The Great Southern Star - April 3, 2012

TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 2012 - $1.20

Game on WHISTLES blew across South Gippsland on Saturday, signalling the return of the Alberton football and netball season for 2012.

Last year’s premiers KilcundaBass affirmed themselves as premiership contenders this year with a 54 point drubbing of Foster in the grand final rematch at Bass.

Korumburra-Bena look like a strong outfit again this year after overcoming Yarram by 28 points.

Turn to Star Sport for full reports and pictorial coverage from across the Alberton competition.

Meeniyan thrashed Stony Creek by 57 points at home, led by some fierce tackling by MDU’s Joel Sinclair (left), pictured taking down Stony Creek’s Chris Langley as he gets the ball off to team-mate John Stuart.

Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning at www.fourcornersframing.biz/

Boy’s horror Son witnesses attack on mother

By Simone Short A YOUNG boy was left to call triple zero after witnessing a horrific attack that has left his mother fighting for her life.

The 38-year-old woman suffered multiple head injuries after police said her ex de-facto assaulted her with a sledge hammer in her Trida home on Sunday night.

Her eight-year-old son, who was present during the assault, called police while the attacker fled the scene. A 33-year-old man is currently helping police with their enquiries after surrendering himself soon after the assault.

Wonthaggi Police reported the man forced entry to his ex de-facto’s house on Grandridge Road in Trida with a sledge hammer at around 8.15pm.

Police said he then proceeded to assault the

Easter plea

woman with the weapon and left in his car before crashing it a short distance away. He phoned police and handed himself in.

After police were alerted, the victim was flown to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne in a critical condition.

Detectives from the Wonthaggi Criminal Investigations Unit attended the scene, however the Armed Crime Taskforce took over the case and interviewed the man at the Warragul Police Sta-

Podium finish

tion. He was set to appear in the Latrobe Valley Court yesterday (Monday) afternoon.

The victim remains in intensive care at the Alfred Hospital in a life-threatening condition.

The attack occurs on the back of recently released police statistics showing an increase in domestic violence reports in the Bass Coast and South Gippsland Police Service Area over the past 12 months.

Continued on page 2.

Late Star CATCH all the colour and fun of Easter in The Star next week.

Page 14.

Page 63.

The Star will be out one day later, on Wednesday, April 11 due to the Easter public holidays.

The office will be closed Good Friday and Easter Monday, April 6 and 9 and re-open on Tuesday, April 11. at The Star, we wish you a happy and From everyone e safe Easter.

Easte

PAGE 2 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Dancers go bush for hospital THE start of construction of the new Leongatha Memorial Hospital was commemorated in typical country style on Saturday night.

A bush dance, promoted as a “celebration of the sod turning”, was attended by 200 enthusiastic dancers at Leongatha Memorial Hall.

Local group The Strzelecki String Busters were joined by John Taylor and the Dets in staging a good old fashioned night complete with door and seat prizes.

The event raised about $5000 towards the new hospital.

Board president David Harvey commented on the plans, the amount of space in the new theatres and the possibility of new

specialists being easier to attract with a new building.

He also spoke about the new birthing rooms, having been told that new mums won’t want to go home; and the great views from the main ward.

“The evening was a great success. It gave people the opportunity to look at just what is planned for the new hospital and to share in the mood of celebration that we have started the rebuild of the hospital,” Mr Harvey said.

Gippsland Southern Health Service CEO Gary Templeton also referred to the south coast health plan and flagged the opportunities for the hospital to grow services over the entire sub-region over the next decade.

Festivities begin: enjoying the Leongatha Memorial Hospital bush dance were, from left: Tania Newton, Helen Disher, Annette Zuidema, Wendy Lund and Rachael Norton.

Carbon slug to councils Boy’s

By Jane Ross MUNICIPAL councils are scrambling to reduce energy consumption ahead of the carbon tax which starts on July 1.

They’re facing big bills.

Bass Coast, for example, could be slugged $800,000 annually.

That would add $29 a year to every household’s garbage charge.

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has worked out council expenses could rise by 0.8 per cent.

If that were to be recouped through rates, it would mean an extra $22 a year for the carbon tax alone.

Methane gas emissions

from landfill are the worst cost factor, followed by street lighting and fleet and power expenses.

CEO Tim Tamlin said South Gippsland Shire Council’s landfill wasn’t big enough to attract the carbon tax, but Bass Coast’s is right on the cut-off threshold.

Because landfill represents 80 per cent of council’s greenhouse gas emissions, CEO Allan Bawden said that’s the focus of Bass Coast Council action. Street lighting isn’t far behind.

“The landfill threshold is 25 tonnes a year. We think we’re right on that limit.”

But calculating a tonne of methane from landfill isn’t easy.

The tonnage of waste is readily known but the mix of garbage impacting on emissions differs.

The government plans to review the landfill industry by 2015-16, so the thresholds could change and costs escalate.

At their March 28 meeting, South Gippsland Shire councillors agreed to apply for grants of $495,000 to upgrade street lights to energy efficient ones. This would save $48,000 a year in energy and maintenance costs. Mr Tamlin said his council needed to look at solar power for its buildings but had to weigh up money spent on solar with badlyneeded IT infrastructure upgrades.

At their meeting on February 22, councillors were told while waste and energy costs would be the main carbon tax impact, the rising Consumer Price Index would have an effect too.

Bass Coast has already cut excess lighting in its offices, is moving towards

smaller cars that use less fuel and environmental staff are looking at solar hot water.

The council is also eyeing a Melbourne metropolitan waste group tender to the private sector seeking interest in building an organic composting facility.

“There’s some prospect it will be in the south east which would make it close enough for us.”

That would mean a third garbage bin catering for residents’ organic waste.

Shire staff have taken a march on responsibility for organic waste.

“They’ve been really good at that,” their CEO said.

Organic waste goes into a compost bin at the back of one of the council’s Wonthaggi buildings. Worms do their job and their casings help fertilise a vegetable patch.

horror Continued from page 1.

Statistics revealed a 51 per cent increase in domestic violence incidents between January and December last year, with 160 reports compared to 106 in the same period the year before.

Acting Inspector Damian Whitford of Wonthaggi Police said police were currently focusing on family violence across Victoria.

“We’re encouraging parties involved to make reports so that we can get involved and not only address the offending, but also assist the cause,” he said.

“Whilst we continue to have an increase in the number of family violence reports made, that has become quite prevalent everywhere, with people becoming more confident that if they do make a report, police will take action.”

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 3

Bikini vandal strikes twice

By Jane Ross ONE of the bikini-clad poster models on a Leongatha surf shop window has been “dressed” again.

Milie Surf Wear owner Mick Horell is not amused.

He said the same thing happened about 12 months ago and he estimates the damage this time at $200 to $300.

The “dressed” window greeted Mr Horell on Wednesday morning.

By Thursday, someone had “restored” the poster, drawing voluptuous breasts on the white paint in black Texta.

Mr Horell is annoyed about both incidents.

The first because it had damaged his window, the second because the perception would be that he had retaliated with the black Texta, when, in fact, he had not.

The advertising poster takes up an entire window and depicts a young woman on a motor bike in a swimming pool. Her bikini top has a low cleavage.

A white top was spray painted onto the model, with the word “respect” in blue across the top of her chest. A blue square to the left of her head was stencilled with the words: “I’m worth so much more”.

When Mr Horell found the initial damage last Wednesday morning, he called Leongatha Police and Senior

Constable Mick Thomas took photographs, saying the incident amounted to wilful damage, or possibly criminal damage which includes intent.

He said the poster next to the damaged one is also of a young woman in a bikini and “that hasn’t been touched”.

Of the poster that was defaced, he said, “You see worse all over Melbourne.”

It advertises a brand of motorbike wear and Mr Horell said displaying it is part of running his business.

After the previous incident, when the model was spray painted with a pink top, he asked female customers whether they found the poster offensive and most said no. He said he had received a phone call and an anonymous letter last time, complaining about the poster.

A second anonymous letter came in the mail on Thursday, ironically coinciding with the advent of the black Texta breasts. Whoever drew those also crossed out the word respect written by the previous “artist”, as well as crossing out the “I’m worth so much more” message.

A copy of the letter was also sent to The Star. At the bottom it says, “We do not wish any harm on the owner of the store, nor do we wish to scapegoat him for social issues.”

Headed a statement of respect, the letter points out that “a new sort of cultural violence is emerging where young girls are being drenched with hyper-sexualised and objectified imag-

Defaced: shop owner Mick Horell is annoyed that one of the posters on his Peart Street window has been spray painted for the second time in a year. ery that is causing severe developmental, social and sexual issues”.

“Women are being openly manipulated by money driven corporations, corporations which use and degrade young women to sell anything from deodorant to jeans.

“Public spaces are being used as a

‘No’ to desal water

By Jane Ross AFTER years of community agitation, clogged and damaged roads and local concern about environmental impacts, the Wonthaggi desalination plant won’t produce water for the 2012-13 financial year.

State Water Minister Peter Walsh announced at the weekend the water won’t be needed.

He said Melbourne’s storages were sufficient and the plant wasn’t expected to be ready until next February.

Under the contract between the State Government and plant owner and operator AquaSure, each year by April 1, the government must place a water order. This can be between 0–150 gigalitres in 25 gigalitre increments.

Responding to the announcement, AquaSure spokesman John Ridley said the government decision was neither a surprise nor a problem.

He said AquaSure was confident the plant would be fully operational and commissioned in February.

The president of Watershed Victoria Mark Robertson said yesterday morning the announcement was

’Burra knife fight A VANDALISM led to a fight involving a knife between two Korumburra teenagers on Sunday.

A man and woman were involved in an earlier altercation, where it was alleged the man damaged the woman’s letterbox. At 2.45am in Commercial Road, Korumburra, the female approached the man at a service station and threatened him with a knife.

The male attempted to grab the knife and suffered an injury to his finger. The minor injury was treated at the scene. Police are investigating.

expected because the plant wasn’t ready yet.

“We don’t need it and we probably wouldn’t if we were sensible with sustainable water.”

He said Watershed is still pushing its desalination environmental concerns.

“We’ll be doing our whale count again and we have a study underway on (Phillip Island’s) penguins.”

openl and repeatedly porforum to openly tray women as vacant, decorative sex toys for men.

“We believe that it is a viable act of freedom of speech to take down a public image that contributes to the horrifically damaging social factors that we and many other people are beginning

to name.

“We took it down and replaced it with a message that we felt directly challenges the accepted norms.

“We believe that women are far more valuable than the price tag put on their sexual and developmental health by advertising.”

PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Historic reunion

By Sarah Vella ELINOR Scott (nee Sadlier) from Leongatha was invited to Government House recently for morning tea with the Governor of Victoria, Alex Chernov and his wife.

She was one of six former Melbourne Girls High School students present, who had attended the school when it was located in Government House from 1931 to 1933.

The school’s original building, in Spring Street, East Melbourne was opened in 1852 and was becoming dilapidated, so it was decided to move the girls to Government House.

At the time, no Governor had

been appointed because of the Depression, so Government House was empty. The ballroom became the assembly hall, and the state rooms, such as the drawing room and dining rooms, were partitioned into classrooms.

Mrs Scott remembers the younger girls had their classes in the stables and used the kitchen as a science room. After a Governor was reappointed, the girls needed to move out.

The money for a new school, £44,000, was donated by Sir Macpherson Robertson (of MacRobertson’s Chocolates fame). The new school was named MacRobertson Girls’ High School in his honour.

Accompanied by her daughter Heather, Mrs Scott was entertained

by the Governor and his wife in the drawing room, where she and the other guests spoke about what it had been like to attend school at Government House.

The former students were invited to visit the ballroom, where investitures take place, and the State Dining Room, which seats 54 people at a magnificent dining table.

Also present was the principal of MacRobertson Girls’ High School, Jane Garvey and the school captain and vice captain, who were fascinated to hear about their school 80 years ago, and to see Mrs Scott’s school badge, which is the same as the current school badge, only larger.

Mrs Scott, who is 98, attended Melbourne Girls High School in 1930 and 1931.

Tea for two: Elinor Scott with the Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Alex Chernov, in the State Drawing Room at Government House, during a historic school reunion held recently.

Children at risk need help

By Brad Lester CHILDREN in need of protection from harm are being reported to the Salvation Army’s GippsCare welfare arm at an alarming rate.

Action needed: Salvation Army’s GippsCare staff, Chris Milne, Michelle and Helen (surnames suppressed) and Celia Irwin desire more government funding to address child protection figures.

The number of child protection reports made to GippsCare so far this financial year is already nearly three times over target.

The figures followed the release of The Report of the Protection of Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry recently, which found 66 per 1000 children were reported to child protection services in Gippsland in 2009-10.

The state average was just over 30 per 1000 children.

Children reported for protection

under the Department of Human Services often end up in foster care, but agencies like GippsCare need more foster carers.

GippsCare’s senior manager Celia Irwin was concerned.

“We are 150 per cent over target and we are not even at the end of the financial year,” she said.

“Our target is 65 and we have had 175 referrals.”

GippsCare’s target is set as a basis upon which the organisation receives government funding.

“We are all in crisis mode with what we are doing and there is not much prevention going on,” Ms Irwin said.

More government funding is needed to adequately address the rising number of children entering care.

Family violence is a major reason for the reports being made, Ms Irwin

said, and financial pressures contribute to domestic disputes.

The number of female perpetrators of violence is also rising and GippsCare does not have funding to deal with such offenders.

The incidence of violent offenders is increasing and GippsCare believes that could be due to single parent families without an appropriate male role model.

GippsCare has just 25 regular foster carers and more are needed, with 33 foster children now in care.

“We are looking for carers that will do all age groups to give respite and particularly to care for adolescents,” Ms Irwin said.

GippsCare’s home-based care case manager Chris Milne said adolescents are often hard to place because of their “challenging behaviours”.

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“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 5

Gas quest

By Brad Lester SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council wants to know more about coal seam gas but is yet to decide whether to support the controversial mining.

Council last Wednesday requested a report from council staff about a possible amendment to a federal act, which would include coal seam gas extraction as a matter of national environmental significance.

The amendment to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is before the Australian Senate.

Council wants the approval criteria of the act to ensure coal seam gas can only proceed when it won’t contaminate underground water or render it as unusable for agriculture, human consumption or ecosystems.

Council also wants assurances coal seam gas won’t result in release of major amounts of methane into the atmosphere, as well as not affect agricultural land.

The motion was tabled by Cr Kieran Kennedy, who said coal seam gas mining has led to people being poisoned and a farmer unable to sell cattle that drank polluted water.

“How much do we value our farmers and how much do we value our tourism?”

he asked.

An application for an exploration licence has been lodged, affecting large tracts of South Gippsland’s coast.

Cr Kennedy called on council’s CEO Tim Tamlin to work with Bass Coast Shire Council, “because Bass Coast has taken the right action” to become exempt from coal seam gas mining.

“We can’t afford to compromise our agricultural industry and our towns as well. It is our bread and butter,” he said.

“The council could be in a situation where we will be compromised in the future of the likes we have never seen.

We should be lobbying Peter Ryan for assistance and to be sympathetic to this.

“We really have to act. There really is a lot of concern.”

Cr Bob Newton said coal seam gas mining would affect Victoria, “because the whole state has coal under it” and said the Hunter Valley had been devastated by the mining.

“We need to tread very wisely on this,” he said.

Mayor Cr Warren Raabe said the motion would only seek information about the report before the Senate.

“This does not set the position of this council in any shape or form,” he said.

Cr Kennedy said tourism in the shire is worth about $220 million a year.

Red tape costs ratepayers THE State Government is making money out of the community and South Gippsland Shire Council.

The Stony Creek Football Club’s social club was forced to pay $700 to the government to obtain a Place of Public Entertainment (POPE) permit to run the successful rodeo held in January.

The club approached councillors Mohya Davies, David Lewis and Bob Newton for financial help and received $100 from each of the councillor’s discretionary funds.

Cr Lewis said the $700 was funding that should have stayed with volunteers.

Cr Jeanette Harding said the rodeo proved popular and should be supported.

The club’s Neil Cope said despite the cost, the “financial issue wasn’t a problem”.

“With the way insurance is going these days, everyone just has to cover themselves; we have to have this permit in case something goes wrong.

It’s an unnecessary evil I think,” he said.

“We were one of the first groups to have one, so now we’ve done

CFA decision delay THE Country Fire Authority has one month to convince South Gippsland Shire Council that a new fire station should be built in Leongatha’s Bair Street.

Council was due to vote on the proposal at last Wednesday’s council meeting, but at the CFA’s request, granted a one month adjournment.

Council and the CFA will also discuss suitable sites for an emergency services precinct.

The matter will be revisited at council’s next meeting on April 26.

Many Bair Street traders are concerned having a fire station in Bair Street would restrict future retail development in Leongatha.

one, we know what we’re up for next year, although I’m under the impression that each rec reserve committee will have to obtain their own permit and bodies who use that reserve will fall under that permit.

“We shouldn’t have to get one, because the committee should have gotten one. Each permit should last for about three years.”

Council had already paid $900 towards initial costs associated with the rodeo.

About 5000 people attended the rodeo.

Yum, yum: Hassett Street Preschool celebrated the end of term with a picnic at Leongatha’s McIndoe Park last Wednesday.

Children played, enjoyed lunch and sat down to a story, when a note from the Easter Bunny fell from the book. The note said he had hidden some eggs for them to find.

Kids followed a trail of bunny fur around the park, collecting chocolate eggs along the way. Among those to find chocolate delights were Philippa Steenholdt and Brandyn Clifford.

Blade has a wooden heart Fishy split

By Jane Ross

FISH Creek would ideally be situated in one ward if South Gippsland Shire Council had its way.

KEN Townsend is thanking his lucky stars the turbine blade that broke off the Wonthaggi Wind Farm the week before last wasn’t from the tower nearest his place.

Had it been, he said he could have been clocked on the head by flying debris.

As it happened, the damaged blade was on the turbine furthest away.

Out of curiosity, he’s harvested some of it and is surprised by its structure.

The blade itself is made from timber, covered in fibreglass. The timber is light, a little akin to modern-day balsa wood. There’s a grey bolt with a darker nut attached and Ken keeps the booty in a cooler bag.

He said when he and Inverloch resident Marion Chapman went to have a closer look at the damaged tower, they found half an eagle’s wing nearby.

Ken and his wife Lois run a nursery on West Area Road

Amazing: Ken Townsend and his dog Maggie inspect the debris he collected when a blade broke on one of the Wonthaggi Wind Farm turbines. and did their utmost to stop the six-turbine wind farm being built right next to their property. One of the turbines is around 1km away.

Seven years on, Ken has

become used to them, but said he feels for the people who are near the Bald Hills Wind Farm.

“It’s just starting for them.”

The Victorian Electoral Commission is reviewing the municipality’s ward boundaries to ensure residents are being fairly represented.

A public meeting was held in Leongatha recently to discuss proposed changes.

Council’s submission asked for the VEC to place Fish Creek in the one ward: Coastal Promontory.

Currently the town is split into three wards.

Cr Kieran Kennedy last week told council many people in the community were concerned they could be placed in another ward.

PAGE 6 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Towns named in study SANDY Point and Inverloch have been included in a climate change adaptation study.

Funded by the National Climate Change Adaptation Research facility, the study will consider how those communities will look in 20 years’ time.

Bass Coast Shire Council CEO Allan Bawden said, “Coastal councils are grappling with climate change adaptation and it’s great to have outside assistance and expertise.”

He said there was “quite a bit of work” underway around Australia regarding the impact of climate change and sea level rise, but there are personal and psychological climate change issues that will affect communities as well as the environmental and economic ones.

These need to be considered too.

Council hopes residents and businesses in Inverloch, will join a local advisory group for the study. If you’re interested, contact Jeff Nottle on 1300 226 278.

Resort closer

By Sarah Vella THE rezoning of land at the gateway to Wilsons Promontory National Park from Farming Zone to Special Use Zone was celebrated by the landown-

ers and members of the South Gippsland Shire Council last Thursday.

The parcel of land, just 400m from the entrance to the National Park, with sweeping views of the rugged Victorian coastline, is the proposed home of Wilsons Promontory Nature

Retreat.

The 256 acre property has 40 acres of salt wetlands, over 150,000 newly planted trees and is home to many species of native flora and fauna.

South Gippsland Shire Council mayor Cr Warren Raabe is confident that it is a logical project for the area.

“It is a project that provides the shire with assets it doesn’t already have,” he said.

Rob Black from Parks Victoria is also supportive of the project.

“The Prom is a four seasons destination. This resort is truly at the gateway to the Prom and would be therefore be popular all year round,” he said.

“It is an environmentally based project and the wetlands and revegetated areas will be appreciated by the community.”

Christian Stefani, council’s manager of customer relations, believed the resort could only be an asset to the region.

“If the Wilsons Promontory National Park is closed for any reason, then the resort can provide another avenue to allow people to appreciate the Prom and surrounding areas, still bringing a financial benefit to the region,” he said.

For landowner, Tom Tootell the project started with a desire to provide tourists with an environmentally sound, comfort-

able place to visit.

“The main idea is to help the national park minimise its tourist footprint in the long term,” he said.

“The resort will provide comfort within nature and let the urban culture appreciate the countryside of South Gippsland.

“Ideally, I would love for it to be a truly South Gippsland project, utilising local people and produce for as much of the project as possible.”

It is designed to be an environmentally sustainable resort, intended for the general population. The aim is to introduce people to the country lifestyle, with a campfire under the stars type experience.

“Ultimately the attraction is the national park, however the resort will provide another way for tourists to see local wildlife in close proximity and to appreciate the culture of South Gippsland,” Mr Tootell said.

The new zone gives potential investors and developers a stable platform from which to consider the development stage.

“I would love to see the project take the next steps quickly, but it will not be developed until the right people come along,” Mr Tootell said.

He hopes that he can maintain an interest in the project, at least for the short term.

Zoning party: council planning manager Paul Stampton, Tom and Michelle Tootell, Christian Stefani, mayor Cr Warren Raabe and council economic development officer Ken Fraser celebrate the rezoning of the land for the proposed resort.

Subdivision approved A 23 LOT subdivision has been approved in Leongatha.

South Gippsland Shire Council passed the development, in MacDonald Street.

The subdivision has been the subject of controversy recently, with residents of The Grange retirement village, which abuts the subdivision, concerned.

They told council it was their understanding a retirement village would be built on the adjacent lot and they were now worried about double storey buildings adjoining their boundary.

David Enbom, builder of The Grange, addressed council on behalf of the developer, Prom Country Investments, at last week’s council public presentation session.

He said no one associated with the development had promised residents another retirement village would be built next to The Grange.

Mr Enbom said it was stated at a different time that the two storey development, if it proceeded, would be near the creek, and single storey buildings erected abutting The Grange.

Cr Jim Fawcett said: “It’s been a tortuous process with this application, with some regrettable issues.

“It’s been an interesting journey and I think we can all learn from this.”

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 7

Farm rates probe starts

By Brad Lester SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council will investigate how reducing farm rates would impact revenue.

Cr David Lewis successfully moved a motion at last Wednesday’s council meeting calling for council officers to

determine the financial impacts of having a farm differential rate set at the average for Victorian rural shires.

His call came in response to a petition signed by 132 people calling for council to: “act on Section 3C of the Local Government Act to ensure that farmers pay a fair and equitable share of the rates

and charges.”

“I think there is a problem if a whole class of people are being disadvantaged and that is what is happening in the rural areas,” Cr Lewis said.

The petition preamble stated: “Currently farmers pay over double that of residential ratepayers on average. We feel that farmers should pay rates

on their dwellings and curtilage only and that such value be equal to a residential ratepayer’s bill for similar house and curtilage.”

The petition was instigated by Wild Dog Valley farmer and teacher, Don Hill.

He asked council to establish a working group to investigate farm rates

Talking business: men and women in business discovered tricks to improve their marketing and image at a seminar run by the Southern Business Women’s Network at GippsTAFE, Leongatha on Saturday. Among them were: Kate Birrell of Pilates Energy Leongatha, network president Kaz Hughes, Lucinda Gromotka of Lucinda Estate Winery and Robyn Eva of Thermomix. More photos in next week’s Star.

and report its findings to council by January 2013.

Cr Raabe implied council could consider Mr Hill’s suggestion, saying: “We have never been game to look at it and maybe you have fixed us up to have a look at it.”

Mr Hill called on council to suggest implementing a rating system similar to that adopted by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, in which farmers’ main home and limited surrounds are rated at the full residential amount and farming land at a lower rate.

Mr Hill’s proposal would result in about $3.5 million being cut from council’s rate income.

He also said his personal research revealed South Gippsland council charged relatively high farm rates compared to other Victorian councils.

Cr Raabe said any working group should also include representatives other than farmers.

“Whilst they may benefit, it will have impacts upon others that may not be beneficial,” he said.

“I do not believe we could do the preparatory work prior to the budget sitting.”

Mr Hill said farmers would pay more rates on their properties than they earn from their land by 2022.

Cr Raabe responded: “That could be why I got out of beef.”

Cr Jim Fawcett said the rating system in Victoria was based on the value of land.

“Some may say it is not necessarily an appropriate way, but it is the way the State Government dictates to us as a way of raising revenue,” he said.

“Farmers pay a significant amount of our rates but they are a fairly significant part

of our population.”

Cr Fawcett said based on a property worth $1 million, farmers paid less compared to residential and commercial ratepayers.

“I think farmers certainly may have equity grounds to argue but so does everyone else,” he said.

However, Cr Fawcett did say now may be an appropriate time to review the way rates are charged in the shire.

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

POLICE BRIEFS Laser attack A MAN had his eyesight temporarily impaired after someone shone a laser light into his eyes last Sunday night.

He was walking towards the Chinese restaurant in Korumburra when he noticed a green laser light shining on the wall beside him, and turned to see where it was coming from.

The man said when he looked around, he was “zapped in the eyes” by the green light.

“Everything sort of went red and it was as if I was looking directly into the sun for a few seconds,” he said.

The man reported the incident to police, and said he considered the laser light to be a concealed weapon.

“If you look around when someone’s pointing that at you, it disables your vision for at least an hour,” he said.

“The middle of my vision was seriously impaired; it’s like it stunned me for a couple of seconds. Even now I feel like I should get my eyes checked out.”

He encouraged anyone who witnessed the incident or saw someone around that area with a laser light that evening to contact Korumburra Police.

False alarm flare SES VOLUNTEERS are frustrated with cries of “wolf” after an unknown person set off emergency

flares last Tuesday.

The Inverloch SES was called for assistance at around 5.15pm after flares had been sighted a reported 1.5km offshore in the Inverloch area.

The SES responded with a rescue boat and were out to sea searching until 1am on Wednesday.

Volunteer John Madden said the search was called off after police found a flare cap on the beach behind the surf lifesaving club and decided the flares had been let off on the beach.

Mr Madden said the ‘search’ was a blatant waste of resources.

“We were out there, there was a police helicopter, which had to go back and refuel at one stage and come back again, and it was quite a long search,” he said.

“We had four men onboard and two people assisting on communications on shore, plus the police were on shore too. The police were going to send out another boat but it was called off.”

Mr Madden said both police and SES have to treat these situations very seriously, however people using flares irresponsibly are frustrating.

“We keep getting cries of wolf, and even though we’ll always respond, you tend to be not as enthusiastic,” he said.

“By wasting all those resources, that costs a lot of money and a lot of

time. People keep doing it and people lose patience and enthusiasm; if these things keep happening, you don’t think it’s serious and you don’t act as quickly as you should, and it could one day be someone’s life in danger.”

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Inverloch Police on 5674 1202.

Child offered lift POLICE have downplayed the concern surrounding a man offering a young boy a lift in Leongatha last Saturday morning.

A man reportedly pulled up beside a boy walking along the side of the road and offered him a lift.

After the boy declined, the man, who was not known to the child, drove off. Police said while the man should not have offered the boy a lift, there was no attempt to abduct the child or force him into the vehicle against his will.

Piggy bank theft A MONEY box shaped like a pig was taken from Miletos Courtyard Café in Korumburra on Thursday night.

Offenders climbed a rear fence and broke in through a window at the Commercial Street address.

The orange money box contained some cash.

Offenders also took some cakes and bottles of water.

Daylight robbery A RESIDENTIAL property was burgled during the day on Thursday.

The house, on Silverback Place in Leongatha, was entered after an offender forced open a window at the front of the premises. A lap top computer, a camera and a bag of medication was stolen.

Tools taken A MERCEDES van was burgled while the owner surfed at Cape Paterson.

The vehicle was parked at Second Beach on Thursday, when tools were stolen from inside.

The theft occurred between 6 and 7pm. When the owner of the vehicle returned from his surf, he realised that the tools were gone.

It is unclear as to how entry was gained to the vehicle.

Burnt out A VEHICLE was set alight after becoming stuck in the Wonthaggi wetlands on Sunday.

Offenders had driven the vehicle around the wetlands adjacent to South Dudley Road in Wonthaggi, until it became bogged. The fire was started at around 11.30pm, completely destroying the vehicle.

Police are still trying to determine where the vehicle was from and whether or not it was stolen, as there were no identifying numbers visible on the vehicle.

Give generously on Good Friday COMMUNITIES around South Gippsland and Bass Coast are doing their part to help raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday appeal this Easter.

A door knock appeal will be held in Leongatha starting at 10am this Friday.

Volunteers and walkers are welcome to come along and take part, with everyone meeting at the old courthouse next to the Post Office.

For the first year, the Leongatha CFA is getting involved and will be driving around town in the truck collecting donations.

Anyone wanting to take part can call Adam on 0409 511 444 for any information.

Fund raising raffles will be held in Welshpool, Toora, Foster, Yankie and Fish Creek for the hospital, with fantastic chocolate Easter bunny prizes.

The local CFA brigades will also be helping out by running collections in Hedley, Welshpool, Port Welshpool, Toora, Port Franklin, Foster, Fish Creek, Buffalo, Waratah North, Sandy Point, Yanakie starting at 9am, and at the front gate of the Prom starting Thursday night.

Interested volunteers can contact Neil and Jan Hamilton on 0438 673 118 or contact Jan at the service station at Fish Creek for any information.

For those in Mirboo North, a fundraising event will be held at the Commercial Hotel from 12noon onwards.

Raffles will be run throughout the day and an auction held in the afternoon, and from 8pm onwards there will be live music.

Uncle Bob’s will be running the appeal, in its 30th year, from the Wonthaggi CFA Station in Watt Street, with a community door knock starting at 9am and running all day.

A number of collectors will also be door knocking in the Cape Paterson and Kilcunda areas.

The George Bass Hotel in Bass is also running activities on the day to raise money for the appeal.

Also, don’t forget the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club event. See The Scene liftout in today’s Star.

“THE STAR�, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 9

Jobs vacant

By Jane Ross BUSINESSES in Bass Coast Shire have had trouble finding truck drivers.

Bunnies galore: students from Toora Primary School with their interpretations of the Easter Bunny.

IT IS that time of year again. Easter activities were front and centre at Toora Primary School last week.

Students from the Prep/1 and the Grade 2/3 classroom combined for a day of shared Easter activities led by Kerry Corcoran and Ali Wogan-Browne, which included an out of uniform and crazy hair fundraising event.

Cleaners and those working in administration are thin on the ground too.

These facts are among many highlighted in the December quarter Bass Coast Economic Monitor published recently.

The monitors are produced on behalf of Westpac Bank and began with construction of the Wonthaggi desalination plant.

Employment levels increased in the December quarter, with 10 per cent of businesses hiring more casual staff and two per cent more part-time staff. Further employment growth is expected for the March quarter.

The top three occupations recruited during the December quarter were sales assistant, labourers and factory hands.

The price of top of the range residential units rose by 15 per cent in the final quarter of last year.

The average was $240,000 to $450,000.

But houses, averaging $290,000 to $460,000 fell by eight per cent.

The average rental cost for a two bedroom unit ranged from $275 to $417 a week; the best higher than for the previous quarter. The average rental cost for a three bedroom house ranged from $280 to $475 a week, the top end up considerably since the September quarter.

But, with 31 per cent of rental properties let to workers at the Wonthaggi desalination plant, the question remains, what will happen as construction draws to a close?

These details are spelt out in the December quarter Bass Coast Economic Monitor, a study undertaken on behalf

of Westpac Bank. It has produced reports since construction began on the desal plant.

The hospitality and basic purchases sectors did well in the December quarter, with the former reporting average sales growth of 13.3 per cent.

An overall growth rate of 3.8 per cent was reported, a turn around of overall sales contraction the previous quarter.

For the December quarter, 45 per cent of respondents reported an increase of sales, 35 per cent reported stable sales and 20 per cent spoke of a decline. This was particularly so in construction which has reported a downward trend for every quarter since December 2010, apart from June last year.

Sixteen per cent of businesses surveyed lifted expenditure and this investment should continue.

Most were confident about their performance over the coming 12 months, although only moderate growth in sales is expected.

Just over half the businesses surveyed noted business developments in the shire, such as the advent of Bunnings and construction of a new supermarket and speciality shopping hub would have an impact; 29 per cent suggesting this would be positive.

Nearly a quarter of respondents said they thought a reduction in population following cessation of desalination plant construction, would have a negative economic impact.

During the December quarter, an average 129 people left the desalination plant site each month, but an average 117 joined it via sub contracted companies.

The economic monitor surveys a panel of 20 businesses and a minimum 20 more chosen at random.

PAGE 10 - “THE STAR�, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

WELL done to Leongatha Secondary College’s Year 10 girls on achieving a well-deserved second place at the recent interschool volleyball competition at Wonthaggi. The girls were up against some tough, skilled competitors. The girls improved constantly throughout their matches

and produced a number of entertaining rallies.

LEONGATHA Primary School is again running the Pauls Collect-A-Cap fundraiser this year. Help them to raise money for the school by collecting the caps from any Pauls milk container and sending them with your child to the 2LM learning space. Caps can be collected from any Pauls milk container. For every cap collected, the school will earn 10 cents. Please wash the caps before sending them to school.

THE cast has been chosen for Lyric Theatre’s musical for 2012, The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe and rehearsals have begun in earnest.

CONGRATULATIONS to Jack McDonald, a Grade 5 student at Newhaven College, who has been selected to be part of the Australian Youth Choir. Jack is one of six Victorians selected, and will shortly be touring Europe for three weeks with the Choir. Well done Jack!

DON’T miss the Back to Charlie Brown’s Picnic Day at Waratah Bay this Easter Saturday, April 7.

All the action takes place at the Moongana Street playground including egg and spoon races, footraces and plenty of novelty events.

It is the fifth annual competition between the “Parkies� (Waratah Bay Caravan Park residents and campers) and the “Townies� (residents of Waratah Bay), so come and watch all the excitement with plenty of food on hand. You may even

get roped into one of races!

On Easter Sunday all the action heads to the caravan park for the annual billy cart derby, with plenty of thrills and spills. All welcome to both events.

THE Wonthaggi Garden Club is holding its annual flower and vegetable show this weekend on Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday. Refer to public notices for all the details.

THE Sandy Point Community group will be holding a sand castle competition on Easter Saturday. The event will take place on the main surf beach, opposite the shops and will start at 10am.

