, where our memories are kept, of our beautiful Mum we will never forget. Reunited with loved ones passed Nanna Gapper, Nan, Granny,
We have been so fortunate to have you in all our lives for so long. Always great for achat and advice. We love you always and forever Emily, Adam, Isabel, Addison (dec.) and Harrison.
Our gorgeous Nanna and Great Granny -beautiful, kind, loving, encouraging, generous and supportive.
We love you always and will miss you so much.
Forever in our hearts
Love Josh, Shelley, Beau and Darcy.
PILMORE, Walter Alfred. 28/8/1927. Died peacefully at Maryvale Private Hospital on 2nd October 2024. Devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great, great grandfather. Missed by all who knew him
PILMORE, Walter Alfred. 27/8/1927. Died peacefully at Maryvale 2/10/2024. Cherished husband of Jocelyn. Devoted father of Sarah and John (dec.) and loved father-in-law of Angus. Treasured granddad of Theodore and Florence.
RUST, Stewart Edward. Formerly of Traralgon. 25/6/1943 -3/10/2024. Beloved husband of Lynn. Cherished father of Lisa, Anthony, Kylie and partners. Loving Pa to Erica, Rose, Freya and Joseph. May he forever rest in peace PRIVATE CREMATION STEPHEN BAGGS FUNERAL DIRECTORS
SANDERS, Frieda. Loved wife of Edwin (Ted). Sister-in-law of Margaret, Victor and Glyn and Heather.
AMemorial Service will be held at Morwell Presbyterian Church THURSDAY (17 October 2024) at 2pm.
CRACKNELL,
HALL (nee Jacobi), Martha Rita Maria. Passed away peacefully on Tuesday 1October 2024. Devoted wife of Mike (dec.). Much loved mother of Susanne and Michael. Loved and respected mother-in-law of Berwyn and Christine. Cherished Omi
GAPPER, Anita. Beloved Aunt, Psuedo 'Mum', Confidant and Friend to Beverly. Treated 'Nan' to Melinda and Kylie, Liam, Brody, Matthew and Elias.
thank the Lord for the time we had together and will continue to love her.
love and sympathy to Melinda, Austin and families
remembered with love, the Greenleaf Family
TURRA, Frank. Our treasured and loved Frankie passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon on 3rd October 2024. Aged 84 years
Dearly loved brother and brother-in-law to Giovanina and Ernie (both dec.), Angelo (dec.) and Denise, Agnese (dec.) and James, Assunta and Tony (dec.), Tony and Beryl, Jim and Antoinette, Dominic (dec.) and Rosemary, Peter, John and Margaret, Barbara and Gerald, Marie and Nick. Favourite uncle to many, with strong faith all his life.
In our prayers and in our hearts always In God'sloving care
WINTERTON, Geoffrey Norman. Passed away peacefully at his home in Rosedale, 4October 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Aged 67 years Dearly loved and loving husband of Suzie. Much loved father and fatherin-law of Renee and Andrew, Mark and Theresa, Jay and Steve. Adored Poppy to Walter, Paddy, Asha, Tilly, Maggie and Edie. Brother of Peter (dec.), Joan, Shirley, Don, Terri, John and twin sister Judy. Uncle Geoff to their families.
CRACKNELL. AService to celebrate the life of Don Cracknell will be held at the Nielsen Funeral Chapel, Korumburra Rd, Warragul, TUESDAY (15 October 2024) at 2pm.
The Service will also be live-streamed. To view Don's Service please visit: www.nielsenfunerals.com.au
APrivate Family Burial will precede the Service.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Don may be made to Lifestart Foundation, Vietnam. Envelopes will be available at the Chapel.
GAPPER.
The Funeral Service for Mrs Anita Gapper will be held at St Vincent's Catholic Church, Hunt St Morwell, on TUESDAY (15 October 2024) commencing at 11am.
At the conclusion of this service the Funeral will proceed to the Gippsland Memorial Park Cemetery.
McLAREN. Nadine and Danny wish to advise relatives and friends that the Funeral Service for their beautiful baby, Lacey Grace McLaren will take place in the Rose Chapel at Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Cemetery Dve, Traralgon, MONDAY (14 October 2024) commencing at 2pm. The ceremony will be live-streamed. Please see Harwood Funerals Facebook page for digital link. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lacey may be made to Monash Medical Centre NICU.
MILLER. The Funeral Service of Mr James Miller will be held at the Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Moe Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue, Moe on MONDAY (14 October 2024) commencing at 2pm. At the conclusion of the Service the Funeral will leave for he Moe Cemetery.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
WINTERTON. The Funeral Service for Mr Geoffrey Winterton will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway Traralgon on THURSDAY (10 October 2024) at 2pm. ACommittal Service will tale place at the Bunyip Cemetery on FRIDAY (11 October 2024) commencing at 1pm.
Geoffrey's Service will be livestreamed. To view the livestream visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
BECKER. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mrs Helga Becker will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 249 Kay St, Traralgon, WEDNESDAY (16 October 2024) commencing 11am.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON
TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
BRIGGS. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Susan Briggs will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway, Traraglon, WEDNESDAY (9 October 2024) at 11am. In lieu of flowers donations to Breast Cancer Trials would be appreciated. Susan's Service will be livestreamed. To view the livestream visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON
MORWELL 5134 4937 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
HALL. Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs Martha Rita Maria Hall will be offered at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Commercial Road Morwell on WEDNESDAY (9 October 2024) at 11am. At the conclusion of Mass the Funeral will leave for the Hazelwood Cemetery, Brodribb Rd, Hazelwood. Rosary will be recited in the above Church, prior to the Service, commencing at 10.30am.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MORWELL 5134 4937 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
JEAN.
The Graveside Committal Service for Mrs Mavis Jean, late of Trafalgar, will be held at the Trafalgar Cemetery, Cemetery Rd, Trafalgar East, MONDAY (14 October 2024) at 1pm.
This will be followed by aService to celebrate Mavis's life at the Nielsen Funeral Chapel, Korumburra Road, Warragul at 2pm.
The Chapel Service will also be live-streamed. To view Mavis's Service please visit: www.nielsenfunerals.com.au
PILMORE. AFuneral Service to celebrate the life of Walter Alfred Pilmore will be held in Wheelers Hill Uniting Church, 751-755 Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill on MONDAY (14 October 2024) at 11am. To view alivestream of Walter's service, please visit: selwynallenfunerals.com.au
SKOGLI. The Funeral of Mr Sydney George Skogli of Lakes Entrance, will arrive at the Lakes Entrance Cemetery on FRIDAY (11 October 2024) at 2pm for a Graveside Service. No flowers please.
STEPHEN BAGGS FUNERAL DIRECTORS BAIRNSDALE 5153 2150
MATTHEWS, Justin Victor. 1/1/1992 -10/10/2022. Another 12 months has passed. Great memories of the times we all had together. Forever loved and never forgotten. God Bless you Son Rest In Peace
SAUNDERS, Gary. 12/10/1995. 30 long years without you. Missing you more and more everyday. Your wife Glenys. TURRA. Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mr Frank Turra will be celebrated at St John's Catholic Church, Waterloo Rd, Trafalgar on FRIDAY (11 October 2024) at 11am. Rosary will be recited prior to Mass at 10.30am. The Mass will also be live-streamed. To view, please visit: www.nielsenfunerals.com.au
The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of Mass for the Trafalgar Cemetery.
WINTERS, Mark Anthony. 2/12/1970 -26/5/2024.
LATROBE VALLEY FUNERAL SERVICES
Schutte returns in winless week for local girls
FOOTBALL AFLWEXPORTS BY TOM
HAYES
TRARALGON’SAmberSchutte returned to the Collingwood Magpies AFLW best 21 at the weekend for their game against RichmondinWeek 6action.