Individual entries for all age groups. Contact Neil Shaw on 5684 1094 for more details.

GREET the Easter dawn at beautiful Eagles Nest.

People of all ages can come and join a short service of worship, organised by the Wonthaggi and Inverloch Inter-church Council, with the glorious backdrop of the rising sun and the Bunurong coastline.

Following the short service, families can take a beautiful stroll along the beach before heading up to the hall at Cape Paterson for some breakfast, where free hot cross buns with tea, coffee and something for the kids will be served.

Come along to remember the reason why we celebrate Easter this coming Easter Sunday at 6.15am, just as the sun is rising. Afterwards, there is still plenty of time for Easter eggs

and to share in an Easter Service at a local church.

Gather near the Eagles Nest Car Park where parking can be a problem so where possible, please try to car-pool.

HAVE you ever been caught in a rip current?

Surf Life Saving Australia and the University of New South Wales are undertaking ground-breaking research into rip currents and they need your help. If you’ve ever been caught in a rip, they would like you to share that experience through a 10 minute on-line survey.

This will improve the overall understanding of rip currents, what people have done and assess the effectiveness of the messages and education around rips and beach safety. If you can help, log on to the website and take the time to complete the survey: https://www. research.net/s/ripcurrentsurvivorexperiencesurvey.

MEENIYAN basketball turns 50 and the group wants your support to have something to remember and honour this special occasion.

A meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 9, at 7.30 pm in the old infant welfare rooms to start planning and help is needed with ideas, photos, names of players and people to help put these celebrations on the map. Please come along on May 9, or phone Kim on 5663 6252 or byrnes3@dcsi.net.au with any suggestions.

HOBBIES and crafts will be displayed at the

Budding bakers: children from Leongatha Children’s Centre learnt all about the making of hot cross buns during a visit to Baker’s Delight last week. The kids enjoyed making their own crosses, sampled buns and received a showbag. The kids were accompanied by Kirsten Herrald and Anna Wilson as well as parents. Also pictured is Lyndall Sturtevant from Bakers Delight.

Sausage sizzle: the Leongatha unit of the SES held a barbecue at the entrance of Safeway supermarket on Friday lunchtime, selling sausages and drinks in an effort to raise funds for the unit.

The crowd proved hungry, with the unit managing to move 150 sausages in bread.

Members of the unit who were in charge of the barbecue were, from left: Tony Lindhard, Amanda Powney and Ian Lester.

Inverloch Uniting Church on Saturday, April 14.

Entry is $6, including tea or coffee and cake.

THE Sandy Point Easter Art Show is back again this year, better than ever.

Apart from a wide variety of paintings, this time there will also be a photography section.

The show will be open at 10am each day from Easter Saturday through

until Easter Monday.

The show will be officially opened at 2pm on Saturday by Prue Fleming, our local Citizen of the Year, when the judges’ prizes will be awarded.

Visitors to the show will still have the opportunity to record their vote for the People’s Choice Award, which will be announced at the end of the show when the winners of the raffle will also be drawn.

Refreshments will be available all day from the Sandbar Bistro which can now be easily accessed through their newly constructed courtyard area, which is just across the way from the art show venue at the T.P. Taylor Hall in Surfers Walk.

Phone Sally 5684 1545 or Mary 5684 1094 for more information.

Catch V/Line’s updated timetable from Sunday 22 April 2012

A new timetable will be introduced for the Bendigo, Geelong, Gippsland, Seymour and Ballarat lines from Sunday 22 April.

The new timetable will also affect bus services across various parts of the state.

In the new timetable some services will: t EFQBSU FBSMJFS t EFQBSU MBUFS PS t IBWF EJGGFSFOU TUPQQJOH QBUUFSOT Downloadable copies of the new timetables will be available from 5 April at vline.com.au Timetable booklets will be available from 16 April at your local staffed V/Line station or ticket agent or by calling 136 196.

Call 136 196 vline.com.au W W W. D P I .V I C . G O V. A U / S M A R T M E T E R S Âť

V/Line Pty Ltd ABN 29 087 425 269

Ref: 28452VLN

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 11

Desperate at Dollar

By Jane Ross THE people of Dollar have had enough.

Tired of trying to persuade South Gippsland Shire Council to do something about Dollar Road, they’re forming a committee to take the matter to Deputy Premier Peter Ryan.

Forty people turned out to a meeting and the same number is expected at a subsequent gathering to elect the committee.

Action can’t come soon enough.

Resident John Wilson said he and others had been trying for 28 years to have something done to improve the road’s safety.

Underscoring their point is the fact that the day after a shire grader turned up last

week, it tipped over.

“The road must have collapsed under it – it ended up on its side.”

Despite welcome support from Cr David Lewis, Mr Wilson said the people of Dollar have given up on the shire.

“They’re supposed to be budgeting money for Dollar Road, but it will just be deferred.”

Dollar Road is “a horse and cart track” he declared, with many twists and turns.

“It’s bad all the time. It’s severely corrugated and is enough to rattle the fillings in your teeth.”

There are constant near misses and Mr Wilson said a car and truck can’t pass on the road without first stopping.

Concern is exacerbated by the fact the road is used by a school bus.

“It has to be made safe.”

Hard work: a South Gippsland Shire Council grader had to be hauled out of trouble after it came to grief on Dollar Road.

Tough trek: thousands of competitors travelled from all over Victoria to compete in Tough Mudder at Phillip Island Grand Prix track on the weekend.

Everyone got down and dirty on the 20km obstacle course which included mud pits, high ropes, three metre high walls, fire and even electricity.

Jai O’Flaherty of Korumburra was one of many locals who took part in the gruelling challenge.

More photos next week.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Old is new

IN MARCH 2011, I had a letter published criticising the South Gippsland Shire Council’s delay in implementing council’s Positive Ageing Strategy.

That strategy should have been released for public comment in January 2010.

After publication of that letter I received a phone call from the then relatively newly appointed director of community services apologising for the delay and assuring me that the Positive Ageing Strategy would be in place by December 2011.

Imagine my surprise to read Mayor Raabe’s latest message stating: • “One of our focuses this year at council is looking at how we can improve liveability for our older people”; • a recent survey had been conducted; and • an Active Ageing Plan is being conducted.

It sounds new but wasn’t that meant to be council’s focus on October 7 2009 when council received and noted a report from Shelly Fixter on Positive Ageing Strategy and nominated Cr Harding to sit on the Positive Ageing Strategy Steering Committee?

Was it necessary to have another survey?

In June 2009, council employed Business Learning Materials (BLM) as consultants to engage in the community consultation process.

I attended the community leaders forum at the Meeniyan Hall which was given the enticing title “What will make ageing

in South Gippsland great?”

Key themes were brainstormed. Surveys were then conducted including vox pop surveys in five towns. So what happened to BLM’s report and the results of those surveys?

Is changing the name from Positive to Active Ageing merely window dressing and an attempt by council to gloss over the delay and present this as a new initiative?

During the 2009-10 budget development process $20,000 was identified for the community consultation process and development of the Positive Ageing Strategy. Has the delay meant that all that money has been wasted?

The whole process has taken far too long already and I believe there should be a full and public accounting of the costs to date together with an explanation for the delay and firm timelines for the implementation of the newly named strategy/plan.

It is a year since my previous letter was published and here I am still thinking I would have aged more positively (and actively) playing bridge or gardening rather than attending that much hyped forum in August 2009 that promised so much but has delivered so little.

Clive Hope, Meeniyan.

Indigenous appreciation AT THE recent Indigenous Film Festival organised by the Bass Coast/South Gippsland Recon-

ciliation Group, those who attended the opening ceremony were absorbed in and enjoyed the music of the Deep Listening Band and the performance of the young dancers.

There was also the opportunity to view a range of films that portrayed the dilemmas and complexities of Aboriginal life in situations where traditional culture has been destroyed.

The films were confronting, challenging and moving. Each film presented a reality that while grim and almost unrelieved contained signs of hope. This was the theme of MURUNDAK, the last film which followed The Black Arm Band as they sang their songs of resistance and freedom and hope.

We would like to thank those who supported the festival and helped make it a success; in particular our thanks go to Steve Parker for his “Welcome to Country”, Keith Stevens of the Wonthaggi Union Cinema, the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, South Gippsland Shire, Laura Brearley and the Deep Listening Band, Mike Moyle and the Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation and Naomi Laing from Studio Phoenix.

As a result of the festival, the Reconciliation Group will be able to contribute over $1400 to the Catherine Freeman Foundation to support its health and education programs on Palm Island.

Anne Davie, Phillip Island; Ailsa Drent, Inverloch; and Florence Hydon, Inverloch for the Bass Coast/South Gippsland Reconciliation Group.

Roads risk

E D I T O R I A L $700 for permit?!

“COST shifting” is a term well used in government circles, referring to the transferring of financial responsibility from one level of government to another.

So we saw at last Wednesday’s meeting of South Gippsland Shire Council, in which a state policy resulted in council coughing up $300 for a state permit.

The Stony Creek Football Club’s social club was required to obtain a Place of Public Entertainment (POPE) permit to run a rodeo in January. The club successfully applied to three councillors for a total of $300 towards the permit cost of $700.

Why should council, and effectively ratepayers, be left with the bill? Why should a community group have to pay for such a permit in the first place? Why is the permit so expensive?

According to Bass Coast Shire Council’s website, the POPE permit is needed if entertainment will be provided in an enclosed venue, in a venue where an entry fee is charged and where the building or place is bigger than 500 m2.

Sure the permit application form carries some merit by ensuring event organisers provide enough toilets, first aid, adequate water and procedures in the event of an emergency.

The permit was imposed by the government several years ago and one wonders whether councils can expect more requests for financial assistance from community groups already facing a dearth of funds and volunteers, yet alone with having more paperwork to do.

Businesses provide extensive sponsorship to community events as it is and should not be relied upon to give money towards permit applications, The more red tape we have, the more costly and time consuming it is for community groups to stage events. Maybe this could lead to less events, and a lack of culture and spirit in country towns?

Letters guidelines ALL letters should be kept to 400 words or less.

The Star reserves the right to edit all letters for length and style.

Writer’s details, including full name, address and phone number (not for publication), must be included.

FO years, ratepayers in the FOR Dollar area have been petitioning Do council about the abysmal state co of the roads in the area, but have received no council action to mitrec igate the hazards associated with travelling along the potholed, narrow tracks which are designated as roads.

The arrival of the council grader on March 26 was welcomed as a sign of the council’s intention to remedy this situation.

Our sanguine expectations were dashed by the unfortunate mishap which resulted in the grader going over the edge of a cutting and having to be hauled back to the road by a hired excavator.

This recent mishap with the

grader is a welcome vindication of our association’s concerns about the parlous state of the roads.

Skilled and competent operators of machinery having mishaps with equipment demonstrate the hazards faced by ordinary motorists attempting to negotiate the terrain.

Perhaps the council might now realise the consequences of its neglect of the needs of ratepayers who contribute a significant proportion of the money entrusted to the council in the expectation that it will be spent to service the needs of the area.

Prolonged litigation in the event of a serious or fatal accident resulting from neglect of the council’s responsibility is the last thing that any of us would welcome.

Margaret Cunningham, The Dollar Residents Association.

Powerless?

AUSTRALIA has often been coined as the lucky country.

We have an alleged democratic parliamentary system, which we are encouraged to participate in, by means of voting, through the legislation and implementation of fines.

We have politicians campaigning on a number of moral issues such as gambling reforms, directed at the poker machine industry, while online gambling is being advertised on TV. Our government has over 200 departments and agencies, such as the EPA, which are in place to protect our interest: social, environmental and economic.

When it comes to mining, these departments are in place obviously to protect the interests of the proposed mining developments.

I believe the whole process is corrupt. For instance, if a mining company proposes a mining development on your land, by law the company is not required to notify the landowners directly.

Through legislation the company only needs to put a notice in the local newspaper.

If the landowner fails to see this and respond to it in due time, it is just bad luck for the landowner. This is our government’s version of fairness.

The internet has been termed the information highway that is full of so much trivial and useless information.

Our government’s departments and agencies can be ac-

cessed through the internet, these agencies and departments are supported by a myriad of acts, legislations and laws, which we all must comply to.

Yet when we look to the internet and search for information regarding laws, acts, legislations and regulations, the government websites offer only a mere glossary or index, with no substantial information forthcoming.

This total lack of transparency is a sign of corruption, all of these acts, laws, legislations and regulations should made easily accessible by our governments, and available to the citizens of this country.

When trying to access mining regulations, the government sites are not forthcoming and are totally inadequate.

To make an objection to a proposed mining development, the objection must be made in writing, and be relevant to the legislative provision.

Information on the legislation is nothing short of being withheld from the general public. Despite our government having the Australian Freedom of Information Act. We have the Australian National Trust, which is to protect and preserve our heritage. Our heritage through the eyes of the National Trust is represented mainly through architecture.

Our national parks and agricultural lands are also part of our heritage and should be considered and protected by a National Trust system.

Despite having government departments overshadowing the fields of energy, land and resources and the pastures protection agency, land care, and acts such as the Noxious Weeds Act. All these seem to be redundant in the face of mining practices.

When it comes to mining, there are a number of issues that have been legislated and are expected to be addressed with the issuing of permits, leases and licences. Some of these issues are impossible to meet with the practices of coal seam mining.

The fractures created through the fracking process, become micro aquifers, into which thousands of litres of chemically treated water is pumped.

Some chemicals that are used by the mining industry in Australia, are and have been banned in many countries throughout the world. These micro aquifers are not guaranteed to be contained within the areas of the mining leases.

The contaminated water that is pumped in to the coal seams, cannot be contained or cleaned up, and will be present in the soil and water table for years to come.

Another legislated requirement is drainage and discharge control, which also is impossible to implement with the fracking process.

Despite all this and the democratic process, the future of our agricultural lands is in the hands of a few well paid CEOs and government officials, who do not, or will not drink the water from a fracking mine.

Wonthaggi is a town spawned from mining. Wonthaggi became the site of the State Coal Mine, which operated for 59 years.

I can guarantee that coal seam mining in this area, if it goes ahead, will not last that long, but the environmental impact and health issues that will arise from these enterprises will last for generations to come.

Andrew Gray, Wonthaggi.

Backwards step taken

THE Baillieu Government seems determined to pursue 19th century coal technology to all our detriment.

Last week they removed the target to get to 20 per cent renewable energy by 2020.

Critically they also removed the government limit on how much greenhouse gas a new coal fired power station can produce per unit of electricity generation. It had been set at 0.8 tonnes of CO2 per unit of power generation, substantially less than the 1.4 tonnes Hazelwood currently produces, but about what a modern black coal plant would produce.

Coincidently, the same week, the US EPA set a limit far lower at 0.45 tonnes per unit of electricity generated.

So while our government is removing all constraints, the US is going for nearly half even the limit our 19th century thinking government just removed. We lose out on both counts here.

Electricity prices will be higher, with more coal and less renewable energy being built.

And on top of the climate implications, the next generation will be left paying for the stranded asset coal fired power stations that nobody will want to run.

Neil Rankine, Wonthaggi.

VOXPOP! VOX What are you looking forward to this football and netball season?

“Just playing footy. It’s been a long off season and hopefully we can come back and avenge the loss in the (2011) grand final.”

Simon Andrews (Foster footballer), Carlton.

“I am looking forward to seeing team-work again and everyone fit and having fun, and seeing people I have not seen for a while.”

Jess Huxtable (KilcundaBass netballer), Cape Woolamai.

“Getting fit, playing netball and the hotdogs from the caf after the game!”

Mollie Bourke (MDU netballer), Leongatha.

“Meeting new people and playing netball with my friends.”

Sophie Thomas (MDU netballer), Meeniyan.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 13

Momentum at Mountain View CONSTRUCTION has continued at the Mountain View Retirement Villas’ site in Leongatha.

The site on Dale Drive (off Shingler Street) is a hive of activity with tradesmen working hard to get the village’s community centre up and closer to finished.

According to village and sales manager Trevor Davis, construction of the villas will be starting soon also.

“Villas will commence construction this month and the first 10 will be able to be viewed as early as mid

June,” he said.

The villas don’t have to be built for clients to buy though, as Trevor and his team are able to sell off plan and discuss people’s intentions immediately.

“We had two sell last week and we’re encouraging people to make their decision early,” he said.

Another advantage of buying early is that you can vary the plans to suit your needs.

The villas should be ready to occupy by July, which means you can move in almost straight away.

The Mountain View Retirement Villas’ site offers excellent views to

the west, south and east of the rolling hills and the Leongatha township.

The community centre on site will include a dining facility, lounge, heated pool and bowling green, while the village will also include a caravan and boat parking area, and washing facilities.

The centre is due to be finished by July.

Go up to Dale Drive and check out the spectacular views you could wake up to. To find out more email sales@ mountainviewleongatha.com.au or phone 1300 306 255.

Working hard: contractor Al Hepburn is one of many tradesmen working at the Mountain View Retirement Villas’ site.

Left: Coming together: work is happening quickly on the community centre at the Mountain View Retirement Villas in Leongatha.

PAGE 14 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

A regional partnership with the TAC and the Victorian Government.

Don’t add to the toll this Easter THE Easter bunny isn’t the only one watching for good behaviour these holidays, with police launching a major three-month road enforcement campaign yesterday (Monday).

The We Are The Toll campaign will see increased police enforcement and large-scale operations to be conducted throughout all the state, with the first, Operation Crossroads, running over the Easter break.

Acting Superintendent Glenn Weir said police would be heavily focusing on motorists.

“People should be aware that the entire focus of Victoria Police will be on road policing for the next three months, commencing with Operation Crossroads,” he said.

“Easter is traditionally a busy period in our region, with many people travelling to and from holiday locations. We’ll be out in force providing a safe environment for people to travel in and our aim is for there to be an absolutely zero impact on the state’s road toll.

“I don’t want our region to contribute in any way to fatalities or injuries in collisions.”

Acting Superintendent Weir said although police will be watching the roads, motorists are first and foremost the ones responsible for taking down the toll.

“At the end of the day, police are only a very small part of it,” he said.

“Each and every road user needs to take responsibility for their own actions

and if you get detected either speeding, drink driving or using a mobile phone, expect no sympathy from either me or my police.”

Police have recently released predictions that the final road toll for 2012 could be up to 40 deaths higher than last year, and Chief Commissioner Ken Lay urged all motorists to pay attention to the incentive behind this latest campaign.

“We talk about the fact there has been 82 deaths on our roads but I think the reality of this figure doesn’t seep in anymore. It seems that there is some complacency, an acceptance with road death among the community,” he said.

“This campaign is about saying road victims are not just an anonymous name in the paper – they are our neighbours, they are our family, they are police – we are the toll.”

Mr Lay said he was “incredibly concerned about what can only be described as a horror start to the year on Victoria’s roads – as are all police”.

“We are here today to say enough.

Our warning is this - all police officers from commissioners through to our newest constables will be enforcing the road rules,” he said.

“No warnings, no apologies, just don’t do it.”

Police are calling on everyone to get behind the campaign and turn around this year’s road toll.

Community members can share their road safety ideas, road trauma stories and more at www.facebook.com/wearethetoll.

Police out in force: Bass Coast Highway Patrol Leading Senior Constable Simone Schroder will be one of many police officers patrolling the roads these Easter holidays as part of Operation Crossroads, with the intention of reducing the road toll.

Stay alert and revive THIS Easter long weekend, hundreds of SES and Lions club members will take time out from their own holidays to make sure drivers get to their holiday destinations safely.

A Driver Reviver site will be set up in Anderson Street in Leongatha from noon until midnight on Thursday, and again from 6am until 1pm on Friday and Saturday.

For over 20 years now, Driver Reviver has been a national campaign with one objective: to reduce road col-

lisions by alleviating driver fatigue.

With an estimated 17 per cent of motor vehicle fatalities related to sleep deprivation, it is important to remember to take a break every two hours if planning a long drive.

Already, 75 lives have been lost on Victorian roads in 2012 – a 15 per cent increase on the same period last year.

“It really is very important that motorists consider their trip ahead of time, plan scheduled rest breaks, and get a good night’s sleep before hitting the road,” VICSES chief officer operations Trevor White said.

Today, the Victorian SES has 154 volunteer units throughout the state, with 101 accredited to perform road rescue, making the SES the largest road rescue organisation in Australia.

Take a break every two hours, refuel yourself with a cuppa, a biscuit, a friendly chat, and thanks to TAC, a free music download.

Please visit www.ses.vic.gov.au or www.facebook.com/vicses for more details on site locations and operating hours throughout the state.

Safety standard helps parents THE Federal Government has paved the way for more consumer choice in child restraints for Australian vehicles.

The government has introduced a new vehicle safety standard for ISOFIX child restraint anchorages.

The system is a new simpler way for parents to attach child restraints to vehicles which has been adopted internationally.

Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport, Catherine King, said that while the current Australian child restraints have been very success-

Look out for motorcyclists.

ful in reducing death and injuries in children over the past 30 years, many parents have indicated a preference for child restraints that use the international ISOFIX system.

“For many parents this means child restraints will be easier to install while maintaining a high level of safety for their children.

“This clears the way for Australian child restraints to include these new compatible features.

“Standards Australia has already started on this work which is expected to be completed by early next year.”

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 15

Colourful entertainment: Hot Stuff the clown shows his tricks to Eliza Studd of Leongatha and Gemma Williams of Inverloch on Saturday.

Looking good: Wonthaggi brothers Matthew, Jeremy and Cameron Dean compare face paintings on Saturday.

Painting icon: Wonthaggi sisters Kate and Jessica Hyde meet the Dulux dog at the family day on Saturday.

Capeview continues to grow

WONTHAGGI hardware pioneer Henry Donohue always said “If you get tired of shovelling, change hands”.

There is perhaps no better way to sum up the continuous dedication Capeview Mitre10 has had towards meeting the community’s needs.

When something was not sufficient, they improved time and time again.

The relaunch of Capeview Mitre10 in Wonthaggi last Wednesday night celebrated not only a business that has continued to grow and succeed for over half a century, but also the family behind the company, who continues to support and be supported by the community.

The Wonthaggi store was filled with staff; both past and present, dignitaries, fellow business members and customers for the official relaunch ceremony.

General manager Tony Cruickshank began the presentations on behalf of the Capeview group, stating they were “mighty proud to be Mitre10; we’re mighty proud to be an independent group and we’re mighty proud to be a local group”.

Keith Donohue, whose father Henry first opened the business with Bill Collins, said it was the ninth extension and redevelopment for Mitre10 in Wonthaggi and may not be the last.

“We’ve believed most reconstructions would be sufficient, but how wrong we were,” he said.

“To keep a breadth of competition, redevelopment is a continuous work in progress. We have confidence in the future of the Bass Coast region, and they will continue to reinvest back into local businesses and local staff,” Mr Donohue said it was “game’s on” to the currently under construction Bunnings, with their executives taking a look around the store early last week.

Guests were given an insight into the history of the business, which first began when the “future of Wonthaggi was not looking good” after the closure of the State Coal Mine.

“They started with little and had to make it work,” Mr Donohue said.

This included purchasing, dismantling, transporting and rebuilding the dining hall from the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games athlete’s village as part of the store, which still stands today despite the number of redevelopments.

Mark Warren, who works in the Coldon Building Products branch of the company, said the continued growth of the business was a reflection of the Bass Coast community.

“The comprehensive size and magnitude of this business in a country town is a testimony shown to the confidence we have in the future of Wonthaggi,” he said.

“We have shown it is not beyond us to produce what we believe is a state of the art development, with personalised, exemplary customer service.”

Mr Donohue sincerely thanked a number of associates and employees who have had significant input in the business over the past 50 years, including John Walsh who has been the company’s accountant for many decades.

Mr Walsh joined the presentations by sharing memorable stories about his job interview at the store with Henry, who he described as “sharp as a pin; he was the exact opposite to what I was”, and how his choice of AFL team may have just secured him the job in the end.

Bass Coast Shire mayor Cr Veronica Dowman said the Donohues “epitomised excellent corporate citizens”, who have continued to be generous sponsors of the community.

• More photos in Social Scene, page 38.

Over half a century in business: Iris and Henry Donohue celebrated the relaunch of the Capeview Mitre10 Wonthaggi store with long-time employee and friend John Walsh.

Capeview Mitre10 Wonthaggi relaunch: Henry Donohue cut the ribbon for the relaunch of the Wonthaggi store, alongside family members Anthea, Iris and Kevin, and Bass Coast Shire mayor Cr Veronica Dowman (second from right).

Sharing thoughts: Kevin Donohue from Capeview Mitre10 thanked the people who helped to build the business to what it is today: from one, small hardware store in Wonthaggi to additional stores located in Leongatha, Tarwin Lower, Inverloch and Cowes.

Stocking up: Elizabeth Anastasiou and Wayne Logan gather some goods for their Kilcunda home, and were served by Capeview’s Rani Donohue on Saturday.

Left: Nice wheels: Capeview Mitre 10’s Bill Humphrey and Ian Barnes took some time out from the timber yard to check out this Falcon on Saturday.

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Live in Tarwin or Venus Bay? Have a say THE residents of Tarwin Lower and Venus Bay will have the opportunity to help plan for their future on Sunday, April 15.

Korumburra auction: Gwandalan Park, a 236 acre farming property on Kardella Road, was passed in at $950,000 last Friday by Rohan McRae from Elders in Leongatha. A number of curious onlookers took advantage of the perfect weather to attend the auction on the property, however it failed to sell both as a whole, and as two separate lots.

People could also vote on priority projects and form priority project teams to help achieve their vision.

The community plan for Tarwin Lower and Venus Bay is part of the Lower Tarwin Valley Project – Strengthening Small Dairy Communities, a partnership project between South Gippsland Shire Council, The Gardiner Foundation and GippsDairy developed to help build resilient and vibrant dairy communities.

As part of the process, the Lower Tarwin Valley Project has been working with the Tarwin Lower and Venus Bay communities since mid last year to encourage community consultation.

To help with this process, a Tarwin Lower/Venus Bay Community Plan Working Group has been established with members from across the two locations.

The Working Group meets fortnightly with South Gippsland Shire Council’s Lower Tarwin Valley Project community facilitator, Marzia Maurilli to help consult with the community.

Letter drops have been distributed to every household, business and community group in the district; student questionnaires have been collected and survey boxes have been on display at several locations over the past few months to allow residents to participate

and contribute ideas and feedback.

“We hope that by offering several methods of engagement, as many people as possible in the district are aware of the community plan and have an opportunity to have their say,” Ms Maurilli said.

“However that is only part of the process. What we really need is for as many people as possible to come along to the Community Plan Workshop on April 15 to get behind the projects they think are most important for their community and be prepared to help work to make them happen. Otherwise, priorities really just remain ‘wish lists’.

“For priority projects to eventuate, we need community members willing to work together to help make them happen.

“That’s why part of the Community Plan Workshop on April 15 will be to establish priory project teams. Projects getting the most votes will not determine the first batch of priority projects on the Community Plan; votes and a working group will determine that”.

If you would like more information regarding the community plan or the Lower Tarwin Valley District Project please contact Ms Maurilli at South Gippsland Shire on 5662 9805 or email marziam@southgippsland.vic.gov.au or have a chat with one of your Community Plan Working Group representatives: Alyson Skinner, Colin Suggett, Anne McIntyre, Ted Wlas, Sharyne Munday, Bob Scannell and Jenny O’Sullivan.

Island to get fast internet RESIDENTS in parts of Phillip Island will be among the first in Australia to enjoy high speed broadband.

NBN Co last week announced the 1500 communities in Australia that will be included in the first rollout that will take three years.

Bass Coast Shire Council CEO Allan Bawden said the news was “very good”.

He said council had lobbied “very hard” to have Bass Coast included in the initial rollout.

Meeniyan resident Richard Powell, who is working through the town’s progress association to have Meeniyan included in fibre optic access, said yesterday he wasn’t concerned Meeniyan wasn’t included in last week’s announcement.

“I don’t mind when we get it, as long as we get it. If we go on wireless, that means we’ll be on it forever. We’ll be stuck in a back water and will become a disadvantaged town and the progress we could have had may be compromised.”

He and others are corresponding with NBN Co about Meeniyan’s broadband needs.

PASSENGERS SAFELY OFF

Being a PSO stands for a lot. It gives you a special standing in your community. As a Protective Services Officer, you help keep our train stations safe. And in helping others, you might even discover something more satisfying than a 9 to 5 job for yourself.

Apply to become a PSO today. P.S. Your community needs you.

PROTECTIVE SERVICES OFFICERS Help keep our train stations safe. Become a PSO. Visit policecareer.vic.gov.au or SMS “Jobs” to 132 001.

POL0097

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 17

Inlet facing zone change

By Jane Ross ZONING rules along Anderson Inlet are likely to change.

Accident risk: jet ski safety will be addressed on Anderson Inlet.

This follows concern about jet skis.

The CEO of Gippsland Ports Nick Murray said the issue of jet skis was endemic throughout all the waterways of Australia and there are high concerns about Anderson Inlet.

The authority has a statutory process underway to investigate zoning changes.

Mr Murray said jet skis are legitimate vessels and they are not the problem, it’s the nature of their use.

“They can’t be used in proximity with swimmers and therein lies the nub of

the issue.”

He said Gippsland Ports was part way through the statutory process which will take another several months.

Roger Thorrowgood of Inverloch, raised the issue of jet ski use at the March Bass Coast Council meeting, pointing to the grave risk of injury or death.

During community question time at the start of the meeting, Mr Thorrowgood asked whether council was aware that circumstances comparable to a recent jet ski fatality in Melbourne, existed on Anderson Inlet during the summer.

He also wanted to know whether council was communicating with Gippsland Ports about jet ski dangers.

CEO Allan Bawden said council was aware of concerns about the inappropriate use of “personal watercraft” in Anderson Inlet and across the shire.

“Council has advocated for changes to the regulations governing the use of personal watercraft over a number of years.”

A meeting is sought with State Minister for Ports Denis Napthine and the matter will be raised again with Bass MLA Ken Smith.

Mr Bawden said Gippsland Ports was working with Transport Safety Victoria and the Water Police and recently told council the community will be consulted about proposed changes.

Where you’ll find SES Driver Revivers this Easter.

Stop for a Powernap at an SES Driver Reviver and get a free hot drink and a $5 Music Download.

Because we’d much rather serve you there than pull you out of a crash somewhere up the road.

SES Driver Revivers. Safer in the long run.

Music download voucher available while stocks last.

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Flock in to Book Owl ARE you looking for that unique or hard to find book?

If so, Book Owl, Leongatha’s newest store for pre loved, unique, rare and collectable books is the place to visit.

The store, located on the corner of Michael Place and Bellingham streets, boasts more than 25,000 books in six rooms and is open to browse from 9.30am until 6pm seven days a week.

Store manager Harry Baker, a self-confessed bibliophile, gets a kick out of being surrounded by some extremely rare and valuable titles every day.

“It is a remarkable collection of old and fine books, from rare and collectable titles, to mainstream fiction. All are of exceptional quality; there is a book here for everyone,” Mr Baker said.

If there is a certain book you are looking for, but it is not on a Book Owl shelf, talk to Harry and he will do his best to find it for you.

It is also a great place to do some research or just get lost between the covers of a good book.

“Customers can come in, fossick through the shelves, or grab a title of choice, take a seat and relax in the reading room,” Mr Baker said.

“There is such a wealth of knowledge contained on our shelves. It has been a voyage of discovery going through all of the books during the cataloguing process.”

The assortment of books offered at Book Owl began as a private collection that grew so immensely, that the owner of the store decided it was worth sharing.

The owner saw a gap in the local market, and decided that a store such as Book Owl would be an asset

CEO staying put

By Jane Ross THE job advertisement offered an employment opportunity in Bass Coast.

“Chief executive officer” it said, $75,000-plus, permanent position, full time.

Was CEO Allan Bawden leaving early? He has two years of his final contract to go.

“Well,” he chuckled, “I’m going because the pay’s no good!”

The ad was drawn to

Stage Sta age

his attention last week by his fellow directors, who all thought it very amusing. A line saying “executive assistant” had been left out.

“There have been a few red faces about that,” Allan said.

By the time he leaves, he will have been at the helm since Bass Coast’s inception in 1994.

“I never expected to be here for more than five,” he admitted.

“It’d been challenging, but is such an enjoyable place to work.”

3 years

to the town.

“The response to the store so far has been very encouraging, with many customers expressing that the store would not be out of place on a trendy Melbourne street,” Mr Baker said.

It took nearly six months to get the store organised, with all of the books shelved by genre, making titles easy to find.

Book Owl features a colossal Americana collection and also specialises in economics, history, politics, biographies and war literature.

The store has one of the best selections of books on the arts, including film, theatre and entertainment, around.

Coming soon will be a comprehensive selection of Australiana titles, which will add to the already impressive selection available at the store.

Get reading: Book Owl manager Harry Baker is happy to help you find the book that you are looking for.

Bass Coast council briefs COUNCIL has pledged to continue to work with VicRoads to have the speed limit reduced in Potters Hill Road and the unmade section of Shetland Heights Road in San Remo.

A petition with 19 signatures was lodged with council last month, pointing to the dangers of continuing the speeds at 100km/h.

Petitioners also want water sprayed on the roads during dry, busy periods and signs warning of children, concealed entrances and kangaroos. An officer’s report to council said VicRoads had responded positively and a reduction to either 80 or

1,500 communities

60km/h is likely.

AN indigenous recognition policy has been adopted. Cr Jane Daly said she was pleased about the policy and the fact that Bass Coast Council acknowledged the rights of Aboriginal people.

“We put the flag up. We have a good sense of the way Aboriginals feel and the problems they have living in urban areas.”

Cr Peter Paul congratulated those involved. “This is a big step forward – one of persistence.”

CR Jane Daly couldn’t believe council still had a local law requiring

those drinking in the San Remo Hotel’s outdoor “alfresco area” were required to eat a meal too.

“I thought we were a sophisticated society.” A petition signed by 168 people had come before council seeking a change to the law.

Councillors agreed to consider the petition during a local law review. “Here’s cheers,” chipped in Peter Paul.

AN afternoon at Phillip Island in late April will focus on traditional Balinese/Indonesian music, dance and food. The aim is to raise money to help

3.5 million homes & businesses

To see if you’re one of the first, visit NBNCo.com.au or call 1800 881 816 The three year plan covers network construction due to commence 1 April 2012 through 30 June 2015. When complete, the NBN is planned to reach 100% of Australian homes and businesses.

underprivileged children in Bali.

CR John Duscher also acknowledged the death of John Drury, a former Phillip Island Shire councillor who died recently at the age of 87.

“He was an outstanding person, a Rotarian, a super volunteer in so many community organisations across the shire. He was very ready to help other people and worked hard to get results.”

CR Wright foreshadowed a motion at the April meeting to have a council meeting at Cowes this year.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 19

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

New buildings call for old-time party A NEW building was opened with good old fashioned fun at Tarwin Lower Primary School last Tuesday night.

The classroom block was declared open by McMillan MP Russell Broadbent before a gathering of school staff and families.

A school picnic tea followed, complete with a relay, three-legged race, egg and spoon race, wheelbarrow race, and gumboot throwing.

Mr Broadbent said while the new building would aid teaching at the school, people mattered more.

“When we invest in buildings like this, we are actually investing in the students that come here,” he said.

“We say that you are so important to us that we invest in new buildings for you.”

Mr Broadbent also praised teachers for their influence on young lives and shaping children’s futures.

The building includes three classrooms to accommodate all 49 children, plus a library/ project space and

broad deck.

Principal Sharyne Munday said the new building has helped boost the school’s profile.

“The best thing about it is that when families come, we can show them these bright new classrooms,” she said.

“It’s new, it’s modern and the kids are going to be happy and safe. It has made all the difference to the atmosphere. We have all new furniture that is making a big difference too.”

The building had been opened with a community opening previously.

Ms Munday noted the community’s support of the school.

“It’s wonderful to see so many families here tonight,” she said.

The new building was paid for by the Federal Government’s Building the Education Revolution funding program.

A front garden at the school was revamped by parents before the opening.

My ball: Tarwin Lower Primary School students Tom van der Kolk and Travis Nash contest the footy, watched by Flynn Moore, Tylar Watts and Jye Lancaster.

Taking aim: Ben Laing and his son Tyler try out the handball board built by the members of the Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower Men’s Shed.

Nearly there: Brodie, Dylan, Abby and Mikayla approach the finish line in the three-legged race.

Job done: McMillan MP Russell Broadbent cuts the ribbon to declare the building open, flanked by principal Sharyne Munday and school captains Abby Robins and Tylar Watts.

Rotarians win top awards LEONGATHA Rotary Club attended their district conference at Ballarat recently.

On two wheels: Leongatha Rotarians who took part in The Ride to Conference ride: Kevin Taranto, Col Byatt, Stuart Evans, Kerry Pritchard, Sue Dutton and Leonie Albers.

Grants open EVERY year, Bass Coast Shire Council hands out around $200,000 to community groups.

Applications for this year’s funding round have opened early and will begin with a forum in the Kilcunda Hall on April 17 at 6pm.

Council’s director of community and economic development Steve Piasente said the grants are always oversubscribed and it is important groups fill in the paperwork correctly. That’s where the forum can help.

The earlier start is to allow groups more time to spend the money before having to report back to council.

The grants are for all community not-for-profit organisations and the program will close on May 18.

Leongatha club won two awards at the conference: one for the most increase in membership within the past four years and the other for the club’s website.

President Paul Beck said: “We are thrilled to win these awards as it has been a long time since our club has won an award at the district conference. ”These awards represent all the hard work that many of our members put into our club to make it the success it is.”

The website can be viewed at: www.leongatharotary.org.au To keep up with the social media times, the club also has a Facebook page.

Five Leongatha Rotarians and their German exchange student, Leonie Albers also recently completed a 600km ride to help raise funds for Life Education, Gippsland Rotary Centenary House,

Disaster Aid Australia and Midwives East Timor.

The Leongatha riders joined 49 other riders plus support crew from around Gippsland and the Mornington Peninsula, in spending six days riding throughout the Ballarat district, raising $55,000 for these causes.

Rotarians visited schools as part of the Life Education program, as well as enjoying fun and fitness. The Ride to Conference event takes place in the week leading up to the annual Rotary District Conference.

Special mention goes to Leonie who won the Ride’s quiet achievers award for her uncomplaining attitude and determination to complete the ride in sometimes extreme weather conditions.

Leonie has had a Disaster Aid box donated in her name, which she will be able to track on its journey throughout the world.

Disaster Aid Australia is an international project which provides emergency relief in times of disasters.

Nice work: Col McKenzie McHarg and Kerrie Baker display the Leongatha Rotary Club’s awards.

Each box contains a fully equipped tent with sleeping bags, lights, heat, water and cooking utensils for 10 people.

The Leongatha riders raised $6000 toward the total, thanks to their generous sponsors and supporters of the raffle.

First prize, a TV do-

nated by Kelvin Johns Retravision was won by B. Thorson. Second prize was a brushcutter donated by Leongatha Rural Supplies and won by D.O’Donnell.

Third prize, a $50 fuel voucher, was donated by Evans Petroleum and won

by L. Moore.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 21

Worldly sounds to play Downs AFRICAN flavoured folk/pop will feature at the Franklin Downs Music Festival.

The concert will be held Easter Saturday (April 7) at Dorans Road, Toora, from midday to midnight.

Levi McGrath is the headline act and promises to bring sounds that will impact hearts and change people’s lives.

“I want to be a voice of challenge to inspire people to open up their hearts to a bigger world,” McGrath said of his bid to improve living conditions in Africa.

From working with former child soldiers in Uganda, to his role as assistant music director for The Choir of Hope and Inspiration (comprised of Melbourne’s homeless), McGrath is committed to music and social justice.

He wants his songs to motivate and inspire a new generation of people who are willing to stand up and make that difference.

McGrath’s debut album Move since sold more than 4000 units and has gar-

nered over 300 radio interviews, seen two singles reach the top 10 on TRAA Christian Airplay charts and lead to national television appearances.

The album resulted in feature articles and community radio airplay on more than 400 stations nation-wide, including several syndicated national and USAbroadcasting programs.

McGrath will be joined by Andrew Horneman, Willy Golightly, Al Green, Geoff Sparks, Fox Road, Oliver Clark, The Frantics, Tim and Jacquie Green, Leon Green, Tiffany Jade, Chris “Cool” Riddell and Imogen Whittaker.

Funds raised will be donated to World Vision and Prom Country Aged Care Building Fund. Adults $25 and $15 concession. Under 15s free.

Unpowered on-site camping available. BYO chairs, food and drinks (some hot food and soft drinks available on site).

Mayor’s message Cr Warren Raabe GREEN lighting for South Gippsland moved one step closer last week when council endorsed the submission of applications totalling $495,000 to State and Federal government bodies to fund a green street lighting program that would significantly reduce costs and carbon production.

If we are successful with these submissions, the cost to council is expected to be a mere $15,000. It is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate corporate leadership and to further implement our Sustainability Strategy.

The project would replace the majority of existing 80w mercury vapour street lights with more energy efficient lighting, saving council around $40,000 per annum.

We welcome Minister Ryan’s announcement of a grant of $20,250 to help finalise the restoration of the beautiful Jeetho Hall, a community owned and run project that has ebbed and flowed over seven years. Once the physical work is completed, council will work with the committee to develop a marketing plan to capitalise on the charms of this 120 year community hall to promote it as a tourism attraction and special events venue. The funding comes from Regional Development Victoria’s Putting Locals First program.

Easter is sneaking up on us quickly, with a huge influx of visitors and absentee ratepayers expected to enjoy the break in our locale.

A big weekend is expected for the Tarwin Lower/ Venus Bay communities with the staging of the sixth Tour de Tarwin, an event that has grown from 210 participants in 2007 and last year attracted1075, plus the many hundreds of spectators who line the route.

It is a success story that deserves to be copied for its skill in engaging community groups and businesses to raise funds for worthy local causes by tapping into holiday crowds that are looking for things to do.

The other great tradition of course is our Coal Creek Easter program of three days of family fun.

One of the busiest days of the year for Coal Creek is Good Friday. Most attractions in the region are closed but the Coal Creek team will be there to welcome visitors and offer piping hot, hot cross buns with a cuppa at the cafe, and on Saturday there’s Easter egg painting and bonnet making for the young and young at heart and a ghost tour in the evening.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt runs from 10am until 1pm on Sunday. Entry is free but an egg hunting licence needs to be purchased for $5. There are family games and activities and the Easter bunny will be there to meet the children, so bring your camera for a memento for the family album.

A new event, Music at the Creek, begins at 2pm and features six local groups through until 8pm.

I congratulate the outstanding team of staff and volunteers at Coal Creek who are passionate about the park and continually go the extra mile to provide enjoyment for the community within an extremely tight budget.

With family together for the Easter holiday, it might be a perfect time for your family to have a picnic and check out the collections and activities. The gallery is currently featuring Painting with Parkinsons - The world through our eyes- a moving and sensitive exhibition by the Berwick Parkinson Group.

It’s a busy and often dangerous time on the roads, so keep safe and have a happy Easter.

Cr Warren Raabe, mayor.

Toora bound: Levi McGrath will headline the Franklin Downs Music Festival.

PAGE 22 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Living roof: an aerial shot shows off the green roof of the desalination plant; with around 100,000 plants, it is one of the biggest in the world.

Desal construction nears completion

By Simone Short ALTHOUGH over 12 months behind schedule, the construction of Victoria’s new desalination plant in Wonthaggi is now 90 per cent complete.

With five major projects completing the development, construction of four are now complete.

Marine structures and tunnels are ready for operation, with tunnels already filled with seawater and the temporary plugs removed.

Construction of 84km of transfer pipeline, which transfer water from the plant to Melbourne, and regional water networks consisting of 6787 individual pipes weighing a total of 91,000 tonnes, are also finished.

The pipeline has been successfully hydrotested, confirming it is fit for operation. The completion date of the project is still unknown.

Thiess Degrémont spokesperson Serena Middleton said reinstatement of landowner properties and local roads has now begun.

A total of 87km worth of underground power cable to supply the power to the plant has been fully energised or made ‘live’.

Ms Middleton said this means the plant site is now connected to grid power.

“The construction team has energised the first buildings to power, and more will be connected over the coming months,” she said.

Yet to be completed is the actual desalination plant itself, comprising of 29 buildings on the one site.

Ms Middleton said “construction of all buildings (is) nearing completion”, and will be followed

by a series of tests.

“Construction is followed by an intensive period of commissioning,” she said. said “Commissioning involves more than 200,000 tests and will take around nine months in total to complete. As tests are completed, we will start bringing more and more parts of the plant on line.”

Since its commencement in 2009, more than 14.8 million man hours have been contributed to date to bring construction of the project to its current status; 2870 people at present are working on the site, down from 3672 in September last year.

Ms Middleton said construction had created employment for more than 100 apprentices since it first began.

“The project has generated opportunities for almost 90 apprentices and trainees to date, some of them from the local Chisholm TAFE,” she said.

“The project has also generated opportunities for 16 indigenous apprentices to date, some of them travelling from as far as the Northern Territory (as) part of a program organised by the Plumbing Trades Employees Union and the Kimberley Aboriginal Corporation, which connects young indigenous people from remote communities with plumbing apprenticeships and experience on construction projects around the country.”

Health and safety is also a key focus on the site; a doctor, on-site clinic and 24-hour rescue team are available, and there are more than 415 employees with advanced Level 3 First

At work: almost 6000 people have worked on the desalination plant site to date, with thousands more indirectly employed by companies supplying the project.

Aid training across the site.

The plant also provides workers access to a 24hour Employee Assistance Program.

“It’s a free confidential and voluntary counselling service available to Thiess employees and their immediate family members on projects all throughout Australia,” Ms Middleton said.

“The aim is to assist and support our people with the resolution of any personal and work related problems which may affect their work performance or quality of life.”

Once the project is fully completed, water will be ‘ready to drink’ as soon as it leaves the plant, and will be delivered to Melbourne and regional water networks through seven water delivery points.

It will also only take up 38 hectares of the 263 hectare site, with the remaining

225 hectares to become a coastal park, which Ms Middleton said will be “one of the biggest ecological restoration projects ever undertaken in Victoria”.

“The park will feature wetlands, coastal and swampy woodlands and more than eight kilometres of pedestrian, cycling and horse riding trails,” she said.

“To ensure the desalination plant blends into the landscape, it will be topped with around 100,000 plants - one of the biggest ‘green roofs’ in the world.

“We are proud to be building one of the most significant infrastructure projects in this state’s history. We believe the effort that has been invested in the design of the plant and the new 225-hectare coastal park that surrounds it will prove an asset for the local community.”

An inside view: workers walk past dual media pressure filters at the desalination plant.

Victorian Desalination Project: the reverse osmosis building at the site.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 23

Funds splash for Africa

By Matt Dunn FOR Father Joseph Abutu, coming to Australia has been like stepping onto another planet.

The Nigerian born and raised Catholic priest sees the country as a world of plenty, far away from the one he left behind.

In his home town of Ochobo every day is a struggle, with water a precious if not scarce commodity.

“There is a small stream about two kilometres away from the community. This stream provides water for the entire community,” he said.

“Although the water is not safe for drinking, the people drink water directly without any form of treatment as they have no alternative or better source.”

But it is a problem that Father Abutu and his parishioners are keen to overcome. Setting up a stall at the Loch Market recently, they raised about $1200 selling various secondhand goods. All proceeds will be directed toward a fund to help bring fresh water to the community.

Another stall will be set up on Easter Sunday, with hopes of raising even more money.

“The people are really trying their best. The result of the effort was really

amazing. I couldn’t believe it,” he said.

Father Abutu believes that providing the community access to fresh water could be an important first step in elevating the fortunes of Ochobo.

Father Abutu said Ochobo, which has a population of about 4500, was a farming community - but the people were “not the kind of farmers we have here in Australia”.

“They are small scale farmers who have not been introduced to the mechanised system of farming.

They do most of their work manually,” he said.

The work is hard and the rewards are modest. But he thinks the next generation can fare better, if the right kinds of opportunities are offered.

There are two small primary schools in the town.

Father Abutu attended one of them in his childhood. He said the school was better equipped than it was during his day, though much more could be done.

“I think the government is trying and recently they put up a structure for the children in grades one, two and three. When I was there we used to study under a tree and during the wet season it was actually very difficult. At soon as the rain came the school closed for that day,” he said.

“A lot of the children

Education for change: Father Joseph Abutu believes education is of paramount importance for the next generation of Ochobo children.

A different world: Father Joseph Abutu stands outside the St Laurence’s Catholic Church on a dreary Leongatha day. It is a world away from life in Ochobo, Nigeria. have parents who cannot read. The children cannot improve their life beyond what it is at the moment unless they have a good education. I think a lot of them are going to improve. It will really go a long way toward helping them and their families.”

Loch parishioner and market organiser Dianne Stewart said the point of having the stall at the Loch

Market was to “help people not as lucky as us”.

“You can just imagine the benefit if, all of a sudden, you are able to get fresh water and you don’t have to walk two kilometres to a dirty stream,” she said.

“Water’s a precious commodity for that community. I think it will be a really good starting point for elevating the fortunes of Ochobo.”

Tough task: water is a precious, if sometimes dirty, resources in Ochobo. People are forced to walk long distances to get it.

Rosemary inspires East Timorese

Volunteer work: Rosemary Livingstone with some of her students and their children during her time teaching in East Timor in 2010.

Learning a new language: Rosemary Livingstone’s family friend, Elia, taking part in classroom activities as part of Rosemary’s English classes in Ainaro in East Timor.

By Simone Short MOST people would find teaching their own class daunting enough, let alone a class of students in a foreign country who speak little English.

It was a task Fish Creek woman Rosemary Livingstone was willing to take on when she first boarded a plane to East Timor in 2010.

Volunteer work was always something she wanted to do in retirement, and when that time came she joined the Teachers for Timor, a Ballarat based program first set up in 2006 after consultation with the East Timorese community who said what they really wanted most was to learn English.

But Rosemary’s connection with East Timor and choice to volunteer in this particular country goes a lot deeper.

“I’ve been friends with an East Timorese woman since 1985,” she said.

“She had just graduated from the only high school in East Timor when Indonesia invaded in 1975, so her plans to study medicine at university in Portugal were drastically changed.

Instead she, along with thousands of East Timorese, fled to the mountains.”

Years later, while attending university in Jakarta, the Timorese lady managed to escape to Singapore. She then moved to Bangkok and that is where she and Rosemary first met.

After a year of being assisted by friends in Bangkok, she was given refugee status in Australia.

“In Ballarat, she trained as a nurse and after graduating, worked in several Melbourne hospitals including the Royal Children’s Hospital,” Rosemary said.

“When East Timor achieved independence in 1999, she was able to fulfil her greatest dream to return to her homeland where she continues to play significant roles in the restoration and future of her country.”

In July 2010, Rosemary took her first volunteering trip to East Timor where and said after 10 years, the devastation of the retreating Indonesian army was still evident everywhere.

Drawing on her experience of teaching English to adults in The Netherlands in the 1980s, she spent eight weeks in the remote southern town of Ainaro, followed by two weeks touring.

“When you start travelling around, you realise that most of the people travelling are like yourself, there to volunteer and then explore the country,” she said.

“That’s happening much more than regular tourism at the moment.”

Rosemary described her temporary home, which is rented by Teachers 4 Timor for their volunteers, as “luxurious by local standards but absolutely basic by ours”.

“It is a typical little brick house of the more affluent,” she said.

“Most people in the countryside live in simple bamboo huts.

“The T4T house has taps, but the water supply is usually very unpredictable so we often have to collect water from a pump over the road. When that is not working, you get right down to nothing in the buckets and then suddenly it would be on again. Similarly the electricity supply is at best for only 12 hours a day.”

The Ballarat Teachers for Timor program sends up to four volunteers to Ainaro four times a year.

The program’s main focus is to provide basic English to adults in the community.

Students from the final years of high school also flock to the classes eager to practice the English they are taught at school.

Rosemary said her students were always enthusiastic.

“One tiny little woman would walk for an hour down from the village above Ainaro at least once a week; she had five kids already and was pregnant with the sixth,” she said.

Rosemary said although it was obvious East Timor is still struggling to recover after centuries of Portugese colonial rule and the Indonesian invasion, she could see improvements in education for the younger generation, with many students from Ainaro now studying at universities in Dili.

She also has many wonderful memories of the time she spent outside of the classroom with the students such as Elia.

“Elia joined our class in her last year of school, and having done very well in her high school exams she is now at university,” she said.

Rosemary has been a second time and highly recommends taking part in a program.

“There is always need for more volunteers in Teachers for Timor – it is not an accredited teaching program, it’s a language enrichment program, so you don’t need any formal teacher training but of course it helps,” she said.

The program offers monthly preliminary training in Ballarat on a Saturday.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Teachers 4 Timor, BFACC and Ainaro Ballarat Friendship Schools Committees by calling 5338 0944 or emailing Rob.Gray@ bgs.vic.edu.au.

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

IN FEBRUARY 1990, The Starr photographed these four bright and eager students as they began their secondary education in a brand new school, the Leongatha Secondary College.

The former students have retained their links to family and friends, and all intend to return for the centenary celebrations.

Pene Johnston On leaving school, Pene completed a division two nursing diploma at Swinburne TAFE. After experience in nursing, Pene began a career as a flight attendant with Ansett. Following the closure of Ansett Airlines, Pene began another career as a fitness instructor and personal trainer.

Now married to a former fellow student, Adam Salmon and with three children, Pene runs the financial operations of their building and renovation business.

Megan Smith After completing secondary school, Megan completed a Diploma of Business Administration from TAFE. Megan then gained valuable experience working in local

solicitors’ offices.

Deciding on a career change, Megan moved to Brisbane to work for the Q l d Government.

G t Queensland Megan is now an executive project officer undertaking the supervising of important projects such as the removal of hazardous wastes from schools throughout Queensland.

Stephen Coulter Stephen also completed further studies, completing a degree in Bio-processing and Chemical Engineering at Swinburne University.

Now working in project management with the emphasis on chemical engineering in Melbourne, Stephen is married to Angela and they have two children, Daniel aged 3 and Nathan aged 1.

While Stephen’s area of expertise means that he needs to live in Melbourne, Stephen has close links with his family at Mardan and his friends in Leongatha.

Cameron McIlwaine Cameron is a true ‘local’ in every sense. Cameron has always worked locally, first at Murray Goulburn and now at Korumburra.

Local sport has always played a major role in Cameron’s life – football, cricket and tennis, and Cameron is continuing to play all of them into

his thirties.

Cameron is now married to local girl, Laura Kruse and they plan to remain in Leongatha.

“We have it all here sport, minimal traffic, easy access to our employment and our family and friends around us. What more could we want?”, Cameron said.

There have been some 13,000 students attend the three state secondary

schools over the last one hundred years. Teachers and auxiliary staff only learn a few of their stories – what their former students achieve, where the students travel to and where they eventually settle. Hopefully, current and former teachers and auxiliary staff will learn some of the stories of the remaining 12, 996 former students on April 28 and 29.

Happy times: Cameron McIlwaine and wife Laura.

Northern move: Megan Smith at work in Brisbane.

Family man: Stephen Coulter is working as a chemical engineer and is with wife Angela and children Daniel, 3, and Nathan, 1.

The Star a wonderful source of information School’s special place

By Lyn Skillern AFTER many partnerships between many organisations, Korumburra Primary School’s Koorie Learning Stones are now complete.

AS A source of information on local history, it is hard to go past your local newspaper.

In South Gippsland the local papers have provided us with a detailed view of the major events that shaped our lives.

They have reported on all the significant issues and assisted the community when a voice was needed.

So it was to The Great Southern Star and to a lesser extent The Leongatha Sun and The Leongatha Echo that I turned when researching the history of Leongatha High School, Technical School and Secondary College.

The pages of the book From Inkwell to Internet - a century of State Secondary Education in Leongatha are dotted with quotes from the local papers, in particular The Star.

The detailed descriptions of the official openings of buildings, the sporting events, social events and even the exam results indicate a need in

75th birthday year: 25 years ago The Star published a double page spread of photographs showing events from the 75th anniversary reunion of Leongatha High School. The photo in this article shows a group of young children around the Nicholas Pond at the back-to. They went on to be students at Leongatha Secondary College and hopefully they are coming to the reunion 25 years later. the community to know what was happening.

Reading local papers from the past allows one to see the community as it was long ago. You see the issues that were important at the time and gain some idea of how people thought and how they lived.

When reading the papers it is easy to get lost in the era, so to speak. In World War Two for example, The Star contained articles about

farewell functions for men going to war, their letters home and sadly obituaries for those killed in action.

The Star had articles about the high school and how it coped in war-time.

It is also interesting to see the newspapers change over time. In the early days the local paper was a large broad sheet and the front page was mostly advertising. It was many decades before photographs appeared.

Weddings were elaborately described in words and the only faces to appear were those of the Hollywood actors who were currently appearing in the latest film on at the Memorial Hall. All events and issues were described in detail in words. I cannot imagine anyone looking at a local paper with no picture. Today, we even have colour photos and illustrations.

The learning stones provide a cultural meeting place and safe area for indigenous students within the school community.

Around 40 special guests attended the recognition ceremony at the school recently.

These included Koorie education support officer John Murray, South Gippsland Shire Council mayor Cr Warren Raabe and representatives from local and state side aboriginal education groups, and

the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Principal Bill Jeffs was proud of the new Koorie Learning Stones.

“This started out as such a little idea but thanks to the hard work of all these people from all these different organisations it has become a reality,” he said.

Korumburra Primary School is one of the first of 18 schools in the area to have learning stones.

Wayne Thorpe conducted the recognition ceremony of the learning stones and invited special guests to walk through the area.

Funding for the project was provided my School Focussed Youth Services.

Special place: Wayne Thorpe started the recognition ceremony, watched by Korumburra Primary School students Hayden Watson, Annie Carter and Jai Atkins, with principal Bill Jeffs.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 25

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 27

Golden Days abound Creative in the bush at Mayfield BOLD BO B O OLD LD D colour, coolloouurr,, people peo eopl ple juxtapl jju uxt xta taa-pose po seed with sed wiith w ith th nature natur atur at u e and and swirls an ssw swir wirl irls ir ls posed ddi ist s in ingu g is ishh a Fiona Fiioonna Kennedy F Kenned Ke dy distinguish t k artwork.

DI A AND N ND JJoh John ohnn oh K Ko Koen oen ende d rs aare de re hhol o dol dKoenders holdin ng a ma m j r ex jo eexhibition h bi hi b tit on ing major of their latest works, opening on Good Friday (April 6).

The exhibition, Golden Days, will remain open daily from 10am until 5pm, including all Easter days and public holidays, until April 29 at Mayfield Gallery at Arawata.

Mayfield is a traditional, old-world farm, and an absolute delight to visit.

Adding to the charm of Mayfield are John and Di Koenders, talented artists and descendants of the great Dutch master, Vincent van Gogh.

Having painted professionally for 40 years, their relationship to Vincent was only discovered four years ago.

A documentary is very soon to be released about John and Di’s findings in their search for the truth behind van Gogh, as they firmly believe Vincent did not commit suicide.

They travelled throughout Europe to capture the places and events in van Gogh’s life, and John painted where he painted.

They walked in his footsteps and listened to the words from his compelling letters.

The result is an indepth look into Vincent’s world – filmed in beautiful HD, and taking the viewer on a fantastic journey through magnificent scenery. They were proud to show their documentary at Cannes, France, at the Palais de Festival, last year.

This fascinating artfilm will also soon be available on DVD throughout the world. Pre-sale orders are being taken at Mayfield Gallery.

The latest collection of Di and John’s paintings in-

Large scale oils completed in her vivid style now hang in her studio and gallery at her Kongwak home, adjoining bushland that gives the creative space an artist needs.

Kennedy invites art fans to visit and see her at work, the likes of which have been exhibited in the Canadian city of Toronto at the Australian Spherical Arts Academy show. She was just one of 14 contemporary artists chosen to take part.

“I was described in Canada as a figurative artist but I would just put myself down as contemporary, because my work is bold and it’s big because I do try and capture the essence of nature.”

Not only birds, but also fish, turtles and whales are often painted

with wi w itth h wings. wiin ngs gs. ““It’s “I Itt’’s about aab bouut rising rriisi siing ngg up up from from fr m the the he depths, dde dept epptths hs, wanting want wa ntin ntin inngg to to rise ris ise for ise for a while.” fo wh w hil hille. e.” solitary A sso oli lita taryy lady tary lad adyy is is a recurrent rec ecuurrreentt theme, reflecting the influence of females on Kennedy; she has five sisters and two daughters.

“It’s about trying to capture the sophistication of Australian women.”

While many paintings depict natural scenes, Kennedy notes that even her interior scenes have an open window.

“It’s about being open.”

Swirls are suggestive of the concept of spirals, which “never end”.

“It’s about the flight of an eagle because the eagle is at the pinnacle of all creatures, so if we too can go up high as an eagle can, then we have reached the pinnacle in life.”

Glitters and sequins have emerged in her paintings to reflect light and

give ggi ivvee the the he painting paaiint ntin ing a fresh fres fr eshh look lookk under lo und nder deerr different ddi iffffer feerren ent lighting l ghti li ghhtiing ng situations. sittua uati tioonns. tion s.

“II love llooovve painting ppaain inti ting ng straight str str traai aighht out aigh oouut of of ttubes. tu ube bes. It’s Itt’’s just justt direct ju dir irec ect colour, ec cco olo lour ur, with wiith w h no mixing of colour, and I just love colour. Colour affects all our moods and emotions.”

Kennedy came to Kongwak from Inverloch, seeking more space to create and now completes her own ideas alongside commissioned works.

She studied at RMIT, Monash and Melbourne universities, taking courses in ceramics too.

Kennedy will run art classes at her Kongwak studio and is taking enquiries on 5657 4314. The gallery is open from 10am-5pm Thursday to Monday, and other days by appointment.

Limited edition prints are also available, with only 10 prints of each.

Artistic pair: Di and John Koenders. cludes some beautiful new works in oils, watercolours, pencil, and pen and ink, by John, and many diverse subjects.

John’s unique Australian homesteads and inspiring landscapes have been a perennial favourite and his gumtrees are one of his specialities.

He is also happy to paint your own subject especially for you.

Di’s collection includes oils, gouache and pastel studies of our fabulous bird and animal life. Each work is a ‘portrait’ of her subject.

Should you wish to make one of these treasures yours, by buying direct from the artists you save costly commissions charged by private galleries.

The welcome is truly

“country style”, and Di and John are happy to chat with visitors about their fascinating lives in the world of art.

These multi-award winning artists have clients all over the world.

Corporate and private collectors include HRH Princess Anne, The Royal Household of the Sultan of Brunei, Mr John Howard and Mrs Janette Howard, Jeff Kennett, the late Bud Tingwell, John Wood, Rob Gell and Andre Rieu.

A short drive out from Leongatha or Korumburra through magnificent scenery brings you to Arawata.

For any enquiries or directions, please phone Di and John on 5659 8262.

To find out more, email info@mayfieldgallery.com. au or go online at www. mayfieldgallery.com.au

New abode: Fiona Kennedy invites art enthusiasts to visit her new studio and gallery at Kongwak.

PAGE 28 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Beats hopping at The Espy PREPARE to dance all Easter with a fantastic line-up of events at Inverloch’s Esplanade Hotel.

With talented musician Rhys Crimmin opening the weekend on Thursday night, and DJ Stockton dropping beats bound to get the dance floor moving on Saturday, the weekend will finish on a high with artist and musician Mobin Master taking over the Espy on Sunday night.

From the moment Rhys Crimmin starts playing, sitting amongst an array of instruments, audiences are drawn to the warm sound he creates: the rhythmic pulse of the stomp box, along with the haunting drone of the didgeridoo, or bluesy sounds of the harmonica.

His guitar work plays underneath while his raw, powerful and emotive vocals soar above.

Rhys lets his music do the talking, and the crowd is ready to listen.

Since achieving second place in the Australian Busking Competition in 2003 as a 17-year-old, the musician has come a long way.

Rhys continues to improve his shows, with an ever-growing array of instruments and songs, along with a passion for music, and energy for performing live, that shines through at his gigs.

On stage, his infectious live show blends instruments including four different styles of guitars: six and 12 string acoustic guitars, Resonator guitar and Weissenborn Lap Steel Guitar, along with didgeridoos, harmonicas, kazoo, and foot percussion.

This busy performer has managed to teach himself all of these instruments, and plays them all, some simultaneously in a mindblowing performance, and blends a number of styles into his performances, from reggae to dirty foot stomping blues.

Playing hundreds of shows a year, his live performances are still always unpredictable.

From reggae to remixes, the Espy is the place to be on Sunday night when Mobin Master controls the music.

Not only a DJ, Mobin Master writes, composes and produces his own music and this modern day maestro is also able to hold his own on the guitar, keyboard and drums.

Inspired by the likes of Prince, James Brown, Parliament, George Clinton, Daft Punk and a love of 90s house music, it wasn’t long before Mobin Master started making his own music.

As far as big breaks go, it was the hit remix of Madison Avenue’s Everything You Need that thrust Mobin into the dance music spotlight.

Undeniably, Mobin Master’s biggest break came in 2008 when he created dance music history and released one of the most celebrated house singles of all time. Show me Love spent a record 52 weeks in the Australian charts and remains the longest charting single in ARIA club chart history, earning Mobin an ARIA nomination and the reputation as one of Australia’s greatest dance music exports.

So for a rockin’ Easter long weekend, the only place to be is at the Esplanade Hotel in Inverloch.

Live music galore: with his musical genres varying from reggae to dirty foot stomping blues, Rhys Crimmin is just one of many fantastic live performances hitting up the Esplanade Hotel in Inverloch this Easter long weekend.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 29

You little beauty

This picturesque, small acreage with a stylish three bedroom home is available through Stockdale and Leggo in Leongatha. For details, see page 32.

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Brand new and ready T

HIS is a generous family home that offers lifestyle and comfort with all the trimmings.

The building process can be an arduous journey, from finding the perfect block to wading through the mountain of builders to find the right floor plan.

With this home all the hard work has been done.

Blessed with a fantastic block position in a quiet street opposite an extensive reserve, this property is also just a short walk to Inverloch’s patrolled surf beaches.

Comprising three generous sized bedrooms, master with walk-in robe, builtin robes to remaining and large open plan living/ kitchen leading to the north facing alfresco area complete with Merbau deck.

This stunning home also features a separate

lounge and study, quality floor coverings and window furnishings, stainless steel appliances in the entertainer’s kitchen, ducted gas heating, split system reverse cycle air conditioning, ducted vacuum, security system with video intercom just to name a few.

A great all round package for the buyer in search of the Inverloch lifestyle without the time to waste.

INVERLOCH Location: 19 Queenscliff Drive Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Agent: Southcoast First National, Inverloch Contact: 5674 2255

Picture perfect family entertainer

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APTURING a sense of style, natural light flows through this immaculately presented new three bedroom plus study brick veneer home.

Generous formal and informal living areas complement a faultless kitchen, boasting stainless steel appliances including gas/electric cooking, curved glass canopy range hood, dishwasher and built-in pantry.

Quality carpets and blinds match natural tone floor tiling in traffic areas, the generous study could easily be a fourth bedroom while the bathroom and en suite make family living a breeze.

Outdoor entertaining is set on a north facing Merbau deck with landscaped gardens.

A double remote lock up garage has internal access and rear roller door access with side access gates for trailers.

Also included is gas ducted heating with programmable electronic thermostat, ducted vacuum, four zone security system, video intercom, solar hot water with gas booster and reverse cycle split system air conditioning.

A brilliant opportunity to secure a new stylish residence in a family friendly locale.

INVERLOCH Location: 21 Queenscliff Drive Bedrooms: 3 (plus study) Bathrooms: 2 Price: $459,000 Agent: Southcoast First National, Inverloch Contact: 5674 2255

“THE STAR�, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 31

We will close for the Public Holidays of Good Friday, Easter Saturday, and Easter Monday.

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PAGE 32 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Idyllic lifestyle property on 13 acres S

ITUATED on a sought after 13 acre parcel of land, this three bedroom home is situated approximately 4km from town on a sealed road, handy to both Korumburra and Leongatha.

Featuring renovated kitchen with large stainless steel gas cooktop and electric oven, dishwasher, attractive walk through bathroom with separate

bath, shower and toilet plus there is a second toilet in the laundry.

A naturally lit dining area and open plan living room with reverse cycle air conditioner and wood fire provide a contemporary living space to enjoy the peaceful setting and sliding doors to a covered entertaining area are great for entertaining.

All bedrooms boast built-in robes, reverse cycle air conditioners and garden views.

A double garage accommodates vehicles and has been partly altered to be a home office or retreat.

Great infrastructure exists for the hobby farmer with tank water, bore water to troughs, 7.5 x 18m machinery shed, 7.5 x 16m four-bay Colorbond shed with power and stockyards.

Don’t miss out on a rare opportunity to purchase small acreage so close to town.

LEONGATHA Location: 395 Andersons Road Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Car spaces: 2 Price: $560,000 Agent: Stockdale and Leggo, Leongatha Contact: 5662 5800

28 acre rural retreat T

HIS outstanding property which is located on the picturesque Grand Ridge Road showcases spectacular views of rolling green pasture and blue gum plantations.

This property is ideal for a lifestyle change.

It is an easily maintained, six-year-old

three bedroom home.

Features include polished spotted gum flooring, double glazed windows, walk-in robe and built-in robes.

A well appointed kitchen services an open plan dining and lounge room which is warmed by a solid fuel heater. An established orchard with approximately 150 trees, 20 olive trees, 200 grape vines and a fenced vegie

BOOLARRA SOUTH Location: 1680 Grand Ridge Road Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Price: $530,000 Agent: Stockdale & Leggo, Mirboo North Contact: 5668 1300

garden with a hot house makes sustainable living a choice.

Your self - sufficiency is complemented by the Solar hot water and drycomposting toilet systems.