The Magpies have struggled so far this season, continually looking for the winning formula, making an array of changes between games.
Schutteplayed her best game of her short AFLW career, but Collingwood fell short of the Tigers at the Swinburne Centre on Saturday afternoon, losing 7.4 (46) t0 1.4 (10).
Collingwood causedsome issues early, however, couldn’t get on the scoreboard themselves, with Richmond going ahead by just eight points at the first break.
The Tigers stretched further ahead before half time, adding another two goalstooneCollingwood’s first and only goal of the game, scored by Ellie McKenzie.
Richmond continued to power further ahead, eventually winning by six goals,thanks to their own dominance, but also the lack of scoring on the Magpies part.
Schuttecollected 10 disposals in her best outing for the season. She added four marks and five tackles to her stat line also.
Collingwood remain in 17th with awin-loss record of 1-6.
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TRARALGON'S Darcy Guttridge continued to take to the field for St Kilda.
The Saints were put to task, coming up against Adelaide at Norwood Oval at the weekend, going down in close circumstances, 3.8 (26) to 3.4 (22).
St Kilda took an early lead during the first quarter, but when Adelaide regained ascendancy they never gave it up, despite how close the game was.
Guttridge had six disposals in the defeat, along with two tackles, one mark, and one clearance. The Saints dropped out of the top eight, falling to 10th in the process.
HAWTHORN utility and Morwell exportCasey Sherriff remains sidelined due to aleg injury sustained last month.
According to reports her return date is still yet to be determined.
Traralgon’s Lily-Rose Williamson was unable to return to Essendon’s best 21 at the weekend, as she pushes to return during this season.
Woke up,still premiers
FOOTBALL GIPPSLANDLEAGUE BY
LIAM DURKIN
TRARALGON has found good use forthe old manual scoreboard at Terry Hunter Oval.
The Maroons have had the final score from the 2024 Gippsland League Grand Final permanently displayed since their upset win over Leongatha a fortnight ago.
It was Traralgon's 21st senior title in the major league, and first since 2015.
The scoreboard is not the only old piece of infrastructure still standing at the venue, with the condemned change-rooms still yet to be demolished.
The rooms were set to be torn down last month, but were only fenced off when the Express did a quick drive-by last week.
The Express understandspreviously unaccounted forcomplications discovered inside the rooms have delayed the demolition further.
Local firm Langden Constructions Pty Ltd has been awarded the tender to constructthe new rooms, at aprice tag of $6.2 million.
The new pavilion will be flood-proof, and the first major overhaul of the facility in decades, although it won't be double-storey like its predecessor.
Maroons premiership captain Tye Hourigan added to his ever-growing resume recently, winning the senior best-and-fairest.
Amazingly, this was the rebounding defender's fourth successive title.
Morwell Golf Club.
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While the debate surrounding great players will live on as long as the game is played, at least one well-acquainted Traralgon past player toldthis writer Hourigan was the best player he had ever seen pull on amaroonand whitejumper, going past the legendary Brian Hammond.
Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 9October, 2024
Permanent reminder: Thefinal scorefromthe GippslandLeagueGrand Finalisstill on display at TerryHunter Oval. Photograph: Liam Durkin
T-Birds fly to afast start in new CBL season
BASKETBALL
CBL
BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
CBL RETURNEDatthe weekend with some rousing results to kick the season off.
TRARALGON began their year of retribution going two-for-two withwins over Morwell and Sale.
Beginning on Saturday, the T-Birds were made to workfor their first gameof2024inacompetitive 88 to 82 affair against the Magic.
Playing in front of their home fans, Morwell got off to an impressive start,jumping out to a9-4 start out of the gate with Magic recruit kicking things off with five quick points in his new colours.
Morwellcontinued to find baskets but Traralgon increased their tenacity as expected to tie the ballgame up 20-all to end the first quarter.
Returning T-Bird Mason Porykali ended the opening few minutes withfour of the last five scores off his hand.
The game pushed forward only for aconsistent dry spell from either side to limit the first three minutes of the second term with only two possessions ending in successful field goals made (both from Morwell).
Traralgon still continued to tick their score up with trips to the free throw line before Kody Tibballs added awelcomingfivepoints in 20 secondstogive the T-Birds their first lead of the game. That Tibballs burst would ignite a28-14 run for Traralgon through to halftime with them ahead by 15 points.
Thosetype of runs by Traralgon usually end any chance of the opposition mounting achance, butto their credit, Morwell continued to fight.
Although no considerable ground was made up for, Morwell matched the T-Birds on almost every turn, droppingthe gametoaslow as 12 points but finishing at the same margin as halftime.
The Magic opened the fourth quarter with Dejay
Ansell nailing athree pointer that started things off again for them.
Morwell were exertingthemselves defensively and seeing results as they began to chip away at their deficit.
However, Traralgon matchedwhenthey needed to and the lead still sat at 14 points with three minutes spare despite Morwell’s efforts.
Nick Sedley and Ansell would nail two threes to bring it to seven points with 40 seconds remaining. But withonly so manypossessionsleft in the game, Traralgon maintained composure to see out their first win.
Tibballs finished with 27 points and four three pointerswith Zac Bezzina, JarrodKing-Church and Porykali all heavycontributors for the T-Birds with 16 points each.
Sedley top-scoredfor the Magic with 28 points and five from long distance, Ansell and Hayden Weir with 12.
Coming off an eighth-place finish last season with only three wins, Morwell have bolstered their line-up and continue to empower their young up-and-comers.
Coach Marco Tripodi made mention of this opening game against Traralgonasa litmustest to see where they stand this year during last week’s Express preview.
Despite not getting the desired result, Morwell should still be excited off the back of this game decade to see how they stand moving forward after pushing aside who’swon two of the last three grand finals.
Traralgon would following this performance with a48-pointthrashingofSale at GRISS,Sunday afternoon.
Combatting their narrow fourth quarter escape, the T-Birds respondedtothe detriment of the Sonics pouring in 43 points to just 14 in the opening term That was all thatwas necessary for Traralgon to see themselves to the end and give Sale no sniff of
atight affair as seen from the night before.
The T-Birds producedthe highest score of the first roundwitheveryone scoringincludingBezzina and Oliver Becker with 20-plus points.
THE reigning premier, Moe,was travelled to Bairnsdale for its opening game of 2024 on Saturday.
The Bullets entered the competition for the first time in anumber of years, yet it is awonder why the defendingchampions had to kick off their season so far from home, not able to lift their banner ahead of their first game in front of their supporters.
Nevertheless, Moe weren’t worried about that, rather the task at hand, taking the game 76-58.
Jumping out to a29-12 lead to end the first quarter, the Moe starters worked well on all cylinders out of the gate.
Thereturning Bairnsdalesideseemed no match forthe focussed and frankly superior Meteors as they again held the Bullets to just 11 pointsand saw themselvesahead 50-21intimefor the main break
That matchup was worlds apart even after Moe lost the contributions of forward Tom Portbury who was taken to hospital.
The Bullets did outscore the Meteorsinthe second half but it was too little too late with Moe checking their first box of the season, 76-58.
The Meteorshad five playersfinishindouble digits with Ben van Dyk top-scoring with 15 points.
LATROBE Valley sides Moe and Morwell both had abye in the first roundofthe season in the women's competition.
Shelley takes to sunny Cairns for next step of basketball dream
BASKETBALL
NBL
BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
MOE basketballer Austin Shelley knows athing or two about getting buckets.
That’s whyhe’scurrently living the life of an NBL athlete,with the young star being insidethe inner sanctumofthe Cairns Taipans as atraining player since the start of the 2024/25 season.