External improvements include a 11x14 barn, a 9x12 shed and separate workshop and a three-bay open shed. Breathtaking views surround the home, an absolute dream home at this price.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 33

PAGE 34 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Serene and green at Sandy Point P

RIVATE and protected two and a half acres of beautiful native gardens, this three bedroom architecturally designed home is the perfect place to retire, holiday, or escape to.

The home is centred in a wonderful relaxing atmosphere of landscaped gardens seen through large windows from nearly every room.

A stunning cathedral entrance with French panel doors and a vaulted ceil-

ing foyer welcomes your guests.

The charming 6m x 8.5m light filled lounge with direct access to a large covered outdoor living area is a wonderful entertainment area.

Timber lined ceilings in the meals/kitchen plus slate floors add to the country style kitchen complete with beaten copper canopy and abundant bench and storage space.

The family room is so relaxing, with timber lined pitched high ceiling with windows in the end gable

truss that opens on to a sheltered barbecue area.

There is a delightful dining room with bay windows.

The main bedroom has a walk-in robe plus en suite.

Two queen sized guest bedrooms which share a family bathroom and separate toilet are conveniently located. There is a separate third toilet in the laundry.

Approximately 28 squares under roof plus a unique studio, two 20’x30’ sheds, glass house, 45,000 litre water tank, solar power and solar HWS and automatic garden watering system (from bore).

This lifestyle property has many features, an inspection is highly recommended. There is the potential to subdivide STCA and is an ideal property from which to create a business from home.

It truly is a place to fall in love with!

Contact Heather Atkins 5671 1212 or 0409 741 607.

SANDY POINT Location: 85 Sandy Point Road Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $870,000 Agent: Harcourts Inverloch Contact: 5671 1212

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 35

Country character on Koonwarra acre K

OONWARRA – that unique, eclectic, quietlytouristy village just a few minutes out from Leongatha and only 20 minutes to Inverloch – doesn’t offer itself up very often and so when an intriguing property on an acre-plus hits the market, it is definitely time to look.

Sitting mid way along exclusive Bacon Avenue, an easy stroll to the Koonwarra Store and Rail Trail, is number 10.

The setting is treed and native, with winding pathways secret gardens, birds and bees and peace and quiet.

The house: an original character

weatherboard with modern improvements sits comfortably in the space.

A leadlight front door introduces the entrance hall, which leads into a homely kitchen with gleaming redwood bench tops and a lemony glow.

Versatile, the floor plan currently includes a generous lounge, big formal dining room, wondrous master bedroom with walk-in robe and adjoining en suite, three more bedrooms and two more bathrooms, plus a separate and spacious laundry.

All are presented beautifully, with charming decor and comfortable elegance in mind. Change the rooms around to suit your needs – less bedrooms, more living if you choose.

A covered, north facing timber

deck stretches along the width of the house at the back, where luxurious moments in the sunshine beckon you to stroll further afield.

Around the house, a converted concrete tank makes a quirky garden shed, complete with side door.

A double lock up steel garage plus a single carport provide car and equipment shelter.

Further down the garden, you will find a fenced off dam area – stock it with trout, add chickens – let your imagination run free here.

Some grape vines, meandering lawns and a variety of fruit trees complete the picture.

It’s relaxed and country, with enormous potential to stamp your own impression here in sought-after Koonwarra.

KOONWARRA Location: 10 Bacon Avenue Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 Agent: Prom Country First National Contact: Kaz Hughes on 0417 516 998

Choose a house you like. Create a home you love. r

Self-service ba

Seaspray design

Inverloch / Leongatha 2 Ramsey Boulevard Ph: Caroline 5674 3058 Find out how you can tailor our plans

Licence: DBU-3480/DBU3480

Start making plans

1800 677 156 hotondo.com.au

HOT5128_SEA101

Your local office:

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Perfect family home with price reduction S

ITUATED only minutes’ walk to the Surf Beach and overlooking a private reserve, this expansive brick residence offers value for money.

Double door entrance is greeted by a sunny lounge and formal dining room which accesses the main bedroom, dressing room and spacious en suite.

The main kitchen living area offers access to a delightful alfresco and sunny aspect.

The kitchen is expansive in anybody’s language, including wall oven, grill and hotplates along with a dishwasher for those on holidays.

A surprise feature of this three bedroom, two bathroom home is the massive billiard room.

HOLIDAY

INVERLOCH Location: 51 Veronica Street Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Price: $575,000 Agent: Alex Scott and Staff, Inverloch Contact: 5674 1111

Great location, great size and great price

T

HIS block is a fantastic buy; the land boasts 937 square metres in an area which is a third larger than the average block in Venus

INVERLOCH 10 THE CRESCENT

Bay. The property is relatively flat and enjoys a north facing orientation.

Build your dream home with a north facing and have plenty of

VENUS BAY Location: 36 Crichton Crescent Land size: 937 square metres Price: $95,000 Agent: Alex Scott and Staff,Venus Bay Contact: 5663 7111

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS - ELEVATED POSITION First time offered in 80 years!

• Massive 5617 sq.m development site • Quiet dress circle location with water views • Dual street frontages, situated in the heart of town • Comfortable 3 bedroom brick residence + older style cottage • Development potential for subdivision/townhouses or resort complex (STCA) AUCTION SATURDAY APRIL 28 @12.00 NOON Dennis Ginn 0412 317 360 INVERLOCH OFFICE 7 a’Beckett Street

5674 1111

space for a garage or shed to house your boat.

Ensure you have this property on your list of inspections when searching for blocks in Venus Bay. You won’t be disappointed.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 37

Vital cause: Stockdale and Leggo’s Pat Barry will be official auctioneer at the event, while social club committee member Judy Harper has spent many hours collecting donations from local businesses.

Workmen’s Club makes a difference FOR over a decade, the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club has been doing its part to raise money for the Good Friday Appeal.

The club last year finished third in the state for clubs and pubs, raising an incredible $37,328. That was $10,000 more than in 2010.

This year, they are aiming even higher.

The event, held at the club from 12.30pm until 5pm on Friday, April 6, is a fun filled afternoon for all.

The Magical Mushroom Family Show will entertain on the day, while face painting and free soft drinks will be provided for the kids.

Donated goods from local traders will be raffled throughout the day and there will be a fundraiser

raffle draw.

Some fantastic prizes will be up for grabs, including the Easter egg hhamper raffl ffle which hi h iis chock-a-block h k bl k with chocolate goodies.

Food and drink will be available, and membership draws will give three lucky people the chance to win $500, $1000 or $1500.

A goods auction will so be held, with Pat Barry from Stockdale and Leggo in Wonthaggi stepping up as auctioneer and taking your bids on the day.

Social committee member Judy Harper said when she first began running the Good Friday event, it was only small, with around 30 traders taking part.

“We used to hold it in the members room and it was tiny, but now we hold it in the Kirrak Room and

over 300 people attend,” she said.

“At the moment we have the support of 128 businesses, and I’m hhoping i tto bbeatt th the 143 we hhadd llastt year.”

Judy said as the event grows bigger and better every year, they need the support of businesses and organisations to make it work.

“The event is always supported really well and we are very thankful to everyone who makes a donation,” she said, adding even when the community had supported other causes, such as the Black Saturday bushfire response or Victorian floods, they were still willing to dig deep.

“I couldn’t believe the response to our event after the floods; there was no difference in the support people were willing to give us, even after they donated so much to an-

Persian rug bargains HAND woven rugs will be once again offered for sale in Loch over Easter, from Friday, April 6, until Wednesday, April 11.

Held at the Masonic Hall on Loch’s Main Street, there will be a huge range to choose from including rugs, runners, and kilims.

Both modern and traditional rugs are offered during the sale, with a mixture of new and old and all handmade, using silk or wool.

The sale is co-ordinated by Turkish born Emine Ates, who has been buying and selling rugs for over 20 years.

Originally selling her incredible rug collection from a store on High Street in Armidale, Mrs Ates decided to close her store in

2006 to concentrate on her young family.

Her remaining rugs were in storage, but she has decided that the time has come to slowly sell off her vast collection, little by little.

“Not having an expensive shop to lease or staff to pay means that I can offer these rugs at very reasonable prices,” Mrs Ates said.

She has travelled to Turkey and Iran on sourcing expeditions for amazing, authentic rugs. All of the rugs offered at the sale are rugs she has found during her travels.

“I urge people to come and have a look, because once they sell out that will be it. The tradition of hand weaving rugs is dying out. It is becoming harder and harder to find oneof-a-kind, authentic carpets,” Mrs Ates said.

other cause just weeks before.”

Around 160 invitations are hand delivered to local businesses to atttendd th hil JJudy d also l perthe event,t while sonally delivers certificates of appreciation to them all after Good Friday.

Judy said their target for 2011 was $30,000, but “didn’t dream” they’d actually reach it; this year, she’s aiming for $40,000 and having only fallen a few thousand short last year, believes it can be achieved.

“It’s a fun day; it’s the sort of event you can drop by for half an hour, or stay all day,” she said.

A courtesy bus will be running from as far as Inverloch and Kilcunda to the Workmen’s Club throughout the afternoon, and everyone is invited to take part in a fantastic day raising money for a very worthy cause.

PAGE 38 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Dedicated woman: South Gippsland Shire councillor and former mayor Jennie Deane (left) chats with Wendy Major at the Gippsland Women – Opening Doors forum. Wendy is executive officer of South Gippsland Bass Coast LLEN.

Cheering on mates: Cameron Andren, Daniel Van Agtmaal, Jakeom O’Grady and Ryan Van Agtmaal watched their friends compete in the HPV Grand Prix.

Brain storming: Anna Langley (left), Debbie Watson and Alycia Joyce catch up before the women’s forum at Inverloch.

Celebrating the reopening: Bass Coast Shire Council statutory planner Helen Bowes, CEO Alan Bawden, local builder Dennis Piasente and Darren Brown from Darren Brown Design in Wonthaggi.

Coming together: Wayne Chapman from Tarwin Mitre10, Ben Davey and Janet Callister from the Leongatha store, George Scott, who worked at the Wonthaggi store for 27 years, and Joan Scott were impressed with the redesigned store.

98 not out: local identity Bea Cramp is a wonderful example of ageing gracefully and enjoyed the Leongatha Probus annual general meeting.

Soldiering on: at 94, Jacko Miles enjoys his membership of Leongatha Probus. He and Tony Kamphuis (standing) chat with Tom Parsons.

Top class: Wonthaggi SES deputy controller Joe Borg and volunteer Barry Tyack with the Holmesglen Bugatti Type 35 racecar.

Local business, local people: Bass Coast Shire mayor Cr Veronica Dowman congratulated Capeview Mitre10 for their contribution to the community, pictured with store manager Gary Skinner and Keith Ritchie from Wonthaggi Tattslotto.

Capeview Mitre10: Judy Tiziani, paint manager Wally Tiziani, Elio and Pat Piasente from Wonthaggi and Bass Coast Shire deputy mayor Cr John Duscher celebrate the reopening of the Wonthaggi store.

Official opening: Geoff Sawyer, Colin and Caroline Donohue from Bass Coast Refrigeration and Mark Warren from Capeview Mitre10.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 39

• Mary MacKillop College inaugural class reunion at the • Human Powered Vehicle Grand Prix, Wonthaggi.

Inlet Hotel, Inverloch.

• Leongatha Probus annual general meeting.

• Opening night of Lyric Theatre’s Habeas Corpus.

• Capeview Hardware, Wonthaggi.

• Gippsland Women – Opening Doors forum at Inverloch.

Remembering past: Sarah Bourke, Cameron Green, Kristy Morgan, Sibby van Dillen and Trina Phillips enjoyed the Mary MacKillop College reunion.

Looking back: Leo Occhipinti, Matt Whiteside, Peter Piasente, Wilhelmina Pruyn and Matt Brosnan were students of Mary MacKillop College.

Old friends: Rebecca Ellen, Lizz Yates, Sibby van Dillen and former college principal Ed Carmody at the Mary MacKillop reunion.

Jokes aplenty: David Senge, Joseph Peel and Matt Whiteside remember their school days.

Ready to laugh: Karen Milkins-Hendry, Ann Hemming and Lindy Waldron, from Wonthaggi Theatrical Group, out for a night of fun and frivolity.

Happy helpers: stage crew member, Jo Stringer, with ticket secretary, Marg Tattersall, on opening night of Lyric’s new production, Habeas Corpus.

Fund times: Sarah Bourke, Matt Brosnan, Pip Howard, Renae Carmody and Josie Bleeser at the Inlet Hotel.

Impressive acting: long time Lyric Theatre member Don McIntyre with daughter Alison McIntyre who played Connie Wicksteed in the show.

Sharing laughs: Marty Lamers, Sonia Barbaro, Carmela Raiti and Laura Parini at the Mary MacKillop reunion.

Good show: Rose Wray-McCann, Anthea Donahue and Jesse WrayMcCann were all smiles at the Lyric show.

Fun galore: Carmela Raiti, Veronica Jans, Sheryl Jans, Carolyn Nicita and Jackie Stevens attended the Mary MacKillop event.

All smiles: Lindy Waldron and Lyric treasurer Peter McAlpine enjoy themselves on the opening night of Lyric Theatre’s new production.

Good company: enjoying the fellowship at the Leongatha Probus annual general meeting were, from left: Noelle Bright, Elaine Olle, Marg Waldron, Joan Cross and Maie Riseley. At the back were Maureen Casey and Cam Abood.

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 41

★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★ ARIES - March 21 - April 20

Friction on the homefront can be avoided if you take on a diplomatic role. Higher-ups are admiring your initiative and your leadership abilities. A joint venture pays off.

TAURUS - April 21 - May 22

Overdue praise comes from people in high places and relationships with your fellow workers improve. Reunions bring with them a healthy share of nostalgia. A financial news-brightener comes unexpectedly.

GEMINI - May 23 - June 21

Partnerships are highlighted, but be sure to discuss all matters involving joint finances. You may be involved in a new and possibly offbeat assignment. Children seek your encouragement.

CANCER - June 22 - July 22

Events that you sponsor this week prove especially noteworthy. An interesting project needs more researching before you agree to sign on. Sports events and fitness programs are in the picture.

LEO - July 23 - August 22

Careful research can lead to important discoveries. Family functions are more relaxed, thanks to your warm-hearted personality. This is a good time for planning career or personal goals.

VIRGO - August 23 - September 22

Look into new opportunities for earning added income. You may find yourself campaigning for a candidate or a favourite cause. Your romantic situation appears to be on a steadier course.

LIBRA - September 23 - October 22

Your self confidence soars, thanks to recent accomplishments. This is a great week for catching up on things to do around the house. Be careful to allow enough time for visits and appointments.

SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21

This week includes some pleasant adventures, surprise announcements and a renewal of a commitment. An exciting job can be yours for the asking. Be sure to ask the right person.

SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 22

Behind the scenes activities suggest a boost in prestige and possibly a reward. An injured friendship shows signs of recovery. Don’t rush the healing process.

CAPRICORN - December 23 - January 20

This week can see you keeping a journal or diary. You hear some delightful stories and anecdotes and have a talent for recording them.

An intimate evening may prove unexpectedly crowded.

AQUARIUS - January 21 - February 19

Critical relatives become more supportive. Events include a blend of quiet reunions and large scale gatherings. Be sure to find time to express your feelings to a loved one.

PISCES - February 20 - March 20

Financial planning is highlighted now. Someone is eager to hear your plans and willing to give you a chance. Your love life perks up and you project a very positive image.

BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

When you set your sights on a goal, you persevere with determination.

This year sees you redesigning some of your blueprints, especially those related to career and education. Personal relationships and new commitments are accented. Travel is spotlighted.

Church Times ANGLICAN: ANGLICAN: Wednesday, April 4: 9.30am Woorayl Lodge HC; 10.45am Koorooman House HC; 11am St Peter’s Mid-Week HC. Friday, April 6 (Good Friday): 9am St Peter’s Combined Service “Meditations on the Cross, 3pm St Andrew’s, Dumbalk - “People of the Passion”.

Sunday, April 8 (Easter Day): 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s HC; 10.30am Union Church, Tarwin Lower HC. Tuesday, April 10: 7pm St Andrew’s, Dumbalk / St David’s, Meeniyan Fellowship.

Wednesday, April 11: 11am St Peter-s Mid-Week HC..

ST MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Mirboo North. Phone 5668 1346. Holy Communion 8.30am: Worship and Sunday School 10am.

ST PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Korumburra: Sunday 9.30am and Wednesday 11.30am. Poowong: Second and fourth Sundays, 11am.

ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi. Sunday, 9.30am Eucharist, 11am Family Service, Wednesday 10am Eucharist.

Anglican Church of the Ascension: The Crescent, Inverloch.

Sunday 9am Eucharist, Tuesday 10am Eucharist.

For details of Community Meal, Youth Group, Bible Studies & Kids Club, contact Rev. Graeme Peters 5672 4590 or visit www. basscoastanglican.org.au AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCHES (AOG): Prom Coast Community Church Inc. - Foster Community House, Station Street, 10am: Sunday. Sunday School and Creche operates. Pastor Bill Watson 5686 2248.

A.O.G. Inverloch - Cnr Bear and McIntosh Street, Inverloch. Sunday Service 10am; Imagine Christmas Day Service 9am. Contact: Jeff Robertson, 0418 125 832 or Imagine Burwood 9888 7466.

Korumburra Southern Hills A.O.G. - 4 Mine Rd, 10am: Sunday. Also Children’s Church and Creche. Contact: Pastor Rob Davey 5625 3226. Youth: Neville Stuart ph. 0407 343 219.

Equip Church - 17 Michael Place, Leongatha. Sunday service 10am.

Contact: John 0408 305 880.

Wonthaggi A.O.G. - Billson Street, 10am: Sunday. Contact: Pastor Barry Smith 5672 3984.

CHRISTIAN REVIVAL CRUSADE: 40 Hughes Street, Leongatha.

Sunday, Morning Service 10.30 am: Inspirational Service, 6.30pm: Children’s Church 10.30am: Home cells weekly. For all enqui-

ries contact 5664 5455.

THE CHURCH AT ARCHIES CREEK: Every first Sunday of the month. Sunday morning 11am - 12.30pm. Fun and games, all ages, all are welcome. Phone: Ps. Chris Chetland 5678 7692, 0447 724 989.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST: Saturdays, Church service 10am., Leongatha Sabbath School 11.30am.

CATHOLIC: St Laurence’s Parish Leongatha: 5 pm Mass Saturday, 11am Mass Sunday.

Tarwin Lower: In St Andrew’s Union Church, 5pm winter, 6pm summer Mass Saturday.

Meeniyan: 9.30am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 11am, 2nd and 4th Sundays.

Mirboo North: 11am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 9.30am Mass, 2nd and 4th Sundays.

St. Joseph’s Parish Korumburra: 9.30am Sunday Mass.

Loch: 5pm/6pm Daylight saving Sunday Mass.

Wonthaggi: Saturday evening 6.30pm: Evening Mass; Sunday, 10.30am: Mass. Inverloch: Sunday 9 am: Mass.

KORUMBURRA’S AGLOW: First Monday every month at Korumburra Day Centre, Korumburra Hospital, Bridge St., Korumburra at 7.45pm. Inquiries phone 5657 2214.

GIPPSLAND CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Strongly family oriented church meets at The Grain Store, Mirboo North, Sundays: 4-5.10pm Communion, 5.15-6pm Bible Studies for Adults, Youth and Children. Friday evenings: Home Fellowships 7.30pm; Youth Activities. Enquiries: 5668 2226 Bob Stevens.

SALVATION ARMY LEONGATHA COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 52 Anderson Street (South Gippsland Highway) - Sunday: Family Worship at 10am: Sagala - Tuesday, 4 - 5.30pm; mainly music, Thursday 10am. All welcome.

Please contact Captain Martyn and Heather Scrimshaw, ph. 5662 5122.

SALVATION ARMY WONTHAGGI COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 149 McKenzie Street every Sunday at 11am for Family Worship.

Kids' Club - every Tuesday at 4 pm, Women's Group - Wednesday at 1.30pm, and Playgroup - Friday 9.30am. Evening Ladies' Fellowship - First Monday each month and Youth Groups held

monthly. All welcome. Please contact Lt. Robyn and Max Lean. Ph. 5672 1228.

PRESBYTERIAN: Weekly Worship Service 10am Sunday, corner Bent and Turner Streets, Leongatha. Phone Rev. Dr D. Clarnette 0409 236 981 or elder Col Rump 5662 2107.

CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH: Reformed Church meeting at the corner of Peart and Brown Streets. Sunday family service at 10.30am. (10am daylight saving time), creche and Sunday School available. All Sunday evening services at 5pm. Fortnightly youth activities. Home Bible Fellowship groups. Contact 5662 2527.

UNITING CHURCH: Leongatha: Thursday (Maundy Thurs), April 5, 7.30pm; Friday, April 6 (Good Friday) 9am; Sunday, April 8 (Easter Sunday), 10am (HC). Tarwin Lower: 10.30am (HC). Mirboo North: 9.30am. Meeniyan: 10am.

Wonthaggi: Sunday 9.30am, Family Service, all welcome. Inverloch: Sunday 11am: Korumburra: Sunday, 9.30am: Rev. Pastors Gavin and Sue Sharp, 5655 1997. Arawata: 11.30am 1st & 3rd Sundays. Kongwak: 11.30am 4th Sunday.

BAPTIST CHURCH KORUMBURRA: 39 Mine Rd, Korumburra. Service and Sunday School 10.30am. Pastor Ian Wilkinson.

Phone 5658 1366.

BAPTIST CHURCH WONTHAGGI: Cnr McBride & Broome Crescent, Wonthaggi.

Morning Service & Children’s Activities, Sunday 10am. Weekly activities see www. wonbaptist.org.au, Pastor Geoff Pegler 5672 4769.

MEENIYAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Sunday, 10am: Meeniyan Youth Club Hall.

COMBINED CHURCHES WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH: 4th Sunday each month at 7pm.

SCOTS PIONEER CHURCH: Mardan South. Pleasant Sunday Afternoons on the last Sunday of each month at 2pm. See occasional ad in this paper for details. For enquiries phone 5664 9306.

FISH CREEK UNION CHURCH: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 9am; 2nd & 4th Sundays, 7pm. Contacts: Fran Grimes 5683 2650, Sue Poletti 5663 6325.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8319

1.

6.

8.

9.

10.

11.

13.

15.

17.

19.

22.

23.

24.

25.

ACROSS Expand (8) Herb (4) Teem (4) Wine (8) Move (5) Sign up (6) Stress (6) Yarn (6) Crock (6) Hue (5) Rhyme (8) Shape (4) Poke (4) Hoodlum (8)

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

12.

14.

16.

18.

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21.

DOWN Period (5) Animal (7) Dish (4) Sicken (8) Brush (5) Boat (7) Prestige (8) Miner (7) Disastrous (7) Avarice (5) Serious (5) Hide (4)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8319 ACROSS 1. Forecasts the time in the papers (8). 6. Reel back from the bites (4). 8. The man is about fifty and efficient (4). 9.

The Veronese traveller had been taken round it (4,4). 10.

Creep off having had a second duck (5). 11. Allow man is mortal (6). 13. On the brink of rain, according to the attendant (6). 15. Then we rest and sort things out (6). 17.

Notices the absence of females (6). 19. Man, that’s about four to a seat! (5). 22. Work more when jittery (8). 23.

Satisfactory? I am pleased! (4). 24. Rely on the spare (4).

25. Toy for when the test is off, rain having come through (5,3).

DOWN 2. Be back in a boring routine, though you deny it (5). 3.

Have the lady report on the whole thing (7). 4. Heaven’s it’s an essay, mum! (4). 5. Telling you how to write “enchanting” (8). 6. Get on with the game (5). 7. Once inside I can’t move and that’s wrong (7). 12. The outlook, when you try to get well? (8). 14. See about the awful malign power (4,3). 16. Making a fuss about what’s taking place?

(5,2). 18. Determined to get the TV working (3,2). 20. A figure, a single figure, only (5). 21. East from the Bahamas, I assume (4).

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Koonwarra Farmers’ Market gains accreditation

THE Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association (VFMA) is thrilled to announce Koonwarra Farmers’ Market has been awarded accreditation status, giving the public confidence that this farmers’ market comprises authentic food producers.

This popular South Gippsland market runs on the first Saturday morning of each month at the Koonwarra Memorial Park. The market is run by a not for profit association of local growers and speciality food makers.

Market manager Rod Faudell said: “We’re very excited to achieve accreditation with the Victorian Farmers’ Markets Association as it confirms our long held philosophy of authenticity of our producers; we do not allow resellers or on selling.

“For Koonwarra the process

was relatively easy, all our existing stallholders qualify for the VFMA’s regional farmers’ market classifications.”

The market is now in its12th year and was the first regular monthly farmers’ market in Victoria and currently there are over 90 across the State. VFMA accreditation is the only officially recognised farmers’ market verification procedure conducted in Victoria, without it consumers cannot be assured of legitimacy of stallholders.”

Mr Faudell says one of the principal reasons why consumers are demanding locally grown and made produce is the realisation that Koonwarra Farmers’ Market is an environmentally friendly way to shop. Also growers and speciality food makers are appreciating the viable opportunity to sell direct to consumers.

“Koonwarra’s market does have some ethical differences to the

VFMA, predominantly our central function is our undertaking to support local genuine producers,” he said.

The market hopes to gain media publicity from its profile on the VFMA website that has over 700,000 hits a month.

VFMA is a government recognised association that will also assist with any future market submissions for government grants.

Last year the market was successful in a $24,000 grant application that was mostly spent on market site improvements that also benefited the local community.

A positive future outcome for Koonwarra would be the farmers’ market aiding further improvements to the Memorial Park and adjoining hall.

The next market is to be held next Saturday, April 7 at the Memorial Park, Koonwarra.

Garden delights: Tina Beltramin of Hawthorn and Andrea Sauvarin of Moonee Ponds found additions to their gardens at a past Koonwarra Farmers’ Market.

Wonderwall captures festival PROM Coast Arts Council presented a great project at Mossvale Music Festival – One Perfect Day - on March 17 titled Wonderwall.

Exhibition screens were erected in a large marquee and festival participants were invited to take photos on their iPhones and smart phones during the day, download them onto laptops and have them

printed to go up on the wall.

Copies could be purchased for $1.

The project was a great success with large numbers of people downloading images, buying prints and checking out what was on the wall.

It was a fantastic way to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Mossvale Music Festival; a perfect day indeed.

The council thanks Kerry Spokes, Jane Power, Abigail van Rooyen, Yianni Banikos, Nick Mitchell and Michael Lester for their efforts throughout the day.

A big thank you is also extended to the Lyrebird Arts Council, Regional Arts Victoria and South Gippsland Shire Council. Look out for a Facebook page in the not too distant future to show off the images.

Deserving winners: Jan and Doug Appleton received the inaugural Stan Elliott Memorial Trophy for band person of the year. They are with South Gippsland Shire Council mayor Cr Warren Raabe and band president Darryl Hunt.

Band ready to party FOR 120 years, the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band has entertained the people of the region.

It’s a fact president Darryl Hunt was happy to note.

“It is a great milestone in the band’s history and one which we feel proud of as we think of all that has gone before us,” he said at the band’s annual meeting last Wednesday night.

“Then as today, all the important community events and ceremonies are marked with the accompaniment of the band.”

T h e r e s e Chandrasegaran received the George Rayson Memorial Trophy for most improved player, in recognition of her ability to advance her musical skills alongside family commitments.

The inaugural Stan Elliott Memorial Trophy for band person of the year was shared by Doug and Jan Appleton, in honour of their tireless dedication to the band, and help with catering and at regular events.

Awardswerepresented

by South Gippsland Shire Council mayor Cr Warren Raabe.

Musical director Greg Wright noted the band had developed in the past 12 months, producing “phenomenal sounds” at recent events.

“All I have heard from every gig that we have done is good comments, and I’m hearing the band getting better and better all the time,” he said.

Mr Wright noted the rising number of learners in the band and predicted an exciting repertoire of music to mark the band’s 120th year.

The incoming committee is: president Darryl Hunt, vicepresident Nigel Hutchinson-Brooks,

secretary Penny Hunt, assistant secretary Andrew Hunt, treasurer Brad Lester, musical director Greg Wright, deputy musical director Bruce Jarrett, drum major Peter Mayo, property officer Bruce Jarrett, librarian Greg Wright and committee members Ralph Christensen, Neville Drummond, and Jan and Doug Appleton.

Mr Hunt thanked supporters of the band, including South Gippsland Shire Council and the Leongatha RSL. The band rehearses at the Leongatha Courthouse on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm. To find out more, contact Mr Hunt on 5662 3623.

Inverloch CWA MEMBERS enjoyed their March meeting, competently led by president Dorothy Riddiford.

There was profitable discussion about the Easter raffle; all members donated goods for this. The catering for the exhibition, starting on April 12, was organised. Members had brought a selection of ducks with special memories to share.

Thelma Dow, Brenda Asquith, Joyce Ingle and Shirley Madden all celebrate birthdays this month and Gwen Rees won the door prize.

Documenting one perfect day: Prom Coast Arts Council ran a Wonderwall at the recent Mossvale Music Festival, inviting participants to take a photo, and printed them to put up on the wall, capturing individual moments throughout the day.

Mayor’s message Cr Veronica Dowman

I WANT to thank the Bass Coast Specialist School for hosting the launch of council’s Disability Action Plan 2011-2015 last week. It was a great success.

The action plan confirms that people with disability do not enjoy the same opportunities as people with ability in general and in Bass Coast. The plan directs us in what we can do about this.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (2006) estimates there are 6200 people living with disability in Bass Coast. Disadvantage is experienced in education, income, housing and employment opportunities. For instance, 60

per cent of people with disability are not in the workforce.

The plan is based on statistics and consultation with people who have experiences with disability or will be impacted by the plan’s outcomes.

It looks at specific issues in Bass Coast and documents 24 actions that council will lead.

Consultation revealed that simple steps like retailers not cluttering store entrances can mean that a person with limited mobility can shop more easily.

Council does already run initiatives to improve lives for people with disability. This plan identifies other barriers that people with disability face and spe-

cific actions that council and the community can take to change things.

While this is a plan council is proud of and committed to, we need the support of our whole community to maximise the quality of life of those people in our community with disability.

Before I sign off I’d like to remind you to tune into my radio show. This week council’s CEO Allan Bawden will share highlights of the recent Sea Change Taskforce Conference. To check the frequency for 3mFM in your area, log onto www.3mfm.com. au.

Cr Veronica Dowman, mayor.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 43

Birds fight extinction A SEA bird is battling to stay alive on Venus Bay’s beaches.

Parks Victoria Rangers and trained volunteers have been regularly monitoring Hooded Plover pairs in Cape Liptrap Coastal Park during the current breeding season, August to April.

The Hooded Plover is a threatened bird and listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, 1988.

There are less than 600 birds in Victoria.

During spring and summer, up to 10 pairs take up territory and attempt to breed on Venus Bay beach.

Janet Carey, a volunteer Hooded Plover monitor and member of Friends of Venus Bay Peninsula, said the birds lay their eggs in a scrape in the sand above the high tide line.

“The eggs are well camouflaged, so easily stepped on. The chicks cannot fly for five weeks. They need to feed on the beach, but are easily frightened,” she said.

“They will try to hide and often crouch on or near seaweed. Again, this

is great camouflage but means they are easily trodden on. With enough time, they will run to the dunes to hide, but if they spend too long hiding, they can starve to death.”

Parks Victoria has installed permanent interpretive signs at all beach access points and breeding progress signs in access car-parks, which are updated during the season.

On the beach, temporary fencing has been installed around nest sites with multilingual signage and chick shelters.

The signage was developedunderaCoastcare Victoria Community Grant received by Friends of Venus Bay Peninsula and was a partnership project with BirdLife Australia and Parks Victoria.

A nest monitoring camera set up on a Pair 1S (first pair south of beach one access) nest recorded the egg being taken by a Magpie.

Human settlement attracts Magpies to scavenge.

Please don’t feed them.

Pair 1N, whose territory is between beaches

three and four, remained our last hope for a chick this season.

“Their first nesting attempt looked promising, but just as the eggs were due to hatch, a rogue wave took it at high tide. This was recorded on the nest monitoring camera,” Ms Carey said.

“Not deterred, the pair quickly laid two more eggs in a nest further north towards beach four.

“They successfully hatched a chick from this nest on February 26. Again, this was recorded on the nest monitoring camera.

The camera also took a good photo of the Raven who ate the other egg.

“This was our first Venus Bay Hoodie chick in two seasons.”

People were asked to avoid the area between beaches three and four, and to keep dogs leashed at all times, as required by Cape Liptrap Coastal Park dog regulations.

Volunteers set up on the beach with the Parks Victoria viewing scope, and chick banners displaying a

photo of a Hooded Plover chick and the message: “Chicks on the beach.

Look out!” at either end of the birds’ foraging area.

‘Chick sitters’ were Gwen Chapman, Ann and Charles Emerton, Mae Adams, with Woofers Silvia and Rebekka, and Janet Carey.

Rangers patrolled the beach and spoke to dog owners not complying with the regulations. In one instance an owner with two unleashed dogs was fined $183.

Ms Carey said: “Unfortunately our precious chick did not survive.

“The last definite sighting was on March 7, when it looked strong and healthy and was happily foraging with its parents.

“It is probable the chick was killed by an unleashed dog, died of shock, or starved to death because it was forced to hide for so long from dogs or people disturbing it.

“It is also possible that the chick, weakened by starvation and shock, could not be protected by its dis-

Artistic bunch: Gecko Studio Gallery at Fish Creek hosted the opening of an exhibition of work by the Freestone Press printmakers recently. Gallery proprietor Michael Lester was pleased with the public response to the exhibition of vibrant work. The artists are: Judy Dorber, Jenny Noone, Debra Milligan, Maxine Salvatore, Lorraine Watt, Glenda Johnson, Wendy Chappelow, Diana Balhorn, Pat Waters Louise Van Kuyk and Ali Fullard. Photo: Peter Richards.

Coal Creek wedding: Vaun Cashin and Jessica Bennett are bound for Western Australia.

Warning message: Hooded Plover warden Gwen Chapman displays a sign advising beach-goers of the precious bird. Photo: Janet Carey. tracted parents, and an opportunistic predator, such as a Raven, took it.”

Walkerville/Waratah Bay pairs have been monitored regularly for the first time.

Four chicks have fledged and another three are doing well.

To find out more more about Hooded Plovers and BirdLife Australia’s Beachnesting Birds Project go to www.birdlife.org.au.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer monitor, please contact janet49carey@bigpond. com; ranger Jonathon Stevenson, Hooded Plover co-ordinator for Cape Liptrap Coastal Park jonathon. stevenson@parks.vic.gov. au; or enrol in the Hooded Plover Volunteer Training Course to be conducted later this year by BirdLife Australia and Parks Victoria.

Date and time will be advertised in The Star.

Travellers wed VAUN Cashin and Jessica Bennett enjoyed six months travelling in the United States of America last year.

On March 17, the Korumburra couple wed at Coal Creek Community Park and Museum, Korumburra at 4.30pm.