Shelley flew up to Queensland to attend the Taipans trial camp held afew months ago towards the end of his NBL1 season with Mt Gambier Pioneers.
The intense and large session includedamix of players eyeing for developmentspotsand for roster spots.
After that,Shelley was invitedback to do aweek’s worth of preseasontraining with the squad before being askedbyhead coach Adam Fordetopack his bags and move up to the glittery coast of Cairns. “I got feedback from the trial initially and then the head coach gave me acall and pretty much said they were impressed, it’s justthey didn’t need my position out of the spots they were looking at, andheasked if Iwas interestedincomingfor that week (of preseason),” Shelley said.
Training twiceaday across four daysthat week, Shelleymore than earnt his stripes.
“(Forde)asked me if Iwanted to move up and said they’d help me out as much as they can which was good,” he said.
In terms of what atraining player is, they function as standard rostered players bar playing in the game. They are treated to allthe perks includingall the training resources and rehabilitation facilities available in aprofessional organisation as well as taking part in film sessions with the team.
During home games, Shelley also gets to sit behind the bench, getting the best seat in the house beingabletolisten in on team huddles and pick up on any minute details to improve his game while in perfect view of the court.
This is just one step closer to an opportunity Shelley said has been adream of his.
“I feel like cominguphere was, in terms,for one, help myself for next year with Cairns but also training in this type of environment against higher-level guys (so) that you get better naturally,” he said.
Taking up this opportunity wasn’t that difficult of adecision for Shelley given the journey that he’s already been on.
Freshout of astellar juniorcareerinhighschool, Shelley spent two years playing collegebasketball for West Texas A&M while also splitting time with the Knox Raiders in the NBL1 back in Australia.
Following that, Shelleyhas spent the last two
No WNBL in the Latrobe Valley
BASKETBALL
WNBL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
NBL? Yes. WNBL? No.
Following the Melbourne Boomers announcement that its WNBLlicense wouldbetransferred over to and brought out becoming Geelong Unitedfor season 2024/25, it was goingto take some serious work to continue women’s basketball’s biggestproduct downhere in the LatrobeValley.
That hasproven to be correct, and after six successiveyears showcasing in theregionfor localfans, WNBL action will not return this season.
The Boomers specifically hadcoordinated a number of initiatives in the area and welcomed WNBL regular seasongames in Traralgon (Gippsland Regional Sports Stadium)dating back to 2018.
The women’sbasketball league has shown incredible support for basketball in Gippsland seeing aplethoraofother teams featured during that time not just exclusive to the Boomers.
Given Geelong haven’t had aprofessional basketball team since 1996, preference would be to play as many home games as possible to build its brand and connection to itscommunity, preparing for anew 5000-seat stadium, thus
avoiding travel to acompletely separate region.
The Boomers had been working diligently to seeWNBLreturntothe Latrobe Valley despite no longerholding ateam within the competition.
Discussions were held to potentially have fellowWNBL franchisethe Southside Flyers takeover the role of the now defunct Boomers with the Flyers featuring superstar talents the likes of basketball royaltyLauren Jackson. However, that did not come to fruition.
The Flyers, playing games at the State Basketball Centre in Knox (where the Boomers also played home games), situate closer to the Gippsland area having been formerlyknownas the Dandenong Flyers.
The Latrobe Valley willstill be exposed to the best basketball in the business with the announcement that the NBL’s SouthEast Melbourne Phoenix will return to GRISS for regular season games in the next two upcoming seasons.
The first taking place on January11, 2025 against the Brisbane Bullets that marks the Phoenix’sfourthtimeplaying in Traralgon since the franchise debuted in 2019.
Manylocals haveadoptedSouth East Melbourne as their own, given its close proximity and embracing the region, the same was being done with the Boomers (for even longer) -but not anymore.
seasons with the Pioneers and has even returned to his roots having played for his hometown Moe Meteors in the CBL that cumulated with atitle and MVP award at the end of 2023.
All of this effort and perseverance for asport has to stem from something.
Basketballhas always been in his DNA given the family he was born into.
His mother and father, Carolyn and Phil Shellley are well known figuresinthe surrounding basketball area.
Austin isn’t the first of their children to shoot hoops overseas either -his older brother Luke attended Kentucky Wesleyan for four yearsand his sister Jaz playedfive years of collegehoops including three starring seasons at Nebraska University before being drafted into the WNBA.
Austin spoke to the influence his family has had on his game and his love for basketball.
“I was around it growing up, like Mum was still playing when Iwas younger, Iwas around it all thetime,” he said.
“Seeing Jaz go off and being successful over there in the US and have the success she did as well, it was something you try to aim to do yourself, so just sort of seeing how she goes about things and the stuff that she’sbeen able to achievethrough basketball definitely helps you to be motivated to try and achieve something like that,” he said.
White continues to perform despite United roller coaster
BASKETBALL
NBL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
MELBOURNEUnited mellowedfollowing their impressive four-game start to the season in Round 3ofNBL action last week, although Traralgon’s Jack Whitecontinues to run wild in his return to Australian basketball.
United tipped off away in Perth on Friday night, andwiththe Wildcats in arare struggling patch of form considering their decade-long success, Melbourne ran supreme winning 97 to 68.
All damage was inflicted in the opening half of play as United dropped 64 points to amere 41.
Scoring at both ends evaporated with the total score of the second half not even matching United’s first half output as the seemingly blockbuster match from the outset sat at a30-point margin for amajority of its latter portions.
White played his role admirably with 10 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and nailing three blocks for the game.
As United sat at arecord of three wins and one loss,placing themselves second in theleague on the ladder (technically first having played three more games to this point over top-placed New Zealand
Breakers), the Melbourne side appeared confident aheadoftheir game against Cairns Sunday night. Similar results couldn’t be offered for United on this occasion, going down 101-88 on their home floor at John Cain Arena.
Thegame was noticeably more entertaining and unpredictable in the first half of action with lead changes galore only for the Taipans to finish ahead of the main break up four points.
Once again, scoring outputs either end dropped off considerably with United only managing 34 points through to the end of the game suffering their second loss of the season.
White again produced, adding 15 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and ablock in 28 minutes.
Traralgon’s own continues to be one of the star signings in the NBL this season, currently fourth in the league in rebounds whilemaintaining 12 points on average at 50 per cent shooting and a handful of other stats across the board.
United are currently fifth on the ladder with only one game ahead of them in Round 4against Adelaide 36ers on Sunday.
Backfor more: Traralgon went 100per cent in their opening rounddouble-header in CBL. Mason Porykali returned forthe T-Birds and wasaninstant factor File photograph
Herehecomes: Moe’sAustin Shelleywill be a training playerwith the Cairns Taipans this NBL season Photograph supplied
Mid Gippy not only afooty league
CRICKET
By MARK SMITH
THIS season marks the second season of the Cricket Latrobe Valleycompetition,aleague thatbrought the former Traralgon and District CricketAssociation(1928-2023) together with whatwas longknownasthe CentralGippsland Cricket Association (1950-2018), but hadalso been knownasthe Trafalgar &DistrictCricket Association (1919-1923), Yallourn &District Cricket Association (1923-1950) and the Latrobe Valley and District CricketLeague (2018-2023). However, across the area now broadly covered by the Cricket Latrobe Valley competition, there has been at least 33 different cricket associations or leagues or competitions under various titles, most of which were long gone before at least the 1950s, however afew remained.
By far the longest standing associations were the IndustrialCricket Association that became the Latrobe Valley Midweek Cricket Association that formedin1935and lasted until 1997, with games played on Wednesday mornings of about four hours duration designed for the various shift workers of the area, mostly from the power plants and associated works from across the region.
The other long-standing association was what ended up being knownasthe Mid Gippsland Cricket Association.
Formed in 1933 as the Yinnar &District Cricket Association, it changed its name to the Boolarra &District Cricket Association in 1937, changing
back to Yinnar District in 1939, and back again to the Boolarra District in 1945before finally settling on the Mid Gippsland Cricket Association in 1973 until its demise in 1989.
Atotalof32different clubscompeted in this competition over its 56-yearhistory, starting with Boolarra, Boolarra South, Budgeree, Hazelwood Flats, Hazelwood Ridge, Hazelwood South, Jumbuk, Middle Creek, Morwell (who won the first two premierships) and Yinnar.
The Mid Gippsland Cricket Association was to ebb and flow through its history, with only one senior gradeupuntil 1980 when BGrade was added and ajuniorDGrade.CGrade was added in 1981.
Thirteen differentclubswon an AGrade premiership, with Boolarratakingout 12 flags, Mirboo North 10, Glendale (a club formed in 1948 and lastinguntil 1989, based in an area west of Thorpdale) eight, Yinnar sevenand Jeeralang four being the most successful.
Some otherprominent clubs throughout the history of thecompetition included Boolarra South, who played on an oval on the western side of the current intersection of Clear Creek Road and the GrandRidge Rd, which makesthe slopes of the currentMirboo North or Willow Grove grounds look quite flat, and the MorwellRiver Cricket Club, which was formed in 1961 with the team made up of the prisoners of the facility that was located south of Boolarra piling off abus and onto the field.
The prisoners took out the premiership in their first season. That club transferred to the South Gippsland Cricket Association in 1989 and lasted
Goanna’sback into veteran one day action
CRICKET VETERANS
THE Gippsland Goannas have dustedoff their equipment for anew seasonofveterans cricket.
The club is again fielding teams in the Veterans Cricket Victoria competition, with ateam in theOver50, Over 60 and Over 70 sections.
The over 60s competition, which begins this Sunday is of particular note, as astaggering 29 teams are involved.
As well as the Goannas, Iona/Koo Wee Rup and South Gippsland have teams, while Baw Baw has formed aside.
The over 50s willagaincompete in Saxon Shield -the highest division possible.
The Goannas recentlyheld theirannual meeting, which saw Neil Meredith re-elected president.
Joining him is Ray Floyd as vice president, Ian Gibson as secretary and Ray Smith as treasurer.
PeterAnton was also elected to the committee
The over 70s began their season at the weekend, travelling to Geelong (result unknown).
The over 60s first game is against Baw Baw this Sunday at Hallora.
History: TheBoolarraDistrict competition acted as apre-runner to theMid Gippsland CricketAssociation. Photograph: LiamDurkin
until 1997 when the prison closed and the South Gippsland Cricket Association merged into the Leongatha &District Cricket Association.
The final season of the Mid Gippsland Cricket Association saw Jeeralang take out the AGrade premiership, Mirboo North Band CGrade and Yinnar DGrade,before the eight remaining clubs went their separate ways.
Boolarramerged with Boolarra Footballers to becomethe Boolarra Demonsand joinedthe Central Gippsland Cricket Association, as did Yinnar and Thorpdale. Mirboo North headed south to Leongatha, where they stayed until 2004 when they came acrosstothe CGCA,and Jeeralang headed to the TDCA.
The remains of all those clubs that played in the Mid Gippsland Cricket Association are all now a part of the Cricket Latrobe Valley competition. Indeed, this season marks the 130th seasonof the Boolarra Cricket Club. Boolarra’s first game was againstMorwell at the fieldknown as Keegans Paddock.
Fittingly, Jeeralang-Boolarra played against Morwell at Keegan Street last Saturday (in PremierB Grade) to open the season -aremarkable coincidence.
Do you have, or know of the whereabouts of items of cricket historical interest?
THIS writer would love to be able to find any past items of cricket historic interest to be passed onto Cricket Latrobe Valley.
Of particular interest would be if anyone knows
Nottobeconfused: The Mirboo Recreation Reserve,former home of Morwell River and Mirboo CricketClubs. The Morwell River team wasmade up of prisonersfromthe nowclosed Morwell River prison
Photograph: Mark Smith (bydrone)
Collection: Recentlyuncovered premiership cups and shields from the BoolarraDistrict CricketAssociation. Photograph: Liam
Generations: Apremiershipcup wonby Boolarra CricketClubinthe early 1970s. Do you recogniseany of these names?
Photograph: Liam Durkin
Moe’sjunior cricket drive
CRICKET
By SHANNON MURPHY
MOE CricketClubcommences its junior season this Friday (October11).
TheLions are set to take the field in weeks to come, and are encouraging all juniors between the ages 10 and 16 to have agothis season.
Skill levelisn’t important, we are justencouraging all kids to participate. All are welcome.
Cricket offers an enormous amounttoyoungsters. It improves their confidence, helps develop physical and mental skills and also allows kids to entertain their competitiveness in asafe environment.
Former Moe AGrade players Paul Cake, Jim Keltie, Jarryd Atikinson and Evan Sheekey head up the Lions junior coaching staff.
Some of the features of the upcoming season will be:
Atrip to Marvel stadium to aBBL match
Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 9October, 2024
featuring Melbourne Stars during the school holidays, and;
Player of the match award in each grade, each week.
Training is held Tuesdayand Thursdays from 4.30pm at Ted Summerton Reserve.
For more information, parents are encouraged to either visitthe club or message the club's Facebook page: Moe Lions Cricket Club
NB: Shannon Murphy is Moe Cricket Club's junior co-ordinator.
Editor's note (Liam Durkin): Ihave determined this piece is acommunity noticeand not an advertisement. Understanding the challenge all clubs face in attracting junior players, it should also not be viewed as an effort to steal junior players from neighbouring regions. Iamhappytorun similar noticesfromotherclubs promoting club initiatives. Simply email me via ldurkin@lvexpress com.au
alistofformer office bearersorlifemembers of either the Mid Gippsland Cricket Associationor Latrobe Valley Midweek Cricket Association, or indeed where the midweek premiership cup has endedup. The APM won the final title, but it cannot be found at Maryvale at this stage.
Another league of interest was the far-sighted Latrobe Valley Women’s Cricket Association that lasted from 1984 to 1990, however the winner of the final two seasons of that competition were unreported in the newspapers of the day.
Cricket in the Cricket Latrobe Valley area dates back to at least1867, when thefirst practice session washeld at Walhalla, with aclub in the former gold mining townformingin1870. Walhalla has aproud and very long history which carries on to this day.
If you have, or know the whereabouts of any items of interest as described above, phone Cricket Latrobe Valley Historian Mark Smith on 0438 870 790.
'OLD LEAGUE' AGRADE PREMIERS
Timeline (naming rights)
Yinnar District:
Durkin
First game of season washed away
CRICKET
CLVPREMIER A
BY LIAM DURKIN
FIRSTgamerustwas evident as the Cricket Latrobe Valley season got astart at the weekend.
Victorian spring weather predictably played havoc around the grounds, and led to all four Premier A matches being called off after getting starts.
All games did however go beyond halfway or just about, meaning they all constituted aproper match (league votes are also cast).
Technically speaking,ifa coin toss takes place it counts as an official game of cricket, even if a single ball isn’t bowled.
MOE recovered from ahorrendous start against CATS.
The Lions racked up 178 at Racecourse Turf, fighting back well after being reduced to 2-1.
CATS’ decision to bowl first lookedinspired after Josh Moore dismissed both openers for golden ducks, before the home side set about rebuilding from the rubble.