Jessica is the youngest daughter of Ewen Slater and Barbara Bennett of Korumburra, and Vaun is the fourth son of Paul and Carli Cashin of Korumburra.

The bride wore a strapless dress, and bridesmaid Kathryn Slater and flowergirl

Meals roster (Leongatha) Reformed Church Ladies and St Vincent De Paul (all week), Leongatha Red Cross (Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri) and National Bank (Tues) will be responsible for the delivery of meals on wheels, the week beginning April 9, 2012.

Joley Slater wore lemon dresses and carried oriental lilies and mini gerberas.

Vaun was attended by best man Paul Bagley.

Jenny Milkins of Wonthaggi was celebrant and Sarah Court was photographer.

The couple joined with 60 close family and friends for a reception at The Pig and Whistle hotel at Coal Creek.

Vaun and Jessica will move to Western Australia next month.

PAGE 44 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Retirement village still mooted TARWIN Lower’s proposed retirement village will still go ahead despite hold ups in securing a site.

Colin West, a director of Tarwin Villas, said the co-operative was waiting to hear back from the Department of Sustainability and Environment on its proposal to purchase a 4.5 hectare site on School Road to build up to 35 twobedroom units.

If that site was not available, the South Gippsland Shire Council was prepared to offer a 1.2 hectare site next door, that would also be suitable.

The idea for Tarwin Villas grew out of a regular community meeting, when Mr West posed the question “where do we go from here?”

He was prompted by the number of older members of the community, selling their properties and moving in with their children.

“That lasts about seven to eight months and then it falls apart,” he said.

The proposal has had crucial backing from the Lower Tarwin Valley project, which recognises that strong and vibrant communities are essential to attract and retain people in Victoria’s dairy industry. The project – supported by the Gardiner Foundation’s Strengthening Small

Dairy Communities program, the South Gippsland Shire Council and GippsDairy - is helping residents plan the future of their towns and bring their vision to life.

In Tarwin Lower’s case, this has included assistance in applying for grants that led to $10,000 in funding from the Strengthening Small Dairy Communities program to get the project off the ground, alongside training in managing projects and skills crucial to fundraising activities, including food handling and first aid.

Initially, the group focused on a vacant council site, but discovered they faced significant costs removing trees.

When a larger, tree-free, DSEowned site next door was discovered, this appeared the perfect solution, providing room for more units, solar panels to power the villas, caravan and boat storage and even a community garden.

Despite support from Minister for Regional Victoria, Peter Ryan, and local members, however, the question of whether the land is available is still being determined, with the cooperative now on stand-by for final clarification.

Lower Tarwin Valley Project community facilitator Marzia Maurilli

South Gippsland Shire Council briefs A LONE pine will be planted at Mossvale Park at Berrys Creek. The tree will be a descendant of the Lone Pine on the Gallipoli battlefield at Turkey. The move was initiated by the costs of hiring a generator Mossvale Park Advisory to use during the event this Committee and will be Easter Saturday. followed through by council.

AN UNNAMED road off Balook Street, Mirboo CR MIMMIE Jackson had every reason North will be called to be proud at last week’s Bennett Lane. The naming council meeting, when recognises Dr George mayor Cr Warren Raabe Bennett, who practised in congratulated her on Mirboo North and later her recent engagement. Leongatha. The name The youngest councillor was suggested by the represents the Tarwin Mirboo North and District Valley ward.

Historical Society. Dr Bennett moved to Mirboo THE community North in 1930 after selling continues to benefit from his practice in Shepparton. councillors’ discretionary He later established the funds.

The Foster first bush nursing hospital Showgrounds Committee in Mirboo North. The of Management received premises still stands today $1400 towards buying a at 4 Ridgway. Dr Bennett ride-on mower. The Foster used the unnamed laneway and District Historical to enter the hospital.

Society now has $600 His son Alex later towards holding an exhibition about education worked as a doctor in Leongatha and a street is changes in the shire.

South Gippsland named after him. Council Scouts received $1000 in believed confusion would sponsorship for the recent be minimal given one is Free Family Fun Day and in Mirboo North and the the Foster War Memorial other in Leongatha.

Arts Centre received $114 to cover hall hire costs for BOUNDARY changes community carols. will be made to four Friends of the Toora localities around the Heritage Pear Ochard municipality. Part of Nerrena received $1000 to celebrate will become Koonwarra and the opening of the new part of Leongatha South be bridge and promote the known as Koonwarra.Parts orchard. of Moyarra, Jumbunna and Grow Lightly South Kongwak will be known as Gippsland was presented with $770 to buy a single Bena and part of Boolarra sided promotional banner. South will be called Mirboo.

Council is also awaiting Aus Woodcraft received $900 to advertise the State Government approval woodworking and timber to change part of Mount Eccles to Leongatha North. festival at Loch.

Cr Kieran Kennedy The alterations are part of will give $500 to the Tour council’s Locality Review, de Tarwin to help with the begun in August 2010.

said having a retirement village in Tarwin Lower would aid succession planning, especially for retiring dairy farmers.

“Ultimately, having a retirement village in the town would mean the region’s dairy farmers and their friends and families would not have to leave their communities,” she said.

Ms Maurilli said Tarwin Lower’s experiences planning for a retirement village have informed similar plans being considered for Meeniyan.

“They’ve been able to hear about and talk through Tarwin Lower’s experiences of the project,” she said.

Gardiner Foundation Community and People Development project manager Kate Randall said investing in the future of small dairy towns was essential to ensuring the future of dairying in Victoria. “Our dairy industry relies on small towns to provide employees and services.

Right now almost two-thirds of Victoria’s dairy workers live or work in communities with less than 5000 people and those communities are facing serious challenges,” she said.

To register your interest in Tarwin Villas, please call Mr West on 5663 5555 or to get involved with the Lower Tarwin Valley Project please call Ms Maurilli on 5662 9805.

Health in focus THE future of health services at Tarwin Lower will be discussed at a community forum on Monday, April 23.

The Committee of Management of the Tarwin Lower and District Community Health Centre will hold the forum at 10am.

The committee wants to identify community needs for health services so that it can plan for the future.

Community residents are encouraged to attend the forum at 19 Walkerville Road, Tarwin Lower.

President of the Tarwin Lower Community Health Centre Committee, Dot Kennedy, said that in planning for future services it is crucial for community residents to convey their needs and issues.

She stated there will be guest speakers representing health and community services who will discuss current and future plans, and there will be an opportunity for forum attendees to ask questions and state their needs.

Hanging on to vision: Tarwin Villas director Colin West at the South Gippsland Shire Council land that could be destined to become a retirement village.

Vision for future THE Lower Tarwin Valley Project is helping residents plan the future of their towns and bring their vision to life.

The project is supported by the Gardiner Foundation’s Strengthening Small Dairy Communities program, the South Gippsland Shire Council and GippsDairy.

The townships of Fish Creek, Buffalo, Dumbalk, Stony Creek, Meeniyan, Koonwarra, Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower are involved.

The Lower Tarwin Valley is a key dairying region of Victoria, with a number of small communities dependent on the health of the industry.

As such, the region was a natural choice for the Strengthening Small Dairy Communities program to run its pilot project.

Networks have been established across the cluster of communities to ensure the community is fully engaged, including the Lower Tarwin Valley District Advisory Network and community plan working groups.

The District Advisory Network includes dairy farmers, retirees,

business owners and service providers in the region.

A number of community training workshops have been delivered free to help develop skills and resources.

The project will run until the end of 2013.

More than 80 people have already participated in training, with the second round of grant writing and project management workshops currently under way. First aid and food handling courses have recently been run. Community groups with any other training needs can contact the community facilitator, Marzia Maurilli.

The Strengthening Small Dairy Communities program is offering three funding rounds for the Lower Tarwin Valley Project, with grants of just a few hundred through to $10,000 available to community groups. The second round is open until May 11. Last year $19,000 was awarded to three local community groups.

Applicants need to show their idea benefits the community and is not being developed or carried out within the target area by any other organisation.

Welshpool show blooming marvellous WELSHPOOL and District Horticultural Society hosted its autumn show recently, with a colourful and tasty selection of plants, fruits and vegetables on display.

It’s an event that gets bigger and bigger year by year, and more varied too.

Vegetables have continued to grow

(pardon the pun), while colourful flowers also remain a big winner.

Each year more than 400 entries are submitted from a range of locations across South Gippsland. Cellar door winner, Toora’s Hilary Height, said taking out the prize was her top accolade so far. Asked for her source of inspiration, she quipped: “Well, I like a glass of wine.”

What a bounty: Welshpool’s Bev Tyers won the best Harvest Basket prize as well as the Best Exhibit in Class F.

Check it out: Foster’s Kate Crowl with her Turk’s Cap Pumpkin. Kate won prizes in several categories.

Top drop: Toora’s Hillary Height was a delighted ‘cellar door’ winner.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 45

Have say on boating plan THE Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan provides strategic guidance for managing recreational boating and recreational boating facilities in Gippsland, from Anderson Inlet in South Gippsland to the Victoria/ New South Wales border.

The Gippsland Coastal Board has released a draft of a new 2012 Boating Coastal Action Plan for Gippsland, which reviews and replaces the plan developed in 2002.

Chair of the Gippsland Coastal Board, Helen Martin, said: “The plan addresses issues surrounding

Above: TAEAH Rose Evelyn Darling was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on March 21 to Michelle Patten and Wayne Darling of Cowes. Taeah is a new sister to Serina, 7, and Kaleb, 6.

Left: CHARLIE Jack Cropper was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on March 20 to Amanda McKenzie and Chris Cropper of Pioneer Bay.

recreational boating including everything from power boats and jet skis to canoes.

“The plan also provides direction for coastal managers about the provision of services – for example, toilet blocks, dry berthing and disabled access facilities – so that they can determine the appropriate services for a particular location.

“We have had input from management agencies and have held workshops across the region, which provided us with positive and useful feedback.

“The board welcomes comments on the wide range of topics raised in the report such as on-water fuelling, ‘ramp rage,’ potential impacts

of boat wake, non-powered boating facilities, and duplication in the management of infrastructure.”

When finalised, the plan will be approved by the Gippsland Coastal Board and the Victorian Coastal Council and then approved by the Minister for Environment and Climate Change.

To view the draft plan and to download the questionnaire, please go to the web site at www.gcb.vic. gov.au or contact the Gippsland Coastal Board on enquiries@ gcb.vic.gov.au; (03) 5152 0451 with any further questions or comments.

Milpara Community House news MILPARA Community House at 21 Shellcott’s Road, Korumburra will be closing for the school holidays after a very busy term and will only be open for Centrelink hours over the holiday period.

Centrelink is open Tuesdays from 10am to 2pm and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm. **** The Baptist Church Youth Group cooked up 37 delicious casseroles for our Emergency Food Bank which will assist many people. With the support of individuals and community groups Milpara is able to continue to be able to assist the many individuals and families who are in need.

Donations of tinned or long life food are most welcome. **** Volunteers are encouraged to actively participate in the management and activities at Milpara.

The co-ordinators will provide support, training and match skills with responsibilities. Volunteer opportunities exist in the areas of office administration, tutoring, Playgroup, cooking for the Emergency Food Bank and gardening. **** Do you or do you know of a person who needs help with adult literacy and numeracy? We currently have a vacancy for our very popular one on one tutorials with

Katherine Cousins on a Monday morning. Please contact Belinda or Sandra on 5655 2524 to discuss further. **** Are you over 50?

Would you like to discover how the internet can help you to stay in touch with your friends and family? Book into a course with a volunteer tutor at a time that suits you. This initiative is funded by the Australian Government. **** Keep posted for the new program coming out in early April. Along with our usual computer classes, first aid, Responsible Service of Alcohol, Food Safety, Construction Induction, etc, look

out for Sewing Skills of an evening, Crochet and Embroidery, Mosaic Workshop, Improving Cash Flow and Profitability all commencing in May. **** Milpara’s Work Readiness class celebrated their graduation today with facilitator Monique Collins. The eight participants have enjoyed coming along and learning how to apply for job positions, their roles and responsibilities at work, attending mock interviews as well as gaining an understanding of workplace expectations.

Milpara will be holding this popular class again later this year.

From train line to walking trail

By Sarah Vella CHARLI Moana Lynette Wharerau was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on March 20 to Sherrie and Haami Wharerau of Wonthaggi. Charli is a new sister to Haami and Jack, 4, and Shawn, 16.

ZAC James Stone was born on March 21 at South Gippsland Hospital in Foster. He is the first child for Marc and Nicole Stone of Leongatha.

From pages past

Historical snippets from The Star

30 years ago, April 6, 198 1982 82 A BLOW-OFF of gas from a car tank d a po at the Shell service station caused potentially dangerous situation in Leongatha last week. The nearby bowling green was evacuated and people left their workplaces and homes for safety, some distance from the gas leaking car.

10 years ago, March 3, 2002 BARRY Charlton’s head was in a whirl all Easter. He makes the best cheese in the world and the fame and celebrations have been somewhat overwhelming. As head cheese maker at Jindi Cheese, he is thrilled with the accolade, but attributed it to team work and quality South Gippsland milk.

Five years ago, March 3, 2007

A SIX per cent rate rise has angered South Gippsland Shire Council residents.

The rates hike, hike which will net council an extra $22.2 million per annum, will be used to help balance council’s books. Fees and charges will also rise by six per cent, adding an estimated $2.2 million to council coffers.

One year ago, April 5, 2011 FIVE hundred people have signed a petition calling for a heavy-vehicle bypass in Leongatha. That’s about half the number that Deputy Premier Peter Ryan has said are needed. The result bitterly disappointed Leongatha Progress Association president Terry Aeschlimann.

THE Welshpool and District Community Trail follows the original path of the Welshpool jetty line, which began operation in 1905 and linked the Welshpool station with Port Welshpool.

The line was just over three miles, or five kilometres long and unlike other lines, was operated by horses which hauled small wooden carts.

The rail line was closed in 1941, but it recently has been reopened as a walking or riding path.

The Welshpool Rural Transaction Committee (RTC) is a community body that was developed in the ’90s as part of a Federal Government initiative.

The Welshpool RTC is the last remaining organisation of its kind throughout the state of Victoria.

The RTC helps to

Trail blazers: Welshpool RTC enterprise manager, Adam Bartlett and his son Jack at the Welshpool end of the walking trail. maintain community parks and gardens, provides support for long-term unemployed people and takes part in the organisation of community events and festivals.

Adam Bartlett, with his four-year-old son, Jack, moved from Sydney to the Welshpool area recently, and has taken up the post of joint enterprise manager at the RTC.

“It is a well used track.

It is a very popular part of the community,” Mr Bartlett said.

The community and the committee wanted to preserve the history of the area and so together decided to restore the track.

The track, of which parts now run through privately owned farm land, depended on some charitable donations.

“Farmers and land holders very generously donated their land to the track,” he said.

The Welshpool RTC is in the process of applying for funding, which will help to regenerate the native vegetation alongside the path.

“It should give the track even more cultural and environmental significance,” Mr Bartlett said.

Council ‘sits in fraud’ claim KEN Irwin told Bass Coast shire councillors recently they and their counterparts all over Australia are acting in breach of a formal Commonwealth document that does not recognise local government.

“A very serious situation exists here. You have no standing as a tier of government,” Mr Irwin said.

“Where does this council get its

authority? I state this council sits in fraud.”

He referred to a federal referendum in 1988 asking Australians to vote on a proposed law to alter the constitution to recognise local government. The result was an overwhelming no.

Mr Irwin also asked if all councillors in Bass Coast and South Gippsland shires would swear an oath to protect electors against coal seam gas mining.

At this point, Cr Dowman inter-

rupted him saying, “Excuse me, Mr Bawden will respond.”

Shire CEO Allan Bawden then told Mr Irwin that the council owed its authority to the Constitution Act of the Victorian Parliament “and many other pieces of legislation”.

Mr Bawden added the fact that the federal referendum failed meant local government continued to act under state legislation.

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 47

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

• VLE LEONGATHA

Steers, bullocks fill yards A REASONABLE lift in supply was attributed mostly to grown steers and bullocks.

Vealers were in short supply and the yearling cattle were of very mixed quality. Overall, if you were looking to buy quality cattle the choices were much more limited. A reasonable percentage of the cattle are now showing the effect of the changing season.

All of the same buyers were present, and demand was stronger. This saw most cattle sell at rates unchanged to 6c/kg dearer.

Most of the 50 vealers were of plainer quality, but still made between 100c and 240c/kg. The word trade sale could be used very loosely when describing the cattle offered in this section of the sale. The 250

cattle offered did include some better quality yearlings which sold from 190c to 224c/kg. Away from these sales most sold between 155c and 185c/kg.

A small number of 1200 grown steers and bullocks were mouthed 0 to 2 teeth, and sold sold very well making 196c to 206c, while grown steers reached 208c/ kg. Extra heavy weight, muscle shape and dressing percentage were all a disadvantage to buyers.

However, it made little difference with prices ranging between 184c and 200c/ kg for most bullocks. Only very heavy crossbred and

Friesian bullocks sold between 158c and 178c/kg.

Over 600 cows were penned, but dairy cows outweighed beef cows.

Demand was strong for all classes, but lean 1 and 2 scores sold to the best advantage. Better quality beef breed cows sold from 148c to 173c, while larger frame 2 and 3 score dairy cows made from 142c to 159c/ kg. Most others made from 115c to 145c, which created a carcass weight price average of 313c/kg.

There were 45 bulls sold, and the heavier bulls sold between 155c and 178c/kg.

Wednesday, March 28 BULLOCKS 5 R. Kilpin, Boorool 5 D. Shandley, Pakenham 1 S. Shepherdson, Korumburra 7 P. & I.L. Tiziani, Doomburrim

579kg 584kg 580kg 597kg

210.6 208.0 208.0 206.6

$1219 $1214 $1206 $1235

1 L. Powney, Nerrena 12 R.J. & R.H. Findlay, Leongatha STEERS 1 M. & M. Stephens, Moe 2 J. & B. Brophy, Boolarra South 1 M. Hanily, Meeniyan 1 Loch Hope Nom. Koorooman 1 D. & S. Leaver, Wonthaggi 1 N.E. & S.J. Hopkins, Korumburra COWS 1 J. Geary, Leongatha 1 S. McDonalds, Darlimurla 1 J. Zadnik, Mirboo North 1 R.J. Harris, Korumburra 1 D. Anderson, Binginwarri 1 A.J. & L.M. Dunkley, Yarram HEIFERS 1 Gunyah Downs, Kardella South 1 J. Zadnik, Mirboo North 1 J. & B. Brophy, Boolarra South 1 S. McDonalds, Darlimurla 1 R.J. Harris, Korumburra 1 G.I. & C.A. Campbell, Mardan BULLS 1 A. Dixon, Loch 1 J. Zadnik, Mirboo North 1 Davard Nom P/L, Meeniyan 1 J.D. & K.A. Campbell, Korumburra 1 R.J. Harris, Korumburra 1 S. McDonalds, Darlimurla

580kg 205.6 $1192 592kg 205.6 $1218 340kg 320kg 425kg 410kg 345kg 400kg

237.6 232.0 230.6 230.0 226.6 222.2

$807 $742 $980 $943 $781 $888

490kg 725kg 635kg 470kg 695kg 705kg

172.6 170.6 169.6 164.2 164.0 164.0

$845 $1236 $1076 $771 $1139 $1156

380kg 310kg 385kg 365kg 390kg 305kg

240.0 238.6 234.2 232.6 232.2 224.6

$912 $739 $901 $848 $905 $685

825kg 785kg 765kg 685kg 685kg 805kg

178.0 178.0 176.6 175.6 175.6 172.0

$1468 $1397 $1350 $1469 $1202 $1384

Vote with thought Email your stories editorial@thestar.com.au

THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is encouraging its members to make an informed vote in the VFF election for president and vice president.

Ballot papers are due to arrive in mail boxes this week, and for the first time every fee-paying farmer member can have a say on who runs the VFF and represents farmers in Spring Street.

To help members get to know the candidates, the VFF is running a series of forums throughout regional Victoria where members can meet the aspiring leaders and ask questions.

Members also have the opportunity to watch videos of the leadership contenders on the VFF website at www.vff.org.au.

VFF chief executive officer Graeme Ford said he hoped the election would spark strong interest among members about the future direction of the federation.

“The VFF’s direction is set by its

members and we encourage their input.

We really hope that people will take the time to learn about the candidates and vote for the person who they feel would do the best job for Victorian agriculture,” Mr Ford said.

Members can vote by postal ballot up until Friday, April 13 or vote in person at the VFF Annual Conference in Bendigo on April 19–2l.

Candidates for the VFF president are: Meg Parkinson, an egg producer from Fish Creek; Chris Nixon, a beef and dairy farmer from Orbost; and Peter Tuohey, a grain grower from Pyramid Hill.

Candidates for VFF vice president are: Craig Ash, a dairy farmer from Echuca, and David Jochinke, a grain grower from Dimboola.

No Gippsland forums are planned.

Chasing top: Victorian Farmers Federation presidential candidate, Meg Parkinson.

La Niña ends LA Niña, the main cause behind Australia’s wet summer, has now ended.

Tom Saunders, senior meteorologist at The Weather Channel, said: “A few key indicators are used to make a call on the end of a La Niña event. Firstly, since the beginning of February sea surface temperatures (SSTs) over the central equatorial Pacific have rapidly warmed, moving us from La Niña into neutral conditions.”

When temperatures are at least 0.5˚C below average La Niña conditions are present.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 49

Now is time to fertilise EXCEPTIONAL rainfall has fallen across Gippsland over the last couple of weeks.

While this has caused extensive flooding in some areas, it has also provided conditions for one of the best pasture seed strikes seen for many years.

Soil profiles are full, soil temperatures are warm and the expectant pasture growth over the next few months could be something special.

Follow up rainfall will obviously be needed to keep pastures going; however the opportunity is here to carry excellent feed wedges into the winter.

So what are the critical success factors?

The main drivers will be phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S). Without adequate soil reserves of P and S pasture production will be hindered. For those farmers who have already applied their autumn fertiliser, they can take comfort in the knowledge that the newly emerging seedlings are happily foraging on those nutrients and establishing strong root systems.

Phosphorus is relatively immobile in the soil, however light dews are all that are required to move it into the soil for plant access.

So even with the heavy rainfall experienced recently, phosphorus should remain in the soil unless paddocks had little organic matter cover and actually washed away.

Sulphur is very mobile in the soil and leaching could have occurred on very light soils. This may be offset to a degree by warm soil temperatures allowing for high mineralisation rates.

For those farmers who have not yet applied their autumn fertilisers, don’t fall into the trap of assuming it is too late to

apply P and S. Clover is the key pasture species in producing quality dry matter.

Without adequate nutrition, primarily P and S (also consider Potassium and Molybdenum), plants will struggle to produce quality dry matter based on nutritional deficiencies and poor root exploration and subsequent moisture and nutrient harvesting.

Know your paddock fertility.

To ensure you have all the information, head into the paddock now and take soil tests (if you haven’t sampled recently).

By the time the paddocks are trafficable your soil test results will be back, and if you need fertiliser it can be applied without a check in production. Pastures with adequate P fertility will be more robust in withstanding dry conditions if follow up rains are late.

Many farms missed SuPerfect® applications last year because paddocks were too wet or there was an assumption that there was adequate quality and quantity of feed.

So make the most of the promising start and get base fertiliser applied. Keep an eye on insects and weeds over the next four to six weeks, as these issues will also drag production down.

To use a football analogy you could have ‘Buddy’ Franklin raring to go at the start of the season, but if he is not looked after and doesn’t get the right nutrition, he might as well be playing for the opposition.

Information from Lee Menhenett, technical agronomist with Incitec Pivot Fertilisers.

PAGE 50 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

public notices

public notices

WONTHAGGI GARDEN CLUB

Flower & Vegetable Show 2012 at

WONTHAGGI WORKMENS CLUB Graham Street, Wonthaggi

Easter Saturday 7th April ~ 12.30pm - 5.30pm Easter Sunday 8th April ~ 9.30am - 4pm Presentation of Trophies Saturday 2pm Entries open to the general public Enquiries phone Colin 5672 2720 Sponsored by

public notices

public notices

CHIROPRACTOR NORMAN G. VRADENBURG “NON-FORCE PRACTITIONER” 28 Reilly Street, INVERLOCH HOURS - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday by appointment Phone and fax 5674 3666 South Gippsland Chiropractic Services & Adjunctive Therapies P/L

CHIROPRACTOR Garry Harrison 19 Moonah Street Cape Paterson Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday

EASTER DANCE in the Dumbalk Hall Saturday April 7, 8pm to 12. Ian Sheilds’ music and a plate of supper please. Enquiries Marg 5664-1236.

TARWIN LOWER Market Monday 9th April 2012 7.30am - 2pm. Bookings essential. Ph: 5663-7345.

TEMPORARY road closures 2012 Tour De Tarwin Community Event: (1) Tarwin Lower Boat Ramp and Car Park will be closed Saturday April 7 until 4pm.

(2) Jupiter Blvd, Venus Bay will be closed from Centre Road to the Venus Bay Caravan Park Saturday April 7 until 1pm.

KORUMBURRA GUN CLUB Inc

AGM

By appointment Ph: 5674 8290

10am Sunday, April 29 At theKorumburra Gun Club 6 Hardwicks Road Korumburra Enquiries I. McJames 5674 5536

GIPPSLAND COASTAL BOARD CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS ON DRAFT GIPPSLAND BOATING COASTAL ACTION PLAN In accordance with the requirements of the Coastal Management Act 1995, the Gippsland Coastal Board has now prepared the Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan 2012 and is making the draft plan available for comment.

The draft Plan and a questionnaire are available on the Gippsland Coastal Board’s website: www.gcb.vic.gov.au.

Comments can be forwarded to enquiries@gcb.vic.gov.au or PO Box 483, Bairnsdale 3875 by 9 May 2012.

Extensions may be granted upon formal request.

SOUTH GIPPSLAND WATER DEVELOPS NEW DRAFT TRADE WASTE CUSTOMER CHARTER South Gippsland Water has developed a draft Trade Waste Customer Charter as a requirement under the new Essential Services Commission (ESC) Trade Waste Customer Service Code.

South Gippsland Water’s Trade Waste Customer Charter provides customers with an over-view of trade waste services provided by South Gippsland Water and outlines the respective rights of the Corporation and its trade waste customers.

The purpose of this charter is to; • Provide customers with a consistent, transparent and timely decision making for trade waste applications And • Ensure South Gippsland Water’s trade waste services comply with the ESC’s requirements.

A copy of the Trade Waste Customer Charter and ESC Trade Waste Customer Service Code is available by calling 1300 851 636 or visiting South Gippsland Water’s website www.sgwater.com.au.

South Gippsland Water is seeking customer feedback in relation to its Draft Trade Waste Customer Charter Provide feedback on whether the Charter meets the requirements of the ESC Trade Waste Customer Service Code in one of four easy ways; 1) Follow the pop-up survey when you log onto our website and visit our wastewater page; http://www.sgwater.com.au/About_Wastewater/AboutWastewater.htm here you can also view a copy of the draft Trade Waste Customer Charter.

2) Log on to our web survey by typing the following address into your web-browser; https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/sgwtradewaste 3) Call our Trade Waste Team on 1300 851 636 or email sgwater@sgwater.com.au 4) Provide your comment in writing and send it to; South Gippsland Water PO Box 102 Foster 3960

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 51

public notices

situations vacant

A MEETING will be held to incorporate the LEONGATHA MEN’S SHED

Enquiries Rolf Taylor 5662 2784

BOAT LICENCE COURSE Jetski endorsement included

SAN REMO Monday, April 16 6pm - 10.15pm Bookings essential Phone Bob 0417 524 005 Approved MSV course Australian Boating College.

Provider No. 3399

public notices

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

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ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER TEAM LEADER WANTED

May 2 at 2pm At the LYRIC STUDIO 13 Watsons Road Leongatha Industrial Estate

situations vacant

An exciting opportunity exists for a highly organised and motivated person with a great attitude, to lead a fantastic team at Victoria’s leading adventure camp.

You will be co-ordinating and delivering high quality adventure programs, service and care as well as being a positive role model for children and making a difference to all visitors attending Camp Rumbug.

FULL AND ON-GOING TRAINING PROVIDED Casual position with the expectation of ongoing work Approximately 38 hours per week Work Times are 7.30am - 4pm Monday to Friday with occasional weekends School holidays by negotiation Relevant qualifications along with excellent communication skills and life experience would be an advantage.

A working with children check and manual driver’s licence will be required.

To apply: email or fax your application letter and CV for the attention of: Matt Wallis mattwallis@activ8.net.au (preferred) or FAX (03) 5664 6542

public notices

public notices

You Are Invited to the

Tarwin Lower / Venus Bay

Community Plan Workshop & Free BBQ Lunch Date: Sunday April 15, 2012 Time: 10.30am to 3.30pm Venue: Tarwin Lower Community Hall Come along to help plan for the future you want Everyone welcome Facilitated by the Lower Tarwin Valley Districts Project

• Create a Vision for your community • Vote for your priority project • Establish project teams • Find out what’s happening in your community

For more information: Marzia Maurilli ph: 5662 9805 or email marziam@southgippsland.vic.gov.au

Schedule 7: Notice of Application for an Exploration Licence or Retention Licence Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 Section 15(5) Minerals Resources Development Regulations 2002 Regulation 16(1)

1. Name and address of applicant(s): Leichhardt Resources Pty Ltd. C/- HWLE Level 2, 500 Queen St. Brisbane QLD. 4000.

Telephone: 07 3002 6749.

2. Contact phone number of applicant for map requests: (07) 3002 6749.

3. Details of the application: Application Number: EL5416.

Locality: Foster (8120) & Wonthaggi (8020).

Approximate area of application: 566km2/Ha. - In case of a notice for application of an exploration licence, the approximate area of land to which the application relates is Km2 - In case of a notice for application of a retention licence, the approximate area of land to which the application relates in ha.

Date of the application: 22nd February 2012 Nature of the proposed work program to which the application relates: Desktop study, target generation, possible 2D seismic and possible coal seam gas scientific exploration wells.

4. Objections: Any person may object to a licence being granted. (section 24, Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development Act 1990).

A person who objects must • (a) put the objection in writing; and • (b) include the grounds on which it is made; and • (c) send it to the Manager, Earth Resources Tenements, Department of Primary Industries, GPO Box 4440, MELBOURNE VIC 3001 within 21 days from the latest date on which the application was advertised.

The Department Head must make sure that a copy of each objection is available to be inspected at the principal office (*) of the Department by any person, on request and free of charge, during office hours until the application is granted or refused. (*) Earth Resources Business Centre 16th Floor, 1 Spring Street MELBOURNE VIC 3000 Enquiries can be made by writing to the Manager, Earth Resources Tenements on the above address or by phoning the Earth Resources Business Centre on (03) 9658 4456.

(Temporary)

The Director of Catholic Education in the Diocese of Sale is seeking to appoint a temporary full- time Administrative Officer for an immediate start until 30 June, 2012.

Information, application procedure and position description can be downloaded from www.ceosale.catholic.edu.au. Enquiries may be directed to Bernadette Myors on 5622 6603.

Applications close 13 April 2012

SITUATIONS VACANT

MOTORCYCLE MECHANIC REQUIRED Now that we have added the exciting range of Yamaha Motorcycles to our successful Nissan and Hyundai Dealership we now require a motorcycle mechanic who will fit in with our future plans. The applicant will need to be quality focused and looking for a challenge as we expand our Service Department. We will consider a 3rd year apprentice.

All applicants will be treated in strict confidence.

Please forward your resumé to: Ian Marshman, PO Box 72, Leongatha 3953 and be involved as we take Yamaha to new heights in South Gippsland Applications close Friday 13th April

Building a Healthy Community

Adult Drug & Alcohol Diversion Worker 0.6 EFT (3 days per week) (Minimum requirements: Diploma in Alcohol & Other Drugs & Mental Health, Welfare or related fields) Previous Applicants Need Not Apply BCCHS seeks expressions of interest for the part time employment of an enthusiastic person to work with adults in the Bass Coast Shire. You will work with a team of Drug and Alcohol workers, supported by a Team Coordinator, and provide a range of innovative interventions to service users via comprehensive assessment, counselling and case summaries for clients whose substance use contributes to their involvement in the forensic justice system (Court).

The successful applicant will also need to demonstrate the ability to deliver health and education sessions/ groups to service users.

Drug & Alcohol Counsellor 1 EFT (6 Month Limited Term Contract with the possibility of a further 6 month extension) BCCHS is also looking for a suitable candidate to provide individual counselling consultancy and continual care and facilitate groups for people experiencing drug and alcohol and Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis) issues.

You will work with a team of Drug and Alcohol workers supported by a Team Coordinator to provide a range of innovative interventions to service users via comprehensive assessment, counselling and case summaries of clients who wish to make changes to their substance use.

Remuneration for these positions as per relevant professional qualifications.

Inquiries to Karley Oakley, Coordinator Drug and Alcohol Services. To obtain a position description and an employment application form, please telephone reception on 5671 3500 or refer to our website: www.bcchs.com.au.

Applications must address the key selection criteria, and include the Application for Employment form.

Applications close 5pm Tuesday April 17, 2012 and should be addressed to: HR Administrator Bass Coast Community Health Service 1 Back Beach Road, San Remo 3925 Or by email to: hr@bcchs.com.au

The Salvation Army South East Services Network Gippscare ‘Supporting people to achieve self-reliance’ The Salvation Army South East Services Network, GippsCare Service seeks the following position:

Psychiatric Disability Rehabilitation Support Worker Full Time (38 hrs per week) Based at our Leongatha Office

GippsCare assists individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness within the Bass Coast and South Gippsland shires.

An exciting opportunity exists for an enthusiastic and highly motivated professional to join our team. This full time position provides support to people with a mental illness and complex needs providing support to obtain long term affordable housing.

Applicants must be experienced in case management report writing, case planning and have sound written and communication skills. The successful applicant will have an ability to develop ways of engaging people at risk and an understanding of complex systems.

A qualification in Social Welfare or Mental Health would be highly desirable.

Applicants should address the Job Competencies in the position description.

The following criteria are applicable: • Applicants must be willing to work within the Mission and Values of The Salvation Army.

• A current driver’s licence is essential.

• A satisfactory Police Check is essential.

• A Working With Children Check is essential.

• Proof of eligibility to work in Australia is essential.

• All applicants are required to cite the name of three (3) referees.

• Applications are to be received no later than close of business Tuesday 10th April 2012.

A position description can be obtained by contacting Reception 5662 4502 or email debbie.gillin@aus.salvationarmy.org South East Services Network is a Child Safe Organisation.

PAGE 52 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

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Programmed Facility Management is the leading provider of building maintenance and facility management.

We currently require an

situations vacant

PRACTICE NURSE POSITION PART TIME

EXPERIENCED CARPENTER to join our dynamic team servicing the Department of Human Services contract across the Gippsland area based in Morwell. You will possess a trade qualification and a current driver’s licence. Competitive wages and fantastic employee benefits are on offer.

Don’t miss out! Apply now at jobs.programmed.com.au (job no: 806936) or call Jonathon on 03 9697 0024 during business hours for more info.