Benn Zomer counterattacked in October-context, making 40 off 56 balls, while Andrew Philip made 34 batting down at number six.
YoungsterJordy Shieldsand veteran Ash Savige pushed the total along, making 30 and 24 not out respectively in a57-runpartnership for the ninth wicket.
Moore made use of the new ball and juicy conditions, taking 3/7, while Paul McGill picked up 3/29 as Moe was bowled out in 42.5 overs.
CATS only batted for three overs before rain put an end to the game with their score 0/14.
While it was only very brief, the league got its first look at Moe’s new-ball pairing of Keenan Hughes and Laytten Smith.
With Hughes sending them down at good click from left arm over, and Smith coming across from Yarragon, wherehewas leading wicket takerin
Warragul District Division 1acouple of seasons ago, theLions could have the most potent attack in the competition.
RAIDERS were on track to posta decent total against Toongabbie.
The boys from Yinnar were 4/160 with eight overs
still to bat before beer o’clock was called.
Most of the top order got their season away with someruns, andperhaps more importantly, time in the middle.
Burkeley Macfarlane saw off 92 balls in his unbeaten 40, while skipper Liam Maynard made 39 and fellow openerGeorgeChesire 31 on the Yinnar turf.
Toongabbie veteran Rob Wheildonbowled atidy 10 over spell, finishing with 2/32.
EX STUDENTS and Morwell were locked in agood battle.
The Sharks had the Tigers 1/4 chasing 147 after being asked to have ahit
New Ex Students coach Mitch Harris made a run-a-ball 39 at the top of the order, notably hitting six fours.
Nick Millingtonplayed apatient hand of 29 off 86 rocks, as Morwell threw the ball around to seven bowlers.
Five of those bowlers kept the economy at three or less, withseamers Tim Ford andDylan Day taking identical figures of 2/20.
Tigers skipper Blair Clymo secured3/27, although
Faltum leads Victoria to perfect start
CRICKET
By TOM HAYES
LATROBE Valley cricket export Nicole Faltum has started her latestseason in theWomen’s National Cricket League
The former Morwelland Trafalgarcricketerwas againannouncedascaptain of Victoria for the campaign, which began last Friday (October 4).
Speaking to media before Victoria playedits first game against New South Wales, Faltum touched on multiple topics from state duties to club goals to her personal aspirations.
“It’s obviously been quite along preseason for us girls down here, just so excited to kick things off on Friday (October 4) and Sunday (October 6),itfeels like along time coming,” Faltum said.
“My goal this season is just to be aconsistent
performer for Victoria… Iwant to be someone who goes out and leads from the front… all that other stuff will take care of itself.”
Faltum led the Victoria girlsout for their first game of the season last Friday (October 4), taking to Sydney’s North Sydney Oval for the first of two games against New South Wales.
The Vics won the first game by two wickets with one ball remaining. Faltum took three catcheswith the gloves, and made 68 striking at more than 70.
Faltum's team repeated the dose,winningthe secondgameby29runs. TheVics posted 259, although Faltum managed just 10 opening up.
Faltum had no major part in the second innings with no catches, but her teammates raised the bar andgot the team home safely.
Victoria is currently fourth on the WNCL league table, but the three teams ahead have played two
extra games. Apositive net run rate of 0.328 will hold them in good stead if they win their games in hand.
After justtwo games into the season, Faltum and Victoria will be relived of their WNCL duties, in preparation for the Women’s Big Bash League, which commences on October 27.
Faltum willbesuitingupfor the Melbourne Renegades, after an off-season move from the Melbourne Stars. She waspreviously captain of the Stars, but now joins the side that gave her, her start.
“I started there for WBBL02, Iwas arookie, so I got alittle taste of it then,” Faltum said.
“I’m obviouslysogratefulfor my time at the Stars, Igot some incredible exposure and experience there, but Ican’t wait to get goinginthe Big Bash for the Renegadesthis year.”
Siddle asimple grade cricketer like us
CRICKET
By LIAM DURKIN
MORWELL boy and professional cricketer Peter Siddle joined fellow local plebs playing grade cricket at the weekend.
Siddle suited up for Dandenong in Victorian Premier Cricket, the club he moved to following his days at Latrobe before going on to play Test cricket for Australia.
The fast bowler batted at seven as Dandenong closed at 9/201 on their home groundofShepley Oval against St Kilda.
Siddle madeseven off 10 balls, hittingout toward the end of the innings.
St Kilda did not get achancetoreply,asrain put an end to the game.
Siddle played alongside fellowGippslanders Noah Hurley and Nathan Whitford for Dandenong.
Hurley made 19 not out batting at number10, whileWhitforddid notget ahit.
Whitford and Hurley played in apremiership together for Collegians in the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association two seasons ago.
Taking the new ball, the fast bowlers produced what was described as one of the most destructive opening spells in SMCA grand final history, reducing Sale to 6/2.
Hurley returned to Premier Cricket in 2023/24, with Whitford joining this season and making his First XI debut at the weekend.
Whitford's sister Hollyplayed AFLW for Collingwood and Richmond, managing eight games between 2018 and 2021.
There was another Gippslander on show in Premier Cricket at the weekend, with Austin Anlezark playing for Richmond's First XI.
Anlezark, from Briagolong, bowled two overs before rain putanend to the Tigers'defence of
RAIDERSVTOONGABBIE at Yinnar Turf RAIDERS BATTING
GCheshirec IJayasingheb RWheildon31
LMaynardstIJayasinghe bR Wheildon 39
BMacfarlane not out40
ASilva cGMunasinghe bSRyan14
DStaresc TDunn bM Barry20
Sundries (11w 1nb 2lb 2b) 16
TOTAL4 /160 (42 Overs) TOONGABBIE BOWLING
GMunasinghe 7-0-16-0, AAthulathmudali
6-0-29-0, NFarley 5-0-28-0, MBarry7-0-301, RWheildon 10-0-32-2, SRyan7-2-21-1 MATCHABANDONED EX STUDENTSV MORWELL at TerryHunter Oval
EX STUDENTS BATTING
MHarris lbwD Day39
HRichards cLDay bBBrincat 7
AMcCormick bD Day10
NMillington cT Ford bBClymo 29
LStockdale lbwB Clymo 12
JPryde cN/A bBClymo 4
ZBastin cBMills bT Ford 10
MWarne bT Ford 0
AMatthewsnot out 16
JZappulla not out 6
Sundries (10w 1nb 2lb 0b) 13
TOTAL8 /146 (50 Overs)
MORWELL 1STINNINGS BOWLING
TFord8-1-20-2, TDixon 4-0-22-0, C
6/307 against Kingston Hawthorn.
The fast bowler won aVictorian rookie contract this season.
He played aone-off game for his home club, Boisdale-Briagolong last season, and may have single-handedly (literally)denied minor premier Sale from winning the premiership.
Playing in amidweek Twenty20, Anlezark broke the wrist of Sale's best batsman Coenie Nel.
The Dandenongsidefeatured grade cricket legend Brett Forsyth.
Forsyth has made more than 10,000 runs at First XI level, and at age 35, seemingly still has plenty of years left.
While some might wonder what more someone who has made more than 10,000 runs can achieve, Forsyth has found ways to stay motivated.
Astory was relayed to this writer thatForsyth has been challenged to end his career with acentury at every Victorian Premier ground.
Seymour 2-0-17-0, BBrincat 7-2-15-1, D
Day10-1-20-2, MCukier 10-2-23-0, BClymo 9-1-27-3 MORWELL 1STINNINGS BATTING BClymo bJPryde 0 MCukier not out 0 JCampbell not out 4 Sundries (0w 0nb 0lb 0b) 0
JPryde 1-0-4-1, MHarris 0.5-0-0-0 MATCHABANDONED GLENGARRYV CENTRALS at Fred King Oval
CENTRALS BATTING
BL Speairs cB Marks bCGraham 11
JLittleton bNFreitag 5
JMathewsc CDunnb AJenkin31
THourigan cB Marks bBMayberry18
MRawson c&b AJenkin 18
SGraynot out 33
CPollardc BMarks bFMarks 18
BWilliamson cFMarks bNFreitag 2 TGamage not out 9 Sundries (2w 1nb 3lb 1b) 7 TOTAL 7/152 (50 Overs)
GLENGARRYBOWLING
CGraham10-3-26-1, NFreitag 8-2-23-2, M Merton 6-2-17-0, Gareth Waack-Hawkins AJenkin10-1-35-2, BMayberry8-0-16-1, F
he would have surely been frustratedwith the tone set by returning quick Todd Dixon, who sent down three wides in his first over.
CENTRALS had Glengarry 1/15 chasing 153.
The Lions, in their first gamepost-promotion, playedatypicalCentralsinnings, keeping wickets in hand all the way through to 50 overs.
Mostofthe visiting bats madedouble figures, with Sam Gray and Mark Rawson scoring 33 not out and 31 respectively.
The Magpies played smartly on FredKingOval, essentially bowling time and keeping things in relative check.
Al Jenkintook2/35 with his loopy off breaks, while Nat Freitag grabbed 2/23 against his home club.
While Freitag hasn’t played for Centralssince 2019, the sense of ‘what could be’ surely did not escape afew long-serving Lions players and officials.
Just imagine Freitag in the same team as former Sri Lankan Test player Nuwan Pradeep.
Cobras show no mercy and beat the clock
CRICKET
THE Victorian weather was on full display last Saturday, disrupting the opening of the cricket season.
All but one of the four Cricket Latrobe Valley AGrade matchesfor Round1saw awinner, due to the rampant rainthat appeared from nowhere into the afternoon.
CHURCHILL pipped Willow Grove before the storm came pouring down, needing only eight overs to chase the total.
Out at Willow Grove Recreation Reserve, the home side was bowled out for 82 in an innings featuring five ducks.
Luke Payton (28)and Ben Edebohls (27) performed best for the Wolves.
Cobras captain Ryan Ayres took charge with three wickets and acatch during the period for Churchill.
Churchill stormed home comfortably thanks to a55-runpartnership from Brae Kelly (36) andAyres(29).
ROVERS were bowled out for 85 in their opener against Mirboo North at Duncan Cameron.
The Tigers managed one over for 16 runs before play was abandoned.
Mirboo North kept Rovers at bay to begin proceedings, withonly 10 runs from their first 45 bowls that included three wickets to Anton Thomas.
SimonDuffperformed admirably in trying times for the Traralgon side with 25.
4-0-17-1
GLENGARRYBATTING
AJenkinc THourigan bT Gamage 3 FMarks not out2 NFreitag not out 9 Sundries (1w 0nb 0lb 0b) 1 TOTAL1/15 (5 Overs)
CENTRALS BOWLING
THE Traralgon showdown between Imperials and Traralgon West ended early as well at Jack Canavan.
Imperials went to 45 overs,making145 all out before the Eagles finished before abandonment with 2/15 after nine overs.
Captain Ryan Morley made 23 to open proceedings for Imperials.
Bowlers Jack Cooke and Hayden Kimpton made Tom Starkey and Brett Chapman work and ultimatelyvanquishedthem with no significant damage.
Anubhav Anubhav arrived at second drop, collecting agame-high 29 off 36 balls.
Shane Galeaand Scott Aitken performed well, both finishing with 25 and 22 runs respectively.
LATROBE put up adecent total of 176 against Gormandale, who got to 0/19 before the game was called off in the second over at Stoddart Oval.
CameronFreshwater made81tobebest of the round, that included nine fours and two sixes.
Ronnie Chokununga followed suit for Latrobe with 29 runs that featured four clearing the boundary.
Lions and Jets’ honours seperated by the ceiling
FOOTBALL/NETBALL
By LIAM DURKIN AND BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
MOE Football-Netball Club held its presentation last Saturday evening.
TheLions againpartnered with Moe Racing Club, who hosted the eventatTurfside Function Centre.
Moe’s AGrade premiership cup took pride of place, sitting neatly alongside lastseason’s equivalent silverware.
Award winners were acknowledged, with a number of players adding to theirbest-andfairest collection.
Riley Baldi won his second consecutive Alby Law Medal for senior best-and-fairest. The award was presented by Alby’s son Brad, while Aaron Wilson took home his third Gus Eaton Medal for reserves best player.
Alby Law is Moe’s last seniorpremiership coach, while Eaton is one of only two players to reach 300 games for the Lions (current Newborough player Peter Ainsworth being the other).
Olivia Barnett won her second successiveA Grade crown,while Ash Johnson did likewise in BGrade.
Elly Brown made it aquartet,winning alikely clubrecord of four consecutivebest-and-fairests in CGrade.
Club presidentMat Howlett spoke, as did departing seniorfootball coach DeclanKeilty in his last official task before handing the reins over to Leigh Poholke.
Keiltywas awarded the Ian Jennings Memorial for excellence on andoff field,while Michaela Heywood accepted the George MorganShield for best club person.
Afeature of the night was asnippet of adocumentary filmed during the season showing the inner sanctum of the club.
The filmmakers were given astanding ovation for their work, however the biggest round of applausewas deservedly savedfor Loretta Clarke, who was inducted as the club’s newest life member.
Poignantly, although perhaps also equally ironically,YallournYallourn NorthFNC had
GOLF
CHURCHILL &MONASH
StablefordSaturday28th September
2024.
AGrade Winner: Ad.West 46 pts
BGrade Winner: T. Sterrick44pts
CGrade Winner: G. Corponi 43 pts
D.T.L: 1. D. Byers46, 2. P. Kearns 46, 3. M. Brereton 45, 4. A. Sharrock42, 5. S. Turner 42, 6. W. McGrath 42,
N.T.P : 3rdW.McGrath 42, 12th W. McGrath
Pro-Pin :14th P. Kearns
Birdies: 3rdR.Dent, C. Waring 3rd, R. Vesty 12th,A.Sharrock12th, W. McGrath 3rd, G. Spowart 3rd, A. West 12th, C. Waring 12th,S.Caldwell 12th,W.McGrath 12th ,G Corponi 12th, I. Heppelston 14th
Target Hole: A. Jenkins
Monthly Medal Tuesday1st October
Medal Winner: M. Ryan 72 nett
Scratch: M. Ryan 95
Putts: M. Ryan 31
D.T.L: C. Stevens 78 C/B
N.T.P : 3rdL.Brent, 5th M. Ryan, 12th M. Ryan, 14th M. Ryan
Birdies: L. Brent 3rd
MIRBOO NORTH
Tuesday1st October,Stableford
AGrade: NBickerton (10) 34pts c/b
BGrade: JKus (21) 40pts
DTL: PWoodall, SDuff34, CJames 33, TomTraill32c/b
NTP: 4th MWoodall, 6th CJames,16th N Bickerton, Birdies: 4th TomTraill, EBeveridge,6th C James
Wednesday, 02 October 2024 WOMEN'S WEDNESDAY 9HOLESTABLEFORD
Grade AWinners: Dyt, Phyllis (38) 17
its presentation on the same night at the same venue (the Jets in the upstairs function room).
Moe and YYN ran dual membershipsthis season, allowing members at eitherclub to attend home games at Ted SummertonReserve or GeorgeBates Reserve.