UnitingCare Gippsland is a quality accredited community service agency. Staff and volunteers provide a range of community services in Gippsland for children, young people, families and individuals. The Agency has a vision of a healthy Gippsland, where disadvantage and inequity are challenged.

UnitingCare Gippsland has the following vacancy at:

FAMILY SERVICES COORDINATOR • Work closely with families and carers • Full time, based in Warragul • Salary packaging benefits available Working in closely with the wider Gippsland team, the Coordinator will lead a small team to deliver educational courses for families and friends on managing the impact of mental illness, deliver respite options, and provide ongoing one-on-one support to families and carers who support a person living with mental illness.

Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria works with people with mental illness, their families and friends to improve their well being.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Beth Fogerty on 0414 530 298. Application details and PD are available from www.mifellowship.org

PART-TIME REAL ESTATE RECEPTIONIST Hours are 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday

Family Support Worker - 2 positions (readvertised) Full time Based in Leongatha

South Coast Child FIRST and Integrated Family Services Post-secondary qualifications in Social Work, Welfare or related field. Diploma level qualifications will be considered if applicant willing to further their study.

For further information on the above position please phone Marie Jones-French on 5662 5150.

Application forms and position descriptions are available at www.ucgipps.org.au or call Kirstie on 5152 9600 to have copies emailed/sent to you.

Applications addressing the key criteria close 5pm 13th April 2012 and are to be addressed to: Kirstie Pearce HR Co-ordinator UnitingCare Gippsland PO Box 454 BAIRNSDALE VIC 3875 or email humanresources@ucgipps.org.au

We are a new Real Estate Agency looking for an enthusiastic, highly organised and focused Receptionist / Office All-rounder to assist our sales team.

Your key role and responsibilities will be to manage the day to day activities of the front office and to assist the sales team in an administrative role.

To be considered for this position you will have experience in a similar role, a professional attitude, time management skills, a high level of customer service, good written and verbal skills. You will need to possess solid computer skills including marketing properties in print and online.

All applications for the position can be made preferably in person at Insight Real Estate 5 McCartin Street, Leongatha Strict confidentiality assured.

Please include a hand written cover letter.

The Foster Medical Centre has a vacancy for an experienced Div 1 Nurse to work 3 days per fortnight as part of the nursing team.

Key Selection Criteria • Current registration • Minimum three years experience • Demonstrated patient-focused approach in service provision • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • Ability to work in a team as well as independently without direct supervision • Ability to prioritise and organise • An understanding of community nursing practice and allied health teams • Willingness to learn on the job • Computer literacy • Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development Please contact the Practice Manager for a position description by phoning 5682 2088 or email Maureen.Buckley@fostermedical.com.au

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN MATERNITY LEAVE Applications are invited for an experienced

We are currently offering the following career opportunity:

Case Manager - 17005 Fixed term until June 2012, Full time - across Latrobe Valley An opportunity exists for a suitably qualified, experienced, client and family focused health professional to join this dynamic team as a Case Manager. If you enjoy working with individual clients within the context of their own community and contributing to a supportive team, we would like to hear from you.

Miners’ Friendly Society

Community College Gippsland Youth Worker Applications are invited for the position of Youth Worker to work in the Youth Connections program across South Gippsland and Bass Coast.

Youth Connections assists young people who are most at risk of not making a successful transition through school and from school, by keeping them engaged or re-engaging them with education or training. Young people are case managed to assist them to work through barriers affecting their engagement with school or transition onto alternative education.

Position description available on 5662 6700, www.ccg.asn.au Email applications to info@ccg.asn.au or post to Private Bag 5 Leongatha 3953.

This position closes on Tuesday the 17th of April.

As Case Managers, we see our relationship with clients as a mutual endeavour between active participants in the giving and receiving of support. We believe clients have the right, capacity and strength to determine and achieve their goals and objectives.

We believe in the intrinsic worth and dignity of our consumers, and are committed to the values of acceptance, self-determination and respect of individuality.

Applications close 4:30pm Friday 6 April 2012

ZO220325

If you require any further information please contact Jane Baxter or Bernadette Kennedy on 5143 9888 for more information.

• For further information and copies of each position description visit our careers page www.lchs.com.au/careers.

• Applicants must address the Selection Criteria and lodge their application online.

• No late or hard copy applications will be accepted.

B-DOUBLE INTERSTATE / LOCAL DRIVER required Must have at least 5 yrs experience.

References essential.

VicRoads Licence printout required Phone for appointment between 9-4 Mon-Fri Ross or Luke on 0400 515 930 O’Neill’s Haulage Korumburra

WANTED

for casual, flexible weekend work and some weekday work 180 cows 10 mins from Leongatha Phone 5668 9292

The role of a Case Manager is to provide case management to clients with a disability and to the frail aged. Case Managers assist older people, people with a disability and their carers to maximise their quality of life and their involvement in community life.

If you would like to work within a supportive team and work for a highly sought after employer then this may be the perfect position for you.

FISH CREEK Contact Corry on 0422 189 592

The position involves a range of duties including dispensing assistant duties, clerical duties, pre-packing stock, dose administration aid packing and assisting with dispensary stock control.

Roster includes one Saturday morning and one RDO each two week period.

The successful applicant will have proven customer service and communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.

Applications to: The Manager Wonthaggi MFS Dispensary 169 Graham Street, Wonthaggi 3995 wonthaggi@mfsdispensary@aushealth.biz by 12th April 2012

REAL ESTATE SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Latrobe Community Health Service is one of the largest community health providers in Victoria. We provide professional and career development, salary packaging, an employee assistance program, work life balance and much more.

1st & 2nd Year Apprentice Chef for

RELIEF MILKER

Wonthaggi MFS Dispensary

A full time position currently exists in our busy Leongatha office for a Real Estate Sales Representative.

We are looking for a versatile, well presented and selfmotivated person to join our sales team, concentrating on residential sales.

The successful applicant will need to demonstrate a strong focus on customer service with excellent communication and organisational skills. A sub-agent’s licence, driver’s licence and reliable vehicle are essential for this position.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established Company which places great emphasis on creating a wonderful team environment for all employees.

Remuneration package negotiable dependent on experience.

Written applications for this position including a current CV should be addressed to: The Administration Manager Stevens Egan Johnston Pty Ltd Private Bag 12 LEONGATHA VIC 3953 Applications close 5pm Friday, 20th April 2012

POSITION VACANT

Pharmacy Technician Full Time – Maternity Leave

POSITION VACANT

UnitingCare Gippsland interviews in the interests of safety and well-being of children and young people.

situations vacant

TARWIN VETERINARY GROUP New Theory Pty Ltd A.C.N. 007 126 196 VETERINARY SURGEONS

RECEPTIONIST

(Casual with a view to Permanent Part Time) A casual position, with a view to a permanent part time is available for an experienced Receptionist to work 1-4 days per week and one in every two Saturday mornings at our Small Animal Clinic in Leongatha.

If you are a people person, strong communicator, organised and appreciate the importance of a receptionist role as the front person for a business, then please consider applying.

Written applications and resumé should be addressed to the Practice Administrator, Tarwin Veterinary Group, 32 Anderson St. Leongatha, 3953 or email admin@ tarwinvetgroup.com.au.

For any further enquiries please phone 5662 2251 and ask to speak with Michelle Anderson.

Applications close Monday, 23rd April 2012.

QUALIFIED MOTOR MECHANIC

Curtain & Blind Fitter Dollar Curtains & Blinds, Wonthaggi are seeking a motivated person to join their team.

The successful applicant should be well presented, have good communication skills and the ability to work both unsupervised and within a team.

Prior knowledge of all aspects of window covering measuring and installation would be highly regarded.

The position is full time Monday to Friday. Ability to use tools and accurately measure is essential, as is a manual driver’s licence.

To apply or for a full job description please email dcfwonthaggi@dollarcurtains.com.au

Edney's of Leongatha is seeking a qualified motor mechanic to join its expanding Nissan/Hyundai dealership.The successful applicant will be given the latest dealership training throughout their employment while working in a friendly, modern environment.

You will also have the opportunity to expand your skills with RACV road service.

Interviews will be treated with strict confidence.

Forward hand written applications to: Edney's Leongatha Attention: Nick McRae PO Box 72, Leongatha 3953 Applications close Friday 13th April

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 53

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situations vacant

Truck Driver Must have experience, preferred MC licence.

Mirboo North to Melbourne run.

Casual - but may lead to full time.

CUMMAUDO FARMS Mirboo North 5668 4256

RELIEF MILKER/ FARM HAND required MIDDLE TARWIN Phone 0407 509 644

situations vacant

DRAFTSPERSON REQUIRED AUTO CAD CAPABILITIES AN ADVANTAGE MECHANICAL & STRUCTURAL DESIGN Apply for an interview to:

HULLS ENGINEERING AUST PTY LTD Leongatha Ring 5662 2639 Applications close April 13, 2012

Coordinator Part Time (0.6 FTE) Gippsland region An outstanding opportunity exists for a bright person with proven leadership skills and experience to coordinate QEC’s range of home-based early parenting programs in Gippsland and our enthusiastic and skilled staff teams working from bases in Morwell.

The successful applicant will maintain and support current partnerships and seek new ones with a view to strengthening QEC’s role in the region.

Previous management experience including budgeting, staff management, developing networks and influencing stakeholders is essential as are outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Relevant tertiary qualifications and experience are essential. Strong negotiation skills, initiative and an entrepreneurial approach are keys to success.

Located in Gippsland, the position reports to the Manager, Outreach Services based at QEC Noble Park.

Call 03 9549 2777 or email theqec@qec.org.au for a position description. For further information call Jan Bedlington on (03) 9549 2703.

Applications to Letitia Billings, Human Resources Manager, QEC, 53 Thomas Street, Noble Park 3174, reference number position 202a, by close of business Friday 20 April 2012.

situations vacant

Advertising Consultant IMMEDIATE START 4 - 5 days per week The Star requires an enthusiastic individual to work in our advertising sales department.

A background in sales and customer service would be an advantage.

Apply in writing to: Manager, Tony Giles on email tony@thestar.com.au Applications close Tuesday, April 10 Enquiries on 5662 2294

for sale

livestock

CARAVAN 2006 Windsor Genesis 20’10”, Queen island bed, full ensuite, full annex, new 19” TV, air con.

Shedded, ex condition.

Price $41,500 ONO. Ph: 5662-2482, mob. 0408642266.

ISA BROWN pullets, point of lay, free range, vaccinated, beautiful and quiet, $20 or price neg. for number. Ph: 0417-143218.

DRESSING TABLE Maple, older style with oval mirror, renovated $80. 5674-2297.

FREE CAR REMOVAL

FIREWOOD, redgum & local wood, Ph 0408-980711, A/H 5662-5175.

FIREWOOD Local wood split. Pick up or delivered.

Ph: 0437-176187.

FISH TANK with the lot $90, bed settee $30, outdoor table set, 6 chairs $80. 0413-452686.

HAY CLEARANCE 1,000 small square bales. Must go $5 each. Can deliver 50 or more, conditions apply.

5664-1320, 0428-999691.

SLEEPERS, treated pine, 200x50x2.4 $12.10 each, 200x75x2.4 $16.75 each.

Free delivery for pack lots.

Phone Joe 0417-530662.

TIMBER Kiln dried blackwood, silver wattle, cypress, celery top pine, most sizes for furniture and craft, also slabs and structural pine.

Ph: 5681-2261.

VACUUM CLEANER Repairs

DUST BAGS

Sales

FREE

meetings A vacancy exists at our Leongatha office for the above full time position.

The duties will include Filing, Clerical Work, Computer Input, Back up Reception and General Administration duties.

After a period of initial in-house training the successful applicant has the option to undertake Certificate IV in Business Administration. Further advancement opportunities will become available with experience. The position is considered a long term career position.

The successful applicant will be a well presented person with good computer skills and the ability to cope with a busy work environment.

Applicants who have recently completed their VCE are encouraged to apply.

Please apply in own hand writing with resumé. Discrete enquiry can be made to Tim Kemp on 0438 623 183.

Applications close on Thursday April 5th, 2012 and should be addressed to: Accounting Clerk MORRISON JEFFERIS & ASSOCIATES Certified Practising Accountants 16 McCartin Street LEONGATHA VIC 3953

MORRISON JEFFERIS & ASSOCIATES Certified Practising Accountants

meetings

167 Graham Street, Wonthaggi (opp. Ritchies IGA)

LEONGATHA AMATEUR SWIMMING CLUB

PRESENTATION NIGHT & AGM Friday 20th April 2012 Leongatha Town Cricket Club Rooms Horn Street, Leongatha Commencing at 6pm Please contact Melissa on 0422 812 038 for further information

meetings NERRENA PUBLIC HALL

AGM Thursday April 19 7.30pm at Nerrena Hall All positions will be declared vacant Enquiries Kerryl Battersby 5664 9357

for rent KORUMBURRA 3BR house Avail May, $220pw

MEENIYAN 2BR brick unit Avail 15th Apr, $190pw 2BR brick house Avail now, $225pw Retail/office premises Avail now, $300pw

LEONGATHA

Experienced Accountant

for rent

We are seeking a qualified CPA or similar experienced accountant with a desire to work in our progressive public accounting practice. Applicants will preferably have 3 – 7 years experience, however all applications will be considered on merit.

Duties primarily involve Accounting, GST & Income Tax for our small business and primary producer client base.

The successful applicant will be an ambitious individual with a friendly but confident personality and excellent computer skills who will adapt to a team environment.

MYOB and Quickbooks experience is preferred.

Excellent advancement opportunities exist for a self motivated person who has the ambition to achieve.

Please apply with covering letter and resumé.

Confidential and discreet enquiry can be made to Tim Kemp on 0438 623 183.

Applications close on 5th April, 2012 and should be addressed to: Morrison Jefferis & Associates Qualified Accountant / CPA 16 McCartin Street LEONGATHA VIC 3953 or Email - tim@mjacpa.com.au

FOR RENT COTTAGE FARM SETTING WALKERVILLE • Refurbished • 4 Bedrooms • Plus office • Walking distance to beach Must have written references Contact Anthea (03) 9596 6999 5 ACRES land with 7m shed for a few animals.

Dollar Road, Dumbalk. $60 per week. Phone Jaganat 9699-5122.

SHORT TERM accommodation, Leongatha, $75 per week.

Phone a/h 5662-3799.

QUOTES

WONTHAGGI SEWING CENTRE

3BR brick house Avail end of Apr $280pw Shop &/or Factory Avail now, $250pw

MIRBOO NORTH 3BR house Avail now, $250pw 4BR brand new house Avail 7th May, $300pw

Prom Country PHONE: Janine - 5662 3100 www.promcountryre.com.au

for sale BANTAM PULLETS Partridge Wyandottes Welsummer. 5662-4970.

BORDER COLLIE pups, 1 male, 4 female.Vet checked, vacc, microchipped, $350 each.

Nerrena 0427647213.

5672 3127 CARAVAN Pedigree Elite 2001 In immaculate condition Tandem axle, elec brakes 19’10” x 7’6” White prestigious interior with black benchtops. Full stove, microwave, 3 way fridge/ freezer, sink hot water.

Café dining and extra lounge seating. Queen island bed, air con split system, Pioneer sound system, roll-out awning and elec BBQ. Tinted windows. $32,900 ONO 0412 483 570

free

used vehicles

Will pay up to $300 for complete car Buyers of scrap metal All machinery Bins provided

Bass Coast Metal Recyclers 5672 2946 0417 556 593

wanted DUST IT AWAY CLEANING SERVICE Family business DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL CLEANING Pensioner rates COVERING SOUTH GIPPSLAND AREA Phone 0400 614 056 or 0409 547 461

wanted to buy OLD ride-on lawn mowers.

Ph: 0488-294894.

OLD MOTORBIKES road, trail, motocross, farm, scooters, 4WDs, minis, wrecks or just parts. Cash paid. 5664-8344.

OLD FARM four wheelers, ag bikes, machinery, to do up. Call and let me know what you have. Will pay cash. Phone Matt 0401194601.

work wanted

HOME MAINTENANCE Who to call?

Painting, Tiling, Plastering, Carpentry, Decks and more HONEST & RELIABLE No obligation consultation and quote

Ph John 0438 082 279

FREE Pick-up and delivery in Leongatha/Meeniyan areas for MOTOR MOWERS,

CHAINSAWS AND STATIONARY ENGINES ETC. Repairs and services

Phone JOHN GOULD 5664 0012

FIREWOOD FOR FREE WALKERVILLE Must gather, cut, clean area, remove and leave part stock pile for owner CONTACT JEREMY 0408 873 501

livestock PULLETS Wednesday, April 11 Commercial crossbreds.

Fully vaccinated.

Not debeaked.

14wk (Red, Brown) $14 Available from Elders Past., Leongatha

10.30am Phone 5662 3523 to order now (Brian Larkin Poultry)

garage sales INVERLOCH 24 Meanderri Drive, Easter Saturday 8am to 2pm. No early birds.

Everything from A to Z on sale.

GARAGE SALE The “STAR” can help you promote your event with our

$25 GARAGE SALE KIT KIT INCLUDES 5cm x S/C advert (valued at $31.90) • 2 x A4 Garage Sale Signs • Garage Sale Tips (dos and don’ts) • Sheet of Price Stickers • Star Carry Bag

garage sales

GARAGE SALE 1 WORTHY STREET LEONGATHA Saturday April 7 8.30am to 1pm No early birds Bric-a-brac, collectables, furniture and reptile enclosure, etc.

Garage Sale 1 Tamarama Close TARWIN LOWER

Monday April 9 (Easter Monday)

9am - 2pm Lots of bargains

MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE EASTER FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY and MONDAY NOT BEFORE 9am 45-55 Lindsay Street TARRAVILLE For enquiries ring Mauzie 0411 238 673 HUGE VARIETY: Horse float, household items, antiques, tools, fridge/ freezer, leather couch, quality clothing (including some designer items) plus much more!

EVERYTHING PRICED TO SELL - with many give-aways.... (we need the space)

Garage Sale 103 Johnsons Road Koonwarra Saturday April 7 8 - 3pm Household items many Workshop tools miscellaneous

Garage Sale SUNDAY APRIL 8 8am to 2pm 171 Darlimurla Rd MIRBOO NORTH 0433 776 369

Garage Sale 5 Clinton Court Leongatha SATURDAY APRIL 7 8.30am - 2.30pm

Total package valued at $39

Kids clothes, toys General items

ADVERTISE by calling 5662 5555 or emailing classifieds@thestar.com.au or call in to 36 McCartin Street LEONGATHA to pick up your kit when you place your advertisement

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

PAGE 54 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Debutantes presented in Korumburra Back row: Samuel muel Dixon, Dylan Turner, Reece Hansch, Ryan Johnson, Zack Mayo, Tyler Shanahan. n.

Second back: Rileigh McLean, Joshua O’Neill, Ash O’Neill, Edward Crawford, Liam McCall, Paul Pattison, Jarryd Atkinson, Ryan Stewart, Dylan Heylen, Travis Dudson, Michael VanWeel, Lockie Taylor, Jared Fowles.

Third back: Ryan Nestoriwsky, Lachlan Auddino, Elisabeth O’Brien, Shelley McCormack, Tara Dixon, Michelle Green, Ashlee Leith, Taylor Twite, Holly Hurst, Abbe Moriarty, Jayden Boyd, James Cecil.

births

message of hope

HULLS (Tuck) Congratulations to Merryn and Benni on the birth of your beautiful baby boy, Oliver Thomas. Another little grandson for Cheryl and Barry to love and cherish.

marriage celebrant

Jenny Milkins All areas - 5672 3123 jenny_milkins@hotmail.com

CAM ABOOD Leongatha 5662 4191

bereavement thanks BELLINGHAM - Robert (Bob).

We wish to thank everyone who attended Bob’s funeral, especially those who we were not able to thank personally on the day, and for all the cards and phone messages of condolence, they were much appreciated.

The support and care by the staff of Seahaven Inverloch, to Pam Herrald, Ray, and Paul Beck and staff, Ian Arrell piper, Peter Fraser of the RSL Mirboo North and ladies at the RSL hall, our personal thanks.

Betty, Stan, families.

Barb

and

POUW - Gerry.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the following: Doctors, nurses and staff of Leongatha and Latrobe Regional hospitals, ambulance paramedics who attended Gerry over the past five years, Bapcare and carers. Those who sent flowers, cards and attended his funeral, Paul Beck, Father Koolos, our dearest treasured family and friends who have been there for our family and Gerry over his long illness.

Dot, John, Graeme, Tom, Deb and families.

IF the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

John 8:36

in memoriam APPLEYARD - Lindsay Gordon.

29.3.94 Darling, you are greatly loved and very dear, We miss you more and more each year.

The sorrow we feel will not go away, It stays with all of us every day.

Love from Dianne and family, and friends.

BOWTELL - Barbara.

‘Mother Bowtell’ 2.4.2004 Always a lady, always an inspiration.

Our magnificent mother.

In our thoughts forever.

Love Pat, Keith, Mark, Brett, Wayne, Lisa, Ruby.

deaths CALDWELL - James Reid.

17.6.1910 - 29.3.2012 Dearly loved and loving husband of Alice (dec).

Much loved eldest son of John and Agnes Caldwell (both dec).

Much loved brother of Bill, David, Tom, Jean and Nancy (all dec). Special and loved uncle of his many nieces and nephews.

A good and caring neighbour to all at Almurta and Kernot.

A loyal friend to many throughout all of his 101 years.

Rest in peace.

LIVINGSTONE - Mona.

Much loved auntie and friend of Deidre and Graham and Tony and Joyce and Bronwyn, Lea-Anne and Allan and families.

Sadly missed.

deaths STEELE Geoffrey Clarence (Geoff).

Passed away suddenly at home (Leongatha) on Friday March 30, 2012 aged 60 years.

Darling husband and soul mate of Margarett for 39 wonderful years. Dearly loved Dad, best mate and friend of Michael and David, “Daddy Geoff” of Brooke.

Loved brother and mate of Barry.

“Go Swans” My darling, everything happened so quickly. I never had a chance to say goodbye. You fought so hard to stay. You’re in heaven now with all of the people we love.

I will miss you so much my soul mate.

Your loving wife - Margie.

Our dad, our best mate.

Words can’t express our sadness and shock at losing you too soon.

We love you and will miss you forever.

David, Michael and Brooke, Choco, Madigliana, Bronson and Peppa.

STEELE - Geoff.

Taken suddenly - we are still in shock. A quiet and kind man - our friend - who will be missed by us all.

Our thoughts are with Marg, David, Michael and Brooke and the extended family.

Viv, Shane, Glen, Simon.

Cheer; Cheer The Red & The White.

STEELE - Geoff.

Treasured memories that will never be forgotten.

Love to Marggie, Michael and Brooke and David.

Loving friend, blood brother, Clayton’s uncle, Godfather to Tully.

From Betty, Dasha (dec), Wendy and Dave, Jaylene and John, Davin, Tristian and Megan, Aydan, Kaytlan, Jaria and Nan. Gone to share a whisky and dry and make a few bets with Dasha.

Second front: Thomas Wyatt, Hannah Engel, Erin Hopkins, Jessie Leek, Brittany Anderson, Helena Brown, Madeline Cant, Rachel Harper, Bianca Lomagno, Kate O’Loughlin, Jamee White, Jema Ellams, Harley Elms.

Front: Bree Allen, Ashlee Cuff, Tori Mantel, Lion Jean Worthy, Rhonda Richards (organist), Lion Sheryl Blay, District Governor Lion Ken Blay, Eileen Harrison, Russell Harrison (trainers), Lily Hawkins, Maddison Peattie, Emma Turner. Flowergirl Amber Walker, page boys Tom Nicholas, Colby McPherson, flowergirl Jacqueline Turton.

deaths STEELE - Geoffrey.

11.9.1951 - 30.3.2012 Gone from our sight but never our hearts.

A wonderful friend and neighbour who will be sadly missed.

Jo and family.

STEELE Geoffrey Clarence (Geoff).

Nephew of Verna and John Steele (dec) and cousin to Lyn, Dianne and Glenda.

Many memories of our young cousin during childhood and later an appreciation of Geoff’s long association with the Parrots (LFC) and his caring nature to the players.

Condolences and love to Margarett, Michael, David and Barry.

Lyn, Ted, Adam, Kate and Jonathan Martin.

STEELE - Geoff.

Loved nephew of Ron and Bet Leighton (both dec), cousin of Greg and Debbie and their families.

A good family man, will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

STEELE - Geoff.

Brother-in-law of Pete (dec) and Linda; Jeanette and Frank; Robyn (dec) and Garry, Wendy and Ingrid; Heather, Allan and Gina.

Rest in peace.

Our loving thoughts to Marg, Michael and Brooke; David and Barry.

From us and all our families.

STEELE - Geoff.

Long-time supporter and trainer for the Parrots. Your efforts around the club will be sadly missed.

Our thoughts and sympathy are with Margarett, Michael and David.

The members, committee, players and supporters of the Leongatha Football and Netball Club.

funerals CALDWELL - The Funeral Service for Mr James Reid Caldwell of Domain Seahaven, Inverloch and formerly of Lime Park, Almurta will be held at the Kernot Uniting Church on Thursday April 5, 2012 commencing at 1.30pm.

The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Grantville Cemetery.

STEELE - The Funeral Service for Mr Geoffrey Clarence (Geoff) Steele will be held at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Leongatha on Thursday April 5, 2012 commencing at 11am.

The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Leongatha Lawn Cemetery.

No flowers by request.

Donations in lieu to the National Heart Foundation.

Envelopes will be available at the service.

deaths

deaths

Paul & Margaret Beck proprietors Caring for our Community, personal dignified service to all areas 5662 2717 Pre-need Funeral Plans available Office and Chapel: 24 Anderson Street, Leongatha hfs1@vic.australis.com.au MEMBER OF AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

crossword solutions CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8319 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1,Pres-age-s. 6, Spin (rev.). 8, Ab-L-e. 9, Seen over (anag.). 10, S-teal. 11, Let-Hal. 13, Verge-r. 15, Nights (anag.). 17,Misses. 19, D-IV-an. 22, Rest-less. 23, Good. 24, Lean. 25, T-rain set.

Down - 2, R-eb-ut. 3, She-bang. 4, Go-sh. 5, Spelling. 6, Sport. 7, In-ex-act. 12, Prospect. 14, E-vil e-ye. 16, Going on. 18, Set on. 20, A-L-one. 21, (Baham)As-Ia(ssume).

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8319 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Lengthen. 6, Sage. 8, Pour. 9, Sauterne. 10, Shift. 11, Employ. 13, Accent. 15, Thread. 17, Flagon. 19, Tinge. 22, Limerick. 23, Oval. 24, Prod. 25, Gangster.

Down - 2, Epoch. 3, Giraffe. 4, Hash. 5, Nauseate. 6, Sweep. 7, Gondola. 12, Standing. 14, Collier. 16, Ruinous. 18, Greed. 20, Grave. 21, Skin.

Most photos that appear in The Star can be purchased by calling 5662 2294.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 55

Athletics all over IN the weeks leading up to the school holidays many schools have been holding their athletics carnivals, From quick competitors to crazy costumes, the days have been lots of fun on

a primary and secondary school level.

Many students will go on to the next level of competition and represent their schools competing against one another.

More photos and results in next week’s Star.

Dressed to impress: Maddie Kerr, Nicola Marriot, Brydie Burke and Courtney Marlia from Mary MacKillop had some interesting outfits for their athletics day.

Great mates: despite the fierceness of the competition at the Leongatha PS athletics carnival last week, these boys were still happy for a photo. Back from left are Tyler Bentick, Jack Fisher, Tim Boler, Adrian Ballagh, William McCarthy, Jacob Lamers, Kye Casbolt and Curtis Rintoule; front, from left, are Kyle Skinner, Joaquin Alb, Liam O’Neill and Ben Cantwell.

Korumburra basketball Domestic results March 26

16 Boys: Jazz 39 (D. Wilson) d Celtics 35 (J. Pattullo 20); Bulls 47 (B. Paterson 12) d Spurs 46 (C. McKenzie 24).

18 Boys: Maskell 57 (K. McKenzie 24) d Olden 52 (A. O’Neil 24); Rodwell 53 (D. Hansch 20) d Mortimer 42 (R. Johnson 14).

B Women: Hoodies 37 (K. Walker 8) d Average Janes 14 (J. Trewin 8); Heat 18 (K. Brown 5) d Young Cats 14 (K. Sorell 4).

A Women: Mirboo 40 (A. Nash 11) d Flames 29 (G. Dixon 6); Possums 38 (C. Welsh 16) d Bird 31 (E. Sorrell 15).

10 Girls: Blair 8 (T. Angwin 4) d Fitzgerald 7 (Z.Paterson 3); Dowel 11 (E. Nicholas 6) d Donohue 9 (M. Finlay 6).

12 Girls: Harrower 42 (A. Harkin 30) d Snell 22 (M. Hillier 16); Jackson 16 (T. Roffey 8) d Taylor 6 (S. Trewin 4).

14/16 Girls: Spirit 49 (S. Busuttil 25) d Rangers 38 (C. Nestoriwsky 12); Boomers 35 (C. Chilla 7) d Capitals 25 (N. Stockdale 7).

Masters: Milk Drinkers 39 (S. Burgess 10) d Local Blokes 27 (M. Whiteside 12); Travellin Gilmores 50 (R. vanRooye 0) d BSC 49 (J. Kennedy 14); Mixtures 41 (A. Horeshack 6) d Witches Hats 33 (J. Enbom 0).

A Men: Hacks 41 (R. Belvedere 12) d Blood 37 (K. Spokes 8); Molten 63 (D. Johnson 14) d Wildcats 41 (J. Winderlich 16).

Well done: Jessica Bolding, from Wonthaggi Pony Club celebrates a successful day with her horse, Touch of Gossip. Photo courtesy of Main Memories Videography.

Big day at Pony Club WONTHAGGI Pony Club hosted a West Gippsland Zone state qualifying dressage championship and combined training day at its South Dudley grounds on Sunday, March 25.

The annual event has been growing in popularity among riders, with many travelling long distances to compete and with nearly 100 entries in over 11 different sections; it was a huge day out for the club.

Riders had the choice of competing in either just dressage, or to include a show jumping round in their program, which is the combined training part of the competition.

The weather gods were kind, with not a drop of rain falling all day.

Wonthaggi Pony Club members who competed enjoyed success in their sections, as did several former members of

the club, who are now Wonthaggi Adult Riding Club members.

The Wonthaggi Pony Club committee is constantly looking for ways to improve events and the facilities at the grounds, and holding high profile competitions like this one really helps the club to grow and develop into a major event holder among the local equestrian fraternity.

The club would like to thank Ridelo Saddlery for donating an Axiom rug and Landmark Wonthaggi for donating a bag of horse feed for prizes.

Judges on the day were Emily Hill, Mary Longdon, Oriel Gardiner, Doris Riddet, Kelly Stolvold and Jacquie Witt.

A big thank you also to Chris Hill, Kaye Craddock, Pam Kalms, Carol Tayler and all other volunteers who helped on the day or prior to the event.

TIDES Here is an easy guide to tides in your area.

To determine tides for a particular area, add or subtract periods of times as shown below.

Riding to remember: around 50 people took part in the John Sauvarin Memorial Bike Ride on Sunday.

Riding for John THE John Sauvarin Memorial Bike Ride was held on Sunday, with around 50 participants.

The group gathered at the Koonwarra recreation reserve before choosing to do either a road ride, mountain bike ride or rail trail walk.

A barbecue lunch followed for family, friends and cycling enthusiasts.

All funds raised from the day go to the Heart Foundation.

South Gippsland field and game

All for a good cause: Lance Hunt and Iain Fraser were on the road to help raise money for people with mental health problems as part of the Barrier Breakers ride recently. They passed through Leongatha during the ride which had taken them 880kms all over Gippsland.

PERFECT autumn weather at the South Gippsland branch of field and game Easter shoot last Sunday, which coincided with life member Leith Johnson’s 86th birthday.

Fortunately the Easter bunny came through unscathed and delivered an assortment of chocolates as prizes.

Winners were A Grade: K. Jacobs 64 W. Leishout 62, D. Munday 58 R Hill 58 G. Kent 55; B. Grade: R Brown 55, R. Miller 53, R. Evans 52; C. Grade: S. Alexander 53, D. Morgan 46, B. Wood 45; Veterans: G. Whykes 53, G. Hart 51, J. Tait 44; Juniors: B. Ayres 56, K. Pentland 47, L. Verdon 42; and Ladies: J. Elfring 49, M. Hogan 44 and B. Hart 43.

South Gippsland Bridge Results Meeniyan – Monday evening: 1st Margaret Munro, Ellie McIntyre, 2nd Faye Rowlands, Frank Arndt, 3rd June Metcalf, Colin Cameron and 4th Kathryn Smith, David Baggallay.

Tarwin Lower – Tuesday afternoon.

Week two of Vic. Sim. Pairs: 1st John Sullivan, Alan Johnston, 2nd Faye Rowlands, Pat West, 3rd Jack Kuiper, Jean Barbour, 4th Kathryn Smith, Colin Cameron, 5th Frank Arndt, Clive Hope, 6th. Margaret Munro, Mary McCaughan.

Inverloch – Friday.

Round 3 of Club Championship Pairs: 1st John Sullivan, Alan Johnston, 2nd Barbara Axten, Althea Drew, 3rd John Farr, Anne Williams, 4th Kaye Douglas, John Sutton and Jack Kuiper, Jean Barbour. 6th Anne and Bruce Gibson, 7th Debbie Anglim, Greg Nicholson.

Earlier Minutes Apollo Bay ...........................25 King Island (Grassy) ...........10 King Island (Surprise Bay)....40 King Island (Franklin) ...........40 Lakes Entrance .................... 170 Lorne ...................................... 20 Mallacoota Inlet.................... 158 Rip Bank ................................ 15 Snowy River Entrance ......... 170 _______________________ Cape Schanck, Flinders, Mornington Ocean Beaches, Seal Rocks, Venus Bay, Waratah Bay, Woolamai ....... nil _________________________ Later Minutes Altona ................................... 195 Barwon Heads Bridge ........... 15 Carrum ................................. 195 Corinella ................................. 68 Cowes Pier............................. 50 Dromana .............................. 195 Frankston ............................. 195 Geelong ............................... 210 Hastings ................................. 66 Hovell Pile ............................ 195 Inverloch Pier ......................... 15 Melbourne ............................ 200 Mornington ........................... 195 Newhaven Jetty ..................... 30 No. 1 West Channel (Annulus)........................... 50 No. 2 South Channel Light .... 70 No. 8 South Channel Light .. 150 Port Albert Pier ...................... 90 Portarlington Pier ................. 190 Portsea Pier ........................... 80 Port Welshpool (Rabbit Island .................... 10 Queenscliffe Pier ................... 30 Rhyll ....................................... 60 Rosebud............................... 195 Rye Pier ............................... 170 St. Leonards Pier ................. 190 Sandringham ....................... 195 Sorrento Pier........................ 130 Stony Point ............................. 40 South Channel Pile Light ..... 190 Swan Island Dock ................ 120 Tooradin ............................... 105 Warneet.................................. 84 Williamstown ........................ 200 Welshpool Pier....................... 90

At Port Phillip Heads

APRIL Time

4 WED

5 THUR

6 FRI

7 SAT

8 SUN

9 MON

10 TUE

height (metres)

0130 0820 1352 2120

0.69 1.21 0.54 1.29

0239 0944 1505 2225

0.66 1.24 0.60 1.31

0353 1104 1627 2324

0.57 1.34 0.62 1.36

0504 1213 1743

0.44 1.48 0.60

0018 0605 1311 1843

1.42 0.30 1.61 0.57

0108 0659 1403 1933

1.48 0.19 1.70 0.54

0155 0749 1453 2020

1.53 0.11 1.75 0.52

All times shown in 24 hour clock 0001 - 1200..................AM 1201 - 2400..................PM

PAGE 56 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Leongatha

On the green: Ray Davies, Roland Rees, Al Sperling and Ian Nunn were enjoying their time on the golf course at Leongatha.

Foster AFTER a dry week the course

has returned to summer conditions in this funny year.

On Tuesday Robert Fulton (11) had a great round to return 42 pts and reduce his handicap to 10 – single figures is now within grasp Robert. DTL balls went to Larry Giddy (15) 38 pts and Dave Hutchinson (13) 37 pts. Dave also got the NTP. Thursday saw John Mathers (13) had five up to win from George Draegar (26) on +3. Neil Chandler got the other DTL ball with square. The NTP went to Ray Prain.

Friday’s chicken run hosted some pretty hot golf with both Kevin Flett and Tony Vanin shooting 35 off the stick.

Kevin had 23 pts to beat Tony who had 22. Kevin will find out next week what it is like to be off +2. Pam Witheridge got a DTL ball with 16 pts.

Tony Vanin won both NTP’s.

Saturday we played a 4BBB Par for trophies provided by Rod Coughlan-Lane.

Paul Robertson teamed with Dickie Knee to have the good score of 10 up and win easily.

It’s been a while between drinks for Robbo and its good to see him showing some form. However Dickie obviously pulled his weight too, picking up both NTP’s along the way.

The balls DTL went to Norm Cooper and James McIntyre on +8, Col Pulham and Phil Schofield on +7, and Pat McKay and Col Pulham +7 (Pat drew Colin as his partner too).

The encouragement award went to two old stagers George Draegar and Clarke Gray who finished square.

In the ladies event Pam Witheridge (24) won with 39 pts from Jocelyn Towns on 36 pts.

NTP was Pam too.

Pennant Division 2 played their first game which was against Wonthaggi at Foster.

They won 6/1, with individual results - Norm Cooper won 1 up, Lloyd McKenzie won 4/2, Kevin Flett lost 1 down, Noel Black won 7/5, Tony Vanin won 1 up, Pat McKay won 7/6, James Freeman won 5/4.

Pennant veteran Kevin O’Halloran from Wonthaggi has an operation this week and we wish him well.

Pennant Division 3 side had its third match last Sunday against Korumburra at Korumburra. They had a good win 4/3. Individual results were Trevor Jones lost 2/1, Rhys Ireland lost 3/1, Kane Esler won 7/6, Colin Pulham won 1 up, Phil Nightingall lost 6/5, Ben Cooper won 7/5, Greg Cox won 4/2.

Both teams now have a week off before the next game on April 15.

Meeniyan Ladies IT was a great day on Wednesday, March 28 for the qualifying round of the RF and HM Poletti 4BBB knockout. Seven teams qualified this year.

Round 1 Winners on a three way count back were Irene Holm and Nancye Hammet

Hospital Charity Day is Sunday.

Please support this fun day in aid of the hospital, sponsored by the Freeman and Gilbert families.

It is an Ambrose event with the emphasis on fun.

We would love to see plenty of beginners or non-handicap golfers there to give it a go or just have a fun hit and giggle.

Ambrose is a game built around the fun side of golf as you can have a real go knowing your partners are there if you do go amiss.

If you do not have a team, just turn up and we will organise you in a team. There are sections for mens teams and, ladies teams and mixed teams.

Please turn up by 10.30am – there is to be a shotgun start at 11am.

Kylie Dean was a popular winner of the $500 in the members cash draw. The prize now starts back at $250 next week. You need to be in the clubhouse between 7pm and 8pm when the draw is made to be eligible to win the cash Thursday, April 5 is the Stableford, Friday is the Chicken Run on holes 1 to 9.

Saturday is Medal Day with John and Pam Mathers Trophies, Sunday is Hospital Charity Day with a three Ball Ambrose, Easter Monday is a Stableford and Tuesday is also a Stableford.

with 45 points. Runners Up Kristen Elliott and Coral Stewart.

DTL Balls: Dot Christie and Nereda Scholte 45 points, Sue Hoskin and Faye LePage 41 points.

Nearest the Pin on 2nd Heater Poletti.

Six ladies played a 9 hole, Stableford round winner Marilyn Mitchell 10 points.

THE club championships have concluded and once again we congratulate Michael Thomas who is undoubtedly the club’s best golfer.

The A minor section went to Rob Bride on 249. Barry Attwood won B Grade on 252 and also took out the R. E. Cameron trophy for best net score over the three rounds.

C Grade went to John Dalton with 269 and D Grade to Rob Jacka with 294.

Junior champion is Nic Cairns scoring 235 and Jon Smith is our senior champion with a score of 245. Congratulations to all winners.

Saturday’s stroke round resulted in victories to John Feddersen (81-13-68) in A Grade, Luke Page (92-22-70) in B and Max Kavanagh whose 97-3067 was the day’s best net score.

Pro-pin to Stuart de Bondt and nearest the pin to Gordon Morrision.

Ball winners: J. Fraser 69, T. Steer 70, B. Elliott, J. Smith, J. Dalton 71, N. Cairns, B. Attwood, R. Chaplin 72, P. Jackson, P. Hartigan, R. Jacka, H. Sedelies, L. Peterson, W. Norden, H. Benson 73, M. Pritchard 74, G. McDonald 75.

Tuesday How do you win a fourball stableford with 27 points? By making it fourball worst ball which was an unusual and du-

Woorayl ON Saturday we held our monthly medal. The day was sponsored by Hartley Wells.

The A Grade winner was Trent Williams with a 69 net which also saw him win the medal on a countback.

B Grade went to Graham Challis also with a 69 net and C Grade was won by Kev Riseley again with a net 69.

The ball distribution was W. Turner, P. Burgess, R. Gourlay, B. Hogan, R. Symmons, G. Salmon, J. Redmond, B. Hughes, P. McCaughan, J. Baum and I. Smith.

The nearest the pin went to John Barton (he hit it close on the 8th but sadly missed the putt). The 17th went to our medal winner.

Bob Hughes won the putting competition held in conjunction with 26 putts.

Our Thursday competition was won by John Hassett with 40 points and balls went to Graeme Calder, Ryan Higgins and our president.

The nearest the pin on the 17th went to Bo Fiek.

Next week we will play a stableford event sponsored by Drummonds and don’t forget

Cyclists hit Outtrim THE second round of the Autumn Series of handicap races was held in windy conditions on the tough Outtrim circuit on Saturday. Once again a good field of 17 riders entered

and were sorted into four bunches by the handicapper.

After two weeks of the Autumn Series, Chris Rowe leads on 11 points from Jess Boyd on 10, Clem Fries and Kerry Pritchard on 8 and a Kevin Feely and Ron Purtle on six.

In the junior series, Matt Minogue

and Hamish Bissett both have 12 points, Austin Timmins and Simon Thomas have 10 and Alex Bennett has eight.

Racing resumes after a break over Easter with a third round of the Autumn Series around the Mardan circuit.

Racing starts and finishes at Leongatha Secondary College. Junior racing is at 1.30pm and seniors at 2pm.

biously popular event.

Ed Poole and Barry Stevens scored 27 points and that was three points clear of any other pair. Bill Bittlemann and Graham Spruzen were given a ‘special’ prize for their 11 points.

Geoff McDonald and Ed Poole were nearest the pin winners.

Pairs to win balls: D. Hanna, G. Maher 24; G. McDonald, D. Vorwerg 24; K. Finney, M. Oliver 24; P. Waters, J. Smith 23.

Thursday A good field of 60 contested and A Grade winner Rob Bride had the day’s high score of 39 points.

Ever reliable Peter Hobson was too good in B Grade, winning with 37 and Ted Martin needed just 28 points to knock off the C Graders. Ian Caine (14th) and Kevin Scott (16th) were nearest the pin winners.

Down the line balls: M. Herrald, J. Eabry 38, C. Leaver, P. Walsh, D. Vorwerg, G. Maher, I. Nunn 37, R. Rees 35, K. Goodridge, A. Nilsson, M. Oliver, G. McDonald, R. McCann, A. Smith 34, J. Renwick 33.

Please note that mid-week competitions will from now hit off at 9.30am. Saturday’s event is stableford and the following Saturday is monthly medal day.

Pennant results were kind that on Easter Monday we will play a three person ambrose sponsored by Geoff McKinnon, Peter Burgess and Jason Redmond.

Ladies AFTER the wet conditions of last week, we enjoyed perfect autumn weather this week for Thel’s Easter stableford.

We thank Thel for all of the work she puts into making the wonderful prizes, this year the lucky winners received “Chicks in jeans” Easter baskets.

A Grade was won by Anne Grist (17) with 32 points, B Grade winner was Lois Young (28) with 32 points and C Grade winner was Barb James (29) with 33 points.

Eggs down the line went to Janet Thompson 32, Sue Wakefield 30, Iris McLeod 30, Marg Higgins 29, Marg Tuckett 28 and Anne Patterson 28 on a countback.

Nearest the pin on the 8th was Fay Maynard, on the 11th was Chris Perrett and the 17th was Melinda Martin.

This was the first round of the Tony McLeod Memorial Stableford event and the second round will be played on May 16t. Next week is monthly medal.

Welshpool TUESDAY’S barbecue pub 9 hole event saw 13 players try out. The winner was Peter Westaway with two points (the handicapper needs to look at this very seriously).

Balls down the line: L. Pope 18, K. Lear 17.

Nearest the pin: 6th Jim Roberts, achievers award Ken Hobbs.

Pub points: Pier Port 13, Port Albert 13.66, Toora 14.33, Welshpool 15.

Others to score: Ken Hallet 17, A. Hayes 16, D. Harris 15, F. Klassen, S. Walker 14.

Friday’s chicken run was well attended with 17 players trying for the chook. Alan Hayes with 20 points was de-

Mirboo North

Winners group: top of the group at the Outtrim road race included (from left) second place Kerry Pritchard, winner Chris Rowe, third place Ron Purtle and junior event winner Austin Timmins.

ON March 31 the monthly medal competition was played. There were 33 starters and the CCR was 71 The day winner was R. Robbins (15) 66 net.

The A Grade winner was R. Anderson (14) 71 net.

Down the line: 1st S. Mills (17) 70, 2nd D. Taylor 71, 3rd

to us with all three teams chalking up strong wins.

Division 2 opened their season against Phillip Island at Foster with a 6-1 victory.

Winners were Doug Clemann, Bruce Hutton, Roland Rees, Peter Hart, Rob Bride and Jon Smith.

Thanks to Gordon Morrison who filled in and put up a most commendable effort.

Division 3 won their third straight contest, beating Aussie Golf Ranch 5-2 at Korumburra.

Shane Law, Steve Fisher, Gran McRitchie, Alan Adcock and Peter Rayson had wins.

Division 4 had a second consecutive win, beating Welshpool at Meeniyan 6-1. Winners were Chris Indian, Brendan Simon, Gene Vanderzalm, Dean Brown, Sam Nasreddin and Denis McDonald.

Ladies OUR Section 2 Pennant team started their season with a 5-0 win over Korumburra/ Lang Lang. Our Section 1 and 3 teams begin their campaign this week. Good golfing to all teams.

Nancy Sperling 4BBB Par Qualifying Round was played in very trying wet and windy conditions on Wednesday, March 21 with 42 ladies braving the weather to support this popular board event. Many thanks to Col and Nancy Sperling for sponsoring the day.

Winners were Marion Bellingham and Marianne Leaver with +4 on a countback from Glenyce McRobert and Jocelyn Howson +4.

Down the line balls went to

Wendy Brown and Joan Scott +3, Coral Gray and Georgina Mitchell +3, Toni West and Maria Bell +3.

Nearest the Pins were Marianne Leaver 14th, Fay Quilford 16th.

Qualifiers: Marion Bellingham and Marianne Leaver to play Coral Gray and Georgina Mitchell. Wendy Brown and Joan Scott to play Glenyce McRobert and Joc Howson.

9-Hole Comp Winner Noreen Williams 15pts, Geri Hastings 10pts.

Saturday, March 24 saw only 6 ladies braved the weather with Jean Chaplin 37pts winning the day.

DTL Balls: Kerry Hogan 34pts, Portia Williamson 33pts who also won nearest the pin on 16th.

Wednesday had 41 ladies played 3BBB Stableford Count Up sponsored by Noreen Williams in much nicer conditions than the previous week.

Winners were - Wendy Parker, Maria Maher, Joan Scott and Jill Steer with 77 pts, Runners-Up - Maxine Eabry, Coral Gray, Lesley Renwick 76 pts.

DTL Balls - Jan Paice, Jan Bissett, Marianne Leaver 73, Marg Berry, Shirley Welsford, Marg Raynor 72, Dot Stubbs, Marg Griffiths, Pam Christensen 70.

NTP Fay Quilford TenlLadies contested the 9 Hole Comp - Winner - Hannah Martin 21pts DTL balls went to Karen Orford 19 pts, Kit Boag 18 pts.

South Gippsland Pennant results April 1 Division 1 (at Phillip Island Golf Club): Phillip Island 7 d Meeniyan 0, Lang Lang 5 d Woorayl 2, Wonthaggi 5 d Korumburra 2.

Division 2 (at Foster Golf Club): Lang Lang 5 d Korumburra 2, Foster 6 d Wonthaggi 1, Leongatha 6 d Phillip Island 1.

Division 3 (at Korumburra Golf Club): Woorayl 5 d Wonthaggi 2, Foster 4 d Korumburra 3, Lang Lang 4 d Phillip Island 3, Leongatha 5 d Aussie Golf 2.

Division 4 (at Meeniyan Golf Club): Leongatha 6 d Welshpool 1, Meeniyan 5 d Korumburra 2, Woorayl 6 d Aussie Golf 1, Lang Lang 4 d Lang Lang 3.

Ladders Division 1 Phillip Island.................1 - 7 Wonthaggi ................... 1 - 5

Lang Lang ................... 1 - 4 Woorayl ....................... 0 - 3 Korumburra ................... 0 - 2 Meeniyan...................... 0 - 0 Division 2 Foster...................61.01 1 - 6 Leongatha ..........55.51 1 - 6 Lang Lang ................... 1 - 5 Korumburra .................0 - 2 Phillip Island ........44.49 0 - 1 Wonthaggi ...........39.99 0 - 1 Division 3 Leongatha ....................3 -14 Phillip Island............. 2 - 14 Woorayl ...................... 2 -12 Foster......................... 2 - 11 Wonthaggi ....................1 - 10 Lang Lang .................... 1 - 9 Aussie Golf .................. 1 - 7 Korumburra ....................0 - 7 Division 4 Leongatha ....................2 -14 Woorayl ............54.61 2 - 13 Wonthaggi .........51.96 2 -13 Lang Lang ................. 2 - 12 Meeniyan........................2 - 9 Korumburra ................ 1 - 11 Welshpool .................... 1 - 8 Aussie Golf ....................0 - 4

clared the winner of the chook after a disqualification was implemented for a player playing off an incorrect handicap.

Bad luck to him but a timely reminder to please check the handicap board before you go out and play.

Balls down the line: Stan Walker 18 and Brian MacPherson 17.

Nearest the pin: 17th Earl Fischer.

Other scores: E. Fischer, K. Hallett 16, Joe Paynting 15, Don Harris 13.

Saturday was the 9 hole stableford Toora Hotel voucher which was won by Brian MacPherson 16 points.

Balls down the line: Norma Stoitse 15 on countback from P.

Westaway.

Nearest the pin: 6th B. MacPherson.

Other scores: E. Fischer 14, K. Lear, J. Swann 13, L. Taylor 11.

Sunday’s monthly medal small field saw Earl Fischer secure his first medal with a net 69.

Well done Earl, keep the practice up.

No nearest the pin and Keith Lear won the putts again with 22 putts, K. Hallett and J. Paynting 73, K. Lear, R. Wiggin 74.

Don’t forget to get your names in for the golf bowls event on the 21st, contact either the golf club or the Toora Bowls club for more information.

P. Woodall 72 countback, G. Shandley 72.

Nearest the pin 4th S. Mills, 6th R. Robbins, 13th R. Matthews, 16th K. Davies.

Second shot on the 1st Tom Whitelaw.

Birdies 4th S. Mills and T. Traill, 6th R. Robbins, 13th R. Matthews.

On March 28 the ladies

Dalliance Day - stableford event was played.

The day winner was Wendy Gervasi (22) 39 points.

Down the line: Sue Traill (16) 38 points and Raelene Millsom (34) 37 points.

Nearest the pin: 6th Joyce Dyke, 13th Nicole Allen.

Birdies: 16th Maree Thompson.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 57

Mardan indoor

BEFORE I make my report I’d just like to say to those who look forward to reading it in The Star, that for the last two weeks it hasn’t appeared due to the fact that I was not aware that the contact details had changed and therefore it was not reaching the right person at the newspaper. Thanks to Jillian Matthies for bringing this to my attention.

What a week of bowling we’ve had this week. First off was our Open Night which was held on Tuesday at the Dumbalk hall so that we could accommodate the 52 bowlers who turned out to support our club. We appreciate the many who travelled from far and wide to make the night the success that it always is. Thank you one and all.

With so many players we had a number of three player teams due to a few who had to cancel at the last minute, but in the main it was teams of four. There were three games of eight ends played and the results for the winning team came down to a countback due to two teams being drawn on three wins and 14 ends apiece.

When it came down to the final result on points up we were left with: Runners-up: with plus 10, Joanna Lomarno, Josie Bohn and Vito Serafino (skip).

Winners: with plus 16, Mary Cook, Ray Saunders, Lorraine Wheeler and Andy Plowman (skip).

Vito was kicking himself for playing one of those shots that we all wished we had kept in our pocket at some time. Otherwise the result would have been reversed. It was a fun night and everyone went home with a full stomach and an Easter egg, so we were all winners.

I said at the beginning what a week of bowling we’ve had and that was because on Wednesday night we played our 75-up competition to try and complete it earlier this year. We had 21 players come along to play in the knock-out competition and by the end of the night we were left with one semi-final and the finals to play and these we will play in the next couple of weeks. As usual there were some well fought games played and several were won in the last few ends.

One that deserves special mention was the last semi-final decider between Margaret Campbell and Jeanette Grady. Margaret was down to needing one point to win with Jeanette trailing, in what might have seemed to some an almost impossible position to win from. But as those who know the game will know things can change quickly with 10 points per end available. Those who know both Margaret and Jeanette will be familiar with their skill at drawing to the kitty and in a nail biting end Margaret got her one point and Jeanette claimed the other nine to win a place in the last semi-final. Well done to both players.

Next week we are back to our normal Wednesday night.

Just one more thing on behalf of the club we would like to wish Ronnie “The Demon Bowler” Baker a speedy recovery from his sudden illness. Hurry back Ron, Nick Rutjens needs you.

Buffalo indoor

WEDNESDAY, March 28 after a very enjoyable night’s bowling at Mardan’s open night eight very keen bowlers fronted at Buffalo to go again.

After discussion of two teams of four or four teams of pairs it was decided to go the latter with three bowls each. Two games of 10 ends were played - ladies verses gents - with skippers and leads changing places half-way through.

Joe Occhipinti and Peter Heldens combined well for two wins (WW-13 ends) followed by Joyce Occhipinti, Toni Heldens (WL-10ends) and then Bill Wolswinkel and Ian Benson (LW-9 ends) and holding all of these up Lee Armstrong and Carolyn Benson (LL-9 ends).

Final results for the night, boys (3 wins, 22 ends, 39 shots) girls ( 1 win, 19 ends, 36 shots) victory to the fellas but good close bowling.

Best 1st game: Toni and Joyce 16/11.

Best 2nd game: Bill and Ian 14/9.

Names taken for Fish Creek’s open night next Tuesday April 3rd and reminder of SGIBBA meeting- lots of opportunity for bowling coming up.

Table tennis star: Brittney Taylor and Dean Snelling won the Under 15 Mixed Doubles Championship at the Victorian championships recently.

Table tennis success WONTHAGGI Table Tennis junior players Brittney Taylor and Dean Snelling had success at the Victorian Junior Championships recently.

The pair won the Under 15 Mixed Doubles Championship which is the same event they won two weeks previously at the Bendigo Junior Championships and have had varying success in other events as well.

Brittney’s sister Caitlyn also had success in the Under 15 Doubles at Bendigo and runner-up in the Under 13 Doubles at MSAC in the Victorian Junior Championships.

Bowls reports Inverloch THE last of our fifth Thursday triples was held last Thursday with 14 teams participating.

We had visiting teams from Foster, Wonthaggi and Phillip Island. This day is played under the same conditions as our usual monthly event.

Sponsors for the day were Inverloch Motor Bodyworks, whom our club thanks for their generous support.

At the end of play there was only one four game winner and that was the team of John Hedley sk, Dennis

Stanes 2nd and Keith Cousins ld with 69 points.

Runners-up with three wins and 57 points were Neil Everett sk, Ray Paynting 2nd and Harry Dunn ld.

The prize of club glasses for the best last game went to Kieran Gardiner sk, Bryan Hensley 2nd and Nic van Grunsven ld.

The lucky drawn card prize was won by the team of John Sutcliffe, Dave Roberts and Ron Rees.

Social bowls on Thursday March 21 once again had another small field of 14

players.

There were two fours and two triples. After the completion of two games of 12 ends there was only one two game winner.

Taking first prize of club glasses with a score of 38 points after losing only three ends in each game were Ric Brevitt sk, Ken Perrett 2nd and Ian Charge a visitor from the Wondonga Bowling club ld.

Runners-up with one win and 19 points were Nic van Grunsven sk, Ron Kee 2nd and Daryl Pease ld.

Inverloch ladies WHAT a wonderful week of weather this has been.

The week started off with our Invitation day on Monday March 26, sponsored

by Stockdale and Leggo also the Bendigo Bank.

The weather was perfect, the tables looked lovely and the meal was both colourful and nourishing. With 104 bowlers attending, a good time was had by all.

The day started off with a ditch to ditch which was won by Gwen Facey and Jenny Mc Veigh. The best first game winner was the team of Carmel Woodhouse from Maffra, with the best last game going to the team of Fay McIntosh from Somerville.

Winners for the day went to Doreen Barnes’ team from Tarwin Lower. Coming in second place were June Brusamarello and her team from Wonthaggi. In third place Margaret Goad’s team from Korumburra. We apologise that we didn’t have the camera at the ready to include photos in this report.

The lucky raffle winners were Sandra Snow, Glenda from Meeniyan, Judy Moule and Wilma Brunsden. The money board winners were Rene Gillett, Marg Flett, Keitha Bird and Elsie Hughes. All very pleased to receive their prizes.

President Joyce thanked all the helpers for the work they put in for this special event. Table setters, the wonderful kitchen staff, the match committee and many others. Also thanking the sponsors for their continued support and the handing out of the prizes. With special thanks to Lois Luby

for all her work as tournament secretary.

Wednesday March 28 we had Manna Gum Broadbeach sponsor this day for us. It was a good roll up for this day using both greens.

Another beautiful day on the greens.

The best first game went to Helen Twite, Betty De Rooy, Yvonne Kee and Wilma Coleman.

Best last game went to Jaye Allen Dale, Greta Wilson, Marg Griffin and Carol Waters.

The winners for the day went to Veronica Muir, Bonnie Campbell, Marlene Jenkins and Shirley Cook. Coming in second place was a visiting team Lorraine Pile and her team mates from Mulgrave. It was lovely to have three teams from Mulgrave join in our fun day of bowls.

In third place was the team of Diana Patterson, Dorothy Gilfillan, Dorothy McIntosh and Rita Everitt.

The raffle winners were Bonnie Campbell, Dorothy Gilfillan, Wilma Coleman, Judy Moule and Joan Hitchen. Some of these seem to be double dipping.

Previously on a social day there was a team of bowlers who got an eight. They were Nel Van Grunsven, Judy Moule, Elaine Miller and Pat Stoneham who presented the girls with their eight badges this week.

Hot off the press was the great win of our girls winning the S.G.B.D ladies fours on Friday March 30, we are very proud of these girls namely Robyn Dennis, Ivy Sheppard, Lois Luby and Shirley Cook.

Well done girls.

Korumburra parlor bowls ON Thursday, March 29 round nine of competition parlor bowls was played.

The three games continued to produce unexpected results when second on the ladder played third, fourth played fifth and top of the ladder faced sixth.

The first two games were expected to be tight, nail-biters whilst the third should have been an easy victory to VRI, but none of this eventuated.

Battlers faced Pretenders and, after two weeks of large wins, were disappointed to be held to 10 points by Pretenders. The Pretenders players bowled a tightly controlled game which led to luck running their way when Battlers’ skipper, Arc Gammaldi, was forced to try for unrealistic shots.

After losing to Battlers earlier in the season, Pretenders were determined to make amends but never considered such an easy victory was to be had.

The Burra continue on their roller-coaster ride this season. One week they perform well and the next not so, but that’s to be expected of new players.

Sicilians won the game easily by bowling

consistently and by being able to score multiple ends of four shots. Unfortunately, The Burra was unable to restrict these ends.

In the third game of the night, VRI played Kardella. VRI squandered a five shot lead by allowing Kardella to score four ends in a row and, with their tails up, Kardella grimly held on to the lead until the end. VRI rallied but were beaten by a shot.

Once again, ladder leaders have been toppled by a much lower positioned team a testament to how close the competition is.

Kardella was determined to stay above last position and now have The Burra in the gun sights.

Final results were Pretenders 28 d Battlers 10, Sicilians 34 d The Burra 16, Kardella 20 d VRI 19, Kookaburras - bye.

Club bias bowls, at Outtrim, on Monday night saw two teams of men play two women’s teams. With great bowling (and a little bit of skulduggery) the women won with 3W +7 shots. The men scored 3W -7 shots. The Men’s Open Singles will be played on Tuesday, April 3. Anyone wishing to see good, indoor bowling is welcome to attend.

Meeniyan MONDAY, March 19 was our annual pairs tournament sponsored by Evans Petroleum.

Played in ideal conditions the winners were Ray McGannon (Leongatha) with local Russ Thorson.

Rob McKenzie (Fish Creek) and Seb Blancato were runners-up with local Alan Hanks and Paul Holmes also winning three games.

Social bowls winners for Wednesday were Paul Holmes, Doreen Meikle and Pat

Pocklington. Lucky draws went to Helen Bidwell and Michelle Douglas.

Thursday was our Division 3, 4, 5, 6 bankers triples sponsored by Meeniyan Area Community Shop (M.A.C.S.).

Again the weather was kind. As well as local teams we had players from Boolarra and Yinnar.

The winners were locals Rob Butterworth, Col Densley and Claire Loughrey.

John Cocking, Peter Hill and Ron Gloster were

runners-up with Rob McKenzies’ team also winning three games.

April sees the end of our summer season with monthly triples on Thursday, April 5, Ladies Guest Day triples on Tuesday, April 10, two bowls mixed triples on Tuesday, April 17 and Bev and Gordon Young Memorial day on Saturday, April 21.

For catering purposes a list is up for names attending our presentation night on Friday, April 20.

Top shot: Trevor White shows his skills on the Croquet pitch.

Croquet news CONGRATULATIONS to Trevor White on winning his Golf Croquet Tournament section.

An inspiration to everyone who knows him.

In Trevor’s words it’s a game where an 80-year-old with Parkinson’s can play a 13-year-old and both are competitive and have fun.

Members are competing at Morwell this week and two are travelling to Shepparton to play in the Easter tournament.

Cards are still running on Monday afternoons.

The six weeks of tuition for the Mirboo North Year 10 students have finished.

A big thanks to the members for all their help.

Cameron will row at London CAMERON McKenzie-McHarg has been selected for the men’s eight rowing team, for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

The former Leongatha resident has spent the last three months in Canberra, training for the games, with the selection coming after two weeks of trials held in Sydney recently.

Having previously tasted Olympic glory with a silver medal at the Beijing games, Cameron is keen to do better at London.

“After Beijing, I wanted to get myself in to the position to go one better. I think I have set myself up well to do just that,” Cameron said.

The rowing team has another five or six weeks in Canberra, then they head over to Europe in mid-May, where they will compete in two World Cup events.

“It is a great opportunity to prepare for the games and get a good indication of the condi-

tions and competition we will come across over there.”

While this is not Cameron’s first Olympic Games, he is excited about the prospect of competing in London.

“There is great rivalry and sporting ties between Australia and the UK, which should make competing over there really exciting,” he said.

“The support from the crowd will be fantastic, not only from the Australians, but from the English as well.

It will have a different feel to Beijing.

“The sporting culture of the country should make for a very exciting two weeks.”

Cameron has competed at the venue that will be used for the Olympic Games before and said that although it isn’t too different from other rowing venues around the world, the conditions can be inconsistent.

Cameron looks forward to having family, including his wife Kate, and his parents, Colin and Christine, at the games to cheer him on.

PAGE 58 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

C Grade: Blake Moscript (Batting), Chelsea Moscript (Fielding), Morgan Clarke (Bowling) and Michael Green (Cricketer of the Year).

A Grade: Brayden Moscript (Cricketer of the Year), Brad Anderson (Batting), Jason Kennedy (Bowling). Absent Nick Arnup (Fielding).

B Grade: Graham Sperling (Batting), Shane Paterson (Bowling and Cricketer of the Year) and Callum Moscript (Fielding).

Koony round out year KOONWARRA/Leongatha RSL Cricket Club held their presentation night at the club rooms at Koonwarra on Saturday, March 24.

The club has strengthened this year, with new and returning players and it was pleasing to see new young players winning the major awards in the lower grades rather than ageing club stalwarts who drop back to help numbers.

This shows that the club’s future is looking bright, with young players willing to stand up and shoulder the load.

A Grade’s disappointing semi final loss, while embarrassing, was a blessing in that they are not yet ready to be promoted to A1, and will spur all

Best Clubman: Daniel Pearce is congratulated by life member Al Sperling.

Best and Fairest: Shane Moore (right) is congratulated by Nigel Grimes.

Korumburra cricket awards THE Korumburra cricket club held its presentation night on Saturday.

President’s Award: president Shane Moore congratulates Nick Summers. grades on to better performances next season.

It was a big night for the Moscript family, taking

out awards in all grades, and life members Al Sperling and Ross Drury were in attendance.

The Cobras recognised great players in all grades as well as stand out members of the club.

B Grade awards: Luke Williams (hat trick), Keanu Miller (Batting), Nathan Allen (Cricketer of the Year), Jeremy Oxlee (Fielding), Trevor Allen (captain). Absent Hayden James (Bowling).

Left: Club awards: Kallon Rigby (David Routley Memorial Most Promising U21), Anoj Katipearachchi (A Grade Batting, Bowling and cricketer of the Year), Kyle Dorman (Rodney Hartigan Memorial Most Dedicated) and Daniel Salmon (A Grade Fielding).

Season end: Nerrena Cricket Club held their junior presentation night recently with a great turn out of players and families. Under 14s who received awards were (from left) Josh Hastings (Most Improved), Nathan Trotto (Bowling), Damian Symmons (coach), Ryan Kirkus (Batting) and Nick Battersby.

C Grade awards: Tom Mayo (Fielding), Glen Barrett (captain), Sam Hall (Bowling and Cricketer of the Year). Absent Mark Fearnley (Batting).

Dedication: Trevor Allen (Best Clubperson), Glen Barrett (Life membership and 200 games) and Darren Scott (Life membership and 200 games).

C Grade awards: Tom Mayo (Fielding), Glen Barrett (captain), Sam Hall (Bowling and Cricketer of the Year). Absent Mark Fearnley (Batting).

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 59

LDCA presentation night LEONGATHA and District Association held their presentation night on Friday night at the Dakers Centre in Leongatha.

Cricketers of the year: Anoj Katipearachchi (Korumburra), Russell Greaves (Poowong/Loch), Russell White (OMK), Peter Miller (OMK), Jake Buckland (Fish Creek/Tarwin), Paul Robinson (MDU) and Warren Williams (Inverloch).

Teams of the year were announced in all grades as well as the juniors.

Eli Richards from Phillip Island took home the Fred Zeuchner Best U/18 Cricketer Award on the night.

Phillip Island took home their awards for winning the 20/20 Knock out in A Grade and for being A2 one day champions while Wonthaggi Workmen took home the A1 one day trophy.

Batting, bowling and cricketer of the year awards were also presented, with Korumburra’s Anoj Katipearachchi taking out A1 COTY. This wraps up the 2011/12 cricket season and now many can settle into the much loved football season.

Bowling awards: Gary Adams (OMK), Tim Wightman (Nerrena), Alan Jenkins (Poowong/Loch), Russell White (OMK), Pieter Loos (Miners) and Nick Hill (MDU).

Right: Back from left: Danny Pellin (Imperials), Dylan McMeekin (OMK), Dale Thomas (MDU), Gavin Britt (Workmens), Eli Richards (Phillip Island), (front) Shane MurBatting awards: Keith Houghton (OMK), Warren Turner (Town), Matt doch (Phillip Island) and Donohue (Miners), Jake Buckland (Fish Creek/Tarwin), Russell Cleeland Gavin Bolding (Workmens).

(Phillip Island) and Eli Richards (Phillip Island).

A1 Team of the Year: (Back from left) Anoj Katipearachchi (Korumburra), Kit Rothier (Inverloch), Kallon Rigby (Korumburra), Gavin Britt (Workmens), Walter Taberner (Inverloch), Greg Pickles (OMK) and Peter Dell (OMK), (front) Matt Donohue (Miners), Luke Rogers (Imps), Tim Wightman (Nerrena) and Craig Friebe (Nerrena).

In it for life: John Lea is congratulated on his life membership by LDCA president Russell Matthews.

Umpire presentations LEONGATHA and District Cricket Umpires Association held their presentations on Sunday, March 25.

The presentations recognised all the grand final umpires as well as 100 gamer Alan Roberts, 150 gamers Les White and Graham Laird, and 250 gamer Ian Thomas.

Umpire of the year, Clive Salmon was also congratulated.

Right: Umpire of the year: Clive Salmon pictured with Association president Graham Laird and John Schellings from Evans Petroleum.

Left: 250 Games: Ian “Billy” Thomas.

Champions: Shane Murdoch (Phillip Island) and Gavin Britt (Workmens) accept the trophies for 20/20 Knockout A Grade premiers, and A2 and A1 One Day champions respectively.

PAGE 60 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Demons devour Lions MDU were comprehensive winners in round one of the Alberton Football League, notching up a 57 point victory over Stony Creek on the weekend.