Both clubshavehad players come-and-go between the two over the years.
Dylan Bath claimed his third Jim Fry Medal of the decade for the Jets, presented by teammate Lucas Fry(who incidentallyalsoplayed more than 100 games for Moe) -grandsonofthe Yallourn North premiership player and league best and fairest.
Jai Massese was runner-up and was awarded the newly named Barrie Burnett Players MVP, presented by the senior games record-holder himself.
Matthew Twaddle took home the Alec McGregorMedal for the reservesbest and fairest.
The reserves premiership cup was front and centre during speeches, although slightly (to put it mildly) bruised and battered from along few weeks of attention from the players.
Emily Sherry wonher secondconsecutive A Grade best and fairest.
Allison Mitchell was awarded BGrade best and fairest, whilst Brittney Little(CGrade)and Kimberley Wells (D Grade) took out the honour for each of their teams.
Mitchell had quite the night, recognised for her 200th senior game thus making her eligible for life membership, which she received to cap off the evening.
Mick Pheeney was named best club person, as an everreliablehelping hand,constantlyspotted behind the bar pouring drinks after games and for functions.
Other significant milestones highlighted throughout the year included two new members of the 300 club gamescircle,with Ash Anderson and Steven ‘Ketchup’ Gore, as well as 200 senior games for Darcy Shellcot.
Hadyour club best and fairest and want to acknowledge award winners? Email sport@ lvepxress.com.au
Great Score: Phyllis Dyt(Birdie) @4
Wednesday, 02 October 2024
WOMEN'SSTROKE -MONTHLY
Overall Winners: Blandford, Jane (32) 68 Medal Winner
Grade AWinners: Donaldson, Leanne (26) 72
Grade BWinners: Blandford, Jane (32) 68
Place Getters: Wallis, Elizabeth 74 C/B, Weaver,Lee 74
Great Score: Leahann Stewart- Birdie @ 15,KathyBorg- Birdie @4
Nearest to Pin: 4th Phyllis Dyt Target Hole Prize-KathyBorg MysterySixes Winner -Leahann Stewart PuttsA Grade- KarenShaw-30 PuttsBGrade -Leahann Stewart- 25 Thursday, 03 October 2024 OPEN Medley Stableford
Grade AWinners: Bruce,Shane (8) 40
Grade BWinners: Roberts,Paul (11) 37
Grade CWinners: Gauci, Anthony(16)36
Grade DWinners: Grant, Peter(21) 40
Place Getters: Veenman, Laurie 39 C/B Hodgson, Robert39, Walshe,Michael 37, Robertson, Paul 36 C/B,Frei, Harry36, Pisa, Johnny35C/B,Dent, Russell 35 C/B VANBAALEN, Simon 35 C/B,Harland, Bob 35, Harber,John 34 C/B,Yeomans,Wayne 34 C/B,Garlick, Karl 34 C/B,Dunstan, Craig 34 C/B,White, Darren 34 C/B,Borg, Kathy 34 C/B
Great Score: Shane Bruce (Eagle) @17, LukeVan DerMeulen (Birdie) @4,Ian Freeman (Birdie) @14, Michael Walshe (Birdie) @4,Darren White(Birdie) @ 8, Lockie White(Birdie) @8,MickWest (Birdie) @14, HarryFrei(Birdie) @14, Nearest to Pin: 4th LukeVan Der Meulen, 8th MickWest,14th Tony Johnson
Saturday, 05 October 2024 MEN'S Monthly Medal -Stroke
Great Score: Lee Wilson -Eagle @3,John Harber -Birdie @4,Jason Stirzaker -Birdie @14,Steve Cunningham -Birdie @14
Nearest to Pin: 4th Lee Wilson, 8th Charles Johnson, 14th Jason Stirzaker,Mystery Sixes PrizeWinner- MarkMetcalfe
Clubs combine for race meeting
HORSERACING
By LIAM DURKIN
TWO of Moe’s biggest pillars combined for Moe Racing Club’s Moe Football-Netball Club race day meeting.
Moe FNC members, players and officials gathered in the HillsidePavilion to celebrate the season with aday at the races. This acted as aprecursortothe club’s presentation night, held last Saturday at the racing club’s Turfside function centre.
The race meeting, held on Monday,September 30 saw a packed 10-race card held on a Soft 6.
Local riderswere featured throughoutthe meeting, with the namesake Moe FootballNetball Club Race 5over 2431 metres taken outbyHollandia
forJohnMoloney Sale trainers Sharyn Trolove and Susie Wells had success in the Race 7Turbo Reel Handicap (1619m) and the Race 8 Ladbrokes Bet TickerHandicap (1619m), with Ripplebrook and Gracious Diva saluting.
Trafalgar jockey Jason Maskiell rode four-year-old gelding Mr Marigold to second in the Race 1Rock Solid Maiden Plate (1111m), just ahead of Bossy Starr, trained by fellow Traflocals Paul and Tracey Templeton, although both were threelengths off winner Electric Tommy.
BeauMertens,son of late legendary jockey Peter Mertens (a man dubbed ‘the King of Gippsland’), won the Race 3 Erica Café &Bar Maiden Plate on board Righteous. Mertens followed this with
SCOREBOARD
Saturday, 05 October 2024 WOMEN'S SATURDAY Stableford
Grade AWinners: Wallis,Elizabeth (31) 33
Place Getters: Shaw, Karen32
MORWELL
MorwellGolf Club Women2nd October 2024 StrokeMonthly Medal
Friday, October 4th 2024, Open Men’s& Ladies Stableford
victory in the very next race, the Law Somerville Industries Maiden Plate (2431m), completing ariding doublewhenMrZed won by two lengths.
The Moe connection was again strong, with the race named after the business owned by Moe FNC lifememberand retiringLatrobe City Councillor Brad Law. Traralgon Cup winning jockey JamieMott rode In Your Hands to victory in the Race 6Able Mechanical Handicap (2075m), before the somewhat controversially named five-year-old mare Marxist ‘left’ the competition in its wake to win the Race 9Happy 80th JanMcMillanHandicap (1111m).
Jungle Sensation rounded things off with victoryinthe Race 10 Ladbrokes Moe Cup Friday 18th October Handicap (1111m).
As if that was not clear enough, Moe Racing Club’s next meeting is the big one -the 2024 Moe Cup.
Hospitality packages are fillingupvery fast, and people are being encouraged to get in to avoid disappointment.
Aspecial showcase preview of this year’s Moe Cup will feature in next week’s Express. Moe's'littlebrother', Latrobe Valley Racing Club held its season launch last Friday. The Traralgon-based club is busily preparing to host its meetings, beginning with the MorwellBowling Club Derby Day on Saturday, November 2.
AGrade Winner: Kevin Ayton40pts
BGrade Winner: ReggieReggardo 34 pts
DTL's: Tony Johnson 38, Ross Anderson 36, Graeme Wilson 35, Paul Richer 34, Ricky Dyt34, MarkHiriart33C/B Birdies: 2nd: Joel Poole 11th:Steve Hill 13th: Paul Richer 15th:TonyJohnson, Kevin Ayton
Saturday,October 5th 2024,Monthly Medal Stroke
Medal Winner: RayWiseman 38 nett
AGrade Winner: Bill Williams 71 nettC/B
BGrade Winner: RayWiseman 38 nett
CGrade Winner: Chris Griffin75nettC/B
ScratchWinner: Bill williams 72 gross
DTL’s: Josh Clarkson 71, Nathan Dart 72, Grant McLure72, Reno Borg72, Wayne Robbins73, MickWest 73,Stewart Cluning 74,DickSheehan 74,Hank Fiddelaers74, Bruce Aplin 74,Zavier O’Reilly74, Greg Donohue 74
NTP’s: 2nd: Josh Clarkson 5th: Corey Imer 11th: William Dow13th: PeterRhodes 15th: Bill williams Birdies: 5th: MickWest,CliffGarner,Corey Imer,Dennis Hicks 11th:ScottMcKinnon 15th: Bill Williams
Leaders: MoeFootball-Netball ClubsecretaryRhonna Nash, vice president DeanAbbott, treasurerLis Keiltyand president Mat Howletttook awell-deservedbreak with aday at theraces
Photograph: Liam Durkin
Melbourne brings bronze back home
BASKETBALL
By TOM HAYES
LOCAL basketballproduct Jade
Melbourne made arare returntoher hometown of Traralgon last week.