The first goal was

Good grab: Stony Creek’s Lucas McMillan falls through Nick Johnston and Joel Sinclair after taking a mark. Photo courtesy Gerard Brunning @ fourcornersframing.biz

Bulldogs silence their Demons YARRAM hosted Korumburra-Bena for the first round of the Alberton season in good will.

Korumburra-Bena requested to play the game

at Yarram to help their wounded ground.

The trip didn’t weary the visitors though, starting out the game strongly.

In great weather the Bulldogs constantly pushed forward and gained a

Solid hands: Justin Staley takes a mark ahead of his Korumburra-Bena opponent Tom Mayo.

good early lead.

The Demons could only manage to get two goals on the board before the first break at which they trailed by 27.

Yarram turned it on in the second, picking up the pace and getting to the competitions first.

Jack Moore and Keifer Sutherland were performing well for the home side and connecting where possible.

This burst had Korumburra-Bena worried going in at half time with their lead more than halved.

Coming out energised from the main break Yarram were keen to make up even more ground, and knowing they had the skill to do so spurred them on.

They wayward kicking that plagued Korumburra-Bena last season was hitting again, with more behinds than goals on the board for the visitors.

This however did not sway them, as some high class football went on in the third with both teams putting on a show.

The Demons trailed by less than a goal at three

KORUMBURRA-BENA 14.19.103 YARRAM 12.3.75

KORUMBURRA-BENA 21.17.143 YARRAM 3.1.19

Korumburra-Bena Goals: A. Hillberg 3, B. Fitzpatrick 2, C. Maskell 2, B. Fitzgerald 2, P. Pattison 1, S. Bray 1, C. Woods 1, J. Paterson 1, J. Smith 1 Yarram Goals: C. Sutherland 5, J. Staley 2, D. Clavarino 2, M. Clavarino 1, J. Swift 1, B. Lynch 1 Korumburra-Bena Best: S. Paterson, L. Carpenter, B. Fitzpatrick, J. Smith, W. Jeffs, J. PATERSON Yarram Best: L. Jenkins, C. Bruns, C. Sutherland, K. Sutherland, D. Clavarino, J. Moore

Leading Goalkicker: I. Osman 5 (K-B) Korumburra-Bena Best: I. Osman, L. Earl, J. Breen, R. Provan, A. Alger Yarram Best: J. Northey, D. Borgia, M. Leggett, L. Pavey

RESERVES

Leading Goalkicker: J. Hopkins 8 (K-B)

THIRDS KORUMBURRA-BENA 17.13.115 YARRAM 3.2.20

quarter time and victory was so close the Yarram boys could taste it.

Korumburra-Bena quickly dismissed the idea of losing by kicking it up a gear in the fourth.

Gaining a majority of possessions and getting 10 shots at goal in the quarter, it was clear they were going home without the four points.

Yarram only managed one goal in the last as the fitter Bulldogs rocked towards victory.

Corbin Sutherland was a standout of the home side, with five good goals and great presences on the field.

Korumburra-Bena’s James Paterson had a stellar game, along with young gun Justin Smith.

Justin also celebrated his birthday on Saturday, which made the win so much sweeter.

Next week Yarram faces off with DWWWW in the eastern end show down on Easter Sunday, while the Bulldogs travel to Inverloch to face the Sea-Eagles.

Korumburra-Bena Best: T. Wyatt, J. Kilpatrick, A. Harrison, D. James, L. Baido, J. Hopkins Yarram Best: L. Le Blanc, D. Chaiphon, D. Hay, P. Shrubb, K. Shrubb

FOURTHS YARRAM 10.8.68 KORUMBURRA-BENA 7.5.47 Leading Goalkicker: Z. Richards 4 (Yar) Yarram Best: J. McDonald, B. Tatnell, M. Zygarlicki, Z. Richards, D. Hooper, W. McDonald Korumburra-Bena Best: H. Anthony, H. Suckling, C. Trewin, T. Jenkin, J. Harris, M. Snooks

kicked by Bradley Langley, of Stony Creek, which was quickly countered by an MDU goal.

Joel Sinclair took a fantastic mark on the goal line to kick MDU’s second.

Meeniyan weren’t allowing Stony Creek to get a run of the ball. The score

at the end of quarter time was MDU leading Stony Creek 3.4.22 to 1.0.6.

The tackling and the contested football was a highlight of the game, with the likes of Matthew Doyle, Tremaine Tohiariki, Joel Sinclair and Cruze Tohiariki winning the ball

Eye on the ball: Tim Lonsdale follows the ball while his Stony Creek team mates prepare to shepherd him. Photo courtesy Gerard Brunning @ fourcornersframing.biz

in contested situations.

MDU didn’t waste any chances getting the ball quickly in to their forward line. By the end of the first half, Stony Creek were falling behind, with the score line 7.5.47 to 1.1.7.

On the half time siren, Shane Peters took a mark and was driven in to the ground. He was awarded a 50 metre penalty. Meanwhile, Stony Creek recruit, Jack Hughes was involved in an altercation with MDU’s Callum Hutcheson, which resulted in an all in brawl after the goal was kicked.

MDU kept playing the footy well, kicking one goal and seven behinds in the first 15 minutes of the second half.

The score at three quarter time was 9.13.67 to 4.2.26.

Chris Deluca kicked two goals, Tremaine Tohiariki sent two home from the boundary line, assisted by his brother, Cruze Tohiariki.

Overall, the Meeniyan side had the best day, winning the hitouts, and maintained their consistency throughout the match.

The final scoreline read 12.16.88 to 4.7.31.

3 (MDU)

No results submitted.

MDU 12.16.88 STONY CREEK 4.7.31 FOURTHS MDU 6.12.48 STONY CREEK 2.4.16

THIRDS

Leading Goalkicker: c. Dougherty

Stony Creek Best: Not submitted

MDU 12.16.88 STONY CREEK 4.7.31 No match details submitted

RESERVES

MDU Best: S. Forrester, B. Pickersgill, c. Dougherty, A. Campbell, L. Harris, Z. Barnard

Alberton netball Results - Round 1 March 31 A Grade: Korumburra-Bena 58 d Yarram 21, Dalyston won by forfeit DWWWW, InverlochKongwak 35 d Toora 28, Foster 103 d KilcundaBass 7, Fish Creek 71 d Tarwin 22, MDU 35 d Stony Creek 34.

B Grade: Dalyston 47 d DWWWW 29, Fish Creek 39 drew Tarwin 39, Foster 63 d Kilcunda-Bass 13, Korumburra-Bena 76 d Yarram 12, MDU 50 d Stony Creek 36, InverlochKongwak 40 d Toora 31.

C Grade: Dalyston 38 d DWWWW 20, Tarwin 24 d Fish Creek 21, Foster 51 d Kilcunda-Bass 5, Korumburra-Bena 44 d Yarram 37, MDU 46 d Stony Creek 19, InverlochKongwak 34 d Toora 14.

17 & Under: DWWWW 33 d Dalyston 27, Fish Creek 44 d Tarwin 22, Kilcunda-Bass 38 d Foser 23, Korumburra-Bena 38 d Yarram 6, Stony Creek 46 d MDU 25, InverlochKongwak 34 d Toora 18.

15 & Under: Dalyston 66 d DWWWW 4, Fish Creek 46 d Tarwin 12, Foster 36 d Kilcunda-Bass 7, Korumburra-Bena 28 d

Yarram 20, Stony Creek 26 d MDU 16, InverlochKongwak 24 d Toora 16.

13 & Under: Dalyston 39 d DWWWW 0, Fish Creek 26 d Tarwin 0, Foster 31 d KilcundaBass 2, Korumburra-Bena 55 d Yarram 2, MDU 16 d Stony Creek 1, InverlochKongwak 19 d Toora 16.

Ladders A Grade Foster............................1471.4 4 Fish Creek .......................322.7 4 Korumburra-Bena..........276.1 4 Inverloch-Kongwak........125.0 4 MDU ...............................102.9 4 Dalyston ............................00.0 4 Stony Creek.....................97.14 0 Toora ...............................80.00 0 Yarram .............................36.21 0 Tarwin ..............................30.99 0 Kilcunda-Bass ...................6.80 0 DWWWW.........................0.00 0 Phillip Island ......................0.00 0 B Grade Kor-Bena ........................633.3 4 Foster..............................484.6 4 Dalyston .........................162.0 4 MDU ...............................138.8 4 Inv-Kongwak ...............129.03 4 Fish Creek ......................100.0 2 Tarwin .............................100.0 2 Toora .................................77.5 0 Stony Creek.......................72.0 0 DWWWW..........................61.7 0 Kil-Bass............................20.63 0 Yarram ..............................15.79 0 Phillip Island ...................0.00 0 C Grade Foster.............................1020.0 4 Inv-Kongwak .................242.8 4 MDU ...............................242.1 4 Dalyston .........................190.0 4 Kor-Bena ...................... 118.92 4 Tarwin ............................ 114.2 4

Fish Creek .......................87.50 0 Yarram .............................84.09 0 DWWWW.......................52.63 0 Stony Creek......................41.30 0 Toora ...............................41.18 0 Kil-Bass.............................9.80 0 Phillip Island ......................0.00 0 17 & Under Kor-Bena .........................633.3 4 Fish Creek ......................200.0 4 Inv-Kongwak .................188.8 4 Stony Creek ..................184.0 4 Kil-Bass ........................165.22 4 DWWWW......................122.2 4 Dalyston ..........................81.82 0 Foster...............................60.53 0 MDU ...............................54.35 0 Toora ................................52.94 0 Tarwin ...............................50.0 0 Yarram ..............................15.79 0 Phillip Island......................0.00 0 15 & Under Dalyston .......................1650.0 4 Foster...............................514.2 4 Fish Creek .......................383.3 4 Stony Creek ...................162.5 4 Inv-Kongwak ..................150.0 4 Kor-Bena ........................140.0 4 Yarram .............................71.43 0 Toora ...............................66.67 0 MDU ...............................61.54 0 Tarwin ..............................26.09 0 Kil-Bass............................19.44 0 DWWWW..........................6.06 0 Phillip Island.......................0.00 0 13 & Under Kor-Bena ......................2750.0 4 MDU .............................1600.0 4 Foster............................1550.0 4 Inv-Kongwak ................. 118.7 4 Dalyston ............................0.00 4 Fish Creek .........................0.00 4 Toora ...............................84.21 0 Kil-Bass..............................6.45 0 Stony Creek.......................6.25 0 Yarram ................................3.64 0 Tarwin ...............................0.00 0 Phillip Island......................0.00 0 DWWWW.........................0.00 0 DWWWW.......................17.0 8

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 61

Fishy catch Sharks on the line FISH Creek took on Tarwin at Terrill Park in a warm but windy day in Round one of the Alberton football.

Both sides had a number of new players on display and will be hoping to challenge at the pointy end of the season.

This would prove to be a fantastic display of tough, hard pressure football that was a great way to start the season 2012.

Tarwin won the toss and kicked with the wind advantage but it was Fish Creek that got out of the blocks the fastest after Hoskin cleared the centre and kicked into the forward 50 where Livingstone gathered and snapped a nice goal only 30 seconds in.

A massive blow for Fish Creek was when forward Hooker tweaked his hamstring only minutes in and he was done for the day. Clean possession was proving difficult in

the conditions and it was a Fish Creek turnover that handed the ball to Tarwin for their first goal of the day to Jamie Cann.

Tarwin were now beginning to use the wind to advantage and started to get on top with further goals to Browne, Cameron and another to Cann who was proving a handful up forward. This gave Tarwin a nice 20 point break before Fishy grabbed a goal back moments before the quarter time siren with a snap from C.Park after a nice handball from J.Danckert. The Sharks up by 14 points at the first break.

The second got underway and Fishy kicking with the wind went into attack again very quickly through Cooper who gathered the centre clearance, his bursting play and long kick resulted in only a point. Fish Creek. were up and about and keen to use the wind advantage quickly and when L. Park laid a beautiful tackle and kicked a goal from the resulting free kick Fishy were right back in it. R. Staley

Crash: Footy’s back with a bang at Fish Creek on Saturday.

who was fantastic in defence for Fishy shut another Tarwin forward thrust down and passed to C. Park who ran and carried the ball 50m before a pass to Sperling whose snap had another goal on the board for Fishy and the margin back under a goal.

This seemed to spark the Sharks again and a goal to B. Chalmers after a 50m penalty followed by further goals to Stewart and another to Cann, his 3rd after another 50m penalty and the Sharks had the margin back out to 20 points.

Fishy had to get one back and they did when Hoskin snapped one against the run of play. Tarwin again answered with a strong Russell mark and goal, he and Blencowe were having a great battle with Blencowe on top for the most.

Fishy needed a goal before half-time and when Livingstone found Law on the lead and he goaled the margin was 14 points at the main break.

The second half underway and again it was the Kangaroos who started the better after a strong mark and goal from Rouda who had been moved up forward after only a couple of minutes. The football was being hotly contested and some strong tackles and bumps would see some sore bodies on Sunday.

Fish Creek played their best quarter for the match and although they only kicked three goals for the quarter they kept Tarwin goalless and took a five point lead into the final change. Rouda was lively after going up forward and could have easily had three for the quarter. Cann was still lively up forward for Tarwin and proving a difficult match up for Fishy.

The Chalmers brothers were also going very well for Tarwin with Ben the Sharks best player. Cooper for Fish Creek really started to get going and was providing plenty of drive out of the backline.

Manne was getting on top in the middle and had the better of the duals around the ground.

Another blow to Fish Creek when they lost Peterson with a knee injury leaving only one on the bench. Tarwin had the final shot at goal for the quarter when Williamson marked, his kick offline meant that

Fishy went into the final break with a five point lead. The final quarter was a cracker with both side’s defences being tested continuously and both standing up; it wasn’t until about the 20 minute mark that the shackles were broken and Tarwin goaled through P.McRae to give the Sharks a lead by two points. Another blow for Fish Creek when Manne hobbled to the bench after twisting his ankle badly in a marking contest, this cleaned the Fish Creek bench out with no one left to rotate. Tarwin continued to attack but inaccurate kicking meant that only two more behinds were added, the lead four points with about a minute remaining.

Fish Creek had one final attack and went forward, the ball kicked long into the 50 where lively forward Sperling gathering the ball dodged his opponent and snapped on his left.

His team mates and the crowd went up as one and when the goal umpire signalled a goal the Kangas were back in front.

The ball went back to the centre and the Kangaroos locked down for the final seconds before the siren signalled a great win to Fish Creek and disappointment for Tarwin.

FISH CREEK 10.6.66 TARWIN 9.10.64 Fish Creek Goals: S. Sperling 3, C. Park 2, J. Rouda 1, G. Hoskin 1, L. Park 1, M. Livingstone 1, J. Law 1 Tarwin Goals: J. Cann 3, T. Cameron 1, B. Chalmers 1, N. Browne 1, P. McRae 1, J. Stewart 1, A. Russell 1 Fish Creek Best: B. Cooper, R. Staley, T. Manne, J. Rouda, S. Blencowe, M. Livingstone Tarwin Best: B. Chalmers, J. McKenzie-Edwards, J. Chalmers, J. McMicking, J. Cann, R. Houston

RESERVES TARWIN 16.11.107 FISH CREEK 2.5.17 Fish Creek Goals: J. Buckland 1, J. Staley 1 Tarwin Best: Not Submitted Fish Creek Best: P. Mueller, J. Lawson, A. Burns, K. Staff, R. Nicoll, J. Buckland

THIRDS

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em: Having supported the Wonthaggi Power Football Netball Club at a minor level for many years, Burke Homes in Inverloch were proud to sign on as the club’s new major sponsor for 2012.

Michael Burke, who once played against the Power in his Inverloch days, said he and his wife Shannon are proud to get behind such a professional outfit in what is bound to be a great partnership. Club president Rob Tesoriero and Michael sealed the deal with a handshake last week.

Fish Creek 22.13.145 Tarwin 2.2.14 Leading Goalkicker: J. Buckland 6 (FC) Fish Creek Best: T. Smith, T. McGannon, J. Buckland, T. Shanahan, J. O’Sullivan, R. Musinskas Tarwin Best: L. Anderson, E. Charles, N. Lomax, K. Robinson, J. Wilkinson, J. Moore

FOURTHS Fish Creek 12.12.84 Tarwin 3.4.22 Leoding Goalkickers: J. Clifton 3, B. Rogers 3 (FC) Fish Creek Best: K. Byers, K. Jacobson, R. McGannon, J. Clifton, B. Carratello, T. Redpath Tarwin Best: Not submitted

Snap that: Marshall Livingstone boots the first goal just 30 seconds into the match.

Looking forward: Sharks assistant coach, Travis Cameron prepares to clear out of the Fish Creek back line.

I-K take down Toora HOT and windy conditions greeted Toora and InverlochKongwak at Toora as we kicked off season 2012.

The Sea-Eagles started the match kicking with the wind at their backs however Toora scored the first goal with some clever play from Mark Glowrey.

The away team scored only one goal for the quarter with the wind. Toora were looking forward to utilising the strong wind in the second but at the quarter time break the wind swung around to again favour Inverloch-Kongwak’s end and saw them take control, kicking seven goals to one.

After half time the visitors’ fitness and run took hold of the game.

The lead reached upwards of 80 at three-quarter time but the Magpies didn’t give up.

To Toora’s credit they kicked five in

I N V E R L O C H - KO N G WA K 25.17.167 TOORA & DISTRICT 8.2.50 No match details submitted

RESERVES INVERLOCH-KONGWAK 18.21.129 TOORA & DISTRICT 0.6.6 Leading Goalkickers: Not submitted Inverloch-Kongwak Best: Not submitted

the last quarter but couldn’t combat the almighty margin already established.

Better players for Toora were Jake Dows (back from Foster), new recruit Vince Proud, Troy Allott, Jamie Maurilli-Pullin, Peter Grant and Beau McGuinnes. Mark Glowrey, back at the club from Yinnar, kicked four goals in a great display up forward and Lincoln Toner kicked two. Toora also welcome Vincent Proud and Rohan Parag to the club as well as Mark Glowrey, Jake Dows, Kon Kokoras and Chris and Daniel McSherry all returning to the senior line-up.

Inverloch-Kongwak better players included Thomas Cannon and Daniel Kilpatrick with eight goals.

Toora look forward to the following weeks under the guidance of new coach Paul Roberts. Toora have the bye next week while the Sea-Eagles are set to take on Korumburra-Bena at home.

Toora & District Best: P. Hollier, B. Stone, H. Need

THIRDS TOORA & DISTRICT 6.13.49 I N V E R L O C H - KO N G WA K 7.5.47 Leading Goalkickers: B. Doran 4 (Too), S. Worthy 4 (IK) Toora & District Best: C. Hanratty, S. Fischer, J. Toner, N. Nicholls, L. Anderson-Luxford, L. Brabant Inverloch-Kongwak Best: M. MacKay, T. Miller, A. Dowie, B. Butler, L.

Kavanagh, N. Brayley

FOURTHS I N V E R L O C H - KO N G WA K 13.15.93 TOORA & DISTRICT 1.4.10 Leading Goalkickers: Not submitted Inverloch-Kongwak Best: Not submitted Toora & District Best: B. Willder, S. Argento, B. East, H. Miles, R. Schneider, L. Chatfield.

PAGE 62 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Premiers’ great season start THE start of another season saw good weather for the unfurling of the 2011 Premiership Flag.

Showing off: Kilcunda-Bass president Luke Hill (left) and life member David Brown (right) with Alberton Football League president John Schelling, with KB’s Seniors flag.

KILCUNDA BASS 16.11.107 FOSTER 8.5.53 Kilcunda Bass Goals: D. Fevaleaki 4, J. Wells 2, D. Holmes 2, T. Smith 2, P. Lange 2, D. Wells 1, K. Asa Leausa 1, R. Fitzgerald 1, L. James 1 Foster Goals: D. Waser 3, D. Roose 2, M. Howell 1, B. Angwin 1, J. Stevenson 1 Kilcunda Bass Best: R. Fitzgerald, D. Holmes, D. Fevaleaki, B. Inter-

landi, A. Miller, K. Asa Leausa Foster Best: D. Waser, M. Aabryn, S. Hawking, N. Grylls, C. VanDyke, D. Vandyke

RESERVES KILCUNDA BASS 27.7.169 FOSTER 6.7.43 Leading Goalkicker: J. Goewie 7 (KB) Kilcunda Bass Best: S. Johnstone, L. Smith, J. Goewie, F. DeRubeis, J. Jensen, B. Petrie

Foster Best: M. Loughran, A. Wilson, J. Lowe, L. Bednarck, D. Smith

THIRDS KILCUNDA BASS 22.11.143 FOSTER 3.6.24 Leading Goalkickers: K. Salama 4, S. Jerger 4 (KB) Kilcunda Bass Best: J. Turner, D. Crawford, S. Jerger, J. Andersen, K. Salama, J. Homer Foster Best: J. Moore, G. Rerden, T. Hamilton, S. Allott, L. Bromley,

Perfect ground conditions made it a great day for footy, with Kilcunda-Bass hosting last year’s grand finalists Foster.

It was going to be a tough day with a lot of players missing from last year’s grand final sides. Eleven for the Panthers and nine for the Tigers.

The first quarter was a real arm wrestle, with both teams applying a lot of pressure on and around the ground, but Bass came out on top thanks to the skills and hard work from captain Damian Holmes and the classy Ryan Fitzgerald. This had them leading by five.

The second saw the Bass boys get a break away, kicking with the breeze and new recruits and hard men Dave Fevelaki and Kale Asa Leausa dominated around

the packs.

At half time Bass had a solid five goal lead clear of Foster.

The third saw the Tigers come out fighting, putting pressure on the Bass backline after injuries to Steve O’Bryan and Luke James.

Bronson Interlandi and Adam Miller worked the ball out of the back half and took some great under pressure marks to steady things and Bass kept the lead going above three goals.

The last saw the Panthers work well together with Tim Smith going forward and taking strong grabs time after time, lifting the boys to go away with a great convincing nine goal win and start to 2012.

Next week will be a tough outing for the Panthers, as they take on friendly rivals Phillip Island on Easter Saturday while Foster take on Fish Creek at home.

M. Green

FOURTHS KILCUNDA BASS 9.5.59 FOSTER 2.7.19 Leading Goalkicker: J. Bracher 3 (KB) Kilcunda Bass Best: L. May, J. Honeysett, T. Smith, B. Caile, J. Bracher, A. Brown Foster Best: B. Wake, J. Coffey, B. Green, M. Jones, T. Hamilton, B. Cripps.

Pure power: Kilcunda-Bass’ Tim Smith launches himself out of a pack near the back line.

SENIORS LADDER W L D

%

Pts

Inv-K’wak..... 1 0 0 334.00 4 MDU........... 1 0 0 283.87 4 Dalyston........1 0 0 264.91 4 Kil-Bass.........1 0 0 201.89 4 Kor-Bena ........1 0 0 137.33 4 Fish Creek.......1 0 0 103.12 4 Tarwin ............0 1 0 96.97 4 Yarram...............0 1 0 72.82 0 Foster.................0 1 0 49.53 0 DWWWW...........0 1 0 37.75 0 Stony Creek........0 1 0 35.23 0 Toora ..................0 1 0 29.94 0 Phillip Island .......0 0 0 0.00 0

RESERVES LADDER W L D

%

THIRDS LADDER %

Pts

Fish Creek..... 1 0 0 1035.71 4 Dalyston ..........1 0 0 631.58 4 Kil-Bass .......... 1 0 0 595.83 4 Kor-Bena .........1 0 0 575.00 4 MDU..............1 0 0 280.65 4 Toora .............1 0 0 104.26 4 Inv-K’wak ..............0 1 0 95.92 0 Stony Creek...........0 1 0 35.63 0 Yarram .................0 1 0 17.39 0 Foster ...................0 1 0 16.78 0 DWWWW...........0 1 0 15.83 0 Tarwin ...................0 1 0 9.66 0 Phillip Island ...........0 0 0 0.00 0

FOURTHS LADDER W L D

%

Dalyston’s solid start

Pts

Inv-K’wak....... 1 0 0 2150.0 4 Dalyston ..........1 0 0 784.62 4 Kor-Bena ........1 0 0 752.63 4 Tarwin .......... 1 0 0 629.41 4 Kil-Bass .........1 0 0 393.02 4 MDU............. 1 0 0 168.18 4 Stony Creek.........0 1 0 59.46 0 Foster .................0 1 0 25.44 0 Fish Creek ............0 1 0 15.89 0 Yarram ...............0 1 0 13.29 0 DWWWW............0 1 0 12.75 0 Toora ...................0 1 0 4.65 0 Phillip Island... ...0 0 0 0.00 0

W L D

Slipping away: a Kilcunda-Bass player tries to evade his opponent on Saturday.

Pts

Inv-K’wak...... 1 0 0 930.00 4 Dalyston .......1 0 0 807.14 4 Fish Creek..... 1 0 0 381.82 4 Kil-Bass .......1 0 0 310.53 4 MDU............ 1 0 0 300.00 4 Yarram ........1 0 0 144.68 4 Kor-Bena.......0 1 0 69.12 0 Stony-Creek 0 1 0 33.33 0 Foster ...............0 1 0 32.20 0 Tarwin .............0 1 0 26.19 0 DWWWW .........0 1 0 12.39 0 Toora ................0 1 0 10.75 0 Phillip Island ...0 0 0 0.00 0

THE Allies travelled to Dalyston on their annual trek out west for the first game of the season.

This season with a new coach at the helm and several high quality recruits the Allies are looking forward to a more productive year.

Injuries and player unavailability robbed the team of personnel, however the first game was very positive.

Dalyston had recruited new forward in Pimm and he certainly was a very active target. Strong northerly winds saw the home side breakaway and the efforts of Schrape and Kelly around the midfield set up the game.

In reply Shane Kilgower and Dan Vardy provided a strong option in the full forward line. New players around the middle in Brett and Michael Hidgcock added pace and the inclusion of Matt Poland sometimes gave the Allies first use of the ball.

Midterm the scores

were level, however two late goals to Pimm allowed the home side to start term two goals up.

Into the wind the home side ran the ball wide and were prepared to waste a kick or two but possession of the ball was important.

Pimm featured in the next two goals then Dean Wylie and Schrape were busy on the flanks to then centre the ball for shots from dead in front. By half time the Allies were nine goals in arrears and needed a big third term.

They started with much more purpose and Michael O’Sullivan, Matt Poland, Scott and Shane Kilgower they managed to kick two quick goals via O’Sullivan and Brett Hidgcock.

By midterm the Allies were showing plenty of speed and good ball skills and this in turn saw two more goals into the breeze. From the centre via Alex Rakic and Scott Kilgower they found Shawn Becker within range and he delivered.

Within a moment Kilgower again sent the ball

Season starter: Dalyston and DWWWW clashed in the first round of the Alberton Football and Netball season on Saturday.

forward and Dan Vardy outmarked a pack of defenders to kick the team’s second in a minute.

Just before the siren Cameron Van Nes took a strong mark on the boundary line but slotted it straight through the narrow gap. Strangely the strong wind now turned a full 180 degrees and thus Dalyston had an extra term with the gale wind.

Two goals into the wind

by Michael Hidgcock and Dan Vardy made the score

look better.

The final 15 minutes was all Dalyston as they piled on goals simply by the big long kick to the goal square and the forwards took full advantage.

The effort by the Allies was very encouraging. Their next game versus Yarram on Easter Sunday should see the return of Shane Buckley, Nathan Graeske, Tom Nicol and hopefully Lewis Ferguson.

DALYSTON 23.13.151 DWWWW 9.3.57 Dalyston Goals: S. Pimm 8, M. Grech 4, B. Carew 3, D. Kelly 2, P. Brosnan 2, D. Wylie 1, M. Rosendale 1, C. Tait 1, S. Kuyper 1 DWWWW Goals: Not submitted Dalyston Best: C. Tait, S. Pimm, M. Rosendale, J. Brooker, D. Wylie DWWWW Best: Not submitted

RESERVES DALYSTON 15.12 (102) DWWWW 2.1 (13) Leading Goalkicker: R. Birnie 5 (Dal) Dalyston Best: A. Donohue, A. Gennaccaro, M. Loughridge, R. Birnie, L. Wall DWWWW Best: T. Hunter, P. Griffiths, J. Lorimer, J. Poland, A. Garland, M. Jabar

THIRDS DALYSTON 17.18.120 DWWWW 3.1.19 Leading Goalkicker: K. Thomas 3 (Dal) Dalyston Best: M. Schreck, J. RayAngarane, H. Wright, K. Thomas, T. Davey, J. Legione DWWWW Best: Not Submitted

FOURTHS DALYSTON 17.11.113 DWWWW 2.2.14 Leading Goalkicker: J. Magro 4 (Dal) Dalyston Best: J. Magro, M. Marotta, K. Kirk, M. Davey, D. Turton, A. Papodopoulos DWWWW Best: K. Hanning, S. Hunter, L. Nuttall, J. Saliakos, J. Vening, H. Hoppner

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - PAGE 63

Kris races to Spanish podium

KRIS McLaren is proving himself on the race tracks in Europe, making the podium in the first race of the Spanish Moto2 Championships with a second place on the weekend.

Son of Pam and Craig McLaren of Leongatha Kris left on March 8 to start his gruelling train-

ing for the Spanish Moto2 Championships.

Based in Barcelona with his team manager Ben Reid from BRP Racing and partner Brooke Hanniver, Kris has had some great testing out on the tracks at Jerez and Aragon.

This weekend was the first round of the Spanish championships held at Circuito de Jerez and due to the unpredictable,

wet or sometimes damp to drying track surface, participants faced asphalt with very little grip.

On Sunday Kris put in a fantastic effort and qualified second overall, in fact his second qualifying time was the fastest, with a time of 1.56.346 on a track with very difficult weather conditions because of rain.

This brilliant effort and time earned him a

In action: Leongatha’s Kris McLaren burns round the track on his bike.

front row position for his first international race final.

According to mum Pam the Spanish tabloids were reeling, as two “surprises” were on the front row leading into the first race of the championships.

The pole position went to Spaniard Daniel Rivas, who came 6th in the Spanish championship last year, then Kris McLaren the only Australian second, followed

by Hafizh Syahrin from Malaysia third; to make up the front row, with last year’s winner back in 14th position; and American Kenny Noyes in 11th.

Kris was really appreciative of the help from World Motorcycle Champion and Aussie favourite Wayne Gardiner during the weekend, as he dropped into his pits regularly over the weekend with advice and pointers.

Yesterday Sunday, April 1 Kris rode the race of his life, starting from second on the grid of 31 qualifiers from the original 36 racers from 17 countries from around the world. Kris is the only Australian racing

Winners: Kris McLaren (left), Daniel Rivas and Kenny Noyes on the podium after the Spanish Moto2 Championships. this class.

The track was patchy and wet at race time and when they were off and racing the pace was frantic into the first turn, then the race was red flagged on lap four and there was a re start.

Many riders took the opportunity to make a pit call and change to wet tyres but Kris opted to stay with slicks.

He got a great re start

and was going well when the sky opened up with heavy rain. He rode a wonderful race to take out second in the first round of the Spanish Moto2 Championships and he is the first privateer and first rookie, on slick tyres in the wet to place.

First place went to Daniel Rivas Spain, second to Kris McLaren Australia and 3rd Kenny Noyes U.S.A.

Pam said, “We are just so proud and wished we could have been there to see his first international podium presentation.”

Kris will race again in Round 2 of the Spanish Moto2 Championship on April 21 and 22 at Navarra, Spain. This will be another new track for Kris and he is looking forward to some testing time on the track this week.

Boardriders carve the Prom WSC surfing champions SOUTH Coast Boardriders recently held a “Getaway to the Prom” weekend where club members camped out at Tidal River and had a great couple of days of waves and competition.

Serious Surf Stuff of Inverloch were the major sponsors of the weekend and provided a huge number of prizes for both the Saturday and Sunday comps.

The Saturday comp was a Tag team and family event where competitors had to catch two waves, quickly run up the beach, and tag the next team member into the water.

The four separate teams went hard at it with Bridgette Wilson claiming an early lead for the blue team with a nice ride.

Not to be outdone, Simone Cicero went out the back and secured big points for red with a long right hander.

Some of the grommits were

LOCAL schools recently participated in the Gippsland Schools Surfing Titles.

Good ride: Jordie Campbell at Squeaky Beach during the South Coast Boardriders getaway to the Prom weekend. getting into it in the shore break with Aiden Wilson and Tarin Cooper getting good scores.

Jamie Taylor for yellow attempted a headstand which was looked upon favorably by the judges and Zach Oneill’s switch foot was also scored highly.

Coming in late with a classic coffin ride was Richy Gange but it was not scored highly as hands did not assume the prayer position demanded by purists!

In the end team red won.

On the Sunday was the third round of the main Boardriders

series at Squeaky Beach.

We had a good turnout of Open junior and Over 40 surfers in some fun two-three foot lefthanders with sunny skies and light winds.

A very high standard of surfing was seen , won by Derek Bassed.

Kelly Laity was well in front in the Junior and the Over 40s was a much closer affair with only one or two points separating 1st from 5th .

It was a very successful weekend for the club and many

thanks to our sponsors Yanakie Store, Dino the Butcher and Serious Surf Stuff who have been long time supporters of the club and provide some great prizes for us all to enjoy .

Results Open 1st Derek Bassed 2nd Tim Baxter 3rd Guy Cocks – hedge 4th Jason Law. Junior 1st Kelly Laity 2nd Ben Chalmers 3rd Luke ONeill 4th Matt Chalmers.

Over 40 s 1st Paul ONeill 2nd Jamie Taylor 3rd Pete Mcclaraty 4th Jamie Gair.

The competition saw students from WSC, Newhaven College, South Gippsland Secondary College and Leongatha Secondary College compete for individual honours as well as the right to be named Gippsland’s premier surfing school. In solid 1.5 metre waves at Cape Pater-

son’s “Channel” the WSC team put in a great effort with Walter Hiatt (Phillip Island) winning the U/19 Boys, Noah Cooney (Phillip Island) the U/16 Boys, and Kirra Marlborough (Phillip Island), Courtney Dunlop (Phillip Island), Laura Cininas (San Remo), Bonnie Mullins (Phillip Island), Jai Ryan (Phillip Island), Taj McEntee (Inverloch) and Luke Dunlop (Phillip Island) all placing in their divisions.

WSC was the clear win-

ner of the points aggregate, leaving Newhaven College in a distant second, to claim the title of the champion surfing school in Gippsland.

Results were: U/19 Girls - (1) K. Laity, (2) K. Marlborough; U/16 Girls - (1) S. Fletcher, (2) C. Dunlop, (3) L. Cininas, (4) B. Mullins; U/16 Boys - (1) N. Cooney, (2) T. Mason, (3) J. Ryan, (4) T. McEntee and; U/19 Boys - (1) W. Hiatt, (2) F. Meade, (3) L. Dunlop, (4) N. Huisgloot

Young talent: competitors in the Gippsland Schools Surfing Titles U/16s section included N. Cooney, T. Mason, Jai Ryan and Taj McEntee.

PAGE 64 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, April 3, 2012