Melbourne, who is currentlyin between duties for her two professional clubs, made ashort pit stopto theLatrobe Valley before leaving for Canberra to start the WNBL preseason.
“I’m only here sporadically,solikefive days here, five days there. Itext afew matestocatch up and that’s it,” shetold the Express last week.
“It’s good to hang out with mum and dad, Sophie and Ava my two sisters, family time is so valuable just because Idon’t see them much.”
Shebrought something special however for the trip home -her bronzemedal from the Paris Olympics.
Melbourne mentionedthat even when her family visitedher in the US or France for the Olympic Games, she only got as much as ahug anda10-minute chat after agame.
Especially at the Olympic Games, Melbournesaidthatitwas much harder to seeher family during the competition
“When Iwas in Paris, Iprobably spent like five hourswith them, max,” she said.
Speaking with the Express at the start of the year, Melbourne mentioned her goal was to play for Australia at the Olympics, stating: “representing my countryisthe pinnacle for me, there’s no higherhonour”. Tick.
Shestill remembers the phone call she receivedwhile in LasVegas from Australianwomen’sbasketball coach Sandy Brondello lettingher know she was goingtothe Olympics.
“That moment was so cool. IFaceTimed mum and dad and it was 2am over here, but Iwas hoping they were awake,” Melbourne said.
Speaking on her Olympicjourney, Melbourne labelled it as “the best two weeks of my career”.
Australia was under the pump
immediately, and Melbourne felt it, following their shock loss to Nigeria to start the tournament.
“The pressure of the tournament was extra crazy,” she said.
The following week, Melbourne and the Australians played the host nation, Franceintheir secondgroup game
Needing to win every game from here on out, theOpals faced an uphill battle in front of a27,000-strong crowd.
“And 26 and ahalfthousand of them are going for France,” Melbourne added.
Making the knockouts, Melbourne believed anything was possible.
“Winning the quarter final was perfect, becauseyou were playing for amedal regardless,” she said.
After losingtothe eventual gold medal winning nation, the US, Australia defeated Belgium in the bronze medal match.
“The whole experience was surreal, acool group of girls, we had so much experience in it, it was alot of fun,” Melbourne said.
“Stressfultwo weeks,but alsothe most rewarding and fun.”
“I think justbeing in thatenvironment, it’s literally like ayear’s worth of learning in two weeks."
Melbourne left Paris with awealth of knowledge,asshe headed back to the US to complete her second WNBA season.
Returning to Washington for the second half of the WNBAseason, Melbourne already felt ashift in her game.
“I’d already felt learnings Ihad made at the Olympics translate to the second half of my WNBA season,” she said.
“I knowexactly what Ihave to do over the next six months to become abetter player in the WNBA”
Speaking of, becoming astarteris Melbourne’slatest goal she wants to achieve,after completing her “highest honour”ofrepresenting Australia at the Olympics.
“I’d love it to (be at)Washington. Ihad agreat year, how it happened was all
abrupt andI didn’t think Iwas going to be aWashington Mystic…but it worked out being the best thing that could’ve happened in my career,” she said.
The Mystics are currently going through arebuild,whichhas allowed Melbourne to play through her mistakes andlearn from them, helpingher ability to grow and develop.
“Who knowswhatcould happen in the trade period. Iknowfirst-hand how it all worksnow.Ihope I’m at Washington for afew more years, because Ilove the city,” she added.
Melbournealsohas the FIBA Women’s World Cup in mind, which isn’t until 2026 in Germany.
One thing is for certain, Melbourne believesshe deserves to be at the highest level.
“One thing I’ve learnt is that Ibelong in the league,” she said.
She questioned her ability throughout her first season with Seattle Storm, only playing minimal minutes, or sometimes noneatall.But after acompetitive season, she knows where she belongs.
“Afterthisseason, Ican competewith these guys, Ibelong in this league, it’s also mademehungrier to potentially become astarter -that’s one of my goals,” she said.
Returningtothe WNBL in the coming months, Melbourne will be apart of anew-lookUniversity of Canberra Capitals side.
The Capitals have made aplethora of changes aheadofthe 2024/25season, including multiple list changes and the return of head coach Paul Goriss.
“It’s going to be weird walking into a new team when you’vebeen there for so long,” Melbourne said.
“It was perfect for me to go back there considering the big year Ihad, it was important to be somewhere I’m comfortable.”
The Capitals haven’t played finals in the last two seasons, and Melbourne hopes to get them there once again.
“I want to become abetterthree-point
Bowls returns this Saturday
BOWLS
STRZELECKI NORTH
BY LIAM DURKIN
GET the grippo out, it's time to play bowls.
The Strzelecki Bowls Region Pennant season commences this Saturday.
Pennantwill again see weekendaction take place, as well as midweek pennant on Tuesdays.
Midweek pennant begins Tuesday, October 15. The main weekend pennant season comprises 14 home-and-away rounds, before three weeks of finals. As well as premierships, promotion/relegation is on the line between divisions.
The Strzelecki Bowls Region is divided into a 'north' and 'south' section.
Latrobe Valley-based teams play in Strzelecki North.
Bowls is rapidly growing in popularity, so much so there is seven divisions for weekend pennant this season, up from six last season. Morwell Bowling Club will compete this season, although without the advantage of playing at home
afterfire tragically burnt their venue to the ground last August.
Fellow bowlsclubs have generously taken Morwell players in, and also provided equipment.
Competing in Division 1this season is: Newborough, Morwell, Traralgon, Traralgon RSL, Trafalgar,Longwarry, Drouin, Warragul.
shooter, work on my reads out of the pick and roll –that’s somethingthat Washington want, and that’ssomething that Ican naturally do (in the WNBL) because I’m going to have the ball in my hands alot more,” Melbourne said of her individual attributes.
The 2024/25 WNBL season gets underway on Wednesday, October 30 when Geelong United take on Townsville Fire.
Keep an eye out for Moe’s Jaz Shelley playing for Geelong.
The Capitals start their season days later, visiting Sydney Flames on Sunday, November 3.
Coming back to Australiaasastudent of the WNBA game, Melbourne transitions into ateacher of sorts when with the Capitals.
“It’ssoweird.I still feellikeI’m a young player and just getting started,” she said.
“It’s great for me to be aleader early
days, last year Iwas co-captain, not sure what it’ll be like this year.
“The more we can share knowledge together the better, and there’s going to be things Iwant to learn of my teammates, and there’s going to be things that they want to pick my brain on just because I’ve been to the Olympics and the WNBA for two years and learnt so much,”
Thisupcoming season, she hopesto continue to be amentor, with many of the girls on the roster hoping to find themselves on WNBA rosters, just like Melbourne did.
Melbourne left for Canberra last Thursday(October3)tobegin her WNBL preseason.
MORE BASKETBALL -PAGE35
Real deal: Jade Melbourne flaunts herOlympic bronzemedal while visiting home in Traralgon last week Photograph: TomHayes
